"It’s been another difficult year for many who call Routt County home. But as our community readies to close the books on 2011, there are reasons for optimism that 2012 will be a better year for us all...."
(Editorial Board, Steamboat Today)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
December 31, 2011
December 30, 2011
SandBox Comments: U.S. Dept of Defense "Family Matters Blog: Top 10 Military Family Moments of 2011"
"WASHINGTON, Dec. 28, 2011 – It’s that time of year when top 10 lists seem to proliferate across nearly every web and news page in the nation, proclaiming everything from the best movies and TV shows to the most memorable photos and celebrities of the year.
Since I find it tough to encapsulate a year’s worth of information into a tidy list, I typically steer away from the concept. However, this was such a momentous year for military families that I decided it was time to hop on the list-making bandwagon.
So, here’s my top 10 most memorable military family moments of 2011. It’s certainly not all-inclusive, but I’m hoping it at least hits the highlights.
10. JR Martinez – Warrior Inspiration. This Army veteran and wounded warrior danced his way to the top spot on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” -- and inspired a nation with his strength and resilience along the way. In 2003, Martinez was injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq, suffering severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body. He went on to share his story with audiences nationwide. In 2008, he landed a role as an Iraq war veteran on the ABC soap opera, “All My Children,” which led to his “Dancing with the Stars” appearances this year.
“I have been able to be a role model and a voice for a lot of [troops] who don’t feel that they have a voice for themselves,” Martinez said during a Pentagon Channel interview. “I’ve been able to be a source of inspiration to the families as well, to say good things do happen and you’ve just got to be patient and have a great attitude.”
Martinez recently scored another big win: he and his girlfriend, Diana Gonzalez-Jones, are expecting their first child, a girl, in the spring.
9. The Office of Servicemember Affairs opened for business...."
(Elaine Sanchez)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Since I find it tough to encapsulate a year’s worth of information into a tidy list, I typically steer away from the concept. However, this was such a momentous year for military families that I decided it was time to hop on the list-making bandwagon.
So, here’s my top 10 most memorable military family moments of 2011. It’s certainly not all-inclusive, but I’m hoping it at least hits the highlights.
10. JR Martinez – Warrior Inspiration. This Army veteran and wounded warrior danced his way to the top spot on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” -- and inspired a nation with his strength and resilience along the way. In 2003, Martinez was injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq, suffering severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body. He went on to share his story with audiences nationwide. In 2008, he landed a role as an Iraq war veteran on the ABC soap opera, “All My Children,” which led to his “Dancing with the Stars” appearances this year.
“I have been able to be a role model and a voice for a lot of [troops] who don’t feel that they have a voice for themselves,” Martinez said during a Pentagon Channel interview. “I’ve been able to be a source of inspiration to the families as well, to say good things do happen and you’ve just got to be patient and have a great attitude.”
Martinez recently scored another big win: he and his girlfriend, Diana Gonzalez-Jones, are expecting their first child, a girl, in the spring.
9. The Office of Servicemember Affairs opened for business...."
(Elaine Sanchez)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: U.S. Dept. of Defense "Defense.gov Names Top Stories of 2011"
SandBoxBlogs sends out a special thank you to the DOD for not giving bin Laden's death a higher ranking than last place.
Thank you to all our military men and women of service. You are so valued and appreciated.
"WASHINGTON, Dec. 30, 2011 – American Forces Press Service published nearly 2,500 articles in 2011, covering topics ranging from the end of the Iraq mission to defense budget pressures and troop concerns over retirement benefits.
The top 10 stories most viewed on Defense.gov this year are:
10. “U.S. Kills bin Laden in Intelligence-driven Operation,” posted May 2, focuses on President Barack Obama’s remarks to the nation the day after an American counterintelligence and counterterrorism team killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan...."
(Karen Parrish)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Thank you to all our military men and women of service. You are so valued and appreciated.
"WASHINGTON, Dec. 30, 2011 – American Forces Press Service published nearly 2,500 articles in 2011, covering topics ranging from the end of the Iraq mission to defense budget pressures and troop concerns over retirement benefits.
The top 10 stories most viewed on Defense.gov this year are:
10. “U.S. Kills bin Laden in Intelligence-driven Operation,” posted May 2, focuses on President Barack Obama’s remarks to the nation the day after an American counterintelligence and counterterrorism team killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan...."
(Karen Parrish)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Pitkin County to review thinking on medicinal pot"
Just imagine.
If the medical marijuana industry in the State of Colorado has as much to fear as they do from the undeniably strongest Democrat we have ever had in President Barack Obama.
Just imagine.
What's going to happen, how fast and hard when that crackdown from the Feds is being handled by a conservative administration?
“The statute's pretty clear: The local authority wherever a medical marijuana business is operating must provide us with some approval — that they're OK with medical marijuana being cultivated, used in infused products or sold within their jurisdiction,” she said.
Without an approval for each specific business, the state will deny an application for a state license, she said.
That potential ramification — ending a business's ability to operate — prompts the commissioners' call for a full briefing on the issues, according to Commissioner Rachel Richards, who chairs the board.
“I don't think it was the county's intent — that that occur by default,” she said.
Though the Jan. 17 meeting is not a formal public hearing, Richards said she'd like to accommodate feedback from affected business operators during the discussion.
The topic has been dormant since spring, when the county drafted detailed regulations for the medical marijuana industry. Commissioners ultimately shelved them in June, however, after Ely pointed out that dealing in medical marijuana remains a violation of federal law even though it's permitted in Colorado. Asking county employees to issue licenses to marijuana businesses and enforce zoning laws related to medical marijuana puts them in a position of potential criminal liability, he said at the time..."
(Janet Urquhart)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
If the medical marijuana industry in the State of Colorado has as much to fear as they do from the undeniably strongest Democrat we have ever had in President Barack Obama.
Just imagine.
What's going to happen, how fast and hard when that crackdown from the Feds is being handled by a conservative administration?
“The statute's pretty clear: The local authority wherever a medical marijuana business is operating must provide us with some approval — that they're OK with medical marijuana being cultivated, used in infused products or sold within their jurisdiction,” she said.
Without an approval for each specific business, the state will deny an application for a state license, she said.
That potential ramification — ending a business's ability to operate — prompts the commissioners' call for a full briefing on the issues, according to Commissioner Rachel Richards, who chairs the board.
“I don't think it was the county's intent — that that occur by default,” she said.
Though the Jan. 17 meeting is not a formal public hearing, Richards said she'd like to accommodate feedback from affected business operators during the discussion.
The topic has been dormant since spring, when the county drafted detailed regulations for the medical marijuana industry. Commissioners ultimately shelved them in June, however, after Ely pointed out that dealing in medical marijuana remains a violation of federal law even though it's permitted in Colorado. Asking county employees to issue licenses to marijuana businesses and enforce zoning laws related to medical marijuana puts them in a position of potential criminal liability, he said at the time..."
(Janet Urquhart)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Snow base at Powderhorn beats most other major Colo. ski resorts"
Congratulations to former Vail Resorts CEO Andy Daly and his partners at Powderhorn Mountain Resort on their new venture!
They have more snow base than some of the big guys do this year.
Here's to the little guy.
Amy Hamilton:
"While many of the state’s central mountain resorts are making snow and scraping by with less snowfall than they’d like, Grand Junction’s backyard ski resort, Powderhorn Mountain Resort, is experiencing a relatively good start to the skiing season.
“We have noticed people who are from this area who would normally go to Crested Butte or Aspen; we have them skiing here,” Powderhorn spokeswoman Tricia Tittle said.
Powderhorn reported a 32-inch base Thursday, which is tied with Eldora Mountain Resort for the fifth-thickest base at a ski resort in Colorado. Purgatory Ski Area reported a 34-inch base, Echo Mountain had a 40-inch base, Silverton Mountain boasted a 47-inch base, and Wolf Creek Ski Area remains the snowiest resort with a 53-inch base, according to Colorado Ski Country USA.
Many skiers and snow lovers may be reminiscing about the early, heavy snowfall of 2010 that opened resorts with a swoosh.
Even this year, Aspen-Snowmass opened five days early thanks to a good dumping of snow, but the base at Aspen Mountain since has withered to 19 inches as of Thursday. Aspen Highlands reported a 22-inch base....."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
They have more snow base than some of the big guys do this year.
Here's to the little guy.
Amy Hamilton:
"While many of the state’s central mountain resorts are making snow and scraping by with less snowfall than they’d like, Grand Junction’s backyard ski resort, Powderhorn Mountain Resort, is experiencing a relatively good start to the skiing season.
“We have noticed people who are from this area who would normally go to Crested Butte or Aspen; we have them skiing here,” Powderhorn spokeswoman Tricia Tittle said.
Powderhorn reported a 32-inch base Thursday, which is tied with Eldora Mountain Resort for the fifth-thickest base at a ski resort in Colorado. Purgatory Ski Area reported a 34-inch base, Echo Mountain had a 40-inch base, Silverton Mountain boasted a 47-inch base, and Wolf Creek Ski Area remains the snowiest resort with a 53-inch base, according to Colorado Ski Country USA.
Many skiers and snow lovers may be reminiscing about the early, heavy snowfall of 2010 that opened resorts with a swoosh.
Even this year, Aspen-Snowmass opened five days early thanks to a good dumping of snow, but the base at Aspen Mountain since has withered to 19 inches as of Thursday. Aspen Highlands reported a 22-inch base....."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily News "Vail's single-day, walk-up lift ticket hits $116"
And this news just might be the final blow 'slam dunk' that Vail Resorts aka RockResorts deals to rivals Aspen Ski Corp.
Be bolder.
That's the marketing creed of Vail, Colorado.
Historically, the privately owned resort of Aspen, Colorado has held to the presentation of more luxurious amenities, unique experience, uncrowded by design. With the highest price point in the nation as a statement of worth.
Vail decided to focus on luxurious amenities and a lot of them, unique experiences including year-round and international and crowded by popularity. A few years back increasing the focus to building a lot more infrastructure and focusing on bringing in permanent draws rather than events and gimmicks. They then moved forward once all that was in place and did 'the unthinkable'.
They snubbed Aspen with their 'Be Bolder' marketing plan. Had the audacity to raise their price points higher.
It was a bold move that worked. Vail is now attractive to family venues, variety of offerings within lifestyle and varied age groups. And the infrastructure cannot be beat. $30 million + profit last year with 2011-2012 season headed higher than that. This year alone, Vail will put out over $90 million in infrastructure upgrades, according to this article in the Vail Daily.
Aspen is our home and how we earn our living, most of us. The most beautiful resort in the world and some of the finest service and amenities. Locals love Aspen.
We simply wish the privately held Aspen were better business people. We do have to make a living wage or even just make some kind of living so that we can stay here.
Congratulations to Vail Resorts for having crowded ski slopes because they excel at man-made snow. Smart regional locals will refuse to pay this way too high price tag by purchasing seasonal and early.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Be bolder.
That's the marketing creed of Vail, Colorado.
Historically, the privately owned resort of Aspen, Colorado has held to the presentation of more luxurious amenities, unique experience, uncrowded by design. With the highest price point in the nation as a statement of worth.
Vail decided to focus on luxurious amenities and a lot of them, unique experiences including year-round and international and crowded by popularity. A few years back increasing the focus to building a lot more infrastructure and focusing on bringing in permanent draws rather than events and gimmicks. They then moved forward once all that was in place and did 'the unthinkable'.
They snubbed Aspen with their 'Be Bolder' marketing plan. Had the audacity to raise their price points higher.
It was a bold move that worked. Vail is now attractive to family venues, variety of offerings within lifestyle and varied age groups. And the infrastructure cannot be beat. $30 million + profit last year with 2011-2012 season headed higher than that. This year alone, Vail will put out over $90 million in infrastructure upgrades, according to this article in the Vail Daily.
Aspen is our home and how we earn our living, most of us. The most beautiful resort in the world and some of the finest service and amenities. Locals love Aspen.
We simply wish the privately held Aspen were better business people. We do have to make a living wage or even just make some kind of living so that we can stay here.
Congratulations to Vail Resorts for having crowded ski slopes because they excel at man-made snow. Smart regional locals will refuse to pay this way too high price tag by purchasing seasonal and early.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: SkyHi Daily "Slideshow: The Year in Pictures"
Two of the best that there is.
The trouble with one of them is that we only get to see his compilation of yearly fav's....once a year.
How about on a quarterly basis, Mr. Hetzler? And...is the SkyHi Daily or yourself selling this incredible work of yours? If not, you should be.
Colorado media has two of the best there is when it comes to professional photographers in small media outlets and independent media outlets.
Bob Berwyn up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice and Byron Hetzler, way up, over and across on the SkyHi Daily.
Click title to see 2011 through the eyes of Byron Hetzler.
The trouble with one of them is that we only get to see his compilation of yearly fav's....once a year.
How about on a quarterly basis, Mr. Hetzler? And...is the SkyHi Daily or yourself selling this incredible work of yours? If not, you should be.
Colorado media has two of the best there is when it comes to professional photographers in small media outlets and independent media outlets.
Bob Berwyn up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice and Byron Hetzler, way up, over and across on the SkyHi Daily.
Click title to see 2011 through the eyes of Byron Hetzler.
December 29, 2011
SandBox Comments: Dept of Defense/Face of Defense "Face of Defense: Deployed Sailor Leads Team in Afghanistan"
FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan, Dec. 29, 2011 – When Kimberly Ryan stepped into the Navy recruiter’s office at age 18, she had no idea what she wanted to do. All she knew was she wanted to get out of Connecticut and broaden her horizon.
“The recruiter said, ‘Do you want to be a corpsman like me?’, and I said, ‘Sure!’” recalled now-Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan, a Norwich, Conn., native. “I ended up loving it.”
Seven years later, after serving overseas in Sasebo, Japan, Ryan now serves as the team leader for Female Engagement Team 8 in the Sangin district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
When she stepped up and accepted the team-leader challenge, Ryan thought she would be the equivalent of a female infantryman during her first deployment, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth.
“[The team] is actually completely different,” she noted. “The female engagement team is all about counterinsurgency, and I actually like what it ended up not being.”
Ryan’s day-to-day activities vary depending on the mission and support requirements. The team works in direct support of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 8 in 2nd Marine Division (Forward).
Each week, however, Ryan and her fellow team member, Marine Corps Cpl. Brandy Bates, work together with Afghan National Security Forces to plan and host a children’s meeting for local children in the Sangin district in southwestern Afghanistan...."
(Marine Corps Cpl. Meredith Brown)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
“The recruiter said, ‘Do you want to be a corpsman like me?’, and I said, ‘Sure!’” recalled now-Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan, a Norwich, Conn., native. “I ended up loving it.”
Seven years later, after serving overseas in Sasebo, Japan, Ryan now serves as the team leader for Female Engagement Team 8 in the Sangin district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
When she stepped up and accepted the team-leader challenge, Ryan thought she would be the equivalent of a female infantryman during her first deployment, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth.
“[The team] is actually completely different,” she noted. “The female engagement team is all about counterinsurgency, and I actually like what it ended up not being.”
Ryan’s day-to-day activities vary depending on the mission and support requirements. The team works in direct support of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 8 in 2nd Marine Division (Forward).
Each week, however, Ryan and her fellow team member, Marine Corps Cpl. Brandy Bates, work together with Afghan National Security Forces to plan and host a children’s meeting for local children in the Sangin district in southwestern Afghanistan...."
(Marine Corps Cpl. Meredith Brown)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Dept. of Homeland Security "DHS Announces "If You See Something, Say Something™" Campaign Partnership with the National Hockey League"
"WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced a new partnership between DHS' "If You See Something, Say Something™" public awareness campaign and the National Hockey League (NHL) - highlighting the Department's continued partnership with the sports industry to ensure the safety and security of employees, players and fans.
"Every citizen plays a critical role in identifying and reporting suspicious activities and threats," said Secretary Napolitano. "By expanding the 'If You See Something, Say Something™' campaign to the NHL, we are working together to ensure the safety and security of employees, players, and fans..."
(DHS Press Release)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Every citizen plays a critical role in identifying and reporting suspicious activities and threats," said Secretary Napolitano. "By expanding the 'If You See Something, Say Something™' campaign to the NHL, we are working together to ensure the safety and security of employees, players, and fans..."
(DHS Press Release)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: KREX News 5 "Marijuana-Impaired Driving Rises in Colorado"
"Mesa County - A recent study conducted by the Institute for Behavior and Health says over the past five years, the number of drivers who tested positive for drugs, including marijuana, has increased.
"We're seeing a dramatic increase in the number of people that we are contacting and arresting for driving under the influence of marijuana," says Deputy Ben Carnes of the Mesa County Sheriff's Office.
Research shows that those who get behind the wheel within three hours of using marijuana are more than twice as likely to get in an accident.
"It severely impairs somebody's ability to multitask, it has a time distortion effect, it dilates your pupils and impairs your vision," says Carnes..."
(Cori Coffin)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"We're seeing a dramatic increase in the number of people that we are contacting and arresting for driving under the influence of marijuana," says Deputy Ben Carnes of the Mesa County Sheriff's Office.
Research shows that those who get behind the wheel within three hours of using marijuana are more than twice as likely to get in an accident.
"It severely impairs somebody's ability to multitask, it has a time distortion effect, it dilates your pupils and impairs your vision," says Carnes..."
(Cori Coffin)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Marijuana plantations threaten national forest resources"
This is very scary. Fairly widely known that Colorado has these operations in our forests. Not so widely known that many of them are tied to the recently exposed infiltration of Mexican drug cartels.
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Outlaw marijuana growers on national forest lands are polluting streams, killing native vegetation and leaving behind trash and dangerous debris that’s difficult and expensive to clean up, the agency’s top law enforcement official said in early December at a U.S. Senate hearing.
“The illegal cultivation of marijuana on our National Forest System is a clear and present danger to the public and the environment,” said U.S. Forest Service law enforcement director David Ferrell, testifying before the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control.
Ferrell detailed the impacts from sites in in 20 states on 67 national forests across the country, including California, where the Forest Service completed cleanup and restoration on 335 sites, removing more than 130 tons of trash, 300 pounds of pesticides, five tons of fertilizer and nearly 260 miles of irrigation piping.
“Many marijuana sites found on national forests are under cultivation by drug trafficking organizations that are sophisticated and include armed guards, counter-surveillance methods, logistics support and state-of-the-art growing practices,” he said. “It is incumbent on the agency to do what is necessary to ensure that the resources we manage are protected and visitors as well as employees are safe....”
(Bob Berwyn)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Outlaw marijuana growers on national forest lands are polluting streams, killing native vegetation and leaving behind trash and dangerous debris that’s difficult and expensive to clean up, the agency’s top law enforcement official said in early December at a U.S. Senate hearing.
“The illegal cultivation of marijuana on our National Forest System is a clear and present danger to the public and the environment,” said U.S. Forest Service law enforcement director David Ferrell, testifying before the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control.
Ferrell detailed the impacts from sites in in 20 states on 67 national forests across the country, including California, where the Forest Service completed cleanup and restoration on 335 sites, removing more than 130 tons of trash, 300 pounds of pesticides, five tons of fertilizer and nearly 260 miles of irrigation piping.
“Many marijuana sites found on national forests are under cultivation by drug trafficking organizations that are sophisticated and include armed guards, counter-surveillance methods, logistics support and state-of-the-art growing practices,” he said. “It is incumbent on the agency to do what is necessary to ensure that the resources we manage are protected and visitors as well as employees are safe....”
(Bob Berwyn)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Police arrest alleged Ecstasy buyer"
(See related story and comments here)
This is the guy, Michael Dufresne, 30, of Woody Creek, who was trying to buy the "Molly" off Max Brandon Puder, age 18 outside of Aspen nightclub 'Belly Up' the other night.
The one who ran away.
"....He was arrested Tuesday night at his Woody Creek home after a series of serendipitous circumstances led authorities to him, according to police.
Aspen police officer Adam Loudon on Monday night reviewed surveillance tape from the Belly Up Aspen, outside of which the alleged drug transaction took place.
Loudon retrieved photographs of the man he recognized as the suspect who ran away from him when police observed the drug transaction on the stairs outside Belly Up.
He returned to the police station and showed the photos to Pitkin County Sheriff Deputy Parker Lathrop. Fifteen minutes later, a 911 hang-up call came into the communications center from a Woody Creek residence, to which Lathrop responded.
When Dufresne opened the door, the deputy recognized him as the suspect in the photos, which showed distinctive tattoos on his right forearm, according to police. Dufresne was shirtless and his tattoos were visible to Lathrop.
Once identified as the suspect, Loudon wrote a warrant for Dufresne’s arrest and had it signed by a judge Tuesday.
Dufresne is being held in Pitkin County Jail on a $10,000 bond, which was upped from the original $8,000. The increase was approved by Chief Judge James Boyd of Pitkin County District Court on Wednesday, said Aspen prosecutor Arnold Mordkin.
Mordkin said he plans to file an additional charge of assault on a police officer because when Dufresne allegedly ran from police, he already had one handcuff placed on his wrist and violently pulled it away.
When confronted by officers, Dufresne allegedly held up a baggie of a white powdery substance and gave what turned out to be Ecstasy to police before he successfully ran away...."
(sack@aspendailynews.com)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
This is the guy, Michael Dufresne, 30, of Woody Creek, who was trying to buy the "Molly" off Max Brandon Puder, age 18 outside of Aspen nightclub 'Belly Up' the other night.
The one who ran away.
"....He was arrested Tuesday night at his Woody Creek home after a series of serendipitous circumstances led authorities to him, according to police.
Aspen police officer Adam Loudon on Monday night reviewed surveillance tape from the Belly Up Aspen, outside of which the alleged drug transaction took place.
Loudon retrieved photographs of the man he recognized as the suspect who ran away from him when police observed the drug transaction on the stairs outside Belly Up.
He returned to the police station and showed the photos to Pitkin County Sheriff Deputy Parker Lathrop. Fifteen minutes later, a 911 hang-up call came into the communications center from a Woody Creek residence, to which Lathrop responded.
When Dufresne opened the door, the deputy recognized him as the suspect in the photos, which showed distinctive tattoos on his right forearm, according to police. Dufresne was shirtless and his tattoos were visible to Lathrop.
Once identified as the suspect, Loudon wrote a warrant for Dufresne’s arrest and had it signed by a judge Tuesday.
Dufresne is being held in Pitkin County Jail on a $10,000 bond, which was upped from the original $8,000. The increase was approved by Chief Judge James Boyd of Pitkin County District Court on Wednesday, said Aspen prosecutor Arnold Mordkin.
Mordkin said he plans to file an additional charge of assault on a police officer because when Dufresne allegedly ran from police, he already had one handcuff placed on his wrist and violently pulled it away.
When confronted by officers, Dufresne allegedly held up a baggie of a white powdery substance and gave what turned out to be Ecstasy to police before he successfully ran away...."
(sack@aspendailynews.com)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: KKCO 11 News "Loomis the dog rescued after falling through ice "
Thank you to our Grand Junction Fire and Rescue team, 'Loomis' isn't the only one who appreciates you.
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - A Grand Junction man experienced some tense moments after his beloved dog Loomis fell through the ice at the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife pond near Rimrock.
It happened just before 4:00 o'clock Wednesday afternoon.
Tor Larson was hanging out at the pond with his dog Loomis, when the retriever mix ran onto the iced-over pond and fell into the water...."
(Andrew Reid)
(Read more? Meet Loomis? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Mountain Valley News "Is it complete incompetence or outright lying? - 12/28/11 "
Mountain Valley News:
"Because we feel so strongly about the entire constitution and because we have very personal reasons to believe that the Second Amendment is squarely in the sights of those who want to weaken that great document, we have tried to monitor what is going on with the so-called hearings regarding “Fast and Furious.”
In a nutshell, the Fast and Furious operation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was supposed to be a sting operation involving the shipping of guns to Mexico. It was conducted completely outside the normal law enforcement undercover operations procedures.
First, we have a real problem with the three people who should have been aware of this operation telling us (the people) that they did not know about it until early this year. Attorney General Eric Holder, President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are at best incompetent, and at worst, outright liars. Either way, the public has a right to better inquiries into this fiasco...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Washington Examiner "Fast & Furious AG laments cop deaths, illegal guns"
SandBox agrees with Texas Governor Rick Perry.
Any AG that did not know about Fast and Furious should resign on the spot or be fired.
This kind of statement tin this article, from Attorney General Holder, was near nauseating the first time he gave a speech like this.
Hearing them repeated as more has come to light, including the fact that he has not even bothered to pick up the phone to the family of the agents we have lost is heart wrenching it is so out of line.
To hear him continue that path of denial and self-justification as he heads toward Congress winding down their investigation is infuriating.
Fire, impeach or better yet save the folks the money and have him resign immediately.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Any AG that did not know about Fast and Furious should resign on the spot or be fired.
This kind of statement tin this article, from Attorney General Holder, was near nauseating the first time he gave a speech like this.
Hearing them repeated as more has come to light, including the fact that he has not even bothered to pick up the phone to the family of the agents we have lost is heart wrenching it is so out of line.
To hear him continue that path of denial and self-justification as he heads toward Congress winding down their investigation is infuriating.
Fire, impeach or better yet save the folks the money and have him resign immediately.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit Daily News "Writers on the Range: A forest management structure that can't cope"
"When my East Coast-based parents came to Breckenridge, Colo., for our family vacation in June this year, my dad couldn't stop exclaiming over the dead trees. Scores of rust-colored lodgepole pines, killed by the bark beetle epidemic, lined pretty much every road we drove down or bike path we pedaled on.
My father, who attended college on a scholarship for pulp and paper mill technology, wondered why the trees weren't being logged and used. One answer is that most of Colorado's lumber mills have been shut down for a long time. But the inability to deal with dead trees is just one in a line of management obstacles facing agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, as it struggles to cope with forest management in this age of disturbance...."
(Stephanie Paige Ogburn)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
My father, who attended college on a scholarship for pulp and paper mill technology, wondered why the trees weren't being logged and used. One answer is that most of Colorado's lumber mills have been shut down for a long time. But the inability to deal with dead trees is just one in a line of management obstacles facing agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, as it struggles to cope with forest management in this age of disturbance...."
(Stephanie Paige Ogburn)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Jeremy Madden "Welcome 1 percent"
lol.
(Read more "Classic Madden" here)
"Give me your sired, your lords, your well-healed masses just yearning to spend freely, the weary wealthy of your teeming town. Send these, the second homeowners, tempest tossed to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden parachute.
Never before in modern history has the burden of big bucks weighed so heavily on the backs of the well-off. Not only have the 99 percent been occupying and protesting in our parks and streets, but they have been bashing, brow beating and blaming the 1 percent for all the woes of the world.
Not since the French Revolution has the Bourgeoisie been more hated and hunted. Truly, it is a trying time for those trying to celebrate their success. Fortunately, all is not lost. High in the Rocky Mountains there is still a place where the 1 percent are always welcome. That place is Aspen.
Like a posh port in a stormy sea of sour grapes, Aspen awaits the wealthy with open arms of exclusivity, opulence and outrageous prices. Comfier than Russian sable and tastier than a bucket of Beluga, Aspen is here for the highest rollers, and has all the amenities and activities that money can buy. It is a place where the well-to-do are good to shop, spend, and separate themselves from the absolute awfulness of the other 99 percent...."
(Jeremy Madden)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(Read more "Classic Madden" here)
"Give me your sired, your lords, your well-healed masses just yearning to spend freely, the weary wealthy of your teeming town. Send these, the second homeowners, tempest tossed to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden parachute.
Never before in modern history has the burden of big bucks weighed so heavily on the backs of the well-off. Not only have the 99 percent been occupying and protesting in our parks and streets, but they have been bashing, brow beating and blaming the 1 percent for all the woes of the world.
Not since the French Revolution has the Bourgeoisie been more hated and hunted. Truly, it is a trying time for those trying to celebrate their success. Fortunately, all is not lost. High in the Rocky Mountains there is still a place where the 1 percent are always welcome. That place is Aspen.
Like a posh port in a stormy sea of sour grapes, Aspen awaits the wealthy with open arms of exclusivity, opulence and outrageous prices. Comfier than Russian sable and tastier than a bucket of Beluga, Aspen is here for the highest rollers, and has all the amenities and activities that money can buy. It is a place where the well-to-do are good to shop, spend, and separate themselves from the absolute awfulness of the other 99 percent...."
(Jeremy Madden)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "Steamboat businesses report strong Christmas sales"
Great news, Steamboat Springs! Keep up the good work, we're betting the airport expansion has a great deal to do with having crowds for the holidays.
"...In fact, most Steamboat Springs businesses reported a strong holiday week, even those that weren’t open Sunday. Many even surpassed last year’s sales, when record early season snowfall led to a big ski season.
“The 24th was the best Christmas Eve day we’ve ever had,” said Zirkel Trading owner Steve Hitchcock, who attributed the day’s record sales to it falling on a Saturday when many locals were off work and finishing their holiday shopping.
But Hitchcock, whose shop wasn’t open Christmas Day, noted that sales at his men’s clothing store since the weekend before Thanksgiving exceeded the same period from a year ago.
Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare also reported record sales this holiday shopping season.
“Our sales for the Christmas week were a little bit better than last year,” said Ski & Bike Kare co-owner Harry Martin. “And last year was our best ever....”
(Jack Weinstein)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"...In fact, most Steamboat Springs businesses reported a strong holiday week, even those that weren’t open Sunday. Many even surpassed last year’s sales, when record early season snowfall led to a big ski season.
“The 24th was the best Christmas Eve day we’ve ever had,” said Zirkel Trading owner Steve Hitchcock, who attributed the day’s record sales to it falling on a Saturday when many locals were off work and finishing their holiday shopping.
But Hitchcock, whose shop wasn’t open Christmas Day, noted that sales at his men’s clothing store since the weekend before Thanksgiving exceeded the same period from a year ago.
Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare also reported record sales this holiday shopping season.
“Our sales for the Christmas week were a little bit better than last year,” said Ski & Bike Kare co-owner Harry Martin. “And last year was our best ever....”
(Jack Weinstein)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Crested Butte News "CBMR makes the most of sunshine and bluebird days "
“....The grooming team is doing everything in their power to keep the snow as well-manicured as possible. Honestly, they have done a phenomenal job and I would argue that our surface is one of the best in the state right now, from what I’ve heard about other areas,” said Erica Reiter, CBMR’s public relations and communications manager...."
(Alissa Johnson)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(Alissa Johnson)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
December 28, 2011
Note from 'SandBox Nanny': 'We spin, their spin, so you will stay thinking on your own"
What does that mean? Exactly, what does it mean that 'we spin, their spin, so you will stay thinking on your own" ?
Is this a conservative leaning news aggregate blog? Or liberal? Why do we try, and usually succeed, in driving regional, national and world news down to where it sounds like it's local to us news?
Because all politics are local politics.
Because community should be focused on what is in both your front and back yard.
Because we believe in statehood and all the rights of empowerment inherent therein.
Because most politicians are still somewhat in the dark ages when it comes to social media. No matter how much they now tweet, stumbleupon, digg and Like.
Because the blogosphere is running the high risk of becoming no better than the mainstream media it taunts daily.
(whisper...whisper...OMG...did I really just say that...it's almost blasphemous....whisper...whisper...)
To aggregate collect the dark forces of liberal views in the same manner as collecting the mostly light forces of conservative views is to collect the voices of the common man. The little guy who is spending his or her time seeking a way to stand up and strengthen their own version of America.
Bit of wisdom in the words of Robert Fulgham below.
If only, if only....our politicians aiming at 2012 would move out of their comfort zone and stop sanitizing their message by dominating social media with only what they feel they want repeated.
Really. It's OK. Step down off the curb and into traffic.
Just remember that it's best to hold hands and stick together.
Here's to the little guy.
Let freedom ring.
Robert Fugham:
"Most of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in Kindergarten.
Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sandbox at nursery school.
These are the things I learned: Share everything. Play fair. Don't hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat. Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life.
Learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work some every day.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands, and stick together. Be aware of wonder.
Remember the little seed in the plastic cup. The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the plastic cup - they all die. So do we.
And then remember the book about Dick and Jane and the first word you learned, the biggest word of all: LOOK . Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation, ecology and politics and sane living.
Think of what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world - had cookies and milk about every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets for a nap.
Or if we had a basic policy in our nation and other nations to always put things back where we found them and clean up our own messes.
And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together."
Is this a conservative leaning news aggregate blog? Or liberal? Why do we try, and usually succeed, in driving regional, national and world news down to where it sounds like it's local to us news?
Because all politics are local politics.
Because community should be focused on what is in both your front and back yard.
Because we believe in statehood and all the rights of empowerment inherent therein.
Because most politicians are still somewhat in the dark ages when it comes to social media. No matter how much they now tweet, stumbleupon, digg and Like.
Because the blogosphere is running the high risk of becoming no better than the mainstream media it taunts daily.
(whisper...whisper...OMG...did I really just say that...it's almost blasphemous....whisper...whisper...)
To aggregate collect the dark forces of liberal views in the same manner as collecting the mostly light forces of conservative views is to collect the voices of the common man. The little guy who is spending his or her time seeking a way to stand up and strengthen their own version of America.
Bit of wisdom in the words of Robert Fulgham below.
If only, if only....our politicians aiming at 2012 would move out of their comfort zone and stop sanitizing their message by dominating social media with only what they feel they want repeated.
Really. It's OK. Step down off the curb and into traffic.
Just remember that it's best to hold hands and stick together.
Here's to the little guy.
Let freedom ring.
Robert Fugham:
"Most of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in Kindergarten.
Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sandbox at nursery school.
These are the things I learned: Share everything. Play fair. Don't hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat. Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life.
Learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work some every day.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands, and stick together. Be aware of wonder.
Remember the little seed in the plastic cup. The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the plastic cup - they all die. So do we.
And then remember the book about Dick and Jane and the first word you learned, the biggest word of all: LOOK . Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation, ecology and politics and sane living.
Think of what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world - had cookies and milk about every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets for a nap.
Or if we had a basic policy in our nation and other nations to always put things back where we found them and clean up our own messes.
And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Alleged cop-spitter heads toward trial"
The truth hurts.
Sometimes, the truth really hurts.
Who decides what the truth is? Who decides what the entire truth is? Are those in obligation to find out going to follow the law and sworn duty while they seek?
What is sworn duty for a cop? What’s different in that oath than the sworn duty of a prosecutor, a defender, a civil attorney? What’s different in the oath between a public defender and a private defender? One would think they are all the same. In the eyes of the folks served, the law says they are the same.
Think again.
Read Colorado rules, ethics, procedures from the perspective of trying to find the common path between all three.
Then go read what they are all bound to, which are the statutes of state and federal law.
Even there in that holy writ of law, read from the perspective of an average citizen trying to find out ‘who’s on first’ and ‘what’s on second’ when it comes to finding the path to holding all three to their sworn duty when there is a simultaneous problem with all three.
Are you aware that in the State of Colorado, in a very similar manner as the bowels of Pitkin and Garfield county’s building, planning and zoning departments, where codes, rules and procedures twist, turn and mate for life while sealing the fate of so many in the construction, development and business industry; that there is a huge and gaping hole that has nobody in charge when there’s a problem with sworn duty in our judicial system?
Oh, there’s an agency that governs ethics and licenses and a commission that governs oversight of judges. There are bar organizations and ethics watch groups. There are definitely laws, rules and procedures that are very strict yet also tempered with the latitude for the personal discretion of the attorneys involved. In the case of cops, they have far less latitude in making judgment calls. Then there is the obligation they all share that if they see a peer or misconduct of any kind they are to report to the court or agency that governs.
Yet, in all this, the State of Colorado Colorado
In Colorado
Most discretion used by persons in positions of trust is honorable and trustworthy. Why worry then if you are an average citizen? Surely, someone along the line will do their duty. Is the problem one then, of relying on individual values or perceptions/interpretations of law? For certain, the former statement is absolute. Most, if not all to some extent, of our service people are honorable and trustworthy. For certain, the latter question is reality.
The way Colorado
In our judicial system, the judge has no access to the problem, the details and the evidence until the attorneys service the law. And then, the court is relying heavily on the trust placed in sworn officers of the court. How many judges in the State of Colorado
Sounds like it’s time for the lawmakers, elected by the folks in the State of Colorado, to have a similar ‘reckoning’ with our statutes, rules and procedures as Pitkin and Garfield counties are doing with their land use codes. Doesn’t it? Sure does. The scope of that thought swells when one realizes that just like county and city codes overlap; we have federal and state overlap in our legal system. The medical marijuana and illegal immigration laws come to mind as examples.
Are you a liberal? A conservative? Doesn’t matter in the least because the law is absolute. However, your political leanings do matter a great deal when you’re unknowingly electing the free will discretion of an attorney or a cop to office or electing to a position that does the hiring and appointing. What do you think of all the heat currently on presidential candidates Rick Perry and Newt Gingrich for their hard stance on cleaning up our judicial system? What do you think of presidential candidate Barack Obama asking for more leniency and discretion of sworn officials?
The truth is not complicated. It is not a lot of media flap or even a personal manifesto or open declaration of war with your peers.
The truth is that the law and sworn duty are absolute. Service of both comes first and prior to discretion.
The truth, is that we are a country that has allowed the greatest, most fair and honorable justice system in the world to be tainted by the twists and turns of human beings that have forgotten that the law and oaths to duty are absolute and that they have only their own job to do within the system. Their scope and focus does not overlap into their fellows duties. That is the law and the law is absolute. It is also what our constitution and Bill of Rights mandates.
Cops should never act in a capacity where they are concerned in any way with what a lawyer might need in court. There is no need in any way if they would simply follow their training and their oath to enforce not serve the law. They do not work as an agent for anyone, especially prosecution. One of the most wise comments ‘SandBox Nanny’ has heard on this forum likely came in from a cop: “Old cops know that the best they can do in duty is to prove innocence.”
Attorneys, both prosecution and defense, hold only one job. To serve the law. In our adversarial system, justice is usually found when that creed, that oath is held to the highest standards. The law is absolute. The courtroom is not where we go to find answers or the truth. That was supposed to have been done by law enforcement and prosecution before charging. The law is absolute and that is the law.
It is the job of attorneys, after the burden is fully met and an accusation becomes a charge and the charge becomes a case; to place the integrity of the court into both sides hands, serve that integrity fully and then offer up the end result to the hands of the judge and jury. That is the law and the law is absolute.
It is the job of attorneys, after the burden is fully met and an accusation becomes a charge and the charge becomes a case; to place the integrity of the court into both sides hands, serve that integrity fully and then offer up the end result to the hands of the judge and jury. That is the law and the law is absolute.
We need cops, prosecutors, defenders and civil attorneys who do all they can to ignore the plethora of strategies, loopholes and reliance on those who came before them that laid the “it’s OK” groundwork to distort the lines.
Where the truth really hurts is when the distortion becomes the norm and discretion on any side can no longer be fully trusted as a result.
What an absolutely ridiculous bordering on the absurd, stall technique used by public defender Elise Myer in the case of ‘alleged cop-spitter’ Mark Brown. Good lord, determine whether or not they got that 20-minute taped rant legally and within Brown’s constitutional rights and if so, then defend the man with what you have within law to use. Where is it written that something very much tied to his alleged act against this cop is going to be “prejudicial” enough to be tossed? Give jurors some credit for having brains, your duty is obligated to protect the integrity of the court and you have an obligation to taxpayers to not waste time and money in stall tactics. Not to mention theatrics. If it is not “third-degree assault” to spit at a cop, then leave the theatrics and stall behind and go after the core root of that problem in over-reach. Give the folks some credit for brains and uphold the integrity of your duty to the court not the prosecutor.
What an absolutely ridiculous bordering on the absurd, grand-standing effort on the part of prosecutor Nedlin. Here is a drunk out of his head man, ranting at a cop in a police car for 20 minutes. Maybe the guy deserves the death penalty. To listen to Mr. Nedlin, one becomes ready to leap up and throw the switch. Strap him down! Give jurors some credit for having brains, your duty is obligated to protect the integrity of the court and you have an obligation to taxpayers to not waste time and money in over-reach, zealous prosecution. Not to mention theatrics. It does matter a great deal with the power you hold on whether or not you are over-reaching against an ‘alleged cop-spitter’.
The act of spitting on a cop is not only pure stupidity, it’s worthy of being prosecuted. Is it worth the ‘death penalty’? How come the folks aren’t hearing from the cop in this article, Mr. Travers? From the way it sounds from prosecutor Nedlin, he went ‘running’ into the prosecutor’s office ‘sobbing hysterically’ that he had been treated rudely in a ‘life-threatening manner’ by Mark Brown and waving this tape around as proof. From the way it sounds from defender Myer, Brown was tarred and feathered the minute the tape kicked on in the cop car. Who’s kidding here??! Cops, every day, are shouted at, spit upon, their units thrown up in, arrestees crying and pleading. They also have the latitude to audio or video their focus of interest. If he really did run to prosecutor Nedlin like this, then is this cop a rookie? Or is he simply at the mercy of prosecutor, defense and media discretion, did his job, put Mr. Brown in jail to sober up, wrote a report and walked away only to have DA investigators dig around in what he left behind and subsequently craft prosecutor Nedlin’s script? How does he feel about national coverage over the incident and the protection of the integrity of the judge he stands in front of having to sort out the ‘alleged cop-spitter’ incident?
Or is what we really have here a simple case of the DA’s office using their version of discretion and defender Myer using her version of discretion?
What is it that Judge Fernandez-Ely is now needing to fully rely on her discretion to sort out when reality is that she is stumbling a bit in the dark on the winding path of her court officers? When reality is that her only job is supposed to be upholding the law that is absolute.
With all of the above said, SandBoxBlogs sincerely thanks all our men and women of service to public duty. You are appreciated. It’s just that sometimes, the full truth hurts.
(Read the article? Follow the story? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Aspen man accused of selling Ecstasy"
Update December 30, 2011
As with the current saga of homeless man Jimmy Baldwin being shuffled between North Dakota and Aspen continues; let's deal with the news reporting of Max Puder in the same way. Just update the original post.
There are (3) relevant stories in today's local news. Two different styled reports off the Times and the Daily. And a story off the Times regarding PitCo taking another look at whether or not to even allow medical marijuana operations to increase in the city and county (or) to ban them altogether in light of all the problems that industry faces. Including federal laws.
http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/150995
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20111230/NEWS/111229833/1077&ParentProfile=1058
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20111230/NEWS/111229830/1077&ParentProfile=1058
_________________________
Original Post:
Why does an 18 year old kid have a medical marijuana card?
"...Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin said he will file charges at Puder's next court appearance, set for Jan. 9.
Puder's parents attended Wednesday's advisement hearing, which Nichols conducted via speaker phone from her office in Glenwood Springs. His father said the family is focused on putting Puder in a rehabilitation facility so he can get on the right track.
Should Puder post bond, he will not be allowed to consume alcohol or take illegal substances. That includes marijuana, even though Puder is a registered marijuana patient.
“No pot. No marijuana,” the judge said.
The family has hired Yale Galanter, a defense attorney who practices in Aspen and outside of the state.
(Rick Carroll)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
As with the current saga of homeless man Jimmy Baldwin being shuffled between North Dakota and Aspen continues; let's deal with the news reporting of Max Puder in the same way. Just update the original post.
There are (3) relevant stories in today's local news. Two different styled reports off the Times and the Daily. And a story off the Times regarding PitCo taking another look at whether or not to even allow medical marijuana operations to increase in the city and county (or) to ban them altogether in light of all the problems that industry faces. Including federal laws.
http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/150995
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20111230/NEWS/111229833/1077&ParentProfile=1058
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20111230/NEWS/111229830/1077&ParentProfile=1058
_________________________
Original Post:
Why does an 18 year old kid have a medical marijuana card?
"...Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin said he will file charges at Puder's next court appearance, set for Jan. 9.
Puder's parents attended Wednesday's advisement hearing, which Nichols conducted via speaker phone from her office in Glenwood Springs. His father said the family is focused on putting Puder in a rehabilitation facility so he can get on the right track.
Should Puder post bond, he will not be allowed to consume alcohol or take illegal substances. That includes marijuana, even though Puder is a registered marijuana patient.
“No pot. No marijuana,” the judge said.
The family has hired Yale Galanter, a defense attorney who practices in Aspen and outside of the state.
(Rick Carroll)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily "Vail Valley companies seeing more domestic applicants"
How do you feel about this latest media spin from our regional ski resorts to make it sound like everything is on the 'up and up' over their years of handling H2B and J1 visas for foreign workers?
Are you really buying the spin now that they've seen the light and because of the "Great Recession" they can finally open up the local industry jobs market to locals?
What's that you say?
You're seeing the pitch of the sale but aren't buying?
Good for you.
BTW, where is Senator Mark Udall (D-Colorado) at in his investigation into alleged J1 and H2B visa abuses by our ski industry leaders? Where's ICE at?
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Are you really buying the spin now that they've seen the light and because of the "Great Recession" they can finally open up the local industry jobs market to locals?
What's that you say?
You're seeing the pitch of the sale but aren't buying?
Good for you.
BTW, where is Senator Mark Udall (D-Colorado) at in his investigation into alleged J1 and H2B visa abuses by our ski industry leaders? Where's ICE at?
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Aspen feeling a bit full for the holiday season"
"ASPEN — Private jets crowd the ramp at the airport, and parking spaces in downtown Aspen are getting harder to find than a baby sitter on New Year's Eve. By Thursday night, town will be fuller than it has been since the holiday season of 2007-08...."
(Janet Urquhart)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(Janet Urquhart)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
December 27, 2011
SandBox Comments: Dept. of Defense "Face of Defense: ‘Santa’ Delivers Fuel to Overseas Troops"
"....I just wanted to bring a little holiday cheer to the men and women of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and help out with a very special holiday delivery," chuckled ‘Santa,’ portrayed by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mike Morris, the 816th squadron’s loadmaster flight noncommissioned officer in charge and native of Charleston, S.C.
The delivery -- 160 barrels of fuel -- was loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft under Santa's command.
The fuel will be used for generators, vehicles and heaters to keep service members warm in the frigid mountains of eastern Afghanistan, said Air Force Staff Sgt. Mike Folk, 816th EAS loadmaster and native of Frazeysburg, Ohio.
"This fuel is going to help keep them warm and let them continue to accomplish their mission," Folk said...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The delivery -- 160 barrels of fuel -- was loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft under Santa's command.
The fuel will be used for generators, vehicles and heaters to keep service members warm in the frigid mountains of eastern Afghanistan, said Air Force Staff Sgt. Mike Folk, 816th EAS loadmaster and native of Frazeysburg, Ohio.
"This fuel is going to help keep them warm and let them continue to accomplish their mission," Folk said...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: KKCO 11 News "Drawing up laughter, cartoon after cartoon "
What's found in nearly all of Mesa County's law enforcement agencies?
Posted on walls, cubicles, desks and possibly secret spots known only to those who serve and protect?
Gil Stone knows.
For a good laugh and some keen insight into one of the more light-hearted yet sort-of, kind-of humor only a cop can really understand fully...check out his website.
(Learn more about Gil? Click title. Comment to discuss or share)
Posted on walls, cubicles, desks and possibly secret spots known only to those who serve and protect?
Gil Stone knows.
For a good laugh and some keen insight into one of the more light-hearted yet sort-of, kind-of humor only a cop can really understand fully...check out his website.
(Learn more about Gil? Click title. Comment to discuss or share)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Maurice Emmer "A million here, a million there"
Maurice Emmer:
"...The hydroelectric plant's financial projections are only as good as the assumptions. Reality puts the lie to assumptions. Movement in a few assumptions could make the plant a financial disaster. Consider, for example, the 70 percent increase in project costs already acknowledged.
Why is Aspen marching down this risky road? It claims that the success of existing aged hydroelectric plants proves the wisdom. But the facts of the city's other hydroelectric sites are entirely different.
Aspen can buy renewable electricity generated elsewhere at affordable rates and resell it to Aspen's residents. This could happen in months, not years. Large utilities, capturing much greater economies of scale than Aspen's tiny operations, employing professional utility management that knows how to mitigate risk, could provide reliable streams of renewable energy indefinitely. Such utilities' future rates might increase — or decrease, given that supplies of traditional and renewable energy are increasing.
Moreover, any price risk from buying energy should be compared to the numerous risks of constructing another city-owned hydroelectric plant and being stuck with the costs and uncertainties associated with it for 50 to 80 years. It's not as if there isn't a price issue with the plant itself; even now there is strong evidence that hydroelectricity will be more expensive than other renewable electricity.
Let's get greener now: Buy existing renewable energy from a
reliable source, shut down the hydroelectric-plant boondoggle, and, this being Aspen, prepare for the next one. "
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"...The hydroelectric plant's financial projections are only as good as the assumptions. Reality puts the lie to assumptions. Movement in a few assumptions could make the plant a financial disaster. Consider, for example, the 70 percent increase in project costs already acknowledged.
Why is Aspen marching down this risky road? It claims that the success of existing aged hydroelectric plants proves the wisdom. But the facts of the city's other hydroelectric sites are entirely different.
Aspen can buy renewable electricity generated elsewhere at affordable rates and resell it to Aspen's residents. This could happen in months, not years. Large utilities, capturing much greater economies of scale than Aspen's tiny operations, employing professional utility management that knows how to mitigate risk, could provide reliable streams of renewable energy indefinitely. Such utilities' future rates might increase — or decrease, given that supplies of traditional and renewable energy are increasing.
Moreover, any price risk from buying energy should be compared to the numerous risks of constructing another city-owned hydroelectric plant and being stuck with the costs and uncertainties associated with it for 50 to 80 years. It's not as if there isn't a price issue with the plant itself; even now there is strong evidence that hydroelectricity will be more expensive than other renewable electricity.
Let's get greener now: Buy existing renewable energy from a
reliable source, shut down the hydroelectric-plant boondoggle, and, this being Aspen, prepare for the next one. "
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Chamber board considers its legal liability exposure"
"According to an article on San Diego-based Aspen Risk Management Group’s website, “charitable immunity,” which is based upon the notion that charitable organizations and individuals should be exempt from legal liability, has faded over time.
The website also says that general liability policies only cover basic exposures, such as premises and operations, and directors and officers may not be protected under a stand-alone liability policy.
When considering how much insurance to carry, nonprofits ought to consider all of their resources and financial strength, as well as the organization’s activities and what can go wrong at any of them, according to the website...."
(sack@aspendailynews.com)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The website also says that general liability policies only cover basic exposures, such as premises and operations, and directors and officers may not be protected under a stand-alone liability policy.
When considering how much insurance to carry, nonprofits ought to consider all of their resources and financial strength, as well as the organization’s activities and what can go wrong at any of them, according to the website...."
(sack@aspendailynews.com)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Letters to the Editor "Christmas skiing at Snowmass"
See related story in today's Aspen Daily on Skico raising their lift prices again. For the second time in less than two weeks.
See related "complaining" locals story here.
See today's Vail Daily story on slope groomers over on Vail Resorts turf that are grooming for nearly 'full-up at the Inn' crowds.
"Dear Editor:
I was on the lift at 8:30. Beautiful day. No crowds at all. Bluebird skies. Very warm.
After skiing Snowmass, I thought it may be time for a name change. There is a famous bluegrass song from my home state of Tennessee. So let's change the name to “Good Old Rocky Top.”
I'm out again this week, but this time instead of taking my ski poles, I take my weed eater...."
I was on the lift at 8:30. Beautiful day. No crowds at all. Bluebird skies. Very warm.
After skiing Snowmass, I thought it may be time for a name change. There is a famous bluegrass song from my home state of Tennessee. So let's change the name to “Good Old Rocky Top.”
I'm out again this week, but this time instead of taking my ski poles, I take my weed eater...."
(Harry Temple III, Basalt )
December 26, 2011
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "ACRA going global with new revenue"
Don't look at how much more money ASCRA has to work with than GSCRA does down here in Glenwood Springs. It's depressing. The folks up in Aspen trust their tourism marketing decisions and ASCRA has shown by proven performance, that they are doing the right marketing for Aspen. So much trust that they actually voted to raise taxes accordingly and give ASCRA more to work with. How many times have we heard the 81601 folks chat up that they would be thrilled to do the same but first need to see both control and performance of the money we already have?
Do look at the detailed breakout. Set the difference in monetary values aside.
My word, they sure do get a more balanced plan and practical, diversified approach than GSCRA offers, don't they?
Could we even just piggyback off some of these promotions and events? Please? Pretty, please?
The folks are pretty desperate out here, 81601 tourism leaders.
just sayin that surely with this stark of a contrast, aren't there any light bulbs flipping on?
(Read what Aspen has going on? Click title. Comment to discuss.)
Do look at the detailed breakout. Set the difference in monetary values aside.
My word, they sure do get a more balanced plan and practical, diversified approach than GSCRA offers, don't they?
Could we even just piggyback off some of these promotions and events? Please? Pretty, please?
The folks are pretty desperate out here, 81601 tourism leaders.
just sayin that surely with this stark of a contrast, aren't there any light bulbs flipping on?
(Read what Aspen has going on? Click title. Comment to discuss.)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Locals dish on their perfect winter day"
How nice it has been over the past four to five months of picking up the PI each day and seeing a community newspaper again.
For the past few years, dominance by only a select focus of reporting and community members really took its toll on how the folks have felt about their local print news.
Yes, there are still way too many grievances and from what we see, most of them are warranted.
But as the year 2011 winds down there is no doubt that things are much, much better than they were.
Thanks, PI. Keep on reaching higher.
(Read the article? Hear about some folks you may not know? Click title. Comment to discuss)
For the past few years, dominance by only a select focus of reporting and community members really took its toll on how the folks have felt about their local print news.
Yes, there are still way too many grievances and from what we see, most of them are warranted.
But as the year 2011 winds down there is no doubt that things are much, much better than they were.
Thanks, PI. Keep on reaching higher.
(Read the article? Hear about some folks you may not know? Click title. Comment to discuss)
December 25, 2011
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "A valley flowing with generosity"
"In the week leading up to Christmas, local nonprofits made a final push to bring food, toys and holiday baskets to those in need over the holiday.
On the Thursday before Christmas, about 40 people stood in line holding empty boxes and grocery bags at the Pitkin County Health and Human Services building waiting to collect goods provided by the Food Bank of the Rockies.
In the next room, boxes and cans of food were piled up next to each other along a row of tables. The line began with a large box of raw meat, mostly chicken, due to its inexpensive cost and high protein content. In the center sat a group of canned and boxed food ranging from tuna helper to value packs of instant hot cocoa. There also was a pyramid made of diapers, and the line ended with a large box containing an assortment of pre-made sheet cakes and other baked goods next to a box of sodas.
Some adults waiting in line brought their children to carry extra bags; others were elderly and had younger companions to help schlepp their loads. But most were alone, standing silently with grim faces waiting their turn.
The first person in line was an elderly woman who didn’t speak English. She had waited 40 minutes for first pick, according to her younger companion who identified himself as Osvaldo. Osvaldo came to help the elderly woman because she didn’t own a car.
“It’s really good help for our family,” said Osvaldo.
Behind the pair was another woman with a cane who said it was the first time she has needed to resort to receiving handouts.
“I wouldn’t have done it this time,” she said. “But I needed food.”
One woman, further down the line, had driven from Rifle for the food. It was the second time she had been to the food bank, and although she is employed, she is supporting her two adult children who are unemployed and living at home with her, making her financial situation tight, she said.
Another older man worked in construction for years in Aspen but he has been unemployed for the past three months and can’t find a job, despite constantly looking, he said. The food bank is how he has survived unemployment, he said.
About a week before the recent Aspen distribution, the food bank in El Jebel ran out of food in 20 minutes when it should have lasted two hours, organizers said. People stood crying when they saw all the food was gone, according to numerous reports....."
(Dorothy Atkins)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
On the Thursday before Christmas, about 40 people stood in line holding empty boxes and grocery bags at the Pitkin County Health and Human Services building waiting to collect goods provided by the Food Bank of the Rockies.
In the next room, boxes and cans of food were piled up next to each other along a row of tables. The line began with a large box of raw meat, mostly chicken, due to its inexpensive cost and high protein content. In the center sat a group of canned and boxed food ranging from tuna helper to value packs of instant hot cocoa. There also was a pyramid made of diapers, and the line ended with a large box containing an assortment of pre-made sheet cakes and other baked goods next to a box of sodas.
Some adults waiting in line brought their children to carry extra bags; others were elderly and had younger companions to help schlepp their loads. But most were alone, standing silently with grim faces waiting their turn.
The first person in line was an elderly woman who didn’t speak English. She had waited 40 minutes for first pick, according to her younger companion who identified himself as Osvaldo. Osvaldo came to help the elderly woman because she didn’t own a car.
“It’s really good help for our family,” said Osvaldo.
Behind the pair was another woman with a cane who said it was the first time she has needed to resort to receiving handouts.
“I wouldn’t have done it this time,” she said. “But I needed food.”
One woman, further down the line, had driven from Rifle for the food. It was the second time she had been to the food bank, and although she is employed, she is supporting her two adult children who are unemployed and living at home with her, making her financial situation tight, she said.
Another older man worked in construction for years in Aspen but he has been unemployed for the past three months and can’t find a job, despite constantly looking, he said. The food bank is how he has survived unemployment, he said.
About a week before the recent Aspen distribution, the food bank in El Jebel ran out of food in 20 minutes when it should have lasted two hours, organizers said. People stood crying when they saw all the food was gone, according to numerous reports....."
(Dorothy Atkins)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
December 24, 2011
SandBox Comments: Pueblo Chieftain "Koncilja out as top DA investigator "
"...But Koncilja's departure came a week after testimony from a current and a former deputy district attorney that painted him and the district attorney's office in a negative light. Their testimony also suggested Thiebaut didn't have a grasp of case law governing criminal procedure.
The hearing was for a request by Public Defender Adam Schultz to dismiss a murder case against Puebloan David Carrillo.
The hearing involved the creation of a memo discussing the truthfulness of a police officer at the scene of the crime. The memo was created at Koncilja's instruction, who then asked it be kept secret from other attorneys in the office.
Both Deputy District Attorney Steve Jones and former lead prosecutor Steve Cornetta said the memo represented a pattern of behavior in which Koncilja would do investigations into cases without attorneys' knowledge, kept files on his investigations and would, at times, refuse to allow lawyers in the office to access those files.
The Carrillo hearing is scheduled to resume in February....."
(Jeff Tucker)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The hearing was for a request by Public Defender Adam Schultz to dismiss a murder case against Puebloan David Carrillo.
The hearing involved the creation of a memo discussing the truthfulness of a police officer at the scene of the crime. The memo was created at Koncilja's instruction, who then asked it be kept secret from other attorneys in the office.
Both Deputy District Attorney Steve Jones and former lead prosecutor Steve Cornetta said the memo represented a pattern of behavior in which Koncilja would do investigations into cases without attorneys' knowledge, kept files on his investigations and would, at times, refuse to allow lawyers in the office to access those files.
The Carrillo hearing is scheduled to resume in February....."
(Jeff Tucker)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Delta County Independent "County will endorse Koch’s land swap "
"The Board of County Commissioners will write a letter endorsing the Central Rockies Land Exchange, also known as the Bear Ranch Land Exchange.
The BoCC announced the decision during its regular business meeting on Dec. 19...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The BoCC announced the decision during its regular business meeting on Dec. 19...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "RFTA launches eminent-domain effort in court"
Why is it important to remember all these seemingly small details from the news stories in our area?
Why is it so important to speak up about those details?
Because without the average taxpayer and voter doing so, there are no controls over what happens to both public funds and our leaders in positions of trust and sworn duty.
Billions of dollars. Most of it in bailouts and wish lists. A great deal of it given to clean up errors in management judgment or poor decision making on the administration of RFTA's end.
$46 million bucks is one of the latest 'sell-jobs' from the Roaring Fork Transit Agency. You know who they are. They're those monster size fuel guzzling public transports running the length of the Valley and corridor mostly empty of riders every day.
Usually the problem lies in the 'small details' CEO Dan Blankenship and RFTA's crony elected officials just seem to 'overlook'.
Like...say...the mega plan to overhaul the RFTA corridor in the Valley....needing a couple parcels of land or it's a complete 'no go' on the project. Parcels that have been owned by the same folks for a long time and are high dollar chunks of commercial real estate in Basalt.
Looks like Blankenship's solution is to execute what works for him whenever he holds out his RFTA bailout hand to the folks.
Force the giving over of his company's demand and count on the law and ethics being overlooked.
Business and cronyism as usual.
Just say NO, Mr. Cathers and Mr. Myers.
Just say NO.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Why is it so important to speak up about those details?
Because without the average taxpayer and voter doing so, there are no controls over what happens to both public funds and our leaders in positions of trust and sworn duty.
Billions of dollars. Most of it in bailouts and wish lists. A great deal of it given to clean up errors in management judgment or poor decision making on the administration of RFTA's end.
$46 million bucks is one of the latest 'sell-jobs' from the Roaring Fork Transit Agency. You know who they are. They're those monster size fuel guzzling public transports running the length of the Valley and corridor mostly empty of riders every day.
Usually the problem lies in the 'small details' CEO Dan Blankenship and RFTA's crony elected officials just seem to 'overlook'.
Like...say...the mega plan to overhaul the RFTA corridor in the Valley....needing a couple parcels of land or it's a complete 'no go' on the project. Parcels that have been owned by the same folks for a long time and are high dollar chunks of commercial real estate in Basalt.
Looks like Blankenship's solution is to execute what works for him whenever he holds out his RFTA bailout hand to the folks.
Force the giving over of his company's demand and count on the law and ethics being overlooked.
Business and cronyism as usual.
Just say NO, Mr. Cathers and Mr. Myers.
Just say NO.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: RealVail/The O. Zone "Vail's Vonn vamps for Italian mag, jets back for Letterman"
"It’s been an uneventful World Cup season so far for Vail’s Lindsey Vonn..."
(David O. Williams)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(David O. Williams)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "De plane, de plane!"
"It’s Christmas Eve in Aspen. The town is like a magical snow globe filled with miniature hundred dollar bills as snowflakes, and everybody is giddy with anticipation of what Santa may or may not be bringing them. The goose is fat, the trees are trimmed, the stockings are hung and the slopes are groomed to perfection. The streets are choked with Range Rovers and private jets are swarming like mosquitoes, but their occupants are a bit nervous about flaunting their riches in Aspen this year. Fret not. We’re ultra tolerant here in Aspen — wealth doesn’t impress or even faze (most of) us; some actually find it boring. If you’re worried about sticking out like a sore thumb and really want to look like a local, I have a solution for you: Don’t shave, and put duct tape on your gloves and ski outfit..."
(Lorenzo Semple)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(Lorenzo Semple)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
December 23, 2011
SandBox Comments: Delta County Independent "Advice for cops good for all '
'SandBox Nanny' wonders what the 'kids' have to give in career advice to these new law enforcement officers.
"Tom Chinn, Montrose chief of police, was the guest speaker at the ceremony.
His 38 years worth of career advice to the new peace officers had less to do with busting bad guys than with how officers can best handle themselves and their own lives – both professional and personal.
Chinn framed his advice as "suggestions" for successful career lives. "People have to believe in you and trust you in everything you do," he said. His suggestions included the following:
• The training and learning that new officers have just received at the Academy is only the beginning. Learning is a lifetime endeavor.
• Continue with formal education and get a college degree, and then keep building on that.
• Be proactive in career pursuits in order to be an effective officer.
• Don't watch the "cop shows" on TV. They don't portray the life or work of professional law enforcement officers.
• Always treat people with respect. There are a lot of arrogant, egotistical cops, and no one likes them.
• Always be honest and positive, both on and off the job. Always pay your bills on time and avoid unnecessary debt.
• Credibility is key. When you have lost your personal credibility you have lost your job.
• The new officers will see lots of death and abuse of all kinds in their careers. "It's a tough, demanding life," Chinn said. He advised, "Spouses, be patient."
Adding a personal anecdote, Chinn said he has known officers who had the attitude of, "This is what I do, but it's not who I am." He encouraged the graduates to cultivate a professional attitude of, "This is what I do and this is who I am...."
(Hank Lohmeyer)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Tom Chinn, Montrose chief of police, was the guest speaker at the ceremony.
His 38 years worth of career advice to the new peace officers had less to do with busting bad guys than with how officers can best handle themselves and their own lives – both professional and personal.
Chinn framed his advice as "suggestions" for successful career lives. "People have to believe in you and trust you in everything you do," he said. His suggestions included the following:
• The training and learning that new officers have just received at the Academy is only the beginning. Learning is a lifetime endeavor.
• Continue with formal education and get a college degree, and then keep building on that.
• Be proactive in career pursuits in order to be an effective officer.
• Don't watch the "cop shows" on TV. They don't portray the life or work of professional law enforcement officers.
• Always treat people with respect. There are a lot of arrogant, egotistical cops, and no one likes them.
• Always be honest and positive, both on and off the job. Always pay your bills on time and avoid unnecessary debt.
• Credibility is key. When you have lost your personal credibility you have lost your job.
• The new officers will see lots of death and abuse of all kinds in their careers. "It's a tough, demanding life," Chinn said. He advised, "Spouses, be patient."
Adding a personal anecdote, Chinn said he has known officers who had the attitude of, "This is what I do, but it's not who I am." He encouraged the graduates to cultivate a professional attitude of, "This is what I do and this is who I am...."
(Hank Lohmeyer)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Mock-trial champs violated event’s spirit, state organizers say"
This one should be really hard for the taxpayers and voters in Glenwood Springs to take.
Why?
Because last year's Mock Trial team hit up the City of Glenwood Springs to fund and sponsor the trip to championships.
Click the title and read the entire article.
Charlie Wilman is a local attorney who was highly respected and thought well of. Vic Zerbi is a local judge. Possibly a former judge and retired, but nevertheless a pillar of Glenwood's culture and a role model.
"Blown out of proportion?", "target on their back?", "“They’re just the ones that got caught”.
Actually, fellas.
The question is one of ethics in the service of law.
Worse than whether or not the kids are shown that being misled by their coaches who not only know better but are in a position of trust; is the fact that their coaches really don't seem to 'know better':
“This is what upsets me about this whole thing, is that these kids worked very, very hard to accomplish what they accomplished,” said Glenwood’s head coach, attorney Charlie Willman. “Their hard work and dedication is being tainted by something they didn’t even do.”
Yea, but Charlie. Who did do it? It's cheating and setting a precedent to these kids who just may grow up to be attorneys some day that 'borderline' anything goes is "OK".
Is it OK?
“Is that against the spirit of the program? Perhaps it is, but I don’t see any major advantage to anybody in that,” he said. (Zerbi)
Please let one of the local reporters know, Judge Zerbi.
Where we all can go to find that book of ethics and statutes that you're reading from.
It's unfortunate that the kids have to pay for the sins of the coaches but Grand Junction is right.
Strip them of the win, penalize them with a year on the bench (pun intended for sidelines), refund the taxpayers who funded last year's competition and get new coaches for Glenwood's Mock Trial Team.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Why?
Because last year's Mock Trial team hit up the City of Glenwood Springs to fund and sponsor the trip to championships.
Click the title and read the entire article.
Charlie Wilman is a local attorney who was highly respected and thought well of. Vic Zerbi is a local judge. Possibly a former judge and retired, but nevertheless a pillar of Glenwood's culture and a role model.
"Blown out of proportion?", "target on their back?", "“They’re just the ones that got caught”.
Actually, fellas.
The question is one of ethics in the service of law.
Worse than whether or not the kids are shown that being misled by their coaches who not only know better but are in a position of trust; is the fact that their coaches really don't seem to 'know better':
“This is what upsets me about this whole thing, is that these kids worked very, very hard to accomplish what they accomplished,” said Glenwood’s head coach, attorney Charlie Willman. “Their hard work and dedication is being tainted by something they didn’t even do.”
Yea, but Charlie. Who did do it? It's cheating and setting a precedent to these kids who just may grow up to be attorneys some day that 'borderline' anything goes is "OK".
Is it OK?
“Is that against the spirit of the program? Perhaps it is, but I don’t see any major advantage to anybody in that,” he said. (Zerbi)
Please let one of the local reporters know, Judge Zerbi.
Where we all can go to find that book of ethics and statutes that you're reading from.
It's unfortunate that the kids have to pay for the sins of the coaches but Grand Junction is right.
Strip them of the win, penalize them with a year on the bench (pun intended for sidelines), refund the taxpayers who funded last year's competition and get new coaches for Glenwood's Mock Trial Team.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
December 22, 2011
SandBox Comments: Center Post Dispatch "Traceable ballots could sabotage Colorado elections in 2012"
(See related story and comments here)
"...The CORA block would prevent poll watchers, media, and ordinary citizens from examining ballots, and would delay and restrict examination of logs, poll books, and other essential election information in the event of a disputed election. This even after Colorado Sec. of State Scott Gessler won a lawsuit in August 2011 against Saguache County Clerk Melinda Myers, with District Judge Martin Gonzales ruling that ballots are public records and Gessler as well as ordinary citizens have a right to request and inspect them.
Judge Gonzales’ decision was later upheld by an appeals court decision granting Aspen election-integrity advocate Marilyn Marks the right to inspect and copy photocopies of ballots cast during her bid as a candidate for mayor of Aspen, Colorado, in 2009.
Despite these clear rulings by the courts, for the past several months the Colorado County Clerks and Recorder’s Association (CCCRA) has been lobbying to obstruct CORA requests for ballots, most of them made by Marks, and has openly questioned the Colorado Appeals Court decision. Further, the City of Aspen has appealed the appellate ruling to the Colorado Supreme Court...."
(Teresa L. Benns)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"...The CORA block would prevent poll watchers, media, and ordinary citizens from examining ballots, and would delay and restrict examination of logs, poll books, and other essential election information in the event of a disputed election. This even after Colorado Sec. of State Scott Gessler won a lawsuit in August 2011 against Saguache County Clerk Melinda Myers, with District Judge Martin Gonzales ruling that ballots are public records and Gessler as well as ordinary citizens have a right to request and inspect them.
Judge Gonzales’ decision was later upheld by an appeals court decision granting Aspen election-integrity advocate Marilyn Marks the right to inspect and copy photocopies of ballots cast during her bid as a candidate for mayor of Aspen, Colorado, in 2009.
Despite these clear rulings by the courts, for the past several months the Colorado County Clerks and Recorder’s Association (CCCRA) has been lobbying to obstruct CORA requests for ballots, most of them made by Marks, and has openly questioned the Colorado Appeals Court decision. Further, the City of Aspen has appealed the appellate ruling to the Colorado Supreme Court...."
(Teresa L. Benns)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "White, Baumgardner both seek Senate District 8 seat"
The time White has spent filling in on the vacancy left by her husband has not only seen little to no strong for the district activity from her; there has been more than enough dissention and strife. Issues that began with the way she was 'elected' to hold the vacancy in the first place.
Baumgardner has done a phenomenal job in office and this move to Senate in District 8 is a very good one.
Area Republicans and conservatives have long memory spans.
"Steamboat Springs — Jean White and Randy Baumgardner have their sights set on the Senate District 8 seat.
White, the Hayden Republican who was appointed to the state Senate seat a year ago to fill the vacancy left by her husband’s resignation, announced early Wednesday that she will seek election to a full term in November 2012. Just a few hours later, Baumgardner, a Hot Sulphur Springs Republican who is the state representative for House District 57, publicly announced his intention to run for the same Senate seat.
“I’m disappointed that he chose to run against me, especially after he gave me his word that he wouldn’t,” White said, recalling a conversation she said she had with Baumgardner a couple of weeks ago. “He looked me in the eye and told me he wasn’t going to run a primary against me.”
Baumgardner said he was encouraged to run by others.
“It’s not a matter of throwing a hat in the ring against a fellow Republican,” he said. “Several people have contacted me in the district and were in support of me running in that district...”
(Brent Boyer)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Baumgardner has done a phenomenal job in office and this move to Senate in District 8 is a very good one.
Area Republicans and conservatives have long memory spans.
"Steamboat Springs — Jean White and Randy Baumgardner have their sights set on the Senate District 8 seat.
White, the Hayden Republican who was appointed to the state Senate seat a year ago to fill the vacancy left by her husband’s resignation, announced early Wednesday that she will seek election to a full term in November 2012. Just a few hours later, Baumgardner, a Hot Sulphur Springs Republican who is the state representative for House District 57, publicly announced his intention to run for the same Senate seat.
“I’m disappointed that he chose to run against me, especially after he gave me his word that he wouldn’t,” White said, recalling a conversation she said she had with Baumgardner a couple of weeks ago. “He looked me in the eye and told me he wasn’t going to run a primary against me.”
Baumgardner said he was encouraged to run by others.
“It’s not a matter of throwing a hat in the ring against a fellow Republican,” he said. “Several people have contacted me in the district and were in support of me running in that district...”
(Brent Boyer)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily "Drug suspects arrested Monday in Eagle, Dotsero"
Well, finally they nab at least one long-time, major, major (alleged) trafficking coke dealer out of Glenwood Springs that most every construction site in the Valley has known about for years.
Thank you.
Thank you to the Eagle County Sheriff's Dept. for this major drug bust. And any other agency, officers or agents who assisted. You are appreciated.
Thank you.
Thank you to the Eagle County Sheriff's Dept. for this major drug bust. And any other agency, officers or agents who assisted. You are appreciated.
"EAGLE COUNTY, Colorado — The Eagle County Sheriff's Office arrested two drug suspects in two separate drug operations Monday.
Sergio Alfredo Rascon Venegas, 35, of Glenwood Springs, was arrested while delivering two ounces of cocaine worth $1,500 to undercover personnel in the Dotsero area of Eagle County, police said. He was charged with felony possession and distribution of cocaine and is detained in the Eagle County Detention Facility with a $50,000 bond and an immigration “hold” due to his illegal status in the United States.
Fredrick Herman Holz, 44, of Gypsum, was arrested after attempting to deliver heroin to undercover personnel in the Eagle area of Eagle County, police said. Holz was charged with felony possession of cocaine, and possession and attempted distribution of heroin. He is being held in the Eagle County Detention Facility with a $50,000 bond.
The Sheriff's Office continues to investigate this incident."
Sergio Alfredo Rascon Venegas, 35, of Glenwood Springs, was arrested while delivering two ounces of cocaine worth $1,500 to undercover personnel in the Dotsero area of Eagle County, police said. He was charged with felony possession and distribution of cocaine and is detained in the Eagle County Detention Facility with a $50,000 bond and an immigration “hold” due to his illegal status in the United States.
Fredrick Herman Holz, 44, of Gypsum, was arrested after attempting to deliver heroin to undercover personnel in the Eagle area of Eagle County, police said. Holz was charged with felony possession of cocaine, and possession and attempted distribution of heroin. He is being held in the Eagle County Detention Facility with a $50,000 bond.
The Sheriff's Office continues to investigate this incident."
(Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Crested Butte News "County OKs $200,000 in supplemental marketing '
"It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words, and Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) used that adage to its advantage this week. Responding to hesitation over its recent partnership with the Gunnison Crested Butte Tourism Association (TA), CBMR representatives brought a mock-up of a web page to its most recent meeting with the Board of County Commissioners..."
(Alissa Johnson)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(Alissa Johnson)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
December 21, 2011
SandBox Comments: Lee Mulcahy "Aspen Art Museum Form for Annual fundraiser [online]:"
via Lee Mulcahy:
"Let me tell you on this first Sunday in Advent, when we celebrate hope, when we remember in the church how Mary and Joseph left Nazareth for Bethlehem, why I am in Liberty Square.
I am here because I have tried, however imperfectly, to live by the radical message of the Gospel. I am here because I know that it is not what we say or profess but what we do. I am here because I have seen in my many years overseas as a foreign correspondent that great men and women of moral probity arise in all cultures and all religions to fight the oppressor on behalf of the oppressed. I am here because I have seen that it is possible to be a Jew, a Buddhist, a Muslim, a Christian, a Hindu or an atheist and carry the cross.
The words are different but the self-sacrifice and thirst for justice are the same. And these men and women, who may not profess what I profess or believe what I believe, are my brothers and sisters. And I stand with them honoring and respecting our differences and finding hope and strength and love in our common commitment.
At times like these I hear the voices of the saints who went before us.
The suffragist Susan B. Anthony, who announced that resistance to tyranny is obedience to God, and the suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who said, “The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls.”
Or Henry David Thoreau, who told us we should be men and women first and subjects afterward, that we should cultivate a respect not for the law but for what is right.
And Frederick Douglass, who warned us: “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.”
And the great 19th century populist Mary Elizabeth Lease, who thundered: “Wall Street owns the country. It is no longer a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, but a government of Wall Street, by Wall Street, and for Wall Street. The great common people of this country are slaves, and monopoly is the master.”
And Gen. Smedley Butler, who said that after 33 years and four months in the Marine Corps he had come to understand that he had been nothing more than a gangster for capitalism, making Mexico safe for American oil interests, making Haiti and Cuba safe for banks and pacifying the Dominican Republic for sugar companies. War, he said, is a racket in which newly dominated countries are exploited by the financial elites and Wall Street while the citizens foot the bill and sacrifice their young men and women on the battlefield for corporate greed.
Or Eugene V. Debs, the socialist presidential candidate, who in 1912 pulled almost a million votes, or 6 percent, and who was sent to prison by Woodrow Wilson for opposing the First World War, and who told the world: “While there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a criminal element I am of it, and while there is a soul in prison, I am not free.”
And Rabbi Abraham Heschel, who when he was criticized for walking with Martin Luther King on the Sabbath in Selma answered: “I pray with my feet” and who quoted Samuel Johnson, who said: “The opposite of good is not evil. The opposite of good is indifference.”
And Rosa Parks, who defied the segregated bus system and said “the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”
And Philip Berrigan, who said: “If enough Christians follow the Gospel, they can bring any state to its knees.”
And Martin Luther King, who said: “On some positions, cowardice asks the question, ‘Is it safe?’ Expediency asks the question, ‘Is it politic?’ Vanity asks the question, ‘Is it popular?’ And there comes a time when a true follower of Jesus Christ must take a stand that’s neither safe nor politic nor popular but he must take a stand because it is right.”
(Chris Hedges)
I am here because I have tried, however imperfectly, to live by the radical message of the Gospel. I am here because I know that it is not what we say or profess but what we do. I am here because I have seen in my many years overseas as a foreign correspondent that great men and women of moral probity arise in all cultures and all religions to fight the oppressor on behalf of the oppressed. I am here because I have seen that it is possible to be a Jew, a Buddhist, a Muslim, a Christian, a Hindu or an atheist and carry the cross.
The words are different but the self-sacrifice and thirst for justice are the same. And these men and women, who may not profess what I profess or believe what I believe, are my brothers and sisters. And I stand with them honoring and respecting our differences and finding hope and strength and love in our common commitment.
At times like these I hear the voices of the saints who went before us.
The suffragist Susan B. Anthony, who announced that resistance to tyranny is obedience to God, and the suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who said, “The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls.”
Or Henry David Thoreau, who told us we should be men and women first and subjects afterward, that we should cultivate a respect not for the law but for what is right.
And Frederick Douglass, who warned us: “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.”
And the great 19th century populist Mary Elizabeth Lease, who thundered: “Wall Street owns the country. It is no longer a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, but a government of Wall Street, by Wall Street, and for Wall Street. The great common people of this country are slaves, and monopoly is the master.”
And Gen. Smedley Butler, who said that after 33 years and four months in the Marine Corps he had come to understand that he had been nothing more than a gangster for capitalism, making Mexico safe for American oil interests, making Haiti and Cuba safe for banks and pacifying the Dominican Republic for sugar companies. War, he said, is a racket in which newly dominated countries are exploited by the financial elites and Wall Street while the citizens foot the bill and sacrifice their young men and women on the battlefield for corporate greed.
Or Eugene V. Debs, the socialist presidential candidate, who in 1912 pulled almost a million votes, or 6 percent, and who was sent to prison by Woodrow Wilson for opposing the First World War, and who told the world: “While there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a criminal element I am of it, and while there is a soul in prison, I am not free.”
And Rabbi Abraham Heschel, who when he was criticized for walking with Martin Luther King on the Sabbath in Selma answered: “I pray with my feet” and who quoted Samuel Johnson, who said: “The opposite of good is not evil. The opposite of good is indifference.”
And Rosa Parks, who defied the segregated bus system and said “the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”
And Philip Berrigan, who said: “If enough Christians follow the Gospel, they can bring any state to its knees.”
And Martin Luther King, who said: “On some positions, cowardice asks the question, ‘Is it safe?’ Expediency asks the question, ‘Is it politic?’ Vanity asks the question, ‘Is it popular?’ And there comes a time when a true follower of Jesus Christ must take a stand that’s neither safe nor politic nor popular but he must take a stand because it is right.”
(Chris Hedges)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Republican Defined "Jeb Bush Op-Ed: Capitalism and the Right to Rise"
"Congressman Paul Ryan recently coined a smart phrase to describe the core concept of economic freedom: “The right to rise.”
Think about it. We talk about the right to free speech, the right to bear arms, the right to assembly. The right to rise doesn’t seem like something we should have to protect.
But we do. We have to make it easier for people to do the things that allow them to rise. We have to let them compete. We need to let people fight for business. We need to let people take risks. We need to let people fail. We need to let people suffer the consequences of bad decisions. And we need to let people enjoy the fruits of good decisions, even good luck...."
(T. Christopher)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Think about it. We talk about the right to free speech, the right to bear arms, the right to assembly. The right to rise doesn’t seem like something we should have to protect.
But we do. We have to make it easier for people to do the things that allow them to rise. We have to let them compete. We need to let people fight for business. We need to let people take risks. We need to let people fail. We need to let people suffer the consequences of bad decisions. And we need to let people enjoy the fruits of good decisions, even good luck...."
(T. Christopher)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Mesa County precincts redrawn"
"Pressed by concerns about voter privacy and expense, Mesa County Clerk Sheila Reiner is proposing reducing county’s precincts from 82 to 57...."
Sure, she is. "Pressed by concerns about voter privacy and expense".
Clerk Reiner is being sued:
"Mesa County - The Mesa County Clerk and Recorder is being sued, and some people believe the outcome could have a huge effect on the 2012 general election."
(Learn more? Click title and post link. Comment to discuss)
Sure, she is. "Pressed by concerns about voter privacy and expense".
Clerk Reiner is being sued:
"Mesa County - The Mesa County Clerk and Recorder is being sued, and some people believe the outcome could have a huge effect on the 2012 general election."
(Learn more? Click title and post link. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Labor pains in Aspen"
Dear Editor:
I read with interest the conclusions a pair of papered pundits drew in their recently published “The Slums of Aspen.” They bear witness to what Aspen's workforce has become. But things were not always so.
Back when I first moved to the valley more than 30 years ago, there were very few illegal immigrants working in Aspen. The landscapers, the maids, the cooks and the rest of the working class were U.S. citizens.
My first job in Aspen was doing maid work with my wife at one of Aspen's finer hotels. We averaged more than $10 per hour and got to take home all the food and booze left in the rooms, and at season's end we each got a $450 bonus.
Thirty years later, the same job at the same hotel pays $8 per hour, you don't get any guest leftovers, and as a bonus you don't have to speak English. The authors' liberal bent must have prevented their distinguishing between legal and illegal workers.
(Bruno Kirchenwitz)
(Read the rest? Click title. Comment to discuss)
I read with interest the conclusions a pair of papered pundits drew in their recently published “The Slums of Aspen.” They bear witness to what Aspen's workforce has become. But things were not always so.
Back when I first moved to the valley more than 30 years ago, there were very few illegal immigrants working in Aspen. The landscapers, the maids, the cooks and the rest of the working class were U.S. citizens.
My first job in Aspen was doing maid work with my wife at one of Aspen's finer hotels. We averaged more than $10 per hour and got to take home all the food and booze left in the rooms, and at season's end we each got a $450 bonus.
Thirty years later, the same job at the same hotel pays $8 per hour, you don't get any guest leftovers, and as a bonus you don't have to speak English. The authors' liberal bent must have prevented their distinguishing between legal and illegal workers.
(Bruno Kirchenwitz)
(Read the rest? Click title. Comment to discuss)
December 20, 2011
SandBox Comments: Power Line "The Last Refuge of a Scoundrel"
He has not even picked up the phone to speak directly to Brian Terry's family.
John Hinderaker:
"In today’s world, it is playing the race card. There are two notable miscreants in the news today. The first is Eric Holder, who, in a weekend interview, suggested that criticism of his job performance in relation to Fast and Furious and other issues is–sometimes, anyway–racist:
"Mr. Holder contended that many of his other critics — not only elected Republicans but also a broader universe of conservative commentators and bloggers — were instead playing “Washington gotcha” games, portraying them as frequently “conflating things, conveniently leaving some stuff out, construing things to make it seem not quite what it was” to paint him and other department figures in the worst possible light.
Of that group of critics, Mr. Holder said he believed that a few — the “more extreme segment” — were motivated by animus against Mr. Obama and that he served as a stand-in for him. “This is a way to get at the president because of the way I can be identified with him,” he said, “both due to the nature of our relationship and, you know, the fact that we’re both African-American....”
Why are Colorado's Independent Conservatives sending Texas Governor Rick Perry to the White House in 2012?
He's hitting every mark.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
John Hinderaker:
"In today’s world, it is playing the race card. There are two notable miscreants in the news today. The first is Eric Holder, who, in a weekend interview, suggested that criticism of his job performance in relation to Fast and Furious and other issues is–sometimes, anyway–racist:
"Mr. Holder contended that many of his other critics — not only elected Republicans but also a broader universe of conservative commentators and bloggers — were instead playing “Washington gotcha” games, portraying them as frequently “conflating things, conveniently leaving some stuff out, construing things to make it seem not quite what it was” to paint him and other department figures in the worst possible light.
Of that group of critics, Mr. Holder said he believed that a few — the “more extreme segment” — were motivated by animus against Mr. Obama and that he served as a stand-in for him. “This is a way to get at the president because of the way I can be identified with him,” he said, “both due to the nature of our relationship and, you know, the fact that we’re both African-American....”
Why are Colorado's Independent Conservatives sending Texas Governor Rick Perry to the White House in 2012?
He's hitting every mark.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Basalt library board urged to challenge ex-director's severance demand"
Sort of figured this was coming. And it is rightful. As someone who has observed the entire story of Kristen Becker and her relationship with Basalt; there is no surprise to see Kristen react as she did with the demand of a severance package when reality, is that there was no wrong committed in revising her contract offer and she quit rather than having been fired.
To demand a severance package, when her spending of library funds is legitimately in question, is pretty arrogant under all the circumstances of Kristen Becker and her relationship with Basalt.
Strong people, especially women in leadership or key roles, are often misunderstood by the general population when and if they ever are thrust into the spotlight.
A very good barometer to use when gauging someone like that and their motivation when they fight back, is to go back to the beginning of their exposure and take a look at 'why' they're in the spotlight.
In Kristen's case, she chose to be. And has done absolutely nothing to help people get to know her personally. Controversy flares up, spotlight grows intense, Kristen's back goes up against the wall.
Instead of finding some kind of medium to flow alongside all the controversy, she instead chooses to make more demands and never really comes out with a targeted and appropriate to the level directed at her of 'push back'.
Only to end up not being a team player after all and losing all of her fairly big talk of having the library's interests at heart by up and quitting. Yes, that's her right to choose.
But the severance demand?
Might as well have taken jet fuel and just carelessly toss it on the smoldering coals.
Sometimes, the best thing to do if you're a similar style as Kristen Becker, is to let people come to know the real you instead of what they've been led to believe.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
To demand a severance package, when her spending of library funds is legitimately in question, is pretty arrogant under all the circumstances of Kristen Becker and her relationship with Basalt.
Strong people, especially women in leadership or key roles, are often misunderstood by the general population when and if they ever are thrust into the spotlight.
A very good barometer to use when gauging someone like that and their motivation when they fight back, is to go back to the beginning of their exposure and take a look at 'why' they're in the spotlight.
In Kristen's case, she chose to be. And has done absolutely nothing to help people get to know her personally. Controversy flares up, spotlight grows intense, Kristen's back goes up against the wall.
Instead of finding some kind of medium to flow alongside all the controversy, she instead chooses to make more demands and never really comes out with a targeted and appropriate to the level directed at her of 'push back'.
Only to end up not being a team player after all and losing all of her fairly big talk of having the library's interests at heart by up and quitting. Yes, that's her right to choose.
But the severance demand?
Might as well have taken jet fuel and just carelessly toss it on the smoldering coals.
Sometimes, the best thing to do if you're a similar style as Kristen Becker, is to let people come to know the real you instead of what they've been led to believe.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "BOCC proceeds with land-use code revisions"
SandBox sends out another special thank you to GarCo commissioners for setting the pace on uprooting and overhaul of all our county land use, building and development codes.
People who are not in the industry of construction and development have no idea how bad it was. Like trying to run in mud.
So many business ventures have passed us by over the years for that very reason.
This is all very, very good news.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
People who are not in the industry of construction and development have no idea how bad it was. Like trying to run in mud.
So many business ventures have passed us by over the years for that very reason.
This is all very, very good news.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "USFS approves Aspen ski area forest health work"
"SUMMIT COUNTY — The Aspen Skiing Company will try to stay ahead of the forest health curve with treatments across more than 4,000 acres aimed at encouraging the growth of new trees and maintaining forest cover where it exists.
The U.S. Forest Service last week approved the forest health project, set to proceed during the next 10 years.
“Maintaining a diversity of tree species and age classes in an area can help encourage stand resilience, thereby improving forest health,” said District Ranger Scott Snelson. “Age class diversity is one way to assure future resilience of a forest ecosystem to a threat such as mountain pine beetle.”
According to the Forest Service, the projects are designed to maintain or improve forest health conditions in timber stands located within each of the four SkiCo permitted ski areas. Forest health has deteriorated regionally due to a combination of problems such as mountain pine and spruce beetle infestations, aspen decline, mistletoe, and past drought. Without intervention, stand resilience and overall forest health is likely to continue deteriorating.
The U.S. Forest Service last week approved the forest health project, set to proceed during the next 10 years.
“Maintaining a diversity of tree species and age classes in an area can help encourage stand resilience, thereby improving forest health,” said District Ranger Scott Snelson. “Age class diversity is one way to assure future resilience of a forest ecosystem to a threat such as mountain pine beetle.”
According to the Forest Service, the projects are designed to maintain or improve forest health conditions in timber stands located within each of the four SkiCo permitted ski areas. Forest health has deteriorated regionally due to a combination of problems such as mountain pine and spruce beetle infestations, aspen decline, mistletoe, and past drought. Without intervention, stand resilience and overall forest health is likely to continue deteriorating.
Copies of the environmental assessment and Decision Notice and FONSI are available on-line at the White River National Forest website...."
(Summit Voice)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
December 19, 2011
SandBox Comments: Africa Water Wells Org "Sandy and Bud Mulcahy"
Meet Lee's family, Sandy and Bud Mulcahy.
The mission?
To build a water well for Yegon Richard's village near Sotik in western Kenya.
Click the title to read all the details and be sure to watch the video of their trip to Africa. Amazing scenes.
One of Lee's contributions to the family venture?
Purchase artist Lee Mulcahy's 'Big $$' pictured below.
A tax deductible purchase for $10,000 benefitting the Baptist Church of Kenya.
For more information, contact Lee E. Mulcahy, PhD 53 Forge Road, Aspen, CO 81611. (817) 371-0529 skiaspen50@hotmail.com
The mission?
To build a water well for Yegon Richard's village near Sotik in western Kenya.
Click the title to read all the details and be sure to watch the video of their trip to Africa. Amazing scenes.
One of Lee's contributions to the family venture?
Purchase artist Lee Mulcahy's 'Big $$' pictured below.
A tax deductible purchase for $10,000 benefitting the Baptist Church of Kenya.
For more information, contact Lee E. Mulcahy, PhD 53 Forge Road, Aspen, CO 81611. (817) 371-0529 skiaspen50@hotmail.com
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "There was just one Hitch"
"...Among the many things that made Hitchens unique was his precision of thought and expression. What made him rare were his courage and tenacity. He was fearless in the field and relentless in his defense of the defenseless with that mightiest of swords — his pen. Judging from his final essays, he was also fearless in the face of death. Terrified that he might lose his ability to write and therefore his being? Well, that was something else.
In his last article for Vanity Fair, Hitchens said he wanted to be fully present at death so that he might experience it actively rather than passively. How perfect that a man who was never passive about living would go un-gentle (but surely gentlemanly) into that dark night, and dare death to have the last word."
(Kathleen Parker)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
In his last article for Vanity Fair, Hitchens said he wanted to be fully present at death so that he might experience it actively rather than passively. How perfect that a man who was never passive about living would go un-gentle (but surely gentlemanly) into that dark night, and dare death to have the last word."
(Kathleen Parker)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
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