“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but in the presence of God no matter what the conflict.”
Johnny Boyd:
"Wearing religion on your sleeve and using God’s name to perpetrate robbery on the dumb masses has been noticed. Using His name to debate social issues that were decided by wiser leaders than the yahoos we recruit today in order to divide the country doesn’t sit well.
God loves homosexuals, illegal immigrants and women just as much as your lily-white ass. God doesn’t play favorites, He doesn’t discriminate, and He will judge the self-appointed moralists. There is no “right” organized religion. God is love and unless you love all your neighbors, and do right by them, your religion is wrong.
God doesn’t want this country to refight all that crap we fought 40 years ago. It has been settled, let’s move forward. As much as God loves Mormons, He doesn’t care for hypocrites....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Showing posts with label respected opinion columnists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label respected opinion columnists. Show all posts
August 27, 2012
August 26, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Made to Order"
Dave Danforth:
"DA’s Wearhouse, where District Attorneys never wear out. I’m Jack,” the voice answers.
“You have a warranty department?” I ask, jumping right in. “We need a replacement.”
“What seems to be the problem?” Jack queries.
“We have a DA here named Truden, Colleen Truden,” I say. “She’s in trouble. Probably not a real scoundrel. Just Not Ready for Prime Time.”
“Truden, hmmm,” Jack notes, flipping through some pages. “Here she is. She’s almost new. You have a fresh new practicing DA and there are problems already?”
“Let’s just say we may have made a bad hire,” I say. “So, perhaps you and I could come to an understanding? Just an employment discussion. No hard feelings. You send us a new one?”...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"DA’s Wearhouse, where District Attorneys never wear out. I’m Jack,” the voice answers.
“You have a warranty department?” I ask, jumping right in. “We need a replacement.”
“What seems to be the problem?” Jack queries.
“We have a DA here named Truden, Colleen Truden,” I say. “She’s in trouble. Probably not a real scoundrel. Just Not Ready for Prime Time.”
“Truden, hmmm,” Jack notes, flipping through some pages. “Here she is. She’s almost new. You have a fresh new practicing DA and there are problems already?”
“Let’s just say we may have made a bad hire,” I say. “So, perhaps you and I could come to an understanding? Just an employment discussion. No hard feelings. You send us a new one?”...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
July 15, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "The virtual overthrow of practical obscurity"
Excellent column from the 'Usual Suspect' Dave Danforth today. Even if it is being pulled from the archives of 2002.
Dave Danforth:
"The truth shall set you free, they say.
So how do you find it?
In Cincinnati, the clerk of the courts figured that all those “public records” — stacks and stacks of paper — should be scanned onto the Internet. The clerk, Jim Cissell, didn’t figure on the reaction.
Among the records available to anyone searching www.courtclerk.org are arrest warrants, dirt-bag dad notes, traffic tickets, divorce proceedings, histories of domestic violence and tax liens. In short, all sorts of dirty laundry.
Inquiring minds wanted to know. One father found out about his son’s traffic ticket. Another citizen reported his social security number stolen because it was listed on a court document. Some papers included drawings of homes — theoretically enabling anyone to figure out where you sleep....."
But what’s the difference between public record gathering dust at the courthouse and one that is electronically available to anyone with a keyboard and web connection?
Plenty, as it turns out. Just because the stuff is “public” doesn’t mean it has to be so easy to get, opponents told the New York Times. Inquiring minds should be forced to break a sweat, the argument goes.
Welcome to the concept of “practical obscurity” — a little-known artifact of law now being dusted off in preparation for what may be dozens of legal fights ahead....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
Dave Danforth:
"The truth shall set you free, they say.
So how do you find it?
In Cincinnati, the clerk of the courts figured that all those “public records” — stacks and stacks of paper — should be scanned onto the Internet. The clerk, Jim Cissell, didn’t figure on the reaction.
Among the records available to anyone searching www.courtclerk.org are arrest warrants, dirt-bag dad notes, traffic tickets, divorce proceedings, histories of domestic violence and tax liens. In short, all sorts of dirty laundry.
Inquiring minds wanted to know. One father found out about his son’s traffic ticket. Another citizen reported his social security number stolen because it was listed on a court document. Some papers included drawings of homes — theoretically enabling anyone to figure out where you sleep....."
But what’s the difference between public record gathering dust at the courthouse and one that is electronically available to anyone with a keyboard and web connection?
Plenty, as it turns out. Just because the stuff is “public” doesn’t mean it has to be so easy to get, opponents told the New York Times. Inquiring minds should be forced to break a sweat, the argument goes.
Welcome to the concept of “practical obscurity” — a little-known artifact of law now being dusted off in preparation for what may be dozens of legal fights ahead....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
May 28, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "The path back to nature"
Paul Anderson:
"....According to a new book, “2052: A Global Forecast for the Next Forty Years,” the trend toward megacities and unbridled resource extraction will make wild places fewer and competition for them greater.
“Don't teach your children to love the wilderness,” concludes author Jorgen Randers. “By teaching children to love the untouched wilderness, you are teaching them to love what will be increasingly hard to find. Much better then to rear a new generation that find peace, calm and satisfaction in the bustling life of the megacity — with never-ending music piped into their ears.”
As dismaying as this sounds, the historic precedent exists. Two centuries ago, few could foresee the end of the frontier, the buffalo, the passenger pigeon. Did I do a disservice by connecting Tait to a deep affection for the natural world?
I console myself by reasoning that the path of humanity is difficult to plot — that forecasts are often wrong. Perhaps this dim prediction will push the culture in the opposite direction. Perhaps love of life, the “biophilia” Tait has learned, will lead us on the path back to our natural heritage.
Author Larry McMurtry at the beginning of “Lonesome Dove” writes: “All America lies at the end of the wilderness road, and our past is not a dead past, but still lives in us. Our forefathers had civilization inside themselves, the wild outside. We live in the civilization they created, but within us the wilderness still lingers. What they dreamed, we live, and what they lived, we dream.”
Wild nature should be more than a dream. It's up to us parents to make sure that our children can awaken to natural wonder in the real world...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"....According to a new book, “2052: A Global Forecast for the Next Forty Years,” the trend toward megacities and unbridled resource extraction will make wild places fewer and competition for them greater.
“Don't teach your children to love the wilderness,” concludes author Jorgen Randers. “By teaching children to love the untouched wilderness, you are teaching them to love what will be increasingly hard to find. Much better then to rear a new generation that find peace, calm and satisfaction in the bustling life of the megacity — with never-ending music piped into their ears.”
As dismaying as this sounds, the historic precedent exists. Two centuries ago, few could foresee the end of the frontier, the buffalo, the passenger pigeon. Did I do a disservice by connecting Tait to a deep affection for the natural world?
I console myself by reasoning that the path of humanity is difficult to plot — that forecasts are often wrong. Perhaps this dim prediction will push the culture in the opposite direction. Perhaps love of life, the “biophilia” Tait has learned, will lead us on the path back to our natural heritage.
Author Larry McMurtry at the beginning of “Lonesome Dove” writes: “All America lies at the end of the wilderness road, and our past is not a dead past, but still lives in us. Our forefathers had civilization inside themselves, the wild outside. We live in the civilization they created, but within us the wilderness still lingers. What they dreamed, we live, and what they lived, we dream.”
Wild nature should be more than a dream. It's up to us parents to make sure that our children can awaken to natural wonder in the real world...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
May 14, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Looking for a Related compromise"
Now this, is the Johnny Boyd the folks like to read.
Johnny Boyd:
"The recent announcement that Related Companies intends to repurchase Base Village immediately brings to mind the possibilities of Snowmass Village. Snowmass can become anything it wants, if only it has a benefactor with vision to master plan it as something new. It is like a blank canvas that can now be painted as whatever the artist desires. Related has that power. It will be interesting to discover how it wields it.
I’m pretty sure that everyone agrees that the plan that was sought and approved back during the real estate bubble is finished. Banks aren’t loaning money to purchase condominium-style real estate in second-home markets even if the marginally wealthy had the inclination to buy. The truly wealthy don’t need banks to get money because they probably own them.
If this is the conclusion, then I’m fairly sure that Related will approach the town of Snowmass Village with a proposal for constructing something it feels will sell in the new market reality. That means, of course, the bank owners will be the target market. High-end condos are the only short-term solution to our long-term recession....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Johnny Boyd:
"The recent announcement that Related Companies intends to repurchase Base Village immediately brings to mind the possibilities of Snowmass Village. Snowmass can become anything it wants, if only it has a benefactor with vision to master plan it as something new. It is like a blank canvas that can now be painted as whatever the artist desires. Related has that power. It will be interesting to discover how it wields it.
I’m pretty sure that everyone agrees that the plan that was sought and approved back during the real estate bubble is finished. Banks aren’t loaning money to purchase condominium-style real estate in second-home markets even if the marginally wealthy had the inclination to buy. The truly wealthy don’t need banks to get money because they probably own them.
If this is the conclusion, then I’m fairly sure that Related will approach the town of Snowmass Village with a proposal for constructing something it feels will sell in the new market reality. That means, of course, the bank owners will be the target market. High-end condos are the only short-term solution to our long-term recession....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Time to occupy ourselves"
Paul Anderson:
"A cynic remarked that the Occupy Wall Street movement only wants the 99 percent to become the 1 percent. If that were so, they would be occupying the White House with pitchforks and flaming torches instead of city parks with tents and placards.
The occupiers' revolution is nuanced by their quest not to destroy the corporate-political infrastructure but to temper the greed and selfishness of Wall Street by spreading egalitarian virtues through peaceful cultural evolution.
Never mind that capitalism is antithetical to the idea or that human nature seems hardwired for scarcity and entitlement. And while spreading the wealth is a great idea, the 99 percent also should realize that they too must pony up for the Third World's share, not just the 1 percent. They might feel impoverished, but they're still richer than most.
I'm all for the viral spread of fairness, but I wonder if the disenfranchised 99 percent is compromising its message through social media. Marshall McLuhan warned about this in 1967 — “The medium is the message.”
Social media are incredibly popular and supposedly breathing new life into civic and political participation. Perhaps one day they will even stitch together a deep human connection instead of spamming the world with minutiae.
To my thinking, a different kind of revolution is needed before social networks rise above the superfluities of chat to take on real significance.
Rather than Occupy Wall Street, dissenters first ought to Occupy Ourselves. Inner resources should be developed before social networking can propel us into the new realms of altruism the 99 percent stridently endorses......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"A cynic remarked that the Occupy Wall Street movement only wants the 99 percent to become the 1 percent. If that were so, they would be occupying the White House with pitchforks and flaming torches instead of city parks with tents and placards.
The occupiers' revolution is nuanced by their quest not to destroy the corporate-political infrastructure but to temper the greed and selfishness of Wall Street by spreading egalitarian virtues through peaceful cultural evolution.
Never mind that capitalism is antithetical to the idea or that human nature seems hardwired for scarcity and entitlement. And while spreading the wealth is a great idea, the 99 percent also should realize that they too must pony up for the Third World's share, not just the 1 percent. They might feel impoverished, but they're still richer than most.
I'm all for the viral spread of fairness, but I wonder if the disenfranchised 99 percent is compromising its message through social media. Marshall McLuhan warned about this in 1967 — “The medium is the message.”
Social media are incredibly popular and supposedly breathing new life into civic and political participation. Perhaps one day they will even stitch together a deep human connection instead of spamming the world with minutiae.
To my thinking, a different kind of revolution is needed before social networks rise above the superfluities of chat to take on real significance.
Rather than Occupy Wall Street, dissenters first ought to Occupy Ourselves. Inner resources should be developed before social networking can propel us into the new realms of altruism the 99 percent stridently endorses......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
May 11, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Citizen Telegram "Living: It's all in how you do it"
Mike McKibbin:
"“A long life, lived well” is how I headlined a front page feature story for the Citizen Telegram three years ago. It was about Rifle's Bessie Simonson turning 100 years old.
She was — and still is, I'm sure — a truly interesting and entertaining person to talk to and write about.
This week, I found two more of our senior citizens, Joe Allen and Walt Smith, who brightened my life as well. Their stories, like Bessie's was three years ago, are also on the front page of today's Citizen Telegram. I hope it's as fun reading about them as it was talking to them.
They all show how to learn, grow, mature, and, most importantly, have fun as we go through life. That's something I know I don't always do, caught up in deadline pressure and what not. I suspect most of us are often that way...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"“A long life, lived well” is how I headlined a front page feature story for the Citizen Telegram three years ago. It was about Rifle's Bessie Simonson turning 100 years old.
She was — and still is, I'm sure — a truly interesting and entertaining person to talk to and write about.
This week, I found two more of our senior citizens, Joe Allen and Walt Smith, who brightened my life as well. Their stories, like Bessie's was three years ago, are also on the front page of today's Citizen Telegram. I hope it's as fun reading about them as it was talking to them.
They all show how to learn, grow, mature, and, most importantly, have fun as we go through life. That's something I know I don't always do, caught up in deadline pressure and what not. I suspect most of us are often that way...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
May 6, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "The party crasher and partisan paper"
Dave Danforth:
"...Newspaper writers take political positions when they pen editorials. Whether they move minds is dubious, but they often validate at least a few loosely formed opinions. They may — or may not — be better politically informed.
Editorials rarely exclude a candidate simply on the basis of party. It may be widely assumed that the New York Times is more likely to support Democrats or that U-T San Diego, owned by a conservative, will back Republicans. But it’s unusual for writers to put themselves on the record, even on tape, as hopelessly biased before the starting gun sounds.
Nobody is surprised that with owner Doug Manchester in control, U-T San Diego would back a Republican. But it violates more than a few unspoken rules of decorum to declare in public that the deck is stacked before the game begins....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"...Newspaper writers take political positions when they pen editorials. Whether they move minds is dubious, but they often validate at least a few loosely formed opinions. They may — or may not — be better politically informed.
Editorials rarely exclude a candidate simply on the basis of party. It may be widely assumed that the New York Times is more likely to support Democrats or that U-T San Diego, owned by a conservative, will back Republicans. But it’s unusual for writers to put themselves on the record, even on tape, as hopelessly biased before the starting gun sounds.
Nobody is surprised that with owner Doug Manchester in control, U-T San Diego would back a Republican. But it violates more than a few unspoken rules of decorum to declare in public that the deck is stacked before the game begins....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
May 3, 2012
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."
April 26, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times/Melanie Sturm "Sex, lies and videotaped government scandals"
There are some great 'blogosphere' catch phrases that have risen to the top over this election cycle:
'fauxtrage' (fake rage or fake outrage)
'manufactured outrage' (good old fashioned yellow journalism ratcheted up to viral speeds)
FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Disinformation)
FUDD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt and Disinformation)
YAACA (Yet Another Attempted Character Assassination)
Psycho Op (preferred methods of a power abuser)
EPAE (Executive Power Abuse Extravaganza)
I think the latter about sums up the HookerGate scandal down in Columbia.
Terrific take on the story. From Melanie Sturm. Up on the Aspen Times.
Melanie Sturm:
"In other words, the onus is on us. Politicians will concern themselves with our interests only if they think we care. If we don't care that they've violated the law by refusing to adopt a budget, and that they've spent us $16 trillion into debt, what do we care about?
Demand accountability and restraint, and don't allow the word “trillion” to be normalized; after all, a trillion hours ago, dinosaurs roamed the earth! Don't wait for the right people to get elected; remember, Bluto became a U.S. senator despite his 0.0 GPA. It's a basic rule of life — If we tolerate out-of-control “Animal House” behavior and indifferent “Animal Farm” attitudes, we'll just get more of it.
Think Again. It's not only a fiscal imperative — it's a moral one...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
'fauxtrage' (fake rage or fake outrage)
'manufactured outrage' (good old fashioned yellow journalism ratcheted up to viral speeds)
FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Disinformation)
FUDD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt and Disinformation)
YAACA (Yet Another Attempted Character Assassination)
Psycho Op (preferred methods of a power abuser)
EPAE (Executive Power Abuse Extravaganza)
I think the latter about sums up the HookerGate scandal down in Columbia.
Terrific take on the story. From Melanie Sturm. Up on the Aspen Times.
Melanie Sturm:
"In other words, the onus is on us. Politicians will concern themselves with our interests only if they think we care. If we don't care that they've violated the law by refusing to adopt a budget, and that they've spent us $16 trillion into debt, what do we care about?
Demand accountability and restraint, and don't allow the word “trillion” to be normalized; after all, a trillion hours ago, dinosaurs roamed the earth! Don't wait for the right people to get elected; remember, Bluto became a U.S. senator despite his 0.0 GPA. It's a basic rule of life — If we tolerate out-of-control “Animal House” behavior and indifferent “Animal Farm” attitudes, we'll just get more of it.
Think Again. It's not only a fiscal imperative — it's a moral one...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 23, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Derek Franz "The catch of a lifetime"
Derek Franz:
"What have I done? Look how much I have left to do — how will I amount to anything?” is the feeling. With all the mounting material pressures, I sometimes get confused about the priority of my wants: What do I want most in life, from one second to the next?
I want to feel the cold river pull through my fingers like a stream of thought on a hot day, a reminder of how physical and mental realities coexist and mirror each other, perhaps even manifest each other; a reminder that my life is magical if I make it so.
The dog seems to be thinking the same thing. Her brown, floppy ears perk out, complementing her wide doggie smile with a pink tongue. I grab the leash and we're off to the edge of the Roaring Fork, though I don't know it yet. Sometimes a person has to wander to find wonder, and wonder to find purpose.
There is an art to wandering. It requires a weird combination of initiative, aimless contentment and recognizing what you want when you see it. I'm also finding that sometimes the element of initiative is not straightforward at all, which is fitting, since this is wandering we're talking about...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"What have I done? Look how much I have left to do — how will I amount to anything?” is the feeling. With all the mounting material pressures, I sometimes get confused about the priority of my wants: What do I want most in life, from one second to the next?
I want to feel the cold river pull through my fingers like a stream of thought on a hot day, a reminder of how physical and mental realities coexist and mirror each other, perhaps even manifest each other; a reminder that my life is magical if I make it so.
The dog seems to be thinking the same thing. Her brown, floppy ears perk out, complementing her wide doggie smile with a pink tongue. I grab the leash and we're off to the edge of the Roaring Fork, though I don't know it yet. Sometimes a person has to wander to find wonder, and wonder to find purpose.
There is an art to wandering. It requires a weird combination of initiative, aimless contentment and recognizing what you want when you see it. I'm also finding that sometimes the element of initiative is not straightforward at all, which is fitting, since this is wandering we're talking about...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
February 23, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Jeremy Madden "A cop car for the civilian"
Jeremy Madden? Priceless.
"Just the sight of it sitting on the side of the road can slow even the speediest of cars. Viewing it in a rearview mirror can cause fear and panic. The rumble of its engine can make the ground shake.
It’s real and it’s all mine. It’s my new car and I’ve never driven anything like it.
Over the years I’ve had a plethora of pretty cool cars. Most notable are a 1973 Volkswagen Thing, my grandfather’s 1991 Buick Park Avenue, a precious 1984 American Eagle we called Smeagol, and the classic 1979 Dodge Aspen which is the car that made the town famous. However, as fun, dependable and historic as those vehicles may be, they aren’t anything like my new ride.
That’s because my newest ride is a 1999 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, aka CVPI or P71. And like Dan Aykroyd said in the classic 1980 film, “The Blues Brothers,” when describing the new Blues mobile which also was a former cop car, “It’s got a cop engine ... it’s got cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks.”
But Elwood Blues was only covering the basics. It’s also got a cop transmission, cop frame, cop radiator, cop brakes, and perhaps the coolest feature of all is the cop spot light mounted on the driver’s door.
For decades, because of its dependability, handling, toughness, powerful engine, spacious interior and giant trunk, the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor has been the preferred vehicle for police forces around the country. These same features have also made it one of the most sought after cars for cab companies as well. The car is a hybrid that was built long before Toyota ever dreamed up the Prius. The only difference being that the Toyota hybrid combines an engine that uses an electric battery with a conventional gas motor, and the Ford combines a tank with a sports car.
The first thing one notices about the interior of the car is that it is extremely spacious. There’s room for at least three perps in the back seat and several dozen donuts in the front.
The car is also very basic. Other than the ballsy V8 4.6 liter engine the cars has no frills. It’s completely utilitarian. And I like that. One of the more appealing features is that it has gauges for everything. There are no mystery lights that suddenly spring on and tell you too late that your car is overheating or losing oil pressure. However, the most appealing aspect of the interior is the speedometer. It goes to 140 mph.
The real fun comes while driving the beast. The car is smooth, stable and accelerates like a rocket. When some German coined the term “fahrvernugen,” loosely translated as driving joy, he might as well have been talking about the Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptor. It truly is a joy to drive. But the greatest pleasure of being behind the wheel is seeing how other folks react when they see me coming...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Just the sight of it sitting on the side of the road can slow even the speediest of cars. Viewing it in a rearview mirror can cause fear and panic. The rumble of its engine can make the ground shake.
It’s real and it’s all mine. It’s my new car and I’ve never driven anything like it.
Over the years I’ve had a plethora of pretty cool cars. Most notable are a 1973 Volkswagen Thing, my grandfather’s 1991 Buick Park Avenue, a precious 1984 American Eagle we called Smeagol, and the classic 1979 Dodge Aspen which is the car that made the town famous. However, as fun, dependable and historic as those vehicles may be, they aren’t anything like my new ride.
That’s because my newest ride is a 1999 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, aka CVPI or P71. And like Dan Aykroyd said in the classic 1980 film, “The Blues Brothers,” when describing the new Blues mobile which also was a former cop car, “It’s got a cop engine ... it’s got cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks.”
But Elwood Blues was only covering the basics. It’s also got a cop transmission, cop frame, cop radiator, cop brakes, and perhaps the coolest feature of all is the cop spot light mounted on the driver’s door.
For decades, because of its dependability, handling, toughness, powerful engine, spacious interior and giant trunk, the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor has been the preferred vehicle for police forces around the country. These same features have also made it one of the most sought after cars for cab companies as well. The car is a hybrid that was built long before Toyota ever dreamed up the Prius. The only difference being that the Toyota hybrid combines an engine that uses an electric battery with a conventional gas motor, and the Ford combines a tank with a sports car.
The first thing one notices about the interior of the car is that it is extremely spacious. There’s room for at least three perps in the back seat and several dozen donuts in the front.
The car is also very basic. Other than the ballsy V8 4.6 liter engine the cars has no frills. It’s completely utilitarian. And I like that. One of the more appealing features is that it has gauges for everything. There are no mystery lights that suddenly spring on and tell you too late that your car is overheating or losing oil pressure. However, the most appealing aspect of the interior is the speedometer. It goes to 140 mph.
The real fun comes while driving the beast. The car is smooth, stable and accelerates like a rocket. When some German coined the term “fahrvernugen,” loosely translated as driving joy, he might as well have been talking about the Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptor. It truly is a joy to drive. But the greatest pleasure of being behind the wheel is seeing how other folks react when they see me coming...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
February 9, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Aspen has never been hotter"
Yes, 'SandBox Nanny' has all of your requests to "bring back the page feature" here on The Box.
Do you people have any idea how much work that is in Blogger format??!!
But...if she does do it...yes, she is considering a page titled "Classic Madden".
Jeremy Madden this morning. Up on the Aspen Daily News.
"When one thinks of the hottest of places imaginable, fiery locations like the Sun and Hell come quickly to mind. After that other sizzling spots like steel mills, Death Valley, the deserts of Libya and Egypt, the legendary town of Timbuktu and yoga studios all follow. But now, you can add Aspen, Colorado, to that list of extremely hot places...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Do you people have any idea how much work that is in Blogger format??!!
But...if she does do it...yes, she is considering a page titled "Classic Madden".
Jeremy Madden this morning. Up on the Aspen Daily News.
"When one thinks of the hottest of places imaginable, fiery locations like the Sun and Hell come quickly to mind. After that other sizzling spots like steel mills, Death Valley, the deserts of Libya and Egypt, the legendary town of Timbuktu and yoga studios all follow. But now, you can add Aspen, Colorado, to that list of extremely hot places...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
January 29, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Sex, lies and newspapers"
Dave Danforth:
"But a couple of complications intervened. Last year’s Yale Daily editor, Vivian Yee, worked with the New York Times, as many Yale journalists do, and knew of the story. And last year’s opinion editor, Alex Stein, wrote a blistering note printed late last week by the widely respected journalist blogger Jim Romenesko criticizing the Yale paper’s decision.
“We have all been let down,” said Stein, a major in ethics, politics and economics. “In choosing to ignore this story, the News … perpetuated the deceptive, now-shredded narrative of Pat’s ‘heroic choice,’” he continued, noting “the paper and its editor are also complicit in Yale’s culture of secrecy surrounding sexual assault.”
Bloggers responding to the explanation of the student editor respecting privacy in the face of unknown allegations commended him. Some suggested he was the only adult in a roomful of kids. Yet another said the episode “smelled of a coverup” by Yale and its paper.
Expectation of privacy is not usually raised in such cases. It arises from the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, and its protection against unreasonable searches. Privacy is not an explicitly listed right, but court decisions have widely cited it. However, those cases involved police actions. An outgrowth of libel law appears to confer a right to privacy that can be violated even where an allegation is true...."(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"But a couple of complications intervened. Last year’s Yale Daily editor, Vivian Yee, worked with the New York Times, as many Yale journalists do, and knew of the story. And last year’s opinion editor, Alex Stein, wrote a blistering note printed late last week by the widely respected journalist blogger Jim Romenesko criticizing the Yale paper’s decision.
“We have all been let down,” said Stein, a major in ethics, politics and economics. “In choosing to ignore this story, the News … perpetuated the deceptive, now-shredded narrative of Pat’s ‘heroic choice,’” he continued, noting “the paper and its editor are also complicit in Yale’s culture of secrecy surrounding sexual assault.”
Bloggers responding to the explanation of the student editor respecting privacy in the face of unknown allegations commended him. Some suggested he was the only adult in a roomful of kids. Yet another said the episode “smelled of a coverup” by Yale and its paper.
Expectation of privacy is not usually raised in such cases. It arises from the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, and its protection against unreasonable searches. Privacy is not an explicitly listed right, but court decisions have widely cited it. However, those cases involved police actions. An outgrowth of libel law appears to confer a right to privacy that can be violated even where an allegation is true...."(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
January 14, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Charlie Leonard "Charlie Leonard: Obama tries to fool the voters — once again"
Charlie Leonard:
"...If you listen, it's clear Barack Obama has abandoned the mantra of hope and change — and the personal responsibility he spoke of so eloquently just three years ago. When the president speaks about “fairness,” it's all one-sided, as if none of us outside the ranks of top corporations played any part in the housing boom and bust. Seriously? All of the speculation on credit was the fault of greedy bankers? Were we all that stupid, or maybe, just maybe, were we all just a little culpable?
When the president speaks of the economic challenges of the middle class, it's entirely the result of selfish businesses that “play by their own rules.”
The truth is that globalization and technology have forever altered the ability of low-skilled workers in the United States to demand the wages and benefits they received when our economy depended on a domestic manufacturing base..."
"...If you listen, it's clear Barack Obama has abandoned the mantra of hope and change — and the personal responsibility he spoke of so eloquently just three years ago. When the president speaks about “fairness,” it's all one-sided, as if none of us outside the ranks of top corporations played any part in the housing boom and bust. Seriously? All of the speculation on credit was the fault of greedy bankers? Were we all that stupid, or maybe, just maybe, were we all just a little culpable?
When the president speaks of the economic challenges of the middle class, it's entirely the result of selfish businesses that “play by their own rules.”
The truth is that globalization and technology have forever altered the ability of low-skilled workers in the United States to demand the wages and benefits they received when our economy depended on a domestic manufacturing base..."
December 29, 2011
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Jeremy Madden "Welcome 1 percent"
lol.
(Read more "Classic Madden" here)
"Give me your sired, your lords, your well-healed masses just yearning to spend freely, the weary wealthy of your teeming town. Send these, the second homeowners, tempest tossed to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden parachute.
Never before in modern history has the burden of big bucks weighed so heavily on the backs of the well-off. Not only have the 99 percent been occupying and protesting in our parks and streets, but they have been bashing, brow beating and blaming the 1 percent for all the woes of the world.
Not since the French Revolution has the Bourgeoisie been more hated and hunted. Truly, it is a trying time for those trying to celebrate their success. Fortunately, all is not lost. High in the Rocky Mountains there is still a place where the 1 percent are always welcome. That place is Aspen.
Like a posh port in a stormy sea of sour grapes, Aspen awaits the wealthy with open arms of exclusivity, opulence and outrageous prices. Comfier than Russian sable and tastier than a bucket of Beluga, Aspen is here for the highest rollers, and has all the amenities and activities that money can buy. It is a place where the well-to-do are good to shop, spend, and separate themselves from the absolute awfulness of the other 99 percent...."
(Jeremy Madden)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(Read more "Classic Madden" here)
"Give me your sired, your lords, your well-healed masses just yearning to spend freely, the weary wealthy of your teeming town. Send these, the second homeowners, tempest tossed to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden parachute.
Never before in modern history has the burden of big bucks weighed so heavily on the backs of the well-off. Not only have the 99 percent been occupying and protesting in our parks and streets, but they have been bashing, brow beating and blaming the 1 percent for all the woes of the world.
Not since the French Revolution has the Bourgeoisie been more hated and hunted. Truly, it is a trying time for those trying to celebrate their success. Fortunately, all is not lost. High in the Rocky Mountains there is still a place where the 1 percent are always welcome. That place is Aspen.
Like a posh port in a stormy sea of sour grapes, Aspen awaits the wealthy with open arms of exclusivity, opulence and outrageous prices. Comfier than Russian sable and tastier than a bucket of Beluga, Aspen is here for the highest rollers, and has all the amenities and activities that money can buy. It is a place where the well-to-do are good to shop, spend, and separate themselves from the absolute awfulness of the other 99 percent...."
(Jeremy Madden)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
December 24, 2011
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "De plane, de plane!"
"It’s Christmas Eve in Aspen. The town is like a magical snow globe filled with miniature hundred dollar bills as snowflakes, and everybody is giddy with anticipation of what Santa may or may not be bringing them. The goose is fat, the trees are trimmed, the stockings are hung and the slopes are groomed to perfection. The streets are choked with Range Rovers and private jets are swarming like mosquitoes, but their occupants are a bit nervous about flaunting their riches in Aspen this year. Fret not. We’re ultra tolerant here in Aspen — wealth doesn’t impress or even faze (most of) us; some actually find it boring. If you’re worried about sticking out like a sore thumb and really want to look like a local, I have a solution for you: Don’t shave, and put duct tape on your gloves and ski outfit..."
(Lorenzo Semple)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(Lorenzo Semple)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
December 19, 2011
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "There was just one Hitch"
"...Among the many things that made Hitchens unique was his precision of thought and expression. What made him rare were his courage and tenacity. He was fearless in the field and relentless in his defense of the defenseless with that mightiest of swords — his pen. Judging from his final essays, he was also fearless in the face of death. Terrified that he might lose his ability to write and therefore his being? Well, that was something else.
In his last article for Vanity Fair, Hitchens said he wanted to be fully present at death so that he might experience it actively rather than passively. How perfect that a man who was never passive about living would go un-gentle (but surely gentlemanly) into that dark night, and dare death to have the last word."
(Kathleen Parker)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
In his last article for Vanity Fair, Hitchens said he wanted to be fully present at death so that he might experience it actively rather than passively. How perfect that a man who was never passive about living would go un-gentle (but surely gentlemanly) into that dark night, and dare death to have the last word."
(Kathleen Parker)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
December 17, 2011
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Paul Nitze: Financier doesn't know incendiary"
(Deep sigh of resignation....rolls eyes...)
He is, after all, a Democrat by choice, heart and by nature.
(Read this blazing liberal 'somewhat of a manifesto' by Paul Nitze this morning? Click title.)
He is, after all, a Democrat by choice, heart and by nature.
(Read this blazing liberal 'somewhat of a manifesto' by Paul Nitze this morning? Click title.)
December 10, 2011
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Aspen needs a black dog of its own"
“A man is not a good man to me because he will feed me if I should be starving, or warm me if I should be freezing, or pull me out of a ditch if I should ever fall into one. I can find you a Newfoundland dog that will do as much.” — Henry David Thoreau Walden"
(From Lorenzo Semple's column, Aspen Daily News)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(From Lorenzo Semple's column, Aspen Daily News)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
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