Josh Lederman and Rachel Leven:
"There’s a new phenomenon in Washington: the Hispanic super-PAC, which aims to give political voice to the nation’s fastest-growing demographic.
Two have cropped up since the beginning of the year. Another that formed as a regular PAC in 2010 has relaunched as a super-PAC, expanding its efforts from a single House district to 15. And at least one other Hispanic PAC is considering making the leap to super-PAC status...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
January 31, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "L.A. man latest to plead guilty in Aspen cocaine case"
Aspen Daily News:
"..A Los Angeles resident who gave $38,000 to an Aspen man for a kilo of cocaine in 2010 pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. District Court in Denver.
Arrested in May in connection with a Los Angeles-to-Aspen trafficking ring, Anthony Buchanan, 67, is one of seven people, including five Aspen-area residents, who have reached a plea agreement in the case.
Federal prosecutor Michele Korver will recommend that Buchanan, who pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing more than 500 grams of cocaine, be sentenced to 18 months of home detention and three years of probation. A conspiracy charge was dropped in the plea deal, according to court documents.
On Sept. 24, 2010, Buchanan met Wayne Reid, of Aspen, in a hotel room in Pasadena, Calif., the plea agreement says. There, he gave Reid, described by federal drug agents as the leader of the operation that brought to the Roaring Fork Valley multiple kilos of the drug, approximately $38,000, Korver wrote.
Reid then bought two kilos from California resident Alfonso Elvao-Allocati, 71, in the hotel’s parking garage, returned to the room and gave one to Buchanan, according to the plea agreement..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"..A Los Angeles resident who gave $38,000 to an Aspen man for a kilo of cocaine in 2010 pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. District Court in Denver.
Arrested in May in connection with a Los Angeles-to-Aspen trafficking ring, Anthony Buchanan, 67, is one of seven people, including five Aspen-area residents, who have reached a plea agreement in the case.
Federal prosecutor Michele Korver will recommend that Buchanan, who pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing more than 500 grams of cocaine, be sentenced to 18 months of home detention and three years of probation. A conspiracy charge was dropped in the plea deal, according to court documents.
On Sept. 24, 2010, Buchanan met Wayne Reid, of Aspen, in a hotel room in Pasadena, Calif., the plea agreement says. There, he gave Reid, described by federal drug agents as the leader of the operation that brought to the Roaring Fork Valley multiple kilos of the drug, approximately $38,000, Korver wrote.
Reid then bought two kilos from California resident Alfonso Elvao-Allocati, 71, in the hotel’s parking garage, returned to the room and gave one to Buchanan, according to the plea agreement..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Child prostitution ring used Glenwood Springs hotel rooms"
SandBox will not be blocking public commentary on this horrific story that apparently happened right here in Glenwood Springs in some of our hotels.
Why Glenwood Springs? What's the tie?
"DENVER, Colorado — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers released a grand jury indictment Monday charging four metro Denver residents with running a human-trafficking and child prostitution ring, and another 10 for assisting or patronizing the operation.
The suspects allegedly used hotel rooms in Glenwood Springs, as well as in Grand Junction, Denver, Boulder and Lakewood for “meet-ups” between clients and the child victims.
According to the 70-count indictment, Patrick Lloyd McGowan, 22, Chad Armand Gow, 20, Roy Manuel Ibarra-Gonzales, 20, and Bryan Steven Burns, 20, oversaw a human trafficking ring that involved prostitution of children and sale of methamphetamine and cocaine.
The four men are suspected of arranging “out calls” for their child victims through the Internet and coercing their victims through the use of drugs and threats of violence..." (Read more? Click title.)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Why Glenwood Springs? What's the tie?
"DENVER, Colorado — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers released a grand jury indictment Monday charging four metro Denver residents with running a human-trafficking and child prostitution ring, and another 10 for assisting or patronizing the operation.
The suspects allegedly used hotel rooms in Glenwood Springs, as well as in Grand Junction, Denver, Boulder and Lakewood for “meet-ups” between clients and the child victims.
According to the 70-count indictment, Patrick Lloyd McGowan, 22, Chad Armand Gow, 20, Roy Manuel Ibarra-Gonzales, 20, and Bryan Steven Burns, 20, oversaw a human trafficking ring that involved prostitution of children and sale of methamphetamine and cocaine.
The four men are suspected of arranging “out calls” for their child victims through the Internet and coercing their victims through the use of drugs and threats of violence..." (Read more? Click title.)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Carbondale, Dotsero men busted for cocaine"
(See related Aspen Daily News coverage here)
via Post Independent:
"The Eagle County Drug Task Force arrested two men suspected of selling cocaine to undercover agents in separate incidents last week.
Cesar Galaviz-Orozco, 33, of Dotsero, was arrested Jan. 23 after allegedly selling to an undercover agent in Gypsum.
Jesus Castaneda-Cuevas, 20, of Carbondale, was arrested Jan. 26 after allegedly selling to an undercover agent in El Jebel....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
via Post Independent:
"The Eagle County Drug Task Force arrested two men suspected of selling cocaine to undercover agents in separate incidents last week.
Cesar Galaviz-Orozco, 33, of Dotsero, was arrested Jan. 23 after allegedly selling to an undercover agent in Gypsum.
Jesus Castaneda-Cuevas, 20, of Carbondale, was arrested Jan. 26 after allegedly selling to an undercover agent in El Jebel....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News " Judge approves RFTA eminent domain action in Basalt"
It must be the law or Judge Nichols would not have approved this.
That does not make the actions of RFTA seizing private land, in order to pursue an agenda that has never once been shown as truly viable to succeeding; any less appalling.
This is the worst yet in their track record of public business dealings and that is saying a great deal given the millions of dollars in bailouts and handouts that taxpayers have given RFTA over the years.
Chad Abraham:
"A judge has approved the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority’s request to seize a private parcel of land in Basalt that the agency wants for its $46 million overhaul of transit in the valley.
The Jan. 18 order by Judge Gail Nichols of Pitkin County District Court says that RFTA and the town of Basalt, which is a co-petitioner in the eminent domain proceeding, have the legal authority to take the land. Nichols also ruled that the property along Basalt Avenue serves a public purpose.
RFTA will pay a $600,000 deposit to the court registry to gain immediate title of the approximately half-acre parcel, and pay $12,398.44 to the Pitkin County Treasuer’s Office to cover outstanding property taxes, the judge’s order says. (The transit agency is paying for the land acquisition, and the town signed on as co-petitioner in a show of support, officials have said.)
The Cathers family of Basalt, owners of the Cathers Home Furniture Store across the street from the land in question, has waived all challenges to RFTA’s eminent domain authority.
But the family “has specifically reserved the right to seek additional compensation for the taking, which shall be the sole issue remaining for trial,” the order says.
Paul Cathers, CEO of his family’s business, said in December that he and his relatives believed the bus agency was low-balling during negotiations. RFTA’s original offer for the land was in the neighborhood of $585,000, Cathers said, a sum that is less than what the family paid for it six or seven years ago.
The family’s appraisal valued the land at $1 million, Cathers said.
As part of RFTA’s $46 million bus-rapid transit plan, the land will be used to expand by 100 spaces the existing park-and-ride lot near Highway 82...."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
That does not make the actions of RFTA seizing private land, in order to pursue an agenda that has never once been shown as truly viable to succeeding; any less appalling.
This is the worst yet in their track record of public business dealings and that is saying a great deal given the millions of dollars in bailouts and handouts that taxpayers have given RFTA over the years.
Chad Abraham:
"A judge has approved the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority’s request to seize a private parcel of land in Basalt that the agency wants for its $46 million overhaul of transit in the valley.
The Jan. 18 order by Judge Gail Nichols of Pitkin County District Court says that RFTA and the town of Basalt, which is a co-petitioner in the eminent domain proceeding, have the legal authority to take the land. Nichols also ruled that the property along Basalt Avenue serves a public purpose.
RFTA will pay a $600,000 deposit to the court registry to gain immediate title of the approximately half-acre parcel, and pay $12,398.44 to the Pitkin County Treasuer’s Office to cover outstanding property taxes, the judge’s order says. (The transit agency is paying for the land acquisition, and the town signed on as co-petitioner in a show of support, officials have said.)
The Cathers family of Basalt, owners of the Cathers Home Furniture Store across the street from the land in question, has waived all challenges to RFTA’s eminent domain authority.
But the family “has specifically reserved the right to seek additional compensation for the taking, which shall be the sole issue remaining for trial,” the order says.
Paul Cathers, CEO of his family’s business, said in December that he and his relatives believed the bus agency was low-balling during negotiations. RFTA’s original offer for the land was in the neighborhood of $585,000, Cathers said, a sum that is less than what the family paid for it six or seven years ago.
The family’s appraisal valued the land at $1 million, Cathers said.
As part of RFTA’s $46 million bus-rapid transit plan, the land will be used to expand by 100 spaces the existing park-and-ride lot near Highway 82...."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: KJCT News 8 "Sen. Steve King Pushing Marijuana DUI Bill Again"
Don Colman:
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- Years after Colorado voters approved medical marijuana, State Senator Steve King is hoping to keep the state's roads safe.
For the second time in as many years, King is pushing a marijuana DUI bill that caps how much THC someone can have in their system when behind the wheel. There would be zero tolerance for people without medical marijuana cards.
But, the jury is out on if it will pass. Last year, it drew stiff opposition on Capitol Hill as critics questioned the science of testing how high someone is.
"I hear this story about well the science isn't there," King said. "The science is there and it's written in the blood of innocent people killed by DUI-D drivers...."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- Years after Colorado voters approved medical marijuana, State Senator Steve King is hoping to keep the state's roads safe.
For the second time in as many years, King is pushing a marijuana DUI bill that caps how much THC someone can have in their system when behind the wheel. There would be zero tolerance for people without medical marijuana cards.
But, the jury is out on if it will pass. Last year, it drew stiff opposition on Capitol Hill as critics questioned the science of testing how high someone is.
"I hear this story about well the science isn't there," King said. "The science is there and it's written in the blood of innocent people killed by DUI-D drivers...."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Pueblo Chieftain "Jewel thief pulls off 'most daring and sensational robbery' "
Peter Strescino:
"The "most daring and sensational robbery ever committed in Pueblo" occurred at the home of John A. Thatcher, 419 W. 14th St., on Saturday, Feb. 3.
The Thatchers, hosting a glittering party for their relatives and friends, suffered the loss of "$10,000 worth of diamonds and jewels," taken by a "porch climber on the Greenwood side of the house" who brazenly entered what is now the Rosemount Museum and took several pieces of Mrs. Thatcher's jewels (a pair of diamond earrings, a solitaire diamond ring and a $10 bill, among many other pieces).
Crime news filled that week's (Jan. 29-Feb. 4) papers.
August Fink, an apparently lively 10-year-old, escaped the County Poor Farm and was on the loose. The Bessemer boy needed "discipline and correction," the paper said...."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The "most daring and sensational robbery ever committed in Pueblo" occurred at the home of John A. Thatcher, 419 W. 14th St., on Saturday, Feb. 3.
The Thatchers, hosting a glittering party for their relatives and friends, suffered the loss of "$10,000 worth of diamonds and jewels," taken by a "porch climber on the Greenwood side of the house" who brazenly entered what is now the Rosemount Museum and took several pieces of Mrs. Thatcher's jewels (a pair of diamond earrings, a solitaire diamond ring and a $10 bill, among many other pieces).
Crime news filled that week's (Jan. 29-Feb. 4) papers.
August Fink, an apparently lively 10-year-old, escaped the County Poor Farm and was on the loose. The Bessemer boy needed "discipline and correction," the paper said...."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: KJCT News 8 "New Helicopter For Mesa County Search & Rescue"
Congratulations to the Mesa County Search and Rescue Team and a huge thank you to Century Link!
Shannon Ballard:
"WHITEWATER, Colo -- Only 10% of Search and Rescue operations on the Western Slope require helicopter support, but they're the most serious and expensive missions.
Lt. Jim Fogg with Mesa County Sheriffs Office says, "They’re not cheap to operate and they're not cheap to maintain."
But now the program has found a way to cut the costs.
"CenturyLink approached us about three months ago and said they'd like to assist us is search and rescue missions," Fogg said.
Randy Krause, Market Development Manager with CenturyLink says, "We have a resource we felt we could help utilize in the efforts for the Search and Rescue Control Team..."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Shannon Ballard:
"WHITEWATER, Colo -- Only 10% of Search and Rescue operations on the Western Slope require helicopter support, but they're the most serious and expensive missions.
Lt. Jim Fogg with Mesa County Sheriffs Office says, "They’re not cheap to operate and they're not cheap to maintain."
But now the program has found a way to cut the costs.
"CenturyLink approached us about three months ago and said they'd like to assist us is search and rescue missions," Fogg said.
Randy Krause, Market Development Manager with CenturyLink says, "We have a resource we felt we could help utilize in the efforts for the Search and Rescue Control Team..."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Stars and Stripes "U-2 spy plane to linger overhead a bit longer"
They should be left to linger for decades to come. So much of our military needs, our border control and security needs, our homeland security needs could be done with the technology of drones.
In our view the value of human life is far greater than the loss of privacy we may be subjected to. To not send an American life into battle or security enforcement and instead rely on technology is well worth considering.
This, is great news on the U-2.
W.J. Hennigan:
"Wars have come and gone. But for more than half a century, the CIA and U.S. military have relied on a skinny sinister-looking black jet to go deep behind enemy lines for vital intelligence-gathering missions.
The high-flying U-2 spy plane was first designed during the Eisenhower administration to breach the iron curtain and, as engineers said, snap "picture postcards for Ike" of hidden military strongholds in the Soviet Union.
And although the plane is perhaps best known for being shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960 and the subsequent capture of pilot Francis Gary Powers, the U-2 continues to play a critical role in national security today, hunting Al Qaeda forces in the Middle East. The aging cold warrior once slated for retirement in 2015 may fight on into the next decade.
The fleet of 33 spycraft was supposed to be replaced in the next few years with RQ-4 Global Hawks, the high-tech drones that have been part of the Air Force since 2001. But this week the Pentagon proposed delaying the U-2's retirement as part of Defense Department cutbacks.
At an estimated cost of $176 million each, the Global Hawk drone had "priced itself out of the niche, in terms of taking pictures in the air," said Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter at a Thursday news conference. "That's a disappointment for us, but that's the fate of things that become too expensive in a resource-constrained environment."
The Pentagon has determined that operating the U-2 would be cheaper for the foreseeable future; it won't disclose how much operating the U-2s will cost for security reasons. The government has relied on the U-2 since 1955, when the aircraft was first built and designed under tight security by Lockheed Corp. at its famed Skunk Works facilities in Burbank headed by legendary chief engineer Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson....."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
In our view the value of human life is far greater than the loss of privacy we may be subjected to. To not send an American life into battle or security enforcement and instead rely on technology is well worth considering.
This, is great news on the U-2.
W.J. Hennigan:
"Wars have come and gone. But for more than half a century, the CIA and U.S. military have relied on a skinny sinister-looking black jet to go deep behind enemy lines for vital intelligence-gathering missions.
The high-flying U-2 spy plane was first designed during the Eisenhower administration to breach the iron curtain and, as engineers said, snap "picture postcards for Ike" of hidden military strongholds in the Soviet Union.
And although the plane is perhaps best known for being shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960 and the subsequent capture of pilot Francis Gary Powers, the U-2 continues to play a critical role in national security today, hunting Al Qaeda forces in the Middle East. The aging cold warrior once slated for retirement in 2015 may fight on into the next decade.
The fleet of 33 spycraft was supposed to be replaced in the next few years with RQ-4 Global Hawks, the high-tech drones that have been part of the Air Force since 2001. But this week the Pentagon proposed delaying the U-2's retirement as part of Defense Department cutbacks.
At an estimated cost of $176 million each, the Global Hawk drone had "priced itself out of the niche, in terms of taking pictures in the air," said Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter at a Thursday news conference. "That's a disappointment for us, but that's the fate of things that become too expensive in a resource-constrained environment."
The Pentagon has determined that operating the U-2 would be cheaper for the foreseeable future; it won't disclose how much operating the U-2s will cost for security reasons. The government has relied on the U-2 since 1955, when the aircraft was first built and designed under tight security by Lockheed Corp. at its famed Skunk Works facilities in Burbank headed by legendary chief engineer Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson....."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Bruno Kirchenwitz "Tax dollars at work"
And then there are those out in the public commentary that have spent the last few years pushing away the denial of local governments and power brokers to the point that when they speak up, the entire valley listens.
Who needs the Steve Skinners and SandBoxBlogs of the world when we have Bruno Kirchenwitz?
Bruno Kirchenwitz:
"...If we want to retain the “good” teachers, why were all the teachers rewarded with those ill-conceived bonuses? Because the union says there is no objective way to economically discern between the good and the not so good.
I do hope all those generous taxpayers learn this union lesson well and remember when it comes hat in hand the next time, begging “for the children.”
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Who needs the Steve Skinners and SandBoxBlogs of the world when we have Bruno Kirchenwitz?
Bruno Kirchenwitz:
"...If we want to retain the “good” teachers, why were all the teachers rewarded with those ill-conceived bonuses? Because the union says there is no objective way to economically discern between the good and the not so good.
I do hope all those generous taxpayers learn this union lesson well and remember when it comes hat in hand the next time, begging “for the children.”
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Why is Silt's URA so appalling to BOCC?"
Posting up a letter to the editor by Carl McWilliams of Silt is like walking through a minefield for 'SandBox Nanny'.
She and a very large majority of the local population disagree with many of McWilliams views and how he goes about his anti-gas industry activism.
But today, McWilliams is dead on with his critcism of 'how' Garfield BOCC put Silt through its paces over their Urban Renewal request.
SandBox doesn't think there's some 'grand conspiracy' such as McWilliams insinuates in this letter.
We do think there is a glimpse into a growing sense of empowerment that does make one feel a little uneasy. With that said, we do not believe the friction is because we have an all Republican board of commissioners.
Our impression here on SandBoxBlogs is that the newly elected Jankovsky needs some balancing out and the way to do that is to change our county charter and laws to increase the board size from (3) commissioners to at least (6).
For a county the size of Garfield it is necessary.
As far as Silt and their assistance from GarCo, we know they will spend the money very wisely and the benefits from that renewal will be seen far and wide as a very, very good move on GarCo's part.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
She and a very large majority of the local population disagree with many of McWilliams views and how he goes about his anti-gas industry activism.
But today, McWilliams is dead on with his critcism of 'how' Garfield BOCC put Silt through its paces over their Urban Renewal request.
SandBox doesn't think there's some 'grand conspiracy' such as McWilliams insinuates in this letter.
We do think there is a glimpse into a growing sense of empowerment that does make one feel a little uneasy. With that said, we do not believe the friction is because we have an all Republican board of commissioners.
Our impression here on SandBoxBlogs is that the newly elected Jankovsky needs some balancing out and the way to do that is to change our county charter and laws to increase the board size from (3) commissioners to at least (6).
For a county the size of Garfield it is necessary.
As far as Silt and their assistance from GarCo, we know they will spend the money very wisely and the benefits from that renewal will be seen far and wide as a very, very good move on GarCo's part.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Hecht has agreed to make concessions in Annie’s negotiations"
SandBox sends out a thank you to Nikos Hecht for his tolerance and his patience in dealing with the City of Aspen over Little Annie's.
Sure, it probably was strategic on Hecht's part to sit back after Mayor Mick showed his inner self and let that reality come fully out into the open.
After all, Hecht will be doing business in Aspen for a long, long time and the heavy weight of unnecessary obstruction that the City of Aspen often puts up, with Mick at the wheel, has reached the point of needing to be eliminated from due process.
Eventually term limits, voters and likely elections transparency will give Hecht a hand.
In the meantime, with relative ease and expediency Hecht, Frisch and Torre sat down and worked out the details.
The result is very much a win-win.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Sure, it probably was strategic on Hecht's part to sit back after Mayor Mick showed his inner self and let that reality come fully out into the open.
After all, Hecht will be doing business in Aspen for a long, long time and the heavy weight of unnecessary obstruction that the City of Aspen often puts up, with Mick at the wheel, has reached the point of needing to be eliminated from due process.
Eventually term limits, voters and likely elections transparency will give Hecht a hand.
In the meantime, with relative ease and expediency Hecht, Frisch and Torre sat down and worked out the details.
The result is very much a win-win.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Flying Tomato a cash cannonball"
How many actual reads per day do you think SandBox gets on all local and regional tourism, government and law enforcement news?
Where do you think those reads come from?
How many times per day, after someone in a significant position of power within those three news arenas reads SandBox for the day; do others pound away at that post and take a look for themselves as word spreads?
Dozens. We may be read by others in clandestine ways, a 'guilty obsession' if you will; but we are read. Especially the public comments.
Our local newspapers used to enjoy that notoriety until they began to censor and ban content.
Why is that statement above important on a post up of Steve Skinner's column today?
Because of the way he wrote what he has to say.
Brilliantly done, Skinner pounds a square peg into a round hole by using words. Forcing, simply by the honesty of his words, local governments and power brokers to pay attention with focus aimed at our valley wide tourism marketing and how we spend public funds.
In reality, not disinformation or preconceived perception; what/who is 'SandBox Nanny'?
Why, she's nothing more, in reality, than a pen name and third-party persona that posts and comments on a news aggregate blog. That is all 'she' is. 'SandBox Nanny' is spinning a story in a certain number of words or less. Is it her life story? In reality and the genre of spin and stories told, she is a pen name and third-party persona.
Who is Steve Skinner, in reality? Why, he is nothing more than a guy who happens to write an opinion column for the Aspen Daily News. Will his opinion change as life goes on? Maybe. If so, his column will change. Steve Skinner is spinning a story in a certain number of words or less. Outside of that, he is the same average, everyday person as you are.
Reality, is that both have something to say to the consumer of local news and both provide an outlet for the folks to join in the dialog. When they say what they have to say, most often their words are aimed at public figures and entities in positions of trust. In the case of 'SandBox Nanny' she's simply rounding up content and putting it into the kind of perspective that keeps the door open for individual thought.
From the very well done work of Skinner today, up on the Aspen Daily, it appears that those consumers are listening. Are they listening to both entities?
Probably so.
What do you think?
Would it 'less painful' for those tourism, government and law enforcement entities to hear same, similar or highly likely far more brutal honesty from the folks writing in to their own publications? Probably not. At least entities like SandBox, the Aspen Daily and so many other independent media probably hope not. After all, their very existence and success is based on Independence and voices raised in the power of free speech.
But if folks could go directly to the source of their angst, at least our local media would be dealing with reality instead of continuing to try to pass the buck of responsibility for all their ills off on to individuals like 'SandBox Nanny' and opinion columnists like Steve Skinner.
Support your only locally owned and operated print news. That steady focus known as the Aspen Daily News.
Steve Skinner:
"...This reminds me of how wonderful a tourist economy can be. People come in from all over. They are in a great mood, on vacation and ready to have as much fun as possible. They fill the hotels and restaurants, rent gear, hire taxis, fill the liquor stores and boutiques and then — perhaps best of all — they leave.
Over the past few decades, Aspen got off track by inviting people to buy property here, not just showing them a world class time. Instead of sending them home with memories, we sent them home with timeshares, deeds for land and a piece of the dream. “OWN ASPEN,” one real estate ad crowed.
Despite compromising over the years, Aspen still has some great tourist juice and other communities in the valley could learn a thing or two about what attracts people to come and spend money.
Tourists really like to have something to do. Maybe a concert, a festival, a fair, a bike race, a car show, a drinking competition, weed expo, whatever. Just being in proximity to these kinds of activities has created our “bedroom communities” and now many of them (us) are looking for ways to create jobs and stimulate the bedrooms. None of this will be necessary if SkiCo keeps bringing acts into town like the Flying Tomato.
A family of four from out of state was visiting for the X Games. They were staying in Rifle and spent time at Ski Sunlight, the Glenwood Hot Springs pool, Fatbelly Burgers in Carbondale and, of course, Buttermilk Mountain. They left the area on Monday with plenty of swag, a family vacation in the bag and a strong desire to return for more frolic, maybe in the summer...."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Where do you think those reads come from?
How many times per day, after someone in a significant position of power within those three news arenas reads SandBox for the day; do others pound away at that post and take a look for themselves as word spreads?
Dozens. We may be read by others in clandestine ways, a 'guilty obsession' if you will; but we are read. Especially the public comments.
Our local newspapers used to enjoy that notoriety until they began to censor and ban content.
Why is that statement above important on a post up of Steve Skinner's column today?
Because of the way he wrote what he has to say.
Brilliantly done, Skinner pounds a square peg into a round hole by using words. Forcing, simply by the honesty of his words, local governments and power brokers to pay attention with focus aimed at our valley wide tourism marketing and how we spend public funds.
In reality, not disinformation or preconceived perception; what/who is 'SandBox Nanny'?
Why, she's nothing more, in reality, than a pen name and third-party persona that posts and comments on a news aggregate blog. That is all 'she' is. 'SandBox Nanny' is spinning a story in a certain number of words or less. Is it her life story? In reality and the genre of spin and stories told, she is a pen name and third-party persona.
Who is Steve Skinner, in reality? Why, he is nothing more than a guy who happens to write an opinion column for the Aspen Daily News. Will his opinion change as life goes on? Maybe. If so, his column will change. Steve Skinner is spinning a story in a certain number of words or less. Outside of that, he is the same average, everyday person as you are.
Reality, is that both have something to say to the consumer of local news and both provide an outlet for the folks to join in the dialog. When they say what they have to say, most often their words are aimed at public figures and entities in positions of trust. In the case of 'SandBox Nanny' she's simply rounding up content and putting it into the kind of perspective that keeps the door open for individual thought.
From the very well done work of Skinner today, up on the Aspen Daily, it appears that those consumers are listening. Are they listening to both entities?
Probably so.
What do you think?
Would it 'less painful' for those tourism, government and law enforcement entities to hear same, similar or highly likely far more brutal honesty from the folks writing in to their own publications? Probably not. At least entities like SandBox, the Aspen Daily and so many other independent media probably hope not. After all, their very existence and success is based on Independence and voices raised in the power of free speech.
But if folks could go directly to the source of their angst, at least our local media would be dealing with reality instead of continuing to try to pass the buck of responsibility for all their ills off on to individuals like 'SandBox Nanny' and opinion columnists like Steve Skinner.
Support your only locally owned and operated print news. That steady focus known as the Aspen Daily News.
Steve Skinner:
"...This reminds me of how wonderful a tourist economy can be. People come in from all over. They are in a great mood, on vacation and ready to have as much fun as possible. They fill the hotels and restaurants, rent gear, hire taxis, fill the liquor stores and boutiques and then — perhaps best of all — they leave.
Over the past few decades, Aspen got off track by inviting people to buy property here, not just showing them a world class time. Instead of sending them home with memories, we sent them home with timeshares, deeds for land and a piece of the dream. “OWN ASPEN,” one real estate ad crowed.
Despite compromising over the years, Aspen still has some great tourist juice and other communities in the valley could learn a thing or two about what attracts people to come and spend money.
Tourists really like to have something to do. Maybe a concert, a festival, a fair, a bike race, a car show, a drinking competition, weed expo, whatever. Just being in proximity to these kinds of activities has created our “bedroom communities” and now many of them (us) are looking for ways to create jobs and stimulate the bedrooms. None of this will be necessary if SkiCo keeps bringing acts into town like the Flying Tomato.
A family of four from out of state was visiting for the X Games. They were staying in Rifle and spent time at Ski Sunlight, the Glenwood Hot Springs pool, Fatbelly Burgers in Carbondale and, of course, Buttermilk Mountain. They left the area on Monday with plenty of swag, a family vacation in the bag and a strong desire to return for more frolic, maybe in the summer...."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
January 30, 2012
SandBox Comments: The Blaze " The Marco Rubio Speech on Immigration That Everyone’s Talking About"
Christopher Santorelli:
"Rising GOP star Sen. Marco Rubio (FL) gave an impressive speech on immigration Friday to the Hispanic Leadership Network conference, an event led by former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.
The Miami Herald reports that Sen. Rubio’s “sweeping” immigration speech took swipes at both Republicans and Democrats for playing politics with an issue so crucial to hispanics, calling for a compassionate approach for dealing with the issue of illegal immigration.
The presumptive top pick for running mate to any of the remaining Republican presidential candidates conquered an early challenge during his remarks, addressing a group of protesters at the event who stood and interrupted Sen. Rubio’s speech...." (Learn more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Rising GOP star Sen. Marco Rubio (FL) gave an impressive speech on immigration Friday to the Hispanic Leadership Network conference, an event led by former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.
The Miami Herald reports that Sen. Rubio’s “sweeping” immigration speech took swipes at both Republicans and Democrats for playing politics with an issue so crucial to hispanics, calling for a compassionate approach for dealing with the issue of illegal immigration.
The presumptive top pick for running mate to any of the remaining Republican presidential candidates conquered an early challenge during his remarks, addressing a group of protesters at the event who stood and interrupted Sen. Rubio’s speech...." (Learn more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: New York Times "A Florida Bush Stays Silent, and to Many, That Says a Lot"
Jeff Zeleny:
"MIAMI — A steady stream of endorsements has been flowing to Mitt Romney, with his campaign promoting Republicans who are giving their blessing to his presidential candidacy. Yet on the eve of the Florida primary, he has been unable to land the biggest catch of all: Jeb Bush.
An unspoken question hovering over the Republican presidential race here is why Mr. Bush, the state’s popular former governor and heir to the nation’s aging political dynasty, has not added his voice to the party establishment’s support for Mr. Romney in his increasingly bitter duel with Newt Gingrich...." (Click title to read more)
SandBox Comments: The Lone Republic "State of the Union: 1000 Days Without a Budget"
Solomon Horn:
"President Obama will be delivering his third State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress tomorrow in which he will unveil his big government economic strategy to pull us out of the current recession.
You might hear a few “Republican policies that got us into this mess in the first place” rabble-rousers and maybe a “do-nothing congress” line or two. He’ll want you to disregard the fact that the Democrats have controlled Congress since 2006 and that his economic policies have failed miserably thus far. He’ll also want you to ignore the fact that it’s been 1000 days since the Democrat-controlled Senate passed a budget, mandated by the Budget and Accounting Act.
Senator Mike Lee highlights the failure of the Democratic leadership in Congress and the White House.
“The inability of the President and Democratic leadership in the Senate to produce and pass a budget for the American people in nearly three years is a stunning failure,” Sen. Lee said. “We have gone 1000 days without a blueprint for America’s priorities, and it has led to more irresponsible spending and record-setting annual deficits. Future generations will pay through higher taxes, greater inflation, and diminished prosperity.”
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"President Obama will be delivering his third State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress tomorrow in which he will unveil his big government economic strategy to pull us out of the current recession.
You might hear a few “Republican policies that got us into this mess in the first place” rabble-rousers and maybe a “do-nothing congress” line or two. He’ll want you to disregard the fact that the Democrats have controlled Congress since 2006 and that his economic policies have failed miserably thus far. He’ll also want you to ignore the fact that it’s been 1000 days since the Democrat-controlled Senate passed a budget, mandated by the Budget and Accounting Act.
Senator Mike Lee highlights the failure of the Democratic leadership in Congress and the White House.
“The inability of the President and Democratic leadership in the Senate to produce and pass a budget for the American people in nearly three years is a stunning failure,” Sen. Lee said. “We have gone 1000 days without a blueprint for America’s priorities, and it has led to more irresponsible spending and record-setting annual deficits. Future generations will pay through higher taxes, greater inflation, and diminished prosperity.”
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Iowa Republican "Dem Operative Pleads Not Guilty to Stealing Schultz’ Identity"
(See related stories and commentary here)
Kevin Hall:
"The former Barack Obama campaign staffer who was arrested for trying to steal the identity of Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz pleaded not guilty to the crime. Zach Edwards of Des Moines entered the written plea on Friday and avoided a preliminary hearing that was scheduled for Monday.
Edwards was arrested on January 20 on the charge of identity theft, an aggravated misdemeanor.
According to a press release from the Iowa Department of Public Safety, “Edwards fraudulently used, or attempted to use, the identity of Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz and/or Secretary Schultz’s brother, Thomas Schultz, with the intent to obtain a benefit, in an alleged scheme to falsely implicate Secretary Schultz in perceived illegal or unethical behavior while in office.”
At the time of the alleged crime and subsequent arrest, Edwards was an employee of Democrat consulting firm Link Strategies. The group has ties to Senator Tom Harkin, Attorney General Tom Miller, former governor Chet Culver, President Obama, and several prominent Democrat officials around the country. Link Strategies fired Edwards shortly after he was arrested...." (Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Kevin Hall:
"The former Barack Obama campaign staffer who was arrested for trying to steal the identity of Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz pleaded not guilty to the crime. Zach Edwards of Des Moines entered the written plea on Friday and avoided a preliminary hearing that was scheduled for Monday.
Edwards was arrested on January 20 on the charge of identity theft, an aggravated misdemeanor.
According to a press release from the Iowa Department of Public Safety, “Edwards fraudulently used, or attempted to use, the identity of Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz and/or Secretary Schultz’s brother, Thomas Schultz, with the intent to obtain a benefit, in an alleged scheme to falsely implicate Secretary Schultz in perceived illegal or unethical behavior while in office.”
At the time of the alleged crime and subsequent arrest, Edwards was an employee of Democrat consulting firm Link Strategies. The group has ties to Senator Tom Harkin, Attorney General Tom Miller, former governor Chet Culver, President Obama, and several prominent Democrat officials around the country. Link Strategies fired Edwards shortly after he was arrested...." (Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Drug defendant, jailed for nearly 10 months, waits for Supreme Court ruling"
Chad Abraham:
"The longest-serving inmate in the Pitkin County Jail inquires daily about the status of his case at the Colorado Supreme Court, his attorney said Thursday.
Andrian Arapu, 26, originally of the Eastern European nation of Moldova, is “doing OK,” said the defendant’s lawyer, John Van Ness of Woody Creek, on Friday. “He’s getting antsy, though.”
Arapu, who has been in jail since his April 6 arrest, remains charged with possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and a lesser count of possession, despite a judge’s suppression in November of pivotal evidence.
Arnold Mordkin, chief deputy district attorney, said at a Nov. 7 hearing that he cannot prosecute Arapu without the evidence, and a ruling like the one a local judge made would usually free a defendant.
But Mordkin in December appealed the ruling by Judge Gail Nichols of the 9th Judicial District to the Colorado Supreme Court. That move automatically stayed all proceedings — such as Nichols potentially approving a motion to dismiss — and the case could remain stalled for months before the high court takes it up. The justices could also decline to hear the appeal, which would automatically uphold Nichols’ ruling..." (Read more? Click title.)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The longest-serving inmate in the Pitkin County Jail inquires daily about the status of his case at the Colorado Supreme Court, his attorney said Thursday.
Andrian Arapu, 26, originally of the Eastern European nation of Moldova, is “doing OK,” said the defendant’s lawyer, John Van Ness of Woody Creek, on Friday. “He’s getting antsy, though.”
Arapu, who has been in jail since his April 6 arrest, remains charged with possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and a lesser count of possession, despite a judge’s suppression in November of pivotal evidence.
Arnold Mordkin, chief deputy district attorney, said at a Nov. 7 hearing that he cannot prosecute Arapu without the evidence, and a ruling like the one a local judge made would usually free a defendant.
But Mordkin in December appealed the ruling by Judge Gail Nichols of the 9th Judicial District to the Colorado Supreme Court. That move automatically stayed all proceedings — such as Nichols potentially approving a motion to dismiss — and the case could remain stalled for months before the high court takes it up. The justices could also decline to hear the appeal, which would automatically uphold Nichols’ ruling..." (Read more? Click title.)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Craig Daily Press "ACET commander presents 2011 report"
Thank you to the Moffat and Routt County All Crimes Enforcement Team for an outstanding record in 2011.
Joe Moylan:
"“We’ve had a lot of convictions on the other cases and there are investigations from 2011 that are either ongoing or are still in the judicial process,” Cameron said. “However, we have a 100-percent conviction rate for investigations conducted during my first two years with ACET.”
In total, ACET officers seized 372.12 grams of cocaine; 2.8 grams of methamphetamine; and three grams of marijuana with a total estimated street value of $42,807.68.
Although the amount of drugs seized and the estimated street value fluctuates each year depending on where an investigation leads, Cameron said the results from 2011 were on par with 2010.
Additionally, Cameron said the amount of seized drugs can be skewed because officers don’t necessarily need a seizure in order for an investigation to end with a conviction.
“Officers build investigations based on buys, but search warrants aren’t always executed,” Cameron said. “For example, Steckel pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth during the course of the investigation, so no drugs were actually seized during that particular investigation.”
Of the 29 narcotics investigations, four were for the distribution or possession of cocaine; 13 for the possession or distribution of methamphetamine; three for the distribution of marijuana; two psilocybin investigations — one mushroom grow operation and one for possession; six prescription frauds; and one criminal impersonation investigation.
ACET includes an officer each from the Craig Police Department, Moffat County Sheriff’s Office, Steamboat Springs Police Department and Routt County Sheriff’s Office...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Joe Moylan:
"“We’ve had a lot of convictions on the other cases and there are investigations from 2011 that are either ongoing or are still in the judicial process,” Cameron said. “However, we have a 100-percent conviction rate for investigations conducted during my first two years with ACET.”
In total, ACET officers seized 372.12 grams of cocaine; 2.8 grams of methamphetamine; and three grams of marijuana with a total estimated street value of $42,807.68.
Although the amount of drugs seized and the estimated street value fluctuates each year depending on where an investigation leads, Cameron said the results from 2011 were on par with 2010.
Additionally, Cameron said the amount of seized drugs can be skewed because officers don’t necessarily need a seizure in order for an investigation to end with a conviction.
“Officers build investigations based on buys, but search warrants aren’t always executed,” Cameron said. “For example, Steckel pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth during the course of the investigation, so no drugs were actually seized during that particular investigation.”
Of the 29 narcotics investigations, four were for the distribution or possession of cocaine; 13 for the possession or distribution of methamphetamine; three for the distribution of marijuana; two psilocybin investigations — one mushroom grow operation and one for possession; six prescription frauds; and one criminal impersonation investigation.
ACET includes an officer each from the Craig Police Department, Moffat County Sheriff’s Office, Steamboat Springs Police Department and Routt County Sheriff’s Office...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "U.S. exports petroleum products, but it still imports petroleum"
Glenn Vawter:
"Do you think the United States is exporting more petroleum than it imports? Nothing could be further from the truth.
Based upon recent press and TV reports, you would be led to believe it is true. Actually, the United States is importing 60 percent of the petroleum it consumes (about 11-million barrels every day), and has not been energy independent since the early 1970s.
What should have been reported is, “The U.S. recently began exporting more petroleum products than it imports.” The word “products” was left out of many of the reports.
What is the difference?..." (Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Do you think the United States is exporting more petroleum than it imports? Nothing could be further from the truth.
Based upon recent press and TV reports, you would be led to believe it is true. Actually, the United States is importing 60 percent of the petroleum it consumes (about 11-million barrels every day), and has not been energy independent since the early 1970s.
What should have been reported is, “The U.S. recently began exporting more petroleum products than it imports.” The word “products” was left out of many of the reports.
What is the difference?..." (Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "Understand Public School Funding in Colorado – Part II"
'By fans of Paul Harvey' :
"The ECT’s earlier story about Public School Funding in Colorado (Click Here) was 100% accurate – HOWEVER, incomplete.
For the fans of Paul Harvey – here is the rest of the story…."
Remember, as you watch the 501(c)3 Education Foundation of Eagle County, the new school board over at RE-1, the upcoming tussles in the RE-2 school district that blend with all the political turmoil in our Colorado schools, and the major federal changes that are sure to be coming up over the next few years; you need to have strong leaders in place.
Individuals who will not be swayed by pressure from special interests or either side of the political aisle.
Leaders who will stay focused on the job you elected them to do or those you elected previously hired them to do. Whether it takes a very long memory span of details and awareness of subversive agendas, or at times brutal honesty to break through equal strength opposing power; remember that it's your vote and voice that has control over all of it.
How about those fans of Paul Harvey today? Over on the Eagle County Times.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The ECT’s earlier story about Public School Funding in Colorado (Click Here) was 100% accurate – HOWEVER, incomplete.
For the fans of Paul Harvey – here is the rest of the story…."
Remember, as you watch the 501(c)3 Education Foundation of Eagle County, the new school board over at RE-1, the upcoming tussles in the RE-2 school district that blend with all the political turmoil in our Colorado schools, and the major federal changes that are sure to be coming up over the next few years; you need to have strong leaders in place.
Individuals who will not be swayed by pressure from special interests or either side of the political aisle.
Leaders who will stay focused on the job you elected them to do or those you elected previously hired them to do. Whether it takes a very long memory span of details and awareness of subversive agendas, or at times brutal honesty to break through equal strength opposing power; remember that it's your vote and voice that has control over all of it.
How about those fans of Paul Harvey today? Over on the Eagle County Times.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "Education Foundation of Eagle County"
'by – what we learned' :
"Some ECT folks attended a recent meeting of one of Eagle County’s newest 501(c)3 non-profits – www.efec.org. (Photo – Amber Prince & Charles Overy)..." (Read more? Click title)
How long has it been now?
Couple of years?
How long has it been that the commmons have been finally starting to speak up in very public ways against the status quo in local politics and government issues through harnessing tools like the power of the blogosphere and social networking?
How long has their rising success been showing in powerful enough ways to make powerful non-profits, major corporate powers, powerful politicians, local governments and law enforcement pay attention to what lies beneath the surface of such entities and those held in positions of trust?
A year or so?
How long has it been since you, the individual voter/follower, realized that a light bulb, an epiphany of sorts, has come on in your way of thinking?
Today? Yesterday? A week ago? A few months ago?
All that matters is that your awareness has been pierced by first whispers, then outspoken voices cutting trails of communication avenues ahead of you. What you do with your awareness is your business and falls into what you're willing to experience when you make your own choices.
Thank you once again goes to the guys and gals over on the Eagle County Times.
Why?
For paying attention to the patterns within the news others make and cutting trail ahead of you.
We wish good luck to the 'Education Foundation of Eagle County'.
May you never forget that as a non-profit you and all who work within your organization are no longer just average citizens but rather persons in a position of trust. That you are held to a higher standard.
As far as the goal you have set for your organization, may you always remember that there are endless possibilities on both sides of the political spectrum that would accomplish true public education reform.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Some ECT folks attended a recent meeting of one of Eagle County’s newest 501(c)3 non-profits – www.efec.org. (Photo – Amber Prince & Charles Overy)..." (Read more? Click title)
How long has it been now?
Couple of years?
How long has it been that the commmons have been finally starting to speak up in very public ways against the status quo in local politics and government issues through harnessing tools like the power of the blogosphere and social networking?
How long has their rising success been showing in powerful enough ways to make powerful non-profits, major corporate powers, powerful politicians, local governments and law enforcement pay attention to what lies beneath the surface of such entities and those held in positions of trust?
A year or so?
How long has it been since you, the individual voter/follower, realized that a light bulb, an epiphany of sorts, has come on in your way of thinking?
Today? Yesterday? A week ago? A few months ago?
All that matters is that your awareness has been pierced by first whispers, then outspoken voices cutting trails of communication avenues ahead of you. What you do with your awareness is your business and falls into what you're willing to experience when you make your own choices.
Thank you once again goes to the guys and gals over on the Eagle County Times.
Why?
For paying attention to the patterns within the news others make and cutting trail ahead of you.
We wish good luck to the 'Education Foundation of Eagle County'.
May you never forget that as a non-profit you and all who work within your organization are no longer just average citizens but rather persons in a position of trust. That you are held to a higher standard.
As far as the goal you have set for your organization, may you always remember that there are endless possibilities on both sides of the political spectrum that would accomplish true public education reform.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "Brent Boyer: What's in a name?"
Brent Boyer:
"Anonymity.
What comes immediately to mind?
Do you think about the ability to post online comments without fear of retribution for expressing honest opinions?
Or do you think about the cowardice of those who aren’t willing to put their real names behind their words?
Granted, those are two very strong reactions to Web anonymity, but they’re also beliefs held by many Steamboat Pilot & Today readers. Few newspaper-related issues elicit as much passion from community members as our online comments, and it’s one we find ourselves revisiting often. And we’re doing it again...."
After all this time (SandBox launched in mid-summer of 2010) followers should be familiar with how we feel about anonymity in posting online commentary. And how we feel about being accountable for content. Things are not always as they appear on the surface to be.
Which is the sole reason we chose the genre of spin.
We're not a news creation or reporting media, we only comment and aggregate what is already out there either in print, voice or buzz. We had a need to do some online tracking of certain news stories that were being given a free pass by corporate media. Stop the quashing of voices speaking up against powerful people in positions of trust who should not have been given a safe haven.
There are many reasons one might choose anonymity when speaking up.
Our point is that any reason for choosing anonymity is worthy of being honored and respected. Protected, if you will.
Where the problem lies in threads of conversation that take a harmful turn is in the lack of human moderation.
Leave privacy alone and do not track personal information. Should a real problem arise, forensic technology and a court order can always find the source of internet information.
Instead, moderate your site and content. It's as simple as pushing the 'turn off' icon on the comments section. (Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Anonymity.
What comes immediately to mind?
Do you think about the ability to post online comments without fear of retribution for expressing honest opinions?
Or do you think about the cowardice of those who aren’t willing to put their real names behind their words?
Granted, those are two very strong reactions to Web anonymity, but they’re also beliefs held by many Steamboat Pilot & Today readers. Few newspaper-related issues elicit as much passion from community members as our online comments, and it’s one we find ourselves revisiting often. And we’re doing it again...."
After all this time (SandBox launched in mid-summer of 2010) followers should be familiar with how we feel about anonymity in posting online commentary. And how we feel about being accountable for content. Things are not always as they appear on the surface to be.
Which is the sole reason we chose the genre of spin.
We're not a news creation or reporting media, we only comment and aggregate what is already out there either in print, voice or buzz. We had a need to do some online tracking of certain news stories that were being given a free pass by corporate media. Stop the quashing of voices speaking up against powerful people in positions of trust who should not have been given a safe haven.
There are many reasons one might choose anonymity when speaking up.
Our point is that any reason for choosing anonymity is worthy of being honored and respected. Protected, if you will.
Where the problem lies in threads of conversation that take a harmful turn is in the lack of human moderation.
Leave privacy alone and do not track personal information. Should a real problem arise, forensic technology and a court order can always find the source of internet information.
Instead, moderate your site and content. It's as simple as pushing the 'turn off' icon on the comments section. (Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Five-peat and a perfect score for Shaun White in superpipe"
Congratulations to Shaun White! Hard to believe how far he has come as SandBox reflects back to his first Winter X Games in Aspen. Seems like only yesterday.
Andrew Travers:
"Shaun White won his fifth consecutive gold medal in the X Games snowboard superpipe competition Sunday night, scoring a perfect 100 on his final run.
White had already sealed his gold medal going into the third run, ahead of the competition with a score of 94. The 25-year-old then turned what could have been a lackadaisical victory lap into a record-breaking run, with the judges awarding him 100 points out 100 possible.
The snowboard icon had six hits on the record effort, including a double-mctwist 1260 and closing with back-to-back double corks — one front-side and one switch-side.
“It just felt perfect,” White said at a post-competition press conference...."
Andrew Travers:
"Shaun White won his fifth consecutive gold medal in the X Games snowboard superpipe competition Sunday night, scoring a perfect 100 on his final run.
White had already sealed his gold medal going into the third run, ahead of the competition with a score of 94. The 25-year-old then turned what could have been a lackadaisical victory lap into a record-breaking run, with the judges awarding him 100 points out 100 possible.
The snowboard icon had six hits on the record effort, including a double-mctwist 1260 and closing with back-to-back double corks — one front-side and one switch-side.
“It just felt perfect,” White said at a post-competition press conference...."
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily "Del Bosco reclaims gold at Winter X"
Michael Applegate:
"ASPEN, Colorado — Last year, American John Teller sped past defending gold medalist Chris Del Bosco, upsetting the former Eagle-Vail resident and preventing the first back-to-back gold in the 14-year history of Winter X men's skiercross.
The first back-to-back never had a chance Sunday afternoon.
Teller failed to qualify for the finals after crashing in his semifinal heat. His absence paved the way for Del Bosco to reclaim his title. In the final, Del Bosco utilized an excellent start to gain the lead and fought hard until the end to win his second career Winter X gold.
“This is my favorite event,” said Del Bosco, who competes for Canada. “Last year, I was close, and I was coming back here thinking that this is a big one on my list. I kind of have been having an up and down season, so to come here and get the gold is pretty special...”
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"ASPEN, Colorado — Last year, American John Teller sped past defending gold medalist Chris Del Bosco, upsetting the former Eagle-Vail resident and preventing the first back-to-back gold in the 14-year history of Winter X men's skiercross.
The first back-to-back never had a chance Sunday afternoon.
Teller failed to qualify for the finals after crashing in his semifinal heat. His absence paved the way for Del Bosco to reclaim his title. In the final, Del Bosco utilized an excellent start to gain the lead and fought hard until the end to win his second career Winter X gold.
“This is my favorite event,” said Del Bosco, who competes for Canada. “Last year, I was close, and I was coming back here thinking that this is a big one on my list. I kind of have been having an up and down season, so to come here and get the gold is pretty special...”
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 29, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Sex, lies and newspapers"
Dave Danforth:
"But a couple of complications intervened. Last year’s Yale Daily editor, Vivian Yee, worked with the New York Times, as many Yale journalists do, and knew of the story. And last year’s opinion editor, Alex Stein, wrote a blistering note printed late last week by the widely respected journalist blogger Jim Romenesko criticizing the Yale paper’s decision.
“We have all been let down,” said Stein, a major in ethics, politics and economics. “In choosing to ignore this story, the News … perpetuated the deceptive, now-shredded narrative of Pat’s ‘heroic choice,’” he continued, noting “the paper and its editor are also complicit in Yale’s culture of secrecy surrounding sexual assault.”
Bloggers responding to the explanation of the student editor respecting privacy in the face of unknown allegations commended him. Some suggested he was the only adult in a roomful of kids. Yet another said the episode “smelled of a coverup” by Yale and its paper.
Expectation of privacy is not usually raised in such cases. It arises from the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, and its protection against unreasonable searches. Privacy is not an explicitly listed right, but court decisions have widely cited it. However, those cases involved police actions. An outgrowth of libel law appears to confer a right to privacy that can be violated even where an allegation is true...."(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"But a couple of complications intervened. Last year’s Yale Daily editor, Vivian Yee, worked with the New York Times, as many Yale journalists do, and knew of the story. And last year’s opinion editor, Alex Stein, wrote a blistering note printed late last week by the widely respected journalist blogger Jim Romenesko criticizing the Yale paper’s decision.
“We have all been let down,” said Stein, a major in ethics, politics and economics. “In choosing to ignore this story, the News … perpetuated the deceptive, now-shredded narrative of Pat’s ‘heroic choice,’” he continued, noting “the paper and its editor are also complicit in Yale’s culture of secrecy surrounding sexual assault.”
Bloggers responding to the explanation of the student editor respecting privacy in the face of unknown allegations commended him. Some suggested he was the only adult in a roomful of kids. Yet another said the episode “smelled of a coverup” by Yale and its paper.
Expectation of privacy is not usually raised in such cases. It arises from the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, and its protection against unreasonable searches. Privacy is not an explicitly listed right, but court decisions have widely cited it. However, those cases involved police actions. An outgrowth of libel law appears to confer a right to privacy that can be violated even where an allegation is true...."(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "All the news that's unfit to print"
Kathleen Parker:
"WASHINGTON — A Friday New York Times story that essentially indicted and convicted a 22-year-old star football player on an alleged sexual assault charge by an anonymous accuser should have begun as follows:
“We know absolutely nothing about this rumor except what six people told us anonymously about this guy who they say sexually assaulted this girl. We don't know who she is or what she said, or really anything, but here's HIS name and what ‘they' say about him.”
Instead, with throat-clearing authority, the story begins with the young man's name — Patrick J. Witt, Yale University's former quarterback — and his announcement last fall that he was withdrawing his Rhodes scholarship application so that he could play against Harvard. The game was scheduled the same day as the scholarship interview.
Next we are told that he actually had withdrawn his application for the scholarship after the Rhodes Trust had learned “through unofficial channels that a fellow student had accused Witt of sexual assault.” And there goes the gavel. Case closed.
But in fact, no one seems to know much of anything, and no one in an official capacity is talking. The only people advancing this devastating and sordid tale are “a half-dozen [anonymous] people with knowledge of all or part of the story.” All or part? Which part? As in, “Heard any good gossip lately?...” (Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"WASHINGTON — A Friday New York Times story that essentially indicted and convicted a 22-year-old star football player on an alleged sexual assault charge by an anonymous accuser should have begun as follows:
“We know absolutely nothing about this rumor except what six people told us anonymously about this guy who they say sexually assaulted this girl. We don't know who she is or what she said, or really anything, but here's HIS name and what ‘they' say about him.”
Instead, with throat-clearing authority, the story begins with the young man's name — Patrick J. Witt, Yale University's former quarterback — and his announcement last fall that he was withdrawing his Rhodes scholarship application so that he could play against Harvard. The game was scheduled the same day as the scholarship interview.
Next we are told that he actually had withdrawn his application for the scholarship after the Rhodes Trust had learned “through unofficial channels that a fellow student had accused Witt of sexual assault.” And there goes the gavel. Case closed.
But in fact, no one seems to know much of anything, and no one in an official capacity is talking. The only people advancing this devastating and sordid tale are “a half-dozen [anonymous] people with knowledge of all or part of the story.” All or part? Which part? As in, “Heard any good gossip lately?...” (Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
January 28, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Charlie Leonard "Inalienable Rights"
My goodness.
Between Charlie Leonard and Maurice Emmer, Mayor Mick is having a tough week.
"..So, when Hecht suggested he might pay fewer development and affordable fees and housing fees and reduce his parking requirements in exchange for dramatically reducing his development rights by preserving Little Annie's and the Benton building, the mayor dishonored himself and his office by falsely accusing Mr. Hecht of being a “blackmailer.”
Even if you don't like Mr. Hecht, his original plan to tear down his buildings, or his proposal to reduce his city-imposed development fees and requirements, it is not an act of blackmail for a property owner to offer to pay fewer fees in exchange for giving something of real value to the city.
After seeing the mayor's letters last week, however, I developed a different theory. My theory is Hecht may have learned through secret sources that the mayor had read and believed the silly nonsense contained in Robert Frank's book and threatened to out him.
But then again, like the mayor's plan to control our economic activity through zoning laws, it's just a theory...."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Between Charlie Leonard and Maurice Emmer, Mayor Mick is having a tough week.
"..So, when Hecht suggested he might pay fewer development and affordable fees and housing fees and reduce his parking requirements in exchange for dramatically reducing his development rights by preserving Little Annie's and the Benton building, the mayor dishonored himself and his office by falsely accusing Mr. Hecht of being a “blackmailer.”
Even if you don't like Mr. Hecht, his original plan to tear down his buildings, or his proposal to reduce his city-imposed development fees and requirements, it is not an act of blackmail for a property owner to offer to pay fewer fees in exchange for giving something of real value to the city.
After seeing the mayor's letters last week, however, I developed a different theory. My theory is Hecht may have learned through secret sources that the mayor had read and believed the silly nonsense contained in Robert Frank's book and threatened to out him.
But then again, like the mayor's plan to control our economic activity through zoning laws, it's just a theory...."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "National Firefighters Hose Race"
Scroll down to 'Latest Videos' and then to the firefighter's hose race. 'Sandbox Nanny' could not figure out how to get the page to come up with only that video link.
Thank you to all the firefighters who particpated in this. We really appreciate you no matter what you classify as 'training'.
(Learn more? Watch the video? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Thank you to all the firefighters who particpated in this. We really appreciate you no matter what you classify as 'training'.
(Learn more? Watch the video? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily "Firearms expert says Walker shot from 5 to 6 feet away"
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
via Vail Daily:
"BOULDER, Colorado — The muzzle of the gun that killed Todd Walker was between 5 and 6 feet away from him when it was fired, a Colorado Bureau of Investigation firearms expert testified Friday at the murder trial of Kevin McGregor.
The information is significant because McGregor disputes the story told by Elizabeth Roach, Walker's friend, that he tried to rob her at gunpoint and shot Walker when he intervened...."
via Vail Daily:
"BOULDER, Colorado — The muzzle of the gun that killed Todd Walker was between 5 and 6 feet away from him when it was fired, a Colorado Bureau of Investigation firearms expert testified Friday at the murder trial of Kevin McGregor.
The information is significant because McGregor disputes the story told by Elizabeth Roach, Walker's friend, that he tried to rob her at gunpoint and shot Walker when he intervened...."
SandBox Comments: Summit Daily News "Breckenridge man, 12 others, arrested after pot raids"
The "...and Iraqi currency..." is the part of this piece from Caddie Nath, over and up on the Summit Daily News that is bothering SandBox the most.
Caddie Nath:
"..Breckenridge resident Eric Gleason was arrested Wednesday morning after his house was raided in a statewide marijuana pot bust.
Authorities raided 25 grow houses across the Front Range and the central mountains, arresting 13 people and seizing dozens of guns, more than 100 pounds of marijuana and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and Iraqi currency, according to a statement released Friday by the Seventeenth Judicial District Attorney's Office and the North Metro Task Force.
Gleason was charged with conspiracy under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, money laundering, possession with intent to distribute and two counts of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, said Krista Flannigan, spokeswoman for the task force.
He has been released from jail in Adams County after posting a $100,000 bond.
His first court appearance is set for Feb. 21.
Authorities with the North Metro Drug Task Force, with help from the U.S. Postal Service, conducted the sting after a six-month investigation of an illegal marijuana grow and distribution ring operating primarily out of Adams County and Broomfield.
During searches of 24 houses illegally growing marijuana, authorities found 40 guns, 2,749 marijuana plants and 148 pounds of dry marijuana.
They also found more than $278,500 in U.S. currency and another 15 million in Iraqi Dinar, which, based on current exchange rates, is more than $12,000..."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Caddie Nath:
"..Breckenridge resident Eric Gleason was arrested Wednesday morning after his house was raided in a statewide marijuana pot bust.
Authorities raided 25 grow houses across the Front Range and the central mountains, arresting 13 people and seizing dozens of guns, more than 100 pounds of marijuana and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and Iraqi currency, according to a statement released Friday by the Seventeenth Judicial District Attorney's Office and the North Metro Task Force.
Gleason was charged with conspiracy under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, money laundering, possession with intent to distribute and two counts of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, said Krista Flannigan, spokeswoman for the task force.
He has been released from jail in Adams County after posting a $100,000 bond.
His first court appearance is set for Feb. 21.
Authorities with the North Metro Drug Task Force, with help from the U.S. Postal Service, conducted the sting after a six-month investigation of an illegal marijuana grow and distribution ring operating primarily out of Adams County and Broomfield.
During searches of 24 houses illegally growing marijuana, authorities found 40 guns, 2,749 marijuana plants and 148 pounds of dry marijuana.
They also found more than $278,500 in U.S. currency and another 15 million in Iraqi Dinar, which, based on current exchange rates, is more than $12,000..."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Citizen Telegram "Amonette trial delayed until mid-July"
John Gardner:
"The trial of accused cop shooter Phillip Michael Amonette has been postponed until July after defense counsel claimed that evidence was not made available for their analysis in time for the Jan. 30 trial.
According to a motion entered by Public Defender Matt Morriss, representing Amonette, “Mr. Amonette moves this court to impose sanctions against the District Attorney's office for the denial of access to physical evidence in this case...” (Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The trial of accused cop shooter Phillip Michael Amonette has been postponed until July after defense counsel claimed that evidence was not made available for their analysis in time for the Jan. 30 trial.
According to a motion entered by Public Defender Matt Morriss, representing Amonette, “Mr. Amonette moves this court to impose sanctions against the District Attorney's office for the denial of access to physical evidence in this case...” (Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Minors sold booze at 10 businesses, Basalt police say"
Chad Abraham:
"...Basalt police cited servers from 10 businesses for selling alcohol to underage people without asking for identification Wednesday.
The police department, with help from the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, canvassed every liquor store and restaurant that sells alcohol within the town limits, said Sgt. Stewart Curry.
The operation was conducted after a similar effort by state and Eagle County authorities in August resulted in six citations for servers in Basalt businesses, Curry said. The six tickets represented two-thirds of all of the tickets that authorities issued for the entire county during the August crackdown.
That statistic, combined with the influx of young people in the valley for the X Games, led to Wednesday’s operation, Curry said.
“This was specifically designed for X Games,” he said. “We have a nexus of underage kids right now, and the goal was to see what kind of jobs businesses are doing in carding.
“It was disappointing that many businesses didn’t do a good job.”
Those cited were working at: 7-Eleven, Asiana Fushion, Cuvee World Bistro, El Korita, Zheng Asian Bistro, Riverside Grill, Jimbo’s Liquor, Basalt Wine Shop, Tempranillo and Stubbies..."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"...Basalt police cited servers from 10 businesses for selling alcohol to underage people without asking for identification Wednesday.
The police department, with help from the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, canvassed every liquor store and restaurant that sells alcohol within the town limits, said Sgt. Stewart Curry.
The operation was conducted after a similar effort by state and Eagle County authorities in August resulted in six citations for servers in Basalt businesses, Curry said. The six tickets represented two-thirds of all of the tickets that authorities issued for the entire county during the August crackdown.
That statistic, combined with the influx of young people in the valley for the X Games, led to Wednesday’s operation, Curry said.
“This was specifically designed for X Games,” he said. “We have a nexus of underage kids right now, and the goal was to see what kind of jobs businesses are doing in carding.
“It was disappointing that many businesses didn’t do a good job.”
Those cited were working at: 7-Eleven, Asiana Fushion, Cuvee World Bistro, El Korita, Zheng Asian Bistro, Riverside Grill, Jimbo’s Liquor, Basalt Wine Shop, Tempranillo and Stubbies..."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: KREX News 5 "Colorado District Attorneys Council Responds to Montrose DA"
"....After disbarred DA Myrl Serra was sentenced for harassing female employees and other misconduct earlier this month, the head of the Colorado District Attorneys Council is now speaking out.
Last year, Serra plead guilty to felony extortion and misdemeanor unlawful sexual contact. He was also found guilty of violating his bond.
In an open letter printed by the Denver Post, Colorado's District Attorney Council, expressed sympathy for Serra's victims and disgust for his actions, stating that as the state's prosecutors, "We are held to a higher standard--as we should be...." (Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(KREX)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Last year, Serra plead guilty to felony extortion and misdemeanor unlawful sexual contact. He was also found guilty of violating his bond.
In an open letter printed by the Denver Post, Colorado's District Attorney Council, expressed sympathy for Serra's victims and disgust for his actions, stating that as the state's prosecutors, "We are held to a higher standard--as we should be...." (Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(KREX)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Letters to the Editor "The Mick Laws"
lol.
Thank you, Maurice....
Maurice Emmer:
"...In short, our view is that city law applies, and it does not require even the requested registration at this time; that state law does not apply because Aspen is a home rule municipality. The city has a somewhat different view. Both views are based on reading the law. We voluntarily met with city legal officials to discuss our respective views, as we understand this is a complex area of law on which people can disagree in good faith. The correspondence between the city and us is public record; anyone who wants to know the facts about our discussions can get the letters and read them.
Instead of allowing the matter to be resolved in an orderly and professional manner by competent city officials, our mayor preempted and interfered with the activities of professionals in City Hall by writing letters to the papers “demanding names.” When asked for the legal authority for his demand, he produced none and said that isn't his job. He has told us what is “customary” and that we know the law as well as he does.
We can't confirm the mayor's legal knowledge, but we certainly do know the law; we read it and are following it to the best of our ability. The mayor, meanwhile, tosses around baseless demands and makes up imaginary legal requirements. Maybe that's OK for a partially informed reporter, but unseemly if not downright improper for a mayor.
We are resolving any differences with the professionals in City Hall, who also have read the law. If the mayor wants to be city attorney and city clerk as well as mayor, he can eliminate three jobs in City Hall and save the city some money. One way in which the mayor could accomplish this is to imagine some other non-existent law he can accuse City Hall professionals of violating and fire them. Or maybe, he ought to let professionals do their jobs and let citizens work with City Hall professionals to resolve routine matters courteously."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Thank you, Maurice....
Maurice Emmer:
"...In short, our view is that city law applies, and it does not require even the requested registration at this time; that state law does not apply because Aspen is a home rule municipality. The city has a somewhat different view. Both views are based on reading the law. We voluntarily met with city legal officials to discuss our respective views, as we understand this is a complex area of law on which people can disagree in good faith. The correspondence between the city and us is public record; anyone who wants to know the facts about our discussions can get the letters and read them.
Instead of allowing the matter to be resolved in an orderly and professional manner by competent city officials, our mayor preempted and interfered with the activities of professionals in City Hall by writing letters to the papers “demanding names.” When asked for the legal authority for his demand, he produced none and said that isn't his job. He has told us what is “customary” and that we know the law as well as he does.
We can't confirm the mayor's legal knowledge, but we certainly do know the law; we read it and are following it to the best of our ability. The mayor, meanwhile, tosses around baseless demands and makes up imaginary legal requirements. Maybe that's OK for a partially informed reporter, but unseemly if not downright improper for a mayor.
We are resolving any differences with the professionals in City Hall, who also have read the law. If the mayor wants to be city attorney and city clerk as well as mayor, he can eliminate three jobs in City Hall and save the city some money. One way in which the mayor could accomplish this is to imagine some other non-existent law he can accuse City Hall professionals of violating and fire them. Or maybe, he ought to let professionals do their jobs and let citizens work with City Hall professionals to resolve routine matters courteously."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Pro-VCR forces out raise, spend opponents"
The best stories to come out of this entire political saga of the Village at Crystal River ballot issue are the two expose' pieces from John Colson on how much money the proponents for the project have raised, where that money came from and how they've spent the funds during the campaign.
Very enlightening to see what developer Rich Schierburg considers 'above board' in pushing his agenda.
Another interesting news piece in today's Post Independent is a letter to the editor written in by Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky in support of the development. Quite an enigma when it comes to business philosophy is Commissioner Jankovsky. Setting aside all the controversy over Sunlight Ski Resort over the years with various land deals and business enterprises. Set aside all the controversy over tourism promotion and the old tourism board that Jankovsky co-founded. Set aside all of his fairly constant stumping to keep money local. Set aside the obviously selective reasoning he's shown since taking his seat on BOCC with budget line items and now the Silt grocery store and Urban Renewal efforts. Set all those things aside and take a look at an endorsement for a major money developer out of Denver to come in locally and put up a vanilla flavor, cinder block mall right on the Highway 82 all in the name of the 'loose' numbers VCR projects for sales tax revenues. Those thoughts are a little uncomfortable given the path GarCo is currently on politically and another very tight year or two ahead of us on the economic front. SandBox bets that the folks are going to be likely to put very little, if any, stock in Jankovsky's endorsement on VCR. His endorsement simply rings false.
This letter to the editor from highly respected businessman Scott Ely "VCR lacks the quirky Carbondale funk factor", also in today's Post Independent, is a powerful statement opposing the VCR development. Our bet? All the 'Cherry Garcia' folks who spent a fraction of what Rich Schierburg's group did will landslide defeat VCR at the ballot box.
Scott Ely:
"As a long-time local business owner with clients and friends on both sides of the Village at Crystal River debate, I have held my tongue to this point. I do, however, have a couple of questions for the developer and electorate.
I believe (most) everyone can agree that any further large-scale development in Carbondale will likely take place on the VCR property. This makes good sense. As the de facto entrance to Carbondale, there should be something attractive that greets visitors, tourists and yes, shoppers, to town. I believe we can also (mostly) agree that the existing entrance to Carbondale could use some love.
More important, however, I believe that (most) people were drawn to Carbondale for the small town feel and the quirky nature of the community, among other things. Therefore, my question to the developer is, “Where's the funk?” Perhaps the PIF should stand for “Put In (the) Funk.”
What is funk, you ask? How about a contest to dress the center of the roundabout(s)? Why not park benches, picnic tables, murals or really creative landscaping? A cool bicycle parking area? Electric vehicle charging station(s)? Solar sign lighting? How about brick facades, barn wood siding, metal or corrugated roofing?
The bottom line for me is demanding more of the developer and steering away from the generic, Anywhere, USA shopping center. This thing appears to be quite vanilla, when what we really need is some Cherry Garcia!
Demanding funk, mandating the use of local talent for design and construction and fully vetting the repercussions over the life of the project would likely get more folks to agree. The result could be a fantastic project that accomplishes many of our common goals..."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Very enlightening to see what developer Rich Schierburg considers 'above board' in pushing his agenda.
Another interesting news piece in today's Post Independent is a letter to the editor written in by Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky in support of the development. Quite an enigma when it comes to business philosophy is Commissioner Jankovsky. Setting aside all the controversy over Sunlight Ski Resort over the years with various land deals and business enterprises. Set aside all the controversy over tourism promotion and the old tourism board that Jankovsky co-founded. Set aside all of his fairly constant stumping to keep money local. Set aside the obviously selective reasoning he's shown since taking his seat on BOCC with budget line items and now the Silt grocery store and Urban Renewal efforts. Set all those things aside and take a look at an endorsement for a major money developer out of Denver to come in locally and put up a vanilla flavor, cinder block mall right on the Highway 82 all in the name of the 'loose' numbers VCR projects for sales tax revenues. Those thoughts are a little uncomfortable given the path GarCo is currently on politically and another very tight year or two ahead of us on the economic front. SandBox bets that the folks are going to be likely to put very little, if any, stock in Jankovsky's endorsement on VCR. His endorsement simply rings false.
This letter to the editor from highly respected businessman Scott Ely "VCR lacks the quirky Carbondale funk factor", also in today's Post Independent, is a powerful statement opposing the VCR development. Our bet? All the 'Cherry Garcia' folks who spent a fraction of what Rich Schierburg's group did will landslide defeat VCR at the ballot box.
Scott Ely:
"As a long-time local business owner with clients and friends on both sides of the Village at Crystal River debate, I have held my tongue to this point. I do, however, have a couple of questions for the developer and electorate.
I believe (most) everyone can agree that any further large-scale development in Carbondale will likely take place on the VCR property. This makes good sense. As the de facto entrance to Carbondale, there should be something attractive that greets visitors, tourists and yes, shoppers, to town. I believe we can also (mostly) agree that the existing entrance to Carbondale could use some love.
More important, however, I believe that (most) people were drawn to Carbondale for the small town feel and the quirky nature of the community, among other things. Therefore, my question to the developer is, “Where's the funk?” Perhaps the PIF should stand for “Put In (the) Funk.”
What is funk, you ask? How about a contest to dress the center of the roundabout(s)? Why not park benches, picnic tables, murals or really creative landscaping? A cool bicycle parking area? Electric vehicle charging station(s)? Solar sign lighting? How about brick facades, barn wood siding, metal or corrugated roofing?
The bottom line for me is demanding more of the developer and steering away from the generic, Anywhere, USA shopping center. This thing appears to be quite vanilla, when what we really need is some Cherry Garcia!
Demanding funk, mandating the use of local talent for design and construction and fully vetting the repercussions over the life of the project would likely get more folks to agree. The result could be a fantastic project that accomplishes many of our common goals..."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Sandbox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Lorenzo Semple "X Games: Still crazy after all these years"
Lorenzo Semple:
"...My idea of extreme athleticism at the time was putting on a pair of tights and Oakley blades, strapping snowshoes on my feet and running up, then back down Buttermilk as fast as I could on my lunch hour. I religiously skied moguls all day on Aspen Mountain with Atomic race skis, wearing Ancona stretch pants and a Spyder jacket. I thought big air was hitting a catwalk and doing a twister/spread combo, or a mule kick. If you were lucky enough to see a guy up on Ajax doing a heli it was like seeing a bald eagle in the wilderness; a rare treat. My, how things have changed.
We had just lost the men’s World Cup downhill to Vail, and in their infancy the Winter X Games seemed a risky, unknown replacement. There was a lot of hand-wringing going on about Aspen’s precious image at the time. Snowboarding was forbidden on Ajax. When it was announced the X Games would be held here, there was a lot of talk about how it had nothing to do with skiing, and how no one would buy a lift ticket. It might be bad for our town’s image, some said. And it proved to be, but in a good way.
Who would have thought that a decade later a snowboarder would be one of the highest-paid athletes, and you could walk into a store and buy pot. The former DMV office in Holland Hills is now a weed shop. Can you imagine if the legendary old driving test officer was still here to see that happen? He’d probably go on a three-state killing spree...."
(Read the rest? Sure you want to? Ok, then. Click title. Comment to discuss)
"...My idea of extreme athleticism at the time was putting on a pair of tights and Oakley blades, strapping snowshoes on my feet and running up, then back down Buttermilk as fast as I could on my lunch hour. I religiously skied moguls all day on Aspen Mountain with Atomic race skis, wearing Ancona stretch pants and a Spyder jacket. I thought big air was hitting a catwalk and doing a twister/spread combo, or a mule kick. If you were lucky enough to see a guy up on Ajax doing a heli it was like seeing a bald eagle in the wilderness; a rare treat. My, how things have changed.
We had just lost the men’s World Cup downhill to Vail, and in their infancy the Winter X Games seemed a risky, unknown replacement. There was a lot of hand-wringing going on about Aspen’s precious image at the time. Snowboarding was forbidden on Ajax. When it was announced the X Games would be held here, there was a lot of talk about how it had nothing to do with skiing, and how no one would buy a lift ticket. It might be bad for our town’s image, some said. And it proved to be, but in a good way.
Who would have thought that a decade later a snowboarder would be one of the highest-paid athletes, and you could walk into a store and buy pot. The former DMV office in Holland Hills is now a weed shop. Can you imagine if the legendary old driving test officer was still here to see that happen? He’d probably go on a three-state killing spree...."
(Read the rest? Sure you want to? Ok, then. Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Durango Telegraph "Southern exposure"
This is a fascinating look at what life is like. Living in Antartica. From Shawna Bethell. Way over and all the way up on the Durango Telegraph.
"...Though he attends the weekly science lectures offered at the station, Jackson says he doesn’t always understand the complexities of projects, but the sense of exploring remains with him.
“Humans have always been ‘wonderers,’” he said. “One of our distant ancestors looked up into the night sky and wondered what the stars were, and he probably walked up the nearest ridge to get a closer look. He may not have found the answer then, but what he saw over the ridge may have lead to another discovery.
"...Though he attends the weekly science lectures offered at the station, Jackson says he doesn’t always understand the complexities of projects, but the sense of exploring remains with him.
“Humans have always been ‘wonderers,’” he said. “One of our distant ancestors looked up into the night sky and wondered what the stars were, and he probably walked up the nearest ridge to get a closer look. He may not have found the answer then, but what he saw over the ridge may have lead to another discovery.
“It’s the fact that we are looking, maybe finding that next thing to help human kind,” Jackson said. “That’s what science is about.”
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Snnnoooowwwww!"
All credit: Bob Berwyn:
January 27, 2012
SandBox Comments: Working Class Conservative "American Energy"
Great info-filled post by Mike Madden. Somewhere out there on the 'Working Class Conservative'.
"Today the President traveled to Buckley Air Force base to talk about American Energy. He spoke about using less petroleum products and more new American energy. You all know by now that would be solar and wind for starters
SunPower is one big panel maker and on August 5th they announced a new factory to supply the North American Demand, Here is an excerpt from the press release..."
(Read the rest? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Today the President traveled to Buckley Air Force base to talk about American Energy. He spoke about using less petroleum products and more new American energy. You all know by now that would be solar and wind for starters
SunPower is one big panel maker and on August 5th they announced a new factory to supply the North American Demand, Here is an excerpt from the press release..."
(Read the rest? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: SkyHi Daily " Oh baby, baby: twins arrive on their own time table in Grand County"
All too often, the first responders that get the ink in dramatic rescues, arrests, natural and man-made disasters are the cops, agents, fire rescue, EMT's and searchers.
All worthy of our support and praise.
But behind the scenes there are first responders in every emergency and trauma center all across the nation that are rarely in the news.
Meet Middle Park Medical Center staff Mikee Tennant, RN, Dr. Foutch, Irmgard Mannix, RN, Cheryl Torrent, RN, and Bret Martin, a critical care tech.
Who found themselves welcoming Liam and Conner Dawson into the world. Early.
Thank you so much for your service. You are appreciated.
(Read this incredible story? Click title. Comment to discusss)
All worthy of our support and praise.
But behind the scenes there are first responders in every emergency and trauma center all across the nation that are rarely in the news.
Meet Middle Park Medical Center staff Mikee Tennant, RN, Dr. Foutch, Irmgard Mannix, RN, Cheryl Torrent, RN, and Bret Martin, a critical care tech.
Who found themselves welcoming Liam and Conner Dawson into the world. Early.
Thank you so much for your service. You are appreciated.
(Read this incredible story? Click title. Comment to discusss)
January 26, 2012
SandBox Comments: Denver Post "16 charged in Denver-area pot-growing raids"
They are no longer sending warnings. They are now here.
The Feds crackdown on all things marijuana is here.
It is not a false warning, it is not a drill, it's not a joke or a test.
Marijuana is illegal on federal levels and Colorado is in non-compliance just about everywhere when it comes to medical marijuana.
The Feds are here and they will come in, bust you, confiscate your business stock and shut you down.
Upset?
Call your local government and give them an earful. Espcially your city, town or county attorneys.
It is through the negligence of their disregard for federal law when it comes to pot, that you are in the situation you are in now.
(Learn more ? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The Feds crackdown on all things marijuana is here.
It is not a false warning, it is not a drill, it's not a joke or a test.
Marijuana is illegal on federal levels and Colorado is in non-compliance just about everywhere when it comes to medical marijuana.
The Feds are here and they will come in, bust you, confiscate your business stock and shut you down.
Upset?
Call your local government and give them an earful. Espcially your city, town or county attorneys.
It is through the negligence of their disregard for federal law when it comes to pot, that you are in the situation you are in now.
(Learn more ? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "X Games carnage gets started a day early"
Chad Abraham:
"...An Aspen man was arrested Wednesday at the Buttermilk ski area for allegedly speeding through a restricted parking lot with a security guard atop his vehicle.
Martin Horowitz, 66, faces a misdemeanor charge of third-degree assault after the vehicle he was in slammed into a snowbank around 10:45 a.m., leaving the guard with a bloody nose.
Horowitz had spoken with the guard about the parking area, which because of the X Games that start today, is only open to buses and X Games personnel with passes, said deputy Alex Burchetta of the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office.
Horowitz failed to give the guard, who was standing near the front driver’s side tire, any room to escape before driving off. The man ended up on the hood of the defendant’s vehicle when he drove 120 feet before striking the snowbank, Burchetta said. The bloody nose came from the victim’s face hitting the windshield.
Burchetta said Horowitz, who was also cited for reckless driving, did not indicate why he sped away.
“He was on his way to go skiing,” the deputy said, adding Horowitz had a friend with him in the vehicle...."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"...An Aspen man was arrested Wednesday at the Buttermilk ski area for allegedly speeding through a restricted parking lot with a security guard atop his vehicle.
Martin Horowitz, 66, faces a misdemeanor charge of third-degree assault after the vehicle he was in slammed into a snowbank around 10:45 a.m., leaving the guard with a bloody nose.
Horowitz had spoken with the guard about the parking area, which because of the X Games that start today, is only open to buses and X Games personnel with passes, said deputy Alex Burchetta of the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office.
Horowitz failed to give the guard, who was standing near the front driver’s side tire, any room to escape before driving off. The man ended up on the hood of the defendant’s vehicle when he drove 120 feet before striking the snowbank, Burchetta said. The bloody nose came from the victim’s face hitting the windshield.
Burchetta said Horowitz, who was also cited for reckless driving, did not indicate why he sped away.
“He was on his way to go skiing,” the deputy said, adding Horowitz had a friend with him in the vehicle...."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Colorado Springs Gazette "DA Bob Russel, 82: He left lasting fingerprints"
Lance Benzel:
"Robert L. Russel, whose 20-year tenure as El Paso County’s district attorney launched the careers of powerful attorneys, charmed juries and pioneered new approaches to justice in the Pikes Peak Region, has died at the age of 82.
He was pronounced dead at 11:40 a.m. Wednesday at St. Francis Select Care in Colorado Springs.
The cause of death was lung disease, according to a son, Richard Russel of Colorado Springs. He had been hospitalized since late November.
Funeral arrangements, being handled by Shrine of Remembrance, are pending.
Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/russel-132363-long-year.html#ixzz1kbGPs03b
"Robert L. Russel, whose 20-year tenure as El Paso County’s district attorney launched the careers of powerful attorneys, charmed juries and pioneered new approaches to justice in the Pikes Peak Region, has died at the age of 82.
He was pronounced dead at 11:40 a.m. Wednesday at St. Francis Select Care in Colorado Springs.
The cause of death was lung disease, according to a son, Richard Russel of Colorado Springs. He had been hospitalized since late November.
Funeral arrangements, being handled by Shrine of Remembrance, are pending.
Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/russel-132363-long-year.html#ixzz1kbGPs03b
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Term limits issue cloud Beeson’s third run for DA"
Note from 'SandBox Nanny':
(Now that DA Beeson has thrown his hat in the ring for district attorney in the 9th, please take note that there will be no special treatment given to any news press surrounding his race. His articles, if they are SandBox worthy or chosen in the daily agg run-up; will be put up just like anyone else in a political race. What SandBox Commentators will continue to do, is heavily moderate his articles. We are the only news media that moderates commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District articles. )
Chad Abraham:
"..Martin Beeson, 9th Judicial District attorney, announced Wednesday that he will seek another four years in office, but there is debate over whether he is eligible to run again due to term limits.
The prosecutor first took office in late 2005 after a recall election in which voters deposed former District Attorney Colleen Truden and elected Beeson. He was re-elected in 2008 after running unopposed for the job.
Beeson said that, in deciding whether to run again, he first had to study if his candidacy was even possible because of term limits. He served just over three years after first being elected and then a full four-year term.
Amendment 17 to the Colorado Constitution allows only two four-year terms for nonjudicial elected officials such as district attorneys.
But in making his decision, Beeson said he relied on an opinion issued by then-Colorado Attorney General Ken Salazar in 2000 about limits on those who have served partial terms.
Salazar concluded in the opinion, which Beeson’s office provided to the Aspen Daily News, “that the term limitations of Amendment 17 apply only to full terms of office.”
“I’m glad to have the opinion from a Democrat,” said Beeson, a Republican, referring to Salazar, who is now the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in the Obama administration. “I came to the same conclusion...”
See Swift Communications coverage here. (Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
(Now that DA Beeson has thrown his hat in the ring for district attorney in the 9th, please take note that there will be no special treatment given to any news press surrounding his race. His articles, if they are SandBox worthy or chosen in the daily agg run-up; will be put up just like anyone else in a political race. What SandBox Commentators will continue to do, is heavily moderate his articles. We are the only news media that moderates commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District articles. )
Chad Abraham:
"..Martin Beeson, 9th Judicial District attorney, announced Wednesday that he will seek another four years in office, but there is debate over whether he is eligible to run again due to term limits.
The prosecutor first took office in late 2005 after a recall election in which voters deposed former District Attorney Colleen Truden and elected Beeson. He was re-elected in 2008 after running unopposed for the job.
Beeson said that, in deciding whether to run again, he first had to study if his candidacy was even possible because of term limits. He served just over three years after first being elected and then a full four-year term.
Amendment 17 to the Colorado Constitution allows only two four-year terms for nonjudicial elected officials such as district attorneys.
But in making his decision, Beeson said he relied on an opinion issued by then-Colorado Attorney General Ken Salazar in 2000 about limits on those who have served partial terms.
Salazar concluded in the opinion, which Beeson’s office provided to the Aspen Daily News, “that the term limitations of Amendment 17 apply only to full terms of office.”
“I’m glad to have the opinion from a Democrat,” said Beeson, a Republican, referring to Salazar, who is now the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in the Obama administration. “I came to the same conclusion...”
See Swift Communications coverage here. (Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "Talks about Steamboat business improvement district tax to continue"
And the buzz continues to roll through western and northern Colorado.
Folks are just sayin that they think it would be better to reorganize our tourism income from various taxes Expand to regional as well as locale marketing.
And get moving on setting up some funding, through all types of resources including taxation, for economic development and infrastructure.
Jack Weinstein:
"Steamboat Springs — There was support for and objection to a business improvement district property tax measure this November at the Mainstreet Steamboat Springs Economic Restructuring Committee meeting Wednesday, but everyone agreed that the discussion needs to continue.
Mainstreet Steamboat Springs Manager Tracy Barnett told the group she was encouraged to pursue a tax for the district that includes the area roughly between Third and 13th streets and Yampa to Oak streets because the city’s financial support for the organization that promotes downtown continues to decline. She said the city will provide $40,000 of Mainstreet’s $140,000 overall budget in 2012, down from a high of $63,000.
Barnett said a business improvement district property tax would provide a stable funding source that could pay for the Mainstreet program, marketing and promotion of the downtown district and services for businesses....."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Folks are just sayin that they think it would be better to reorganize our tourism income from various taxes Expand to regional as well as locale marketing.
And get moving on setting up some funding, through all types of resources including taxation, for economic development and infrastructure.
Jack Weinstein:
"Steamboat Springs — There was support for and objection to a business improvement district property tax measure this November at the Mainstreet Steamboat Springs Economic Restructuring Committee meeting Wednesday, but everyone agreed that the discussion needs to continue.
Mainstreet Steamboat Springs Manager Tracy Barnett told the group she was encouraged to pursue a tax for the district that includes the area roughly between Third and 13th streets and Yampa to Oak streets because the city’s financial support for the organization that promotes downtown continues to decline. She said the city will provide $40,000 of Mainstreet’s $140,000 overall budget in 2012, down from a high of $63,000.
Barnett said a business improvement district property tax would provide a stable funding source that could pay for the Mainstreet program, marketing and promotion of the downtown district and services for businesses....."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Barbara Lucks: Could a town run on a corporate model?"
Again, well spotted by Barbara Lucks. Up on the Snowmass Sun.
Turn Snowmass Village into a model of corporate Vail and break it completely away from the brand of Aspen.
You betcha it would work.
"...The only way to preserve things that are important to the locals is to quit acting like the place is Crested Butte.
Let's get real about the impact of major redevelopment projects in dense commercial districts. Yes, they absolutely will affect neighboring businesses. The best anyone can do is minimize the impact.
If Snowmass is fortunate enough to continue to attract investors who have the money and drive to upgrade an aging hotel, least of all revitalize a stalled-out concrete jungle, the locals are going to have to quit whining and learn how to effectively negotiate with the big boys.
Snowmass Village has never been a quiet little mountain town. It was sired by corporations and remains true to its blood — or lack thereof. It may be time for the Vail model. Snowmass is well staffed for it...."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Turn Snowmass Village into a model of corporate Vail and break it completely away from the brand of Aspen.
You betcha it would work.
"...The only way to preserve things that are important to the locals is to quit acting like the place is Crested Butte.
Let's get real about the impact of major redevelopment projects in dense commercial districts. Yes, they absolutely will affect neighboring businesses. The best anyone can do is minimize the impact.
If Snowmass is fortunate enough to continue to attract investors who have the money and drive to upgrade an aging hotel, least of all revitalize a stalled-out concrete jungle, the locals are going to have to quit whining and learn how to effectively negotiate with the big boys.
Snowmass Village has never been a quiet little mountain town. It was sired by corporations and remains true to its blood — or lack thereof. It may be time for the Vail model. Snowmass is well staffed for it...."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Winter X Games impact a multimillion dollar question"
Carolyn Sackariason:
"The Winter X Games are all about going big, and Aspen on Saturday will do just that, based on lodging occupancy reports, which suggest town will be 97 percent full.
“Aspen is as close to completely sold out as I’ve ever seen it, although we can still find some rooms and condos in Snowmass, whose occupancy according to this report is peaking around 80 percent,” Bill Tomcich, president of central reservations agency Stay Aspen Snowmass (SAS), said in an email.
He noted that Saturday’s numbers are the highest he’s ever seen since SAS started tracking nightly occupancies in 2006. There are only a “handful” of rooms available in Aspen and the occupancy report is based on a sampling of 65 percent of 2,304 rentable units in Aspen, Tomcich said.
Before ESPN brought the X Games to Buttermilk in 2002, the last weekend of January and the beginning of February were not considered to be peak times for the resort.
From Jan. 21-28, 2001, the year prior to the X Games coming here, occupancy in Aspen was 73 percent, while the week of Jan. 29-Feb. 5 was 69 percent, according to Tomcich. He noted that at the time, there was no ability to track occupancy rates on a nightly basis so the above numbers are not an apples-to-apples comparison.
Neither the city of Aspen nor the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) have done any analysis on what the Winter X Games contribute to the local economy since 2007..."
"The Winter X Games are all about going big, and Aspen on Saturday will do just that, based on lodging occupancy reports, which suggest town will be 97 percent full.
“Aspen is as close to completely sold out as I’ve ever seen it, although we can still find some rooms and condos in Snowmass, whose occupancy according to this report is peaking around 80 percent,” Bill Tomcich, president of central reservations agency Stay Aspen Snowmass (SAS), said in an email.
He noted that Saturday’s numbers are the highest he’s ever seen since SAS started tracking nightly occupancies in 2006. There are only a “handful” of rooms available in Aspen and the occupancy report is based on a sampling of 65 percent of 2,304 rentable units in Aspen, Tomcich said.
Before ESPN brought the X Games to Buttermilk in 2002, the last weekend of January and the beginning of February were not considered to be peak times for the resort.
From Jan. 21-28, 2001, the year prior to the X Games coming here, occupancy in Aspen was 73 percent, while the week of Jan. 29-Feb. 5 was 69 percent, according to Tomcich. He noted that at the time, there was no ability to track occupancy rates on a nightly basis so the above numbers are not an apples-to-apples comparison.
Neither the city of Aspen nor the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) have done any analysis on what the Winter X Games contribute to the local economy since 2007..."
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: First light"
All credit: Bob Berywn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — The past few weeks, that magical sunrise light has been coinciding with the time that I need to get my son up and ready for school, so the photography hasn’t been happening, at least early in the morning. But Wednesday, we left for school early so he could catch the team bus for a ski race at Loveland, and I headed from the school straight to shore of Dillon Reservoir to snap a few shots"
See more? Click title.
"SUMMIT COUNTY — The past few weeks, that magical sunrise light has been coinciding with the time that I need to get my son up and ready for school, so the photography hasn’t been happening, at least early in the morning. But Wednesday, we left for school early so he could catch the team bus for a ski race at Loveland, and I headed from the school straight to shore of Dillon Reservoir to snap a few shots"
January 25, 2012
SandBox Comments: Denver Post/Breaking News "Saguache County clerk recalled by voters following bungled 2010 election"
'SandBox Nanny's' commentary on this story goes out to Marilyn Marks.
Re: All of your elections activism statewide, including your support for the Saguache County issue: Well done.
""Saguache County Clerk and Recorder Melinda Myers, under fire for a 2010 election that was bungled so badly it prompted a grand jury investigation, was recalled by voters yesterday.
Secretary of State Scott Gessler filed a lawsuit against Myers to get permission to conduct a public review of ballots from the election. That review — though disputed by some residents for not being complete — found the final results of the 2010 election had been accurate.
The grand jury investigation, conducted by the Colorado Attorney General's office, found no criminal wrongdoing.
Residents, however, began gathering signatures for a recall election.
The election — conducted by theEl Paso County
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Re: All of your elections activism statewide, including your support for the Saguache County issue: Well done.
""Saguache County Clerk and Recorder Melinda Myers, under fire for a 2010 election that was bungled so badly it prompted a grand jury investigation, was recalled by voters yesterday.
Secretary of State Scott Gessler filed a lawsuit against Myers to get permission to conduct a public review of ballots from the election. That review — though disputed by some residents for not being complete — found the final results of the 2010 election had been accurate.
The grand jury investigation, conducted by the Colorado Attorney General's office, found no criminal wrongdoing.
Residents, however, began gathering signatures for a recall election.
The election — conducted by the
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: KJCT News 8 "CO Congressmen React to SOTU"
KJCT:
"Meantime, Representative Scott Tipton was left looking for more. "The president had an opportunity [Monday] to unite the American people, but instead chose to divide for political gain, offering no authentic solutions, just the same old partisan rhetoric we've heard over the past three years," he declared.
“Above all else, I call upon the President to join me in working from the basic principle that Washington cannot continue to take from the American people and that if it’s not paid for, then it’s irresponsible for government to continue to spend....”
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Meantime, Representative Scott Tipton was left looking for more. "The president had an opportunity [Monday] to unite the American people, but instead chose to divide for political gain, offering no authentic solutions, just the same old partisan rhetoric we've heard over the past three years," he declared.
“Above all else, I call upon the President to join me in working from the basic principle that Washington cannot continue to take from the American people and that if it’s not paid for, then it’s irresponsible for government to continue to spend....”
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Town Hall/John Stossel "The Real State of the Union"
John Stossel:
"Has Barack Obama learned nothing in three years? Last night, during his State of the Union address, he promised "a blueprint for an economy." But economies are crushed by blueprints. An economy is really nothing more than people participating in an unfathomably complex spontaneous network of exchanges aimed at improving their material circumstances. It can't even be diagrammed, much less planned. And any attempt at it will come to grief.
Politicians like Obama believe they are the best judges of how we should conduct our lives. Of course a word like "blueprint" would occur to the president. He, like most who want his job, aspires to be the architect of a new society.
But we who love our lives and our freedom say: No, thanks. We need no social architect. We need liberty under law. That's it...."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Has Barack Obama learned nothing in three years? Last night, during his State of the Union address, he promised "a blueprint for an economy." But economies are crushed by blueprints. An economy is really nothing more than people participating in an unfathomably complex spontaneous network of exchanges aimed at improving their material circumstances. It can't even be diagrammed, much less planned. And any attempt at it will come to grief.
Politicians like Obama believe they are the best judges of how we should conduct our lives. Of course a word like "blueprint" would occur to the president. He, like most who want his job, aspires to be the architect of a new society.
But we who love our lives and our freedom say: No, thanks. We need no social architect. We need liberty under law. That's it...."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Iowa Republican "Kevin’s Korner: Newt’s Reboot, Caucus Chaos and Corrupt Dems"
Kevin Hall:
"Greetings and welcome to Kevin’s Korner. This has to be the craziest week in Iowa politics I’ve ever seen, so lots to yap about today. Sit back, crank the volume up to 11, and get ready for a bumpy ride.
My quick thoughts on the South Carolina primary: Newt Gingrich has two people to thank for his landslide victory … Juan Williams and John King … The moderators at the two debates last week inadvertently handed Newt the moments he needed to change the race.
"Greetings and welcome to Kevin’s Korner. This has to be the craziest week in Iowa politics I’ve ever seen, so lots to yap about today. Sit back, crank the volume up to 11, and get ready for a bumpy ride.
My quick thoughts on the South Carolina primary: Newt Gingrich has two people to thank for his landslide victory … Juan Williams and John King … The moderators at the two debates last week inadvertently handed Newt the moments he needed to change the race.
Meanwhile, Mitt Romney blew it. He should have wrapped us this race yesterday, but Mitt’s inability to answer simple questions about his tax returns seriously hurt him … I was getting emails from Ron Paul earlier this week claiming it was a “two-man race” between him and Romney … Dr. Paul, there are four candidates left. You’re the only one who has yet to win a state. Go sell crazy someplace else. We’re all stocked up here...."
(Read more? Click title and links within post. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: KREX News 5 "Fruita Police Department to Receive $1.4 Million in Upgrades"
Congratulations to the Fruita Police Dept.!
"Fruita - Mark Angelo has spent the past decade as Fruita Chief of Police. "It's really neat to see what's happening in Fruita," said Angelo.
He values the ability of police to keep not only his family safe, but yours too. "...that does draw people to want to live in your community," said Angelo.
But his team can't do that in their current building.
"We're crammed in this space," he added.
Since Angelo began his job, the Fruita Police Department has doubled in size. With a growing city comes a rise in crime.
"Its just really been difficult to work safely and comfortably in this building, and this safety issue for the general public, too," said Angelo.
That's why the city granted the Fruita Police Department $1.4 million in upgrades and renovations to this 1981 building that doesn't even currently have adequate locks or secure entrances.
"We have to make sure the day to day service of our citizens remains strong," said Fruita city manager Clint Kinney...."
(Cori Coffin)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Fruita - Mark Angelo has spent the past decade as Fruita Chief of Police. "It's really neat to see what's happening in Fruita," said Angelo.
He values the ability of police to keep not only his family safe, but yours too. "...that does draw people to want to live in your community," said Angelo.
But his team can't do that in their current building.
"We're crammed in this space," he added.
Since Angelo began his job, the Fruita Police Department has doubled in size. With a growing city comes a rise in crime.
"Its just really been difficult to work safely and comfortably in this building, and this safety issue for the general public, too," said Angelo.
That's why the city granted the Fruita Police Department $1.4 million in upgrades and renovations to this 1981 building that doesn't even currently have adequate locks or secure entrances.
"We have to make sure the day to day service of our citizens remains strong," said Fruita city manager Clint Kinney...."
(Cori Coffin)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Extradition hearings set in missing teacher case"
via Grand Junction Daily Sentinel:
"The FBI is leading the two-state investigation. The agency has said Arnold is presumed dead, although her body has not been found.
Richland County, Mont., prosecutor Michael Weber alleges the two men kidnapped Arnold from a Sidney street about 10 minutes after she left her home. Only one of her running shoes has been found.
The FBI asked landowners in extreme northeastern Montana and in four counties in northwest North Dakota to search abandoned farmsteads that have shelterbelts with rows of mature or rotting trees.
According to court records, the two men left western Colorado less than two days before Arnold disappeared.... "
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"The FBI is leading the two-state investigation. The agency has said Arnold is presumed dead, although her body has not been found.
Richland County, Mont., prosecutor Michael Weber alleges the two men kidnapped Arnold from a Sidney street about 10 minutes after she left her home. Only one of her running shoes has been found.
The FBI asked landowners in extreme northeastern Montana and in four counties in northwest North Dakota to search abandoned farmsteads that have shelterbelts with rows of mature or rotting trees.
According to court records, the two men left western Colorado less than two days before Arnold disappeared.... "
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Dept. of Defense "Special Operations Forces Rescue Hostages in Somalia"
Other alerts have this credited to Navy Seal Team 6.
Thank you so much for your service.
Jim Garamone:
"WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2012 – Special operations forces rescued an American woman and Danish man who had been held captive in Somalia for three months, President Barack Obama announced early this morning.
Both are well and are in a secure location, and there were no American casualties in the operation.
Jessica Buchanan and Poul Thisted were working as part of a Danish demining group when Somali criminals kidnapped them near Galcayo, Somalia, on Oct. 25, according to a statement from Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta. Galcayo is near the border with Ethiopia. There was no word where the two were held.
“This successful hostage rescue, undertaken in a hostile environment, is a testament to the superb skills of courageous service members who risked their lives to save others,” Panetta said in the statement. “I applaud their efforts, and I am pleased that Ms. Buchanan and Mr. Thisted were not harmed during the operation.”
The president said he had spoken with Buchanan’s father and told him that all Americans are thankful that his daughter is safe and will soon be home.
“The United States will not tolerate the abduction of our people, and will spare no effort to secure the safety of our citizens and to bring their captors to justice,” Obama said in his statement. “This is yet another message to the world that the United States of America will stand strongly against any threats to our people...”
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Thank you so much for your service.
Jim Garamone:
"WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2012 – Special operations forces rescued an American woman and Danish man who had been held captive in Somalia for three months, President Barack Obama announced early this morning.
Both are well and are in a secure location, and there were no American casualties in the operation.
Jessica Buchanan and Poul Thisted were working as part of a Danish demining group when Somali criminals kidnapped them near Galcayo, Somalia, on Oct. 25, according to a statement from Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta. Galcayo is near the border with Ethiopia. There was no word where the two were held.
“This successful hostage rescue, undertaken in a hostile environment, is a testament to the superb skills of courageous service members who risked their lives to save others,” Panetta said in the statement. “I applaud their efforts, and I am pleased that Ms. Buchanan and Mr. Thisted were not harmed during the operation.”
The president said he had spoken with Buchanan’s father and told him that all Americans are thankful that his daughter is safe and will soon be home.
“The United States will not tolerate the abduction of our people, and will spare no effort to secure the safety of our citizens and to bring their captors to justice,” Obama said in his statement. “This is yet another message to the world that the United States of America will stand strongly against any threats to our people...”
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Study: Wetlands restoration rarely effective"
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — For years, land managers and elected officials have permitted the destruction of ecologically valuable wetlands under the assumption that those areas can be replaced somewhere else with artificially created wetlands.
That development model has created a billion-dollar-per-year wetlands restoration industry, but a recent study suggests that restored wetlands rarely reach the quality of a natural wetland.
“Once you degrade a wetland, it doesn’t recover its normal assemblage of plants or its rich stores of organic soil carbon, which both affect natural cycles of water and nutrients, for many years,” said David Moreno-Mateos, a University of California, Berkeley, postdoctoral fellow. “Even after 100 years, the restored wetland is still different from what was there before, and it may never recover...”
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"SUMMIT COUNTY — For years, land managers and elected officials have permitted the destruction of ecologically valuable wetlands under the assumption that those areas can be replaced somewhere else with artificially created wetlands.
That development model has created a billion-dollar-per-year wetlands restoration industry, but a recent study suggests that restored wetlands rarely reach the quality of a natural wetland.
“Once you degrade a wetland, it doesn’t recover its normal assemblage of plants or its rich stores of organic soil carbon, which both affect natural cycles of water and nutrients, for many years,” said David Moreno-Mateos, a University of California, Berkeley, postdoctoral fellow. “Even after 100 years, the restored wetland is still different from what was there before, and it may never recover...”
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: KREX News 5 "Future of Oil Shale Debated During Western Slope Forum"
"Two experts with completely different ideas sit together at the same table to answer questions about what the future of this potential energy source could look like. Jeremy Boak is a Colorado School of Mines professor director who has been studying oil shale for years. Randy Udall is an energy analyst who has studied oil shale for decades.
These polar opposites opened up the dialogue Tuesday night, something that has not been done in a long time. Western Colorado has a long love-hate relationship with oil shale development. In the past, booms and busts have left many people wary of the process to get the oil from rock..."
(KREX)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
These polar opposites opened up the dialogue Tuesday night, something that has not been done in a long time. Western Colorado has a long love-hate relationship with oil shale development. In the past, booms and busts have left many people wary of the process to get the oil from rock..."
(KREX)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Letters to the Editor "We want names"
Almost impossible anymore to find news articles that quote Mayor Mick Ireland that reveal his thinking before he speaks.
How about we set aside the obvious in this latest from Mayor Mick to the editors of both Aspen papers today? That obvious being the fact that the hydro project dust-up is not a voter's ballot and to compare the two in relation to laws, ethics, rules, etc. is not only ludicrous it is rather bizarre. (Does make for a 'good' (?) jab at his nemesis Marilyn Marks though, doesn't it?)
And instead, let's focus on where Mick's angst likely lies.
In the fact that this pet project has turned out to be one that he can't simply ram down the throats of the folks up in Aspen and Pitkin County.
They have something to say and are willing to put their money up to have the freedom to say it.
Could they possibly desire anonymity so that they are socially safe from these kind of 'persuasion' tactics of powerful people?
This is not a popularity contest, it's a development project controversy. But if it was, Mick.
You probably would lose.
(Read Mayor of Aspen Mick Ireland's latest rant? Click title. Comment to discuss)
How about we set aside the obvious in this latest from Mayor Mick to the editors of both Aspen papers today? That obvious being the fact that the hydro project dust-up is not a voter's ballot and to compare the two in relation to laws, ethics, rules, etc. is not only ludicrous it is rather bizarre. (Does make for a 'good' (?) jab at his nemesis Marilyn Marks though, doesn't it?)
And instead, let's focus on where Mick's angst likely lies.
In the fact that this pet project has turned out to be one that he can't simply ram down the throats of the folks up in Aspen and Pitkin County.
They have something to say and are willing to put their money up to have the freedom to say it.
Could they possibly desire anonymity so that they are socially safe from these kind of 'persuasion' tactics of powerful people?
This is not a popularity contest, it's a development project controversy. But if it was, Mick.
You probably would lose.
(Read Mayor of Aspen Mick Ireland's latest rant? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Report questions Colorado tourism incentives"
It's a shame this snafu had to come up and off-color the good works of the Regional Tourism Act.
One also has to wonder why Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Silt, Rifle and Carbondale are not on board with seeking out funding for tourism related infrastructure.
How long will it take before we stop relying on sole source lodging taxes in these communities to fund our need for tourism and related economic development? Start going after programs like this, more GoCo funds and other grants that just might be out there if we were to devote a dedicated tourism/economic staffer to look.
Avatars in commentary are so vocal over this issue and still our leaders spin wheels in 4lo. Here's another year of possible funding simply passing us by.
"...DENVER--Gaylord Entertainment Co. and the five other applicants for state tourism incentives overestimated the number of new visitors their projects would bring to Colorado and, as a result, the amount of tax-increment financing they're eligible for, according to reports by the state's independent analyst.
The reports were prepared for the Colorado Economic Development Commission, which will decide in April which projects receive state tourism incentives. The state hasn't released the reports, but the municipalities applying for incentives provided copies to The Denver Post on Monday.
Several applicants said the consultant — Economic Planning & Systems Inc. — misinterpreted the Regional Tourism Act. Enacted in 2009, the RTA allows a portion of state sales taxes generated by a project that advances tourism to be used to help finance its infrastructure...."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
One also has to wonder why Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Silt, Rifle and Carbondale are not on board with seeking out funding for tourism related infrastructure.
How long will it take before we stop relying on sole source lodging taxes in these communities to fund our need for tourism and related economic development? Start going after programs like this, more GoCo funds and other grants that just might be out there if we were to devote a dedicated tourism/economic staffer to look.
Avatars in commentary are so vocal over this issue and still our leaders spin wheels in 4lo. Here's another year of possible funding simply passing us by.
"...DENVER--Gaylord Entertainment Co. and the five other applicants for state tourism incentives overestimated the number of new visitors their projects would bring to Colorado and, as a result, the amount of tax-increment financing they're eligible for, according to reports by the state's independent analyst.
The reports were prepared for the Colorado Economic Development Commission, which will decide in April which projects receive state tourism incentives. The state hasn't released the reports, but the municipalities applying for incentives provided copies to The Denver Post on Monday.
Several applicants said the consultant — Economic Planning & Systems Inc. — misinterpreted the Regional Tourism Act. Enacted in 2009, the RTA allows a portion of state sales taxes generated by a project that advances tourism to be used to help finance its infrastructure...."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Garfield County pledges $1M for Silt infrastructure"
Now this, is much better. (See related stories and comments here.)
Our county should be looking after its own instead of pushing them out to the necessity of reaching for federal funding.
SandBox is sure this money is going to be spent very wisely. Silt Mayor Dave Moore and the Trustees are all doing a great job. Despite the very small handful of Silt residents who simply cannot seem to ever find anything to be positive and encouraged for when it comes to town politics.
Congratulations to the Town of Silt!
(Read article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Our county should be looking after its own instead of pushing them out to the necessity of reaching for federal funding.
SandBox is sure this money is going to be spent very wisely. Silt Mayor Dave Moore and the Trustees are all doing a great job. Despite the very small handful of Silt residents who simply cannot seem to ever find anything to be positive and encouraged for when it comes to town politics.
Congratulations to the Town of Silt!
(Read article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Aspen sign discussion sparks criticism on government red tape"
No doubt, sign codes are necessary. But when the code takes days to wade through that is a bit much.
Wouldn't it be great for the Glenwood Meadows tenants (and likely the upcoming VCR tenants if the development passes by voters) if our local municipalities would sit down and revise it all down into a simple, appropriate and acceptable couple pages tops?
Dorothy Atkins:
"...The conversation was side-tracked however when local businesswoman Shirley Tipton, owner of The Aspen Emporium and Flying Circus, criticized the city for not only making the sign code application difficult for a new business owner, but for generally making the process of opening a new business in the a commercial core a bureaucratic nightmare.
“Going through the sign application process is way less fun than a root canal,” Tipton said. “It has been confusing and onerous and certainly not clear.”
Tipton suggested that there be an adequate appeal process for signs not following protocol and she questioned the reasoning behind allowing for window advertisements, but restricting the size of sign letter cutouts.
Tipton’s business was one of the first new stores to open since City Council directed staff to crack down on signage-related clutter about a year ago, she noted.
“It might be interesting to test your own process,” Tipton said. “And it’s not incredibly friendly.”
Community Development Director Chris Bendon echoed Tipton’s concerns about how difficult the city makes it for small business owners to open and suggested that the city either create a kind of starter kit for new entrepreneurs that would outline the ins-and-outs of Aspen policies and taxes or have a staff position dedicated to assisting new business owners.
“At this point, it’s sort of learn the hard way,” said Bendon on how most new owners figure out local laws and policies.
Council agreed and noted that the issue deserves its own work session. The sign code is just the tip of the iceberg, Councilman Derek Johnson said.
“It would be good,” Mayor Mick Ireland said on creating a guide for new business owners. “The experience you had should not be replicated Shirley.”
City staff’s request on sign protocol came after police officers — at the direction of city planners — cited and fined La Crêperie du Village, a new restaurant at the corner of Mill Street and Hopkins Avenue, for having a sign that was several feet to large by the city’s standards.
“I apologize for the discomfort that that causes, really for anyone in the community that hears about an enforcement action that is less than pleasant,” said Bendon of the confrontation between the police and the business owner..."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Wouldn't it be great for the Glenwood Meadows tenants (and likely the upcoming VCR tenants if the development passes by voters) if our local municipalities would sit down and revise it all down into a simple, appropriate and acceptable couple pages tops?
Dorothy Atkins:
"...The conversation was side-tracked however when local businesswoman Shirley Tipton, owner of The Aspen Emporium and Flying Circus, criticized the city for not only making the sign code application difficult for a new business owner, but for generally making the process of opening a new business in the a commercial core a bureaucratic nightmare.
“Going through the sign application process is way less fun than a root canal,” Tipton said. “It has been confusing and onerous and certainly not clear.”
Tipton suggested that there be an adequate appeal process for signs not following protocol and she questioned the reasoning behind allowing for window advertisements, but restricting the size of sign letter cutouts.
Tipton’s business was one of the first new stores to open since City Council directed staff to crack down on signage-related clutter about a year ago, she noted.
“It might be interesting to test your own process,” Tipton said. “And it’s not incredibly friendly.”
Community Development Director Chris Bendon echoed Tipton’s concerns about how difficult the city makes it for small business owners to open and suggested that the city either create a kind of starter kit for new entrepreneurs that would outline the ins-and-outs of Aspen policies and taxes or have a staff position dedicated to assisting new business owners.
“At this point, it’s sort of learn the hard way,” said Bendon on how most new owners figure out local laws and policies.
Council agreed and noted that the issue deserves its own work session. The sign code is just the tip of the iceberg, Councilman Derek Johnson said.
“It would be good,” Mayor Mick Ireland said on creating a guide for new business owners. “The experience you had should not be replicated Shirley.”
City staff’s request on sign protocol came after police officers — at the direction of city planners — cited and fined La Crêperie du Village, a new restaurant at the corner of Mill Street and Hopkins Avenue, for having a sign that was several feet to large by the city’s standards.
“I apologize for the discomfort that that causes, really for anyone in the community that hears about an enforcement action that is less than pleasant,” said Bendon of the confrontation between the police and the business owner..."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Breckenridge: Ready, set, sculpt!"
This is terrific! Let's hope Jenney Coberly is planning on doing a daily peek at the championships up in Breck.
Click title to take a look at how professional snow sculptors start the process of tackling a giant snow cube.
All credit: Jenney Coberly
Click title to take a look at how professional snow sculptors start the process of tackling a giant snow cube.
All credit: Jenney Coberly
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Avalanche control at Breckenridge"
*For more info on avalanches, snow science and avalanche safety, attend one of the upcoming public Breckenridge Ski Patrol info sessions, the third Thursday of each month (Feb. 16, March 15, and April 19) at the Ten Mile Room in The Village at Breckenridge.
Matt Krane:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — One of the most superb skiing experiences at Breckenridge has always been the velvety flat, steep ‘windblown’ surface that often develops during post-storm wind cycles. It’s developing right now in Horseshoe Bowl, but to put things in perspective, less than a week ago the T-bar was not yet open to the public...." (Read more and see more photos? Click title.)
Matt Krane:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — One of the most superb skiing experiences at Breckenridge has always been the velvety flat, steep ‘windblown’ surface that often develops during post-storm wind cycles. It’s developing right now in Horseshoe Bowl, but to put things in perspective, less than a week ago the T-bar was not yet open to the public...." (Read more and see more photos? Click title.)
January 24, 2012
SandBox Comments: Townhall "15 Questions The Mainstream Media Would Ask Barack Obama If He Were A Republican"
John Hawkins:
"During the practically endless series of Republican debates, we have heard almost every question imaginable asked to Republican candidates – if by every question imaginable, you mean horribly slanted, often irrelevant questions designed to make them look bad and help Obama. We've heard questions about contraceptives, religion, Newt's angry ex-wife, Gardasil, etc., etc., etc. So, what would happen if the mainstream media treated Barack Obama the exact same way that they treat Republicans? The questions might sound a little something like this.
1) Numerous Mexican citizens and an American citizen have been killed with weapons knowingly provided to criminals by our own government during Operation Fast and Furious. If Eric Holder was aware that was going on, do you think he should step down as Attorney General? Were you aware that was going on and if so, shouldn’t you resign?
"During the practically endless series of Republican debates, we have heard almost every question imaginable asked to Republican candidates – if by every question imaginable, you mean horribly slanted, often irrelevant questions designed to make them look bad and help Obama. We've heard questions about contraceptives, religion, Newt's angry ex-wife, Gardasil, etc., etc., etc. So, what would happen if the mainstream media treated Barack Obama the exact same way that they treat Republicans? The questions might sound a little something like this.
1) Numerous Mexican citizens and an American citizen have been killed with weapons knowingly provided to criminals by our own government during Operation Fast and Furious. If Eric Holder was aware that was going on, do you think he should step down as Attorney General? Were you aware that was going on and if so, shouldn’t you resign?
2) In 2010 you said Solyndra, which gave your campaign a lot of money, was "leading the way toward a brighter and more prosperous future." Today, Solyndra is bankrupt and the taxpayers lost $500 million on loans that your administration was well aware might never be paid off when you made them. What do you say to people who say this is evidence of corruption in your administration?..."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Letter to the Editor "A sheriff’s gratitude"
"Editor:
Some people say the best way to test a service or product is to use it.
Unfortunately, last Thursday night Marcy and I had the opportunity to test the service of public safety in Pitkin County. A defective furnace filled the upstairs of the house with smoke. Marcy called 911 and within minutes the Aspen Police Department, the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department and Aspen Ambulance responded to our home.
For over 30 years I have seen these people at work. However, it’s different when your life, home and property is at risk.
I’ve always known how competent and professional all of our public safety agencies are. This time I got to test the product as a customer.
I am more confident than ever this community has very dedicated, prepared professionals serving us. We want to say thank you to all of our public safety professionals.
(Marcy DiSalvo and sheriff Joe DiSalvo, Aspen)
Some people say the best way to test a service or product is to use it.
Unfortunately, last Thursday night Marcy and I had the opportunity to test the service of public safety in Pitkin County. A defective furnace filled the upstairs of the house with smoke. Marcy called 911 and within minutes the Aspen Police Department, the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department and Aspen Ambulance responded to our home.
For over 30 years I have seen these people at work. However, it’s different when your life, home and property is at risk.
I’ve always known how competent and professional all of our public safety agencies are. This time I got to test the product as a customer.
I am more confident than ever this community has very dedicated, prepared professionals serving us. We want to say thank you to all of our public safety professionals.
(Marcy DiSalvo and sheriff Joe DiSalvo, Aspen)
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