For various reasons, one or two of them unwarranted and totally unrealistic, and the others likely because we put out great content and believe in showing gratitude and appreciation for our law enforcement and military officers and agents; SandBox Commentators is followed by quite a few cops.
How can we tell? It's their keyword searches. Who else googles full name, DOB, height, weight, last known vicinity and specific charges? Our full list of Twitter followers and feed subscribers is quite revealing as well. Then again, it might not be our tantalizing content and may simply be our avatars who insist on "droppin dimes on the dope man" (Jeremy Madden) with all their anonymous tipster activity.
On this day before St. Paddy's day and the likelihood of a long weekend ahead of them, 'SandBox Nanny' is going to toss up a couple of posts that might give regional cops a laugh. 'Stranger than Fiction' and Roland Sweet's 'Curses, Foiled Again' is always a great one for drawing page views and it's coming up next.
What caught her eye (lol) in this post is the second line.
Enjoy St. Patrick's Day, everyone. And remember to have fun while at the same time give a cop a break and stay safe out there.
AP via Grand Junction Daily Sentinel Breaking News:
DENVER — Denver police are trying to determine why someone dumped a garbage bag full of marijuana in a Denver park.
Police arrested five people after the marijuana was passed out free to park visitors...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 16, 2012
March 15, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Hot Air Blog "Mark Levin: I will donate $50,000 to Obama if he will debate me for one hour"
Tina Korbe:
"On his radio show yesterday, Mark Levin echoed Sarah Palin’s invitation to Barack Obama to debate “the real issues.” He spiced up his request with an unexpected incentive, though. The talker promised to donate $50,000 to Obama’s campaign if Obama accepts his challenge.
“I see my friend Sarah Palin has challenged Obama to a debate, because now he’s running ads against her,” Levin said. “Come on. I’ll tell you what — I will give, are you ready for this Mr. Producer? I will give $50,000 to Obama’s Super PAC if he will debate me for one hour.”
Since Obama has been traveling the country in search of smaller donations, Levin asked, why not take him up on his bigger offer?
“Now he’s flying all over the country in exchange for meals and handshakes and photos,” Levin said. “People are giving a lot less than that. Just one hour, a debate. It doesn’t even have to be televised. In fact, we’ll do it right here on this program. [It would] be very professional, be very fair, equal time, just a debate.”
Would that this would come to pass — but Obama not only hasn’t accepted invitations to debate from Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin, he hasn’t even acknowledged them. It’s likely that Mark Levin’s invitation will meet the same fate. Obama doesn’t exactly need the $50,000, either. Sure, his fundraising has been down somewhat recently and, in the cash-collecting game, his Super PAC trails the Super PACs of the GOP candidates (although its fundraising is up 40 percent from last month, in large part because Obama gave the green light to donors to give to it), but, as of January 1, the Obama campaign still listed 444 individuals who had bundled at least $50,000 for his campaign. If he solicits $1 and $5 donations — or uses March Madness to try to increase interest in his campaign, it’s not really because he needs the cash. It’s just because he knows that a potential voter with skin in the game is more likely to go to the polls than a potential voter who has donated nothing...." (click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"On his radio show yesterday, Mark Levin echoed Sarah Palin’s invitation to Barack Obama to debate “the real issues.” He spiced up his request with an unexpected incentive, though. The talker promised to donate $50,000 to Obama’s campaign if Obama accepts his challenge.
“I see my friend Sarah Palin has challenged Obama to a debate, because now he’s running ads against her,” Levin said. “Come on. I’ll tell you what — I will give, are you ready for this Mr. Producer? I will give $50,000 to Obama’s Super PAC if he will debate me for one hour.”
Since Obama has been traveling the country in search of smaller donations, Levin asked, why not take him up on his bigger offer?
“Now he’s flying all over the country in exchange for meals and handshakes and photos,” Levin said. “People are giving a lot less than that. Just one hour, a debate. It doesn’t even have to be televised. In fact, we’ll do it right here on this program. [It would] be very professional, be very fair, equal time, just a debate.”
Would that this would come to pass — but Obama not only hasn’t accepted invitations to debate from Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin, he hasn’t even acknowledged them. It’s likely that Mark Levin’s invitation will meet the same fate. Obama doesn’t exactly need the $50,000, either. Sure, his fundraising has been down somewhat recently and, in the cash-collecting game, his Super PAC trails the Super PACs of the GOP candidates (although its fundraising is up 40 percent from last month, in large part because Obama gave the green light to donors to give to it), but, as of January 1, the Obama campaign still listed 444 individuals who had bundled at least $50,000 for his campaign. If he solicits $1 and $5 donations — or uses March Madness to try to increase interest in his campaign, it’s not really because he needs the cash. It’s just because he knows that a potential voter with skin in the game is more likely to go to the polls than a potential voter who has donated nothing...." (click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: LA Times "Swing voters: Diverse, misunderstood and crucial in 2012"
David Lauter, Washington Bureau:
"Over the next eight months, presidential campaigns will spend hundreds of millions of dollars to penetrate the suburban living rooms of people like 33-year-old Sarah Hays.
"I agree with certain parts of the philosophies of both parties," Hays said in a recent interview as two of her three children — ages 6, 4 and 21 months — played within reach at their St. Louis-area home. "I'm a Catholic, and I'm pro-life, and that's very important to me," she said, "but I don't believe that pro-life means only antiabortion.
"I think we should be fiscally conservative, and yet I think we should take care of people."
Hays is that rarest of people in a closely divided and sharply polarized country — a swing voter — dissatisfied with both parties, crucial to either one's hope of success.
Over the last few months, as the Republican primary battle has focused on the most conservative parts of the party's core, several polls have shown President Obama making headway with self-described independents like Hays. As a result, the percentage of voters expressing approval of his performance in office has slowly risen in most recent surveys...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Over the next eight months, presidential campaigns will spend hundreds of millions of dollars to penetrate the suburban living rooms of people like 33-year-old Sarah Hays.
"I agree with certain parts of the philosophies of both parties," Hays said in a recent interview as two of her three children — ages 6, 4 and 21 months — played within reach at their St. Louis-area home. "I'm a Catholic, and I'm pro-life, and that's very important to me," she said, "but I don't believe that pro-life means only antiabortion.
"I think we should be fiscally conservative, and yet I think we should take care of people."
Hays is that rarest of people in a closely divided and sharply polarized country — a swing voter — dissatisfied with both parties, crucial to either one's hope of success.
Over the last few months, as the Republican primary battle has focused on the most conservative parts of the party's core, several polls have shown President Obama making headway with self-described independents like Hays. As a result, the percentage of voters expressing approval of his performance in office has slowly risen in most recent surveys...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Intellectual Conservative "Book Review: James Rickards 'Currency Wars' "
Ralph Benko:
"In virtually every airport bookstore in America right now you will find a little sleeper of a book in the business section which is as riveting as a thriller and as hard to put down. James Rickards Currency Wars made this reader remember what Secretary of the Navy John Lehman so vividly told Tom Clancy after reading his multi-million-seller Hunt for Red October: “Who the hell cleared this?”
At the end of the Cold, and Middle East, wars, we have entered a perilous new world. Currency Wars is as relevant as tomorrow’s headlines. No sleepy tome on monetary policy, Currency Wars is a white-knuckle exercise. It begins three years ago with a war game carried out by the Pentagon in a secret facility just outside of Washington DC.
“The Applied Physics Laboratory, located on four hundred acres of former farmland about halfway between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., is one of the crown jewels of America’s system of top secret, high-tech applied physics and weapons research facilities..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"In virtually every airport bookstore in America right now you will find a little sleeper of a book in the business section which is as riveting as a thriller and as hard to put down. James Rickards Currency Wars made this reader remember what Secretary of the Navy John Lehman so vividly told Tom Clancy after reading his multi-million-seller Hunt for Red October: “Who the hell cleared this?”
At the end of the Cold, and Middle East, wars, we have entered a perilous new world. Currency Wars is as relevant as tomorrow’s headlines. No sleepy tome on monetary policy, Currency Wars is a white-knuckle exercise. It begins three years ago with a war game carried out by the Pentagon in a secret facility just outside of Washington DC.
“The Applied Physics Laboratory, located on four hundred acres of former farmland about halfway between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., is one of the crown jewels of America’s system of top secret, high-tech applied physics and weapons research facilities..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Melanie Sturm - What if Iran means it?"
Melanie Sturm:
"With options dwindling to curtail Iran and time running out, there are no good remedies. Nevertheless, we have overwhelming bipartisan agreement in both the House and the Senate that it is a vital U.S. interest to prevent Iran from becoming nuclear-capable — a threshold far closer than possession of such weapons and one Iran has nearly crossed.
Unfortunately, differing timetables are a source of tension between America and Israel. Because the U.S. Air Force is comparatively better equipped — with an advanced fleet of aircraft and bunker busting bombs — its capability and moment of decision is beyond Israel's. However, given election-year politics and the likelihood a military strike would cause further escalation in already high oil prices, it's hard for Israel to trust that America will act in time.
While the prospect of $10-per-gallon gasoline might be a price too high for American politicians to stomach, it's a tradeoff Israel will accept to prevent a second Holocaust. “As Prime Minister of Israel,” Benjamin Netanyahu said last week, “I will never let my people live in the shadow of annihilation.”
So when Israel strikes Iran's nuclear facilities, as it struck Iraq's in 1981 and Syria's in 2007, Think Again before complaining of temporarily high gas prices. Not only will Israel have saved America and the world from the specter of a nuclear-capable Iran, it will give the Iranian people their best chance since 2009 of overthrowing their tyrannical oppressors...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"With options dwindling to curtail Iran and time running out, there are no good remedies. Nevertheless, we have overwhelming bipartisan agreement in both the House and the Senate that it is a vital U.S. interest to prevent Iran from becoming nuclear-capable — a threshold far closer than possession of such weapons and one Iran has nearly crossed.
Unfortunately, differing timetables are a source of tension between America and Israel. Because the U.S. Air Force is comparatively better equipped — with an advanced fleet of aircraft and bunker busting bombs — its capability and moment of decision is beyond Israel's. However, given election-year politics and the likelihood a military strike would cause further escalation in already high oil prices, it's hard for Israel to trust that America will act in time.
While the prospect of $10-per-gallon gasoline might be a price too high for American politicians to stomach, it's a tradeoff Israel will accept to prevent a second Holocaust. “As Prime Minister of Israel,” Benjamin Netanyahu said last week, “I will never let my people live in the shadow of annihilation.”
So when Israel strikes Iran's nuclear facilities, as it struck Iraq's in 1981 and Syria's in 2007, Think Again before complaining of temporarily high gas prices. Not only will Israel have saved America and the world from the specter of a nuclear-capable Iran, it will give the Iranian people their best chance since 2009 of overthrowing their tyrannical oppressors...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Right Scoop "Netanyahu: Israel will protect itself even if America objects"
Scoop:
"Sounds like Netanyahu is making the case for military action against Iran and is prepared to give Obama the finger should he object:
"Sounds like Netanyahu is making the case for military action against Iran and is prepared to give Obama the finger should he object:
JERUSALEM POST – Saying publicly in the Knesset what he only said privately to Congressional leaders in Washington last week, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday stressed Israel would act to defend itself even if the US objected.
“Israel has never left its fate in the hands of others, not even in the hands of our best friends,” he said in a speech that focused on the Iranian threat and drew a direct line from Tehran to the events earlier this week in Gaza. He also blamed the 2005 disengagement from the Gaza Strip for leading to Iran’s establishment of a “forward” terrorist base there.
Netanyahu cited legendary US Secretary of State George Marshall as telling David Ben-Gurion in 1948 not to declare a state, and reminded the Knesset that US President Lyndon Johnson not only advised Israel against preemptive military action in 1967, but warned that “if you act alone, you will be alone.” Likewise, he said Prime Minister Menachem Begin knew when he decided to attack the Iraqi nuclear reactor in 1981 that he was going against US wishes and would come under sharp international criticism. “But he fulfilled his obligation and acted,” said Netanyahu, possibly preparing the public for the prospect of Israeli military action even over US objections.
Netanyahu said that a nuclear Iran would pose an “existential threat” to Israel, and that while he preferred if Iran would voluntarily abandon its nuclear ambitions, he had an “obligation” to retain Israel’s “independent ability” to defend itself...." (Read more? Click title)"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KREX News 5 "Suspected Animal Abuse Continues in Delta County"
Danielle Kreutter:
"Hotchkiss- Many community members in Delta County are still concerned with the treatment of livestock at a certain property on the Redlands Mesa.
Officials say the situation that NewsChannel 5 first reported on in February, has gotten a little worse. Recently another horse has died on the property on 2900 Road. Neighbors tell NewsChannel 5 that they are frustrated at the extent local law enforcement has been involved.
"I had to continue to call them several times a week in order to get them to come back up," said concerned neighbor and wildlife specialist Kristin Dahlstrom.
When NewsChannel 5 investigated the conditions after authorities visited, we found empty feed bins and cows up to their ankles in feces. It prompted Delta County officials to take another look.
"They've progressively gotten a little worse than what they were in the beginning of the situation," said Undersheriff Mark Taylor with the Delta County Sheriff's Office...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Hotchkiss- Many community members in Delta County are still concerned with the treatment of livestock at a certain property on the Redlands Mesa.
Officials say the situation that NewsChannel 5 first reported on in February, has gotten a little worse. Recently another horse has died on the property on 2900 Road. Neighbors tell NewsChannel 5 that they are frustrated at the extent local law enforcement has been involved.
"I had to continue to call them several times a week in order to get them to come back up," said concerned neighbor and wildlife specialist Kristin Dahlstrom.
When NewsChannel 5 investigated the conditions after authorities visited, we found empty feed bins and cows up to their ankles in feces. It prompted Delta County officials to take another look.
"They've progressively gotten a little worse than what they were in the beginning of the situation," said Undersheriff Mark Taylor with the Delta County Sheriff's Office...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Charges filed in Steamboat heroin case"
Thank you to all the officers, agents and agencies who participated in this major narcotics bust in Steamboat Springs.
You are appreciated.
Stay the course.
Matt Stensland:
"Steamboat Springs — The Routt County District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday filed 22 felony charges against four Steamboat Springs men arrested Friday night following a weekslong undercover investigation by the All Crimes Enforcement Team drug task force.
The four men suspected of possessing or selling heroin appeared in custody Wednesday before Routt County Judge James Garrecht. Court documents related to their arrests have been sealed because of an ongoing investigation...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
You are appreciated.
Stay the course.
Matt Stensland:
"Steamboat Springs — The Routt County District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday filed 22 felony charges against four Steamboat Springs men arrested Friday night following a weekslong undercover investigation by the All Crimes Enforcement Team drug task force.
The four men suspected of possessing or selling heroin appeared in custody Wednesday before Routt County Judge James Garrecht. Court documents related to their arrests have been sealed because of an ongoing investigation...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection " Nogales Bust Nets Meth, Heroin Worth $431k"
That's an unsettling thought, isn't it?
Nogales, Ariz. — Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Tucson Field Office made two separate drug seizures Monday, resulting in more than 23 pounds of methamphetamine and five pounds of heroin being seized; a combined value of nearly $431,000.
Officers at the Mariposa Port referred a 21-year-old Nogales woman for a secondary inspection of her Ford sedan when she attempted to enter the United States. After a CBP narcotics detection canine alerted to the presence of drugs, officers located 23 packages of methamphetamine in the dashboard
Officers at the Morley Pedestrian crossing referred a 32-year-old Mexican woman for additional questioning when she attempted to enter the United States. When an officer inspected her belongings, four packages of heroin were found in her purse.
In both cases, property and drugs were seized. Both subjects were arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Individuals arrested may be charged by complaint, the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity, which raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
CBP's Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Homeland Security tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Breckenridge Ski Area extends season"
Summit Voice:
"SUMMIT COUNTY— For the first time since merging with Vail Resorts, Breckenridge Ski Area will extend the season in response to a flood of requests from loyal skiers.
The area’s high-altitude should ensure good conditions through late April. Breckenridge often stayed open into early May back in the 1980s, when old-timers can remember celebrating Cinco de Mayo with late-season turns on Peak 8.
The two-weekend bonus season will include only Peak 8 terrain, including the Imperial Express SuperChair, for two additional weekends, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 20-22 and April 27-29, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. In addition, the resort will have a special 50th season extension day ticket price of $50 for those without passes and free parking in the gondola lots.
“We had one wish left to grant, and asked our guests and fans via our social media channels what they wanted us to grant for our final 50th wish,” said Breckenridge senior vice president and chief operating officer Pat Campbell, referring to the season-long 50-wishes marketing campaign that was held during the resort’s golden jubilee season.
“We heard loud and clear from many fans like Lisa Doane and Jason Brooke that they’d love to see us wrap up this season- long promotion in the best way possible … by extending the season...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"SUMMIT COUNTY— For the first time since merging with Vail Resorts, Breckenridge Ski Area will extend the season in response to a flood of requests from loyal skiers.
The area’s high-altitude should ensure good conditions through late April. Breckenridge often stayed open into early May back in the 1980s, when old-timers can remember celebrating Cinco de Mayo with late-season turns on Peak 8.
The two-weekend bonus season will include only Peak 8 terrain, including the Imperial Express SuperChair, for two additional weekends, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 20-22 and April 27-29, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. In addition, the resort will have a special 50th season extension day ticket price of $50 for those without passes and free parking in the gondola lots.
“We had one wish left to grant, and asked our guests and fans via our social media channels what they wanted us to grant for our final 50th wish,” said Breckenridge senior vice president and chief operating officer Pat Campbell, referring to the season-long 50-wishes marketing campaign that was held during the resort’s golden jubilee season.
“We heard loud and clear from many fans like Lisa Doane and Jason Brooke that they’d love to see us wrap up this season- long promotion in the best way possible … by extending the season...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 14, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "State PUC bills Sullivan for investigation travel costs"
Hmmmm....so, how does this work? Taxpayers pay for state PUC...and PUC is acting solely on a complaint by a private company (High Mountain Taxi) that obviously has a vendetta against Phil and yet gets all their legal fees and costs paid for by the state......and the taxpayers are pretty darn upset with the PUC for the entire debacle?
If Phil pays the 'fine', do the taxpayers get a refund on any of this mess and High Mountain Taxi finally steps up to pitch in to cover the state's costs? Seems fair considering if Phil doesn't pay this 'fine' he's going to be in contempt again and headed back to jail.
So, how about you?
Still boycotting High Mountain Taxi in Aspen, Colorado? Good for you. Buzz has it that so are most area residents. Wonder how long it will take HIGH MOUNTAIN TAXI in ASPEN, COLORADO to launch another vendetta against Phil because they're so upset over their continued loss of business?
Chad Abraham:
"If the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) gets its way, rouge cabbie Phil Sullivan will have to cough up $1,107.79 to pay for the hotel stays and other travel expenses of investigators and attorneys that came to Aspen to shut him down.
Meanwhile, the PUC is investigating whether a nonprofit organization recently formed by the Woody Creek man complies with statutory requirements that would exempt the corporation from state oversight. The tactic was conceived of by Sullivan’s attorney as a way to allow him to legally continue giving people free rides around town while accepting donations.
A six-year battle between the public utilities commission (PUC) and Phil Sullivan has resulted in two jail terms totaling about two weeks for the 76-year-old. He was found to have violated a district judge’s court order prohibiting him from giving rides around Aspen for tips.
On Monday, Judge Gail Nichols of Pitkin County District Court approved the PUC’s motion to bill Sullivan for the agency’s travel costs in pursuing the case. The expenses, which are related to the state’s most recent investigation of Sullivan last summer, amounted to $1,107.79...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
If Phil pays the 'fine', do the taxpayers get a refund on any of this mess and High Mountain Taxi finally steps up to pitch in to cover the state's costs? Seems fair considering if Phil doesn't pay this 'fine' he's going to be in contempt again and headed back to jail.
So, how about you?
Still boycotting High Mountain Taxi in Aspen, Colorado? Good for you. Buzz has it that so are most area residents. Wonder how long it will take HIGH MOUNTAIN TAXI in ASPEN, COLORADO to launch another vendetta against Phil because they're so upset over their continued loss of business?
Chad Abraham:
"If the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) gets its way, rouge cabbie Phil Sullivan will have to cough up $1,107.79 to pay for the hotel stays and other travel expenses of investigators and attorneys that came to Aspen to shut him down.
Meanwhile, the PUC is investigating whether a nonprofit organization recently formed by the Woody Creek man complies with statutory requirements that would exempt the corporation from state oversight. The tactic was conceived of by Sullivan’s attorney as a way to allow him to legally continue giving people free rides around town while accepting donations.
A six-year battle between the public utilities commission (PUC) and Phil Sullivan has resulted in two jail terms totaling about two weeks for the 76-year-old. He was found to have violated a district judge’s court order prohibiting him from giving rides around Aspen for tips.
On Monday, Judge Gail Nichols of Pitkin County District Court approved the PUC’s motion to bill Sullivan for the agency’s travel costs in pursuing the case. The expenses, which are related to the state’s most recent investigation of Sullivan last summer, amounted to $1,107.79...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Our View: Allocate revenues based on merit"
"Revenue from the city of Steamboat Springs’ half-cent sales tax for education should not be treated as a de facto subsidy for the Steamboat Springs School District. Thus, the Education Fund Board should continue to approve grant requests based solely on merit and outcomes, no matter which organization or body submits the request.
That’s not necessarily the way Steamboat Springs School Board officials see things, as board member Robin Crossan made clear last week by questioning the value of funding requests from community groups, when such requests could come at the expense of what the Steamboat school district wants.
We hope Fund Board members don’t lose sight of the fact that many of the education-oriented, nonprofit community groups are requesting a small amount of money for the continuation of longstanding and successful school-based programs. And we wish the Steamboat Springs School District would focus more on producing its own strong, outcome-based funding requests than worrying that some of the community tax dollars might go to other entities...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
That’s not necessarily the way Steamboat Springs School Board officials see things, as board member Robin Crossan made clear last week by questioning the value of funding requests from community groups, when such requests could come at the expense of what the Steamboat school district wants.
We hope Fund Board members don’t lose sight of the fact that many of the education-oriented, nonprofit community groups are requesting a small amount of money for the continuation of longstanding and successful school-based programs. And we wish the Steamboat Springs School District would focus more on producing its own strong, outcome-based funding requests than worrying that some of the community tax dollars might go to other entities...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KJCT News 8 "Re-2 School District Approves 4 Day Weeks"
It is hard. Has been hard to watch as well.
But sooner or later, our public schools and publicaly funded education had to get a wake-up call because somewhere along the way they just found it way too easy to stick their hand out for public money and live on credit.
There is no reason whatsoever that taxpayers should be funding public education when there are so many alternatives out there that could make our public education system self-sustaining.
RE-2, out of necessity, has just hit on one of those ways. Four day school weeks. Now take it a step further and start after Labor Day with an end to the year right before Memorial Day. Cut back on vacation/break times to make up the difference. The end result will be far greater efficiency and lower operating costs.
While on a roll, here's to RE-2 pulling together a push toward lawmakers to break up the Parks and Rec 'hogs' who scarf up all the gaming and lottery proceeds. That cash cow whould be divided equally between parks and rec, K-12 education, road and bridge and law enforcement.
Don Coleman:
"NEW CASTLE, Colo. -- Garfield County's Re-2 school district will join more than 50 others across the state on a four day school week next year. The decision was handed down at Tuesday night's school board meeting and is part of an effort to cut costs with a $1.7million to $2.2 million shortfall looming.
After a lengthy meeting, the board voted four to one in favor of shortening school weeks.
"To me, it's probably our most positive option," School Board President Chris Pearson said. "It was a tough decision, but probably the easiest to make now that we're considering 'big ticket items.'"
Pearson says this choice is one of the only ones that offsets costs without affecting the staff too much.
The school district's financial department expects the move will save the district around $500,000 next year through fuel reductions, hourly staff reductions, and savings on utilities....:" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
But sooner or later, our public schools and publicaly funded education had to get a wake-up call because somewhere along the way they just found it way too easy to stick their hand out for public money and live on credit.
There is no reason whatsoever that taxpayers should be funding public education when there are so many alternatives out there that could make our public education system self-sustaining.
RE-2, out of necessity, has just hit on one of those ways. Four day school weeks. Now take it a step further and start after Labor Day with an end to the year right before Memorial Day. Cut back on vacation/break times to make up the difference. The end result will be far greater efficiency and lower operating costs.
While on a roll, here's to RE-2 pulling together a push toward lawmakers to break up the Parks and Rec 'hogs' who scarf up all the gaming and lottery proceeds. That cash cow whould be divided equally between parks and rec, K-12 education, road and bridge and law enforcement.
Don Coleman:
"NEW CASTLE, Colo. -- Garfield County's Re-2 school district will join more than 50 others across the state on a four day school week next year. The decision was handed down at Tuesday night's school board meeting and is part of an effort to cut costs with a $1.7million to $2.2 million shortfall looming.
After a lengthy meeting, the board voted four to one in favor of shortening school weeks.
"To me, it's probably our most positive option," School Board President Chris Pearson said. "It was a tough decision, but probably the easiest to make now that we're considering 'big ticket items.'"
Pearson says this choice is one of the only ones that offsets costs without affecting the staff too much.
The school district's financial department expects the move will save the district around $500,000 next year through fuel reductions, hourly staff reductions, and savings on utilities....:" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Never in anyone's backyard"
Kateri Hall:
"A March 1 Post Independent headline couldn't escape my eyes: “Oak Meadows residents alarmed about gas drilling.” And on Feb. 28, I read where the proposed asphalt plant owners were not going to be permitted to use their property to operate their plant beside the organic farm.
First, I submit I haven't been here long enough to know details on either topic. I don't know which side I would support on either topic. I do know that I would entertain both ideas with a business-friendly approach.
That's what I'm pushing. Entertain the ideas. Spend some of that “no” energy on a solution on how and where to make business happen.
I look around the Western Slope and I see a gorgeous part of the Rockies. I also see the economy has hit hard times here. In an area where jobs are scarce, I'm struck how many people's first reaction is to say “no.”
How hungry does someone have to be before they are open to discussion? I dare answer my own question and say maybe they're not hungry at all. Maybe the food stamps are flowing just fine in America.
The consensus always seems to be “Yeah, bring American jobs back to America.” Yet when someone ventures out, the same consensus is too eager to flood them with bureaucracy.
What's left for America? Our nation won't flourish where the only incomes allowed are consulting and welfare.
How many items did you purchase last week that were not made in America? How much did that tank of gas cost? If the consumer says “ouch,” they're not receptive to logic...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"A March 1 Post Independent headline couldn't escape my eyes: “Oak Meadows residents alarmed about gas drilling.” And on Feb. 28, I read where the proposed asphalt plant owners were not going to be permitted to use their property to operate their plant beside the organic farm.
First, I submit I haven't been here long enough to know details on either topic. I don't know which side I would support on either topic. I do know that I would entertain both ideas with a business-friendly approach.
That's what I'm pushing. Entertain the ideas. Spend some of that “no” energy on a solution on how and where to make business happen.
I look around the Western Slope and I see a gorgeous part of the Rockies. I also see the economy has hit hard times here. In an area where jobs are scarce, I'm struck how many people's first reaction is to say “no.”
How hungry does someone have to be before they are open to discussion? I dare answer my own question and say maybe they're not hungry at all. Maybe the food stamps are flowing just fine in America.
The consensus always seems to be “Yeah, bring American jobs back to America.” Yet when someone ventures out, the same consensus is too eager to flood them with bureaucracy.
What's left for America? Our nation won't flourish where the only incomes allowed are consulting and welfare.
How many items did you purchase last week that were not made in America? How much did that tank of gas cost? If the consumer says “ouch,” they're not receptive to logic...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Pitkin County self-sufficiency standards presented to BOCC"
In easier to grasp terms, that works out to at least $13.00 per hour. Low and mid-tier Skico employees make less per hour than that. In fact, low tier make under $11.00 per hour. In fact, one has to be in a management position at Aspen Ski Corp. to make that bare minimum. And that bare minimum? Is for a single person. If you are single with one child you need to be making between $28 and $29 per hour.
Remember now, Aspen's largest employer is seasonal. So double or triple what you need to earn in order to get that made in 6 months or less.
Remember now, your 'perks' like health insurance, free ski pass and bus pass lower your expenses which translates out to a great point that Tracey Stewart makes in this article. 'You make too much' to qualify for most all subsidies to help out. Now there is a very interesting thought considering Aspen's blue blood runs liberal. Good 'ol fashioned capitalism is sounding better by the day, isn't it?
Still think Lee Mulcahy's voice should have been quashed by $Big Money$? Or that he should still be enduring the wrath of $Big Money$ for exposing them?
Before personally judging Mulcahy and supporters, please read up on all of the facts and get familiar with all of the story.
While you're at it, please read the entire article by Dorothy Atkins today. Up on the Aspen Daily News.
Dorothy Atkins:
"In order to be self sufficient and live in Pitkin County, an individual needs to make at least $27,000 a year, according to the Colorado Center on Law and Policy (CCLP), while a single parent with three young children needs to make $103,607 annually to get by on their own.
The nonprofit agency presented the statistics and others related to self-sufficiency standards to the Board of County Commissioners in a work session on Tuesday.
The study is an income measurement tool that determines how much money families of various sizes and compositions living in specific geographic locations need to earn in order to make ends meet without public or private assistance. The nonprofit produces the study every three years.
A singe parent with one child needs to earn at least $59,400 a year to be self sufficient in Pitkin County, while a two-parent, two-child household needs to make over $87,500 a year here, according to the study.
Those statistics include federal tax credits that families would theoretically receive like the child care credit and the earned income tax credit.
The study also addresses the increase in costs of basic needs since 2004. Of the six categories, all costs have gone up in Pitkin County except transportation. The costs of housing, child care, food, health care and taxes have all increased. The cost of health care showed the largest jump, increasing by 121 percent, which is consistent with the rest of the state, said Tracey Stewart, self-sufficiency project coordinator with CCLP.
Of a sampling of various common working and middle class lines of work, only two occupations in Pitkin County pay enough for a single parent with one preschooler and one school-age child to be self sufficient, according to the study. Those are registered nurses and operations managers, the latter of which theoretically includes people in management positions at Aspen Skiing Co., Stewart said.
Commissioner Rob Ittner questioned Stewart on whether or not the study took into account benefits that residents receive — like affordable housing and food stamps — which can do a lot to offset the high cost of living in Pitkin County.
Stewart countered that there is often a gap between the amount of money individuals would have to earn on the lower end to qualify for receiving benefits from the government and the amount one would have to make to be self-sufficient...." (Read more? You should. Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Remember now, Aspen's largest employer is seasonal. So double or triple what you need to earn in order to get that made in 6 months or less.
Remember now, your 'perks' like health insurance, free ski pass and bus pass lower your expenses which translates out to a great point that Tracey Stewart makes in this article. 'You make too much' to qualify for most all subsidies to help out. Now there is a very interesting thought considering Aspen's blue blood runs liberal. Good 'ol fashioned capitalism is sounding better by the day, isn't it?
Still think Lee Mulcahy's voice should have been quashed by $Big Money$? Or that he should still be enduring the wrath of $Big Money$ for exposing them?
Before personally judging Mulcahy and supporters, please read up on all of the facts and get familiar with all of the story.
While you're at it, please read the entire article by Dorothy Atkins today. Up on the Aspen Daily News.
Dorothy Atkins:
"In order to be self sufficient and live in Pitkin County, an individual needs to make at least $27,000 a year, according to the Colorado Center on Law and Policy (CCLP), while a single parent with three young children needs to make $103,607 annually to get by on their own.
The nonprofit agency presented the statistics and others related to self-sufficiency standards to the Board of County Commissioners in a work session on Tuesday.
The study is an income measurement tool that determines how much money families of various sizes and compositions living in specific geographic locations need to earn in order to make ends meet without public or private assistance. The nonprofit produces the study every three years.
A singe parent with one child needs to earn at least $59,400 a year to be self sufficient in Pitkin County, while a two-parent, two-child household needs to make over $87,500 a year here, according to the study.
Those statistics include federal tax credits that families would theoretically receive like the child care credit and the earned income tax credit.
The study also addresses the increase in costs of basic needs since 2004. Of the six categories, all costs have gone up in Pitkin County except transportation. The costs of housing, child care, food, health care and taxes have all increased. The cost of health care showed the largest jump, increasing by 121 percent, which is consistent with the rest of the state, said Tracey Stewart, self-sufficiency project coordinator with CCLP.
Of a sampling of various common working and middle class lines of work, only two occupations in Pitkin County pay enough for a single parent with one preschooler and one school-age child to be self sufficient, according to the study. Those are registered nurses and operations managers, the latter of which theoretically includes people in management positions at Aspen Skiing Co., Stewart said.
Commissioner Rob Ittner questioned Stewart on whether or not the study took into account benefits that residents receive — like affordable housing and food stamps — which can do a lot to offset the high cost of living in Pitkin County.
Stewart countered that there is often a gap between the amount of money individuals would have to earn on the lower end to qualify for receiving benefits from the government and the amount one would have to make to be self-sufficient...." (Read more? You should. Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 13, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Red State "New Record Monthly Deficit 37 Months into Obama’s Presidency "
Daniel Horowitz Diary:
"Here’s a headline you won’t see in the media this week: we incurred the largest monthly deficit on record in February.
Seven months into a government “reined in” by the Budget Control Act, we are supposed to be reaping the benefits of budget reduction. Yet, according to CBO, we incurred a gargantuan
Think for a moment about what it means to spend $335 billion in 29 days. It comes out to $11.5 billion per day; $480 million per hour. So the next time Congress deliberates over a few billion in spending cuts over the course of a month, remember that we will add several hundred billion more in debt during the course of the debate.
What is so astounding about the record monthly deficit is that it comes amidst a recovery in the job market and an overall increase in revenues. Due to quirks in the scheduling of government payments, February is always a bad month; nevertheless, even during the worst months of the recession, we never suffered such a large budget deficit. In February 2009, the monthly deficit checked in at $193.8 trillion. At a time when tax receipts are increasing again (corporate tax receipts are up 56%), we should not be racking up such high deficits. Hence, it is incontrovertibly clear that we don’t have a revenue problem; we have a spending problem, most prominently, an entitlement and welfare problem...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
$229 billion
"Here’s a headline you won’t see in the media this week: we incurred the largest monthly deficit on record in February.
Seven months into a government “reined in” by the Budget Control Act, we are supposed to be reaping the benefits of budget reduction. Yet, according to CBO, we incurred a gargantuan
Think for a moment about what it means to spend $335 billion in 29 days. It comes out to $11.5 billion per day; $480 million per hour. So the next time Congress deliberates over a few billion in spending cuts over the course of a month, remember that we will add several hundred billion more in debt during the course of the debate.
What is so astounding about the record monthly deficit is that it comes amidst a recovery in the job market and an overall increase in revenues. Due to quirks in the scheduling of government payments, February is always a bad month; nevertheless, even during the worst months of the recession, we never suffered such a large budget deficit. In February 2009, the monthly deficit checked in at $193.8 trillion. At a time when tax receipts are increasing again (corporate tax receipts are up 56%), we should not be racking up such high deficits. Hence, it is incontrovertibly clear that we don’t have a revenue problem; we have a spending problem, most prominently, an entitlement and welfare problem...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
$229 billion
SandBoxBlogs: Keith Hennessey "A good Jobs Day"
Keith Hennessey, March 9, 2012:
"The fewest numbers you need to know
This morning the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in February the U.S. economy created 227,000 net new jobs and the unemployment rate held steady at 8.3%.
We are still 5.3 million jobs shy of peak employment in December 2007 and 864,000 shy of January 2009 when President Obama took office.
Same data, different views
Different audiences look at employment data in different ways:
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The fewest numbers you need to know
This morning the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in February the U.S. economy created 227,000 net new jobs and the unemployment rate held steady at 8.3%.
We are still 5.3 million jobs shy of peak employment in December 2007 and 864,000 shy of January 2009 when President Obama took office.
Same data, different views
Different audiences look at employment data in different ways:
- People’s lives are most affected by the level of employment: how many people are working and what is the unemployment rate? At 8.3 percent this number is still bad.
- As both a policy and political matter, Washington, DC cares about the level, but even more about the direction and rate of change: are we adding or subtracting jobs, is unemployment rising or falling, are we “headed in the right direction?” From this view today’s report offers good news, at least on the jobs created front. I assume the Administration will cite 17 months of continuous job growth. Possibly more significant is that we have had four months of job growth > 150,000/month, which is roughly what you need to keep up with population growth. The trend continues to be positive, although you should want even bigger numbers since the unemployment rate is still high.
- Markets and market commentators care even more about how the change compares with expectations before the data was released. Today’s numbers slightly exceeded expectations of about 200,000 net new jobs so the reaction from this perspective should also be positive...."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Hot Air Blog "Oh my: Obama’s approval rating hits new low in CBS poll"
AllahPundit:
"Second look at the “war on women”?
Just 41 percent of Americans approve of the job Mr. Obama is doing as president, according to the poll, conducted from March 7 to 11. Another 47 percent disapprove of his performance, up from 41 percent last month.
Mr. Obama’s approval rating was 50 percent last month.
The average U.S. price of a gallon of gasoline has jumped 12 cents over the past two weeks. The poll found that most Americans, 54 percent, believe gas prices are something a president can do a lot about…
Mr. Obama’s job rating on the economy remains about the same as it was last month – 39 percent approve, while 54 percent disapprove...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Second look at the “war on women”?
Just 41 percent of Americans approve of the job Mr. Obama is doing as president, according to the poll, conducted from March 7 to 11. Another 47 percent disapprove of his performance, up from 41 percent last month.
Mr. Obama’s approval rating was 50 percent last month.
The average U.S. price of a gallon of gasoline has jumped 12 cents over the past two weeks. The poll found that most Americans, 54 percent, believe gas prices are something a president can do a lot about…
Mr. Obama’s job rating on the economy remains about the same as it was last month – 39 percent approve, while 54 percent disapprove...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
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