"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)
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December 30, 2011
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.
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