"Old cops know that the best performance of their duty is to prove innocence." (first spoken by avatar 'PB' in commentary in early October, 2010)
“It’s an indictment on this whole community, lifestyle and philosophies,” DiSalvo said. “Corrupt is not the word I would use to describe this office. Enlightened, compassionate and caring is how I would describe it.” (Pitkin County Sheriff Joe DiSalvo, Aspen Daily March 27, 2012)
That statement by Sheriff DiSalvo is deeply disturbing. How can it be that someone who has worked in the Pitkin County Sheriff's Dept. for 27 years be so far out of touch with the majority of his communities within his county?
Thank goodness that the DEA, FBI and all other agencies who participated in the drug bust in May of 2011 are looking hard at the community, lifestyle and philosophy of Pitkin County and the City of Aspen.
It's about time.
'Pandora's Box' was the label a few placed on the bust within hours of word getting out on 'how' the bust was executed. A feeling of shock swept over the folks because to their knowledge no one had ever had the courage to openly stand up to the status quo of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley
Within weeks, word of other big busts all over the Western Slope came to the front of the news. As the months passed we learned of the presence of Mexican drug cartels and gangs of the most violent origins actually operating as close as Grand Junction and with presence in El Jebel, Glenwood Springs and the Aspen area.
The early stages of the courage to speak up against known corruption, intimidation by powerful individuals, oppression, represssion and power abuses within communities running from Aspen through Glenwood Springs was in its mid-strength stages in May 2011.
Within those early months we saw more voices grow stronger, more citizens thanking the participating agencies. We saw a very prominent Skico exec literally step down because of his support and personal, ethical and moral standards. We saw local opinion columnists speak openly with blunt language in a wide range of viewpoints and many of them in favor of change to end the abuses of power and retaliation to others by a few. We listened to the whispers of folks who felt better because they had sent emails and letters of encouragement, thanks and hopes for the future to DEA Agent Schrant.
When the vile Michael Cleverly and cohorts engaged in alleged federal witness intimidation and tampering against the informant in the busts we even saw for the first time ever; federal law enforcement and outlying agency law enforcement step up and enforce the law. Something unheard of in this area when it comes to intimidation and bullying.
We've watched federal prosecutors show decisive action that has produced results. No fumbling, no power abusing and no coverups. There has not been one 'Big Money' or socially dominating person receive special treatment at their hands.
Yes, Sheriff Joe. Thank goodness the community, lifestyle and philosophies of the past are being heavily scrutinized.
It's about time.
Our thanks here on SandBox goes out again to all the agents, agencies, deputies and officers who are participating in the continuing operation. We now can add our local and state FBI led by Special Agent Robert Gaskamp.
Will they 'get it'? That elusive 'something' that really is not elusive at all? Will more 'anonymous father' types keep droppin dimes on the dopeman? Will the politics of justice in the 9th Judicial District, City of Aspen and a few of our major employers and revenue generators in the Valley finally be deeply looked into? Will the apathy of a number of our elected officials along with blind eyes finally be stopped enough to balance out the harm that comes to the folks as the results of that apathy come to pass in their everyday lives?
The answer should be affirmative as all of these problems stem from that core root of systemic and corrosive decay that has run for so very long throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and west I-70 corridor.
Pandora's Box.
Yes, thank goodness we have law enforcement presence. Stay the course.
(Read the article? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 27, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: SkyHi Daily "Rescuers pluck children from icy Colorado River in Hot Sulphur Springs"
Thank you to all agencies who participated in this rescue. You are appreciated.
"Three children, ages 6, 7 and 10, were rescued from a precarious ice ledge in the Colorado River in Hot Sulphur Springs on Saturday, according to Grand County emergency personnel.
The incident occurred at about noon near Pioneer Park.
Responding agencies included Grand County EMS, the Grand County Sheriff Office, Granby Fire, and Hot Sulphur Fire.
Grand County EMS transported all three patients to nearest hospital facility. Authorities were not sure whether the children were local or from outside the area...." (Read more? Click title)
"Three children, ages 6, 7 and 10, were rescued from a precarious ice ledge in the Colorado River in Hot Sulphur Springs on Saturday, according to Grand County emergency personnel.
The incident occurred at about noon near Pioneer Park.
Responding agencies included Grand County EMS, the Grand County Sheriff Office, Granby Fire, and Hot Sulphur Fire.
Grand County EMS transported all three patients to nearest hospital facility. Authorities were not sure whether the children were local or from outside the area...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Colorado: Front Range wildfires claim one life"
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — It didn’t take any lightning or beetle-killed trees for a spate of dangerous wildfires to break out across the Colorado Front Range, just a few weeks of unusually warm weather and a day of high winds, with a red flag fire warning in effect for large parts of Colorado. Fire news from official sources and from residents is streaming on Twitter at #CoFires.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"SUMMIT COUNTY — It didn’t take any lightning or beetle-killed trees for a spate of dangerous wildfires to break out across the Colorado Front Range, just a few weeks of unusually warm weather and a day of high winds, with a red flag fire warning in effect for large parts of Colorado. Fire news from official sources and from residents is streaming on Twitter at #CoFires.
Aerial video streaming live at Denver’s Channel 9 website.
And one of the fires turned deadly late Monday, as the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed one death in the 3,000-acre Lower North Fork fire zone, where numerous residents have been evacuated. Fire officials also confirmed that several structures have been destroyed by the wind-driven fires, but exactly how many homes were burned is still unclear...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Judge tells landowner to let Encana do its work"
John Colson:
RIFLE, Colorado — A local judge on Monday made it clear that energy company Encana Oil & Gas (USA) has the right to go onto Thomas Thompson's land on Porcupine Creek, despite Thompson's unhappiness about it...."
(Read more. Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
RIFLE, Colorado — A local judge on Monday made it clear that energy company Encana Oil & Gas (USA) has the right to go onto Thomas Thompson's land on Porcupine Creek, despite Thompson's unhappiness about it...."
(Read more. Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Survey shows ACRA members supportive of immigration efforts"
Andrew Travers:
"A recent survey by the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) found that more than 71 percent of local business owners support chamber leaders’ efforts to reform immigration.
ACRA Chair Warren Klug has led the local business community’s call for federal legislation that would allow undocumented workers to gain a legal working status.
Such currently illegal workers are considered a driving force of the resort economy, particularly in the hotel, hospitality and restaurant sectors.
Over the last year, Klug has met with state and federal legislators, and a White House official, on the issue. The ACRA board of directors passed a resolution calling for such a reform in July.
The chamber board this month surveyed its members to find if they were aligned with Klug and the board’s political moves to reform immigration, and the results indicate they do.
The survey statement read, “I am supportive of ACRA and its board members’ efforts to advocate for workable and employer-oriented solutions for legalization of undocumented employees.”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"A recent survey by the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) found that more than 71 percent of local business owners support chamber leaders’ efforts to reform immigration.
ACRA Chair Warren Klug has led the local business community’s call for federal legislation that would allow undocumented workers to gain a legal working status.
Such currently illegal workers are considered a driving force of the resort economy, particularly in the hotel, hospitality and restaurant sectors.
Over the last year, Klug has met with state and federal legislators, and a White House official, on the issue. The ACRA board of directors passed a resolution calling for such a reform in July.
The chamber board this month surveyed its members to find if they were aligned with Klug and the board’s political moves to reform immigration, and the results indicate they do.
The survey statement read, “I am supportive of ACRA and its board members’ efforts to advocate for workable and employer-oriented solutions for legalization of undocumented employees.”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Vacation renters are the little guys"
Verne Gurholt:
"“Bandit” vacation rentals? When you have one unit to rent, you are defined as a bandit. If you have hundreds, you are not a bandit. The city's goal is unambiguous. Get into bed with the Aspen Skiing Co. and the large operators to eliminate the modestly priced units in town. The city is apparently willing to help crush the little guys. This was successfully done in Telluride.....
......P.S.: When you are in power, you refer to the competition as bandits. It did not work for Gen. Chiang Kai-shek, but it will probably work for the local warlords!..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"“Bandit” vacation rentals? When you have one unit to rent, you are defined as a bandit. If you have hundreds, you are not a bandit. The city's goal is unambiguous. Get into bed with the Aspen Skiing Co. and the large operators to eliminate the modestly priced units in town. The city is apparently willing to help crush the little guys. This was successfully done in Telluride.....
......P.S.: When you are in power, you refer to the competition as bandits. It did not work for Gen. Chiang Kai-shek, but it will probably work for the local warlords!..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Council eases potential limits on Aspen vacation rentals"
How about you?
'Sick of Mick' yet?
You know, he really should have added his own name to the list of contacts he spews off in the comment below. The next time the topic of term limit extensions asks for your vote; remember Mick Ireland and his desire to be a career Mayor.
Andre Salvail:
"Mayor Mick Ireland kicked off discussion on the item with a warning for the crowd of about 25 people to be civil. Council members, along with Community Development Department staff, were said to be bombarded over the past few weeks with emails on the topic, some of which were decidedly nasty.
“You need to refrain from using pejoratives to describe staff or anybody associated with any position on this,” Ireland said. “That will not be tolerated. If you want to call somebody a communist or a socialist, save it for talk radio, call Rush Limbaugh or whoever takes those kinds of phone calls, and have fun. But it's not appropriate here.”... " (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
'Sick of Mick' yet?
You know, he really should have added his own name to the list of contacts he spews off in the comment below. The next time the topic of term limit extensions asks for your vote; remember Mick Ireland and his desire to be a career Mayor.
Andre Salvail:
"Mayor Mick Ireland kicked off discussion on the item with a warning for the crowd of about 25 people to be civil. Council members, along with Community Development Department staff, were said to be bombarded over the past few weeks with emails on the topic, some of which were decidedly nasty.
“You need to refrain from using pejoratives to describe staff or anybody associated with any position on this,” Ireland said. “That will not be tolerated. If you want to call somebody a communist or a socialist, save it for talk radio, call Rush Limbaugh or whoever takes those kinds of phone calls, and have fun. But it's not appropriate here.”... " (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: SkyHi Daily "Granby resident races ‘one of the toughest sporting events in the world'"
Kristen Lodge:
"How many athletes do you know enter two races in one day?
On Saturday, March 11, Granby resident Jim Howe, 48, raced in the Frisco Nordic Race, then drove to Vail to race the Wilson Cup at 5 p.m. He placed second in the Frisco race - sixth overall.
The following weekend he raced the 90K North Routt Coureur des Bois Nordic race — now called Glide the Divide — one of 100 toughest sport events in the world, according to organizers.
Glide the Divide started in 2005 and Howe has raced every year. Four times he completed the 45K race, and he's a three-time finisher of the 90K distance. The race starts at the Hahn's Peak Ranger Station northwest of Steamboat Springs and continues through Colorado State Park trails at Steamboat Lake State Park and through the Forest Service trails in North Routt and Medicine Bow.
Howe wanted to break five hours at the March 17 race; and he did.
He finished the grueling race in 4 hours and 54 minutes, a personal best - and 2nd in his age group: 40-49...." (Read more? Click title)
"How many athletes do you know enter two races in one day?
On Saturday, March 11, Granby resident Jim Howe, 48, raced in the Frisco Nordic Race, then drove to Vail to race the Wilson Cup at 5 p.m. He placed second in the Frisco race - sixth overall.
The following weekend he raced the 90K North Routt Coureur des Bois Nordic race — now called Glide the Divide — one of 100 toughest sport events in the world, according to organizers.
Glide the Divide started in 2005 and Howe has raced every year. Four times he completed the 45K race, and he's a three-time finisher of the 90K distance. The race starts at the Hahn's Peak Ranger Station northwest of Steamboat Springs and continues through Colorado State Park trails at Steamboat Lake State Park and through the Forest Service trails in North Routt and Medicine Bow.
Howe wanted to break five hours at the March 17 race; and he did.
He finished the grueling race in 4 hours and 54 minutes, a personal best - and 2nd in his age group: 40-49...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: SkyHi Daily "SolVista Ski Basin is now called "Ski Granby Ranch""
Tonya Bina:
"SolVista Ski Basin and Headwaters Golf Course will get new names as Granby Ranch endeavors to overhaul its branding.
The ski, golf, bike and real-estate community under the umbrella of “Granby Ranch” has had “confusion in the marketplace” because of its mixture of monikers, according to Granby Ranch Director of Development Kyle Harris.
SolVista Ski Basin is Granby Ranch's ski hill, Headwaters Golf Course is the ranch's golf offering, then there's SolVista Bike Park, the Seven Trails Grille, and fishing on a private stretch of the Fraser River. There's also a Granby Ranch real-estate venture.
“Nobody understands that these amenities are all part and parcel of Granby Ranch. In people's minds, that connection is not there, and any time you have that level of confusion, something is wrong,” Harris said.
With the help of design firm CommArts, Boulder, which is now Stantec, Granby Ranch adopted an updated more unified brand, most of which is launching between now and Memorial Day. The better part of the new exterior wayfinding and on-mountain signs will be “phased in over time as we have the resources to do it,” Harris said.
Names of amenities are being changed to incorporate verbs, such as SolVista Ski Basin will now be called “Ski Granby Ranch,” the Headwaters Golf Course “Golf Granby Ranch,” the bicycle trails “Bike Granby Ranch,” and the fishing access “Fish Granby Ranch.”
The Seven Trails Grille will be renamed “Granby Ranch Grille” by the time it reopens in the late spring, and the real-estate branch of Granby Ranch will be called “Granby Ranch Homes.”
“We had to bite the bullet, we had to make a change,” Harris said. “And a change of this magnitude is not taken lightly.”..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"SolVista Ski Basin and Headwaters Golf Course will get new names as Granby Ranch endeavors to overhaul its branding.
The ski, golf, bike and real-estate community under the umbrella of “Granby Ranch” has had “confusion in the marketplace” because of its mixture of monikers, according to Granby Ranch Director of Development Kyle Harris.
SolVista Ski Basin is Granby Ranch's ski hill, Headwaters Golf Course is the ranch's golf offering, then there's SolVista Bike Park, the Seven Trails Grille, and fishing on a private stretch of the Fraser River. There's also a Granby Ranch real-estate venture.
“Nobody understands that these amenities are all part and parcel of Granby Ranch. In people's minds, that connection is not there, and any time you have that level of confusion, something is wrong,” Harris said.
With the help of design firm CommArts, Boulder, which is now Stantec, Granby Ranch adopted an updated more unified brand, most of which is launching between now and Memorial Day. The better part of the new exterior wayfinding and on-mountain signs will be “phased in over time as we have the resources to do it,” Harris said.
Names of amenities are being changed to incorporate verbs, such as SolVista Ski Basin will now be called “Ski Granby Ranch,” the Headwaters Golf Course “Golf Granby Ranch,” the bicycle trails “Bike Granby Ranch,” and the fishing access “Fish Granby Ranch.”
The Seven Trails Grille will be renamed “Granby Ranch Grille” by the time it reopens in the late spring, and the real-estate branch of Granby Ranch will be called “Granby Ranch Homes.”
“We had to bite the bullet, we had to make a change,” Harris said. “And a change of this magnitude is not taken lightly.”..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Jimmy Westlake: My favorite stars: Mizar, Alcor"
Professor Jimmy Westlake is ranked in the top four of 'SandBox Nanny's' most fav Colorado columnists and contributors.
He weaves tales of intrigue, suspense, war, love, anger and the fury of the Gods and Fates every Tuesday.
And his astrophotography skills? Amazing
Up and over on Steamboat Today.
Jimmy Westlake:
"In 1650, when astronomers first aimed their telescopes at the famed Horse and Rider, they were astonished to discover that the Horse itself appeared double. Almost any small telescope will reveal the twin stars of Mizar, called Mizar A and B. Modern astronomers have used sophisticated techniques to discover that each of Mizar’s twin components is again double. This amazing quintuple star system is located about 80 light-years from Earth.
My favorite story concerning the star Alcor comes from Viking mythology, where we find that the constellation of Orion the Hunter was called Orwandil the Giant, and the bright star Rigel represented the giant’s foot. Once, when Orwandil was crying like a baby because his toe was frostbitten, the god Thor grew tired of his whining and snapped off the frozen toe. He then threw it into the northern sky where we can see it today shining right beside Mizar as our little star Alcor...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
He weaves tales of intrigue, suspense, war, love, anger and the fury of the Gods and Fates every Tuesday.
And his astrophotography skills? Amazing
Up and over on Steamboat Today.
Jimmy Westlake:
"In 1650, when astronomers first aimed their telescopes at the famed Horse and Rider, they were astonished to discover that the Horse itself appeared double. Almost any small telescope will reveal the twin stars of Mizar, called Mizar A and B. Modern astronomers have used sophisticated techniques to discover that each of Mizar’s twin components is again double. This amazing quintuple star system is located about 80 light-years from Earth.
My favorite story concerning the star Alcor comes from Viking mythology, where we find that the constellation of Orion the Hunter was called Orwandil the Giant, and the bright star Rigel represented the giant’s foot. Once, when Orwandil was crying like a baby because his toe was frostbitten, the god Thor grew tired of his whining and snapped off the frozen toe. He then threw it into the northern sky where we can see it today shining right beside Mizar as our little star Alcor...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 26, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Red State "And Now for a Postal Bailout "
Daniel Horowitz:
"It’s another week in Washington, and it’s yet another bailout. This time, taxpayers will be tapped for another $41 billion to subsidize the healthcare retirement benefits of postal workers – benefits that are quite scarce in the private sector.
Democrats have a serious problem with creative destruction and advancements in technology. For self-described progressives, they are quite regressive when it comes to efficiency in markets and use of technology. They exhibit nostalgia for 14th century energy technology and 20th century banking technology. Hence, they don’t care too much for market progression. In concerted drives to hold back the tide of technology, they are quick to offer a helping hand to a dying industry. One such industry is the mail delivery.
It’s no secret that the United States Postal Service is on its way out. The transition to electronic communication, in conjunction with the success of private mail carriers, has dramatically reduced the demand for their service. Consequently, they no longer generate enough revenue to function as a self-sufficient entity, particularly when it comes to paying employee retirement benefits. In recent years, the USPS has patched the annual losses with borrowed money from the Treasury. However, it is now in such dire straits that it’s expected to hit the $15 billion borrowing cap later this year. It needs extra taxpayer cash to fill in the gaps.
If the USPS were a private entity, it would trim its workforce and operations to the amount of revenue they can produce until they are eventually forced to go out of business. That’s how creative destruction and supply and demand work in the real world. That is not how it works in Washington...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"It’s another week in Washington, and it’s yet another bailout. This time, taxpayers will be tapped for another $41 billion to subsidize the healthcare retirement benefits of postal workers – benefits that are quite scarce in the private sector.
Democrats have a serious problem with creative destruction and advancements in technology. For self-described progressives, they are quite regressive when it comes to efficiency in markets and use of technology. They exhibit nostalgia for 14th century energy technology and 20th century banking technology. Hence, they don’t care too much for market progression. In concerted drives to hold back the tide of technology, they are quick to offer a helping hand to a dying industry. One such industry is the mail delivery.
It’s no secret that the United States Postal Service is on its way out. The transition to electronic communication, in conjunction with the success of private mail carriers, has dramatically reduced the demand for their service. Consequently, they no longer generate enough revenue to function as a self-sufficient entity, particularly when it comes to paying employee retirement benefits. In recent years, the USPS has patched the annual losses with borrowed money from the Treasury. However, it is now in such dire straits that it’s expected to hit the $15 billion borrowing cap later this year. It needs extra taxpayer cash to fill in the gaps.
If the USPS were a private entity, it would trim its workforce and operations to the amount of revenue they can produce until they are eventually forced to go out of business. That’s how creative destruction and supply and demand work in the real world. That is not how it works in Washington...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall/Bob Beauprez "A Teacher Saving Lots of Lives"
Bob Beauprez:
"It is a common cliché; "You changed my life." But, how many people really do?
Tom Tillapaugh not only changes lives; he literally saves them. Lots of them.
In 1985 Tom was led by his faith to begin an education ministry in Denver for the most seriously at risk, often forgotten, kids in society. He launched the Denver StreetSchool on East Colfax with the financial help of a business man and three kids in desperate need of help.
His model is built on four principles:
1. Small schools – typically only 50-60 kids
2. Small Classes – limit of 10
3. Strong interlocking relationships – adults willing to be "extremely inconvenienced"
4. A Christian School – Jesus "gives hope and purpose to even want to try."
Tom says the schools are run like an intensive care ward in a hospital. We need "adults who will pour themselves into these kids," he says. Saving and changing lives requires "sacrificial intervention into the lives of these kids by loving, caring adults to the point of extreme inconvenience."
What's that mean? "Doing something during the work day is not sacrificial, that's your job – what are you doing with the kid at 10:00 at night?" Tom asks. And, he walks the talk. Tom had to identify the body of a murdered student because he was considered next-of-kin. He held another as she died with AIDS. Tom and his wife routinely open their home to needy kids. As many as seven students – and their babies – have lived with Tom and his wife at one time...." (Read more? Click title)
"It is a common cliché; "You changed my life." But, how many people really do?
Tom Tillapaugh not only changes lives; he literally saves them. Lots of them.
In 1985 Tom was led by his faith to begin an education ministry in Denver for the most seriously at risk, often forgotten, kids in society. He launched the Denver StreetSchool on East Colfax with the financial help of a business man and three kids in desperate need of help.
His model is built on four principles:
1. Small schools – typically only 50-60 kids
2. Small Classes – limit of 10
3. Strong interlocking relationships – adults willing to be "extremely inconvenienced"
4. A Christian School – Jesus "gives hope and purpose to even want to try."
Tom says the schools are run like an intensive care ward in a hospital. We need "adults who will pour themselves into these kids," he says. Saving and changing lives requires "sacrificial intervention into the lives of these kids by loving, caring adults to the point of extreme inconvenience."
What's that mean? "Doing something during the work day is not sacrificial, that's your job – what are you doing with the kid at 10:00 at night?" Tom asks. And, he walks the talk. Tom had to identify the body of a murdered student because he was considered next-of-kin. He held another as she died with AIDS. Tom and his wife routinely open their home to needy kids. As many as seven students – and their babies – have lived with Tom and his wife at one time...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Hot Air Blog "Obama to Medvedev: I’ll totally cave on missile defense in my second term if Putin will give me “space”"
Ed Morrissey:
"Ah, open microphones at photo ops. Is there anything they can’t expose? And is there any lesson about them that Barack Obama can learn? Five months after reporters picked up a conversation in which Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy disparaged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamim Netanyahu, Obama forgot to check the microphones yet again in a conversation with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev. This time, however, the microphones picked up the sound of Obama begging for some political help from Vladimir Putin — in order to gain the “flexibility” to cave on missile defense..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Ah, open microphones at photo ops. Is there anything they can’t expose? And is there any lesson about them that Barack Obama can learn? Five months after reporters picked up a conversation in which Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy disparaged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamim Netanyahu, Obama forgot to check the microphones yet again in a conversation with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev. This time, however, the microphones picked up the sound of Obama begging for some political help from Vladimir Putin — in order to gain the “flexibility” to cave on missile defense..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall "In Obama Campaign Video, It's Not Morning in America"
Michael Barone:
"President Barack Obama's 17-minute video, "The Road We've Traveled," gives us an idea of how he wants to frame the issues in the fall election.
The first thing you notice about the video is that the atmosphere is dark, wintry, minor key. You see but don't hear the election night crowd in Grant Park, and then the video switches to graphics about the economic meltdown that followed the financial crisis of 2008.
There are gloomy scenes throughout. Obama's economic advisers arrive in a bleak Chicago after a snowstorm. The president is shown in the Oval Office through a window at night.
The visuals are oddly antique for a president who promised hope and change. When narrator Tom Hanks talks of the "middle class," we see downscale neighborhoods with houses built in the 1910s or 1920s. When he talks about economic recovery, we see an early 1950s Ford coming off the assembly line.
Hanks strikes another historical note. "Not since the days of Franklin Roosevelt has so much fallen on the shoulders of one president." Well, Harry Truman and Ronald Reagan might disagree, but one gets the idea.
If America is not standing tall, it's because Obama started off nearly 6 feet under.
We hear a lot about the burdens of office and the loneliness of presidential decision-making. The same point was made in 30- and 60-second ads run by Jimmy Carter's re-election campaign in 1980.
Those spots featured only Carter and the narrator speaking. The 17-minute video has time for testimony from Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and, briefly, Michelle Obama.
The resemblance to the Carter ads is ominous, seeing as Carter lost 51- 41 percent in November. Americans want to think well of their presidents, but sometimes they decide they've had enough...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"President Barack Obama's 17-minute video, "The Road We've Traveled," gives us an idea of how he wants to frame the issues in the fall election.
The first thing you notice about the video is that the atmosphere is dark, wintry, minor key. You see but don't hear the election night crowd in Grant Park, and then the video switches to graphics about the economic meltdown that followed the financial crisis of 2008.
There are gloomy scenes throughout. Obama's economic advisers arrive in a bleak Chicago after a snowstorm. The president is shown in the Oval Office through a window at night.
The visuals are oddly antique for a president who promised hope and change. When narrator Tom Hanks talks of the "middle class," we see downscale neighborhoods with houses built in the 1910s or 1920s. When he talks about economic recovery, we see an early 1950s Ford coming off the assembly line.
Hanks strikes another historical note. "Not since the days of Franklin Roosevelt has so much fallen on the shoulders of one president." Well, Harry Truman and Ronald Reagan might disagree, but one gets the idea.
If America is not standing tall, it's because Obama started off nearly 6 feet under.
We hear a lot about the burdens of office and the loneliness of presidential decision-making. The same point was made in 30- and 60-second ads run by Jimmy Carter's re-election campaign in 1980.
Those spots featured only Carter and the narrator speaking. The 17-minute video has time for testimony from Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and, briefly, Michelle Obama.
The resemblance to the Carter ads is ominous, seeing as Carter lost 51- 41 percent in November. Americans want to think well of their presidents, but sometimes they decide they've had enough...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall "Taxing Death"
Jeff Carter:
"Doesn’t the government get enough during your lifetime? I understand the initial sentiment behind the death tax. It was put in place to try and stop dynasties from forming. Advocates looked at generational wealth in Europe and wanted each generation to be put at the same starting line.
But, trying to be “fair” never works. The Koch brothers kids will always have advantages over mine. The great thing about the US is it doesn’t matter. My kids can be just as successful as the Koch kids if they create something.
Did the creator of Spanx come from a silver spoon background? No. She went to Florida State and was the daughter of an artist and lawyer.
The problem is, you will never put anyone at the same starting line with anyone else. That’s why the Constitution and Bill of Rights read as they do. Every human has “inalienable rights”. It doesn’t mean Sam and Joe start the human race with exactly the same amount of assets. Life isn’t a board game.
States are beginning to understand this. Citizens are leaving their state to avoid the tax. The other problem they are having is as one generation dies, the next is being forced to liquidate productive businesses to pay the death tax. This hurts local economies...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Doesn’t the government get enough during your lifetime? I understand the initial sentiment behind the death tax. It was put in place to try and stop dynasties from forming. Advocates looked at generational wealth in Europe and wanted each generation to be put at the same starting line.
But, trying to be “fair” never works. The Koch brothers kids will always have advantages over mine. The great thing about the US is it doesn’t matter. My kids can be just as successful as the Koch kids if they create something.
Did the creator of Spanx come from a silver spoon background? No. She went to Florida State and was the daughter of an artist and lawyer.
The problem is, you will never put anyone at the same starting line with anyone else. That’s why the Constitution and Bill of Rights read as they do. Every human has “inalienable rights”. It doesn’t mean Sam and Joe start the human race with exactly the same amount of assets. Life isn’t a board game.
States are beginning to understand this. Citizens are leaving their state to avoid the tax. The other problem they are having is as one generation dies, the next is being forced to liquidate productive businesses to pay the death tax. This hurts local economies...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KREX News 5 "Secret Ballots Prohibited "
Danielle Kreutter:
"DENVER- The measure that would prohibit state and local public government bodies from using secret ballots is now law.
Supporters of the new law say it will help transparency of decision making across the state. This law will work with the current open meetings law to ensure secret ballots are not being made...."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"DENVER- The measure that would prohibit state and local public government bodies from using secret ballots is now law.
Supporters of the new law say it will help transparency of decision making across the state. This law will work with the current open meetings law to ensure secret ballots are not being made...."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Silt to consider raises for mayor, trustees tonight" (sub) "‘Emergency' ordinance could mean new pay rate to be effective next month"
In what appears to be still yet another stunningly brilliant covert operation; Super-Investigative journalist John Colson scores another headline on the 'shady' public leaders in Silt, Colorado.
Silt is the local Tea Party capital and home to the most popular local mayor in the history of Garfield County, Dave Moore.
Locals are familiar with the everyday sight of Colson and his old pickup parked alongside I-70 as he daily stakes out the comings and goings of Moore and company.
Rumor has it that Silt banned Colson from entering the city limits at the same time they allegedly ran local troublemaker 'bethatesantero' out of town.
Since then, the long morning commute for downvalley construction workers is broken by CB chatter 'when they pass Colson' they are 1/3 of the way to Aspen.
If we are to believe this incredibly astute reporting this morning, the Town of Silt is 'guilty' of encouraging residents to run for public office!
Do we dare to hope for one of Mayor Daves' succinctly worded Letters to the Editor over the next few days explaining this incredible news?
Stay tuned!
John Colson:
"SILT, Colorado — The Board of Trustees tonight will be talking about a proposed ordinance giving a pay raise to newly elected trustees, and to a new mayor when one is elected.
The trustees voted on March 12 to direct town attorney Lee Leavenworth to draw up an ordinance raising trustee salaries from the current rate of $100 per meeting attended to a flat rate of $400 per month.
For the mayor, the new pay rate is to be $600 per month, up from the present rate of $200 per meeting attended.
The board typically meets for two regular meetings a month, on the second and fourth Monday of the month.
The new pay rate could take effect immediately after the April 3 municipal election if adopted as an emergency ordinance, according to a memo from Leavenworth.
Leavenworth drew up an emergency version of the ordinance for tonight's meeting, as well as a regular ordinance that would not take effect until after the municipal election in 2014.
He could not be reached for comment on Friday afternoon.......(OMG!!!....whisper..whisper..)
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Silt is the local Tea Party capital and home to the most popular local mayor in the history of Garfield County, Dave Moore.
Locals are familiar with the everyday sight of Colson and his old pickup parked alongside I-70 as he daily stakes out the comings and goings of Moore and company.
Rumor has it that Silt banned Colson from entering the city limits at the same time they allegedly ran local troublemaker 'bethatesantero' out of town.
Since then, the long morning commute for downvalley construction workers is broken by CB chatter 'when they pass Colson' they are 1/3 of the way to Aspen.
If we are to believe this incredibly astute reporting this morning, the Town of Silt is 'guilty' of encouraging residents to run for public office!
Do we dare to hope for one of Mayor Daves' succinctly worded Letters to the Editor over the next few days explaining this incredible news?
Stay tuned!
John Colson:
"SILT, Colorado — The Board of Trustees tonight will be talking about a proposed ordinance giving a pay raise to newly elected trustees, and to a new mayor when one is elected.
The trustees voted on March 12 to direct town attorney Lee Leavenworth to draw up an ordinance raising trustee salaries from the current rate of $100 per meeting attended to a flat rate of $400 per month.
For the mayor, the new pay rate is to be $600 per month, up from the present rate of $200 per meeting attended.
The board typically meets for two regular meetings a month, on the second and fourth Monday of the month.
The new pay rate could take effect immediately after the April 3 municipal election if adopted as an emergency ordinance, according to a memo from Leavenworth.
Leavenworth drew up an emergency version of the ordinance for tonight's meeting, as well as a regular ordinance that would not take effect until after the municipal election in 2014.
He could not be reached for comment on Friday afternoon.......(OMG!!!....whisper..whisper..)
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Botox treatment nets CU $30M in royalties"
BOULDER — The University of Colorado has received a $30 million payout for a Botox treatment one of its faculty members invented in the late 1990s....
.....Schmidt does not get a cut because he is no longer with the university. CU’s Anschutz Medical Campus hosted the Botox research." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
.....Schmidt does not get a cut because he is no longer with the university. CU’s Anschutz Medical Campus hosted the Botox research." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Craig Daily Press "Craig resident nabs four trail riding awards"
Joe Moylan:
"Craig resident Ken Wolgram and his horse, Awesomes Fire N Ice, were the first team in North American Trail Ride Conference history to win all four of the organization’s national awards. Above is an excerpt of the interview with Wolgram in which he explains each award and what the accomplishment means to him and his family and friends..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Craig resident Ken Wolgram and his horse, Awesomes Fire N Ice, were the first team in North American Trail Ride Conference history to win all four of the organization’s national awards. Above is an excerpt of the interview with Wolgram in which he explains each award and what the accomplishment means to him and his family and friends..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KREX News 5 "BLM Approves $300,000 for Wild Horse Rangelands"
Cori Coffin:
"Bureau of Land Management officials approved nearly $300,000 for 12 projects aimed at improving western rangeland.
The areas officials are focusing on are lands where wild horses and burros roam...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Bureau of Land Management officials approved nearly $300,000 for 12 projects aimed at improving western rangeland.
The areas officials are focusing on are lands where wild horses and burros roam...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily News "Six-pack of songs"
Alan Sculley:
"The a cappella group Straight No Chaser has returned with new music in the form of “Six Pack: Vol. II.”
As the “Volume II” suggests, it follows a 2008 EP called “Six Pack,” which, like the new release, included six songs. And while Straight No Chaser vocalist Randy Stine said a full-length CD would have been nice, a busy schedule caused the group to think in terms of a “Six Pack” sequel.
“We haven't had a whole lot of time just to sit down and record another full-length album. We're constantly hearing from fans, ‘When's another one coming out?'” Stine said in a recent phone interview. “We wanted to get something out there new for the fans after they had been so patiently waiting.”
So the solution was to go the “Six Pack” route, which Stine said ended up working well. And to the group's surprise, “Six Pack: Vol. II” turned out to also mirror the first “Six Pack” EP in a couple of ways...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The a cappella group Straight No Chaser has returned with new music in the form of “Six Pack: Vol. II.”
As the “Volume II” suggests, it follows a 2008 EP called “Six Pack,” which, like the new release, included six songs. And while Straight No Chaser vocalist Randy Stine said a full-length CD would have been nice, a busy schedule caused the group to think in terms of a “Six Pack” sequel.
“We haven't had a whole lot of time just to sit down and record another full-length album. We're constantly hearing from fans, ‘When's another one coming out?'” Stine said in a recent phone interview. “We wanted to get something out there new for the fans after they had been so patiently waiting.”
So the solution was to go the “Six Pack” route, which Stine said ended up working well. And to the group's surprise, “Six Pack: Vol. II” turned out to also mirror the first “Six Pack” EP in a couple of ways...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Roadside attractions"
Berwyn's headline reminds me of two of our local (long term) controversies.
Why we have spent literally billions of dollars since the Roaring Fork Transit Authority inception to literally run near empty busses from Rifle to Aspen 365 days per year and roughly 16 hours per day. Multiple empty or near empty busses. Yet we still keep sinking more money in and lowering our ethical standards by enforcing eminent domain.
All the while a brilliant tourism draw concept (a permanent one not one of our usual gimmicks or discount packages) that holds the folks idea of major overhaul of Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs including state of the art educational center to teach geothermal, wetlands, avalanches and all the other unique wonders we hold; and then off-shooting roadside attraction nature centers and interactive education all the way from Glenwood Springs to the top of Independence Pass. Tie in with the similar concept being done on the West Elk Loop on Hwy. 133.
Existing roadside attractions. Win win.
All credit Bob Berwyn:
Why we have spent literally billions of dollars since the Roaring Fork Transit Authority inception to literally run near empty busses from Rifle to Aspen 365 days per year and roughly 16 hours per day. Multiple empty or near empty busses. Yet we still keep sinking more money in and lowering our ethical standards by enforcing eminent domain.
All the while a brilliant tourism draw concept (a permanent one not one of our usual gimmicks or discount packages) that holds the folks idea of major overhaul of Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs including state of the art educational center to teach geothermal, wetlands, avalanches and all the other unique wonders we hold; and then off-shooting roadside attraction nature centers and interactive education all the way from Glenwood Springs to the top of Independence Pass. Tie in with the similar concept being done on the West Elk Loop on Hwy. 133.
Existing roadside attractions. Win win.
All credit Bob Berwyn:
March 25, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Kathleen Parker "Moderately speaking"
Kathleen Parker:
"LAS VEGAS, Nev. — As the sun rises and dabs Caesars Palace with morning rouge, irony struts down the strip of casinos, shops and nightclubs.
What better place to contemplate moderation, the topic of a panel and my purpose for being here, than in the epicenter of human excess? The Black Mountain Institute (at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas) posed this question to a panel of three, which also included Norm Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute and Fox News' Juan Williams: “Is moderation possible in American politics?”
The implied consensus would seem to be: Probably not. Or at least not without massive reforms and/or a renaissance of civic duty. The hyper-partisanship we at least say we love to hate isn't likely to recede, given the rewards.
Although the discussion was aimed at politics, the question can't be considered without also contemplating the broader culture. Conveniently, the Vegas strip provides an apt metaphor for both the culture and the political medium. Call it the American Id-eology: Ids all the way, supersized. We are, in a word, immoderate...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"LAS VEGAS, Nev. — As the sun rises and dabs Caesars Palace with morning rouge, irony struts down the strip of casinos, shops and nightclubs.
What better place to contemplate moderation, the topic of a panel and my purpose for being here, than in the epicenter of human excess? The Black Mountain Institute (at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas) posed this question to a panel of three, which also included Norm Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute and Fox News' Juan Williams: “Is moderation possible in American politics?”
The implied consensus would seem to be: Probably not. Or at least not without massive reforms and/or a renaissance of civic duty. The hyper-partisanship we at least say we love to hate isn't likely to recede, given the rewards.
Although the discussion was aimed at politics, the question can't be considered without also contemplating the broader culture. Conveniently, the Vegas strip provides an apt metaphor for both the culture and the political medium. Call it the American Id-eology: Ids all the way, supersized. We are, in a word, immoderate...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Police: Doctors wouldn’t sign off on assault case'
Paul Shockley:
"Court records involving a woman who reported an assault indicate doctors at St. Mary’s Hospital refused to review the case because they didn’t want to be called to court.
The reported refusal, outlined in a Grand Junction Police Department officer’s arrest affidavit in the case against 27-year-old Darnell Washington, drew the ire of a Mesa County judge and District Attorney Pete Hautzinger during Washington’s initial court appearance...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Court records involving a woman who reported an assault indicate doctors at St. Mary’s Hospital refused to review the case because they didn’t want to be called to court.
The reported refusal, outlined in a Grand Junction Police Department officer’s arrest affidavit in the case against 27-year-old Darnell Washington, drew the ire of a Mesa County judge and District Attorney Pete Hautzinger during Washington’s initial court appearance...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Shooter mistakes mohawk for fowl, runs afoul of the law"
Paul Shockley:
"Derrill Rockwell told police he grabbed his rifle, the .22-caliber he kept handy to kill rodents around the house, about 5 a.m. Oct. 5 and walked outside to confront it.
The bird.
Possibly, he told police, the same fowl he suspected of harassing his cats recently around his home near Orchard Mesa Cemetery.
It was red, sitting at the top of a hill about 90 feet away from Rockwell.
“His intent was to spook it away,” Deputy District Attorney Jason Conley told District Judge Richard Gurley on Friday.
Rockwell shot once but said he didn’t see the bird fly away. Soon after, he heard a woman’s voice, moaning in pain. Rockwell discovered a 23-year-old woman, with a large red mohawk, with a gunshot wound to the head.
“In 15 years in law enforcement, this was one of the more interesting cases I’ve worked,” Grand Junction Police Department detective Sean Crocker told the judge Friday...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Derrill Rockwell told police he grabbed his rifle, the .22-caliber he kept handy to kill rodents around the house, about 5 a.m. Oct. 5 and walked outside to confront it.
The bird.
Possibly, he told police, the same fowl he suspected of harassing his cats recently around his home near Orchard Mesa Cemetery.
It was red, sitting at the top of a hill about 90 feet away from Rockwell.
“His intent was to spook it away,” Deputy District Attorney Jason Conley told District Judge Richard Gurley on Friday.
Rockwell shot once but said he didn’t see the bird fly away. Soon after, he heard a woman’s voice, moaning in pain. Rockwell discovered a 23-year-old woman, with a large red mohawk, with a gunshot wound to the head.
“In 15 years in law enforcement, this was one of the more interesting cases I’ve worked,” Grand Junction Police Department detective Sean Crocker told the judge Friday...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Casino is being explored near Hayden airport"
Casino development has been talked about in Glenwood Springs, Snowmass Village and is happening out in Dinosaur.
Maybe, because Steamboat Springs is rapidly becoming a better revenue generating ski destination than Aspen...the Crown Family will finally give serious consideration to the Snowmass Village concept.
They even have the shell already in place. Base Village.
Matt Stensland:
"Steamboat Springs — Steamboat Springs Olympian Johnny Spillane and four local business partners are exploring the viability of building a casino, hotel and entertainment venue on land near Yampa Valley Regional Airport.
The partnership faces many hurdles along the way, including winning the support of surrounding communities, finding an American Indian tribe to work with, jumping through the federal regulatory hoops and getting approval from the governor.
“We’re still definitely in the process of gathering information,” said Steve Hofman, one of the group’s partners. “If we reach the point that we say that the project’s not viable, we’ll say that.”
Spillane discussed the idea Thursday with Hofman, a Steamboat resident who spent much of his career in Washington, D.C., and was a U.S. assistant secretary of labor under former President George H. W. Bush.
Meetings have been held with business leaders and council members in Hayden, Craig and Steamboat, with the goal of soliciting feedback before plans went “too far down the road,” Spillane said.
“We’re going out of our way to do this slowly and to do this right,” he said...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Maybe, because Steamboat Springs is rapidly becoming a better revenue generating ski destination than Aspen...the Crown Family will finally give serious consideration to the Snowmass Village concept.
They even have the shell already in place. Base Village.
Matt Stensland:
"Steamboat Springs — Steamboat Springs Olympian Johnny Spillane and four local business partners are exploring the viability of building a casino, hotel and entertainment venue on land near Yampa Valley Regional Airport.
The partnership faces many hurdles along the way, including winning the support of surrounding communities, finding an American Indian tribe to work with, jumping through the federal regulatory hoops and getting approval from the governor.
“We’re still definitely in the process of gathering information,” said Steve Hofman, one of the group’s partners. “If we reach the point that we say that the project’s not viable, we’ll say that.”
Spillane discussed the idea Thursday with Hofman, a Steamboat resident who spent much of his career in Washington, D.C., and was a U.S. assistant secretary of labor under former President George H. W. Bush.
Meetings have been held with business leaders and council members in Hayden, Craig and Steamboat, with the goal of soliciting feedback before plans went “too far down the road,” Spillane said.
“We’re going out of our way to do this slowly and to do this right,” he said...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Coloradoan "SXSW recap: Could Fort Collins become another Austin?"
David Young:
"Throughout the recently completed South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, the phrase "Keep Austin Weird" kept appearing on t-shirts, bumper stickers and signs.
The slogan reflects the unique culture that the city has established, based in large part to music, which it prides itself on. In essence, Austin wants to be different, and it is. Walking down Sixth Street during SXSW is unlike any other experience. It is part concert, part party, part conference and part parade. It is "weird."
Fort Collins could be considered weird in its own right, but what would it take for Fort Collins' music scene to become like Austin's? While it likely never will reach the magnitude that Austin has, Dani Grant, SpokesBUZZ cofounder, said it will take a complete buy-in from the entire city to reach the next level for the local music scene. SpokesBUZZ is a nonprofit organization aimed at helping local bands...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Throughout the recently completed South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, the phrase "Keep Austin Weird" kept appearing on t-shirts, bumper stickers and signs.
The slogan reflects the unique culture that the city has established, based in large part to music, which it prides itself on. In essence, Austin wants to be different, and it is. Walking down Sixth Street during SXSW is unlike any other experience. It is part concert, part party, part conference and part parade. It is "weird."
Fort Collins could be considered weird in its own right, but what would it take for Fort Collins' music scene to become like Austin's? While it likely never will reach the magnitude that Austin has, Dani Grant, SpokesBUZZ cofounder, said it will take a complete buy-in from the entire city to reach the next level for the local music scene. SpokesBUZZ is a nonprofit organization aimed at helping local bands...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandboxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "CMC bachelor degrees opening new doors"
Congratulations to the CMC First Generation!
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — Colorado Mountain College might not be home to iconic marble and granite academic halls lining grassy, tree-lined quads. But the hometown community college now does have something in common with the big college campuses.
Starting in the spring of 2013, CMC will begin graduating its first-ever bachelor degree students.
The current 2011-12 academic year is the first time CMC has offered bachelor's degree programs at its numerous locations throughout north-central Colorado.
Strictly a two-year junior college up until now, CMC earned approval in 2010 from Colorado higher education officials and the state Legislature to begin offering limited four-year degrees...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — Colorado Mountain College might not be home to iconic marble and granite academic halls lining grassy, tree-lined quads. But the hometown community college now does have something in common with the big college campuses.
Starting in the spring of 2013, CMC will begin graduating its first-ever bachelor degree students.
The current 2011-12 academic year is the first time CMC has offered bachelor's degree programs at its numerous locations throughout north-central Colorado.
Strictly a two-year junior college up until now, CMC earned approval in 2010 from Colorado higher education officials and the state Legislature to begin offering limited four-year degrees...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Going mobile"
All credit Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — I’ve been exploring the capabilities of the iPhone camera the past few weeks, as well as experimenting with just a few of the apps. There’s a whole new burgeoning field of mobile photography developing, and it’s easy to see why — the lens on the camera is darn sharp, and the apps enable some instant creativity and interpretation of the images. As well, iPhones, and similar devices, are changing the game of journalism. Live video streaming from Cairo, face-to-face interviews with sources around the globe … it’s a brave new world...." (Read and see more? Click title)
"SUMMIT COUNTY — I’ve been exploring the capabilities of the iPhone camera the past few weeks, as well as experimenting with just a few of the apps. There’s a whole new burgeoning field of mobile photography developing, and it’s easy to see why — the lens on the camera is darn sharp, and the apps enable some instant creativity and interpretation of the images. As well, iPhones, and similar devices, are changing the game of journalism. Live video streaming from Cairo, face-to-face interviews with sources around the globe … it’s a brave new world...." (Read and see more? Click title)
March 24, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Global warming could pose threat to fur seals in Antarctica"
Bob Berwyn is shameless.
Knowing full well that he has never received any fully factual, accurate or direct from her, op-ed insight into what 'SandBox Nanny' really thinks about the global warming theories.......he is shamelessly attempting to pull her out of her privacy with photos of adorable fur seals and a catchy headline.
But then again......who can really blame Berwyn for his curiosity regarding what 'SandBox Nanny' really thinks (or) 'who" "SandBox Nanny' really is as a person?
When 98% of what is out there is all word crafted by others?
Should she lay the issue to rest and share her personal beliefs on the global warming controversy?
Sure, why not.
But...in as shameless of a manner as Bob Berwyn soliciting page views with his photos of adorable fur seals...you are going to have to keep 'waiting for it'. No doubt, there will soon come a good piece from someone out there on global warming that she will put an op-ed on.
Will that someone be Summit County Citizens Voice? Wait for it.
All credit: Bob Berwyn
Knowing full well that he has never received any fully factual, accurate or direct from her, op-ed insight into what 'SandBox Nanny' really thinks about the global warming theories.......he is shamelessly attempting to pull her out of her privacy with photos of adorable fur seals and a catchy headline.
But then again......who can really blame Berwyn for his curiosity regarding what 'SandBox Nanny' really thinks (or) 'who" "SandBox Nanny' really is as a person?
When 98% of what is out there is all word crafted by others?
Should she lay the issue to rest and share her personal beliefs on the global warming controversy?
Sure, why not.
But...in as shameless of a manner as Bob Berwyn soliciting page views with his photos of adorable fur seals...you are going to have to keep 'waiting for it'. No doubt, there will soon come a good piece from someone out there on global warming that she will put an op-ed on.
Will that someone be Summit County Citizens Voice? Wait for it.
All credit: Bob Berwyn
March 23, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Hot Air Blog "Bill Maher: Get off my back, America"
'Allahpundit':
"I’m torn. I could happily live another 10 lifetimes without having to deal with phony, politically calculated, outrageously outrageous outrage. Ann Romney, in fact, did an elegant job on CNN last night urging everyone (ahem, Newt) to lighten up over Robert DeNiro’s lame but innocuous joke about America’s white First Ladies.
Just one question: What makes Maher think the outrage in his case is phony?..."
(Read more? Click title)
The outrage against Maher is far from phony. Such hypocrisy. As in the way of rightful things, the saga of Sandra Fluke mirrors back with a daily dose of commentary (mostly from men) that is returning fire in honorable ways.
Such as Jim Klein of New Castle, Colorado as he questions Maher's defenders and Limbaugh's critics: "After reading the opinions of Erica Griffith and Candy Norvell in the March 17 edition regarding the comments of Bill Maher, as well as those of Rush Limbaugh, I felt compelled to respond.
I have several questions for these ladies. First, how does Bill Maher's use of profanity in describing Sarah Palin not fall into the realm of complete bigotry?
Second, how does Rush Limbaugh's opinion that the taxpayer shouldn't foot the bill for a woman's contraception fall into the category of cultist behavior?
Now, it turns out, that Sandra Fluke was paid by the Democratic Party to make her statements to Congress in order to remove focus from the issue of the Obama administration's constitutional violation of a church's right to deny services that go against its beliefs. After all, a woman can get contraception from places like Planned Parenthood, if she so chooses. Why else, then, did Sandra Fluke recant her earliest statements?..."
(Read more, Click here)
Michael McReynolds of Carbondale, Colorado as he does the math for Flukes contraception spending: "Rush Limbaugh never actually called Sandra Fluke a slut. He did criticize groups who believe they have a right to free contraception. He also pointed out that it's unconstitutional for the president to mandate that a religious organization fund activities they find morally wrong.
At the end of the segment, he pointed out that women, like Sandra Fluke, expect someone else to pay for their sex. Then he asked the question: “What does society call a woman who expects to be paid for sex?” Splitting hairs? Sure. But this letter isn't about Rush, it's about Sandra Fluke.
Some suggest that Ms. Fluke is a victim: hardly. By her own admission, Ms. Fluke knew Georgetown was a Catholic university and contraception was not included in the student health plan. Rather than choose a university where contraception is part of the plan, she choose Georgetown to pick a fight (her words on “The View”).
So now she's a reproductive rights activist. What is a reproductive rights activist? Do we live in China where the state limits your right to reproduce? Or is it that one should not have to be personally responsible for their reproductive activity?
Ms. Fluke testified that she spends $1,000 a year on contraception. Isn't anyone curious about how much contraception $1,000 will buy? Assume the co-pay for the doctor visit for birth control pills is $15. Chain pharmacies (Walgreens, Wal-Mart, et. al.) in the Washington, D.C., area offer generic birth control pills for $9 per month, totaling $108 per year. That's $123 per year.
So where does she spend the remaining $877? Let's assume she spends it on condoms. At an average price of 20 cents per condom, $877 will buy 4,385 condoms, or 12 condoms per day. So I'll ask the question that's begged: What does society call a woman who burns through 12 condoms per day?..."
More op-eds hit the air daily on the controversy Fluke started:
Elizabeth Harrington: "Thirty-year-old Georgetown Law student Sandra Fluke, who told a House Steering and Policy Committee hearing convened by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi last month that contraception can cost a student $3,000 during law school, told CNSNews.com on Tuesday that she did not know that the Target store 3 miles from the Georgetown Law campus sells a month's supply of birth control pills for just $9...."
William A. Jacobson: "Just as Bill Maher was pleading for an “amnesty” in the political correctness war to silence speech, Media Matters was committing $100,000 to an advertising campaign urging people to call local radio stations to complain about Limbaugh...."
'SandBox Nanny' comes back to a post by John Scotus/Tree of Mamre today: "That pretty much sums it up. Romney believes in business. He believes in decency (which is not at all, by the way, a moral value, see here), he believes that he is good and would make a good president, and he believes in his family. But that is about it. Yet, apart from the bit about business, we have just described Obama. If this is all Romney’s candidacy comes down to, then it is not really worth the trouble voting for him. Seriously.
I believe that the most important issues facing America today all come down to moral values. Since I believe that, I just have to say that I cannot be bought. And, essentially, by promising that he can heal the economy, but being uninterested in anything else, Romney is wanting to buy my vote. This is the same deal being peddled in Asia. This is the same deal the Japanese bought into. Buy the votes of the people by promising them economic prosperity, and then ignore them after the election. And this deal leads to nothing but the economic and spiritual death of a country.
I would rather die fighting than sell my vote in such a cheap and tawdry deal.
So, no, unless Romney is able to convince me, for example, that he will–at a bare minimum–appoint pro-life judges, I will not vote for him, even if it means Obama is reelected.
I refuse to sell my soul–or my vote–merely for low gas prices or economic prosperity. America means too much to me...."
And ends with the words of Michael McReynolds of Carbondale, Colorado:
"The real problem is gas at $5 per gallon in some parts of the country, real unemployment at 19 percent, a national debt of $16 trillion ($6 trillion in the past three years), and GDP at 2 percent. And we're arguing about free contraception."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"I’m torn. I could happily live another 10 lifetimes without having to deal with phony, politically calculated, outrageously outrageous outrage. Ann Romney, in fact, did an elegant job on CNN last night urging everyone (ahem, Newt) to lighten up over Robert DeNiro’s lame but innocuous joke about America’s white First Ladies.
Just one question: What makes Maher think the outrage in his case is phony?..."
(Read more? Click title)
The outrage against Maher is far from phony. Such hypocrisy. As in the way of rightful things, the saga of Sandra Fluke mirrors back with a daily dose of commentary (mostly from men) that is returning fire in honorable ways.
Such as Jim Klein of New Castle, Colorado as he questions Maher's defenders and Limbaugh's critics: "After reading the opinions of Erica Griffith and Candy Norvell in the March 17 edition regarding the comments of Bill Maher, as well as those of Rush Limbaugh, I felt compelled to respond.
I have several questions for these ladies. First, how does Bill Maher's use of profanity in describing Sarah Palin not fall into the realm of complete bigotry?
Second, how does Rush Limbaugh's opinion that the taxpayer shouldn't foot the bill for a woman's contraception fall into the category of cultist behavior?
Now, it turns out, that Sandra Fluke was paid by the Democratic Party to make her statements to Congress in order to remove focus from the issue of the Obama administration's constitutional violation of a church's right to deny services that go against its beliefs. After all, a woman can get contraception from places like Planned Parenthood, if she so chooses. Why else, then, did Sandra Fluke recant her earliest statements?..."
(Read more, Click here)
Michael McReynolds of Carbondale, Colorado as he does the math for Flukes contraception spending: "Rush Limbaugh never actually called Sandra Fluke a slut. He did criticize groups who believe they have a right to free contraception. He also pointed out that it's unconstitutional for the president to mandate that a religious organization fund activities they find morally wrong.
At the end of the segment, he pointed out that women, like Sandra Fluke, expect someone else to pay for their sex. Then he asked the question: “What does society call a woman who expects to be paid for sex?” Splitting hairs? Sure. But this letter isn't about Rush, it's about Sandra Fluke.
Some suggest that Ms. Fluke is a victim: hardly. By her own admission, Ms. Fluke knew Georgetown was a Catholic university and contraception was not included in the student health plan. Rather than choose a university where contraception is part of the plan, she choose Georgetown to pick a fight (her words on “The View”).
So now she's a reproductive rights activist. What is a reproductive rights activist? Do we live in China where the state limits your right to reproduce? Or is it that one should not have to be personally responsible for their reproductive activity?
Ms. Fluke testified that she spends $1,000 a year on contraception. Isn't anyone curious about how much contraception $1,000 will buy? Assume the co-pay for the doctor visit for birth control pills is $15. Chain pharmacies (Walgreens, Wal-Mart, et. al.) in the Washington, D.C., area offer generic birth control pills for $9 per month, totaling $108 per year. That's $123 per year.
So where does she spend the remaining $877? Let's assume she spends it on condoms. At an average price of 20 cents per condom, $877 will buy 4,385 condoms, or 12 condoms per day. So I'll ask the question that's begged: What does society call a woman who burns through 12 condoms per day?..."
More op-eds hit the air daily on the controversy Fluke started:
Elizabeth Harrington: "Thirty-year-old Georgetown Law student Sandra Fluke, who told a House Steering and Policy Committee hearing convened by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi last month that contraception can cost a student $3,000 during law school, told CNSNews.com on Tuesday that she did not know that the Target store 3 miles from the Georgetown Law campus sells a month's supply of birth control pills for just $9...."
William A. Jacobson: "Just as Bill Maher was pleading for an “amnesty” in the political correctness war to silence speech, Media Matters was committing $100,000 to an advertising campaign urging people to call local radio stations to complain about Limbaugh...."
'SandBox Nanny' comes back to a post by John Scotus/Tree of Mamre today: "That pretty much sums it up. Romney believes in business. He believes in decency (which is not at all, by the way, a moral value, see here), he believes that he is good and would make a good president, and he believes in his family. But that is about it. Yet, apart from the bit about business, we have just described Obama. If this is all Romney’s candidacy comes down to, then it is not really worth the trouble voting for him. Seriously.
I believe that the most important issues facing America today all come down to moral values. Since I believe that, I just have to say that I cannot be bought. And, essentially, by promising that he can heal the economy, but being uninterested in anything else, Romney is wanting to buy my vote. This is the same deal being peddled in Asia. This is the same deal the Japanese bought into. Buy the votes of the people by promising them economic prosperity, and then ignore them after the election. And this deal leads to nothing but the economic and spiritual death of a country.
I would rather die fighting than sell my vote in such a cheap and tawdry deal.
So, no, unless Romney is able to convince me, for example, that he will–at a bare minimum–appoint pro-life judges, I will not vote for him, even if it means Obama is reelected.
I refuse to sell my soul–or my vote–merely for low gas prices or economic prosperity. America means too much to me...."
And ends with the words of Michael McReynolds of Carbondale, Colorado:
"The real problem is gas at $5 per gallon in some parts of the country, real unemployment at 19 percent, a national debt of $16 trillion ($6 trillion in the past three years), and GDP at 2 percent. And we're arguing about free contraception."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Americans are duping themselves"
Stan Rachesky:
"...The federal government has become the nation's largest creditor, debtor, lender, employer, consumer, contractor, property owner, insurer, health care provider, pension guarantor and who knows what else. We are slowly surrendering our liberty for false promises.
People are being duped with financial burdens in the form of entitlements, high government salaries, health care and educational benefits. People, through their own ignorance, take to the streets in the Occupy Movement, protest against their own self determination and vote to enchain everybody, including themselves. They will eventually become ruled by despots, such as our self-anointed president who thinks he is wiser and more learned and way beyond the capabilities of the citizens he supposedly rules.
People who are hungry and on food stamps, out of a job and collecting unemployment checks, or who just lost their home are the stuff of which despots are made.
It's easier to accept what we are told than to read and think for ourselves.
Readers are leaders. The rest are lemmings. It's their choice, but their attitude will affect their kids' and grandkids' lives.
America has become a society where people are supposedly wise enough to select their leaders but too stupid to choose the right light bulb.
The greatest obstacle to Obama's master plan is individualism. Be ready. Be educated. Be an individual...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"...The federal government has become the nation's largest creditor, debtor, lender, employer, consumer, contractor, property owner, insurer, health care provider, pension guarantor and who knows what else. We are slowly surrendering our liberty for false promises.
People are being duped with financial burdens in the form of entitlements, high government salaries, health care and educational benefits. People, through their own ignorance, take to the streets in the Occupy Movement, protest against their own self determination and vote to enchain everybody, including themselves. They will eventually become ruled by despots, such as our self-anointed president who thinks he is wiser and more learned and way beyond the capabilities of the citizens he supposedly rules.
People who are hungry and on food stamps, out of a job and collecting unemployment checks, or who just lost their home are the stuff of which despots are made.
It's easier to accept what we are told than to read and think for ourselves.
Readers are leaders. The rest are lemmings. It's their choice, but their attitude will affect their kids' and grandkids' lives.
America has become a society where people are supposedly wise enough to select their leaders but too stupid to choose the right light bulb.
The greatest obstacle to Obama's master plan is individualism. Be ready. Be educated. Be an individual...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Derek Franz "The catch of a lifetime"
Derek Franz:
"What have I done? Look how much I have left to do — how will I amount to anything?” is the feeling. With all the mounting material pressures, I sometimes get confused about the priority of my wants: What do I want most in life, from one second to the next?
I want to feel the cold river pull through my fingers like a stream of thought on a hot day, a reminder of how physical and mental realities coexist and mirror each other, perhaps even manifest each other; a reminder that my life is magical if I make it so.
The dog seems to be thinking the same thing. Her brown, floppy ears perk out, complementing her wide doggie smile with a pink tongue. I grab the leash and we're off to the edge of the Roaring Fork, though I don't know it yet. Sometimes a person has to wander to find wonder, and wonder to find purpose.
There is an art to wandering. It requires a weird combination of initiative, aimless contentment and recognizing what you want when you see it. I'm also finding that sometimes the element of initiative is not straightforward at all, which is fitting, since this is wandering we're talking about...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"What have I done? Look how much I have left to do — how will I amount to anything?” is the feeling. With all the mounting material pressures, I sometimes get confused about the priority of my wants: What do I want most in life, from one second to the next?
I want to feel the cold river pull through my fingers like a stream of thought on a hot day, a reminder of how physical and mental realities coexist and mirror each other, perhaps even manifest each other; a reminder that my life is magical if I make it so.
The dog seems to be thinking the same thing. Her brown, floppy ears perk out, complementing her wide doggie smile with a pink tongue. I grab the leash and we're off to the edge of the Roaring Fork, though I don't know it yet. Sometimes a person has to wander to find wonder, and wonder to find purpose.
There is an art to wandering. It requires a weird combination of initiative, aimless contentment and recognizing what you want when you see it. I'm also finding that sometimes the element of initiative is not straightforward at all, which is fitting, since this is wandering we're talking about...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
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."
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