Jim Meyers:
"Speaker John Boehner has set the House on a collision course with the Obama administration, insisting that he won’t allow an increase in the debt ceiling unless the raise is offset by an equal or greater amount of spending cuts.
“When the time comes, I will again insist on my simple principle of cuts and reforms greater than the debt limit increase,” the Ohio Republican said Tuesday at a Washington event hosted by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, an organization that urges deficit reduction.
“This is the only avenue I see right now to force the elected leadership of this country to solve our structural fiscal imbalance.”......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
May 16, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Dept of Defense "Rescue Pilots to be Presented Distinguished Flying Crosses"
" Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz will present two Distinguished Flying Cross medals with valor, each, to Maj. John B. Creel and to Col. Christopher Barnett during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Friday, May 18, 2012, at 11 a.m EDT in the Airman’s Hall on the 4th floor, A-ring, apex of Corridors 9 and 10.
Both officers will receive the medals for two separate engagements during which they had to fly through firefights and a blinding sandstorm to evacuate critical casualties while simultaneously protecting U.S. and Afghan forces on the ground.
The medal recipients will be available to media for on-camera interviews in the Office of the Secretary of Defense small television studio (2E963) on Thursday, May 17, from 8 to 11 a.m. Additionally, there will be a media roundtable scheduled on May 17 at 3 p.m. in the Office of the Secretary of Defense Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973).
Media wishing to attend the ceremony on May 18 or the media roundtable on May 17 should contact the Air Force Press Desk by noon, May 16. Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only. Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of press affiliation and two forms of photo identification.
Please contact the Air Force Press Desk at 703-695-0640 for escort into the building.
Both officers will receive the medals for two separate engagements during which they had to fly through firefights and a blinding sandstorm to evacuate critical casualties while simultaneously protecting U.S. and Afghan forces on the ground.
The medal recipients will be available to media for on-camera interviews in the Office of the Secretary of Defense small television studio (2E963) on Thursday, May 17, from 8 to 11 a.m. Additionally, there will be a media roundtable scheduled on May 17 at 3 p.m. in the Office of the Secretary of Defense Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973).
Media wishing to attend the ceremony on May 18 or the media roundtable on May 17 should contact the Air Force Press Desk by noon, May 16. Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only. Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of press affiliation and two forms of photo identification.
Please contact the Air Force Press Desk at 703-695-0640 for escort into the building.
SandBoxBlogs: GarCo Public Info "$500.00 County Sheriffs’ Of Colorado Scholarship Awarded to Grand Valley High School Student "
GarCo Sheriff:
" The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that David Witt who will be graduating from Grand Valley High School in Parachute is this year’s recipient of the County Sheriffs of Colorado (CSOC), scholarship awarded for Garfield County. Witt will be attending the University of Colorado at Boulder to study Geo Physics.
CSOC, Colorado’s state sheriffs association, offered a total of 32 awards of $500 each this year to deserving high school and college students in Colorado to fund higher-level educational expenses for the 2012-2013 academic year.
A citizens’ committee selected the winner for each county. Committees made their selections based upon criteria established by CSOC, including leadership, merit, character, involvement, purpose and need. Applicants were required to be full time, legal Colorado residents who planned to attend a Colorado university, college or trade school.
This is the 33rd year for the CSOC scholarship program. Monies for the program are derived, in part, from the CSOC honorary membership fund, which consist of contributions from individual citizens and businesses each year.
If you are interested in providing continued support for this excellence program,
SandBoxBlogs: Garco Public Info " $500.00 Crime Stoppers of Garfield County Scholarship Awarded to Coal Ridge High School Student"
"GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – Crime Stoppers of Garfield County is pleased to announce that Kristen Nestor of Silt is this year’s recipient of the Crime Stoppers of Garfield County scholarship. Nester will graduate this Saturday from Coal Ridge High School and is planning to attend Colorado Mesa University, where she will work to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology with the goal of becoming a Colorado Division of Wildlife Officer.
Crime Stoppers of Garfield County is honored to award this scholarship to deserving high school and college students in Colorado to fund higher-level educational expenses for the 2012-2013 academic year.
The Crime Stoppers citizens’ board selected the winner of this $500.00 scholarship being awarded in the 2011/2012 School year. The board made their selections based upon the following criteria including leadership, merit, character, involvement, purpose and need. Applicants were required to be full time, legal Colorado residents who planned to attend a Colorado university, college or trade school.
Crime Stoppers of Garfield County works through the coordinated efforts of Citizens and businesses who volunteer their time and expertise in an effort to positively impact our communities.
Crime Stoppers programs are one of the most successful and cost effective crime fighting tools available in the law enforcement arsenal. For every one tip, 100 hours of investigator’s time is saved, thus allowing crimes to be solved more quickly. That is critical during these budget tightening times.
Make a difference in your community by lending your support to this proven, effective program by phoning in tips and donations. Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization funded by your tax deductible contributions. Contributions may be sent to:
Garfield County Crime Stoppers
P. O. Box 2784
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81602
Crime Stoppers is based on the principle that “Someone other than the criminal has information that can solve a crime” and was created to combat the three major problems faced by law enforcement in generating that information:
Crime Stoppers is a partnership between the Community, the Media and Law Enforcement.
Community:
Citizens are responsible for forming a Crime Stoppers non-profit corporation, whose directors establish policy, determine amount and method of reward payments, work closely with law enforcement and the media and generally oversee the program. The directors are also responsible for fund raising, and all volunteer service. The program is supported by the public through tax deductible donations from businesses, corporations, individuals, and service organizations.
Media:
Crime Stoppers is publicized on a regular basis by all media outlets including print, broadcast and web-based partners. Special attention is given to unsolved crime re-enactments, “Crimes of the Week”, cold cases, narcotics activity, wanted fugitives, and suspected terrorist and gang activity.
Law Enforcement:
Local law enforcement agencies receive and process the anonymous tips received through Crime Stoppers, and solve the crimes. If the information leads to an arrest, the caller will be paid up to $1,000.00 for their information......" (Read original news release? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Crime Stoppers of Garfield County is honored to award this scholarship to deserving high school and college students in Colorado to fund higher-level educational expenses for the 2012-2013 academic year.
The Crime Stoppers citizens’ board selected the winner of this $500.00 scholarship being awarded in the 2011/2012 School year. The board made their selections based upon the following criteria including leadership, merit, character, involvement, purpose and need. Applicants were required to be full time, legal Colorado residents who planned to attend a Colorado university, college or trade school.
Crime Stoppers of Garfield County works through the coordinated efforts of Citizens and businesses who volunteer their time and expertise in an effort to positively impact our communities.
Crime Stoppers programs are one of the most successful and cost effective crime fighting tools available in the law enforcement arsenal. For every one tip, 100 hours of investigator’s time is saved, thus allowing crimes to be solved more quickly. That is critical during these budget tightening times.
Make a difference in your community by lending your support to this proven, effective program by phoning in tips and donations. Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization funded by your tax deductible contributions. Contributions may be sent to:
Garfield County Crime Stoppers
P. O. Box 2784
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81602
Crime Stoppers is based on the principle that “Someone other than the criminal has information that can solve a crime” and was created to combat the three major problems faced by law enforcement in generating that information:
- Fear of REPRISAL
- An attitude of APATHY
- Reluctance to get INVOLVED
Crime Stoppers is a partnership between the Community, the Media and Law Enforcement.
Community:
Citizens are responsible for forming a Crime Stoppers non-profit corporation, whose directors establish policy, determine amount and method of reward payments, work closely with law enforcement and the media and generally oversee the program. The directors are also responsible for fund raising, and all volunteer service. The program is supported by the public through tax deductible donations from businesses, corporations, individuals, and service organizations.
Media:
Crime Stoppers is publicized on a regular basis by all media outlets including print, broadcast and web-based partners. Special attention is given to unsolved crime re-enactments, “Crimes of the Week”, cold cases, narcotics activity, wanted fugitives, and suspected terrorist and gang activity.
Law Enforcement:
Local law enforcement agencies receive and process the anonymous tips received through Crime Stoppers, and solve the crimes. If the information leads to an arrest, the caller will be paid up to $1,000.00 for their information......" (Read original news release? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: GarCo Public Info "Glenwood Springs Gang Presentation by TAG (Threat Assessment Group) Tuesday 5-22-12 "
SandBoxBlogs has been a busy place for the past few weeks. My daily news aggregate sometimes has me skimming just the highlights. As a result, I've skated on checking the less frequent posting sites.
Looks like I've missed a few press releases out of GarCo Sheriff.
Do have to wonder why we're not seeing the PI publishing these events. See related story here.
Public Service Annoncement, Garfield County Sheriff:
"Community Education on Gangs and Their Local Impacts:
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. – On Tuesday, May 22, 2012 a Threat Assessment Group (TAG) specialist from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting a community education session on local gang issues. The event will start at 11:00 a.m. in the Glenwood Springs Community Center at 100 Wulfsohn Road Glenwood Springs. The presentation will cover what TAG is and does; why kids join gangs; identification of symbols, signs, graffiti and tattoos; and recent gang activity and associated impacts in the local area. There will be a follow-on question and answer session for concerned citizens, parents, guardians and teachers. This educational session is open to the public and is free-of-charge. Similar events have been highly beneficial in helping citizens better understand current gang trends and how to best address the threats in their neighborhoods, schools and communities.
This presentation is not recommended for Children.
For more information, please contact TAG Sergeant Kim Sills at ksills@garcosheriff.com 970-309-2521 or TAG Deputy James Miller at or jmiller@garcosheriff.com 970-309-4920
Threat Assessment Group, otherwise known as TAG, is a multijurisdictional Team comprised of local law enforcement. The Threat Assessment Group has designed an educational and interactive power point presentation in both Spanish and English and has presented it to community groups throughout the county. These presentations educate the community on what to look for and how to respond to gang activities and/or suspicions. They also open up an opportunity for community members to interact with law enforcement and form a union with the common goal of combating gang activity...."
(Read original release? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Looks like I've missed a few press releases out of GarCo Sheriff.
Do have to wonder why we're not seeing the PI publishing these events. See related story here.
Public Service Annoncement, Garfield County Sheriff:
"Community Education on Gangs and Their Local Impacts:
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. – On Tuesday, May 22, 2012 a Threat Assessment Group (TAG) specialist from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting a community education session on local gang issues. The event will start at 11:00 a.m. in the Glenwood Springs Community Center at 100 Wulfsohn Road Glenwood Springs. The presentation will cover what TAG is and does; why kids join gangs; identification of symbols, signs, graffiti and tattoos; and recent gang activity and associated impacts in the local area. There will be a follow-on question and answer session for concerned citizens, parents, guardians and teachers. This educational session is open to the public and is free-of-charge. Similar events have been highly beneficial in helping citizens better understand current gang trends and how to best address the threats in their neighborhoods, schools and communities.
This presentation is not recommended for Children.
For more information, please contact TAG Sergeant Kim Sills at ksills@garcosheriff.com 970-309-2521 or TAG Deputy James Miller at or jmiller@garcosheriff.com 970-309-4920
# # #
(Read original release? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Youtube "John Wayne, "America Why I Love Her"
Sending a special thank you to 'Retired Nice Guy' and his wife. Somewhere out there in Pennsylvania.
Both are new followers of SandBoxBlogs and we're proud to have them.
Why a special thanks?
For reminding me of this classic from The Duke via their blog 'The American Way'.
Both are new followers of SandBoxBlogs and we're proud to have them.
Why a special thanks?
For reminding me of this classic from The Duke via their blog 'The American Way'.
SandBoxBlogs: Hot Air Blog "Obama/DNC fundraising drops $10 million from March to April"
Ed Morrissey:
"A month ago, the combined haul from the Barack Obama campaign and the DNC came to $53 million, a level that didn’t keep pace with 2008 Democratic fundraising, but still gave Team O some bragging rights for the improvement over a $45 million February. According to their announcement this morning, the Obama/DNC effort couldn’t even match February’s numbers, let alone March’s:
It also explains a couple of initiatives from Democrats reported by Politico this morning. The first relates indirectly to Obama, a convention fundraising scheme called “Super-O-Rama,” which may raise money too far into the schedule to be effective:
"A month ago, the combined haul from the Barack Obama campaign and the DNC came to $53 million, a level that didn’t keep pace with 2008 Democratic fundraising, but still gave Team O some bragging rights for the improvement over a $45 million February. According to their announcement this morning, the Obama/DNC effort couldn’t even match February’s numbers, let alone March’s:
The Obama campaign and the Democratic committees that support it raised $43.6 million in April, campaign manager Jim Messina announced in an online video on Wednesday.This comes as the President has gone on a record-smashing fundraising schedule, which seemingly is now demonstrating the law of diminishing returns. Don’t forget that the final cash tally to Team O will likely be around 75% of the overall number, probably around $33 million, with the DNC getting the rest. He will undoubtedly do better in May, thanks to the $15 million haul on George Clooney’s basketball court, but this shows how badly Obama needed the cash infusion.
With 98 percent of all donations less than $250, more than 437,000 people donated to the campaign, including roughly 169,500 first time donors. The average contribution was just more than $50.
It also explains a couple of initiatives from Democrats reported by Politico this morning. The first relates indirectly to Obama, a convention fundraising scheme called “Super-O-Rama,” which may raise money too far into the schedule to be effective:
The kitschy name is for a massive fundraising push at the national convention in Charlotte, where Democrats aim to woo elusive big donors with parties featuring live music, open bars and mingling with “senior Democratic policy leaders,” according to a fundraising appeal."Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Democrats hope the events will lead to a massive cash infusion for three super PACs that have struggled to pull in the big checks necessary to compete with GOP outside advertising juggernauts like the Karl Rove-conceived Crossroads outfits and the Koch brothers-linked Americans for Prosperity.But the plan isn’t perfect. The Democratic National Convention is just two months before the general election — too late to spend any money raised there on ads, some Democrats worry. Plus, conventions do not typically lend themselves to the type of one-on-one meetings where mega donors usually sign six- and seven-figure checks...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Palin4America "Deb Fischer wins the Nebraska GOP Senate Primary!"
Congratulations to She-Pac! Rock on.
Whitney Pitcher:
"Due in large part to the power of a Palin endorsement, Deb Fischer won the GOP Senate Primary in Nebraska by more than five points over her Huckabee and Santorum endorsed opponent, Jon Bruning. Mike Flynn at Breitbart.com notes:
Whitney Pitcher:
"Due in large part to the power of a Palin endorsement, Deb Fischer won the GOP Senate Primary in Nebraska by more than five points over her Huckabee and Santorum endorsed opponent, Jon Bruning. Mike Flynn at Breitbart.com notes:
Just two weeks ago, the battle for the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in Nebraska was between state Attorney General Jim Bruning and state Treasurer Don Stenburg. Neither inspired the growing base of conservative voters. They were, to be charitable, standard conservative-ish career politicians. Mama Grizzly Sarah Palin shook up the race with a late endorsement of state Senator Debby Fischer. It made all the difference.
I follow politics very closely, yet I hadn’t heard of the Fischer candidacy until Palin’s endorsement. National tea party groups like FreedomWorks had put all their resources behind Stenburg, with nary a thought about Fischer. A good reminder that these groups aren’t as plugged into the grassroots as they like to claim.
A wind of change is blowing through the nation. Fischer’s nomination tells us that voters are rejecting the tired ‘politics as usual’ messaging of most candidates. Be fearless.
Have courage. Stand for something.
Sarah Palin gets it. Here’s hoping the national GOP gets it too."...." (Read more? Click title)"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Recent college grads won't vote for more ‘hope and change' "
James Kellogg:
"....The rhetoric of “hope and change” that lured youth to vote for candidate Obama was replaced by the harsh economic realities of the Obama presidency. Employment prospects for college graduates are dim. Many newly educated young people are deciding that elections are about the economy, not platitudes and promises.
One out of every two college graduates under the age of 25 is jobless or underemployed. That amounts to about 1.5 million people with bachelor's degrees. Some have moved back in with their parents. Others are scraping by on low wage jobs while sending out scores of resumes to no avail.
Those are real world facts. These kids are cynical about the president's claims that the economy is improving....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"....The rhetoric of “hope and change” that lured youth to vote for candidate Obama was replaced by the harsh economic realities of the Obama presidency. Employment prospects for college graduates are dim. Many newly educated young people are deciding that elections are about the economy, not platitudes and promises.
One out of every two college graduates under the age of 25 is jobless or underemployed. That amounts to about 1.5 million people with bachelor's degrees. Some have moved back in with their parents. Others are scraping by on low wage jobs while sending out scores of resumes to no avail.
Those are real world facts. These kids are cynical about the president's claims that the economy is improving....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Pueblo Chieftain "Ratko Mladic's genocide trial gets under way"
Mike Corder:
"THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Twenty years after the opening shots of the Bosnian War, former Bosnian Serb military commander Gen. Ratko Mladic went on trial Wednesday at a UN tribunal on 11 charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Twenty years after the opening shots of the Bosnian War, former Bosnian Serb military commander Gen. Ratko Mladic went on trial Wednesday at a UN tribunal on 11 charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The ailing 70-year-old Mladic's appearance at the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal marks the end of a long wait for justice to survivors of the 1992-95 war that left some 100,000 people dead. The trial is also a landmark for the UN court and international justice — Mladic is the last suspect from the Bosnian war to go on trial here.
Mladic, wearing a suit and tie, gave a thumbs-up and clapped to supporters in the court's public gallery as the trial got under way Wednesday. He occasionally wrote notes and showed no emotion as prosecutors began outlining his alleged crimes.
Munira Subasic, who lost 22 family members in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, was among a group of relatives of war dead heading into the courtroom to face Mladic....." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "U.S. offers $22 million from sale of Peak House to Czechs"
It is human nature to focus more on the present than the past.
Unfortunately, when a community such as Aspen has such a strong history of repetitious behavior patterns, old 'projects' are usually not forgotten.
Terrific story from Chad Abraham today up on the Aspen Daily as the "Pirate of Prague’ reflects on Aspen, bribery allegations".
Chad Abraham:
"The U.S. government is offering $22 million in proceeds from its sale of the Peak House in Aspen — which it seized in 2001 from a man accused of stealing more than $1 billion from investors — to Czech Republic shareholders as restitution, media in Prague reported Tuesday.
On March 28, an appeals court in Britain affirmed the extradition decision by a Bahamas court regarding the home’s former owner, Viktor Kozeny. The lower court refused the U.S. government’s request that Kozeny be extradited to face charges of money laundering, lying to the FBI and violating federal foreign corruption laws.
The so-called “Pirate of Prague” has lived in the Caribbean since 1999, when authorities say he fled the United States with $182 million swindled from investors from Aspen and elsewhere, and $1.1 billion more that was allegedly embezzled from mutual funds in the Czech Republic.
Kozeny, 48, bought the nearly 22,000-square-foot home, the highest residence on Red Mountain, in 1997 for $19.7 million, which was then a record for a real estate sale in the state.
Authorities believe Kozeny used the residence to woo investors for his $450 million plan to control the oil industry of Azerbaijan. The home was eventually seized and sold under a court order to Priceline founder Richard S. Braddock in 2001, who continues to own it......
(lol...local contractors who remember the major gut and remodel Kozeny did after buying it and how hard the peon labor was whipped to perform for this infamous party....will love Kozeny's comment on Aspen's drug culture. (whisper...whisper...gosh...Viktor's personal beliefs re: drugs in Aspen must have been the reason we were all red-tagged for digging out the secret wine cave "party" room that lies under Peak House now....whisper...whisper....)):
(Abraham).....Among the tactics to lure investors, who included former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell: a lavish Christmas party in 1997 at the Peak House at which Natalie Cole sang and at which the Azerbaijan scheme was allegedly hatched.
Investors were apparently told that their money would be going to Kozeny’s Oily Rock and Minaret companies, which were to buy energy vouchers for the state oil company as Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic, looked to privatized industries in the late 1990s.
Instead, federal prosecutors contend Kozeny used his jets to fly in suitcases filled with millions of dollars to bribe Azerbaijan officials. The nation’s oil industry was never privatized.
Kozeny said he doubts the plan was discussed at the Christmas party.
“As to business we all know that’s never discussed at parties in Aspen as everyone is wasted and half of [the] town [is] on cocaine, which is one of the reasons why I prefer Europe where the drug problem is not so severe,” he wrote....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Unfortunately, when a community such as Aspen has such a strong history of repetitious behavior patterns, old 'projects' are usually not forgotten.
Terrific story from Chad Abraham today up on the Aspen Daily as the "Pirate of Prague’ reflects on Aspen, bribery allegations".
Chad Abraham:
"The U.S. government is offering $22 million in proceeds from its sale of the Peak House in Aspen — which it seized in 2001 from a man accused of stealing more than $1 billion from investors — to Czech Republic shareholders as restitution, media in Prague reported Tuesday.
On March 28, an appeals court in Britain affirmed the extradition decision by a Bahamas court regarding the home’s former owner, Viktor Kozeny. The lower court refused the U.S. government’s request that Kozeny be extradited to face charges of money laundering, lying to the FBI and violating federal foreign corruption laws.
The so-called “Pirate of Prague” has lived in the Caribbean since 1999, when authorities say he fled the United States with $182 million swindled from investors from Aspen and elsewhere, and $1.1 billion more that was allegedly embezzled from mutual funds in the Czech Republic.
Kozeny, 48, bought the nearly 22,000-square-foot home, the highest residence on Red Mountain, in 1997 for $19.7 million, which was then a record for a real estate sale in the state.
Authorities believe Kozeny used the residence to woo investors for his $450 million plan to control the oil industry of Azerbaijan. The home was eventually seized and sold under a court order to Priceline founder Richard S. Braddock in 2001, who continues to own it......
(lol...local contractors who remember the major gut and remodel Kozeny did after buying it and how hard the peon labor was whipped to perform for this infamous party....will love Kozeny's comment on Aspen's drug culture. (whisper...whisper...gosh...Viktor's personal beliefs re: drugs in Aspen must have been the reason we were all red-tagged for digging out the secret wine cave "party" room that lies under Peak House now....whisper...whisper....)):
(Abraham).....Among the tactics to lure investors, who included former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell: a lavish Christmas party in 1997 at the Peak House at which Natalie Cole sang and at which the Azerbaijan scheme was allegedly hatched.
Investors were apparently told that their money would be going to Kozeny’s Oily Rock and Minaret companies, which were to buy energy vouchers for the state oil company as Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic, looked to privatized industries in the late 1990s.
Instead, federal prosecutors contend Kozeny used his jets to fly in suitcases filled with millions of dollars to bribe Azerbaijan officials. The nation’s oil industry was never privatized.
Kozeny said he doubts the plan was discussed at the Christmas party.
“As to business we all know that’s never discussed at parties in Aspen as everyone is wasted and half of [the] town [is] on cocaine, which is one of the reasons why I prefer Europe where the drug problem is not so severe,” he wrote....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "The history of LTEs"
Andrew Kole:
"Letters to the editor (LTEs) have been an important feature of American newspapers since the beginning of their publication.
A great deal of the news reports and commentaries published by early-American newspapers were delivered in the form of letters.
By the mid-18th century, LTEs were a dominant carrier of political and social discourse. Many influential essays about the role of government in matters such as personal freedoms and economic development took the form of letters, and so by the turn of the 20th century LTEs had become permanent fixtures of the opinion pages.....
.......The latter is a fairly recent development in LTE management. Prior to the Cold War, anonymous LTEs were common; the right to write anonymously was central to the free-press/free-speech movement.
By the 1970s, editors had developed strong negative attitudes toward anonymous letters, and by the end of the 20th century, about 94 percent of newspapers automatically rejected anonymous LTEs.
Some newspapers in the 1980s and ’90s created special anonymous opinion forums that allowed people to either record short verbal opinions via telephone (which were then transcribed and published) or send letters that were either unsigned or when the author used a pseudonym.
Aspen’s very own Roger Marolt used a form of pseudonym in the greatest LTE hoax Aspen has ever seen, resulting in the well received excerpt of the Aspen Times’ book “Letter’s To The Editor.”.....
......Defenders argued that anonymous forums upheld the free-press tradition of vigorous, uninhibited debate similar to that found in earlier newspapers. But again, those defenders are often a bit obscure in respect to putting even their names to this defensive position......
....Last year the Aspen Times finally stopped publishing their online hate mail forum by anonymous persons when pressure from the public hit a new high, along with the vicious content of the comments......
......As a relatively consistent writer of LTEs for the last 13 years, I say congratulations LTE writers, and to our local papers who publish them.
Write on......." (Read more? Read without breaks? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Letters to the editor (LTEs) have been an important feature of American newspapers since the beginning of their publication.
A great deal of the news reports and commentaries published by early-American newspapers were delivered in the form of letters.
By the mid-18th century, LTEs were a dominant carrier of political and social discourse. Many influential essays about the role of government in matters such as personal freedoms and economic development took the form of letters, and so by the turn of the 20th century LTEs had become permanent fixtures of the opinion pages.....
.......The latter is a fairly recent development in LTE management. Prior to the Cold War, anonymous LTEs were common; the right to write anonymously was central to the free-press/free-speech movement.
By the 1970s, editors had developed strong negative attitudes toward anonymous letters, and by the end of the 20th century, about 94 percent of newspapers automatically rejected anonymous LTEs.
Some newspapers in the 1980s and ’90s created special anonymous opinion forums that allowed people to either record short verbal opinions via telephone (which were then transcribed and published) or send letters that were either unsigned or when the author used a pseudonym.
Aspen’s very own Roger Marolt used a form of pseudonym in the greatest LTE hoax Aspen has ever seen, resulting in the well received excerpt of the Aspen Times’ book “Letter’s To The Editor.”.....
......Defenders argued that anonymous forums upheld the free-press tradition of vigorous, uninhibited debate similar to that found in earlier newspapers. But again, those defenders are often a bit obscure in respect to putting even their names to this defensive position......
....Last year the Aspen Times finally stopped publishing their online hate mail forum by anonymous persons when pressure from the public hit a new high, along with the vicious content of the comments......
......As a relatively consistent writer of LTEs for the last 13 years, I say congratulations LTE writers, and to our local papers who publish them.
Write on......." (Read more? Read without breaks? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Garfield sheriff: Hikers shouldn’t be deterred by exposure cases"
(See related SandBox post here)
It's with both dismay and a troubled awareness, that no matter how far over the line the same individuals go when commenting online and/or in their Letters to the Editor, authorities do absolutely nothing about the Anita Sherman's (see her comments today on Sheriff Vallrio's meeting here) aka 'JustAnita' aka 'MomMakingChange' who appear to be willfully hurting others to the point where there really is intimidation out here that prevents people from coming to public meetings and expressing themselves openly.
There are only about a dozen or so of those types of bullies in our area communities, yet from the serious protection authorities and news media give them, one would think they were a majority.
As always, Sheriff Vallario's reaching out to the public over any issue is appreciated.
With that said, sooner or later regional law enforcement is going to have to address the problem that they just simply do not seem to want to admit to.
In Garfield, Pitkin and this side of Eagle county they really do have a widespread problem of anonymous voices that look to themselves for protective needs and who will not risk their way of life falling into the hands of the mentality of gang bullies by showing themselves publicly except in ways that don't tie them to their avatars and LTE's.
Until that problem is addressed with more presence and more action, terrific meetings like this one will go largely unattended. In very much the same as what took place publicly over the Strawberry Days 2011 bust and the free reign of a "40 year old" drug culture in Aspen.
With the above said a shout out of thanks to GarCo Sheriff for the meeting and the cameras.
We'll once again thank the few law enforcement we have in the Valley that don't put up with the extremes some go to and also rely on the trusted and respected pen of investigative journalist Dennis Webb for this story.
Over on the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.
Dennis Webb:
"CARBONDALE—Recreationists shouldn’t let reports of naked men and indecent exposures stop them from enjoying local trails, Garfield County Lou Vallario assured some Carbondale-area residents Tuesday night.
“Be a little more prepared, be a little more aware, take some precautions, but you need to do what you enjoy in life,” Vallario said at a meeting designed to update people on the incidents and cover means of self-protection.
.....Vallario told those at the meeting, “You shouldn’t be afraid to do things in your life. You shouldn’t be afraid to do things in Garfield County.”.....
.....Sheriff officials say a spate of cases of indecent exposure on trails around Carbondale and in Glenwood Canyon began back in 2008. Several have been reported this spring on three Carbondale-area trails.
Authorities believe several men are involved, and are trying to determine if any of them are involved in multiple cases.....
....Vallario noted that none to date have involved crimes any worse than public indecency or indecent exposure.
“Right now we have no other reason to feel that we have anything more aggressive,” he said.
The sheriff’s office has been sending plain-clothed deputies on trails and using remote cameras as part of their investigation.....
....One camera produced a photo of an unclothed man and investigators released to the public an edited version showing him from the shoulders up. They since have identified him and have arranged to interview him.
The man, who also was seen walking, clothed, around Carbondale Tuesday, is only a suspect at this point and his name hasn’t been released.
.....Vallario said authorities aren’t ruling out the possibility that some of the incidents might involve some sort of ritualistic activity involving nakedness that hikers stumbled upon, but an indecency charge still would apply.... (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
It's with both dismay and a troubled awareness, that no matter how far over the line the same individuals go when commenting online and/or in their Letters to the Editor, authorities do absolutely nothing about the Anita Sherman's (see her comments today on Sheriff Vallrio's meeting here) aka 'JustAnita' aka 'MomMakingChange' who appear to be willfully hurting others to the point where there really is intimidation out here that prevents people from coming to public meetings and expressing themselves openly.
There are only about a dozen or so of those types of bullies in our area communities, yet from the serious protection authorities and news media give them, one would think they were a majority.
As always, Sheriff Vallario's reaching out to the public over any issue is appreciated.
With that said, sooner or later regional law enforcement is going to have to address the problem that they just simply do not seem to want to admit to.
In Garfield, Pitkin and this side of Eagle county they really do have a widespread problem of anonymous voices that look to themselves for protective needs and who will not risk their way of life falling into the hands of the mentality of gang bullies by showing themselves publicly except in ways that don't tie them to their avatars and LTE's.
Until that problem is addressed with more presence and more action, terrific meetings like this one will go largely unattended. In very much the same as what took place publicly over the Strawberry Days 2011 bust and the free reign of a "40 year old" drug culture in Aspen.
With the above said a shout out of thanks to GarCo Sheriff for the meeting and the cameras.
We'll once again thank the few law enforcement we have in the Valley that don't put up with the extremes some go to and also rely on the trusted and respected pen of investigative journalist Dennis Webb for this story.
Over on the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.
Dennis Webb:
"CARBONDALE—Recreationists shouldn’t let reports of naked men and indecent exposures stop them from enjoying local trails, Garfield County Lou Vallario assured some Carbondale-area residents Tuesday night.
“Be a little more prepared, be a little more aware, take some precautions, but you need to do what you enjoy in life,” Vallario said at a meeting designed to update people on the incidents and cover means of self-protection.
.....Vallario told those at the meeting, “You shouldn’t be afraid to do things in your life. You shouldn’t be afraid to do things in Garfield County.”.....
.....Sheriff officials say a spate of cases of indecent exposure on trails around Carbondale and in Glenwood Canyon began back in 2008. Several have been reported this spring on three Carbondale-area trails.
Authorities believe several men are involved, and are trying to determine if any of them are involved in multiple cases.....
....Vallario noted that none to date have involved crimes any worse than public indecency or indecent exposure.
“Right now we have no other reason to feel that we have anything more aggressive,” he said.
The sheriff’s office has been sending plain-clothed deputies on trails and using remote cameras as part of their investigation.....
....One camera produced a photo of an unclothed man and investigators released to the public an edited version showing him from the shoulders up. They since have identified him and have arranged to interview him.
The man, who also was seen walking, clothed, around Carbondale Tuesday, is only a suspect at this point and his name hasn’t been released.
.....Vallario said authorities aren’t ruling out the possibility that some of the incidents might involve some sort of ritualistic activity involving nakedness that hikers stumbled upon, but an indecency charge still would apply.... (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "CBP Officers Seize $1.2 Million in Cocaine, Meth at Brownsville Port of Entry"
"Brownsville, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry on Thursday discovered cocaine and methamphetamine valued at more than $1.2 million in two seizures at two different international bridges in separate, unrelated enforcement actions.
CBP officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge encountered a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox being driven by a 24-year-old male Mexico citizen and resident of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. CBP officers discovered 14 packages hidden within the Chevrolet. CBP officers removed the packages containing approximately 31.6 pounds of cocaine.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
CBP officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge encountered a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox being driven by a 24-year-old male Mexico citizen and resident of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. CBP officers discovered 14 packages hidden within the Chevrolet. CBP officers removed the packages containing approximately 31.6 pounds of cocaine.
The second case occurred at Gateway International Bridge when CBP officers came in contact with a male United States citizen as he arrived at the port of entry as the driver of a black 2003 Volkswagen Jetta. The man, identified as a 47-year-old resident of Austin, Texas, was selected and referred for inspection. CBP officers discovered 48 packages hidden within the Jetta. CBP officers removed the packages which held a combined total weight of 14.10 pounds of methamphetamine.
The cocaine from the first seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $1,011,200 and the methamphetamine seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $211,500. CBP officers turned the drivers over to U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation. CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicles.
“Brownsville CBP officers have prevented two dangerous narcotic loads from being introduced into the country. Our CBP officers have intercepted these drugs just 12 hours apart at two of Brownsville’s border crossings. This is outstanding work on the frontline by CBP officers. I congratulate our officers for these seizures and the arrest of the drivers,” said Michael Freeman, CBP Port Director, Brownsville Port of Entry.
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: Daily Caller "Obama administration shrugs off contempt threat against Holder"
Matthew Boyle:
"The U.S. Department of Justice struck back on Tuesday against House oversight committee chairman Rep. Darrell Issa’s push to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress for his failure to comply with a congressional subpoena related to Operation Fast and Furious.
“We believe that a contempt proceeding would be unwarranted given the information the Department has disclosed to the Committee to date; unprecedented given the law enforcement sensitivities at issue; and ill-advised given the damage it would cause to relations between the Executive and Legislative Branches,” Deputy Attorney General James Cole wrote to Issa on behalf of the DOJ.
“The Committee’s concerns about the Department’s response to the October 11 subpoena appear predicated on a misunderstanding both of the extraordinary lengths the Department has gone to respond to the Committee’s requests, of of the threat that disclosures of sensitive law enforcement information would pose to open criminal investigations and prosecutions,” Cole continued. “Furthermore, we believe that the core questions posed by the Committee about Operation Fast and Furious have been answered.”
Cole suggested that documents proving high-level Department of Justice officials had knowledge of Fast and Furious “do not exist.”
“[T]he lack of documents makes clear,” Cole wrote, “that these tactics had their origin in the field in Arizona and not among Department leaders in Washington.”
Holder has failed to comply with Issa’s Oct. 12, 2011, subpoena. With respect to 13 of the subpoena’s 22 categories, Holder has provided no documents. He is far from compliant with the subpoena’s other sections as well....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The U.S. Department of Justice struck back on Tuesday against House oversight committee chairman Rep. Darrell Issa’s push to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress for his failure to comply with a congressional subpoena related to Operation Fast and Furious.
“We believe that a contempt proceeding would be unwarranted given the information the Department has disclosed to the Committee to date; unprecedented given the law enforcement sensitivities at issue; and ill-advised given the damage it would cause to relations between the Executive and Legislative Branches,” Deputy Attorney General James Cole wrote to Issa on behalf of the DOJ.
“The Committee’s concerns about the Department’s response to the October 11 subpoena appear predicated on a misunderstanding both of the extraordinary lengths the Department has gone to respond to the Committee’s requests, of of the threat that disclosures of sensitive law enforcement information would pose to open criminal investigations and prosecutions,” Cole continued. “Furthermore, we believe that the core questions posed by the Committee about Operation Fast and Furious have been answered.”
Cole suggested that documents proving high-level Department of Justice officials had knowledge of Fast and Furious “do not exist.”
“[T]he lack of documents makes clear,” Cole wrote, “that these tactics had their origin in the field in Arizona and not among Department leaders in Washington.”
Holder has failed to comply with Issa’s Oct. 12, 2011, subpoena. With respect to 13 of the subpoena’s 22 categories, Holder has provided no documents. He is far from compliant with the subpoena’s other sections as well....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily News "Gallegos Corporation creates Colorado Mountain College scholarship"
What a wonderful tribute to Gerald Gallegos. This one is a very special honor for CMC. Kudos on this to both the college and Gallegos Corp.
Press Release via Vail Daily:
"EAGLE COUNTY, Colorado — Gerald Gallegos was committed to local philanthropic needs, especially those supporting youth and education. To honor this tradition, The Gallegos Corporation has partnered with the Colorado Mountain College Foundation to create The Gerald G. Gallegos Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will benefit Eagle County students pursuing an Associates degree or a four-year bachelor's degree at the CMC Edwards campus.
As part of the agreement, CMC named Classroom VE 258 the Gerald G. Gallegos room. In addition to being a classroom with “SmartBoard” technology, the room can be used by corporations or by any group in the region. The Gallegos Corporation recently held a strategic planning retreat in the room.
The scholarship is a natural progression honoring Gallegos' heritage since education was a passion of his. Gallegos was one of the original founders of The Youth Foundation and was an integral part of local education programs for youth from pre-school through higher education. The Gallegos Corporation wanted to continue this legacy with a long -term commitment to students and their education....."
Press Release via Vail Daily:
"EAGLE COUNTY, Colorado — Gerald Gallegos was committed to local philanthropic needs, especially those supporting youth and education. To honor this tradition, The Gallegos Corporation has partnered with the Colorado Mountain College Foundation to create The Gerald G. Gallegos Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will benefit Eagle County students pursuing an Associates degree or a four-year bachelor's degree at the CMC Edwards campus.
As part of the agreement, CMC named Classroom VE 258 the Gerald G. Gallegos room. In addition to being a classroom with “SmartBoard” technology, the room can be used by corporations or by any group in the region. The Gallegos Corporation recently held a strategic planning retreat in the room.
The scholarship is a natural progression honoring Gallegos' heritage since education was a passion of his. Gallegos was one of the original founders of The Youth Foundation and was an integral part of local education programs for youth from pre-school through higher education. The Gallegos Corporation wanted to continue this legacy with a long -term commitment to students and their education....."
(Read original release? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: NPR "'Close Encounters' With Gas Well Pollution"
(See related post's links and public comments by clicking here and on links within)
Here is still yet another google alert that is obviously touting up former Garfield County Commissioner Tresi Houpt. There have been, over the past few days, dozens of selectively keyworded links pumped out onto the web on this story.
Houpt was soundly voted out of office in 2010 to the tune of a number of reasons why discussed around the county. The strongest point, which also seems to be the problem facing Republican incumbent John Martin in his race to re-up as a GarCo commissioner this fall, is that the folks just are not impressed at all with the way Houpt made the issues more about her ideology instead of a well-rounded leadership of the folks needs.
This article off NPR is a great example of what simply will never fly in the Red State that Colorado is. Extreme liberal agendas that do not balance out all needs and use power held as a literal weapon will never garner the voters respect. The same way that a conservative who has grown to care more for capital cronyism in the good 'ol boys and girls club will likely be voted down the road this fall in favor of a trusted and balanced democrat.
You lost the election Tresi and your continued pushing of articles and interviews like this are hurting your cause rather than helping. More important, you're hurting the balanced needs of the folks throughout Garfield County. It's about compromise and facts, not hype and blame with the agenda to abolish.
"Even conservatives love her. Vote Sonja Linman (D-Garfield County)".
Example of one of the dozens of "Tresi Alerts" over the past few days out on the web. Credit goes to Google:
Here is still yet another google alert that is obviously touting up former Garfield County Commissioner Tresi Houpt. There have been, over the past few days, dozens of selectively keyworded links pumped out onto the web on this story.
Houpt was soundly voted out of office in 2010 to the tune of a number of reasons why discussed around the county. The strongest point, which also seems to be the problem facing Republican incumbent John Martin in his race to re-up as a GarCo commissioner this fall, is that the folks just are not impressed at all with the way Houpt made the issues more about her ideology instead of a well-rounded leadership of the folks needs.
This article off NPR is a great example of what simply will never fly in the Red State that Colorado is. Extreme liberal agendas that do not balance out all needs and use power held as a literal weapon will never garner the voters respect. The same way that a conservative who has grown to care more for capital cronyism in the good 'ol boys and girls club will likely be voted down the road this fall in favor of a trusted and balanced democrat.
You lost the election Tresi and your continued pushing of articles and interviews like this are hurting your cause rather than helping. More important, you're hurting the balanced needs of the folks throughout Garfield County. It's about compromise and facts, not hype and blame with the agenda to abolish.
"Even conservatives love her. Vote Sonja Linman (D-Garfield County)".
Example of one of the dozens of "Tresi Alerts" over the past few days out on the web. Credit goes to Google:
| "Garfield County in Colorado Has Encountered Shale Gas Health ... By Duane Nichols As she started to campaign to be a Garfield County commissioner, she came down from her home on a ski mountain to meet people in ranches, rural neighborhoods with the big blue skies and clear starry nights. She couldn't believe what she ... Frack Check WV" Elizabeth Shogren: "Living in the middle of a natural gas boom can be pretty unsettling. The area around the town of Silt, Colo., used to be the kind of sleepy rural place where the tweet of birds was the most you would hear. Now it's hard to make out the birds because of the rumbling of natural gas drilling rigs. The land here is steep cliffs and valleys. But bare splotches of earth called well pads are all over the place...... ........Nearly a decade ago, Garfield County in Colorado started trying to tackle that question, and was chugging ahead of the whole country in pursuit of scientific truth. Local politician Tresi Houpt was the engine pushing that effort. It pains her that people are still asking the questions that revved her up when she first learned about her county's gas boom while campaigning to be county commissioner. "There's a great frustration," she says. "I'm hearing the same stories that I heard nine years ago." Houpt is a Sally Field type, with bangs and all. She speaks softly and deliberately, and wears pressed Carhartt work pants and cowboy boots. As she started to campaign to be a Garfield County commissioner, she came down from her home on a ski mountain to meet people in ranches, rural neighborhoods with the big blue skies and clear starry nights. She couldn't believe what she saw: drill rigs right outside homes, armadas of diesel-spewing trucks, fumes wafting from equipment called compressors and condensate tanks..... .......In May of last year, the commissioners gathered for a meeting and voted to end a contract with the Colorado School of Public Health. Tresi Houpt, who had lost her re-election and wasn't part of the vote, saw her years of work unraveling......" (Read the article in it's entirety? Click title) "Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010." |
SandBoxBlogs: Colordoan "Oil debate also about who represents us"
(See related story and public comments here)
"Save a gas rig. Opt for fair representation. Vote Sonja Linman (D-Garfield County)
Pedro Ramirez:
""I am extremely conservative. But this, I don't believe, is a conservative or liberal issue. What this is about is where we live. We all breathe. We all drink the water." Dale Bisceglia said this in the Coloradoan’s May 6th story on oil development in Windsor. I agree with Bisceglia that it is “about where we live.”
It is also about who we elect to represent us in government. Many conservative politicians want to dismantle all regulations and give industry free rein to do as they please without any or little regard to impacts on workers, families, our children, and our environment.
After World War II, the greatest generation helped build our nation into a great place to live and prosper. They fought for worker protection, equality, and justice. They enacted environmental protections and ended legally sanctioned discrimination. They gave us great public schools and universities that opened the doors of opportunity for many of us without saddling us with a huge debt at the onset of our careers.
Fast forward to the present. Conservative politicians demonstrate more allegiance to Grover Norquist and billionaires than they do the good of our country. They promote discriminatory immigration policies, propose eviscerating environmental protection laws, propose selling our public lands to the highest bidders, eliminate worker’s collective bargaining rights, and demonize our teachers. All this in a concerted effort to privatize just about everything.
It is all about where we live and the political fallout is now in your backyard....."
(Read the original letter? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Save a gas rig. Opt for fair representation. Vote Sonja Linman (D-Garfield County)
Pedro Ramirez:
""I am extremely conservative. But this, I don't believe, is a conservative or liberal issue. What this is about is where we live. We all breathe. We all drink the water." Dale Bisceglia said this in the Coloradoan’s May 6th story on oil development in Windsor. I agree with Bisceglia that it is “about where we live.”
It is also about who we elect to represent us in government. Many conservative politicians want to dismantle all regulations and give industry free rein to do as they please without any or little regard to impacts on workers, families, our children, and our environment.
After World War II, the greatest generation helped build our nation into a great place to live and prosper. They fought for worker protection, equality, and justice. They enacted environmental protections and ended legally sanctioned discrimination. They gave us great public schools and universities that opened the doors of opportunity for many of us without saddling us with a huge debt at the onset of our careers.
Fast forward to the present. Conservative politicians demonstrate more allegiance to Grover Norquist and billionaires than they do the good of our country. They promote discriminatory immigration policies, propose eviscerating environmental protection laws, propose selling our public lands to the highest bidders, eliminate worker’s collective bargaining rights, and demonize our teachers. All this in a concerted effort to privatize just about everything.
It is all about where we live and the political fallout is now in your backyard....."
(Read the original letter? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Open space group is trying to get county sales tax on fall ballot"
With no ability amongst the folks to fully trust the accuracy of a PI report, it is hoped that the Aspen Daily continues to cover the movements of the Garfield Legacy Project. Doing so will give Mary Noone's project a fighting chance to at least have the GarCo folks pay attention.
A caution to avatars in commentary as you respond to what sounds like some progress for GarCo along with two steps back for GarCo if Noone does not change her group approach before putting this on the ballot.
SandBox's prediction?
The other groups that the Garfield Legacy Project sounds like they have associated themselves with early on, appear to be entrenched and lashed to Mary's kite tail.
If that is the case, then this proposed tax hike and the attempt to create an open space program off the role models of those groups, Pitkin county and Aspen will be not only voted down by Garco folks but likely voted down in flames.
See related story and public comments here.
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — When a group of open space program managers and supporters from around the state gathered in Glenwood Springs last fall for the yearly Colorado Open Space Alliance conference, there was a bit of irony involved.
Neither Garfield County nor the city of Glenwood Springs have formal open lands programs, although past attempts have been made to convince voters to enact tax measures to support such an effort.
But a new group of Garfield County residents is now working to add the county to the list of 20 other Colorado counties that have open space programs.
The Garfield Legacy Project organized in 2009 as a coalition of citizens and partner organizations, such as the Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT), to begin exploring ways to preserve open lands in Garfield County.
Last fall, the group conducted surveys and hosted public meetings, from which it developed a “Greenprint for Conservation and Economic Opportunity.” That effort was funded primarily by a $75,000 Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant.
Now, the Garfield Legacy Project is busy putting together a program proposal and sales tax question to present to voters in the November election.
A one-quarter-cent (0.25 percent) countywide sales tax is estimated to generate $2.5 million annually that would fund the program, according to Mary Noone of Glenwood Springs, one of the founding board members for the Legacy Project....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
A caution to avatars in commentary as you respond to what sounds like some progress for GarCo along with two steps back for GarCo if Noone does not change her group approach before putting this on the ballot.
SandBox's prediction?
The other groups that the Garfield Legacy Project sounds like they have associated themselves with early on, appear to be entrenched and lashed to Mary's kite tail.
If that is the case, then this proposed tax hike and the attempt to create an open space program off the role models of those groups, Pitkin county and Aspen will be not only voted down by Garco folks but likely voted down in flames.
See related story and public comments here.
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — When a group of open space program managers and supporters from around the state gathered in Glenwood Springs last fall for the yearly Colorado Open Space Alliance conference, there was a bit of irony involved.
Neither Garfield County nor the city of Glenwood Springs have formal open lands programs, although past attempts have been made to convince voters to enact tax measures to support such an effort.
But a new group of Garfield County residents is now working to add the county to the list of 20 other Colorado counties that have open space programs.
The Garfield Legacy Project organized in 2009 as a coalition of citizens and partner organizations, such as the Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT), to begin exploring ways to preserve open lands in Garfield County.
Last fall, the group conducted surveys and hosted public meetings, from which it developed a “Greenprint for Conservation and Economic Opportunity.” That effort was funded primarily by a $75,000 Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant.
Now, the Garfield Legacy Project is busy putting together a program proposal and sales tax question to present to voters in the November election.
A one-quarter-cent (0.25 percent) countywide sales tax is estimated to generate $2.5 million annually that would fund the program, according to Mary Noone of Glenwood Springs, one of the founding board members for the Legacy Project....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Colorado: Summit, Grand counties sign deal with Denver Water"
I am so glad to see this. What began well over a year or so ago with negotiations is now signed. Congratulations on a cooperative job well done to all entities involved.
As always, one of the most respected and trusted environment journalists, Bob Berwyn brings the best coverage of this historic news. Up, over and down on the Summit County Citizens Voice.
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — A major water agreement aimed at ending decades of feuding and litigation between the Front Range and the West Slope moved one step closer to completion this week, as Denver Water, Summit County and Grand County representatives inked the deal at a ceremony in Hot Sulphur Springs.
Along with being hailed as a model of collaboration by Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, the deal also gives all the parties some certainties as to the future management and disposition of the state’s most precious resource.
Against a backdrop of an intensifying mountain drought, Hickenlooper said this year’s dry conditions magnify the need for cooperative solutions and highlight the fragility of the state’s rivers in the face of possible climate change impacts and increasing demand from a growing population.
“Some of our watersheds are reporting the driest conditions in our recorded history … this puts Colorado on a better footing, with more secure water sources both for headwaters counties and Denver,” Hickenlooper said.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
As always, one of the most respected and trusted environment journalists, Bob Berwyn brings the best coverage of this historic news. Up, over and down on the Summit County Citizens Voice.
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — A major water agreement aimed at ending decades of feuding and litigation between the Front Range and the West Slope moved one step closer to completion this week, as Denver Water, Summit County and Grand County representatives inked the deal at a ceremony in Hot Sulphur Springs.
Along with being hailed as a model of collaboration by Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, the deal also gives all the parties some certainties as to the future management and disposition of the state’s most precious resource.
Against a backdrop of an intensifying mountain drought, Hickenlooper said this year’s dry conditions magnify the need for cooperative solutions and highlight the fragility of the state’s rivers in the face of possible climate change impacts and increasing demand from a growing population.
“Some of our watersheds are reporting the driest conditions in our recorded history … this puts Colorado on a better footing, with more secure water sources both for headwaters counties and Denver,” Hickenlooper said.
Most importantly for Denver Water, Summit and Grand counties agree not to oppose a plan to expand diversions from the West Slope through the Moffat Tunnel Collection System, a project that, in its present form, is still bitterly opposed by conservation and river advocacy groups....."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: North Fork Merchant Herald "BLM Seeks Comments on Coal Exploration License for Oak Mesa Mine"
Merchant Herald:
"On Monday, May 14, the Bureau of Land Management released for public comment a preliminary Environmental Assessment and unsigned Finding of No Significant Impact regarding Oxbow Mining, LLC’s Federal Coal Exploration License. The proposed Oak Mesa Project extends from the edge of the Bowie Mine holdings westward across the mesa to the Leroux Creek area, encompassing about 13,873 acres, north of Hotchkiss.
“The Oak Mesa Project is adjacent to existing coal leases in an area of known coal reserves,” said Barb Sharrow, BLM Uncompahgre Field Office Manager. “Coal exploration drilling is needed to determine seam reserve availability for possible development of a new underground coal mine in Delta County.”
Oxbow’s application proposes to drill 43 exploration drill holes on private and federal lands into federal subsurface holdings....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"On Monday, May 14, the Bureau of Land Management released for public comment a preliminary Environmental Assessment and unsigned Finding of No Significant Impact regarding Oxbow Mining, LLC’s Federal Coal Exploration License. The proposed Oak Mesa Project extends from the edge of the Bowie Mine holdings westward across the mesa to the Leroux Creek area, encompassing about 13,873 acres, north of Hotchkiss.
“The Oak Mesa Project is adjacent to existing coal leases in an area of known coal reserves,” said Barb Sharrow, BLM Uncompahgre Field Office Manager. “Coal exploration drilling is needed to determine seam reserve availability for possible development of a new underground coal mine in Delta County.”
Oxbow’s application proposes to drill 43 exploration drill holes on private and federal lands into federal subsurface holdings....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KKCO 11 News "BLM lease nets nearly one million"
Pity poor Bill Koch.
For sure, now that this news of another million bucks flowing into the coffers that fuel our public education, our roads, bridges and general overall living needs; he's going to get attacked again by activists who are against mining and fossil energy sources and who will be parked on your doorstep with another "begging for the children" campaign the next time education cuts flare up into the public need.
Read the article? Do so and then hug a coal miner. Click title.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
For sure, now that this news of another million bucks flowing into the coffers that fuel our public education, our roads, bridges and general overall living needs; he's going to get attacked again by activists who are against mining and fossil energy sources and who will be parked on your doorstep with another "begging for the children" campaign the next time education cuts flare up into the public need.
Read the article? Do so and then hug a coal miner. Click title.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Crystal one of 'most endangered' rivers"
Scott Condon:
"REDSTONE — A national environmental organization named the Crystal River one of 2012's most endangered rivers in America on Tuesday because of the threat of dams and diversions.
American Rivers ranked the Crystal as the eighth most endangered river in the country for 2012. Its status as one of the last and largest free-flowing rivers in Colorado is in peril, according to Matt Rice, Colorado conservation director for American Rivers.
The Colorado River District and West Divide Conservancy District hold conditional water rights that could be used to build the 4,000-acre-foot Placita Reservoir; a similar-size reservoir on Yank Creek, a tributary of the Crystal River; and a water diversion on Avalanche Creek, the largest tributary of the river. The Placita Reservoir would be about four miles upstream from Redstone....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"REDSTONE — A national environmental organization named the Crystal River one of 2012's most endangered rivers in America on Tuesday because of the threat of dams and diversions.
American Rivers ranked the Crystal as the eighth most endangered river in the country for 2012. Its status as one of the last and largest free-flowing rivers in Colorado is in peril, according to Matt Rice, Colorado conservation director for American Rivers.
The Colorado River District and West Divide Conservancy District hold conditional water rights that could be used to build the 4,000-acre-foot Placita Reservoir; a similar-size reservoir on Yank Creek, a tributary of the Crystal River; and a water diversion on Avalanche Creek, the largest tributary of the river. The Placita Reservoir would be about four miles upstream from Redstone....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: SkyHi Daily "Enduro tourism comes to Beaver Creek"
(See related posts here and here)
Let's remind ourselves of the history behind this growing in popularity event:
Tough Mudder:
"Tough Mudder was founded by Englishmen Will Dean and Guy Livingstone. Dean came up with the idea while at Harvard Business School, and it was a finalist in the Harvard Business School’s annual Business Plan Contest. He brought on Guy Livingstone to act as Chief Operating Officer. On an $8,000 marketing budget, they used facebook to launch the first Tough Mudder event on May 2, 2010 at Bear Creek Resort in Allentown, PA. Since then, the number of Tough Mudder events has increased exponentially with 14 events in 2011, and 28 scheduled in 2012.
The Tough Mudder series was created to test toughness, fitness, strength, stamina and mental grit all in one place and all in one day. Sure, there are a few that will test these things – for thousands of dollars and a week of your life. But in one day in one location? We don’t think so. Other mud runs like the Muddy Buddy series? Forget it – unless you want to run alongside your 60-year-old grandmother. Tough Mudder is a truly exceptional event for truly exceptional people. Fair weather runners should stay at home.
FACT – Marathon running is simply boring. And the only thing more boring than doing a marathon is watching a marathon. Road-running may give you a healthy set of lungs, but will leave you with as much upper body strength as Keira Knightley. At Tough Mudder, we want to test your all-around mettle, not just your ability to run in a straight line, on your own, for hours on end, getting bored out of your mind.
Tough Mudder is also about experiencing a true sense of camaraderie that, sadly, is rarely seen outside of the military these days. To get over some of our obstacles you will need the help of others – they are simply too much for one man to tackle alone. Tough Mudders, unlike some other types of endurance runners, are team players; they help out other Tough Mudders. We want everyone to compete, but being a Tough Mudder is also about making sure no man is left behind, not worrying about your finish time."
"The Pledge:
As a Tough Mudder I pledge that…
* I understand that Tough Mudder is not a race but a challenge.
* I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time.
* I do not whine – kids whine.
* I help my fellow Mudders complete the course.
* I overcome all fears." (Photo credit: Tough Mudder)
John LaConte:
"...Part of the attraction to the Beaver Creek Tough Mudder in particular is the high elevation the course is held at, making it among the most challenging on the circuit.
And this year, the course will go even higher.
Beaver Creek and the U.S. Forest Service have redesigned the course, to “not only take advantage of our unique rugged and steep terrain on the lower part of the mountain, but also to incorporate the use of the Centennial Express Lift, making it easier for spectators to watch the event from a variety of locations around the mountain,” says Doug Lovell, chief operating officer at Beaver Creek. “The course travels up to Spruce Saddle, which is situated at 10,200 feet and produces an elevation gain of 2,000 feet for participants. With staged start heats, participants spread out all over the course and activity is taking place all over the mountain and village throughout the day; it's a very festive atmosphere for the participants and spectators....”
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Let's remind ourselves of the history behind this growing in popularity event:
Tough Mudder:
"Tough Mudder was founded by Englishmen Will Dean and Guy Livingstone. Dean came up with the idea while at Harvard Business School, and it was a finalist in the Harvard Business School’s annual Business Plan Contest. He brought on Guy Livingstone to act as Chief Operating Officer. On an $8,000 marketing budget, they used facebook to launch the first Tough Mudder event on May 2, 2010 at Bear Creek Resort in Allentown, PA. Since then, the number of Tough Mudder events has increased exponentially with 14 events in 2011, and 28 scheduled in 2012.
The Tough Mudder series was created to test toughness, fitness, strength, stamina and mental grit all in one place and all in one day. Sure, there are a few that will test these things – for thousands of dollars and a week of your life. But in one day in one location? We don’t think so. Other mud runs like the Muddy Buddy series? Forget it – unless you want to run alongside your 60-year-old grandmother. Tough Mudder is a truly exceptional event for truly exceptional people. Fair weather runners should stay at home.
FACT – Marathon running is simply boring. And the only thing more boring than doing a marathon is watching a marathon. Road-running may give you a healthy set of lungs, but will leave you with as much upper body strength as Keira Knightley. At Tough Mudder, we want to test your all-around mettle, not just your ability to run in a straight line, on your own, for hours on end, getting bored out of your mind.
Tough Mudder is also about experiencing a true sense of camaraderie that, sadly, is rarely seen outside of the military these days. To get over some of our obstacles you will need the help of others – they are simply too much for one man to tackle alone. Tough Mudders, unlike some other types of endurance runners, are team players; they help out other Tough Mudders. We want everyone to compete, but being a Tough Mudder is also about making sure no man is left behind, not worrying about your finish time."
"The Pledge:
As a Tough Mudder I pledge that…
* I understand that Tough Mudder is not a race but a challenge.
* I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time.
* I do not whine – kids whine.
* I help my fellow Mudders complete the course.
* I overcome all fears." (Photo credit: Tough Mudder)
John LaConte:
"...Part of the attraction to the Beaver Creek Tough Mudder in particular is the high elevation the course is held at, making it among the most challenging on the circuit.
And this year, the course will go even higher.
Beaver Creek and the U.S. Forest Service have redesigned the course, to “not only take advantage of our unique rugged and steep terrain on the lower part of the mountain, but also to incorporate the use of the Centennial Express Lift, making it easier for spectators to watch the event from a variety of locations around the mountain,” says Doug Lovell, chief operating officer at Beaver Creek. “The course travels up to Spruce Saddle, which is situated at 10,200 feet and produces an elevation gain of 2,000 feet for participants. With staged start heats, participants spread out all over the course and activity is taking place all over the mountain and village throughout the day; it's a very festive atmosphere for the participants and spectators....”
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice " Morning photo: Reservoir dreams"
All credit Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — An incredible sequence of evening lighting last week, as dark, stormy skies provided a backdrop for some amazing alpenglow...." (See more? Click title)
"SUMMIT COUNTY — An incredible sequence of evening lighting last week, as dark, stormy skies provided a backdrop for some amazing alpenglow...." (See more? Click title)
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