SandBoxBlogs: Eagle County Times "Belt Tightening – at our Eagle County School District?"

Did you know that you too can access the detailed summary of your school district's check register?

Don't know how to do that?  Email staff@eaglecountytimes.com and they will be glad to lend a hand.

Looks like the Eagle County School District admin didn't learn a thing over the past few years of deep budget cuts, does it? 

Posted by 'Weight Watchers':
"A quick sample from the School Districts – April 2012 – Check Register

Master Transaction Consolidation Debit Total USD  $78,381.67
Credit Total USD  -1,817.28
Total USD  $76,564.39

To review their entire Expense list – (Click Here)

District office Administration
4/25/2012 XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-0025 ELEMENTARY EDUCATION Moe’s Original Bbq – E Purchase Moe’s Original Bbq – E $110.75

Preschool 5/1/2012 XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-0302 HEADSTART/CPP Gourmet China Purchase Gourmet China $362.50
(let’s hope our Preschoolers got their Fortune Cookies!)

District office Administration 
4/3/2012 XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-0294 HEADSTART/CPP Smiling Moose Deli Purchase Smiling Moose Deli $439.44

What is “Learning Services”?
4/10/2012 XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-0175 LEARNING SERVICES Smiling Moose Deli Purchase Smiling Moose Deli $58.44
4/28/2012 XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-0100 LEARNING SERVICES Southpark Wine & Seafood Purchase Southpark Wine & Seafood $32.00
4/29/2012 XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-0100 LEARNING SERVICES Starbucks Corp00004747 Purchase Starbucks $11.60
4/27/2012 XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-0076 LEARNING SERVICES Starbucks Corp00066159 Purchase Starbucks $44.85

A “Special Hyatt/Marriott Rate” for Special Ed?
4/15/2012 XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-5630 SPECIAL EDUCATION Hyatt Hotels Denver Cc Lodging for CEC Conference in Denver Hyatt Hotels $717.00

4/13/2012 XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-5853 SPECIAL EDUCATION Marriott 33759 Denver Cc Lodging for CEC Conference in Denver parking WiFi  room tax Marriott $506.66...."
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"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily News "School board rejects first in line of teacher appeals"

In addition to teacher led foreign language programs being replaced by the equally high caliber of learning foreign languages  through technology based teachings; our public school systems could also outsource physical education departments at significant savings to the education system.

Especially in outdoor rich environments such as what we have here in Colorado.

Middle School and High School Athletics could instead be revenue generating, tourism drawing athletic clubs.  Volleyball, basketball, golf, skiing, tennis and so much more.  Highly likely to have a lot more participation from kids due to the social aspects.

Read the next post following very closely and coming off the Eagle County Times.

How about you?  Would you rather find superior education means for a number of programs in our public education system and return their funding to the basics of education or continue to do nothing unless budget cuts force the issue while meantime, back at admin the lavish spending of tax dollars continues?   

Randy Wyrick:
"EAGLE, Colorado — In the middle of Teacher Appreciation Week, the school board Wednesday upheld a decision to lay off Nancy Bujnowski.

The foreign-language teacher has spent her entire 21-year career at Eagle Valley High School. She's four years from retirement.

She and the district's other two foreign-language teachers are all being replaced by a computer program, Aventa, for which students must pay at least $150 per semester, the district said.

The board's unanimous vote followed almost two dozen people — students and adults, alike — asking the school board to save Bujnowski and the other foreign language teachers, citing the importance of foreign language learning in an increasingly global economy. They pointed out that foreign-language classes are where students learn English-language grammar and syntax.

“They're not getting it in English classes,” said Dr. Chuck Vogel, one of Bujnowski's Eagle Valley teaching colleagues, citing several university studies...."  (Read more? Click title)

"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Time to occupy ourselves"

Paul Anderson:
"A cynic remarked that the Occupy Wall Street movement only wants the 99 percent to become the 1 percent. If that were so, they would be occupying the White House with pitchforks and flaming torches instead of city parks with tents and placards.

The occupiers' revolution is nuanced by their quest not to destroy the corporate-political infrastructure but to temper the greed and selfishness of Wall Street by spreading egalitarian virtues through peaceful cultural evolution.

Never mind that capitalism is antithetical to the idea or that human nature seems hardwired for scarcity and entitlement. And while spreading the wealth is a great idea, the 99 percent also should realize that they too must pony up for the Third World's share, not just the 1 percent. They might feel impoverished, but they're still richer than most.

I'm all for the viral spread of fairness, but I wonder if the disenfranchised 99 percent is compromising its message through social media. Marshall McLuhan warned about this in 1967 — “The medium is the message.”

Social media are incredibly popular and supposedly breathing new life into civic and political participation. Perhaps one day they will even stitch together a deep human connection instead of spamming the world with minutiae.

To my thinking, a different kind of revolution is needed before social networks rise above the superfluities of chat to take on real significance.

Rather than Occupy Wall Street, dissenters first ought to Occupy Ourselves. Inner resources should be developed before social networking can propel us into the new realms of altruism the 99 percent stridently endorses......"  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Pitkin County archaeology discovery includes prehistoric tools and weapons"

Andrew Travers:
"More than two dozen prehistoric tools and weapons found on an undeveloped plot in Pitkin County could provide archaeologists information about hunter-gatherer toolmaking in the West.

The find, on private property in the Emma area, on Bear Ridge Road, was reported last week to the Pitkin County commissioners. The owners of the site, David Brown and Jody Anthes, have building rights on the property. They asked the local government last week to place it, instead, on the county’s historical register and grant them two transferable development rights.

An archaeological survey of the site, conducted in December and made public last week, concluded the artifacts are from the Archaic Period, which ran roughly from 6400 to 400 B.C.

Archaeologists who surveyed the site for its owners recommended it as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.....'  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Alpenglow"

All Credit Bob Berwyn:
SUMMIT COUNTY —Alpenglow is one of those visual feasts best best observed in the mountains, thanks to the vertical topography. While the term is sometimes applied loosely to any sunset or sunrise light on the mountains, true alpenglow refers to a special moment when particles in the air scatter the sun’s light while the sun is still below the horizon — essentially highlighting the red-orange part of the spectrum. For more, read this discussion at photo.net.

SandBoxBlogs: Legal Insurrection "Happy Mothers Day to every unapologetic mom fighting in the trenches"

Anne Sorock:
"This Mothers Day we are all given the opportunity to step back and thank our mothers for the often thankless job of bringing us up. This year in particular, I’d like to give a shout-out to the type of mother who just makes the liberals squirm — mine.

My stay-at-home mom, who left her MBA career to raise three children and ended up as enemy number one of the local teachers union, couldn’t have been a better example of what a selfless mother can provide to her children. Her stay-at-home-mom career is one to which I aspire, which I would view as the apex of all my years of education and life experience. (In the meantime, I’ve got Legal Insurrection.)

Like many children who adore their mothers, I think mine was unusually apt in her role. From hand-sewn Halloween costumes to Civil War battlefield spring break trips, she was the main architect of an appropriately strict but loving upbringing. We had the freedom to get ourselves into numerous scrapes, but the foundation from which to understand the right way to get out of them.

We were sent away from the age of 9 to 18 to summer camp in Colorado at her insistence, despite the remonstrances of soccer coaches and the allure of grade-point-average-padding summer school tutors. She wanted us to face fear, appreciate the outdoors, a healthy level of danger, and develop that knowledge that (I think) mountains uniquely carve into those who test themselves against them....."
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"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: The Hill/Hillicon Valley "FTC steps in as Obama’s chief enforcer on Internet privacy"

Controlling whether or not your social media data is sold or given to third parties by the social site you're using is done by simply controlling your personal settings on your account or profile.

When will our federal agencies and lawmakers look at the internet in relation to the day-to-day reality of the folks?

The problems are law enforcement problems not regulatory problems. 

All the money we spend on things like this new FTC department should be spent educating cops on all the ways there are and the tools used by people with ill-intent to harm individual lives.

The folks who have been victimized on every level from privacy to social to financial would be the first to step up and vote down the waste of resources things like this new FTC approach are and the over-reach of bills like SOPA.

For sure, the more stories like this make headlines, the more educated the folks become on what they do and do not need when  it comes to internet privacy and crime.

Why is it so hard for authorities to do same? For that matter, why are there no mechanisms within law enforcement to meet the growing needs of the folks when it comes to internet crime?

Brendan Sosso:
"As people share more information about their lives with companies like Google and Facebook, many privacy advocates, government officials and consumers are worried about how those companies handle that data and how much access advertisers have to it.


Under Chairman Jon Leibowitz, the FTC has stepped into the void as the main government agency focused on online privacy protection.

In a speech earlier this year, Leibowitz referred to the FTC as the "nation’s privacy protection agency....."
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"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "CBP U.S. Border Patrol Canine Teams Prove Successful in Intercepting Drugs"

"Tucson, Ariz. – Multiple CBP U.S. Border Patrol canine teams made significant discoveries in the past 48 hours, according to agents reporting simultaneous cocaine and marijuana seizures.

Nogales Station agents working at the I-19 checkpoint Tuesday arrested an individual attempting to smuggle cocaine after a canine detection team alerted to the vehicle as it entered the primary inspection lanes. The driver and vehicle were moved to a secondary inspection where agents discovered multiple bricks of cocaine worth approximately $625,000.

 

Wilcox Station agents working at the State Highway 191 checkpoint made a similar find when a canine team located approximately 100 pounds of marijuana hidden throughout a vehicle. Following the driver’s arrest, the narcotics, valued at about $50,000, and vehicle were seized for evidence.

 

Both smugglers face possible federal prosecution.

 

Specially trained Border Patrol canines prove highly valuable in searches for hidden people and narcotics.

 

Every canine working in the field first undergoes a rigorous selection and instruction process, followed by weeks of specialized training with their assigned handler. Specialty teams provide the Border Patrol a way to customize their rapid response tactics to ensure safer border communities.

 

Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "ICE grants Basalt woman one-year deportation delay"

Norma Galindo "Morales" "Gonzales", has been given a one-year stay from deportation by ICE.

Not by the efforts of immigration lawyer Ted Hess.

Nor by the bullying tactics of AYUA and CIRC.

Not by the biased coverages by a few newspapers.  And not by the concentrated internet spin, including viral baiting, by the techie wiz's who do such 'creative' marketing.

Norma Galindo has been given the reprieve by ICE. 

Now that ICE also has another year in the case of Norma Galindo Morales Gonzales,  it will be very interesting to see what Norma Galindo Morales Gonzales does to meet all of her obligations from the past, the present and likely the next year. 

Equally interesting to watch how the folks and the media continue to cover the saga of Norma Galindo Morales Gonzales.

Thank you goes out to ICE for exerting their authority and their leniency for whatever reasons they may have had to do so. 

(Read the Aspen Times take on the story?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Transportation, recreation, agitation"

Good report from Chad Abraham.  Up on the Aspen Daily News.

Just think.

All this just so we can have still more busses, running out of tricked-out transit sites, with state-of-the-art 'clean' energy.........yet still carry less than a 25% capacity load of bodies all day, every day up and down the valley.  Subsidized by millions upon millions of dollars from local, state and federal taxpayers.

Great cash cow, if you're powerful enough to take it.  Talk about a boondoggle!

"There's always more money for RFTA."
  
Chad Abraham:
"...Progress is never easy — projects involving a new recreation center and the realignment of roads in El Jebel are being scrutinized by five jurisdictions — and BRT is no different. The transportation authority has tried to soften the impact, dubbing the nation’s first rural bus rapid transit system VelicoRFTA, but those dealing with the agency says it has little problem playing hardball to get what it wants....."
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"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Travel: Explore Colorado canyon country'

All photo credit:  Stan Wagon
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Utah may get all the press when it comes to natural sandstone arches, but Colorado has an impressive collection of its own. In fact, the sandstone plateaus and canyons southwest of Grand Junction, near Colorado National Monument, have one of the greatest collections of natural stone arches, centered around Rattlesnake and Mee canyons.

Part-time Summit County resident, explorer and snow sculptor extraordinaire Stan Wagon treks to the canyons each spring, avoiding the more trodden ground around Moab to explore some of Colorado’s wildest backcountry. As a Summit Voice contributor, Wagon has frequently shared his adventures with readers here. You can read about last year’s arches excursion, and get more information on the area in this Summit Voice story. More specific information on access and locations are at this page on Wagon’s website.

This year’s photo essay features some amazing wildlife photography in addition to the stunning photos of the arches, so please read on and visit Wagon’s Utah web page for much more....."
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SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall/Scott Rasmussen "Lugar Loss Highlights Sour Relationship Between Voters and Politicians"

Scott Rasmussen:
"When relationships go bad, an early warning sign is that one side doesn't really hear what the other is saying. That's certainly the case today in the relationship between voters and America's political class.

Many in Washington, D.C., took comfort over the past year in polling data showing that fewer voters consider themselves part of the tea party movement. Only 13 percent claim such a tie today, roughly half its peak in 2010. This was reassuring to those in power, suggesting voters were willing to let the politicians return to politics as usual.

But the panic returned to Washington this week, following the defeat of 36-year incumbent Sen. Richard Lugar in a Republican primary election.

The reality that the politicians missed is that declining membership in the tea party did not mean a decline in anger at the political class. That's because the tea party has always been strongest when it tapped into concerns that most Americans shared. In particular, the tea party highlighted the twin problems of continuous government spending growth and a self-serving political class that's out of touch with voters.

Today, only 33 percent are even somewhat confident that their representative in Congress is looking out for the best interests of their constituents. Only 8 percent are very confident.

Sixty-five percent are angry at the policies of the federal government, but few see anybody in Washington willing to take on the status quo. There is a strong belief that Democrats are the party of big government and the Republicans the party of big business. Seven out of 10 believe big government and big business work together against the rest of us..."
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"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Denver Post "Colorado bond companies' role in school campaigns raises questions"

David Olinger:
"When Colorado citizens vote to borrow money to build new schools, a library or a recreation center, the crusader behind the curtain is often the investment banker who gets paid to sell the bonds.

For those pushing bond issues in a tough economic climate, help from a bond underwriter can mean the difference between election day success and defeat. But the prevalence of bond house involvement — everything from polling to designing yard signs — also raises concerns from critics who worry they exert undue influence in a campaign.

At worst, critics and experts say, governments pay bond companies extra to help pass tax increses, a potential violation of Colorado law.

"It does seem like a backdoor way of using public funds (to finance campaigns)," said Colorado Ethics Watch director Luis Toro. "To say there's no chance of corruption is totally out of touch."

The Denver Post analyzed 15 successful Colorado bond campaigns backed by large contributions from investment banks. In every case, the bank that helped finance the campaign sold the bonds....."
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"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Union Leader "A constitutional amendment worth everyone's support"

Charles Arlinghaus:
"An amendment on education funding in New Hampshire is long overdue and is only common sense. The only thing stopping the Legislature from putting one on the ballot are the misconceptions of one group of people and the tax fantasies of another. Both groups should be overlooked and an amendment adopted.

The source of the conflict is a series of state Supreme Court rulings called the Claremont decisions. They basically said that the way we had funded education — largely through local property taxes with a small amount of state aid — was unconstitutional.

They interpreted the phrase “cherish the interest of literature and the sciences, and all seminaries and public schools,” to mean that the state can't delegate its authority and has to use a state, not a local, tax to pay for a basic portion of the funding. The inherent ambiguity of the phrase is what led many people to think of the decision as a bit of an overreach.

Some of the more liberal-leaning legislators hoped the decision would force an income tax or at least a transfer of education to the state, creating one big school district, if you will. But that was always a fantasy, and there has never been much support for a state school district (nor should there be)....." 
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"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Judge rules against SkiCo in hotdog negligence lawsuit"

Chad Abraham:
"A jury may find that the Aspen Skiing Co. acted “heedlessly and recklessly” when it directed lift attendants to cook hotdogs for skiers before a loading accident involving a Basalt man, a judge ruled Thursday.

Judge Denise Lynch of Pitkin County District Court also ruled that SkiCo is potentially liable for negligence in the lawsuit Ryan Bradley filed despite his signing of the standard waiver to get a season pass.

Bradley sued SkiCo in February 2011 for more than $100,000, alleging that his shoulder was injured when lift operators failed to remove a metal jake table from the Temerity chair he was about to get on.

The metal tables are installed on chairlifts, along with a toboggan, so patrollers can transport injured skiers. The lift operators said they had forgotten the device was still attached when the chair swung back around. Bradley contends the lift workers were distracted because they were cooking hotdogs on a nearby grill. His companions were able to jump out of the way, but Bradley said he was knocked down.

SkiCo has a tradition of cooking wieners for skiers on Wednesdays, though the snacks are often served up on other days as well, said Bradley’s attorney, Evan Banker of Denver. The SkiCo’s hotdog habit violated the state’s Ski Safety Act and Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Act, the lawsuit alleges....."
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"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: KREX News 5 "New Utah Drilling Project to Bring Jobs to the Western Slope"

 Danielle Kreutter:
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- This week U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced the approval of a major natural gas drilling project in Eastern Utah.

The plan will allow Anadarko Petroleum to develop more than 3,600 gas wells in Eastern Utah, but local gas and oil officials say that plan will have indirect benefits to service companies on the Western Slope.

"It's no question," said David Ludlam, the executive director of the Western Slope Colorado Oil and Gas Association. "There will be an indirect benefit to our community when you have specialized service companies out of Western Colorado going out and getting work done in Eastern Utah...."
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"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News "Moose on the loose, so steer clear"

Janice Kurbjan:
"When moose and bears start showing up near homes, officials start getting worried.

Not because the wildlife is there — humans in the High Country live in the animals' home, afterall — but because often, humans don't treat the beasts like beasts.

“We've had multiple incidents in Willowbrook with moose,” Silverthorne Police Chief Mark Hanschmidt said. “There are three or four moose wandering around the neighborhoods (there).”

None of the moose have shown signs of aggression, even when people approach far too close for comfort for those who know what the animals are capable of. But there's never any telling what will set a mamma or bull moose off, sending them charging at a bystander, Hanschmidt said.

And when a bear shows up in Dillon Valley, as it did Thursday morning, it's not something to approach closely for pictures — which is what officials witnessed.

“The wildlife is out and it's great to see it. I'm happy people are aware and seeing all these animals, but they don't realize it's dangerous,” Hanschmidt said. “They are wild animals. They need their space. People assuming that they're not dangerous and can walk right up and take pictures are wrong.”

Hanschmidt remembers when he was walking his dog one night in Willowbrook about five years ago. A female moose, unprovoked, approached and put her head down to charge....."
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"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "On the fly: The meaning of fishing"

Kirk Webb:
"BASALT — The fishing throughout the valley has been pretty incredible lately.

The Rocky Mountain Regional Championship for Fly Fishing Team USA was held in Basalt last weekend. Huge numbers of fish were put up on the board and tallied — so much so that most anglers cannot even fathom catching fish at such a ferocious pace. It just goes to show that good anglers succeed in a wide variety of conditions, habitats and water types as anglers competed on the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork rivers as well as on Ruedi Reservoir......"  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Photoblog: Lovett and Hiatt in Breckenridge"

Getting a late start to the day, I felt like going back into the archives of Bob Berwyn's Summit  County Citizens Voice.

Take a listen:

SandBoxBlogs: Colorado Statesman "Romney energizes supporters, mines votes in state"

"Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, energized supporters at a K.P. Kauffman Co. drill site outside Ft. Lupton on Wednesday when he denounced the solar and wind focus of the Obama administration and dug in deep with his call for increased domestic production of oil and gas.

Romney, who four years ago was the presidential choice of Republicans in the state before John McCain won the nomination, was well received at the drill site at a privately-owned local company founded by Kevin Kauffman some 30 years ago “with $100 on the kitchen table, an idea and a dream.”

In a state laden with oil and gas — and a populace split between wanting to see more development but also concerned with environmental hazards — Romney’s comments were interpreted under a political guise. His campaign released a list of press accounts beforehand that sought to prove their point about Obama’s failing energy policies. Headlines from some of the stories they forwarded emphasized that gas prices have more than doubled from when Obama was sworn into office. Other abbreviated media reports jabbed the president for his focus on wind and solar power at the expense of oil and gas production and exploration.

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"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Newsmax " Rasmussen Poll: Momentous Breakthrough for Romney"

Martin Gould:
"Mitt Romney surged to his largest opinion poll lead yet in the presidential race on Friday, two days after President Barack Obama came out in favor of gay marriage.

The GOP challenger reached 50 percent support for the first time in the Rasmussen Reports daily tracking poll. That put him ahead of Obama among likely voters by seven percentage points.

The poll, released on Friday, showed a three-point swing to Romney from the previous day, when Romney had a four-point edge over the president in a head-to-head contest..."
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"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Hot Air Blog "New book explains why Hillary won’t be replacing Biden on the ticket this year"

Ed Morrissey:
"Still think that Barack Obama might pull a convention surprise and put Hillary Clinton on the ticket and bounce the human gaffe machine Joe Biden out of his administration?  Edward Klein has a reminder for all of us why Hillary wasn’t on the ticket in 2008.  The title for Klein’s new book for Regnery on Barack Obama, The Amateur, comes from a conversation that took place last summer between Hillary and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, in a passage excerpted by the New York Post today:

“Barack Obama,” Bill Clinton said, according to book excerpts, “is an amateur.”
The withering criticism is incredible, given the fact that Bill Clinton is actively campaigning for Obama’s re-election.
But according to the book, Bill Clinton unloaded on Obama and pressed Hillary to run against her boss during a gathering in the ex-president’s home office in Chappaqua last August that included longtime friends, Klein said.
“The economy’s a mess, it’s dead flat. America has lost its Triple-A rating . . . You know better than Obama does,” Bill said.
Bill Clinton insisted he had “no relationship” with Obama and had been consulted more frequently by his presidential successor, George W. Bush.
Obama, Bill Clinton said, “doesn’t know how to be president” and is “incompetent.”

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"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Intellectual Conservative "The Artificial Eight Percent Unemployment Rate Is Immaterial"

Christopher Adamo:
"Liberal media minions are atwitter over the manufactured unemployment statistic which has been steadily lowering in recent months and now approaches the eight percent milestone. Prominent conservatives have also noted the suspiciously timed “drop” in the nation’s unemployment, and are expressing dismay over its blatantly fabricated nature. Yet at the same time they are concerned over its possible effects on the reelection prospects of Barack Obama.

 

Such apprehension is understandable. Historically a sitting president’s chances for reelection are nil when the unemployment rate exceeds the eight percent threshold. More significant to the present situation however is the fact that the ostensible improvement in the nation’s employment debacle is clearly contrived. The books are being juggled to a degree that makes Enron accounting look downright virtuous. Yet nowhere among the nightly news anchors is it suggested that such manipulations coming from the highest levels of the federal government might be a breach of the peoples’ trust, or more accurately, evidence of a political strategy based on total deceit.

 

Lengthy analyses of the raw numbers, combined with “revised” data compiled over the past several months, undeniably reveal a serial pattern of falsified government bookkeeping for the purpose of putting a positive face on the unprecedented disaster of Obamanomics. Key players within the Obama team, abetted by their media lapdogs, ominously foreshadow intentions of buttressing the shameless hoax with those unemployment numbers, their end goal being to present the public with a rosy picture of the nation’s economy on Election Day in order to convince everyone that the bliss of Obama’s America needs to be perpetuated....."

(Read more? Click title)

 

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "U.S. Customs and Border Protection Announces Two New Centers of Excellence and Expertise"

"Washington — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Acting Commissioner David V. Aguilar announced today the expansion of the Centers of Excellence and Expertise (CEE), which will create a center for Automotive and Aerospace in Detroit and one for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Minerals in Houston.

 

These virtual centers will provide one-stop processing to lower the Trade’s cost of business, provide greater consistency and predictability, and enhance CBP enforcement efforts. The Centers represent CBP’s expanded focus on “Trade in the 21st Century,” transforming customs procedures to align with modern business. By having the Centers focus on industry-specific issues, CBP is able to provide tailored support to unique trading environments.

 

“I am proud to announce the expansion of this initiative. These centers bring all of CBP’s trade expertise to bear on a single industry in one strategic location,” said Acting Commissioner Aguilar. “They provide tailored support to increase uniformity across ports of entry, facilitate the timely resolution of trade compliance issues nationwide, and strengthen critical agency knowledge of key industry practices.”

 

The CEEs will bring all of CBP's trade expertise to bear on a single industry in a strategic location. They will be staffed with numerous trade positions using account management principles that are able to authoritatively facilitate trade issues. The CEEs will also serve as resources to the broader trade community and to CBP’s U.S. government partners.

 

Center personnel will answer questions, provide information and develop trade facilitation strategies to address uniformity and compliance concerns. They will also serve as a single point of processing for businesses enrolled in CBP’s trusted shipper programs: the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Importer Self-Assessment (ISA).

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Washington Post "Afghan commanders show new defiance in dealings with Americans"

Kevin Sieff:
"KABUL —Afghan commanders have refused more than a dozen times within the past two months to act on U.S. intelligence regarding high-level insurgents, arguing that night-time operations to target the men would result in civilian casualties, Afghan officials say.

The defiance highlights the shift underway in Afghanistan as Afghan commanders make use of their newfound power to veto operations proposed by their NATO counterparts...."
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"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Kidderminster Shuttle "Plea hearing delayed for Kidderminster murder accused"

(See related story, other related posts and links within posts (and) public commentary on all here)

(See other (local) reporters styles on this latest Bebb-Jones story by clicking here and here) 

Comment abililty is blocked on this post.

 Jennifer Meierhans:
".....On Thursday, Matt Morriss, a deputy public defender, used the Ashworth development as part of an argument for asking Judge Dan Petre to delay the plea decision.

Mr Morriss said it called into question some of what happened at a recent preliminary hearing, which concluded with Petre binding Bebb-Jones over for trial.

Det Ashworth was a key witness in the hearing.

Judge Petre delayed the plea date until June 6 in hopes that a last-minute plea agreement might be reached to avoid a trial that 9th Judicial District Attorney Martin Beeson said could last six to eight weeks.

Attorney Beeson told Judge Petre that Bebb-Jones rejected a previous plea deal and none were on the table now. Attorney Beeson said if the case goes to trial, as many as 200 witnesses might be called to the stand....."  (Read more?  Click title)

(This post is one of the infrequent commentary posts that I give regarding the 9th Judicial District.  Note disclaimer below)

"The Truth Hurts. 

Sometimes, the truth really hurts. 

Not just feuding strategies amongst attorneys and their cases, but lives that seemingly have nothing to do with those cases.  When does this happen?  That others get hurt in the cross-fire?

Sometimes because of power, politics, high ambitions and the funds to fuel super-lawyers that skillfully steer high media attention. 

Quite often 'collateral damage' happens in cases that are seen as 90% circumstantial and 10% possible substance.

Where the truth becomes corrosive to justice and/or outside the confines of ethics and law is in the failure of duty.  The law is absolute.  Duty is bound.  As Americans, in the greatest justice system in the world, we are led to inherently believe that law and duty walk hand-in-hand.  That 'collateral damage' just is not possible to become a factor in the administration of our courts.

The full truth hurts.

Here in the 9th Judicial District over the past couple of years, we have had a flurry of conflicts, accusations, dissent and very high media attention regarding our prosecutors and public defenders. 

Unfortunately coinciding with both historic and high-profile alleged criminal cases. 

A 'Perfect Storm', if you will. 

Of tragedy, politics, conflicting perception of what crimes are being committed and what crimes are not. 

Money, sex, star-filled names and glam, big power and big money walking alongside government officials that are ethic and duty bound.

Major and historic busts and arrests under the heavy- hanging umbrella of alleged public corruption and alleged failures of duty.  So much so, our cops are even in conflict and some agencies share little trust.

And yet, like the story of cases lost and the crazy battle over alleged cop-spitters and douche-bags, irretrievable consequences of the Scott DeGraffs and Daniel Bebb-Jones', we have made progress only in the past few days by finally getting to the core roots of the problems between our prosecutors and public defenders. 

As painful as it may end up being (and as historic) Chief Deputy Public Defender Tina Fang and Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin are finally getting the real core cards out on the table in front of District Court Judge Gail Nichols.

Unfortunately now, if we are to believe the media coverage,  to apparently have coming along behind them, deputy public defender Matt Morriss and his advisor,  retired public defender James Conway,  giving a toss of jet fuel  "gotcha" to the smoldering embers of District Attorney Martin Beeson's one valid point in his highly controversial 2010 "The Truth Hurts" op-ed column.

Which was that motion after motion that really are stall tactics were being filed. 

DA Beeson then went on in 2010,  to accusatory and inflammatory verbiage claiming such tactics were SOP for all criminal defenders in his district but specifically public defenders. Ironically, defenders fired back with a broad sweep of their own observations with the end result finally narrowing down to what we see now between Fang and Mordkin.

Nobody in the entire 9th Judicial District is more eager than the folks to get this war begun nearly eight years ago now under the control of our judges.  Fang and Mordkin are appreciated.

What a shame, in a case like Marcus Bebb-Jones where there are already questions of case validity for a variety of reasons, combined with the accused and the victim if she could, having serious considerations for the safety and well-being of their surviving son, Daniel; that these two public defenders cannot simply follow the stellar lead of Tina Fang and come from only the validity of facts. 

Rather than the potential of returning us all to the murky world of inflammatory and baiting language that comes from trying a case in the media. "200 witnesses" should be more than enough, one would think. 

Former Garfield County Sheriff Corporal Erik Ashworth's years of stellar reputed work, including his time on the Bebb-Jones case should not be taken away from him because of an as of yet unproven and totally unrelated accusation against him. 

No more than former Glenwood PD Paul Pedersen should be considered untrustworthy as a credible witness because of a human error in judgement that is entirely unrelated to the 40 year problem of the Aspen drug culture of which he has had stellar performances in combating.

This 'gotcha' tactic, if it is attempted by Morriss and Conway,  is sleaze and is also damning towards proving District Attorney Martin Beeson's one valid point in his attack on public defenders in  2010.

For the sake of deceased Sabrina Bebb-Jones and her son Daniel, civilians in the 9th can all be very grateful that Dan Petre is the judge who has his hands firmly on the reins."

"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."

(Disclaimer:  "Now that DA Beeson has thrown his hat in the ring for district attorney in the 9th, please take note that there will be no special treatment given to any news press surrounding his race. His articles, if they are SandBox worthy or chosen in the daily agg run-up; will be put up just like anyone else in a political race. What SandBox Commentators will continue to do, is heavily moderate his articles. (We are the only news media that provides the courtesy of moderating commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District and Mr. Beeson's articles. All 9th Judicial news articles are DA Beeson's articles)

SandBoxBlogs: Newsmax "Rep. Chaffetz: Cut DOJ Funds Now"

Henry J. Reske and Kathleen Walter:
"Eric Holder's Justice Department should not be allowed to use taxpayer funds to lie to Congress about its role in the controversial gun-walking program known as Fast and Furious, Rep. Jason Chaffetz tells Newmax TV.

The Utah Republican introduced an amendment to the Justice Department appropriations bill to cut the money from its budget, which passed the House 381-41 on Wednesday. Also approved was an amendment to cut $1 million from budget for its actions on Fast and Furious.

“You shouldn’t be using federal taxpayer dollars to lie to Congress, Chaffetz said in the exclusive interview. “We still have 40 Democrats or so disagree with that.

"The bottom line is you can’t lie to Congress and when the DOJ sent Congress a letter on February 4, 2011 and then, later — months, months later — had to rescind that because they knew that they had lied to Congress.

"Congress has got to stand up for itself," said the two-term congressman.

“It has to hold the DOJ accountable and they need to fulfill that subpoena. We were trying to reaffirm that the whole notion that the administration needs to come clean on Fast and Furious with that amendment....”

(Read more? Watch the interview? Click title)

SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "It's not attire that attracts the police"

Wendy Hobbs:
"This is in response to Debbie Centeno's letter of May 8. I don't think it's the color of a person's attire at the Strawberry Days festival or their ethnicity that will attract police attention. My suggestion would be to not have an outstanding warrant or possess drug paraphernalia while attending the festival. Also, maybe don't carry a forged instrument — just a suggestion...."  (Read more? Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers Seize Over $1.3 Million in Cocaine at Brownsville Port of Entry"

(Read similar story and the observation of a regional/local cop in Eagle County on the cycles of drug trafficking and cartels and how their 'business' affects the folks from Aspen to Vail by clicking here and meeting 'Tucker, the drug-sniffing dog')  

"Brownsville, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge discovered cocaine valued at over $1,328,000 hidden within a Nissan and concealed under a traveler’s clothing.

 

On Thursday, at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge, CBP officers encountered a 2012 Nissan Tiida being driven by a 25-year-old man accompanied by his sister, identified as a 21-year-old, both Mexico citizens and residents of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. At primary a CBP officer referred the Nissan and its occupants for a secondary examination. In secondary CBP officers discovered 16 packages hidden within the Tiida. CBP officers removed the packages containing approximately 39.3 pounds of alleged cocaine.

 

The second case this weekend also occurred at Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge. On Saturday CBP officers working northbound inspections came in contact with a male Mexico citizen as he arrived at the port of entry as a pedestrian. The man, identified as a 19-year-old resident of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico was selected and escorted to a secondary inspection. In secondary CBP officers discovered two packages concealed under his clothing. CBP officers removed the two packages which held a combined total weight of 2.2 pounds of alleged cocaine.

 

The alleged cocaine from these two seizures has an estimated street value of approximately $1,257,600 and $70,400 respectively. CBP officers turned the driver, passenger and pedestrian over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation. CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicle.

 

“These loads of alleged cocaine have been stopped at the border by our CBP officers protecting our homeland. I applaud our officers’ vigilance and thank them for their dedication to our nations’ security,” said Michael Freeman, CBP Port Director, Brownsville Port of Entry.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Citizen Telegram "Voters re-elect Rifle Fire District incumbents"

Congratulations to Rifle Fire Protection District!  Glad to see that incumbents prevailed and will hold their seats.

"In polling on Tuesday, May 8, voters re-elected all three incumbents running for the three open seats on the Rifle Fire Protection District board of directors.

Here is the vote count:

1. Yvonne Long, 52

2. John Sandquist, 48

3. Rex Rhule, 39

Former board member Lee Martens, who was seeking to return to the board after being term limited off the board, collected 32 votes, so was unsuccessful in his bid.

The election brought a turnout of 69 voters, less than 1 percent of the estimated 7,400 eligible voters in the district, said Connie Guerette, the fire district's administrative division chief and designated election official.

The fire district board will hold its next regular meeting on Wednesday, May 16, when the re-elected board members will be sworn in and new officers will be elected.

“It's always a relatively small turnout,” said Connie Guerette, the fire district's administrative division chief and designated election official....."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News "Colorado Chocolate Festival celebrates five-year anniversary this weekend"

Aaron Bible:
"Treat mom this Mother's Day weekend to a trip to Denver for the Colorado Chocolate Festival. Held at the Denver Merchandise Mart tonight and Saturday, the fifth annual event features some of the best chocolatiers and chocolate vendors from the region sampling and selling chocolates of all types...."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News "McAbee: Heartbeats"

Powerful and moving piece from Jeff McAbee today.  Over, up and down on the Summit Daily News.

Jeff McAbee:
".....But the story doesn't end there.

Taylor was an organ donor. After she was declared dead, doctors went to work removing her heart and finding a match among the long list of needy and hopeful recipients.

They found a match in the person of Patricia Winters from Arizona. Ms. Winters, a mother of two, literally got her life back when doctors put Taylor's heart in her chest.

The story got national attention when, through the Internet, Taylor's mother was able to find out where Taylor's heart ended up. A meeting was arranged, and in a powerful catharsis for the Storches, Taylor's parents listened to her young heartbeat in the chest of the woman in front of them...."
(Read more? Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Citizen Telegram "Living: It's all in how you do it"

Mike McKibbin:
"“A long life, lived well” is how I headlined a front page feature story for the Citizen Telegram three years ago. It was about Rifle's Bessie Simonson turning 100 years old.

She was — and still is, I'm sure — a truly interesting and entertaining person to talk to and write about.

This week, I found two more of our senior citizens, Joe Allen and Walt Smith, who brightened my life as well. Their stories, like Bessie's was three years ago, are also on the front page of today's Citizen Telegram. I hope it's as fun reading about them as it was talking to them.

They all show how to learn, grow, mature, and, most importantly, have fun as we go through life. That's something I know I don't always do, caught up in deadline pressure and what not. I suspect most of us are often that way...."  (Read more? Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: More spring!"

Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Fall aspen season, when the leaves turn, is rightly hailed as one of the most spectacular times of year in the high country, with splashy colors and crisp air. But the spring transition, when the trees go from bare bones to flickering green in just a few days, is equally stunning, although a bit more subtle. It’s a little harder to capture the tender green of emerging aspen leaves, since the display is not quite as showy....."  (Click title)

SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel/Breaking News "Silt Mesa family’s suit against Antero dismissed"

Bill and Beth Strudley's quest for wealth via Antero Resources has come to an end.

'bethatesantero' aka 'MrsDick' aka Beth Strudley can now move forward, we hope she does and leaves regional chat rooms.     Best wishes to her as she does that.

Congratulations to Antero.

Dennis Webb:

".....“Though the evidence shows existence of certain gases and compounds in both the air and water of Plaintiffs’ Silt home, there is neither sufficient data nor expert analysis stating with any level of probability that a causal connection does in fact exist between Plaintiffs’ injuries and Plaintiffs’ exposure to Defendants’ drilling activities,” Frick wrote in this week’s ruling.

Her decision comes after a previous order last fall giving the Strudleys’ attorneys 105 days to produce evidence addressing her questions about exposure and causation.......

......Their attorney, Corey Zurbuch, called the judge’s ruling “extremely disappointing.”

“We found it surprising. We’re looking at our options for appeal,” he said.

Dan Dunn, an attorney representing Antero, said, “Antero’s confidence in the judicial/legal system has been confirmed and justice has been done. Truly our judicial system has worked and delivered a very just result.....”  (Read more? Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Fox News "Putin opts out of G-8 summit, cancels meeting with Obama"

"WASHINGTON –  Just days after reclaiming the Russian presidency, Vladimir Putin has canceled his planned visit to the United States, where he'd been scheduled to attend a major economic summit and meet with President Obama.

The White House confirmed in a statement late Wednesday that Putin told Obama on a phone call he'd be sending Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in his place. Putin claimed he was too busy finalizing cabinet appointments to make the May 18-19 G-8 Summit at Camp David. Yet the Obama administration had moved the gathering to the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland from the planned venue in Chicago partly to accommodate Putin.

Whether or not the schedule change marked an intentional snub, the let-down comes less than a week after the nation's military chief of staff warned that Russia would consider preemptive strikes, if a dispute with the United States over a Europe-based missile defense system worsens...."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Right Scoop "Mark Levin: The Tea Party is strong and the Reagan Democrats are back!"

Scoop:
"Mark Levin says that after last night’s elections in Wisconsin and West Virginia, it’s clear that the Reagan Democrats are back. Which is why, Levin says, that Obama chose today to come out and endorse gay marriage...."  (Listen to Levin's podcast? Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: The Hill "The Hill's House ratings: GOP in position to keep control of chamber"

Josh Lederman and Cameron Joseph:
"Democratic prospects in the House have improved slightly, but Republicans are positioned to retain control of the lower chamber, according to an analysis by The Hill.

It's a tough fight for Democrats, who need to net about two dozen seats to retake control of the House.

In New York, the redistricting process shuffled the map, resulting in lawmakers from both parties becoming more vulnerable in their reelection bids. The seats held by Republican Reps. Chris Gibson and Nan Hayworth move from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican,” while Democratic Rep. Kathy Hochul’s seat moved from “lean Democratic” to “toss-up....” (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Red State "Infographic: The Obama Economy "

The 'Caleb Howe' Diary brings a really interesting Infographic today.  Somewhere out there on Red State.

Click title.

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall "Obama gets a Keystone Mulligan"

(See related story and public comments here)

Bob Beauprez:
"Barack Obama is going to get another shot at getting the decision of the Keystone XL Pipeline right.  The Canadian company, TransCanada, seeking to build the massive delivery system that would transport 800,000 barrels of oil from the Canadian tar sands to Texas refineries announced it is resubmitting an application for permitting approval.

Obama killed the jobs creating, energy supplying proposal in January to appease his radical environmental constituency that opposes anything connected with the hydrocarbon industry.  Criticism of his blatantly political decision came from all corners of the spectrum including the President's usually loyal labor unions who coveted the employment opportunities the pipeline would generate....."
(Read more? Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Daily Caller "Obama, Holder silent as Brian Terry memorial act unanimously passes House, Senate"

Matthew Boyle:
"President Barack Obama maintains silence on the Brian A. Terry Memorial Act that passed the Democratic-controlled Senate unanimously on Tuesday evening. The Republican-controlled House passed it unanimously in December.

Drug cartel members used guns the Obama administration allowed to fall into their hands via Operation Fast and Furious to murder Terry, a Border Patrol agent, on Dec. 15, 2010....."
(Read more? Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Eagle Valley Enterprise "America's First Ladies have great stories to share"

Sharyn Smith:
"...It was fascinating to learn what the wives endured while their husbands governed. Many of them were left to care for children and farms or plantations with minimal help. Long separations and financial hardship was often the rule. Often husbands found it difficult to earn a living while they were in government service. Early government wages were nonexistent or minimal, but expectations were that the Presidential families would host lavish entertainments at their own expense. Sometimes the families were expected to pay to furnish the White House.

Here are a few facts about the earliest first ladies I found interesting. Martha Washington was a young widow of 27 with two children when she married George Washington. Her experience managing the plantation that she inherited from her first husband enabled her to manage and assist George when he resupplied troops from his own resources. Martha had spent time at many military camps by the time she went to Valley Forge during the harsh winter of 1778. Her presence and interest in the soldiers boosted camp morale. Martha's severe case of measles early in the marriage is one explanation why she and George never had children of their own....."  (Read more?  Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/News in brief "Speeding motorist busted for drugs"

(Read similar story and public comments here)

"RULISON, Colorado — Sheriff's deputies stopped a speeding westbound vehicle passing by Rulison on I-70 at 10 p.m. Monday and arrested the driver for possession of illegal drugs, according to a release issued Wednesday by the Garfield County Sheriff's Department.

After impounding the vehicle, because the driver had no proof of insurance, the deputies found nearly 16 grams of suspected heroin and about one gram of suspected marijuana in the vehicle. The street value of the drugs is estimated at $1,500 to $2,000, the release stated.

Before pulling over, the driver hit 91 mph on the highway, the release stated.

The driver, Floyd Edward Hamilton, 22, of Denver, was arrested on suspicion of speeding 10 mph over the limit, driving without proof of insurance, possession of heroin, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Garfield County Jail....." (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: WSET ABC 13 "APNewsBreak: Venezuelan judge talking to US"

BRADLEY KLAPPER and LUIS ALONSO LUGO:
"WASHINGTON (AP) - A former Venezuelan Supreme Court justice whose flight to the United States has enraged President Hugo Chavez's government is talking to federal law enforcement agents, U.S. officials said Wednesday, providing intelligence that could embarrass Chavez's anti-U.S. government and lead to tougher U.S. action against purported drug trafficking networks.

The former magistrate, Eladio Aponte, has been in the U.S. for almost a month, arriving from Central America after accusing Venezuelan officials of drug links and corruption and claiming he had evidence to back his allegations. Venezuela's National Assembly expelled him from the court in March for allegedly helping a drug trafficker.

A U.S. official said Aponte will speak publicly in the next weeks, once he arranges for family members to be relocated. The comments confirmed a rare example of a top Venezuelan official cooperating with the Justice Department and Drug Enforcement Administration and suggested Aponte may be arranging a deal with Washington for immunity or a new home......"  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "Smugglers Continue to Endanger Lives"

"Tucson, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents have seen an increase during the past few weeks in the number of incidents involving smugglers concealing illegal aliens in vehicle trunks. It’s dangerous and has proven fatal in some cases.

 

“Trunk smuggling” is an age-old method of concealing contraband – or people – in a vehicle’s trunk in hopes the crime will go undetected by law enforcement. Our experienced agents have engaged in targeted enforcement operations which resulted in the rescue of 25 illegal aliens locked in vehicle trunks throughout the state last month.

 

Trunk smuggling illustrates the disregard smugglers have for human life. Often, illegal immigrants learn this the hard way after they agree to be smuggled into the United States. Entering the country illegally is inherently dangerous; even more so when individuals partner with profit-focused smugglers.

 

“The Border Patrol recognizes the dangers associated with human smuggling,” said Manuel Padilla, Jr., Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Tucson Sector Border Patrol. “We stand ready with our partners to identify, target and dismantle these criminal organizations that pose a risk to citizens on both sides of the border.”

CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free.

 

 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "CBP Seizes 2 Tons of Marijuana During Cinco De Mayo Weekend"

"El Paso, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the El Paso area ports of entry seized 4,227 pounds of marijuana this weekend. The drugs were seized in 10 enforcement actions and have a combined estimated street value of $3,381,600.

“CBP officers remain vigilant and focused on the mission which this weekend unveiled a variety of smuggling attempts including a cargo shipment, a tour bus and a juvenile,” said acting CBP El Paso Port Director of Field Operations David Higgerson.

The largest seizure of the weekend was made Saturday at the Ysleta international crossing commercial cargo lot at the El Paso port of entry. The seizure was made shortly after 2 p.m. when a flatbed trailer hauling a load of irrigation equipment entered the compound from Mexico. CBP officers directed the vehicle to an x-ray unit which showed an anomaly. A CBP drug sniffing dog searched the vehicle and alerted. CBP officers removed 2,566 pounds of marijuana from the shipment. The drugs were concealed in metal canisters that were hidden inside the equipment. No arrests were made and the investigation continues.

 

While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in impressive numbers of enforcement actions in all categories.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Take a common-sense approach toward energy"

(Read one of Sturm's 'local's fav' columns on the green industry here)

Melanie Sturm:
".....After “investing” $110 billion since 2009, the sector is littered with taxpayer-backed, bankrupt companies like Solyndra, Beacon Power and Ener1, all of which paid bonuses before going under. Reuters reported last month that “the wind industry … has shed 10,000 jobs since 2009 even as the energy capacity of wind farms has nearly doubled” … while the demonized “oil and gas industry added 75,000 jobs.”

The truth is that industries that aren't economically viable don't create real jobs, and those that are viable don't need subsidies. Plagued by competitive disadvantages like sun and wind intermittence, and expensive land, capital, transmission and backup capacity, these technologies are uncompetitive small-market players and remain subsidy-dependent.

Despite receiving 53.5 percent of federal financial support for the electric-power sector, wind and solar supply only 4 percent of U.S. power at a cost 100 to 300 percent more than conventional sources, according to the Energy Information Administration. A University of Wyoming study noted that because green policies increase prices, the “economic benefits derived from building renewable energy facilities in the short run are more than offset by losses in economic output and employment,” thus hurting the poorest and most vulnerable.

Additionally, given renewables' green patina, many don't appreciate their adverse environmental impacts beyond the eyesore, noise, water usage and wildlife destruction. Called “energy sprawl” by the Nature Conservancy, renewable energies require vastly more land while producing significantly less energy than conventional energy. Most disconcerting, their incurable intermittence requires utilities to rely on conventional power to cycle up when there's no wind or sun and power down when there is, thus diminishing carbon-reduction advantages...."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Eagle Valley Enterprise "Eagle voters return to the polls to decide Eagle River Station's fate"

(See related story and public comments here)

Pam Boyd:
"It doesn't take much more than a quick trip through Eagle to figure out something's brewing in the community — with dozens and dozens of colorful yard signs popping up all over private property and public rights of way.

Eagle River Station is again before the voters.

On Tuesday, May 22, Eagle residents will decide the future of the commercial/residential project proposed on the eastern end of town. Eagle currently has 3,977 registered voters and of that number, 1,720 citizens already have their ballots in hand because they have elected to receive them by mail. For those who opt to vote in person, the polls will be open at Eagle Town Hall between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 22.

This marks the second time voters will decide the project's fate.

Eagle River Station is a commercial/residential project proposed by Trinity RED Development. The 88-acre site is located south of Interstate 70 and north of U.S. Highway 6. The ERS proposal would include 582,000 square feet of commercial space and 250 rental units in the first phase. The second phase calls for up to 150,000 square feet of additional commercial space and another 300 rental units...."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Job of relocating coaster to Glenwood filled with twists, turns"

(See related story and local public commentary here)

A 'well done' shout out goes to the area's avatars in commentary who not only were strong enough to raise their voices in protest of the 'free pass' style that Garfield County Commissioners gave to Steve Beckley and Glenwood Adventure Park's latest expansion; they have been courageous enough to go direct to source and express concerns about safety.

From their comments, most then opted to give Beckley another chance.  See what he would do. 

Buy a deeply discounted roller coaster, haul it in and install it  without engaging all the channels of government entities that have authority over that kind of endeavor?  Or be the Steve Beckley they all know and respect and do things the right way.

Looks like Steve stepped up. 

Leaving, after another estimated million dollars out of pocket,  the need to meet his obligations to answer the concerns over wildlife, vibration related to rock slides over the canyon highway and noise impact with a roller coaster that pumps out an "80-second, 1,600-foot-long trip with speeds up to 34 mph".  

Dennis Webb:
"....Glenwood Caverns started out with cave tours in 1999......

.....But its biggest addition is the former Windstorm coaster, which it is renaming the Cliffhanger because of its location. Perched near the top of Iron Mountain and on the edge of Glenwood Canyon, it will offer breathtaking views of the canyon and the Roaring Fork and Colorado river valleys as riders experience thrilling drop-offs and tight curves during an 80-second, 1,600-foot-long trip with speeds up to 34 mph. At 7,160 feet high, it’s the highest-elevation adult roller coaster in the world, Heard said.

Getting the coaster to the mountains first involved shipping the coaster cars to Florida to be tested, and their wheels and bearings replaced. The disassembled track likewise has undergone testing, refurbishing and sandblasting and will be repainted......

.....Now the parts and pieces are being shipped to Glenwood Springs in what is expected to take about a dozen trips by semi trucks.....

...Although the coaster came with operating and maintenance manuals, that wasn’t the case when it came to assembly instructions. And that’s where Litts comes in.....

“The ability to find someone like that is huge,” she said.....

.....Heard said the coaster purchase and installation probably will cost about $1 million when all is said and done.

“We’ll probably spend $50,000 just in bolts, in hardware,” she said.

Old bolts and fasteners—about 2,000 of them—must be replaced with new ones in order to properly meet specifications for torque, or tightness.....

....Glenwood Caverns had a concrete base installed for the coaster, but included drains into underlying gravel. That way, the concrete won’t keep precipitation from feeding into the extensive caverns system beneath Iron Mountain and continuing to contribute to the underground ecosystem and growth of other-worldly formations...."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Citizen Telegram "Jazz in Rifle? You got it"

Mike McKibbin:
"Many a song about a young, struggling musician includes a line about singing or playing in small venues to hone their crafts.

In the case of Joe Allen and Walt Smith, though, they've already done that. Long ago. And to some level of notoriety.

Now, every Saturday night, Allen stands next to his 1928 string bass, while Smith sits behind a piano at a small downtown Rifle cafe. To the delight of customers enjoying fine food and wine at the Creekbend Bistro and Coffee, the duo entertains with smooth jazz music.

“We're just a couple of old dudes, playing jazz and enjoying good people enjoying good food and wine,” Allen said....."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: KKCO 11 News "Breadwinners Of The Family: Women In The Workforce "

Thomas Jordan:
"The number of women in the work place has grown from forty-percent to forty-five percent. Local moms I spoke with today say it's all about putting food on the table and paying the bills.

"I currently have two jobs because I have two little girls that I have to take care of on my own" says working mother Heather Reynolds.

She has been on her own for awhile, she works as a server at a night club and bartender at a restaurant.

"With this economy and having two children it’s really hard to work only one job and support a family" says Heather.

Heather's not the only woman out there seeking a pay check.

“The percentage of woman that are job seekers in registered in Colorado has gone from forty percent to forty-five percent, so we look at that as a fairly significant increase" says Suzie Miller from the Mesa County Workforce Center.

For Great Harvest Bread Company Co-owner Heidi Ragland, it’s a little different. Since she makes her bread and eats it too.

"I feel so blessed that I have the opportunity to be able to work, but manage our family life. In a comparable way that makes it so I can be there when I need to be there" says Heidi Ragland.

She agrees with Heather, it's still a tough economy.

"Gas is more expensive, milk is more expensive, bread is more expensive, so other people are going to have to contribute to the family income to meet those basic needs" says Heidi....."

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SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Yellow"

All credit:  Bob Berwyn (click title)