Re: absolute position fo:block to attain magazine like

1. Position your main block absolutely as a block-container. Set the z-index to a large number to ensure it's positioned on top.

I think the z-index should be immaterial since we are avoiding writing in the area. Remember that the z-index only determines what is on top of all of the things at a given place on the page, all of which are still visible. So the flaw isn't here.

2. In the start-side column, use an edge-ward side float whose extent will equal that part of the absolute block that would impinge on the column.

I think this could not be positioned vertically in the column ... there would be no way of guaranteeing when to start the side float. The side float goes to the side of the block where the side float is flowed, so you would have to ensure to do so only when you are flowing information at the middle of the page.

E.
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W. Eliot Kimber, eliot@xxxxxxxxxx
Consultant, ISOGEN International

1016 La Posada Dr., Suite 240
Austin, TX  78752 Phone: 512.656.4139