Charlie Leonard:
"On Tuesday, it was reported that the Obama administration sent one of its top Treasury officials to Europe to tell government officials there that they need to take decisive actions now to solve their fiscal problems or risk causing another global economic crisis.
In a statement announcing the trip, the Treasury Department said the U.S. official “will meet with senior government officials in each country to discuss their plans for achieving economic stability and growth in Europe.” No additional details were provided.
Can you imagine how those talks are going?
“President Obama asked me to tell you that he really thinks the time has come for several of your countries to get control of your fiscal situation and to adopt policies that can help get your economies growing again.”
After seeing the constant threat of government defaults in Ireland, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Italy, one can only imagine what a welcome relief Obama's advice to European officials must be this week.
Can't you just picture a profoundly grateful Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, saying to herself: “Fiscal stability and pro-growth policies — now why couldn't I have thought of that?”
Imagine, also, how profoundly embarrassed Germany must now be at having gone through a decade of painful reforms, including raising its retirement age, reducing unemployment benefits, lowering its deficits and easing hiring and wage restrictions in order to achieve its current prosperity. It seems all of that could have been avoided if Germany had just followed Obama's advice to pursue “growth and economic stability.”
This kind of extraordinary insight — from such a unique individual as Barack Obama — seems like the kind of advice from which others could benefit as well.
For instance, the president might consider sending one of his emissaries to the New York Yankees to advise the bullpen to improve their pitching if they want to have a chance at the playoffs. Or he could counsel the management of Kodak to adapt its products and services better to the digital age in order to escape bankruptcy. He could even urge contestants on “Survivor” and “Dancing With the Stars” to avoid being voted off their shows if they want to win their respective competitions....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
May 31, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Red State "The Extraordinary Nature of the Texas Runoff "
Erick Erickson:
"It is hard to overstate just how extraordinary Ted Cruz’s underdog entry into the Texas runoff is and just how the odds are still stacked against him unless conservatives rally quickly with lots of money.
David Dewhurst has been Lt. Governor of Texas for more than a decade. He has massive name ID throughout the state. Ted Cruz started this race with a three or four percent showing in polling.
More so, Dewhurst is a multimillionaire who can write large sums of money to fund his campaign. Ted Cruz cannot. Texas has several of the most expensive media markets in the country and the state is too large to go door to door across the state.
Dewhurst’s political team is Governor Rick Perry’s highly successful (in Texas) political team. I know a number of them and consider them friends. They are formidable.
To the chagrin of Texas tea party activists, Governor Perry himself is backing Lt. Governor Dewhurst publicly.
All the stars aligned for David Dewhurst — a deep well of money to draw from, high existing name id, statewide incumbency, support from the Governor and his winning political team. Still, the tea party rallied behind Ted Cruz and got him into a runoff.
Now, the variables are largely the same. Ted Cruz must raise a ton of cash quickly to compete. He has eight weeks. Media will be ridiculously expensive. He will have some of the biggest guns in Texas firing in his direction....."(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"It is hard to overstate just how extraordinary Ted Cruz’s underdog entry into the Texas runoff is and just how the odds are still stacked against him unless conservatives rally quickly with lots of money.
David Dewhurst has been Lt. Governor of Texas for more than a decade. He has massive name ID throughout the state. Ted Cruz started this race with a three or four percent showing in polling.
More so, Dewhurst is a multimillionaire who can write large sums of money to fund his campaign. Ted Cruz cannot. Texas has several of the most expensive media markets in the country and the state is too large to go door to door across the state.
Dewhurst’s political team is Governor Rick Perry’s highly successful (in Texas) political team. I know a number of them and consider them friends. They are formidable.
To the chagrin of Texas tea party activists, Governor Perry himself is backing Lt. Governor Dewhurst publicly.
All the stars aligned for David Dewhurst — a deep well of money to draw from, high existing name id, statewide incumbency, support from the Governor and his winning political team. Still, the tea party rallied behind Ted Cruz and got him into a runoff.
Now, the variables are largely the same. Ted Cruz must raise a ton of cash quickly to compete. He has eight weeks. Media will be ridiculously expensive. He will have some of the biggest guns in Texas firing in his direction....."(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Washington Post "Mitt Romney’s nomination marks milestone for Mormon faith"
The achievement comes four years after a spate of firsts, culminating with the election of the first African American president. This one has been greeted with little fanfare. And that is just how Romney and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints want it....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "DA: No charges in case of alleged trooper bias"
Paul Shockley:
" former Colorado State Patrol trooper, under scrutiny for alleged bias in his handling of impaired driving cases over four years, will not face criminal charges following a three-month investigation, District Attorney Pete Hautzinger said Wednesday.
However, Hautzinger said he intends to throw out 10 convictions stemming from cases investigated by ex-State Trooper Donald Moseman between 2008 and 2011.
Hautzinger, who hired a retired FBI agent to investigate 382 closed cases involving Moseman, said he doesn’t feel he can prove the ex-trooper committed any crimes. Those crimes, potentially false imprisonment, perjury, or official misconduct, among others, would require proof Moseman acted “intentionally or knowingly,” Hautzinger said.
“There’s no evidence proving he knowingly or intentionally framed innocent people or was trying to manufacture evidence,” Hautzinger said. “He just tended to see a case when we didn’t see it and others didn’t.”
Hautzinger’s non-charging decision comes as his own investigation, undertaken by retired former FBI Special Agent Jane Quimby, highlighted new concerns about the trooper’s work.
Hired in 1991 in a career that saw a break in patrol duties before again being assigned to roadways in Mesa County in 2008, Moseman left the State Patrol last December after records obtained by The Daily Sentinel showed an internal State Patrol investigation found “bias” in DUI cases....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
" former Colorado State Patrol trooper, under scrutiny for alleged bias in his handling of impaired driving cases over four years, will not face criminal charges following a three-month investigation, District Attorney Pete Hautzinger said Wednesday.
However, Hautzinger said he intends to throw out 10 convictions stemming from cases investigated by ex-State Trooper Donald Moseman between 2008 and 2011.
Hautzinger, who hired a retired FBI agent to investigate 382 closed cases involving Moseman, said he doesn’t feel he can prove the ex-trooper committed any crimes. Those crimes, potentially false imprisonment, perjury, or official misconduct, among others, would require proof Moseman acted “intentionally or knowingly,” Hautzinger said.
“There’s no evidence proving he knowingly or intentionally framed innocent people or was trying to manufacture evidence,” Hautzinger said. “He just tended to see a case when we didn’t see it and others didn’t.”
Hautzinger’s non-charging decision comes as his own investigation, undertaken by retired former FBI Special Agent Jane Quimby, highlighted new concerns about the trooper’s work.
Hired in 1991 in a career that saw a break in patrol duties before again being assigned to roadways in Mesa County in 2008, Moseman left the State Patrol last December after records obtained by The Daily Sentinel showed an internal State Patrol investigation found “bias” in DUI cases....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Colorado Cannabis Blog "Always Remember That Cannabis Is Safer "
Let's see how much blogosphere attention we can give to these guys:
"Always remember that cannabis is safer. Safer than cocaine. Safer than PCP, LSD or bath salts. Definitely safer than zombies.If you have no idea what we’re talking about, read this and this and then head over to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to brush up on your zombie preparedness skills… just in case...."
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Always remember that cannabis is safer. Safer than cocaine. Safer than PCP, LSD or bath salts. Definitely safer than zombies.If you have no idea what we’re talking about, read this and this and then head over to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to brush up on your zombie preparedness skills… just in case...."
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "Federal Authorities Recover and Seize 1.4 Tons of Cocaine"
A special thank you to all of our DEA and Customs, Border protection agencies. You are appreciated.
"San Juan, Puerto Rico – Federal law enforcement authorities seized Monday 1,288 kilograms (1.4 tons) of cocaine packaged in 50 large bales that were recovered from the sea south of St. Croix.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"San Juan, Puerto Rico – Federal law enforcement authorities seized Monday 1,288 kilograms (1.4 tons) of cocaine packaged in 50 large bales that were recovered from the sea south of St. Croix.
The announcement was made today by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Coast Guard, Puerto Rico Police Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
In the late Sunday evening hours, a CBP Caribbean Air and Marine Branch surveillance aircraft detected four men aboard a suspicious vessel, approximately 50 nautical miles south of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Upon detection the persons on board started to throw items overboard.
The crew of the Coast Guard Sapelo arrived on scene and began to recover the jettisoned cargo from the water. After searching all night and the following day with the assistance of a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Borinquen, the crew of the Sapelo was able to recover 50 bales of suspected illegal contraband that had been thrown overboard from the suspect vessel. A further inspection and testing of the suspected drug shipment revealed the contraband to be cocaine.
The crew of a Coast Guard Cutter Sapelo transported the illegal drug shipment to Coast Guard Base San Juan Tuesday night, where they transferred custody to awaiting Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agents.
“This interdiction is part of CBP's continued effort to work with fellow federal, state, local, and international partners to combat individuals and criminal organizations that pose a threat to our communities,” indicated Johnny Morales, Director of Air Operations for CBP’s Caribbean Air and Marine Branch.
“This massive seizure of 1.4 tons of cocaine is a clear indication of the hard work and dedication that the DEA, the U.S. Coast Guard, Puerto Rico Police Department and Customs and Border Protection have in combining our resources,” said Drug Enforcement Administration, Caribbean Division, Acting Special Agent in Charge Pedro Janer. “We will continue to stop these groups who think they can smuggle narcotics into Puerto Rico with flagrant disregard of our enforcement capabilities and our laws.”
“The outstanding efforts and collaboration between federal law enforcement authorities are responsible for this successful disruption and seizure, which prevented a major drug shipment from reaching our shores,” said Coast Guard Capt. Drew Pearson, Sector San Juan commander.
The combined federal law enforcement authorities believe that this is among the biggest drug seizures in the area for the past three years.
The Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB) is the only Federal law enforcement agency in the Caribbean Basin with integrated air and marine interdiction capabilities. It is charged with detection and interdiction of airborne and maritime smuggling and uses our organic radar facilities to detect and intercept air smuggling attempts, and airborne radar tracking aircraft to detect maritime smugglers.
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 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: Huffington Post "Lindsay Sandiford Smuggled $2.6 Million In Cocaine To Indonesia, Faces Firing Squad, Cops Say "
Andy Campbell:
"A British housewife faces the firing squad in Bali after she allegedly tried to smuggle $2.6 million worth of cocaine into Indonesia.
Indonesian authorities are tougher on drug smugglers than most countries in the world. Many drug pushers have faced the death penalty for such crimes, and a lot of them are foreigners, according to BBC.
Customs agents spotted Sandiford's alleged haul on an X-ray machine at the Indonesian airport on May 19.
They reportedly found the drugs in the lining of her suitcase.
She reportedly cooperated with police and helped net the three Britons and the Indian man she was scheduled to meet up with.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"A British housewife faces the firing squad in Bali after she allegedly tried to smuggle $2.6 million worth of cocaine into Indonesia.
Cops said Lindsay Sandiford, 55, hid a whopping 10.4 pounds of the drug in a suitcase, and was caught at an airport on her way to sell it to three Britons and an Indian national, BBC reported.
Indonesian authorities are tougher on drug smugglers than most countries in the world. Many drug pushers have faced the death penalty for such crimes, and a lot of them are foreigners, according to BBC.
Customs agents spotted Sandiford's alleged haul on an X-ray machine at the Indonesian airport on May 19.
They reportedly found the drugs in the lining of her suitcase.
Sandiford, of Gloucester, told customs agents she was a housewife, and that she'd just come from Bangkok, SMH reported.
She reportedly cooperated with police and helped net the three Britons and the Indian man she was scheduled to meet up with.
"It's an international network controlled from abroad," Mulyadi, the head of Bali's drug squad, told AAP....."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "The lodging Aspen needs"
What makes Aspen Daily News stand so far and above either the Aspen Times or the Glenwood Springs Post Independent?
Sure, being the only locally owned and locally operated print news media in the Valley goes a long way toward the Daily holding it's spot as 'local favorite'.
But where the bar stays set so high is in the quality of the Daily's opinion columnists and reporters.
Terrific column from Jeremy Madden this week. Speaking up once again about "The Other Side of Paradise".
Jeremy Madden:
"In last Friday’s Aspen Daily News, Curtis Wackerle wrote a piece titled “Can high-priced Aspen support a low-priced lodge?” Curtis’ story chronicled the endless debate about what direction Aspen should take when it comes to optimizing its lodging options in regards to its past, present and future.
As usual, the dialogue of the discussion seemed to deviate somewhere between those who want to embrace exclusivity, elitism, and all the accouterments the 1 percent reign down upon the town when they so givingly grace us with their presence, and those who want Aspen to be a more affordable and accepting destination that is accessible to the less entitled.
Unfortunately, as I read the story, I didn’t see anything about the lodging that Aspen needs. We like to think Aspen is a model community and a leader in living, and the rest of the world should strive to stand in our shadow. We like to see Silver City as a shining city on a hill and an example for others to emulate. With mind, body and spirit we want to believe it is a better place. But as much as we try, we all know that’s not quite true. In fact, it has now become quite clear that Aspen is no leader at all.
It used to be some sort of a secret. Not so many people knew. Well, at least it was seldom, if ever, spoken about. But over the last few years that has all changed. Finally, it has gotten the attention it deserves. It had to happen. After all, death is something that cannot be completely ignored.
After years of simmering under the surface like some dark family secret, discussion and dialogue about the local suicide rate have started to come to a boil. After years of thinking that Aspen is a great place to live, we are starting to realize that Aspen may be an even better place to die.
With her sky-high suicide rates, Aspen has a serious problem. Say what you want about how wonderful Aspen is, but as a city, a society and a community, Aspen is obviously failing. Too many friends, family and loved ones are falling victim to their own hand.
While some may be wondering what suicide has to do with lodging in Aspen, to me it is clear. As a resort community we’re so concerned with the welfare of our guests that we often overlook the welfare of ourselves and our own loved ones. Maybe it’s time we take a break and stop thinking about the tourists to take a little time to think about ourselves.
If you do, you’ll realize the lodging Aspen needs is not for tourists or any other far-flung guests. Nor does it have anything to do with how much one can pay for a night’s stay. That’s because the lodging that Aspen needs is a permanent, well-funded homeless shelter....."
(Read more? You should. Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Sure, being the only locally owned and locally operated print news media in the Valley goes a long way toward the Daily holding it's spot as 'local favorite'.
But where the bar stays set so high is in the quality of the Daily's opinion columnists and reporters.
Terrific column from Jeremy Madden this week. Speaking up once again about "The Other Side of Paradise".
Jeremy Madden:
"In last Friday’s Aspen Daily News, Curtis Wackerle wrote a piece titled “Can high-priced Aspen support a low-priced lodge?” Curtis’ story chronicled the endless debate about what direction Aspen should take when it comes to optimizing its lodging options in regards to its past, present and future.
As usual, the dialogue of the discussion seemed to deviate somewhere between those who want to embrace exclusivity, elitism, and all the accouterments the 1 percent reign down upon the town when they so givingly grace us with their presence, and those who want Aspen to be a more affordable and accepting destination that is accessible to the less entitled.
Unfortunately, as I read the story, I didn’t see anything about the lodging that Aspen needs. We like to think Aspen is a model community and a leader in living, and the rest of the world should strive to stand in our shadow. We like to see Silver City as a shining city on a hill and an example for others to emulate. With mind, body and spirit we want to believe it is a better place. But as much as we try, we all know that’s not quite true. In fact, it has now become quite clear that Aspen is no leader at all.
It used to be some sort of a secret. Not so many people knew. Well, at least it was seldom, if ever, spoken about. But over the last few years that has all changed. Finally, it has gotten the attention it deserves. It had to happen. After all, death is something that cannot be completely ignored.
After years of simmering under the surface like some dark family secret, discussion and dialogue about the local suicide rate have started to come to a boil. After years of thinking that Aspen is a great place to live, we are starting to realize that Aspen may be an even better place to die.
With her sky-high suicide rates, Aspen has a serious problem. Say what you want about how wonderful Aspen is, but as a city, a society and a community, Aspen is obviously failing. Too many friends, family and loved ones are falling victim to their own hand.
While some may be wondering what suicide has to do with lodging in Aspen, to me it is clear. As a resort community we’re so concerned with the welfare of our guests that we often overlook the welfare of ourselves and our own loved ones. Maybe it’s time we take a break and stop thinking about the tourists to take a little time to think about ourselves.
If you do, you’ll realize the lodging Aspen needs is not for tourists or any other far-flung guests. Nor does it have anything to do with how much one can pay for a night’s stay. That’s because the lodging that Aspen needs is a permanent, well-funded homeless shelter....."
(Read more? You should. Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Running for their lives"
Jeff Casperson:
"Nanci Limbach was the child who would bring home a squirrel that had been hit by a car, hoping to nurse it back to health.
As an adult, she's tending to animals of all species and sizes.
Limbach, founder and executive director of the Pauline S. Schneegas Wildlife Foundation in Silt, is one of the state's few caretakers of ailing and displaced wild critters.
Bears, bobcats, elk, hawks, eagles and pretty much any other wild animal you can think of have passed through the foundation since it opened in 1984. An estimated 5,000 wild animals have been rehabilitated and released.
And Saturday's Run/Walk For Their Lives 5K footrace is your chance to help out. The annual race is one of the chief fundraisers for the foundation, a nonprofit named after Limbach's animal-loving grandmother, that relies on the community's financial support to remain afloat.
Perry Will, Glenwood Springs area wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, is certainly a Limbach backer. He's worked closely with her for the better part of three decades.
“Rehab was in its infancy at the time she got started,” he said. “Nanci expressed a desire to do that. It morphed into the whole wildlife foundation she now has.”
Without the foundation, area critters would meet a cruel fate....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Nanci Limbach was the child who would bring home a squirrel that had been hit by a car, hoping to nurse it back to health.
As an adult, she's tending to animals of all species and sizes.
Limbach, founder and executive director of the Pauline S. Schneegas Wildlife Foundation in Silt, is one of the state's few caretakers of ailing and displaced wild critters.
Bears, bobcats, elk, hawks, eagles and pretty much any other wild animal you can think of have passed through the foundation since it opened in 1984. An estimated 5,000 wild animals have been rehabilitated and released.
And Saturday's Run/Walk For Their Lives 5K footrace is your chance to help out. The annual race is one of the chief fundraisers for the foundation, a nonprofit named after Limbach's animal-loving grandmother, that relies on the community's financial support to remain afloat.
Perry Will, Glenwood Springs area wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, is certainly a Limbach backer. He's worked closely with her for the better part of three decades.
“Rehab was in its infancy at the time she got started,” he said. “Nanci expressed a desire to do that. It morphed into the whole wildlife foundation she now has.”
Without the foundation, area critters would meet a cruel fate....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Ideas Festival lineup set"
Carolyn Sackariason:
"This summer’s Aspen Ideas Festival lineup includes roughly 300 speakers, and topics of discussion are as diverse as contemplating how to deal with the pressures of an exploding world population, the roots of societal values, and America’s obsession with sports and athletes.
New this year will be a block party for the public, on July 1, at Rio Grande Park, said Kitty Boone, vice president at the Aspen Institute and the primary organizer of the Aspen Ideas Festival, which also is presented by The Atlantic magazine. There will be numerous activities at the block party, as well as music and zumba dance lessons, Boone said.
Boone said programming for the public during the week-long conference is currently being scheduled; tickets go on sale June 20. There will be events open to the public held all over town during the week.
Passes to the eighth annual festival, which runs June 27 to July 3, have been sold out since the spring and cost $2,750 each. Six hundred people purchased passes...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"This summer’s Aspen Ideas Festival lineup includes roughly 300 speakers, and topics of discussion are as diverse as contemplating how to deal with the pressures of an exploding world population, the roots of societal values, and America’s obsession with sports and athletes.
New this year will be a block party for the public, on July 1, at Rio Grande Park, said Kitty Boone, vice president at the Aspen Institute and the primary organizer of the Aspen Ideas Festival, which also is presented by The Atlantic magazine. There will be numerous activities at the block party, as well as music and zumba dance lessons, Boone said.
Boone said programming for the public during the week-long conference is currently being scheduled; tickets go on sale June 20. There will be events open to the public held all over town during the week.
Passes to the eighth annual festival, which runs June 27 to July 3, have been sold out since the spring and cost $2,750 each. Six hundred people purchased passes...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Silt mineral rights leased to Antero for four more years"
John Colson:
"Trustees unanimous in spite of a citizen's objections"
So stands one part in the honor of legacy that is Town of Silt Mayor Dave Moore.
A man and his Trustees who came into office a few years ago through a good 'ol fashioned barn burner of a political race.
With the stunningly bold strategy of simply publicly revealing the truths of how protracted, dysfunctional and preventive of any positive growth for Silt the powers that had been for years were, Moore and company seized their spot in Silt's history.
And have finally narrowed down the need for a 'babysitter' to just "a citizen".
Congratulations to the Town of Silt on the re-up of four more prosperous years working the the Antero team. You rock.
John Colson:
"Industry officials have long maintained that there is no proof that hydraulic fracturing or other drilling activities are harmful to those living near the rigs...." (Read more? Click title)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
"Trustees unanimous in spite of a citizen's objections"
So stands one part in the honor of legacy that is Town of Silt Mayor Dave Moore.
A man and his Trustees who came into office a few years ago through a good 'ol fashioned barn burner of a political race.
With the stunningly bold strategy of simply publicly revealing the truths of how protracted, dysfunctional and preventive of any positive growth for Silt the powers that had been for years were, Moore and company seized their spot in Silt's history.
And have finally narrowed down the need for a 'babysitter' to just "a citizen".
Congratulations to the Town of Silt on the re-up of four more prosperous years working the the Antero team. You rock.
John Colson:
"Industry officials have long maintained that there is no proof that hydraulic fracturing or other drilling activities are harmful to those living near the rigs...." (Read more? Click title)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Grand Avenue Bridge down to four options"
Yes, Virginia.
There really is going to be a new Grand Avenue Bridge. All the weeping and wailing done over the years trying to prevent really was pushed through well over a year ago when the folks 'staged a coup' and sat a near-clean sweep of city council via 'whispering campaigns' and the democratic process held in the power of the individual voter. Not to mention some pretty nifty strategy of keeping the best candidates unopposed.
A special thank you goes out to CDOT for having the patience of Job.
Here's to the little guys.
Let freedom ring.
Heather McGregor:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Engineers and community leaders have winnowed the 11 alignment options for a new Grand Avenue Bridge down to four, including one option to build a new bridge right where the current bridge is today.
The Colorado Department of Transportation is slated to present the four options at a community open house and meeting next week, with time for people to ask questions and express their views on the bridge options.
The agency has budgeted $59 million to design and build a new bridge replacing the city's primary route across the Colorado River.
If all goes as planned, the planning process will run through fall 2013, followed by a full year to develop the final bridge design. Construction is expected to take up to two and a half years, from early 2015 until fall of 2017....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
There really is going to be a new Grand Avenue Bridge. All the weeping and wailing done over the years trying to prevent really was pushed through well over a year ago when the folks 'staged a coup' and sat a near-clean sweep of city council via 'whispering campaigns' and the democratic process held in the power of the individual voter. Not to mention some pretty nifty strategy of keeping the best candidates unopposed.
A special thank you goes out to CDOT for having the patience of Job.
Here's to the little guys.
Let freedom ring.
Heather McGregor:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Engineers and community leaders have winnowed the 11 alignment options for a new Grand Avenue Bridge down to four, including one option to build a new bridge right where the current bridge is today.
The Colorado Department of Transportation is slated to present the four options at a community open house and meeting next week, with time for people to ask questions and express their views on the bridge options.
The agency has budgeted $59 million to design and build a new bridge replacing the city's primary route across the Colorado River.
If all goes as planned, the planning process will run through fall 2013, followed by a full year to develop the final bridge design. Construction is expected to take up to two and a half years, from early 2015 until fall of 2017....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Howlin' Howelsen kicks off 2012 Steamboat Springs Town Challenge"
Luke Graham:
"Steamboat Springs — Peter Kalmes quickly realized his advantage probably was everyone else’s, as well.
Like many Steamboat Springs mountain bikers, Kalmes took advantage of the light winter, biking up Emerald Mountain on hardpack snow. By February he was in Moab to ride on dirt, and come March 1, he was a fixture on his road bike.
“I feel a lot stronger because of the dry spring,” said Kalmes, who proved to be the fastest rider Wednesday in the opening event of the 2012 Steamboat Springs Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series. “I knew, and now I really know, that everyone took advantage of that. It made a difference for everyone.”
Wednesday’s Howlin’ Howelsen race predictably saw a little of everything. Old stalwarts battled the Emerald Mountain course that began at the Brent Romick Rodeo Arena and meandered its way over a series of trails before finishing the ascent to the Quarry via Blair Witch and then heading back down.
The race even featured one rider sprinting across the finish line, flat tire going one way and chain going the other.
Then it had the final competitor across the finish line — long after everyone left to have a post-race beer — sporting an old-school Nishiki mountain bike with fenders and no sign of any suspension....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Steamboat Springs — Peter Kalmes quickly realized his advantage probably was everyone else’s, as well.
Like many Steamboat Springs mountain bikers, Kalmes took advantage of the light winter, biking up Emerald Mountain on hardpack snow. By February he was in Moab to ride on dirt, and come March 1, he was a fixture on his road bike.
“I feel a lot stronger because of the dry spring,” said Kalmes, who proved to be the fastest rider Wednesday in the opening event of the 2012 Steamboat Springs Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series. “I knew, and now I really know, that everyone took advantage of that. It made a difference for everyone.”
Wednesday’s Howlin’ Howelsen race predictably saw a little of everything. Old stalwarts battled the Emerald Mountain course that began at the Brent Romick Rodeo Arena and meandered its way over a series of trails before finishing the ascent to the Quarry via Blair Witch and then heading back down.
The race even featured one rider sprinting across the finish line, flat tire going one way and chain going the other.
Then it had the final competitor across the finish line — long after everyone left to have a post-race beer — sporting an old-school Nishiki mountain bike with fenders and no sign of any suspension....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily News "Teva Mountain Games start today"
Chris Freud:
"VAIL — Try to top that.
It's a game that the Teva Mountain Games has been playing rather successfully since its inception as the Jeep Whitewater Festival many years ago. That said, rafting toward a keg of beer at the end of Dowd Chute, no matter how noble the pursuit, wasn't hard.
But how do you top last year's steep-creek championships, which start the 2012 edition of the Mountain Games, today at 10 a.m. up at Homestake Creek near Red Cliff?
Honza Lasko, of the Czech Republic, and New Zealand's Michael Dawson tied for first in the two-run race down to the hundredth second — 3 minutes, 34.62 seconds.
Try doing that again.
OK, probably not, but the Homestake race kicks off four days of mountain sporting events, which should provide plenty of chills and definitely some spills. What was originally a rafting event is now a confluence of biking, running, whitewater, climbing, fishing and dog sports....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"VAIL — Try to top that.
It's a game that the Teva Mountain Games has been playing rather successfully since its inception as the Jeep Whitewater Festival many years ago. That said, rafting toward a keg of beer at the end of Dowd Chute, no matter how noble the pursuit, wasn't hard.
But how do you top last year's steep-creek championships, which start the 2012 edition of the Mountain Games, today at 10 a.m. up at Homestake Creek near Red Cliff?
Honza Lasko, of the Czech Republic, and New Zealand's Michael Dawson tied for first in the two-run race down to the hundredth second — 3 minutes, 34.62 seconds.
Try doing that again.
OK, probably not, but the Homestake race kicks off four days of mountain sporting events, which should provide plenty of chills and definitely some spills. What was originally a rafting event is now a confluence of biking, running, whitewater, climbing, fishing and dog sports....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Paradise"
All credit Bob Berwyn (Click title):
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Today’s #FriFotos Twitter chat asks the intriguing question, what is paradise? After a long day of reporting environmental stories yesterday, I didn’t have a whole lot of time to spend on creating a photo essay for the theme, but luckily I didn’t need it! A quick two-finger scroll through my archives revealed paradise at nearly every stop, from the wildlands of Arizona and Utah, to the beaches of the Caribbean and right here in my own backyard. As a photographer and traveler, I feel like I see a little bit of paradise each day. Share your own version by uploading pics to the Twitter stream and giving them the #FriFotos hashtag. See you there!...."
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Today’s #FriFotos Twitter chat asks the intriguing question, what is paradise? After a long day of reporting environmental stories yesterday, I didn’t have a whole lot of time to spend on creating a photo essay for the theme, but luckily I didn’t need it! A quick two-finger scroll through my archives revealed paradise at nearly every stop, from the wildlands of Arizona and Utah, to the beaches of the Caribbean and right here in my own backyard. As a photographer and traveler, I feel like I see a little bit of paradise each day. Share your own version by uploading pics to the Twitter stream and giving them the #FriFotos hashtag. See you there!...."
May 30, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Hot Air Blog "Joblessness during prime working years worst in 23 years"
Ed Morrissey:
"Supporters of Barack Obama point to the overall jobless rate and its slow decline to argue that his economic policies have worked, and just need more time to bring back widespread prosperity.
Opponents point to U-6 numbers and the actual number of net jobs created in his term (hint: less than zero) to argue that Obamanomics has been a failure. Who has the better argument? Consider a new analysis from the Washington Post, which shows just how bad the jobs situation has been all along:
We aren’t even really treading water but falling behind slightly over that period....)
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Supporters of Barack Obama point to the overall jobless rate and its slow decline to argue that his economic policies have worked, and just need more time to bring back widespread prosperity.
Opponents point to U-6 numbers and the actual number of net jobs created in his term (hint: less than zero) to argue that Obamanomics has been a failure. Who has the better argument? Consider a new analysis from the Washington Post, which shows just how bad the jobs situation has been all along:
The proportion of Americans in their prime working years who have jobs is smaller than it has been at any time in the 23 years before the recession, according to federal statistics, reflecting the profound and lasting effects that the downturn has had on the nation’s economic prospects.This captures the “missing workers” phenomenon, which the topline jobless rate ignores, and shows how poorly this recovery has performed. Even if one counts from the beginning of the recovery rather than from the beginning of Obama’s term, we have added 3.087 million private-sector jobs in the last 34 months, for an average of 90,079 jobs added per month — too low to keep up with population growth, which adds around 120,000 workforce-eligible adults each month.
By this measure, the jobs situation has improved little in recent years. The percentage of workers between the ages of 25 and 54 who have jobs now stands at 75.7 percent, just a percentage point over what it was at the downturn’s worst, according to federal statistics.
Before the recession the proportion hovered at 80 percent.
We aren’t even really treading water but falling behind slightly over that period....)
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Ex-DA Serra released from state prison"
Paul Shockley:
"Former 7th Judicial District Attorney and convicted sex offender Myrl Serra walked out of the Colorado state prison system on Friday, four days before a previously scheduled release date.
Serra was released to the custody of the Montrose County Sheriff’s Department, according to Colorado Department of Corrections spokeswoman Katherine Sanguinetti.
The Department of Corrections earlier this month had moved Serra’s release date up to May 29, which was a full six weeks ahead of Serra’s mandatory release date. The time reduction was credit for good behavior, Sanguinetti said.
“It was a scheduling, transport logistical issue,” Sanguinetti said of the decision to release Serra on Friday, as opposed to waiting until May 29...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Former 7th Judicial District Attorney and convicted sex offender Myrl Serra walked out of the Colorado state prison system on Friday, four days before a previously scheduled release date.
Serra was released to the custody of the Montrose County Sheriff’s Department, according to Colorado Department of Corrections spokeswoman Katherine Sanguinetti.
The Department of Corrections earlier this month had moved Serra’s release date up to May 29, which was a full six weeks ahead of Serra’s mandatory release date. The time reduction was credit for good behavior, Sanguinetti said.
“It was a scheduling, transport logistical issue,” Sanguinetti said of the decision to release Serra on Friday, as opposed to waiting until May 29...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Legalizing drugs will only make addiction grow"
Zell Zordel:
"Why is it that when the debate about legalizing drugs is mentioned, the drug war card is played? That's because it's a crutch. Now that it is out, let us address it.
Yes, America is encouraging other countries to participate in the drug war, with $40 trillion spent since 1971. In 2010 alone, the U.S. government spent $15 billion. The reason those laws were passed is because drugs were killing Americans. With the first laws passed in 1885, this is not just a 40-year-old issue.
Those are facts. Let's look at a few others.
My original letter of May 19 was about the real potential in human lives lost. I compared it to the very real and highly used drug, alcohol. I used that baseline to show the ever-so-likely outcome we would experience if we legalized drugs. I pointed out that all of the negative criminal impacts will not go away.
Mr. Kirchenwitz, in his May 24 response, commented that “any drug use in and of itself is generally non-violent.” I suggest he ask any law enforcement officer who has ever had to deal with a violent suspect what was driving the destructive intent. Most will respond with drug use or alcohol.
Remember, drug usage is still currently at a low level. Legalization will only increase the number of addictions due to easier access....." (Read more? Click title)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
"Why is it that when the debate about legalizing drugs is mentioned, the drug war card is played? That's because it's a crutch. Now that it is out, let us address it.
Yes, America is encouraging other countries to participate in the drug war, with $40 trillion spent since 1971. In 2010 alone, the U.S. government spent $15 billion. The reason those laws were passed is because drugs were killing Americans. With the first laws passed in 1885, this is not just a 40-year-old issue.
Those are facts. Let's look at a few others.
My original letter of May 19 was about the real potential in human lives lost. I compared it to the very real and highly used drug, alcohol. I used that baseline to show the ever-so-likely outcome we would experience if we legalized drugs. I pointed out that all of the negative criminal impacts will not go away.
Mr. Kirchenwitz, in his May 24 response, commented that “any drug use in and of itself is generally non-violent.” I suggest he ask any law enforcement officer who has ever had to deal with a violent suspect what was driving the destructive intent. Most will respond with drug use or alcohol.
Remember, drug usage is still currently at a low level. Legalization will only increase the number of addictions due to easier access....." (Read more? Click title)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "Agents Net Nearly 4 Tons of Marijuana Over Memorial Day Weekend"
"Edinburgh, Texas ─ CBP U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector confiscated more than $6.3 million worth of marijuana in multiple seizures over Memorial Day weekend.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
The largest seizure took place Friday evening near La Casitas, Texas, when agents saw a pickup truck being loaded with marijuana on the banks of the Rio Grande. Agents intercepted the vehicle as it traveled away from the river, however the driver jumped out and fled into the surrounding brush ─ abandoning more than 1,500 pounds of marijuana.
Agents made another large seizure that same day near La Casita after agents encountered a Chevy Tahoe traveling north away from the river. When the vehicle’s driver saw agents approaching, he immediately made a U-turn. Agents found the Tahoe abandoned on the riverbank and saw two people swimming to Mexico. Inside the vehicle agents found more than 1,200 pounds of marijuana.
Several additional seizures brought the total amount of marijuana seized from Friday through Monday to nearly 8,000 pounds. It was turned over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
To report suspicious activity, call the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector’s toll-free telephone number at (800)-863-9382.
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 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: Aspen Daily News "City Council pushes for lodging over townhome development"
Heaven forbid that Aspen City Council would ever do an OK right off the get-go on a development project that makes a hundred times over more sense than simply building more lodging rooms.
Building townhomes and average folks housing at the base of Aspen Mountain is a phenomenal concept that will really bring cash revenues into Aspen's coffers and at a higher rate of speed than catering to the lifestyles of the rich and famous. After all.......how many 'Hemeter Houses' and Little Nells do we need?
Here's a clue, Aspen.
Build mid-to upper tier chain lodging out at the AABC, push for high density residential that can turn over as vacay rentals by owners in downtown and watch Aspen come to life in the real world.
Turn Base Village into an ultra level casino complex that is unique in every way and watch prosperity for everyone come to Aspen.
win win.
Are we 'sick of mick' yet?
Dorothy Atkins:
"A development project that would build townhomes at the base of Aspen Mountain instead of a lodge got a contentious initial reception from Aspen City Council Tuesday night.
Council voted 3-to-1, with Councilman Steve Skadron dissenting, to pass the first reading of a proposal to build 14 townhomes and 10 affordable housing apartments on the 2.4-acre South Aspen Street parcel, once planned for the Lodge at Aspen Mountain. “No” votes are a rarity on City Council first readings, which are typically a formality and precede the second reading, where a public hearing is held.
The proposal also includes building eight additional affordable housing units at the Aspen Airport Business Center, and the developers would pay $475,000 into the affordable housing fund to mitigate city housing requirements.
A previous owner of the land originally received an approval for 14 townhomes and 17 affordable housing units in 2003. Those approvals were put on hold while the former developer sought to build a project known as the Lodge at Aspen Mountain. The controversial project was never approved and the developer eventually declared bankruptcy. ASV Aspen Street Owners LLC, a group of Boston and Chicago investors, bought the site in 2010.
While Skadron was the sole dissenting vote, Mayor Mick Ireland and councilmen Torre and Adam Frisch agreed that they would prefer to see a lodging project over townhomes. (Councilman Derek Johnson recused himself from the discussion, because he lives within 300 feet of the site.)...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Building townhomes and average folks housing at the base of Aspen Mountain is a phenomenal concept that will really bring cash revenues into Aspen's coffers and at a higher rate of speed than catering to the lifestyles of the rich and famous. After all.......how many 'Hemeter Houses' and Little Nells do we need?
Here's a clue, Aspen.
Build mid-to upper tier chain lodging out at the AABC, push for high density residential that can turn over as vacay rentals by owners in downtown and watch Aspen come to life in the real world.
Turn Base Village into an ultra level casino complex that is unique in every way and watch prosperity for everyone come to Aspen.
win win.
Are we 'sick of mick' yet?
Dorothy Atkins:
"A development project that would build townhomes at the base of Aspen Mountain instead of a lodge got a contentious initial reception from Aspen City Council Tuesday night.
Council voted 3-to-1, with Councilman Steve Skadron dissenting, to pass the first reading of a proposal to build 14 townhomes and 10 affordable housing apartments on the 2.4-acre South Aspen Street parcel, once planned for the Lodge at Aspen Mountain. “No” votes are a rarity on City Council first readings, which are typically a formality and precede the second reading, where a public hearing is held.
The proposal also includes building eight additional affordable housing units at the Aspen Airport Business Center, and the developers would pay $475,000 into the affordable housing fund to mitigate city housing requirements.
A previous owner of the land originally received an approval for 14 townhomes and 17 affordable housing units in 2003. Those approvals were put on hold while the former developer sought to build a project known as the Lodge at Aspen Mountain. The controversial project was never approved and the developer eventually declared bankruptcy. ASV Aspen Street Owners LLC, a group of Boston and Chicago investors, bought the site in 2010.
While Skadron was the sole dissenting vote, Mayor Mick Ireland and councilmen Torre and Adam Frisch agreed that they would prefer to see a lodging project over townhomes. (Councilman Derek Johnson recused himself from the discussion, because he lives within 300 feet of the site.)...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Correct the letters containing false information"
(whisper...whisper....when is the new publisher coming to town??!!....whisper...whisper....(yes, this is a 'whispering campaign').....the little guys can hardly wait to hear if she's a real journalist who believes in standards and ethics of her industry...can hardly wait to see if she's got some moxy to stand up and just say NO to the unbridled bias, so much worse than the worst of the worst tabloid output the PI's grown famous for over the past 10 years....whisper.. whisper...can hardly wait to see if she's got a price on her soul just like Swift reporters, editors and publishers to date have had and used to sell themselves and the communities they serve down the river with nearly every edition...whisper...whisper...can hardly wait to see if she has a sense of humor and can read something like:....... "Editor's note: The Post Independent offers a forum for diverse opinions on this page. We do reject some letters that contain incorrect information, but other letters blur the line between fact, perception and opinion. We encourage our letter-writers to respond and correct what they see as errors."....(btw...the 'shadow folk' will now write in and correct your errors today, TYVM).... and laugh as hard as most are laughing today at the PI...whisper...whisper...wonder what she's going to be like.....whisper...whisper..well, we can only hope.....)
Hmmmm....let's see. As an attorney, Ted Hess should appreciate Just the Facts, right?
Let's toss a few up:
Here is a respected in many areas and ways local attorney, who spouts rhetoric so lacking in credibility and thrusts his cases into the media while at the same time, for every moment of air time he takes up, there are the most inhumane methods of human trafficking happening simultaneously on our borders that Ted Hess says nothing about.
Maybe a lot less talk on Ted Hess's part and a lot more action in getting safe and secure borders would be a better use of power. Secure the borders and stop the deaths and exploitation.
For sure, every legal American footing the bill for the media circus surrounding 'immigration reform' would be highly appreciative of finally being able to end the problem and finally sit down at the table and work out true and humane reforms.
In the meantime, the ongoing local media circus that is CIRC, AJUA, Ted Hess, Anita Sherman's and reporters hanging on every word is at least 'entertaining'.
And keeps all of us on our toes making corrections to his output in that media circus he cultivates.
Immigration Attorney, Ted Hess of Glenwood Springs:
"Shame on the Post Independent for publishing Mike Johnson's letter of May 26. Mr. Johnson, of De Beque, asked the rhetorical question, “Can anyone explain to me why the illegal-undocumented aliens get all the welfare and assistance they need?”
Undocumented aliens do not receive food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicare, Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program, Section 8 Housing, Social Security or SSI. (Source: Guide to Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs, 2002, National Immigration Law Center, as updated by NILC Oct. 2011.)
Any rational resolution of our immigration debate is retarded when the paper publishes letters that use inflammatory and false facts. I thought the editor had the ultimate responsibility for what runs in the newspaper. If you are going to persist in permitting people to publish demonstrably false factual information, how about printing a correction under the letter?...." (Read the original letter? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Hmmmm....let's see. As an attorney, Ted Hess should appreciate Just the Facts, right?
Let's toss a few up:
- Setting aside the shameless use (actually in some of his press over CIRC, The Strawberry Days Massacre of 2011 and Norma Galindo Morales Gonzales the "outrageous use" is more accurate) by Ted Hess of the biased media outlet known as the Post Independent; this LTE could be seen as laughable. At minimum, preposterous with little to no credibility. Funny how that works and backfires on someone who manipulates and spins disinformation out onto the web. Credibility when they want it can never come back in hand.
- Let's toss out some facts about illegal foreign nationals and the methods they use to abuse our system, our people and our laws: Public education is a good one----every single time they sign a child up for school and declare themselves as legal citizens with a legal address they commit blatant fraud. Gets worse when that fraudulent act of signing a registration form "earns" federal tax dollars for the "body count" of their child. Even worse when that child then goes on to gain access to more public funds, grants and otherwise of scholarships and services. Another good one is how much every illegal on American soil costs every single legal American household to provide them with basic services such as public education, law enforcement, emergency services, human services and public services. In 2010, the estimate ran right under $1,700 per year, per legal household. Another great fact is one that can be tracked back to one of Ted Hess's own clients and his family. David Centeno. The cost for law enforcement, judicial system, incarceration and deportation (multiple times on all) came out of legal American pockets. Another terrific fact can also be tracked back to one of Ted Hess's clients. Norma Galindo Morales Gonzales and her problem with ID. Every single time an illegal gets behind the wheel of a vehicle and drives on American soil, they commit an illegal act. We cannot even track the cost of traffic and accident related burden that illegal foreign nationals place on legal American shoulders every day. There you have it, a few 'just the facts'.
Here is a respected in many areas and ways local attorney, who spouts rhetoric so lacking in credibility and thrusts his cases into the media while at the same time, for every moment of air time he takes up, there are the most inhumane methods of human trafficking happening simultaneously on our borders that Ted Hess says nothing about.
Maybe a lot less talk on Ted Hess's part and a lot more action in getting safe and secure borders would be a better use of power. Secure the borders and stop the deaths and exploitation.
For sure, every legal American footing the bill for the media circus surrounding 'immigration reform' would be highly appreciative of finally being able to end the problem and finally sit down at the table and work out true and humane reforms.
In the meantime, the ongoing local media circus that is CIRC, AJUA, Ted Hess, Anita Sherman's and reporters hanging on every word is at least 'entertaining'.
And keeps all of us on our toes making corrections to his output in that media circus he cultivates.
Immigration Attorney, Ted Hess of Glenwood Springs:
"Shame on the Post Independent for publishing Mike Johnson's letter of May 26. Mr. Johnson, of De Beque, asked the rhetorical question, “Can anyone explain to me why the illegal-undocumented aliens get all the welfare and assistance they need?”
Undocumented aliens do not receive food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicare, Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program, Section 8 Housing, Social Security or SSI. (Source: Guide to Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs, 2002, National Immigration Law Center, as updated by NILC Oct. 2011.)
Any rational resolution of our immigration debate is retarded when the paper publishes letters that use inflammatory and false facts. I thought the editor had the ultimate responsibility for what runs in the newspaper. If you are going to persist in permitting people to publish demonstrably false factual information, how about printing a correction under the letter?...." (Read the original letter? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Aspen Chamber endorses ‘Colorado Compact’"
Because it is 'big money'? Or just because it is 'big power'?
Is it because they get away with it?
Not even law enforcement, ICE, FBI, DEA, senators, lawmakers nor prosecutors on multiple levels have gained any ground on alleged visa abuses, alleged drug use in employee ranks and on slopes, immigration laws disregarded in their entirety and workers everywhere that are literally treated like chattel and kept in near poverty with the old game of 'owing their souls to the company store' (or at least in debt for life for their visa...).
Why is an article like this one so common place, that an employer like Warren Klug with the reputation among the working class as being one of the worst in his poor treatment of immigrant workers, is even allowed to go to print?
The illegals that can read English are likely outraged to listen to this tone of ACRA, the Skico, Klug and others as being 'generous', 'kind', 'humane' and magnminous as they ride in on white horses to 'save the immigrant resort workers'.
When you're nothing but poverty kept labor, treated like chattel and scrubbing toilets to hold that pleasurable experience of such treatment....it's pretty darn tough to show any respect at all to political rhetoric like this.
Go for truly humane reform. Pay living wages to everyone, e-verify and uphold all immigration laws and show some respect to the workers who actually make all the wheels turn in Aspen and the Valley.
After all, it will only cost you some of the greed shaved off your outrageously profitable bottom lines.
Andrew Travers:
"The board of the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) voted unanimously Tuesday to support Colorado-based immigration reform efforts.
Business leaders agreed to support “The Colorado Compact,” a statewide effort led by U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet to craft federal immigration reform. It had already drawn support from Gov. John Hickenlooper, other business organizations, educators, farmers and law enforcement officials.
The short document states Colorado law enforcement officials should focus on criminal activity, not enforcing civil immigration laws, among other principles. It calls for federal solutions to the immigration problem, to strengthen border security and simultaneously allow immigrants to continue working. It also specifically calls for policies that will not break up families through deportation.
“Immigrants are integrated into communities across Colorado,” the current draft of the compact reads. “We must adopt a humane approach to this reality, reflecting our unique culture, history and spirit of inclusion. The way we treat immigrants will say more about us as a free society and less about our immigrant neighbors.”
Outgoing ACRA Chairman Warren Klug, in recent years, has led the local business community’s call for federal legislation that would allow undocumented workers to gain a legal working status. He has lobbied Colorado’s congressional delegation and met with White House staffers on the issue.
Klug has championed immigration reform on a local, state and national level in recent years. He officially finished his term as chairman of the board of the chamber Tuesday, with Gant general manager Donnie Lee taking his place...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Is it because they get away with it?
Not even law enforcement, ICE, FBI, DEA, senators, lawmakers nor prosecutors on multiple levels have gained any ground on alleged visa abuses, alleged drug use in employee ranks and on slopes, immigration laws disregarded in their entirety and workers everywhere that are literally treated like chattel and kept in near poverty with the old game of 'owing their souls to the company store' (or at least in debt for life for their visa...).
Why is an article like this one so common place, that an employer like Warren Klug with the reputation among the working class as being one of the worst in his poor treatment of immigrant workers, is even allowed to go to print?
The illegals that can read English are likely outraged to listen to this tone of ACRA, the Skico, Klug and others as being 'generous', 'kind', 'humane' and magnminous as they ride in on white horses to 'save the immigrant resort workers'.
When you're nothing but poverty kept labor, treated like chattel and scrubbing toilets to hold that pleasurable experience of such treatment....it's pretty darn tough to show any respect at all to political rhetoric like this.
Go for truly humane reform. Pay living wages to everyone, e-verify and uphold all immigration laws and show some respect to the workers who actually make all the wheels turn in Aspen and the Valley.
After all, it will only cost you some of the greed shaved off your outrageously profitable bottom lines.
Andrew Travers:
"The board of the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) voted unanimously Tuesday to support Colorado-based immigration reform efforts.
Business leaders agreed to support “The Colorado Compact,” a statewide effort led by U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet to craft federal immigration reform. It had already drawn support from Gov. John Hickenlooper, other business organizations, educators, farmers and law enforcement officials.
The short document states Colorado law enforcement officials should focus on criminal activity, not enforcing civil immigration laws, among other principles. It calls for federal solutions to the immigration problem, to strengthen border security and simultaneously allow immigrants to continue working. It also specifically calls for policies that will not break up families through deportation.
“Immigrants are integrated into communities across Colorado,” the current draft of the compact reads. “We must adopt a humane approach to this reality, reflecting our unique culture, history and spirit of inclusion. The way we treat immigrants will say more about us as a free society and less about our immigrant neighbors.”
Outgoing ACRA Chairman Warren Klug, in recent years, has led the local business community’s call for federal legislation that would allow undocumented workers to gain a legal working status. He has lobbied Colorado’s congressional delegation and met with White House staffers on the issue.
Klug has championed immigration reform on a local, state and national level in recent years. He officially finished his term as chairman of the board of the chamber Tuesday, with Gant general manager Donnie Lee taking his place...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Hecht incident a sign of bigger problems"
Junee Kirk:
"Editor:
It is unfortunate that Nikos Hecht, former hedge fund trader now local developer, was so abusive to our ranger Trevor Washko, telling Trevor (according to newspaper accounts) that Hecht had contributed a million dollars to the trail system, threatening the ranger saying that he would see to it that Trevor would lose his job, then later lying about the whole incident. Such conduct is not only unbecoming, but I’m sure an embarrassment to the Hecht family and friends. At the very least, Nikos should give the ranger a written apology, and at best he could contribute that million dollars he lied about, now to the county open space program. It could certainly use it.
Resources for enforcement and education are limited and the open space program certainly could use such donations. This whole incident speaks to a greater problem: that all the enforcement and education will never be fail-proof. While resources are limited, what the open space board should do is to protect this critical wildlife habit by closing it off, indefinitely, to all mechanized vehicles, bikes, dogs, and hunters.
When I first came to Aspen, in 1967, we had over 280,000 head of elk in this valley. Today we have only 30,000 head. The wildlife managers say they are simply not reproducing as they once did, due to the fact that their habitat has become increasingly more fragmented with trails, roads, development, and encounters with humans. Their stress rates go up radically each time they encounter humans, particularly moving bikes, autos or dogs. Wildlife experts say the adrenal glands go into stress mode, which in turns lowers their reproduction rates; hence the drastic decline over the years....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Editor:
It is unfortunate that Nikos Hecht, former hedge fund trader now local developer, was so abusive to our ranger Trevor Washko, telling Trevor (according to newspaper accounts) that Hecht had contributed a million dollars to the trail system, threatening the ranger saying that he would see to it that Trevor would lose his job, then later lying about the whole incident. Such conduct is not only unbecoming, but I’m sure an embarrassment to the Hecht family and friends. At the very least, Nikos should give the ranger a written apology, and at best he could contribute that million dollars he lied about, now to the county open space program. It could certainly use it.
Resources for enforcement and education are limited and the open space program certainly could use such donations. This whole incident speaks to a greater problem: that all the enforcement and education will never be fail-proof. While resources are limited, what the open space board should do is to protect this critical wildlife habit by closing it off, indefinitely, to all mechanized vehicles, bikes, dogs, and hunters.
When I first came to Aspen, in 1967, we had over 280,000 head of elk in this valley. Today we have only 30,000 head. The wildlife managers say they are simply not reproducing as they once did, due to the fact that their habitat has become increasingly more fragmented with trails, roads, development, and encounters with humans. Their stress rates go up radically each time they encounter humans, particularly moving bikes, autos or dogs. Wildlife experts say the adrenal glands go into stress mode, which in turns lowers their reproduction rates; hence the drastic decline over the years....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Steamboat's mountain bike race series kicks off Wednesday"
Brent Boyer:
"Steamboat Springs — What a difference a year makes.
The start of the 2011 Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series was complicated by a long, wet spring that left many Emerald Mountain trails unridable by the time the Howelsen XC race kicked off the summer schedule.
It’s quite the opposite this year, with much of Emerald Mountain’s singletrack having been open to riders since late April. And with a forecast of sunny skies and a high temperature of 74 degrees, the 2012 version of the popular city-run mountain bike race series gets going Wednesday afternoon with an expanded Howlin’ Howelsen course.
“We are ready to go,” said Kate Warnke, who is beginning her first year as Town Challenge series director.
“It should be a beautiful day.”
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Steamboat Springs — What a difference a year makes.
The start of the 2011 Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series was complicated by a long, wet spring that left many Emerald Mountain trails unridable by the time the Howelsen XC race kicked off the summer schedule.
It’s quite the opposite this year, with much of Emerald Mountain’s singletrack having been open to riders since late April. And with a forecast of sunny skies and a high temperature of 74 degrees, the 2012 version of the popular city-run mountain bike race series gets going Wednesday afternoon with an expanded Howlin’ Howelsen course.
“We are ready to go,” said Kate Warnke, who is beginning her first year as Town Challenge series director.
“It should be a beautiful day.”
As usual, Wednesday’s race features a variety of courses depending on rider classification. All races start in front of the concrete grandstands at Brent Romick Rodeo Arena.
For most adult racers, including those in the pro/open, expert, single speed and sport classes, the course climbs up the Bluff Loop to Ricky’s Ridge, Lupine, Emerald Meadows, Blackmer Drive, MGM, Eye to Eye, MGM, Prayer Flag Road and finally Blair Witch. The descent starts down Blackmer Drive to Lupine, Emerald Meadows, Blackmer Drive to Long John, back to lower Lupine via the lower stock pond, and then down Upper Bluffs before crossing the parking lot by the horse stables and finishing back in the rodeo arena.
Click here for the course map...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs; Vail Daily News "Teva Mountain Games names official app"
VAIL, Colorado — TimeRAZOR, the free, dynamic hyperlocal events app that gives users the scoop on tons of cool events near where you live, work and play, has been named the official mobile app of the Teva Mountain Games being held in Vail May 31 though June 3 by the Vail Valley Foundation.
The app, which acts as a “fast pass,” will provide users an entire listing of, and priority access to, select events throughout the entire weekend. Love the swag but hate the wait? TimeRAZOR users can skip the lines to snag all the cool, free swag gifts provided by partner brands including Teva silk screen shirts, Eddie Bauer beanie hats, Maui Jim celebrity athlete autographs, VIP passes and much more.
“By partnering with The Vail Valley Foundation, timeRAZOR is the perfect app for those with an active lifestyle and a perfect partner for this long weekend filled with tons of activities,” said Paul Abling from the Vail Valley Foundation.
“We're excited to work with the Vail Valley Foundation and Teva Mountain Games in order to provide a unique marketing mobile solution for their partners and allow their participants to spend more time enjoying the games and less time in lines,” said Carolyn Parent, chief experience officer for timeRAZOR.
To download the free app, visit http://app.net/timeRAZOR
The app, which acts as a “fast pass,” will provide users an entire listing of, and priority access to, select events throughout the entire weekend. Love the swag but hate the wait? TimeRAZOR users can skip the lines to snag all the cool, free swag gifts provided by partner brands including Teva silk screen shirts, Eddie Bauer beanie hats, Maui Jim celebrity athlete autographs, VIP passes and much more.
“By partnering with The Vail Valley Foundation, timeRAZOR is the perfect app for those with an active lifestyle and a perfect partner for this long weekend filled with tons of activities,” said Paul Abling from the Vail Valley Foundation.
“We're excited to work with the Vail Valley Foundation and Teva Mountain Games in order to provide a unique marketing mobile solution for their partners and allow their participants to spend more time enjoying the games and less time in lines,” said Carolyn Parent, chief experience officer for timeRAZOR.
To download the free app, visit http://app.net/timeRAZOR
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Colorado: A spring hike on twin 14ers"
All Credit: Kim Fenske (Click title)
May 29, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Red State "One Metric on Impact: SWATting "
Erick Erickson:
"Last week I wrote about the Speedway Bomber and current left-wing activist Brett Kimberlin. In 2011, after writing about Kimberlin, LA County Prosecutor Patrick Frey was rousted out of bed after midnight by the LA County SWAT Team. Someone had called 911 claiming to be Frey saying he’d just murdered his wife.
Sunday night as my family and sister’s family were around the dinner table and playing outside, sheriff’s deputies pulled into my driveway responding to an accidental shooting at my home.
One deputy was in the driveway. Another blocked the end of the driveway with his car. A neighbor tells me another was up the hill from the house.
There was no shooting at my home. Someone called 911, claimed to be at my home, and claimed to witness a shooting at my home.
As the one deputy and I spoke, the other deputy walked up the driveway, positioned himself behind the car in the driveway, and kept his eyes on me and his hand on his gun. My three year old ran between us all thinking it was so cool to have a police car in the driveway with its blue lights flashing.
Luckily, after I had starting writing about Kimberlin, I advised the Sheriff’s Department to be aware this could happen.
It was a prank, but not just any prank. This is a prank left-wing activists are increasingly deploying against those who dissent from their political views. When Barack Obama told his supporters in 2008 to bring guns to knife fights, some of his supporters took him more literally than I assume he intended...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Last week I wrote about the Speedway Bomber and current left-wing activist Brett Kimberlin. In 2011, after writing about Kimberlin, LA County Prosecutor Patrick Frey was rousted out of bed after midnight by the LA County SWAT Team. Someone had called 911 claiming to be Frey saying he’d just murdered his wife.
Sunday night as my family and sister’s family were around the dinner table and playing outside, sheriff’s deputies pulled into my driveway responding to an accidental shooting at my home.
One deputy was in the driveway. Another blocked the end of the driveway with his car. A neighbor tells me another was up the hill from the house.
There was no shooting at my home. Someone called 911, claimed to be at my home, and claimed to witness a shooting at my home.
As the one deputy and I spoke, the other deputy walked up the driveway, positioned himself behind the car in the driveway, and kept his eyes on me and his hand on his gun. My three year old ran between us all thinking it was so cool to have a police car in the driveway with its blue lights flashing.
Luckily, after I had starting writing about Kimberlin, I advised the Sheriff’s Department to be aware this could happen.
It was a prank, but not just any prank. This is a prank left-wing activists are increasingly deploying against those who dissent from their political views. When Barack Obama told his supporters in 2008 to bring guns to knife fights, some of his supporters took him more literally than I assume he intended...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: The Atlantic "The New Welfare State: Faster, Cheaper ... and Out of Control?"
Joseph Lawler:
"In 1996, President Bill Clinton ignored the protests of his liberal base and signed a reform bill written by congressional Republicans that abolished the existing welfare entitlement and replaced it with a new program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. In doing so, he fulfilled a 1992 campaign promise to "end welfare as we know it," by instituting strict time limits and work requirements for recipients and block-granting funds to the states.
Despite being mostly won over by the law's robust performance, Blank issued a warning: "in the face of a major economic shock ... the current system of public assistance may not provide adequate support for many of our poorest families."
The shock Blank worried about came in late 2007. Four years later, her fears seem to have been realized. Because of the 1996 law, welfare grants can't increase to accommodate surges in needy families during a downturn. The government simply block-grants about $17 billion to the states each year, regardless of the circumstances. ..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"In 1996, President Bill Clinton ignored the protests of his liberal base and signed a reform bill written by congressional Republicans that abolished the existing welfare entitlement and replaced it with a new program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. In doing so, he fulfilled a 1992 campaign promise to "end welfare as we know it," by instituting strict time limits and work requirements for recipients and block-granting funds to the states.
Within a few years, the number of families on welfare had shrunk by more than 50 percent. When caseloads remained low and single mothers' employment numbers and wages rose throughout the 2000-01 recession, even the law's critics began to take notice. Rebecca Blank, a member of Clinton's Council of Economic Advisers and a skeptic of the reform, acknowledged in 2006 that "[e]ven the strongest supporters of welfare reform in 1996 would not have dared forecast the steep declines and continued low levels of welfare caseloads a decade later."
Despite being mostly won over by the law's robust performance, Blank issued a warning: "in the face of a major economic shock ... the current system of public assistance may not provide adequate support for many of our poorest families."
The shock Blank worried about came in late 2007. Four years later, her fears seem to have been realized. Because of the 1996 law, welfare grants can't increase to accommodate surges in needy families during a downturn. The government simply block-grants about $17 billion to the states each year, regardless of the circumstances. ..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Red State "Failed Earmark Culture Should Not Return "
'repsandyadams' Diary:
"The 2010 election spurred hundreds of Americans to call for a change in the direction our nation was taking. They were sick of the reckless spending of the Democrat-controlled Congress and they wanted their representative to be above the culture of corruption in Washington, D.C. As a result, November saw 87 new Republicans elected to the House of Representatives with a mandate to enact changes to the way Washington, D.C. works.
I was proud to be one of those historic freshmen. Over the past year and a half, I have spent my time in Congress trying my best to serve my constituents and uphold the conservative principles on which I ran.
One of those changes our freshmen class was able to achieve was to end the practice of earmarking, where legislators target federal dollars to special interest projects. Today it is against the rules of the House of Representatives to earmark, and that is a policy my constituents and I continue to support.
Unfortunately, some in Congress, including several in my own party, have decided that taking two years off is enough time to “fix” what was wrong with earmarks. They are encouraging the Speaker and others to bring back earmarks and use them to “grease the skids” and “help get things done.”
Some have argued that the total amount of earmarks is negligible when looking at the overall budget. However, the real danger from special interest favors is that they can be used to influence the votes of Members so they will vote for bloated policies our nation cannot afford.
Whether it is a transportation bill that spends more of your tax dollars than is taken in by federal gas and excise taxes or annual spending bills that have grown exponentially over time, earmarks can help push bad policy over the finish line and signed into law.
By getting rid of earmarks, Members are forced to evaluate each bill on its merits. It encourages
Members to read the actual text of the legislation, determine the positives and negatives of the bill, and then make a decision based on whether the bill is in the best interests of their constituents and the country. When earmarks are allowed, instead of reviewing the merits of a bill, Members put too much emphasis on whether a specific earmark getting passed is more important than the underlying bill. That makes for bad public policy and expands our nation’s debt and deficits.
Many of my freshmen colleagues and I have made it clear to the Republican House leadership that a return to the failed policies of the past isn’t acceptable to us or our constituents. We were sent to Washington to fix Congress and end earmarking, not to endorse the big spending culture of the past. I will stand up to any effort to bring back earmarks, and I encourage Red State readers to contact their representative and ask them to do the same.
Congresswoman Sandy Adams represents Florida’s 24th district"
(Read original article? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The 2010 election spurred hundreds of Americans to call for a change in the direction our nation was taking. They were sick of the reckless spending of the Democrat-controlled Congress and they wanted their representative to be above the culture of corruption in Washington, D.C. As a result, November saw 87 new Republicans elected to the House of Representatives with a mandate to enact changes to the way Washington, D.C. works.
I was proud to be one of those historic freshmen. Over the past year and a half, I have spent my time in Congress trying my best to serve my constituents and uphold the conservative principles on which I ran.
One of those changes our freshmen class was able to achieve was to end the practice of earmarking, where legislators target federal dollars to special interest projects. Today it is against the rules of the House of Representatives to earmark, and that is a policy my constituents and I continue to support.
Unfortunately, some in Congress, including several in my own party, have decided that taking two years off is enough time to “fix” what was wrong with earmarks. They are encouraging the Speaker and others to bring back earmarks and use them to “grease the skids” and “help get things done.”
Some have argued that the total amount of earmarks is negligible when looking at the overall budget. However, the real danger from special interest favors is that they can be used to influence the votes of Members so they will vote for bloated policies our nation cannot afford.
Whether it is a transportation bill that spends more of your tax dollars than is taken in by federal gas and excise taxes or annual spending bills that have grown exponentially over time, earmarks can help push bad policy over the finish line and signed into law.
By getting rid of earmarks, Members are forced to evaluate each bill on its merits. It encourages
Members to read the actual text of the legislation, determine the positives and negatives of the bill, and then make a decision based on whether the bill is in the best interests of their constituents and the country. When earmarks are allowed, instead of reviewing the merits of a bill, Members put too much emphasis on whether a specific earmark getting passed is more important than the underlying bill. That makes for bad public policy and expands our nation’s debt and deficits.
Many of my freshmen colleagues and I have made it clear to the Republican House leadership that a return to the failed policies of the past isn’t acceptable to us or our constituents. We were sent to Washington to fix Congress and end earmarking, not to endorse the big spending culture of the past. I will stand up to any effort to bring back earmarks, and I encourage Red State readers to contact their representative and ask them to do the same.
Congresswoman Sandy Adams represents Florida’s 24th district"
(Read original article? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Morgan Stanley: Anderson Ranch is after our ‘deep pocket’"
Chad Abraham:
"Morgan Stanley, which borrowed more than $107 billion from the Federal Reserve in 2008 — more than any other bank during the recessionary crisis that year — contends a longtime Snowmass Village art institution is after the international financial-services firm’s “deep pocket.”
The conglomerate denies any wrongdoing in an embezzlement case that sparked a lawsuit in Pitkin County District Court by Anderson Ranch Arts Center in which Morgan Stanley is a defendant. The bank in March filed a motion to dismiss the case.
The nonprofit arts center sued the firm in August 2011, along with the center’s former accountant, Marlana Howell, to try to recoup more than $736,000 that she embezzled from Anderson Ranch. She is on parole after serving about 17 months of a four-year prison sentence for felony theft.
The arts center’s claims against Morgan Stanley include negligence and breach of contract. The firm is accused of failing to inquire about Howell’s authority to withdraw Anderson Ranch funds; and relying on an authorized individuals form she provided “that was defective on its face,” and which had no force or effect in granting Howell authority to withdraw money, according to Anderson Ranch’s lawsuit.
Morgan Stanley’s attorney, David Goldberg of Denver, wrote in the motion to dismiss that the company held a securities investment account for Anderson Ranch and that the ranch’s controller was authorized to give orders on the account. When Howell was hired for that job, Anderson Ranch instructed Morgan Stanley “to deal with” her, the motion says....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Morgan Stanley, which borrowed more than $107 billion from the Federal Reserve in 2008 — more than any other bank during the recessionary crisis that year — contends a longtime Snowmass Village art institution is after the international financial-services firm’s “deep pocket.”
The conglomerate denies any wrongdoing in an embezzlement case that sparked a lawsuit in Pitkin County District Court by Anderson Ranch Arts Center in which Morgan Stanley is a defendant. The bank in March filed a motion to dismiss the case.
The nonprofit arts center sued the firm in August 2011, along with the center’s former accountant, Marlana Howell, to try to recoup more than $736,000 that she embezzled from Anderson Ranch. She is on parole after serving about 17 months of a four-year prison sentence for felony theft.
The arts center’s claims against Morgan Stanley include negligence and breach of contract. The firm is accused of failing to inquire about Howell’s authority to withdraw Anderson Ranch funds; and relying on an authorized individuals form she provided “that was defective on its face,” and which had no force or effect in granting Howell authority to withdraw money, according to Anderson Ranch’s lawsuit.
Morgan Stanley’s attorney, David Goldberg of Denver, wrote in the motion to dismiss that the company held a securities investment account for Anderson Ranch and that the ranch’s controller was authorized to give orders on the account. When Howell was hired for that job, Anderson Ranch instructed Morgan Stanley “to deal with” her, the motion says....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Deny Carbondale's request for energy impact funds"
Excellent idea from Sharon Brenner this morning. Here on the Glenwood Springs Post Independent.
Sharon Brenner:
"I am wondering why Carbondale thinks it should get energy impact funds for its new library, especially since the town is doing all it can to fight natural gas drilling in the area. The town itself is responsible for adding significant additional costs to the construction of the library. It is retirees and trust funders who have moved to Carbondale that are driving the need for a larger library — not energy company employees. I urge the Garfield County commissioners to deny the town's request.
Just out of curiosity, if the library were oriented to take advantage of solar heating (windows) in the morning and winter, and shaded in the afternoon during the summer, how much would be saved by not installing solar panels and the accompanying controls? How long will it take to recover the costs of the solar panels?
...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Sharon Brenner:
"I am wondering why Carbondale thinks it should get energy impact funds for its new library, especially since the town is doing all it can to fight natural gas drilling in the area. The town itself is responsible for adding significant additional costs to the construction of the library. It is retirees and trust funders who have moved to Carbondale that are driving the need for a larger library — not energy company employees. I urge the Garfield County commissioners to deny the town's request.
Just out of curiosity, if the library were oriented to take advantage of solar heating (windows) in the morning and winter, and shaded in the afternoon during the summer, how much would be saved by not installing solar panels and the accompanying controls? How long will it take to recover the costs of the solar panels?
...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Town eyes renewal of gas lease to Antero Resources"
John Colson:
"SILT, Colorado — The town's Board of Trustees meets tonight at Town Hall to debate whether to renew more than 75 “net mineral acres” in natural-gas leases to the Antero Resources drilling company.
Town administrator Pamela Woods said the three-year agreement will bring in “about $180,000 a year” to the town's coffers.
The lease, which expired on April 29, gave Antero the right to drill for natural gas deposits deep underground in several areas within the town.
A map of the lease areas is available from Town Hall.
The measurement “net mineral acre,” according to a memo from town attorney Lee Leavenworth, is used when rights are owned by more than one party.
Leavenworth wrote that, for example, if the lessor owns 100 percent of the minerals underlying one acre, that equals one net mineral acre.
But if only 50 percent of the minerals underlying one acre are owned by the lessor, that constitutes half of a net mineral acre.
Leavenworth's memo did not contain any breakdown of the town's mineral rights ownership.
According to Leavenworth, the town first signed a lease with Antero in 2005, for a period of three years...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"SILT, Colorado — The town's Board of Trustees meets tonight at Town Hall to debate whether to renew more than 75 “net mineral acres” in natural-gas leases to the Antero Resources drilling company.
Town administrator Pamela Woods said the three-year agreement will bring in “about $180,000 a year” to the town's coffers.
The lease, which expired on April 29, gave Antero the right to drill for natural gas deposits deep underground in several areas within the town.
A map of the lease areas is available from Town Hall.
The measurement “net mineral acre,” according to a memo from town attorney Lee Leavenworth, is used when rights are owned by more than one party.
Leavenworth wrote that, for example, if the lessor owns 100 percent of the minerals underlying one acre, that equals one net mineral acre.
But if only 50 percent of the minerals underlying one acre are owned by the lessor, that constitutes half of a net mineral acre.
Leavenworth's memo did not contain any breakdown of the town's mineral rights ownership.
According to Leavenworth, the town first signed a lease with Antero in 2005, for a period of three years...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KUNC "Tax Break for Beetle-Kill Wood Products Expands"
Erin O'Toole:
"As vacationers head to the Colorado mountains this summer, it will be hard to miss the large swaths of dead and dying trees caused by the mountain pine and spruce beetle epidemic. But a bill signed into law earlier this month by Governor Hickenlooper could help speed up the recovery process.
Rep. Laura Bradford (R, Collbran) sponsored the bill, which extends and expands a tax exemption on the sale of products made from wood harvested from beetle-kill trees. The tax break covers items such as furniture - as well as products like firewood, lumber, and sawdust.
“We need to incentivize the marketplace to get these trees off the forest lands before there’s a catastrophic fire,” she says...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"As vacationers head to the Colorado mountains this summer, it will be hard to miss the large swaths of dead and dying trees caused by the mountain pine and spruce beetle epidemic. But a bill signed into law earlier this month by Governor Hickenlooper could help speed up the recovery process.
Rep. Laura Bradford (R, Collbran) sponsored the bill, which extends and expands a tax exemption on the sale of products made from wood harvested from beetle-kill trees. The tax break covers items such as furniture - as well as products like firewood, lumber, and sawdust.
Decorator Charise Buckley praised the wood's versatility last year in a Denver Post article:
The distinct look of beetle-kill pine — produced by the infestation — also strikes a chord with home design fans. Beetles invade the bark of mature lodgepole and ponderosa pines and lay eggs. The resulting larvae feed on and ultimately kill the tree.Bradford says removing beetle-kill trees is critical to future forest health – and with more than 3 million acres of trees destroyed, Colorado needs to approach the problem from every angle.
Though the interior wood of the tree remains unchanged and structurally sound, a blue fungus carried by the beetles stains the wood, leaving telltale blue, green and gray streaks.
“We need to incentivize the marketplace to get these trees off the forest lands before there’s a catastrophic fire,” she says...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Snowmass Village tourism officials intertwine marketing with Aspen name"
Chad Abraham:
"Snowmass Village Councilman John Wilkinson often draws blank stares at other ski resorts, even in Colorado, when he tells fellow skiers where he resides.
But mention Aspen and it’s instant recognition, he said.
Snowmass tourism officials know the feeling. Last week, Susan Hamley, director of the town’s Snowmass Tourism office, unveiled a new advertising campaign that will tout the variety of activities not just in the village but also in Aspen and elsewhere in the valley.
One potential ad Hamley displayed to Town Council on May 21 features a photo of the Belly Up, the popular concert venue in Aspen.
The advert “plays up what we have here in Snowmass, what we have with our partners in Aspen and what you can get in the valley,” Hamley said. “We mention Aspen in the copy as well, saying that the combination of these two neighbors is powerful.”
But Hamley said in an email that the effort should not be construed as the town “abandoning our own identity.”
“While we’ve also always promoted Aspen arts and cultural organizations as well as bigger events there, our board would like to align even more with our highly recognized neighbor,” she said. “Aspen is a key differentiator for Snowmass ... not for all audiences but for many.”...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Snowmass Village Councilman John Wilkinson often draws blank stares at other ski resorts, even in Colorado, when he tells fellow skiers where he resides.
But mention Aspen and it’s instant recognition, he said.
Snowmass tourism officials know the feeling. Last week, Susan Hamley, director of the town’s Snowmass Tourism office, unveiled a new advertising campaign that will tout the variety of activities not just in the village but also in Aspen and elsewhere in the valley.
One potential ad Hamley displayed to Town Council on May 21 features a photo of the Belly Up, the popular concert venue in Aspen.
The advert “plays up what we have here in Snowmass, what we have with our partners in Aspen and what you can get in the valley,” Hamley said. “We mention Aspen in the copy as well, saying that the combination of these two neighbors is powerful.”
But Hamley said in an email that the effort should not be construed as the town “abandoning our own identity.”
“While we’ve also always promoted Aspen arts and cultural organizations as well as bigger events there, our board would like to align even more with our highly recognized neighbor,” she said. “Aspen is a key differentiator for Snowmass ... not for all audiences but for many.”...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News "The new face of Grand Junction tourism"
Caitlin Row:
"Already successfully branded as Colorado's Wine County, Grand Valley tourism seeks to expand its reach even further with a new push — to be known for its extraordinary recreation and culinary options.
Hiking, biking, rafting, golfing, dining — all the “-ings.”
“It's all about diversity and having lots of choices,” Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau (GJVCB) division manager Barbara Bowman said.
Now, Bowman's big tourism vision has fresh energy behind it. The new marketing and PR coordinator, Mistalynn Meyeraan, said she's all about promoting Grand Junction as a recreation destination. Her ideas for local tourism incorporate an active-lifestyle focus, and cycling will “absolutely” be part of it.
It will combine “everything that we, as locals, don't take for granted,” Meyeraan said. “It's not just about tourism. It's about how great the community lifestyle is. … It's a push for new recreation advertising and awareness, because it's here.”
Meyeraan, a native to the Western Slope, most recently worked in Colorado's ski industry as Winter Park Resort's communications manager. She joined Bowman's team this month...."
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Already successfully branded as Colorado's Wine County, Grand Valley tourism seeks to expand its reach even further with a new push — to be known for its extraordinary recreation and culinary options.
Hiking, biking, rafting, golfing, dining — all the “-ings.”
“It's all about diversity and having lots of choices,” Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau (GJVCB) division manager Barbara Bowman said.
Now, Bowman's big tourism vision has fresh energy behind it. The new marketing and PR coordinator, Mistalynn Meyeraan, said she's all about promoting Grand Junction as a recreation destination. Her ideas for local tourism incorporate an active-lifestyle focus, and cycling will “absolutely” be part of it.
It will combine “everything that we, as locals, don't take for granted,” Meyeraan said. “It's not just about tourism. It's about how great the community lifestyle is. … It's a push for new recreation advertising and awareness, because it's here.”
Meyeraan, a native to the Western Slope, most recently worked in Colorado's ski industry as Winter Park Resort's communications manager. She joined Bowman's team this month...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Jimmy Westlake: Don’t miss rare transit of Venus"
Jimmy Westlake:
"“By far the noblest (sight) astronomy affords.”
That’s how Sir Edmund Halley of Halley’s Comet fame described one of nature’s rarest astronomical events — a transit of the planet Venus across the face of the sun. You won’t want to miss the only chance in your lifetime to see this noble sight on June 5.
In centuries past, transits of both Venus and Mercury were important events because astronomers could use the timings to estimate the sizes of these planets and their distances from Earth. Nowadays, these sizes and distances are well established. Modern astronomers search for the transits of undiscovered planets in front of other distant stars. Studying transits in our own solar system helps them know what to look for when observing distant suns.
In effect, a transit is a miniature version of an annular eclipse of the sun, with Venus rather than the moon crossing the sun’s face. Even more rare than the once-every-76-year passages of Mr. Halley’s comet, transits of Venus occur in pairs separated by more than a century. The two transits in each pair are eight years apart. There were no transits of Venus in the 20th century, with the previous pair happening in 1874 and 1882....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"“By far the noblest (sight) astronomy affords.”
That’s how Sir Edmund Halley of Halley’s Comet fame described one of nature’s rarest astronomical events — a transit of the planet Venus across the face of the sun. You won’t want to miss the only chance in your lifetime to see this noble sight on June 5.
In centuries past, transits of both Venus and Mercury were important events because astronomers could use the timings to estimate the sizes of these planets and their distances from Earth. Nowadays, these sizes and distances are well established. Modern astronomers search for the transits of undiscovered planets in front of other distant stars. Studying transits in our own solar system helps them know what to look for when observing distant suns.
In effect, a transit is a miniature version of an annular eclipse of the sun, with Venus rather than the moon crossing the sun’s face. Even more rare than the once-every-76-year passages of Mr. Halley’s comet, transits of Venus occur in pairs separated by more than a century. The two transits in each pair are eight years apart. There were no transits of Venus in the 20th century, with the previous pair happening in 1874 and 1882....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: The break of dawn"
All credit Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — There’s a moment, perhaps a few moments, right around sunrise when the light is as good as it’s ever going to get. It’s pure magic, really, and if, as a photographer, you’re in the right place when it happens, then all that you need is the technical know-how, and maybe a few good lenses. Sometimes it doesn’t always come out the way you expected, and other times, when you get home and download the images, all you can say is, “Wow!” (See more? Click title)
"SUMMIT COUNTY — There’s a moment, perhaps a few moments, right around sunrise when the light is as good as it’s ever going to get. It’s pure magic, really, and if, as a photographer, you’re in the right place when it happens, then all that you need is the technical know-how, and maybe a few good lenses. Sometimes it doesn’t always come out the way you expected, and other times, when you get home and download the images, all you can say is, “Wow!” (See more? Click title)
May 28, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Craig Daily Press "Spokeswoman: Presidential candidate to discuss energy, job creation during Craig event "
Joe Moylan:
"Romney is expected to cite Craig and Moffat County’s abundant natural resources and dependence on the energy industry in his speech about the economy and job creation.
“We’ve heard a lot of promises from President Obama that he simply hasn’t followed through on,” Pompei said. “We’ll be talking to people across the country from now until Election Day about the governor’s ability to create jobs and his vision for moving the country forward.”
On Saturday and Sunday, local officials and law enforcement met with members of Romney’s campaign staff and U.S. Secret Service agents to discuss logistics of the event.
Visitors will not be allowed to gain access to the event until 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to a Romney campaign news release.
The first 1,300 people will be routed to a special, up close viewing area, Craig Police Chief Walt Vanatta said.
Residents hoping to take advantage of the special section are encouraged to arrive early.
However, because the secure area will be accessed through magnetometers, the Romney campaign will not grant secure area access to anyone carrying a backpack or weapons — even pocket knives will not be allowed, Vanatta said.
Cameras and camera cases are permitted.
Although the event does not open to the public until 7:30 a.m., Vanatta said city staff will begin closing streets as early as 5 a.m. to provide Romney campaign staffers enough time to set up.
Among the road closures are Yampa Avenue between Victory Way and Seventh Street; the 500 block of Breeze Street; the alley between the 500 blocks of Yampa Avenue and Breeze Street; and Sixth Street from Breeze to Russell streets.
In addition, the Moffat County Department of Social Services parking lot will be closed beginning at 5 a.m., as will the city parking lot south of Alice Pleasant Park.
The area will be closed to all vehicle traffic, Vanatta said.
Those attending the event will be routed down Breeze Street to the entrance, which will be located at the Department of Social Services parking lot.
Romney is scheduled to appear at 3:35 p.m. in Las Vegas following the campaign event in Craig, Pompei said.
Although the GOP contender has received invitations from local elected officials and energy operators for tours and meetings, Pompei could not confirm Sunday how much time he would spend in Craig after the public event, if any...." (Read more? Click title)
"Romney is expected to cite Craig and Moffat County’s abundant natural resources and dependence on the energy industry in his speech about the economy and job creation.
“We’ve heard a lot of promises from President Obama that he simply hasn’t followed through on,” Pompei said. “We’ll be talking to people across the country from now until Election Day about the governor’s ability to create jobs and his vision for moving the country forward.”
On Saturday and Sunday, local officials and law enforcement met with members of Romney’s campaign staff and U.S. Secret Service agents to discuss logistics of the event.
Visitors will not be allowed to gain access to the event until 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to a Romney campaign news release.
The first 1,300 people will be routed to a special, up close viewing area, Craig Police Chief Walt Vanatta said.
Residents hoping to take advantage of the special section are encouraged to arrive early.
However, because the secure area will be accessed through magnetometers, the Romney campaign will not grant secure area access to anyone carrying a backpack or weapons — even pocket knives will not be allowed, Vanatta said.
Cameras and camera cases are permitted.
Although the event does not open to the public until 7:30 a.m., Vanatta said city staff will begin closing streets as early as 5 a.m. to provide Romney campaign staffers enough time to set up.
Among the road closures are Yampa Avenue between Victory Way and Seventh Street; the 500 block of Breeze Street; the alley between the 500 blocks of Yampa Avenue and Breeze Street; and Sixth Street from Breeze to Russell streets.
In addition, the Moffat County Department of Social Services parking lot will be closed beginning at 5 a.m., as will the city parking lot south of Alice Pleasant Park.
The area will be closed to all vehicle traffic, Vanatta said.
Those attending the event will be routed down Breeze Street to the entrance, which will be located at the Department of Social Services parking lot.
Romney is scheduled to appear at 3:35 p.m. in Las Vegas following the campaign event in Craig, Pompei said.
Although the GOP contender has received invitations from local elected officials and energy operators for tours and meetings, Pompei could not confirm Sunday how much time he would spend in Craig after the public event, if any...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Routt County Republicans ready for Romney"
Scott Franz:
"Steamboat Springs — Yampa resident Gary Burkholder plans to leave his home at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday to drive to Craig and see something rare.
“I’m 65, and this is the first time I can remember getting to meet a presidential candidate in this neck of the woods,” Burkholder said as he described why he’s excited to attend Mitt Romney’s scheduled campaign stop in downtown Craig. “We’ve never had this before. I’ve never seen a candidate this close. I really would like to get to know a little more of the personal side of him and get more information than you get on the networks.”
Steamboat Springs Republican Jack Taylor has followed presidential campaigns closely for 40 years, but the former state senator also can’t recall a time a presidential candidate stopped close to Steamboat.
“We’re part of the Colorado scene, and they’re finally realizing it,” Taylor said Sunday. “I’m excited. We’re getting on the map, and that’s good.”
Romney, the presumptive GOP nominee, is scheduled to appear at 8:30 a.m. at Alice Pleasant Park in Craig. The Denver Post reported Sunday that Romney is expected to address the effects Environmental Protection Agency regulations have had on the U.S. energy industry under the Obama administration.
As media outlets announced Romney’s visit to Northwest Colorado, some labeled Craig an interesting stop for the candidate and were quick to note the city is a four-hour drive from Denver and major media markets.
Still, the news of Romney’s visit has excited Taylor and other Routt County Republicans. Routt County Republican Chairman Chuck McConnell said he has received phone calls from several area Republicans who, like himself, plan to attend the event.
“I think it’s going to bring energy to his base,” said McConnell, a candidate for House District 56. “I also think it will show independent voters that Northwest Colorado is not out of the limelight. Colorado could be the swing vote in this election. I feel pride that people at this level of the political arena consider Colorado a place they need to go.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Steamboat Springs — Yampa resident Gary Burkholder plans to leave his home at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday to drive to Craig and see something rare.
“I’m 65, and this is the first time I can remember getting to meet a presidential candidate in this neck of the woods,” Burkholder said as he described why he’s excited to attend Mitt Romney’s scheduled campaign stop in downtown Craig. “We’ve never had this before. I’ve never seen a candidate this close. I really would like to get to know a little more of the personal side of him and get more information than you get on the networks.”
Steamboat Springs Republican Jack Taylor has followed presidential campaigns closely for 40 years, but the former state senator also can’t recall a time a presidential candidate stopped close to Steamboat.
“We’re part of the Colorado scene, and they’re finally realizing it,” Taylor said Sunday. “I’m excited. We’re getting on the map, and that’s good.”
Romney, the presumptive GOP nominee, is scheduled to appear at 8:30 a.m. at Alice Pleasant Park in Craig. The Denver Post reported Sunday that Romney is expected to address the effects Environmental Protection Agency regulations have had on the U.S. energy industry under the Obama administration.
As media outlets announced Romney’s visit to Northwest Colorado, some labeled Craig an interesting stop for the candidate and were quick to note the city is a four-hour drive from Denver and major media markets.
Still, the news of Romney’s visit has excited Taylor and other Routt County Republicans. Routt County Republican Chairman Chuck McConnell said he has received phone calls from several area Republicans who, like himself, plan to attend the event.
“I think it’s going to bring energy to his base,” said McConnell, a candidate for House District 56. “I also think it will show independent voters that Northwest Colorado is not out of the limelight. Colorado could be the swing vote in this election. I feel pride that people at this level of the political arena consider Colorado a place they need to go.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Colorado Springs Gazette "Springs could be sanctuary for trafficking victims"
Barbara Cotter:
"The girl was 12, and the man who kidnapped her from Los Angeles promised to take care of her. To love her. And maybe it seemed he did, for awhile.
It wasn’t long before he put her out on the streets of Las Vegas and told her not to come home until she’d made $1,000 a day. Social service workers eventually got to her and sent her to Southern Peaks Regional Treatment Center in Cañon City, far from the reach of her pimp.
That was three or four years ago, and it was one of the first times the staff at Southern Peaks had encountered a young victim of sexual trafficking. As time went by, though, they realized that some of the adolescent girls being sent to them for other issues — drug use, behavioral problems, criminal activity — had also been involved in the sex trade, usually under the thumb of a much older man.
As a result, Southern Peaks started The Haven Program last year to focus on the special therapeutic needs of adolescents who have been sold for sex.
“It really became apparent to us that there was a problem,” said Jeremy Hugins, admissions coordinator and client liaison for Southern Peaks. “We came up with the program to meet the need we saw in front of us.”
With estimates of at least 100,000 children and adolescents being sexually exploited each year, experts say there’s a need for more programs that give the victims — most of them girls — a safe haven away from pimps and a chance to receive intensive therapy, schooling, job skills and a path out of a life that, paradoxically, many have a hard time leaving.
If plans come through, the Colorado Springs area could soon be a prime place for more of these girls to find a new life. Three faith-based nonprofits, working independently of one another, intend to open long-term rescue, treatment and reintegration programs in the next few years....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The girl was 12, and the man who kidnapped her from Los Angeles promised to take care of her. To love her. And maybe it seemed he did, for awhile.
It wasn’t long before he put her out on the streets of Las Vegas and told her not to come home until she’d made $1,000 a day. Social service workers eventually got to her and sent her to Southern Peaks Regional Treatment Center in Cañon City, far from the reach of her pimp.
That was three or four years ago, and it was one of the first times the staff at Southern Peaks had encountered a young victim of sexual trafficking. As time went by, though, they realized that some of the adolescent girls being sent to them for other issues — drug use, behavioral problems, criminal activity — had also been involved in the sex trade, usually under the thumb of a much older man.
As a result, Southern Peaks started The Haven Program last year to focus on the special therapeutic needs of adolescents who have been sold for sex.
“It really became apparent to us that there was a problem,” said Jeremy Hugins, admissions coordinator and client liaison for Southern Peaks. “We came up with the program to meet the need we saw in front of us.”
With estimates of at least 100,000 children and adolescents being sexually exploited each year, experts say there’s a need for more programs that give the victims — most of them girls — a safe haven away from pimps and a chance to receive intensive therapy, schooling, job skills and a path out of a life that, paradoxically, many have a hard time leaving.
If plans come through, the Colorado Springs area could soon be a prime place for more of these girls to find a new life. Three faith-based nonprofits, working independently of one another, intend to open long-term rescue, treatment and reintegration programs in the next few years....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News "CNG extending gas lines over Hoosier Pass"
Caddie Nath:
"Drivers may encounter single- lane closures and brief delays on Hoosier Pass over the next several weeks as Colorado Natural Gas completes a project to extend gas systems to Park County.
Crews are installing a pipeline that will make natural gas services available to residents and businesses in Park County, primarily in the towns of Fairplay and Alma.
“The expansion will not affect CNG's current customers within Summit County, as they are already being served with natural gas,” engineering manager for Summit Utilities, Inc., the parent company for CNG, Leif Lindahl stated in a recent email to the Summit Daily. “This project will benefit potential customers within Park County by providing them an economical and safe energy alternative, one that is regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.”
The service expansion work between Carroll Lane and the top of the pass on Highway 9 got under way May 1 and is set to continue on the Summit County side and along the pass through July 1. The entire project is scheduled to wrap up by November, according to representatives from Colorado Natural Gas.
The private utility is not currently releasing information on the cost of the project, which is to be completed by contractor Tetra Tech, Inc....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Drivers may encounter single- lane closures and brief delays on Hoosier Pass over the next several weeks as Colorado Natural Gas completes a project to extend gas systems to Park County.
Crews are installing a pipeline that will make natural gas services available to residents and businesses in Park County, primarily in the towns of Fairplay and Alma.
“The expansion will not affect CNG's current customers within Summit County, as they are already being served with natural gas,” engineering manager for Summit Utilities, Inc., the parent company for CNG, Leif Lindahl stated in a recent email to the Summit Daily. “This project will benefit potential customers within Park County by providing them an economical and safe energy alternative, one that is regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.”
The service expansion work between Carroll Lane and the top of the pass on Highway 9 got under way May 1 and is set to continue on the Summit County side and along the pass through July 1. The entire project is scheduled to wrap up by November, according to representatives from Colorado Natural Gas.
The private utility is not currently releasing information on the cost of the project, which is to be completed by contractor Tetra Tech, Inc....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Bark beetles take bite out of air quality, study says"
Matthew Berger:
"It appears that bark beetles are attacking more than just the trees.
Research conducted outside Steamboat Springs has found that the beetles that have decimated pine and spruce forests throughout the western United States have also inadvertently contributed to the air quality problems that plague much of the region.
Lodgepole pines infested with bark beetles can release 5 to 20 times the amount of gases that can contribute to haze and airborne particulate matter than non-infested trees, according to a study published last week in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
“When thinking about bark beetle infestations maybe we need to think about not just the forest but what is it going to do to air quality and climate change,” said Kara Huff Hartz, one of the study’s authors, from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she is an assistant professor.
The gases released by the infested trees, called volatile organic compounds, can contribute to the formation of particulate matter air pollution, which can cause human health problems and affect climate change.
Why exactly the infestations result in higher emissions of these volatile organic compounds is still not clear, said Huff Hartz.
One of several possibilities is that when the beetles bore into the bark they are creating a sort of pipeline for the compounds in the tree’s resin to escape into the atmosphere, she said...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"It appears that bark beetles are attacking more than just the trees.
Research conducted outside Steamboat Springs has found that the beetles that have decimated pine and spruce forests throughout the western United States have also inadvertently contributed to the air quality problems that plague much of the region.
Lodgepole pines infested with bark beetles can release 5 to 20 times the amount of gases that can contribute to haze and airborne particulate matter than non-infested trees, according to a study published last week in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
“When thinking about bark beetle infestations maybe we need to think about not just the forest but what is it going to do to air quality and climate change,” said Kara Huff Hartz, one of the study’s authors, from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she is an assistant professor.
The gases released by the infested trees, called volatile organic compounds, can contribute to the formation of particulate matter air pollution, which can cause human health problems and affect climate change.
Why exactly the infestations result in higher emissions of these volatile organic compounds is still not clear, said Huff Hartz.
One of several possibilities is that when the beetles bore into the bark they are creating a sort of pipeline for the compounds in the tree’s resin to escape into the atmosphere, she said...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Little Nell brings back private helicopter fly-fishing tours"
Dorothy Atkins:
"For the second year in a row, The Little Nell is offering helicopter service to guests who will pay big bucks to travel to secluded lakes on private land to fly fish.
The program starts at $5,000 per person and offers a helicopter flight to a private ranch where guests fish on a lake and have the option to keep their catch. (Fishing on public lakes and local rivers operate on a catch-and-release basis only.) A chef at the Nell also will cook the guests’ catch lakeside, or at the hotel upon request.
The private company, DBS Helicopters in Basalt, provides air transportation to the locations and the Nell makes private agreements with landowners to use their property for the sport. There are several locations for guests to choose from, including one spot near Meeker and one close to Paonia, said The Little Nell spokesperson Sally Spaulding....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"For the second year in a row, The Little Nell is offering helicopter service to guests who will pay big bucks to travel to secluded lakes on private land to fly fish.
The program starts at $5,000 per person and offers a helicopter flight to a private ranch where guests fish on a lake and have the option to keep their catch. (Fishing on public lakes and local rivers operate on a catch-and-release basis only.) A chef at the Nell also will cook the guests’ catch lakeside, or at the hotel upon request.
The private company, DBS Helicopters in Basalt, provides air transportation to the locations and the Nell makes private agreements with landowners to use their property for the sport. There are several locations for guests to choose from, including one spot near Meeker and one close to Paonia, said The Little Nell spokesperson Sally Spaulding....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Tourism: G20 countries seek to ease visa burdens"
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY —Tourism ministers from G20 countries have made a formal declaration that they’ll seek to ease visa burdens to boost international travel and tourism, seen as a way to potentially add 5 million jobs and generate $206 million in tourism revenue by 2015, according to figures from the World Tourism Organization.
The recently adopted declaration encourages G20 countries to leverage new technologies to make travel “more accessible, convenient and more efficient without a diminution of national security.” It also encourages countries look into increasing cooperation on bilateral, regional and international travel facilitation regimes.
Tourism ministers from G20 countries met May 16 with Mexican President Felipe Calderón to talk about boosting tourism, with Calderón promising that he would deliver the message to the other G20 heads of state.
WTO research shows that, of the 656 million international tourists who visited G20 countries in 2011, 110 million needed a visa, while millions more were deterred from traveling by the cost, waiting time and difficulty of obtaining a visa.
Areas of opportunity for facilitating travel include maximizing the use of information and communication technologies to improvevisa procedures, instituting electronic visa processing and establishing regional agreements for visa facilitation...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"SUMMIT COUNTY —Tourism ministers from G20 countries have made a formal declaration that they’ll seek to ease visa burdens to boost international travel and tourism, seen as a way to potentially add 5 million jobs and generate $206 million in tourism revenue by 2015, according to figures from the World Tourism Organization.
The recently adopted declaration encourages G20 countries to leverage new technologies to make travel “more accessible, convenient and more efficient without a diminution of national security.” It also encourages countries look into increasing cooperation on bilateral, regional and international travel facilitation regimes.
Tourism ministers from G20 countries met May 16 with Mexican President Felipe Calderón to talk about boosting tourism, with Calderón promising that he would deliver the message to the other G20 heads of state.
WTO research shows that, of the 656 million international tourists who visited G20 countries in 2011, 110 million needed a visa, while millions more were deterred from traveling by the cost, waiting time and difficulty of obtaining a visa.
Areas of opportunity for facilitating travel include maximizing the use of information and communication technologies to improvevisa procedures, instituting electronic visa processing and establishing regional agreements for visa facilitation...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "The path back to nature"
Paul Anderson:
"....According to a new book, “2052: A Global Forecast for the Next Forty Years,” the trend toward megacities and unbridled resource extraction will make wild places fewer and competition for them greater.
“Don't teach your children to love the wilderness,” concludes author Jorgen Randers. “By teaching children to love the untouched wilderness, you are teaching them to love what will be increasingly hard to find. Much better then to rear a new generation that find peace, calm and satisfaction in the bustling life of the megacity — with never-ending music piped into their ears.”
As dismaying as this sounds, the historic precedent exists. Two centuries ago, few could foresee the end of the frontier, the buffalo, the passenger pigeon. Did I do a disservice by connecting Tait to a deep affection for the natural world?
I console myself by reasoning that the path of humanity is difficult to plot — that forecasts are often wrong. Perhaps this dim prediction will push the culture in the opposite direction. Perhaps love of life, the “biophilia” Tait has learned, will lead us on the path back to our natural heritage.
Author Larry McMurtry at the beginning of “Lonesome Dove” writes: “All America lies at the end of the wilderness road, and our past is not a dead past, but still lives in us. Our forefathers had civilization inside themselves, the wild outside. We live in the civilization they created, but within us the wilderness still lingers. What they dreamed, we live, and what they lived, we dream.”
Wild nature should be more than a dream. It's up to us parents to make sure that our children can awaken to natural wonder in the real world...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"....According to a new book, “2052: A Global Forecast for the Next Forty Years,” the trend toward megacities and unbridled resource extraction will make wild places fewer and competition for them greater.
“Don't teach your children to love the wilderness,” concludes author Jorgen Randers. “By teaching children to love the untouched wilderness, you are teaching them to love what will be increasingly hard to find. Much better then to rear a new generation that find peace, calm and satisfaction in the bustling life of the megacity — with never-ending music piped into their ears.”
As dismaying as this sounds, the historic precedent exists. Two centuries ago, few could foresee the end of the frontier, the buffalo, the passenger pigeon. Did I do a disservice by connecting Tait to a deep affection for the natural world?
I console myself by reasoning that the path of humanity is difficult to plot — that forecasts are often wrong. Perhaps this dim prediction will push the culture in the opposite direction. Perhaps love of life, the “biophilia” Tait has learned, will lead us on the path back to our natural heritage.
Author Larry McMurtry at the beginning of “Lonesome Dove” writes: “All America lies at the end of the wilderness road, and our past is not a dead past, but still lives in us. Our forefathers had civilization inside themselves, the wild outside. We live in the civilization they created, but within us the wilderness still lingers. What they dreamed, we live, and what they lived, we dream.”
Wild nature should be more than a dream. It's up to us parents to make sure that our children can awaken to natural wonder in the real world...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Summit gallery"
All Credit Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Sometimes I’m amazed at how many reasonably good photos I’ve been able to take within just a few mile radius of our home in Frisco. Even though the scenic backdrop doesn’t change all that much, there is always some new element of light or clouds or reflections that makes the view seen brand new. In the last few days, I’ve picked out a few of my favorites and created a brand new gallery at my Imagekind site exclusively with Summit Country landscape shots. I hope you’ll check it out, perhaps buy a print (you can also preview and order them with different mattes and frames) and pass the info along to your friends. The gallery is online here."
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Sometimes I’m amazed at how many reasonably good photos I’ve been able to take within just a few mile radius of our home in Frisco. Even though the scenic backdrop doesn’t change all that much, there is always some new element of light or clouds or reflections that makes the view seen brand new. In the last few days, I’ve picked out a few of my favorites and created a brand new gallery at my Imagekind site exclusively with Summit Country landscape shots. I hope you’ll check it out, perhaps buy a print (you can also preview and order them with different mattes and frames) and pass the info along to your friends. The gallery is online here."
May 27, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Craig Daily Press "Mitt Romney … meet Craig, America "
Bridget Manley, Jerry Martin and Joe Moylan:
"Frank Moe, owner of Deer Park Inn and Suites in Craig, sent Mitt Romney's presidential campaign a video earlier this year produced by Energy America.
The video, titled "The Perfect Storm Over Craig, Colorado," highlighted the community's economic dependence on the energy industry.
Along with the video was an invitation from Moe to the presumptive Republican presidential nominee to visit Craig.
"We (thought) this would be a good place for him to make the point that he is (in favor of) all forms of energy," Moe said.
On Thursday, Romney staffers called Moe and said the campaign was considering Craig as a campaign stop.
The trip was booked Friday. Romney spokeswoman Sarah Pompei said the former Massachusetts governor will appear for a public event at 9 a.m. Tuesday downtown.
It's believed the location will be Alice Pleasant Park.
Additional details of the visit could be released this weekend, Pompei said.
"When the Romney campaign called us, tears rushed over us because now Craig has the opportunity to tell its story to the entire nation," an emotional Moe said Friday night. "We all need to stand up and make our voices heard that energy can be done and done right."
Craig City Manager Jim Ferree said he and Craig Police Chief Walt Vanatta are scheduled to meet with Secret Service agents today to discuss the pending visit.
Two members of the Romney team are currently in Craig preparing for the event, Ferree said.
The local visit won't be without its challenges.
"They're looking to set up in Alice Pleasant Park, which presents some logistical concerns with Grand Olde West Days wrapping up Monday and closing down the highway, but we're going to work through it and make it happen," Ferree said. "This is a good thing for the town and for Moffat County."...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Frank Moe, owner of Deer Park Inn and Suites in Craig, sent Mitt Romney's presidential campaign a video earlier this year produced by Energy America.
The video, titled "The Perfect Storm Over Craig, Colorado," highlighted the community's economic dependence on the energy industry.
Along with the video was an invitation from Moe to the presumptive Republican presidential nominee to visit Craig.
"We (thought) this would be a good place for him to make the point that he is (in favor of) all forms of energy," Moe said.
On Thursday, Romney staffers called Moe and said the campaign was considering Craig as a campaign stop.
The trip was booked Friday. Romney spokeswoman Sarah Pompei said the former Massachusetts governor will appear for a public event at 9 a.m. Tuesday downtown.
It's believed the location will be Alice Pleasant Park.
Additional details of the visit could be released this weekend, Pompei said.
"When the Romney campaign called us, tears rushed over us because now Craig has the opportunity to tell its story to the entire nation," an emotional Moe said Friday night. "We all need to stand up and make our voices heard that energy can be done and done right."
Craig City Manager Jim Ferree said he and Craig Police Chief Walt Vanatta are scheduled to meet with Secret Service agents today to discuss the pending visit.
Two members of the Romney team are currently in Craig preparing for the event, Ferree said.
The local visit won't be without its challenges.
"They're looking to set up in Alice Pleasant Park, which presents some logistical concerns with Grand Olde West Days wrapping up Monday and closing down the highway, but we're going to work through it and make it happen," Ferree said. "This is a good thing for the town and for Moffat County."...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Newsmax "Rating Agencies Warn Further Downgrade Without Deficit Plan"
Newsmax Wires:
"Rating agencies say they need to be convinced that lawmakers have a real plan in the works to reduce the growing debt if the nation is to avert future downgrades, according to a report by The Hill.
“If Congress doesn’t put in place a process that assures people that this will be addressed in a real manner . . . then there is no doubt in my mind that our sovereign debt will be downgraded,” said Steve Bell, the senior director of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. “Markets throughout the world are going to be looking at the action of the United States government.”
“It’s highly uncertain . . . because of the political circumstances,” said Steven Hess, Moody’s lead analyst for U.S. ratings. “Our stance at this point is to wait and see.”
“We’d have to assess the actual content of any temporary agreement,” Hess added. “How likely is it that that will require a credible plan to be implemented within whatever time frame they come up with? It’s the actual deficit and debt trajectories that we expect that will be the most important determinant.”
Fitch and Moody’s have both put the United States on notice that future downgrades are coming without a change in course. Furthermore, Fitch identified 2013 as a crucial year for the United States to take action on its debt. Currently, it sees better-than-even odds that it will downgrade the United States.
Senator Tom Coburn, R-Okla., a member of the Simpson-Bowles debt commission and a long time spending hawk, agrees with the findings.
“We’re going to get another downgrade. I can tell you right now. You can have a great legal case for suing the rating agencies for not downgrading us again because we have not demonstrated the political will to solve the problems,” he said in a recent interview with Bob Schieffer for CBS’s Face to Face.
Coburn argues that last year’s downgrade of the nation’s credit rating from AAA to AA+ by the ratings agency Standard and Poor’s was just the beginning, according to the CBS report. The agency made its decision just days after congress passed an 11th hour compromise to raise the nation’s debt ceiling.
Standard and Poor’s in a statement at that time said it was “pessimistic about the capacity of Congress and the Administration to be able to leverage their agreement this week into a broader fiscal consolidation plan that stabilizes the government’s debt dynamics any time soon.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Rating agencies say they need to be convinced that lawmakers have a real plan in the works to reduce the growing debt if the nation is to avert future downgrades, according to a report by The Hill.
“If Congress doesn’t put in place a process that assures people that this will be addressed in a real manner . . . then there is no doubt in my mind that our sovereign debt will be downgraded,” said Steve Bell, the senior director of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. “Markets throughout the world are going to be looking at the action of the United States government.”
“It’s highly uncertain . . . because of the political circumstances,” said Steven Hess, Moody’s lead analyst for U.S. ratings. “Our stance at this point is to wait and see.”
“We’d have to assess the actual content of any temporary agreement,” Hess added. “How likely is it that that will require a credible plan to be implemented within whatever time frame they come up with? It’s the actual deficit and debt trajectories that we expect that will be the most important determinant.”
Fitch and Moody’s have both put the United States on notice that future downgrades are coming without a change in course. Furthermore, Fitch identified 2013 as a crucial year for the United States to take action on its debt. Currently, it sees better-than-even odds that it will downgrade the United States.
Senator Tom Coburn, R-Okla., a member of the Simpson-Bowles debt commission and a long time spending hawk, agrees with the findings.
“We’re going to get another downgrade. I can tell you right now. You can have a great legal case for suing the rating agencies for not downgrading us again because we have not demonstrated the political will to solve the problems,” he said in a recent interview with Bob Schieffer for CBS’s Face to Face.
Coburn argues that last year’s downgrade of the nation’s credit rating from AAA to AA+ by the ratings agency Standard and Poor’s was just the beginning, according to the CBS report. The agency made its decision just days after congress passed an 11th hour compromise to raise the nation’s debt ceiling.
Standard and Poor’s in a statement at that time said it was “pessimistic about the capacity of Congress and the Administration to be able to leverage their agreement this week into a broader fiscal consolidation plan that stabilizes the government’s debt dynamics any time soon.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
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