Kevin Hall:
"The media and a lot of Republicans are ready to hand the GOP nomination to Mitt Romney. We’re not prepared to do that here on TIR quite yet. However, with many viewing the race is all but over, speculation about the vice-presidential pick is ramping up. So, why not join in the fun.
Here is a list of 15 potential VP picks, in no particular order, along with their pros and cons. Some on this list have said they are not interested in becoming VP. Don’t believe them. No one turns down this job...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
April 10, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "State Rep. Randy Baumgardner responds to criticism"
Joe Moylan:
"State Rep. Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs, visited the Bears Ears Tea Party Patriots on Saturday.
Baumgardner currently represents Colorado House District 57 but announced his candidacy for Colorado Senate District 8, following the redrawing of district lines earlier this year.
His opponent, incumbent State Sen. Jean White, R-Hayden, visited Craig a week earlier and criticized Baumgardner for voting in favor of the State Implementation Plan.
The SIP puts House Bill 10-1365, the Clean Air, Clean Jobs Act, into practice.
HB 10-1365 has been criticized in the region because it outlines plans to convert a number of Front Range power plants from coal fired to natural gas by 2018.
Baumgardner defended his vote to constituents Saturday.
“Someone in this room, and I’m not going to say who or even point him out, said he received a phone call from my opponent who said Randy Baumgardner voted for 1365 putting natural gas over coal, and that’s a lie,” Baumgardner said. “I did vote for the SIP because a number of us thought at the time it would be better to get out in front of it before the federal government came in and made us change all of the new regulations...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"State Rep. Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs, visited the Bears Ears Tea Party Patriots on Saturday.
Baumgardner currently represents Colorado House District 57 but announced his candidacy for Colorado Senate District 8, following the redrawing of district lines earlier this year.
His opponent, incumbent State Sen. Jean White, R-Hayden, visited Craig a week earlier and criticized Baumgardner for voting in favor of the State Implementation Plan.
The SIP puts House Bill 10-1365, the Clean Air, Clean Jobs Act, into practice.
HB 10-1365 has been criticized in the region because it outlines plans to convert a number of Front Range power plants from coal fired to natural gas by 2018.
Baumgardner defended his vote to constituents Saturday.
“Someone in this room, and I’m not going to say who or even point him out, said he received a phone call from my opponent who said Randy Baumgardner voted for 1365 putting natural gas over coal, and that’s a lie,” Baumgardner said. “I did vote for the SIP because a number of us thought at the time it would be better to get out in front of it before the federal government came in and made us change all of the new regulations...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Colorado Springs Gazette/Second Reading "Blaha files ethics complaint against Lamborn"
Second Reading:
"Congressman Doug Lamborn is being targeted over mailers he’s sending to residents in his district.
Businessman Robert Blaha, who is trying to unseat Lamborn in a GOP primary, filed a formal complaint with the House of Representatives Committee on Administration, alleging that Lamborn is using taxpayer money to pay for campaign literature.
The complaint admits that the mailer does not explicitly ask for political support, but accuses Lamborn, a Colorado Springs Republican, of breaking House rules five times in the piece, to further his re-election campaign. The complaint alleges that the mailer exceeded regulation limits for personal and party references, advertised personal accomplishments, and used political slogans twice.
This is not the first time Blaha has criticized Lamborn for his district mailers, but it is the first time he’s filed a formal complaint...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Congressman Doug Lamborn is being targeted over mailers he’s sending to residents in his district.
Businessman Robert Blaha, who is trying to unseat Lamborn in a GOP primary, filed a formal complaint with the House of Representatives Committee on Administration, alleging that Lamborn is using taxpayer money to pay for campaign literature.
The complaint admits that the mailer does not explicitly ask for political support, but accuses Lamborn, a Colorado Springs Republican, of breaking House rules five times in the piece, to further his re-election campaign. The complaint alleges that the mailer exceeded regulation limits for personal and party references, advertised personal accomplishments, and used political slogans twice.
This is not the first time Blaha has criticized Lamborn for his district mailers, but it is the first time he’s filed a formal complaint...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: The Hill "Santorum exits Presidential race"
Daniel Strauss:
"Rick Santorum dropped out of the presidential race Tuesday afternoon, essentially guaranteeing Mitt Romney the GOP nomination.
Santorum announced that he is suspending his campaign at an event in his home state of Pennsylvania — his first public appearance following the release of his daughter Bella from the hospital and after he took a break from the campaign trail for a long Easter weekend...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Rick Santorum dropped out of the presidential race Tuesday afternoon, essentially guaranteeing Mitt Romney the GOP nomination.
Santorum announced that he is suspending his campaign at an event in his home state of Pennsylvania — his first public appearance following the release of his daughter Bella from the hospital and after he took a break from the campaign trail for a long Easter weekend...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Hillicon Valley "Hackers strike over cybersecurity bill"
(See related stories here and here)
This type of internet crime just pulled off by 'Anonymous' "hacktivists" is the type of internet crime that CISPA appears to target.
The problem seems to be that some of the language within CISPA is still too broad and needs to be tightened up.
SandBox agrees, when it comes to this radical group and these types of acts, with USTelecom CEO Walter McCormick Jr:
Andrew Feinberg and Brendan Sasso:
"USTelecom CEO Walter McCormick Jr. blasted Anonymous for trying to "coerce, intimidate and stifle speech."
"Ironically, by their actions Anonymous hacktivists underscore the importance of speedy action on the bipartisan Rogers-Ruppersberger legislation to ensure that the Internet remains an open and safe forum for all," McCormick said in a statement....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
This type of internet crime just pulled off by 'Anonymous' "hacktivists" is the type of internet crime that CISPA appears to target.
The problem seems to be that some of the language within CISPA is still too broad and needs to be tightened up.
SandBox agrees, when it comes to this radical group and these types of acts, with USTelecom CEO Walter McCormick Jr:
Andrew Feinberg and Brendan Sasso:
"USTelecom CEO Walter McCormick Jr. blasted Anonymous for trying to "coerce, intimidate and stifle speech."
"Ironically, by their actions Anonymous hacktivists underscore the importance of speedy action on the bipartisan Rogers-Ruppersberger legislation to ensure that the Internet remains an open and safe forum for all," McCormick said in a statement....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "Border Patrol Agents Seize 5 Tons in 5 Days"
Of the literally dozens of alerts 'SandBox Nanny' has hitting her inbox daily, the numbers that are reported by CBP are near mind-numbing.
5 tons of pot. 5 tons. Street value of $8.2 million dollars.
Now, how in the world can all these pro-legalization of all drugs advocates and talking heads justify putting that much dope into the hands of Americans and calling it recreational use?
Edinburg, Texas – In multiple seizures over the past five days, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector seized an estimated $8.2 million worth of narcotics.
One of the most significant seizures occurred Tuesday near La Rosita, Texas, when agents assigned to the Rio Grande City Station observed several men loading a truck with bundles of marijuana. As agents approached, the driver of the truck attempted to abandon the load but he was quickly apprehended. Agents found nearly 1,000 pounds of marijuana inside the vehicle. The suspect and drugs were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
5 tons of pot. 5 tons. Street value of $8.2 million dollars.
Now, how in the world can all these pro-legalization of all drugs advocates and talking heads justify putting that much dope into the hands of Americans and calling it recreational use?
Edinburg, Texas – In multiple seizures over the past five days, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector seized an estimated $8.2 million worth of narcotics.
One of the most significant seizures occurred Tuesday near La Rosita, Texas, when agents assigned to the Rio Grande City Station observed several men loading a truck with bundles of marijuana. As agents approached, the driver of the truck attempted to abandon the load but he was quickly apprehended. Agents found nearly 1,000 pounds of marijuana inside the vehicle. The suspect and drugs were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Another notable seizure took place Tuesday near Roma, Texas. Agents on patrol encountered a traffic accident involving two vehicles. As agents approached to offer assistance, they observed bundles consistent with narcotics in one of the vehicles. The driver of that vehicle sped away when he saw the agents. After a brief search for the vehicle with the assistance of the Roma Police Department, the driver and more than 900 pounds of marijuana were caught near the Roma Cemetery.
Additional seizures throughout the area pushed the total amount of marijuana seized from Sunday through Thursday to more than 10,000 pounds. The narcotics was turned over to the appropriate agencies 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."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: SkyHi Daily "Conversations With ... Judge Mary Hoak"
Kristen Lodge:
"Judge Mary Hoak was the first female Grand County Court Judge and the third female District Court Judge in the 14th Judicial District.
In March, I sat down with her in her chambers in Hot Sulphur Springs to find out more about her and what it's like being a judge in Grand County ..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Judge Mary Hoak was the first female Grand County Court Judge and the third female District Court Judge in the 14th Judicial District.
In March, I sat down with her in her chambers in Hot Sulphur Springs to find out more about her and what it's like being a judge in Grand County ..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Craig Daily Press "Police beat: A summary report of Craig Police Department activity for March 2012"
Sgt. John Forgay:
"A traffic stop resulted in one party being arrested on an outstanding warrant. It appeared the suspect had been drinking and when this was mentioned by the officer, the subject stated a couple of times that he had drank “way too much.” Such activity can often cause a suspect to make a lot of spontaneous comments, some too honest and some questionable. In this case, the first comment on the drinking seemed right on, but the second comment was questionable. When some controlled substances were found in the pocket of the pants the subject was wearing, he boldly said, “You’re not going to believe this, but these aren’t my pants.” You’re right on again — we aren’t going to believe that...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"A traffic stop resulted in one party being arrested on an outstanding warrant. It appeared the suspect had been drinking and when this was mentioned by the officer, the subject stated a couple of times that he had drank “way too much.” Such activity can often cause a suspect to make a lot of spontaneous comments, some too honest and some questionable. In this case, the first comment on the drinking seemed right on, but the second comment was questionable. When some controlled substances were found in the pocket of the pants the subject was wearing, he boldly said, “You’re not going to believe this, but these aren’t my pants.” You’re right on again — we aren’t going to believe that...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Pueblo Chieftain " Dust Bowl was nation’s worst environmental disaster "
Dan Gordon:
" Black Sunday, April 14, 1935, was the worst day of all.
A dust storm carried twice as much dirt off the southern plains as was dug from the earth to create the Panama Canal. In Southeastern Colorado, down by Lamar and Springfield and Walsh, day became night.The environmental impact of the Dust Bowl is a distant memory now, especially as Japan is still reeling after a catastrophic tsunami last year and the U.S. Gulf Coast recovers from the BP oil spill.
But Black Sunday and the impact of the Dust Bowl have been largely forgotten even in our own country, where the environmental catastrophes we remember most today are the most recent: Hurricane Katrina and the Deep Horizon oil spill. Each has been called our nation’s worst environmental disaster in one forum or another.
It’s hard to see, however, how either Katrina or the BP oil spill can top the Dust Bowl in the pantheon of American environmental disasters.
Although no cable news or websites existed to chronicle it, the Dust Bowl has been rated the No. 1 weather event of the 20th century by American meteorologists...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
" Black Sunday, April 14, 1935, was the worst day of all.
A dust storm carried twice as much dirt off the southern plains as was dug from the earth to create the Panama Canal. In Southeastern Colorado, down by Lamar and Springfield and Walsh, day became night.The environmental impact of the Dust Bowl is a distant memory now, especially as Japan is still reeling after a catastrophic tsunami last year and the U.S. Gulf Coast recovers from the BP oil spill.
But Black Sunday and the impact of the Dust Bowl have been largely forgotten even in our own country, where the environmental catastrophes we remember most today are the most recent: Hurricane Katrina and the Deep Horizon oil spill. Each has been called our nation’s worst environmental disaster in one forum or another.
It’s hard to see, however, how either Katrina or the BP oil spill can top the Dust Bowl in the pantheon of American environmental disasters.
Although no cable news or websites existed to chronicle it, the Dust Bowl has been rated the No. 1 weather event of the 20th century by American meteorologists...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Global warming: Permafrost melt suspected as cause of extreme global warming episodes some 55 million years ago"
An interesting report from Bob Berwyn. Up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice. One that holds some new information on one of the strongest possible causes of global warming. Also interesting to note that those on the side of warming as a natural and historic trend have leaned toward natural sources of carbon emissions as the primary culprit.
Too bad that this article stops short of digging further into breaking down exactly what carbon emissions today consist of and the sources emissions come from. Isn't it just as likely that earth herself is letting off her own footprint as history dictates?
Bob Berwyn:
"The PETM was accompanied by a massive carbon input to the atmosphere, with ocean acidification, and was characterized by a global temperature rise of about 5 degrees Celsius in a few thousand years. Until now, it has been difficult to account for the massive amounts of carbon required to cause such dramatic global warming events....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Too bad that this article stops short of digging further into breaking down exactly what carbon emissions today consist of and the sources emissions come from. Isn't it just as likely that earth herself is letting off her own footprint as history dictates?
Bob Berwyn:
"The PETM was accompanied by a massive carbon input to the atmosphere, with ocean acidification, and was characterized by a global temperature rise of about 5 degrees Celsius in a few thousand years. Until now, it has been difficult to account for the massive amounts of carbon required to cause such dramatic global warming events....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Geothermal system cuts university’s bill $300,000 each year"
Matthew Berger:
"About 3 feet below Delta Field, between the Fine Arts Building and Wubben Hall, is an underground field of looping pipes, spaced 25 feet apart and extending 50 feet into the Earth’s crust.
This is one of four drill fields on the Colorado Mesa University campus, distributing geo-exchange energy to seven buildings in the southern part of campus.
The system reduces the university’s costs by almost $300,000 a year, according to facilities director Kent Marsh. He hopes to expand it to reach more buildings in the coming years, if the funding is there.
“The question we have to answer is: What’s the payback?” he said during a recent interview in his office.
For now, though, he is content with the fact the system is exceeding expectations.
“What we’ve found so far is that the system is behaving as it should, even though we have two more buildings on it than we should,” Marsh said.
The key is the 234,000 feet of eight-inch pipe connecting the underground loops with the buildings..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"About 3 feet below Delta Field, between the Fine Arts Building and Wubben Hall, is an underground field of looping pipes, spaced 25 feet apart and extending 50 feet into the Earth’s crust.
This is one of four drill fields on the Colorado Mesa University campus, distributing geo-exchange energy to seven buildings in the southern part of campus.
The system reduces the university’s costs by almost $300,000 a year, according to facilities director Kent Marsh. He hopes to expand it to reach more buildings in the coming years, if the funding is there.
“The question we have to answer is: What’s the payback?” he said during a recent interview in his office.
For now, though, he is content with the fact the system is exceeding expectations.
“What we’ve found so far is that the system is behaving as it should, even though we have two more buildings on it than we should,” Marsh said.
The key is the 234,000 feet of eight-inch pipe connecting the underground loops with the buildings..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Setting the record straight on Fluke comments"
(Doug Meyers, Glenwood Springs) "Third, in regards to the editor at the Post, I find it very hypocritical of her to make it a point to call and e-mail me whenever I submit a letter that she thinks is not representing the facts of another letter writer or asking for documentation of my claims and then on the other hand she gladly prints letters from Mr. Chisesi that have absolutely no basis and contain false statements."
To paraphrase Andy Stone: "Forgive the naval gazing, it's time to talk about....the Glenwood Springs Post Independent". A Stone's Throw column that was written shortly after Bob Ward resigned as editor of the Aspen Times, and just a few days before...(eh, well...how do we say it?..what do we call it...really?)...the Times determined they could handle things without Jenna Weatherred.
The resulting positive changes in the Times were near immediate after Weatherred moved down valley. A return to the healthier rivalry between the two Aspen newspapers, and enjoyed when Ward was on deck was back. The pilfering of content from other Swift publications, just to make a full paper each day, has decreased by about 2/3rds. The once-in-awhile slip to stalkarazzi style tabloid ink has drifted to roughly once a month or so, and the overall tone is more respectful to the community reporting. They've even branched out and dipped a toe into the world of realism and have confronted some of their crony accounts, such as the Aspen Skico and a local politician or two. Overall, the Aspen Times is...the Aspen Times. They will go on being the genre that they are as long as they are owned by the current owners. And that's OK with the folks. It is tolerable and acceptable. The Times may not give a fig for cleaning up what they helped create in systemic decay within the community, but they have at least stopped adding to the corrosion. Pretty much.
The trickle down valley phenomena that is day-to-day life as locals know it, saw near immediate changes in the GSPI as Weatherred concentrated on down valley publications. Given what was going on in region wide tones with major crime that "suddenly crept up and out into the public eye", overturns of longstanding political power in municipal elections, no-ability-to-deny local voices that had been raised for years on a wide range of topics finally getting some ink time (and dare we say a little bit of an 'enlightened mindset'?) after abruptly leaving 'upvalley'; the publisher and editors on the GSPI made dramatic changes in the quality of their output.
And a grateful public sighed relief.
You see, when they are the only game in town, it had grown near intolerable for most folks to even pick up the "daily rag". We all saw the birth of the "Editorial Board" opinion piece and a few new columnists that enabled the cherished views of the managing staff to remain being published. In fairness, we also saw a couple of balanced the other direction columnists come into weekly publication. Overall, things were slightly better for awhile.
What we did not see, was reporting of the news. All the news.
The folks still needed to turn to the Aspen Daily, Steamboat Today and the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel to stay informed on the wide range of changes happening in their locale.
Is this a "personal" "attack" on the Post Independent and staff by a 'reputed' "one person with an agenda"?
Not at all.
Here's another 'juicy' little tidbit "about 'SandBox Nanny' " that actors have not given you because they are...well....'actors':
When approached in late April of 2009 with the idea and concept of 'Safe Place to Whistleblow on Non-Profits', one of the first questions 'Nanny' asked was: "Why hasn't all this been reported over the years in the newspaper?" It was a legitimate question coming from a fiercely private individual who frankly...really didn't care all that much about the social world of the Valley. Having gone through one of those divorces that left behind a twisted ex, on an attempted personal redemption mission filled with disinformation, 'SandBox Nanny' pretty much kept to herself and a small group of trusted friends and business acquaintances who truly knew her personally. You know, the kind that take the time to ask and dig all the way to the source of an allegation and grasp hold of the truthful facts before speaking. Her daily news focus was limited more to politics and trends.
The response she was given to her question was chilling.
The very thought that beautiful towns like Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Basalt and Aspen were filled with what can only be categorized as (quote) "systemic decay and corrosion", through traceable to a handful of source abuses of power and (somewhat soft) corruption, was not only shocking, it was appalling. The fact that same traceable corrosion had just shattered her own life and the lives of her children without her knowing until it was too late to stop it, was devastating. To stand and listen to adults she has known for years actually choking up with emotion as they gave details of what some of those power abuses had done to others lives was life-changing. Finally, she had an answer as to "why" her and her family's lives had been targeted over the previous four months. The timing of the answer given to her was late April 2009.
Still, she moved heaven and earth to avoid grabbing the Safe Place concept, until finally realizing that no matter what was done to balance, the issue directed toward her was about personal vengeance and had the power of media, politics and money behind it. Coming at her world full steam. It wouldn't have mattered what was done to balance or enforce the other direction, it was a personal attack. Safe Place and smalltown7 were given her permission to launch on May 23, 2009. The rest is somewhat local infamous lore.
How many lives have been literally torn apart by the power abuses that are present in this one town?
Just reaching back in memory over the past three years, while setting aside the major body count from her own life, 'SandBox Nanny' counts up (8) lives that have been hurt. In 81601 alone. With no real hope to repair, and only ability to rebuild. Damage that the one abuse of power that is the Glenwood Springs Post Independent has greatly contributed to. As far as the "systemic decay and corrosion" that they contribute to in literally every publication they pump out that is less than what the standard and ethics of journalistic integrity demand of their position of community trust; the numbers remain continuing to be counted.
Is this a "personal attack" on GSPI and staff? Absolutely not. It is one alternative media voice that is simply giving an outlet for long repressed voices to speak up.
An alternative media that is deeply appreciative of the Doug Meyers of the world who see, in similar way to 'SandBox Nanny', that the answer to fixing the problem of the local media power abuses is to never lose sight of the facts. Just the facts.
Happy Spring to the publisher, editors and reporters here on the Glenwood Springs Post Independent.
Who knows? Maybe instead of the slip-sliding back to the past we've been seeing out of you again over the past month or so, you will opt for a full 180 degree turn and remember the higher bar of journalistic integrity.
(Read more? Click title and links within post)
To paraphrase Andy Stone: "Forgive the naval gazing, it's time to talk about....the Glenwood Springs Post Independent". A Stone's Throw column that was written shortly after Bob Ward resigned as editor of the Aspen Times, and just a few days before...(eh, well...how do we say it?..what do we call it...really?)...the Times determined they could handle things without Jenna Weatherred.
The resulting positive changes in the Times were near immediate after Weatherred moved down valley. A return to the healthier rivalry between the two Aspen newspapers, and enjoyed when Ward was on deck was back. The pilfering of content from other Swift publications, just to make a full paper each day, has decreased by about 2/3rds. The once-in-awhile slip to stalkarazzi style tabloid ink has drifted to roughly once a month or so, and the overall tone is more respectful to the community reporting. They've even branched out and dipped a toe into the world of realism and have confronted some of their crony accounts, such as the Aspen Skico and a local politician or two. Overall, the Aspen Times is...the Aspen Times. They will go on being the genre that they are as long as they are owned by the current owners. And that's OK with the folks. It is tolerable and acceptable. The Times may not give a fig for cleaning up what they helped create in systemic decay within the community, but they have at least stopped adding to the corrosion. Pretty much.
The trickle down valley phenomena that is day-to-day life as locals know it, saw near immediate changes in the GSPI as Weatherred concentrated on down valley publications. Given what was going on in region wide tones with major crime that "suddenly crept up and out into the public eye", overturns of longstanding political power in municipal elections, no-ability-to-deny local voices that had been raised for years on a wide range of topics finally getting some ink time (and dare we say a little bit of an 'enlightened mindset'?) after abruptly leaving 'upvalley'; the publisher and editors on the GSPI made dramatic changes in the quality of their output.
And a grateful public sighed relief.
You see, when they are the only game in town, it had grown near intolerable for most folks to even pick up the "daily rag". We all saw the birth of the "Editorial Board" opinion piece and a few new columnists that enabled the cherished views of the managing staff to remain being published. In fairness, we also saw a couple of balanced the other direction columnists come into weekly publication. Overall, things were slightly better for awhile.
What we did not see, was reporting of the news. All the news.
The folks still needed to turn to the Aspen Daily, Steamboat Today and the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel to stay informed on the wide range of changes happening in their locale.
Is this a "personal" "attack" on the Post Independent and staff by a 'reputed' "one person with an agenda"?
Not at all.
Here's another 'juicy' little tidbit "about 'SandBox Nanny' " that actors have not given you because they are...well....'actors':
When approached in late April of 2009 with the idea and concept of 'Safe Place to Whistleblow on Non-Profits', one of the first questions 'Nanny' asked was: "Why hasn't all this been reported over the years in the newspaper?" It was a legitimate question coming from a fiercely private individual who frankly...really didn't care all that much about the social world of the Valley. Having gone through one of those divorces that left behind a twisted ex, on an attempted personal redemption mission filled with disinformation, 'SandBox Nanny' pretty much kept to herself and a small group of trusted friends and business acquaintances who truly knew her personally. You know, the kind that take the time to ask and dig all the way to the source of an allegation and grasp hold of the truthful facts before speaking. Her daily news focus was limited more to politics and trends.
The response she was given to her question was chilling.
The very thought that beautiful towns like Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Basalt and Aspen were filled with what can only be categorized as (quote) "systemic decay and corrosion", through traceable to a handful of source abuses of power and (somewhat soft) corruption, was not only shocking, it was appalling. The fact that same traceable corrosion had just shattered her own life and the lives of her children without her knowing until it was too late to stop it, was devastating. To stand and listen to adults she has known for years actually choking up with emotion as they gave details of what some of those power abuses had done to others lives was life-changing. Finally, she had an answer as to "why" her and her family's lives had been targeted over the previous four months. The timing of the answer given to her was late April 2009.
Still, she moved heaven and earth to avoid grabbing the Safe Place concept, until finally realizing that no matter what was done to balance, the issue directed toward her was about personal vengeance and had the power of media, politics and money behind it. Coming at her world full steam. It wouldn't have mattered what was done to balance or enforce the other direction, it was a personal attack. Safe Place and smalltown7 were given her permission to launch on May 23, 2009. The rest is somewhat local infamous lore.
How many lives have been literally torn apart by the power abuses that are present in this one town?
Just reaching back in memory over the past three years, while setting aside the major body count from her own life, 'SandBox Nanny' counts up (8) lives that have been hurt. In 81601 alone. With no real hope to repair, and only ability to rebuild. Damage that the one abuse of power that is the Glenwood Springs Post Independent has greatly contributed to. As far as the "systemic decay and corrosion" that they contribute to in literally every publication they pump out that is less than what the standard and ethics of journalistic integrity demand of their position of community trust; the numbers remain continuing to be counted.
Is this a "personal attack" on GSPI and staff? Absolutely not. It is one alternative media voice that is simply giving an outlet for long repressed voices to speak up.
An alternative media that is deeply appreciative of the Doug Meyers of the world who see, in similar way to 'SandBox Nanny', that the answer to fixing the problem of the local media power abuses is to never lose sight of the facts. Just the facts.
Happy Spring to the publisher, editors and reporters here on the Glenwood Springs Post Independent.
Who knows? Maybe instead of the slip-sliding back to the past we've been seeing out of you again over the past month or so, you will opt for a full 180 degree turn and remember the higher bar of journalistic integrity.
(Read more? Click title and links within post)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBoxBlogs: KMTS "Sawyer Brown Comes to the Rifle Rendezvous"
Gabe Chenowith:
"This year, Sawyer Brown graces the stage at the 16th annual Rifle Rendezvous. Tickets will go fast, so click here to get yours now.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"This year, Sawyer Brown graces the stage at the 16th annual Rifle Rendezvous. Tickets will go fast, so click here to get yours now.
When the Rifle Rendezvous asked us to bring a musical act to their event this year, we looked to our friends at Country Jam for ideas. We also thought back on conversations we had with our listeners over the years.
We were thrilled to find that both led us to the same act!That’s right, not only has Sawyer Brown been to more Country Jam Festivals than any other act (see a complete list here), they were also at the top of the list every time we asked you who you wanted to see perform live. Fortunately for us, Sawyer Brown was not only available, they were thrilled to come back to western Colorado to play for us!...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Galactic and Gogol Bordello to play Chili Pepper and Brew Fest"
Dorothy Atkins:
"The funky jam band Galactic and gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello are two of the four bands playing at this year’s Snowmass Chili Pepper and Brew Fest.
In its ninth year, the two-day festival held June 8 and 9 features competitions between 30 craft brewers and chili cooks in between live music sets.
Galactic will play during the 1 p.m. slot on Saturday, June 9, while Gogol Bordello will go on at 6 p.m. the same day after the grand tasting, said Joe Lang of Tumbleweed Productions.
There will also be two bands playing on Friday, June 8, but they have not been officially booked yet, Lang said.
Lang, who is the former executive director of Jazz Aspen Snowmass, is producing the festival for the first time this year. He won the bid in November to book the 2012 Chili Pepper and Brew Fest and the free Thursday night shows held on Fanny Hill in Snowmass this summer. He took the place of longtime contractor Mountain Groove Productions, which has put on the shows since they began in 2004.
Lang teamed up with Belly Up Aspen owner Michael Goldberg to book the summer shows, he said. Goldberg has ties with C3 Presents, an independent booking agent that works with the Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits music festivals. Overall, the town of Snowmass Village has a budget of $230,000 to produce the Chili Pepper and Brew Fest, according to Snowmass marketing officials.
The festival will end by 8 p.m. both nights, which is earlier than previous years, Lang said...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The funky jam band Galactic and gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello are two of the four bands playing at this year’s Snowmass Chili Pepper and Brew Fest.
In its ninth year, the two-day festival held June 8 and 9 features competitions between 30 craft brewers and chili cooks in between live music sets.
Galactic will play during the 1 p.m. slot on Saturday, June 9, while Gogol Bordello will go on at 6 p.m. the same day after the grand tasting, said Joe Lang of Tumbleweed Productions.
There will also be two bands playing on Friday, June 8, but they have not been officially booked yet, Lang said.
Lang, who is the former executive director of Jazz Aspen Snowmass, is producing the festival for the first time this year. He won the bid in November to book the 2012 Chili Pepper and Brew Fest and the free Thursday night shows held on Fanny Hill in Snowmass this summer. He took the place of longtime contractor Mountain Groove Productions, which has put on the shows since they began in 2004.
Lang teamed up with Belly Up Aspen owner Michael Goldberg to book the summer shows, he said. Goldberg has ties with C3 Presents, an independent booking agent that works with the Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits music festivals. Overall, the town of Snowmass Village has a budget of $230,000 to produce the Chili Pepper and Brew Fest, according to Snowmass marketing officials.
The festival will end by 8 p.m. both nights, which is earlier than previous years, Lang said...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Biodiversity: Bat-killing fungus traced to Europe"
Fascinating report from Bob Berwyn. Up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice.
Bats are vitally important to our global eco-systems. To finally trace the deadly 'white-nose syndrome' to Europe origins and start narrowing down the transmitters as being likely humans visiting caves and carrying away particle traces on their bodies and clothing is major progress.
Will the research become solid enough to close our fragile caves to human visitors?
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Researchers are closer to pinpointing the origins of a deadly disease that has killed almost 7 million bats in the eastern and central U.S.
White nose syndrome, which affects hibernating bats, likely results from a fungus native to Europe, Canadian researchers reported this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Previous research had also suggested a European origin for the disease. The fungus is know to exist in European bat habitat, but the bats have apparently developed some genetic immunity.
In a controlled setting, biologists exposed separate groups of test bats to European and American strains of the fungus and monitored the onset of the disease for several months.
Both groups of bats showed all the known signs of the disease, including powdery white fungal growths on the bats’ exposed skin and damage to the wings. Infected bats were likely roused three to four times more often than uninfected bats from their hibernation, resulting in the depletion of precious subcutaneous fat reserves and in body wasting, which, the authors suggest, is the likely cause of mortality.
Because European bats largely survive the fungal infection possibly through the evolution of immunity, the authors suggest that the introduction of the fungus from Europe into North America is the likely cause of white nose syndrome among North American bats.
Researchers don’t know how the fungus may have spread from Europe to the U.S. There has been some speculation that visitors to caves carried a few of the spores on their clothes or shoes...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Bats are vitally important to our global eco-systems. To finally trace the deadly 'white-nose syndrome' to Europe origins and start narrowing down the transmitters as being likely humans visiting caves and carrying away particle traces on their bodies and clothing is major progress.
Will the research become solid enough to close our fragile caves to human visitors?
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Researchers are closer to pinpointing the origins of a deadly disease that has killed almost 7 million bats in the eastern and central U.S.
White nose syndrome, which affects hibernating bats, likely results from a fungus native to Europe, Canadian researchers reported this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Previous research had also suggested a European origin for the disease. The fungus is know to exist in European bat habitat, but the bats have apparently developed some genetic immunity.
In a controlled setting, biologists exposed separate groups of test bats to European and American strains of the fungus and monitored the onset of the disease for several months.
Both groups of bats showed all the known signs of the disease, including powdery white fungal growths on the bats’ exposed skin and damage to the wings. Infected bats were likely roused three to four times more often than uninfected bats from their hibernation, resulting in the depletion of precious subcutaneous fat reserves and in body wasting, which, the authors suggest, is the likely cause of mortality.
Because European bats largely survive the fungal infection possibly through the evolution of immunity, the authors suggest that the introduction of the fungus from Europe into North America is the likely cause of white nose syndrome among North American bats.
Researchers don’t know how the fungus may have spread from Europe to the U.S. There has been some speculation that visitors to caves carried a few of the spores on their clothes or shoes...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: SkyHi Daily News "Bina: All puffed up and no place to go"
Tonya Bina:
"Males were puffing out their chests, stretching out their necks and strutting in such a volatile manner they looked like they were trying to choke down field mice.
No, I wasn't at a popular bar on a weekend night — where men also may get into fights to impress females — but I was spying on the courtship escapades of greater sage grouse during a sexy sunrise on private land near Kremmling.
The females, plump and plain, quietly observed the antics of their male counterparts out of harm's way, then chose the one male who proved his prowess among all the others.
That male proceeded to oblige many of his female admirers. Eventually, another male in the hierarchy would step up to the breeding plate.
It was 6:30 a.m., and with the aid of a spotting scope, I sat shotgun in a Colorado Parks and Wildlife truck and witnessed the dancing.
We heard their songs in the morning mist — vocal water droplets. The males would literally drum their feet on the earth, puffing out their white feather-covered air sacs, cowling like the collars of royal wardrobes. Their postures were erect, tail feathers pointed straight up like spikes, fanning behind them in peacock-like fashion.
Who wouldn't be impressed?...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Males were puffing out their chests, stretching out their necks and strutting in such a volatile manner they looked like they were trying to choke down field mice.
No, I wasn't at a popular bar on a weekend night — where men also may get into fights to impress females — but I was spying on the courtship escapades of greater sage grouse during a sexy sunrise on private land near Kremmling.
The females, plump and plain, quietly observed the antics of their male counterparts out of harm's way, then chose the one male who proved his prowess among all the others.
That male proceeded to oblige many of his female admirers. Eventually, another male in the hierarchy would step up to the breeding plate.
It was 6:30 a.m., and with the aid of a spotting scope, I sat shotgun in a Colorado Parks and Wildlife truck and witnessed the dancing.
We heard their songs in the morning mist — vocal water droplets. The males would literally drum their feet on the earth, puffing out their white feather-covered air sacs, cowling like the collars of royal wardrobes. Their postures were erect, tail feathers pointed straight up like spikes, fanning behind them in peacock-like fashion.
Who wouldn't be impressed?...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)