Michael A. Needham & Tim Chapman:
"For many conservatives, the two-year moratorium on the practice of earmarking was the signature accomplishment of the new Republican House majority. Prior to the moratorium, the proliferation of earmarks notoriously greased the legislative skids for massive big-spending legislation, empowered lobbyists and led to corruption. Now, a minor skirmish over miscellaneous tariff bills is being used by the Washington establishment to reopen that moratorium and roll back conservative advances.
Despite the public outcry against the status quo, Washington’s old bulls were never supportive of the earmark moratorium. They went along because they knew they could not withstand the political clout of a newly reinvigorated conservative movement, but being creatures of Washington, the old bulls waited patiently, knowing that there are no permanent victories in this town....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
May 3, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Red State "Since SEAL Team 6 Can’t Rescue the Economy, Don’t Get Distracted"
Erick Erickson:
"A week ago I wrote:
It’s hard to combat Barack Obama going to Afghanistan — his first war zone visit in 17 months — when our guy flew in a fighter jet, landed on an aircraft carrier, and gave a speech in front of a “Mission Accomplished” sign. We may know the differences, but the average voter does not. It’s not worth our time and effort trying to set the record straight because it is all a distraction anyway.
What the average voter does know that we can use are two things that are not distractions...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"A week ago I wrote:
Like the Great Oz, the Democrats prefer no one pay attention to the economic disaster behind the curtains. I have run a great many campaigns. Each has a real narrative focus. The goal of the campaign is to try to stay on that narrative focus and not get distracted by the team worried about losing. The Democrats’ antics reveal they are deeply worried about losing. They cannot fight on the issue that is singularly at play in this election — Barack Obama’s bungling of the economy, so they must try to force Mitt Romney to play elsewhere.Now Mr. Obama has gone to Afghanistan to address the nation for seven minutes.
It’s hard to combat Barack Obama going to Afghanistan — his first war zone visit in 17 months — when our guy flew in a fighter jet, landed on an aircraft carrier, and gave a speech in front of a “Mission Accomplished” sign. We may know the differences, but the average voter does not. It’s not worth our time and effort trying to set the record straight because it is all a distraction anyway.
What the average voter does know that we can use are two things that are not distractions...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Washington Times "Bin Laden documents to be posted Thursday morning"
Kristina Wong:
"The Combating Terrorism Center at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., will post on its website at 9 a.m. Thursday documents seized last year by Navy SEALs from Osama bin Laden’s hideout in Pakistan after they had killed the al Qaeda leader.
The publication of the terror network’s documents comes amid criticism that President Obama is politicizing the one-year anniversary of bin Laden’s death for political gain.
A spokesman for the Office of Director for National Intelligence said Wednesday that the timing of the release of documents is not linked to the anniversary of bin Laden’s death.
“Identifying the documents, declassifying the document analyzing and reviewing the documents required considerable time since they were obtained a year ago,” spokesman Michael Birmingham said.
He said that time was needed to transcribe the 17 documents, which will be posted in English and Arabic.
Mr. Birmingham said the director for national intelligence decided to pass the documents to West Point to review and post “because of its ability to publish expert commentary and analysis by subject matter experts alongside the documents, because of their previous experience with analyzing and posting captured battlefield documents.”
The documents were selected by a U.S. inter-agency government group and vetted to make sure there was no operationally sensitive information posted, the spokesman said....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The Combating Terrorism Center at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., will post on its website at 9 a.m. Thursday documents seized last year by Navy SEALs from Osama bin Laden’s hideout in Pakistan after they had killed the al Qaeda leader.
The publication of the terror network’s documents comes amid criticism that President Obama is politicizing the one-year anniversary of bin Laden’s death for political gain.
A spokesman for the Office of Director for National Intelligence said Wednesday that the timing of the release of documents is not linked to the anniversary of bin Laden’s death.
“Identifying the documents, declassifying the document analyzing and reviewing the documents required considerable time since they were obtained a year ago,” spokesman Michael Birmingham said.
He said that time was needed to transcribe the 17 documents, which will be posted in English and Arabic.
Mr. Birmingham said the director for national intelligence decided to pass the documents to West Point to review and post “because of its ability to publish expert commentary and analysis by subject matter experts alongside the documents, because of their previous experience with analyzing and posting captured battlefield documents.”
The documents were selected by a U.S. inter-agency government group and vetted to make sure there was no operationally sensitive information posted, the spokesman said....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Charlie Leonard: President's math doesn't add up"
Charlie Leonard:
"It's the nature of our politics that we allow our politicians wide latitude when they make promises about the future. More often than not, this is the triumph of hope over reason, but it's the small probabilities that sustain us in this optimism. It's because we know it's actually possible to solve problems — even if in our hearts we know certain individuals lack the courage or the competence to get it done — that we continue to give them some benefit of our doubt.
But what are we to believe when our politicians start to make promises that are beyond improbable and enter the realm of impossibility?...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"It's the nature of our politics that we allow our politicians wide latitude when they make promises about the future. More often than not, this is the triumph of hope over reason, but it's the small probabilities that sustain us in this optimism. It's because we know it's actually possible to solve problems — even if in our hearts we know certain individuals lack the courage or the competence to get it done — that we continue to give them some benefit of our doubt.
But what are we to believe when our politicians start to make promises that are beyond improbable and enter the realm of impossibility?...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Beauprez headlines Lincoln Day Dinner fundraiser in Steamboat"
Matt Stensland:
"Former Colorado gubernatorial candidate and U.S. congressman Bob Beauprez will headline a Friday fundraiser and dinner for local Republicans.
“He talks to anybody and everybody and is a good guy and a good speaker,” said Chuck McConnell, chairman of the Routt County Republican Central Committee.
The GOP’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner fundraiser starts with a social hour at 5 p.m. at the Steamboat Springs Community Center. The barbecue dinner is at 6 p.m., and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. The evening will include silent and live auctions. Admission is $40 for adults 23 and older and $20 for those 22 and younger.
McConnell said local Republicans have been busy in recent months designating candidates at the state, district and county levels. Now the party has its sights set on the Nov. 6 election.
“We are absolutely motivated and fired up and excited about this election cycle,” McConnell said. “We consider this to be an incredibly important campaign cycle.”
Lincoln Day dinners are held in communities throughout the country. McConnell said the dinner helps raise money for the local party, which then uses it to cover administrative costs and to provide support for local candidates. Routt County Republicans annually purchase a pig from the Routt County Fair to host a big roast for seniors. The group also has established a $500 annual scholarship for a local graduating high school student....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Former Colorado gubernatorial candidate and U.S. congressman Bob Beauprez will headline a Friday fundraiser and dinner for local Republicans.
“He talks to anybody and everybody and is a good guy and a good speaker,” said Chuck McConnell, chairman of the Routt County Republican Central Committee.
The GOP’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner fundraiser starts with a social hour at 5 p.m. at the Steamboat Springs Community Center. The barbecue dinner is at 6 p.m., and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. The evening will include silent and live auctions. Admission is $40 for adults 23 and older and $20 for those 22 and younger.
McConnell said local Republicans have been busy in recent months designating candidates at the state, district and county levels. Now the party has its sights set on the Nov. 6 election.
“We are absolutely motivated and fired up and excited about this election cycle,” McConnell said. “We consider this to be an incredibly important campaign cycle.”
Lincoln Day dinners are held in communities throughout the country. McConnell said the dinner helps raise money for the local party, which then uses it to cover administrative costs and to provide support for local candidates. Routt County Republicans annually purchase a pig from the Routt County Fair to host a big roast for seniors. The group also has established a $500 annual scholarship for a local graduating high school student....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Colorado Statesman "Deputy DA forces surprise primary in 18th Judicial District"
Another Colorado district attorney race heats up, this time from the 18th Judicial District.
At issue is still yet more controversy sparked from the policies of outgoing District Attorney Carol Chambers and interestingly enough, another technical issue on validity of candidates.
Ben Conarck:
"It looks like there will be a Republican primary in the 18th Judicial District’s district attorney race after all.
Deputy District Attorney Leslie Hansen successfully petitioned onto the ballot for the 18th JD’s district attorney race after she failed to receive enough delegates at the district’s nominating assembly last month.
The secretary of state’s office certified 1,487 of the submitted signatures, well exceeding the requirement of 1,000 signatures.
At the 18th JD nominating assembly on March 26, Hansen received 27 percent of the vote in the four-way contest, just shy of the 30 percent threshold needed to secure a place on the ballot.
Denver attorney and JAG officer George Brauchler earned 47 percent of the vote at the assembly, in what some called an upset victory.
Hansen said she was “very pleased” to make the ballot, and that she was encouraged to petition ahead by delegates at the assembly, as well as the two other candidates who failed to meet the 30 percent delegate threshold.
Brauchler said that he had hoped he would be able to focus his efforts and resources on the general election given his “overwhelming victory,” and that he could not think of any other time when a candidate for district attorney has petitioned onto the ballot despite losing at the nominating assembly.
In response, Hansen said she didn’t think it was rare for someone to go through the nominating assembly and still petition on to the ballot...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
At issue is still yet more controversy sparked from the policies of outgoing District Attorney Carol Chambers and interestingly enough, another technical issue on validity of candidates.
Ben Conarck:
"It looks like there will be a Republican primary in the 18th Judicial District’s district attorney race after all.
Deputy District Attorney Leslie Hansen successfully petitioned onto the ballot for the 18th JD’s district attorney race after she failed to receive enough delegates at the district’s nominating assembly last month.
The secretary of state’s office certified 1,487 of the submitted signatures, well exceeding the requirement of 1,000 signatures.
At the 18th JD nominating assembly on March 26, Hansen received 27 percent of the vote in the four-way contest, just shy of the 30 percent threshold needed to secure a place on the ballot.
Denver attorney and JAG officer George Brauchler earned 47 percent of the vote at the assembly, in what some called an upset victory.
Hansen said she was “very pleased” to make the ballot, and that she was encouraged to petition ahead by delegates at the assembly, as well as the two other candidates who failed to meet the 30 percent delegate threshold.
Brauchler said that he had hoped he would be able to focus his efforts and resources on the general election given his “overwhelming victory,” and that he could not think of any other time when a candidate for district attorney has petitioned onto the ballot despite losing at the nominating assembly.
In response, Hansen said she didn’t think it was rare for someone to go through the nominating assembly and still petition on to the ballot...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KJCT News 8 "Accused Drug Thief Pleads to Murder Charge"
Don Coleman:
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- The man accused of stealing drugs from an Orchard Mesa dealer before shooting and killing a 16-year-old co-conspirator has agreed to a plea deal.
Joshua Ringold, 22, has agreed to plead guilty to one charge of 2nd Degree Murder and another of Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Robbery. As part of the plea deal, one count of 1st Degree Murder, one count of Attempted 1st Degree Murder, three counts of 1st Degree Burglary, and two counts of Felony Menacing with a Weapon were all dropped.
According to Prosecutor Dan Rubinstein, the sentences for each charge must run consecutively meaning Ringold faces anywhere from 21 to 64 years in prison at a sentencing hearing in July...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- The man accused of stealing drugs from an Orchard Mesa dealer before shooting and killing a 16-year-old co-conspirator has agreed to a plea deal.
Joshua Ringold, 22, has agreed to plead guilty to one charge of 2nd Degree Murder and another of Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Robbery. As part of the plea deal, one count of 1st Degree Murder, one count of Attempted 1st Degree Murder, three counts of 1st Degree Burglary, and two counts of Felony Menacing with a Weapon were all dropped.
According to Prosecutor Dan Rubinstein, the sentences for each charge must run consecutively meaning Ringold faces anywhere from 21 to 64 years in prison at a sentencing hearing in July...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "U.S. Customs And Border Protection Officers Seize Nearly $477,000 In Cocaine At South Texas Port Of Entry"
"Brownsville, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Los Indios International Bridge on Monday discovered cocaine valued at approximately $476,800 concealed within a Dodge Stratus.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
On Monday, April 30, CBP officers at the Los Indios International Bridge stopped a female driving a white 2006 Dodge Stratus for a primary inspection. The driver, identified as a 42-year-old female citizen of Mexico who resides in Santa Maria, Texas, was referred to secondary for further inspection. Examination by CBP officers in secondary revealed six hidden packages concealed within the vehicle's battery. CBP officers removed the packages from the vehicle which had a combined total weight of 14.9 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The alleged cocaine from this seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $476,800. CBP officers turned the woman over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation. CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicle.
“Observational training has resulted in CBP officers stopping the dangerous narcotics from entering the country.” said CBP Port Director Michael Freeman. “This seizure and arrest exemplifies the outstanding work being done by CBP officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry each and every day.”
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; Customs and Border Protection "CBP in Los Angeles Seizes $40 Million in Meth Chemicals Bound for Mexico"
"Los Angeles — U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) aggressive enforcement posture against Mexican drug trafficking organizations continue bringing record-breaking drugs seizures beyond the land border, at U.S. airports and seaports.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
CBP officers at an air cargo consignment facility of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) seized two shipments of 80 bags, containing 5,700 pounds of methylamine chloride, a known chemical that is used as a precursor to methamphetamine. If used to make methamphetamine, the street value of this seizure is $40 million.
The shipments arrived from China on April 19 and 23, with a final destination in central Mexico. Samples of the white powdery chemical were positively identified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as methylamine chloride, a List 1 controlled substance.
“Once again, we take enormous pride in the exceptional caliber of our officers in intercepting these drug precursors from Asia and preventing their reaching the cartels in Mexico,” said Todd C. Owen, CBP Director of Field Operations, Los Angeles. “The alertness and attention to duty is vital to the mission of CBP in protecting the homeland from all harm, including that of dangerous drugs.”
Methylamine chloride is a corrosive, flammable, strong-odor chemical. In one pathway, it is essential to manufacture methamphetamine and ecstasy. Methylamine chloride is a List 1 controlled substance by the DEA with many legitimate industrial applications in pesticides, solvents and pharmaceutical products.
Suppliers of these products are subject to regulations and control measures. The Controlled Substances Act establishes parameters and strict rules on the manufacture, importation, use and distribution of controlled substances.
On a typical day in fiscal year 2011, CBP seized 13,717 pounds of drugs nationwide.
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: Aspen Daily News "Aspen’s latest status symbol"
Mid-morning post update: a) notice "Anonymous" comment #1 starting off the thread for this post. b) Note the 'strike-through correction' below:
Aspen? Sometimes the 'cost' is just way, way too high.
Politics in the valley? Similar to pig-wrestling. Always entertaining.
Local folk hero Correction: "Beloved, currently out-of-state 'local' (gosh, what's a long-standing past with a weekly gig in the respected opinion columnists category of the only locally owned and operated newspaper in Aspen worth??) and world-class famous icon Jeremy Madden running around with a Big Chief and a #2 pencil in his souped-up 'cop engine' car? Priceless.
Jeremy Madden:
"Congratulations Aspen. You never cease to amaze me. Nor do you disappoint. And this time you’ve really outdone yourself.
What can I say? Using the environment to further exclusivity and elitism is pure genius. Not since feudal Europe has anyone been so clever and creative at dividing the haves and the have-nots. This time you’ve even impressed me.
Aspen is all about image. In Aspen money doesn’t talk, it screams. Everything is about wealth, excess and purchasing power. It is a place where folks are free to flaunt it if they got it. The homes, the clothes, the cars, the furs, the shoes, the surgery, the shades, the bling. If there is a way to show one’s wealth in Aspen it will be done. Everything in Aspen is a status symbol.
However, just when you thought you had seen it all, somehow Aspen has managed to do the impossible. Like turning lead into gold, Aspen has taken the symbol for simplicity and frugality and made it fancy. Although unlikely, Aspen’s latest status symbol is a brown paper bag.
Yes it’s true. Following its ban on single-use plastic grocery sacks, which took effect on May 1, Aspen has taken the fight for exclusivity into the aisles of its grocery stores, and once again the people are losing.
Thinly veiled as an attempt at environmentalism, Aspen’s bag ban is nothing more than a regressive tax, a continuation of class warfare that further promotes division and exclusivity between the classes.
As part of the new ordinance, brown paper bags will still be available for a cost of 20 cents. While this may seem like a negligible sum, symbolically it is an attack on the working-class stronghold we call the grocery store. It is just another way to divide, rather than unite. Sadly, now even a trip to the grocery store can make one feel inferior.
I can already see it: The working-class folks will show up with their reusable bags while the wealthy direct their manservant to load up on provisions packed in brown paper bags. Cries of, “double bag it!” are sure to fall from the lips of the most decadent as they lord themselves above the others..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Aspen? Sometimes the 'cost' is just way, way too high.
Politics in the valley? Similar to pig-wrestling. Always entertaining.
Jeremy Madden:
"Congratulations Aspen. You never cease to amaze me. Nor do you disappoint. And this time you’ve really outdone yourself.
What can I say? Using the environment to further exclusivity and elitism is pure genius. Not since feudal Europe has anyone been so clever and creative at dividing the haves and the have-nots. This time you’ve even impressed me.
Aspen is all about image. In Aspen money doesn’t talk, it screams. Everything is about wealth, excess and purchasing power. It is a place where folks are free to flaunt it if they got it. The homes, the clothes, the cars, the furs, the shoes, the surgery, the shades, the bling. If there is a way to show one’s wealth in Aspen it will be done. Everything in Aspen is a status symbol.
However, just when you thought you had seen it all, somehow Aspen has managed to do the impossible. Like turning lead into gold, Aspen has taken the symbol for simplicity and frugality and made it fancy. Although unlikely, Aspen’s latest status symbol is a brown paper bag.
Yes it’s true. Following its ban on single-use plastic grocery sacks, which took effect on May 1, Aspen has taken the fight for exclusivity into the aisles of its grocery stores, and once again the people are losing.
Thinly veiled as an attempt at environmentalism, Aspen’s bag ban is nothing more than a regressive tax, a continuation of class warfare that further promotes division and exclusivity between the classes.
As part of the new ordinance, brown paper bags will still be available for a cost of 20 cents. While this may seem like a negligible sum, symbolically it is an attack on the working-class stronghold we call the grocery store. It is just another way to divide, rather than unite. Sadly, now even a trip to the grocery store can make one feel inferior.
I can already see it: The working-class folks will show up with their reusable bags while the wealthy direct their manservant to load up on provisions packed in brown paper bags. Cries of, “double bag it!” are sure to fall from the lips of the most decadent as they lord themselves above the others..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "CMC has until this Friday to decide on gas compressor site"
And.....they're off! From the jihad pen of investigative reporter John Colson, still yet another 'no news' article about the "CMC Compressor Station Massacre"!
Not unlike the flaming blaze of glory penned in the original "Strawberry Days Massacre" article...Colson weaves and spins...twists and turns...his...."carefully choreographed half-truths" and brings us more 'no real news' from Spring Valley!
(whisper...whisper....one ringie-dingie...two ringie dingie...what are some definitions of "corruption" again?...."the process of gradually becoming inferior"..."a state of decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor"..."systemic corrosion"...three ringie-dingie...four ringie-dingie...whisper...whisper...(yes, this is a whispering campaign coming at you from this one location on the web)...whisper...whisper...hey, get off the line!...whisper...whisper..)
How about instead we stick to just the facts?
Who are your CMC Trustees? Click here, complete with contact information direct to source. If anything..at least drop an email and thank them for being the best board we've had in a long time.
They're doing a terrific job, even when up against "aging-party liners" stirring up minions who are relying on little to nothing that is factual.
Support your CMC and your CMC Trustees.
(Read today's article from Colson? Are you sure? Click title, then.)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Not unlike the flaming blaze of glory penned in the original "Strawberry Days Massacre" article...Colson weaves and spins...twists and turns...his...."carefully choreographed half-truths" and brings us more 'no real news' from Spring Valley!
(whisper...whisper....one ringie-dingie...two ringie dingie...what are some definitions of "corruption" again?...."the process of gradually becoming inferior"..."a state of decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor"..."systemic corrosion"...three ringie-dingie...four ringie-dingie...whisper...whisper...(yes, this is a whispering campaign coming at you from this one location on the web)...whisper...whisper...hey, get off the line!...whisper...whisper..)
How about instead we stick to just the facts?
Who are your CMC Trustees? Click here, complete with contact information direct to source. If anything..at least drop an email and thank them for being the best board we've had in a long time.
They're doing a terrific job, even when up against "aging-party liners" stirring up minions who are relying on little to nothing that is factual.
Support your CMC and your CMC Trustees.
(Read today's article from Colson? Are you sure? Click title, then.)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Questioning PI's judgment"
Respectfully written in to the PI by Kathryn Trauger:
"In the Tuesday, May 1, edition of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent, there was a lovely, very large picture of chickens on page one. Don't get me wrong, I love animals and birds.
However, on page two was a very tiny (less than 1 inch-by-1 inch) picture of an at-large bank robber. While the quality of the photo was probably not great, since it was a surveillance photo, there was almost nothing distinguishable in that tiny photo.
I am questioning the journalistic judgment of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent editorial team. How can a chicken story that is going to appear in a later edition and a bag ban in Carbondale be more newsworthy than an at-large bank robber? This is just one more example of poor journalism that is currently displayed by the editorial team at the Post Independent."
Apparently mocking and feeling like a drip of sarcasm and arrogance; the Editorial/Publishing staff at the PI's response:
"Editor's Note: It was indeed debatable whether it was worth running the tiny, low-resolution photo of the bank robbery suspect, but if there is even a slight chance that doing so might help the case be solved, then it was worth it."
(Read the originals? Click title)
Hmmm...another milestone in the mass exodus of lost readers and subscribers from Swift's Aspen Times, PI and Citizen Telegram happens when? Right. This week. May 4th.
What changes can everyone expect to see at the PI? That is the only one left in the local Swift family that needs to finally finish cleaning itself up.
The Aspen Times made the break last year. Still has issues but that's ...well, Aspen. Consumers expect the output from the Times.
Citizen Telegram under Mike McKibbin has shot itself out of a cannon and is going strong again.
The PI has been obviously reluctant but still cleaning up, slow but sure. Forced by the powers that are or by such negative input from the community?
Nobody has really cared, because the change is obviously not permanent and the ink still runs bright CDOT yellow whenever staff can slip it in.
Things have been somewhat better since Heather McGregor came on board but she has hardly raised her own singular voice. So, it is difficult to tell what control she has over output. Impossible to tell what she will do as managing editor once Weatherred exists. We hope she chooses to finally move up to her full, obvious potential.
How about you?
Wouldn't you have rather seen a "tiny, low-resolution photo of the bank robbery suspect" instead of chickens on the front page?
Given the overall sense of safety and wellness in the county at this time, 'SandBox Nanny' would have.
Special thank you goes out to Kathryn Trauger, today. Here on the Glenwood Springs Post Independent.
And a special wish for good luck and best to the PI staff as they hopefully seize the opportunity to make permanent and positive changes.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"In the Tuesday, May 1, edition of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent, there was a lovely, very large picture of chickens on page one. Don't get me wrong, I love animals and birds.
However, on page two was a very tiny (less than 1 inch-by-1 inch) picture of an at-large bank robber. While the quality of the photo was probably not great, since it was a surveillance photo, there was almost nothing distinguishable in that tiny photo.
I am questioning the journalistic judgment of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent editorial team. How can a chicken story that is going to appear in a later edition and a bag ban in Carbondale be more newsworthy than an at-large bank robber? This is just one more example of poor journalism that is currently displayed by the editorial team at the Post Independent."
Apparently mocking and feeling like a drip of sarcasm and arrogance; the Editorial/Publishing staff at the PI's response:
"Editor's Note: It was indeed debatable whether it was worth running the tiny, low-resolution photo of the bank robbery suspect, but if there is even a slight chance that doing so might help the case be solved, then it was worth it."
(Read the originals? Click title)
Hmmm...another milestone in the mass exodus of lost readers and subscribers from Swift's Aspen Times, PI and Citizen Telegram happens when? Right. This week. May 4th.
What changes can everyone expect to see at the PI? That is the only one left in the local Swift family that needs to finally finish cleaning itself up.
The Aspen Times made the break last year. Still has issues but that's ...well, Aspen. Consumers expect the output from the Times.
Citizen Telegram under Mike McKibbin has shot itself out of a cannon and is going strong again.
The PI has been obviously reluctant but still cleaning up, slow but sure. Forced by the powers that are or by such negative input from the community?
Nobody has really cared, because the change is obviously not permanent and the ink still runs bright CDOT yellow whenever staff can slip it in.
Things have been somewhat better since Heather McGregor came on board but she has hardly raised her own singular voice. So, it is difficult to tell what control she has over output. Impossible to tell what she will do as managing editor once Weatherred exists. We hope she chooses to finally move up to her full, obvious potential.
How about you?
Wouldn't you have rather seen a "tiny, low-resolution photo of the bank robbery suspect" instead of chickens on the front page?
Given the overall sense of safety and wellness in the county at this time, 'SandBox Nanny' would have.
Special thank you goes out to Kathryn Trauger, today. Here on the Glenwood Springs Post Independent.
And a special wish for good luck and best to the PI staff as they hopefully seize the opportunity to make permanent and positive changes.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Glenwood festival arrestee sentenced"
Dennis Webb:
"A man arrested last June as part of a controversial law enforcement action during Glenwood Springs’ Strawberry Days festival has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison.
David Adrian Ramirez-Centeno will be deported after serving his sentence, said Jeff Dorschner, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Denver.
Following his June arrest, he was indicted last September on a charge of unlawful re-entry of an alien with an aggravated felony conviction.
The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition and some local political leaders, event organizers and businesses had criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local law enforcement for having conducted the enforcement action during the festival.
ICE and Garfield Sheriff Lou Vallario have defended the action, saying it targeted local gang members. The sheriff’s office said in a news release today that a multijurisdictional gang unit in the county “will continue to cooperate with all agencies necessary to disrupt and dismantle gang activity and the threat it brings to our communities.....” (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"A man arrested last June as part of a controversial law enforcement action during Glenwood Springs’ Strawberry Days festival has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison.
David Adrian Ramirez-Centeno will be deported after serving his sentence, said Jeff Dorschner, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Denver.
Following his June arrest, he was indicted last September on a charge of unlawful re-entry of an alien with an aggravated felony conviction.
The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition and some local political leaders, event organizers and businesses had criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local law enforcement for having conducted the enforcement action during the festival.
ICE and Garfield Sheriff Lou Vallario have defended the action, saying it targeted local gang members. The sheriff’s office said in a news release today that a multijurisdictional gang unit in the county “will continue to cooperate with all agencies necessary to disrupt and dismantle gang activity and the threat it brings to our communities.....” (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Citizen Telegram "Rifle fire district election features a contested race"
Yowza!!
He even tosses up West End political news and does it without bias dripping off every word!!!!
(Cue sound of cheering crowds in Rifle...Rifle birds singing in chorus...Rifle fireworks popping and Rifle marching bands playing in the streets....Hip, Hip Hooray!!!....)
See related West End politics off the Telegram here.
Mike McKibbin:
"Voters in the Rifle Fire Protection District can cast ballots on Tuesday, May 8 and will choose between three incumbents and a former director to fill three seats on the district board of directors.
They include incumbents Yvonne Long, Rex Rhule and John Sandquist. Former director Lee Martens is seeking to return to the board. He served for four years, before he lost his seat in the 2010 election. Long and Sandquist are each seeking a second, four-year term, while Rhule is running for a third term.
The Rifle district serves some 24,000 people spread out over 411 square miles, including the Rifle city limits. Voters can cast ballots on May 8 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the district office, 1850 Railroad Ave.
The Citizen Telegram asked each candidate to provide their background and experience and to identify the top issues facing the district. Each provided e-mail answers, which were only edited for clarity, spelling and style....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
He even tosses up West End political news and does it without bias dripping off every word!!!!
(Cue sound of cheering crowds in Rifle...Rifle birds singing in chorus...Rifle fireworks popping and Rifle marching bands playing in the streets....Hip, Hip Hooray!!!....)
See related West End politics off the Telegram here.
Mike McKibbin:
"Voters in the Rifle Fire Protection District can cast ballots on Tuesday, May 8 and will choose between three incumbents and a former director to fill three seats on the district board of directors.
They include incumbents Yvonne Long, Rex Rhule and John Sandquist. Former director Lee Martens is seeking to return to the board. He served for four years, before he lost his seat in the 2010 election. Long and Sandquist are each seeking a second, four-year term, while Rhule is running for a third term.
The Rifle district serves some 24,000 people spread out over 411 square miles, including the Rifle city limits. Voters can cast ballots on May 8 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the district office, 1850 Railroad Ave.
The Citizen Telegram asked each candidate to provide their background and experience and to identify the top issues facing the district. Each provided e-mail answers, which were only edited for clarity, spelling and style....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Citizen Telegram "Time to take stock"
A special thank you goes out to Mike McKibbin down on the Citizen Telegram.
Why?
For taking a look around at his beloved City of Rifle, Colorado and with near effortless (appearing as effortless) ease, restoring that lost voice of the folks, The Citizen Telegram.
Finally, we all have at least a chance at hearing the news in Garfield County. Facts, details and diverse voices rather than just the voice of reporter John Colson covering his version of the county.
McKibbin has taken the reins of editorial and publishing control, with the end result after only a few publications being an entirely new feel to the Telegram.
Letters to the Editor are coming in, columns are appearing again, data on the lives of folks in the West End and an overall sense that maybe trust in the output could be on the horizon.
Well done. Today, another 'McKibbin's Sribblin's'. Down on the Citizen Telegram.
Mike McKibbin:
"Change is constant and never-ending. Sometimes there's good changes,, sometimes bad changes. It's often up to your point of view.
That's how it seems for the natural gas industry over the past decade. Ten years is how long Encana USA has held Energy Expos at the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle. This Saturday's event is a good time to look back at how natural gas development, and our lives, have changed in that time.
I was here during that time, as were a lot of folks. We saw how the changes affected us, our neighbors, perhaps even the air we breathe and water we drink. Definitely in terms of the nice, new buildings, roads and other amenities made possible by either taxes or generous donations from the companies involved.
I must have written hundreds and hundreds of stories about the industry and its impacts on the area and people, especially leading up to the Bureau of Land Management's leasing decision for the Roan Plateau a few years ago. I remember the people who had bought or even built their dream homes out in the country around Rifle, Silt and Parachute. And how many felt violated or even saw their health suffer after huge drilling rigs arrived and big truck after big truck drove up and down in front of their homes. Others welcomed the industry with open arms.
Many people left for what they felt was a better quality of life. That's their right. We all live where we want to live.
I also remember how all the white pickup trucks would line up in Parachute each morning to get on Interstate 70 and the county roads that led them to their next well site. All those trucks equaled a lot of money for a lot of people. A lot of good, beneficial projects many of us will always enjoy.
Just a few facts from Encana you can learn more about at Saturday's Expo...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Why?
For taking a look around at his beloved City of Rifle, Colorado and with near effortless (appearing as effortless) ease, restoring that lost voice of the folks, The Citizen Telegram.
Finally, we all have at least a chance at hearing the news in Garfield County. Facts, details and diverse voices rather than just the voice of reporter John Colson covering his version of the county.
McKibbin has taken the reins of editorial and publishing control, with the end result after only a few publications being an entirely new feel to the Telegram.
Letters to the Editor are coming in, columns are appearing again, data on the lives of folks in the West End and an overall sense that maybe trust in the output could be on the horizon.
Well done. Today, another 'McKibbin's Sribblin's'. Down on the Citizen Telegram.
Mike McKibbin:
"Change is constant and never-ending. Sometimes there's good changes,, sometimes bad changes. It's often up to your point of view.
That's how it seems for the natural gas industry over the past decade. Ten years is how long Encana USA has held Energy Expos at the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle. This Saturday's event is a good time to look back at how natural gas development, and our lives, have changed in that time.
I was here during that time, as were a lot of folks. We saw how the changes affected us, our neighbors, perhaps even the air we breathe and water we drink. Definitely in terms of the nice, new buildings, roads and other amenities made possible by either taxes or generous donations from the companies involved.
I must have written hundreds and hundreds of stories about the industry and its impacts on the area and people, especially leading up to the Bureau of Land Management's leasing decision for the Roan Plateau a few years ago. I remember the people who had bought or even built their dream homes out in the country around Rifle, Silt and Parachute. And how many felt violated or even saw their health suffer after huge drilling rigs arrived and big truck after big truck drove up and down in front of their homes. Others welcomed the industry with open arms.
Many people left for what they felt was a better quality of life. That's their right. We all live where we want to live.
I also remember how all the white pickup trucks would line up in Parachute each morning to get on Interstate 70 and the county roads that led them to their next well site. All those trucks equaled a lot of money for a lot of people. A lot of good, beneficial projects many of us will always enjoy.
Just a few facts from Encana you can learn more about at Saturday's Expo...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Back to my roots, to the place where I learned the most"
I wonder, in listening to John Colson reminisce with such heartfelt emotion, where it is that he lost his way?
Very little, to nothing as some would say, of the traits he instilled in himself back in the Cardinal days show up anywhere in his output while working for Swift Communications. Worse, his lack of journalistic integrity that fails so abysmally pulling in fact from fiction and both sides to all stories for the PI and the Times has harmed far more lives, businesses, law enforcement activity and case trials than he has helped.
With such a resume as claimed in his column this week, one can only wonder what happened to John Colson along the way that changed him from what he 'used to be'?
Is that hole in the bucket widening for John?
It appears so.
John Colson:
"I went home last weekend to revel in an atmosphere that was part past, part present and entirely aimed at the future of journalism in our benighted nation.
Which is to say I went back to Madison, Wis., the town where I grew up, for the 120th birthday party of The Daily Cardinal, the student newspaper where I learned for certain and forever that being a reporter was to be my life.
The Cardinal, with the bird itself as its emblem, was and is a unique institution, the sixth-oldest campus paper in the nation.....
.....I learned, at the Cardinal, about everything from the democratic ideals that kept the Cardinal going to deeply held certitudes about the role of journalists in this madcap world.
I learned about the technical aspects of the journalistic business and about how my words went from my brain to my fingers on the keyboard to the typesetting department and the press.
I learned about the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and how it is used and abused every day.
I learned about the perfidy of large corporations, which even then were beginning to buy up small newspapers in a spreading contagion of monopoly newsmongering that continues to this day.
I learned how to ask questions that interviewees really did not want to answer and how to dig into public records to ferret out the secrets that these interviewees tried to hide.
I learned that the hardships endured by people often told a more complete story than the press releases and carefully choreographed half-truths of the official government and corporate worlds.
Yes, I learned how to be what I am at that spunky little paper, and I am grateful to The Daily Cardinal and the culture it embodied in ways I can never fully express or explain..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Very little, to nothing as some would say, of the traits he instilled in himself back in the Cardinal days show up anywhere in his output while working for Swift Communications. Worse, his lack of journalistic integrity that fails so abysmally pulling in fact from fiction and both sides to all stories for the PI and the Times has harmed far more lives, businesses, law enforcement activity and case trials than he has helped.
With such a resume as claimed in his column this week, one can only wonder what happened to John Colson along the way that changed him from what he 'used to be'?
Is that hole in the bucket widening for John?
It appears so.
John Colson:
"I went home last weekend to revel in an atmosphere that was part past, part present and entirely aimed at the future of journalism in our benighted nation.
Which is to say I went back to Madison, Wis., the town where I grew up, for the 120th birthday party of The Daily Cardinal, the student newspaper where I learned for certain and forever that being a reporter was to be my life.
The Cardinal, with the bird itself as its emblem, was and is a unique institution, the sixth-oldest campus paper in the nation.....
.....I learned, at the Cardinal, about everything from the democratic ideals that kept the Cardinal going to deeply held certitudes about the role of journalists in this madcap world.
I learned about the technical aspects of the journalistic business and about how my words went from my brain to my fingers on the keyboard to the typesetting department and the press.
I learned about the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and how it is used and abused every day.
I learned about the perfidy of large corporations, which even then were beginning to buy up small newspapers in a spreading contagion of monopoly newsmongering that continues to this day.
I learned how to ask questions that interviewees really did not want to answer and how to dig into public records to ferret out the secrets that these interviewees tried to hide.
I learned that the hardships endured by people often told a more complete story than the press releases and carefully choreographed half-truths of the official government and corporate worlds.
Yes, I learned how to be what I am at that spunky little paper, and I am grateful to The Daily Cardinal and the culture it embodied in ways I can never fully express or explain..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Roadless rule for Colorado released"
The Sentinel gets the nod this morning on the 'Colorado Roadless Rules' story.
The Aspen Times is trying to once again ineffectively "pound their liberal chest" alongside the Real sites attempting to wage eco-pen jihad. Our favorite and the area's most trusted environmental reports off the Summit County Citizens Voice has the most reference resources and is always a good read; but it is the Sentinel that nails the facts without the emotion.
There are only four print newspapers in Colorado that are held in respect and at a standard that is worthy of being held up to the true meaning of journalistic integrity. They are the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel since under the ownership of the Seaton family, the Pueblo Chieftain, Steamboat Today and the Aspen Daily News.
Let's hope that the 'Roadless saga' is over for now and all trade, commerce and general enjoyment of life for the folks when they head out to the hills can move forward.
win win. Who knew?
(On a side note that is complete political snark and antagonistic on my part:....(yes...this is a "whispering campaign"..)...hey!...how about that 'fracking is inherently safe'...takes campaign donations from Oxbow/Koch and Corzine....Sen. Mark Udall (D)??...he's like...well...the conservatives idea of a secret weapon on 'their' side.....hooah....save a gas rig...vote Sonja Linman (D) for balanced representation for GarCo in the never-ending quest to have neither side completely get their way...hooah..)
Matthew Berger:
"The final version of a long-awaited rule governing roadless areas in Colorado’s national forest lands was released Wednesday.
When finalized a month from now, the rule will exempt Colorado from the federal roadless rule released in 2001 and allow exemptions from roadless protections in some locations in the state for activities such as ski-resort and coal-mine expansions and the thinning of bark-beetle-damaged trees.
It would set a larger acreage than previously expected under protections that exceed those of the federal rule.
Wednesday’s announcement is the culmination of seven years of work on various drafts, and in Denver on Wednesday, the theme from state and federal officials was self-congratulation for a collaborative rule-making process and a victory in which Colorado’s independent spirit was seen as winning out against federal “one-size-fits-all” regulations.
“The new roadless rule represents a characteristically Colorado achievement,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper. “The rule enhances all that makes Colorado special while at the same time providing a measure of flexibility that supports local economies and ensures communities can take steps to protect themselves from threats of wildfire.”
In a letter last week urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to adopt the Colorado rule, Sen. Mark Udall described the proposed rule as “a compromise in which almost no party got everything it wanted, but nearly all have agreed is fair.....” (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
The Aspen Times is trying to once again ineffectively "pound their liberal chest" alongside the Real sites attempting to wage eco-pen jihad. Our favorite and the area's most trusted environmental reports off the Summit County Citizens Voice has the most reference resources and is always a good read; but it is the Sentinel that nails the facts without the emotion.
There are only four print newspapers in Colorado that are held in respect and at a standard that is worthy of being held up to the true meaning of journalistic integrity. They are the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel since under the ownership of the Seaton family, the Pueblo Chieftain, Steamboat Today and the Aspen Daily News.
Let's hope that the 'Roadless saga' is over for now and all trade, commerce and general enjoyment of life for the folks when they head out to the hills can move forward.
win win. Who knew?
(On a side note that is complete political snark and antagonistic on my part:....(yes...this is a "whispering campaign"..)...hey!...how about that 'fracking is inherently safe'...takes campaign donations from Oxbow/Koch and Corzine....Sen. Mark Udall (D)??...he's like...well...the conservatives idea of a secret weapon on 'their' side.....hooah....save a gas rig...vote Sonja Linman (D) for balanced representation for GarCo in the never-ending quest to have neither side completely get their way...hooah..)
Matthew Berger:
"The final version of a long-awaited rule governing roadless areas in Colorado’s national forest lands was released Wednesday.
When finalized a month from now, the rule will exempt Colorado from the federal roadless rule released in 2001 and allow exemptions from roadless protections in some locations in the state for activities such as ski-resort and coal-mine expansions and the thinning of bark-beetle-damaged trees.
It would set a larger acreage than previously expected under protections that exceed those of the federal rule.
Wednesday’s announcement is the culmination of seven years of work on various drafts, and in Denver on Wednesday, the theme from state and federal officials was self-congratulation for a collaborative rule-making process and a victory in which Colorado’s independent spirit was seen as winning out against federal “one-size-fits-all” regulations.
“The new roadless rule represents a characteristically Colorado achievement,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper. “The rule enhances all that makes Colorado special while at the same time providing a measure of flexibility that supports local economies and ensures communities can take steps to protect themselves from threats of wildfire.”
In a letter last week urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to adopt the Colorado rule, Sen. Mark Udall described the proposed rule as “a compromise in which almost no party got everything it wanted, but nearly all have agreed is fair.....” (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: half-light"
All credit: Bob Berwyn
"SUMMIT COUNTY — I love shooting in the half-light, trying to catch that moment when there’s balance. Sometimes it takes a little tweaking in the digital darkroom, but when it comes out right, it’s worth the effort. Other times, it’s just right, straight from the camera....."
"SUMMIT COUNTY — I love shooting in the half-light, trying to catch that moment when there’s balance. Sometimes it takes a little tweaking in the digital darkroom, but when it comes out right, it’s worth the effort. Other times, it’s just right, straight from the camera....."
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