Bob Berwyn isn't our fav astronomer guy. Professor Jimmy Westlake, over on Steamboat Today is our absolutely best fav 'star man'.
But...Berwyn does put out some good posts on what's happening in the galaxy. This one is quite interesting.
"SUMMIT COUNTY — It may not be quite as sexy as the recent lunar eclipse, or as spectacular as this morning’s meteor shower, but Earth nonetheless experiences another celestial milestone today when it reaches it’s closest point to the sun during its 365-day orbit.
To be precise, at perihelion, our planet will close in to within about 91 million miles of the sun, more than 3 million miles closer than at the early July aphelion, when the the Earth and sun are more than 94 million miles apart. All this because, of course, the Earth’s orbit is elliptical and not circular.
It may seem counter-intuitive that the Earth is closer to the sun during the coldest time of the year, but the temperatures at the surface of the planet are influenced by the 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth’s axis and the angle of the sun’s rays much more than by the distance from the sun. Because of that tilt, the northern hemisphere days are much shorter in our winter, leading to the colder temperatures.
According to NASA, there are measurable differences in solar heating that result from our planet’s slightly elliptical orbit.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 4, 2012
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Summit sunset series"
Anyone who thinks bloggers and commentary moderators have it easy, think again.
We don't have regular hours, days off unless we force them to be scheduled or the luxury of just a set scope of duties.
With as many as a dozen forums at a pop up on one's computer screen and heavy activity such as the Iowa Caucuses last night, the instant gratification you all see out there comes at a price for those of us who are currently etching out a living in the blogosphere.
So, today...SandBox says "Thank you" to Texas Governor Rick Perry for staying the course. Wait for it that our predictions given in the previous post come to pass.
Until tomorrow on this forum, here are a couple of relaxing spots for you followers. All credit goes to Bob Berwyn. Up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice.
We don't have regular hours, days off unless we force them to be scheduled or the luxury of just a set scope of duties.
With as many as a dozen forums at a pop up on one's computer screen and heavy activity such as the Iowa Caucuses last night, the instant gratification you all see out there comes at a price for those of us who are currently etching out a living in the blogosphere.
So, today...SandBox says "Thank you" to Texas Governor Rick Perry for staying the course. Wait for it that our predictions given in the previous post come to pass.
Until tomorrow on this forum, here are a couple of relaxing spots for you followers. All credit goes to Bob Berwyn. Up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice.
January 3, 2012
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "DA to sift 400 cases in probe of ex-trooper"
We'll take a larger snip of this article on Trooper Moseman in today's Grand Junction Daily Sentinel because it is the portion that sums up what avatars in commentary have been voicing concerns over.
First, that when Hautzinger pointed out the discrepancies, Moseman had been suspected for years prior to. The folks are asking why it took so long for prosecutors, other cops and also the state patrol to speak up.
Second, the overall stress factor dumping this huge number of cases on our already weighted judicial system in the 21st District and how much that is going to cost the folks.
Very good report by Paul Shockley over on the Sentinel. Be sure to click title and read in its entirety.
Paul Shockley:
"Nearly 400 cases dating back to 2008 in Mesa County will be re-examined in the face of credibility concerns surrounding a former Colorado State Patrol trooper, Mesa County District Attorney Pete Hautzinger said.
Hautzinger’s assessment came after the District Attorney’s Office recently was provided a list of cases involving former trooper Donald Moseman over the past three years, which covers Moseman’s most recent stint working in Mesa County.
Hautzinger said the task of assessing old Moseman cases could take months, adding he may have to hire temporary employees or law school interns to assist with the job.
“My existing staff is already swamped,” he said.
At the DA’s request, the State Patrol compiled a list of all cases in which Moseman was the primary investigating officer or a significant witness. Hautzinger said a cursory review of the list showed everything from speeding infractions to alcohol- or drug-impaired driving arrests, in addition to at least two felony cases involving vehicular eluding and motor vehicle theft. The list was not released.
It does not include the 12 pending criminal cases, mostly DUI arrests in 2011 in which Moseman was the sole witness, that already have been dismissed by Hautzinger’s office over the past three weeks.
Reports were suspect
Moseman’s work became the focus of an internal investigation by the State Patrol after the District Attorney’s Office in October pointed out inconsistencies in Moseman’s case reports.
The State Patrol investigation found Moseman displayed a bias against drivers “who may have consumed alcohol or drugs prior to driving,” State Patrol Maj. Barry Bratt wrote in a letter to Hautzinger dated Dec. 5.
The letter said Moseman has submitted reports that combined information from prior arrests and the new criminal allegations, “resulting in reports which contained wrong or conflicting information.”
Hautzinger and State Patrol leadership have declined to elaborate.
First, that when Hautzinger pointed out the discrepancies, Moseman had been suspected for years prior to. The folks are asking why it took so long for prosecutors, other cops and also the state patrol to speak up.
Second, the overall stress factor dumping this huge number of cases on our already weighted judicial system in the 21st District and how much that is going to cost the folks.
Very good report by Paul Shockley over on the Sentinel. Be sure to click title and read in its entirety.
Paul Shockley:
"Nearly 400 cases dating back to 2008 in Mesa County will be re-examined in the face of credibility concerns surrounding a former Colorado State Patrol trooper, Mesa County District Attorney Pete Hautzinger said.
Hautzinger’s assessment came after the District Attorney’s Office recently was provided a list of cases involving former trooper Donald Moseman over the past three years, which covers Moseman’s most recent stint working in Mesa County.
Hautzinger said the task of assessing old Moseman cases could take months, adding he may have to hire temporary employees or law school interns to assist with the job.
“My existing staff is already swamped,” he said.
At the DA’s request, the State Patrol compiled a list of all cases in which Moseman was the primary investigating officer or a significant witness. Hautzinger said a cursory review of the list showed everything from speeding infractions to alcohol- or drug-impaired driving arrests, in addition to at least two felony cases involving vehicular eluding and motor vehicle theft. The list was not released.
It does not include the 12 pending criminal cases, mostly DUI arrests in 2011 in which Moseman was the sole witness, that already have been dismissed by Hautzinger’s office over the past three weeks.
Reports were suspect
Moseman’s work became the focus of an internal investigation by the State Patrol after the District Attorney’s Office in October pointed out inconsistencies in Moseman’s case reports.
The State Patrol investigation found Moseman displayed a bias against drivers “who may have consumed alcohol or drugs prior to driving,” State Patrol Maj. Barry Bratt wrote in a letter to Hautzinger dated Dec. 5.
The letter said Moseman has submitted reports that combined information from prior arrests and the new criminal allegations, “resulting in reports which contained wrong or conflicting information.”
Hautzinger and State Patrol leadership have declined to elaborate.
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily News "Vail's growth boosts sales tax revenue'
(See related story here)
One of the major problems privately owned Aspen has, is how far behind they are in building infrastructure.
It's going to really hurt and take a powerful toll now that they've hit the wall and realize that they must change or they will continue to lag behind other major resorts in the region.
Lodging, restaurants, amenities that are aimed at real needs among vacationers. Families, international guests, large events, the arts and sciences.
Lots of work to be done up in Aspen. Of course we support the effort completely, it is simply that there is a very long way to go with the general population not even sure yet whether or not the Skico is listening.
Good article over on the Vail Daily this morning.
"...Rayla Kundolf, director at Masters Gallery in Vail Village, said everyone wants to go to the new hot spots, but once that settles down, she expects all businesses in town to get a more even piece of the overall pie.
“I think it will spread out,” Kundolf said.
She reports that the gallery is about flat with last winter so far, but flat isn't bad when you're talking about a record-breaking December 2010 in terms of overall town sales tax revenues. She thinks people came to town a little later this season and seem to be staying a little later, too.
New hot spots also help existing businesses raise the bar, Kundolf said, which is good for the town as a whole.
“Each business needs to constantly reinvent themselves to keep it fresh, keep it new,” she said.
Growth in the town seems to have peaked — although Vail Resorts is still pushing through its $1 billion Ever Vail application, which would add more commercial space, condominiums and hotel rooms to the west side of Lionshead — and looking back on the strategy, some feel it has worked.
Vail Councilman Greg Moffet, who also owns Tiga Advertising and is on the Vail Economic Advisory Council, said new square footage in town has helped lower rents and allow a more diversified tenant base. A few years ago, places such as candy shops, wine and coffee shops would have had trouble affording space in either village, he said.
“The tenant mix is broadening,” Moffet said. “I think the pie is getting bigger — not getting bigger as fast as overall growth and retail space, but I think it will catch up quickly.”
Moffet said it's hard to analyze economic data from the past 21⁄2 years because the national economy has been so bad. But having a better product mix in town means more people will shop, Moffet said.
“I see it creating opportunity,” he said. “Most of my customers aren't complaining.”
(Lauren Glendenning)
Read more on what's going on in Vail?
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
One of the major problems privately owned Aspen has, is how far behind they are in building infrastructure.
It's going to really hurt and take a powerful toll now that they've hit the wall and realize that they must change or they will continue to lag behind other major resorts in the region.
Lodging, restaurants, amenities that are aimed at real needs among vacationers. Families, international guests, large events, the arts and sciences.
Lots of work to be done up in Aspen. Of course we support the effort completely, it is simply that there is a very long way to go with the general population not even sure yet whether or not the Skico is listening.
Good article over on the Vail Daily this morning.
"...Rayla Kundolf, director at Masters Gallery in Vail Village, said everyone wants to go to the new hot spots, but once that settles down, she expects all businesses in town to get a more even piece of the overall pie.
“I think it will spread out,” Kundolf said.
She reports that the gallery is about flat with last winter so far, but flat isn't bad when you're talking about a record-breaking December 2010 in terms of overall town sales tax revenues. She thinks people came to town a little later this season and seem to be staying a little later, too.
New hot spots also help existing businesses raise the bar, Kundolf said, which is good for the town as a whole.
“Each business needs to constantly reinvent themselves to keep it fresh, keep it new,” she said.
Growth in the town seems to have peaked — although Vail Resorts is still pushing through its $1 billion Ever Vail application, which would add more commercial space, condominiums and hotel rooms to the west side of Lionshead — and looking back on the strategy, some feel it has worked.
Vail Councilman Greg Moffet, who also owns Tiga Advertising and is on the Vail Economic Advisory Council, said new square footage in town has helped lower rents and allow a more diversified tenant base. A few years ago, places such as candy shops, wine and coffee shops would have had trouble affording space in either village, he said.
“The tenant mix is broadening,” Moffet said. “I think the pie is getting bigger — not getting bigger as fast as overall growth and retail space, but I think it will catch up quickly.”
Moffet said it's hard to analyze economic data from the past 21⁄2 years because the national economy has been so bad. But having a better product mix in town means more people will shop, Moffet said.
“I see it creating opportunity,” he said. “Most of my customers aren't complaining.”
(Lauren Glendenning)
Read more on what's going on in Vail?
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Power up the Power of Four"
Very well said. We couldn't agree more.
But, along with changing the way the world views Aspen and the Aspen Skico comes what lies at the core of the real problem.
The Crown Family has made Aspen into a mirror of themselves and their choices in life. We're privately owned and they do what they wish.
When the Aspen Ski Corp. finally cuts the umbilical cord and becomes a real grown-up corporation that is a business in the service oriented industries, then and only then will there be a complete turn for the better. As it stands now, the company is performing well to exactly what it is currently set up to be.
The Power of One.
’Tis the season, so let’s raise a glass to the many good things the Aspen Skiing Co. has accomplished under Jim Crown’s stewardship. Serious steady investment, great people, no layoffs in tough times, and shared values including a love of Aspen, an abiding respect for the environment and delight in sharing it with others.
Yet no matter how well intentioned, it feels like SkiCo is waxing the wrong skis.
Greg Stump captured the Aspen experience brilliantly in the Power of Four.
Unfortunately, the business execution for a number of years now more resembles the power of one — Aspen affluent — in four different locations.....
......Instead of service that supports an experience aimed at each mountain’s natural audience with their own distinct wants and needs, service has been averaged to be more or less the same at all mountains. It’s as if we are pretending to be one huge mountain — like Vail — and in the process missing an equally huge opportunity.
How about showcasing Aspen Mountain with service that creates an experience beyond anything seen in the industry or the other three mountains in the valley? To do that, Aspen must beat Deer Valley, which is unfettered by the level of service offered at neighboring Park City. Bottom line, an Aspen Mountain ski ticket should be the most expensive in America and worth every penny — complete with Ritz levels of style and service, perfectly in keeping with the Aspen name.
The season pass should remain a four-mountain pass. Different daily prices for different mountains can be charged against a prepaid amount on a visitor’s electronic pass.
The Power of Four is the power to mesmerize four distinct audiences while your competitors work at being all things to all people, and important to none.
The mountains are waiting, the people are ready — what’s needed now is a bit of audacity."
Charlie Hughes was the founding CEO of Land Rover in the U.S., supported the 24 Hours of Aspen for years, and co-authored a book on branding titled “Branding Iron.” Charlie and his family first skied on Snowmass in 1989 and have owned a place there since 1993.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
But, along with changing the way the world views Aspen and the Aspen Skico comes what lies at the core of the real problem.
The Crown Family has made Aspen into a mirror of themselves and their choices in life. We're privately owned and they do what they wish.
When the Aspen Ski Corp. finally cuts the umbilical cord and becomes a real grown-up corporation that is a business in the service oriented industries, then and only then will there be a complete turn for the better. As it stands now, the company is performing well to exactly what it is currently set up to be.
The Power of One.
’Tis the season, so let’s raise a glass to the many good things the Aspen Skiing Co. has accomplished under Jim Crown’s stewardship. Serious steady investment, great people, no layoffs in tough times, and shared values including a love of Aspen, an abiding respect for the environment and delight in sharing it with others.
Yet no matter how well intentioned, it feels like SkiCo is waxing the wrong skis.
Greg Stump captured the Aspen experience brilliantly in the Power of Four.
Unfortunately, the business execution for a number of years now more resembles the power of one — Aspen affluent — in four different locations.....
......Instead of service that supports an experience aimed at each mountain’s natural audience with their own distinct wants and needs, service has been averaged to be more or less the same at all mountains. It’s as if we are pretending to be one huge mountain — like Vail — and in the process missing an equally huge opportunity.
How about showcasing Aspen Mountain with service that creates an experience beyond anything seen in the industry or the other three mountains in the valley? To do that, Aspen must beat Deer Valley, which is unfettered by the level of service offered at neighboring Park City. Bottom line, an Aspen Mountain ski ticket should be the most expensive in America and worth every penny — complete with Ritz levels of style and service, perfectly in keeping with the Aspen name.
The season pass should remain a four-mountain pass. Different daily prices for different mountains can be charged against a prepaid amount on a visitor’s electronic pass.
The Power of Four is the power to mesmerize four distinct audiences while your competitors work at being all things to all people, and important to none.
The mountains are waiting, the people are ready — what’s needed now is a bit of audacity."
Charlie Hughes was the founding CEO of Land Rover in the U.S., supported the 24 Hours of Aspen for years, and co-authored a book on branding titled “Branding Iron.” Charlie and his family first skied on Snowmass in 1989 and have owned a place there since 1993.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: B&W"
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — A short selection of images post-processed with the goal of recreating some old Kodak Plus X vibes …"
"SUMMIT COUNTY — A short selection of images post-processed with the goal of recreating some old Kodak Plus X vibes …"
SandBox Comments: Goose Radio "It Was All a Big Mistake!"
They've been flooding in.
Heartwarming stories of how the Goose touched their lives with positive change.
Cries of anguish that his voice will no longer speak to them on their daily commutes or off their streaming news podcasts as they work through the day.
Conservative leaning bloggers, commentators and podcasters reach out to America over the next few days and share their beloved Goose.
This morning, we start off with his classic 'Obama guy' at mid-term elections.
Heartwarming stories of how the Goose touched their lives with positive change.
Cries of anguish that his voice will no longer speak to them on their daily commutes or off their streaming news podcasts as they work through the day.
Conservative leaning bloggers, commentators and podcasters reach out to America over the next few days and share their beloved Goose.
This morning, we start off with his classic 'Obama guy' at mid-term elections.
January 2, 2012
SandBox Comments: Goose Radio "Farewell!"
Who's the King?
Goose Nissley.
We agree.
Long live the King.
Boy, we're sure sorry to see the Goose move on. It's been great.
Right back at ya, Mr. Nissley.
"On October 27th, 2008 GooseRadio swept onto the fruited plain of the intenets. One day later, we posted our first podcast (featuring an Italian opera based on Al Gore’s environmental musings). The site was an endeavor not only to inform and occasionally (hopefully) entertain friends who would stop by (something many other sites have done well) – but further, to provide you with a general sense of well being.
For just a touch over three years we trod a path at times insightful, humorous, and even heart warming via a stellar group of contributors. Blog entries ranged from the presidential horse race to the Minnesota Twins and to a life of faith. The GooseRadio Podcast offered spirited musings featuring friends like Obama Guy, an angry journalist and noted important personages.
There were laughs, there were moments that left you saying… what just happened. It’s truly been real!
Alas – it’s time to say our farewells. Like an aging ball player, we wanted to go out on top.
Thanks a ton for reading, listening and sticking with us through thick, thin, and any additional inconveniences we may have presented you. Here’s hoping you enjoyed yourself just a tiny bit along the way.
I’ll still be blogging a bit on culture and politics with even an occasional podcast over at http://goosenissley.tumblr.com if you’d like to stop by and relive the glory days when you get a hankering.
Until next we meet — may the Lord richly bless you… and may he multiply your descendants like the sands upon the seashore!
Thank you, friends."
Goose Nissley.
We agree.
Long live the King.
Boy, we're sure sorry to see the Goose move on. It's been great.
Right back at ya, Mr. Nissley.
"On October 27th, 2008 GooseRadio swept onto the fruited plain of the intenets. One day later, we posted our first podcast (featuring an Italian opera based on Al Gore’s environmental musings). The site was an endeavor not only to inform and occasionally (hopefully) entertain friends who would stop by (something many other sites have done well) – but further, to provide you with a general sense of well being.
For just a touch over three years we trod a path at times insightful, humorous, and even heart warming via a stellar group of contributors. Blog entries ranged from the presidential horse race to the Minnesota Twins and to a life of faith. The GooseRadio Podcast offered spirited musings featuring friends like Obama Guy, an angry journalist and noted important personages.
There were laughs, there were moments that left you saying… what just happened. It’s truly been real!
Alas – it’s time to say our farewells. Like an aging ball player, we wanted to go out on top.
Thanks a ton for reading, listening and sticking with us through thick, thin, and any additional inconveniences we may have presented you. Here’s hoping you enjoyed yourself just a tiny bit along the way.
I’ll still be blogging a bit on culture and politics with even an occasional podcast over at http://goosenissley.tumblr.com if you’d like to stop by and relive the glory days when you get a hankering.
Until next we meet — may the Lord richly bless you… and may he multiply your descendants like the sands upon the seashore!
Thank you, friends."
SandBox Comments: National Review/Steve King "Amnesty or New Idea?"
(Read article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Intellectual Conservative "Mexico’s Feds Dismantle Local Police Force"
Here's another really big upside to electing Texas Governor Rick Perry and turning him lose with Sheriff Joe Arpaio to secure the borders.
That will not only mean illegal foreign nationals can no longer sneak across into the USA, it also means that Mexico's government must finally deal with their own problems.
We have never seen a President of Mexico who has ever taken control and accountability for their own country into their hands.
To secure the border, seal it up tight and let Mexico implode so that it's forced to clean itself up is the best idea to hit the stump. Ever.
Get our military out of Mexico and bring them home.
"The problem with corruption within Mexican coupled with the political corruption within Attorney General Eric Holder's Justice Department — including harebrained schemes like the Fast & Furious debacle — makes it less likely that the 'war on drugs' will end successfully," said former narcotics detective Glenn Knudsen.
A major police department in Mexico has been completely dismantled by federal police and military forces as part of an anti-corruption plan to help in winning Mexico's de facto war on drugs.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
That will not only mean illegal foreign nationals can no longer sneak across into the USA, it also means that Mexico's government must finally deal with their own problems.
We have never seen a President of Mexico who has ever taken control and accountability for their own country into their hands.
To secure the border, seal it up tight and let Mexico implode so that it's forced to clean itself up is the best idea to hit the stump. Ever.
Get our military out of Mexico and bring them home.
"The problem with corruption within Mexican coupled with the political corruption within Attorney General Eric Holder's Justice Department — including harebrained schemes like the Fast & Furious debacle — makes it less likely that the 'war on drugs' will end successfully," said former narcotics detective Glenn Knudsen.
A major police department in Mexico has been completely dismantled by federal police and military forces as part of an anti-corruption plan to help in winning Mexico's de facto war on drugs.
More than 900 officers in the State of Veracruz are losing their jobs, while members of the Mexican
Navy are taking over the city's law enforcement function, according to a report from a DEA source.
Police lay-offs come three months after 35 bodies were found dumped on a main road in the municipality, which includes part of Veracruz.
Navy troops backed by federal police officers took control of local police buildings and are patrolling the streets.
Veracruz State Governor Javier Duarte said the decision to disband the force was part of a national program to reform the police, according to the DEA source.
"The problem with corruption within Mexican coupled with the political corruption within Attorney General Eric Holder's Justice Department — including harebrained schemes like the Fast & Furious debacle — make it less likely that the 'war on drugs' will end successfully," said former narcotics detective Glenn Knudsen...."
(Jim Kouri)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "From the Street – 2012"
'by Rumors, Innuendos and Abject Speculation':
"Your Cordillera neighborhood dues are going up.
The Cordillera membership voted last week to (self-inflict) an increase of $1,000.00/yr to the ($2,000/yr) dues they already pay. The reason? The ongoing cost to defend the lawsuit filed against Cordillera by the Wilhelm Family Partnership.
Allegations received by ECT folks suggest that the membership didn’t have a real problem with the additional $1,000.00 because so few of these same folks (allegedly) are NOT going to pay their Cordillera Golf Course annual dues (due in January 2012) because of (what was promised and not delivered) by the WFP last year.
Promised what last year? (Words/emails to the effect – if you pay your annual dues on time and in full) the WFP will open all 4 Cordillera Golf Courses this (2011) Golf Season.
And not Delivered in 2011? All the Cordillera Golf Courses didn’t open last year.
How the WFP intends to cover the annual Golf Course operations cost this year (2012) if very few Golf Course members pay their dues this year is unknown at this writing.
"Your Cordillera neighborhood dues are going up.
The Cordillera membership voted last week to (self-inflict) an increase of $1,000.00/yr to the ($2,000/yr) dues they already pay. The reason? The ongoing cost to defend the lawsuit filed against Cordillera by the Wilhelm Family Partnership.
Allegations received by ECT folks suggest that the membership didn’t have a real problem with the additional $1,000.00 because so few of these same folks (allegedly) are NOT going to pay their Cordillera Golf Course annual dues (due in January 2012) because of (what was promised and not delivered) by the WFP last year.
Promised what last year? (Words/emails to the effect – if you pay your annual dues on time and in full) the WFP will open all 4 Cordillera Golf Courses this (2011) Golf Season.
And not Delivered in 2011? All the Cordillera Golf Courses didn’t open last year.
How the WFP intends to cover the annual Golf Course operations cost this year (2012) if very few Golf Course members pay their dues this year is unknown at this writing.
You’ll recall the Cordillera (counter-claim) lawsuit against the WFP (et al) was given class action status by District Court Judge – Fred Gannett last year (Click Here)...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Colorado Springs Gazette "Rookie prosecutors cut teeth on DUI, misdemeanor cases"
A very interesting look at statistics out of El Paso County from jury commissioner Dennis McKinney.
As of this morning, no DA race for the 4th Judicial District is noted on Colorado Sec. of State 'TRACER'.
As of this morning, no DA race for the 4th Judicial District is noted on Colorado Sec. of State 'TRACER'.
"..The 376 trials is a record but represents just a fraction of the tens of thousands of cases filed in the District Attorney’s Office in Teller and El Paso counties each year, according to statistics available on the Colorado Judicial Branch website.
Most filings end in plea agreements.
But clearly the jump in cases going to trial is proof that May was serious about a tough stand on certain types of cases.
As part of May’s revamped training, new recruits must complete 15 county court trials, a switch from an earlier policy that saw some attorneys advance to District Court after only one or two, the district attorney said.
At the same time, May set a goal to increase the number of trials in county court from about 150 a year to about 200 a year.
Felony trials also rose on May’s watch, according to figures he supplied showing the office hit a record in 2010 with about 165 felony trials and nearly matched it this year, with about 150 trials.
“Those are the two highest totals in the history of this office,” he said.
McKinney and May keep separate tallies of court trials.
The District Attorney’s Office still is compiling figures for the year and hasn’t completed a break down of its prosecutions, May said.
Of the trials in District Court this year, 11 were for first-degree murder, tying the number of first-degree murder trials last year, McKinney said.
The figures show that 26,000 people reported for jury duty this year. Of those, about 12 percent ended up serving on a jury...."
Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/prosecutors-131026-rookie-wanted.html#ixzz1iKGLU6at
Most filings end in plea agreements.
But clearly the jump in cases going to trial is proof that May was serious about a tough stand on certain types of cases.
As part of May’s revamped training, new recruits must complete 15 county court trials, a switch from an earlier policy that saw some attorneys advance to District Court after only one or two, the district attorney said.
At the same time, May set a goal to increase the number of trials in county court from about 150 a year to about 200 a year.
Felony trials also rose on May’s watch, according to figures he supplied showing the office hit a record in 2010 with about 165 felony trials and nearly matched it this year, with about 150 trials.
“Those are the two highest totals in the history of this office,” he said.
McKinney and May keep separate tallies of court trials.
The District Attorney’s Office still is compiling figures for the year and hasn’t completed a break down of its prosecutions, May said.
Of the trials in District Court this year, 11 were for first-degree murder, tying the number of first-degree murder trials last year, McKinney said.
The figures show that 26,000 people reported for jury duty this year. Of those, about 12 percent ended up serving on a jury...."
Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/prosecutors-131026-rookie-wanted.html#ixzz1iKGLU6at
SandBox Comments: Denver 9 News "Slain federal agent was getting dad's cancer meds"
"NEW YORK (AP) - An off-duty federal law enforcement agent who died while confronting a pharmacy robber was picking up his elderly father's cancer medication, a New York congressman said Sunday.
Veteran agent John Capano had chased down the suspect inside the store and was trying to subdue him on the ground when he died, said Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y. The robber, who was also shot to death, was identified Sunday by police as 43-year-old James McGoey of Hampton Bays.
"John was with him on the ground wrestling," said King, who has spoken with local authorities and Capano's family. "Next thing you know, shots are fired."
McGoey went into Charlie's Family Pharmacy in Seaford, a small shorefront Long Island town, at about 2 p.m. on New Year's Eve, police said. He announced a holdup and was given what he came for: painkillers and money.
Capano, a trained explosives expert who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan, confronted McGoey as he tried to leave the store. Meanwhile, an off-duty NYPD officer and a retired Nassau County police officer who happened to be at a deli next door were alerted that someone was trying to rob the pharmacy, King said.
"This is a horrible confluence of events," King said. "They both hear this guy saying there's a robbery going on. They get their guns, they go next door."
It's not clear who shot either man. Capano, 51, died of a gunshot wound at a hospital. He was a 23-year veteran of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who taught U.S. military and local forces in Afghanistan and Iraq how to investigate blasts, said Rory O'Connor, assistant special agent in charge in the ATF's New York office...."
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Veteran agent John Capano had chased down the suspect inside the store and was trying to subdue him on the ground when he died, said Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y. The robber, who was also shot to death, was identified Sunday by police as 43-year-old James McGoey of Hampton Bays.
"John was with him on the ground wrestling," said King, who has spoken with local authorities and Capano's family. "Next thing you know, shots are fired."
McGoey went into Charlie's Family Pharmacy in Seaford, a small shorefront Long Island town, at about 2 p.m. on New Year's Eve, police said. He announced a holdup and was given what he came for: painkillers and money.
Capano, a trained explosives expert who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan, confronted McGoey as he tried to leave the store. Meanwhile, an off-duty NYPD officer and a retired Nassau County police officer who happened to be at a deli next door were alerted that someone was trying to rob the pharmacy, King said.
"This is a horrible confluence of events," King said. "They both hear this guy saying there's a robbery going on. They get their guns, they go next door."
It's not clear who shot either man. Capano, 51, died of a gunshot wound at a hospital. He was a 23-year veteran of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who taught U.S. military and local forces in Afghanistan and Iraq how to investigate blasts, said Rory O'Connor, assistant special agent in charge in the ATF's New York office...."
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SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "County Commissioner’s – 2011 Christmas Gift to Eagle County Taxpayers!"
Coming off their annual vacay at the 'speed of thought', the Eagle County Times blogging crew is rev'd up for the New Year!
Pick up your copy of: "Open Space for Dummies" today!
(lol...Learn how? Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Pick up your copy of: "Open Space for Dummies" today!
(lol...Learn how? Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "Red Sandstone Elementary – The solution is obvious!"
Just as sure as sooner or later, Coloradans can count on it snowing in the winter, the ECT guys take a week off at the end of the year.
They do that just because it gives them the energy boost to roar back come the New Year and take everything they see in front of them in stride.
Still waiting for Superman?
2012 and the next four years will mark apocalyptic proportion, positive changes to the way we fund our public education in America.
Stay tuned to the Eagle County Times crew of bloggers for all the local and regional updates.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
They do that just because it gives them the energy boost to roar back come the New Year and take everything they see in front of them in stride.
Still waiting for Superman?
2012 and the next four years will mark apocalyptic proportion, positive changes to the way we fund our public education in America.
Stay tuned to the Eagle County Times crew of bloggers for all the local and regional updates.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Canon City Daily Record "'Over The River' No. 1 story of the year"
"On Nov. 7, "Over The River" reached its most significant milestone since the temporary work of art's vision was conceived on canvas in artist Christo's New York studio in 1992.
After a three-year comprehensive analysis, the Bureau of Land Management announced its Record of Decision this fall, giving federal approval to Christo and the late Jeanne-Claude's original vision to suspend 5.9 miles (3,200,000 square feet) of fabric panels along a 42-mile stretch of the Arkansas River.
Christo, 76, said OTR is the first ever art project to require an Environmental Impact Statement, which normally is reserved for major infrastructures such as bridges, highways, dams and airports.
"This is a historic event, that for the first time in the history of art and the history of the federal government of the United States, a work of art has an Environmental Impact Statement," Christo said during a luncheon with Friends of Over The River and civic and business leaders at the Fremont Center for the Arts earlier this month.
From 1992 to 1994, the artists and their team traveled 14,000 miles in the Rocky Mountains in search of a site for the project. After prospecting 89 rivers in seven states, six possible locations were found. The Arkansas River was selected in 1996.
The project since has been a hot topic in several community meetings and public hearings in Fremont and Chaffee counties. It required a nearly three-year, 1,686 page comprehensive analysis by the BLM, which ultimately identified all potential impacts and more than 100 measures to mitigate traffic, safety, wildlife and other concerns...."
(CARIE CANTERBURY )
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After a three-year comprehensive analysis, the Bureau of Land Management announced its Record of Decision this fall, giving federal approval to Christo and the late Jeanne-Claude's original vision to suspend 5.9 miles (3,200,000 square feet) of fabric panels along a 42-mile stretch of the Arkansas River.
Christo, 76, said OTR is the first ever art project to require an Environmental Impact Statement, which normally is reserved for major infrastructures such as bridges, highways, dams and airports.
"This is a historic event, that for the first time in the history of art and the history of the federal government of the United States, a work of art has an Environmental Impact Statement," Christo said during a luncheon with Friends of Over The River and civic and business leaders at the Fremont Center for the Arts earlier this month.
From 1992 to 1994, the artists and their team traveled 14,000 miles in the Rocky Mountains in search of a site for the project. After prospecting 89 rivers in seven states, six possible locations were found. The Arkansas River was selected in 1996.
The project since has been a hot topic in several community meetings and public hearings in Fremont and Chaffee counties. It required a nearly three-year, 1,686 page comprehensive analysis by the BLM, which ultimately identified all potential impacts and more than 100 measures to mitigate traffic, safety, wildlife and other concerns...."
(CARIE CANTERBURY )
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SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "2011: Year in photos, October – December'
(All credit: Bob Berywn)
January 1, 2012
SandBox Comments: Town Hall/Bill O'Reilly "Good Riddance 2011 "
"Bad year, 2011, even though some bad guys and charlatans got a karma blast. Osama bin Laden got it up close and personal from a Navy SEAL, while his cohort al-Awlaki got drilled from the sky. Gadhafi went down, and al-Assad is tottering.
Schwarzenegger, Weiner, Sheen and Cain all got hammered in the court of public opinion. Blagojevich, Bonds and Mubarak were held accountable in actual courts.
Casey Anthony got away with killing her 2-year-old daughter. Amanda Knox finally beat the rap in Italy. And Kim Kardashian continued to be the poster girl for narcissism.
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, by all accounts a stellar human being, survived a brutal gun attack, but more than 20,000 Japanese did not survive the earthquake and tsunami that hit the country in March.
But things like those listed above happen every year. The primary reason that 2011 is not a year to remember is focused around one thing: The folks continue to get a bad deal..."
(Bill O'Reilly)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Schwarzenegger, Weiner, Sheen and Cain all got hammered in the court of public opinion. Blagojevich, Bonds and Mubarak were held accountable in actual courts.
Casey Anthony got away with killing her 2-year-old daughter. Amanda Knox finally beat the rap in Italy. And Kim Kardashian continued to be the poster girl for narcissism.
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, by all accounts a stellar human being, survived a brutal gun attack, but more than 20,000 Japanese did not survive the earthquake and tsunami that hit the country in March.
But things like those listed above happen every year. The primary reason that 2011 is not a year to remember is focused around one thing: The folks continue to get a bad deal..."
(Bill O'Reilly)
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SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Pair held in 5-day shooting spree"
SandBox is just at a loss for words on this story out of Grand Junction.
'SandBox Nanny' keeps feeling a sense of what law enforcement has got to be feeling over this one.
You are so appreciated. Thanks so much for your service. A very special thank you here in Garfield County to Garfield County Sheriff and their TAG program.
Stay the course.
Grand Junction Sentinel:
"..According to the affidavit, other events that occurred during the shooting spree include:
Plotner admitting he fired through a home’s second-story window, while Kintz drove. No one was injured, but one of the people in the home, Jered Sawyer, told investigators the shooting may have been in retaliation for gang-related violence. Sawyer told police he had stabbed one of Kintz’s friends during a dispute a couple years ago, and Sawyer had been charged with smashing out the windows of a car of another friend of Kintz.
Sawyer said he is part of the Nortenos gang, and Kintz and his friends are part of a rival gang, the Surenos.
Sawyer also told police Kintz, whom he said is known as “Wedito” on the street, published a song on MySpace that threatened to kill Sawyer.
“Aaron described feeling anger and rage at times and wanting to kill people. He said he told Darian that if he had anyone he needed taken care of, Aaron would do it. Darian talked of past issues with Jered (Sawyer) and showed Aaron, Jered Sawyer’s home.”
On the night of Dec. 27, Plotner shot through the windshield of a parked car outside of Sawyer’s home, but the men didn’t know if it was Sawyer’s vehicle. The following day, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the men returned to the home, 458 Mesa Lake Drive.
“On this occasion Aaron sat in the back seat on the driver side so he could shoot in the direction of Jered’s home. Aaron admitted shooting at the window of the upper level of the home, but did not see anyone.
When asked if he would have felt bad for hitting an occupant, even a 4-year-old that was home, Aaron said he would not have cared and indicated he was hoping to hit someone inside....”
(Read more, click title. Comment to discuss)
'SandBox Nanny' keeps feeling a sense of what law enforcement has got to be feeling over this one.
You are so appreciated. Thanks so much for your service. A very special thank you here in Garfield County to Garfield County Sheriff and their TAG program.
Stay the course.
Grand Junction Sentinel:
"..According to the affidavit, other events that occurred during the shooting spree include:
Plotner admitting he fired through a home’s second-story window, while Kintz drove. No one was injured, but one of the people in the home, Jered Sawyer, told investigators the shooting may have been in retaliation for gang-related violence. Sawyer told police he had stabbed one of Kintz’s friends during a dispute a couple years ago, and Sawyer had been charged with smashing out the windows of a car of another friend of Kintz.
Sawyer said he is part of the Nortenos gang, and Kintz and his friends are part of a rival gang, the Surenos.
Sawyer also told police Kintz, whom he said is known as “Wedito” on the street, published a song on MySpace that threatened to kill Sawyer.
“Aaron described feeling anger and rage at times and wanting to kill people. He said he told Darian that if he had anyone he needed taken care of, Aaron would do it. Darian talked of past issues with Jered (Sawyer) and showed Aaron, Jered Sawyer’s home.”
On the night of Dec. 27, Plotner shot through the windshield of a parked car outside of Sawyer’s home, but the men didn’t know if it was Sawyer’s vehicle. The following day, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the men returned to the home, 458 Mesa Lake Drive.
“On this occasion Aaron sat in the back seat on the driver side so he could shoot in the direction of Jered’s home. Aaron admitted shooting at the window of the upper level of the home, but did not see anyone.
When asked if he would have felt bad for hitting an occupant, even a 4-year-old that was home, Aaron said he would not have cared and indicated he was hoping to hit someone inside....”
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SandBox Comments: Pueblo Chieftain "Velez shaping police force"
Happy New Year to the Pueblo Police Dept. These guys have had such a rough time reshaping their PD. Yet, still managing to grow and keep up with making record-breaking drug busts.
Thank you for all your hard work and your service. You are appreciated. (Those K-9's too...)
(Pueblo Chieftain)
"Change knows no stranger, and in the last year it's been ever-present at the Pueblo Police Department.
Friday is the six-month anniversary of July 6 and the naming of Luis Velez as Pueblo police chief. He became interim chief nearly a year ago — on Feb. 16,the day after longtime police Chief Jim Billings retired...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Thank you for all your hard work and your service. You are appreciated. (Those K-9's too...)
(Pueblo Chieftain)
"Change knows no stranger, and in the last year it's been ever-present at the Pueblo Police Department.
Friday is the six-month anniversary of July 6 and the naming of Luis Velez as Pueblo police chief. He became interim chief nearly a year ago — on Feb. 16,the day after longtime police Chief Jim Billings retired...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
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