Are you surprised?
Odds are, the common working folks out here are not going to be surprised at all to hear this.
Charles Ashby:
"DENVER — Though Colorado ranked better than many states in how it guards against government corruption, it still received a barely passing grade in the ethics and open-government laws it has enacted, according to a study released today.
The state ranked 33rd in the nation in such laws, but received only a D-plus grade in the State Integrity Investigation, a first-of-its kind computer-database report examining all 50 states’ ethics and open-government laws. It was compiled by the Center for Public Integrity, Public Radio International and Global Integrity.
Though the state ranked high in open-record and campaign finance laws, the report said its laws in openness in insurance, government pensions and ethics were lacking.
Overall, only five states received a B grade, and 19 were awarded Cs. No state got an A.
Colorado was one of 18 that scored Ds, while eight got Fs.
The report was released to mark the end of Sunshine Week, a national initiative designed to highlight the importance of open government and freedom-of-information laws...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 19, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Automotive expo in Steamboat to showcase alternative fuel vehicles"
Scott Franz:
"Steamboat Springs — When Dalton Reed pops the hood of his 1989 Ford F-250 on Monday afternoon in the Depot Art Center parking lot, he will show anyone who is interested how hot vegetable oil fuels his engine.
“A lot of people think it’s a magic box with a lot of complexity,” he said about his fuel system that heats the recycled veggie oil to 180 degrees before it enters the engine and becomes a substitute for diesel fuel. “But it’s really not too complex. It’s great because it’s a low-tech solution that burns less oil.”
Reed still must start his truck with diesel fuel and switch back to it before turning it off, and the system requires a lot of care and attention. It isn’t perfect, and he only pulls out the vegetable oil when harsh winter temperatures have passed. But he said the recycled vegetable oil he has collected from local restaurants throughout the years has the power to significantly cut back on the amount of diesel his truck burns on long trips.
Reed’s Ford will be one of eight vehicles featured in the Alternative Fuels and Gas-Saving Technologies Auto Expo today. The event is hosted by Bud Werner Memorial Library, Yampatika and Northern Colorado Clean Cities. Other vehicles on display will include a Chevy Volt electric car, an electric Ford Ranger truck, a hydrogen fuel Hummer, a truck fueled by compressed natural gas, a propane fired Go Alpine taxi, a Steamboat Transit hybrid bus and a biodiesel Volkswagen Beetle...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Steamboat Springs — When Dalton Reed pops the hood of his 1989 Ford F-250 on Monday afternoon in the Depot Art Center parking lot, he will show anyone who is interested how hot vegetable oil fuels his engine.
“A lot of people think it’s a magic box with a lot of complexity,” he said about his fuel system that heats the recycled veggie oil to 180 degrees before it enters the engine and becomes a substitute for diesel fuel. “But it’s really not too complex. It’s great because it’s a low-tech solution that burns less oil.”
Reed still must start his truck with diesel fuel and switch back to it before turning it off, and the system requires a lot of care and attention. It isn’t perfect, and he only pulls out the vegetable oil when harsh winter temperatures have passed. But he said the recycled vegetable oil he has collected from local restaurants throughout the years has the power to significantly cut back on the amount of diesel his truck burns on long trips.
Reed’s Ford will be one of eight vehicles featured in the Alternative Fuels and Gas-Saving Technologies Auto Expo today. The event is hosted by Bud Werner Memorial Library, Yampatika and Northern Colorado Clean Cities. Other vehicles on display will include a Chevy Volt electric car, an electric Ford Ranger truck, a hydrogen fuel Hummer, a truck fueled by compressed natural gas, a propane fired Go Alpine taxi, a Steamboat Transit hybrid bus and a biodiesel Volkswagen Beetle...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Delta County Independent "BLM’s preliminary EA disappoints oil and gas opponents in North Fork "
Ok, everyone. Please do not flood the email contact box with your views of 'Nanny' going off-topic on her related links within this post.
First, because she's the boss and if she wants to go off-topic, she can.
Second, there is a relevant point and reason for the wide spread of links. No, Bill Koch (to our current knowledge) is not going to be out there buying up all these leases at auction. (He probably should though, he does have momentum going and it's a worthwhile for all American energy independence if he does. Besides, the North Fork enviro groups couldn't like him any less than they already do, now could they? Sheesh. And they've probably never even met the guy in person.) There are dozens of links to specific to these leases stories she could have chosen. So, google away on your own to find those.
That point is that it doesn't matter who it is. Doesn't matter how environmentally conscious these drilling companies are. Doesn't mean a thing how much vetting and regulatory guidelines are put on to their drilling activities.
These kinds of enviro 'terrorist' tactics and groups are going to believe what they wish to believe, could care less what the facts really are and have already made up their minds. All they can hope to do is get in front of microphones and cameras. Without a thought or care for who they hurt during their 5 minutes of fame.
A special thank you goes out to the BLM. SandBox is sure you'll handle the sale of these leases in a conscientious manner.
(See related stories here, here, here, here, here and here)
Kathy Browning:
"If the expectation was that following the initial comment period, BLM would remove all or most of the parcels from its oil and gas lease auction in August, it was dashed last Wednesday with the release of the BLM's preliminary Environment Assessment.
The BLM intends to go ahead with the August auction.
Parcels in municipal watersheds or bordering schools and homes appear to be intact. Some parcels have been trimmed and one was removed.
"The only realistic way to stop oil and gas development now is through litigation," said one disappointed North Fork Valley resident. However, both BLM and Citizens for a Healthy Committee are urging the public to send more comments...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
First, because she's the boss and if she wants to go off-topic, she can.
Second, there is a relevant point and reason for the wide spread of links. No, Bill Koch (to our current knowledge) is not going to be out there buying up all these leases at auction. (He probably should though, he does have momentum going and it's a worthwhile for all American energy independence if he does. Besides, the North Fork enviro groups couldn't like him any less than they already do, now could they? Sheesh. And they've probably never even met the guy in person.) There are dozens of links to specific to these leases stories she could have chosen. So, google away on your own to find those.
That point is that it doesn't matter who it is. Doesn't matter how environmentally conscious these drilling companies are. Doesn't mean a thing how much vetting and regulatory guidelines are put on to their drilling activities.
These kinds of enviro 'terrorist' tactics and groups are going to believe what they wish to believe, could care less what the facts really are and have already made up their minds. All they can hope to do is get in front of microphones and cameras. Without a thought or care for who they hurt during their 5 minutes of fame.
A special thank you goes out to the BLM. SandBox is sure you'll handle the sale of these leases in a conscientious manner.
(See related stories here, here, here, here, here and here)
Kathy Browning:
"If the expectation was that following the initial comment period, BLM would remove all or most of the parcels from its oil and gas lease auction in August, it was dashed last Wednesday with the release of the BLM's preliminary Environment Assessment.
The BLM intends to go ahead with the August auction.
Parcels in municipal watersheds or bordering schools and homes appear to be intact. Some parcels have been trimmed and one was removed.
"The only realistic way to stop oil and gas development now is through litigation," said one disappointed North Fork Valley resident. However, both BLM and Citizens for a Healthy Committee are urging the public to send more comments...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily "How the biomass operation would work"
Hip, Hip Hooray!!!!
Congratulations to Eagle Valley Clean Energy LLC!!!
Just in time as the Coloradoan reports that pine beetles are now mating twice yearly.
This biomass plant will be a huge boon to Gypsum.
Derek Franz:
"GYPSUM, Colorado — On Tuesday, Gypsum Town Council approved annexation, zoning and other agreements that prepare the way for a biomass power plant to be built next to the American Gypsum plant north of U.S. Highway 6.
Eagle Valley Clean Energy LLC is the entity behind the plan. It includes some Eagle County residents and Dean Rostrom, who has been the primary spokesperson for the group, which is based in Provo, Utah.
A biomass plant burns biological material to produce electricity. That is most commonly done by heating water with the burning material to produce steam, which turns a turbine that produces electricity, a process referred to as direct combustion. Biomass plants are most prevalent along the Pacific coast, and assuming it is built, Gypsum's will be the first commercial-grade biomass power plant of its kind in Colorado.
In terms of its carbon footprint, Rostrom said a biomass plant is considered carbon neutral because its fuel regrows, as opposed to being mined like coal...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Congratulations to Eagle Valley Clean Energy LLC!!!
Just in time as the Coloradoan reports that pine beetles are now mating twice yearly.
This biomass plant will be a huge boon to Gypsum.
Derek Franz:
"GYPSUM, Colorado — On Tuesday, Gypsum Town Council approved annexation, zoning and other agreements that prepare the way for a biomass power plant to be built next to the American Gypsum plant north of U.S. Highway 6.
Eagle Valley Clean Energy LLC is the entity behind the plan. It includes some Eagle County residents and Dean Rostrom, who has been the primary spokesperson for the group, which is based in Provo, Utah.
A biomass plant burns biological material to produce electricity. That is most commonly done by heating water with the burning material to produce steam, which turns a turbine that produces electricity, a process referred to as direct combustion. Biomass plants are most prevalent along the Pacific coast, and assuming it is built, Gypsum's will be the first commercial-grade biomass power plant of its kind in Colorado.
In terms of its carbon footprint, Rostrom said a biomass plant is considered carbon neutral because its fuel regrows, as opposed to being mined like coal...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "DEA staying silent on investigation costs for cocaine ring"
Another thank you goes out to the DEA and Special Agent Jim Schrant.
Why?
For staying the course.
Carolyn Sackariason:
"...Claiming that it’s still pursuing arrests in Aspen for alleged cocaine dealing, the Drug Enforcement Administration has refused to disclose expenditures related to the investigation that led to the apprehension of six locals last year.
The Aspen Daily News filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request last July with the DEA, two months after six area residents were arrested for allegedly being part of a Los Angeles-to-Aspen drug ring that streamlined kilos of cocaine to the upper Roaring Fork Valley.
The July 15 request asked the federal agency to provide all documents and information that tracks taxpayer dollars spent by the DEA concerning the Aspen drug ring investigation from January 2010 to the present day. The request asked for expenses on accommodations, meals, travel and other costs associated with the investigation in Aspen.
Two weeks later, officials with the U.S. Department of Justice informed the Daily News that because of a backlog of requests and that “unusual circumstances” applied to the Daily News’ query, it would take six months to provide the information. The federal agency said the unusual circumstances were that the information would have to be retrieved from DEA field offices or third-party sites.
In a certified letter dated March 5, the DEA through the Department of Justice informed the Daily News that the information is part of “an active ongoing investigation,” and a detailed account of financial information could possibly identify individuals involved in the probe.
The DEA’s FOIA/records management section withheld 66 pages but did provide one page of dollar amounts, including one line with the number $75,043. Officials wouldn’t say what the numbers refer to (see scanned copy opposite).
Jim Schrant, resident agent in charge of the DEA’s Grand Junction office, said he couldn’t provide any clarity to the expenditure amounts.
“These are going to be the numbers that we’re obligated to provide,” Schrant said. Disclosing anything more, due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the information, would compromise the investigation and the techniques employed by the DEA, he said.
Schrant confirmed that the investigation in Aspen is ongoing and the DEA is “looking into additional arrests.” The latest arrest in the investigation was of former Aspen resident Montgomery Chitty, 60, on Feb. 13 in the Florida Keys after a grand jury handed down a separate indictment related to the same year-long investigation into the drug ring...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Why?
For staying the course.
Carolyn Sackariason:
"...Claiming that it’s still pursuing arrests in Aspen for alleged cocaine dealing, the Drug Enforcement Administration has refused to disclose expenditures related to the investigation that led to the apprehension of six locals last year.
The Aspen Daily News filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request last July with the DEA, two months after six area residents were arrested for allegedly being part of a Los Angeles-to-Aspen drug ring that streamlined kilos of cocaine to the upper Roaring Fork Valley.
The July 15 request asked the federal agency to provide all documents and information that tracks taxpayer dollars spent by the DEA concerning the Aspen drug ring investigation from January 2010 to the present day. The request asked for expenses on accommodations, meals, travel and other costs associated with the investigation in Aspen.
Two weeks later, officials with the U.S. Department of Justice informed the Daily News that because of a backlog of requests and that “unusual circumstances” applied to the Daily News’ query, it would take six months to provide the information. The federal agency said the unusual circumstances were that the information would have to be retrieved from DEA field offices or third-party sites.
In a certified letter dated March 5, the DEA through the Department of Justice informed the Daily News that the information is part of “an active ongoing investigation,” and a detailed account of financial information could possibly identify individuals involved in the probe.
The DEA’s FOIA/records management section withheld 66 pages but did provide one page of dollar amounts, including one line with the number $75,043. Officials wouldn’t say what the numbers refer to (see scanned copy opposite).
Jim Schrant, resident agent in charge of the DEA’s Grand Junction office, said he couldn’t provide any clarity to the expenditure amounts.
“These are going to be the numbers that we’re obligated to provide,” Schrant said. Disclosing anything more, due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the information, would compromise the investigation and the techniques employed by the DEA, he said.
Schrant confirmed that the investigation in Aspen is ongoing and the DEA is “looking into additional arrests.” The latest arrest in the investigation was of former Aspen resident Montgomery Chitty, 60, on Feb. 13 in the Florida Keys after a grand jury handed down a separate indictment related to the same year-long investigation into the drug ring...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News/Letter to the Editor "Our rights, their jobs"
Here's to the little guy.
Let Freedom ring.
Donald Theiss, Aspen:
"Editor:
I know we all want some of the same things and I’m sure we all have different ideas about how to achieve what we want, but I do think that we share some things. And that is what I want us to talk about, with the intention of getting clear in our thinking and understanding of what the most important issues are and what we want to do to influence how our government is functioning, in relationship to us, the citizens of this country, and to our inalienable right to live freely, in our expression and in the pursuit of our own happiness. We share these with the expectation that our leaders protect us in our rights as they have sworn to do.
As it says in our Constitution, our government has, as it’s primary function, to protect and defend us, in our inalienable right, to be free and to pursue our happiness.
To me, this is the essence of being a free person and is the mandate of our president, our senators, our representatives, our judges, our military and our law enforcement officers.
When we take this oath of office, we swear to protect and defend our Constitution and the inalienable rights we all share. That is what I want from my president, my senators, my representatives, my judges, my soldiers, and my law enforcement officers.
We have a right to demand this of our representatives and I now bring this grievance to my leaders, asking each of you to uphold your oath of office and to act in accordance with our Constitution.
I add my voice to all of you in asking for our leaders to do the right thing, the inalienable right thing, the Constitutional thing, the lawful thing, and to use your power of office to protect and defend us in our inalienable right to be free and safe and protected in our expression of these rights.
I ask that each of you do your job and fulfill your oath of office...."
(Read the original letter? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Let Freedom ring.
Donald Theiss, Aspen:
"Editor:
I know we all want some of the same things and I’m sure we all have different ideas about how to achieve what we want, but I do think that we share some things. And that is what I want us to talk about, with the intention of getting clear in our thinking and understanding of what the most important issues are and what we want to do to influence how our government is functioning, in relationship to us, the citizens of this country, and to our inalienable right to live freely, in our expression and in the pursuit of our own happiness. We share these with the expectation that our leaders protect us in our rights as they have sworn to do.
As it says in our Constitution, our government has, as it’s primary function, to protect and defend us, in our inalienable right, to be free and to pursue our happiness.
To me, this is the essence of being a free person and is the mandate of our president, our senators, our representatives, our judges, our military and our law enforcement officers.
When we take this oath of office, we swear to protect and defend our Constitution and the inalienable rights we all share. That is what I want from my president, my senators, my representatives, my judges, my soldiers, and my law enforcement officers.
We have a right to demand this of our representatives and I now bring this grievance to my leaders, asking each of you to uphold your oath of office and to act in accordance with our Constitution.
I add my voice to all of you in asking for our leaders to do the right thing, the inalienable right thing, the Constitutional thing, the lawful thing, and to use your power of office to protect and defend us in our inalienable right to be free and safe and protected in our expression of these rights.
I ask that each of you do your job and fulfill your oath of office...."
(Read the original letter? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News/Johnny Boyd "Darkness in the middle of town"
Terrific column out of Johnny today. Up on the Aspen Daily News.
There are so many related stories to Johnny Boyd's point today that should be brought up in our aggregate of news this morning. My goodness, they run the gamut from shady developments and suspect patterns of lending and cronyism between multiple developments to accusations of fraud, unjust enrichment, tort interference and even swoop those big money accusations on over into the local upvalley drug culture war.
Lordy lordy, says, 'SandBox Nanny'. What tangled webs are woven out there.
Here's to the voice of the common man. The little guy. Let Freedom ring.
Let's just toss up some links to public commentary on a few of the key related:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/03/sandboxblogs-snowmass-sun-skico-accused.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/02/sandbox-comments-glenwood-springs-post_21.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/03/sandboxblogs-aspen-daily-news-pitkin.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/05/sandbox-comments-vail-daily-cordillera.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/12/sandbox-comments-eagle-county-times_12.html
Johnny Boyd:
"The German banks recently filed to lower the value of the property by $94 million. That certainly bodes well for everyone’s real estate prices. The people that have already bought into the Base Village want out badly enough to accuse the original developers of defrauding them. If these folks win this case, no condos will ever sell in the Base Village until this has all been forgotten in about 100 years. Believe me, the Aspen Skiing Co. and Intrawest didn’t build those structures to stand for 100 years.
Base Village was approved in a cloud of negativity with allegations of voter fraud perpetrated by people with interests in seeing their real estate values climb during the real estate bubble, and it is ending up even more negative. The ugliness of the entire project isn’t limited to its cookie-cutter appearance.
On the bright side, the original developers of the Base Village, SkiCo and Intrawest, are being sued for alleged fraud by misrepresenting the size of the individual condominium units. This lawsuit is allowing local billionaire and SkiCo owner, James S. Crown, to fulfill his promise to the community that he would be here for “the long haul.” It’s fortunate that the suffering that the residents of Snowmass have been through can be shared by so many that have been so complicit in making the Base Village what it is. Base Village just keeps on giving — like standing under a tree full of pigeons.
As its construction benchmarks are surpassed and no progress is made on its completion, its approvals disappear. No one in town government can speak of these deadlines and what comes after for fear of reprisal in the form of lawsuits. Planning for the future isn’t allowed if it means that those plans would hurt the value of the property. The truth hurts. But even more interesting is the idea that a developer willing to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a huge project can’t figure that out for himself.
The writing is on the wall. No banks are loaning money for small but expensive condos. The market is gone. If the German banks that are currently sitting on their hands were smart, they would be talking with the town about the future right now.
The only possible solution, at least in the short-term, is for the real estate in the Base Village to go high-end. Toss out the idea of constructing 1,000-square-foot condos and reprise the idea of 5,000-square-foot super-luxury condominiums. Snowmass, if it ever wants to see the blight removed from the center of town, will have to approve the construction of units that only the uber-rich, Mercedes Benz crowd can afford — the type of people that write checks for their toys, no financing needed...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
There are so many related stories to Johnny Boyd's point today that should be brought up in our aggregate of news this morning. My goodness, they run the gamut from shady developments and suspect patterns of lending and cronyism between multiple developments to accusations of fraud, unjust enrichment, tort interference and even swoop those big money accusations on over into the local upvalley drug culture war.
Lordy lordy, says, 'SandBox Nanny'. What tangled webs are woven out there.
Here's to the voice of the common man. The little guy. Let Freedom ring.
Let's just toss up some links to public commentary on a few of the key related:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/03/sandboxblogs-snowmass-sun-skico-accused.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/02/sandbox-comments-glenwood-springs-post_21.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/03/sandboxblogs-aspen-daily-news-pitkin.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/05/sandbox-comments-vail-daily-cordillera.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/12/sandbox-comments-eagle-county-times_12.html
Johnny Boyd:
"The German banks recently filed to lower the value of the property by $94 million. That certainly bodes well for everyone’s real estate prices. The people that have already bought into the Base Village want out badly enough to accuse the original developers of defrauding them. If these folks win this case, no condos will ever sell in the Base Village until this has all been forgotten in about 100 years. Believe me, the Aspen Skiing Co. and Intrawest didn’t build those structures to stand for 100 years.
Base Village was approved in a cloud of negativity with allegations of voter fraud perpetrated by people with interests in seeing their real estate values climb during the real estate bubble, and it is ending up even more negative. The ugliness of the entire project isn’t limited to its cookie-cutter appearance.
On the bright side, the original developers of the Base Village, SkiCo and Intrawest, are being sued for alleged fraud by misrepresenting the size of the individual condominium units. This lawsuit is allowing local billionaire and SkiCo owner, James S. Crown, to fulfill his promise to the community that he would be here for “the long haul.” It’s fortunate that the suffering that the residents of Snowmass have been through can be shared by so many that have been so complicit in making the Base Village what it is. Base Village just keeps on giving — like standing under a tree full of pigeons.
As its construction benchmarks are surpassed and no progress is made on its completion, its approvals disappear. No one in town government can speak of these deadlines and what comes after for fear of reprisal in the form of lawsuits. Planning for the future isn’t allowed if it means that those plans would hurt the value of the property. The truth hurts. But even more interesting is the idea that a developer willing to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a huge project can’t figure that out for himself.
The writing is on the wall. No banks are loaning money for small but expensive condos. The market is gone. If the German banks that are currently sitting on their hands were smart, they would be talking with the town about the future right now.
The only possible solution, at least in the short-term, is for the real estate in the Base Village to go high-end. Toss out the idea of constructing 1,000-square-foot condos and reprise the idea of 5,000-square-foot super-luxury condominiums. Snowmass, if it ever wants to see the blight removed from the center of town, will have to approve the construction of units that only the uber-rich, Mercedes Benz crowd can afford — the type of people that write checks for their toys, no financing needed...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "State program could help city revitalize area"
(See related story here)
Mike Wiggins:
"Like many downtowns, Fruita has the independent, unusual shops you won’t find at the mall.
It features some businesses that are aggressive in marketing themselves individually and upgrading their facilities.
It hosts festivals and events that draw large crowds of locals and tourists.
What the two-block district dominated by older buildings and the streets immediately surrounding it lacks, however, is a group that collectively represents and promotes its interests, that has the resources to pursue broad-based programs and capital improvements.
That’s a primary reason why the city has applied to — and is expected to be accepted into — a state program that helps communities identify comprehensive and incremental ways they can revitalize their historic commercial districts..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Mike Wiggins:
"Like many downtowns, Fruita has the independent, unusual shops you won’t find at the mall.
It features some businesses that are aggressive in marketing themselves individually and upgrading their facilities.
It hosts festivals and events that draw large crowds of locals and tourists.
What the two-block district dominated by older buildings and the streets immediately surrounding it lacks, however, is a group that collectively represents and promotes its interests, that has the resources to pursue broad-based programs and capital improvements.
That’s a primary reason why the city has applied to — and is expected to be accepted into — a state program that helps communities identify comprehensive and incremental ways they can revitalize their historic commercial districts..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times/Letters to the Editor "Missing the big story"
Torin Yater Wallace is like....well. A local icon. And he's just a kid.
It's one thing for the non-local corporate newspapers (Aspen Times and Glenwood Springs Post Independent) to not know their communities; a fact that is proven weekly by how much they miss with their reporting. The thing is, it is not just this story. Nor the first reader who has complained.
It's another to keep missing these world class major news stories that our talented young people create.
Congratulations to Torin Yater Wallace on this huge win. No surprise there.
It's one thing for the non-local corporate newspapers (Aspen Times and Glenwood Springs Post Independent) to not know their communities; a fact that is proven weekly by how much they miss with their reporting. The thing is, it is not just this story. Nor the first reader who has complained.
It's another to keep missing these world class major news stories that our talented young people create.
Congratulations to Torin Yater Wallace on this huge win. No surprise there.
"Dear Editor:
One of these days your paper will get it right. Aspen's ski phenom, Torin Yater Wallace, wins the European X Games gold medal, and not even a mention in your paper. Helloooo, anyone home?..."
Drita Rosin, Aspen
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."One of these days your paper will get it right. Aspen's ski phenom, Torin Yater Wallace, wins the European X Games gold medal, and not even a mention in your paper. Helloooo, anyone home?..."
Drita Rosin, Aspen
March 18, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Washington Times "CBO: Obama budget deepens debt by $3.5 trillion"
Stephen Dinan:
"President Obama’s budget would pile up an additional $3.5 trillion in debt over the next 10 years and shows the government’s trust funds running out of money in 2020, Congress’s official non-partisan scorekeeper said Friday.
In 2012 alone Mr. Obama’s budget would leave a $1.3 trillion deficit — $82 billion worse than if none of his policies were enacted. Over the next ten years the deficit would dip to less than a half-trillion dollars in 2017, but would rise again in the later years...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"President Obama’s budget would pile up an additional $3.5 trillion in debt over the next 10 years and shows the government’s trust funds running out of money in 2020, Congress’s official non-partisan scorekeeper said Friday.
In 2012 alone Mr. Obama’s budget would leave a $1.3 trillion deficit — $82 billion worse than if none of his policies were enacted. Over the next ten years the deficit would dip to less than a half-trillion dollars in 2017, but would rise again in the later years...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News "Contractor's plan for I-70 would require ‘little or no' public funding"
Caddie Nath:
"Toll lanes could be part of I-70's future if one private contractor's plan gets implemented.
Eight months after the private firm Parsons submitted an unsolicited and undisclosed proposal for a project to improve Interstate 70, details of the plan — including new toll lanes and a transit system — are coming to light.
The proposal, presented to the Colorado Department of Transportation in July, indicates the project could generate enough money that little or no state or federal money would be needed to implement it, according to a statement from CDOT.
CDOT reached out to other firms today, asking for statements of interest in submitting competing proposals in the future.
“Through our process, when we receive an unsolicited proposal, we have to go out for comparable proposals,” CDOT spokeswoman Stacey Stegman said. “We're looking at qualified firms to see who would propose to make sure there's interest.”
CDOT has kept the details of the Parsons proposal quiet, saying the specifics are proprietary and can't be made known to the company's competitors.
But with the request for statements of interest today, CDOT released a blueprint of the Parsons proposal, a phased plan which would implement “managed” or toll lanes that would be priced to correspond to the level of congestion. The current lanes on I-70 would remain free, according to the statement.
The plan calls for improvements to be implemented first between C-470 and Silverthorne and later extended all the way to Eagle..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Toll lanes could be part of I-70's future if one private contractor's plan gets implemented.
Eight months after the private firm Parsons submitted an unsolicited and undisclosed proposal for a project to improve Interstate 70, details of the plan — including new toll lanes and a transit system — are coming to light.
The proposal, presented to the Colorado Department of Transportation in July, indicates the project could generate enough money that little or no state or federal money would be needed to implement it, according to a statement from CDOT.
CDOT reached out to other firms today, asking for statements of interest in submitting competing proposals in the future.
“Through our process, when we receive an unsolicited proposal, we have to go out for comparable proposals,” CDOT spokeswoman Stacey Stegman said. “We're looking at qualified firms to see who would propose to make sure there's interest.”
CDOT has kept the details of the Parsons proposal quiet, saying the specifics are proprietary and can't be made known to the company's competitors.
But with the request for statements of interest today, CDOT released a blueprint of the Parsons proposal, a phased plan which would implement “managed” or toll lanes that would be priced to correspond to the level of congestion. The current lanes on I-70 would remain free, according to the statement.
The plan calls for improvements to be implemented first between C-470 and Silverthorne and later extended all the way to Eagle..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Glenwood Springs urges denial of Thompson unitization"
What say you?
Are you weary of Glenwood Springs City Councilman Leo McKinney's claims that he and fellow council members are 'the voice of the people of Glenwood Springs' ? Especially when it comes to all of his political manifestos such as MMJ, the response to Katrina, CIRC and the "Strawberry Days Massacre", illegal immigration, plastic bags and water bottles and just about every national political hot topic that comes down the pike?
The great news is that he's up for re-elect next year and you can remove him from office.
Gamba and GarCo BOCC are right. Traffic is a non-issue.
The only thing more denigrating to the people of GarCo than the fear-mongering that Thompson Divide Coalition is whipping into a witch burning frenzy aimed at the gas and oil drilling industry are the politicians who condone that kind of political statement and do so under the false banner of being the voice of the people.
Here's an 'anonymous' tip for you, Leo.
Go online and google up the instructions on how to set-up mass email. Then solicit 'the voices of Glenwood Springs' for anyone interested in giving you an email address that they are willing to communicate with you from.
Then.....instead of stealth confiscating their voices....just simply ask them for their opinion.
It's a new and brave world out here.
Come to think of it, how tough would it be for all councilman and commissioners to do same?
Just say NO to the Thompson Divide Coalition and say YES to environmentally conscious EnCana, SG Interests and Antero.
John Stroud:
"...Council was split on the wording, but ultimately voted 4-3 to forward the letter as written by Councilman Leo McKinney.
“I believe it is one of our responsibilities as elected officials to be the voice of the people in our community in places where they don't have a voice,” McKinney said...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Are you weary of Glenwood Springs City Councilman Leo McKinney's claims that he and fellow council members are 'the voice of the people of Glenwood Springs' ? Especially when it comes to all of his political manifestos such as MMJ, the response to Katrina, CIRC and the "Strawberry Days Massacre", illegal immigration, plastic bags and water bottles and just about every national political hot topic that comes down the pike?
The great news is that he's up for re-elect next year and you can remove him from office.
Gamba and GarCo BOCC are right. Traffic is a non-issue.
The only thing more denigrating to the people of GarCo than the fear-mongering that Thompson Divide Coalition is whipping into a witch burning frenzy aimed at the gas and oil drilling industry are the politicians who condone that kind of political statement and do so under the false banner of being the voice of the people.
Here's an 'anonymous' tip for you, Leo.
Go online and google up the instructions on how to set-up mass email. Then solicit 'the voices of Glenwood Springs' for anyone interested in giving you an email address that they are willing to communicate with you from.
Then.....instead of stealth confiscating their voices....just simply ask them for their opinion.
It's a new and brave world out here.
Come to think of it, how tough would it be for all councilman and commissioners to do same?
Just say NO to the Thompson Divide Coalition and say YES to environmentally conscious EnCana, SG Interests and Antero.
John Stroud:
"...Council was split on the wording, but ultimately voted 4-3 to forward the letter as written by Councilman Leo McKinney.
“I believe it is one of our responsibilities as elected officials to be the voice of the people in our community in places where they don't have a voice,” McKinney said...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "BLM approves Oxbow coal lease addition"
Sincere congratulations to Bill Koch on this.
Dennis Webb:
"The Bureau of Land Management today approved a coal lease modification that it says will allow continuation of mining adjacent to an existing federal lease at the Elk Creek Mine in Somerset.
The action adds about 159 acres to a lease owned by Oxbow Mining, LLC, and will prevent bypassing of about 555,000 recoverable tons of federal coal, the BLM said in a news release...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Dennis Webb:
"The Bureau of Land Management today approved a coal lease modification that it says will allow continuation of mining adjacent to an existing federal lease at the Elk Creek Mine in Somerset.
The action adds about 159 acres to a lease owned by Oxbow Mining, LLC, and will prevent bypassing of about 555,000 recoverable tons of federal coal, the BLM said in a news release...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Denver Post " The merits of methane harvesting "
Allen Best:
"Energy analyst Randy Udall, who has been working the numbers of coal-mine methane for a decade, calculates just 5 megawatts of electricity generated from coal-mine methane emissions, at a capital cost of $10 million, would offset more carbon than all the solar so far installed in Colorado as of 2010, which has cost roughly $700 million. Total methane harvesting from coal mines near Paonia could produce 20 megawatts, using fairly simple technology, say advocates, and, with more challenge, up to 50 megawatts.
That's an important point to digest. In terms of reducing the risk to our climate during the next century, just a few megawatts planned at the West Elk Mine could have as much impact as all the solar panels erected on rooftops at DIA and everywhere else in Colorado so far. As Udall puts it, renewable energy is the means, not the end unto itself. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This bill's politics has the bewildering aspects of a Mobius strip. Introduced by one of the most conservative members of the legislature, Rep. Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs, House Bill 1160 passed the House by a 34-29 vote. Only Rep. Wes McKinley, the self-described cowboy from southeast Colorado (that's what it says on the legislature's website), bucked fellow Democrats to join Republicans, who were unanimous in support
Now, in the Senate, it is sponsored by Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village, whose base includes some of the most diligent global warming warriors in the state.
Udall has to be considered one of those warriors, and it's a further irony that he is aligned in this case with Bill Koch, owner of the West Elk Mine and a member of the family that has been stirring the undertow of opposition to climate-change action. However, there's no evidence that Koch has been involved in this case.
Are you confused? You're not alone. Del Worley, general manager of the Glenwood Springs-based Holy Cross Energy, an electrical cooperative that provides electricity to the Aspen and Vail areas, says he's baffled. "The politics are mind-boggling to me," he says. "If you're truly trying to stop global warming, this is one of the best bills out there. It's not a giant resource, but why waste it? It should be a no-brainer."...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Energy analyst Randy Udall, who has been working the numbers of coal-mine methane for a decade, calculates just 5 megawatts of electricity generated from coal-mine methane emissions, at a capital cost of $10 million, would offset more carbon than all the solar so far installed in Colorado as of 2010, which has cost roughly $700 million. Total methane harvesting from coal mines near Paonia could produce 20 megawatts, using fairly simple technology, say advocates, and, with more challenge, up to 50 megawatts.
That's an important point to digest. In terms of reducing the risk to our climate during the next century, just a few megawatts planned at the West Elk Mine could have as much impact as all the solar panels erected on rooftops at DIA and everywhere else in Colorado so far. As Udall puts it, renewable energy is the means, not the end unto itself. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This bill's politics has the bewildering aspects of a Mobius strip. Introduced by one of the most conservative members of the legislature, Rep. Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs, House Bill 1160 passed the House by a 34-29 vote. Only Rep. Wes McKinley, the self-described cowboy from southeast Colorado (that's what it says on the legislature's website), bucked fellow Democrats to join Republicans, who were unanimous in support
Now, in the Senate, it is sponsored by Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village, whose base includes some of the most diligent global warming warriors in the state.
Udall has to be considered one of those warriors, and it's a further irony that he is aligned in this case with Bill Koch, owner of the West Elk Mine and a member of the family that has been stirring the undertow of opposition to climate-change action. However, there's no evidence that Koch has been involved in this case.
Are you confused? You're not alone. Del Worley, general manager of the Glenwood Springs-based Holy Cross Energy, an electrical cooperative that provides electricity to the Aspen and Vail areas, says he's baffled. "The politics are mind-boggling to me," he says. "If you're truly trying to stop global warming, this is one of the best bills out there. It's not a giant resource, but why waste it? It should be a no-brainer."...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Coloradoan "Double trouble from Colorado pine beetles"
"BOULDER (AP) -- University of Colorado researchers say mountain pine beetles that are devastating forests across the West are now breeding twice in some years.
Researchers say the beetles usually lay their eggs in late July or August. The larvae then burrow deeper into the bark, where they spend the winter...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Researchers say the beetles usually lay their eggs in late July or August. The larvae then burrow deeper into the bark, where they spend the winter...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily News "In search of his father, a spy"
Caramie Schnell:
"In circular fashion, the film begins at the end — of his father's life, that is. Elusive even in death, William, 76, went on a night-time canoe ride and disappeared. His body was found nine days later in a tributary of the Potomac River. That was 15 years ago.
As the film begins, Carl narrates: “My father was a soldier. He jumped out of airplanes. He lived to serve. People would turn to me and say, ‘You know your dad was a murderer.' My immediate reaction used to be ‘You don't know what you're talking about.' Then I'd find myself thinking, was he? Well, who was he, really?”
Long after the film ends, that's the question you're left to ponder.
The film is a morality tale. It's at once a deep memoir of what it's like to live with someone so ghost-like, and a historical account of the CIA. It weaves the personal with the political, and more than anything, it's an inquiry into the secret actions this country is involved in every day.
“This president (Obama), even though he has his hands full right now, every other night, or whatever, he's approving what's called a presidential finding,” Carl said. “He signs off on a high-level, high-profile, highly dangerous, covert operation; he's using that capability probably more than any president since the Kennedy brothers.”
Carl's father used to tell him “the CIA exists so that the president has an option between lodging a diplomatic protest or sending in the Marines,” he said.
“We're in like 15 to 18 countries, at least, including the ones we already know about,” Carl said. “It's a very seductive tool. The problem is it becomes easy to use, and not that accountable. You're not having to tell the American people anything. And then if anything happens, he can blame the CIA ... I wanted to make it so people would understand the sacrifice people are making, not just the one my mother made, and my small family, but also now. People are lifting off tonight. Helicopter blades are whirling. Men and women are out there, thousands of them, so we at least ought to have a discussion. What is this secret war?”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"In circular fashion, the film begins at the end — of his father's life, that is. Elusive even in death, William, 76, went on a night-time canoe ride and disappeared. His body was found nine days later in a tributary of the Potomac River. That was 15 years ago.
As the film begins, Carl narrates: “My father was a soldier. He jumped out of airplanes. He lived to serve. People would turn to me and say, ‘You know your dad was a murderer.' My immediate reaction used to be ‘You don't know what you're talking about.' Then I'd find myself thinking, was he? Well, who was he, really?”
Long after the film ends, that's the question you're left to ponder.
The film is a morality tale. It's at once a deep memoir of what it's like to live with someone so ghost-like, and a historical account of the CIA. It weaves the personal with the political, and more than anything, it's an inquiry into the secret actions this country is involved in every day.
“This president (Obama), even though he has his hands full right now, every other night, or whatever, he's approving what's called a presidential finding,” Carl said. “He signs off on a high-level, high-profile, highly dangerous, covert operation; he's using that capability probably more than any president since the Kennedy brothers.”
Carl's father used to tell him “the CIA exists so that the president has an option between lodging a diplomatic protest or sending in the Marines,” he said.
“We're in like 15 to 18 countries, at least, including the ones we already know about,” Carl said. “It's a very seductive tool. The problem is it becomes easy to use, and not that accountable. You're not having to tell the American people anything. And then if anything happens, he can blame the CIA ... I wanted to make it so people would understand the sacrifice people are making, not just the one my mother made, and my small family, but also now. People are lifting off tonight. Helicopter blades are whirling. Men and women are out there, thousands of them, so we at least ought to have a discussion. What is this secret war?”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Fort Worth Star Telegram "PR legend looks back at a storied career in politics"
Dave Montgomery:
"AUSTIN -- Public relations mastermind Julian Read has spent more than 60 years thinking up ways to get positive news coverage for his clients. But sometimes the headlines just seem to fall in his lap.
In the 1980s, he was representing Siegfried and Roy when clueless thieves stole a parked truck in downtown New York City, evidently unaware that the vehicle contained the entertainers' two Siberian tigers.
The truck disappeared when the driver went for a cup of coffee just before the tigers' scheduled appearance on the CBS Morning Show. The animals were found unharmed in the abandoned truck after a five-hour search that threw midtown Manhattan into a tizzy and created far more publicity than Read had been expecting from the brief TV shoot.
"There'll never be another day like that," lamented the Fort Worth-born PR executive, recalling the tiger heist over a recent breakfast at Cisco's Restaurant Bakery and Bar, a popular gathering point for politicos..."
Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/03/18/3817566/pr-legend-looks-back-at-a-storied.html#storylink=cpy
"AUSTIN -- Public relations mastermind Julian Read has spent more than 60 years thinking up ways to get positive news coverage for his clients. But sometimes the headlines just seem to fall in his lap.
In the 1980s, he was representing Siegfried and Roy when clueless thieves stole a parked truck in downtown New York City, evidently unaware that the vehicle contained the entertainers' two Siberian tigers.
The truck disappeared when the driver went for a cup of coffee just before the tigers' scheduled appearance on the CBS Morning Show. The animals were found unharmed in the abandoned truck after a five-hour search that threw midtown Manhattan into a tizzy and created far more publicity than Read had been expecting from the brief TV shoot.
"There'll never be another day like that," lamented the Fort Worth-born PR executive, recalling the tiger heist over a recent breakfast at Cisco's Restaurant Bakery and Bar, a popular gathering point for politicos..."
Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/03/18/3817566/pr-legend-looks-back-at-a-storied.html#storylink=cpy
SandBoxBlogs: Craig Daily Press "Journey of the heart: Tour through Israel leaves Craig pastor with ‘great hope’ "
Bridget Manley:
"But if you know the Bible like Len Browning does, you know the significance of this place.
It’s a reminder of the Jewish temple destroyed nearly two millennia ago. The temple housed the Holy of Holies, which is believed to be the place where God himself dwelled.
Seeing the Wailing Wall touched Len in a way he didn’t expect.
“There was a profound, overwhelming sense of God in that place,” said Len, lead pastor at The Journey at First Baptist in Craig. “It was indescribable. … It was significantly more than I had anticipated.”
He was among 15 other pastors and their wives who embarked on a weeklong sojourn in Israel in early February. The tour was designed to familiarize them with the Holy Land, yet what Len took away from the journey cannot be summarized in any itinerary.
He was more than a tourist. He was a pilgrim, walking amid the ruins where his faith was born.
“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” — Genesis 6:5
Before Len embarked on the tour, he spent a few days in New York City, intending to just poke around like tourists do.
Instead, he found himself confronted with reminders of the worst in human nature.
He saw Ground Zero, a gaping void in the city skyline marking a scene of carnage and loss during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
He saw Ellis Island and thought of the cruelty and indifference that made up the darker side of the Americans experience.
He was “overwhelmed with the sense of the depravity of man,” he said. “… It was just an overwhelming sense of what we’re capable of as human beings.”....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"But if you know the Bible like Len Browning does, you know the significance of this place.
It’s a reminder of the Jewish temple destroyed nearly two millennia ago. The temple housed the Holy of Holies, which is believed to be the place where God himself dwelled.
Seeing the Wailing Wall touched Len in a way he didn’t expect.
“There was a profound, overwhelming sense of God in that place,” said Len, lead pastor at The Journey at First Baptist in Craig. “It was indescribable. … It was significantly more than I had anticipated.”
He was among 15 other pastors and their wives who embarked on a weeklong sojourn in Israel in early February. The tour was designed to familiarize them with the Holy Land, yet what Len took away from the journey cannot be summarized in any itinerary.
He was more than a tourist. He was a pilgrim, walking amid the ruins where his faith was born.
“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” — Genesis 6:5
Before Len embarked on the tour, he spent a few days in New York City, intending to just poke around like tourists do.
Instead, he found himself confronted with reminders of the worst in human nature.
He saw Ground Zero, a gaping void in the city skyline marking a scene of carnage and loss during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
He saw Ellis Island and thought of the cruelty and indifference that made up the darker side of the Americans experience.
He was “overwhelmed with the sense of the depravity of man,” he said. “… It was just an overwhelming sense of what we’re capable of as human beings.”....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
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