Randy Wyrick:
"This is the first part of a three-part series on aging in the high country and the opportunities and challenges that come with it.
EAGLE COUNTY, Colorado — Baby boomers have moved through America's economy and culture like a pig through a python — and now they're retiring.
“Baby boomers have changed everything. They changed elementary school, junior high and high school, and they'll change retirement,” said Elizabeth Garner, Colorado's state demographer. “It will impact us across our society — the labor force, health care, almost everything we touch.”
Colorado is aging, especially in mountain-resort communities. The state will see a more normal age distribution than the mountain communities are accustomed to.
“We're becoming more normal. Our economy is becoming more like the rest of the U.S.,” Garner said.
“It's not good; it's not bad. It's just different,” Garner said. “If we don't plan for it, it could be bad.”
For the near future, the number of people between ages 60 and 70 will increase, at least partially from second-home owners retiring and making this their primary residence, Garner said.
Will they stay?
“Who knows what's really going to happen,” Garner said....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
April 30, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Siblings sentenced for roles in Colorado shootout"
Next in line this afternoon we have the final segment of the 'Dougherty Gang' saga. From the Associated Press via the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.
All three siblings being sentenced today ends Colorado trials and they will now be sent to Georgia where they will stand trial again for firearms and other charges.
Read the story? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
All three siblings being sentenced today ends Colorado trials and they will now be sent to Georgia where they will stand trial again for firearms and other charges.
Read the story? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Convicted killer who lived ‘down the street’ eyed in Taylor slaying"
(To read a nice May 1st update from the Sentinel to the Robert Dewey side of the story, click here.)
It has been a somewhat 'heavy' day in the world of Colorado crime news. Tossing these stories up at the tail end of the day keeps the posting a little lighter tomorrow...maybe.
In this story, we've been following the path of Robert Dewey. A free man, after 16 years wrongly accused, convicted, sentenced and imprisoned in the death of Jacie Taylor. The Sentinel has put up the most detail and background on the story. Good job by Paul Shockley. Over on the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel. Click link above.
Arrest warrant issued for Douglas Thames Jr. currently serving life in prison for the rape and murder of Susan Doll in Fort Collins. Identified by the DNA that cleared Dewey, Thames will now be placed on trial in Jacie Taylor's murder.
Again, Paul Shockly over on the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel covers the story best.
(Read the story? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
It has been a somewhat 'heavy' day in the world of Colorado crime news. Tossing these stories up at the tail end of the day keeps the posting a little lighter tomorrow...maybe.
In this story, we've been following the path of Robert Dewey. A free man, after 16 years wrongly accused, convicted, sentenced and imprisoned in the death of Jacie Taylor. The Sentinel has put up the most detail and background on the story. Good job by Paul Shockley. Over on the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel. Click link above.
Arrest warrant issued for Douglas Thames Jr. currently serving life in prison for the rape and murder of Susan Doll in Fort Collins. Identified by the DNA that cleared Dewey, Thames will now be placed on trial in Jacie Taylor's murder.
Again, Paul Shockly over on the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel covers the story best.
(Read the story? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Contentions "Rubio and the Mexican-American Vote"
Alana Goodman:
"...Mexican immigrants aren’t so fortunate. So when Cuban-Americans do what Rubio has done since arriving in the Senate 16 months ago and take a hard line against illegal immigration, Mexicans and Mexican-Americans have been known to cringe. After all, that’s easy for them to say. …
What good does it do the ticket for Rubio to be popular with whites and Cuban-Americans? Republicans are likely to get the majority of those votes anyway. His value is all wrapped up in how well he plays with Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. And right now, the answer is “not well.”
Navarrette’s point on the Cuban-American vote is important. While Obama swept the Hispanic vote in 2008, John McCain still won with the conservative Cuban-American community. The Romney campaign’s big electoral argument for choosing Rubio as VP would be that he could deliver Florida, and in that scenario, winning the Cuban-American vote by a landslide is redundant.
Rubio is a strong candidate and there are plenty of other reasons for Romney to consider him....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"...Mexican immigrants aren’t so fortunate. So when Cuban-Americans do what Rubio has done since arriving in the Senate 16 months ago and take a hard line against illegal immigration, Mexicans and Mexican-Americans have been known to cringe. After all, that’s easy for them to say. …
What good does it do the ticket for Rubio to be popular with whites and Cuban-Americans? Republicans are likely to get the majority of those votes anyway. His value is all wrapped up in how well he plays with Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. And right now, the answer is “not well.”
Navarrette’s point on the Cuban-American vote is important. While Obama swept the Hispanic vote in 2008, John McCain still won with the conservative Cuban-American community. The Romney campaign’s big electoral argument for choosing Rubio as VP would be that he could deliver Florida, and in that scenario, winning the Cuban-American vote by a landslide is redundant.
Rubio is a strong candidate and there are plenty of other reasons for Romney to consider him....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: The Hill "Opinion: Condoleezza Rice would be game changer as Romney VP pick"
Juan Williams:
"Washington’s favorite gossip game — speculating about the vice presidential pick — now gets serious.
Following last week’s five-state primary sweep, Mitt Romney has forced even the last hold-out, former Speaker Newt Gingrich, to acknowledge reality: Romney has a lock on the GOP’s 2012 presidential nomination.
The next step for Romney is to introduce himself to America as a general election candidate. It will be tough. He begins with negative favorability ratings — especially compared to President Obama.
The ABC News/Washington Post poll shows 47 percent of Americans holding an unfavorable opinion of Romney with just 35 percent viewing him favorably. Obama has a 21-point advantage with a 56 percent favorability rating....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Washington’s favorite gossip game — speculating about the vice presidential pick — now gets serious.
Following last week’s five-state primary sweep, Mitt Romney has forced even the last hold-out, former Speaker Newt Gingrich, to acknowledge reality: Romney has a lock on the GOP’s 2012 presidential nomination.
The next step for Romney is to introduce himself to America as a general election candidate. It will be tough. He begins with negative favorability ratings — especially compared to President Obama.
The ABC News/Washington Post poll shows 47 percent of Americans holding an unfavorable opinion of Romney with just 35 percent viewing him favorably. Obama has a 21-point advantage with a 56 percent favorability rating....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Rasmussen Reports "What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls "
"Despite media fixation on the scream of the week, most Americans remain focused on the essentials, and their views on them are consistent over time, even if the Political Class continues to ignore them.
Take the auto bailouts. They’ve been unpopular since day one, and they’re still unpopular. Admittedly, thanks to the political spin out of Washington, the bailouts are a bit less unpopular because many Americans incorrectly believe the government made money or broke even on them. But when informed of the real price tag, opposition is just as high as ever.
The majority of Americans nationwide still believes General Motors should have gone through the regular bankruptcy process instead of the federal government taking over in exchange for bailout money.
But then President Obama recently suggested that government investment is what has made America great. Voters express a lot more confidence in the free enterprise system. In fact, just 27% agree that government investments made America great. By comparison, 69% think the free enterprise system deserves the credit...." (See more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Take the auto bailouts. They’ve been unpopular since day one, and they’re still unpopular. Admittedly, thanks to the political spin out of Washington, the bailouts are a bit less unpopular because many Americans incorrectly believe the government made money or broke even on them. But when informed of the real price tag, opposition is just as high as ever.
The majority of Americans nationwide still believes General Motors should have gone through the regular bankruptcy process instead of the federal government taking over in exchange for bailout money.
But then President Obama recently suggested that government investment is what has made America great. Voters express a lot more confidence in the free enterprise system. In fact, just 27% agree that government investments made America great. By comparison, 69% think the free enterprise system deserves the credit...." (See more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Fox News "Top EPA official resigns after 'crucify' comment"
"A top EPA official has resigned after coming under scrutiny for 2010 remarks in which he compared the agency's enforcement strategy to Roman crucifixion.
Al Armendariz, the top environmental official in the oil-rich South and Southwest region, resigned in a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson on Sunday, saying he did not want to be a distraction for the agency. The resignation is effective Monday.
"As I have expressed publicly, and to you directly, I regret comments I made several years ago that do not in any way reflect my work as regional administrator. As importantly, they do not represent the work you have overseen as EPA administrator," he wrote. "I take great pride in having built a career based on integrity and hard work. These are the principles that guide me personally as well. While I feel there is much work that remains to be done for the people of this country in the region that I serve, after a great deal of thought and careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that my continued service will distract you and the agency from its important work."...."(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Al Armendariz, the top environmental official in the oil-rich South and Southwest region, resigned in a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson on Sunday, saying he did not want to be a distraction for the agency. The resignation is effective Monday.
"As I have expressed publicly, and to you directly, I regret comments I made several years ago that do not in any way reflect my work as regional administrator. As importantly, they do not represent the work you have overseen as EPA administrator," he wrote. "I take great pride in having built a career based on integrity and hard work. These are the principles that guide me personally as well. While I feel there is much work that remains to be done for the people of this country in the region that I serve, after a great deal of thought and careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that my continued service will distract you and the agency from its important work."...."(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Coloradoan "Governor approves Larimer deputy's license plate honoring fallen officers"
"A license plate conceived by a Larimer County Sheriff's deputy soon will be seen on the streets after Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a bill approving it.
The Colorado Law Enforcement Fallen Heroes plate was the idea of deputy Basil Marciniak in response to the death of Weld County Sheriff's deputy Sam Brownlee, who was fatally shot by a suspect in 2010.
"This is an opportunity for citizens to recognize and remember the ultimate sacrifices many law enforcement officers have made and the risks officers face on a daily basis," Larimer Sheriff Justin Smith said in a news release Friday.
The plate, which features three eagles and a seal that says "In memory of the fallen," will be available to people who make a $50 donation to Colorado Concerns of Police Survivors. The COPS organization assists families of law-enforcement officers who've been killed in the line of duty.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
The Colorado Law Enforcement Fallen Heroes plate was the idea of deputy Basil Marciniak in response to the death of Weld County Sheriff's deputy Sam Brownlee, who was fatally shot by a suspect in 2010.
"This is an opportunity for citizens to recognize and remember the ultimate sacrifices many law enforcement officers have made and the risks officers face on a daily basis," Larimer Sheriff Justin Smith said in a news release Friday.
The plate, which features three eagles and a seal that says "In memory of the fallen," will be available to people who make a $50 donation to Colorado Concerns of Police Survivors. The COPS organization assists families of law-enforcement officers who've been killed in the line of duty.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KUNC "Warrior Games Kick Off Today in Colorado Springs"
"More than 200 wounded, ill and injured service men and women are gathering in Colorado Springs this week for the Third Annual Warrior Games.
Wounded troops from all five branches of military service will be competing in sports like swimming, cycling, sitting volleyball and archery—seven overall. The idea is to celebrate the abilities of wounded service members through athletic competition...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Wounded troops from all five branches of military service will be competing in sports like swimming, cycling, sitting volleyball and archery—seven overall. The idea is to celebrate the abilities of wounded service members through athletic competition...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KJCT News 8 "Homeless Shelter Ready For Teens To Move In"
Janelle Ericsson:
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo., -- Every year 5,000 homeless teens die on the streets of America, and nearly 200 of them live right here in Mesa County.
"Anybody can end up homeless," volunteer Mary Russell said.
Officially opening on May 2nd, The House will be the only homeless shelter in the state just for teens and it’s located in Grand Junction.
"A lot of the times people hear teen shelter and think of a flop house,” executive director John Mok-Lamme said. “A place where teens can come and just move on, but the whole goal of this shelter is help kids transition to stability."
The House can accommodate 10 teens at a time for a three week period, meeting the annual need for Mesa County's homeless...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo., -- Every year 5,000 homeless teens die on the streets of America, and nearly 200 of them live right here in Mesa County.
"Anybody can end up homeless," volunteer Mary Russell said.
Officially opening on May 2nd, The House will be the only homeless shelter in the state just for teens and it’s located in Grand Junction.
"A lot of the times people hear teen shelter and think of a flop house,” executive director John Mok-Lamme said. “A place where teens can come and just move on, but the whole goal of this shelter is help kids transition to stability."
The House can accommodate 10 teens at a time for a three week period, meeting the annual need for Mesa County's homeless...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Show appreciation for our public servants"
Rev. Marie Gasau:
"“Pitkin County Commissioner Michael Owsley challenged the county Wednesday to come up with initiatives to assist U.S. military veterans locally,” reported The Aspen Times on Thursday. This is a timely challenge given the rising number of returning or currently serving military personnel who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
The number of folks in first-responder professions (such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians, nurses, doctors, even social workers and school teachers) who struggle with PTSD also is climbing. In addition to long hours, difficult working circumstances, slashed budgets, suppressed wages and questionable job security, these folks report a real sense of calling to work that would leave most of us in a quivering heap....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"“Pitkin County Commissioner Michael Owsley challenged the county Wednesday to come up with initiatives to assist U.S. military veterans locally,” reported The Aspen Times on Thursday. This is a timely challenge given the rising number of returning or currently serving military personnel who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
The number of folks in first-responder professions (such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians, nurses, doctors, even social workers and school teachers) who struggle with PTSD also is climbing. In addition to long hours, difficult working circumstances, slashed budgets, suppressed wages and questionable job security, these folks report a real sense of calling to work that would leave most of us in a quivering heap....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: LA Times "After sensational start to John Edwards trial, an uphill push for prosecutors"
Richard Simon:
"Jurors in the federal criminal trial of John Edwards were clearly not given a primer on the intricacies of the campaign finance laws he is accused of violating. Instead, they listened to Andrew Young, the former presidential candidate's once-trusted aide, describe how Edwards called his mistress a "crazy slut," used a secret "Bat phone" to call her, and accepted money from rich friends to pay her expenses.
Although Young's salacious testimony seemed to keep jurors awake, he may not have been as strong a lead witness as the prosecution had hoped. Having laid out the detailed narrative of the tawdry affair in their opening week, prosecutors face a tough road proving that Edwards accepted illegal campaign contributions to conceal his affair to save his 2008 campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.
"I'm not sure that the prosecution accomplished very much … in terms of showing that Edwards had knowledge of the intricacies of the law and that he intended to break it," said Jerry H. Goldfeder, a New York campaign finance lawyer who also teaches election law. "This case is not about sex. It's not about lying.... It's about what [Edwards] knew and what were his intentions.''...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Jurors in the federal criminal trial of John Edwards were clearly not given a primer on the intricacies of the campaign finance laws he is accused of violating. Instead, they listened to Andrew Young, the former presidential candidate's once-trusted aide, describe how Edwards called his mistress a "crazy slut," used a secret "Bat phone" to call her, and accepted money from rich friends to pay her expenses.
Although Young's salacious testimony seemed to keep jurors awake, he may not have been as strong a lead witness as the prosecution had hoped. Having laid out the detailed narrative of the tawdry affair in their opening week, prosecutors face a tough road proving that Edwards accepted illegal campaign contributions to conceal his affair to save his 2008 campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.
"I'm not sure that the prosecution accomplished very much … in terms of showing that Edwards had knowledge of the intricacies of the law and that he intended to break it," said Jerry H. Goldfeder, a New York campaign finance lawyer who also teaches election law. "This case is not about sex. It's not about lying.... It's about what [Edwards] knew and what were his intentions.''...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News/Letter to the Editor "Airport approves Gulfstream 650"
Here is the story that is one of the things prompting this letter from Cliff Runge to the Editor of the Aspen Daily News:
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20120430/NEWS/120429844/1077&ParentProfile=1058
Reality for all sides, is that God or fast enough evolution is not going to change the physical geography of the Aspen airport.
Reality, is that Vail Resorts dealt a mortal blow, years ago, with the building of the Eagle/Vail airport. Reality, is that Vail has a bottom line that is sprinting past the Aspen Skico in profits because they have....game on. And have been bolder for many years now.
"It pays to be bolder."
The Aspen airport, ironically enough, is the gateway to Aspen for many. The undeniable fact that it is lagging far behind in ease, speed of use, capability to handle and technology that actually works more than it does not; yet is still the highest price air travel in the region, speaks volumes. Actually shows the reality of a number of areas of Aspen that have declined since Vail.....became bold and aggressive.
The best thing that could happen to the airport with regards to the economy is to forget, for now, the common man travelers and instead luxury build the private jet sector. After all, they are the ones that pay the light bill.
In SandBox' view, both sides of the airport expansion need to start over.
"...This attempt to hide behind an FAA ruling is just one example of the same tactics our airport administration has been using to ram this new airport master plan through the approval process. Are you confused as to why we started another 20-year airport master plan in 2008, just four years after we approved a 20-year master plan in 2004/2005? Are you under the false impression that somehow this new master plan has been “mandated” by the FAA? If you are confused and misled, there is a reason: It is being done on purpose." (Read more? Click title)
Cliff Runge, Citizens for Responsible Airport Development, Aspen
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20120430/NEWS/120429844/1077&ParentProfile=1058
Reality for all sides, is that God or fast enough evolution is not going to change the physical geography of the Aspen airport.
Reality, is that Vail Resorts dealt a mortal blow, years ago, with the building of the Eagle/Vail airport. Reality, is that Vail has a bottom line that is sprinting past the Aspen Skico in profits because they have....game on. And have been bolder for many years now.
"It pays to be bolder."
The Aspen airport, ironically enough, is the gateway to Aspen for many. The undeniable fact that it is lagging far behind in ease, speed of use, capability to handle and technology that actually works more than it does not; yet is still the highest price air travel in the region, speaks volumes. Actually shows the reality of a number of areas of Aspen that have declined since Vail.....became bold and aggressive.
The best thing that could happen to the airport with regards to the economy is to forget, for now, the common man travelers and instead luxury build the private jet sector. After all, they are the ones that pay the light bill.
In SandBox' view, both sides of the airport expansion need to start over.
"...This attempt to hide behind an FAA ruling is just one example of the same tactics our airport administration has been using to ram this new airport master plan through the approval process. Are you confused as to why we started another 20-year airport master plan in 2008, just four years after we approved a 20-year master plan in 2004/2005? Are you under the false impression that somehow this new master plan has been “mandated” by the FAA? If you are confused and misled, there is a reason: It is being done on purpose." (Read more? Click title)
Cliff Runge, Citizens for Responsible Airport Development, Aspen
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News "Wolf Creek owner has ambitious plans to expand ski area"
Jason Blevins:
"WOLF CREEK PASS — Davey Pitcher leans over the sheer cliff, his ski tips throwing shadows on the snow 50 feet below.
“Yeah, I've hit this,” he said. “But over there, it's a little bigger. That one was better.”
Pitcher, whose family has owned Wolf Creek Ski Area since he was a boy, is following the “bigger is better” theme with an ambitious expansion plan that would double his ski area's size. He has sketched plans for a tram accessing 750 plummeting acres on the backside of Wolf Creek...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"WOLF CREEK PASS — Davey Pitcher leans over the sheer cliff, his ski tips throwing shadows on the snow 50 feet below.
“Yeah, I've hit this,” he said. “But over there, it's a little bigger. That one was better.”
Pitcher, whose family has owned Wolf Creek Ski Area since he was a boy, is following the “bigger is better” theme with an ambitious expansion plan that would double his ski area's size. He has sketched plans for a tram accessing 750 plummeting acres on the backside of Wolf Creek...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Racing bill slow getting out of gate"
Colorado lottery, casinos, track racing, major sporting events.
Just look at all the revenue streams that fall under the potential of a "gaming tax" that could fund not only free up GOCO from the 'trough hogs' throughout the state but that would fund Parks/Rec/Open Space, public eduction, road and bridge, law enforcement and public safety and human services?
Here's another one. Horse racing in Mesa County.
Charles Ashby:
"DENVER — Rep. Don Coram’s goal is to bring live horse racing to the Western Slope.
If that’s done by the owners of the state’s only existing racetrack on the Front Range or a new one from out of state, the Montrose Republican says he doesn’t care.
The point is to bring jobs and help revitalize the region’s economy, Coram said.
“I’m about job creation. I’m about economic development,” he said.
Coram’s bill to make that happen, however, faces an uncertain future before a skeptical House Finance Committee, which heard testimony on the bill earlier this month but hasn’t voted on it....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Just look at all the revenue streams that fall under the potential of a "gaming tax" that could fund not only free up GOCO from the 'trough hogs' throughout the state but that would fund Parks/Rec/Open Space, public eduction, road and bridge, law enforcement and public safety and human services?
Here's another one. Horse racing in Mesa County.
Charles Ashby:
"DENVER — Rep. Don Coram’s goal is to bring live horse racing to the Western Slope.
If that’s done by the owners of the state’s only existing racetrack on the Front Range or a new one from out of state, the Montrose Republican says he doesn’t care.
The point is to bring jobs and help revitalize the region’s economy, Coram said.
“I’m about job creation. I’m about economic development,” he said.
Coram’s bill to make that happen, however, faces an uncertain future before a skeptical House Finance Committee, which heard testimony on the bill earlier this month but hasn’t voted on it....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Scientist joins local schools to excavate Craig mammoth remains"
Joe Moylan:
"Craig — Dr. Jan J. Roth, of the Sundance Research Institute, said he’s about to embark on a project that has renewed his passion for archaeology and paleontology: the discovery of what he thinks are the remains of a Columbian mammoth inside Craig city limits.
He announced the discovery during a Craig City Council meeting earlier this month.
“I haven’t been this excited for a long, long time,” Roth told council members. “It’s a very unique opportunity for the city of Craig to have a mammoth site.”
The Columbian mammoth, a slightly larger cousin of the woolly mammoth, roamed from Alaska to South America beginning 1 million years ago, Roth said.
The animals stand more than 14 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh 8 to 10 tons, and it’s thought they became extinct about 12,500 years ago.
Roth, 70, first became aware of the discovery in 2009, when friend Bruce Timberg was making improvements to one of his properties in the Old Craig View subdivision near 12th and Pine streets.
“He was digging up the lot where he wanted to install a raised water line and came across some rocks he thought looked unique,” Roth said. “He called me to take a look, and I could tell that what he found were the remains of mammoth tusks.”
During the initial discovery, Roth said several remains were recovered from the site including a lower jawbone, complete with teeth, and numerous tusk pieces...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Craig — Dr. Jan J. Roth, of the Sundance Research Institute, said he’s about to embark on a project that has renewed his passion for archaeology and paleontology: the discovery of what he thinks are the remains of a Columbian mammoth inside Craig city limits.
He announced the discovery during a Craig City Council meeting earlier this month.
“I haven’t been this excited for a long, long time,” Roth told council members. “It’s a very unique opportunity for the city of Craig to have a mammoth site.”
The Columbian mammoth, a slightly larger cousin of the woolly mammoth, roamed from Alaska to South America beginning 1 million years ago, Roth said.
The animals stand more than 14 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh 8 to 10 tons, and it’s thought they became extinct about 12,500 years ago.
Roth, 70, first became aware of the discovery in 2009, when friend Bruce Timberg was making improvements to one of his properties in the Old Craig View subdivision near 12th and Pine streets.
“He was digging up the lot where he wanted to install a raised water line and came across some rocks he thought looked unique,” Roth said. “He called me to take a look, and I could tell that what he found were the remains of mammoth tusks.”
During the initial discovery, Roth said several remains were recovered from the site including a lower jawbone, complete with teeth, and numerous tusk pieces...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
April 29, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Hard news is good to find"
Long live the King. Terrific and somewhat brutally succinctly stated column out of the 'Usual Suspect' aka Dave Danforth.
Up on the Aspen Daily News.
Dave Danforth:
"In 2009, Newsday, the daily paper on Long Island, played up a story its owners didn’t like. The New York Knicks’ Eddy Curry had been named in a sex harassment claim by his male driver.
Newsday is a tabloid paper, but not in the same brawling tradition as its big-city neighbors, the New York Post or Daily News. Nonetheless, the story was bound to attract attention as a sports tale in the sports-crazed New York metro area.
That was just fine, except for a detail that eventually cost editor John Mancini his job. Newsday has been owned since 2008 by Cablevision, whose father-son ownership of Charles and James Dolan also own both the Knicks and Rangers.....
........Newsday did some digging into reports that Long Island Railroad workers and unethical physicians had siphoned off $1 billion from the railroad’s disability fund since 2000. But when the paper shied away from running the story, the New York Times scooped it. Charges were handed down in the pension scandal last October.
This was the place at which Bob Greene, Jimmy Breslin, Murray Kempton, Gail Collins and Pete Hamill once worked. By 2010, it decided to institute a $5-per-week “pay wall” to drum up digital subscribers. It produced all of 35 takers in its first three weeks.
As the Press pointed out, the “pay wall” cut off its impact with anyone outside Long Island, including nearby New York City and state legislators in Albany.
Up popped an anonymous Facebook called “Debbie CowardlyLion.” Its fans undoubtedly recalled when Newsday won its last Pulitzer, in 1996.
The trendy “hyper local” fad also distracted Newsday, drawing its attention away from more worldly coverage. The paper, with a 2009 circulation of 377,000, was trapped. It wasn’t quite large enough to command national attention but still too big for what some residents called “super loco local” coverage.
A Newsday PR exec called writers who gave worried accounts to the Press a “small number of disgruntled employees.” But the paper recently convened a rare pow-wow in a large auditorium to discuss it. Cablevision ownership stocked the meeting with cookies and coffee. A good dialogue resulted, all agreed.
In other words, they kicked the can on down the road..." (Read more? You should. Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Up on the Aspen Daily News.
Dave Danforth:
"In 2009, Newsday, the daily paper on Long Island, played up a story its owners didn’t like. The New York Knicks’ Eddy Curry had been named in a sex harassment claim by his male driver.
Newsday is a tabloid paper, but not in the same brawling tradition as its big-city neighbors, the New York Post or Daily News. Nonetheless, the story was bound to attract attention as a sports tale in the sports-crazed New York metro area.
That was just fine, except for a detail that eventually cost editor John Mancini his job. Newsday has been owned since 2008 by Cablevision, whose father-son ownership of Charles and James Dolan also own both the Knicks and Rangers.....
........Newsday did some digging into reports that Long Island Railroad workers and unethical physicians had siphoned off $1 billion from the railroad’s disability fund since 2000. But when the paper shied away from running the story, the New York Times scooped it. Charges were handed down in the pension scandal last October.
This was the place at which Bob Greene, Jimmy Breslin, Murray Kempton, Gail Collins and Pete Hamill once worked. By 2010, it decided to institute a $5-per-week “pay wall” to drum up digital subscribers. It produced all of 35 takers in its first three weeks.
As the Press pointed out, the “pay wall” cut off its impact with anyone outside Long Island, including nearby New York City and state legislators in Albany.
Up popped an anonymous Facebook called “Debbie CowardlyLion.” Its fans undoubtedly recalled when Newsday won its last Pulitzer, in 1996.
The trendy “hyper local” fad also distracted Newsday, drawing its attention away from more worldly coverage. The paper, with a 2009 circulation of 377,000, was trapped. It wasn’t quite large enough to command national attention but still too big for what some residents called “super loco local” coverage.
A Newsday PR exec called writers who gave worried accounts to the Press a “small number of disgruntled employees.” But the paper recently convened a rare pow-wow in a large auditorium to discuss it. Cablevision ownership stocked the meeting with cookies and coffee. A good dialogue resulted, all agreed.
In other words, they kicked the can on down the road..." (Read more? You should. Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Contentions "Crucifying the Oil and Gas Industry"
John Steele Gordon:
"It is often said that the definition of the word gaffe in Washington-speak is when someone accidentally tells the truth. Al Armendariz, the EPA administrator for Texas and surrounding states, certainly made a gaffe when he said in a speech in 2010, that the best way to enforce environmental laws was to crucify a few oil companies so that the rest will fall in line. He noted that the Romans used this technique when they conquered a new town, crucifying the first five people they could get their hands on so that the place would be very easy to manage for the next few years. (I expect that that is actually a slander against the Romans, although they had no scruples against selling whole populations into slavery.)...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"It is often said that the definition of the word gaffe in Washington-speak is when someone accidentally tells the truth. Al Armendariz, the EPA administrator for Texas and surrounding states, certainly made a gaffe when he said in a speech in 2010, that the best way to enforce environmental laws was to crucify a few oil companies so that the rest will fall in line. He noted that the Romans used this technique when they conquered a new town, crucifying the first five people they could get their hands on so that the place would be very easy to manage for the next few years. (I expect that that is actually a slander against the Romans, although they had no scruples against selling whole populations into slavery.)...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel/Dennis Webb "Black Sunday still reverberates 30 years later"
Dennis Webb:
"Thirty years ago this Wednesday, on /Sunday, May 2, 1982, the party ended — for O’Leary’s, for Parachute, for much of western Colorado. On what became known as Black Sunday, Exxon announced it was shutting down its Colony Project, putting its workforce of more than 2,000 people out of work, and spelling job losses for thousands more support workers.
O’Leary’s eventually shut down. But the reverberations spread far beyond Parachute.
Gary and Monica Miller had gone into the clothing business in Rifle just a year before Black Sunday.
“We had one year of incredible, very good, healthy business, and a complete, severe drop the day after Exxon left. You could tell the next day,” said Gary Miller, 65. “... It was really an exodus. It was here one day and literally gone the next day.”
The couple was in the process of buying a Rifle home that would end up losing two-thirds of its value. It took more than a decade to recover that value.
“That was a very, very difficult time,” said Herb Bacon, now 82, but at the time a senior vice president of United States Bank of Grand Junction, now part of Wells Fargo.
“... Overnight everything just stopped. We had 15,000 people move out of Grand Junction. Because of that we had all kinds of foreclosures and empty houses and people took a lot of stuff they weren’t supposed to.
It was a tough deal. We survived, but it took several years to pull out of it.”
Thirty years later, the memories of Black Sunday are still sharp for those who went through it. Many still can describe where they were and what they were doing when they first got the news...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Thirty years ago this Wednesday, on /Sunday, May 2, 1982, the party ended — for O’Leary’s, for Parachute, for much of western Colorado. On what became known as Black Sunday, Exxon announced it was shutting down its Colony Project, putting its workforce of more than 2,000 people out of work, and spelling job losses for thousands more support workers.
O’Leary’s eventually shut down. But the reverberations spread far beyond Parachute.
Gary and Monica Miller had gone into the clothing business in Rifle just a year before Black Sunday.
“We had one year of incredible, very good, healthy business, and a complete, severe drop the day after Exxon left. You could tell the next day,” said Gary Miller, 65. “... It was really an exodus. It was here one day and literally gone the next day.”
The couple was in the process of buying a Rifle home that would end up losing two-thirds of its value. It took more than a decade to recover that value.
“That was a very, very difficult time,” said Herb Bacon, now 82, but at the time a senior vice president of United States Bank of Grand Junction, now part of Wells Fargo.
“... Overnight everything just stopped. We had 15,000 people move out of Grand Junction. Because of that we had all kinds of foreclosures and empty houses and people took a lot of stuff they weren’t supposed to.
It was a tough deal. We survived, but it took several years to pull out of it.”
Thirty years later, the memories of Black Sunday are still sharp for those who went through it. Many still can describe where they were and what they were doing when they first got the news...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News "Breckenridge, Summit County Sheriff's Office doll out Life Saving Awards"
Caddie Nath:
"BRECKENRIDGE — When Summit County Sheriff's deputies Jason Little, Jeff Wilson and sgt. Brian Smith arrived on scene of a possible suicide off Highway 9 Feb. 9, they found a man clinging to consciousness on a blood-stained snow bank.
The man told them he'd tried to kill himself by slitting his wrists with a knife they found nearby. His injuries, the deputies knew, would be fatal.
Realizing the man was going to die, the three deputies picked him up and carried him across the river in sub-zero temperatures to an ambulance waiting on the other side of the road.
“You saved this individual's life,” Sheriff John Minor told his deputies at a small ceremony April 18 before presenting each of the men with the Life Saving Award for their actions on the call. “He recognizes the fact that you saved his life because he has contacted us. … His father called me to thank you as well.”......
........Officer Kylor Dossett received the Life Saving Award for keeping a patient alive using CPR until paramedics arrived on scene.
On March 4, Dossett responded to a call and found the man unconscious, not breathing on the floor. He began chest compressions and kept the man's heart beating until help arrived....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"BRECKENRIDGE — When Summit County Sheriff's deputies Jason Little, Jeff Wilson and sgt. Brian Smith arrived on scene of a possible suicide off Highway 9 Feb. 9, they found a man clinging to consciousness on a blood-stained snow bank.
The man told them he'd tried to kill himself by slitting his wrists with a knife they found nearby. His injuries, the deputies knew, would be fatal.
Realizing the man was going to die, the three deputies picked him up and carried him across the river in sub-zero temperatures to an ambulance waiting on the other side of the road.
“You saved this individual's life,” Sheriff John Minor told his deputies at a small ceremony April 18 before presenting each of the men with the Life Saving Award for their actions on the call. “He recognizes the fact that you saved his life because he has contacted us. … His father called me to thank you as well.”......
........Officer Kylor Dossett received the Life Saving Award for keeping a patient alive using CPR until paramedics arrived on scene.
On March 4, Dossett responded to a call and found the man unconscious, not breathing on the floor. He began chest compressions and kept the man's heart beating until help arrived....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Green living in the wilds of Aspen"
Chris Council:
"One of the first places Jim Kravitz lived on the ACES property was a former chicken coop. Then he graduated to a yurt and then a straw-bale house. Luckily for his wife and two children, the director of naturalist programs at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) now lives in the caretaker’s house with a state-of-the-art heating system. The structure is one of four employee housing buildings on the property, all of which are unique yet share the common theme of being incredibly energy efficient and “green” in their own right.
Elizabeth Paepcke established ACES in 1969 as a 22-acre environmental center and preserve behind her West-End home. One of the matriarchs of the Aspen Idea, Paepcke believed strongly in meeting the needs of the human spirit, followed closely by caring for the wild things just outside everyone’s back door. In 1975 Jody Cardamone was hired as the first director of ACES along with her husband and co-director, Tom. But even back then, employee housing was a challenge, so the couple lived on the property over an old horse barn that stood where today’s main building is located....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"One of the first places Jim Kravitz lived on the ACES property was a former chicken coop. Then he graduated to a yurt and then a straw-bale house. Luckily for his wife and two children, the director of naturalist programs at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) now lives in the caretaker’s house with a state-of-the-art heating system. The structure is one of four employee housing buildings on the property, all of which are unique yet share the common theme of being incredibly energy efficient and “green” in their own right.
Elizabeth Paepcke established ACES in 1969 as a 22-acre environmental center and preserve behind her West-End home. One of the matriarchs of the Aspen Idea, Paepcke believed strongly in meeting the needs of the human spirit, followed closely by caring for the wild things just outside everyone’s back door. In 1975 Jody Cardamone was hired as the first director of ACES along with her husband and co-director, Tom. But even back then, employee housing was a challenge, so the couple lived on the property over an old horse barn that stood where today’s main building is located....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Vancouver Sun "Whistler Resort Eagerly Awaits Word on 2013 X Games "
G. Kingston:
"WHISTLER — The question hanging over the Telus Whistler Ski and Snowboard Festival this year is simple: What happens to the party to end all end-of-season parties when ESPN comes in next year with its hugely successful X Games brand?
The 10-day festival, a rollicking combination of cutting-edge extreme sport and often dazzling and innovative visual and performing arts, is already the largest spring event of its kind in the world.
The American sports broadcasting giant hasn’t officially given Whistler the nod yet, but all signs point to the resort municipality being on the X Games schedule starting in 2013..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"WHISTLER — The question hanging over the Telus Whistler Ski and Snowboard Festival this year is simple: What happens to the party to end all end-of-season parties when ESPN comes in next year with its hugely successful X Games brand?
The 10-day festival, a rollicking combination of cutting-edge extreme sport and often dazzling and innovative visual and performing arts, is already the largest spring event of its kind in the world.
The American sports broadcasting giant hasn’t officially given Whistler the nod yet, but all signs point to the resort municipality being on the X Games schedule starting in 2013..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs; Durango Herald "Tribe’s dilemma: Splitting $43 million"
Emery Cowan and Heather Scofield:
"The Ute Mountain Ute tribe is abuzz with both hope and concern about how to spend a $43 million windfall stemming from a recent court settlement.
"The Ute Mountain Ute tribe is abuzz with both hope and concern about how to spend a $43 million windfall stemming from a recent court settlement.
Since news broke that the Ute Mountain Utes would receive $42.6 million as a part of a $1 billion settlement with the federal government over the mismanagement of tribal money and trust lands, tribal leaders have held several meetings to discuss different options for the money. Meetings were held this week in Towaoc and Ignacio.
The Ute Mountain Utes are among 41 Native American tribes set to receive cash from the settlement, which was announced April 11.
Chatter about the money quickly fanned out across Twitter and Facebook after the announcement. And tribal members began circulating petitions and proposals outlining how the money should be distributed.
One proposal shared with The Durango Herald offers a three-pronged approach for distributing the money. It suggests splitting a portion of the money equally among tribal members, putting a portion back into the tribal organization and investing the rest.
The tribal council is expected to consider those proposals in the near future...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Steamboat's Joe Pete LoRusso helps set skydiving world record"
Tom Ross:
"Steamboat Springs — Joe Pete LoRusso recently returned from Lake Elsinore, Calif., where he teamed up with 59 other people — none of them younger than 60 — to set a new world record.
LoRusso, 62, and all 59 of his mates jumped out of three airplanes at an altitude of 16,000 feet and skillfully flew their bodies in position to link up in a precise snowflake pattern, then carefully broke apart before releasing their parachutes. Less than 30 minutes after they returned to terra firma, the U.S. Parachute Association used photographic evidence to confirm they indeed had established a new world record for 60 skydivers 60 years old and older linking together.
“It’s very cool to set a world record, especially in your 60s,” LoRusso said.
He has been skydiving for 30 years and remains in the sport for the pure rush it provides.
“The adrenaline was revving a little higher than usual after they announced we’d broken the record,” he said...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Steamboat Springs — Joe Pete LoRusso recently returned from Lake Elsinore, Calif., where he teamed up with 59 other people — none of them younger than 60 — to set a new world record.
LoRusso, 62, and all 59 of his mates jumped out of three airplanes at an altitude of 16,000 feet and skillfully flew their bodies in position to link up in a precise snowflake pattern, then carefully broke apart before releasing their parachutes. Less than 30 minutes after they returned to terra firma, the U.S. Parachute Association used photographic evidence to confirm they indeed had established a new world record for 60 skydivers 60 years old and older linking together.
“It’s very cool to set a world record, especially in your 60s,” LoRusso said.
He has been skydiving for 30 years and remains in the sport for the pure rush it provides.
“The adrenaline was revving a little higher than usual after they announced we’d broken the record,” he said...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
April 28, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Bloomberg "Cooling Job Market Takes Toll on U.S. Confidence: Economy"
Timothy R. Homan and Shobhana Chandra:
"...“There has been some slowdown in the labor market,” said Yelena Shulyatyeva, a U.S. economist at BNP Paribas in New York, who correctly projected the level of jobless claims. “That makes consumers feel less confident, and makes them more cautious about their spending. We could see some weakness in April payrolls.”
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"...“There has been some slowdown in the labor market,” said Yelena Shulyatyeva, a U.S. economist at BNP Paribas in New York, who correctly projected the level of jobless claims. “That makes consumers feel less confident, and makes them more cautious about their spending. We could see some weakness in April payrolls.”
Fewer firings are needed to lay the groundwork for more hiring and support consumer demand, which makes up 70 percent of the economy. Another report today showed that signed contracts to buy homes rose more than forecast in March, more evidence of a stabilizing housing market that may boost confidence...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Washington Times "When hit by Obama, Romney’s reply is ‘jobs’"
Seth McLaughlin:
"When it comes to tailoring his message, Mitt Romney has adopted a one-size-fits-all philosophy: There’s little that his economic message can’t do.
As the presumptive Republican presidential nominee seeks to push back against President Obama’s support among women, Hispanics and young voters, Mr. Romney in each case has argued that the current administration has failed to produce jobs for them — and he vows to do better.
He also has tacked to the political middle, urging Republicans in Congress to extend student-loan subsidies, announcing support for extending the Violence Against Women Act and signaling that he is open to an immigration solution that could legalize some immigrant youths....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"When it comes to tailoring his message, Mitt Romney has adopted a one-size-fits-all philosophy: There’s little that his economic message can’t do.
As the presumptive Republican presidential nominee seeks to push back against President Obama’s support among women, Hispanics and young voters, Mr. Romney in each case has argued that the current administration has failed to produce jobs for them — and he vows to do better.
He also has tacked to the political middle, urging Republicans in Congress to extend student-loan subsidies, announcing support for extending the Violence Against Women Act and signaling that he is open to an immigration solution that could legalize some immigrant youths....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Abby & Jennifer Recovery Foundation for years has been out of compliance"
There are four. Only four print newspapers in the State of Colorado that are held as the most trusted coverage.
The old war horse of the Pueblo Chieftain. The 'small' local papers in the Aspen Daily News and Steamboat Today (formerly Steamboat Pilot) and the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel since it has been under the ownership of the Seaton family.
If you wonder 'why' you do not see these publications jumping all over every hot buzz story that comes into view here in Colorado; their patience, integrity and experience probably has something to do with their holding back.
When these newspapers speak big, the folks listen.
Today, the Sentinel enters the western slope's (and some front range simmering) interest in non-profit financial disclosures, responsibility in accounting practices, public trust over accountability and transparency in the handling of funds and ethics; by taking a look at the 'Abby and Jennifer Recovery Foundation'.
Excellent reporting from Mike Wiggins today. Over on the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.
Mike Wiggins:
"Ten years ago this month, hundreds of people gathered in Grand Junction to look for a mother and daughter the vast majority of them had never met.
For 11 days, with the assistance of a Texas-based nonprofit organization, they scoured canyons, sagebrush-covered hills and the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, trying to learn what had become of 34-year-old Jennifer Blagg and her 6-year-old daughter, Abby.
Connie Flukey, a mother of eight, joined the initial wave of volunteers, drawn by the pleas for help from Jennifer’s mother. She quickly formed a spin-off of the Texas group and vowed to search for missing persons in the name of Jennifer and Abby.
But a Daily Sentinel investigation found the Abby & Jennifer Recovery Foundation has been out of compliance with state and federal regulations—and possibly in violation of state law—for years...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
The old war horse of the Pueblo Chieftain. The 'small' local papers in the Aspen Daily News and Steamboat Today (formerly Steamboat Pilot) and the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel since it has been under the ownership of the Seaton family.
If you wonder 'why' you do not see these publications jumping all over every hot buzz story that comes into view here in Colorado; their patience, integrity and experience probably has something to do with their holding back.
When these newspapers speak big, the folks listen.
Today, the Sentinel enters the western slope's (and some front range simmering) interest in non-profit financial disclosures, responsibility in accounting practices, public trust over accountability and transparency in the handling of funds and ethics; by taking a look at the 'Abby and Jennifer Recovery Foundation'.
Excellent reporting from Mike Wiggins today. Over on the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.
Mike Wiggins:
"Ten years ago this month, hundreds of people gathered in Grand Junction to look for a mother and daughter the vast majority of them had never met.
For 11 days, with the assistance of a Texas-based nonprofit organization, they scoured canyons, sagebrush-covered hills and the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, trying to learn what had become of 34-year-old Jennifer Blagg and her 6-year-old daughter, Abby.
Connie Flukey, a mother of eight, joined the initial wave of volunteers, drawn by the pleas for help from Jennifer’s mother. She quickly formed a spin-off of the Texas group and vowed to search for missing persons in the name of Jennifer and Abby.
But a Daily Sentinel investigation found the Abby & Jennifer Recovery Foundation has been out of compliance with state and federal regulations—and possibly in violation of state law—for years...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Craig Daily Press "Meeker robbery suspect arraigned Friday"
9th Judicial District Court Judge Denise Lynch, follows the growing number of judges in the 9th and issues an all encompassing gag order in a criminal case.
In the appearance of an absence of district law enforcement ability to protect the integrity of all matters in their courts, the seeming absence of both prosecution and state defense court officers exercising full integrity in the handling of 9th Judicial criminal cases, in the appearance of the absence of ability to trust all support staff and other government employees within all three; the case of Jock Waylon Thacker and his alleged bank robber status is now protected by Judge Lynch having full control of the reins.
Bridget Manley:
"...Michael Joos, Rio Blanco County Undersheriff, declined to comment on whether Thacker was still in the Rio Blanco County Jail, citing a gag order issued April 20 by Ninth Judicial District Judge Denise Lynch.
The order was imposed to “protect the defendant’s right to a fair trial” and restricts the release of information to the media by lawyers, court officials and other government employees in the Ninth Judicial District, according to court documents....."
(Read more? Click title. Comment ability on this post is blocked.)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
In the appearance of an absence of district law enforcement ability to protect the integrity of all matters in their courts, the seeming absence of both prosecution and state defense court officers exercising full integrity in the handling of 9th Judicial criminal cases, in the appearance of the absence of ability to trust all support staff and other government employees within all three; the case of Jock Waylon Thacker and his alleged bank robber status is now protected by Judge Lynch having full control of the reins.
Bridget Manley:
"...Michael Joos, Rio Blanco County Undersheriff, declined to comment on whether Thacker was still in the Rio Blanco County Jail, citing a gag order issued April 20 by Ninth Judicial District Judge Denise Lynch.
The order was imposed to “protect the defendant’s right to a fair trial” and restricts the release of information to the media by lawyers, court officials and other government employees in the Ninth Judicial District, according to court documents....."
(Read more? Click title. Comment ability on this post is blocked.)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KJCT News 8 "Local Man Found Innocent After 16 Years In Prison"
Shannon Ballard:
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo -- A Western Slope man spent 16 years in prison for the 1994 rape and murder of a Palisade woman.
Now new DNA evidence is clearing Robert Dewey's name.
Dewey has maintained his innocence since being given a life sentence, and come Monday he is expected to be released.
He was charged with the murder of Jacie Taylor.
A 19-year-old Palisade woman was found dead in the summer of 1994, lying facedown in her half filled bath tub.
Taylor had been beaten, sexually assaulted and strangled.
Dewey was not immediately charged with the crime and his defense attorney Steve Laiche says he never should've been....." (Read more? Click title. Comment ability blocked. )
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo -- A Western Slope man spent 16 years in prison for the 1994 rape and murder of a Palisade woman.
Now new DNA evidence is clearing Robert Dewey's name.
Dewey has maintained his innocence since being given a life sentence, and come Monday he is expected to be released.
He was charged with the murder of Jacie Taylor.
A 19-year-old Palisade woman was found dead in the summer of 1994, lying facedown in her half filled bath tub.
Taylor had been beaten, sexually assaulted and strangled.
Dewey was not immediately charged with the crime and his defense attorney Steve Laiche says he never should've been....." (Read more? Click title. Comment ability blocked. )
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KREX News 5 "Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty For 2 Parachute Men"
"BILLINGS, Mont.- Prosecutors have filed murder charges and say they intend to seek the death penalty against the two men accused in the kidnapping and killing of Sherry Arnold, a Montana teacher.
Lester Van Waters Jr., 48, and 22-year-old Michael Keith Spell are accused of grabbing Arnold off a street in Sidney, Mont. while she was on a morning run Jan. 7...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
(Comment ability blocked on this post)
Lester Van Waters Jr., 48, and 22-year-old Michael Keith Spell are accused of grabbing Arnold off a street in Sidney, Mont. while she was on a morning run Jan. 7...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
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SandBoxBlogs: KKCO 11 News "Lost dolphin wanders into Calif. wetlands"
"HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF. (AP) -- Marine mammal experts in Southern California have decided to wait and see whether a dolphin that strayed into a shallow wetlands channel can find its way out.
The dolphin was discovered in Orange County's Bolsa Chica wetlands Friday morning...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
The dolphin was discovered in Orange County's Bolsa Chica wetlands Friday morning...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Global warming: Arctic sea may be venting methane"
Bob Berwyn:
"Researchers said they measured increased levels of methane where the Arctic’s floating sea ice fractures to reveal open water. Although the amount is small compared to emissions from human sources, it was more than previous estimates for methane emissions from marine sources.
The methane may be coming from tiny bacteria and other organisms in the seawater, which release methane as a waste product, but this has not yet been demonstrated definitively.
“And there is the potential for feedbacks,” said James Elkins, Ph.D., a researcher with NOAA’s Earth Systems Research Laboratory. “We know that Arctic sea ice is disappearing, and with warmer water, more sunlight, more breakup of the ice … we could see enhancement of the biological activity that creates methane.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Researchers said they measured increased levels of methane where the Arctic’s floating sea ice fractures to reveal open water. Although the amount is small compared to emissions from human sources, it was more than previous estimates for methane emissions from marine sources.
The methane may be coming from tiny bacteria and other organisms in the seawater, which release methane as a waste product, but this has not yet been demonstrated definitively.
“And there is the potential for feedbacks,” said James Elkins, Ph.D., a researcher with NOAA’s Earth Systems Research Laboratory. “We know that Arctic sea ice is disappearing, and with warmer water, more sunlight, more breakup of the ice … we could see enhancement of the biological activity that creates methane.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News/Letters to the Editor "James Hostetler: Climate change no big deal"
James Hostetler:
"I would like to express my gratitude to the Summit Daily staff for having the courage to offer the alternative view on global warming presented by Martin Hertzberg. It is not often that you see an opposing view on what has unfortunately become the cornerstone of the environmental movement.....
....I graduated with a master's degree in geology........The biggest effect on global climate is continental drift. Closing the gap between North and South America had huge effects, fortunately the continents move very slowly because are difficult to stop.......
.....One last thing, think about Halloween, the “boiling pots” and the low-hanging fog that is made with dry ice (CO2); it shows that CO2 molecules are heavier than other components of air and sink to the lowest points. The CO2 does not rise...." (Read the rest of the original letter? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"I would like to express my gratitude to the Summit Daily staff for having the courage to offer the alternative view on global warming presented by Martin Hertzberg. It is not often that you see an opposing view on what has unfortunately become the cornerstone of the environmental movement.....
....I graduated with a master's degree in geology........The biggest effect on global climate is continental drift. Closing the gap between North and South America had huge effects, fortunately the continents move very slowly because are difficult to stop.......
.....One last thing, think about Halloween, the “boiling pots” and the low-hanging fog that is made with dry ice (CO2); it shows that CO2 molecules are heavier than other components of air and sink to the lowest points. The CO2 does not rise...." (Read the rest of the original letter? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Question of early man at Ziegler vexes scientists"
Just think. All the decades of lusting after the performance of (cumulative) billions of dollars of "tourism marketing" in the Aspen area....a 'little guy' excavator digging a hole up in Snowmass...a bunch of wooly mammoths, sloths and other assorted wildlife...and some rocks..that have just been laying around for a long, long time....just may have yielded an international advertising campaign that will trump every flake of snow to ever fall on the "Power of Four" again and every sordid, decadent vice we have to offer.
Who knew?
Chad Abraham:
".....The possible presence of Paleo-Indians arose when Drs. Kirk Johnson and Ian Miller, co-leaders of the dig, and others noticed small boulders where they shouldn’t have been. Several soccer ball-sized stones were found in what was once the middle of the ancient lake. The rocks were next to, above and below a partial mammoth skeleton, Johnson said Wednesday.
The rocks were out of place geologically as no similar stones were found nearby, he said. Paleontologists have established that early man used such stones to hide meat caches in ice-bound spots away from predators and to prevent the protein from spoiling.
So it appeared as if early man may have used Ziegler as a frozen meat locker, except for one problem: Man wasn’t supposed to have been here by then. Most researchers put North America’s earliest settlement by early man at around 14,000 years ago. Ziegler’s ice age finds are estimated to be between 40,000 and 150,000 years old....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Who knew?
Chad Abraham:
".....The possible presence of Paleo-Indians arose when Drs. Kirk Johnson and Ian Miller, co-leaders of the dig, and others noticed small boulders where they shouldn’t have been. Several soccer ball-sized stones were found in what was once the middle of the ancient lake. The rocks were next to, above and below a partial mammoth skeleton, Johnson said Wednesday.
The rocks were out of place geologically as no similar stones were found nearby, he said. Paleontologists have established that early man used such stones to hide meat caches in ice-bound spots away from predators and to prevent the protein from spoiling.
So it appeared as if early man may have used Ziegler as a frozen meat locker, except for one problem: Man wasn’t supposed to have been here by then. Most researchers put North America’s earliest settlement by early man at around 14,000 years ago. Ziegler’s ice age finds are estimated to be between 40,000 and 150,000 years old....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Leftovers"
How about you?
Could you look at day after day of 'repeats' of professional photographer Bob Berwyn's photos?
I could. In fact, he has such a vast archive accumulation of 'Morning Photo' shots on his website, 'Summit County Citizens Voice' and albums in both 'RedBubble' and 'Imagekind'; we could give him a break on new output for the rest of 2012 and still be happy campers.
Support Independent Media. These guys are out there with some of the best content on the web. And they have to pay the rent just like you do. Berwyn offers a wide range of options to purchase his incredible photography, including his annual calendar.
We'll take his "Leftovers" any day.
All credit: Bob Berwyn
Could you look at day after day of 'repeats' of professional photographer Bob Berwyn's photos?
I could. In fact, he has such a vast archive accumulation of 'Morning Photo' shots on his website, 'Summit County Citizens Voice' and albums in both 'RedBubble' and 'Imagekind'; we could give him a break on new output for the rest of 2012 and still be happy campers.
Support Independent Media. These guys are out there with some of the best content on the web. And they have to pay the rent just like you do. Berwyn offers a wide range of options to purchase his incredible photography, including his annual calendar.
We'll take his "Leftovers" any day.
All credit: Bob Berwyn
April 27, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Goose Radio "Spruce Out, Perry for Mittens"
Goose is back.
And he appears to have been back for at least a few weeks. Blog post style and no new podcasts yet...but nevertheless....'Nanny' missed his return....
Goose Nissley:
"Mitt Romney’s five state romp Tuesday evening brought about the revelation on former House Speaker Newt Gingrich’s part that it was most likely time to acknowledge things weren’t going to work out. Consequently, Team Spruce (the affectionate nickname I’ve bestowed on him) has let peeps know that Gingrich will withdraw from the race next Tuesday and ‘most likely’ endorse Gov Romney.
It’s a rather inglorious end to an epic trek for Spruce in the 2012 primary. While his stunning rise to the top of the national polls before Iowa & again after his upset in South Carolina seemed to restore a great deal of gravitas to a man who had left the speaker-ship following a coup of his own party’s making, I simply can’t comprehend why he chose to soldier on so long after he had a chance...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
And he appears to have been back for at least a few weeks. Blog post style and no new podcasts yet...but nevertheless....'Nanny' missed his return....
Goose Nissley:
"Mitt Romney’s five state romp Tuesday evening brought about the revelation on former House Speaker Newt Gingrich’s part that it was most likely time to acknowledge things weren’t going to work out. Consequently, Team Spruce (the affectionate nickname I’ve bestowed on him) has let peeps know that Gingrich will withdraw from the race next Tuesday and ‘most likely’ endorse Gov Romney.
It’s a rather inglorious end to an epic trek for Spruce in the 2012 primary. While his stunning rise to the top of the national polls before Iowa & again after his upset in South Carolina seemed to restore a great deal of gravitas to a man who had left the speaker-ship following a coup of his own party’s making, I simply can’t comprehend why he chose to soldier on so long after he had a chance...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Red State "Death of the Moderate . . . Democrat"
Erick Erickson:
"It is worth noting that on Tuesday several moderate Democrats went down in flames in Pennsylvania, continuing a trend that has escalated since 2008. Liberals do not want moderate Democrats in their caucus.
What is most interesting about it from a conservative perspective, however, is how there has not been a ton of coverage about the death of the blue dogs — more dogs dead in Barack Obama and the left’s war on dogs. Had moderate Republicans been defeated, we would have major stories on pretty much every news network and on the front page of every paper in America.
Routinely we hear that Republicans cannot win in New England, despite Republican successes in New England in 2010. Routinely we hear about the GOP driving moderates out of the party. Big tent cliches surround the stories. Rarely does the ongoing purging of the Democratic Party make such news.
In fact, the Democratic Party has become increasingly hostile to moderates, though the media rarely cares to focus on this because the reporters who’d pay attention often are to the left of the moderate Democrats and proclaim their position the center. Those moderate Democrats are, therefore, well outside the mainstream.
I do not lament the decline and fall of the Blue Dog Coalition..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"It is worth noting that on Tuesday several moderate Democrats went down in flames in Pennsylvania, continuing a trend that has escalated since 2008. Liberals do not want moderate Democrats in their caucus.
What is most interesting about it from a conservative perspective, however, is how there has not been a ton of coverage about the death of the blue dogs — more dogs dead in Barack Obama and the left’s war on dogs. Had moderate Republicans been defeated, we would have major stories on pretty much every news network and on the front page of every paper in America.
Routinely we hear that Republicans cannot win in New England, despite Republican successes in New England in 2010. Routinely we hear about the GOP driving moderates out of the party. Big tent cliches surround the stories. Rarely does the ongoing purging of the Democratic Party make such news.
In fact, the Democratic Party has become increasingly hostile to moderates, though the media rarely cares to focus on this because the reporters who’d pay attention often are to the left of the moderate Democrats and proclaim their position the center. Those moderate Democrats are, therefore, well outside the mainstream.
I do not lament the decline and fall of the Blue Dog Coalition..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Hot Air Blog "Fed to WH: We’re not going to bail you out"
Ed Morrissey:
"With economic indicators flashing red all over the place, the Obama administration may be looking at some bad news this spring on economic growth. If they’re looking to the Fed to toss them a lifeline, they may be waiting a while. Despite some expectations that the Federal Reserve might embark on a third round of quantitative easing, Fed chair Ben Bernanke announced yesterday that they will wait and see — and keep from causing any more damage:..."
"With economic indicators flashing red all over the place, the Obama administration may be looking at some bad news this spring on economic growth. If they’re looking to the Fed to toss them a lifeline, they may be waiting a while. Despite some expectations that the Federal Reserve might embark on a third round of quantitative easing, Fed chair Ben Bernanke announced yesterday that they will wait and see — and keep from causing any more damage:..."
"Facing fire from the left and the right, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke on Wednesday mounted a spirited defense of the central bank’s wait-and-see approach to the economy, arguing that his detractors fail to grasp the damage that could be done if the Fed were to prematurely take any new actions.Bernanke attacked Paul Krugman for demanding an inflationary policy in order to produce a little more incentive for jobs growth. One would think that the two previous rounds of quantitative easing — which has weakened the dollar and helped drive energy prices higher — would be enough for any interventionist to love. Bernanke called Krugman’s demands “very reckless”:...."
After its third policymaking meeting of the year, the Fed left short-term interest rates near zero on Wednesday and said it planned to hold them there until at least late 2014. As it has all year, the Fed continued to say that the economy faced headwinds but would gradually improve. Economic projections from senior Fed officials suggested the economy would grow a bit faster than anticipated early this year and the unemployment rate would come down a bit more than earlier thought, perhaps ending the year around 8 percent."
"Bernanke seemed to take most umbrage at Krugman’s critique, in the New York Times Magazine, which suggests that the Fed has refused to take action to help the out-the-work because it worries too much that such efforts can cause inflation. Economic theory holds that creating money to spur lending and drive economic growth — what the Fed does — tends to cause prices and wages to rise, but the Fed expects that inflation will come in at or below its target of 2 percent for the next few years."Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
“The question is, does it make sense to actively seek a higher inflation rate in order to achieve a slightly increased pace of reduction in the unemployment rate?” Bernanke said. “That would be very reckless.”..." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Iowa Republican "A Constitutional Right to Education?"
King v. State in Iowa was a disturbing outcome. That 50% of the judicial panel were in favor of altering the constitution to mandate that public education become a constitutional right is difficult to absorb.
Nathan Tucker:
"The answer to that question depends on which Iowa Supreme Court justice you ask, and whether or not it is a retention election year. Despite a recent stretch of relative calm on the Court since last summer, justices gave vent to their disagreements in an extremely fractured case that produced five opinions and showed that at least one justice is fully cognizant of the voters he faces in November.
The Plaintiffs argued that the State abridged their constitutional right to an education by failing “to establish standards, to enforce any standards, to adopt effective educator pay systems, and to establish and maintain an adequate education delivery system.” They sought a court order directing the State to “undertake all suitable means to provide an effective education.”
While four of the Court’s seven justices ruled that, even if true, the Plaintiffs’ allegations did not arise to a constitutional violation, it is disturbing that five of the justices were, at a minimum, open to creating a constitutional right to an education out of judicial whole cloth...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Nathan Tucker:
"The answer to that question depends on which Iowa Supreme Court justice you ask, and whether or not it is a retention election year. Despite a recent stretch of relative calm on the Court since last summer, justices gave vent to their disagreements in an extremely fractured case that produced five opinions and showed that at least one justice is fully cognizant of the voters he faces in November.
In King v. State of Iowa, sixteen students and parents sued the State, claiming “that Iowa’s educational system is not adequately serving students in either the largest or the smallest school districts.” They “alleged that there exists a ‘disparity in educational outcomes [in Iowa] based upon where one goes to school’ and there has been a ‘failure to provide similar educational opportunities for all of Iowa’s students.’”
The Plaintiffs argued that the State abridged their constitutional right to an education by failing “to establish standards, to enforce any standards, to adopt effective educator pay systems, and to establish and maintain an adequate education delivery system.” They sought a court order directing the State to “undertake all suitable means to provide an effective education.”
While four of the Court’s seven justices ruled that, even if true, the Plaintiffs’ allegations did not arise to a constitutional violation, it is disturbing that five of the justices were, at a minimum, open to creating a constitutional right to an education out of judicial whole cloth...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall "Voters Understand the Immigration Debate; Politicians Don't"
Very, very well said by Scott Rasmussen:
"..On the issues before the court, most voters tend to side with the state of Arizona rather than the federal government. Fifty-nine percent of voters nationwide, for example, agree with one of the law's most controversial provisions, that police officers should routinely check the immigration status of those they pull over for other violations. Most voters would like to have a law like Arizona's in their own state.
But that says more about voter respect for the law than it does about the immigration issue. Voters figure if there's a law on the books, the government should enforce it.
That's why, among voters who are angry about the immigration issue, 83 percent are angry at the federal government rather than the illegal immigrants themselves. It's also why two-thirds of voters think those who knowingly hire illegal immigrants are a bigger problem than the people they employ. Simply put, most Americans are angry at those who would entice others to break the law. They're not angry at people who are willing to work hard to provide for their families.
It's a little bit like the public desire to go after drug pushers rather than occasional users of illegal drugs.
Still, there's another reason for the disconnect between official Washington and the American people on immigration.
In Washington, the entire focus of the immigration debate is on how to deal with those already living here illegally. For voters, this is a secondary concern. The bigger concern is how to secure the border so future immigrants enter the county according to the rules. Routinely, in surveys for years, 60 percent or more of voters say securing the borders is a higher priority than legalizing the status of the illegal immigrants who are here now.
Once voters are convinced that illegal immigration is a thing of the past, it will be easier to address the status of those in the country already.
But voters don't believe the federal government has any interest in securing the border. In fact, most believe the policies of the federal government are designed to encourage illegal immigration. This offends voters who want to respect the rule of law. If immigration laws -- or any laws -- are routinely ignored, then the government loses credibility.
If the laws are enforced, 61 percent of voters favor a welcoming policy that lets anybody come to America except national security threats, criminals and those who would live off the U.S. welfare system. All who would like to work hard and pursue the American Dream are welcome.
The bottom line is that voters remember what many in Washington often forget: America is a nation of immigrants -- and of laws. The American people want both traditions to be honored...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"..On the issues before the court, most voters tend to side with the state of Arizona rather than the federal government. Fifty-nine percent of voters nationwide, for example, agree with one of the law's most controversial provisions, that police officers should routinely check the immigration status of those they pull over for other violations. Most voters would like to have a law like Arizona's in their own state.
But that says more about voter respect for the law than it does about the immigration issue. Voters figure if there's a law on the books, the government should enforce it.
That's why, among voters who are angry about the immigration issue, 83 percent are angry at the federal government rather than the illegal immigrants themselves. It's also why two-thirds of voters think those who knowingly hire illegal immigrants are a bigger problem than the people they employ. Simply put, most Americans are angry at those who would entice others to break the law. They're not angry at people who are willing to work hard to provide for their families.
It's a little bit like the public desire to go after drug pushers rather than occasional users of illegal drugs.
Still, there's another reason for the disconnect between official Washington and the American people on immigration.
In Washington, the entire focus of the immigration debate is on how to deal with those already living here illegally. For voters, this is a secondary concern. The bigger concern is how to secure the border so future immigrants enter the county according to the rules. Routinely, in surveys for years, 60 percent or more of voters say securing the borders is a higher priority than legalizing the status of the illegal immigrants who are here now.
Once voters are convinced that illegal immigration is a thing of the past, it will be easier to address the status of those in the country already.
But voters don't believe the federal government has any interest in securing the border. In fact, most believe the policies of the federal government are designed to encourage illegal immigration. This offends voters who want to respect the rule of law. If immigration laws -- or any laws -- are routinely ignored, then the government loses credibility.
If the laws are enforced, 61 percent of voters favor a welcoming policy that lets anybody come to America except national security threats, criminals and those who would live off the U.S. welfare system. All who would like to work hard and pursue the American Dream are welcome.
The bottom line is that voters remember what many in Washington often forget: America is a nation of immigrants -- and of laws. The American people want both traditions to be honored...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: The BLT "ACLU Hires Republican to Lobby on Criminal Justice"
"In a move intended to bolster the organization's influence with congressional Republicans, the American Civil Liberties Union has hired LeClairRyan partner and former federal prosecutor Michael Volkov to lobby on a range of issues.
Laura W. Murphy, director of the ACLU's Washington legislative office, said Volkov, a Republican, will promote the organization's stance on the Voting Rights Act, the National Defense Authorization Act and criminal justice issues including mandatory minimum sentences and prison overcrowding.
The ACLU is "absolutely" looking to harness increasing popular support for libertarian and conservative ideas about the limits of government and individual rights to privacy in advancing its mission, Murphy said. In the past, the organization has been criticized from both sides of the aisle for stances it has taken on various issues—a result Murphy pinned on its nonpartisan approach.
"I think a lot of people are ill-informed or misinformed about how well we navigate working with the two parties," Murphy said. "We can't emphasize enough that the Constitution is for the 100 percent."
"If you're in the business of defending civil liberties, you can't do it with partisan blinders," she added....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Laura W. Murphy, director of the ACLU's Washington legislative office, said Volkov, a Republican, will promote the organization's stance on the Voting Rights Act, the National Defense Authorization Act and criminal justice issues including mandatory minimum sentences and prison overcrowding.
The ACLU is "absolutely" looking to harness increasing popular support for libertarian and conservative ideas about the limits of government and individual rights to privacy in advancing its mission, Murphy said. In the past, the organization has been criticized from both sides of the aisle for stances it has taken on various issues—a result Murphy pinned on its nonpartisan approach.
"I think a lot of people are ill-informed or misinformed about how well we navigate working with the two parties," Murphy said. "We can't emphasize enough that the Constitution is for the 100 percent."
"If you're in the business of defending civil liberties, you can't do it with partisan blinders," she added....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "DA's term count is all in the math"
David Mead:
"...Mr. Beeson's first term wasn't by appointment, it was by a recall election. Either way, Mr. Beeson entered into the recall election willingly. He was aware of the reduced term when he entered that election, and served based on the term of that cycle. The world of elections don't adjust, based on ignorance to the law. Beeson won that election, and served his first term accordingly.
The next election cycle had the voters choosing him for election term No. 2. If we add 1 + 1, we get 2. I'm fairly confident the voters, regardless of party affiliation, can add. It's certainly a leap of faith for a seated DA to come forward to defend 1+1+1 equaling 2.
In the bigger picture, Mr. Beeson's DA record isn't much better than his fuzzy math. Based on Beeson's mistrials, and the cost to taxpayers, we can't afford Beeson's fuzzy math, or fuzzy logic interpreting the law.
We have a choice in November. Let's choose competence..." (Read more? Click title)
Note: "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 provides the courtesy of moderating commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District and Mr. Beeson's articles. ) "
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"...Mr. Beeson's first term wasn't by appointment, it was by a recall election. Either way, Mr. Beeson entered into the recall election willingly. He was aware of the reduced term when he entered that election, and served based on the term of that cycle. The world of elections don't adjust, based on ignorance to the law. Beeson won that election, and served his first term accordingly.
The next election cycle had the voters choosing him for election term No. 2. If we add 1 + 1, we get 2. I'm fairly confident the voters, regardless of party affiliation, can add. It's certainly a leap of faith for a seated DA to come forward to defend 1+1+1 equaling 2.
In the bigger picture, Mr. Beeson's DA record isn't much better than his fuzzy math. Based on Beeson's mistrials, and the cost to taxpayers, we can't afford Beeson's fuzzy math, or fuzzy logic interpreting the law.
We have a choice in November. Let's choose competence..." (Read more? Click title)
Note: "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 provides the courtesy of moderating commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District and Mr. Beeson's articles. ) "
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Partial terms couldn't be filled if they count against a term limit"
Robert Jenkins:
John Colson's April 23 article, “Defense attorney questions DA's eligibility for re-election,” questions whether current District Attorney Martin Beeson, who stepped up and filled the remaining partial term of a recalled DA.......
........states that term limits “have no application to partial terms of office, but rather apply only to full terms.”
Salazar's ruling states term limits don't apply to partial terms?............
......Also, how about asking the current attorney general's office for its opinion on Salazar's previous ruling on this matter and reporting that?.......
.........AG Salazar's ruling makes practical sense and is not a partisan issue, as it applies equally to both parties' candidates serving any partial term of any office.........
.......How would we get anyone to fill a partial term vacancy in any office if filling a short-term vacancy for a few months would prevent that same person from legally running for that office for the full term — in this case, four years.
........states that term limits “have no application to partial terms of office, but rather apply only to full terms.”
Salazar's ruling states term limits don't apply to partial terms?............
......Also, how about asking the current attorney general's office for its opinion on Salazar's previous ruling on this matter and reporting that?.......
.........AG Salazar's ruling makes practical sense and is not a partisan issue, as it applies equally to both parties' candidates serving any partial term of any office.........
.......How would we get anyone to fill a partial term vacancy in any office if filling a short-term vacancy for a few months would prevent that same person from legally running for that office for the full term — in this case, four years.
.......The person stepping up to fill the vacancy did not create the vacancy in the first place. We need people to fill partial term vacancies. Partial terms should not count against that person's ability to serve his own full elected terms..." (Read more? Click title)
NOTE: "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 provides the courtesy of moderating commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District and Mr. Beeson's articles. )"
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: 7th Space " Greeley Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking"
News Release:
"DENVER—Miguel Angel Velasquez, aka “Outlaw,” age 28, of Greeley, Colorado, was sentenced this week by United States Circuit Court Judge David M Ebel to serve 192 months (16 years) in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and 50 kilograms or less of marijuana. Following his 16 year prison sentence, Velasquez was ordered to serve five years on supervised release.
On April 21, 2010, Velasquez and 12 other defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver. Velasquez pled guilty before Judge Ebel on April 21, 2011. He was sentenced on April 24, 2012.
The cases against co-defendants of Velasquez have been resolved with the exception of two, who remain fugitives.
According to the stipulated facts contained in the defendant’s plea agreement, in October 2008, the Greeley Police Department and the Weld County Drug Task Force (WCDTF) was introduced to an investigative target by a confidential informant. The target, Miguel Velasquez, was selling ounce-type quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine and was also selling marijuana in pound quantities around the Greeley area. During the course of the investigation, a WCDTF Undercover Task Force Officer did a number of hand-to-hand transactions with Velasquez. As the investigation progressed, transactions between the defendant and the task force officer continued, with the amount of drugs being purchased increasing, including the sale of two ounces of cocaine, one quarter ounce of methamphetamine, and a firearm on September 29, 2009.
While working on the investigation, law enforcement agents and officers identified a number of out-of-state individuals from California and Texas border towns involved in the drug trafficking.
Specifically, law enforcement learned that Velasquez obtained his drugs through couriers or runners that he sent to California. Those couriers delivered money and brought back narcotics. Velasquez also traveled personally with a female co-defendant to Texas on at least one occasion to obtain drugs.
The investigation culminated on November 23, 2009 when the female co-defendant was stopped by police officers as she traveled back with a load of methamphetamine from California. The woman was transporting the meth at the direction of Velasquez.
In total, she was carrying 6.3 pounds of meth that was 100 percent pure. The estimated street value of the methamphetamine was over $300,000.
Regarding the marijuana, the female co-defendant was asked to travel to Santa Ana, California where she picked up five pounds of marijuana. She then picked up some friends of Velasqeuz. The group then traveled to Las Vegas, where they picked up methamphetamine.
The female co-defendant then drove to Greeley, where they took the drugs into her apartment. The drugs were broken out, inspected, repackaged, and smoked. The methamphetamine was of poor quality.
“This lengthy prison sentence demonstrates one simple fact, that drug dealing will lead to prison,” said United States Attorney John Walsh. “Thanks to the hard work of all involved, including the Assistant United States Attorneys, the FBI, the Greeley Police Department, the Weld County Drug Task Force, and the Weld County District Attorney’s Office, multiple drug dealers have been removed from the streets of Greeley.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"DENVER—Miguel Angel Velasquez, aka “Outlaw,” age 28, of Greeley, Colorado, was sentenced this week by United States Circuit Court Judge David M Ebel to serve 192 months (16 years) in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and 50 kilograms or less of marijuana. Following his 16 year prison sentence, Velasquez was ordered to serve five years on supervised release.
On April 21, 2010, Velasquez and 12 other defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver. Velasquez pled guilty before Judge Ebel on April 21, 2011. He was sentenced on April 24, 2012.
The cases against co-defendants of Velasquez have been resolved with the exception of two, who remain fugitives.
According to the stipulated facts contained in the defendant’s plea agreement, in October 2008, the Greeley Police Department and the Weld County Drug Task Force (WCDTF) was introduced to an investigative target by a confidential informant. The target, Miguel Velasquez, was selling ounce-type quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine and was also selling marijuana in pound quantities around the Greeley area. During the course of the investigation, a WCDTF Undercover Task Force Officer did a number of hand-to-hand transactions with Velasquez. As the investigation progressed, transactions between the defendant and the task force officer continued, with the amount of drugs being purchased increasing, including the sale of two ounces of cocaine, one quarter ounce of methamphetamine, and a firearm on September 29, 2009.
While working on the investigation, law enforcement agents and officers identified a number of out-of-state individuals from California and Texas border towns involved in the drug trafficking.
Specifically, law enforcement learned that Velasquez obtained his drugs through couriers or runners that he sent to California. Those couriers delivered money and brought back narcotics. Velasquez also traveled personally with a female co-defendant to Texas on at least one occasion to obtain drugs.
The investigation culminated on November 23, 2009 when the female co-defendant was stopped by police officers as she traveled back with a load of methamphetamine from California. The woman was transporting the meth at the direction of Velasquez.
In total, she was carrying 6.3 pounds of meth that was 100 percent pure. The estimated street value of the methamphetamine was over $300,000.
Regarding the marijuana, the female co-defendant was asked to travel to Santa Ana, California where she picked up five pounds of marijuana. She then picked up some friends of Velasqeuz. The group then traveled to Las Vegas, where they picked up methamphetamine.
The female co-defendant then drove to Greeley, where they took the drugs into her apartment. The drugs were broken out, inspected, repackaged, and smoked. The methamphetamine was of poor quality.
“This lengthy prison sentence demonstrates one simple fact, that drug dealing will lead to prison,” said United States Attorney John Walsh. “Thanks to the hard work of all involved, including the Assistant United States Attorneys, the FBI, the Greeley Police Department, the Weld County Drug Task Force, and the Weld County District Attorney’s Office, multiple drug dealers have been removed from the streets of Greeley.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "CBP Makes $362 Million Cocaine Bust"
"Washington — A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Air and Marine (OAM) P-3, operating out of National Air Security Operations Center-Jacksonville (NASOC-JAX), detected two go-fast vessels carrying more than 4,840 pounds of cocaine with a combined value of more than $362 million.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
On April 20, a P-3 operating in the Western Caribbean spotted two go-fast vessels 120 miles off the coast of Panama. The two 40-foot twin-engine vessels were spotted speeding north and appeared to be loaded with numerous packages when the Florida-based CBP P-3 began tracking them.
Local law enforcement assets were vectored in to pursue the two vessels, who attempted to evade authorities. One vessel abandoned the contraband before arriving on shore, while the second go-fast was seized nearby. A U.S. Navy vessel operating in the area retrieved 89 bales of cocaine from the scene.
This seizure is in addition to the $2.8 billion detected by the CBP P-3s operating out of Jacksonville, Fla. and Corpus Christi, Texas since October 2011.
During fiscal year 2011, the CBP P-3 fleet continued its anti-smuggling success by seizing or disrupting more than 148,000 pounds of cocaine valued at more than $11.1 billion, totaling 20.6 pounds seized for every flight hour, valued at $1.5 million for every hour flown.
CBP OAM P-3s have been an integral part of the successful counter-narcotic missions operating in coordination with the Joint Interagency Task Force – South (JIATFS). The P-3s patrol in a 42 million square mile area of the Western Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, known as the Source and Transit Zone, in search of drugs that are in transit towards U.S. shores. The P-3s’ distinctive detection capabilities allow highly-trained crews to identify emerging threats well beyond the land borders of the U.S. By providing surveillance of known air, land, and maritime smuggling routes in an area that is twice the size of the continental U.S., the P-3s detect, monitor and disrupt smuggling activities before they reach shore.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."
SandBoxBlogs: Dept of Defense "Mudder Challenge"
Remember.
The British are coming.
Beaver Creek, Colorado. 'Tough Mudder' 2012. Click title.
Photo credit Dept of Defense: ":A U.S. soldier faces water spray as he climbs a hill during the Tough Mudder Centurion Challenge on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, April 21, 2012."
SandBoxBlogs: Delta County Independent "Paonia improves accountability "
Kathy Browning:
"The Town of Paonia's debit card policy has been reviewed due to receipts not being submitted and alleged illegal activity by the former finance officer.
The town has eight debit cards which are to be used for town business only.
The public works department has two cards, the police department two, the building inspector one, the town clerk one, the mayor one and one for Francis Winston who tests the town's water.
"We have evaluated that we do have a need for those [debit cards]," Mayor Neal Schwieterman said. He noted that some staff and the mayor do not use the debit cards "very much."
"The need comes in the biggest sense when people are traveling for training. You need a credit card for doing that," he said. "It's very manageable. We just have to have better safe guards in place. Many of them are already in place, but we're still working."..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The Town of Paonia's debit card policy has been reviewed due to receipts not being submitted and alleged illegal activity by the former finance officer.
The town has eight debit cards which are to be used for town business only.
The public works department has two cards, the police department two, the building inspector one, the town clerk one, the mayor one and one for Francis Winston who tests the town's water.
"We have evaluated that we do have a need for those [debit cards]," Mayor Neal Schwieterman said. He noted that some staff and the mayor do not use the debit cards "very much."
"The need comes in the biggest sense when people are traveling for training. You need a credit card for doing that," he said. "It's very manageable. We just have to have better safe guards in place. Many of them are already in place, but we're still working."..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Another attempt to divert conservation funds emerges"
The topic of diverting lottery funds is one of the most absurd yet out of our state lawmakers. They either go at it as 'all or nothing' (or) refuse to stand up to the trough hogs like Pitkin County.
Washington State and the State of Illinois disburse gaming proceeds, specifically lottery.
A certain percentage goes to Parks, Rec, Open Space. Another chunk goes to public and post-secondary education. Another piece of the pie goes to Road, Bridge and Infrastructure maintenance. With another slice going to Human Services. Periodically, some rotations are done.
GOCO has sucked up millions of dollars in lottery proceeds since inception. There are counties around the state that are just sitting on funds trying to find still yet another play park, recreational game or venue or chunk of ground to build something 'recreational' on.
While our schools and public education system are in dire financial straits, we have more homeless and hungry than every before in Colorado history and you can't drive anywhere without a wide range of pot holes plaguing every mile you drive.
A few days ago, the Aspen Times published their editorial "Aspen pounds its liberal chest" and did so with obviously great pride. I could not stomach the thought of the likely bloody brutality commentators would respond with, so I did not toss it up. The topics they chose to tout as "liberal" base were far from politics. Why is it, that immediate inflammatory content is the first choice for "liberal" publications?
Since when are liberals the only ones who conserve and recycle plastics? What? Mayor Mick, who apparently is the only one who has "secret access" to all cast ballots, went in and determined that it was only "liberals" who voted for the ban?? Get real!.
"Liberals" are the only ones who supported getting away from the US Chamber? Here's a news flash, Aspen and ACRA: You have a lot more "liberals" and "conservatives" out here wanting a clear transparency answer on "why" the detailed accounting of the ACRA 501-C6 isn't the reason for leaving the US Chamber behind. The very idea that an entire 'scandal' can be played out in global press over the "climate change" and "US Chamber decision" is ridiculous, silly and pompous. You have much greater concerns, say the folks.
The Aspen arm of the Susan G. Komen foundation saw heavy negative fire from an entire nation, not just "conservatives". Their position catalyzed the conversation to ignite but the primary back-slappers were Aspenites. The move by Aspen's Komen sparked the "war on women" battles that have been going on ever since. A war, since the Aspen Times is keeping score, that "conservative women" are winning. This isn't about Roe v. Wade, birth control, Planned Parenthood funding. The "war on women" is about respect for all women. Something that a rising showing of "liberals" are having difficulty with. Aspen Komen had a few great days of media spotlight but the message they sent was exactly the opposite of what they thought they were achieving. "Conservative" women have since made certain that the facts are drowning out the spin. So far, "they" seem to not only be succeeding, "they" seem to be showing a great deal of respect for all women.
I wonder if the Pitkin County Commissioners are going to write still yet another of their infamous letters. This time trying to stop the 'education hogs' from seizing the entire pie of lottery proceeds.
That might be tough to pull off with any credibility since they are "open space, parks and rec hogs' themselves and are just coming off sending their latest missive to the government.
And then there is that small problem of the blazing 'manufactured outrage' sending too many letters protecting Aspen's drug and law enforcement culture. Just look where that got them with the DEA and FBI.
How about sharing that cash cow of gaming proceeds?
win win.
(Read the article? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Washington State and the State of Illinois disburse gaming proceeds, specifically lottery.
A certain percentage goes to Parks, Rec, Open Space. Another chunk goes to public and post-secondary education. Another piece of the pie goes to Road, Bridge and Infrastructure maintenance. With another slice going to Human Services. Periodically, some rotations are done.
GOCO has sucked up millions of dollars in lottery proceeds since inception. There are counties around the state that are just sitting on funds trying to find still yet another play park, recreational game or venue or chunk of ground to build something 'recreational' on.
While our schools and public education system are in dire financial straits, we have more homeless and hungry than every before in Colorado history and you can't drive anywhere without a wide range of pot holes plaguing every mile you drive.
A few days ago, the Aspen Times published their editorial "Aspen pounds its liberal chest" and did so with obviously great pride. I could not stomach the thought of the likely bloody brutality commentators would respond with, so I did not toss it up. The topics they chose to tout as "liberal" base were far from politics. Why is it, that immediate inflammatory content is the first choice for "liberal" publications?
Since when are liberals the only ones who conserve and recycle plastics? What? Mayor Mick, who apparently is the only one who has "secret access" to all cast ballots, went in and determined that it was only "liberals" who voted for the ban?? Get real!.
"Liberals" are the only ones who supported getting away from the US Chamber? Here's a news flash, Aspen and ACRA: You have a lot more "liberals" and "conservatives" out here wanting a clear transparency answer on "why" the detailed accounting of the ACRA 501-C6 isn't the reason for leaving the US Chamber behind. The very idea that an entire 'scandal' can be played out in global press over the "climate change" and "US Chamber decision" is ridiculous, silly and pompous. You have much greater concerns, say the folks.
The Aspen arm of the Susan G. Komen foundation saw heavy negative fire from an entire nation, not just "conservatives". Their position catalyzed the conversation to ignite but the primary back-slappers were Aspenites. The move by Aspen's Komen sparked the "war on women" battles that have been going on ever since. A war, since the Aspen Times is keeping score, that "conservative women" are winning. This isn't about Roe v. Wade, birth control, Planned Parenthood funding. The "war on women" is about respect for all women. Something that a rising showing of "liberals" are having difficulty with. Aspen Komen had a few great days of media spotlight but the message they sent was exactly the opposite of what they thought they were achieving. "Conservative" women have since made certain that the facts are drowning out the spin. So far, "they" seem to not only be succeeding, "they" seem to be showing a great deal of respect for all women.
I wonder if the Pitkin County Commissioners are going to write still yet another of their infamous letters. This time trying to stop the 'education hogs' from seizing the entire pie of lottery proceeds.
That might be tough to pull off with any credibility since they are "open space, parks and rec hogs' themselves and are just coming off sending their latest missive to the government.
And then there is that small problem of the blazing 'manufactured outrage' sending too many letters protecting Aspen's drug and law enforcement culture. Just look where that got them with the DEA and FBI.
How about sharing that cash cow of gaming proceeds?
win win.
(Read the article? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Delta County Independent "Paonia Chamber opens office"
News Release:
"The Paonia Chamber of Commerce has announced the official opening of their office at 124 Grand Avenue in downtown Paonia.
To celebrate, the chamber will host a special "Business After Hours" block party on
Friday, May 4, from 5-7 p.m. which will include the seasonal opening of Ollie's Ice Cream.
"Our office is just one of the investments the chamber has recently made to promote both local business and to serve our many visitors to the area," chamber president Alexis Halbert said. "The entire front room of the office is a display area where chamber members can advertise their businesses and services."
Chamber members are asked to provide business cards, posters, advertisements and products to display in the office. In addition to the wall display areas, there is a special area devoted to larger displays that can feature local products or whatever larger items businesses would like to share. Contact board member Ulli Lange at 527-3185 or at uolange@hotmail.com to be included and take advantage of this advertising opportunity.
"You will also soon notice new bright blue 'i' information signs on Highway 133 leading visitors into town, as well as one above the door at the office," Halbert said. "We will be keeping regular hours from the May 4 opening through the summer and are looking for volunteers on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to staff the office."
Chamber members are beginning preparations for this year's Cherry Days activities which will start on Wednesday, July 4, with the traditional parade and celebration in town park. Festivities will continue on Friday, July 7, with Downtown Days from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by music, crafts, and fun in the park through Sunday afternoon. For more information on how to participate in Downtown Days, e-mail Halbert at alexishalbert@gmail.com or leave a message at the chamber office, 527-3886.
To volunteer for Cherry Days contact the chamber office by phone or e-mail."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The Paonia Chamber of Commerce has announced the official opening of their office at 124 Grand Avenue in downtown Paonia.
To celebrate, the chamber will host a special "Business After Hours" block party on
Friday, May 4, from 5-7 p.m. which will include the seasonal opening of Ollie's Ice Cream.
"Our office is just one of the investments the chamber has recently made to promote both local business and to serve our many visitors to the area," chamber president Alexis Halbert said. "The entire front room of the office is a display area where chamber members can advertise their businesses and services."
Chamber members are asked to provide business cards, posters, advertisements and products to display in the office. In addition to the wall display areas, there is a special area devoted to larger displays that can feature local products or whatever larger items businesses would like to share. Contact board member Ulli Lange at 527-3185 or at uolange@hotmail.com to be included and take advantage of this advertising opportunity.
"You will also soon notice new bright blue 'i' information signs on Highway 133 leading visitors into town, as well as one above the door at the office," Halbert said. "We will be keeping regular hours from the May 4 opening through the summer and are looking for volunteers on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to staff the office."
Chamber members are beginning preparations for this year's Cherry Days activities which will start on Wednesday, July 4, with the traditional parade and celebration in town park. Festivities will continue on Friday, July 7, with Downtown Days from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by music, crafts, and fun in the park through Sunday afternoon. For more information on how to participate in Downtown Days, e-mail Halbert at alexishalbert@gmail.com or leave a message at the chamber office, 527-3886.
To volunteer for Cherry Days contact the chamber office by phone or e-mail."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Kudos to Linman for running for office"
Just say YES to Sonja Linman.
Ken Fry:
"What a wonderful surprise it was to see someone as qualified as Sonja Linman challenging John Martin for his Garfield Board of County Commissioners seat in November. I personally have been waiting a long time to see someone rise up who could bump John Martin out of this career he has created for himself. I think we have found it in Sonja Linman....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Ken Fry:
"What a wonderful surprise it was to see someone as qualified as Sonja Linman challenging John Martin for his Garfield Board of County Commissioners seat in November. I personally have been waiting a long time to see someone rise up who could bump John Martin out of this career he has created for himself. I think we have found it in Sonja Linman....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Downtown area eyed for central transit hub"
Any one of these options would be so much better than the old Subaru site. With downtown, the problem will still be parking.
John Stroud:
"The working group included representatives from the city of Glenwood Springs, Amtrak, Greyhound Bus Lines, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) and the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Nine potential sites for such a facility were evaluated through the planning process. The public got a chance to rate the various site options during an open house in February.
The transit facility would be intended to serve local commuters and long-distance travelers alike, by creating a central hub where people can make connections to various modes of transportation more easily.
The project is only in the planning stages, and funding to build the facility has not yet been identified.
The proposed multimodal facility is being planned in conjunction with RFTA's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) implementation. RFTA is working to secure the former Subaru car dealership property on South Glen Avenue to serve as the primary Glenwood Springs hub for the BRT system.
But a more central transit hub is envisioned in the city of Glenwood Springs' 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan, as well as the city's confluence-area plan.
Other possible locations included three sites scattered along Wulfsohn Road and Midland Avenue west of the Glenwood Meadows development. Another site on the north side of Interstate 70 at Soccer Road and Highway 6 in West Glenwood was also evaluated....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
John Stroud:
"The working group included representatives from the city of Glenwood Springs, Amtrak, Greyhound Bus Lines, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) and the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Nine potential sites for such a facility were evaluated through the planning process. The public got a chance to rate the various site options during an open house in February.
The transit facility would be intended to serve local commuters and long-distance travelers alike, by creating a central hub where people can make connections to various modes of transportation more easily.
The project is only in the planning stages, and funding to build the facility has not yet been identified.
The proposed multimodal facility is being planned in conjunction with RFTA's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) implementation. RFTA is working to secure the former Subaru car dealership property on South Glen Avenue to serve as the primary Glenwood Springs hub for the BRT system.
But a more central transit hub is envisioned in the city of Glenwood Springs' 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan, as well as the city's confluence-area plan.
Other possible locations included three sites scattered along Wulfsohn Road and Midland Avenue west of the Glenwood Meadows development. Another site on the north side of Interstate 70 at Soccer Road and Highway 6 in West Glenwood was also evaluated....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Note from 'Nanny' "Some guidelines for political commenting on SandBox"
"I am going to put my thoughts on what I am seeing from commentators on certain political races into this post so that there is a link I can toss up on certain news articles as election season heads into the home stretch.
The concept of SandBoxBlogs was finally launched in 2010 because local print news was censoring content from avatars that was perfectly above board in all ways, with the exception that it was content some powerful folks and the media that serves them did not want heard.
Over the past two years, the exposure of all that previously quashed information being viewable to the public eye has brought lasting, positive change to the area. SandBox is not the only independent blog that allows the news to be heard. There are at least three other very popular watering holes in the area that have large, lively and active hubs.
SandBox, probably due to the wide range of aggregate news we post daily sees the most diverse comments. The only one that comes close is the liberal leaning community of Aspen Post.
With that diversity there are also wide ranging emotions that rise to the surface of your comments.
'SandBox Nanny' is not shy about giving you the boot or tagging a time out when you cross the line.
With that said, the dilemma she often faces is 'what to do' when the comment(s) sound more personal than political, more angry than constructive, yet are honest and on point.
There are a couple of local and state races this season, in addition to the boiling hot lava of all national races for office and policy legislation, that are seeing that instantaneous blast through the stratosphere on both comments and attention that the power of the internet provides.
Those are the races for the 10th, the 9th, the 5th and the 21st Judicial district attorneys. The Garfield County Commissioner races. Pitkin County Commissioner races are heating up. National and state congressional seats in a number of districts as well.
The problem with all of the DA races, most of the commissioner races and a couple of the congressional runs is that it is about personality not platforms.
It is about ideology, philosophy, values, character and how the individuals involved project themselves out into their sworn duty that then affects the lives of the folks in direct ways.
Unfortunately, those are the hot, hot and hotter buttons this time around.
Why?
"What we each personally believe, comes forward from our perceptions throughout our lifetime. What we think we see, becomes what we believe. What we actually see, comes from what we perceive."
The catalyzing of first the blogosphere and micro-blogosphere challenges to mainstream media, then the juggernaut of the 'Tea Party' revolution and the 'Occupy' movement coming in next, have all brought the necessary and positive changes we needed but they also have left behind an aftermath of confusion, disorganization and at times, chaos when it comes to media coverage and resulting communication to the general public. It's both way, way too easy to speak words out there and simultaneously very, very difficult to be understood and your true meaning heard.
It is during such times that we see the man or woman standing next to us or in front of us as a leader by their true nature.
The problem of that clarity then becomes, when that human nature is either flawed in some capacity or has personal intent rather than global intent and/or ill intent; the weaponry in a high-tech world that is literally at everyone's fingertips.
As it goes against my personal values regarding the right to be heard, I cannot and will not, curb too tightly your points and messages that are personal against or for, any elected public figure, hopefully elected candidate or any person who is in a position of public trust or sworn duty.
We can not hope for positive growth and change if we do not confront the real issues at hand.
Politics is not a popularity contest. Nor is placing yourself in a position of public trust a responsibility that you can either turn on and off at will or insert your own personal desires.
Leadership is not always found in who is the boldest, the loudest, the one most seen or the one racking up the most 'points'.
True leadership is never found in unbridled popularity and is most often found in those that are not all that well liked or understood by others.
I personally find it unfortunate at best, that we have a couple of races in the state and the nation where the candidates themselves are forcing their outcomes to be about personality, popularity and self-aggrandizing.
Because there is one thing I know with absolute certainty.
The folks are going to call them out on those points in order to get the conversation back to what the folks need to know in order to vote what is best for their lives, communities and country.
just sayin.
With all of the above said, I am also a little weary on personal levels of listening to the same bloviating personalities trying to outshout, out race and tromp down anything standing in their way.
Please refresh your memories on my 'Rules, Regs and Worth', and know that this election cycle you all (including the subjects in news articles) have a somewhat impatient 'Nanny' who.....rules.
At least she does here on SandBox. " (Comment ability blocked on this post)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
The concept of SandBoxBlogs was finally launched in 2010 because local print news was censoring content from avatars that was perfectly above board in all ways, with the exception that it was content some powerful folks and the media that serves them did not want heard.
Over the past two years, the exposure of all that previously quashed information being viewable to the public eye has brought lasting, positive change to the area. SandBox is not the only independent blog that allows the news to be heard. There are at least three other very popular watering holes in the area that have large, lively and active hubs.
SandBox, probably due to the wide range of aggregate news we post daily sees the most diverse comments. The only one that comes close is the liberal leaning community of Aspen Post.
With that diversity there are also wide ranging emotions that rise to the surface of your comments.
'SandBox Nanny' is not shy about giving you the boot or tagging a time out when you cross the line.
With that said, the dilemma she often faces is 'what to do' when the comment(s) sound more personal than political, more angry than constructive, yet are honest and on point.
There are a couple of local and state races this season, in addition to the boiling hot lava of all national races for office and policy legislation, that are seeing that instantaneous blast through the stratosphere on both comments and attention that the power of the internet provides.
Those are the races for the 10th, the 9th, the 5th and the 21st Judicial district attorneys. The Garfield County Commissioner races. Pitkin County Commissioner races are heating up. National and state congressional seats in a number of districts as well.
The problem with all of the DA races, most of the commissioner races and a couple of the congressional runs is that it is about personality not platforms.
It is about ideology, philosophy, values, character and how the individuals involved project themselves out into their sworn duty that then affects the lives of the folks in direct ways.
Unfortunately, those are the hot, hot and hotter buttons this time around.
Why?
"What we each personally believe, comes forward from our perceptions throughout our lifetime. What we think we see, becomes what we believe. What we actually see, comes from what we perceive."
The catalyzing of first the blogosphere and micro-blogosphere challenges to mainstream media, then the juggernaut of the 'Tea Party' revolution and the 'Occupy' movement coming in next, have all brought the necessary and positive changes we needed but they also have left behind an aftermath of confusion, disorganization and at times, chaos when it comes to media coverage and resulting communication to the general public. It's both way, way too easy to speak words out there and simultaneously very, very difficult to be understood and your true meaning heard.
It is during such times that we see the man or woman standing next to us or in front of us as a leader by their true nature.
The problem of that clarity then becomes, when that human nature is either flawed in some capacity or has personal intent rather than global intent and/or ill intent; the weaponry in a high-tech world that is literally at everyone's fingertips.
As it goes against my personal values regarding the right to be heard, I cannot and will not, curb too tightly your points and messages that are personal against or for, any elected public figure, hopefully elected candidate or any person who is in a position of public trust or sworn duty.
We can not hope for positive growth and change if we do not confront the real issues at hand.
Politics is not a popularity contest. Nor is placing yourself in a position of public trust a responsibility that you can either turn on and off at will or insert your own personal desires.
Leadership is not always found in who is the boldest, the loudest, the one most seen or the one racking up the most 'points'.
True leadership is never found in unbridled popularity and is most often found in those that are not all that well liked or understood by others.
I personally find it unfortunate at best, that we have a couple of races in the state and the nation where the candidates themselves are forcing their outcomes to be about personality, popularity and self-aggrandizing.
Because there is one thing I know with absolute certainty.
The folks are going to call them out on those points in order to get the conversation back to what the folks need to know in order to vote what is best for their lives, communities and country.
just sayin.
With all of the above said, I am also a little weary on personal levels of listening to the same bloviating personalities trying to outshout, out race and tromp down anything standing in their way.
Please refresh your memories on my 'Rules, Regs and Worth', and know that this election cycle you all (including the subjects in news articles) have a somewhat impatient 'Nanny' who.....rules.
At least she does here on SandBox. " (Comment ability blocked on this post)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Aspen rider's avalanche air bag helped her survive Alaska slide"
Scott Condon:
"“My first thought was, ‘I have to get out,'” Konicek said. In the seconds she spent looking for a way out, she was caught from behind by snow and debris.
“I was blasted off my feet by all the snow barreling down on me,” she said. She was thrown on her back with such force that she dislocated her left shoulder. As a medical doctor, she realized she suffered the injury upon impact. Meanwhile, she was hurtling down the mountain on her back, head first. She started suffocating on snow.
“It was just like someone was pouring a mountain of snow on me,” Konicek said. “This is happening pretty quickly. I knew I was screwed pretty much.”
But Konicek said she never thought she would get killed, and her last resort was a life saver. She pulled the rip cord of her avalanche air bag and detected “the best sound I've ever heard” when the pressurized air canister released.
The air bag is stored in a backpack. In a nutshell, the bag inflates in two pieces that provide protection from the wearer's lower back to their head, and it splays them flat.
“It floated me to the surface, which was awesome,” Konicek said.
A Swiss company called Snowpulse equipped Orange Extreme with its avalanche air bag packs last winter. It was the first winter Konicek wore a bag. The previous three winters she rode with an avalanche lung, which allows a person to breath longer if they are buried under snow.
Avalanche air bags are surging in popularity. A blog on Wild Snow, a website for backcountry travelers, said a study of documented accidents show that avalanche victims with an air-bag system survive 97 percent of the time.
Konicek remembers being both relieved when her air bag deployed and horrified that she was speeding down the mountain. The couloir was steeper than Highland Bowl. She figures she took a 1,200-foot long ride. The avalanche had started about one-third of the way down the run. The lower two-thirds slid, she said. She estimated the slide at 50 to 100 feet wide and up to two feet deep. Although she and other competitors in big-mountain events train for avalanches and sometimes wear air bags for competition, depending on the venue, this was the first time she had been in an avalanche....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"“My first thought was, ‘I have to get out,'” Konicek said. In the seconds she spent looking for a way out, she was caught from behind by snow and debris.
“I was blasted off my feet by all the snow barreling down on me,” she said. She was thrown on her back with such force that she dislocated her left shoulder. As a medical doctor, she realized she suffered the injury upon impact. Meanwhile, she was hurtling down the mountain on her back, head first. She started suffocating on snow.
“It was just like someone was pouring a mountain of snow on me,” Konicek said. “This is happening pretty quickly. I knew I was screwed pretty much.”
But Konicek said she never thought she would get killed, and her last resort was a life saver. She pulled the rip cord of her avalanche air bag and detected “the best sound I've ever heard” when the pressurized air canister released.
The air bag is stored in a backpack. In a nutshell, the bag inflates in two pieces that provide protection from the wearer's lower back to their head, and it splays them flat.
“It floated me to the surface, which was awesome,” Konicek said.
A Swiss company called Snowpulse equipped Orange Extreme with its avalanche air bag packs last winter. It was the first winter Konicek wore a bag. The previous three winters she rode with an avalanche lung, which allows a person to breath longer if they are buried under snow.
Avalanche air bags are surging in popularity. A blog on Wild Snow, a website for backcountry travelers, said a study of documented accidents show that avalanche victims with an air-bag system survive 97 percent of the time.
Konicek remembers being both relieved when her air bag deployed and horrified that she was speeding down the mountain. The couloir was steeper than Highland Bowl. She figures she took a 1,200-foot long ride. The avalanche had started about one-third of the way down the run. The lower two-thirds slid, she said. She estimated the slide at 50 to 100 feet wide and up to two feet deep. Although she and other competitors in big-mountain events train for avalanches and sometimes wear air bags for competition, depending on the venue, this was the first time she had been in an avalanche....." (Read more? Click title)
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