But Bert, that would be way, way too easy and besides, it makes sense! They'll never do it, something like this is way, way too confusing for Aspen's city council.
Bert Myrin:
"(This letter was originally addressed to Aspen City Council)
Editor:
Your recent laments about having a weak starting position when negotiating with developers does not resonate since you alone, as our elected officials, hold the power to change the starting point from which you negotiate simply by rolling back the land-use code to pre-infill requirements prior to receiving the next application.
The Klanderud administration weakened your starting position by voting for the infill code. The infill code promotes development. The infill code reduced open space requirements, reduced parking requirements, increased height, and increased the FAR, among other development incentives.
Certainly your goal should be to write code that will establish a clear baseline to avoid making every development a “shoot the puppy” or “get our butts kicked” negotiation. Before you begin the lengthy process of writing concise code, I urge you to simply roll back the land-use code to pre-infill requirements in all the areas identified above. In the interim this will provide you (and the community) a stronger starting position from which to negotiate and avoid irreversible “monstrous” and “humongous” mistakes.
Roll the code back to pre-infill requirements ASAP and promise the community you will work quickly to write code with a happy middle ground if you find the pre-infill numbers too restrictive...."
(Read the orig. letter? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
February 17, 2012
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Op-ed: Keystone plan a golden opportunity for restoration"
By Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — At first glance, plans to revamp the summit of Keystone’s Dercum Mountain and make other improvements to existing terrain and facilities appears to be a laudable step away from the normal ski resort expansion race, marked most recently by Breckenridge’s quest to add lift-served terrain on Peak 6.
Keystone’s proposal is to work within the resort’s existing development footprint, which already sprawls three mountains deep from the Highway 6 base area into the surrounding national forest. Improvements to existing trails, the addition of a few new mountain bike trails and enhanced visitor facilities at the summit of Dercum Mountain all make sense for one of the state’s busiest ski areas. Replacing the aging mountain-top lodge, cozy as it may be, with a new energy efficient structure is also a good move, both from a business and environmental standpoint.
But there are a couple of glaring questions that come to mind immediately. As part of its review, the Forest Service should look at how the new facility will affect the operation of the Outpost, built at great expense and with a lot of environmental fanfare. I’m not sure how, but Keystone earned green accolades for construction of that remote lodge, which could become a white elephant for the resort and the Forest Service...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"SUMMIT COUNTY — At first glance, plans to revamp the summit of Keystone’s Dercum Mountain and make other improvements to existing terrain and facilities appears to be a laudable step away from the normal ski resort expansion race, marked most recently by Breckenridge’s quest to add lift-served terrain on Peak 6.
Keystone’s proposal is to work within the resort’s existing development footprint, which already sprawls three mountains deep from the Highway 6 base area into the surrounding national forest. Improvements to existing trails, the addition of a few new mountain bike trails and enhanced visitor facilities at the summit of Dercum Mountain all make sense for one of the state’s busiest ski areas. Replacing the aging mountain-top lodge, cozy as it may be, with a new energy efficient structure is also a good move, both from a business and environmental standpoint.
But there are a couple of glaring questions that come to mind immediately. As part of its review, the Forest Service should look at how the new facility will affect the operation of the Outpost, built at great expense and with a lot of environmental fanfare. I’m not sure how, but Keystone earned green accolades for construction of that remote lodge, which could become a white elephant for the resort and the Forest Service...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: KJCT News 8 "Western Slope Cow Gives Birth to Rare Triplets"
Megan Terlecky:
"MONTROSE, Colo. -- Some are calling it a miracle, a Western Slope cow gave birth to triplets. The rare event happens only one time in 8 million births. Our cameras got a look at these new calves just hours after they were born.
Not even a day old, these three are still a little shaky on their feet, but eager for mom's milk.
Kim Lechleiter, the owner of the calves, says, “It's really a historical deal to have triplets.”
Lechleiter has been raising Simmental cows since 1977.
“Out of all the years of calving, I’ve never had a set of triplets,” he said...."
(Read more? Watch the video? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"MONTROSE, Colo. -- Some are calling it a miracle, a Western Slope cow gave birth to triplets. The rare event happens only one time in 8 million births. Our cameras got a look at these new calves just hours after they were born.
Not even a day old, these three are still a little shaky on their feet, but eager for mom's milk.
Kim Lechleiter, the owner of the calves, says, “It's really a historical deal to have triplets.”
Lechleiter has been raising Simmental cows since 1977.
“Out of all the years of calving, I’ve never had a set of triplets,” he said...."
(Read more? Watch the video? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "New Castle fourth-grader wins Colorado writing award"
Heather Mcgregor:
"NEW CASTLE, Colorado — It takes a curious boy to write about a curious boy.
Erik Krauth's short story, “The Curious Boy's Adventure,” has just won first prize for his grade level in the Young Writer's Award contest hosted by the Colorado Council of the International Reading Association.
“I like to learn,” said Erik, a fourth-grader at Elk Creek Elementary in New Castle.
“I got the inspiration to write because my teacher, Miss Hesse, has been teaching us about Native Americans. I've been learning a lot of new things that I never knew about,” Erik said..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"NEW CASTLE, Colorado — It takes a curious boy to write about a curious boy.
Erik Krauth's short story, “The Curious Boy's Adventure,” has just won first prize for his grade level in the Young Writer's Award contest hosted by the Colorado Council of the International Reading Association.
“I like to learn,” said Erik, a fourth-grader at Elk Creek Elementary in New Castle.
“I got the inspiration to write because my teacher, Miss Hesse, has been teaching us about Native Americans. I've been learning a lot of new things that I never knew about,” Erik said..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Biodiversity: Great Backyard Bird Count starts today"
Bob Berwyn with photo credit to MiaMPhotography:
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
February 16, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Melanie Sturm "Freedom to choose applies to Komen"
A local favorite, Melanie Sturm. Up on the Aspen Times.
"...Stumbling and stammering through a 72-hour public-relations debacle, Komen finally waved the white flag by apologizing “for recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women's lives.” Later, Nancy Pelosi triumphantly declared, “Women's health has a big victory this morning.”
Pelosi should heed Shakespeare's admonition: “Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot that it do singe yourself.” In truth, this unfortunate dust-up between two significant women's health organizations was less one giant leap for womankind and more one small step for abortion. Now in the line of fire from both sides of the abortion debate, Komen is beaten and bloodied, as is its potential “to end breast cancer forever.” Furthermore, women's health advocates undermined their credibility by accusing Komen of hurting women, even though they knew the redirected funds were meager and would be redeployed well.
Not as obvious is the longer-term damage to Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider and arguably the most politically polarizing social service organization despite delivering vital (non-abortion) health services to millions of lower-income women. Though Planned Parenthood banked $3 million from the crisis, in making them the Roach Motel of charities — you may enter, but never leave — zealous pro-choice supporters of Planned Parenthood frighten would-be funders and affiliates.
Herein lie the rub, hypocrisy and stunning irony: When those who purport to be “pro-choice” tell a private charity like Komen they must pass a litmus test outside its mission's boundaries “or else,” they're not only depriving Komen of choice, they're denying Komen the freedom to act in accordance with its primary interest — to prevent death due to breast cancer. Why can't pro-choice advocates call Komen a blessing and say, Amen?
To those who frame the abortion argument around a woman's right to choose, Think Again. Otherwise, the Komen Foundation and breast cancer victims won't be the last hostages holed up at Hotel California, where “You can checkout any time you like, but you can never leave...!” (Read the article? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"...Stumbling and stammering through a 72-hour public-relations debacle, Komen finally waved the white flag by apologizing “for recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women's lives.” Later, Nancy Pelosi triumphantly declared, “Women's health has a big victory this morning.”
Pelosi should heed Shakespeare's admonition: “Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot that it do singe yourself.” In truth, this unfortunate dust-up between two significant women's health organizations was less one giant leap for womankind and more one small step for abortion. Now in the line of fire from both sides of the abortion debate, Komen is beaten and bloodied, as is its potential “to end breast cancer forever.” Furthermore, women's health advocates undermined their credibility by accusing Komen of hurting women, even though they knew the redirected funds were meager and would be redeployed well.
Not as obvious is the longer-term damage to Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider and arguably the most politically polarizing social service organization despite delivering vital (non-abortion) health services to millions of lower-income women. Though Planned Parenthood banked $3 million from the crisis, in making them the Roach Motel of charities — you may enter, but never leave — zealous pro-choice supporters of Planned Parenthood frighten would-be funders and affiliates.
Herein lie the rub, hypocrisy and stunning irony: When those who purport to be “pro-choice” tell a private charity like Komen they must pass a litmus test outside its mission's boundaries “or else,” they're not only depriving Komen of choice, they're denying Komen the freedom to act in accordance with its primary interest — to prevent death due to breast cancer. Why can't pro-choice advocates call Komen a blessing and say, Amen?
To those who frame the abortion argument around a woman's right to choose, Think Again. Otherwise, the Komen Foundation and breast cancer victims won't be the last hostages holed up at Hotel California, where “You can checkout any time you like, but you can never leave...!” (Read the article? Click title)
Melanie Sturm lives in Aspen. Her column runs every other Thursday. She reminds readers to Think Again. You might change your mind.
SandBox Comments: Hot Air Blog "The strange budget priorities of Obama: Subsidizing car purchases for the 1% over poor children and airline safety"
Ed Morrissey:
"In my column for The Fiscal Times today, I remind readers that budgets are statements of priorities.
Barack Obama’s budget shows his priorities on many levels, both at the macro and micro level. Given the large amount of new spending and higher taxes, it’s very easy to conclude at the macro level that Obama doesn’t think that spending reductions are a priority at all. How about on the micro level? Changes to three different programs give an even clearer indication of Obama’s priorities...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"In my column for The Fiscal Times today, I remind readers that budgets are statements of priorities.
Barack Obama’s budget shows his priorities on many levels, both at the macro and micro level. Given the large amount of new spending and higher taxes, it’s very easy to conclude at the macro level that Obama doesn’t think that spending reductions are a priority at all. How about on the micro level? Changes to three different programs give an even clearer indication of Obama’s priorities...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Red State "The Competitive Disadvantage of Principle "
Erick Erickson:
"If you have not read it, this is a fascinating article in the New York Times. The crux of the article is the title — even critics of the safety net increasingly depend on it.
The article profiles a number of people who take advantage of the federal social safety net and are increasingly resentful of it. The solutions on fixing it vary. The angry, for some, may or may not be misplaced. The article reads as a Rorschach test on your ideology — liberals will read it and find the people hypocritical. Conservatives will read it and find it all maddening.
The key paragraphs of the whole article comes toward the beginning:
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"If you have not read it, this is a fascinating article in the New York Times. The crux of the article is the title — even critics of the safety net increasingly depend on it.
The article profiles a number of people who take advantage of the federal social safety net and are increasingly resentful of it. The solutions on fixing it vary. The angry, for some, may or may not be misplaced. The article reads as a Rorschach test on your ideology — liberals will read it and find the people hypocritical. Conservatives will read it and find it all maddening.
The key paragraphs of the whole article comes toward the beginning:
"The government safety net was created to keep Americans from abject poverty, but the poorest households no longer receive a majority of government benefits. A secondary mission has gradually become primary: maintaining the middle class from childhood through retirement. The share of benefits flowing to the least affluent households, the bottom fifth, has declined from 54 percent in 1979 to 36 percent in 2007, according to a Congressional Budget Office analysis published last year.
And as more middle-class families … land in the safety net …, anger at the government has increased alongside. Many people say they are angry because the government is wasting money and giving money to people who do not deserve it. But more than that, they say they want to reduce the role of government in their own lives. They are frustrated that they need help, feel guilty for taking it and resent the government for providing it. They say they want less help for themselves; less help in caring for relatives; less assistance when they reach old age. [Emphasis added]"In other words, the United States is increasingly taxing the middle class to subsidize the middle class. All the talk about the poor and what the safety net is designed to do for the poor overlooks that the government has taken it upon itself to keep the middle class from falling into the poorer classes of society....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Jeremy Madden "Droppin’ dimes on the dopeman"
ZG and Buffalo Springfield: "....somethin happening here...what it is ain't exactly clear....there's a man with a gun over there...telling me I got to be aware...stop, children....watch that sound...everybody look what's goin down..."
Jeremy Madden:
"....My interest was particularly piqued because of the commonalties occurring in both cases. Not only were the busts both in February, they were both initiated by an anonymous source who dropped a dime on the suspected local dopeman. These connections could be pure coincidence, and if they were the only details linking the cases it might not seem so special. However, there is also another common thread connecting the cases that has made me even more curious.
That common thread is the level of investigation that each unnamed source undertook to tackle these dopemen. The information provided in each case went way beyond the average accusation. In fact, you might even call the work that these do gooders have done as undercover....."
(whisper...whisper...lordy, lordy...madden's getting suspicious...whisper..stop now...keep the shadow community alive and well...whisper...whisper...maybe jeremy should run against di salvo next...whisper...whisper...)
Jeremy Madden:
"..In the curious case of the Bentley’s bust, Basalt police reportedly received still images and video from an unnamed source showing cocaine being packaged for sale in the kitchen area of Bentley’s. The Basalt authorities then passed this info onto Aspen’s finest who executed an excellent bust on the restaurant and some suspects’ homes.
To obtain the still and moving images the dime dropper must have been very close and trusted by the drug dealers to be able to capture the images so surreptitiously. However, what initially attracted my attention to the case was why the information was passed first to Basalt officials and not directly to those in Aspen...."
(whisper...whisper....they'll never be able to figure it out...it's all good...here's to 'anonymous' and the little guy....let freedom ring....whisper...whisper...)
Jeremy Madden:
"...In the second and most recent case we have an anonymous letter delivered to the Aspen Police Department allegedly written by the father of a teenage girl who was understandably unhappy that his daughter got some drugs from the alleged drug dealer. This dime dropper delivered information about where the drugs were hidden, scales for weighing, pot plants in the apartment, all the way down to details about the ingredients the drugs were cut with.
It is an amazing amount of detail. Even the letter admits it is. In a story by Rick Carroll in the Aspen Times about the bust, the letter writer is quoted as, “After a thorough investigation I have found out the following about the drug dealer.” Darn right it was thorough. Once again, we have an anonymous source getting extremely close to a suspected drug dealer and passing that info onto police...."
(whisper...whisper...here's to the quiet anonymous tipster(s) who don't want to lose life as they know it by being socially brutalized and ganged up on by certain social sectors of the valley....whisper...whisper...moms, dads, common folks....whisper...whisper...who're fed up with elected officials not doing their jobs...whisper...whisper...the commons are looking for a hero and until one gets here they'll step up as much as they can....whisper...whisper...the crazy part isn't how close the anonymous source(s) can get...whisper...the craziness is how easy it is to do...whisper...makes you wonder why it's not getting done by those who should be doing the job...whisper...whisper....wonder if madden, abraham or the boyd will pick up on that tidbit tip and run with finding out why....whisper...whisper...sure would be safer for the common folks...whisper...whisper...)
Jeremy Madden:
"...The amount of undercover work done in each case was no easy task and those who did it put themselves in considerable danger in obtaining the information. Perhaps it is the result of my over active imagination, along with reading one too many comic books, but I cannot help but wonder if there is more than meets the eye when considering these cases.
It is no secret that there is a vocal group of valley residents who do not agree with the upper valley’s stance when it comes to undercover operations in downing drug dealers. They are not happy that Aspen and Pitkin County employ only certain tools when it comes to combating the scourge of illegal drugs. I cannot wonder if there is a person or group of people out there who, at considerable risk to themselves, are aiding local law enforcement officials in an effort to clean up Aspen? Just like Superman and Batman hid their identities with masks, the dime droppers hide their identities with an abundance of information that cannot be ignored...."
(whisper...whisper...he's sort of, kind of like becoming a 'hero writer' isn't he....jeremy madden....whisper... whisper...tellin ya...nothing gets past him...everybody waits for his columns...whisper...whisper...)
Jeremy Madden:
"...An active imagination is tough to rein in and it can move from the heroic to the horrible in the blink of an eye. Perhaps the dime dropper does not have the best intentions at heart and there is a sinister scandal afoot. Despite the sunny, clear blue skies and clouds that are whiter than rice, Aspen can be a pretty dark place. Although improbable, it is not impossible that another dopeman has purloined a page from the playbook of Boston crime boss Whitey Bulger and is taking out the competition with a little help from the law....." (whisper...whisper.......lol.....oh, how we love Madden...and they all wonder where we get our schtick...whisper...whisper...)
("....someone is droppin dimes on the dopeman....")
Here's to the hearts, the courage and the creativity of the little guy.
Let freedom ring.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Jeremy Madden:
"....My interest was particularly piqued because of the commonalties occurring in both cases. Not only were the busts both in February, they were both initiated by an anonymous source who dropped a dime on the suspected local dopeman. These connections could be pure coincidence, and if they were the only details linking the cases it might not seem so special. However, there is also another common thread connecting the cases that has made me even more curious.
That common thread is the level of investigation that each unnamed source undertook to tackle these dopemen. The information provided in each case went way beyond the average accusation. In fact, you might even call the work that these do gooders have done as undercover....."
(whisper...whisper...lordy, lordy...madden's getting suspicious...whisper..stop now...keep the shadow community alive and well...whisper...whisper...maybe jeremy should run against di salvo next...whisper...whisper...)
Jeremy Madden:
"..In the curious case of the Bentley’s bust, Basalt police reportedly received still images and video from an unnamed source showing cocaine being packaged for sale in the kitchen area of Bentley’s. The Basalt authorities then passed this info onto Aspen’s finest who executed an excellent bust on the restaurant and some suspects’ homes.
To obtain the still and moving images the dime dropper must have been very close and trusted by the drug dealers to be able to capture the images so surreptitiously. However, what initially attracted my attention to the case was why the information was passed first to Basalt officials and not directly to those in Aspen...."
(whisper...whisper....they'll never be able to figure it out...it's all good...here's to 'anonymous' and the little guy....let freedom ring....whisper...whisper...)
Jeremy Madden:
"...In the second and most recent case we have an anonymous letter delivered to the Aspen Police Department allegedly written by the father of a teenage girl who was understandably unhappy that his daughter got some drugs from the alleged drug dealer. This dime dropper delivered information about where the drugs were hidden, scales for weighing, pot plants in the apartment, all the way down to details about the ingredients the drugs were cut with.
It is an amazing amount of detail. Even the letter admits it is. In a story by Rick Carroll in the Aspen Times about the bust, the letter writer is quoted as, “After a thorough investigation I have found out the following about the drug dealer.” Darn right it was thorough. Once again, we have an anonymous source getting extremely close to a suspected drug dealer and passing that info onto police...."
(whisper...whisper...here's to the quiet anonymous tipster(s) who don't want to lose life as they know it by being socially brutalized and ganged up on by certain social sectors of the valley....whisper...whisper...moms, dads, common folks....whisper...whisper...who're fed up with elected officials not doing their jobs...whisper...whisper...the commons are looking for a hero and until one gets here they'll step up as much as they can....whisper...whisper...the crazy part isn't how close the anonymous source(s) can get...whisper...the craziness is how easy it is to do...whisper...makes you wonder why it's not getting done by those who should be doing the job...whisper...whisper....wonder if madden, abraham or the boyd will pick up on that tidbit tip and run with finding out why....whisper...whisper...sure would be safer for the common folks...whisper...whisper...)
Jeremy Madden:
"...The amount of undercover work done in each case was no easy task and those who did it put themselves in considerable danger in obtaining the information. Perhaps it is the result of my over active imagination, along with reading one too many comic books, but I cannot help but wonder if there is more than meets the eye when considering these cases.
It is no secret that there is a vocal group of valley residents who do not agree with the upper valley’s stance when it comes to undercover operations in downing drug dealers. They are not happy that Aspen and Pitkin County employ only certain tools when it comes to combating the scourge of illegal drugs. I cannot wonder if there is a person or group of people out there who, at considerable risk to themselves, are aiding local law enforcement officials in an effort to clean up Aspen? Just like Superman and Batman hid their identities with masks, the dime droppers hide their identities with an abundance of information that cannot be ignored...."
(whisper...whisper...he's sort of, kind of like becoming a 'hero writer' isn't he....jeremy madden....whisper... whisper...tellin ya...nothing gets past him...everybody waits for his columns...whisper...whisper...)
Jeremy Madden:
"...An active imagination is tough to rein in and it can move from the heroic to the horrible in the blink of an eye. Perhaps the dime dropper does not have the best intentions at heart and there is a sinister scandal afoot. Despite the sunny, clear blue skies and clouds that are whiter than rice, Aspen can be a pretty dark place. Although improbable, it is not impossible that another dopeman has purloined a page from the playbook of Boston crime boss Whitey Bulger and is taking out the competition with a little help from the law....." (whisper...whisper.......lol.....oh, how we love Madden...and they all wonder where we get our schtick...whisper...whisper...)
("....someone is droppin dimes on the dopeman....")
Here's to the hearts, the courage and the creativity of the little guy.
Let freedom ring.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: KKCO 11 News "Extras being recruited for 'The Lone Ranger' "
....news flash....news flash....breaking news...hot tip...news flash..news flash...
SandBox has nominated that daring duo over on the Eagle County Times: 'kemosabe' and 'tonto' as extras to star next to Johnny Depp.
Inquiring minds want to know.
Will our avatar heroes take a chance? Will they be moving to Hollywood? How would we know? We don't even know who they really are!
Stay tuned.
SandBox has nominated that daring duo over on the Eagle County Times: 'kemosabe' and 'tonto' as extras to star next to Johnny Depp.
Inquiring minds want to know.
Will our avatar heroes take a chance? Will they be moving to Hollywood? How would we know? We don't even know who they really are!
Stay tuned.
SandBox Comments: Town Hall/Victor Davis Hanson "Please, A Little Honesty About Illegal Immigration"
Victor Davis Hanson:
"President Barack Obama recently assured El Salvador that the United States would not deport more 200,000 Salvadorans residing illegally in the United States. As the election nears, and the president looks to court Hispanic voters, he also created a new position of "public advocate" for illegal immigrants. His duties would appear to be to advocate that millions circumvent, rather than follow, current federal law.
The administration has also said it will focus enforcement only on those who have committed crimes -- with the implicit understanding that it is no longer a crime to illegally enter and reside in the United States. In contrast, Obama has caricatured those supporting completion of a fence on the border as wanting to place alligators in the Rio Grande.
It is time that Americans revisit the issue and ponder very carefully the morality of entering the United States illegally.
True, American employers have welcomed in illegal aliens as a source of cheap labor. Employers were happy to pass the ensuing social costs on to taxpayers. To summarily deport those who have resided here for 20 years, obeyed the law, worked hard, stayed off public assistance and are now willing to pay a fine, demonstrate English proficiency and pass a citizenship test would be impracticable, callous and counterproductive.
Most, however, probably do not fit those reasonable criteria.
More importantly, we forget that the influx of millions of illegal aliens unfairly undercuts the wages of the working American poor, especially in times of high unemployment.
Crossing the border was also hardly a one-time "infraction." It was the beginning of serial unethical behavior, as illegal aliens on everyday forms and affidavits were not truthful about their immigration status...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"President Barack Obama recently assured El Salvador that the United States would not deport more 200,000 Salvadorans residing illegally in the United States. As the election nears, and the president looks to court Hispanic voters, he also created a new position of "public advocate" for illegal immigrants. His duties would appear to be to advocate that millions circumvent, rather than follow, current federal law.
The administration has also said it will focus enforcement only on those who have committed crimes -- with the implicit understanding that it is no longer a crime to illegally enter and reside in the United States. In contrast, Obama has caricatured those supporting completion of a fence on the border as wanting to place alligators in the Rio Grande.
It is time that Americans revisit the issue and ponder very carefully the morality of entering the United States illegally.
True, American employers have welcomed in illegal aliens as a source of cheap labor. Employers were happy to pass the ensuing social costs on to taxpayers. To summarily deport those who have resided here for 20 years, obeyed the law, worked hard, stayed off public assistance and are now willing to pay a fine, demonstrate English proficiency and pass a citizenship test would be impracticable, callous and counterproductive.
Most, however, probably do not fit those reasonable criteria.
More importantly, we forget that the influx of millions of illegal aliens unfairly undercuts the wages of the working American poor, especially in times of high unemployment.
Crossing the border was also hardly a one-time "infraction." It was the beginning of serial unethical behavior, as illegal aliens on everyday forms and affidavits were not truthful about their immigration status...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: KJCT News 8 "Parachute Pair Faces Charges in Montana"
Though nothing can be greater than the tragedy for the Arnold family, these cases have more victims on the sidelines.
Our local judge who obeyed law and also trusted what was told in court and let him cross state lines. Our law enforcement spanning multiple states who cannot find the assumed deceased. When discretion is found to be human in nature and not infallible, there are times when the tragedy that results touches many lives.
These are the types of cases that haunt until they are resolved. 'SandBox Nanny' hopes that the hearts and minds of all the victims can start moving toward resolution.
We'll watch for the information Don Coleman implies in his report today. Over on KJCT.
"...The judge in this case set bail at $2.5 million for each of the suspects. Both will appear again in court later this month and if convicted of the charges could face the death penalty.
While the justice system runs its course, the Montana community continues to mourn the loss of Arnold. The popular high school math teacher's birthday was Monday and she would have been 44, according to KTVQ.
Despite the charges, there is still a large mystery surrounding why Waters Jr. and Spell are accused in this case. Prosecutors, however, plan to announce why in the coming weeks...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Our local judge who obeyed law and also trusted what was told in court and let him cross state lines. Our law enforcement spanning multiple states who cannot find the assumed deceased. When discretion is found to be human in nature and not infallible, there are times when the tragedy that results touches many lives.
These are the types of cases that haunt until they are resolved. 'SandBox Nanny' hopes that the hearts and minds of all the victims can start moving toward resolution.
We'll watch for the information Don Coleman implies in his report today. Over on KJCT.
"...The judge in this case set bail at $2.5 million for each of the suspects. Both will appear again in court later this month and if convicted of the charges could face the death penalty.
While the justice system runs its course, the Montana community continues to mourn the loss of Arnold. The popular high school math teacher's birthday was Monday and she would have been 44, according to KTVQ.
Despite the charges, there is still a large mystery surrounding why Waters Jr. and Spell are accused in this case. Prosecutors, however, plan to announce why in the coming weeks...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Basalt High teacher faces felony charge for alleged relationship with student"
(Comment ability on this post is blocked)
Having watched Lauren grow up, this is a painful to watch story for 'SandBox Nanny'. Her heart and her thoughts go out to her and her family. Who at one time, also reached out to ours.
The best advice she can give to Lauren is to tell the truth and no matter how hard or unfair and out of balance the rest of the world gets as you go through this; do not back down from that.
It may take a long, long time to get the truth told but especially do not allow anyone in power to distort that truth while you work your way to the end.
There will be minimal to no further coverage on SandBoxBlogs of Lauren's story. Comment ability will also remain blocked.
(Read the coverage in the Aspen Daily? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Having watched Lauren grow up, this is a painful to watch story for 'SandBox Nanny'. Her heart and her thoughts go out to her and her family. Who at one time, also reached out to ours.
The best advice she can give to Lauren is to tell the truth and no matter how hard or unfair and out of balance the rest of the world gets as you go through this; do not back down from that.
It may take a long, long time to get the truth told but especially do not allow anyone in power to distort that truth while you work your way to the end.
There will be minimal to no further coverage on SandBoxBlogs of Lauren's story. Comment ability will also remain blocked.
(Read the coverage in the Aspen Daily? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Rehab was hard, but it worked"
You know who else rocks?
Our drug courts. And Jared Hogue. We're pretty sure the PI won't mind us taking the snip of this in it's entirety.
A special thank you goes to all of our first responders, our local, regional and federal law enforcement, our 'dime-dropping' anonymous tipsters, our lawyers on both sides of drug issues and especially to our Judges who preside over drug court. You are appreciated.
Jared Hogue:
"My name is Jared Hogue, the same name that appeared in the paper many times for meth arrests to high speed chases. I just wanted to say thank you to Judge Daniel Petre for allowing me the treatment that I needed to turn my life around.
This is the reason I'm writing this letter. People believe that if a person is addicted to drugs, we should lock them up and throw away the key. I don't believe in this.
I was in prison twice before in my life for things I had done while under the influence of meth. The only thing it did for me was teach me how to be a criminal.
Then in 2006, after a slew of felony charges, I was given the chance to go to a serious rehabilitation program. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. I planted my feet and said, “I can beat this disease.”
Now, almost seven years later, I'm still drug free. This program gave me the opportunity to build a life for myself after the wreckage I had created.
I now have a good career doing something I love. I won custody of my daughter after a year-long process through the courts. I have a wonderful woman in my life now. I love life.
Addiction is a disease, and it's treatable. Addicts do things they would never do sober when they are under the influence of drugs. But rehab doesn't come easily. It's a hard, long process, and the addict has to be willing to make a change.
Thanks to an awesome attorney and Judge Petre, and even the district attorney, I was given an opportunity that changed my life forever. Change is possible with the right intervention.
So as I sit here after a night shift at work, thanking God for the life I am able to live, I was reflecting on addicts and treatment. We need more long-term treatment for addicts.
Thank you, Judge Petre, I am forever indebted to you for your wisdom...."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Our drug courts. And Jared Hogue. We're pretty sure the PI won't mind us taking the snip of this in it's entirety.
A special thank you goes to all of our first responders, our local, regional and federal law enforcement, our 'dime-dropping' anonymous tipsters, our lawyers on both sides of drug issues and especially to our Judges who preside over drug court. You are appreciated.
Jared Hogue:
"My name is Jared Hogue, the same name that appeared in the paper many times for meth arrests to high speed chases. I just wanted to say thank you to Judge Daniel Petre for allowing me the treatment that I needed to turn my life around.
This is the reason I'm writing this letter. People believe that if a person is addicted to drugs, we should lock them up and throw away the key. I don't believe in this.
I was in prison twice before in my life for things I had done while under the influence of meth. The only thing it did for me was teach me how to be a criminal.
Then in 2006, after a slew of felony charges, I was given the chance to go to a serious rehabilitation program. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. I planted my feet and said, “I can beat this disease.”
Now, almost seven years later, I'm still drug free. This program gave me the opportunity to build a life for myself after the wreckage I had created.
I now have a good career doing something I love. I won custody of my daughter after a year-long process through the courts. I have a wonderful woman in my life now. I love life.
Addiction is a disease, and it's treatable. Addicts do things they would never do sober when they are under the influence of drugs. But rehab doesn't come easily. It's a hard, long process, and the addict has to be willing to make a change.
Thanks to an awesome attorney and Judge Petre, and even the district attorney, I was given an opportunity that changed my life forever. Change is possible with the right intervention.
So as I sit here after a night shift at work, thanking God for the life I am able to live, I was reflecting on addicts and treatment. We need more long-term treatment for addicts.
Thank you, Judge Petre, I am forever indebted to you for your wisdom...."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Fire districts host naming contest for regional authority"
This is such great news!
And it only took....two years. Isn't the protracted processes of our city admin and council grand? Remember all the flap in the PI in 2010 over this idea? Good grief, talk about hot embers.
Congratulations to all our area fire guys! You rock.
via the Post Independent:
"The merged fire authority gives the four communities involved shared control of one fire and emergency services agency that will serve the entire area. It would be governed by board members from the four communities. Tax rates are expected to remain at current levels.
In January, a memorandum of understanding was signed by officials with the four fire agencies, and an official steering committee was formed to carry out the recommendations of a consultant's study.
The steering committee includes two representatives from each of the four fire agencies, with a ninth slot filled by Garfield County Commissioner Mike Samson.
On Feb. 4, the steering committee and staff from the fire districts held a workshop to establish the mission, values, purpose, vision and strategic goals of the regional fire authority.
After a full day of discussion, the group agreed on the following mission statement:
“We are dedicated to protect life, home, and property with professional service through leadership, education, and partnerships, with safety as our highest priority.”
Information on the merger is posted on each of the department's websites: www.burningmountainsfire.org, www.glenwoodfire.com, www.riflefiredept.org...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
And it only took....two years. Isn't the protracted processes of our city admin and council grand? Remember all the flap in the PI in 2010 over this idea? Good grief, talk about hot embers.
Congratulations to all our area fire guys! You rock.
via the Post Independent:
"The merged fire authority gives the four communities involved shared control of one fire and emergency services agency that will serve the entire area. It would be governed by board members from the four communities. Tax rates are expected to remain at current levels.
In January, a memorandum of understanding was signed by officials with the four fire agencies, and an official steering committee was formed to carry out the recommendations of a consultant's study.
The steering committee includes two representatives from each of the four fire agencies, with a ninth slot filled by Garfield County Commissioner Mike Samson.
On Feb. 4, the steering committee and staff from the fire districts held a workshop to establish the mission, values, purpose, vision and strategic goals of the regional fire authority.
After a full day of discussion, the group agreed on the following mission statement:
“We are dedicated to protect life, home, and property with professional service through leadership, education, and partnerships, with safety as our highest priority.”
Information on the merger is posted on each of the department's websites: www.burningmountainsfire.org, www.glenwoodfire.com, www.riflefiredept.org...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: KKCO 11 News "Colo. company proposes oil pipeline in North Dakota "
KKCO:
"Saddle Butte Pipeline LLC says the 450-mile pipeline would run from near Alexander to Clearbrook, Minn., with the capacity to move 150,000 barrels of crude daily. It's to be built by subsidiary High Prairie Pipeline. Saddle Butte is seeking investors and shippers, and will need state approval.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Saddle Butte Pipeline LLC says the 450-mile pipeline would run from near Alexander to Clearbrook, Minn., with the capacity to move 150,000 barrels of crude daily. It's to be built by subsidiary High Prairie Pipeline. Saddle Butte is seeking investors and shippers, and will need state approval.
Saddle Butte President and CEO John Earley says North Dakota's pipeline capacity isn't keeping up with the growth in oil production. The company hopes to have the pipeline operating by late 2013...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Oil, gas companies settle lease collusion case"
Dennis Webb:
"Two oil and gas companies have agreed to a settlement in which they will pay $275,000 each for collusion in bidding on federal oil and gas leases in western Colorado, the federal government says.
The Department of Justice today announced a proposed settlement with Gunnison Energy Corp., SG Interests I Ld. and SG Interests VII Ltd. This is the department’s first-ever challenge of an anticompetitive bidding agreement for mineral rights leases, it said in a news release.
It filed a civil antitrust complaint and the proposed settlement in court today...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Two oil and gas companies have agreed to a settlement in which they will pay $275,000 each for collusion in bidding on federal oil and gas leases in western Colorado, the federal government says.
The Department of Justice today announced a proposed settlement with Gunnison Energy Corp., SG Interests I Ld. and SG Interests VII Ltd. This is the department’s first-ever challenge of an anticompetitive bidding agreement for mineral rights leases, it said in a news release.
It filed a civil antitrust complaint and the proposed settlement in court today...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Feds approve expedited licensing process for hydroelectric plant"
And then there is also that pesky little problem of local opposition that now has their petition in place contesting the City of Aspen push for the hydroelectric plant.
Hmmmm.....
Curtis Wackerle:
"FERC’s five-page letter notes the opposition of some commenters to the expedited licensing request.
“Though the issues associated with this proposal seem relatively straightforward, the commenters make it clear that the city’s proposal is controversial and note a lack of serious public engagement,” the letter says.
The project’s potential environmental effects remain an area of concern for the commenters.
“Several commenters point out that, while the Castle Creek project is relatively small in terms of generation capacity, it is likely to have substantial effects on Castle and Maroon creeks,” the letter says. “Also, commenters note that, despite the city’s environmental studies that show the project would not have significant environmental effects, there is potential for significant disputes over the studies.”
Commenters also took issue with the city’s previous request for a “conduit exemption,” which is a licensing exemption given to projects using infrastructure that has a primary purpose not directly related to hydropower. City officials claimed that a pipeline built from the municipal government’s reservoir near the water plant to the proposed site of the hydro generation equipment is first and foremost an “emergency drain line” to ensure the safe evacuation of water from the reservoir if there was ever an emergency. The city withdrew that application in favor of the small project license in the fall.
“Staff’s review of the commenters’ filings suggests that the level of controversy in this proceeding does not stem solely from resource issues, but rather, the city’s conduct with regard to previous public engagement,” the letter says.
The letter reminds interested parties about the opportunities for public engagement during the upcoming licensing process. Within the next 30 to 60 days, there will be an initial public meeting on the application process and a site visit with FERC staff, and there will be additional opportunities to comment as the city submits its draft application for the license. During the NEPA review, there also are allowances for public comment...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Hmmmm.....
Curtis Wackerle:
"FERC’s five-page letter notes the opposition of some commenters to the expedited licensing request.
“Though the issues associated with this proposal seem relatively straightforward, the commenters make it clear that the city’s proposal is controversial and note a lack of serious public engagement,” the letter says.
The project’s potential environmental effects remain an area of concern for the commenters.
“Several commenters point out that, while the Castle Creek project is relatively small in terms of generation capacity, it is likely to have substantial effects on Castle and Maroon creeks,” the letter says. “Also, commenters note that, despite the city’s environmental studies that show the project would not have significant environmental effects, there is potential for significant disputes over the studies.”
Commenters also took issue with the city’s previous request for a “conduit exemption,” which is a licensing exemption given to projects using infrastructure that has a primary purpose not directly related to hydropower. City officials claimed that a pipeline built from the municipal government’s reservoir near the water plant to the proposed site of the hydro generation equipment is first and foremost an “emergency drain line” to ensure the safe evacuation of water from the reservoir if there was ever an emergency. The city withdrew that application in favor of the small project license in the fall.
“Staff’s review of the commenters’ filings suggests that the level of controversy in this proceeding does not stem solely from resource issues, but rather, the city’s conduct with regard to previous public engagement,” the letter says.
The letter reminds interested parties about the opportunities for public engagement during the upcoming licensing process. Within the next 30 to 60 days, there will be an initial public meeting on the application process and a site visit with FERC staff, and there will be additional opportunities to comment as the city submits its draft application for the license. During the NEPA review, there also are allowances for public comment...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Great Outdoors Colorado grant would fund community garden irrigation"
Hey! How about that Carbondale?!
Locals for Smarter Growth in a major victory. Snagging front and center with Ride the Rockies this summer. Going all out with trying to get Creative District funding. Incredible building up of main street with unparalleled art and street events.
Basically, it could be said that BoneDale is kicking bu** and taking names in the tourism marketing and economic development arena.
Which brings us back to the question that has been on the inquiring minds of locals for the past decade.
Where in the world is Glenwood Springs? None of these extra effort movements have ever been made by our marketing and economic development efforts. The sole focus is over-burden and gimmicks to our accommodations tax and concentrated crony capitalizing special interests.
Congratulations to Tami Stroud and her group on pulling together their vision of expanding community agriculture into a work of downtown and community 'art'.
You are appreciated and we can't wait to see the fruits of your efforts. No doubt they will taste that much sweeter having all the local and regional effort that is now behind them.
John Colson:
"CARBONDALE, Colorado — The local food movement got a boost from the town government this week, in the form of approval for a Great Outdoors Colorado grant application to build a second community garden.
The Carbondale Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved a $45,000 GOCO grant, primarily to pay for an irrigation pump and piping system that will bring water from a town ditch to the garden site.
The trustees directed recreation director Jeff Jackel to take charge of the grant application and submit it by the March 2 deadline, Jackel said on Wednesday.
The garden is to be laid out at the southern edge of the Third Street Center property (formerly Carbondale Elementary School), and is to contain roughly 60 garden plots to be rented out to local gardeners.
The existing community garden, located adjacent to Crystal Meadows Senior Housing, contains 22 plots. Of these, 15 of are reserved for residents of the senior housing complex, according to community garden organizer Tami Stroud.
(Disclosure: Tami Stroud is the wife of Post Independent reporter John Stroud.)
Stroud noted that the state requires a 25 percent local match, or $15,000 of the overall project cost of up to $60,000, for the project to be eligible for the GOCO grant.
“We've already got that,” Stroud said. The project has received grants from the town, the Aspen Skiing Co. Environment Foundation and Fiskars Tools, plus in-kind donations.
According to a memo to the trustees from Jackel, the idea for a second community garden has been around since 2009...."Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Locals for Smarter Growth in a major victory. Snagging front and center with Ride the Rockies this summer. Going all out with trying to get Creative District funding. Incredible building up of main street with unparalleled art and street events.
Basically, it could be said that BoneDale is kicking bu** and taking names in the tourism marketing and economic development arena.
Which brings us back to the question that has been on the inquiring minds of locals for the past decade.
Where in the world is Glenwood Springs? None of these extra effort movements have ever been made by our marketing and economic development efforts. The sole focus is over-burden and gimmicks to our accommodations tax and concentrated crony capitalizing special interests.
Congratulations to Tami Stroud and her group on pulling together their vision of expanding community agriculture into a work of downtown and community 'art'.
You are appreciated and we can't wait to see the fruits of your efforts. No doubt they will taste that much sweeter having all the local and regional effort that is now behind them.
John Colson:
"CARBONDALE, Colorado — The local food movement got a boost from the town government this week, in the form of approval for a Great Outdoors Colorado grant application to build a second community garden.
The Carbondale Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved a $45,000 GOCO grant, primarily to pay for an irrigation pump and piping system that will bring water from a town ditch to the garden site.
The trustees directed recreation director Jeff Jackel to take charge of the grant application and submit it by the March 2 deadline, Jackel said on Wednesday.
The garden is to be laid out at the southern edge of the Third Street Center property (formerly Carbondale Elementary School), and is to contain roughly 60 garden plots to be rented out to local gardeners.
The existing community garden, located adjacent to Crystal Meadows Senior Housing, contains 22 plots. Of these, 15 of are reserved for residents of the senior housing complex, according to community garden organizer Tami Stroud.
(Disclosure: Tami Stroud is the wife of Post Independent reporter John Stroud.)
Stroud noted that the state requires a 25 percent local match, or $15,000 of the overall project cost of up to $60,000, for the project to be eligible for the GOCO grant.
“We've already got that,” Stroud said. The project has received grants from the town, the Aspen Skiing Co. Environment Foundation and Fiskars Tools, plus in-kind donations.
According to a memo to the trustees from Jackel, the idea for a second community garden has been around since 2009...."Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Food: Europe and U.S. reach organic trade deal"
There is only one investigative reporter in Colorado who leads the pack in environment oriented journalists.
Rarely, if ever, letting his followers down, Bob Berwyn and his independent news publication the Summit County Citizens Voice has a stellar reputation.
Truthful, fair, detailed and in the lead with timely reporting; Berwyn is the best.
This is phenomenal news for US organic producers and consumers. Thanks so much is the shout out today. To Summit Voice and Berwyn for bringing it to us.
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — In a huge move for organic producers and consumers, the U.S. and the European Union said this week that organic products certified in Europe or in the United States may be sold as organic in either region.
Leading up to today’s historic announcement, both parties conducted thorough on-site audits to ensure that their programs’ regulations, quality control measures, certification requirements, and labeling practices are compatible.
“This partnership connects organic farmers and companies on both sides of the Atlantic with a wide range of new market opportunities,” said U.S Deputy Agriculture Secretary Merrigan. “It is a win for the American economy and President Obama’s jobs strategy. This partnership will open new markets for American farmers and ranchers, create more opportunities for small businesses, and result in good jobs for Americans who package, ship, and market organic products.”
The organics sector in the United States and European Union is valued at more than $50 billion combined, and rising every year...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Rarely, if ever, letting his followers down, Bob Berwyn and his independent news publication the Summit County Citizens Voice has a stellar reputation.
Truthful, fair, detailed and in the lead with timely reporting; Berwyn is the best.
This is phenomenal news for US organic producers and consumers. Thanks so much is the shout out today. To Summit Voice and Berwyn for bringing it to us.
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — In a huge move for organic producers and consumers, the U.S. and the European Union said this week that organic products certified in Europe or in the United States may be sold as organic in either region.
The formal agreement was signed Feb. 15 in Nuremberg, Germany. The partnership was touted as establishing a strong foundation from which to promote organic agriculture and benefiting the growing organic industry to support jobs and businesses on a global scale.
Leading up to today’s historic announcement, both parties conducted thorough on-site audits to ensure that their programs’ regulations, quality control measures, certification requirements, and labeling practices are compatible.
“This partnership connects organic farmers and companies on both sides of the Atlantic with a wide range of new market opportunities,” said U.S Deputy Agriculture Secretary Merrigan. “It is a win for the American economy and President Obama’s jobs strategy. This partnership will open new markets for American farmers and ranchers, create more opportunities for small businesses, and result in good jobs for Americans who package, ship, and market organic products.”
The organics sector in the United States and European Union is valued at more than $50 billion combined, and rising every year...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "Oak Creek resident Tom Thurston’s Iditarod send-off is Thursday"
Joel Reichenberger:
"Steamboat Springs — There’s no rest for the weary, at least not for Oak Creek musher Tom Thurston.
Routt County’s most prolific marathon musher is set to depart for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska with a send-off party from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Rex’s American Grill & Bar in Steamboat Springs.
The party comes less than 48 hours after Thurston wrapped up his run in the Race to the Sky dog sled race in Montana. He’s won the event before but finished fifth this year, using the race more as a finale for what’s been a winter of training in Montana than as a true test of his team’s speed...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Steamboat Springs — There’s no rest for the weary, at least not for Oak Creek musher Tom Thurston.
Routt County’s most prolific marathon musher is set to depart for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska with a send-off party from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Rex’s American Grill & Bar in Steamboat Springs.
The party comes less than 48 hours after Thurston wrapped up his run in the Race to the Sky dog sled race in Montana. He’s won the event before but finished fifth this year, using the race more as a finale for what’s been a winter of training in Montana than as a true test of his team’s speed...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Basalt lands big catch in world of fly-fishing"
Scott Condon has great news this morning! Up on the Aspen Times.
If you have ever fished our rivers here in the Roaring Fork Valley, you know he's talking true. This is a huge boon to Basalt's economy. The news that there is a world class level of fly-fishing in Basalt will now go global.
Here's another great piece on local fly fishing today. Brought to us by Collin Szewczyk, down on the Glenwood Springs Post Independent.
Scott Condon:
"The town will host the Rocky Mountain regional qualifier for the U.S. National Fly Fishing Championships, according to both Basalt organizers and the U.S. Fly Fishing Team's website. The qualifier will be in Basalt on May 5 and 6. At least 32 top anglers in the Rocky Mountain states will appear and possibly more.
“These are top-flight fishermen,” said Warrick Mobry, owner of Frying Pan Anglers in Basalt.
The anglers will be involved in competition on a Saturday and Sunday, most likely with two sessions of two hours each on Saturday on the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork rivers, then another session on the streams and a session on Ruedi Reservoir on Sunday. Details will be arranged by the U.S. Fly Fishing Team after it examines the rivers and gauges conditions as the competition nears, Mobry said.
Mobry worked with contacts on the national fly-fishing team to build interest in Basalt. Once the team indicated that it was interested in holding a qualifier in Basalt, Mobry started working with Bennett Bramson, a past president of the Basalt Chamber of Commerce and a driving force on the Basalt Arts and Social Happenings committee...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
If you have ever fished our rivers here in the Roaring Fork Valley, you know he's talking true. This is a huge boon to Basalt's economy. The news that there is a world class level of fly-fishing in Basalt will now go global.
Here's another great piece on local fly fishing today. Brought to us by Collin Szewczyk, down on the Glenwood Springs Post Independent.
Scott Condon:
"The town will host the Rocky Mountain regional qualifier for the U.S. National Fly Fishing Championships, according to both Basalt organizers and the U.S. Fly Fishing Team's website. The qualifier will be in Basalt on May 5 and 6. At least 32 top anglers in the Rocky Mountain states will appear and possibly more.
“These are top-flight fishermen,” said Warrick Mobry, owner of Frying Pan Anglers in Basalt.
The anglers will be involved in competition on a Saturday and Sunday, most likely with two sessions of two hours each on Saturday on the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork rivers, then another session on the streams and a session on Ruedi Reservoir on Sunday. Details will be arranged by the U.S. Fly Fishing Team after it examines the rivers and gauges conditions as the competition nears, Mobry said.
Mobry worked with contacts on the national fly-fishing team to build interest in Basalt. Once the team indicated that it was interested in holding a qualifier in Basalt, Mobry started working with Bennett Bramson, a past president of the Basalt Chamber of Commerce and a driving force on the Basalt Arts and Social Happenings committee...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
February 15, 2012
SandBox Comments: Town Hall/Brent Bozell "The Kennedy Has No Clothes"
Brent Bozell:
"As we know from our liberal media, sleazy White House affairs with interns are never meant to make the president look sleazy. These rotten-to-the-core husbands are lauded for their heroism and their "magnetism" and "electricity" for all posterity. Instead, we demean their coquettish "conquests" for daring to write about it from their viewpoint.
On "The Chris Matthews Show," the entire panel of journalists dismissed Alford's memoir as having zero impact on Kennedy's image in the history books. CNNs Gloria Borger attempted to find some of the Alford stories "despicable" and "disgusting," but Kathleen Parker, television's favorite faux-family-values-conservative added, "And delicious." When Matthews asked her viewpoint as a woman, she theatrically yawned. Would she react that way if the husband in question were her own?
Chris Matthews was delighted at the unanimous verdict against Alford. "I wrote a much more comprehensive book about Jack Kennedy. I got to tell you, it's all a part of the picture. You can't defend it. He's still a hero."
Matthews titled his rehash of a book "Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero." That's the problem. There is nothing constructive or appealing about the promotion of Alford's ugly story. I'm happy everyone wants it ignored. On the other hand, it's time to stop this dishonest rewrite about the Kennedy White House. It wasn't Camelot. It was a sewer. It's time for them to stop ignoring that...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"As we know from our liberal media, sleazy White House affairs with interns are never meant to make the president look sleazy. These rotten-to-the-core husbands are lauded for their heroism and their "magnetism" and "electricity" for all posterity. Instead, we demean their coquettish "conquests" for daring to write about it from their viewpoint.
On "The Chris Matthews Show," the entire panel of journalists dismissed Alford's memoir as having zero impact on Kennedy's image in the history books. CNNs Gloria Borger attempted to find some of the Alford stories "despicable" and "disgusting," but Kathleen Parker, television's favorite faux-family-values-conservative added, "And delicious." When Matthews asked her viewpoint as a woman, she theatrically yawned. Would she react that way if the husband in question were her own?
Chris Matthews was delighted at the unanimous verdict against Alford. "I wrote a much more comprehensive book about Jack Kennedy. I got to tell you, it's all a part of the picture. You can't defend it. He's still a hero."
Matthews titled his rehash of a book "Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero." That's the problem. There is nothing constructive or appealing about the promotion of Alford's ugly story. I'm happy everyone wants it ignored. On the other hand, it's time to stop this dishonest rewrite about the Kennedy White House. It wasn't Camelot. It was a sewer. It's time for them to stop ignoring that...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Denver Post "Defiant Iran claims major steps in nuclear fuel"
After nearly four years of the most inept foreign policy we have ever had sitting in the Oval Office, what does Western Colorado GOP do at caucus?
Stand for the one candidate that cannot possibly beat Barack Obama in November 2012. Mitt Romney.
Is Rick Santorum, who the rest of Colorado went for, any better? He at least stands a chance to win because he is a conservative, not a progressive like Romney. Is he right for the job? Absolutely not. Santorum has little to no foreign policy experience and has yet to define his foreign policy platform into anything that makes sense. It's weak, at best.
Where does the Colorado Tea Party go at caucus time? To Ron Paul. Who has the most dangerous to Americans foreign policy in history.
Remember Dan Maes. That shining example of what a divided Colorado is capable of. The worst showing in a poltical contest in our history.
Mitt Romney is Colorado's Dan Maes. Ron Paul is Colorado's Tom Tancredo.
(Read up on Iran? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Stand for the one candidate that cannot possibly beat Barack Obama in November 2012. Mitt Romney.
Is Rick Santorum, who the rest of Colorado went for, any better? He at least stands a chance to win because he is a conservative, not a progressive like Romney. Is he right for the job? Absolutely not. Santorum has little to no foreign policy experience and has yet to define his foreign policy platform into anything that makes sense. It's weak, at best.
Where does the Colorado Tea Party go at caucus time? To Ron Paul. Who has the most dangerous to Americans foreign policy in history.
Remember Dan Maes. That shining example of what a divided Colorado is capable of. The worst showing in a poltical contest in our history.
Mitt Romney is Colorado's Dan Maes. Ron Paul is Colorado's Tom Tancredo.
(Read up on Iran? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Pueblo Chieftain "Gessler, Ortiz defend proposed rules "
Patrick Malone:
"DENVER — Opponents of Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler’s proposal to relax oversight of electronic voting machines testified Tuesday that now is the time to strengthen safeguards, not reduce them.
Gessler and Pueblo County Clerk and Recorder Gilbert “Bo” Ortiz countered during a rule-making hearing that they believe sufficient protections against voter fraud still would exist under the proposed rule change.
In its present form the change would reduce the required number of seals designed to prevent tampering with voting machines, end the continuous video surveillance of the machines that is presently required before and after elections and leave investigations of suspicious incidents involving the machines to county officials rather than Gessler’s office.
Mandatory inspection of the machines by the secretary of state’s office also would be eliminated under the proposed rule.
“It’s really critical that we keep in mind the importance of our elections and the centrality of those to our democracy and that they are the envy of people around the world,” said Jeff Sherman of Broomfield, an Iraqi War veteran who objects to relaxing oversight of the machines.
“I think as we learn more and more about these electronic voting machines, we realize that they haven’t become more and more secure, but in fact they’ve become more and more subject to hacking and to nefarious behavior,” Sherman said...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"DENVER — Opponents of Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler’s proposal to relax oversight of electronic voting machines testified Tuesday that now is the time to strengthen safeguards, not reduce them.
Gessler and Pueblo County Clerk and Recorder Gilbert “Bo” Ortiz countered during a rule-making hearing that they believe sufficient protections against voter fraud still would exist under the proposed rule change.
In its present form the change would reduce the required number of seals designed to prevent tampering with voting machines, end the continuous video surveillance of the machines that is presently required before and after elections and leave investigations of suspicious incidents involving the machines to county officials rather than Gessler’s office.
Mandatory inspection of the machines by the secretary of state’s office also would be eliminated under the proposed rule.
“It’s really critical that we keep in mind the importance of our elections and the centrality of those to our democracy and that they are the envy of people around the world,” said Jeff Sherman of Broomfield, an Iraqi War veteran who objects to relaxing oversight of the machines.
“I think as we learn more and more about these electronic voting machines, we realize that they haven’t become more and more secure, but in fact they’ve become more and more subject to hacking and to nefarious behavior,” Sherman said...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Eagle County clerk reacts to election lawsuit"
(See related story here)
Janet Urquhart:
"..Citizen Center filed a civil suit against Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler and the county clerks in Boulder, Jefferson, Larimer, Mesa, Eagle and Chaffee counties, seeking court action requiring Gessler and the clerks to halt practices that violate voters' constitutional rights to anonymous, untraceable ballots..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Janet Urquhart:
"..Citizen Center filed a civil suit against Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler and the county clerks in Boulder, Jefferson, Larimer, Mesa, Eagle and Chaffee counties, seeking court action requiring Gessler and the clerks to halt practices that violate voters' constitutional rights to anonymous, untraceable ballots..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Craig Daily Press "Craig Police Department officers recognized for heroism"
Officer Edwards, Sgt. Corey Wagner and Officer Lance Eldridge; thank you for your service.
Joe Moylan:
"Tears flowed Tuesday night at Craig City Hall as three Craig Police Department officers were recognized for their efforts to save a local resident from a burning home.
Officer Mike Edwards was presented with the Craig Police Department’s Medal of Valor by Chief Walt Vanatta for his role in removing Patrick Hunter, 75, from his burning home Feb. 7 at 1912 Woodland Ave.
The ceremony honoring the officers took place during the Craig City Council meeting.
During the presentation, Vanatta read the narrative of events into the council record.
The narrative is as follows:
“On Feb. 7, 2012, at approximately 7:45 p.m., you responded to a house fire at 1912 Woodland Ave. The house was in flames.
“Hearing a voice inside the home you opened the door. You could hear a voice and through the thick smoke could see a hand on the door.
“The person couldn’t crawl and became unresponsive. At extreme risk to your own safety, you entered the smoke-filled house and grabbed the person. Not being able to see, you began dragging the person to where you thought the door was and together with other officers were able to get the person out of the burning house.
“Your actions demonstrated extraordinary courage and heroism, and at great risk to your personal safety to save the life of another person.”
Sgt. Corey Wagner and officer Lance Eldridge were also recognized Tuesday for their efforts and were presented with the Valorous Conduct award for assisting Edwards in removing Hunter from his home.
“I am extremely proud of all of you guys,” Vanatta said. “The fire chief trains and trains and trains us (police officers) not to go into a burning building, but hearing a voice inside they did what I think all of our guys would do....” (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Joe Moylan:
"Tears flowed Tuesday night at Craig City Hall as three Craig Police Department officers were recognized for their efforts to save a local resident from a burning home.
Officer Mike Edwards was presented with the Craig Police Department’s Medal of Valor by Chief Walt Vanatta for his role in removing Patrick Hunter, 75, from his burning home Feb. 7 at 1912 Woodland Ave.
The ceremony honoring the officers took place during the Craig City Council meeting.
During the presentation, Vanatta read the narrative of events into the council record.
The narrative is as follows:
“On Feb. 7, 2012, at approximately 7:45 p.m., you responded to a house fire at 1912 Woodland Ave. The house was in flames.
“Hearing a voice inside the home you opened the door. You could hear a voice and through the thick smoke could see a hand on the door.
“The person couldn’t crawl and became unresponsive. At extreme risk to your own safety, you entered the smoke-filled house and grabbed the person. Not being able to see, you began dragging the person to where you thought the door was and together with other officers were able to get the person out of the burning house.
“Your actions demonstrated extraordinary courage and heroism, and at great risk to your personal safety to save the life of another person.”
Sgt. Corey Wagner and officer Lance Eldridge were also recognized Tuesday for their efforts and were presented with the Valorous Conduct award for assisting Edwards in removing Hunter from his home.
“I am extremely proud of all of you guys,” Vanatta said. “The fire chief trains and trains and trains us (police officers) not to go into a burning building, but hearing a voice inside they did what I think all of our guys would do....” (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Hot Air Blog "Media Matters took $600K for gun control while carrying?"
The ongoing series that the Daily Caller is reporting on the far left of liberal website: 'Media Matters for America' just grows and grows. Very interesting stuff.
Ed Morrissey:
"The Daily Caller continues its series on Media Matters for America, this time looking at its tax returns and its tax exemption as a political organization. The tax returns don’t reveal anything shocking, except for one point of hypocrisy. In the first report, The DC revealed that the personal assistant to founder David Brock carries a concealed Glock when Brock goes out in public to protect him from attackers, either real or imaginary. That is a defensible action to take as political debate sometimes brings out the fringe crazies, as I can personally attest, except for two things. First, if he’s carrying in Washington DC, it’s probably not legal. And the reason it’s not legal is because of organizations like Media Matters for America, whose tax returns show a hefty amount of cash earmarked for gun-control activism:
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Ed Morrissey:
"The Daily Caller continues its series on Media Matters for America, this time looking at its tax returns and its tax exemption as a political organization. The tax returns don’t reveal anything shocking, except for one point of hypocrisy. In the first report, The DC revealed that the personal assistant to founder David Brock carries a concealed Glock when Brock goes out in public to protect him from attackers, either real or imaginary. That is a defensible action to take as political debate sometimes brings out the fringe crazies, as I can personally attest, except for two things. First, if he’s carrying in Washington DC, it’s probably not legal. And the reason it’s not legal is because of organizations like Media Matters for America, whose tax returns show a hefty amount of cash earmarked for gun-control activism:
Media Matters reported at the end of 2010 that $612,500 of its assets were “restricted” by donors to be applied to “gun and public safety issues.” During this time, The Daily Caller has already reported, Brock’s personal assistant was carrying a holstered and concealed Glock handgun when he accompanied Brock to events...."(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: KJCT News 8 "3 Men Arrested In Eagle County On Cocaine Charges"
Very interesting to watch the major uptick in Eagle County drug, ICE and related crime busts ever since they caught Rascon.
KJCT:
"EDWARDS, Colo. -- Eagle County sheriff's officials have arrested three Avon residents suspected of distributing cocaine in the Vail area.
They say an undercover operator allegedly bought cocaine in Edwards from 25-year-old Oscar Gonzalez-Valadez and 31-year-old Alejandro Rodriguez-Serna, and information from the alleged sellers led to their alleged supplier. Officials identified that suspect as 39-year-old Ezequiel Galaviz-Roman.
KJCT:
"EDWARDS, Colo. -- Eagle County sheriff's officials have arrested three Avon residents suspected of distributing cocaine in the Vail area.
They say an undercover operator allegedly bought cocaine in Edwards from 25-year-old Oscar Gonzalez-Valadez and 31-year-old Alejandro Rodriguez-Serna, and information from the alleged sellers led to their alleged supplier. Officials identified that suspect as 39-year-old Ezequiel Galaviz-Roman.
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Beeson: The unflappable jungle colonel"
January 26, 2012, Note from 'SandBox Nanny':
(Now that DA Beeson has thrown his hat in the ring for district attorney in the 9th, please take note that there will be no special treatment given to any news press surrounding his race. His articles, if they are SandBox worthy or chosen in the daily agg run-up; will be put up just like anyone else in a political race. What SandBox Commentators will continue to do, is heavily moderate his articles. We are the only news media that provides the courtesty of moderating commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District and Mr. Beeson's articles. )
Jerry Bovino, Aspen:
"Do you remember in the Schwarzenegger and Stallone and Bruce Willis movies where it turns out that corruption in government and the military and the CIA is rampant and it goes all the way up to the White House? The protagonist, in grave danger, usually calls The Pentagon or the Capitol from Vietnam or Afghanistan or Beirut and insists on talking to only one person. In the movies, it’s usually the colonel who trained him in the jungles of Southeast Asia. He is the one man that they can trust with their lives. They know he can’t be bought or sold. Metaphorically speaking, Mr. Silverman, we have someone we can trust with our lives — just like the colonel in the movies — right here in Pitkin County. His name is Martin Beeson and we are fortunate he serves us every day as our district attorney. The citizens of Colorado are quite pleased with Mr. Beeson’s integrity and performance. The reason that qualified candidates have not surfaced to run against Mr. Beeson is because they are smart enough to know they would lose...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
(Now that DA Beeson has thrown his hat in the ring for district attorney in the 9th, please take note that there will be no special treatment given to any news press surrounding his race. His articles, if they are SandBox worthy or chosen in the daily agg run-up; will be put up just like anyone else in a political race. What SandBox Commentators will continue to do, is heavily moderate his articles. We are the only news media that provides the courtesty of moderating commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District and Mr. Beeson's articles. )
Jerry Bovino, Aspen:
"Do you remember in the Schwarzenegger and Stallone and Bruce Willis movies where it turns out that corruption in government and the military and the CIA is rampant and it goes all the way up to the White House? The protagonist, in grave danger, usually calls The Pentagon or the Capitol from Vietnam or Afghanistan or Beirut and insists on talking to only one person. In the movies, it’s usually the colonel who trained him in the jungles of Southeast Asia. He is the one man that they can trust with their lives. They know he can’t be bought or sold. Metaphorically speaking, Mr. Silverman, we have someone we can trust with our lives — just like the colonel in the movies — right here in Pitkin County. His name is Martin Beeson and we are fortunate he serves us every day as our district attorney. The citizens of Colorado are quite pleased with Mr. Beeson’s integrity and performance. The reason that qualified candidates have not surfaced to run against Mr. Beeson is because they are smart enough to know they would lose...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Wildfires: USFS to replace aging air tanker fleet"
This just might be a very silly question.
"Aren't air tankers that fight public wildfires simply older military planes that have been taken out of service? "
If so, then here's question two:
"Isn't the USFS funded by taxpayer dollars?"
If so, then here's question three:
"Why do we contract with private companies who've bought those ex-military planes, shouldn't the military simply hand them back over to the government that bought them and the USFS maintain the fleet?"
Wouldn't that be a far less costly way to manage our wildfire resources?
(Read the article. Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Aren't air tankers that fight public wildfires simply older military planes that have been taken out of service? "
If so, then here's question two:
"Isn't the USFS funded by taxpayer dollars?"
If so, then here's question three:
"Why do we contract with private companies who've bought those ex-military planes, shouldn't the military simply hand them back over to the government that bought them and the USFS maintain the fleet?"
Wouldn't that be a far less costly way to manage our wildfire resources?
(Read the article. Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Dollar store coming to Main Street in Silt"
(...sighs....rolls eyes.....pours something a little stronger into her morning cuppa....)
Here's another tourism marketing and economic development idea for the Town of Silt.
Capitalize on being the only town on the Western Slope of Colorado that has its own 'stalkarazzi' aka John Colson.
Picture this!
You can snap photos of him lurking out at the entrance into Silt...just sitting there with his trusted steno book and #2 pencil in that old truck of his.
Go online to a handy 'spy gear' store and grab up some 'Big Brother' cameras and hidden mics. Then plaster them all over town. Let the town hall employees monitor the closed circuit screens and listen in to all conversations that might tell you: "Where's John Colson??"
Feed him false tips and leads through groups of anonymous bloggers and then film his antics chasing down those leads!
Wrap all that up into a script and ship it off with a solicitation to be the next big reality show on TV.
Then add a "Hot News!!" viral social media button on that great new website of yours and launch a global campaign soliciting votes promoting your effort to get on one of the major TV networks.
win-win.
BTW, a Dollar Store is a great idea, we need one in the area. Hope it hasn't been sabotaged by leaks from your resident stalkarazzi reporter.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Here's another tourism marketing and economic development idea for the Town of Silt.
Capitalize on being the only town on the Western Slope of Colorado that has its own 'stalkarazzi' aka John Colson.
Picture this!
You can snap photos of him lurking out at the entrance into Silt...just sitting there with his trusted steno book and #2 pencil in that old truck of his.
Go online to a handy 'spy gear' store and grab up some 'Big Brother' cameras and hidden mics. Then plaster them all over town. Let the town hall employees monitor the closed circuit screens and listen in to all conversations that might tell you: "Where's John Colson??"
Feed him false tips and leads through groups of anonymous bloggers and then film his antics chasing down those leads!
Wrap all that up into a script and ship it off with a solicitation to be the next big reality show on TV.
Then add a "Hot News!!" viral social media button on that great new website of yours and launch a global campaign soliciting votes promoting your effort to get on one of the major TV networks.
win-win.
BTW, a Dollar Store is a great idea, we need one in the area. Hope it hasn't been sabotaged by leaks from your resident stalkarazzi reporter.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Sandbox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Forest Service delivers setback to coal mine expansion"
If they are not careful, the US Forest Service secret weapon of being some of the best politicians around is going to leak out.
How many times now have they temporarily stopped a deal using vague and non-specific language, in order to look like they are soothing the extremist environmental groups such as 'EarthJustice' and 'Wild Earth Guardians'?
Dennis Webb:
"...However, while conservationists are praising the action by the agency’s Rocky Mountain Region office, the decision doesn’t close the door on the Forest Service eventually approving the expansion by Arch Coal.
The regional office has instructed the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest to reconsider the matter because it didn’t explain why existing coal lease stipulations designed to protect wildlife and other resources were eliminated or modified.
“It doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. It just means that further environmental analysis needs to occur based on the points that were appealed,” said Steve Segin, a spokesman for the Forest Service’s regional office...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
How many times now have they temporarily stopped a deal using vague and non-specific language, in order to look like they are soothing the extremist environmental groups such as 'EarthJustice' and 'Wild Earth Guardians'?
Dennis Webb:
"...However, while conservationists are praising the action by the agency’s Rocky Mountain Region office, the decision doesn’t close the door on the Forest Service eventually approving the expansion by Arch Coal.
The regional office has instructed the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest to reconsider the matter because it didn’t explain why existing coal lease stipulations designed to protect wildlife and other resources were eliminated or modified.
“It doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. It just means that further environmental analysis needs to occur based on the points that were appealed,” said Steve Segin, a spokesman for the Forest Service’s regional office...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Garfield County suspends affordable housing rules"
John Stroud:
"Under the further relaxed housing rules approved Monday, any houses that are built within the next three years will be subtracted from the overall number of units granted in the subdivision approvals.
For example, if a developer is approved for 25 lots and five houses are constructed over the next three years, the percentage of required deed-restricted units would be based on 20 lots, rather than the original 25.
County staff had recommended a two-year suspension of the rules. The term was extended to three years at County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky's suggestion.
“I believe it's going to take that long for building to come back,” he said.
The incentive is aimed at kick-starting the lagging home construction market.
Home building and residential real estate sales have been slow to rebound from the downturn in the housing market, locally and nationally, that accompanied the 2008 recession.
Sarah Thorsteinson works as the government affairs director for several Western Slope Realtors associations, including the Glenwood Springs Association of Realtors. She applauded the Garfield commissioners' move.
“We need anything at this point to try to get the housing market going again,” said Thorsteinson, who attended the commissioners' meeting. “Any little bit of incentive can help.”
Although there are a lot of houses currently on the market, it takes new construction to help stimulate the market, she said...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Under the further relaxed housing rules approved Monday, any houses that are built within the next three years will be subtracted from the overall number of units granted in the subdivision approvals.
For example, if a developer is approved for 25 lots and five houses are constructed over the next three years, the percentage of required deed-restricted units would be based on 20 lots, rather than the original 25.
County staff had recommended a two-year suspension of the rules. The term was extended to three years at County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky's suggestion.
“I believe it's going to take that long for building to come back,” he said.
The incentive is aimed at kick-starting the lagging home construction market.
Home building and residential real estate sales have been slow to rebound from the downturn in the housing market, locally and nationally, that accompanied the 2008 recession.
Sarah Thorsteinson works as the government affairs director for several Western Slope Realtors associations, including the Glenwood Springs Association of Realtors. She applauded the Garfield commissioners' move.
“We need anything at this point to try to get the housing market going again,” said Thorsteinson, who attended the commissioners' meeting. “Any little bit of incentive can help.”
Although there are a lot of houses currently on the market, it takes new construction to help stimulate the market, she said...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Public funds sweeten Whistler’s X Games bid"
Talk about grounds for a major uprising. An 'Aspen Spring'.
If it turns out that we lose X Games because Paula and Jim Crown were too tight to part with some of that 'earned' cash that has accumulated for years by not paying the kids a living wage; the folks are not going to be happy.
Especially after watching all the shuck and jive from Aspen Skico execs over X Games possible exit and listening to the Skico demands for more money pitched in from the community. After calling us all a 'bunch of bitching locals'.
We already lost out to Vail once this season. To lose again to Whistler??!!@#^!
(Click title. Read between the lines. Remember previous reports)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
If it turns out that we lose X Games because Paula and Jim Crown were too tight to part with some of that 'earned' cash that has accumulated for years by not paying the kids a living wage; the folks are not going to be happy.
Especially after watching all the shuck and jive from Aspen Skico execs over X Games possible exit and listening to the Skico demands for more money pitched in from the community. After calling us all a 'bunch of bitching locals'.
We already lost out to Vail once this season. To lose again to Whistler??!!@#^!
(Click title. Read between the lines. Remember previous reports)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "County favors $121 million airport terminal plan"
$121 million bucks for a major airport renovation and all the Donald Trumps of the world get is a lousy hangar or two over in the private jet sector of Sardy Field.
Such a lack of balance in the cosmos of Aspen. Maybe the largest homeless population that Paradise has ever seen should set up a picket line.
Andrew Travers:
"“We might have an outcry from the community,” Ittner said, later adding: “That’s part of the community: We like things small.” (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Such a lack of balance in the cosmos of Aspen. Maybe the largest homeless population that Paradise has ever seen should set up a picket line.
Andrew Travers:
"“We might have an outcry from the community,” Ittner said, later adding: “That’s part of the community: We like things small.” (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Aspen hydro plant opponents succeed in petition drive"
"...calling out around the world....are you ready for a brand new beat....summer's here and the time is right....for dancing in the streets....."
Congratulations, Aspen! You rock. Especially you little guys.
The right hydro project, for the right price, just might be a good idea. Someday.
In the meantime, heck with this one shoved down the throats of the taxpayers by special interests.
Andre Salvail:
"ASPEN — Call it a major score for the group opposed to the city's Castle Creek hydroelectric project.
On Tuesday, Aspen City Clerk Kathryn Koch certified the petition that aims to overturn a recent City Council decision to rezone land off Power Plant Road south of Aspen for the hydropower facility.
Needing at least 594 valid signatures from Aspen voters — the figure represents 10 percent of the city's electorate — anti-project forces had gathered 953 signatures when they turned them in to Koch's office on Jan. 17. Koch's letter to petition co-organizer Maurice Emmer, a “statement of sufficiency,” does not say how many of the signatures were valid but notes that the minimum requirement was met.
“After examining the referendum petitions submitted by you and (co-organizer) Ward Hauenstein … I hereby certify that your petition contains more than the 594 signatures of city electors required by the City of Aspen Charter Section 5.3(a),” Koch's letter says.
However, Koch wrote that she cannot make an official “final determination of petition sufficiency” until the end of a protest period. Anyone who wishes to challenge the validity of the petition drive has until Feb. 27 to file a protest with her office...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Congratulations, Aspen! You rock. Especially you little guys.
The right hydro project, for the right price, just might be a good idea. Someday.
In the meantime, heck with this one shoved down the throats of the taxpayers by special interests.
Andre Salvail:
"ASPEN — Call it a major score for the group opposed to the city's Castle Creek hydroelectric project.
On Tuesday, Aspen City Clerk Kathryn Koch certified the petition that aims to overturn a recent City Council decision to rezone land off Power Plant Road south of Aspen for the hydropower facility.
Needing at least 594 valid signatures from Aspen voters — the figure represents 10 percent of the city's electorate — anti-project forces had gathered 953 signatures when they turned them in to Koch's office on Jan. 17. Koch's letter to petition co-organizer Maurice Emmer, a “statement of sufficiency,” does not say how many of the signatures were valid but notes that the minimum requirement was met.
“After examining the referendum petitions submitted by you and (co-organizer) Ward Hauenstein … I hereby certify that your petition contains more than the 594 signatures of city electors required by the City of Aspen Charter Section 5.3(a),” Koch's letter says.
However, Koch wrote that she cannot make an official “final determination of petition sufficiency” until the end of a protest period. Anyone who wishes to challenge the validity of the petition drive has until Feb. 27 to file a protest with her office...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
February 14, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Richard Cohen "Obama in denial about American influence"
Richard Cohen:
"To a man (almost), the Republican presidential candidates talk of an America and an American role that no longer exist. In apparent response, the president talks of a role cut and pasted from a magazine and claims a policy, outlook and demeanor that haven’t been his. America may or may not be in decline, but until recently, Obama has certainly been in denial...."
(Read the rest? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"To a man (almost), the Republican presidential candidates talk of an America and an American role that no longer exist. In apparent response, the president talks of a role cut and pasted from a magazine and claims a policy, outlook and demeanor that haven’t been his. America may or may not be in decline, but until recently, Obama has certainly been in denial...."
(Read the rest? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Dept of Defense "Combined Force Captures 2 Taliban Leaders"
"KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 14, 2012 – An Afghan and coalition security force captured two Taliban leaders and a suspected insurgent during an operation in the Maidan Shar district of Afghanistan’s Wardak province today, military officials reported.
Both captured Taliban leaders directed attacks against Afghan government officials, and acquired and built improvised explosive devices for use in attacks, officials said...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Both captured Taliban leaders directed attacks against Afghan government officials, and acquired and built improvised explosive devices for use in attacks, officials said...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "In other court news"
Chad Abraham:
"....In other court news, Nichols agreed with a county court judge that the Aspen prosecutor’s office had attempted to harass a local man.
The judge refused to accept the filing of a felony count of assault of a police officer against Alex Velasquez, 37.
Velasquez was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest after Snowmass Village police said he pummeled a drinking buddy near a bank on Feb. 10, 2011. In the arrest affidavit, Snowmass police Sgt. Brian Olson wrote that Velasquez, when confronted, pushed police officer Franz Zedlacher in the chest.
On Aug. 4, the day before a trial was scheduled for Velasquez, prosecutors attempted to have the misdemeanor case dismissed, and Mordkin the same day filed the felony count in Pitkin County District Court. Regarding his office’s effort to dismiss the county case, Mordkin told Judge Erin Fernandez-Ely of Pitkin County Court on Aug. 5 that he first learned only the previous day of the alleged shoving of the officer, prompting the filing of the felony.
Fernandez-Ely, however, ruled that the grounds for the filing of “felony charges existed at the time of the arrest, on Feb. 10, 2011,” she wrote. “Waiting until the eve of trial was not warranted.”
Mordkin’s decision to charge the defendant with a felony resulted in Velasquez being rousted around 2 a.m. from his camping site on Aug. 5 and arrested.
“The court finds that this harsh procedure was designed to harass and intimidate the defendant,” Fernandez-Ely ruled.
Monday, Nichols agreed, and she apologized to Velasquez on behalf of the court system.
“This whole thing has been done wrong,” Nichols said.
Prosecutors never stated the “good cause” needed in the process involved in dismissing a lower-court case in favor of a felony filing, the judge said.
Nichols said it was “totally ridiculous” that Velasquez has had to report to two differ ent court jurisdictions since his arrest.
“At your expense, we have all learned a lot,” the judge said.
Velasquez is due back in county court March 6....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"....In other court news, Nichols agreed with a county court judge that the Aspen prosecutor’s office had attempted to harass a local man.
The judge refused to accept the filing of a felony count of assault of a police officer against Alex Velasquez, 37.
Velasquez was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest after Snowmass Village police said he pummeled a drinking buddy near a bank on Feb. 10, 2011. In the arrest affidavit, Snowmass police Sgt. Brian Olson wrote that Velasquez, when confronted, pushed police officer Franz Zedlacher in the chest.
On Aug. 4, the day before a trial was scheduled for Velasquez, prosecutors attempted to have the misdemeanor case dismissed, and Mordkin the same day filed the felony count in Pitkin County District Court. Regarding his office’s effort to dismiss the county case, Mordkin told Judge Erin Fernandez-Ely of Pitkin County Court on Aug. 5 that he first learned only the previous day of the alleged shoving of the officer, prompting the filing of the felony.
Fernandez-Ely, however, ruled that the grounds for the filing of “felony charges existed at the time of the arrest, on Feb. 10, 2011,” she wrote. “Waiting until the eve of trial was not warranted.”
Mordkin’s decision to charge the defendant with a felony resulted in Velasquez being rousted around 2 a.m. from his camping site on Aug. 5 and arrested.
“The court finds that this harsh procedure was designed to harass and intimidate the defendant,” Fernandez-Ely ruled.
Monday, Nichols agreed, and she apologized to Velasquez on behalf of the court system.
“This whole thing has been done wrong,” Nichols said.
Prosecutors never stated the “good cause” needed in the process involved in dismissing a lower-court case in favor of a felony filing, the judge said.
Nichols said it was “totally ridiculous” that Velasquez has had to report to two differ ent court jurisdictions since his arrest.
“At your expense, we have all learned a lot,” the judge said.
Velasquez is due back in county court March 6....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Defense attorney likely to pounce on police mistake in drug bust case"
It's an unfortunate choice of wording in the headline.
How about: "Local man has charge dismissed because he didn't commit the crime they said he did" ? What does the defense attorney have to do with the charge being dismissed?
If the resulting charges elsewhere have merit, he will stand trial without the 'pounce' from a defender. Hopefully, he will have all of his constitutional rights to full defense upheld as is rightful given his status as an American citizen.
Thank you goes out to the Aspen Police Dept. for their honesty. You are appreciated and you are applauded for stepping up.
Maybe all the shouting out that locals have been doing for the past 5 to 6 years, that they have serious concerns that our cops are being turned more into agents for prosecutors than doing their sworn duty to serve and protect the citizenry is really being listened to.
Thank you also goes out to Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin and Chief Public Defender Tina Fang for swiftly going to the heart of the matter instead of dragging any issues out into the public arena at ultimately taxpayer expense. Maybe there will be some long-term positive changes that really will come out of the current election cycle here in 9th Judicial. You are both appreciated.
Chad Abraham:
"...Fang argued for Simmons’ bond to be reduced to $10,000. Simmons, in previous criminal cases he has faced, has never failed to appear for a court hearing, she said.
“He is a long-term resident of the valley and is the sole caretaker of his mother,” who has medical issues, Fang said. “He’s a very instrumental part of her life.”
She also said he is not a risk to flee the area ahead of a possible trial, as “he has no contacts anywhere else, [and] there’s simply nowhere else for him to go,” Fang said.
Mordkin objected to any reduction in bond. Simmons, facing mandatory prison time if he’s convicted, is an “enormous flight risk,” Mordkin said.
“The bail [amount] was appropriate when we set it, and we believe that it’s appropriate now,” he said.
Nichols, who is familiar with Simmons from a previous case, said she believes that he does care for his mother. She also noted that his work history shows he is responsible and will likely show up for court dates.
She kept his bond at $50,000 but set its terms as “cash surety” instead of cash only, making it easier for Simmons to get the help of a bondsman to get out of jail.
Simmons’ next court date is March 5.
Mordkin declined to discuss the police department’s mistake in the tampering case, saying it will come out in expected pretrial motion hearings.
At least one of those hearings will likely involve a motion by Fang to suppress evidence found as a result of the tampering warrant.
Mordkin also declined to say whether officers were apologetic when they told him Friday about the misidentification.
“They did the right thing,” he said. “I think they should be applauded....”
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
How about: "Local man has charge dismissed because he didn't commit the crime they said he did" ? What does the defense attorney have to do with the charge being dismissed?
If the resulting charges elsewhere have merit, he will stand trial without the 'pounce' from a defender. Hopefully, he will have all of his constitutional rights to full defense upheld as is rightful given his status as an American citizen.
Thank you goes out to the Aspen Police Dept. for their honesty. You are appreciated and you are applauded for stepping up.
Maybe all the shouting out that locals have been doing for the past 5 to 6 years, that they have serious concerns that our cops are being turned more into agents for prosecutors than doing their sworn duty to serve and protect the citizenry is really being listened to.
Thank you also goes out to Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin and Chief Public Defender Tina Fang for swiftly going to the heart of the matter instead of dragging any issues out into the public arena at ultimately taxpayer expense. Maybe there will be some long-term positive changes that really will come out of the current election cycle here in 9th Judicial. You are both appreciated.
Chad Abraham:
"...Fang argued for Simmons’ bond to be reduced to $10,000. Simmons, in previous criminal cases he has faced, has never failed to appear for a court hearing, she said.
“He is a long-term resident of the valley and is the sole caretaker of his mother,” who has medical issues, Fang said. “He’s a very instrumental part of her life.”
She also said he is not a risk to flee the area ahead of a possible trial, as “he has no contacts anywhere else, [and] there’s simply nowhere else for him to go,” Fang said.
Mordkin objected to any reduction in bond. Simmons, facing mandatory prison time if he’s convicted, is an “enormous flight risk,” Mordkin said.
“The bail [amount] was appropriate when we set it, and we believe that it’s appropriate now,” he said.
Nichols, who is familiar with Simmons from a previous case, said she believes that he does care for his mother. She also noted that his work history shows he is responsible and will likely show up for court dates.
She kept his bond at $50,000 but set its terms as “cash surety” instead of cash only, making it easier for Simmons to get the help of a bondsman to get out of jail.
Simmons’ next court date is March 5.
Mordkin declined to discuss the police department’s mistake in the tampering case, saying it will come out in expected pretrial motion hearings.
At least one of those hearings will likely involve a motion by Fang to suppress evidence found as a result of the tampering warrant.
Mordkin also declined to say whether officers were apologetic when they told him Friday about the misidentification.
“They did the right thing,” he said. “I think they should be applauded....”
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "DEA: Montgomery Chitty, former Aspen resident, had role in local cocaine ring"
From the looks in 'the mailbox' this morning, there are quite a few area residents who are nodding their heads in agreement.
"Keep digging..now you're getting in...more power and big money to go....stay the course"
Chad Abraham:
"A former Aspen man and national political consultant was arrested Monday in Florida for allegedly playing a role in a drug ring that streamlined kilos of cocaine to the upper Roaring Fork Valley.
Montgomery Chitty, 60, described in one book as a longtime friend of the late Hunter S. Thompson, faces one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
The charge arises out of a year-long federal investigation into a Los Angeles-to-Aspen cocaine operation that resulted in the grand jury indictments of 10 people, including six from the Aspen area. Seven people arrested in May have since pleaded guilty as a result of plea agreements.
On Dec. 13, a federal grand jury in Denver returned a one-count indictment against Chitty.
A 2009 article in the Aspen Daily News described Chitty as a longtime political pundit and a former consultant to the Democratic National Committee. He was also Thompson’s longtime friend, according to “Outlaw Journalist” by William McKeen.
Newspaper archives show he also wrote letters to the editor decrying developers and various projects.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents arrested Chitty in Big Pine Key, Fla., says a press release from the U.S. attorney’s office.
Chitty appeared in U.S. District Court in Key West, Fla., on Monday, and was being held without bond...."
(Read more? Click title?)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Keep digging..now you're getting in...more power and big money to go....stay the course"
Chad Abraham:
"A former Aspen man and national political consultant was arrested Monday in Florida for allegedly playing a role in a drug ring that streamlined kilos of cocaine to the upper Roaring Fork Valley.
Montgomery Chitty, 60, described in one book as a longtime friend of the late Hunter S. Thompson, faces one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
The charge arises out of a year-long federal investigation into a Los Angeles-to-Aspen cocaine operation that resulted in the grand jury indictments of 10 people, including six from the Aspen area. Seven people arrested in May have since pleaded guilty as a result of plea agreements.
On Dec. 13, a federal grand jury in Denver returned a one-count indictment against Chitty.
A 2009 article in the Aspen Daily News described Chitty as a longtime political pundit and a former consultant to the Democratic National Committee. He was also Thompson’s longtime friend, according to “Outlaw Journalist” by William McKeen.
Newspaper archives show he also wrote letters to the editor decrying developers and various projects.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents arrested Chitty in Big Pine Key, Fla., says a press release from the U.S. attorney’s office.
Chitty appeared in U.S. District Court in Key West, Fla., on Monday, and was being held without bond...."
(Read more? Click title?)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Denver Channel "2 Arrested For Allegedly Making Illegal IDs In Eagle County"
More detailed coverage than what we recieved locally on the recent bust in Carbondale.
How long now has the general population known that these forged immigration documents are readily available in our area?
How long now have local small businesses been aware that the biggest facilitators of these documents are our local temp services that primarily supply the construction industry and day labor to McMansions?
How long now have regional avatars in commentary been chatting up tips for cops and ICE on this?
Too long.
Glad to hear that the anonymous tip that led to these arrests in Carbondale didn't fall on deaf ears.
Thank you to all the agencies and officers participating in this bust, now stay the course and do more because there are more out there.
Including their enablers.
But a very special thank you goes to 'Anonymous'. You rock.
(Read the article? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
How long now has the general population known that these forged immigration documents are readily available in our area?
How long now have local small businesses been aware that the biggest facilitators of these documents are our local temp services that primarily supply the construction industry and day labor to McMansions?
How long now have regional avatars in commentary been chatting up tips for cops and ICE on this?
Too long.
Glad to hear that the anonymous tip that led to these arrests in Carbondale didn't fall on deaf ears.
Thank you to all the agencies and officers participating in this bust, now stay the course and do more because there are more out there.
Including their enablers.
But a very special thank you goes to 'Anonymous'. You rock.
(Read the article? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Film on child sex trade to be shown Wednesday"
John Colson:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — The recent arrest of suspects accused of running a child prostitution ring using motel rooms in Glenwood Springs was viewed by local victim advocates as a call to action.
A story in the Jan. 31 Post Independent reported the metro-Denver-based child prostitution ring operated in Denver, Lakewood, Boulder, Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs.
In the wake of that revelation, the Childhelp River Bridge agency is showing documentary film “The Playground,” about the child sex industry in the U.S.
In addition to showing the film, the event will feature a panel of experts, including psychotherapist and film producer Gayle Embrey of Carbondale, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and others who will talk about the trade and answer questions.
“We live in a resort area and on the I-70 corridor, which makes us, as a community, more susceptible to this kind of crime,” said Lee Martin, victim advocate with Childhelp River Bridge.
The film was made by documentary filmmaker Libby Spears, and co-produced by actors George Clooney and Grant Heslov, along with producer Steven Soderbergh.
“This is not the first incident [in this area],” Embrey said of the recent bust. She also assisted with the documentary film. “These traffickers are really predators, looking at homeless and poor kids.”
She said in her work as a therapist she has encountered girls who reported being enticed by men to have sex. One case involved young girls in Carbondale, she said....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — The recent arrest of suspects accused of running a child prostitution ring using motel rooms in Glenwood Springs was viewed by local victim advocates as a call to action.
A story in the Jan. 31 Post Independent reported the metro-Denver-based child prostitution ring operated in Denver, Lakewood, Boulder, Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs.
In the wake of that revelation, the Childhelp River Bridge agency is showing documentary film “The Playground,” about the child sex industry in the U.S.
In addition to showing the film, the event will feature a panel of experts, including psychotherapist and film producer Gayle Embrey of Carbondale, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and others who will talk about the trade and answer questions.
“We live in a resort area and on the I-70 corridor, which makes us, as a community, more susceptible to this kind of crime,” said Lee Martin, victim advocate with Childhelp River Bridge.
The film was made by documentary filmmaker Libby Spears, and co-produced by actors George Clooney and Grant Heslov, along with producer Steven Soderbergh.
“This is not the first incident [in this area],” Embrey said of the recent bust. She also assisted with the documentary film. “These traffickers are really predators, looking at homeless and poor kids.”
She said in her work as a therapist she has encountered girls who reported being enticed by men to have sex. One case involved young girls in Carbondale, she said....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Hypo seeking more than $368 million from Base Village developer"
And when does it become a criminal act for these foreign lenders to prey on these developments, such as Base Village and Dancing Bear, with acts of tortious interference?
Chad Abraham:
"...Related officials have said, in essence, that they stopped paying back the loans because Hypo and the other banks halted additional funding amid the recession. That precluded the possibility of profits from Base Village that could have been used to pay the Hypo consortium back.
“By reason of Base Village [Owner’s] default, Hypo, as allowed by the loan and security agreement ... declared the entire unpaid principal balance of the notes due and payable, together with default interest accrued ...,” the lawsuit says.
Hypo, represented by the Aspen law firm of Klein, Coté & Edwards, says that when it foreclosed on the project in 2010, Base Village Owner owed at least $507.28 million, including accrued interest and other loan-related expenses. Minus the $138 million foreclosure bid price, the defendant owes $368.28 million, according to the lawsuit.
Related Colorado spokesman Steve Alldredge declined comment Monday, saying his firm had not seen the lawsuit.
Lawsuits in New York, where Related is based, are in pretrial evidence phases, he said...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Chad Abraham:
"...Related officials have said, in essence, that they stopped paying back the loans because Hypo and the other banks halted additional funding amid the recession. That precluded the possibility of profits from Base Village that could have been used to pay the Hypo consortium back.
“By reason of Base Village [Owner’s] default, Hypo, as allowed by the loan and security agreement ... declared the entire unpaid principal balance of the notes due and payable, together with default interest accrued ...,” the lawsuit says.
Hypo, represented by the Aspen law firm of Klein, Coté & Edwards, says that when it foreclosed on the project in 2010, Base Village Owner owed at least $507.28 million, including accrued interest and other loan-related expenses. Minus the $138 million foreclosure bid price, the defendant owes $368.28 million, according to the lawsuit.
Related Colorado spokesman Steve Alldredge declined comment Monday, saying his firm had not seen the lawsuit.
Lawsuits in New York, where Related is based, are in pretrial evidence phases, he said...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Occupancy for Aspen/Snowmass a mixed bag"
via Aspen Daily News:
"...Next weekend is expected to be busy — occupancies are anticipated to be in excess of 85 percent in both Aspen and Snowmass, according to Bill Tomcich, president of Stay Aspen Snowmass, a local central reservations booking agency. That’s partially the result of President’s Day week coinciding with the Brazilian holiday, Carnival. Beyond that week, occupancies for the last week of February and the first week of March are pacing behind last year, according to Tomcich...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"...Next weekend is expected to be busy — occupancies are anticipated to be in excess of 85 percent in both Aspen and Snowmass, according to Bill Tomcich, president of Stay Aspen Snowmass, a local central reservations booking agency. That’s partially the result of President’s Day week coinciding with the Brazilian holiday, Carnival. Beyond that week, occupancies for the last week of February and the first week of March are pacing behind last year, according to Tomcich...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Odds and ends …"
All credit: Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Doing a bit of housecleaning in the Summit Voice archives, I found a few images worth posting as a sort of rummage-drawer photo essay, including the stunning NASA satellite shot of the Earth. Notable in the above image is the lack of winter snow cover across North America. If you like what you see, visit our online gallery at RedBubble, where you can buy a cool Summit County calender, prints and greeting cards.
February 13, 2012
SandBox Comments: The Citizen Center/Marilyn Marks "Citizen Center Sues Secretary of State to Stop Unconstitutional Elections"
Do you know what Marilyn Marks is really up to?
Seriously.
Why, she's up to good works again. This time with her new organization, 'The Citizen Center":
"Denver, Colo. February 13--Citizen Center, a nonpartisan group of Colorado voters, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado today seeking an injunction and declaratory judgment requiring Secretary of State Scott Gessler and the county clerks of Boulder, Jefferson, Larimer, Mesa, Eagle and Chaffee counties to immediately halt practices that violate voters' constitutional rights to vote anonymous, untraceable ballots.
Today's legal action seeks to correct election practices in order to restore voters' federal constitutional rights-the fundamental right to vote, freedom of expression, freedom of association, right to due process, and right to equal protection-and the state constitutional right to vote a secret (anonymous) ballot without which those federal constitutional rights cannot be freely exercised.
"The right to a secret ballot is a revered principle of American democracy. No one, most particularly government officials, should have access to information that can connect ballots with voters," said Marilyn Marks, founder of Citizen Center, citing the urgent need for remedies in advance of Colorado's 2012 elections.
Citizen Center has found that many Colorado counties employ procedures that collect information making it possible to identify the individual who voted a specific ballot. The Citizen Center's legal action comes months after the Secretary of State failed to enforce compliance in response to voter complaints filed with his office.
Press Conference Today
A press conference will be held at 1:00 p.m. at 303 E. 17th Avenue Suite 565 Denver, CO 80203. The press kit is available on Citizen Center's website. The public, press, and government officials are welcome to attend. Telephone participation is also available by calling 916-233-0790 PIN code 792395#. The press conference presentation slides are also on line. Marilyn Marks, Founder of Citizen Center, and attorney Robert A. McGuire will be presenting the conference and available for questions.
About Citizen Center
The Citizen Center is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that uses public advocacy and high-impact legal tools to ensure greater transparency and accountability in government and public oversight of government and elections." (Learn more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Seriously.
Why, she's up to good works again. This time with her new organization, 'The Citizen Center":
Federal Lawsuit Seeks to End Colorado's
Unconstitutional Election Practices
Denver Press Conference Monday, February 13, 1:00 p.m.
Telephone Participation Available
"Denver, Colo. February 13--Citizen Center, a nonpartisan group of Colorado voters, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado today seeking an injunction and declaratory judgment requiring Secretary of State Scott Gessler and the county clerks of Boulder, Jefferson, Larimer, Mesa, Eagle and Chaffee counties to immediately halt practices that violate voters' constitutional rights to vote anonymous, untraceable ballots.
Today's legal action seeks to correct election practices in order to restore voters' federal constitutional rights-the fundamental right to vote, freedom of expression, freedom of association, right to due process, and right to equal protection-and the state constitutional right to vote a secret (anonymous) ballot without which those federal constitutional rights cannot be freely exercised.
"The right to a secret ballot is a revered principle of American democracy. No one, most particularly government officials, should have access to information that can connect ballots with voters," said Marilyn Marks, founder of Citizen Center, citing the urgent need for remedies in advance of Colorado's 2012 elections.
Citizen Center has found that many Colorado counties employ procedures that collect information making it possible to identify the individual who voted a specific ballot. The Citizen Center's legal action comes months after the Secretary of State failed to enforce compliance in response to voter complaints filed with his office.
Press Conference Today
A press conference will be held at 1:00 p.m. at 303 E. 17th Avenue Suite 565 Denver, CO 80203. The press kit is available on Citizen Center's website. The public, press, and government officials are welcome to attend. Telephone participation is also available by calling 916-233-0790 PIN code 792395#. The press conference presentation slides are also on line. Marilyn Marks, Founder of Citizen Center, and attorney Robert A. McGuire will be presenting the conference and available for questions.
About Citizen Center
The Citizen Center is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that uses public advocacy and high-impact legal tools to ensure greater transparency and accountability in government and public oversight of government and elections." (Learn more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Johnny Boyd "SkiCo, AAM: Stop picking on the little guy"
Because it's the right thing to do.
That could be one of the reasons that Dave Danforth and the Aspen Daily News make certain the hidden stories and broader opinions of the general population get told.
There are those of us who have no intention, ever, of broadcasting our lives via news media. Really, you say? huh.
It's true. Just because we seized the opportunity to use mass communication to finish a job we didn't want in the first place and then expanded that into a means to make a meager living when nothing else was available (one that's become a closet guilty pleasure for many and wildly popular with quite a few); doesn't mean that we are 'self-aggrandizing'.
We're simply capitalizing on a niche market. You won't see us lending neon lit arrows pointing to 'read here' as truth starts rolling out for all to salivate over.
Are we proud to see and interested to observe the continual unfolding of broader awareness to 'the other side of Paradise'? That place where the majority of the folks in the region actually live in normal, day-to-day existence with a good portion of their lives ruled by the few and powerful?
You betcha.
A shout out of thanks goes once again to respected opinion columnist, Johnny Boyd.
Up on the Aspen Daily News.
Johnny Boyd:
"...The ongoing saga of Lee Mulcahy versus the Aspen Skiing Co. has become something of a comic story in the otherwise lofty sophistication of Aspen and its environs. As the standard that all other ski towns are measured against, Aspen’s methods and actions are scrutinized and emulated by impressionable resorts that will imitate their role model. Will these smaller resorts take notice and single out community members to sanction for actions the corporation doesn’t like?
I can’t imagine that smaller resorts would act with such petty retribution for disrespecting the will of the local corporation. In smaller, less company-minded towns, the backlash might be severe. I can, however, imagine that the little resorts would take note of SkiCo’s actions to remove trouble-making pro-union employees from the equation. The message is clear: Don’t try to unionize ski employees or you will never ski again.
Thuggish tactics used on one person to assure that pro-union employees are sent a message make big headlines in a small town. The SkiCo obviously doesn’t care that its methods keep the issue in the news long after it should have faded. The bad publicity is nothing when compared with paying employees a wage that people need to live on. It’s the bottom line that counts.....
.....It is neither glamorous nor sophisticated of the SkiCo and the museum to be seen as picking on the little guys. Truthfully, the pettiness of the SkiCo and the Aspen Art Museum isn’t so much a “comic story” as it is a joke.
If word gets out, that might affect the bottom line...." (Read the rest of Johnny's column? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
That could be one of the reasons that Dave Danforth and the Aspen Daily News make certain the hidden stories and broader opinions of the general population get told.
There are those of us who have no intention, ever, of broadcasting our lives via news media. Really, you say? huh.
It's true. Just because we seized the opportunity to use mass communication to finish a job we didn't want in the first place and then expanded that into a means to make a meager living when nothing else was available (one that's become a closet guilty pleasure for many and wildly popular with quite a few); doesn't mean that we are 'self-aggrandizing'.
We're simply capitalizing on a niche market. You won't see us lending neon lit arrows pointing to 'read here' as truth starts rolling out for all to salivate over.
Are we proud to see and interested to observe the continual unfolding of broader awareness to 'the other side of Paradise'? That place where the majority of the folks in the region actually live in normal, day-to-day existence with a good portion of their lives ruled by the few and powerful?
You betcha.
A shout out of thanks goes once again to respected opinion columnist, Johnny Boyd.
Up on the Aspen Daily News.
Johnny Boyd:
"...The ongoing saga of Lee Mulcahy versus the Aspen Skiing Co. has become something of a comic story in the otherwise lofty sophistication of Aspen and its environs. As the standard that all other ski towns are measured against, Aspen’s methods and actions are scrutinized and emulated by impressionable resorts that will imitate their role model. Will these smaller resorts take notice and single out community members to sanction for actions the corporation doesn’t like?
I can’t imagine that smaller resorts would act with such petty retribution for disrespecting the will of the local corporation. In smaller, less company-minded towns, the backlash might be severe. I can, however, imagine that the little resorts would take note of SkiCo’s actions to remove trouble-making pro-union employees from the equation. The message is clear: Don’t try to unionize ski employees or you will never ski again.
Thuggish tactics used on one person to assure that pro-union employees are sent a message make big headlines in a small town. The SkiCo obviously doesn’t care that its methods keep the issue in the news long after it should have faded. The bad publicity is nothing when compared with paying employees a wage that people need to live on. It’s the bottom line that counts.....
.....It is neither glamorous nor sophisticated of the SkiCo and the museum to be seen as picking on the little guys. Truthfully, the pettiness of the SkiCo and the Aspen Art Museum isn’t so much a “comic story” as it is a joke.
If word gets out, that might affect the bottom line...." (Read the rest of Johnny's column? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Town Hall "The GOP Can Add 10 Million Jobs and $15 Trillion to US Economy without Spending a Dime"
John Ransom:
"There are many contrasts that the GOP can use to go after Obama on the economy.
None present such a black and white contrast as the dispute about the black, tar-sands crude that Canada would like to ship through the US to refineries on the Gulf via the Keystone XL pipeline. The dispute isn't about the environment, is about creating 10 million U.S. jobs.
The State Department gave preliminary approval to build the Keystone pipeline late last summer, saying that it posed no significant environmental risks. But like a lot of things with this administration, it was a case of the left hand not knowing what the left-wing was doing.
Instead of allowing the project to go through, along with the hundreds of thousands of jobs it would create, Obama sided with whack-job environmentalists who raised bogus fears that oil spills could pollute the aquifer that lies underneath its path.
Ok, he only apparently sided with them....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"There are many contrasts that the GOP can use to go after Obama on the economy.
None present such a black and white contrast as the dispute about the black, tar-sands crude that Canada would like to ship through the US to refineries on the Gulf via the Keystone XL pipeline. The dispute isn't about the environment, is about creating 10 million U.S. jobs.
The State Department gave preliminary approval to build the Keystone pipeline late last summer, saying that it posed no significant environmental risks. But like a lot of things with this administration, it was a case of the left hand not knowing what the left-wing was doing.
Instead of allowing the project to go through, along with the hundreds of thousands of jobs it would create, Obama sided with whack-job environmentalists who raised bogus fears that oil spills could pollute the aquifer that lies underneath its path.
Ok, he only apparently sided with them....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Criticism of Silt economic development is divisive"
He sure has smoothed out the rough edges, hasn't he?
Now an icon to the common man, Silt Mayor Dave Moore once again delivers a stunningly succinct analogy of recent criticism from the extreme political factions of Garfield County, Colorado.
Hip, hip Hooray for Dave!!! (cue sound of cheering crowds, marching bands and general chaos and mayhem)
Town of Silt Mayor, Dave Moore:
"...I am very impressed with the overwhelming interest outsiders have given to the revitalization of Silt. Most have been very positive. However there are a few who are not.
The urban renewal authority meeting proved to be very encouraging. Approximately 80 people attended seeking satisfaction from unfounded rumors relative to blight and eminent domain. After two hours of discussion and explanation, they left very content with a greater understanding about the issues.
Many thanked us for the explanations and expressed their support.
However there are those who are uninformed and did not take the time to research the truth. They openly blast the efforts of Silt to get a grocery store, bank and pharmacy, as many have read in the Post Independent the last two weeks.
Neither did they visit with us, research or come to the meetings. Their comments are divisive, and baseless.
Example: Karen Foster wrote in her Feb. 6 letter, “a nifty takeover of property taxes through a sleight (trickery) of hand machination (plot) that uses ‘blight' to downgrade property.” She then accuses Silt of “… insidious undertow of devastation to the communities it purports to be helping is nothing short of a crafty (devious) ruse (scam).”
It sort of makes us look like we are the disciples of Al Capone....." (Read the rest? It's brilliant! Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Now an icon to the common man, Silt Mayor Dave Moore once again delivers a stunningly succinct analogy of recent criticism from the extreme political factions of Garfield County, Colorado.
Hip, hip Hooray for Dave!!! (cue sound of cheering crowds, marching bands and general chaos and mayhem)
Town of Silt Mayor, Dave Moore:
"...I am very impressed with the overwhelming interest outsiders have given to the revitalization of Silt. Most have been very positive. However there are a few who are not.
The urban renewal authority meeting proved to be very encouraging. Approximately 80 people attended seeking satisfaction from unfounded rumors relative to blight and eminent domain. After two hours of discussion and explanation, they left very content with a greater understanding about the issues.
Many thanked us for the explanations and expressed their support.
However there are those who are uninformed and did not take the time to research the truth. They openly blast the efforts of Silt to get a grocery store, bank and pharmacy, as many have read in the Post Independent the last two weeks.
Neither did they visit with us, research or come to the meetings. Their comments are divisive, and baseless.
Example: Karen Foster wrote in her Feb. 6 letter, “a nifty takeover of property taxes through a sleight (trickery) of hand machination (plot) that uses ‘blight' to downgrade property.” She then accuses Silt of “… insidious undertow of devastation to the communities it purports to be helping is nothing short of a crafty (devious) ruse (scam).”
It sort of makes us look like we are the disciples of Al Capone....." (Read the rest? It's brilliant! Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Garfield County wins national finance award for third time"
Gosh, wouldn't it be nice to have this kind of prestige story for Garfield County be brought to the front page of the PI instead of harvested filler from the Summit Daily News and the Aspen Times?
Or maybe instead of (what is it now...the 4th or 5th time we've had the same story said in different ways on the public opinion group for the Grand Avenue Bridge Project??)
After all, Garfield County and the way it is run by our BOCC and county staff is one of the most respected counties in the state with many other counties using GarCo as a role model.
Now that...is news.
(Read the press release buried in the far back pages? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Or maybe instead of (what is it now...the 4th or 5th time we've had the same story said in different ways on the public opinion group for the Grand Avenue Bridge Project??)
After all, Garfield County and the way it is run by our BOCC and county staff is one of the most respected counties in the state with many other counties using GarCo as a role model.
Now that...is news.
(Read the press release buried in the far back pages? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Summit Daily News/Summit Outside "How to love a dead tree"
Dr. Joanne Stolen:
"We bemoan all the dead lodgepole pines killed by the fungus introduced by the beetle in our area, but where there is death there is also life and sustenance. Dead trees provide vital habitat for more than 1,000 species of wildlife. Dead wood contributes to biological richness as substrate, cavity sites, foraging sites, shelter and cover. Last week I wrote about a lichen species (Usnea) that prefers to grow on dead trees. This lichen provides food for deer and nesting materials for birds.
There are terms used by wildlife biologists for dead wood. A “snag” is the name for dead trees that are left upright to decompose naturally. When a snag (or part of a snag) falls on the ground it becomes a “log.”
Who uses dead wood? Birds are the most obvious creatures, as they use limbs, branches and logs for perching, foraging and nesting materials. Birds, such as ruffed grouse, will use logs for drumming and courtship displays.
In many forests, 30 to 45 percent of the bird species are cavity nesters. In North America alone, 55 avian species nest in cavities. Birds that use cavities in trees are divided into several categories. Cavity-nesting birds are classified as “primary excavators” — those which can excavate hard wood; “weak excavators” — those species which can excavate soft, dead wood; or “secondary cavity-users” — those which can utilize existing cavities. Another 80 animal species depend upon previously excavated or natural tree holes for their nests..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"We bemoan all the dead lodgepole pines killed by the fungus introduced by the beetle in our area, but where there is death there is also life and sustenance. Dead trees provide vital habitat for more than 1,000 species of wildlife. Dead wood contributes to biological richness as substrate, cavity sites, foraging sites, shelter and cover. Last week I wrote about a lichen species (Usnea) that prefers to grow on dead trees. This lichen provides food for deer and nesting materials for birds.
There are terms used by wildlife biologists for dead wood. A “snag” is the name for dead trees that are left upright to decompose naturally. When a snag (or part of a snag) falls on the ground it becomes a “log.”
Who uses dead wood? Birds are the most obvious creatures, as they use limbs, branches and logs for perching, foraging and nesting materials. Birds, such as ruffed grouse, will use logs for drumming and courtship displays.
In many forests, 30 to 45 percent of the bird species are cavity nesters. In North America alone, 55 avian species nest in cavities. Birds that use cavities in trees are divided into several categories. Cavity-nesting birds are classified as “primary excavators” — those which can excavate hard wood; “weak excavators” — those species which can excavate soft, dead wood; or “secondary cavity-users” — those which can utilize existing cavities. Another 80 animal species depend upon previously excavated or natural tree holes for their nests..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
February 12, 2012
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