March 30, 2012

SandBoxBlogs: Hot Air Blog "Chris Matthews: I’m pretty surprised to learn that the mandate might be unconstitutional"

'Allahpundit':
"Via Newsbusters and Ace, who points to Karl’s piece in the Greenroom as a reminder that our very open-minded friends on the left have a little echo-chamber problem of their own. Says Jay Cost:

"The problem for the left is that they do not have a lot of interaction with conservatives, whose intellects are often disparaged, ideas are openly mocked, and intentions regularly questioned. Conservative ideas rarely make it onto the pages of most middle- and high-brow publications of news and opinion the left frequents. So, liberals regularly find themselves surprised when their ideas face pushback.

I think that is exactly what happened with Obamacare. The attitude of President Obama (a former con law lecturer at the University of Chicago, no less!), Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid was very much that they are doing big, important things to help the American people, why wouldn’t that be constitutional? No less an important Democratic leader as the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee cited the (nonexistent) “good and welfare clause” to justify the mandate.

Having no intellectual sympathy for the conservative criticism of this view, they rarely encountered it on the news programs they watch, the newspapers they read every day, or the journals they peruse over the weekends. Instead, they encountered a steady drumbeat of fellow liberals echoing Kagan’s attitude: it’s a boatload of money, what the heck is the problem?....."  (Read more? Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: The Hill/Healthwatch "Dems fume over Justice Scalia’s comments during healthcare case"

Alexander Bolton:
"Democrats are fuming over Justice Antonin Scalia’s conduct during this week’s Supreme Court deliberations on President Obama’s healthcare law.

While several of the high court’s liberal justices seemed to cheerlead for its defense, Scalia appeared hostile to the law, an attitude that rubbed some Democrats the wrong way.


Scalia mocked the so-called “Cornhusker Kickback” without seeming to know that provision was stripped out of the law two years ago.


Scalia also joked that the task of having to review the complex bill violated the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

“You really want us to go through these 2,700 pages?” he quipped. “Is this not totally unrealistic, that we are going to go through this enormous bill item by item and decide each one?”...."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Pueblo Chieftain "House panel scrubs plan to eliminate inactive voter status "

How very disappointing this is.  All that money wasted each time we sent out thousands of ballots that will never be returned.

Patrick Malone:
"Statewide in 2009, just 4 percent of the ballots mailed to inactive voters were returned and accepted. An equal percentage were returned undeliverable. Gessler noted that Denver County had a 10 percent rejection rate on ballots cast by inactive voters during that cycle.

“When signatures don’t match, that’s an indication of real problems going on,” Gessler said.

Pueblo County experienced a far lower rejection rate among the ballots cast by inactive voters. Less than 4 percent of the ballots were not accepted (15 out of 390).

And Pueblo County inactive voters participated at a higher rate in the 2011 election (about 11 percent) than any other large county in the state, with a relatively low rejection rate Gessler acknowledged.

He hinted that the secretary of state’s office could take on guidance on how inactive voters should be handled.

“I think most people share the same values — they want accurate voter lists, they want to reduce costs,” Gessler said. “We should work towards trying to find some kind of consensus, another way to do this, rather than shoving it through the Legislature.”...."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: KKCO 11 News "Colorado budget beset by political land mines "

"DENVER (AP) -- Colorado lawmakers reached a breakthrough in a state budget best with questions packed with political land mines.

Budget writers stuck on whether to cut state agencies' payrolls by 2 percent agreed Thursday to reduce the amount to 1 percent and exempt some departments. The departments exempted include prisons, youth corrections, public safety and emergency personnel that work around the clock...."
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"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall "Conservative Interpretations"

To save part of Obamacare....isn't that giving our Supreme Court Justices the power to act like Congress and Senate?

Toss the entire thing and have them come back with something that works.  Just like any other case that comes before the court.

Jonah Goldberg:
"Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg likes the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act and other ingredients of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, aka "ObamaCare." Why, she asked toward the end of three days of hearings, shouldn't the court keep the good stuff in ObamaCare and just dump the unconstitutional bits?

The court, she explained, is presented with "a choice between a wrecking operation ... or a salvage job. And the more conservative approach would be salvage rather than throwing out everything."

"Conservative" is a funny word. It can mean lots of different things. It reminds me of that line from G.K. Chesterton about the word "good." "The word 'good' has many meanings," he observed. "For example, if a man were to shoot his grandmother at a range of 500 yards, I should call him a good shot, but not necessarily a good man."..."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Citizen Telegram "Top cop to turn in badge after 39 years on the job"

Citizen Telegram:
"Police Chief Daryl Meisner will finish his 39-year law enforcement career in July, when he turns in his badge and retires.

“I've always had good instincts throughout my career, and my instincts tell me it's just the right time,” Meisner, 59, said in his office at the Rifle Police Department building on South 18th Street. “I'm kind of scared and excited, both.”

In recent years, when crimes like arson fires and the shooting deaths of four residents occurred, Meisner said Rifle was no longer a “Mayberry” kind of town. The reference to the idyllic, mythical small town on TV's “The Andy Griffith Show” grew out of Meisner's early career in the 1970s.

“Being out on the streets and walking around, people would say ‘Here comes Rifle's Barney Fife,' ” Meisner said of the show's popular deputy character. “I'd just laugh. I even started carrying a bullet in my pocket,” like the Fife character.

Born in Meeker and raised in Rifle, Meisner began his law enforcement career in December 1973. Former chief Larry Allec asked if he was interested in becoming a reserve officer...."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Colorado Springs Independent/Stranger than Fiction "Curses, foiled again"

Curses, foiled again
"After Michele Grasso, 27, was convicted of drug dealing in 2008, he disappeared and eluded Italian authorities until this February, when he posted photos on his Facebook page of himself at London's Madame Tussaud's wax museum posing with a model of Barack Obama and working as a waiter. Italian police contacted British police, who arrested Grasso and returned him to Italy."  (Italy's ANSA news agency)

"Police arrested Eric Lee King, 21, on suspicion of stealing a television in Eagan, Minn., after he tried to conceal it in his pants. An officer spotted King leaving a business walking "straight-legged, shuffling his feet and not bending his knees," while trying to hold up his sagging pants. The officer called to King, who kept walking as if he hadn't heard, so the officer got out of his cruiser and approached King. He noticed a 19-inch flat screen TV shoved down the man's pants, as well as a remote, a power cord and a bottle of brake fluid."
(Minneapolis-St. Paul's KSTP-TV)

Every vote counts
"While going door-to-door campaigning for re-election in Latimer County, Okla., Sheriff Robbie Brooks said he recognized the smell of marijuana when homeowner Jerry Paulk, 65, "walked to the door holding a burning joint, clipped to the end of a set of hemostats." Brooks removed Paulk and two women from the home while deputies obtained a search warrant. They found more marijuana and an indoor marijuana grow room. Brooks said that after his arrest, Paulk thanked him for treating him so well and promised to vote for him."
(Fort Smith's KFSM-TV)

(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Speaking of the last 40 years ..."

Patrick Hasburgh, Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico
"Editor:

If the FBI is investigating the sheriff’s department, and maybe even Aspen’s local government, for its behavior over the last four decades, maybe they could help me out. I lost a bindle, a pair of Rossi 102 Stratos and a girlfriend somewhere in Aspen during the 1970s. I think I left the skis in the rack at The Little Nell and the girlfriend at Andre’s, but only for a minute. Or was it the Paragon? The Pantry? I guess I can’t remember, exactly. But I do recall the girl was pretty as hell and that the Rossis could rip the Face of Bell. And I honestly thought the blow was legal. I mean, it wasn’t even addictive back then. Was it? Is it still?..."
(Read the original letter?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Rise in crime keeps Grand Valley law enforcement busy in 2011"

Where is the Sentinel's coverage on the uphill battle our boots on the ground have when it comes to drugs, cartels, trafficking, gangs and all other violent crime?

We have never seen, from one of the most respected newspapers in Colorado, any coverage whatsoever on the politics of crime.

Yes, the politics of crime.

It takes money.  Smart laws instead of twisted labyrinths spouting jabberwockey language that cops and agents do not have the time to wade through.  It takes our elected prosecutors to stop using our cops and agents as extensions of themselves by expecting them to act like lawyers in the field as they move to press charges.  It takes our prosecutors doing their own job instead of backlogging our courts with cases where they are using the court system to find the answers and do the investigating for them.

Who decides on the lawmakers who handle the money and write the laws?

Who decides which prosecutor is going to do the job properly and within the duties and confines of law?

Who shakes the trees everywhere and rattles the sabres when those elected officials fail?

The folks do.

Those folks that cops are the only agency that is here to serve and protect.  No other position in our country holds that responsibility.  Law enforcement is the last line between the people and the system.

Thank you to City of Grand Junction Police Chief John Camper and all of his officers and support staff.  

It was not that long ago that you took an agency that was ashamed of itself and turned it around.  Now proud to be a top-notch law enforcement agency that the folks appreciate.

Stay the course.  Political ball-dropping and lack of media in your court, or no.

Paul Shockley:
"After dipping in 2010, violent crime and property crime in Grand Junction increased 23 percent in 2011, a five-year high for those categories, according to an annual report by the Grand Junction Police Department.
The agency’s 2011 crime and traffic report noted moderate rises in all categories of property crime — burglary, theft from auto, shoplifting and auto theft — and a 37 percent increase in reports of simple theft.

Police Chief John Camper suggested the spike may reflect “double counting,” such as a robbery investigation which may also be tallied as theft.

“I think that’s some of what you’re seeing,” Camper said. “Theft is part and parcel to numerous other crimes. We’re certainly not seeing a huge increase in the specific number of theft cases our detectives are needing to work.”...."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Cheney heart cartoon despicable"

Do you ever wonder if Swift Communications, who owns the GSPI, really knows the type of 'news' they engage in on most days?

The display allowed by Twitter last Saturday was unconscionable.  Troubling to think we have similar right here at home.  Thank you to Sharon Brenner for speaking up.

Sharon Brenner:
"The cartoon the Post Independent printed on March 29 regarding former Vice President Cheney's heart transplant is absolutely despicable, and the paper owes its readers a front page apology. This comes from the same side of the political spectrum that called for more civil discourse after the shooting of Rep. Giffords in Arizona. This is also from the same political orientation that discussed the shooting of Trayvon Williams, but has remained silent about the public issuance of a bounty, without a trial, by the New Black Panthers.

It's the typical liberal double standard: Do as I say or we will get you, and we welcome diversity as long as it is saying the same thing I believe...."  (Read original letter? Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Delinquent APCHA affidavits are tough to track down"

Could it possibly be that the issues we are seeing with deed restricted housing are the result of a market that has been gutted with the shell game sham of developers that affordable and employee housing really is?

"Where are the jobs?"

Dorothy Atkins:
"There are about 194 people who own local affordable housing units who have not signed affidavits saying they are still in compliance with the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority’s (APCHA) employee housing guidelines.

The housing authority sends out requalification affidavits every two years that must be signed, notarized and returned to the housing office in order for the owner to be considered in compliance.

The three main qualifications to live in affordable housing are that the individual must work a minimum of 1,500 hours a year in Pitkin County, not own other property in the valley and maintain that the unit is his or her sole residence.

In February of 2011, APCHA sent out approximately 1,500 affidavits and received about 1,119 back by the summer. In July, a second notice was sent to those who didn’t reply and in November, more owners received a third request. By the end of the year there were about 194 people who didn’t return the affidavit, some intentionally, said Julie Kieffer, APCHA qualifications specialist.

There are a handful of residents who called the housing authority and said they were in compliance but refused to sign the affidavit based on moral grounds, Kieffer said.

“They’re saying they’re following the rules but they won’t sign it,” Kieffer said. “They think government is over-stepping...."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Basalt plant will power 40 homes"

Wow...imagine that.  With very little money taken off the backs  of the folks, no drama, no lawsuits, no petitions, no special elections and no government power abuses; the Town of Basalt leads their folks to a new era in clean energy.

Kudos to the Town of Basalt for leading by example.

Say YES to Glenn Rappaport for Mayor and keep that balance going.

Scott Condon:
"BASALT — As Aspen engages in civil war over a proposed hydroelectric plant that will tap Maroon and Castle Creeks, Basalt has quietly completed a less controversial micro-hydroelectric plant that will generate power for as many as 40 homes in the town.

The town government teamed with Holy Cross Energy to build a facility that takes advantage of water being piped down from Basalt Mountain to the town's treatment plant to produce power.

“All we did was plumb this in line,” said Bentley Henderson, Basalt's public works director, while showing the new turbine and generator used to produce power.

The system will generate roughly 300,000 kilowatt-hours annually, Henderson said. That will power between 30 and 40 houses and reduce greenhouse-gas production by an estimated 500,000 pounds annually, he said...."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "SourceGas compressor proposal on hold for six months"

(See update to this post here)

How subtle is power abuse?  For that matter, how corrosive can it be when it seeps into the lifeblood of a community?  A region?  How about the ability to take on a life of its own when it has the power of media in its back pocket?

Powerful enough to sway policies?  Develop a loyal 'following' of possibly weaker individuals?

Strong enough to last for say...oh, '40 years' or more?  Tenacious enough to insist on using the same (or similar) methods over and over again to get what it thinks it wants from others?

'Shame, shame' on 'anyone' who would resort to such tactics as to condemn a revered institution such as CMC.  (See related story and public comments here)

SandBox thanks CMC and our Trustees for bringing upstanding leadership, so many wonderful programs and excellent stewardship of public trust to our mountain communities.  You are appreciated.

John Colson:
"“They did hear loud and clear, do not do it at this location,” said Marianne Quigley Ackerman. Her father was among the ranchers who donated land for the college...." (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: KKCO 11 News "Colo. officials seeing Mega Millions riches, too "

$113 million dollars.  In one year.  That is the amount of money that Coloradans will see poured into one entity by our struggling state government.  That entity is Parks and Recreation.

In other states, lottery and gaming proceeds are equally divided amongst K-12 public education, Road and Bridge, Public Safety/Law Enforcement  and Human Services.

Imagine a Colorado world where our lawmakers used just a little bit of common sense, gathered up all of our gaming proceeds into one kitty and did same.

win-win.  And a no-brainer.

KKCO:
"DENVER (AP) -- Lottery players aren't the only ones in Colorado seeing dollar signs in the record-setting Mega Millions jackpot.

State budget-writers could also benefit from an unexpected windfall. A lone winner Friday from Colorado would owe the state anywhere from several hundred thousand dollars in taxes a year to a single payment of more than $16 million worth of income taxes...." (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: KREX News 5 "Powderhorn Celebrates Successful First Year Under New Ownership"

The little ski resort that could...

Former top guy at Vail Resort, Andy Daly has taken Powderhorn (in just one season) into the upper rankings of ski destinations in Western Colorado.  Now aiming for year round access, local families are looking forward to what comes next

Congrats to Powderhorn Mountain Resort.

Jordan Sherman:
"MESA, Colo.- Powderhorn's first year under new ownership is coming to a close this weekend. After a long winter, that looked bleak for snow for a long time, General Manager Daren Cole said, "We've been extremely happy with the delivery we've been able to put out there to the community."

Powderhorn was purchased by Andy Daly as well as Tom and Ken Gart last summer at auction for $1.4 million. Since then, there have been numerous improvements at the resort, including the construction of a new deck at base lodge, renovations at the Sunset Grill and the addition of a tubing hill.

In addition to the renovations, many people are thrilled with riding conditions. Season pass holder Steve Sweat said, "Being under new management, they've done a really good job grooming this year. The snow depth hasn't been any issue here. The grooming has made up for it tremendously."..."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily News "Extreme filmmaking brings extreme rewards"

Rosanna Turner:
"You're almost to the top. You're standing on the edge of the ledge, ready to drop. You're ready to do what decades ago people thought was impossible. And you have to film it at the same time. Wait, what? Ever wondered what goes into the making of action, adventure and extreme sports movies? The Vail Film Festival this weekend features three films, “The Art of Flight,” “Inuk,” and “High Ground,” where the story behind making each film is just as captivating as the films themselves...."
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"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Biodiversity: Key European butterfly species in decline"

Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — European butterfly populations and diversity are rapidly dwindling, as habitat is converted or lost to development. Biologists estimate that about 10 percent of all species are now threatened with extinction, with a European grassland indicator showing that overall abundance  of 17 characteristic butterflies has declined by more than 70 percent in just the last 15 years.

Butterflies are sensitive indicators of the environment and populations respond very quickly to habitat change. Management for butterflies will help ensure the survival of a wide range of other insects, which form the bedrock of European biodiversity.

After a major collaborative research effort, European scientists say that downward spiral could be slowed significantly with good management of the habitat that’s left. Many agricultural areas have been abandoned are are overgrown with brush, while others are too managed too extensively, the scientists said in a new report published in the form of an “applied Conservation paper in the newly launched open-access journal Nature Conservation...."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Colorful!"

All credit:  Bob Berwyn

Curious about Bob Berwyn?  That stealth tracking journalist who has risen to the top ranked status of a local's fav?  They say a picture speaks a thousand words...