Erick Erickson:
"As the GOP head to Florida, the literal poster boy for trial lawyers in Florida is endorsing Obama. It is not a surprise. Charlie Crist was Barack Obama’s favorite Republican for the longest time.
They stood shoulder to shoulder in support of the stimulus.
RedState played a great role in helping beat Charlie Crist. Marco Rubio is such an improvement
But I do hope Charlie Crist gets a speaking role at the Democratic National Convention. They could use a refreshing voice such as Crist’s.
See, Charlie Crist has long maintained Todd Akin’s abortion position — no exceptions except life of the mother. Given the Democrats’ extremist “abortion on demand” position, Crist would be a refreshing recalibration for them.
Crist also has an A+ rating from the National Rifle Association. After a month of tragic shootings around the country, I’m sure the Democrats will do all they can to highlight their gun control agenda. Having someone on their platform who actually opposes further gun regulations would offer a more diverse opinion,
Crist has also been a long time opponent of same sex unions. As the Democrats move further and further out of the mainstream on that issue, Charlie Crist could be a great tool for grounding the convention in reality — a reality where no American state has seen its citizens support gay marriage.
Or, it could be that Charlie Crist really is a political cross dresser willing to say or do anything to advance his own agenda.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
August 27, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "All roads lead to Rome"
Kathleen Parker:
"Whatever the case, the point has been made, the suggestion placed, the people have been distracted. And so it goes ... and so it went. And they conjured magic, and they took away their freedom, and the mob roared....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Whatever the case, the point has been made, the suggestion placed, the people have been distracted. And so it goes ... and so it went. And they conjured magic, and they took away their freedom, and the mob roared....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Iowa Republican "Barack Obama: The Five Trillion Dollar Man"
Kevin Hall:
"He promised to cut our deficit in half. Instead, President Obama has doubled it. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the 2012 deficit will surpass $1.2 trillion. Obama has added almost as much debt as the previous 43 presidents combined.
“We’ve now had four years in a row with a president that’s built trillion dollar deficits. It’s bad economics,” GOP challenger Mitt Romney said during a rally in Bettendorf on Wednesday. “It’s the wrong course for America, and I believe it’s immoral for us to pass on our burdens to the next generation.”
Romney was speaking to a crowd of more than 1200 at LeClaire Industries. Behind him on the stage were factory employees wearing shirts that said, “Government didn’t build my business, I did.” The shirts were a swipe at Obama’s infamous “You didn’t build that” comments. LeClaire Industries owner Bob Zimmerman took exception with the president’s statement.
“Mr. President, it isn’t the government that creates jobs. It’s the people. It’s businessmen and businesswomen. And if you really want to help small business, stop the regulations and get out of our way and let us go to work,” Zimmerman said to a standing ovation from the crowd...."
(Read more? You should. Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"He promised to cut our deficit in half. Instead, President Obama has doubled it. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the 2012 deficit will surpass $1.2 trillion. Obama has added almost as much debt as the previous 43 presidents combined.
“We’ve now had four years in a row with a president that’s built trillion dollar deficits. It’s bad economics,” GOP challenger Mitt Romney said during a rally in Bettendorf on Wednesday. “It’s the wrong course for America, and I believe it’s immoral for us to pass on our burdens to the next generation.”
Romney was speaking to a crowd of more than 1200 at LeClaire Industries. Behind him on the stage were factory employees wearing shirts that said, “Government didn’t build my business, I did.” The shirts were a swipe at Obama’s infamous “You didn’t build that” comments. LeClaire Industries owner Bob Zimmerman took exception with the president’s statement.
“Mr. President, it isn’t the government that creates jobs. It’s the people. It’s businessmen and businesswomen. And if you really want to help small business, stop the regulations and get out of our way and let us go to work,” Zimmerman said to a standing ovation from the crowd...."
(Read more? You should. Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "God as an excuse"
“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but in the presence of God no matter what the conflict.”
Johnny Boyd:
"Wearing religion on your sleeve and using God’s name to perpetrate robbery on the dumb masses has been noticed. Using His name to debate social issues that were decided by wiser leaders than the yahoos we recruit today in order to divide the country doesn’t sit well.
God loves homosexuals, illegal immigrants and women just as much as your lily-white ass. God doesn’t play favorites, He doesn’t discriminate, and He will judge the self-appointed moralists. There is no “right” organized religion. God is love and unless you love all your neighbors, and do right by them, your religion is wrong.
God doesn’t want this country to refight all that crap we fought 40 years ago. It has been settled, let’s move forward. As much as God loves Mormons, He doesn’t care for hypocrites....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Johnny Boyd:
"Wearing religion on your sleeve and using God’s name to perpetrate robbery on the dumb masses has been noticed. Using His name to debate social issues that were decided by wiser leaders than the yahoos we recruit today in order to divide the country doesn’t sit well.
God loves homosexuals, illegal immigrants and women just as much as your lily-white ass. God doesn’t play favorites, He doesn’t discriminate, and He will judge the self-appointed moralists. There is no “right” organized religion. God is love and unless you love all your neighbors, and do right by them, your religion is wrong.
God doesn’t want this country to refight all that crap we fought 40 years ago. It has been settled, let’s move forward. As much as God loves Mormons, He doesn’t care for hypocrites....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News: "Tipton balks at taking a position on Thompson Divide draft bill"
Dorothy Atkins:
".S. Rep. Scott Tipton is waiting to hear constituent feedback on legislation protecting the Thompson Divide before taking a position on a proposed draft bill, he said at the GOP headquarters in Aspen on Saturday.
The draft bill, introduced by U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado over two weeks ago, could lead to enhanced conservation of the Thompson Divide area near Carbondale and retirement of gas-drilling leases there. The senator has posted the draft on his website and invited the public to comment in the hopes it can lead to common ground between drilling opponents and gas companies holding leases.
“As he gets public comment I’m hoping that he will be sharing some of that with us,” said Tipton, who represents Aspen and the rest of Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District in Washington, adding that he isn’t familiar with the details of the draft bill. “But we’ll see what ultimately he’ll be looking at.”
The proposal would withdraw unleased minerals on public lands in the area from future lease sales, essentially protecting them from oil and gas development. It explicitly states it would preserve existing rights of gas leaseholders, but it also states the feds would, within 180 days of passage of the bill, provide “opportunity for donation, voluntary exchange, or other relinquishment of those rights for retirement.”...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
".S. Rep. Scott Tipton is waiting to hear constituent feedback on legislation protecting the Thompson Divide before taking a position on a proposed draft bill, he said at the GOP headquarters in Aspen on Saturday.
The draft bill, introduced by U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado over two weeks ago, could lead to enhanced conservation of the Thompson Divide area near Carbondale and retirement of gas-drilling leases there. The senator has posted the draft on his website and invited the public to comment in the hopes it can lead to common ground between drilling opponents and gas companies holding leases.
“As he gets public comment I’m hoping that he will be sharing some of that with us,” said Tipton, who represents Aspen and the rest of Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District in Washington, adding that he isn’t familiar with the details of the draft bill. “But we’ll see what ultimately he’ll be looking at.”
The proposal would withdraw unleased minerals on public lands in the area from future lease sales, essentially protecting them from oil and gas development. It explicitly states it would preserve existing rights of gas leaseholders, but it also states the feds would, within 180 days of passage of the bill, provide “opportunity for donation, voluntary exchange, or other relinquishment of those rights for retirement.”...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Judge sets CMC-SourceGas trial for June 2013"
So good to hear that Source Gas remains remembering that the teeny tiny bit of real information, that was piled into ten million tons of disinformation by a single source that started the snowball panic attack against the much needed compressor station; is the sole source that began what has turned out to be a high loss to CMC credibility.
Bottom line is that no matter how CMC now tries to package up their retreat and attempt to market it to the public at large; they entered into a legal lease agreement that Source Gas had no reason not to trust.
At least not until the 'one ringie-dingie' campaign started up from the usual sources that sort of thing usually comes from in Glenwood Springs.
Who loses?
The land and money grabbers who started the ruckus and then threw the jet fuel of disinformation on to the flames of their creation?
Or the taxpayers who will be footing the bill for this very costly stance of CMC Trustees who caved to that pressure?
Actually, it is every student who enters the CMC campus for a number of years to come who ultimately is hurt by this incredible waste of monetary resources by the Trustees. The taxpayers and general population of surrounding areas suffer the loss of credibility. At least until the next election cycle when Trustees can be swept out.
Good luck to Source Gas on this and thank you to Judge James Boyd for erring on the side of fairness. May Source prevail in their quest for monetary damages.
John Colson:
"The judge did not dismiss the entire SourceGas suit outright, as requested by CMC, leaving open the company's ability to sue the school for monetary damages.
The company has claimed that it spent roughly $2.5 million on equipment, engineering and planning for the proposed CMC site, and that shifting to another site will entail more costs.
SourceGas attorney Timothy Knapp told the Post Independent on July 7, following Judge Boyd's previous ruling, that the company would be seeking monetary damages from the college...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Bottom line is that no matter how CMC now tries to package up their retreat and attempt to market it to the public at large; they entered into a legal lease agreement that Source Gas had no reason not to trust.
At least not until the 'one ringie-dingie' campaign started up from the usual sources that sort of thing usually comes from in Glenwood Springs.
Who loses?
The land and money grabbers who started the ruckus and then threw the jet fuel of disinformation on to the flames of their creation?
Or the taxpayers who will be footing the bill for this very costly stance of CMC Trustees who caved to that pressure?
Actually, it is every student who enters the CMC campus for a number of years to come who ultimately is hurt by this incredible waste of monetary resources by the Trustees. The taxpayers and general population of surrounding areas suffer the loss of credibility. At least until the next election cycle when Trustees can be swept out.
Good luck to Source Gas on this and thank you to Judge James Boyd for erring on the side of fairness. May Source prevail in their quest for monetary damages.
John Colson:
"The judge did not dismiss the entire SourceGas suit outright, as requested by CMC, leaving open the company's ability to sue the school for monetary damages.
The company has claimed that it spent roughly $2.5 million on equipment, engineering and planning for the proposed CMC site, and that shifting to another site will entail more costs.
SourceGas attorney Timothy Knapp told the Post Independent on July 7, following Judge Boyd's previous ruling, that the company would be seeking monetary damages from the college...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Newsmax "Immigration Agents File Suit Over Obama 'Amnesty' Program"
Newsmax:
"Ten employees at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are suing the Obama administration to block a new program to let many young illegal immigrants avoid deportation and get a work permit.
The suit also claims that directives from the Department of Homeland Security and its secretary, Janet Napolitano, force agents to break the law by not arresting certain illegal immigrants.
Kris Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state and an immigration adviser to presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, is representing the employees. The lawsuit was filed Thursday in federal court in Dallas.
The 22-page filing, which names Napolitano and ICE Director John Morton as defendants, contends that the Obama administration's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals plan violates federal law.
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Napolitano has previously defended the plan.
The suit says the mandate "unconstitutionally usurps and encroaches upon the legislative powers of Congress."
Kobach equated the move to give thousands of illegal immigrants a reprieve to the failed Fast and Furious gun-walking operation.
"In both instances, the Obama administration ordered federal law enforcement agents to break the law, to ignore the laws that they're supposed to enforce, and, in the case of the ICE agents, to actually break federal laws that say you're supposed to deport certain people," he told Fox News."And in each case, the Obama administration seems to be doing so for political reasons."..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Ten employees at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are suing the Obama administration to block a new program to let many young illegal immigrants avoid deportation and get a work permit.
The suit also claims that directives from the Department of Homeland Security and its secretary, Janet Napolitano, force agents to break the law by not arresting certain illegal immigrants.
Kris Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state and an immigration adviser to presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, is representing the employees. The lawsuit was filed Thursday in federal court in Dallas.
The 22-page filing, which names Napolitano and ICE Director John Morton as defendants, contends that the Obama administration's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals plan violates federal law.
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Napolitano has previously defended the plan.
The suit says the mandate "unconstitutionally usurps and encroaches upon the legislative powers of Congress."
Kobach equated the move to give thousands of illegal immigrants a reprieve to the failed Fast and Furious gun-walking operation.
"In both instances, the Obama administration ordered federal law enforcement agents to break the law, to ignore the laws that they're supposed to enforce, and, in the case of the ICE agents, to actually break federal laws that say you're supposed to deport certain people," he told Fox News."And in each case, the Obama administration seems to be doing so for political reasons."..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Denver Post "Colorado Springs sweep nets $5.6 million in drugs, 14 arrests"
Congratulations and a big thank you to all agencies who particpated in still yet another record setting drug bust.
Denver Post:
"Local, state and federal law investigators have netted 14 alleged members of an El Paso County drug-trafficking ring, seizing $5.6 million worth of marijuana, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as six vehicles and more than $150,000 in cash.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Department said the first of three drug Colorado investigations began last October. Information gathered in Colorado Springs then led to investigations in seven states and Mexico.
Those arrested were Juan Ramon Espinoza-Aldana, Javier Francisco-Jimenez, Maria Isabel Mendoza-Palacios, Guadalupe Marguez-Chavez, Ernesto Mata-Rotas, Angel Eduard Nunez-Rivera, Mario Alberto Dominguez-Orozco, Cesar Sotelo-Lopez, Jacinto Ponce-Amparo, Matias Aleman-Sanchez, Miguel Angel Gamboa-Tasso, Enrique Cuevas-Del Toro, Zakariya Angel Salazar and Leo Rios-Lucero.
(Learn more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Denver Post:
"Local, state and federal law investigators have netted 14 alleged members of an El Paso County drug-trafficking ring, seizing $5.6 million worth of marijuana, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as six vehicles and more than $150,000 in cash.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Department said the first of three drug Colorado investigations began last October. Information gathered in Colorado Springs then led to investigations in seven states and Mexico.
Those arrested were Juan Ramon Espinoza-Aldana, Javier Francisco-Jimenez, Maria Isabel Mendoza-Palacios, Guadalupe Marguez-Chavez, Ernesto Mata-Rotas, Angel Eduard Nunez-Rivera, Mario Alberto Dominguez-Orozco, Cesar Sotelo-Lopez, Jacinto Ponce-Amparo, Matias Aleman-Sanchez, Miguel Angel Gamboa-Tasso, Enrique Cuevas-Del Toro, Zakariya Angel Salazar and Leo Rios-Lucero.
(Learn more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
August 26, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Inalienable Rights - Obama and his need for credit"
Charlie Leonard:
"An extraordinary “real-time e-book” was published this week.
According to the publishers, "Obama's Last Stand" follows the president's reelection campaign of President Barack Obama as it struggles to find the winning formula in a political landscape that has changed dramatically since his history-making victory in 2008.”
The book was written by a senior writer for Politico, an online news publication that's dedicated exclusively to politics and elections. It's also widely respected by Democrats and Republicans alike.
Like several insider campaign books that have been written before, the writers of “Obama's Last Stand” gained extraordinary access to the people running the president's re-election campaign. What makes this book so unique, however, is that it was published before, rather than after, Election Day.
What's more, the writers themselves seem genuinely surprised at how willing the president's men and women were to tell them, for publication, exactly what the president has said in private about his record, his opponent and the tenor of his campaign.
Most of the news coverage of the book in the last 48 hours has focused on a number of excerpts in the book where the president goes on rants with his aides about how much he personally dislikes Mitt Romney.
But the one passage that really got my attention was early on when the president was letting off steam with several of his aides about what troubles him most should he fail to be re-elected...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"An extraordinary “real-time e-book” was published this week.
According to the publishers, "Obama's Last Stand" follows the president's reelection campaign of President Barack Obama as it struggles to find the winning formula in a political landscape that has changed dramatically since his history-making victory in 2008.”
The book was written by a senior writer for Politico, an online news publication that's dedicated exclusively to politics and elections. It's also widely respected by Democrats and Republicans alike.
Like several insider campaign books that have been written before, the writers of “Obama's Last Stand” gained extraordinary access to the people running the president's re-election campaign. What makes this book so unique, however, is that it was published before, rather than after, Election Day.
What's more, the writers themselves seem genuinely surprised at how willing the president's men and women were to tell them, for publication, exactly what the president has said in private about his record, his opponent and the tenor of his campaign.
Most of the news coverage of the book in the last 48 hours has focused on a number of excerpts in the book where the president goes on rants with his aides about how much he personally dislikes Mitt Romney.
But the one passage that really got my attention was early on when the president was letting off steam with several of his aides about what troubles him most should he fail to be re-elected...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Denver Post "Glenwood Springs and Carbondale in search of economic development"
John Colson:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS— —This city and the town of Carbondale are acting together but separately to come up with economic development ventures.
And the nonprofit Roaring Fork Business Resource Center is in the middle of it all.
"I've been preaching this whole regional thing forever," said Randi Lowenthal, CEO of the RFBRC, also known as the Center. She said she believes the only way towns can be successful is to work together to attract new business and tourists, and to encourage economic growth.
Her ideas have gotten a good reception from the officials in both towns.
"I think Randi's plans might offer us a chance for some tangible success," said Glenwood Springs Mayor Matt Steckler...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS— —This city and the town of Carbondale are acting together but separately to come up with economic development ventures.
And the nonprofit Roaring Fork Business Resource Center is in the middle of it all.
"I've been preaching this whole regional thing forever," said Randi Lowenthal, CEO of the RFBRC, also known as the Center. She said she believes the only way towns can be successful is to work together to attract new business and tourists, and to encourage economic growth.
Her ideas have gotten a good reception from the officials in both towns.
"I think Randi's plans might offer us a chance for some tangible success," said Glenwood Springs Mayor Matt Steckler...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Colorado Statesman "Attempts to get initiatives on ballot go by the wind"
Peter Marcus:
"Sponsors of at least five ballot proposals watched their titles expire on Monday, as they were unable to collect the necessary 86,105 signatures needed to qualify for the November ballot.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Sponsors of at least five ballot proposals watched their titles expire on Monday, as they were unable to collect the necessary 86,105 signatures needed to qualify for the November ballot.
The initiatives included an effort to provide undocumented immigrants with a driver’s license, two efforts to protect the state’s water sources and two efforts to legalize recreational marijuana...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Made to Order"
Dave Danforth:
"DA’s Wearhouse, where District Attorneys never wear out. I’m Jack,” the voice answers.
“You have a warranty department?” I ask, jumping right in. “We need a replacement.”
“What seems to be the problem?” Jack queries.
“We have a DA here named Truden, Colleen Truden,” I say. “She’s in trouble. Probably not a real scoundrel. Just Not Ready for Prime Time.”
“Truden, hmmm,” Jack notes, flipping through some pages. “Here she is. She’s almost new. You have a fresh new practicing DA and there are problems already?”
“Let’s just say we may have made a bad hire,” I say. “So, perhaps you and I could come to an understanding? Just an employment discussion. No hard feelings. You send us a new one?”...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"DA’s Wearhouse, where District Attorneys never wear out. I’m Jack,” the voice answers.
“You have a warranty department?” I ask, jumping right in. “We need a replacement.”
“What seems to be the problem?” Jack queries.
“We have a DA here named Truden, Colleen Truden,” I say. “She’s in trouble. Probably not a real scoundrel. Just Not Ready for Prime Time.”
“Truden, hmmm,” Jack notes, flipping through some pages. “Here she is. She’s almost new. You have a fresh new practicing DA and there are problems already?”
“Let’s just say we may have made a bad hire,” I say. “So, perhaps you and I could come to an understanding? Just an employment discussion. No hard feelings. You send us a new one?”...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: SkyHi Daily "Oldham resigns post as 14th Judicial District attorney; governor appoints Barkey"
Drew Munro:
"Brett Barkey became the new district attorney for the 14th Judicial District on Monday when Gov. Jon Hickenlooper announced his appointment to be the chief prosecutor for Grand, Routt and Moffat counties.
Barkey replaces Elizabeth Oldham, whose last day was Friday, Aug. 10, according to Donna Zulian, administrator in the DA's Craig office.
Oldham announced in December that she would not run for re-election. Attempts to reach her for comment on Monday were unsuccessful.
She said in July during an informal conversation that she was resigning so she could return to the Front Range and spend less time as an administrator and more time in the courtroom.
“I gratefully accept Governor Hickenlooper's appointment as district attorney for the 14th Judicial District,” Barkey said. “It is a great honor and privilege to continue in public service in this role.
“I also want to express my profound appreciation for Elizabeth Oldham's eight years of public service to Moffat, Routt and Grand counties in the district attorney's office,” he added. “She will be greatly missed, and I wish her all the success in her new position.”
Oldham resigned to take a post in the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office, which serves Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties, according to Barkey...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Brett Barkey became the new district attorney for the 14th Judicial District on Monday when Gov. Jon Hickenlooper announced his appointment to be the chief prosecutor for Grand, Routt and Moffat counties.
Barkey replaces Elizabeth Oldham, whose last day was Friday, Aug. 10, according to Donna Zulian, administrator in the DA's Craig office.
Oldham announced in December that she would not run for re-election. Attempts to reach her for comment on Monday were unsuccessful.
She said in July during an informal conversation that she was resigning so she could return to the Front Range and spend less time as an administrator and more time in the courtroom.
“I gratefully accept Governor Hickenlooper's appointment as district attorney for the 14th Judicial District,” Barkey said. “It is a great honor and privilege to continue in public service in this role.
“I also want to express my profound appreciation for Elizabeth Oldham's eight years of public service to Moffat, Routt and Grand counties in the district attorney's office,” he added. “She will be greatly missed, and I wish her all the success in her new position.”
Oldham resigned to take a post in the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office, which serves Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties, according to Barkey...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Durango Herald "Bill Gates has a new loo for you"
Donna Gordon Blankenship:
"These aren’t your typical loos. One uses microwave energy to transform human waste into electricity.
Another captures urine and uses it for flushing. And still another turns excrement into charcoal.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"These aren’t your typical loos. One uses microwave energy to transform human waste into electricity.
Another captures urine and uses it for flushing. And still another turns excrement into charcoal.
They are part of a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation competition to reinvent the toilet for the 2.5 billion people around the world who don’t have access to modern sanitation.
Scientists from around the world have taken up the challenge, and the foundation announced some projects Tuesday that will be getting more money to take their ideas from the lab to cities.
There, local entrepreneurs will use the new technology to turn pollution into cash.
“We couldn’t be happier with the response that we’ve gotten,” Bill Gates said...."
(Read more? Click title)
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Welcome dopers"
Jeremy Madden:
"With the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in town I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all the dopers peddling through the city’s streets. While you may be scorned and scoffed at in other communities for your commitment to compete, please know that in the Aspen area you have plenty of kindred spirits.
In fact, I cannot think of a better pairing than long distance cycling and Aspen. Although you dopers might not know it, much like the sport of cycling, Aspen has quite a reputation for its drug use. Aspen and cycling go together like pot and coke, or steroids and human growth hormones....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"With the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in town I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all the dopers peddling through the city’s streets. While you may be scorned and scoffed at in other communities for your commitment to compete, please know that in the Aspen area you have plenty of kindred spirits.
In fact, I cannot think of a better pairing than long distance cycling and Aspen. Although you dopers might not know it, much like the sport of cycling, Aspen has quite a reputation for its drug use. Aspen and cycling go together like pot and coke, or steroids and human growth hormones....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
August 7, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Red State "Gasland’s Josh Fox Can’t Be Bothered with Facts "
"Save a gas rig. Vote Sonja Linman (D) for Garfield County Commissioner."
The only truly balanced voice running for John Martin's seat.
She may be blue....but she will listen to you reds out there in Garfield County.
Steve Maley:
"Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Josh Fox, he of the burning water tap, loves to scare people with the provocative word “fracking” and misleading images and claims of its potential to damage the environment, specifically groundwater.
To wit, this screenshot of a cute little animated .gif at Fox’s website gaslandthemovie.com.
It clearly depicts fractures from a horizontal gas well invading a freshwater aquifer. Scary! Now, consider the detail of that portion of the cartoon which depicts the fractures extending vertically up into the shallow water-bearing zone:....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
The only truly balanced voice running for John Martin's seat.
She may be blue....but she will listen to you reds out there in Garfield County.
Steve Maley:
"Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Josh Fox, he of the burning water tap, loves to scare people with the provocative word “fracking” and misleading images and claims of its potential to damage the environment, specifically groundwater.
To wit, this screenshot of a cute little animated .gif at Fox’s website gaslandthemovie.com.
It clearly depicts fractures from a horizontal gas well invading a freshwater aquifer. Scary! Now, consider the detail of that portion of the cartoon which depicts the fractures extending vertically up into the shallow water-bearing zone:....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Garfield County to pay off jail, sheriff's administration building"
Congrats to Garfield County Sheriff! The citizens of GarCo can be proud of being debt free and accomplishing that by now owning the state-of-the-art Sheriff's annex in Rifle!
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — Garfield County commissioners will exercise the county's purchase option on the county jail and sheriff's administration building in Glenwood Springs, saving more than $2 million in future interest payments and retiring the county's long-term debt for the time being.
“It's an anomaly in government to be out of debt,” Commission Chairman John Martin said during the regular Board of County Commissioners meeting on Monday.
“Getting this done has been one of my biggest goals,” Martin added in a prepared statement issued by the county following the decision.
“We will be free of this commitment and own the jail and sheriff's office outright,” he said. “We also have addressed the concerns of any citizens who thought our fund balances were a little too high.....”
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — Garfield County commissioners will exercise the county's purchase option on the county jail and sheriff's administration building in Glenwood Springs, saving more than $2 million in future interest payments and retiring the county's long-term debt for the time being.
“It's an anomaly in government to be out of debt,” Commission Chairman John Martin said during the regular Board of County Commissioners meeting on Monday.
“Getting this done has been one of my biggest goals,” Martin added in a prepared statement issued by the county following the decision.
“We will be free of this commitment and own the jail and sheriff's office outright,” he said. “We also have addressed the concerns of any citizens who thought our fund balances were a little too high.....”
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: CBS News "4 sophisticated drug tunnels found on border"
"(AP) TIJUANA, Mexico - Four drug smuggling tunnels equipped with lighting and ventilation — including one with a railcar system — have been discovered along the U.S.-Mexico border in less than a week, the latest signs that cartels are building sophisticated passages to escape heightened detection above ground.
Three of the tunnels were incomplete, including one that the Mexican army found in a Tijuana warehouse Thursday with more than 40 tons of marijuana at the entry. The passage extended nearly 400 yards, including more than 100 yards into the United States....."
(Read more? See more photos? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
Three of the tunnels were incomplete, including one that the Mexican army found in a Tijuana warehouse Thursday with more than 40 tons of marijuana at the entry. The passage extended nearly 400 yards, including more than 100 yards into the United States....."
(Read more? See more photos? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
July 29, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Eagle County Times "Some Cordillera Folks – not too happy with the Fishwrap either…"
See related posts and public comments at the following links:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/05/sandbox-comments-vail-daily-cordillera.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/12/sandbox-comments-eagle-county-times_12.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/12/sandbox-comments-eagle-county-times_05.html
Without passing judgement on whether or not the Wilhelm Family Partnership is guilty of the accusations against them; let's pass comments on what is obvious to those following the details.
And that is the 'shuck and jive' from the attorneys on the Wilhelm side once they realized that the opposing side actually has a case.
Remember when DA Mark Hurlbert turned this one down and said there was no criminal activity? Remember how outraged the public commentary in numerous publications and mediums was? That outrage came mostly from construction oriented folks. Here was a district attorney noted for pulling in nearly all complaints into criminal court who barely even glanced at the major case of Cordillera.
Anytime that a project or an owner does not pay those they hire, especially those at the top who keep things moving, there is a trickle down effect that can run small businesses into bankruptcy in a heartbeat. Years ago, Cordillera set themselves up as one of the worst to pay for the work they benefitted from.
Unjust enrichment. Tortious interference. Two very powerful civil criminal liabilities that owners who engage in 'shuck and jive' while reaping high dollar asset rewards should be held accountable for under law.
It may not seem like much when the dollar amounts are looked at. After all, what are hundreds, thousands of dollars not paid to the people who did the work and hired others as well...when there are millions of dollars in the asset of the project itself?
In the case of Cordillera, it was the overwhelming arrogance of the early homeowners and the club owners that left such a sour taste in the public's mouth. There were some projects back then that were even rumored to be slandered by comments from those powerful folks up there to 'not pay' the GC's, architects and designers. Long after the work was done, the liens filed and the development began to sell homes there still was no return to the people who actually gave their labor and resources to get it built.
A special thank you goes out tonight to District Court Judge Fred Gannett. For having the moxy and common sense to thwart the obvious ploy of the Wilhelm lawyers as they scramble to turn the 'shuck and jive' into a true three-ring circus. Here's to the case being handed off to a tough hand who just might, after all these years, finally put an end to at least one of these mongo developments who enrich themselves off others.
'SandBox Nanny' is quite certain that every little guy who has suffered high losses because of the power abuses over the years would be very grateful if that turns out to be the case.
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/05/sandbox-comments-vail-daily-cordillera.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/12/sandbox-comments-eagle-county-times_12.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/12/sandbox-comments-eagle-county-times_05.html
Without passing judgement on whether or not the Wilhelm Family Partnership is guilty of the accusations against them; let's pass comments on what is obvious to those following the details.
And that is the 'shuck and jive' from the attorneys on the Wilhelm side once they realized that the opposing side actually has a case.
Remember when DA Mark Hurlbert turned this one down and said there was no criminal activity? Remember how outraged the public commentary in numerous publications and mediums was? That outrage came mostly from construction oriented folks. Here was a district attorney noted for pulling in nearly all complaints into criminal court who barely even glanced at the major case of Cordillera.
Anytime that a project or an owner does not pay those they hire, especially those at the top who keep things moving, there is a trickle down effect that can run small businesses into bankruptcy in a heartbeat. Years ago, Cordillera set themselves up as one of the worst to pay for the work they benefitted from.
Unjust enrichment. Tortious interference. Two very powerful civil criminal liabilities that owners who engage in 'shuck and jive' while reaping high dollar asset rewards should be held accountable for under law.
It may not seem like much when the dollar amounts are looked at. After all, what are hundreds, thousands of dollars not paid to the people who did the work and hired others as well...when there are millions of dollars in the asset of the project itself?
In the case of Cordillera, it was the overwhelming arrogance of the early homeowners and the club owners that left such a sour taste in the public's mouth. There were some projects back then that were even rumored to be slandered by comments from those powerful folks up there to 'not pay' the GC's, architects and designers. Long after the work was done, the liens filed and the development began to sell homes there still was no return to the people who actually gave their labor and resources to get it built.
A special thank you goes out tonight to District Court Judge Fred Gannett. For having the moxy and common sense to thwart the obvious ploy of the Wilhelm lawyers as they scramble to turn the 'shuck and jive' into a true three-ring circus. Here's to the case being handed off to a tough hand who just might, after all these years, finally put an end to at least one of these mongo developments who enrich themselves off others.
'SandBox Nanny' is quite certain that every little guy who has suffered high losses because of the power abuses over the years would be very grateful if that turns out to be the case.
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
July 15, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "The virtual overthrow of practical obscurity"
Excellent column from the 'Usual Suspect' Dave Danforth today. Even if it is being pulled from the archives of 2002.
Dave Danforth:
"The truth shall set you free, they say.
So how do you find it?
In Cincinnati, the clerk of the courts figured that all those “public records” — stacks and stacks of paper — should be scanned onto the Internet. The clerk, Jim Cissell, didn’t figure on the reaction.
Among the records available to anyone searching www.courtclerk.org are arrest warrants, dirt-bag dad notes, traffic tickets, divorce proceedings, histories of domestic violence and tax liens. In short, all sorts of dirty laundry.
Inquiring minds wanted to know. One father found out about his son’s traffic ticket. Another citizen reported his social security number stolen because it was listed on a court document. Some papers included drawings of homes — theoretically enabling anyone to figure out where you sleep....."
But what’s the difference between public record gathering dust at the courthouse and one that is electronically available to anyone with a keyboard and web connection?
Plenty, as it turns out. Just because the stuff is “public” doesn’t mean it has to be so easy to get, opponents told the New York Times. Inquiring minds should be forced to break a sweat, the argument goes.
Welcome to the concept of “practical obscurity” — a little-known artifact of law now being dusted off in preparation for what may be dozens of legal fights ahead....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
Dave Danforth:
"The truth shall set you free, they say.
So how do you find it?
In Cincinnati, the clerk of the courts figured that all those “public records” — stacks and stacks of paper — should be scanned onto the Internet. The clerk, Jim Cissell, didn’t figure on the reaction.
Among the records available to anyone searching www.courtclerk.org are arrest warrants, dirt-bag dad notes, traffic tickets, divorce proceedings, histories of domestic violence and tax liens. In short, all sorts of dirty laundry.
Inquiring minds wanted to know. One father found out about his son’s traffic ticket. Another citizen reported his social security number stolen because it was listed on a court document. Some papers included drawings of homes — theoretically enabling anyone to figure out where you sleep....."
But what’s the difference between public record gathering dust at the courthouse and one that is electronically available to anyone with a keyboard and web connection?
Plenty, as it turns out. Just because the stuff is “public” doesn’t mean it has to be so easy to get, opponents told the New York Times. Inquiring minds should be forced to break a sweat, the argument goes.
Welcome to the concept of “practical obscurity” — a little-known artifact of law now being dusted off in preparation for what may be dozens of legal fights ahead....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Civil disobedience"
Michael Galvis:
"Editor:
The civil discourse committee wants everyone to be good little proles; lemmings that they can control. Sorry, but I’ll stick with individualism, and treat and give others the same.
“Wouldn’t it be a real drag if we were all the same?” — “I’m Tired,” Savoy Brown....."
(Read original letter? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
"Editor:
The civil discourse committee wants everyone to be good little proles; lemmings that they can control. Sorry, but I’ll stick with individualism, and treat and give others the same.
“Wouldn’t it be a real drag if we were all the same?” — “I’m Tired,” Savoy Brown....."
(Read original letter? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Judge postpones sentencing of local man in cocaine case"
Chad Abraham:
"A federal judge on Wednesday ruled that the personal safety of an Aspen man expected to serve prison time for allegedly leading a cocaine operation here could be jeopardized by his cooperation with federal investigators.
U.S. District Judge Marcia Krieger vacated the August sentencing date of Wayne Reid, 65, and reset it to Nov. 15. The extension will let Reid complete testimony against the remaining defendants in the case, a court filing says, and allow prosecutor Michelle Korver to better evaluate the “full measure” of his assistance to authorities ahead of sentencing.
“The request to continue Mr. Reid’s sentencing, however, is based on other factors, as well,” Korver wrote in her filing. “Most importantly, there are several significant security concerns affecting cooperating defendants when they begin their term of incarceration at a [federal] Bureau of Prisons facility and are then later brought back to the sentencing district to testify....”
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
"A federal judge on Wednesday ruled that the personal safety of an Aspen man expected to serve prison time for allegedly leading a cocaine operation here could be jeopardized by his cooperation with federal investigators.
U.S. District Judge Marcia Krieger vacated the August sentencing date of Wayne Reid, 65, and reset it to Nov. 15. The extension will let Reid complete testimony against the remaining defendants in the case, a court filing says, and allow prosecutor Michelle Korver to better evaluate the “full measure” of his assistance to authorities ahead of sentencing.
“The request to continue Mr. Reid’s sentencing, however, is based on other factors, as well,” Korver wrote in her filing. “Most importantly, there are several significant security concerns affecting cooperating defendants when they begin their term of incarceration at a [federal] Bureau of Prisons facility and are then later brought back to the sentencing district to testify....”
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Ode to a snitch"
Jeremy Madden:
"Rat. Pigeon. Weasel. Blabbermouth. Turncoat. Patsy. Snitch.
No matter what word you use to describe an informant, not one is flattering. The position it holds in our parlance clearly shows the deck of society is stacked against the squealer. Some think that’s the way it should be. But not I. Despite society’s diss against the disseminator of untoward information, I cannot help but say it’s all right to be a snitch....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
"Rat. Pigeon. Weasel. Blabbermouth. Turncoat. Patsy. Snitch.
No matter what word you use to describe an informant, not one is flattering. The position it holds in our parlance clearly shows the deck of society is stacked against the squealer. Some think that’s the way it should be. But not I. Despite society’s diss against the disseminator of untoward information, I cannot help but say it’s all right to be a snitch....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
June 19, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Obama can't make up his mind about the economy"
James Kellogg:
"There are plenty of headwinds right here at home, too. The president castigates congressional Republicans for blocking his potentially game-changing proposals to give tax breaks to businesses that hire and to provide mortgage refinancing for underwater homeowners. And in the last couple weeks, Obama proclaimed, “The big challenge we have in our economy right now is state and local government hiring has been going in the wrong direction.”
Here's a tip for the president. At this point, the majority of American voters don't care who is to blame for the current crisis. They are demanding solutions. Such solutions will be founded on free markets and private enterprise, not government control.
If Obama is intent on convincing Americans that he is powerless to foster the circumstances for economic recovery, why would we give him a second term?
The November election is looming closer, and voters are already waving goodbye to the president. Who will Obama blame for that? It'll be a tough decision......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
"There are plenty of headwinds right here at home, too. The president castigates congressional Republicans for blocking his potentially game-changing proposals to give tax breaks to businesses that hire and to provide mortgage refinancing for underwater homeowners. And in the last couple weeks, Obama proclaimed, “The big challenge we have in our economy right now is state and local government hiring has been going in the wrong direction.”
Here's a tip for the president. At this point, the majority of American voters don't care who is to blame for the current crisis. They are demanding solutions. Such solutions will be founded on free markets and private enterprise, not government control.
If Obama is intent on convincing Americans that he is powerless to foster the circumstances for economic recovery, why would we give him a second term?
The November election is looming closer, and voters are already waving goodbye to the president. Who will Obama blame for that? It'll be a tough decision......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Former defendants in monoxide case oppose grand jury testimony request"
Chad Abraham:
"Two men who once faced felony charges in the carbon monoxide deaths of a Denver family outside Aspen are opposing an effort by relatives of the deceased to get secret grand jury information.
The investigative information was requested on May 18 by relatives of the Lofgren family for use in their civil lawsuit against 10 defendants allegedly involved in the family’s 2008 deaths. The plaintiffs are seeking physical evidence, transcripts of witness testimony and other documents that were used to indict Pitkin County building official Brian Pawl and former city of Aspen inspector Erik Peltonen in 2010.
Criminal charges against the men were dropped last year.
But the release of parts of the year-long grand jury investigation could revive “unwarranted accusations” against them, says the June 1 filing in Pitkin County District Court by Pawl’s attorney. Peltonen’s attorney filed a motion June 4 to join in opposing the release........
........“Although he was indicted by the grand jury, the indictment was deficient on its face,” wrote Pawl’s attorney, Josh Marks of Boulder in the opposition brief.
A critical purpose of grand jury secrecy is to protect “the innocent from disclosure of unwarranted accusations and the embarrassment and exposure that would result from disclosure of the investigatory records ...,” Marks’ filing says. That factor warrants denial of the request to unseal the records, he wrote...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
"Two men who once faced felony charges in the carbon monoxide deaths of a Denver family outside Aspen are opposing an effort by relatives of the deceased to get secret grand jury information.
The investigative information was requested on May 18 by relatives of the Lofgren family for use in their civil lawsuit against 10 defendants allegedly involved in the family’s 2008 deaths. The plaintiffs are seeking physical evidence, transcripts of witness testimony and other documents that were used to indict Pitkin County building official Brian Pawl and former city of Aspen inspector Erik Peltonen in 2010.
Criminal charges against the men were dropped last year.
But the release of parts of the year-long grand jury investigation could revive “unwarranted accusations” against them, says the June 1 filing in Pitkin County District Court by Pawl’s attorney. Peltonen’s attorney filed a motion June 4 to join in opposing the release........
........“Although he was indicted by the grand jury, the indictment was deficient on its face,” wrote Pawl’s attorney, Josh Marks of Boulder in the opposition brief.
A critical purpose of grand jury secrecy is to protect “the innocent from disclosure of unwarranted accusations and the embarrassment and exposure that would result from disclosure of the investigatory records ...,” Marks’ filing says. That factor warrants denial of the request to unseal the records, he wrote...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Watchdog.Org "IA: Secretary of State denies release of emails related to identity theft case"
Good for Iowa Sec of State Matt Shultz. Who was exonerated from accusations of state ethics law violations.
This was the first case in the judicial history of the United States where law enforcement took charge of the outdated, vague and sorely lacking 'identity theft' laws when it comes to internet crime.
Because Shultz is a public figure and not a private citizen made the courage of law enforcement to take on now convicted Zach Edwards and the infamous 'Link Strategies' company he was associated with even more significant.
Public figures have far less ability to protest attacks on their lives from false allegations or types of viral assaults such as Zach Edwards did. Private citizens attacked in similar manner are protected more strongly by the 4th amendment. Even though the act committed against both is the same.
Kudos to Matt Schultz for keeping hands on the reins and not letting media fester what is now a historic ruling that benefits all victims of internet crime and 'high-tech lynchings' by others.
Sheena Dooley:
"DES MOINES – The Iowa Secretary of State’s Office is refusing to make public emails related to an identity-theft case involving its elected leader Republican Matt Schultz and a former Barack Obama presidential campaign staffer.
Iowa Watchdog asked the secretary of state’s office multiple times for emails related to the case. It also sought access to all documents associated with the former Obama staffer, Zachary Edwards, including written correspondence, emails, police reports, phone logs and written notes to staff......
.......Edwards, 29, committed identity theft when he sent at least one email saying Thomas Schultz received inappropriate payments from former GOP presidential nominee Rick Santorum, court documents show. He sent that email to Matt Schultz’s Secretary of State office from an email address that was almost identical to the secretary of state’s personal address.
Around the same time, Matt Schultz, 33, faced an ethics complaint for using his office to issue a statement sharply criticizing Jon Huntsman for his failure to participate in the Iowa Caucuses. Matt Schultz received at least $12,500 in campaign contributions from a political action committee Santorum ran. Thomas Schultz was behind the Draft Santorum website urging his candidacy for president.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
This was the first case in the judicial history of the United States where law enforcement took charge of the outdated, vague and sorely lacking 'identity theft' laws when it comes to internet crime.
Because Shultz is a public figure and not a private citizen made the courage of law enforcement to take on now convicted Zach Edwards and the infamous 'Link Strategies' company he was associated with even more significant.
Public figures have far less ability to protest attacks on their lives from false allegations or types of viral assaults such as Zach Edwards did. Private citizens attacked in similar manner are protected more strongly by the 4th amendment. Even though the act committed against both is the same.
Kudos to Matt Schultz for keeping hands on the reins and not letting media fester what is now a historic ruling that benefits all victims of internet crime and 'high-tech lynchings' by others.
Sheena Dooley:
"DES MOINES – The Iowa Secretary of State’s Office is refusing to make public emails related to an identity-theft case involving its elected leader Republican Matt Schultz and a former Barack Obama presidential campaign staffer.
Iowa Watchdog asked the secretary of state’s office multiple times for emails related to the case. It also sought access to all documents associated with the former Obama staffer, Zachary Edwards, including written correspondence, emails, police reports, phone logs and written notes to staff......
.......Edwards, 29, committed identity theft when he sent at least one email saying Thomas Schultz received inappropriate payments from former GOP presidential nominee Rick Santorum, court documents show. He sent that email to Matt Schultz’s Secretary of State office from an email address that was almost identical to the secretary of state’s personal address.
Edwards was also behind a libelous blog post that prompted articles in The Salt Lake Tribune and
Politico.com accusing Thomas Schultz and his brother of engaging in unethical or illegal behavior, according to Thomas Schultz’s victim impact statement.
Around the same time, Matt Schultz, 33, faced an ethics complaint for using his office to issue a statement sharply criticizing Jon Huntsman for his failure to participate in the Iowa Caucuses. Matt Schultz received at least $12,500 in campaign contributions from a political action committee Santorum ran. Thomas Schultz was behind the Draft Santorum website urging his candidacy for president.
The Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board later tossed out the complaint, saying Matt Schultz didn’t violate state ethics laws......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Albany Times Union "America's Highest-elevation Roller Coaster Opens at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado"
How does a viral link bait, tied to a newspaper article (or tied to every keyword contained in the bait actually 'work' on the internet?
The moment anyone clicks on it, it implodes into the web. Saturating that live link to the newspaper article it is tied to into the worldwide web for all time. Can never be removed and can never be cleaned up.
The only thing one can do is track the keywords. The bait will appear one time only, until clicked on and then it "implodes" and disburses its content when clicked on.
Hot stories are trackable only through setting up alerts on every search engine and doing so with the exact keywords located in that one original bait.
One must download the live bait (if you stumble on it before it is clicked and disbursed) to your hard drive (or) make a hard copy of it. Either one is able to be subpoenaed to find out source of origin.
Hey! How about those PR Web tourism marketing gals hired by GSCRA with public tax dollars and the mass glut of saturation to newspapers, blogs, twitter, facebook all over the nation on behalf of Steve Beckley's new expansion? Boy, that's a huge bonus getting that much 'free' to Beckley advertising.
Combined with the flood of alerts from Google, Yahoo, Bing, Ask and other engines; those standard practice viral link baits used by GSCRA and contractors have really done an above and beyond their usual saturation job.
How about you?
How do you feel about the tourism contract dollars for 81601 footing the bill for a select few and their advertising budget?
Come to think of it. How do you feel about the new coaster and how it looks perched up there on top of Iron Mountain?
Great photo in this press release from contracted tourism promoter under GSCRA from PR Web.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
The moment anyone clicks on it, it implodes into the web. Saturating that live link to the newspaper article it is tied to into the worldwide web for all time. Can never be removed and can never be cleaned up.
The only thing one can do is track the keywords. The bait will appear one time only, until clicked on and then it "implodes" and disburses its content when clicked on.
Hot stories are trackable only through setting up alerts on every search engine and doing so with the exact keywords located in that one original bait.
One must download the live bait (if you stumble on it before it is clicked and disbursed) to your hard drive (or) make a hard copy of it. Either one is able to be subpoenaed to find out source of origin.
Hey! How about those PR Web tourism marketing gals hired by GSCRA with public tax dollars and the mass glut of saturation to newspapers, blogs, twitter, facebook all over the nation on behalf of Steve Beckley's new expansion? Boy, that's a huge bonus getting that much 'free' to Beckley advertising.
Combined with the flood of alerts from Google, Yahoo, Bing, Ask and other engines; those standard practice viral link baits used by GSCRA and contractors have really done an above and beyond their usual saturation job.
How about you?
How do you feel about the tourism contract dollars for 81601 footing the bill for a select few and their advertising budget?
Come to think of it. How do you feel about the new coaster and how it looks perched up there on top of Iron Mountain?
Great photo in this press release from contracted tourism promoter under GSCRA from PR Web.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Glenwood's Fourth of July fireworks may be canceled"
Hooray!!!
Maybe that $20K saved this year will go direct to the local Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and Feed My Sheep!
How soon this community forgets certain scandals brought about by certain powerful individuals. How long ago was it that the grant fund was run dry by GSCRA and the city had to step in? Two years now?
The point, is that fireworks in Glenwood Springs should be privately funded and the city budget not dipped to cover the costs. This works out, at $20,000 to over $1,200 per minute.
With record unemployment, record homeless and hungry and still struggling after nearly 5 years of a local economy that is still dragging itself back up; the City of Glenwood Springs has no business wasting money on fireworks nor should crucial tourism marketing dollars be used to fund the display.
At least now, in the year 2012, $20,000 will not be wasted.
Say NO fireworks directly to your councilman and be sure to vote NO in the PI's online poll.
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — The city of Glenwood Springs may join Aspen in canceling its Fourth of July fireworks display next month due to the extreme high fire danger.
“As a result of discussions between myself and the fire chief, and an inquiry from the mayor about whether we should have them or not, it is on the agenda for our meeting next Thursday,” Glenwood Springs City Manager Jeff Hecksel said.
Glenwood Springs City Council will formally discuss a possible cancellation of the fireworks display at its June 21 regular meeting.
Meanwhile, Gov. John Hickenlooper on Thursday signed an executive order banning the use of private fireworks and open burning statewide because of the dry conditions throughout Colorado...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
Maybe that $20K saved this year will go direct to the local Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and Feed My Sheep!
How soon this community forgets certain scandals brought about by certain powerful individuals. How long ago was it that the grant fund was run dry by GSCRA and the city had to step in? Two years now?
The point, is that fireworks in Glenwood Springs should be privately funded and the city budget not dipped to cover the costs. This works out, at $20,000 to over $1,200 per minute.
With record unemployment, record homeless and hungry and still struggling after nearly 5 years of a local economy that is still dragging itself back up; the City of Glenwood Springs has no business wasting money on fireworks nor should crucial tourism marketing dollars be used to fund the display.
At least now, in the year 2012, $20,000 will not be wasted.
Say NO fireworks directly to your councilman and be sure to vote NO in the PI's online poll.
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — The city of Glenwood Springs may join Aspen in canceling its Fourth of July fireworks display next month due to the extreme high fire danger.
“As a result of discussions between myself and the fire chief, and an inquiry from the mayor about whether we should have them or not, it is on the agenda for our meeting next Thursday,” Glenwood Springs City Manager Jeff Hecksel said.
Glenwood Springs City Council will formally discuss a possible cancellation of the fireworks display at its June 21 regular meeting.
Meanwhile, Gov. John Hickenlooper on Thursday signed an executive order banning the use of private fireworks and open burning statewide because of the dry conditions throughout Colorado...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Records release reveals more about secret Vernal meeting"
It's rare anymore that SandBox agrees with Republican commissioner Tom Jankovsky. His heavy and ham-handed handling of Garfield County needs is just not setting well with a number of residents. And they're conservatives...
But in this case, we'll run alongside Jankovsky. This craziness over the Vernal meeting is nothing but political.
With that said, this controversy is another great reason to say NO to the re-up of Republican John Martin and YES to Democrat Sonja Linman.
We definitely need balance in Garfield County BOCC. Things like this dust-up over the Vernal meeting are preventable.
"Save a gas rig. Vote Sonja Linman (D) for Garfield County Commissioner".
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — Garfield County commissioners were more than just an idle participant at a special closed-door meeting in Vernal, Utah, in late March to discuss oil shale policy, a Colorado government watchdog group says.
The meeting produced a unified political statement from counties in three states, which was later sent to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The letter was critical of the BLM's plan to reduce the amount of federal lands available in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming for oil shale research and development.
“Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky organized the Vernal meeting,” Colorado Common Cause charged Thursday...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
But in this case, we'll run alongside Jankovsky. This craziness over the Vernal meeting is nothing but political.
With that said, this controversy is another great reason to say NO to the re-up of Republican John Martin and YES to Democrat Sonja Linman.
We definitely need balance in Garfield County BOCC. Things like this dust-up over the Vernal meeting are preventable.
"Save a gas rig. Vote Sonja Linman (D) for Garfield County Commissioner".
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — Garfield County commissioners were more than just an idle participant at a special closed-door meeting in Vernal, Utah, in late March to discuss oil shale policy, a Colorado government watchdog group says.
The meeting produced a unified political statement from counties in three states, which was later sent to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The letter was critical of the BLM's plan to reduce the amount of federal lands available in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming for oil shale research and development.
“Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky organized the Vernal meeting,” Colorado Common Cause charged Thursday...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily News "May local jobless rate remains unchanged"
Randy Wyrick:
"EAGLE COUNTY — The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's latest jobless numbers put Eagle County's unemployment rate at 12.3 percent for May, largely unchanged from May 2010.
Colorado's state unemployment rate is 8.1 percent, close to the national rate.
“Colorado is in a similar situation as we're seeing across the nation,” said Alexandra Hall, chief economist with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
"EAGLE COUNTY — The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's latest jobless numbers put Eagle County's unemployment rate at 12.3 percent for May, largely unchanged from May 2010.
Colorado's state unemployment rate is 8.1 percent, close to the national rate.
“Colorado is in a similar situation as we're seeing across the nation,” said Alexandra Hall, chief economist with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Grob rises above the rest"
Darryl Grob will be the best Pitkin County Commissioner we have ever had.
Just imagine a world where a PitCo commissioner uses practical, common sense reasoning and thorough research before making a decision. A construction oriented thought process that uses logic and problem solving skills on behalf of the highest good of getting resolution and forward movement for all.
Gosh, we might end up leaving behind the crazy displays of politics and ego. Such as the "Great Castle Creek Guardrail Conspiracy" of Rachel Richards.
Go, Grob! Just vote Grob.
Willard Clapper:
"Dear Editor:
It is truly rare to see a group of concerned citizens running for any office with the character and integrity manifested by the four men running for Pitkin County commissioner this year! I say that with a real sense of knowing as I have watched a large number of these elections and they typically do not offer the slate of capable candidates that this election does.
I could cast my vote for any one of them but firmly believe that Darryl Grob would be the best choice for county commissioner from the lot. I first met Darryl shortly after he arrived in Aspen as he joined the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department. He rapidly became a superior firefighter, a captain and ultimately the Fire Department's first and only paid fire chief.
At that time it was essential that we hired someone from within to oversee the huge task of building four new fire stations and retrofitting our entire fleet of firefighting apparatus. Darryl fit the bill perfectly and completed those tasks with amazing proficiency — come by and visit our Hopkins Avenue station to see the legacy of his work.
Darryl is the kind of commissioner that I feel fits the bill for Pitkin County, as well. He is meticulous with his attention to detail. He is a tireless worker who will never be unprepared for any meeting, any decision nor any discussion on the street or in the chambers. He is relentless in his research, leaving nothing germane to the issue unattended....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
Just imagine a world where a PitCo commissioner uses practical, common sense reasoning and thorough research before making a decision. A construction oriented thought process that uses logic and problem solving skills on behalf of the highest good of getting resolution and forward movement for all.
Gosh, we might end up leaving behind the crazy displays of politics and ego. Such as the "Great Castle Creek Guardrail Conspiracy" of Rachel Richards.
Go, Grob! Just vote Grob.
Willard Clapper:
"Dear Editor:
It is truly rare to see a group of concerned citizens running for any office with the character and integrity manifested by the four men running for Pitkin County commissioner this year! I say that with a real sense of knowing as I have watched a large number of these elections and they typically do not offer the slate of capable candidates that this election does.
I could cast my vote for any one of them but firmly believe that Darryl Grob would be the best choice for county commissioner from the lot. I first met Darryl shortly after he arrived in Aspen as he joined the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department. He rapidly became a superior firefighter, a captain and ultimately the Fire Department's first and only paid fire chief.
At that time it was essential that we hired someone from within to oversee the huge task of building four new fire stations and retrofitting our entire fleet of firefighting apparatus. Darryl fit the bill perfectly and completed those tasks with amazing proficiency — come by and visit our Hopkins Avenue station to see the legacy of his work.
Darryl is the kind of commissioner that I feel fits the bill for Pitkin County, as well. He is meticulous with his attention to detail. He is a tireless worker who will never be unprepared for any meeting, any decision nor any discussion on the street or in the chambers. He is relentless in his research, leaving nothing germane to the issue unattended....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "CMC sticks with its rejection of compressor station"
Should Pat Chamber run again for CMC Trustee, just say YES.
One has to wonder what defines 'education' in the Trustee's eyes. The loss of $12,000 in revenue per year that would pay a lot of overhead on our local CMC campus.
Remember, this is a dispute over a noxious weed infested patch of land that even the donor's families refuse to maintain and our Trustees do absolutely nothing with.
What's on the agenda for this ground if no revenue is generated off it?
Another few decades of continued neglect or is there some secret campus expansion or learning mecca planned for the spot?
Inquiring minds want to know exactly what 'education' is set for this land.
John Colson:
"News of the lease was met by an uproar among students, faculty members and landowners living near the college, including ranchers who had donated land for the school's campus back in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The furor prompted the trustees to reconsider Jensen's agreement.
Less than two weeks after the May 14 meeting, SourceGas filed a lawsuit asking a judge to force the school to allow the compressor station to be built on campus property. The company also asked the trustees to consider a proposal to put the compressor station at a second site, near the school's water tower.
The majority of trustees this week appeared unswayed by the threat of continued legal action against the school.
“We're here to do education,” said Trustee Kathy Goudy of Carbondale, “and this is not education.”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
One has to wonder what defines 'education' in the Trustee's eyes. The loss of $12,000 in revenue per year that would pay a lot of overhead on our local CMC campus.
Remember, this is a dispute over a noxious weed infested patch of land that even the donor's families refuse to maintain and our Trustees do absolutely nothing with.
What's on the agenda for this ground if no revenue is generated off it?
Another few decades of continued neglect or is there some secret campus expansion or learning mecca planned for the spot?
Inquiring minds want to know exactly what 'education' is set for this land.
John Colson:
"News of the lease was met by an uproar among students, faculty members and landowners living near the college, including ranchers who had donated land for the school's campus back in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The furor prompted the trustees to reconsider Jensen's agreement.
Less than two weeks after the May 14 meeting, SourceGas filed a lawsuit asking a judge to force the school to allow the compressor station to be built on campus property. The company also asked the trustees to consider a proposal to put the compressor station at a second site, near the school's water tower.
The majority of trustees this week appeared unswayed by the threat of continued legal action against the school.
“We're here to do education,” said Trustee Kathy Goudy of Carbondale, “and this is not education.”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Environmental groups oppose new Thompson Divide drilling requests"
Ah, yes.
The spearheads for a few of the same groups that have joined Mary Noone in the push for public tax dollars to purchase private lands and 'preserve' them.
See related stories and public comments in the links below:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/04/sandboxblogs-aspen-daily-news-garfield.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/05/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_16.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/06/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_08.html
Drill baby, drill.
John Colson:
"An sixth extension request in 2009, according to Hart's letter, prompted opposition from Wilderness Workshop and other groups, asking that the BLM deny the request “based on extraordinary values at risk and a clear failure by the operator to pursue diligent development.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
The spearheads for a few of the same groups that have joined Mary Noone in the push for public tax dollars to purchase private lands and 'preserve' them.
See related stories and public comments in the links below:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/04/sandboxblogs-aspen-daily-news-garfield.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/05/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_16.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/06/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_08.html
Drill baby, drill.
John Colson:
"An sixth extension request in 2009, according to Hart's letter, prompted opposition from Wilderness Workshop and other groups, asking that the BLM deny the request “based on extraordinary values at risk and a clear failure by the operator to pursue diligent development.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Mediation unable to resolve Encana, Thompson dispute"
Let's hope the outcome on this one is the same defeat as the Strudley family. Isn't it about time that Colorado passed the same type of frivolous lawsuit laws as Rick Perry has instilled down in Texas?
The rising costs of heating our homes, gas prices and all needs every American has when it comes to using energy sources daily deserve to not be forced even higher because of ridiculous lawsuits like this one.
Good wishes to EnCana USA that their winning streak on this one continues.
John Colson:
"RIFLE, Colorado — A court-appointed mediator has been unable to resolve a dispute between Porcupine Creek landowner Thomas Thompson and Encana Oil and Gas (USA), a drilling company operating on Thompson's land.
As a result, according to spokesmen for both sides, the matter appears headed for trial.
Thompson and Encana disagree about the cause of a 2011 flood along Porcupine Creek, which flows through Thompson's 40-acre property south of Rifle.
Thompson maintains that the flood, which he says caused $700,000 in damage to his property on both sides of the creek, happened because EnCana did a poor job installing a culvert/bridge over the creek for an access road to its drilling sites. The flood damage is uphill from the culvert.
EnCana, however, has said that its culvert had nothing to do with causing the damage, and that repair costs should be more like $75,000.
Thompson ordered the company off his property in March, and Encana won an injunction to force Thompson to let its crews resume work on the drilling rigs. But Garfield District Judge James Boyd's ruling did not grant the company legal permission to start fixing the creekside damage unless it obtains Thompson's permission....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
The rising costs of heating our homes, gas prices and all needs every American has when it comes to using energy sources daily deserve to not be forced even higher because of ridiculous lawsuits like this one.
Good wishes to EnCana USA that their winning streak on this one continues.
John Colson:
"RIFLE, Colorado — A court-appointed mediator has been unable to resolve a dispute between Porcupine Creek landowner Thomas Thompson and Encana Oil and Gas (USA), a drilling company operating on Thompson's land.
As a result, according to spokesmen for both sides, the matter appears headed for trial.
Thompson and Encana disagree about the cause of a 2011 flood along Porcupine Creek, which flows through Thompson's 40-acre property south of Rifle.
Thompson maintains that the flood, which he says caused $700,000 in damage to his property on both sides of the creek, happened because EnCana did a poor job installing a culvert/bridge over the creek for an access road to its drilling sites. The flood damage is uphill from the culvert.
EnCana, however, has said that its culvert had nothing to do with causing the damage, and that repair costs should be more like $75,000.
Thompson ordered the company off his property in March, and Encana won an injunction to force Thompson to let its crews resume work on the drilling rigs. But Garfield District Judge James Boyd's ruling did not grant the company legal permission to start fixing the creekside damage unless it obtains Thompson's permission....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Just what Snowmass needs"
Johnny Boyd:
"I began writing columns in 1995 after listening to the consternation about the business climate in Snowmass Village, or the lack thereof. My first column proposed the idea of moving all the businesses in the Snowmass Mall to the then unconstructed Base Village, and my second column was about replacing the mall businesses with casinos. It was sheer arrogance and brilliance — a great way to start a writing career — and everyone hated it. Go figure.
I remain convinced that casinos are the best idea to transform the economy of Snowmass Village into a sustainable year-round resort. For some reason this bright idea is resisted by the politicians, the second homeowners and the citizenry. Something about attracting the wrong clientele.
I submit that if we can entertain the titan thieves of Wall Street, we can surely put up with a few skuzzy dudes ripping off cigarettes at the liquor store. My original column even mentioned the darker aspects of casinos by using the line, “If the Mafia gets involved, it will give a whole new meaning to ‘family resort.’” A thief is a thief, whether by briefcase or gun...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
"I began writing columns in 1995 after listening to the consternation about the business climate in Snowmass Village, or the lack thereof. My first column proposed the idea of moving all the businesses in the Snowmass Mall to the then unconstructed Base Village, and my second column was about replacing the mall businesses with casinos. It was sheer arrogance and brilliance — a great way to start a writing career — and everyone hated it. Go figure.
I remain convinced that casinos are the best idea to transform the economy of Snowmass Village into a sustainable year-round resort. For some reason this bright idea is resisted by the politicians, the second homeowners and the citizenry. Something about attracting the wrong clientele.
I submit that if we can entertain the titan thieves of Wall Street, we can surely put up with a few skuzzy dudes ripping off cigarettes at the liquor store. My original column even mentioned the darker aspects of casinos by using the line, “If the Mafia gets involved, it will give a whole new meaning to ‘family resort.’” A thief is a thief, whether by briefcase or gun...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Craig Daily Press "Officials comment on Hayden, Dinosaur casino projects "
See related story here: http://www.steamboattoday.com/news/2012/jun/12/plans-casino-near-hayden-airport-move-forward/
Joe Moylan:
" A group of Yampa Valley business partners announced in March their interest in developing a venture new to Northwest Colorado.
After more than 50 meetings with a variety of entities the past six months, Steamboat Springs resident Steve Hofman said Monday the time to present to the public information for an Indian gaming facility in Hayden is approaching.
“We have understood from the very beginning that not only would the opportunity for public comment and input be appropriate, but essential,” Hofman said. “We fully anticipate having those discussions and having the public ask questions we believe we have answers to, and if they ask questions we don’t have answers to, then we’re going to be obligated to get them answers.
“That’s been our approach through this entire process.”......"
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
Joe Moylan:
" A group of Yampa Valley business partners announced in March their interest in developing a venture new to Northwest Colorado.
After more than 50 meetings with a variety of entities the past six months, Steamboat Springs resident Steve Hofman said Monday the time to present to the public information for an Indian gaming facility in Hayden is approaching.
“We have understood from the very beginning that not only would the opportunity for public comment and input be appropriate, but essential,” Hofman said. “We fully anticipate having those discussions and having the public ask questions we believe we have answers to, and if they ask questions we don’t have answers to, then we’re going to be obligated to get them answers.
“That’s been our approach through this entire process.”......"
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Note from Nanny " Moderation trust, bones that mend and back to the future"
You've been terrific 'kids' while I have been laid low with my fractured wrist and surgery.
Yes, I know I have a mailbox full of your comments to moderate and post. I promise I will get to those very soon.
The other issue many of you know has been a factor over the past month is that I now live in a mountain area that has limited cell and internet signal. That issue has now been remedied thanks to the kindness and aid of 'chirkers' (bless his welding guy happy soul) who has put together a sturdy 'directional' antenna that attaches to my wireless. What a talented guy and so appreciated.
Because you have been so good and not bombarded me with 'Nanny...when will you get back? (and) 'Nanny', hurry up!'...I am going to take the blog off the global moderation only posting safeguard I've had it on. You can go back to direct posting and I'll get caught up with your moderated comments as quickly as I can.
Thank you to all who've sent 'old bones' jokes, you're really hilarious.
Let's get caught up on some of the action that affects Coloradans and get some new posts up.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
Yes, I know I have a mailbox full of your comments to moderate and post. I promise I will get to those very soon.
The other issue many of you know has been a factor over the past month is that I now live in a mountain area that has limited cell and internet signal. That issue has now been remedied thanks to the kindness and aid of 'chirkers' (bless his welding guy happy soul) who has put together a sturdy 'directional' antenna that attaches to my wireless. What a talented guy and so appreciated.
Because you have been so good and not bombarded me with 'Nanny...when will you get back? (and) 'Nanny', hurry up!'...I am going to take the blog off the global moderation only posting safeguard I've had it on. You can go back to direct posting and I'll get caught up with your moderated comments as quickly as I can.
Thank you to all who've sent 'old bones' jokes, you're really hilarious.
Let's get caught up on some of the action that affects Coloradans and get some new posts up.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
June 12, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall "A True American Independent"
Salena Zito:
"This longtime Democrat left his party after it demanded that he sign a pledge to support only its candidates.
Local and national Democrats branded him as an extremist, out of touch with constituents; the press judged him to be “dead meat” in the 1970 campaign to win back his U.S. Senate seat.
Undeterred, Harry Byrd Jr. – namesake son of the legendary boss of Virginia’s then-dominant Democrats – beat the odds and won re-election. Not once but twice.
“It was a contentious time,” Byrd now says. “Then again, everyone thinks they are living in the most contentious times ever. Well, they really aren’t, are they?”
The longest-living former senator at age 97, Byrd still resides in his hometown of Winchester, Va., within walking distance of one of his beloved newspapers, the Winchester Star.
He served eight terms in Virginia’s senate before being appointed to his ailing father’s U.S. Senate seat.
He won that seat outright a year later, but the undercurrents of change already were building among Democrats.
“Liberals began … winning local elections in the primaries over moderate and fiscally conservative Democrats,” Byrd said of that shift. “You could just see it coming in successive primary elections, and that was in the ’60s.
“Now, the party is barely recognizable.”
He scoffs at the notion that this is the country’s worst-ever time, but passionately agrees we’re heading in a dangerous direction.
He served in the Senate under four U.S. presidents; he was close friends with Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Reagan, liked Clinton, but “never much cared for Carter.”
After his switch to independent, he still caucused with Senate Democrats but “no one ever took my vote for granted.” A staunch fiscal conservative, he introduced balanced-budget legislation four years in a row requiring that “total outlays of the federal government shall not exceed its receipts,” he said.
“Congress approved it, then promptly ignored it.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"This longtime Democrat left his party after it demanded that he sign a pledge to support only its candidates.
Local and national Democrats branded him as an extremist, out of touch with constituents; the press judged him to be “dead meat” in the 1970 campaign to win back his U.S. Senate seat.
Undeterred, Harry Byrd Jr. – namesake son of the legendary boss of Virginia’s then-dominant Democrats – beat the odds and won re-election. Not once but twice.
“It was a contentious time,” Byrd now says. “Then again, everyone thinks they are living in the most contentious times ever. Well, they really aren’t, are they?”
The longest-living former senator at age 97, Byrd still resides in his hometown of Winchester, Va., within walking distance of one of his beloved newspapers, the Winchester Star.
He served eight terms in Virginia’s senate before being appointed to his ailing father’s U.S. Senate seat.
He won that seat outright a year later, but the undercurrents of change already were building among Democrats.
“Liberals began … winning local elections in the primaries over moderate and fiscally conservative Democrats,” Byrd said of that shift. “You could just see it coming in successive primary elections, and that was in the ’60s.
“Now, the party is barely recognizable.”
He scoffs at the notion that this is the country’s worst-ever time, but passionately agrees we’re heading in a dangerous direction.
He served in the Senate under four U.S. presidents; he was close friends with Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Reagan, liked Clinton, but “never much cared for Carter.”
After his switch to independent, he still caucused with Senate Democrats but “no one ever took my vote for granted.” A staunch fiscal conservative, he introduced balanced-budget legislation four years in a row requiring that “total outlays of the federal government shall not exceed its receipts,” he said.
“Congress approved it, then promptly ignored it.”...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall "One-on-One with Jeb Bush"
Larry Kudlow:
"Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush on Wednesday hailed the outcome of the Wisconsin recall election, praising Governor Scott Walker for emboldening conservatives in their drive to slash spending on a national level.
“He’s a courageous leader, and he was rewarded for courage,” Bush said on CNBC’s “The Kudlow Report.”
“In a world of dysfunction, it’s really good that a guy like that, who had the courage of his convictions and acted on them, is rewarded with a victory. I don’t even know why we had the recall to begin with, but if there was to be one, better to win by a bigger margin than he won in 2010, with a higher turnout. I think it’s a leading indicator of one thing, which is the intensity of the conservative side of politics is now stronger than the liberal side.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush on Wednesday hailed the outcome of the Wisconsin recall election, praising Governor Scott Walker for emboldening conservatives in their drive to slash spending on a national level.
“He’s a courageous leader, and he was rewarded for courage,” Bush said on CNBC’s “The Kudlow Report.”
“In a world of dysfunction, it’s really good that a guy like that, who had the courage of his convictions and acted on them, is rewarded with a victory. I don’t even know why we had the recall to begin with, but if there was to be one, better to win by a bigger margin than he won in 2010, with a higher turnout. I think it’s a leading indicator of one thing, which is the intensity of the conservative side of politics is now stronger than the liberal side.”...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Sleeping duty: A bedtime story"
Dave Danforth:
"It’s hard enough to ask a jury to serve faithfully under duty to the American system of justice. Why double up by tempting the odds on wakefulness?
It would help if we asked juries to decide issues that really matter. Sure, it’s a technical question if ex-Sen. John Edwards and star pitcher Roger Clemens lied about the wrong things to the wrong people. But they’re both publicly dead and gone no matter the verdict. They’ll do the perp walk anyway.
Under orders to serve on a jury, sleeplessness is not entirely voluntarily...."
(Read more? Click title)
"It’s hard enough to ask a jury to serve faithfully under duty to the American system of justice. Why double up by tempting the odds on wakefulness?
It would help if we asked juries to decide issues that really matter. Sure, it’s a technical question if ex-Sen. John Edwards and star pitcher Roger Clemens lied about the wrong things to the wrong people. But they’re both publicly dead and gone no matter the verdict. They’ll do the perp walk anyway.
Under orders to serve on a jury, sleeplessness is not entirely voluntarily...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Agency probes sheriff’s office ahead of discrimination suit"
When a cop the extremely high caliber and respectable standard of Joe Bauer, who also happens to be a quiet man of few words; not only walks away from a job he loved but feels strongly enough to publicly speak up over the reasons why, 'strange things are afoot at the Circle K'.
This now makes at least three major strikes against Pitkin County Sheriff Joe DiSalvo. The outside agency assists to the DEA bust in May of 2011. The ongoing and active FBI probe into public corruption and now still yet another agency probe into possible misconduct.
The citizens of the Roaring Fork Valley have more than enough t o be concerned over when it comes to our law enforcement and judicial needs. Maybe the time has come for DiSalvo to consider stepping down.
Chad Abraham:
"DiSalvo vehemently disagreed, contending “this department is the best of its size, without question, in Colorado and maybe the country.”
The turnover issue arose last week when Pitkin County Commissioner Jack Hatfield asked in a public meeting why 10 employees had left the sheriff’s office since DiSalvo took office.
DiSalvo said Hatfield was misinformed. He said the number of former employees who have left since he took over is five, comprised of the termination of Stephenson and four resignations — along with Rayton, Anderson and Bauer; longtime deputy Mario Strobyl also recently retired.
Hatfield did not return a message seeking comment Monday...."
(Read more? Click title)
This now makes at least three major strikes against Pitkin County Sheriff Joe DiSalvo. The outside agency assists to the DEA bust in May of 2011. The ongoing and active FBI probe into public corruption and now still yet another agency probe into possible misconduct.
The citizens of the Roaring Fork Valley have more than enough t o be concerned over when it comes to our law enforcement and judicial needs. Maybe the time has come for DiSalvo to consider stepping down.
Chad Abraham:
"DiSalvo vehemently disagreed, contending “this department is the best of its size, without question, in Colorado and maybe the country.”
The turnover issue arose last week when Pitkin County Commissioner Jack Hatfield asked in a public meeting why 10 employees had left the sheriff’s office since DiSalvo took office.
DiSalvo said Hatfield was misinformed. He said the number of former employees who have left since he took over is five, comprised of the termination of Stephenson and four resignations — along with Rayton, Anderson and Bauer; longtime deputy Mario Strobyl also recently retired.
Hatfield did not return a message seeking comment Monday...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "State high court reverses ruling in cocaine case"
Chad Abraham:
"In a 4-to-3 decision, the Colorado Supreme Court on Monday said an Aspen police detective did not illegally remain in the residence of the defendant in a cocaine-distribution case, reversing an Aspen judge’s ruling...." (Read more? Click title)
"In a 4-to-3 decision, the Colorado Supreme Court on Monday said an Aspen police detective did not illegally remain in the residence of the defendant in a cocaine-distribution case, reversing an Aspen judge’s ruling...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Local prosecutors appeal sanctions in bomb-threat case"
Chad Abraham:
"Nichols also sanctioned Mordkin in August over pretrial evidence, ruling that certain evidence could not be used in an aggravated motor-vehicle theft case. For that ruling, Nichols cited discovery infractions in five felony cases dating back to 2009.
District Attorney Martin Beeson appealed those sanctions to the Colorado Court of Appeals, which has yet to rule. The prosecutors are asking the appellate court to consolidate the appeals they made in the motor-vehicle theft case and in Robinson’s case.
In the former, Beeson wrote that Nichols’ examples of pretrial missteps involved only a tiny fraction of the caseload that the Aspen district attorney’s office handled correctly. The appeal of the Robinson sanctions are “substantially similar,” the filing says, and the appellate court’s ruling “in either case will in all likelihood dispose of the issues in the other.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Nichols also sanctioned Mordkin in August over pretrial evidence, ruling that certain evidence could not be used in an aggravated motor-vehicle theft case. For that ruling, Nichols cited discovery infractions in five felony cases dating back to 2009.
District Attorney Martin Beeson appealed those sanctions to the Colorado Court of Appeals, which has yet to rule. The prosecutors are asking the appellate court to consolidate the appeals they made in the motor-vehicle theft case and in Robinson’s case.
In the former, Beeson wrote that Nichols’ examples of pretrial missteps involved only a tiny fraction of the caseload that the Aspen district attorney’s office handled correctly. The appeal of the Robinson sanctions are “substantially similar,” the filing says, and the appellate court’s ruling “in either case will in all likelihood dispose of the issues in the other.”...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "The abuse of power"
Another special thank you goes out to Maurice Emmer of Aspen. Prior to Emmer writing op-eds and LTE's in local papers, the bullying of others in this valley was at an all time high. Especially the bullying of women.
Emmer is not the only one who stepped up and began engaging in the same forums. Other men in the valley have as well and all are appreciated.
There has been a long needed, long sought after shift in the social structures within the Roaring Fork Valley over the past three years. A very positive change that has finally, since mid-term elections seeped over into politics, business, policies that affect us all and law enforcement.
Here's to the little guys.
Let freedom ring.
Maurice Emmer:
"Competition is a nasty thing for a city. The ski industry is in decline, and there are many attractive resorts competing for visitors and investment. If it is too inconvenient to visit Aspen or invest in Aspen, bye-bye. The visitors and the investment will go elsewhere, and presumably some are right now. We are special but not that special.
Consider Aspen and Detroit. The similarity should scare us. Detroit was the queen of the auto industry, just as Aspen has been the Silver Queen of skiing. Detroit thought it was so special because it was the Motor City. The world could not survive without Detroit cranking out wheels for a growing America. But, little by little, Detroit and its state adopted policies that were unfriendly to investment and even to daily life. So the people and the investment went elsewhere. Many other examples can be identified of the phenomenon of know-it-all public officials killing the investment climate and leaving the wreckage for later generations. Fifty years from now, will residents of Vail, Telluride, Park City and other resorts tell jokes about the brilliant policies that killed Aspen? Never think it impossible...."
(Read more? Click title)
Emmer is not the only one who stepped up and began engaging in the same forums. Other men in the valley have as well and all are appreciated.
There has been a long needed, long sought after shift in the social structures within the Roaring Fork Valley over the past three years. A very positive change that has finally, since mid-term elections seeped over into politics, business, policies that affect us all and law enforcement.
Here's to the little guys.
Let freedom ring.
Maurice Emmer:
"Competition is a nasty thing for a city. The ski industry is in decline, and there are many attractive resorts competing for visitors and investment. If it is too inconvenient to visit Aspen or invest in Aspen, bye-bye. The visitors and the investment will go elsewhere, and presumably some are right now. We are special but not that special.
Consider Aspen and Detroit. The similarity should scare us. Detroit was the queen of the auto industry, just as Aspen has been the Silver Queen of skiing. Detroit thought it was so special because it was the Motor City. The world could not survive without Detroit cranking out wheels for a growing America. But, little by little, Detroit and its state adopted policies that were unfriendly to investment and even to daily life. So the people and the investment went elsewhere. Many other examples can be identified of the phenomenon of know-it-all public officials killing the investment climate and leaving the wreckage for later generations. Fifty years from now, will residents of Vail, Telluride, Park City and other resorts tell jokes about the brilliant policies that killed Aspen? Never think it impossible...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Turnover at top of Routt County Road and Bridge Department"
Tom Ross:
"The top two employees in the Road and Bridge Department have left Routt County government just as the busy summer season of road projects gets under way. County officials say they are taking steps to ensure construction of a $1.2 million traffic roundabout near the state’s largest coal mine, installation of a pair of new bridges in California Park and routine chip-and-seal and magnesium chloride chores continue to move forward.
Assistant Road and Bridge Director Paul Draper was “released from his duties,” County Commission Chairman Doug Monger confirmed Monday. The county commissioners declined to discuss the reason for Draper’s termination...." (Read more? Click title)
"The top two employees in the Road and Bridge Department have left Routt County government just as the busy summer season of road projects gets under way. County officials say they are taking steps to ensure construction of a $1.2 million traffic roundabout near the state’s largest coal mine, installation of a pair of new bridges in California Park and routine chip-and-seal and magnesium chloride chores continue to move forward.
Assistant Road and Bridge Director Paul Draper was “released from his duties,” County Commission Chairman Doug Monger confirmed Monday. The county commissioners declined to discuss the reason for Draper’s termination...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily News "Tough 'til the end"
Kim Fuller:
"BEAVER CREEK — It's hard to catch your breath when you're climbing a mountain, jumping into icy water, lugging logs, crawling under electric wires and swinging from dangling rings. Tough Mudder promises a challenge, but what the event delivers is an experience that can only be felt in the grips of its course.
Mark Lepczyk and his friend Chris Vail came out from New Mexico for this year's event at Beaver Creek. Lepczyk said it was harder than he anticipated.
“It was my first Tough Mudder and it was definitely a humbling experience, especially that first mile,” Lepczyk said. “You just go straight up the mountain, and you get winded really, really quickly. It doesn't go away, either, because you're going up the mountain for the next six miles or so.”
As humbling as this event truly is, it's even more uplifting. Spectators lined a large portion of the course on Saturday, offering encouraging shout-outs and generous hand-slaps.
Participants also helped each other tremendously on every obstacle, as well as on uphill battles and downhill trudges. It's the cooperative energy that seems to set Tough Mudder apart from most endurance and adventure events like it.
“You come out here and everybody's participating and everybody's helping you. Everybody just wants you to succeed,” said Bobby L'Heureux, a Vail resident who completed this year's endurance event. “You see people at obstacles waiting and helping other people up for 10 minutes. People aren't worried about time, they're worried about helping the other player in the game.”...."
(Read more? Click title)
"BEAVER CREEK — It's hard to catch your breath when you're climbing a mountain, jumping into icy water, lugging logs, crawling under electric wires and swinging from dangling rings. Tough Mudder promises a challenge, but what the event delivers is an experience that can only be felt in the grips of its course.
Mark Lepczyk and his friend Chris Vail came out from New Mexico for this year's event at Beaver Creek. Lepczyk said it was harder than he anticipated.
“It was my first Tough Mudder and it was definitely a humbling experience, especially that first mile,” Lepczyk said. “You just go straight up the mountain, and you get winded really, really quickly. It doesn't go away, either, because you're going up the mountain for the next six miles or so.”
As humbling as this event truly is, it's even more uplifting. Spectators lined a large portion of the course on Saturday, offering encouraging shout-outs and generous hand-slaps.
Participants also helped each other tremendously on every obstacle, as well as on uphill battles and downhill trudges. It's the cooperative energy that seems to set Tough Mudder apart from most endurance and adventure events like it.
“You come out here and everybody's participating and everybody's helping you. Everybody just wants you to succeed,” said Bobby L'Heureux, a Vail resident who completed this year's endurance event. “You see people at obstacles waiting and helping other people up for 10 minutes. People aren't worried about time, they're worried about helping the other player in the game.”...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Carbondale pulls out the stops for Ride the Rockies"
John Stroud:
"Rose Quinn of Avon was relaxing in the shade at the Fourth Street Plaza enjoying a beer and “reliving her day.”
“It was such a gorgeous ride today,” Quinn said of the 68-mile second stage from Hotchkiss, over McClure Pass and into Carbondale.
Quinn came to the realization as she embarked on her second Ride the Rockies from Gunnison Sunday morning that she had forgotten her bicycle cleats.
So she duct-taped her sneakers to her pedals and made it through two days of riding before she finally found a bike shop in Carbondale to buy a new pair of bike shoes.
“I bumped into one of the town's employees and he even took me to the bike shop,” Quinn said. “This is easily the best host city so far in the two years I've been doing this. People here are just so friendly.”
Greg Norling and Paul Richards, both from Seattle, were quick to agree....." (Read more? Click title)
"Rose Quinn of Avon was relaxing in the shade at the Fourth Street Plaza enjoying a beer and “reliving her day.”
“It was such a gorgeous ride today,” Quinn said of the 68-mile second stage from Hotchkiss, over McClure Pass and into Carbondale.
Quinn came to the realization as she embarked on her second Ride the Rockies from Gunnison Sunday morning that she had forgotten her bicycle cleats.
So she duct-taped her sneakers to her pedals and made it through two days of riding before she finally found a bike shop in Carbondale to buy a new pair of bike shoes.
“I bumped into one of the town's employees and he even took me to the bike shop,” Quinn said. “This is easily the best host city so far in the two years I've been doing this. People here are just so friendly.”
Greg Norling and Paul Richards, both from Seattle, were quick to agree....." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News "New form of barter introduced in Summit County"
Kathryn Turner:
" A new network of currency measured in hours, not dollars, has landed in Summit County.
The idea behind Mountain Hours is that people are the money, said Wayne Walton, one of the four creators, or “revolutionaries” of Summit's new system.
“It's organic, usury-free money,” he said. “Hours are a universal unit of value.”
Here's how it works: one “mtnhour” is equal to $10 (There are four denominations: 1/10 hour, 1/2, 1 and 2). Local business owners agree to accept the currency, and are given 200 mtnhours right off the bat. The hours are then used at other businesses around Summit that accept the currency, thus encouraging local spending and keeping everything within the county. The money is debt and interest-free, Walton said.
“It's basically to show people that they are the money, and since they are the money, they don't have to rely on a private company called the Federal Reserve,” Walton said. “By virtue of controlling the monetary system, they finance the things that they value that keep us in servitude ... there's plenty of money circulating on Wall Street, but there's not enough money circulating locally.”
Once people realize they are the money, they can have abundance, Walton said.
In only five weeks of operation, Walton has 34 businesses signed up. Every one that signs on gets its initial allocation of hours — and another every three months — and a marketing video, which is displayed on the mtnhours directory online. There is no cost to join, Walton said, since the local businesses and people are the money.
“At a very fundamental level, it's completely changing the paradigm of what money really is,” he said.....
" (Read more? Click title)
" A new network of currency measured in hours, not dollars, has landed in Summit County.
The idea behind Mountain Hours is that people are the money, said Wayne Walton, one of the four creators, or “revolutionaries” of Summit's new system.
“It's organic, usury-free money,” he said. “Hours are a universal unit of value.”
Here's how it works: one “mtnhour” is equal to $10 (There are four denominations: 1/10 hour, 1/2, 1 and 2). Local business owners agree to accept the currency, and are given 200 mtnhours right off the bat. The hours are then used at other businesses around Summit that accept the currency, thus encouraging local spending and keeping everything within the county. The money is debt and interest-free, Walton said.
“It's basically to show people that they are the money, and since they are the money, they don't have to rely on a private company called the Federal Reserve,” Walton said. “By virtue of controlling the monetary system, they finance the things that they value that keep us in servitude ... there's plenty of money circulating on Wall Street, but there's not enough money circulating locally.”
Once people realize they are the money, they can have abundance, Walton said.
In only five weeks of operation, Walton has 34 businesses signed up. Every one that signs on gets its initial allocation of hours — and another every three months — and a marketing video, which is displayed on the mtnhours directory online. There is no cost to join, Walton said, since the local businesses and people are the money.
“At a very fundamental level, it's completely changing the paradigm of what money really is,” he said.....
" (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "The Summer Triangle"
Jimmy Westlake:
"There are few sights in nature more beautiful than the starry summer sky. When the sun goes down and the summer stars come out, three of the first ones you see, high in the northeastern sky, will be the trio of bright stars that forms the corners of an unmistakable asterism called the Summer Triangle. Although it’s called the Summer Triangle, it first becomes visible in the early evening during late spring and hangs on in our evening sky until early winter.
Asterisms are dot-to-dot drawings in the sky that are widely known but are not counted among the 88 official constellations. The Big Dipper is another well-known example of an asterism. In many cases, asterisms like the Summer Triangle are easier to recognize than the official star patterns.
The brightest star in the Summer Triangle and the first to rise is Vega, named for “the plunging vulture.”
At a distance of only 25 light years, Vega is among the closest stars to our solar system. Vega became a real “movie star” in 1997 when the late astronomer Carl Sagan chose it as the source of the first extraterrestrial radio signal detected by astronomers on Earth in his fictional book and movie “Contact.” In real life, Vega was one of the first stars discovered to have a ring of planetary material surrounding it, possibly a family of planets in the process of formation....
(Read more? Click title)
"There are few sights in nature more beautiful than the starry summer sky. When the sun goes down and the summer stars come out, three of the first ones you see, high in the northeastern sky, will be the trio of bright stars that forms the corners of an unmistakable asterism called the Summer Triangle. Although it’s called the Summer Triangle, it first becomes visible in the early evening during late spring and hangs on in our evening sky until early winter.
Asterisms are dot-to-dot drawings in the sky that are widely known but are not counted among the 88 official constellations. The Big Dipper is another well-known example of an asterism. In many cases, asterisms like the Summer Triangle are easier to recognize than the official star patterns.
The brightest star in the Summer Triangle and the first to rise is Vega, named for “the plunging vulture.”
At a distance of only 25 light years, Vega is among the closest stars to our solar system. Vega became a real “movie star” in 1997 when the late astronomer Carl Sagan chose it as the source of the first extraterrestrial radio signal detected by astronomers on Earth in his fictional book and movie “Contact.” In real life, Vega was one of the first stars discovered to have a ring of planetary material surrounding it, possibly a family of planets in the process of formation....
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Out and about …"
All credit Bob Berwyn (Click title):
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