Goose is back.
And he appears to have been back for at least a few weeks. Blog post style and no new podcasts yet...but nevertheless....'Nanny' missed his return....
Goose Nissley:
"Mitt Romney’s five state romp Tuesday evening brought about the revelation on former House Speaker Newt Gingrich’s part that it was most likely time to acknowledge things weren’t going to work out. Consequently, Team Spruce (the affectionate nickname I’ve bestowed on him) has let peeps know that Gingrich will withdraw from the race next Tuesday and ‘most likely’ endorse Gov Romney.
It’s a rather inglorious end to an epic trek for Spruce in the 2012 primary. While his stunning rise to the top of the national polls before Iowa & again after his upset in South Carolina seemed to restore a great deal of gravitas to a man who had left the speaker-ship following a coup of his own party’s making, I simply can’t comprehend why he chose to soldier on so long after he had a chance...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
April 27, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Red State "Death of the Moderate . . . Democrat"
Erick Erickson:
"It is worth noting that on Tuesday several moderate Democrats went down in flames in Pennsylvania, continuing a trend that has escalated since 2008. Liberals do not want moderate Democrats in their caucus.
What is most interesting about it from a conservative perspective, however, is how there has not been a ton of coverage about the death of the blue dogs — more dogs dead in Barack Obama and the left’s war on dogs. Had moderate Republicans been defeated, we would have major stories on pretty much every news network and on the front page of every paper in America.
Routinely we hear that Republicans cannot win in New England, despite Republican successes in New England in 2010. Routinely we hear about the GOP driving moderates out of the party. Big tent cliches surround the stories. Rarely does the ongoing purging of the Democratic Party make such news.
In fact, the Democratic Party has become increasingly hostile to moderates, though the media rarely cares to focus on this because the reporters who’d pay attention often are to the left of the moderate Democrats and proclaim their position the center. Those moderate Democrats are, therefore, well outside the mainstream.
I do not lament the decline and fall of the Blue Dog Coalition..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"It is worth noting that on Tuesday several moderate Democrats went down in flames in Pennsylvania, continuing a trend that has escalated since 2008. Liberals do not want moderate Democrats in their caucus.
What is most interesting about it from a conservative perspective, however, is how there has not been a ton of coverage about the death of the blue dogs — more dogs dead in Barack Obama and the left’s war on dogs. Had moderate Republicans been defeated, we would have major stories on pretty much every news network and on the front page of every paper in America.
Routinely we hear that Republicans cannot win in New England, despite Republican successes in New England in 2010. Routinely we hear about the GOP driving moderates out of the party. Big tent cliches surround the stories. Rarely does the ongoing purging of the Democratic Party make such news.
In fact, the Democratic Party has become increasingly hostile to moderates, though the media rarely cares to focus on this because the reporters who’d pay attention often are to the left of the moderate Democrats and proclaim their position the center. Those moderate Democrats are, therefore, well outside the mainstream.
I do not lament the decline and fall of the Blue Dog Coalition..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Hot Air Blog "Fed to WH: We’re not going to bail you out"
Ed Morrissey:
"With economic indicators flashing red all over the place, the Obama administration may be looking at some bad news this spring on economic growth. If they’re looking to the Fed to toss them a lifeline, they may be waiting a while. Despite some expectations that the Federal Reserve might embark on a third round of quantitative easing, Fed chair Ben Bernanke announced yesterday that they will wait and see — and keep from causing any more damage:..."
"With economic indicators flashing red all over the place, the Obama administration may be looking at some bad news this spring on economic growth. If they’re looking to the Fed to toss them a lifeline, they may be waiting a while. Despite some expectations that the Federal Reserve might embark on a third round of quantitative easing, Fed chair Ben Bernanke announced yesterday that they will wait and see — and keep from causing any more damage:..."
"Facing fire from the left and the right, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke on Wednesday mounted a spirited defense of the central bank’s wait-and-see approach to the economy, arguing that his detractors fail to grasp the damage that could be done if the Fed were to prematurely take any new actions.Bernanke attacked Paul Krugman for demanding an inflationary policy in order to produce a little more incentive for jobs growth. One would think that the two previous rounds of quantitative easing — which has weakened the dollar and helped drive energy prices higher — would be enough for any interventionist to love. Bernanke called Krugman’s demands “very reckless”:...."
After its third policymaking meeting of the year, the Fed left short-term interest rates near zero on Wednesday and said it planned to hold them there until at least late 2014. As it has all year, the Fed continued to say that the economy faced headwinds but would gradually improve. Economic projections from senior Fed officials suggested the economy would grow a bit faster than anticipated early this year and the unemployment rate would come down a bit more than earlier thought, perhaps ending the year around 8 percent."
"Bernanke seemed to take most umbrage at Krugman’s critique, in the New York Times Magazine, which suggests that the Fed has refused to take action to help the out-the-work because it worries too much that such efforts can cause inflation. Economic theory holds that creating money to spur lending and drive economic growth — what the Fed does — tends to cause prices and wages to rise, but the Fed expects that inflation will come in at or below its target of 2 percent for the next few years."Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
“The question is, does it make sense to actively seek a higher inflation rate in order to achieve a slightly increased pace of reduction in the unemployment rate?” Bernanke said. “That would be very reckless.”..." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Iowa Republican "A Constitutional Right to Education?"
King v. State in Iowa was a disturbing outcome. That 50% of the judicial panel were in favor of altering the constitution to mandate that public education become a constitutional right is difficult to absorb.
Nathan Tucker:
"The answer to that question depends on which Iowa Supreme Court justice you ask, and whether or not it is a retention election year. Despite a recent stretch of relative calm on the Court since last summer, justices gave vent to their disagreements in an extremely fractured case that produced five opinions and showed that at least one justice is fully cognizant of the voters he faces in November.
The Plaintiffs argued that the State abridged their constitutional right to an education by failing “to establish standards, to enforce any standards, to adopt effective educator pay systems, and to establish and maintain an adequate education delivery system.” They sought a court order directing the State to “undertake all suitable means to provide an effective education.”
While four of the Court’s seven justices ruled that, even if true, the Plaintiffs’ allegations did not arise to a constitutional violation, it is disturbing that five of the justices were, at a minimum, open to creating a constitutional right to an education out of judicial whole cloth...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Nathan Tucker:
"The answer to that question depends on which Iowa Supreme Court justice you ask, and whether or not it is a retention election year. Despite a recent stretch of relative calm on the Court since last summer, justices gave vent to their disagreements in an extremely fractured case that produced five opinions and showed that at least one justice is fully cognizant of the voters he faces in November.
In King v. State of Iowa, sixteen students and parents sued the State, claiming “that Iowa’s educational system is not adequately serving students in either the largest or the smallest school districts.” They “alleged that there exists a ‘disparity in educational outcomes [in Iowa] based upon where one goes to school’ and there has been a ‘failure to provide similar educational opportunities for all of Iowa’s students.’”
The Plaintiffs argued that the State abridged their constitutional right to an education by failing “to establish standards, to enforce any standards, to adopt effective educator pay systems, and to establish and maintain an adequate education delivery system.” They sought a court order directing the State to “undertake all suitable means to provide an effective education.”
While four of the Court’s seven justices ruled that, even if true, the Plaintiffs’ allegations did not arise to a constitutional violation, it is disturbing that five of the justices were, at a minimum, open to creating a constitutional right to an education out of judicial whole cloth...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall "Voters Understand the Immigration Debate; Politicians Don't"
Very, very well said by Scott Rasmussen:
"..On the issues before the court, most voters tend to side with the state of Arizona rather than the federal government. Fifty-nine percent of voters nationwide, for example, agree with one of the law's most controversial provisions, that police officers should routinely check the immigration status of those they pull over for other violations. Most voters would like to have a law like Arizona's in their own state.
But that says more about voter respect for the law than it does about the immigration issue. Voters figure if there's a law on the books, the government should enforce it.
That's why, among voters who are angry about the immigration issue, 83 percent are angry at the federal government rather than the illegal immigrants themselves. It's also why two-thirds of voters think those who knowingly hire illegal immigrants are a bigger problem than the people they employ. Simply put, most Americans are angry at those who would entice others to break the law. They're not angry at people who are willing to work hard to provide for their families.
It's a little bit like the public desire to go after drug pushers rather than occasional users of illegal drugs.
Still, there's another reason for the disconnect between official Washington and the American people on immigration.
In Washington, the entire focus of the immigration debate is on how to deal with those already living here illegally. For voters, this is a secondary concern. The bigger concern is how to secure the border so future immigrants enter the county according to the rules. Routinely, in surveys for years, 60 percent or more of voters say securing the borders is a higher priority than legalizing the status of the illegal immigrants who are here now.
Once voters are convinced that illegal immigration is a thing of the past, it will be easier to address the status of those in the country already.
But voters don't believe the federal government has any interest in securing the border. In fact, most believe the policies of the federal government are designed to encourage illegal immigration. This offends voters who want to respect the rule of law. If immigration laws -- or any laws -- are routinely ignored, then the government loses credibility.
If the laws are enforced, 61 percent of voters favor a welcoming policy that lets anybody come to America except national security threats, criminals and those who would live off the U.S. welfare system. All who would like to work hard and pursue the American Dream are welcome.
The bottom line is that voters remember what many in Washington often forget: America is a nation of immigrants -- and of laws. The American people want both traditions to be honored...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"..On the issues before the court, most voters tend to side with the state of Arizona rather than the federal government. Fifty-nine percent of voters nationwide, for example, agree with one of the law's most controversial provisions, that police officers should routinely check the immigration status of those they pull over for other violations. Most voters would like to have a law like Arizona's in their own state.
But that says more about voter respect for the law than it does about the immigration issue. Voters figure if there's a law on the books, the government should enforce it.
That's why, among voters who are angry about the immigration issue, 83 percent are angry at the federal government rather than the illegal immigrants themselves. It's also why two-thirds of voters think those who knowingly hire illegal immigrants are a bigger problem than the people they employ. Simply put, most Americans are angry at those who would entice others to break the law. They're not angry at people who are willing to work hard to provide for their families.
It's a little bit like the public desire to go after drug pushers rather than occasional users of illegal drugs.
Still, there's another reason for the disconnect between official Washington and the American people on immigration.
In Washington, the entire focus of the immigration debate is on how to deal with those already living here illegally. For voters, this is a secondary concern. The bigger concern is how to secure the border so future immigrants enter the county according to the rules. Routinely, in surveys for years, 60 percent or more of voters say securing the borders is a higher priority than legalizing the status of the illegal immigrants who are here now.
Once voters are convinced that illegal immigration is a thing of the past, it will be easier to address the status of those in the country already.
But voters don't believe the federal government has any interest in securing the border. In fact, most believe the policies of the federal government are designed to encourage illegal immigration. This offends voters who want to respect the rule of law. If immigration laws -- or any laws -- are routinely ignored, then the government loses credibility.
If the laws are enforced, 61 percent of voters favor a welcoming policy that lets anybody come to America except national security threats, criminals and those who would live off the U.S. welfare system. All who would like to work hard and pursue the American Dream are welcome.
The bottom line is that voters remember what many in Washington often forget: America is a nation of immigrants -- and of laws. The American people want both traditions to be honored...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: The BLT "ACLU Hires Republican to Lobby on Criminal Justice"
"In a move intended to bolster the organization's influence with congressional Republicans, the American Civil Liberties Union has hired LeClairRyan partner and former federal prosecutor Michael Volkov to lobby on a range of issues.
Laura W. Murphy, director of the ACLU's Washington legislative office, said Volkov, a Republican, will promote the organization's stance on the Voting Rights Act, the National Defense Authorization Act and criminal justice issues including mandatory minimum sentences and prison overcrowding.
The ACLU is "absolutely" looking to harness increasing popular support for libertarian and conservative ideas about the limits of government and individual rights to privacy in advancing its mission, Murphy said. In the past, the organization has been criticized from both sides of the aisle for stances it has taken on various issues—a result Murphy pinned on its nonpartisan approach.
"I think a lot of people are ill-informed or misinformed about how well we navigate working with the two parties," Murphy said. "We can't emphasize enough that the Constitution is for the 100 percent."
"If you're in the business of defending civil liberties, you can't do it with partisan blinders," she added....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Laura W. Murphy, director of the ACLU's Washington legislative office, said Volkov, a Republican, will promote the organization's stance on the Voting Rights Act, the National Defense Authorization Act and criminal justice issues including mandatory minimum sentences and prison overcrowding.
The ACLU is "absolutely" looking to harness increasing popular support for libertarian and conservative ideas about the limits of government and individual rights to privacy in advancing its mission, Murphy said. In the past, the organization has been criticized from both sides of the aisle for stances it has taken on various issues—a result Murphy pinned on its nonpartisan approach.
"I think a lot of people are ill-informed or misinformed about how well we navigate working with the two parties," Murphy said. "We can't emphasize enough that the Constitution is for the 100 percent."
"If you're in the business of defending civil liberties, you can't do it with partisan blinders," she added....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "DA's term count is all in the math"
David Mead:
"...Mr. Beeson's first term wasn't by appointment, it was by a recall election. Either way, Mr. Beeson entered into the recall election willingly. He was aware of the reduced term when he entered that election, and served based on the term of that cycle. The world of elections don't adjust, based on ignorance to the law. Beeson won that election, and served his first term accordingly.
The next election cycle had the voters choosing him for election term No. 2. If we add 1 + 1, we get 2. I'm fairly confident the voters, regardless of party affiliation, can add. It's certainly a leap of faith for a seated DA to come forward to defend 1+1+1 equaling 2.
In the bigger picture, Mr. Beeson's DA record isn't much better than his fuzzy math. Based on Beeson's mistrials, and the cost to taxpayers, we can't afford Beeson's fuzzy math, or fuzzy logic interpreting the law.
We have a choice in November. Let's choose competence..." (Read more? Click title)
Note: "Now that DA Beeson has thrown his hat in the ring for district attorney in the 9th, please take note that there will be no special treatment given to any news press surrounding his race. His articles, if they are SandBox worthy or chosen in the daily agg run-up; will be put up just like anyone else in a political race. What SandBox Commentators will continue to do, is heavily moderate his articles. We are the only news media that provides the courtesy of moderating commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District and Mr. Beeson's articles. ) "
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"...Mr. Beeson's first term wasn't by appointment, it was by a recall election. Either way, Mr. Beeson entered into the recall election willingly. He was aware of the reduced term when he entered that election, and served based on the term of that cycle. The world of elections don't adjust, based on ignorance to the law. Beeson won that election, and served his first term accordingly.
The next election cycle had the voters choosing him for election term No. 2. If we add 1 + 1, we get 2. I'm fairly confident the voters, regardless of party affiliation, can add. It's certainly a leap of faith for a seated DA to come forward to defend 1+1+1 equaling 2.
In the bigger picture, Mr. Beeson's DA record isn't much better than his fuzzy math. Based on Beeson's mistrials, and the cost to taxpayers, we can't afford Beeson's fuzzy math, or fuzzy logic interpreting the law.
We have a choice in November. Let's choose competence..." (Read more? Click title)
Note: "Now that DA Beeson has thrown his hat in the ring for district attorney in the 9th, please take note that there will be no special treatment given to any news press surrounding his race. His articles, if they are SandBox worthy or chosen in the daily agg run-up; will be put up just like anyone else in a political race. What SandBox Commentators will continue to do, is heavily moderate his articles. We are the only news media that provides the courtesy of moderating commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District and Mr. Beeson's articles. ) "
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Partial terms couldn't be filled if they count against a term limit"
Robert Jenkins:
John Colson's April 23 article, “Defense attorney questions DA's eligibility for re-election,” questions whether current District Attorney Martin Beeson, who stepped up and filled the remaining partial term of a recalled DA.......
........states that term limits “have no application to partial terms of office, but rather apply only to full terms.”
Salazar's ruling states term limits don't apply to partial terms?............
......Also, how about asking the current attorney general's office for its opinion on Salazar's previous ruling on this matter and reporting that?.......
.........AG Salazar's ruling makes practical sense and is not a partisan issue, as it applies equally to both parties' candidates serving any partial term of any office.........
.......How would we get anyone to fill a partial term vacancy in any office if filling a short-term vacancy for a few months would prevent that same person from legally running for that office for the full term — in this case, four years.
........states that term limits “have no application to partial terms of office, but rather apply only to full terms.”
Salazar's ruling states term limits don't apply to partial terms?............
......Also, how about asking the current attorney general's office for its opinion on Salazar's previous ruling on this matter and reporting that?.......
.........AG Salazar's ruling makes practical sense and is not a partisan issue, as it applies equally to both parties' candidates serving any partial term of any office.........
.......How would we get anyone to fill a partial term vacancy in any office if filling a short-term vacancy for a few months would prevent that same person from legally running for that office for the full term — in this case, four years.
.......The person stepping up to fill the vacancy did not create the vacancy in the first place. We need people to fill partial term vacancies. Partial terms should not count against that person's ability to serve his own full elected terms..." (Read more? Click title)
NOTE: "Now that DA Beeson has thrown his hat in the ring for district attorney in the 9th, please take note that there will be no special treatment given to any news press surrounding his race. His articles, if they are SandBox worthy or chosen in the daily agg run-up; will be put up just like anyone else in a political race. What SandBox Commentators will continue to do, is heavily moderate his articles. We are the only news media that provides the courtesy of moderating commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District and Mr. Beeson's articles. )"
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: 7th Space " Greeley Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking"
News Release:
"DENVER—Miguel Angel Velasquez, aka “Outlaw,” age 28, of Greeley, Colorado, was sentenced this week by United States Circuit Court Judge David M Ebel to serve 192 months (16 years) in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and 50 kilograms or less of marijuana. Following his 16 year prison sentence, Velasquez was ordered to serve five years on supervised release.
On April 21, 2010, Velasquez and 12 other defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver. Velasquez pled guilty before Judge Ebel on April 21, 2011. He was sentenced on April 24, 2012.
The cases against co-defendants of Velasquez have been resolved with the exception of two, who remain fugitives.
According to the stipulated facts contained in the defendant’s plea agreement, in October 2008, the Greeley Police Department and the Weld County Drug Task Force (WCDTF) was introduced to an investigative target by a confidential informant. The target, Miguel Velasquez, was selling ounce-type quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine and was also selling marijuana in pound quantities around the Greeley area. During the course of the investigation, a WCDTF Undercover Task Force Officer did a number of hand-to-hand transactions with Velasquez. As the investigation progressed, transactions between the defendant and the task force officer continued, with the amount of drugs being purchased increasing, including the sale of two ounces of cocaine, one quarter ounce of methamphetamine, and a firearm on September 29, 2009.
While working on the investigation, law enforcement agents and officers identified a number of out-of-state individuals from California and Texas border towns involved in the drug trafficking.
Specifically, law enforcement learned that Velasquez obtained his drugs through couriers or runners that he sent to California. Those couriers delivered money and brought back narcotics. Velasquez also traveled personally with a female co-defendant to Texas on at least one occasion to obtain drugs.
The investigation culminated on November 23, 2009 when the female co-defendant was stopped by police officers as she traveled back with a load of methamphetamine from California. The woman was transporting the meth at the direction of Velasquez.
In total, she was carrying 6.3 pounds of meth that was 100 percent pure. The estimated street value of the methamphetamine was over $300,000.
Regarding the marijuana, the female co-defendant was asked to travel to Santa Ana, California where she picked up five pounds of marijuana. She then picked up some friends of Velasqeuz. The group then traveled to Las Vegas, where they picked up methamphetamine.
The female co-defendant then drove to Greeley, where they took the drugs into her apartment. The drugs were broken out, inspected, repackaged, and smoked. The methamphetamine was of poor quality.
“This lengthy prison sentence demonstrates one simple fact, that drug dealing will lead to prison,” said United States Attorney John Walsh. “Thanks to the hard work of all involved, including the Assistant United States Attorneys, the FBI, the Greeley Police Department, the Weld County Drug Task Force, and the Weld County District Attorney’s Office, multiple drug dealers have been removed from the streets of Greeley.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"DENVER—Miguel Angel Velasquez, aka “Outlaw,” age 28, of Greeley, Colorado, was sentenced this week by United States Circuit Court Judge David M Ebel to serve 192 months (16 years) in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and 50 kilograms or less of marijuana. Following his 16 year prison sentence, Velasquez was ordered to serve five years on supervised release.
On April 21, 2010, Velasquez and 12 other defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver. Velasquez pled guilty before Judge Ebel on April 21, 2011. He was sentenced on April 24, 2012.
The cases against co-defendants of Velasquez have been resolved with the exception of two, who remain fugitives.
According to the stipulated facts contained in the defendant’s plea agreement, in October 2008, the Greeley Police Department and the Weld County Drug Task Force (WCDTF) was introduced to an investigative target by a confidential informant. The target, Miguel Velasquez, was selling ounce-type quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine and was also selling marijuana in pound quantities around the Greeley area. During the course of the investigation, a WCDTF Undercover Task Force Officer did a number of hand-to-hand transactions with Velasquez. As the investigation progressed, transactions between the defendant and the task force officer continued, with the amount of drugs being purchased increasing, including the sale of two ounces of cocaine, one quarter ounce of methamphetamine, and a firearm on September 29, 2009.
While working on the investigation, law enforcement agents and officers identified a number of out-of-state individuals from California and Texas border towns involved in the drug trafficking.
Specifically, law enforcement learned that Velasquez obtained his drugs through couriers or runners that he sent to California. Those couriers delivered money and brought back narcotics. Velasquez also traveled personally with a female co-defendant to Texas on at least one occasion to obtain drugs.
The investigation culminated on November 23, 2009 when the female co-defendant was stopped by police officers as she traveled back with a load of methamphetamine from California. The woman was transporting the meth at the direction of Velasquez.
In total, she was carrying 6.3 pounds of meth that was 100 percent pure. The estimated street value of the methamphetamine was over $300,000.
Regarding the marijuana, the female co-defendant was asked to travel to Santa Ana, California where she picked up five pounds of marijuana. She then picked up some friends of Velasqeuz. The group then traveled to Las Vegas, where they picked up methamphetamine.
The female co-defendant then drove to Greeley, where they took the drugs into her apartment. The drugs were broken out, inspected, repackaged, and smoked. The methamphetamine was of poor quality.
“This lengthy prison sentence demonstrates one simple fact, that drug dealing will lead to prison,” said United States Attorney John Walsh. “Thanks to the hard work of all involved, including the Assistant United States Attorneys, the FBI, the Greeley Police Department, the Weld County Drug Task Force, and the Weld County District Attorney’s Office, multiple drug dealers have been removed from the streets of Greeley.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "CBP Makes $362 Million Cocaine Bust"
"Washington — A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Air and Marine (OAM) P-3, operating out of National Air Security Operations Center-Jacksonville (NASOC-JAX), detected two go-fast vessels carrying more than 4,840 pounds of cocaine with a combined value of more than $362 million.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
On April 20, a P-3 operating in the Western Caribbean spotted two go-fast vessels 120 miles off the coast of Panama. The two 40-foot twin-engine vessels were spotted speeding north and appeared to be loaded with numerous packages when the Florida-based CBP P-3 began tracking them.
Local law enforcement assets were vectored in to pursue the two vessels, who attempted to evade authorities. One vessel abandoned the contraband before arriving on shore, while the second go-fast was seized nearby. A U.S. Navy vessel operating in the area retrieved 89 bales of cocaine from the scene.
This seizure is in addition to the $2.8 billion detected by the CBP P-3s operating out of Jacksonville, Fla. and Corpus Christi, Texas since October 2011.
During fiscal year 2011, the CBP P-3 fleet continued its anti-smuggling success by seizing or disrupting more than 148,000 pounds of cocaine valued at more than $11.1 billion, totaling 20.6 pounds seized for every flight hour, valued at $1.5 million for every hour flown.
CBP OAM P-3s have been an integral part of the successful counter-narcotic missions operating in coordination with the Joint Interagency Task Force – South (JIATFS). The P-3s patrol in a 42 million square mile area of the Western Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, known as the Source and Transit Zone, in search of drugs that are in transit towards U.S. shores. The P-3s’ distinctive detection capabilities allow highly-trained crews to identify emerging threats well beyond the land borders of the U.S. By providing surveillance of known air, land, and maritime smuggling routes in an area that is twice the size of the continental U.S., the P-3s detect, monitor and disrupt smuggling activities before they reach shore.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."
SandBoxBlogs: Dept of Defense "Mudder Challenge"
Remember.
The British are coming.
Beaver Creek, Colorado. 'Tough Mudder' 2012. Click title.
Photo credit Dept of Defense: ":A U.S. soldier faces water spray as he climbs a hill during the Tough Mudder Centurion Challenge on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, April 21, 2012."
SandBoxBlogs: Delta County Independent "Paonia improves accountability "
Kathy Browning:
"The Town of Paonia's debit card policy has been reviewed due to receipts not being submitted and alleged illegal activity by the former finance officer.
The town has eight debit cards which are to be used for town business only.
The public works department has two cards, the police department two, the building inspector one, the town clerk one, the mayor one and one for Francis Winston who tests the town's water.
"We have evaluated that we do have a need for those [debit cards]," Mayor Neal Schwieterman said. He noted that some staff and the mayor do not use the debit cards "very much."
"The need comes in the biggest sense when people are traveling for training. You need a credit card for doing that," he said. "It's very manageable. We just have to have better safe guards in place. Many of them are already in place, but we're still working."..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The Town of Paonia's debit card policy has been reviewed due to receipts not being submitted and alleged illegal activity by the former finance officer.
The town has eight debit cards which are to be used for town business only.
The public works department has two cards, the police department two, the building inspector one, the town clerk one, the mayor one and one for Francis Winston who tests the town's water.
"We have evaluated that we do have a need for those [debit cards]," Mayor Neal Schwieterman said. He noted that some staff and the mayor do not use the debit cards "very much."
"The need comes in the biggest sense when people are traveling for training. You need a credit card for doing that," he said. "It's very manageable. We just have to have better safe guards in place. Many of them are already in place, but we're still working."..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Another attempt to divert conservation funds emerges"
The topic of diverting lottery funds is one of the most absurd yet out of our state lawmakers. They either go at it as 'all or nothing' (or) refuse to stand up to the trough hogs like Pitkin County.
Washington State and the State of Illinois disburse gaming proceeds, specifically lottery.
A certain percentage goes to Parks, Rec, Open Space. Another chunk goes to public and post-secondary education. Another piece of the pie goes to Road, Bridge and Infrastructure maintenance. With another slice going to Human Services. Periodically, some rotations are done.
GOCO has sucked up millions of dollars in lottery proceeds since inception. There are counties around the state that are just sitting on funds trying to find still yet another play park, recreational game or venue or chunk of ground to build something 'recreational' on.
While our schools and public education system are in dire financial straits, we have more homeless and hungry than every before in Colorado history and you can't drive anywhere without a wide range of pot holes plaguing every mile you drive.
A few days ago, the Aspen Times published their editorial "Aspen pounds its liberal chest" and did so with obviously great pride. I could not stomach the thought of the likely bloody brutality commentators would respond with, so I did not toss it up. The topics they chose to tout as "liberal" base were far from politics. Why is it, that immediate inflammatory content is the first choice for "liberal" publications?
Since when are liberals the only ones who conserve and recycle plastics? What? Mayor Mick, who apparently is the only one who has "secret access" to all cast ballots, went in and determined that it was only "liberals" who voted for the ban?? Get real!.
"Liberals" are the only ones who supported getting away from the US Chamber? Here's a news flash, Aspen and ACRA: You have a lot more "liberals" and "conservatives" out here wanting a clear transparency answer on "why" the detailed accounting of the ACRA 501-C6 isn't the reason for leaving the US Chamber behind. The very idea that an entire 'scandal' can be played out in global press over the "climate change" and "US Chamber decision" is ridiculous, silly and pompous. You have much greater concerns, say the folks.
The Aspen arm of the Susan G. Komen foundation saw heavy negative fire from an entire nation, not just "conservatives". Their position catalyzed the conversation to ignite but the primary back-slappers were Aspenites. The move by Aspen's Komen sparked the "war on women" battles that have been going on ever since. A war, since the Aspen Times is keeping score, that "conservative women" are winning. This isn't about Roe v. Wade, birth control, Planned Parenthood funding. The "war on women" is about respect for all women. Something that a rising showing of "liberals" are having difficulty with. Aspen Komen had a few great days of media spotlight but the message they sent was exactly the opposite of what they thought they were achieving. "Conservative" women have since made certain that the facts are drowning out the spin. So far, "they" seem to not only be succeeding, "they" seem to be showing a great deal of respect for all women.
I wonder if the Pitkin County Commissioners are going to write still yet another of their infamous letters. This time trying to stop the 'education hogs' from seizing the entire pie of lottery proceeds.
That might be tough to pull off with any credibility since they are "open space, parks and rec hogs' themselves and are just coming off sending their latest missive to the government.
And then there is that small problem of the blazing 'manufactured outrage' sending too many letters protecting Aspen's drug and law enforcement culture. Just look where that got them with the DEA and FBI.
How about sharing that cash cow of gaming proceeds?
win win.
(Read the article? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Washington State and the State of Illinois disburse gaming proceeds, specifically lottery.
A certain percentage goes to Parks, Rec, Open Space. Another chunk goes to public and post-secondary education. Another piece of the pie goes to Road, Bridge and Infrastructure maintenance. With another slice going to Human Services. Periodically, some rotations are done.
GOCO has sucked up millions of dollars in lottery proceeds since inception. There are counties around the state that are just sitting on funds trying to find still yet another play park, recreational game or venue or chunk of ground to build something 'recreational' on.
While our schools and public education system are in dire financial straits, we have more homeless and hungry than every before in Colorado history and you can't drive anywhere without a wide range of pot holes plaguing every mile you drive.
A few days ago, the Aspen Times published their editorial "Aspen pounds its liberal chest" and did so with obviously great pride. I could not stomach the thought of the likely bloody brutality commentators would respond with, so I did not toss it up. The topics they chose to tout as "liberal" base were far from politics. Why is it, that immediate inflammatory content is the first choice for "liberal" publications?
Since when are liberals the only ones who conserve and recycle plastics? What? Mayor Mick, who apparently is the only one who has "secret access" to all cast ballots, went in and determined that it was only "liberals" who voted for the ban?? Get real!.
"Liberals" are the only ones who supported getting away from the US Chamber? Here's a news flash, Aspen and ACRA: You have a lot more "liberals" and "conservatives" out here wanting a clear transparency answer on "why" the detailed accounting of the ACRA 501-C6 isn't the reason for leaving the US Chamber behind. The very idea that an entire 'scandal' can be played out in global press over the "climate change" and "US Chamber decision" is ridiculous, silly and pompous. You have much greater concerns, say the folks.
The Aspen arm of the Susan G. Komen foundation saw heavy negative fire from an entire nation, not just "conservatives". Their position catalyzed the conversation to ignite but the primary back-slappers were Aspenites. The move by Aspen's Komen sparked the "war on women" battles that have been going on ever since. A war, since the Aspen Times is keeping score, that "conservative women" are winning. This isn't about Roe v. Wade, birth control, Planned Parenthood funding. The "war on women" is about respect for all women. Something that a rising showing of "liberals" are having difficulty with. Aspen Komen had a few great days of media spotlight but the message they sent was exactly the opposite of what they thought they were achieving. "Conservative" women have since made certain that the facts are drowning out the spin. So far, "they" seem to not only be succeeding, "they" seem to be showing a great deal of respect for all women.
I wonder if the Pitkin County Commissioners are going to write still yet another of their infamous letters. This time trying to stop the 'education hogs' from seizing the entire pie of lottery proceeds.
That might be tough to pull off with any credibility since they are "open space, parks and rec hogs' themselves and are just coming off sending their latest missive to the government.
And then there is that small problem of the blazing 'manufactured outrage' sending too many letters protecting Aspen's drug and law enforcement culture. Just look where that got them with the DEA and FBI.
How about sharing that cash cow of gaming proceeds?
win win.
(Read the article? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Delta County Independent "Paonia Chamber opens office"
News Release:
"The Paonia Chamber of Commerce has announced the official opening of their office at 124 Grand Avenue in downtown Paonia.
To celebrate, the chamber will host a special "Business After Hours" block party on
Friday, May 4, from 5-7 p.m. which will include the seasonal opening of Ollie's Ice Cream.
"Our office is just one of the investments the chamber has recently made to promote both local business and to serve our many visitors to the area," chamber president Alexis Halbert said. "The entire front room of the office is a display area where chamber members can advertise their businesses and services."
Chamber members are asked to provide business cards, posters, advertisements and products to display in the office. In addition to the wall display areas, there is a special area devoted to larger displays that can feature local products or whatever larger items businesses would like to share. Contact board member Ulli Lange at 527-3185 or at uolange@hotmail.com to be included and take advantage of this advertising opportunity.
"You will also soon notice new bright blue 'i' information signs on Highway 133 leading visitors into town, as well as one above the door at the office," Halbert said. "We will be keeping regular hours from the May 4 opening through the summer and are looking for volunteers on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to staff the office."
Chamber members are beginning preparations for this year's Cherry Days activities which will start on Wednesday, July 4, with the traditional parade and celebration in town park. Festivities will continue on Friday, July 7, with Downtown Days from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by music, crafts, and fun in the park through Sunday afternoon. For more information on how to participate in Downtown Days, e-mail Halbert at alexishalbert@gmail.com or leave a message at the chamber office, 527-3886.
To volunteer for Cherry Days contact the chamber office by phone or e-mail."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The Paonia Chamber of Commerce has announced the official opening of their office at 124 Grand Avenue in downtown Paonia.
To celebrate, the chamber will host a special "Business After Hours" block party on
Friday, May 4, from 5-7 p.m. which will include the seasonal opening of Ollie's Ice Cream.
"Our office is just one of the investments the chamber has recently made to promote both local business and to serve our many visitors to the area," chamber president Alexis Halbert said. "The entire front room of the office is a display area where chamber members can advertise their businesses and services."
Chamber members are asked to provide business cards, posters, advertisements and products to display in the office. In addition to the wall display areas, there is a special area devoted to larger displays that can feature local products or whatever larger items businesses would like to share. Contact board member Ulli Lange at 527-3185 or at uolange@hotmail.com to be included and take advantage of this advertising opportunity.
"You will also soon notice new bright blue 'i' information signs on Highway 133 leading visitors into town, as well as one above the door at the office," Halbert said. "We will be keeping regular hours from the May 4 opening through the summer and are looking for volunteers on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to staff the office."
Chamber members are beginning preparations for this year's Cherry Days activities which will start on Wednesday, July 4, with the traditional parade and celebration in town park. Festivities will continue on Friday, July 7, with Downtown Days from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by music, crafts, and fun in the park through Sunday afternoon. For more information on how to participate in Downtown Days, e-mail Halbert at alexishalbert@gmail.com or leave a message at the chamber office, 527-3886.
To volunteer for Cherry Days contact the chamber office by phone or e-mail."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Kudos to Linman for running for office"
Just say YES to Sonja Linman.
Ken Fry:
"What a wonderful surprise it was to see someone as qualified as Sonja Linman challenging John Martin for his Garfield Board of County Commissioners seat in November. I personally have been waiting a long time to see someone rise up who could bump John Martin out of this career he has created for himself. I think we have found it in Sonja Linman....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Ken Fry:
"What a wonderful surprise it was to see someone as qualified as Sonja Linman challenging John Martin for his Garfield Board of County Commissioners seat in November. I personally have been waiting a long time to see someone rise up who could bump John Martin out of this career he has created for himself. I think we have found it in Sonja Linman....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Downtown area eyed for central transit hub"
Any one of these options would be so much better than the old Subaru site. With downtown, the problem will still be parking.
John Stroud:
"The working group included representatives from the city of Glenwood Springs, Amtrak, Greyhound Bus Lines, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) and the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Nine potential sites for such a facility were evaluated through the planning process. The public got a chance to rate the various site options during an open house in February.
The transit facility would be intended to serve local commuters and long-distance travelers alike, by creating a central hub where people can make connections to various modes of transportation more easily.
The project is only in the planning stages, and funding to build the facility has not yet been identified.
The proposed multimodal facility is being planned in conjunction with RFTA's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) implementation. RFTA is working to secure the former Subaru car dealership property on South Glen Avenue to serve as the primary Glenwood Springs hub for the BRT system.
But a more central transit hub is envisioned in the city of Glenwood Springs' 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan, as well as the city's confluence-area plan.
Other possible locations included three sites scattered along Wulfsohn Road and Midland Avenue west of the Glenwood Meadows development. Another site on the north side of Interstate 70 at Soccer Road and Highway 6 in West Glenwood was also evaluated....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
John Stroud:
"The working group included representatives from the city of Glenwood Springs, Amtrak, Greyhound Bus Lines, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) and the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Nine potential sites for such a facility were evaluated through the planning process. The public got a chance to rate the various site options during an open house in February.
The transit facility would be intended to serve local commuters and long-distance travelers alike, by creating a central hub where people can make connections to various modes of transportation more easily.
The project is only in the planning stages, and funding to build the facility has not yet been identified.
The proposed multimodal facility is being planned in conjunction with RFTA's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) implementation. RFTA is working to secure the former Subaru car dealership property on South Glen Avenue to serve as the primary Glenwood Springs hub for the BRT system.
But a more central transit hub is envisioned in the city of Glenwood Springs' 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan, as well as the city's confluence-area plan.
Other possible locations included three sites scattered along Wulfsohn Road and Midland Avenue west of the Glenwood Meadows development. Another site on the north side of Interstate 70 at Soccer Road and Highway 6 in West Glenwood was also evaluated....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Note from 'Nanny' "Some guidelines for political commenting on SandBox"
"I am going to put my thoughts on what I am seeing from commentators on certain political races into this post so that there is a link I can toss up on certain news articles as election season heads into the home stretch.
The concept of SandBoxBlogs was finally launched in 2010 because local print news was censoring content from avatars that was perfectly above board in all ways, with the exception that it was content some powerful folks and the media that serves them did not want heard.
Over the past two years, the exposure of all that previously quashed information being viewable to the public eye has brought lasting, positive change to the area. SandBox is not the only independent blog that allows the news to be heard. There are at least three other very popular watering holes in the area that have large, lively and active hubs.
SandBox, probably due to the wide range of aggregate news we post daily sees the most diverse comments. The only one that comes close is the liberal leaning community of Aspen Post.
With that diversity there are also wide ranging emotions that rise to the surface of your comments.
'SandBox Nanny' is not shy about giving you the boot or tagging a time out when you cross the line.
With that said, the dilemma she often faces is 'what to do' when the comment(s) sound more personal than political, more angry than constructive, yet are honest and on point.
There are a couple of local and state races this season, in addition to the boiling hot lava of all national races for office and policy legislation, that are seeing that instantaneous blast through the stratosphere on both comments and attention that the power of the internet provides.
Those are the races for the 10th, the 9th, the 5th and the 21st Judicial district attorneys. The Garfield County Commissioner races. Pitkin County Commissioner races are heating up. National and state congressional seats in a number of districts as well.
The problem with all of the DA races, most of the commissioner races and a couple of the congressional runs is that it is about personality not platforms.
It is about ideology, philosophy, values, character and how the individuals involved project themselves out into their sworn duty that then affects the lives of the folks in direct ways.
Unfortunately, those are the hot, hot and hotter buttons this time around.
Why?
"What we each personally believe, comes forward from our perceptions throughout our lifetime. What we think we see, becomes what we believe. What we actually see, comes from what we perceive."
The catalyzing of first the blogosphere and micro-blogosphere challenges to mainstream media, then the juggernaut of the 'Tea Party' revolution and the 'Occupy' movement coming in next, have all brought the necessary and positive changes we needed but they also have left behind an aftermath of confusion, disorganization and at times, chaos when it comes to media coverage and resulting communication to the general public. It's both way, way too easy to speak words out there and simultaneously very, very difficult to be understood and your true meaning heard.
It is during such times that we see the man or woman standing next to us or in front of us as a leader by their true nature.
The problem of that clarity then becomes, when that human nature is either flawed in some capacity or has personal intent rather than global intent and/or ill intent; the weaponry in a high-tech world that is literally at everyone's fingertips.
As it goes against my personal values regarding the right to be heard, I cannot and will not, curb too tightly your points and messages that are personal against or for, any elected public figure, hopefully elected candidate or any person who is in a position of public trust or sworn duty.
We can not hope for positive growth and change if we do not confront the real issues at hand.
Politics is not a popularity contest. Nor is placing yourself in a position of public trust a responsibility that you can either turn on and off at will or insert your own personal desires.
Leadership is not always found in who is the boldest, the loudest, the one most seen or the one racking up the most 'points'.
True leadership is never found in unbridled popularity and is most often found in those that are not all that well liked or understood by others.
I personally find it unfortunate at best, that we have a couple of races in the state and the nation where the candidates themselves are forcing their outcomes to be about personality, popularity and self-aggrandizing.
Because there is one thing I know with absolute certainty.
The folks are going to call them out on those points in order to get the conversation back to what the folks need to know in order to vote what is best for their lives, communities and country.
just sayin.
With all of the above said, I am also a little weary on personal levels of listening to the same bloviating personalities trying to outshout, out race and tromp down anything standing in their way.
Please refresh your memories on my 'Rules, Regs and Worth', and know that this election cycle you all (including the subjects in news articles) have a somewhat impatient 'Nanny' who.....rules.
At least she does here on SandBox. " (Comment ability blocked on this post)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
The concept of SandBoxBlogs was finally launched in 2010 because local print news was censoring content from avatars that was perfectly above board in all ways, with the exception that it was content some powerful folks and the media that serves them did not want heard.
Over the past two years, the exposure of all that previously quashed information being viewable to the public eye has brought lasting, positive change to the area. SandBox is not the only independent blog that allows the news to be heard. There are at least three other very popular watering holes in the area that have large, lively and active hubs.
SandBox, probably due to the wide range of aggregate news we post daily sees the most diverse comments. The only one that comes close is the liberal leaning community of Aspen Post.
With that diversity there are also wide ranging emotions that rise to the surface of your comments.
'SandBox Nanny' is not shy about giving you the boot or tagging a time out when you cross the line.
With that said, the dilemma she often faces is 'what to do' when the comment(s) sound more personal than political, more angry than constructive, yet are honest and on point.
There are a couple of local and state races this season, in addition to the boiling hot lava of all national races for office and policy legislation, that are seeing that instantaneous blast through the stratosphere on both comments and attention that the power of the internet provides.
Those are the races for the 10th, the 9th, the 5th and the 21st Judicial district attorneys. The Garfield County Commissioner races. Pitkin County Commissioner races are heating up. National and state congressional seats in a number of districts as well.
The problem with all of the DA races, most of the commissioner races and a couple of the congressional runs is that it is about personality not platforms.
It is about ideology, philosophy, values, character and how the individuals involved project themselves out into their sworn duty that then affects the lives of the folks in direct ways.
Unfortunately, those are the hot, hot and hotter buttons this time around.
Why?
"What we each personally believe, comes forward from our perceptions throughout our lifetime. What we think we see, becomes what we believe. What we actually see, comes from what we perceive."
The catalyzing of first the blogosphere and micro-blogosphere challenges to mainstream media, then the juggernaut of the 'Tea Party' revolution and the 'Occupy' movement coming in next, have all brought the necessary and positive changes we needed but they also have left behind an aftermath of confusion, disorganization and at times, chaos when it comes to media coverage and resulting communication to the general public. It's both way, way too easy to speak words out there and simultaneously very, very difficult to be understood and your true meaning heard.
It is during such times that we see the man or woman standing next to us or in front of us as a leader by their true nature.
The problem of that clarity then becomes, when that human nature is either flawed in some capacity or has personal intent rather than global intent and/or ill intent; the weaponry in a high-tech world that is literally at everyone's fingertips.
As it goes against my personal values regarding the right to be heard, I cannot and will not, curb too tightly your points and messages that are personal against or for, any elected public figure, hopefully elected candidate or any person who is in a position of public trust or sworn duty.
We can not hope for positive growth and change if we do not confront the real issues at hand.
Politics is not a popularity contest. Nor is placing yourself in a position of public trust a responsibility that you can either turn on and off at will or insert your own personal desires.
Leadership is not always found in who is the boldest, the loudest, the one most seen or the one racking up the most 'points'.
True leadership is never found in unbridled popularity and is most often found in those that are not all that well liked or understood by others.
I personally find it unfortunate at best, that we have a couple of races in the state and the nation where the candidates themselves are forcing their outcomes to be about personality, popularity and self-aggrandizing.
Because there is one thing I know with absolute certainty.
The folks are going to call them out on those points in order to get the conversation back to what the folks need to know in order to vote what is best for their lives, communities and country.
just sayin.
With all of the above said, I am also a little weary on personal levels of listening to the same bloviating personalities trying to outshout, out race and tromp down anything standing in their way.
Please refresh your memories on my 'Rules, Regs and Worth', and know that this election cycle you all (including the subjects in news articles) have a somewhat impatient 'Nanny' who.....rules.
At least she does here on SandBox. " (Comment ability blocked on this post)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Aspen rider's avalanche air bag helped her survive Alaska slide"
Scott Condon:
"“My first thought was, ‘I have to get out,'” Konicek said. In the seconds she spent looking for a way out, she was caught from behind by snow and debris.
“I was blasted off my feet by all the snow barreling down on me,” she said. She was thrown on her back with such force that she dislocated her left shoulder. As a medical doctor, she realized she suffered the injury upon impact. Meanwhile, she was hurtling down the mountain on her back, head first. She started suffocating on snow.
“It was just like someone was pouring a mountain of snow on me,” Konicek said. “This is happening pretty quickly. I knew I was screwed pretty much.”
But Konicek said she never thought she would get killed, and her last resort was a life saver. She pulled the rip cord of her avalanche air bag and detected “the best sound I've ever heard” when the pressurized air canister released.
The air bag is stored in a backpack. In a nutshell, the bag inflates in two pieces that provide protection from the wearer's lower back to their head, and it splays them flat.
“It floated me to the surface, which was awesome,” Konicek said.
A Swiss company called Snowpulse equipped Orange Extreme with its avalanche air bag packs last winter. It was the first winter Konicek wore a bag. The previous three winters she rode with an avalanche lung, which allows a person to breath longer if they are buried under snow.
Avalanche air bags are surging in popularity. A blog on Wild Snow, a website for backcountry travelers, said a study of documented accidents show that avalanche victims with an air-bag system survive 97 percent of the time.
Konicek remembers being both relieved when her air bag deployed and horrified that she was speeding down the mountain. The couloir was steeper than Highland Bowl. She figures she took a 1,200-foot long ride. The avalanche had started about one-third of the way down the run. The lower two-thirds slid, she said. She estimated the slide at 50 to 100 feet wide and up to two feet deep. Although she and other competitors in big-mountain events train for avalanches and sometimes wear air bags for competition, depending on the venue, this was the first time she had been in an avalanche....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"“My first thought was, ‘I have to get out,'” Konicek said. In the seconds she spent looking for a way out, she was caught from behind by snow and debris.
“I was blasted off my feet by all the snow barreling down on me,” she said. She was thrown on her back with such force that she dislocated her left shoulder. As a medical doctor, she realized she suffered the injury upon impact. Meanwhile, she was hurtling down the mountain on her back, head first. She started suffocating on snow.
“It was just like someone was pouring a mountain of snow on me,” Konicek said. “This is happening pretty quickly. I knew I was screwed pretty much.”
But Konicek said she never thought she would get killed, and her last resort was a life saver. She pulled the rip cord of her avalanche air bag and detected “the best sound I've ever heard” when the pressurized air canister released.
The air bag is stored in a backpack. In a nutshell, the bag inflates in two pieces that provide protection from the wearer's lower back to their head, and it splays them flat.
“It floated me to the surface, which was awesome,” Konicek said.
A Swiss company called Snowpulse equipped Orange Extreme with its avalanche air bag packs last winter. It was the first winter Konicek wore a bag. The previous three winters she rode with an avalanche lung, which allows a person to breath longer if they are buried under snow.
Avalanche air bags are surging in popularity. A blog on Wild Snow, a website for backcountry travelers, said a study of documented accidents show that avalanche victims with an air-bag system survive 97 percent of the time.
Konicek remembers being both relieved when her air bag deployed and horrified that she was speeding down the mountain. The couloir was steeper than Highland Bowl. She figures she took a 1,200-foot long ride. The avalanche had started about one-third of the way down the run. The lower two-thirds slid, she said. She estimated the slide at 50 to 100 feet wide and up to two feet deep. Although she and other competitors in big-mountain events train for avalanches and sometimes wear air bags for competition, depending on the venue, this was the first time she had been in an avalanche....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Real Vail "Springtime in the Rockies means all activity options are on the table"
David O. Williams:
"Everything from hiking to biking to golf to baseball and, yes, even powder skiing, could be on this weekend’s activity list in Colorado. A fast-moving storm may dump up to six inches of new snow on the few ski areas still open, but then things improve as the weekend moves along.
So the ambitious Coloradan could hit Breckenridge, Loveland or Arapahoe Basin for some fresh turns, then head to one of eight national parks and monuments in Colorado offering free entry through Sunday. Or play 18 holes at the newly revamped Eagle-Vail Golf Club starting on Saturday.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Everything from hiking to biking to golf to baseball and, yes, even powder skiing, could be on this weekend’s activity list in Colorado. A fast-moving storm may dump up to six inches of new snow on the few ski areas still open, but then things improve as the weekend moves along.
So the ambitious Coloradan could hit Breckenridge, Loveland or Arapahoe Basin for some fresh turns, then head to one of eight national parks and monuments in Colorado offering free entry through Sunday. Or play 18 holes at the newly revamped Eagle-Vail Golf Club starting on Saturday.
National Park Week runs through Sunday, with entry free at many national parks and monuments around the country, including eight in Colorado: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado National Monument, Dinosaur National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Hovenweep National Monument, Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park...." (Read more? Click title)
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