Derek Franz:
"What have I done? Look how much I have left to do — how will I amount to anything?” is the feeling. With all the mounting material pressures, I sometimes get confused about the priority of my wants: What do I want most in life, from one second to the next?
I want to feel the cold river pull through my fingers like a stream of thought on a hot day, a reminder of how physical and mental realities coexist and mirror each other, perhaps even manifest each other; a reminder that my life is magical if I make it so.
The dog seems to be thinking the same thing. Her brown, floppy ears perk out, complementing her wide doggie smile with a pink tongue. I grab the leash and we're off to the edge of the Roaring Fork, though I don't know it yet. Sometimes a person has to wander to find wonder, and wonder to find purpose.
There is an art to wandering. It requires a weird combination of initiative, aimless contentment and recognizing what you want when you see it. I'm also finding that sometimes the element of initiative is not straightforward at all, which is fitting, since this is wandering we're talking about...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 23, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Biodiversity: Monarch butterflies in steep decline"
Bob Berwyn:
" A decades-long downward trend in Monarch butterfly numbers is expected to continue this year, with reports from the World Wildlife Fund and other sources indicating there may be almost one-third fewer butterflies making the northward flight from Mexico this spring and summer.
This year’s steep decline may, in part, be due to last summer’s severe drought in Texas, which resulted in less food for the showy insects as they traveled south. But year-to-year fluctuations don’t hide the overall long-term trend of population decline.
“The latest information shows that Monarchs will be down from 25 to 30 percent this year, and that has been part of a disturbing trend the last few years,” said Craig Wilson, a senior research associate in the Center for Mathematics and Science Education and a long-time butterfly enthusiast.
This year, according to the Texas Monarch Watch, Monarchs covered about 7.14 acres of forest in their Mexican breeding grounds compared to 9.9 acres last year, and it shows a continued long-term downward trend in Monarch population since official surveys began in 1994...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
" A decades-long downward trend in Monarch butterfly numbers is expected to continue this year, with reports from the World Wildlife Fund and other sources indicating there may be almost one-third fewer butterflies making the northward flight from Mexico this spring and summer.
This year’s steep decline may, in part, be due to last summer’s severe drought in Texas, which resulted in less food for the showy insects as they traveled south. But year-to-year fluctuations don’t hide the overall long-term trend of population decline.
“The latest information shows that Monarchs will be down from 25 to 30 percent this year, and that has been part of a disturbing trend the last few years,” said Craig Wilson, a senior research associate in the Center for Mathematics and Science Education and a long-time butterfly enthusiast.
This year, according to the Texas Monarch Watch, Monarchs covered about 7.14 acres of forest in their Mexican breeding grounds compared to 9.9 acres last year, and it shows a continued long-term downward trend in Monarch population since official surveys began in 1994...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Comment Spotlight: " 'hammerandnails' on "Feds may investigate collaboration between school resource officers and ICE in Colorado" "
Due to his content within his comment, albeit truthful content or not, 'SandBox Nanny' has mixed emotions in giving the highly coveted by regional avatars 'Comment Spotlight' nod to nails today.
There were two deciding factors.
The first is that 'hammerandnails' is ranked in the top three for traffic draws on SandBox. He is listened to and that comes from his often succinct comments. In this comment he nails the general feeling of so many conservatives, liberals and independents in our area that 'SandBox Nanny' feels she must listen to and acknowledge his words.
The second is that the post right before this one has the words of Texas Governor Rick Perry that are closely linked to one of the points 'hammerandnails' is speaking to.
Yes, God Bless an Independent and Free Republic.
Here's to the little guy.
'hammerandnails':
"As sad of a fact as it is, we get 100% more done out here.
As far as the liberal thing, God forbid.
Roughly 4 yrs. ago, when we all decided to burn our republican cards and go rogue, it was thanks to that sly old fox that we all can toss a retirement party for and thank her for being the singlemost catalyzing change ever in the history of 81601.
When 22 and I (sic) stood out in front of that Aspen Glen mcmansion and made up our minds on behalf of a friend, we knew it would be the politics that had to be sliced down first. Actually went up to the cabin, stood around the fire and made a ceremony out of tossing each red card in. Sometimes, waves of nostalgia still wash over each of us.
But then again, that feeling is easily gone when a body can sit back and read something like todays PI. That with record unemployment in the county, triple amounts of homeless and ten times that amount of county folks hungry and hurting, drug cartels, gangs, an unbelievable amount of waste spending in every thing from justice to admin, and either soft corruption or sheer stupidity of blind eyes looking the other way; our county GOP is only focused on the right to bear arms and personhood.
And that's even with some of our conservative own standing naked with no clothes in the thick of some of those problems.
God bless an Independent and Free Republic. "
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
There were two deciding factors.
The first is that 'hammerandnails' is ranked in the top three for traffic draws on SandBox. He is listened to and that comes from his often succinct comments. In this comment he nails the general feeling of so many conservatives, liberals and independents in our area that 'SandBox Nanny' feels she must listen to and acknowledge his words.
The second is that the post right before this one has the words of Texas Governor Rick Perry that are closely linked to one of the points 'hammerandnails' is speaking to.
Yes, God Bless an Independent and Free Republic.
Here's to the little guy.
'hammerandnails':
"As sad of a fact as it is, we get 100% more done out here.
As far as the liberal thing, God forbid.
Roughly 4 yrs. ago, when we all decided to burn our republican cards and go rogue, it was thanks to that sly old fox that we all can toss a retirement party for and thank her for being the singlemost catalyzing change ever in the history of 81601.
When 22 and I (sic) stood out in front of that Aspen Glen mcmansion and made up our minds on behalf of a friend, we knew it would be the politics that had to be sliced down first. Actually went up to the cabin, stood around the fire and made a ceremony out of tossing each red card in. Sometimes, waves of nostalgia still wash over each of us.
But then again, that feeling is easily gone when a body can sit back and read something like todays PI. That with record unemployment in the county, triple amounts of homeless and ten times that amount of county folks hungry and hurting, drug cartels, gangs, an unbelievable amount of waste spending in every thing from justice to admin, and either soft corruption or sheer stupidity of blind eyes looking the other way; our county GOP is only focused on the right to bear arms and personhood.
And that's even with some of our conservative own standing naked with no clothes in the thick of some of those problems.
God bless an Independent and Free Republic. "
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 22, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: KPHO News 5 "ICE releases 4 DREAM Act protesters"
(See related story here)
Jason Barry and Steve Stout:
"PHOENIX (CBS5/AP) -Four undocumented students who were arrested while protesting Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's immigration policies have been released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Jason Barry and Steve Stout:
"PHOENIX (CBS5/AP) -Four undocumented students who were arrested while protesting Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's immigration policies have been released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"Upon further review, ICE has determined that these individuals do not fall under ICE's enforcement priorities, and the agency has lifted the previously lodged detainees," said ICE spokeswoman Amber Cargile on Wednesday night.
They were released at approximately 8:45 p.m. Wednesday.
"It was definitely worth it. We are proving to our community that when community stands together, we can do all of this," one of the students said as they were being released. "We're out of jail, we're safe, we're not getting deported ... we did it."
The four adults arrested Tuesday were placed on 24- to 48-hour holds Wednesday during their initial court appearances. They all pleaded not guilty.
Two juveniles also arrested have been released.
Meanwhile, a group from outside Arizona is claiming responsibility for organizing this week's west Phoenix protest that led to the closure of an intersection and the arrests.
The Arizona Republic reports the group called Dream Activist is an online organization based in several states. The group has organized acts of civil disobedience in more than six cities in recent years.
Officer James Holmes with the Phoenix Police Department said all six were arrested for disorderly conduct and obstructing a thoroughfare....." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Pueblo Chieftain "Gessler defends turning to feds for voter review "
Pete Roper:
"Secretary of State Scott Gessler won't release the names of the 4,500 people his office has identified who were registered to vote in Colorado but may not be U.S. citizens. Not even to the county clerks who have asked to see the names of those registered in their counties.
"I'm not going to cast a shadow of suspicion over those people until I know whether they registered and voted illegally," Gessler told The Pueblo Chieftain editorial board Wednesday. "I believe I'm on strong legal ground in not releasing those names."
That said, Gessler added that he eventually wants the federal Department of Homeland Security to review all Colorado voter registrations to check their citizenship....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Secretary of State Scott Gessler won't release the names of the 4,500 people his office has identified who were registered to vote in Colorado but may not be U.S. citizens. Not even to the county clerks who have asked to see the names of those registered in their counties.
"I'm not going to cast a shadow of suspicion over those people until I know whether they registered and voted illegally," Gessler told The Pueblo Chieftain editorial board Wednesday. "I believe I'm on strong legal ground in not releasing those names."
That said, Gessler added that he eventually wants the federal Department of Homeland Security to review all Colorado voter registrations to check their citizenship....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Westword "Feds may investigate collaboration between school resource officers and ICE in Colorado"
Anyone who follows local avatars in commentary cannot possibly ignore the accuracy of many of their predictions.
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/02/sandbox-comments-glenwood-springs-post_4442.html
"Bullying our Schools and Demonizing Local Law Enforcement"
Now, the question is:
What about the overwhelming majority of regional citizens who will suffer the actions of these activist groups? What about the safety, social health and well-being of our regional law enforcement?
Betcha that there will not be one positive vote for the 'Strawberry Days 'Massacre' to be thrust in our faces again by CIRC and other activist groups.
But, it sure looks like avatar predictions are about to come true:
Melanie Asmer:
"Immigration advocates are hopeful that a new agreement between the Roaring Fork School District and three local police departments will put an end to the controversial collaboration between school resource officers and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. But they also fear that the agreement doesn't go far enough -- and they've asked the federal Department of Homeland Security to investigate.
A letter provided to Westword confirms that the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, or CRCL, received a complaint about the issue. It says the complaint will be forwarded to the DHS Office of the Inspector General to review. If that office declines to investigate, it will be returned to CRCL for an "appropriate response" -- which could include an investigation to "find and address problems in DHS policy."
Westword has contacted DHS to ask whether the CRCL has decided to investigate. Brendan Greene with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition and Rebecca Wallance, an attorney with the Colorado ACLU, say the CRCL has agreed to do so.
What happened in the Roaring Fork Valley could have "national implications," says Wallace. She's been involved in the issue since October, when she sent a letter to the Roaring Fork RE-1 school board urging members to adopt a policy banning school resource officers from collaborating with ICE.
"We have some cases documented of him questioning students about their parents' status," Greene told Westword. "We have instances of him deporting family members of parents and students at the schools. Then, those same children have to see him at school in the following days.... It makes them not feel safe at the school."
The Roaring Fork school board agreed to look into implementing a policy. Months later,it ended up with a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, that urges the Glenwood Springs, Carbondale and Basalt police departments to use "extraordinary discretion" when assigning duties to school resource officers "where a student's family immigration status may come into question as these assignments may diminish the necessary trust the SROs have worked so long to build with the student and the family."
Alex Alvarado of AJUA says he's disappointed that the MOU doesn't go farther. "We felt it could be more binding," he says. "Our goal was to have a written document that would strictly remove ICE from the schools."
But though he feels AJUA was wrongly cut out of the process of crafting the agreement, Alvarado says he's proud that the group's advocacy caused a change. "To have the police departments and the school board write something that agrees with what we've been saying -- that officers that work with ICE will lose the trust of the community -- that's awesome to see," he says. "As students, we feel happy that the police departments and the school district recognize that."..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/02/sandbox-comments-glenwood-springs-post_4442.html
"Bullying our Schools and Demonizing Local Law Enforcement"
Now, the question is:
What about the overwhelming majority of regional citizens who will suffer the actions of these activist groups? What about the safety, social health and well-being of our regional law enforcement?
Betcha that there will not be one positive vote for the 'Strawberry Days 'Massacre' to be thrust in our faces again by CIRC and other activist groups.
But, it sure looks like avatar predictions are about to come true:
Melanie Asmer:
"Immigration advocates are hopeful that a new agreement between the Roaring Fork School District and three local police departments will put an end to the controversial collaboration between school resource officers and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. But they also fear that the agreement doesn't go far enough -- and they've asked the federal Department of Homeland Security to investigate.
A letter provided to Westword confirms that the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, or CRCL, received a complaint about the issue. It says the complaint will be forwarded to the DHS Office of the Inspector General to review. If that office declines to investigate, it will be returned to CRCL for an "appropriate response" -- which could include an investigation to "find and address problems in DHS policy."
Westword has contacted DHS to ask whether the CRCL has decided to investigate. Brendan Greene with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition and Rebecca Wallance, an attorney with the Colorado ACLU, say the CRCL has agreed to do so.
What happened in the Roaring Fork Valley could have "national implications," says Wallace. She's been involved in the issue since October, when she sent a letter to the Roaring Fork RE-1 school board urging members to adopt a policy banning school resource officers from collaborating with ICE.
The issue first came up last year, when a local student advocacy group called the Asociacion de Jovenes Unidos en Accion, or AJUA, raised concerns about a school resource officer named Alvaro Agon. The group objected to the fact that Agon had once worked as the Carbondale Police Department's liaison to ICE.
"We have some cases documented of him questioning students about their parents' status," Greene told Westword. "We have instances of him deporting family members of parents and students at the schools. Then, those same children have to see him at school in the following days.... It makes them not feel safe at the school."
The Roaring Fork school board agreed to look into implementing a policy. Months later,it ended up with a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, that urges the Glenwood Springs, Carbondale and Basalt police departments to use "extraordinary discretion" when assigning duties to school resource officers "where a student's family immigration status may come into question as these assignments may diminish the necessary trust the SROs have worked so long to build with the student and the family."
Alex Alvarado of AJUA says he's disappointed that the MOU doesn't go farther. "We felt it could be more binding," he says. "Our goal was to have a written document that would strictly remove ICE from the schools."
But though he feels AJUA was wrongly cut out of the process of crafting the agreement, Alvarado says he's proud that the group's advocacy caused a change. "To have the police departments and the school board write something that agrees with what we've been saying -- that officers that work with ICE will lose the trust of the community -- that's awesome to see," he says. "As students, we feel happy that the police departments and the school district recognize that."..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Aldrich family drops lawsuit against CDOT"
Chad Abraham:
"...Paula Aldrich, George’s mother, said that she and George Sr., his father, “had a 25 percent chance of winning the case and to add insult to injury we would have been liable for [Colorado] lawyers.
“We don’t have that type of money, as it took so much to search for him,” she said in an email. “We never thought we would win, we just would have never forgiven ourselves if we didn’t try to seek justice. If you are a parent I am sure you understand.”
Aldrich fell an estimated 100 feet through a narrow gap between the new bridge and the old, historically designated span. CDOT has since installed a sturdy steel-wire safety mesh between the structures...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"...Paula Aldrich, George’s mother, said that she and George Sr., his father, “had a 25 percent chance of winning the case and to add insult to injury we would have been liable for [Colorado] lawyers.
“We don’t have that type of money, as it took so much to search for him,” she said in an email. “We never thought we would win, we just would have never forgiven ourselves if we didn’t try to seek justice. If you are a parent I am sure you understand.”
Aldrich fell an estimated 100 feet through a narrow gap between the new bridge and the old, historically designated span. CDOT has since installed a sturdy steel-wire safety mesh between the structures...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Woman avoids eviction from housing authority"
So very glad to hear this news! Good luck to Heidi Mines as she moves forward and a special thank you out to the Aspen/Pitkin Housing Authority.
Dorothy Atkins:
"The Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority (APCHA) board is giving local cancer survivor Heidi Mines four more months to find a job before it decides whether to evict her for non-compliance.
At a meeting on Wednesday, the housing board voted in favor of granting Mines a continuance through July based on the fact that she has recently received promising job offers...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Dorothy Atkins:
"The Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority (APCHA) board is giving local cancer survivor Heidi Mines four more months to find a job before it decides whether to evict her for non-compliance.
At a meeting on Wednesday, the housing board voted in favor of granting Mines a continuance through July based on the fact that she has recently received promising job offers...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News/Letter to the Editor "Take a careful look at BRT"
Janine Gunning:
"Editor:
Ironically the new bus rapid transit (BRT) has taken on the logo VelociRFTA. Velociraptors have a predatory claw used to tear into prey, delivering a fatal blow. Putting aside their role as cunning killers, Velociraptor in Greek means “speedy thief.” VelociRFTA is tearing into the midvalley area with a plan sure to disembowel El Jebel. The rush to acquire federal dollars prompted the new El Jebel park and ride proposal.
A failed plan from the start, the proposal has misled residents. There is no scaled drawing to support use of 90 spaces, handicapped parking, entry and exit, proper set-backs, sidewalks, bathrooms, bike racks, commuter bus idling, turnaround and connection to the BRT highway stop without eliminating East Valley Road. The scaled drawing does not exist because it is impossible to achieve without immense community impact. The current lot is three times the size and yesterday hosted 100 cars, five handicapped spaces, port-a-john, bike racks and multiple buses.
The smaller site is not in alignment with growth. Yet, the unincorporated community of El Jebel is being rammed by the town of Basalt which benefits monetarily, while Eagle County commissioners and CDOT ignore their obligation to stop open ticket approvals.
Forty-five million dollars is about to be spent to cut travel time. However, the RFTA website states only five to 10 minutes will be cut from an express trip down the valley. Two BRT stops less than 1 mile apart in El Jebel does not speed up transit.
Of equal importance is that the existing bus stops in our area are not under control, like Catherine Store, El Jebel and Aspen Junction. The lots are unpaved, over crowded and not monitored. RFTA does not manage current use yet is asking for a rash approval. How will all of the lots be controlled in the future? How is it going to be better? The 138-page BRT environmental assessment did not show how it is going to work. Proper use, impact and mitigation measures are seriously tainted.
I’m OK with an advanced BRT system in our valley, but reporting lies as truth and ignoring history is simply fraudulent. Attend the Roaring Fork Valley Planning Commission meeting at the El Jebel Community Center at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 22. Demand that proposed development take responsibility for its impacts and insist this use approval be denied until looked at carefully...." (Read original letter? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Editor:
Ironically the new bus rapid transit (BRT) has taken on the logo VelociRFTA. Velociraptors have a predatory claw used to tear into prey, delivering a fatal blow. Putting aside their role as cunning killers, Velociraptor in Greek means “speedy thief.” VelociRFTA is tearing into the midvalley area with a plan sure to disembowel El Jebel. The rush to acquire federal dollars prompted the new El Jebel park and ride proposal.
A failed plan from the start, the proposal has misled residents. There is no scaled drawing to support use of 90 spaces, handicapped parking, entry and exit, proper set-backs, sidewalks, bathrooms, bike racks, commuter bus idling, turnaround and connection to the BRT highway stop without eliminating East Valley Road. The scaled drawing does not exist because it is impossible to achieve without immense community impact. The current lot is three times the size and yesterday hosted 100 cars, five handicapped spaces, port-a-john, bike racks and multiple buses.
The smaller site is not in alignment with growth. Yet, the unincorporated community of El Jebel is being rammed by the town of Basalt which benefits monetarily, while Eagle County commissioners and CDOT ignore their obligation to stop open ticket approvals.
Forty-five million dollars is about to be spent to cut travel time. However, the RFTA website states only five to 10 minutes will be cut from an express trip down the valley. Two BRT stops less than 1 mile apart in El Jebel does not speed up transit.
Of equal importance is that the existing bus stops in our area are not under control, like Catherine Store, El Jebel and Aspen Junction. The lots are unpaved, over crowded and not monitored. RFTA does not manage current use yet is asking for a rash approval. How will all of the lots be controlled in the future? How is it going to be better? The 138-page BRT environmental assessment did not show how it is going to work. Proper use, impact and mitigation measures are seriously tainted.
I’m OK with an advanced BRT system in our valley, but reporting lies as truth and ignoring history is simply fraudulent. Attend the Roaring Fork Valley Planning Commission meeting at the El Jebel Community Center at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 22. Demand that proposed development take responsibility for its impacts and insist this use approval be denied until looked at carefully...." (Read original letter? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Citizen Telegram "Humanitarian Service Award nominees unveiled"
Heather McGregor:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — The Garfield Humanitarian Service Awards committee announced Wednesday that 16 individuals and one organization have been nominated for the 2012 Humanitarian Service Awards.
A celebratory dinner for the nominees and for those who nominated them, along with friends, family and colleagues will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 16, at the Hotel Colorado.
“If you know one of the nominees and have been touched in some way by their humanitarian service, please join us for this wonderful event to honor them,” said Marian McDonough, a member of the awards committee and executive director of Catholic Charities.
The nominees are divided into five categories, and are:
Senior volunteers: John Breckinridge, Niki Delson, Ron Kokish, all with Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and John Neal with Meals on Wheels.
Young adult volunteers: Sarah Rippy with YouthZone and Melea Sheridan with Grand River Volunteer Services.
Staff: Debbie Bath with Access Roaring Fork, Jenny Lang Burns with Mountain Family Health Center, Kelly Keeffe with Aspen-to-Parachute Dental Health Alliance, Kathleen Kline with Colorado Workforce, Barbara Romero and Gyla Stark with Creekside Assisted Living, Patty Schaffner with PALS Mentoring, and Megan Lee Taylor-Alstatt with the Garfield County Sheriff's Department.
Visionary founders: Diane Welter with Your Friends For Life, and Rosie McSwain with Tom's Door.
Organization: First United Methodist Church of Glenwood Springs..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — The Garfield Humanitarian Service Awards committee announced Wednesday that 16 individuals and one organization have been nominated for the 2012 Humanitarian Service Awards.
A celebratory dinner for the nominees and for those who nominated them, along with friends, family and colleagues will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 16, at the Hotel Colorado.
“If you know one of the nominees and have been touched in some way by their humanitarian service, please join us for this wonderful event to honor them,” said Marian McDonough, a member of the awards committee and executive director of Catholic Charities.
The nominees are divided into five categories, and are:
Senior volunteers: John Breckinridge, Niki Delson, Ron Kokish, all with Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and John Neal with Meals on Wheels.
Young adult volunteers: Sarah Rippy with YouthZone and Melea Sheridan with Grand River Volunteer Services.
Staff: Debbie Bath with Access Roaring Fork, Jenny Lang Burns with Mountain Family Health Center, Kelly Keeffe with Aspen-to-Parachute Dental Health Alliance, Kathleen Kline with Colorado Workforce, Barbara Romero and Gyla Stark with Creekside Assisted Living, Patty Schaffner with PALS Mentoring, and Megan Lee Taylor-Alstatt with the Garfield County Sheriff's Department.
Visionary founders: Diane Welter with Your Friends For Life, and Rosie McSwain with Tom's Door.
Organization: First United Methodist Church of Glenwood Springs..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 21, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Red State "The Nominee"
Big, big statement from Erick Erickson on Red State.
Not an endorsement but more of a disappointed acceptance?
Most likely and sure sounds like it.
But then again, we all know we really need Rick Perry and have been in that state of disappointed acceptance for months now.
Photo credit Red State:
Not an endorsement but more of a disappointed acceptance?
Most likely and sure sounds like it.
But then again, we all know we really need Rick Perry and have been in that state of disappointed acceptance for months now.
Photo credit Red State:
SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall/Rachel Alexander "Should the GOP Hope For a Brokered Convention?"
Good column from Rachel Alexander, editor of the Intellectual Conservative and Town Hall contributor.
Without giving insight into my own personal feelings regarding a brokered convention; there is a very positive aspect that makes for a major plus to having one.
Mitt Romney alone cannot beat Barack Obama. He's going to have to have a strong leader that people can trust to not back down as his backbone in the VP slot. If he chooses someone like Santorum thinking it will pull votes, they both will lose. The conservative base, Tea Party and GOP establishment really have not spoken up fully yet. The common man and working class conservative does not believe strongly enough in either man to get excited over them.
And to beat the major money Obama has and the sureness of even the millions of liberals out there that are not all that keen on Obama; conservatives need to be fired up.
The big plus to having a brokered convention is to bring in someone who can bolster up Newt. He is the only candidate still standing that has the strength of leadership and political skill to win. He also has nothing to lose over the next four years because there are simply no more skeletons for media fodder. His age and his past are actually now assets for Newt Gingrich. The thing about Newt is that he inspires confidence with his courage to lead.
America doesn't need just one hero right now. We need two. This GOP primary has uncovered so many weaknesses in the political leadership of conservative elections that we are already 'brokered'. Now we need to be pulled together.
Will Romney try somebody like Jeb Bush? Maybe. If so, the machine on the left will still leave them both behind. Bush the third doesn't have the fearless kind of leadership that Gingrich, Perry, Christie have. Wonderful person, great man and a terrific leader. But certainly not the working conservative type that we're looking for out here.
No matter where it goes, the one certainty is that this will eventually be seen as one of the most historically famous GOP primary seasons.
Rachel Alexander:
"As the Republican presidential primary drags on, 27 debates later, with no candidate yet obtaining 50% of the delegates, speculation is increasing that the nominee may end up being selected in a brokered convention. If none of the candidates win a minimum of 1,144 delegates in the primaries and caucuses, then the Republican convention becomes a brokered convention where the nominee is chosen by freewheeling delegates. Delegates would be permitted to change their votes at the convention and support anyone, even new candidates. Ballot contests are held until one candidate achieves a majority of delegate votes.
The three candidates left in the race besides Mitt Romney are hoping for a brokered convention since it is practically impossible now for them to get enough delegates. Rick Santorum, in second place after Romney, needs 70% of the remaining delegates to win. As frontrunner, Romney opposes a brokered convention, needing only half of the remaining delegates to win the nomination.
The most troubling part about a brokered convention is it leaves the nominating process to be decided by backroom dealing. Instead of a mostly democratic process of electing the nominee, the nominee would be chosen by political hacks...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Without giving insight into my own personal feelings regarding a brokered convention; there is a very positive aspect that makes for a major plus to having one.
Mitt Romney alone cannot beat Barack Obama. He's going to have to have a strong leader that people can trust to not back down as his backbone in the VP slot. If he chooses someone like Santorum thinking it will pull votes, they both will lose. The conservative base, Tea Party and GOP establishment really have not spoken up fully yet. The common man and working class conservative does not believe strongly enough in either man to get excited over them.
And to beat the major money Obama has and the sureness of even the millions of liberals out there that are not all that keen on Obama; conservatives need to be fired up.
The big plus to having a brokered convention is to bring in someone who can bolster up Newt. He is the only candidate still standing that has the strength of leadership and political skill to win. He also has nothing to lose over the next four years because there are simply no more skeletons for media fodder. His age and his past are actually now assets for Newt Gingrich. The thing about Newt is that he inspires confidence with his courage to lead.
America doesn't need just one hero right now. We need two. This GOP primary has uncovered so many weaknesses in the political leadership of conservative elections that we are already 'brokered'. Now we need to be pulled together.
Will Romney try somebody like Jeb Bush? Maybe. If so, the machine on the left will still leave them both behind. Bush the third doesn't have the fearless kind of leadership that Gingrich, Perry, Christie have. Wonderful person, great man and a terrific leader. But certainly not the working conservative type that we're looking for out here.
No matter where it goes, the one certainty is that this will eventually be seen as one of the most historically famous GOP primary seasons.
Rachel Alexander:
"As the Republican presidential primary drags on, 27 debates later, with no candidate yet obtaining 50% of the delegates, speculation is increasing that the nominee may end up being selected in a brokered convention. If none of the candidates win a minimum of 1,144 delegates in the primaries and caucuses, then the Republican convention becomes a brokered convention where the nominee is chosen by freewheeling delegates. Delegates would be permitted to change their votes at the convention and support anyone, even new candidates. Ballot contests are held until one candidate achieves a majority of delegate votes.
The three candidates left in the race besides Mitt Romney are hoping for a brokered convention since it is practically impossible now for them to get enough delegates. Rick Santorum, in second place after Romney, needs 70% of the remaining delegates to win. As frontrunner, Romney opposes a brokered convention, needing only half of the remaining delegates to win the nomination.
There are plenty of problems with a brokered convention. It leaves Republican candidates taking jabs at each other instead of Obama for a much longer period, spending most of their money in the primary instead of against Obama. The convention begins August 27. The last primary this year is Utah’s on June 26. By the end of August, there will be only a couple of months left for the race against Obama. Republican candidates have been taking shots at each other since the beginning of last summer and a brokered convention means that infighting drags out for well over a year. Hugh Hewitt observed that a new candidate who has not participated in the primary yet may find it difficult to get into the national fundraising game this late against Obama.
The most troubling part about a brokered convention is it leaves the nominating process to be decided by backroom dealing. Instead of a mostly democratic process of electing the nominee, the nominee would be chosen by political hacks...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Coloradoan "Pedal-powered paramedics train for deployment"
Robert Allen:
"The sound of ringing bicycle bells will increasingly replace ambulance sirens during Fort Collins events this summer as Poudre Valley EMS gears up its Bicycle Emergency Response Team.
A fleet of mountain bikes is equipped with the same supplies ambulances use in the first few minutes of an incident, from bandages to auto-defibrillators. And bikes are able to go places the large ambulance trucks can’t reach.
Poudre Valley EMS started using bikes for reserves in 1994, but the team, known by its acronym, BERT, didn’t form or begin regular event patrols until last year. Rob Collett, lead BERT paramedic, said because Fort Collins is rated one of the top bicycle-friendly communities in the United States, managers decided the team could better serve the community on bikes...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The sound of ringing bicycle bells will increasingly replace ambulance sirens during Fort Collins events this summer as Poudre Valley EMS gears up its Bicycle Emergency Response Team.
A fleet of mountain bikes is equipped with the same supplies ambulances use in the first few minutes of an incident, from bandages to auto-defibrillators. And bikes are able to go places the large ambulance trucks can’t reach.
Poudre Valley EMS started using bikes for reserves in 1994, but the team, known by its acronym, BERT, didn’t form or begin regular event patrols until last year. Rob Collett, lead BERT paramedic, said because Fort Collins is rated one of the top bicycle-friendly communities in the United States, managers decided the team could better serve the community on bikes...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Defendant denied bond in federal cocaine case"
Chad Abraham:
"An exotic lifestyle involving alleged offshore bank accounts and disposable cell phones makes a former Aspen man suspected in a local cocaine-trafficking ring a flight risk, a judge ruled Tuesday.
In denying bond for Montgomery Chitty, 60, of Big Pine Key, Fla., U.S. Magistrate Judge Kristen Mix wrote that the defendant has a valid passport, allegedly has offshore bank accounts in the Cayman Islands and “has traveled out of the country on 13 occasions” since 1999.
Chitty was arrested Feb. 15 in Florida in connection with an investigation into an Aspen-area distribution ring. He pleaded not guilty Monday to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine......
.....But Mix, in her ruling, wrote that she was not assured that Chitty would appear for court hearings or that the safety of the community could be protected if he was released on bond.
Chitty has used at least one alias and has a felony conviction for importing marijuana, the ruling says. Mix also noted Chitty’s age and that he is facing, if convicted, a possible maximum life sentence.
In addition to “a history of moving from place to place,” Chitty “has repeatedly used false addresses ... has no known bank accounts in the United States, no credit cards, reports only $1,000 per month income from his daughter [and] uses only cash and disposable cell phones,” the ruling says.
Chitty also lied both about his identity and being a former law enforcement officer to his landlord in Florida, and has no stable employment, Mix found, citing evidence provided by the government.
Despite the letters of support, Chitty, who faces 10 years to life if convicted, did not contest his continued detention, Mix wrote....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"An exotic lifestyle involving alleged offshore bank accounts and disposable cell phones makes a former Aspen man suspected in a local cocaine-trafficking ring a flight risk, a judge ruled Tuesday.
In denying bond for Montgomery Chitty, 60, of Big Pine Key, Fla., U.S. Magistrate Judge Kristen Mix wrote that the defendant has a valid passport, allegedly has offshore bank accounts in the Cayman Islands and “has traveled out of the country on 13 occasions” since 1999.
Chitty was arrested Feb. 15 in Florida in connection with an investigation into an Aspen-area distribution ring. He pleaded not guilty Monday to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine......
.....But Mix, in her ruling, wrote that she was not assured that Chitty would appear for court hearings or that the safety of the community could be protected if he was released on bond.
Chitty has used at least one alias and has a felony conviction for importing marijuana, the ruling says. Mix also noted Chitty’s age and that he is facing, if convicted, a possible maximum life sentence.
In addition to “a history of moving from place to place,” Chitty “has repeatedly used false addresses ... has no known bank accounts in the United States, no credit cards, reports only $1,000 per month income from his daughter [and] uses only cash and disposable cell phones,” the ruling says.
Chitty also lied both about his identity and being a former law enforcement officer to his landlord in Florida, and has no stable employment, Mix found, citing evidence provided by the government.
Despite the letters of support, Chitty, who faces 10 years to life if convicted, did not contest his continued detention, Mix wrote....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Colorado Statesman "Candidates for DA plead their cases"
There are a number of hot races for district attorney in the 2012 election cycle. Whether contested races or not, it has been quite awhile since there has been this much controversy in Colorado's judicial system.
From Sheriff races at mid-term (statewide), to prison closures and now the politics of prosecutors; the folks are far from happy if the pulse and tone of commentary is any barometer.
The 10th Judicial District is so far the nastiest and most sordid of DA races this time around. Coming up right behind the 10th is the 18th Judicial District.
From the sound of things, more of relief than anything else as the highly controversial Carol Chambers is out due to term limits. Chambers is the DA that made national news recognition by paying her deputy DA's bonuses for convictions. Rather fitting now that the contenders for the 18th plead their cases to the Statesman at the Arapahoe GOP Men's Club...
Ben Conarck:
"What best qualifies a candidate to run for district attorney in the 18th Judicial District?
At a breakfast debate held at the Arapahoe County Republican Men’s Club in Greenwood Village early Wednesday morning, the four GOP candidates pled their cases.
Matt Arnold, a judicial accountability activist and candidate in the CU Regent At-Large race, moderated the debate. He will not be endorsing a candidate in the primary.
All four Republican candidates plan to go through the assembly to earn the party’s nomination, but both Brauchler and Wareham have begun petitioning as a backstop measure in case they fail to receive the 30 percent threshold for delegates.
The district attorney for the 18th Judicial District oversees Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln counties.
The seat has been held since 2005 by term-limited Republican incumbent Carol Chambers.
The race has attracted well-qualified candidates on both sides of the aisle. Ethan Feldman, who served as a judge in Arapahoe County for over 20 years, is the only Democrat currently in the race....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
From Sheriff races at mid-term (statewide), to prison closures and now the politics of prosecutors; the folks are far from happy if the pulse and tone of commentary is any barometer.
The 10th Judicial District is so far the nastiest and most sordid of DA races this time around. Coming up right behind the 10th is the 18th Judicial District.
From the sound of things, more of relief than anything else as the highly controversial Carol Chambers is out due to term limits. Chambers is the DA that made national news recognition by paying her deputy DA's bonuses for convictions. Rather fitting now that the contenders for the 18th plead their cases to the Statesman at the Arapahoe GOP Men's Club...
Ben Conarck:
"What best qualifies a candidate to run for district attorney in the 18th Judicial District?
At a breakfast debate held at the Arapahoe County Republican Men’s Club in Greenwood Village early Wednesday morning, the four GOP candidates pled their cases.
Matt Arnold, a judicial accountability activist and candidate in the CU Regent At-Large race, moderated the debate. He will not be endorsing a candidate in the primary.
All four Republican candidates plan to go through the assembly to earn the party’s nomination, but both Brauchler and Wareham have begun petitioning as a backstop measure in case they fail to receive the 30 percent threshold for delegates.
The district attorney for the 18th Judicial District oversees Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln counties.
The seat has been held since 2005 by term-limited Republican incumbent Carol Chambers.
The race has attracted well-qualified candidates on both sides of the aisle. Ethan Feldman, who served as a judge in Arapahoe County for over 20 years, is the only Democrat currently in the race....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KREX News 5 "Murder Suspects Charged in Court"
Daniel Phillips:
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- The two brothers suspected of murdering a Fruita man were formally charged in court Tuesday morning.
Julio and Jose Ortiz appeared in front of a judge and both were charged with one count of first-degree murder.
The two are suspected of murdering Abel Roper, 31, who was found stabbed to death next to his truck in Clifton.
Investigators aren't releasing much information on the crime due to the sensitive nature of the investigation...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment ability on this post is blocked on behalf of Abel Roper's family)
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- The two brothers suspected of murdering a Fruita man were formally charged in court Tuesday morning.
Julio and Jose Ortiz appeared in front of a judge and both were charged with one count of first-degree murder.
The two are suspected of murdering Abel Roper, 31, who was found stabbed to death next to his truck in Clifton.
Investigators aren't releasing much information on the crime due to the sensitive nature of the investigation...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment ability on this post is blocked on behalf of Abel Roper's family)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "DA won't charge driver in death of pedestrian near Aspen"
Rick Carroll:
"Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin said the decision was made Friday after a districtwide meeting with prosecutors from Garfield, Pitkin and Rio Blanco counties. Mordkin, whose Pitkin County office would have filed the charges, said he did not want to make the decision public until Tuesday. The prosecutor said he notified the mother of victim Joanie Marie Kocab about the decision Monday evening.
“The public should feel comfortable in the fact that one person didn't make this decision, but it was a group decision,” Mordkin said...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin said the decision was made Friday after a districtwide meeting with prosecutors from Garfield, Pitkin and Rio Blanco counties. Mordkin, whose Pitkin County office would have filed the charges, said he did not want to make the decision public until Tuesday. The prosecutor said he notified the mother of victim Joanie Marie Kocab about the decision Monday evening.
“The public should feel comfortable in the fact that one person didn't make this decision, but it was a group decision,” Mordkin said...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "Border Patrol Seizes More Than One Ton of Marijuana"
"Tucson, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized approximately 2,155 pounds of marijuana worth just over $1 million over the weekend.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Yesterday morning, Casa Grande Station agents utilizing imaging technology notified ground agents of 10 possible narcotics smugglers near the international boundary. Agents responded to the area, seized 14 bundles of marijuana and apprehended two subjects. The narcotics and the subjects were transported back to the station for processing. The narcotics weighed 740 pounds with an estimated value of $370,000. The subjects may face federal charges and the narcotics will be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Willcox Station agents working at the State Route 90 checkpoint referred a vehicle for secondary inspection on Saturday after a canine team alert. Agents discovered three bundles of marijuana concealed in the gas tank after utilizing imaging technology. The driver, a U.S. citizen was placed under arrest and transported along with the narcotics to the station for processing. The narcotics, weighing 18 pounds with a value of $9,000, will be turned over to the DEA. The driver may face federal charges.
In a separate incident Saturday, Willcox agents conducted a vehicle stop on a pickup truck and discovered 13 bundles of marijuana in the bed of the truck. The driver, a U.S. citizen was arrested and transported along with the narcotics for processing. The total weight of the narcotics was 212 pounds worth an estimated $106,000. The driver may face possible federal charges and the narcotics will be turned over to the DEA.
Ajo Station agents working on the ATV unit located 15 bundles of marijuana abandoned in the desert on Friday. The narcotics weighed 728 pounds worth an estimated value of $364,000. A few hours earlier, during a separate incident, Ajo agents utilizing imaging technology notified additional agents of possible narcotics smuggling near the international boundary. Agents responded and seized nine bundles of marijuana and apprehended four subjects. All narcotics and subjects were transported to the station for processing.
The narcotics weighed 457 pounds worth an estimated value of $228,500.
The Tucson Sector employs targeted enforcement efforts to deny and dismantle transnational criminal organizations. As a result of the Border Patrol’s enforcement efforts, criminal organizations are becoming increasingly desperate to get their narcotics into the interior of the United States.
Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free.
All CBP assets in Arizona were realigned under a unified command structure in February 2011. Joint Field Command – Arizona unifies the Tucson and Yuma Border Patrol Sectors and Air Branches, as well as the Tucson Field Office, to enhance border security, commercial enforcement and trade facilitation missions to meet Arizona’s unique challenges. Follow us on Twitter @CBPArizona or visit the attached website for more information. ( Arizona )
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws. "
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News/Letter to the Editor "Little guy gets burned again"
There was a time when Bruno Kirchenwitz had just a little, teeny bit of difficulty controlling his temper in local commentary. Which made for a fracas or two between regional avatars and Bruno.
Since the shutting down of the infamous PI hub; Bruno has risen to the (sincerely) status of local hero in commentary when it comes to the topics of illegal foreign nationals or public education.
Here's to the little guy.
Let Freedom ring.
Bruno Kirchenwitz:
"Editor:
One school board begs for more taxpayer funds for the children, gets the extra funds for the children and promptly takes $1.4 million off the top for teacher bonuses. While every teacher gets $1,500 many non-teachers lose their jobs.
Another school board doesn’t fool the electorate and doesn’t get to hand out any bonuses. Instead, they go to a four-day school week and save a half million at the expense of some 200 non-teaching staff. While no teacher loses a penny of pay, the cooks and janitors will each lose over $2,000 in pay annually.
Ain’t it funny how it’s always the little guy who takes it in the shorts?
I think it stinks...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Since the shutting down of the infamous PI hub; Bruno has risen to the (sincerely) status of local hero in commentary when it comes to the topics of illegal foreign nationals or public education.
Here's to the little guy.
Let Freedom ring.
Bruno Kirchenwitz:
"Editor:
One school board begs for more taxpayer funds for the children, gets the extra funds for the children and promptly takes $1.4 million off the top for teacher bonuses. While every teacher gets $1,500 many non-teachers lose their jobs.
Another school board doesn’t fool the electorate and doesn’t get to hand out any bonuses. Instead, they go to a four-day school week and save a half million at the expense of some 200 non-teaching staff. While no teacher loses a penny of pay, the cooks and janitors will each lose over $2,000 in pay annually.
Ain’t it funny how it’s always the little guy who takes it in the shorts?
I think it stinks...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Report: Zooplankton in the Gulf of Mexico soaked by toxic compounds from Deepwater Horizon spill"
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Oil from BP’s failed Deepwater Horizon drilling contaminated the Gulf of Mexico‘s marine food chain from the bottom up, according to a new study showing that the oil was absorbed by tiny zooplankton.
Zooplankton are useful to track oil-derived pollution. They serve as food for baby fish and shrimp and act as conduits for the movement of oil contamination and pollutants into the food chain. The study confirms that, not only did oil affect the ecosystem in the Gulf during the blowout, but was still entering the food web long after the well was capped.
“Our research helped to determine a ‘fingerprint’ of the Deepwater Horizon spill—something that other researchers interested the spill may be able to use,” said Dr. Siddhartha Mitra of Eastern Carolina University. “Furthermore, our work demonstrated that zooplankton in the Northern Gulf of Mexico accumulated toxic compounds derived from the Macondo well.” he said.
After the April 20, 2010 explosion on the drilling rig, crude oil gushed into the water at a rate of at least 53,000 barrels per day before the well was capped on July 15.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Oil from BP’s failed Deepwater Horizon drilling contaminated the Gulf of Mexico‘s marine food chain from the bottom up, according to a new study showing that the oil was absorbed by tiny zooplankton.
Zooplankton are useful to track oil-derived pollution. They serve as food for baby fish and shrimp and act as conduits for the movement of oil contamination and pollutants into the food chain. The study confirms that, not only did oil affect the ecosystem in the Gulf during the blowout, but was still entering the food web long after the well was capped.
“Our research helped to determine a ‘fingerprint’ of the Deepwater Horizon spill—something that other researchers interested the spill may be able to use,” said Dr. Siddhartha Mitra of Eastern Carolina University. “Furthermore, our work demonstrated that zooplankton in the Northern Gulf of Mexico accumulated toxic compounds derived from the Macondo well.” he said.
After the April 20, 2010 explosion on the drilling rig, crude oil gushed into the water at a rate of at least 53,000 barrels per day before the well was capped on July 15.
Oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and other chemicals. It contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can be used to fingerprint oil and determine its origins. The researchers were able to identify the signature unique to the Deep Water Horizon well in the Gulf of Mexico.
The team’s research indicates that the fingerprint of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill could be found in some zooplankton in the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem at low levels as much as a month after the leaking wellhead was capped..." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: RealAspen "On the Colorado River with Roaring Fork Anglers"
Tom Boyd:
"NEW CASTLE — A blue-winged olive buzzed close to the water, rode the breeze along the bank, and perched like a trained pet on the thumb of veteran angler John Harcourt.
Harcourt watched it fly away, then called out to his son, Dustin, and his seven-year-old grandson, Drake, who were working an eddy seam just downriver.
“We might do some dry-fly fishing after all,” he said with the kind of smile that has spring fever written all over it.
The terms “dry fly” and “March fishing” aren’t often mixed together in discussions of Colorado’s rivers and streams, but along the wide-open, easily accessible stretches of the Colorado River from Glenwood Springs to Rifle, a sunny March afternoon feels like a mid-summer’s day to a fisherman, especially if he’s got a healthy dose of cabin fever...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"NEW CASTLE — A blue-winged olive buzzed close to the water, rode the breeze along the bank, and perched like a trained pet on the thumb of veteran angler John Harcourt.
Harcourt watched it fly away, then called out to his son, Dustin, and his seven-year-old grandson, Drake, who were working an eddy seam just downriver.
“We might do some dry-fly fishing after all,” he said with the kind of smile that has spring fever written all over it.
The terms “dry fly” and “March fishing” aren’t often mixed together in discussions of Colorado’s rivers and streams, but along the wide-open, easily accessible stretches of the Colorado River from Glenwood Springs to Rifle, a sunny March afternoon feels like a mid-summer’s day to a fisherman, especially if he’s got a healthy dose of cabin fever...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Fishing!"
Do you know what a beaver pond is? 'SandBox Nanny' has shared with you that she was childhood raised way up at the top of Kebler Pass.
There simply is no place on earth more beautiful than the remote areas of Kebler.
Flanked on one side by the Town of Crested Butte, she can remember the Gorsuch family when they barely had an inkling of an idea for business, Crested Butte Mountain having one rope tow and the Warming House. The 'parade' of our NASA astronauts on main street and meeting Gus Grissom.
On the other side of the pass she can recall Paonia before there was ever a single winery. Things called subdivisions unheard of and Cherry Days at the park not being all that open to tourism crowds.
Beaver ponds are eco-systems all their own. Back in the 1960's some of them were even stocked by Fish and Game. Click on the links throughout her commentary on beaver ponds that are unique to Kebler Pass but know that when you do...you are still not being given insight into the 'secret' ones she knows about.
You see, true fisherman rarely divulge to the public where the best fishing really is.
Be sure to read up on Bob Berwyn's piece this morning as you take a look at some of the ponds he and his family frequent. (Congratulations on that whopper of a fish goes out to Dylan Berwyn).
Click title. All credit: Bob Berwyn.
There simply is no place on earth more beautiful than the remote areas of Kebler.
Flanked on one side by the Town of Crested Butte, she can remember the Gorsuch family when they barely had an inkling of an idea for business, Crested Butte Mountain having one rope tow and the Warming House. The 'parade' of our NASA astronauts on main street and meeting Gus Grissom.
On the other side of the pass she can recall Paonia before there was ever a single winery. Things called subdivisions unheard of and Cherry Days at the park not being all that open to tourism crowds.
Beaver ponds are eco-systems all their own. Back in the 1960's some of them were even stocked by Fish and Game. Click on the links throughout her commentary on beaver ponds that are unique to Kebler Pass but know that when you do...you are still not being given insight into the 'secret' ones she knows about.
You see, true fisherman rarely divulge to the public where the best fishing really is.
Be sure to read up on Bob Berwyn's piece this morning as you take a look at some of the ponds he and his family frequent. (Congratulations on that whopper of a fish goes out to Dylan Berwyn).
Click title. All credit: Bob Berwyn.
March 20, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Israel’s need to buy time"
Richard Cohen:
"Nations have doctrines. The Soviet Union had the Brezhnev Doctrine and the United States had the Monroe Doctrine, among others. Even little Israel has one. I call it the Maybe the Dog Will Talk Doctrine and it is based on a folk tale of the rabbi who makes a preposterous deal with a tyrant: If the tyrant spares the lives of local Jews, the rabbi will teach the tyrant’s dog to talk. When the rabbi tells his wife what he has done, she calls him a fool. But, he says, “A year is a long time. In a year, the tyrant could die or I could die” — and here he gives her a sly wise rabbi smile — “or maybe the dog will talk.”
All sorts of people — defense intellectuals, military officers and even the president of the United States — either have not heard of the Maybe the Dog Will Talk Doctrine or do not recognize its importance. (It was cited to me by an Israeli official.) Both Barack Obama and Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have characterized any Israeli attempt to disrupt Iran’s nuclear program as a short-term affair. An Israeli raid “wouldn’t achieve their long-term objectives,” Dempsey said on CNN — and he is surely right.
But Israel also has a short-term objective — and that is to play for time. Israel notes that its 1981 bombing of a nuclear reactor in Iraq set back Saddam Hussein’s program — and did not result in some sort of massive retaliation. Something similar happened with the 2007 bombing of a Syrian installation. Neither operation was conceived as a long-term solution, but both accomplished short-term goals. In a year or two, much could change in the Middle East. The region’s in turmoil. Dogs are talking all over the place.....
.......Sanctions may cause Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons program, if indeed that’s where it is now heading. But critics of Israel’s approach have to understand that Iran’s program looks different from Tel Aviv than it does from Washington. In the long run, an Israeli attack on Iran will accomplish nothing. In the short run, it could accomplish quite a lot...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Nations have doctrines. The Soviet Union had the Brezhnev Doctrine and the United States had the Monroe Doctrine, among others. Even little Israel has one. I call it the Maybe the Dog Will Talk Doctrine and it is based on a folk tale of the rabbi who makes a preposterous deal with a tyrant: If the tyrant spares the lives of local Jews, the rabbi will teach the tyrant’s dog to talk. When the rabbi tells his wife what he has done, she calls him a fool. But, he says, “A year is a long time. In a year, the tyrant could die or I could die” — and here he gives her a sly wise rabbi smile — “or maybe the dog will talk.”
All sorts of people — defense intellectuals, military officers and even the president of the United States — either have not heard of the Maybe the Dog Will Talk Doctrine or do not recognize its importance. (It was cited to me by an Israeli official.) Both Barack Obama and Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have characterized any Israeli attempt to disrupt Iran’s nuclear program as a short-term affair. An Israeli raid “wouldn’t achieve their long-term objectives,” Dempsey said on CNN — and he is surely right.
But Israel also has a short-term objective — and that is to play for time. Israel notes that its 1981 bombing of a nuclear reactor in Iraq set back Saddam Hussein’s program — and did not result in some sort of massive retaliation. Something similar happened with the 2007 bombing of a Syrian installation. Neither operation was conceived as a long-term solution, but both accomplished short-term goals. In a year or two, much could change in the Middle East. The region’s in turmoil. Dogs are talking all over the place.....
.......Sanctions may cause Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons program, if indeed that’s where it is now heading. But critics of Israel’s approach have to understand that Iran’s program looks different from Tel Aviv than it does from Washington. In the long run, an Israeli attack on Iran will accomplish nothing. In the short run, it could accomplish quite a lot...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Unlikely Voter "Senate Races 2012"
'SandBox' is linking you to the home page site of Unlikely Voter.
With the intense focus on all the hyperbole surrounding the GOP primary season; one of the most important Senate election cycles is not getting a lot of press coverage.
These are the most politically charged and important elections of our time. Please stay informed on who is falling to the sidelines and opting for retirement instead of running for senate or congress again. Keep up with the primary races per state so that you can be fully informed.
A good site to do some of that on is the Unlikely Voter.
Click title.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
With the intense focus on all the hyperbole surrounding the GOP primary season; one of the most important Senate election cycles is not getting a lot of press coverage.
These are the most politically charged and important elections of our time. Please stay informed on who is falling to the sidelines and opting for retirement instead of running for senate or congress again. Keep up with the primary races per state so that you can be fully informed.
A good site to do some of that on is the Unlikely Voter.
Click title.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Thanks from the Mulcahys"
Lee Mulcahy, Aspen:
"Editor:
A tip of the hat to the two Basalt police officers that helped my parents in downtown Basalt and a big thanks to Paradise Bakery for their donations to our community. The Mulcahy family, in partnership with the interfaith communities in both Aspen and Texas, invites anyone to travel with us to Kenya and volunteer building homes and a water well starting April 27 at http://www.africawaterwells.org/...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Editor:
A tip of the hat to the two Basalt police officers that helped my parents in downtown Basalt and a big thanks to Paradise Bakery for their donations to our community. The Mulcahy family, in partnership with the interfaith communities in both Aspen and Texas, invites anyone to travel with us to Kenya and volunteer building homes and a water well starting April 27 at http://www.africawaterwells.org/...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Hot Air Blog "New documents: ATF had “Fast & Furious” prime suspect in custody in 2010 — and let him go"
'Allahpundit':
"He told them he was in contact with Mexican cartel members at the time, too. But he promised them — cross his heart and hope to die — that he would help them with their imbecilic gunrunning operation if they let him go. Which they did. And of course, they never heard from him again.
If that sounds insane to you, I’d gently suggest that perhaps you need a bit more brainwashing...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"He told them he was in contact with Mexican cartel members at the time, too. But he promised them — cross his heart and hope to die — that he would help them with their imbecilic gunrunning operation if they let him go. Which they did. And of course, they never heard from him again.
If that sounds insane to you, I’d gently suggest that perhaps you need a bit more brainwashing...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "DEA used informant in Chitty case"
Chad Abraham:
"Federal drug agents used a confidential informant, phone taps and photographic surveillance in their investigation into a former Aspen resident accused of distributing kilos of cocaine.
Montgomery Chitty, 60, of Big Pine Key, Fla., pleaded not guilty on Monday in U.S. District Court in Denver. He is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
In a pretrial motion filed Monday, Chitty’s attorney Matthew Belcher asked that federal prosecutors provide documents, photographs and other evidence the government plans to use at trial.
“The government states there was a confidential informant who was a participant in or a witness to the crime charged and that the informant may be called as a witness at trial,” the motion says.
Agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration spent a year investigating a Los Angeles-to-Aspen cocaine ring, and a grand jury indicted in April 10 people, six of whom live in the upper Roaring Fork Valley. Charges against one defendant were dropped, and the remaining Aspen-area residents have reached plea deals.
On Dec. 13, what may have been the same grand jury indicted Chitty, who was a friend of the late Hunter S. Thompson and a longtime political pundit in Aspen before he moved to Florida.
His role in the drug-trafficking operation happened from January 2000 until May 2011, though more specific allegations have not yet been released...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Federal drug agents used a confidential informant, phone taps and photographic surveillance in their investigation into a former Aspen resident accused of distributing kilos of cocaine.
Montgomery Chitty, 60, of Big Pine Key, Fla., pleaded not guilty on Monday in U.S. District Court in Denver. He is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
In a pretrial motion filed Monday, Chitty’s attorney Matthew Belcher asked that federal prosecutors provide documents, photographs and other evidence the government plans to use at trial.
“The government states there was a confidential informant who was a participant in or a witness to the crime charged and that the informant may be called as a witness at trial,” the motion says.
Agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration spent a year investigating a Los Angeles-to-Aspen cocaine ring, and a grand jury indicted in April 10 people, six of whom live in the upper Roaring Fork Valley. Charges against one defendant were dropped, and the remaining Aspen-area residents have reached plea deals.
On Dec. 13, what may have been the same grand jury indicted Chitty, who was a friend of the late Hunter S. Thompson and a longtime political pundit in Aspen before he moved to Florida.
His role in the drug-trafficking operation happened from January 2000 until May 2011, though more specific allegations have not yet been released...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Limit eminent domain, secure right to private property ownership"
James Kellogg via Glenwood Springs Post Independent:
(On the author's request, “Right Angles” will appear just once a month, on the third Tuesday. James D. Kellogg of New Castle is a professional engineer, the author of the novel E-Force, and the founder of LiberTEAWatch. com. Visit JamesDKellogg.com or email jamesdkellogg@yahoo.com.)
"Throughout the United States, government and quasi-government bodies are chipping away at private property rights. This is exemplified in western Colorado by property acquisitions of the Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) to build new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations. The town of Basalt and city of Glenwood Springs endorsed RFTA's tactic of condemning private parcels within their municipal limits to advance the $46.2 million BRT project.
In the Glenwood Springs instance, RFTA claimed that a strict deadline attached to a $25 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration meant a competing private use proposed for the property needed to be quickly quashed.
Through their support, the message from local leaders is loud and clear: It's more important to help RFTA spend taxpayer dollars than secure the rights of private property owners.
The founders of our nation believed the right of citizens to acquire and possess property is as unalienable as the right to free speech. Thomas Jefferson declared, “All power is inherent in the people. … They are entitled to freedom of person, freedom of religion, freedom of property, and freedom of press.”
Secure private property rights are a cornerstone of economic growth and sustainability in a free market economy. Our government is responsible for upholding laws, contracts, patents and copyrights to protect private property owners from infringement by others, including government itself...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
(On the author's request, “Right Angles” will appear just once a month, on the third Tuesday. James D. Kellogg of New Castle is a professional engineer, the author of the novel E-Force, and the founder of LiberTEAWatch. com. Visit JamesDKellogg.com or email jamesdkellogg@yahoo.com.)
"Throughout the United States, government and quasi-government bodies are chipping away at private property rights. This is exemplified in western Colorado by property acquisitions of the Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) to build new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations. The town of Basalt and city of Glenwood Springs endorsed RFTA's tactic of condemning private parcels within their municipal limits to advance the $46.2 million BRT project.
In the Glenwood Springs instance, RFTA claimed that a strict deadline attached to a $25 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration meant a competing private use proposed for the property needed to be quickly quashed.
Through their support, the message from local leaders is loud and clear: It's more important to help RFTA spend taxpayer dollars than secure the rights of private property owners.
The founders of our nation believed the right of citizens to acquire and possess property is as unalienable as the right to free speech. Thomas Jefferson declared, “All power is inherent in the people. … They are entitled to freedom of person, freedom of religion, freedom of property, and freedom of press.”
Secure private property rights are a cornerstone of economic growth and sustainability in a free market economy. Our government is responsible for upholding laws, contracts, patents and copyrights to protect private property owners from infringement by others, including government itself...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Condemnation as bad as communism"
John Korrie, Glenwood Springs:
"I cannot believe that our city council has agreed with RFTA to condemn Wayne Rudd's building on South Glen Avenue if a sale agreement does not work out.
Condemnation is nothing shy of communism just like when the Re-1 school district took the True Value building.
It is wrong on every level of democracy. It is no different than if someone knocked on your door and said, “I want to buy your house,” and you say, “It is not for sale,” and they say, “OK, then we will just condemn it and take it away from you.”
In that sense, I bet everyone out there feels that is stealing, and totally wrong.
But as soon as it is a public agency or government agency doing it, it's OK. Hogwash, it is still wrong. Are there no other options for a bus station elsewhere?..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"I cannot believe that our city council has agreed with RFTA to condemn Wayne Rudd's building on South Glen Avenue if a sale agreement does not work out.
Condemnation is nothing shy of communism just like when the Re-1 school district took the True Value building.
It is wrong on every level of democracy. It is no different than if someone knocked on your door and said, “I want to buy your house,” and you say, “It is not for sale,” and they say, “OK, then we will just condemn it and take it away from you.”
In that sense, I bet everyone out there feels that is stealing, and totally wrong.
But as soon as it is a public agency or government agency doing it, it's OK. Hogwash, it is still wrong. Are there no other options for a bus station elsewhere?..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Unemployed affordable housing resident could lose her residence"
Curtis Wackerle:
"A woman who has been unemployed since battling cancer could be forced to sell her employee housing unit for not having a job.
Heidi Mines will go before the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority board on Wednesday evening to plead her case. The housing office sent Mines a “notice of violation” on Feb. 13, informing her that she would have to either sell her three-bedroom East Hopkins Avenue apartment or request a hearing before the APCHA board. The violation notice was a follow up to a January letter asking Mines to prove she had been working an average of at least 29 hours a week in Pitkin County, as residents of APCHA-controlled units are required to do.
Mines, 50, acknowledges that she has not worked for most of the last four years, beginning with her breast cancer diagnosis in October 2007. She was in treatment for two years, including numerous surgeries and chemotherapy. As she got back to being healthy enough to work, the economy was in the grips of a recession.
Mines said she’s applied for dozens of jobs since then, including positions with Pitkin County and the Aspen Skiing Co., but to no avail. Employers tend to look for younger people when they bring on new staff, she said.
Prior to battling cancer, Mines worked in retail, real estate and property management, among other lines of work. The Aspen native said that 80 to 90 percent of the job applications she has submitted are not acknowledged by the prospective employers...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"A woman who has been unemployed since battling cancer could be forced to sell her employee housing unit for not having a job.
Heidi Mines will go before the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority board on Wednesday evening to plead her case. The housing office sent Mines a “notice of violation” on Feb. 13, informing her that she would have to either sell her three-bedroom East Hopkins Avenue apartment or request a hearing before the APCHA board. The violation notice was a follow up to a January letter asking Mines to prove she had been working an average of at least 29 hours a week in Pitkin County, as residents of APCHA-controlled units are required to do.
Mines, 50, acknowledges that she has not worked for most of the last four years, beginning with her breast cancer diagnosis in October 2007. She was in treatment for two years, including numerous surgeries and chemotherapy. As she got back to being healthy enough to work, the economy was in the grips of a recession.
Mines said she’s applied for dozens of jobs since then, including positions with Pitkin County and the Aspen Skiing Co., but to no avail. Employers tend to look for younger people when they bring on new staff, she said.
Prior to battling cancer, Mines worked in retail, real estate and property management, among other lines of work. The Aspen native said that 80 to 90 percent of the job applications she has submitted are not acknowledged by the prospective employers...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Carbondale wins 2012 Governor's Arts Award"
"DENVER — Gov. Hickenlooper announced Monday that Carbondale and Lafayette will receive the 2012 Governor's Arts Award by Colorado Creative Industries, a division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
The annual Governor's Arts Award recognizes a Colorado town or city for its efforts to enhance their community and their economy through strategic use of the arts.
Carbondale Mayor Stacey Patch Bernot and Lafayette Mayor Carolyn Cutler will be presented with the awards, original oil paintings by artist John Lintott of Fruita, at the Creative Industries Summit to be held April 13 in Breckenridge.
“Extremely honored only begins to describe our reaction to being named a recipient of the 2012 Governor's Art Award,” said Mayor Bernot. “Art and creativity are attributes that have been interwoven into the fiber of Carbondale for generations.
“Our community prides itself on our ability to appreciate, teach and engage in arts and creativity in a multitude of ways. Whether viewed through the beauty of our public art program, our cultural centers and businesses, or witnessed by the creative spark that is ignited in the minds of our youth through our programs, Carbondale values art and creative expression. We are grateful and proud to be this year's award recipient,” Bernot said.
Colorado Creative Industries, a division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, annually convenes a panel to review nominations. In selecting Carbondale and Lafayette as the recipients, the review panel cited each city's detailed plans for making the arts central to economic and community development.
Review panel members included Marianne Virgili, president and CEO of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
The annual Governor's Arts Award recognizes a Colorado town or city for its efforts to enhance their community and their economy through strategic use of the arts.
Carbondale Mayor Stacey Patch Bernot and Lafayette Mayor Carolyn Cutler will be presented with the awards, original oil paintings by artist John Lintott of Fruita, at the Creative Industries Summit to be held April 13 in Breckenridge.
“Extremely honored only begins to describe our reaction to being named a recipient of the 2012 Governor's Art Award,” said Mayor Bernot. “Art and creativity are attributes that have been interwoven into the fiber of Carbondale for generations.
“Our community prides itself on our ability to appreciate, teach and engage in arts and creativity in a multitude of ways. Whether viewed through the beauty of our public art program, our cultural centers and businesses, or witnessed by the creative spark that is ignited in the minds of our youth through our programs, Carbondale values art and creative expression. We are grateful and proud to be this year's award recipient,” Bernot said.
Colorado Creative Industries, a division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, annually convenes a panel to review nominations. In selecting Carbondale and Lafayette as the recipients, the review panel cited each city's detailed plans for making the arts central to economic and community development.
Review panel members included Marianne Virgili, president and CEO of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "CMC, Isaacson partner for new media program"
This is terrific news! Kudos to CMC on the launch of his new digital media program. SandBox especially likes the ".. and also valley-wide professionals in need of new media skills..." part.
Andrew Travers:
"The Roaring Fork Valley’s community college and Aspen Institute CEO Walter Isaacson are launching a local program to teach digital media and production skills, they announced Monday.
The new Isaacson School for New Media at Colorado Mountain College (CMC) will begin offering classes this fall.
Isaacson and college leaders, at a morning press conference, called the program a step toward making the valley a leader in digital and mobile technology.
CMC President Stan Jensen said the program would help make ours a “digital valley,” with the new program attracting students from across the country to the Aspen area and becoming a national leader in new media.
“We want to be on the cutting edge,” Jensen said.
Though lending his name to the school and assisting in the curriculum development, Isaacson is not expected to teach regularly at CMC.
“I believe deeply in the mission of community colleges and, especially, in the important role this school will play for generations to come in the Roaring Fork Valley,” Isaacson said in a video message from Washington, D.C.
Classes will focus on digital journalism, digital media production and digital marketing/design.
The college will offer full credit courses, as well as certifications for non-students, including one-day workshops for professionals.
Jensen said they are aiming the program at college students and also valley-wide professionals in need of new media skills...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Andrew Travers:
"The Roaring Fork Valley’s community college and Aspen Institute CEO Walter Isaacson are launching a local program to teach digital media and production skills, they announced Monday.
The new Isaacson School for New Media at Colorado Mountain College (CMC) will begin offering classes this fall.
Isaacson and college leaders, at a morning press conference, called the program a step toward making the valley a leader in digital and mobile technology.
CMC President Stan Jensen said the program would help make ours a “digital valley,” with the new program attracting students from across the country to the Aspen area and becoming a national leader in new media.
“We want to be on the cutting edge,” Jensen said.
Though lending his name to the school and assisting in the curriculum development, Isaacson is not expected to teach regularly at CMC.
“I believe deeply in the mission of community colleges and, especially, in the important role this school will play for generations to come in the Roaring Fork Valley,” Isaacson said in a video message from Washington, D.C.
Classes will focus on digital journalism, digital media production and digital marketing/design.
The college will offer full credit courses, as well as certifications for non-students, including one-day workshops for professionals.
Jensen said they are aiming the program at college students and also valley-wide professionals in need of new media skills...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Vernal equinox 2012 arrives: Spring has sprung"
Bob Berwyn:
"Given the unusual early heat wave that’s gripped most of the country, perhaps it’s fitting that the spring equinox makes it’s earliest arrival in more than 100 years — since 1896, to be exact.
In the mountain time zone, the moment of equinox is actually late Monday night, which means it will officially be spring by the time you wake up.
It’s also a day you can check your iPhone GPS and compass against the sky because the sun rises due east and sets due west.
The equinox marks the moment when the sun is directly above the Earth’s equator. Days and nights are about equal in length in both the northern and southern hemispheres — but not exactly the same, as some people believe.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Given the unusual early heat wave that’s gripped most of the country, perhaps it’s fitting that the spring equinox makes it’s earliest arrival in more than 100 years — since 1896, to be exact.
In the mountain time zone, the moment of equinox is actually late Monday night, which means it will officially be spring by the time you wake up.
It’s also a day you can check your iPhone GPS and compass against the sky because the sun rises due east and sets due west.
The equinox marks the moment when the sun is directly above the Earth’s equator. Days and nights are about equal in length in both the northern and southern hemispheres — but not exactly the same, as some people believe.
The exact time and date of the equinox changes for very simple reasons. The division of the year into 365 days doesn’t exactly match up with celestial rhythms. The Earth’s orbit around the sun isn’t exactly circular. This archaeoastronomy website has detailed info on the timing of equinoxes and solstices...."
(Read more? Click title)
March 19, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Legal Insurrection "Tony Snow / Ian Anderson"
Tony Snow. Christopher Hitchens. Tim Russert.
How can one not miss them?
How can one not miss them?
SandBoxBlogs: Power Line "Liberal Myopia at the Star Tribune"
John Hinderaker:
"The Minneapolis Star Tribune is one of the nation’s most liberal newspapers. Today it reminded us why it has achieved that dubious distinction. First, the paper headlined: Women slip behind as economy picks up.
Given that pretty much everyone knows that the economic slump of the past four years has hit men particularly hard, that will strike most readers as a weird interpretation of events. The Strib explains:
"For women in the middle class, the economic recovery is turning out to be a reversal of fortune.
Women held onto their jobs so much better than men during the recession that some even called it a “man-cession.”
But now, even as politicians and industry brag of job creation in the millions, job growth for women lags far behind men. Old stereotypes casting men as primary breadwinners and women as employees distracted by child-care responsibilities are reemerging as hiring revs up. Pregnancy discrimination complaints surged in the recession and remain high in recovery.
It all has a frustratingly familiar ring to Sheridan Zuther, who zips among seven part-time jobs as she tries to hold onto her home and the bottom edge of the middle class.
I have always heard … that men are usually the first to get the jobs and that they get higher pay,” she said.
“But it’s frustrating.”
This is beyond bizarre. First, as far as the “mancession” is concerned, if you depend on the Star Tribune for your news, if you blinked you would have missed it. ..." (Read more? Click topic)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Given that pretty much everyone knows that the economic slump of the past four years has hit men particularly hard, that will strike most readers as a weird interpretation of events. The Strib explains:
"For women in the middle class, the economic recovery is turning out to be a reversal of fortune.
Women held onto their jobs so much better than men during the recession that some even called it a “man-cession.”
But now, even as politicians and industry brag of job creation in the millions, job growth for women lags far behind men. Old stereotypes casting men as primary breadwinners and women as employees distracted by child-care responsibilities are reemerging as hiring revs up. Pregnancy discrimination complaints surged in the recession and remain high in recovery.
It all has a frustratingly familiar ring to Sheridan Zuther, who zips among seven part-time jobs as she tries to hold onto her home and the bottom edge of the middle class.
I have always heard … that men are usually the first to get the jobs and that they get higher pay,” she said.
“But it’s frustrating.”
This is beyond bizarre. First, as far as the “mancession” is concerned, if you depend on the Star Tribune for your news, if you blinked you would have missed it. ..." (Read more? Click topic)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Commentary Magazine "Obama’s Triumphal Statist Presidency"
Abe Greenwald:
"In the March/April issue of the Washington Monthly, Paul Glastris offers a long essay in defense of Barack Obama. Titled, “The Incomplete Greatness of Barack Obama,” it is, in its own way, the clearest and most helpful analysis of the Obama presidency that’s been written so far. Glastris’s main contention is that Obama has “gotten more done in three years than any president in decades.” Yet, “the American public still thinks he hasn’t accomplished anything.” He’s right:
Glastris has unwittingly created a glossary of radical statism as a defense of Obama. His own words: “legislative tonnage,” “reform,” “takeover,” “biggest stimulus in history,” “sweeping regulations,” “protection,” “vast expansion,” “Net neutrality,” “greatest increase” in still more “protection,” and “revolutionary reform.” To liberals, this is the poetry of paternalism but to the rest of America it’s a nightmare lexicon...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"In the March/April issue of the Washington Monthly, Paul Glastris offers a long essay in defense of Barack Obama. Titled, “The Incomplete Greatness of Barack Obama,” it is, in its own way, the clearest and most helpful analysis of the Obama presidency that’s been written so far. Glastris’s main contention is that Obama has “gotten more done in three years than any president in decades.” Yet, “the American public still thinks he hasn’t accomplished anything.” He’s right:
Measured in sheer legislative tonnage, what Obama got done in his first two years is stunning. Health care reform. The takeover and turnaround of the auto industry. The biggest economic stimulus in history. Sweeping new regulations of Wall Street. A tough new set of consumer protections on the credit card industry. A vast expansion of national service. Net neutrality. The greatest increase in wilderness protection in fifteen years. A revolutionary reform to student aid. Signing the New START treaty with Russia. The ending of “don’t ask, don’t tell.”
Glastris has unwittingly created a glossary of radical statism as a defense of Obama. His own words: “legislative tonnage,” “reform,” “takeover,” “biggest stimulus in history,” “sweeping regulations,” “protection,” “vast expansion,” “Net neutrality,” “greatest increase” in still more “protection,” and “revolutionary reform.” To liberals, this is the poetry of paternalism but to the rest of America it’s a nightmare lexicon...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "State earns D+, a barely passing grade, in ethics"
Are you surprised?
Odds are, the common working folks out here are not going to be surprised at all to hear this.
Charles Ashby:
"DENVER — Though Colorado ranked better than many states in how it guards against government corruption, it still received a barely passing grade in the ethics and open-government laws it has enacted, according to a study released today.
The state ranked 33rd in the nation in such laws, but received only a D-plus grade in the State Integrity Investigation, a first-of-its kind computer-database report examining all 50 states’ ethics and open-government laws. It was compiled by the Center for Public Integrity, Public Radio International and Global Integrity.
Though the state ranked high in open-record and campaign finance laws, the report said its laws in openness in insurance, government pensions and ethics were lacking.
Overall, only five states received a B grade, and 19 were awarded Cs. No state got an A.
Colorado was one of 18 that scored Ds, while eight got Fs.
The report was released to mark the end of Sunshine Week, a national initiative designed to highlight the importance of open government and freedom-of-information laws...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Odds are, the common working folks out here are not going to be surprised at all to hear this.
Charles Ashby:
"DENVER — Though Colorado ranked better than many states in how it guards against government corruption, it still received a barely passing grade in the ethics and open-government laws it has enacted, according to a study released today.
The state ranked 33rd in the nation in such laws, but received only a D-plus grade in the State Integrity Investigation, a first-of-its kind computer-database report examining all 50 states’ ethics and open-government laws. It was compiled by the Center for Public Integrity, Public Radio International and Global Integrity.
Though the state ranked high in open-record and campaign finance laws, the report said its laws in openness in insurance, government pensions and ethics were lacking.
Overall, only five states received a B grade, and 19 were awarded Cs. No state got an A.
Colorado was one of 18 that scored Ds, while eight got Fs.
The report was released to mark the end of Sunshine Week, a national initiative designed to highlight the importance of open government and freedom-of-information laws...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Automotive expo in Steamboat to showcase alternative fuel vehicles"
Scott Franz:
"Steamboat Springs — When Dalton Reed pops the hood of his 1989 Ford F-250 on Monday afternoon in the Depot Art Center parking lot, he will show anyone who is interested how hot vegetable oil fuels his engine.
“A lot of people think it’s a magic box with a lot of complexity,” he said about his fuel system that heats the recycled veggie oil to 180 degrees before it enters the engine and becomes a substitute for diesel fuel. “But it’s really not too complex. It’s great because it’s a low-tech solution that burns less oil.”
Reed still must start his truck with diesel fuel and switch back to it before turning it off, and the system requires a lot of care and attention. It isn’t perfect, and he only pulls out the vegetable oil when harsh winter temperatures have passed. But he said the recycled vegetable oil he has collected from local restaurants throughout the years has the power to significantly cut back on the amount of diesel his truck burns on long trips.
Reed’s Ford will be one of eight vehicles featured in the Alternative Fuels and Gas-Saving Technologies Auto Expo today. The event is hosted by Bud Werner Memorial Library, Yampatika and Northern Colorado Clean Cities. Other vehicles on display will include a Chevy Volt electric car, an electric Ford Ranger truck, a hydrogen fuel Hummer, a truck fueled by compressed natural gas, a propane fired Go Alpine taxi, a Steamboat Transit hybrid bus and a biodiesel Volkswagen Beetle...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Steamboat Springs — When Dalton Reed pops the hood of his 1989 Ford F-250 on Monday afternoon in the Depot Art Center parking lot, he will show anyone who is interested how hot vegetable oil fuels his engine.
“A lot of people think it’s a magic box with a lot of complexity,” he said about his fuel system that heats the recycled veggie oil to 180 degrees before it enters the engine and becomes a substitute for diesel fuel. “But it’s really not too complex. It’s great because it’s a low-tech solution that burns less oil.”
Reed still must start his truck with diesel fuel and switch back to it before turning it off, and the system requires a lot of care and attention. It isn’t perfect, and he only pulls out the vegetable oil when harsh winter temperatures have passed. But he said the recycled vegetable oil he has collected from local restaurants throughout the years has the power to significantly cut back on the amount of diesel his truck burns on long trips.
Reed’s Ford will be one of eight vehicles featured in the Alternative Fuels and Gas-Saving Technologies Auto Expo today. The event is hosted by Bud Werner Memorial Library, Yampatika and Northern Colorado Clean Cities. Other vehicles on display will include a Chevy Volt electric car, an electric Ford Ranger truck, a hydrogen fuel Hummer, a truck fueled by compressed natural gas, a propane fired Go Alpine taxi, a Steamboat Transit hybrid bus and a biodiesel Volkswagen Beetle...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Delta County Independent "BLM’s preliminary EA disappoints oil and gas opponents in North Fork "
Ok, everyone. Please do not flood the email contact box with your views of 'Nanny' going off-topic on her related links within this post.
First, because she's the boss and if she wants to go off-topic, she can.
Second, there is a relevant point and reason for the wide spread of links. No, Bill Koch (to our current knowledge) is not going to be out there buying up all these leases at auction. (He probably should though, he does have momentum going and it's a worthwhile for all American energy independence if he does. Besides, the North Fork enviro groups couldn't like him any less than they already do, now could they? Sheesh. And they've probably never even met the guy in person.) There are dozens of links to specific to these leases stories she could have chosen. So, google away on your own to find those.
That point is that it doesn't matter who it is. Doesn't matter how environmentally conscious these drilling companies are. Doesn't mean a thing how much vetting and regulatory guidelines are put on to their drilling activities.
These kinds of enviro 'terrorist' tactics and groups are going to believe what they wish to believe, could care less what the facts really are and have already made up their minds. All they can hope to do is get in front of microphones and cameras. Without a thought or care for who they hurt during their 5 minutes of fame.
A special thank you goes out to the BLM. SandBox is sure you'll handle the sale of these leases in a conscientious manner.
(See related stories here, here, here, here, here and here)
Kathy Browning:
"If the expectation was that following the initial comment period, BLM would remove all or most of the parcels from its oil and gas lease auction in August, it was dashed last Wednesday with the release of the BLM's preliminary Environment Assessment.
The BLM intends to go ahead with the August auction.
Parcels in municipal watersheds or bordering schools and homes appear to be intact. Some parcels have been trimmed and one was removed.
"The only realistic way to stop oil and gas development now is through litigation," said one disappointed North Fork Valley resident. However, both BLM and Citizens for a Healthy Committee are urging the public to send more comments...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
First, because she's the boss and if she wants to go off-topic, she can.
Second, there is a relevant point and reason for the wide spread of links. No, Bill Koch (to our current knowledge) is not going to be out there buying up all these leases at auction. (He probably should though, he does have momentum going and it's a worthwhile for all American energy independence if he does. Besides, the North Fork enviro groups couldn't like him any less than they already do, now could they? Sheesh. And they've probably never even met the guy in person.) There are dozens of links to specific to these leases stories she could have chosen. So, google away on your own to find those.
That point is that it doesn't matter who it is. Doesn't matter how environmentally conscious these drilling companies are. Doesn't mean a thing how much vetting and regulatory guidelines are put on to their drilling activities.
These kinds of enviro 'terrorist' tactics and groups are going to believe what they wish to believe, could care less what the facts really are and have already made up their minds. All they can hope to do is get in front of microphones and cameras. Without a thought or care for who they hurt during their 5 minutes of fame.
A special thank you goes out to the BLM. SandBox is sure you'll handle the sale of these leases in a conscientious manner.
(See related stories here, here, here, here, here and here)
Kathy Browning:
"If the expectation was that following the initial comment period, BLM would remove all or most of the parcels from its oil and gas lease auction in August, it was dashed last Wednesday with the release of the BLM's preliminary Environment Assessment.
The BLM intends to go ahead with the August auction.
Parcels in municipal watersheds or bordering schools and homes appear to be intact. Some parcels have been trimmed and one was removed.
"The only realistic way to stop oil and gas development now is through litigation," said one disappointed North Fork Valley resident. However, both BLM and Citizens for a Healthy Committee are urging the public to send more comments...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily "How the biomass operation would work"
Hip, Hip Hooray!!!!
Congratulations to Eagle Valley Clean Energy LLC!!!
Just in time as the Coloradoan reports that pine beetles are now mating twice yearly.
This biomass plant will be a huge boon to Gypsum.
Derek Franz:
"GYPSUM, Colorado — On Tuesday, Gypsum Town Council approved annexation, zoning and other agreements that prepare the way for a biomass power plant to be built next to the American Gypsum plant north of U.S. Highway 6.
Eagle Valley Clean Energy LLC is the entity behind the plan. It includes some Eagle County residents and Dean Rostrom, who has been the primary spokesperson for the group, which is based in Provo, Utah.
A biomass plant burns biological material to produce electricity. That is most commonly done by heating water with the burning material to produce steam, which turns a turbine that produces electricity, a process referred to as direct combustion. Biomass plants are most prevalent along the Pacific coast, and assuming it is built, Gypsum's will be the first commercial-grade biomass power plant of its kind in Colorado.
In terms of its carbon footprint, Rostrom said a biomass plant is considered carbon neutral because its fuel regrows, as opposed to being mined like coal...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Congratulations to Eagle Valley Clean Energy LLC!!!
Just in time as the Coloradoan reports that pine beetles are now mating twice yearly.
This biomass plant will be a huge boon to Gypsum.
Derek Franz:
"GYPSUM, Colorado — On Tuesday, Gypsum Town Council approved annexation, zoning and other agreements that prepare the way for a biomass power plant to be built next to the American Gypsum plant north of U.S. Highway 6.
Eagle Valley Clean Energy LLC is the entity behind the plan. It includes some Eagle County residents and Dean Rostrom, who has been the primary spokesperson for the group, which is based in Provo, Utah.
A biomass plant burns biological material to produce electricity. That is most commonly done by heating water with the burning material to produce steam, which turns a turbine that produces electricity, a process referred to as direct combustion. Biomass plants are most prevalent along the Pacific coast, and assuming it is built, Gypsum's will be the first commercial-grade biomass power plant of its kind in Colorado.
In terms of its carbon footprint, Rostrom said a biomass plant is considered carbon neutral because its fuel regrows, as opposed to being mined like coal...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "DEA staying silent on investigation costs for cocaine ring"
Another thank you goes out to the DEA and Special Agent Jim Schrant.
Why?
For staying the course.
Carolyn Sackariason:
"...Claiming that it’s still pursuing arrests in Aspen for alleged cocaine dealing, the Drug Enforcement Administration has refused to disclose expenditures related to the investigation that led to the apprehension of six locals last year.
The Aspen Daily News filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request last July with the DEA, two months after six area residents were arrested for allegedly being part of a Los Angeles-to-Aspen drug ring that streamlined kilos of cocaine to the upper Roaring Fork Valley.
The July 15 request asked the federal agency to provide all documents and information that tracks taxpayer dollars spent by the DEA concerning the Aspen drug ring investigation from January 2010 to the present day. The request asked for expenses on accommodations, meals, travel and other costs associated with the investigation in Aspen.
Two weeks later, officials with the U.S. Department of Justice informed the Daily News that because of a backlog of requests and that “unusual circumstances” applied to the Daily News’ query, it would take six months to provide the information. The federal agency said the unusual circumstances were that the information would have to be retrieved from DEA field offices or third-party sites.
In a certified letter dated March 5, the DEA through the Department of Justice informed the Daily News that the information is part of “an active ongoing investigation,” and a detailed account of financial information could possibly identify individuals involved in the probe.
The DEA’s FOIA/records management section withheld 66 pages but did provide one page of dollar amounts, including one line with the number $75,043. Officials wouldn’t say what the numbers refer to (see scanned copy opposite).
Jim Schrant, resident agent in charge of the DEA’s Grand Junction office, said he couldn’t provide any clarity to the expenditure amounts.
“These are going to be the numbers that we’re obligated to provide,” Schrant said. Disclosing anything more, due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the information, would compromise the investigation and the techniques employed by the DEA, he said.
Schrant confirmed that the investigation in Aspen is ongoing and the DEA is “looking into additional arrests.” The latest arrest in the investigation was of former Aspen resident Montgomery Chitty, 60, on Feb. 13 in the Florida Keys after a grand jury handed down a separate indictment related to the same year-long investigation into the drug ring...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Why?
For staying the course.
Carolyn Sackariason:
"...Claiming that it’s still pursuing arrests in Aspen for alleged cocaine dealing, the Drug Enforcement Administration has refused to disclose expenditures related to the investigation that led to the apprehension of six locals last year.
The Aspen Daily News filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request last July with the DEA, two months after six area residents were arrested for allegedly being part of a Los Angeles-to-Aspen drug ring that streamlined kilos of cocaine to the upper Roaring Fork Valley.
The July 15 request asked the federal agency to provide all documents and information that tracks taxpayer dollars spent by the DEA concerning the Aspen drug ring investigation from January 2010 to the present day. The request asked for expenses on accommodations, meals, travel and other costs associated with the investigation in Aspen.
Two weeks later, officials with the U.S. Department of Justice informed the Daily News that because of a backlog of requests and that “unusual circumstances” applied to the Daily News’ query, it would take six months to provide the information. The federal agency said the unusual circumstances were that the information would have to be retrieved from DEA field offices or third-party sites.
In a certified letter dated March 5, the DEA through the Department of Justice informed the Daily News that the information is part of “an active ongoing investigation,” and a detailed account of financial information could possibly identify individuals involved in the probe.
The DEA’s FOIA/records management section withheld 66 pages but did provide one page of dollar amounts, including one line with the number $75,043. Officials wouldn’t say what the numbers refer to (see scanned copy opposite).
Jim Schrant, resident agent in charge of the DEA’s Grand Junction office, said he couldn’t provide any clarity to the expenditure amounts.
“These are going to be the numbers that we’re obligated to provide,” Schrant said. Disclosing anything more, due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the information, would compromise the investigation and the techniques employed by the DEA, he said.
Schrant confirmed that the investigation in Aspen is ongoing and the DEA is “looking into additional arrests.” The latest arrest in the investigation was of former Aspen resident Montgomery Chitty, 60, on Feb. 13 in the Florida Keys after a grand jury handed down a separate indictment related to the same year-long investigation into the drug ring...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News/Letter to the Editor "Our rights, their jobs"
Here's to the little guy.
Let Freedom ring.
Donald Theiss, Aspen:
"Editor:
I know we all want some of the same things and I’m sure we all have different ideas about how to achieve what we want, but I do think that we share some things. And that is what I want us to talk about, with the intention of getting clear in our thinking and understanding of what the most important issues are and what we want to do to influence how our government is functioning, in relationship to us, the citizens of this country, and to our inalienable right to live freely, in our expression and in the pursuit of our own happiness. We share these with the expectation that our leaders protect us in our rights as they have sworn to do.
As it says in our Constitution, our government has, as it’s primary function, to protect and defend us, in our inalienable right, to be free and to pursue our happiness.
To me, this is the essence of being a free person and is the mandate of our president, our senators, our representatives, our judges, our military and our law enforcement officers.
When we take this oath of office, we swear to protect and defend our Constitution and the inalienable rights we all share. That is what I want from my president, my senators, my representatives, my judges, my soldiers, and my law enforcement officers.
We have a right to demand this of our representatives and I now bring this grievance to my leaders, asking each of you to uphold your oath of office and to act in accordance with our Constitution.
I add my voice to all of you in asking for our leaders to do the right thing, the inalienable right thing, the Constitutional thing, the lawful thing, and to use your power of office to protect and defend us in our inalienable right to be free and safe and protected in our expression of these rights.
I ask that each of you do your job and fulfill your oath of office...."
(Read the original letter? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Let Freedom ring.
Donald Theiss, Aspen:
"Editor:
I know we all want some of the same things and I’m sure we all have different ideas about how to achieve what we want, but I do think that we share some things. And that is what I want us to talk about, with the intention of getting clear in our thinking and understanding of what the most important issues are and what we want to do to influence how our government is functioning, in relationship to us, the citizens of this country, and to our inalienable right to live freely, in our expression and in the pursuit of our own happiness. We share these with the expectation that our leaders protect us in our rights as they have sworn to do.
As it says in our Constitution, our government has, as it’s primary function, to protect and defend us, in our inalienable right, to be free and to pursue our happiness.
To me, this is the essence of being a free person and is the mandate of our president, our senators, our representatives, our judges, our military and our law enforcement officers.
When we take this oath of office, we swear to protect and defend our Constitution and the inalienable rights we all share. That is what I want from my president, my senators, my representatives, my judges, my soldiers, and my law enforcement officers.
We have a right to demand this of our representatives and I now bring this grievance to my leaders, asking each of you to uphold your oath of office and to act in accordance with our Constitution.
I add my voice to all of you in asking for our leaders to do the right thing, the inalienable right thing, the Constitutional thing, the lawful thing, and to use your power of office to protect and defend us in our inalienable right to be free and safe and protected in our expression of these rights.
I ask that each of you do your job and fulfill your oath of office...."
(Read the original letter? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News/Johnny Boyd "Darkness in the middle of town"
Terrific column out of Johnny today. Up on the Aspen Daily News.
There are so many related stories to Johnny Boyd's point today that should be brought up in our aggregate of news this morning. My goodness, they run the gamut from shady developments and suspect patterns of lending and cronyism between multiple developments to accusations of fraud, unjust enrichment, tort interference and even swoop those big money accusations on over into the local upvalley drug culture war.
Lordy lordy, says, 'SandBox Nanny'. What tangled webs are woven out there.
Here's to the voice of the common man. The little guy. Let Freedom ring.
Let's just toss up some links to public commentary on a few of the key related:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/03/sandboxblogs-snowmass-sun-skico-accused.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/02/sandbox-comments-glenwood-springs-post_21.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/03/sandboxblogs-aspen-daily-news-pitkin.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/05/sandbox-comments-vail-daily-cordillera.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/12/sandbox-comments-eagle-county-times_12.html
Johnny Boyd:
"The German banks recently filed to lower the value of the property by $94 million. That certainly bodes well for everyone’s real estate prices. The people that have already bought into the Base Village want out badly enough to accuse the original developers of defrauding them. If these folks win this case, no condos will ever sell in the Base Village until this has all been forgotten in about 100 years. Believe me, the Aspen Skiing Co. and Intrawest didn’t build those structures to stand for 100 years.
Base Village was approved in a cloud of negativity with allegations of voter fraud perpetrated by people with interests in seeing their real estate values climb during the real estate bubble, and it is ending up even more negative. The ugliness of the entire project isn’t limited to its cookie-cutter appearance.
On the bright side, the original developers of the Base Village, SkiCo and Intrawest, are being sued for alleged fraud by misrepresenting the size of the individual condominium units. This lawsuit is allowing local billionaire and SkiCo owner, James S. Crown, to fulfill his promise to the community that he would be here for “the long haul.” It’s fortunate that the suffering that the residents of Snowmass have been through can be shared by so many that have been so complicit in making the Base Village what it is. Base Village just keeps on giving — like standing under a tree full of pigeons.
As its construction benchmarks are surpassed and no progress is made on its completion, its approvals disappear. No one in town government can speak of these deadlines and what comes after for fear of reprisal in the form of lawsuits. Planning for the future isn’t allowed if it means that those plans would hurt the value of the property. The truth hurts. But even more interesting is the idea that a developer willing to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a huge project can’t figure that out for himself.
The writing is on the wall. No banks are loaning money for small but expensive condos. The market is gone. If the German banks that are currently sitting on their hands were smart, they would be talking with the town about the future right now.
The only possible solution, at least in the short-term, is for the real estate in the Base Village to go high-end. Toss out the idea of constructing 1,000-square-foot condos and reprise the idea of 5,000-square-foot super-luxury condominiums. Snowmass, if it ever wants to see the blight removed from the center of town, will have to approve the construction of units that only the uber-rich, Mercedes Benz crowd can afford — the type of people that write checks for their toys, no financing needed...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
There are so many related stories to Johnny Boyd's point today that should be brought up in our aggregate of news this morning. My goodness, they run the gamut from shady developments and suspect patterns of lending and cronyism between multiple developments to accusations of fraud, unjust enrichment, tort interference and even swoop those big money accusations on over into the local upvalley drug culture war.
Lordy lordy, says, 'SandBox Nanny'. What tangled webs are woven out there.
Here's to the voice of the common man. The little guy. Let Freedom ring.
Let's just toss up some links to public commentary on a few of the key related:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/03/sandboxblogs-snowmass-sun-skico-accused.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/02/sandbox-comments-glenwood-springs-post_21.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/03/sandboxblogs-aspen-daily-news-pitkin.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/05/sandbox-comments-vail-daily-cordillera.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/12/sandbox-comments-eagle-county-times_12.html
Johnny Boyd:
"The German banks recently filed to lower the value of the property by $94 million. That certainly bodes well for everyone’s real estate prices. The people that have already bought into the Base Village want out badly enough to accuse the original developers of defrauding them. If these folks win this case, no condos will ever sell in the Base Village until this has all been forgotten in about 100 years. Believe me, the Aspen Skiing Co. and Intrawest didn’t build those structures to stand for 100 years.
Base Village was approved in a cloud of negativity with allegations of voter fraud perpetrated by people with interests in seeing their real estate values climb during the real estate bubble, and it is ending up even more negative. The ugliness of the entire project isn’t limited to its cookie-cutter appearance.
On the bright side, the original developers of the Base Village, SkiCo and Intrawest, are being sued for alleged fraud by misrepresenting the size of the individual condominium units. This lawsuit is allowing local billionaire and SkiCo owner, James S. Crown, to fulfill his promise to the community that he would be here for “the long haul.” It’s fortunate that the suffering that the residents of Snowmass have been through can be shared by so many that have been so complicit in making the Base Village what it is. Base Village just keeps on giving — like standing under a tree full of pigeons.
As its construction benchmarks are surpassed and no progress is made on its completion, its approvals disappear. No one in town government can speak of these deadlines and what comes after for fear of reprisal in the form of lawsuits. Planning for the future isn’t allowed if it means that those plans would hurt the value of the property. The truth hurts. But even more interesting is the idea that a developer willing to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a huge project can’t figure that out for himself.
The writing is on the wall. No banks are loaning money for small but expensive condos. The market is gone. If the German banks that are currently sitting on their hands were smart, they would be talking with the town about the future right now.
The only possible solution, at least in the short-term, is for the real estate in the Base Village to go high-end. Toss out the idea of constructing 1,000-square-foot condos and reprise the idea of 5,000-square-foot super-luxury condominiums. Snowmass, if it ever wants to see the blight removed from the center of town, will have to approve the construction of units that only the uber-rich, Mercedes Benz crowd can afford — the type of people that write checks for their toys, no financing needed...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "State program could help city revitalize area"
(See related story here)
Mike Wiggins:
"Like many downtowns, Fruita has the independent, unusual shops you won’t find at the mall.
It features some businesses that are aggressive in marketing themselves individually and upgrading their facilities.
It hosts festivals and events that draw large crowds of locals and tourists.
What the two-block district dominated by older buildings and the streets immediately surrounding it lacks, however, is a group that collectively represents and promotes its interests, that has the resources to pursue broad-based programs and capital improvements.
That’s a primary reason why the city has applied to — and is expected to be accepted into — a state program that helps communities identify comprehensive and incremental ways they can revitalize their historic commercial districts..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Mike Wiggins:
"Like many downtowns, Fruita has the independent, unusual shops you won’t find at the mall.
It features some businesses that are aggressive in marketing themselves individually and upgrading their facilities.
It hosts festivals and events that draw large crowds of locals and tourists.
What the two-block district dominated by older buildings and the streets immediately surrounding it lacks, however, is a group that collectively represents and promotes its interests, that has the resources to pursue broad-based programs and capital improvements.
That’s a primary reason why the city has applied to — and is expected to be accepted into — a state program that helps communities identify comprehensive and incremental ways they can revitalize their historic commercial districts..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times/Letters to the Editor "Missing the big story"
Torin Yater Wallace is like....well. A local icon. And he's just a kid.
It's one thing for the non-local corporate newspapers (Aspen Times and Glenwood Springs Post Independent) to not know their communities; a fact that is proven weekly by how much they miss with their reporting. The thing is, it is not just this story. Nor the first reader who has complained.
It's another to keep missing these world class major news stories that our talented young people create.
Congratulations to Torin Yater Wallace on this huge win. No surprise there.
It's one thing for the non-local corporate newspapers (Aspen Times and Glenwood Springs Post Independent) to not know their communities; a fact that is proven weekly by how much they miss with their reporting. The thing is, it is not just this story. Nor the first reader who has complained.
It's another to keep missing these world class major news stories that our talented young people create.
Congratulations to Torin Yater Wallace on this huge win. No surprise there.
"Dear Editor:
One of these days your paper will get it right. Aspen's ski phenom, Torin Yater Wallace, wins the European X Games gold medal, and not even a mention in your paper. Helloooo, anyone home?..."
Drita Rosin, Aspen
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."One of these days your paper will get it right. Aspen's ski phenom, Torin Yater Wallace, wins the European X Games gold medal, and not even a mention in your paper. Helloooo, anyone home?..."
Drita Rosin, Aspen
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