"Lisa Langer is ready to get down to the business of marketing Glenwood Springs, and she isn’t wasting any time. The former Executive Director of the Spearfish, South Dakota, Chamber of Commerce is on a reconnaissance mission to learn all she can about the river and mountain town, situated between the ski resorts of Aspen and Vail. Her hit-the-ground-running enthusiasm, coupled with extensive experience in tourism marketing and strong leadership skills, made her the obvious choice for Vice President of Tourism Marketing for the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association. In her inaugural year, Langer has big plans for America’s Most Fun Town.
Langer understands the significance of winning a national designation like the Most Fun Town in America, a title Glenwood Springs captured in July 2011. Her now former state of South Dakota won a Most Patriotic Town in America award in the same round of competition, sponsored by Rand McNally and USA Today.
“Winning a title like this is huge. It launches your product onto the national stage. As tourism marketing director, one of my goals is to make Glenwood Springs, Colorado, synonymous with America’s Most Fun Town,” said Langer.
But Langer is just getting started; Glenwood Springs also has a new mascot, Glen Wood, a lanky, good-natured fellow who loves nothing more than experiencing all the varied adventures and activities available in his namesake town, like skiing at Sunlight Mountain Resort, rafting the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers, soaking in the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, exploring at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and catching the wave on a stand-up paddleboard or in a kayak at the Glenwood Springs Whitewater Park, to name but a few. Langer anticipates Glen Wood will be making the rounds locally at festivals such as Strawberry Days in Glenwood Springs, at events in the surrounding region, and at trade shows and tourism events at the state level. The introduction of Glen Wood is a key strategy to identify and grow new prospects and markets for Glenwood Springs with a fresh new image while maintaining the polished, well-established “soak it all in” brand...."
(Vicky Nash via PR Web)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 18, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "January hotel bookings jump after busiest holiday week since 2007"
Congratulations to Aspen! It's wonderful and eagerly anticipated news.
All cities and towns in the surrounding areas to centrally located Glenwood Springs had blockbuster sales over the holiday season. Even if there was little snowfall.
And now, it looks like January in Aspen will do just as well.
"Special events and international tourists have transformed January into an increasingly bright period for the Aspen area’s hotels and lodges.
Advance bookings for January jumped 6.3 percent this year over last in Aspen and 14.6 percent in Snowmass Village, according to a recent report from central reservations agency Stay Aspen Snowmass.
Once typically a lull for the local tourism industry, popular January events including Winter X Games and Gay Ski Week have in recent years made it a more popular time to visit the resort, said Stay Aspen Snowmass President Bill Tomcich. That’s in addition to the month’s influx of visitors from the southern hemisphere, including Australians and Brazilians, whose summer vacations land in January...."
(Andrew Travers)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
All cities and towns in the surrounding areas to centrally located Glenwood Springs had blockbuster sales over the holiday season. Even if there was little snowfall.
And now, it looks like January in Aspen will do just as well.
"Special events and international tourists have transformed January into an increasingly bright period for the Aspen area’s hotels and lodges.
Advance bookings for January jumped 6.3 percent this year over last in Aspen and 14.6 percent in Snowmass Village, according to a recent report from central reservations agency Stay Aspen Snowmass.
Once typically a lull for the local tourism industry, popular January events including Winter X Games and Gay Ski Week have in recent years made it a more popular time to visit the resort, said Stay Aspen Snowmass President Bill Tomcich. That’s in addition to the month’s influx of visitors from the southern hemisphere, including Australians and Brazilians, whose summer vacations land in January...."
(Andrew Travers)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "In the pool: Getting soaked near Redstone"
Locals know that there is a wonderful alternative to the Hot Springs Pool in Glenwood Springs.
Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs. Listen to Scott Condon, up on the Aspen Times:
"REDSTONE — Avalanche Ranch has raked in loads of good press lately. I learned over the weekend it's well deserved.
A group of us rented the three-bedroom ranch house at the property five or so miles north of Redstone for Friday and Saturday nights. The house is nothing fancy, and neither are we, so it was just the ticket. It's crammed with antiques and features a massive stone fireplace. It oozes character.
The two dogs with us seemed to be as amped up about the mini-vacation as the seven humans as we dribbled in at separate times Friday evening. After mowing down an ample share of food and grog, we made our first foray to the developed hot springs at about 9 p.m. The springs are a stone's throw from the ranch house and easily within walking distance of 13 log cabins on the property.
After loading up on huevos rancheros the next morning, we worked off the calories with a hike through the spectacular scenery between Marble and Crystal. Upon our return to the ranch, we immediately headed back to the hot pools to soak our strained muscles. It was warm enough in the sunshine to hang in the pool that is coolest in character as well as coolest in temperature. Warm water pours off a short waterfall and splashes into the pool. You can burrow in behind the cascading water and gaze out at a flank of Mount Sopris and other mountains rising sharply from the Crystal Valley floor...."
(Scott Condon)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs. Listen to Scott Condon, up on the Aspen Times:
"REDSTONE — Avalanche Ranch has raked in loads of good press lately. I learned over the weekend it's well deserved.
A group of us rented the three-bedroom ranch house at the property five or so miles north of Redstone for Friday and Saturday nights. The house is nothing fancy, and neither are we, so it was just the ticket. It's crammed with antiques and features a massive stone fireplace. It oozes character.
The two dogs with us seemed to be as amped up about the mini-vacation as the seven humans as we dribbled in at separate times Friday evening. After mowing down an ample share of food and grog, we made our first foray to the developed hot springs at about 9 p.m. The springs are a stone's throw from the ranch house and easily within walking distance of 13 log cabins on the property.
After loading up on huevos rancheros the next morning, we worked off the calories with a hike through the spectacular scenery between Marble and Crystal. Upon our return to the ranch, we immediately headed back to the hot pools to soak our strained muscles. It was warm enough in the sunshine to hang in the pool that is coolest in character as well as coolest in temperature. Warm water pours off a short waterfall and splashes into the pool. You can burrow in behind the cascading water and gaze out at a flank of Mount Sopris and other mountains rising sharply from the Crystal Valley floor...."
(Scott Condon)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "100s flock to Steamboat Ski Area to witness Cowboy Downhill"
"“It’s carnage. It’s entertainment. It’s just fun,” retired bull rider Jed Moore said after he raced in a slalom event against 53 other cowboys and cowgirls from across the country in the 38th annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill. “This is my 16th year (in the race), and I’ll be back for another 20.”
The riders, who are members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the Professional Bull Riders, skied or snowboarded down a slalom course on Stampede to the delight of hundreds of spectators. Many cowboy hats didn’t make the trip down the course that had the cowboys launching off a 5-foot jump, lassoing a cowgirl and saddling a horse before crossing the finish line..."
(Scott Franz)
(Read more? Watch the video? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The riders, who are members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the Professional Bull Riders, skied or snowboarded down a slalom course on Stampede to the delight of hundreds of spectators. Many cowboy hats didn’t make the trip down the course that had the cowboys launching off a 5-foot jump, lassoing a cowgirl and saddling a horse before crossing the finish line..."
(Scott Franz)
(Read more? Watch the video? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 16, 2012
SandBox Comments: RedState/shinglejim "Capitalism – Texas Style "
Beautifully done, very well said.
'shinglejim':
"We’ve been treated to a great deal of angst in the past week as some on our side have questioned Romney’s work at Bain capital. It’s been described as an assault on capitalism, one of the foundations of conservatism. If you listen to the arguments made from those complaining, you’d believe that leveraged buyouts and layoffs are the cornerstone of capitalism and to question them is to question one’s conservative bona fides.
Capitalism is more than leveraged buyouts and private equity investments. Capitalism is the free exchange of goods for a profit, the ability to accumulate capital and private property rights. Its entrepreneurship and competition and all they do to create a healthy economy. A few companies are changing the way people view capitalism and its happening in that laboratory of innovation known as Texas. The leaders of these companies believe capitalism doesn’t have to be a zero sum game with one winner and one loser. This belief that capitalism maximizes the value for all stakeholders rather than a select few is catching Texas by store. Its this view that should be compared to Romney’s record at Bain and I believe that is exactly what Perry is trying to do.
I’ve spent my entire fifteen year career in business. I’ve participated in mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations and refinancing transactions. My view has always been that the shareholders and investors of a company are the ones putting their money at risk; therefore they rightfully deserve the rewards. That is the beauty of capitalism and thats what makes America great. I still agree with that premise, but today I approach it from a different perspective. The reason for the change you ask? A few months ago, I was treated to the most vigorous defense of capitalism I’ve ever heard. Surprisingly, it didn’t come from Limbaugh or Kudlow or anybody from the Republican Party. In fact it came from noted Libertarian John Mackey, founder of Whole Foods in Austin, Texas.
I grew up a Rush baby, but I’ve never heard Rush defend capitalism as eloquently as Mackey did that day.
He spoke of competition, entrepreneurship and private property rights. He aimed both barrels at unionization and over-regulation and blew them away. He spoke of capitalism as one of the factors key to ending Communism, how it has improved the life of everyday Americans and spoke of what it can bring in the future as it creates wealth for those around the world. He had both conservatives and liberals eating it up. It was truly amazing.
Mackey defines capitalism as creating value for all stakeholders...."
(Read more? You should, it's a great piece. Click title. Comment to discuss)
'shinglejim':
"We’ve been treated to a great deal of angst in the past week as some on our side have questioned Romney’s work at Bain capital. It’s been described as an assault on capitalism, one of the foundations of conservatism. If you listen to the arguments made from those complaining, you’d believe that leveraged buyouts and layoffs are the cornerstone of capitalism and to question them is to question one’s conservative bona fides.
Capitalism is more than leveraged buyouts and private equity investments. Capitalism is the free exchange of goods for a profit, the ability to accumulate capital and private property rights. Its entrepreneurship and competition and all they do to create a healthy economy. A few companies are changing the way people view capitalism and its happening in that laboratory of innovation known as Texas. The leaders of these companies believe capitalism doesn’t have to be a zero sum game with one winner and one loser. This belief that capitalism maximizes the value for all stakeholders rather than a select few is catching Texas by store. Its this view that should be compared to Romney’s record at Bain and I believe that is exactly what Perry is trying to do.
I’ve spent my entire fifteen year career in business. I’ve participated in mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations and refinancing transactions. My view has always been that the shareholders and investors of a company are the ones putting their money at risk; therefore they rightfully deserve the rewards. That is the beauty of capitalism and thats what makes America great. I still agree with that premise, but today I approach it from a different perspective. The reason for the change you ask? A few months ago, I was treated to the most vigorous defense of capitalism I’ve ever heard. Surprisingly, it didn’t come from Limbaugh or Kudlow or anybody from the Republican Party. In fact it came from noted Libertarian John Mackey, founder of Whole Foods in Austin, Texas.
I grew up a Rush baby, but I’ve never heard Rush defend capitalism as eloquently as Mackey did that day.
He spoke of competition, entrepreneurship and private property rights. He aimed both barrels at unionization and over-regulation and blew them away. He spoke of capitalism as one of the factors key to ending Communism, how it has improved the life of everyday Americans and spoke of what it can bring in the future as it creates wealth for those around the world. He had both conservatives and liberals eating it up. It was truly amazing.
Mackey defines capitalism as creating value for all stakeholders...."
(Read more? You should, it's a great piece. Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "Dirty Politics – DNC Style"
'by No fan of Cindi Lauper':
"Why has the “Unaffiliated” voter become the largest Registered block of Eagle County, Colorado voters over the past few years?
The ECT will show you this short (60 second) video – that helps explain why.
The DNC (Democratic National Committee) took membership money and just produced this 2012 TV AD about candidate Mitt Romney’s position on today’s issues in the 2012 Presidential race.
All of Romney’s comments were taken out of context. Cindi Lauper obviously had to give her permission for her song to be used in this wildly misleading AD.
Keep in mind this is just the beginning of misleading advertising by the DNC. With over $1 Billion dollars available to run a 2012 Presidential campaign, you can bet the DNC is just warming up with these kinds of Ads.
The “Unaffiliated” voter rolls in Eagle County, Colorado (suggest?) a large block (actually the largest block) of Voters don’t care for this type of campaigning either.
Good. The ECT reader is left to decide for themselves if the ‘true colors’ of today’s DNC leadership ‘come shining through’ in this Ad...."
(Watch the video? Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Why has the “Unaffiliated” voter become the largest Registered block of Eagle County, Colorado voters over the past few years?
The ECT will show you this short (60 second) video – that helps explain why.
The DNC (Democratic National Committee) took membership money and just produced this 2012 TV AD about candidate Mitt Romney’s position on today’s issues in the 2012 Presidential race.
All of Romney’s comments were taken out of context. Cindi Lauper obviously had to give her permission for her song to be used in this wildly misleading AD.
Keep in mind this is just the beginning of misleading advertising by the DNC. With over $1 Billion dollars available to run a 2012 Presidential campaign, you can bet the DNC is just warming up with these kinds of Ads.
The “Unaffiliated” voter rolls in Eagle County, Colorado (suggest?) a large block (actually the largest block) of Voters don’t care for this type of campaigning either.
Good. The ECT reader is left to decide for themselves if the ‘true colors’ of today’s DNC leadership ‘come shining through’ in this Ad...."
(Watch the video? Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Craig Daily Press "State treasurer to appear at Lincoln Day Dinner"
"Although there are rumors about potential candidacies, Hume said he’s unaware of any additional candidates planning to announce Saturday.
The Lincoln Day Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cash bar followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets cost $50 and may be purchased at T&H Parts, 400 Taylor St., and at Pam’s Designs, 512 Yampa.
As with the precinct caucuses scheduled for next month, Hume said all are welcome to attend.
“In keeping with the spirit of transparency, we welcome all Republicans, Democrats and Independents to attend the Lincoln Day Dinner,” Hume said. “Ultimately by buying a ticket, they’ll be supporting the Republican Party, but it’s a good way for people to meet and get to know the candidates....”
(Craig Daily Press)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The Lincoln Day Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cash bar followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets cost $50 and may be purchased at T&H Parts, 400 Taylor St., and at Pam’s Designs, 512 Yampa.
As with the precinct caucuses scheduled for next month, Hume said all are welcome to attend.
“In keeping with the spirit of transparency, we welcome all Republicans, Democrats and Independents to attend the Lincoln Day Dinner,” Hume said. “Ultimately by buying a ticket, they’ll be supporting the Republican Party, but it’s a good way for people to meet and get to know the candidates....”
(Craig Daily Press)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "GOP caucuses scheduled for Feb. 7"
Of course we disagree.
Let's just say that maybe there was a real high-profile candidate that wanted to hit Colorado for a presence at our caucus time.
Where should that candidate pick to land?
Rifle, of course. With lots of press releasing all over the state because Rifle is enough of a central location that he could easily pick up folks coming over from Vail and Eagle County, down from Pitkin County, over and down from Routt, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties, over from Mesa County and up and over from Montrose and Delta counties.
How would he get here and be in and out easily?
Why, fly into Garfield County airport which handles any size plane and he would be right there in Rifle, Colorado!
Piece of cake.
And, since Colorado is the premier battleground state for November 2012, it would be a very, very smart move for a high-profile Republican candidate.
just sayin...
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Let's just say that maybe there was a real high-profile candidate that wanted to hit Colorado for a presence at our caucus time.
Where should that candidate pick to land?
Rifle, of course. With lots of press releasing all over the state because Rifle is enough of a central location that he could easily pick up folks coming over from Vail and Eagle County, down from Pitkin County, over and down from Routt, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties, over from Mesa County and up and over from Montrose and Delta counties.
How would he get here and be in and out easily?
Why, fly into Garfield County airport which handles any size plane and he would be right there in Rifle, Colorado!
Piece of cake.
And, since Colorado is the premier battleground state for November 2012, it would be a very, very smart move for a high-profile Republican candidate.
just sayin...
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "Understanding Eagle County’s Public School Funding Process"
Great information from the ECT guys, they do know their way around the public education system here in Colorado.
"by the local Truant Officer, pay attention Ms. Funk":
"You really should understand this Public School Funding process.
How does the State of Colorado (Eagle County) Fund Public Schools?
Each year the Colorado State Legislature sets a (per public school student) rate at which Colorado Public Schools get their Funding.
That money comes from 2 Primary Funding Sources.
First, In Eagle County’s case your Eagle County Property Tax Bill – item – “RE50J School Dist, 015 -” and it’s associated Property Tax Levy that’s printed on your annual Property Tax bill.
Second, the State of Colorado.
Eagle County’s Treasurer’s Office is (statutorily) required to U.S. Mail you, your Property Tax bill – and collect that money. Some of us pay our annual Property Taxes by writing the check, others have their home Mortgage company write that check on your behalf.
KNOW THIS: Every single penny of the Property Taxes collected in Eagle County by the County Treasurer (under the RE50J School Dist, 015) heading is handed over by the County Treasurer 100% to the Eagle County School District. Our Eagle County School District harvests MILLIONS in Property Taxes each year – and does NOT give one dime of that money, back to the State of Colorado! What Property Taxes for Education that are collected in each State School District – stays in that School District.
Here is where Public School Funding in the Colorado gets a bit tricky because of the State Funding laws on the books….Example..."
(Read more? Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"by the local Truant Officer, pay attention Ms. Funk":
"You really should understand this Public School Funding process.
How does the State of Colorado (Eagle County) Fund Public Schools?
Each year the Colorado State Legislature sets a (per public school student) rate at which Colorado Public Schools get their Funding.
That money comes from 2 Primary Funding Sources.
First, In Eagle County’s case your Eagle County Property Tax Bill – item – “RE50J School Dist, 015 -” and it’s associated Property Tax Levy that’s printed on your annual Property Tax bill.
Second, the State of Colorado.
Eagle County’s Treasurer’s Office is (statutorily) required to U.S. Mail you, your Property Tax bill – and collect that money. Some of us pay our annual Property Taxes by writing the check, others have their home Mortgage company write that check on your behalf.
KNOW THIS: Every single penny of the Property Taxes collected in Eagle County by the County Treasurer (under the RE50J School Dist, 015) heading is handed over by the County Treasurer 100% to the Eagle County School District. Our Eagle County School District harvests MILLIONS in Property Taxes each year – and does NOT give one dime of that money, back to the State of Colorado! What Property Taxes for Education that are collected in each State School District – stays in that School District.
Here is where Public School Funding in the Colorado gets a bit tricky because of the State Funding laws on the books….Example..."
(Read more? Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Public in Paonia say privacy doesn’t justify Bear Ranch land swap"
(See related stories and commentary here and here)
Pity poor Bill Koch.
(sigh....rolls eyes....)
Let's try a new approach to his problem up on Bear Creek Ranch, shall we?
Riddle me this:
If you owned aprx. 4,500 acres of heaven on earth in the form of a ranch in the high country of Colorado.
And there was one little strip of publically owned land that went smack down (almost, we are stretching it a bit) the middle of it, that was used once in a Harvest Moon by a mountain biker or two and some cows being moved back and forth to other land (which, BTW also has other routes that could be taken) wouldn't you try to purchase that strip of land?
And if the price was ratcheted up by a whipped into a frenzy mob (the mountain bikers started it) that required you to "give them something more"....would you do that?
Poor Bill Koch said: "Well, OK." And then went out and bought a lot more land to give 'The Mob' than they wanted in the first place.
The riddle is:
"Are the hordes of angry mobsters in the Paonia area going to dislike poor Bill Koch any less if he simply goes to the Feds and asks for help?"
Probably not.
So, our vote here on SandBox is to stick with the Feds (and) you've done all you can with the mob in Paonia so let them just simmer until some kind of decision is made. Oh, yes. That guardrail up on Castle Creek that will save lives? Keep going, Mr. Koch. Surely someone up in Aspen can help pay for it besides you.
(Read this article in the continuing trials/tribulations of poor Bill Koch? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Pity poor Bill Koch.
(sigh....rolls eyes....)
Let's try a new approach to his problem up on Bear Creek Ranch, shall we?
Riddle me this:
If you owned aprx. 4,500 acres of heaven on earth in the form of a ranch in the high country of Colorado.
And there was one little strip of publically owned land that went smack down (almost, we are stretching it a bit) the middle of it, that was used once in a Harvest Moon by a mountain biker or two and some cows being moved back and forth to other land (which, BTW also has other routes that could be taken) wouldn't you try to purchase that strip of land?
And if the price was ratcheted up by a whipped into a frenzy mob (the mountain bikers started it) that required you to "give them something more"....would you do that?
Poor Bill Koch said: "Well, OK." And then went out and bought a lot more land to give 'The Mob' than they wanted in the first place.
The riddle is:
"Are the hordes of angry mobsters in the Paonia area going to dislike poor Bill Koch any less if he simply goes to the Feds and asks for help?"
Probably not.
So, our vote here on SandBox is to stick with the Feds (and) you've done all you can with the mob in Paonia so let them just simmer until some kind of decision is made. Oh, yes. That guardrail up on Castle Creek that will save lives? Keep going, Mr. Koch. Surely someone up in Aspen can help pay for it besides you.
(Read this article in the continuing trials/tribulations of poor Bill Koch? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "North Fork BLM gas leases concern ranchers, Paonia farmers"
(See related story and commentary here)
This one has to be to best of the lot.
Compile all the histrionics over oil and gas leases in the Thompson Divide and North Fork area and this one has to be the best of the lot:
"“It would be absolutely devastating to our food supply. ... It’s a parasite that comes in and sucks life off of the land and leaves disaster in its wake,” she said. “Along with the obvious problem of mucking up the water, we are concerned about air and noise and light pollution....”
(Andrew Travers)
Just say YES to environmentally sound and responsible oil and gas leasing and drilling in all areas of Colorado. If you are a nay-sayer, maybe educating yourself on all aspects of the industry would be a responsible thing to do before attempting to whip up mass hysteria.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
This one has to be to best of the lot.
Compile all the histrionics over oil and gas leases in the Thompson Divide and North Fork area and this one has to be the best of the lot:
"“It would be absolutely devastating to our food supply. ... It’s a parasite that comes in and sucks life off of the land and leaves disaster in its wake,” she said. “Along with the obvious problem of mucking up the water, we are concerned about air and noise and light pollution....”
(Andrew Travers)
Just say YES to environmentally sound and responsible oil and gas leasing and drilling in all areas of Colorado. If you are a nay-sayer, maybe educating yourself on all aspects of the industry would be a responsible thing to do before attempting to whip up mass hysteria.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Letter to the Editor "Victimized because of his success"
"Obviously I am biased about the proposed project and the process by which it is being handled — Nikos Hecht is my son — but Mr. Ireland's divisiveness and disdain for working with those he clearly has a vendetta against is disheartening to say the least. Characterizing a project as “extortionist” is beyond the pale. Perhaps it might occur to the mayor that: (1) developers are not the enemy in any city, much less a tourist-oriented town, (2) it is not a sin to have worked damn hard, to have been successful and then to have chosen to put those rewards back into the city where one was raised, (3) turning local developers away (particularly extraordinarily generous developers who continually and charitably give back to locals) is a precarious, slippery slope, and (4) it should be obvious that a developer has the right to make money on his or her investment — in other words, buying a property in the city of Aspen should not be expected to be a gift to the city.
One can only hope that the waters for negotiation have not been so muddied by this kind of unseemly, nasty rhetoric that neither side benefits..."
(Brooke Newman, Aspen)
(Read the rest of this terrific letter? Click title. Comment to discuss)
One can only hope that the waters for negotiation have not been so muddied by this kind of unseemly, nasty rhetoric that neither side benefits..."
(Brooke Newman, Aspen)
(Read the rest of this terrific letter? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "New surveys find plenty of planets in Milky Way"
sigh....sips her tea....sighs again....
....wonder if any of these are capable of sustaining human life and if so, how does one get there?
"SUMMIT COUNTY — The Milky Way likely has a huge number of planets that may be similar to Earth in some ways, according to one of the latest surveys of the galaxy.
“We used to think that the Earth might be unique in our galaxy. But now it seems that there are literally billions of planets with masses similar to Earth orbiting stars in the Milky Way,” said Daniel Kubas, one of the author of the research paper published last week in Nature.
The data from six years of research suggests that one in six of the stars studied hosts a planet of similar mass to Jupiter, half have Neptune-mass planets and two thirds have super-Earths...."
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
....wonder if any of these are capable of sustaining human life and if so, how does one get there?
"SUMMIT COUNTY — The Milky Way likely has a huge number of planets that may be similar to Earth in some ways, according to one of the latest surveys of the galaxy.
“We used to think that the Earth might be unique in our galaxy. But now it seems that there are literally billions of planets with masses similar to Earth orbiting stars in the Milky Way,” said Daniel Kubas, one of the author of the research paper published last week in Nature.
The data from six years of research suggests that one in six of the stars studied hosts a planet of similar mass to Jupiter, half have Neptune-mass planets and two thirds have super-Earths...."
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 15, 2012
SandBox Comments: SandBox Comments: Intellectual Conservative "President Downgrade"
This was such an excellent piece put out by Selwyn Duke.
In light of President Obama ratcheting up the debt ceiling again, we feel it is appropriate to re-run it.
"When Standard & Poor's lowered our credit rating, it wasn't just a fiscal reality. It was symbolic. It was symbolic of a man who has downgraded the White House, the Constitution, human life, foreign policy and race relations - and America herself...."
(Read the column? Click title. Comment to discuss)
In light of President Obama ratcheting up the debt ceiling again, we feel it is appropriate to re-run it.
"When Standard & Poor's lowered our credit rating, it wasn't just a fiscal reality. It was symbolic. It was symbolic of a man who has downgraded the White House, the Constitution, human life, foreign policy and race relations - and America herself...."
(Read the column? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Town Hall "Where have all the liberals gone?"
John C. Goodman:
"There are two conservatives for every liberal in America. That's the message of a recent David Brooks column as well as a Gallup survey. I think the imbalance is much starker. I would guess there are four conservatives for every liberal. Maybe even more.
Here's a test I invite you to take. Watch C-Span's morning call-in show and listen to what people who phone in on the "Democrat" or "liberal" line have to say. When is the last time you heard a caller say, "We should all pay higher taxes so that the government can provide us with universal day care"? Or how about, "We should all pay higher taxes so the government can provide us with universal long term care"? I bet you can't remember ever hearing that.
Here is what I suspect you will hear: Teachers complaining that teachers aren't paid enough.
Union members complaining about competition from workers overseas. Senior citizens whining about the meagerness of Social Security or Medicare benefits. Minority callers advocating more affirmative action.
And what is the common denominator of these comments? Self-interest."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"There are two conservatives for every liberal in America. That's the message of a recent David Brooks column as well as a Gallup survey. I think the imbalance is much starker. I would guess there are four conservatives for every liberal. Maybe even more.
Here's a test I invite you to take. Watch C-Span's morning call-in show and listen to what people who phone in on the "Democrat" or "liberal" line have to say. When is the last time you heard a caller say, "We should all pay higher taxes so that the government can provide us with universal day care"? Or how about, "We should all pay higher taxes so the government can provide us with universal long term care"? I bet you can't remember ever hearing that.
Here is what I suspect you will hear: Teachers complaining that teachers aren't paid enough.
Union members complaining about competition from workers overseas. Senior citizens whining about the meagerness of Social Security or Medicare benefits. Minority callers advocating more affirmative action.
And what is the common denominator of these comments? Self-interest."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Town Hall/Rachel Alexander "Congress Cheats With Insider Trading"
"Finally, an issue both Republicans and Democrats can agree upon, halting the practice of exempting Congress from ethical laws that apply to the rest of us. But instead, our elected members of Congress are ignoring their partisan differences and uniting together against the wishes of constituents of both parties. Why don’t insider trading laws apply to members of Congress? How can members of Congress vote objectively on issues affecting companies that they are heavily invested in? A new Rasmussen poll found that 48% of Americans believe most members of Congress are corrupt. Congress's approval rating has slipped to a shocking new low of just 5%...."
(Rachel Alexander)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(Rachel Alexander)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Pueblo Chieftain "Feds arrest 4 in meth drug ring probe "
Because this is such an important bust and the information relevant to all of Colorado, SandBox has taken more than a snippet from Chieftain content.
Thank you to all officers and agents who participated in this probe and bust. We appreciate you so much. Please stay the course cleaning up the drugs, the traffickers and cartels in Colorado.
Nick Bonham:
"Four people were arrested in Pueblo recently for reportedly smuggling pounds of methamphetamine from out of state.
Valentine Torres-Valdez, 29; Daniel Arabia, 24; Julio Soto, 22, and Raquel Cardenas, 19; are members of a suspected drug ring that were transporting methamphetamine to Colorado Springs by bus and van, according to affidavits from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
All four were in Pueblo County jail in lieu of $50,000 bail and holds for immigration officials.
The four were arrested Jan. 5 after a four-month investigation. Their arrests come after Carlos Meza Osorio (age not available), was arrested here in November with 7_ pounds of suspected methamphetamine.
Perdro Perez Barraza in Colorado Springs was the chief distributor and was arrested at his Colorado Springs home. (There was no record of Barraza on Thursday at El Paso County jail; it was unclear where he is being held.)
The others were the drug couriers, according to the affidavit by Detective Chris D'Amour.
Arabia, Soto and Cardenas had smuggled 2 pounds of meth in "computer bags" on a bus from Phoenix to Albuquerque, N.M. There, Torrez-Valdez picked up the trio in a minivan and traveled north on Interstate 25, followed and tracked the entire time by DEA agents.
In Pueblo the four were stopped for speeding - 78 in a 65 mph zone, the affidavit said. Torrez-Valdez allowed police to search the van, which led to the discovery of the methamphetamine.
DEA Agent Matt Barden said the seized drugs are likely from Mexican cartels that were smuggled into the United States. These latest arrests are the third suspected drug ring with ties to Mexican drugs dismantled in Pueblo in the last six months
"All these guys, all this dope, certainly in my opinion are coming from Mexican cartels. I don't know which cartel it would be specifically from, but I would have to say it is cartels," Barden said...."
(For original article, click title. Comment to discuss)
Thank you to all officers and agents who participated in this probe and bust. We appreciate you so much. Please stay the course cleaning up the drugs, the traffickers and cartels in Colorado.
Nick Bonham:
"Four people were arrested in Pueblo recently for reportedly smuggling pounds of methamphetamine from out of state.
Valentine Torres-Valdez, 29; Daniel Arabia, 24; Julio Soto, 22, and Raquel Cardenas, 19; are members of a suspected drug ring that were transporting methamphetamine to Colorado Springs by bus and van, according to affidavits from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
All four were in Pueblo County jail in lieu of $50,000 bail and holds for immigration officials.
The four were arrested Jan. 5 after a four-month investigation. Their arrests come after Carlos Meza Osorio (age not available), was arrested here in November with 7_ pounds of suspected methamphetamine.
Perdro Perez Barraza in Colorado Springs was the chief distributor and was arrested at his Colorado Springs home. (There was no record of Barraza on Thursday at El Paso County jail; it was unclear where he is being held.)
The others were the drug couriers, according to the affidavit by Detective Chris D'Amour.
Arabia, Soto and Cardenas had smuggled 2 pounds of meth in "computer bags" on a bus from Phoenix to Albuquerque, N.M. There, Torrez-Valdez picked up the trio in a minivan and traveled north on Interstate 25, followed and tracked the entire time by DEA agents.
In Pueblo the four were stopped for speeding - 78 in a 65 mph zone, the affidavit said. Torrez-Valdez allowed police to search the van, which led to the discovery of the methamphetamine.
DEA Agent Matt Barden said the seized drugs are likely from Mexican cartels that were smuggled into the United States. These latest arrests are the third suspected drug ring with ties to Mexican drugs dismantled in Pueblo in the last six months
"All these guys, all this dope, certainly in my opinion are coming from Mexican cartels. I don't know which cartel it would be specifically from, but I would have to say it is cartels," Barden said...."
(For original article, click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: KKCO 11 News "K-9 Unit dog sniffs out stash of marijuana "
'SandBox Nanny' is very glad she waited a day or so to post the news about this major pot bust by Eagle County Sheriff.
Why?
Because of this fabulous photo of Eagle County Sheriff K-9 Officer Best. Good job!
Since we are not being given a gender, we'll say: "What a beautiful dog! Keep up the good work."
Thanks so much!
(See K-9 Officer Best? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Why?
Because of this fabulous photo of Eagle County Sheriff K-9 Officer Best. Good job!
Since we are not being given a gender, we'll say: "What a beautiful dog! Keep up the good work."
Thanks so much!
(See K-9 Officer Best? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments; Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Suspect arrested in Parachute robbery"
John Gardner:
"Less than 11 hours later, around noon Thursday, police received a tip on the whereabouts of Litke, who matched the description of the burglary suspect. The tip ultimately led to Litke's arrest later in the day near De Beque by De Beque marshals.
The vehicle Litke was driving was searched, and police found the weapons cache. All of the weapons were recovered, police said.
“We were fortunate that a couple of citizens came across something that led to the arrest of this guy,” Petree said. “Thanks for coming forward with the information that led to the arrest.”
Litke was later transported to the Garfield County Jail, where he is awaiting transfer to Denver on a federal hold, according to police...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Less than 11 hours later, around noon Thursday, police received a tip on the whereabouts of Litke, who matched the description of the burglary suspect. The tip ultimately led to Litke's arrest later in the day near De Beque by De Beque marshals.
The vehicle Litke was driving was searched, and police found the weapons cache. All of the weapons were recovered, police said.
“We were fortunate that a couple of citizens came across something that led to the arrest of this guy,” Petree said. “Thanks for coming forward with the information that led to the arrest.”
Litke was later transported to the Garfield County Jail, where he is awaiting transfer to Denver on a federal hold, according to police...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "RFTA plan for El Jebel, elsewhere hit snags"
As RFTA hits yet another wall with acquiring the property to pull off their commitment made to millions of dollars in federal funding....SandBox again asks the question:
When is someone going to step up and do something about RFTA?
How many more times do we put up with either their hand out for negative cash flow bailouts, the worst schedules possible which allow for mostly empty busses running up and down the highway, no practical consideration for the facilities they build such as the now near to being condemned bus barn in West Glenwood Springs and all the promises made that always end up having problems that either prevent keeping or need more money than originally projected?
On the other hand, maybe RFTA CEO Dan Blankenship sticking out his false promises that everything is all lined up and ready to go , to the Fed's in charge of his $25 million dollar grant when apparently he hadn't even made sure the land was going to be available; is a good thing.
Please do yank that $25 million back out of his hands, Mr. Federal Government.
We have many other higher priority places for it to go.
As for RFTA, isn't it about time we ended their private entity status by calling in all the money they owe the folks? Just make RFTA 100% publically owned. Would sure be a lot cheaper for the folks.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
When is someone going to step up and do something about RFTA?
How many more times do we put up with either their hand out for negative cash flow bailouts, the worst schedules possible which allow for mostly empty busses running up and down the highway, no practical consideration for the facilities they build such as the now near to being condemned bus barn in West Glenwood Springs and all the promises made that always end up having problems that either prevent keeping or need more money than originally projected?
On the other hand, maybe RFTA CEO Dan Blankenship sticking out his false promises that everything is all lined up and ready to go , to the Fed's in charge of his $25 million dollar grant when apparently he hadn't even made sure the land was going to be available; is a good thing.
Please do yank that $25 million back out of his hands, Mr. Federal Government.
We have many other higher priority places for it to go.
As for RFTA, isn't it about time we ended their private entity status by calling in all the money they owe the folks? Just make RFTA 100% publically owned. Would sure be a lot cheaper for the folks.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Time to man up"
We couldn't agree more.
One of the men on Aspen City Council needs to put Mick Ireland in his place. The next time, anytime that he pulls these rants and tantrums.
For the sake of the city, if nothing else. Enough is enough.
"Editor:
Television’s “Jersey Shore” has nothing on the reality show we know as the Aspen City Council, as evidenced by Monday’s meeting.
But first I want to talk about Theatre Aspen and their naked girders. My suggestion is to team up with the Aspen Art Museum and turn the site into an outdoor winter sculpture garden, incorporating the girders as display elements. It could be fabulous.
Now back to the reality show.
While I truly appreciate that “Mick the mayor” (a great name for the lead character of our show) apologized for the length of his rant, he needed to apologize for the content. It was embarrassing.
The council looked dysfunctional and Mick reminded me of an out-of-control Rush Limbaugh. Why no one tried to cut him off baffles me.
Let’s review what happened...."
(Andrew Kole)
(Read more? Are you sure you want to hear it? You need to, unfortunately. Click title.)
One of the men on Aspen City Council needs to put Mick Ireland in his place. The next time, anytime that he pulls these rants and tantrums.
For the sake of the city, if nothing else. Enough is enough.
"Editor:
Television’s “Jersey Shore” has nothing on the reality show we know as the Aspen City Council, as evidenced by Monday’s meeting.
But first I want to talk about Theatre Aspen and their naked girders. My suggestion is to team up with the Aspen Art Museum and turn the site into an outdoor winter sculpture garden, incorporating the girders as display elements. It could be fabulous.
Now back to the reality show.
While I truly appreciate that “Mick the mayor” (a great name for the lead character of our show) apologized for the length of his rant, he needed to apologize for the content. It was embarrassing.
The council looked dysfunctional and Mick reminded me of an out-of-control Rush Limbaugh. Why no one tried to cut him off baffles me.
Let’s review what happened...."
(Andrew Kole)
(Read more? Are you sure you want to hear it? You need to, unfortunately. Click title.)
January 14, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Charlie Leonard "Charlie Leonard: Obama tries to fool the voters — once again"
Charlie Leonard:
"...If you listen, it's clear Barack Obama has abandoned the mantra of hope and change — and the personal responsibility he spoke of so eloquently just three years ago. When the president speaks about “fairness,” it's all one-sided, as if none of us outside the ranks of top corporations played any part in the housing boom and bust. Seriously? All of the speculation on credit was the fault of greedy bankers? Were we all that stupid, or maybe, just maybe, were we all just a little culpable?
When the president speaks of the economic challenges of the middle class, it's entirely the result of selfish businesses that “play by their own rules.”
The truth is that globalization and technology have forever altered the ability of low-skilled workers in the United States to demand the wages and benefits they received when our economy depended on a domestic manufacturing base..."
"...If you listen, it's clear Barack Obama has abandoned the mantra of hope and change — and the personal responsibility he spoke of so eloquently just three years ago. When the president speaks about “fairness,” it's all one-sided, as if none of us outside the ranks of top corporations played any part in the housing boom and bust. Seriously? All of the speculation on credit was the fault of greedy bankers? Were we all that stupid, or maybe, just maybe, were we all just a little culpable?
When the president speaks of the economic challenges of the middle class, it's entirely the result of selfish businesses that “play by their own rules.”
The truth is that globalization and technology have forever altered the ability of low-skilled workers in the United States to demand the wages and benefits they received when our economy depended on a domestic manufacturing base..."
SandBox Comments: Pueblo Chieftain "Schwartz: Allow sales of home-prepared food "
SandBox sends out a thank you to Colorado State Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass).
Why?
For being so successful over the past few weeks in her media blitz.
We had almost forgotten 'why' she was so unpopular with her district's voters she barely squeezed by on a handful of votes margin to a win at mid-terms.
One of the quirks about Schwartz are her endless rants when she has a bill she really wishes to put through.
Masterful at feminine manipulation, Schwartz unloads the full arsenal until everyone is so weary they simply pull away or in the case of brave enough politicians, lash back calling a spade a spade.
Well known to voters for her elitist posturing and facial expressions while presenting; Schwartz campaign at mid-terms was plagued by the now infamous ad depicting her head and one of her familiar facial expressions photo-shopped on the body of Donald Trump. The caption, of course: "You're fired!".
Folks have had a difficult time trying to figure out why Schwartz was so outraged since it was a near daily pose for her. The conclusion?
That's not exactly the way Gail sees herself.
What's wrong with this now second, third or fourth attempt to force her 'home-cooked meals' bill through? Besides the fact that her district has so many higher priority issues she should be working on?
Could it possibly be this new outrageous attempt to meet its inherent defect by trying to push the health dept. concerns and costs over to the seller of the goods?
Gail, how about really trying..in your last term ever..to focus on say, maybe..the growing homeless population in your district and the growing ranks in our welfare and food kitchen lines? Or, maybe....jobs and the economy. A living wage for Pitkin County workers....the list goes on.
"DENVER — Sen. Gail Schwartz has whipped up of a fresh proposal that would allow foods prepared in home kitchens to be sold in Colorado.
She ran a similar piece of legislation last year, but it was spoiled by objections from health departments that it would create a burdensome inspection load for them......
......Schwartz’s bill this year omitted the requirement that Rep. Laura Bradford, R-Colbran, introduced in HB27 this week. It would legalize the sale of food produced in home kitchens, but require proprietors to register with local health departments....."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Why?
For being so successful over the past few weeks in her media blitz.
We had almost forgotten 'why' she was so unpopular with her district's voters she barely squeezed by on a handful of votes margin to a win at mid-terms.
One of the quirks about Schwartz are her endless rants when she has a bill she really wishes to put through.
Masterful at feminine manipulation, Schwartz unloads the full arsenal until everyone is so weary they simply pull away or in the case of brave enough politicians, lash back calling a spade a spade.
Well known to voters for her elitist posturing and facial expressions while presenting; Schwartz campaign at mid-terms was plagued by the now infamous ad depicting her head and one of her familiar facial expressions photo-shopped on the body of Donald Trump. The caption, of course: "You're fired!".
Folks have had a difficult time trying to figure out why Schwartz was so outraged since it was a near daily pose for her. The conclusion?
That's not exactly the way Gail sees herself.
What's wrong with this now second, third or fourth attempt to force her 'home-cooked meals' bill through? Besides the fact that her district has so many higher priority issues she should be working on?
Could it possibly be this new outrageous attempt to meet its inherent defect by trying to push the health dept. concerns and costs over to the seller of the goods?
Gail, how about really trying..in your last term ever..to focus on say, maybe..the growing homeless population in your district and the growing ranks in our welfare and food kitchen lines? Or, maybe....jobs and the economy. A living wage for Pitkin County workers....the list goes on.
"DENVER — Sen. Gail Schwartz has whipped up of a fresh proposal that would allow foods prepared in home kitchens to be sold in Colorado.
She ran a similar piece of legislation last year, but it was spoiled by objections from health departments that it would create a burdensome inspection load for them......
......Schwartz’s bill this year omitted the requirement that Rep. Laura Bradford, R-Colbran, introduced in HB27 this week. It would legalize the sale of food produced in home kitchens, but require proprietors to register with local health departments....."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 13, 2012
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Guard unit’s return thrills families"
Gary Harmon:
"MONTROSE—Crystal Kissner was rock solid atop an electrical stanchion that gave her a solid three-foot advantage over the rest of the crowd awaiting the return Thursday afternoon of the 928th Area Support Medical Company of the Colorado National Guard.
“There he is,” Kissner murmured, peering through the viewfinder of her camera. “I got him.”
The face in her viewfinder was that of her husband, Staff Sgt. Marcus Kissner, who returned to western Colorado with more than 50 members of the unit known as the “Witch Doctors.”
The unit arrived home after a charter flight from Washington state to Montrose Regional Airport under a crisp, blue sky.
More than 200 people gathered at the airport entry to cheer and wave bunting for the unit that left a year ago for a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Soldiers were hustled into waiting vans and then to the unit’s armory for debriefing and, eventually, reunion with their families.
“I’m just so excited,” Crystal Kissner said, clutching a poster of the unit’s witch-doctor logo, plus posters drawn by students at Clifton and Mesa View elementary schools, where she works as a substitute teacher.
The Grand Junction couple has two children, Brittani, 14, and Trevor, 12.
For the past year, Crystal Kissner has been able to communicate with Marcus via Skype, email and some regular mail, but she kept herself in the dark about other things.
“I didn’t watch any news for the year he was gone,” she said...."
So hard to think it has been a year since SandBox said goodby to the 928th Area Support Medical Company of the Colorado National Guard known as the 'Witch Doctors'.
Thank you for your service, welcome home.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"MONTROSE—Crystal Kissner was rock solid atop an electrical stanchion that gave her a solid three-foot advantage over the rest of the crowd awaiting the return Thursday afternoon of the 928th Area Support Medical Company of the Colorado National Guard.
“There he is,” Kissner murmured, peering through the viewfinder of her camera. “I got him.”
The face in her viewfinder was that of her husband, Staff Sgt. Marcus Kissner, who returned to western Colorado with more than 50 members of the unit known as the “Witch Doctors.”
The unit arrived home after a charter flight from Washington state to Montrose Regional Airport under a crisp, blue sky.
More than 200 people gathered at the airport entry to cheer and wave bunting for the unit that left a year ago for a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Soldiers were hustled into waiting vans and then to the unit’s armory for debriefing and, eventually, reunion with their families.
“I’m just so excited,” Crystal Kissner said, clutching a poster of the unit’s witch-doctor logo, plus posters drawn by students at Clifton and Mesa View elementary schools, where she works as a substitute teacher.
The Grand Junction couple has two children, Brittani, 14, and Trevor, 12.
For the past year, Crystal Kissner has been able to communicate with Marcus via Skype, email and some regular mail, but she kept herself in the dark about other things.
“I didn’t watch any news for the year he was gone,” she said...."
So hard to think it has been a year since SandBox said goodby to the 928th Area Support Medical Company of the Colorado National Guard known as the 'Witch Doctors'.
Thank you for your service, welcome home.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Denver Post "Feds: Colorado medical-marijuana dispensaries within 1,000 feet of a school must close"
So it begins.
Wonder what the City of Glenwood Springs is going to do now that we move closer to federal closures and prosecutions of marijuana based industry?
At the very least one would think our city council would be bringing the subject up to the people. Sounds like a good thing for Mayor Pro-Tem Leo McKinney to start tackling.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Wonder what the City of Glenwood Springs is going to do now that we move closer to federal closures and prosecutions of marijuana based industry?
At the very least one would think our city council would be bringing the subject up to the people. Sounds like a good thing for Mayor Pro-Tem Leo McKinney to start tackling.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "Jimmy Westlake: Viewing Venus"
"Steamboat Springs — Venus, the lovely evening star, is dominating our evening sky right now. She is the first “star” that you’ll see pop out of the evening twilight, so feel free to make a wish on her. The only other object that you might confuse for Venus is the planet Jupiter, which is halfway across the sky from Venus and not quite as bright.
Venus appears so dazzling in our sky for a couple of reasons: First and foremost, Venus is covered in very reflective clouds so that she gleams like a mirror in the sunshine. Second, Venus is relatively close to Earth right now, just more than one astronomical unit away. That distance will decrease during the coming weeks, and Venus will become even brighter in our sky — a blazing star in the evening twilight.
Here are some of the celestial highlights involving Venus this winter and spring while she is in our evening sky:...."
(Jimmy Westlake)
(Read the rest? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Venus appears so dazzling in our sky for a couple of reasons: First and foremost, Venus is covered in very reflective clouds so that she gleams like a mirror in the sunshine. Second, Venus is relatively close to Earth right now, just more than one astronomical unit away. That distance will decrease during the coming weeks, and Venus will become even brighter in our sky — a blazing star in the evening twilight.
Here are some of the celestial highlights involving Venus this winter and spring while she is in our evening sky:...."
(Jimmy Westlake)
(Read the rest? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: December retrospective"
All credit: Bob Berwyn
January 12, 2012
SandBox Comments: Red State/Cole Grayson "I Am a Real Democrat, Therefore I Now Vote Republican"
A must read classic. By 'colegrayson'. Off RedState. We have now tossed this piece up a number of times since it came out on September 8, 2011.
"...I had the distinct pleasure of watching the GOP candidates debate, and I learned something shocking. They are not, despite the New York Times propaganda, crazy. They are diverse, intelligent constructs of a party that allows for free thought, unlike dogmatic liberalism I now renounce. But fair warning, I am Pro God, which by liberal definition means I force Him into the faces of others. I am against 12 year olds signing off on their own abortions, which means I despise women. I believe Herman Cain agrees with my beliefs on minority empowerment, so he too must be a racist. Even the now wilted specter of Michelle Bachmann, successfully castrated by a viciously sexist question in the previous debate, was not any sort of boogeywoman. What we had was an intelligent thoughtful exchange of ideas. Some of these ideas may not work, and others have merit. Cain’s thoughts on taxation I found intriguing but impractical, but hey, at least it was an idea. A freaking idea. But wait, other ideas reared their head as well. Ideas like using military drones to track illegals, (Governor Perry) support of a guest worker program (Speaker Gingrich) and of course there was Mitt. Poor Mitt. He would have been a great 60′s Republican.
Today he would be better off as a Democrat. But he is a good fella and a smart man, so he has a place. Just not in the White House.
As many of you know I am an ardent Perry supporter. He did well. Not great, but for first time out, pretty well. He was attacked constantly and held his own, and he never wavered on his beliefs. We do need straight talk; no it is not realistic to assume today’s youth will have Social Security, by definition a Ponzi Scheme. Should we reform it? Sure. Will Rick destroy it? Of course not. And you know that. He just wanted to make a point about unfunded entitlements. But sometimes the truth is a despised enemy of the power. He will err on the side of saving lives, his words, and I believe him. Lil’ Old Ladies won’t starve and children won’t freeze. But with the Excuse Maker in Chief? Who knows about the man who would quote the Koran and refer to it as Holy but mock the Bible and accuse Christians of being bitter. Where lacks Jesus, lacks love and where lacks love, lacks conscience. The same people who advocate the murder of 8 month old babies are not the same people who will truly fight for health care, or good jobs.
This I do know. I know that my whole life I have believed in the power of our people...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"...I had the distinct pleasure of watching the GOP candidates debate, and I learned something shocking. They are not, despite the New York Times propaganda, crazy. They are diverse, intelligent constructs of a party that allows for free thought, unlike dogmatic liberalism I now renounce. But fair warning, I am Pro God, which by liberal definition means I force Him into the faces of others. I am against 12 year olds signing off on their own abortions, which means I despise women. I believe Herman Cain agrees with my beliefs on minority empowerment, so he too must be a racist. Even the now wilted specter of Michelle Bachmann, successfully castrated by a viciously sexist question in the previous debate, was not any sort of boogeywoman. What we had was an intelligent thoughtful exchange of ideas. Some of these ideas may not work, and others have merit. Cain’s thoughts on taxation I found intriguing but impractical, but hey, at least it was an idea. A freaking idea. But wait, other ideas reared their head as well. Ideas like using military drones to track illegals, (Governor Perry) support of a guest worker program (Speaker Gingrich) and of course there was Mitt. Poor Mitt. He would have been a great 60′s Republican.
Today he would be better off as a Democrat. But he is a good fella and a smart man, so he has a place. Just not in the White House.
As many of you know I am an ardent Perry supporter. He did well. Not great, but for first time out, pretty well. He was attacked constantly and held his own, and he never wavered on his beliefs. We do need straight talk; no it is not realistic to assume today’s youth will have Social Security, by definition a Ponzi Scheme. Should we reform it? Sure. Will Rick destroy it? Of course not. And you know that. He just wanted to make a point about unfunded entitlements. But sometimes the truth is a despised enemy of the power. He will err on the side of saving lives, his words, and I believe him. Lil’ Old Ladies won’t starve and children won’t freeze. But with the Excuse Maker in Chief? Who knows about the man who would quote the Koran and refer to it as Holy but mock the Bible and accuse Christians of being bitter. Where lacks Jesus, lacks love and where lacks love, lacks conscience. The same people who advocate the murder of 8 month old babies are not the same people who will truly fight for health care, or good jobs.
This I do know. I know that my whole life I have believed in the power of our people...."
(colegrayson diary)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "DA’s office joins fatal accident investigation"
"The Pitkin County District Attorney’s Office will review the investigation by the Colorado State Patrol into the mysterious death of a Basalt woman who was struck and killed by a bus near Buttermilk on Jan. 1.
Authorities are still unsure how, or why, Joanie Marie Kocab, 29, returned to the upper valley in the early morning of New Year’s Day after she disembarked a bus in Basalt after 12:45 a.m. Authorities have ruled out that she took public transportation.
Kocab, who moved to the valley from Kansas less than three weeks before the accident, was struck from behind by a Roaring Fork Transportation Authority bus around 2:25 a.m. Authorities have said she was walking in the middle of the eastbound bus lane just downvalley from the intersection of Highway 82 and Owl Creek Road.
Arnold Mordkin, chief deputy district attorney for the 9th Judicial District, said he requested a copy of the state patrol’s accident investigation, which has not yet been completed.
“This was a very serious happenstance and I want to see the report,” he said. “It’s important.”
The driver, who the state patrol did not ticket for the accident, remains on administrative leave, which is standard practice, said RFTA CEO Dan Blankenship. The Aspen Daily News is not identifying the driver because she has not been ticketed or charged with a crime...."
(Chad Abraham)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Authorities are still unsure how, or why, Joanie Marie Kocab, 29, returned to the upper valley in the early morning of New Year’s Day after she disembarked a bus in Basalt after 12:45 a.m. Authorities have ruled out that she took public transportation.
Kocab, who moved to the valley from Kansas less than three weeks before the accident, was struck from behind by a Roaring Fork Transportation Authority bus around 2:25 a.m. Authorities have said she was walking in the middle of the eastbound bus lane just downvalley from the intersection of Highway 82 and Owl Creek Road.
Arnold Mordkin, chief deputy district attorney for the 9th Judicial District, said he requested a copy of the state patrol’s accident investigation, which has not yet been completed.
“This was a very serious happenstance and I want to see the report,” he said. “It’s important.”
The driver, who the state patrol did not ticket for the accident, remains on administrative leave, which is standard practice, said RFTA CEO Dan Blankenship. The Aspen Daily News is not identifying the driver because she has not been ticketed or charged with a crime...."
(Chad Abraham)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: KJCT News 8 "Pete Hautzinger Up For Re-election"
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo., -- District Attorney Pete Hautzinger announced Wednesday he is running for his third and final term as Mesa County's DA...."
(Janelle Ericsson)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(Janelle Ericsson)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "‘Dog’ show leaves out sheriff spat"
Paul Shockley:
"And that’s just fine by Hilkey.
“I didn’t watch it,” the sheriff said, laughing. “It’s a non-issue for me. The fact I didn’t watch it speaks volumes....”
lol.
We wouldn't have given it any blog space......except that our very fav phrase of all time came from Sheriff Stan on this 'spat' with 'Dog': "profit-driven peacockery"
lol. Isn't that just the greatest descriptive phrase of all time??!! Go, Sheriff Stan !
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"And that’s just fine by Hilkey.
“I didn’t watch it,” the sheriff said, laughing. “It’s a non-issue for me. The fact I didn’t watch it speaks volumes....”
lol.
We wouldn't have given it any blog space......except that our very fav phrase of all time came from Sheriff Stan on this 'spat' with 'Dog': "profit-driven peacockery"
lol. Isn't that just the greatest descriptive phrase of all time??!! Go, Sheriff Stan !
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Letters to the Editor "One-sided civility"
(See related story here)
SandBox sends out a thank-you to Steve Falender.
Surely, we have enough divisive energy floating around the local governments that we do not need more from Mayor Ireland.
Very refreshing to hear someone stand up to him.
" ...I can imagine how quickly and harshly the mayor and council would react to an applicant or member of the public who accused the council or staff of “blackmail” or attempted “extortion,” warning that we are to express disagreement in a civil and respectful manner. How disappointing that not a single council member was willing to confront the mayor for his inflammatory words and tone and to remind him that civil discourse and respect are expected of council as well as the public...."
(Steve Falender, Aspen)
(Learn more? Click title and link within post. Comment to discuss)
SandBox sends out a thank-you to Steve Falender.
Surely, we have enough divisive energy floating around the local governments that we do not need more from Mayor Ireland.
Very refreshing to hear someone stand up to him.
" ...I can imagine how quickly and harshly the mayor and council would react to an applicant or member of the public who accused the council or staff of “blackmail” or attempted “extortion,” warning that we are to express disagreement in a civil and respectful manner. How disappointing that not a single council member was willing to confront the mayor for his inflammatory words and tone and to remind him that civil discourse and respect are expected of council as well as the public...."
(Steve Falender, Aspen)
(Learn more? Click title and link within post. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Herons turned heroes and other wildlife tales from Rio Grande"
It will be interesting to hear comments on this one and SandBox hopes the kids write in.
For years, there has been a cry for educational rest area and interactive tourist draws up and down the Hwy 82 corridor.
With our vast geothermal, extensive offering of wildlife, natural phenomena and beauty there really couldn't be a better fit for building tourist drawing infrastructure.
Think....Two Rivers Park and that intersection of the Colorado River and Roaring Fork River to be environmentally engineered and turned into an interactive wetlands, geothermal study ground, state-of-the-art visitors center and a tied-in kid's whitewater park for entertaining families while down the lane at the Whitewater Park world champion games are going on.
Same thing up at Pan and Fork.
There are elk study stops that could happen between Glenwood and Carbondale.
All the way up to the top of Independence Pass we have natural oppportunities to encourage interactive tourism draws.
The Rio Grande Trail is a great example of what we hear the folks just sayin.
"Young herons, unlike their more meek parents, were for the first time last year observed fighting off an eagle attacking a heron nest along the Rio Grande Trail outside Carbondale.
That anecdote is included in a five-year monitoring report that says wild critters have mostly adjusted well to the paved section of trail between Rock Bottom Ranch and Catherine Store Road.
And the winter closure from Nov. 30 until April 30 of that section is “the most significant” management tool in balancing recreational and environmental protection goals, wrote Basalt wildlife biologist Jonathan Lowsky.
He prepared the report for the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, which manages the former railroad corridor. RFTA’s board will get its first look at the report today during the directors’ monthly meeting at Carbondale Town Hall.
During the winter, the section of trail “has essentially become a wildlife refuge,” Lowsky said Wednesday. “Every species that I expect to be there are, indeed, there....”
(Chad Abraham)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
For years, there has been a cry for educational rest area and interactive tourist draws up and down the Hwy 82 corridor.
With our vast geothermal, extensive offering of wildlife, natural phenomena and beauty there really couldn't be a better fit for building tourist drawing infrastructure.
Think....Two Rivers Park and that intersection of the Colorado River and Roaring Fork River to be environmentally engineered and turned into an interactive wetlands, geothermal study ground, state-of-the-art visitors center and a tied-in kid's whitewater park for entertaining families while down the lane at the Whitewater Park world champion games are going on.
Same thing up at Pan and Fork.
There are elk study stops that could happen between Glenwood and Carbondale.
All the way up to the top of Independence Pass we have natural oppportunities to encourage interactive tourism draws.
The Rio Grande Trail is a great example of what we hear the folks just sayin.
"Young herons, unlike their more meek parents, were for the first time last year observed fighting off an eagle attacking a heron nest along the Rio Grande Trail outside Carbondale.
That anecdote is included in a five-year monitoring report that says wild critters have mostly adjusted well to the paved section of trail between Rock Bottom Ranch and Catherine Store Road.
And the winter closure from Nov. 30 until April 30 of that section is “the most significant” management tool in balancing recreational and environmental protection goals, wrote Basalt wildlife biologist Jonathan Lowsky.
He prepared the report for the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, which manages the former railroad corridor. RFTA’s board will get its first look at the report today during the directors’ monthly meeting at Carbondale Town Hall.
During the winter, the section of trail “has essentially become a wildlife refuge,” Lowsky said Wednesday. “Every species that I expect to be there are, indeed, there....”
(Chad Abraham)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Eagle Valley Enterprise "Biomass power plant is taking shape in Gypsum"
Approvals are nearly there!
The first woody biomass power plant in western Colorado.
"A woody biomass power plant is one step closer to becoming a reality in Gypsum after Tuesday's town council meeting.
Members of Eagle Valley Clean Energy LLC presented their plans and asked the council to approve an annexation for a 94-acre parcel directly east of the American Gypsum wallboard plant along the Eagle River.
With council members Dick Mayne and Tim McMichael absent, the rest of the group passed a resolution to initiate the annexation but tabled a vote on the final proceedings until Feb. 28.
If everything goes as planned, the relatively small power plant would only occupy the west end of the property, potentially leaving the rest for open space, and would be operational by 2014. A woody biomass plant burns a variety of wood — “forest waste, agricultural waste and clean urban wood” — to create electricity.
“Colorado has needed something like this for a long time and this plant would be among the first in the state, maybe the first,” said Bill Carlson of EVCE. Carlson is the principal of Carlson Small Power Consultants, and has started biomass plants all over the country. He said the west coast is currently the heaviest user of biomass energy, with about 45 in California.
Per year, Gypsum's plant would produce a gross of 11.5 megawatts and be able to sell 10 megawatts to Holy Cross Energy after using 1.5 megawatts to power itself. A 20-year electricity sales agreement with Holy Cross is already worked out, said Dean Rostrom of EVCE.
“So far, we have a power purchase agreement completed, a site secured and fuel supply studies finished,” Rostrom said...."
(Derek Franz)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The first woody biomass power plant in western Colorado.
"A woody biomass power plant is one step closer to becoming a reality in Gypsum after Tuesday's town council meeting.
Members of Eagle Valley Clean Energy LLC presented their plans and asked the council to approve an annexation for a 94-acre parcel directly east of the American Gypsum wallboard plant along the Eagle River.
With council members Dick Mayne and Tim McMichael absent, the rest of the group passed a resolution to initiate the annexation but tabled a vote on the final proceedings until Feb. 28.
If everything goes as planned, the relatively small power plant would only occupy the west end of the property, potentially leaving the rest for open space, and would be operational by 2014. A woody biomass plant burns a variety of wood — “forest waste, agricultural waste and clean urban wood” — to create electricity.
“Colorado has needed something like this for a long time and this plant would be among the first in the state, maybe the first,” said Bill Carlson of EVCE. Carlson is the principal of Carlson Small Power Consultants, and has started biomass plants all over the country. He said the west coast is currently the heaviest user of biomass energy, with about 45 in California.
Per year, Gypsum's plant would produce a gross of 11.5 megawatts and be able to sell 10 megawatts to Holy Cross Energy after using 1.5 megawatts to power itself. A 20-year electricity sales agreement with Holy Cross is already worked out, said Dean Rostrom of EVCE.
“So far, we have a power purchase agreement completed, a site secured and fuel supply studies finished,” Rostrom said...."
(Derek Franz)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Environment: Bats and wind farms don’t mix"
Have you ever thought of this possibility?
That wind farm technology could be harmful and life-threatening to bats, birds and airborne wildlife?
This is one of the reasons Bob Berwyn, up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice is the most trusted 'enviro-pen' journalist in the region.
Very interesting piece.
"...This suggests that there may be ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of mitigation measures. PSW ecologist Ted Weller and statistician Jim Baldwin developed an interactive tool that allows users to visualize how changes in date and weather conditions affect the probability of bat presence. The tool can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/wildlife/bat/batprob.shtml.
“Increasing the wind speed at which turbines begin to spin and produce energy to the grid has proven to be an effective way to reduce bat fatalities. However, bat activity levels depend on more than just wind speed,” says Weller, who led the research. “Our work demonstrates the use of a decision-making tool that could protect bats when fatality risk is highest while maximizing energy production on nights with a low chance of fatalities....”
(Bob Berwyn)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
That wind farm technology could be harmful and life-threatening to bats, birds and airborne wildlife?
This is one of the reasons Bob Berwyn, up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice is the most trusted 'enviro-pen' journalist in the region.
Very interesting piece.
"...This suggests that there may be ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of mitigation measures. PSW ecologist Ted Weller and statistician Jim Baldwin developed an interactive tool that allows users to visualize how changes in date and weather conditions affect the probability of bat presence. The tool can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/wildlife/bat/batprob.shtml.
“Increasing the wind speed at which turbines begin to spin and produce energy to the grid has proven to be an effective way to reduce bat fatalities. However, bat activity levels depend on more than just wind speed,” says Weller, who led the research. “Our work demonstrates the use of a decision-making tool that could protect bats when fatality risk is highest while maximizing energy production on nights with a low chance of fatalities....”
(Bob Berwyn)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: KKCO 11 News "Paonia residents riled up at possible land exchange "
Thank goodness.
Within a matter of a few weeks, Bill Koch gets his deal with the locals and can go live in peace. We end this ludicrous grandstanding by environmentalists.
"A second mountain bike trail would also be built in the exchange, and opposition says this is destructive to the forest.
Within a matter of a few weeks, Bill Koch gets his deal with the locals and can go live in peace. We end this ludicrous grandstanding by environmentalists.
"A second mountain bike trail would also be built in the exchange, and opposition says this is destructive to the forest.
But those for the exchange say it would actually help the public, and improve the land they already have access to.
"We've tried to enhance that opportunity by moving up north to an area we can provide OHV access, ATV, equestrian and all users," Bear Ranch manager Rob Gill said.
Koch also just wants to have his property all in one piece.
"There's very few people I think that if they owned this ranch, they wouldn't want to consolidate it," Gill said.
The meeting gives the town council to take sides on the matter, but nothing was decided Wednesday because there weren't enough council members in attendance to make it a regular meeting.
It should all be settled at the next meeting in a few weeks.
11 News will keep you posted on what happens next....."
(KKCO)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Hill Aevium Blog "Proud to launch the Ski 7 campaign for the Glenwood Springs Tourism Board"
The latest press release from Hill Aevium titles itself well, with accuracy and with grace.
Thank you for acknowledging the new Glenwood Springs Tourism Board is the entity doing the hiring of your expert firm.
SandBox will leave comment ability open on this post as a result and again, send out our best wishes on the success of this phenomenal idea and marketing campaign. Our guess is that the local folks will meet the release with positive enthusiasm.
(Read more about Hill Aevium? Click title and link within post. Comment (moderated) to discuss)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Thank you for acknowledging the new Glenwood Springs Tourism Board is the entity doing the hiring of your expert firm.
SandBox will leave comment ability open on this post as a result and again, send out our best wishes on the success of this phenomenal idea and marketing campaign. Our guess is that the local folks will meet the release with positive enthusiasm.
(Read more about Hill Aevium? Click title and link within post. Comment (moderated) to discuss)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Aspen hosts its 61st Wintersköl"
Whew!
We made it to Winterskol without blood loss.
Here's the schedule and as usual, we'll be watching the amazing creations in the annual snow sculpture competition.
(Read more? Find out info on all events? Click title. Comment to discuss)
We made it to Winterskol without blood loss.
Here's the schedule and as usual, we'll be watching the amazing creations in the annual snow sculpture competition.
(Read more? Find out info on all events? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 11, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Letter to the Editor "GOP local precinct caucus set"
"Editor:
The 2012 Pitkin County Republican Precinct Caucuses will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at Aspen High School. Doors open at 6 p.m. for check-in and refreshments. The caucuses will begin at 7 p.m. Check-in will close at that time.
For those who are not familiar with the process in Colorado, the precinct caucuses feature a presidential preference poll and the election of precinct committee persons from each of Pitkin County’s 10 precincts. Although the preference poll is non-binding, the statewide results of the preference poll will attract national attention.
The caucuses are also the first step in selecting delegates to the Republican National Convention. At the caucuses, delegates will be elected to the Pitkin County Republican Assembly, which will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 29 in the conference room at the Pitkin County Library. The county assembly will elect delegates and alternates to the State Republican Assembly, which will take place on April 14 in Denver. At the state assembly, delegates and alternates to the national convention will be elected.
We urge all eligible registered Republicans in Pitkin County to attend the Feb. 7 precinct caucuses. To be eligible, a voter must be registered in the voter’s Pitkin County precinct by Jan. 9 and must have been registered as a Republican in any jurisdiction as of Dec. 7, 2011. To avoid lines at caucus check-in, we encourage pre-registration by going to www.caucus.cologop.org.
For more information, please contact me at frieda@pitkinpolitics.org.
Frieda Wallison
Pitkin County Republican chair
Old Snowmass
The 2012 Pitkin County Republican Precinct Caucuses will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at Aspen High School. Doors open at 6 p.m. for check-in and refreshments. The caucuses will begin at 7 p.m. Check-in will close at that time.
For those who are not familiar with the process in Colorado, the precinct caucuses feature a presidential preference poll and the election of precinct committee persons from each of Pitkin County’s 10 precincts. Although the preference poll is non-binding, the statewide results of the preference poll will attract national attention.
The caucuses are also the first step in selecting delegates to the Republican National Convention. At the caucuses, delegates will be elected to the Pitkin County Republican Assembly, which will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 29 in the conference room at the Pitkin County Library. The county assembly will elect delegates and alternates to the State Republican Assembly, which will take place on April 14 in Denver. At the state assembly, delegates and alternates to the national convention will be elected.
We urge all eligible registered Republicans in Pitkin County to attend the Feb. 7 precinct caucuses. To be eligible, a voter must be registered in the voter’s Pitkin County precinct by Jan. 9 and must have been registered as a Republican in any jurisdiction as of Dec. 7, 2011. To avoid lines at caucus check-in, we encourage pre-registration by going to www.caucus.cologop.org.
For more information, please contact me at frieda@pitkinpolitics.org.
Frieda Wallison
Pitkin County Republican chair
Old Snowmass
SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "Snowmobilers, veterinarian and Forest Service rescue horse in North Routt"
Thank you to everyone who participated in this rescue.
Hopefully, it was an accident of some kind, rather than intentional, that this terrific 'little guy' was separated from his rider.
Please, if you cannot care for your livestock for some reason. Take them to shelter or anonymously call your local animal control. Please don't leave them to try to survive the elements here in the mountains of Colorado.
"When the riders first saw the horse, he was visibly malnourished and shied away from human touch. His saddle had slid down around his belly and was full of snow. He could barely walk with the weight of it.
The girth’s cinch had dug into his back, leaving a large and infected wound, and the riders could see where blood had dripped down his sides. Based on the horse’s tracks, Sorenson said they determined he had been circling a 30-yard area scrounging for food.
“It was so sad,” she said. “He tried to get away from us, but he just didn’t have much strength.”
The first thing they did was cut the saddle off of him before riding all the way back to Columbine to call the U.S. Forest Service.
The Forest Service enlisted the help of Gotchey, who brought a trailer and his fiancee, Traci Clark.
They drove a trailer to the intersection of Forest Service Roads 500 and 550, where logging operations this winter fortuitously had packed the snow down for driving.
The group made its way to the horse on snowmobiles and met face to face with the now-calmer horse, who several members of the rescue party affectionately called “little man” and “little guy.”
U.S. Forest Service Ranger Mike Seawall and Reserve Law Enforcement Officer Steve McCone had brought hay and a blanket to the site.
“He didn’t look that bad, considering everything he had gone through,” Seawall said. “He looked pretty relieved. He had enough left in him to understand, ‘I’m getting out of here.’”
“You could tell, when (Gotchey) grabbed on to that lead rope, that we were there; we were getting that horse out,” he said. “I’m sure the little man’s relieved.”
The first 1 1/2 miles was post-holing through deep snow, but the snowmobiles stayed with the group and rode back and forth in front of the horse to create a track for him to walk on. The final stretch of more than six miles was along Forest Service Road 550, and Gotchey said the horse let out a sigh once he made it to the stable at about 10:30 p.m.
He said if the snowpack had been at last year’s levels, the horse’s survival and rescue would have been nearly impossible.
Seawall said the rescue was one made possible by more than the cooperating weather.
“At the end of the day, if (the snowmobilers) hadn’t have been out there and been willing to ride all the way in and make the call. That and Mike, for him to come out and take this horse and care for it, it’s wonderful.
“And the horse, he just put his head down and went to work,” he said. “Tough little horse.”
Seawall said the Forest Service is conducting an investigation into where the horse came from and the circumstances surrounding his separation from his owner...."
(Nicole Inglis)
(Read this wonderful story? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Hopefully, it was an accident of some kind, rather than intentional, that this terrific 'little guy' was separated from his rider.
Please, if you cannot care for your livestock for some reason. Take them to shelter or anonymously call your local animal control. Please don't leave them to try to survive the elements here in the mountains of Colorado.
"When the riders first saw the horse, he was visibly malnourished and shied away from human touch. His saddle had slid down around his belly and was full of snow. He could barely walk with the weight of it.
The girth’s cinch had dug into his back, leaving a large and infected wound, and the riders could see where blood had dripped down his sides. Based on the horse’s tracks, Sorenson said they determined he had been circling a 30-yard area scrounging for food.
“It was so sad,” she said. “He tried to get away from us, but he just didn’t have much strength.”
The first thing they did was cut the saddle off of him before riding all the way back to Columbine to call the U.S. Forest Service.
The Forest Service enlisted the help of Gotchey, who brought a trailer and his fiancee, Traci Clark.
They drove a trailer to the intersection of Forest Service Roads 500 and 550, where logging operations this winter fortuitously had packed the snow down for driving.
The group made its way to the horse on snowmobiles and met face to face with the now-calmer horse, who several members of the rescue party affectionately called “little man” and “little guy.”
U.S. Forest Service Ranger Mike Seawall and Reserve Law Enforcement Officer Steve McCone had brought hay and a blanket to the site.
“He didn’t look that bad, considering everything he had gone through,” Seawall said. “He looked pretty relieved. He had enough left in him to understand, ‘I’m getting out of here.’”
“You could tell, when (Gotchey) grabbed on to that lead rope, that we were there; we were getting that horse out,” he said. “I’m sure the little man’s relieved.”
The first 1 1/2 miles was post-holing through deep snow, but the snowmobiles stayed with the group and rode back and forth in front of the horse to create a track for him to walk on. The final stretch of more than six miles was along Forest Service Road 550, and Gotchey said the horse let out a sigh once he made it to the stable at about 10:30 p.m.
He said if the snowpack had been at last year’s levels, the horse’s survival and rescue would have been nearly impossible.
Seawall said the rescue was one made possible by more than the cooperating weather.
“At the end of the day, if (the snowmobilers) hadn’t have been out there and been willing to ride all the way in and make the call. That and Mike, for him to come out and take this horse and care for it, it’s wonderful.
“And the horse, he just put his head down and went to work,” he said. “Tough little horse.”
Seawall said the Forest Service is conducting an investigation into where the horse came from and the circumstances surrounding his separation from his owner...."
(Nicole Inglis)
(Read this wonderful story? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: KKCO 11 News "Rep. Tipton hears gripes about GJ airport fence"
Why are Western Colorado Independent Conservatives sending Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) back to Congress in 2012?
Because the seemingly small issues like this fence controversy in Grand Junction are normal, everyday problems that he handles.
Tipton's not only is doing a phenomenal job in Washington, he listens and stays in touch with his district.
He knows his citizens, works and walks among them as a common man and truly cares about their lives.
"...Rep. Tipton listened and took notes. He eventually took the floor and said he would be watching the developments. He said he was concerned about the fence's impact on the local economy, and said if needed, he would bring in the federal government. Kenyon said, "This is one of the most important, if not the most important airport in Western Colorado, something we've got to make sure is prospering to the best of our ability."
Rep. Tipton also hinted at the possibility that the Board's interpretation of regulations may be hindering local business. He said, "It is an example of where government regulations when they are interpreted certain ways are having definite impacts on people. We''ll be listening to the airport authority to be responsible to get this airport moving again."
According to board member John Stevens, no one from the board knew about the meeting, and only found out about it by watching 11 News."
(KKCO)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Because the seemingly small issues like this fence controversy in Grand Junction are normal, everyday problems that he handles.
Tipton's not only is doing a phenomenal job in Washington, he listens and stays in touch with his district.
He knows his citizens, works and walks among them as a common man and truly cares about their lives.
"...Rep. Tipton listened and took notes. He eventually took the floor and said he would be watching the developments. He said he was concerned about the fence's impact on the local economy, and said if needed, he would bring in the federal government. Kenyon said, "This is one of the most important, if not the most important airport in Western Colorado, something we've got to make sure is prospering to the best of our ability."
Rep. Tipton also hinted at the possibility that the Board's interpretation of regulations may be hindering local business. He said, "It is an example of where government regulations when they are interpreted certain ways are having definite impacts on people. We''ll be listening to the airport authority to be responsible to get this airport moving again."
According to board member John Stevens, no one from the board knew about the meeting, and only found out about it by watching 11 News."
(KKCO)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Many US communities are blocking medical marijuana"
"More and more states are saying yes to medical marijuana. But local governments are increasingly using their laws to just say no, not in our backyard.
In California, with the nation's most permissive medical marijuana laws, 185 cities and counties have banned pot dispensaries entirely. In New Jersey, perhaps the most restrictive of the 17 states that have legalized marijuana for sick people, some groups planning to sell cannabis are struggling to find local governments willing to let them in..."
(via Post Independent)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
In California, with the nation's most permissive medical marijuana laws, 185 cities and counties have banned pot dispensaries entirely. In New Jersey, perhaps the most restrictive of the 17 states that have legalized marijuana for sick people, some groups planning to sell cannabis are struggling to find local governments willing to let them in..."
(via Post Independent)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments; Snowmass Sun/Barbara Lucks "Marketing board is not a chamber of commerce"
'FCL' (Former Chamber Lady) is bringing you this post. A special shout-out to Nanny for letting me appear as a guest blogger today.
"This is a wonderful column from Barbara Lucks. As Nanny would say, up on the Snowmass Sun.
Succinctly spoken, honest and very accurate in fact.
Just because Chambers of Commerce nationwide decided to tip their hat at tourism and resort marketing a number of years ago does not mean it was a good move.
There could not be two more different beasts than small business stewardship and promotion and tourism/resort marketing. Not to mention the world of differences there are (or should be) in the accounting processes of a 501C-6 entity vs. a publicly funded entity. There is also the obvious (or should be obvious) need for the steward for small businesses to be impartial, caring for all members. Cronyism is just too easy of a trap to fall into when one is in charge of allocating millions of dollars spanning a few years of time out to specific local companies in the name of tourism marketing.
Moffat County Tourism Assoc. and the Aspen Chamber Resort Assoc. are among the most recent to look hard at whether or not to up the individual insurance liability coverage for members on their board of directors. In light of the potential of legal issues in prominent non-profits in Aspen, Snowmass and Glenwood Springs currently; there is a foundation for concern.
The solution is to not only rein in those problems and eliminate them, but to also get back to the business of separation of the functions of a non-profit Chamber of Commerce which is best held in the hands of stewards and for-profit Tourism/Resort Marketing which is best held in the hands of advertising and public relations firms.
Take a read on Donna Wiedinmyer's letter to the Town of Snowmass titled "Thanks, Snowmass, for accountability". Also up on the Snowmass Sun today:
"I have always looked forward to reading Mel Blumenthal's column, and I certainly appreciate his diligence in reporting on what is happening in our village.
On Dec. 30, the Fox Run Homeowner's Association met. Fred Kucker, town councilman and a Fox Run resident, reported on the recent meeting concerning the marketing board mentioned in Mel's editorial. To clarify: Per Fred, the marketing board now has to be “accountable” to the Town Council (as they should be) with their budget, quarterly reports, business plans and performance standards. With a budget in excess of $4.2 million coming from Snowmass Village taxes, the marketing board must now define how, and where, that money is being spent.
They must report on lodging, meals, clothing, sales and lodging taxes, etc. In other words, a metric must be established to determine the performance of the marketing board.
As a permanent resident, I am thrilled that we will finally have accountability. As an example, if $30,000 is spent on marketing, wouldn't we want to see at least $30,000 or more returned to the town?
We certainly would only want to sponsor events that will show a positive return to the town and its lodge owners, merchants and restaurant owners. This is why the marketing board is now answering to the town manager and not, as Mel states, “the cover costs otherwise intended to be covered in other town budgets.”
Unfortunately, most of Mel's column is not stating the real reason behind the new accountability of the marketing board...."
Barbara Lucks:
"...The whole concept of a chamber of commerce is that the one-man auto body shop and the golf course have an opportunity to participate in a larger whole and to wield some influence over the process by virtue of optional membership and voting for the board of directors.
A program completely controlled by the public sector and funded by taxes does not fit that mold. The Snowmass Village Marketing Board does not purport to be anything remotely resembling a chamber.
I am not trying to sugar coat chambers of commerce. Some are drinking clubs, hotbeds of political conflict, personal power trips, ineffective or just plain too small to work.
Recent economic times are weeding out chambers that are not true to community mission or have no hope of viability. Many are consolidating with neighboring small towns, rewriting mission statements and replacing strictly social calendars with an assortment of options for communication, collaboration and education.
Members are demanding more than a coffee club these days. True chambers, not being guaranteed by public funds, must be responsive to community and member interests, or they will quickly die.
Community-centered chambers of commerce have room for the food bank, the local church and the business-incubator effort. They have a place for the long-term resident, the week-long guest and even a part-time residents' organization. Many have a seat on their board for a city-government liaison; some receive small public grants well short of full funding. They may or may not involve themselves in political advocacy, but the good ones do not allow themselves to be controlled by politics.
Snowmass Village's challenges go beyond the mere commercial and into the heart of community. A true chamber of commerce could provide an energetic gathering place for many constituencies ranging from the new window-washing company to the school district. As a safe and informal idea exchange, consider the creative problem-solving potential of a chamber of commerce. Contrast the dynamic of a lively “business after hours” event with a public hearing.
Optional membership makes it far more likely that diverse voices will be heard and considered. True community commerce tends to the soul as well as the bottom line.
Should Snowmass Village residents consider forming a chamber of commerce, I would suggest avoiding an entity created to monopolize and exploit the commercial and civic climate through levying taxes, promoting concentrated power and enhancing short-term gain.
I think you've probably had enough of those."
The citizenry of the Roaring Fork region has certainly "had enough of those", Barbara.
The question of the day is: Why haven't our elected officials had enough?
Or is that a question being asked to cronies who are not about to give as straight-up of an answer as you are?
Here's a trivia tidbit:
Do you know how many millions of dollars per year are spent on tourism marketing in the Roaring Fork Valley?
Answer: On average, between Glenwood Springs to Aspen and based on the past 10 year span: $7 million dollars."
(To read more, please click title and links within post. To discuss, comment below)
"This is a wonderful column from Barbara Lucks. As Nanny would say, up on the Snowmass Sun.
Succinctly spoken, honest and very accurate in fact.
Just because Chambers of Commerce nationwide decided to tip their hat at tourism and resort marketing a number of years ago does not mean it was a good move.
There could not be two more different beasts than small business stewardship and promotion and tourism/resort marketing. Not to mention the world of differences there are (or should be) in the accounting processes of a 501C-6 entity vs. a publicly funded entity. There is also the obvious (or should be obvious) need for the steward for small businesses to be impartial, caring for all members. Cronyism is just too easy of a trap to fall into when one is in charge of allocating millions of dollars spanning a few years of time out to specific local companies in the name of tourism marketing.
Moffat County Tourism Assoc. and the Aspen Chamber Resort Assoc. are among the most recent to look hard at whether or not to up the individual insurance liability coverage for members on their board of directors. In light of the potential of legal issues in prominent non-profits in Aspen, Snowmass and Glenwood Springs currently; there is a foundation for concern.
The solution is to not only rein in those problems and eliminate them, but to also get back to the business of separation of the functions of a non-profit Chamber of Commerce which is best held in the hands of stewards and for-profit Tourism/Resort Marketing which is best held in the hands of advertising and public relations firms.
Take a read on Donna Wiedinmyer's letter to the Town of Snowmass titled "Thanks, Snowmass, for accountability". Also up on the Snowmass Sun today:
"I have always looked forward to reading Mel Blumenthal's column, and I certainly appreciate his diligence in reporting on what is happening in our village.
On Dec. 30, the Fox Run Homeowner's Association met. Fred Kucker, town councilman and a Fox Run resident, reported on the recent meeting concerning the marketing board mentioned in Mel's editorial. To clarify: Per Fred, the marketing board now has to be “accountable” to the Town Council (as they should be) with their budget, quarterly reports, business plans and performance standards. With a budget in excess of $4.2 million coming from Snowmass Village taxes, the marketing board must now define how, and where, that money is being spent.
They must report on lodging, meals, clothing, sales and lodging taxes, etc. In other words, a metric must be established to determine the performance of the marketing board.
As a permanent resident, I am thrilled that we will finally have accountability. As an example, if $30,000 is spent on marketing, wouldn't we want to see at least $30,000 or more returned to the town?
We certainly would only want to sponsor events that will show a positive return to the town and its lodge owners, merchants and restaurant owners. This is why the marketing board is now answering to the town manager and not, as Mel states, “the cover costs otherwise intended to be covered in other town budgets.”
Unfortunately, most of Mel's column is not stating the real reason behind the new accountability of the marketing board...."
Barbara Lucks:
"...The whole concept of a chamber of commerce is that the one-man auto body shop and the golf course have an opportunity to participate in a larger whole and to wield some influence over the process by virtue of optional membership and voting for the board of directors.
A program completely controlled by the public sector and funded by taxes does not fit that mold. The Snowmass Village Marketing Board does not purport to be anything remotely resembling a chamber.
I am not trying to sugar coat chambers of commerce. Some are drinking clubs, hotbeds of political conflict, personal power trips, ineffective or just plain too small to work.
Recent economic times are weeding out chambers that are not true to community mission or have no hope of viability. Many are consolidating with neighboring small towns, rewriting mission statements and replacing strictly social calendars with an assortment of options for communication, collaboration and education.
Members are demanding more than a coffee club these days. True chambers, not being guaranteed by public funds, must be responsive to community and member interests, or they will quickly die.
Community-centered chambers of commerce have room for the food bank, the local church and the business-incubator effort. They have a place for the long-term resident, the week-long guest and even a part-time residents' organization. Many have a seat on their board for a city-government liaison; some receive small public grants well short of full funding. They may or may not involve themselves in political advocacy, but the good ones do not allow themselves to be controlled by politics.
Snowmass Village's challenges go beyond the mere commercial and into the heart of community. A true chamber of commerce could provide an energetic gathering place for many constituencies ranging from the new window-washing company to the school district. As a safe and informal idea exchange, consider the creative problem-solving potential of a chamber of commerce. Contrast the dynamic of a lively “business after hours” event with a public hearing.
Optional membership makes it far more likely that diverse voices will be heard and considered. True community commerce tends to the soul as well as the bottom line.
Should Snowmass Village residents consider forming a chamber of commerce, I would suggest avoiding an entity created to monopolize and exploit the commercial and civic climate through levying taxes, promoting concentrated power and enhancing short-term gain.
I think you've probably had enough of those."
The citizenry of the Roaring Fork region has certainly "had enough of those", Barbara.
The question of the day is: Why haven't our elected officials had enough?
Or is that a question being asked to cronies who are not about to give as straight-up of an answer as you are?
Here's a trivia tidbit:
Do you know how many millions of dollars per year are spent on tourism marketing in the Roaring Fork Valley?
Answer: On average, between Glenwood Springs to Aspen and based on the past 10 year span: $7 million dollars."
(To read more, please click title and links within post. To discuss, comment below)
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily News "School budget meeting draws hundreds"
It is not just where the cuts will be made that's bothering the Eagle County School District parents.
It is how their money is being spent.
Here are some reminders of posts and comments from last year's election cycle that are relevant:
It is how their money is being spent.
Here are some reminders of posts and comments from last year's election cycle that are relevant:
- (Note the comments on this one): SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "New charter school proposed for Glenwood Springs"
- The lack of accountability probably has not helped the parent's current mood either.
- And then there are the performance issues between public and private schools within the district.
SandBox Comments; Aspen Times "Pitkin County lifts cap on child-care program"
There is so much wasted public spending in Aspen.
Wonder how much the eating out for city employees would help fund childcare?
Wonder how much letting go of private (public funds) funding of the now infamous "$6,000 per bike cost" bike sharing enterprise would help fund childcare?
Do you think that the "overwhelmed with applicants" concern could possibly be because there are that many low-income, struggling parents in Aspen, Colorado?
Or maybe so many families finding it really, really hard to live in Pitkin County on slightly above poverty level wages?
Ah, the 'Slums of Aspen' and "The other side of Paradise" issues that just never seem to 'go away'.
Wonder why?
"ASPEN — A cap on the number of Pitkin County families that can receive child-care assistance under a state-mandated program will be dropped, county commissioners agreed Tuesday despite lingering fears that the program could be overwhelmed with applicants as a result...."
(Janet Urquhart)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Wonder how much the eating out for city employees would help fund childcare?
Wonder how much letting go of private (public funds) funding of the now infamous "$6,000 per bike cost" bike sharing enterprise would help fund childcare?
Do you think that the "overwhelmed with applicants" concern could possibly be because there are that many low-income, struggling parents in Aspen, Colorado?
Or maybe so many families finding it really, really hard to live in Pitkin County on slightly above poverty level wages?
Ah, the 'Slums of Aspen' and "The other side of Paradise" issues that just never seem to 'go away'.
Wonder why?
"ASPEN — A cap on the number of Pitkin County families that can receive child-care assistance under a state-mandated program will be dropped, county commissioners agreed Tuesday despite lingering fears that the program could be overwhelmed with applicants as a result...."
(Janet Urquhart)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 10, 2012
SandBox Comments: Summit Daily News "Biff America: An online message in a bottle"
A must read. From Biff America. Up and over on the Summit Daily News.
"I'm not sure why Cathy Casey chose me to share her secrets with. Actually I do know — it was because she knew we would never meet...."
(Jeffrey Bergeron)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"I'm not sure why Cathy Casey chose me to share her secrets with. Actually I do know — it was because she knew we would never meet...."
(Jeffrey Bergeron)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Mayor: Little Annie’s proposal is ‘blackmail’"
In a stunningly non-surprising move, Mayor Mick Ireland once again just opens his mouth and steps into yet another'mud-pit' in order to wrestle with Aspen developer Nikos Hecht.
Oh, lordy. (sighs...rolls eyes...)
What's the prob this time?
Do we really need the City of Aspen to pay Nikos for the pleasure of a triple-size penthouse instead of affordable housing just so we can keep Little Annie's?
Stay tuned! Aspen. Live!
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Oh, lordy. (sighs...rolls eyes...)
What's the prob this time?
Do we really need the City of Aspen to pay Nikos for the pleasure of a triple-size penthouse instead of affordable housing just so we can keep Little Annie's?
Stay tuned! Aspen. Live!
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 9, 2012
SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "Quote of the Week – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)"
Topic: Senator Rubio’s letter to the White House – January 6th 2012
Subject: In the 3 years of the current White House Administration – this is the 6th request by the President to ask Congress to raise the U.S Debt Ceiling.
“When you served in the Senate in 2006, you called raising the debt limit “a sign of leadership failure.” Using your own standard, this request will mark your sixth “sign of leadership failure” on the debt ceiling issue alone. Throughout our history, Americans have revered courageous leaders and celebrated them as profiles in courage. Unfortunately, the first three years of your presidency have been a profile in leadership failure.
ECT Comment: The 6th time he’s asked for a Debt Ceiling increase? Didn’t this guy campaign on a promise of (Change?)
(Click title for more from the ECT guys. Comment to discuss)
Subject: In the 3 years of the current White House Administration – this is the 6th request by the President to ask Congress to raise the U.S Debt Ceiling.
Rubio to the President…
“When you served in the Senate in 2006, you called raising the debt limit “a sign of leadership failure.” Using your own standard, this request will mark your sixth “sign of leadership failure” on the debt ceiling issue alone. Throughout our history, Americans have revered courageous leaders and celebrated them as profiles in courage. Unfortunately, the first three years of your presidency have been a profile in leadership failure.
For a complete copy of the Senator’s short two page letter (Click Here)
ECT Comment: The 6th time he’s asked for a Debt Ceiling increase? Didn’t this guy campaign on a promise of (Change?)
(Click title for more from the ECT guys. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily News "Local paramedic program gaining national attention"
If we remember correctly, it was a visiting Brit EMT, last year, that gave this idea to the Vail community.
It's amazing how popular the concept has become.
Wouldn't it be terrific if all of Colorado adopted this type of paramedic program?
Not only from the standpoint of how much good they would accomplish, the cost savings to the public from avoiding the emergency room visit is significant.
Good report from Derek Franz. Over on the Vail Daily News.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
It's amazing how popular the concept has become.
Wouldn't it be terrific if all of Colorado adopted this type of paramedic program?
Not only from the standpoint of how much good they would accomplish, the cost savings to the public from avoiding the emergency room visit is significant.
Good report from Derek Franz. Over on the Vail Daily News.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Pitkin County to rethink inaction on medical pot"
Hard to remember why in the world Colorado ever thought it was a wise idea to make medical marijuana legal while marijuana in all forms is illegal on federal levels, isn't it?
Our county and city and state employees can face legal penalties for handling transactions of any kind where MMJ is concerned.
Banks, landlords, lenders and merchant services cannot go anywhere near these MMJ businesses due to the legal ramifications.
We've seen crime numbers where all pot is concerned sky-rocket since the passage of the medical marijuana laws in Colorado. And have no way of knowing until a generation or two passes exactly how much harm to our youth the easy access and exposure has done.
Yet, from what Dennis Webb is bringing us off the Sentinel, we now cannot even place moratoriums on all things MMJ because that too, will bring liability to the folks.
Hard to remember why in the world Colorado ever thought it was a wise idea to make medical marijuana legal while marijuana in all forms is illegal on federal levels, isn't it?
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Our county and city and state employees can face legal penalties for handling transactions of any kind where MMJ is concerned.
Banks, landlords, lenders and merchant services cannot go anywhere near these MMJ businesses due to the legal ramifications.
We've seen crime numbers where all pot is concerned sky-rocket since the passage of the medical marijuana laws in Colorado. And have no way of knowing until a generation or two passes exactly how much harm to our youth the easy access and exposure has done.
Yet, from what Dennis Webb is bringing us off the Sentinel, we now cannot even place moratoriums on all things MMJ because that too, will bring liability to the folks.
Hard to remember why in the world Colorado ever thought it was a wise idea to make medical marijuana legal while marijuana in all forms is illegal on federal levels, isn't it?
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Chamber launches ‘Ski 7' marketing for Glenwood Springs"
(Because the PI reporting on this, is not quite how the help of Hill Aevium really came about, the journalism failure will do nothing but antagonize the general population. That is unfair because what Hill Aevium has given us in this second brand from their talent and expertise (Spa of the Rockies was the first) is terrific and SandBox hopes wildly successful. So, thanks to the shortcomings of the PI in blurring the facts lines again, comment ability on this post is blocked. Here's a shout-out to Hill Aevium and those who lent their ideas to their talent. 'Ski7' looks fantastic and we hope it's a huge success!)
"...Ski 7, however, is the result of last year's competitive bidding process for the city's tourism marketing contract. The Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association won the bid, and has subsequently built a team of rivals with its competitor for the contract to launch a full-bore effort to attract Front Range tourists to Glenwood Springs.
Two billboards have gone up in high-traffic Denver locations, ads are running in the Denver Post and on Colorado.com — the website of the Colorado Tourism Office — and a new website, http://www.stayglenwood.com/, went live on Thursday to take lodging reservations.
The chamber asked its rival for the marketing contract, Hill Aevium of Edwards, to design the billboards and the StayGlenwood.com website. The results are stare-at-me images of an ice-encrusted skier and a powder-packed snowboarder, both with a glowing image of the Hot Springs Pool reflected in their goggles..."
(Heather McGregor)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"...Ski 7, however, is the result of last year's competitive bidding process for the city's tourism marketing contract. The Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association won the bid, and has subsequently built a team of rivals with its competitor for the contract to launch a full-bore effort to attract Front Range tourists to Glenwood Springs.
Two billboards have gone up in high-traffic Denver locations, ads are running in the Denver Post and on Colorado.com — the website of the Colorado Tourism Office — and a new website, http://www.stayglenwood.com/, went live on Thursday to take lodging reservations.
The chamber asked its rival for the marketing contract, Hill Aevium of Edwards, to design the billboards and the StayGlenwood.com website. The results are stare-at-me images of an ice-encrusted skier and a powder-packed snowboarder, both with a glowing image of the Hot Springs Pool reflected in their goggles..."
(Heather McGregor)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Letter to the Editor "The women of Aspen"
True grace and beauty.
Inside and out from Joann G. Grimes of Aspen and Greensboro, N.C.
This, is a time of year that quite a few women in the valley 'tolerate'. When the 'Women of Aspen' and the 'Grande Dames' tout their accolades to the masses.
This is a lovely letter from Ms. Grimes giving her nod to some of the other women who grace our local lives daily.
Beautifully done, Joann. And a lesson to us all.
"Editor:
I attended the Aspen Business Luncheon this past week and heard four extraordinary women speak of their various passions and successes. With an excellent moderator, I was inspired by their backgrounds, experiences and continued successes. The Roaring Fork Valley and the world are better places because of women like these.
I would like to thank another group of women in Aspen who contribute to our lives in meaningful ways.
My property manager of 11 years, Lee Bryant, former concierge at The Little Nell, started her own business, The Connected Concierge. She is intelligent, dependable, honest and a delight to work with.
My housekeeper of 11 years, Marisela Rico, has never missed a day, driving 80 miles round trip to clean our home, even during snow, ice and storms. Jessica Salet and all of the energetic volunteers at the Thrift Shop, plus all the waitresses at The Little Nell, Ajax Tavern, Pacifica, Starbucks and other establishments in town, try very hard to please their customers. All of the nurses and volunteers at the Aspen Valley Hospital who have helped us and countless others with their compassion and kindness must also be added to the list of Aspen women whom I admire and appreciate.
(Joann Grimes)
Inside and out from Joann G. Grimes of Aspen and Greensboro, N.C.
This, is a time of year that quite a few women in the valley 'tolerate'. When the 'Women of Aspen' and the 'Grande Dames' tout their accolades to the masses.
This is a lovely letter from Ms. Grimes giving her nod to some of the other women who grace our local lives daily.
Beautifully done, Joann. And a lesson to us all.
"Editor:
I attended the Aspen Business Luncheon this past week and heard four extraordinary women speak of their various passions and successes. With an excellent moderator, I was inspired by their backgrounds, experiences and continued successes. The Roaring Fork Valley and the world are better places because of women like these.
I would like to thank another group of women in Aspen who contribute to our lives in meaningful ways.
My property manager of 11 years, Lee Bryant, former concierge at The Little Nell, started her own business, The Connected Concierge. She is intelligent, dependable, honest and a delight to work with.
My housekeeper of 11 years, Marisela Rico, has never missed a day, driving 80 miles round trip to clean our home, even during snow, ice and storms. Jessica Salet and all of the energetic volunteers at the Thrift Shop, plus all the waitresses at The Little Nell, Ajax Tavern, Pacifica, Starbucks and other establishments in town, try very hard to please their customers. All of the nurses and volunteers at the Aspen Valley Hospital who have helped us and countless others with their compassion and kindness must also be added to the list of Aspen women whom I admire and appreciate.
(Joann Grimes)
January 7, 2012
SandBox Comments: Commentary Magazine "Obama’s Indifference to the Law"
Peter Wehner:
"...It is not a good thing, and it can even be a frightful thing, when we have as president a man who seems to reject the idea (at least when re-election is at stake) that we are a nation of laws, not of men. But that is where we are, given Obama’s casual indifference to our laws and traditions...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"...It is not a good thing, and it can even be a frightful thing, when we have as president a man who seems to reject the idea (at least when re-election is at stake) that we are a nation of laws, not of men. But that is where we are, given Obama’s casual indifference to our laws and traditions...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Delta County Independent "Seniors learn vital role of police dog "
Cedaredge K-9 Officer 'Buddy' goes visiting. It looks like catching bad guys and sniffing out drugs isn't the only thing this officer excels at.
Officer 'Buddy' also appears to have a great deal of personal charm. He certainly has Iris Marconette won over.
Thank you for your service, 'Buddy'.
(Read the article? Meet Officer Buddy and his human, Sergeant Dan Sanders? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Officer 'Buddy' also appears to have a great deal of personal charm. He certainly has Iris Marconette won over.
Thank you for your service, 'Buddy'.
(Read the article? Meet Officer Buddy and his human, Sergeant Dan Sanders? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Attempted second-degree murder charge filed Friday"
(See related story here)
"...The day after his Dec. 15 arrest, Jamie Lee Patton, 24, was advised by a judge that the prosecution had planned to charge him with attempted first-degree murder, among other offenses. But on Friday, Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin decided to ratchet down the charge to attempted second-degree murder. A first-degree charge would have indicated that authorities believed Patton's crime was premeditated; second-degree implies that Patton had not planned the attempted killing.
“I had the opportunity to look at it with greater analysis,” Mordkin said, when asked why he did not pursue a first-degree charge...."
(Rick Carroll)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"...The day after his Dec. 15 arrest, Jamie Lee Patton, 24, was advised by a judge that the prosecution had planned to charge him with attempted first-degree murder, among other offenses. But on Friday, Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin decided to ratchet down the charge to attempted second-degree murder. A first-degree charge would have indicated that authorities believed Patton's crime was premeditated; second-degree implies that Patton had not planned the attempted killing.
“I had the opportunity to look at it with greater analysis,” Mordkin said, when asked why he did not pursue a first-degree charge...."
(Rick Carroll)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Coloradoan "Pot bust leaves grower in quandary"
Wonder what would happen if Colorado voters elected state lawmakers into office that campaign promised to sit down and tackle the job of roto-rooter mucking out the quagmire of Colorado's laws?
Then watched over them to make sure they were keeping their promise once they were sworn in.
Lawmakers who would take the time to go statewide and talk with all of our cops, district attorneys, judges.
Eliminate the myriad of gray areas and clean up laws that are causing so much angst and burden on our cities and towns.
Wonder what would happen?
"Stephen Minardi says he's done nothing wrong.
He says the 50 marijuana plants in his west Fort Collins home are there to treat legal patients who can't afford to buy from store-front medical marijuana centers.
Minardi, who, along with his wife, is facing felony charges of cultivation and distribution, said the criminal case makes them "look like massive Al Pacino drug dealers."
Fort Collins police have reason to doubt the Minardis' story. The day before Thanksgiving, they served a search warrant and confiscated processed marijuana and $3,400 cash at Minardi's home, where pictures of his wife and three children line the walls of the living room.
As dispensaries close, police worry about the rise of larger home-grow operations. They’re allowed under state law, but lawyers and law enforcement officials continue to deal with gray areas regarding how much a person can grow, and even what constitutes a plant.
The laws leave people like Stephen Minardi in a precarious position.
“I’m proud of what I do,” he said. “I take care of people....
(Robert Allen)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Then watched over them to make sure they were keeping their promise once they were sworn in.
Lawmakers who would take the time to go statewide and talk with all of our cops, district attorneys, judges.
Eliminate the myriad of gray areas and clean up laws that are causing so much angst and burden on our cities and towns.
Wonder what would happen?
"Stephen Minardi says he's done nothing wrong.
He says the 50 marijuana plants in his west Fort Collins home are there to treat legal patients who can't afford to buy from store-front medical marijuana centers.
Minardi, who, along with his wife, is facing felony charges of cultivation and distribution, said the criminal case makes them "look like massive Al Pacino drug dealers."
Fort Collins police have reason to doubt the Minardis' story. The day before Thanksgiving, they served a search warrant and confiscated processed marijuana and $3,400 cash at Minardi's home, where pictures of his wife and three children line the walls of the living room.
As dispensaries close, police worry about the rise of larger home-grow operations. They’re allowed under state law, but lawyers and law enforcement officials continue to deal with gray areas regarding how much a person can grow, and even what constitutes a plant.
The laws leave people like Stephen Minardi in a precarious position.
“I’m proud of what I do,” he said. “I take care of people....
(Robert Allen)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "3rd suspect arrested in botched robbery"
"...Police have arrested another suspect in a botched robbery the night of Thanksgiving that resulted in the death of a co-conspirator and the shooting of the home’s resident.
Ryan Edward Mitchell, 23, 1302 Glenwood Ave., No. 203, told police during an interview Dec. 19 he unscrewed the light bulbs in the garage of the home that he and his friends later attempted to burglarize, according to an arrest affidavit.
Mitchell was arrested Thursday on suspicion of robbery, being involved in a violent crime where a weapon was used and first-degree burglary.
He was in jail Friday in lieu of $100,000 bond.
Mitchell told investigators he and Joshua Ringold, 22, were the only ones to get out of the vehicle and tamper with the lights about 20 minutes before his co-conspirators were involved in the attempted robbery and shootings at 293 1/2 28 Road.
According to an affidavit, Mitchell, Ringold, Cody English, 16, Jeremiah Carey, 20, and Johnny Herrera, 19, drove to the 28 Road home in an attempt to rob the residents of marijuana...."
(GJ Sentinel)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Ryan Edward Mitchell, 23, 1302 Glenwood Ave., No. 203, told police during an interview Dec. 19 he unscrewed the light bulbs in the garage of the home that he and his friends later attempted to burglarize, according to an arrest affidavit.
Mitchell was arrested Thursday on suspicion of robbery, being involved in a violent crime where a weapon was used and first-degree burglary.
He was in jail Friday in lieu of $100,000 bond.
Mitchell told investigators he and Joshua Ringold, 22, were the only ones to get out of the vehicle and tamper with the lights about 20 minutes before his co-conspirators were involved in the attempted robbery and shootings at 293 1/2 28 Road.
According to an affidavit, Mitchell, Ringold, Cody English, 16, Jeremiah Carey, 20, and Johnny Herrera, 19, drove to the 28 Road home in an attempt to rob the residents of marijuana...."
(GJ Sentinel)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Historic Emma town site defaced"
There has been a gang element in Basalt Middle and High School since 1999.
Parents who live in Basalt haven't let their kids travel between Basalt and Carbondale and then hang out in Carbondale after dark for years.
Why?
Because of the Latino gangs.
This is not new news and it is very disappointing to see Pitkin County officials acting as though they're surprised and shocked over this happening again.
This time, spend the money to protect the building with a high quality graffiti protectant. Tnemec's Dur A Pell GS is one of the best. The Paint Store in Carbondale can help you figure it out.
And consider pulling all elected officials heads out of the sand in the upper Roaring Fork Valley and taking a good, hard look at the gang and drug problems we have.
Voters, you have some commissioners, city council, a D.A. and in another year or so a PitCo Sheriff to look at in the voting booth. Focus on getting in those that will support law enforcement's most major challenges in our area.
"...The sheriff’s office is investigating the crime. The open space department is offering the reward for anyone with information leading to the vandal or vandals’ arrest.
Multi-colored spray-painted tags run across two sides of the building facing the highway. Armstrong said authorities believe they might be gang-related and have enlisted a graffiti expert to interpret their meaning, in the hopes of tracing them to the perpetrators.
Cleaning the graffiti is particularly challenging because chemical paint thinners or blasting would damage the brick.
“Whatever we use, we have to be careful because that brick is 125 years old,” Armstrong said. “Sand-blasting is not an option....”
(Andrew Travers)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Parents who live in Basalt haven't let their kids travel between Basalt and Carbondale and then hang out in Carbondale after dark for years.
Why?
Because of the Latino gangs.
This is not new news and it is very disappointing to see Pitkin County officials acting as though they're surprised and shocked over this happening again.
This time, spend the money to protect the building with a high quality graffiti protectant. Tnemec's Dur A Pell GS is one of the best. The Paint Store in Carbondale can help you figure it out.
And consider pulling all elected officials heads out of the sand in the upper Roaring Fork Valley and taking a good, hard look at the gang and drug problems we have.
Voters, you have some commissioners, city council, a D.A. and in another year or so a PitCo Sheriff to look at in the voting booth. Focus on getting in those that will support law enforcement's most major challenges in our area.
"...The sheriff’s office is investigating the crime. The open space department is offering the reward for anyone with information leading to the vandal or vandals’ arrest.
Multi-colored spray-painted tags run across two sides of the building facing the highway. Armstrong said authorities believe they might be gang-related and have enlisted a graffiti expert to interpret their meaning, in the hopes of tracing them to the perpetrators.
Cleaning the graffiti is particularly challenging because chemical paint thinners or blasting would damage the brick.
“Whatever we use, we have to be careful because that brick is 125 years old,” Armstrong said. “Sand-blasting is not an option....”
(Andrew Travers)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Letter to the Editor "Lose the buses"
We couldn't agree more, Dieter.
RFTA is not only all you say in your letter to the Times, it is the most poorly run business in the region. Possibly the nation.
No project and nothing they ever commit to ever comes out the way it was either planned or promised.
Never is executed without bailouts and asking for more handouts.
When they cannot get their way? They force their way.
The folks would have more respect for CEO Blankenship and RFTA if he simply stood out on Hwy 82 and flew a sign.
Would certainly be cheaper.
Realistically, as long as there is the long-standing cronyism that fuels RFTA, things will not change.
So, it's up to the folks to vote into office a transfusion of new blood, new thinking and trustworthy politicians.
(Read Dieter's sensible approach to the problems known as RFTA? Click title. Comment to discuss)
RFTA is not only all you say in your letter to the Times, it is the most poorly run business in the region. Possibly the nation.
No project and nothing they ever commit to ever comes out the way it was either planned or promised.
Never is executed without bailouts and asking for more handouts.
When they cannot get their way? They force their way.
The folks would have more respect for CEO Blankenship and RFTA if he simply stood out on Hwy 82 and flew a sign.
Would certainly be cheaper.
Realistically, as long as there is the long-standing cronyism that fuels RFTA, things will not change.
So, it's up to the folks to vote into office a transfusion of new blood, new thinking and trustworthy politicians.
(Read Dieter's sensible approach to the problems known as RFTA? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Residents around Paonia fight drilling plans"
'SandBox Nanny' grew up on Kebler Pass in Colorado. Paonia on one side of the pass and Crested Butte on the other.
The most gorgeous, private and incredibly diverse area in Colorado. Spectacular country.
Anyone who intimately knows the land in question here would be protective from anything that would bring it harm.
And she is all for these leases being granted.
As long as when the deal is made the developer follows the lead of Bill Barrett Corp. and their Jack Canyon and Desolation Canyon project out in Utah.
As long as they follow the lead of EnCana and reclaim the land when done.
There needs to come a time in our history here in the United States when senseless environmentalism is brought to a halt. When frivolous and repetitive litigation by environmental groups that fail to do their full research before filing and/or refuse to look at any other view other than their own demands is stopped completely.
Compromise and the best interests of all can be found on middle ground. Desolation Canyon and companies such as Bill Barrett Corp and EnCana prove that.
Just say YES to the granting of these leases. Work out a deal that wins for all and then spend your time making sure that deal is upheld rather than spending it in court.
(Read more? Click title and links. Comment to discuss)
The most gorgeous, private and incredibly diverse area in Colorado. Spectacular country.
Anyone who intimately knows the land in question here would be protective from anything that would bring it harm.
And she is all for these leases being granted.
As long as when the deal is made the developer follows the lead of Bill Barrett Corp. and their Jack Canyon and Desolation Canyon project out in Utah.
As long as they follow the lead of EnCana and reclaim the land when done.
There needs to come a time in our history here in the United States when senseless environmentalism is brought to a halt. When frivolous and repetitive litigation by environmental groups that fail to do their full research before filing and/or refuse to look at any other view other than their own demands is stopped completely.
Compromise and the best interests of all can be found on middle ground. Desolation Canyon and companies such as Bill Barrett Corp and EnCana prove that.
Just say YES to the granting of these leases. Work out a deal that wins for all and then spend your time making sure that deal is upheld rather than spending it in court.
(Read more? Click title and links. Comment to discuss)
January 6, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Billionaire leads push for Castle Creek guardrail"
(sighs....rolls eyes....prays for patience....sighs again...)
Pity poor Bill Koch.
In our lifetime, will we ever see a headline on any of the Koch Brothers that's fair? Balanced? How about true?
Ya know, Ms. Urquhart. If you're going to force the guy, again, into the local headlines which will then be viral link baited around the globe within an hour or less of publication; at least get it right.
"MULTI-billionaire leads push for Castle Creek guardrail".
Tonight, 'SandBox Nanny' sends out a thank you to all the Koch brothers, whether they are at peace with each other or not.
You are appreciated for all you do with your enterprises that bring so many jobs to Americans.
You are also appreciated for the random acts of philanthropy and generosity that you do for so many and also for the major good works you do that are never in the forefront.
(sigh....rolls eyes....)
Pity poor Bill Koch for having to undergo a complete forensic audit of his financial status simply to get a guardrail up on Castle Creek Road.
(Learn more? Get the juicy details? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Pity poor Bill Koch.
In our lifetime, will we ever see a headline on any of the Koch Brothers that's fair? Balanced? How about true?
Ya know, Ms. Urquhart. If you're going to force the guy, again, into the local headlines which will then be viral link baited around the globe within an hour or less of publication; at least get it right.
"MULTI-billionaire leads push for Castle Creek guardrail".
Tonight, 'SandBox Nanny' sends out a thank you to all the Koch brothers, whether they are at peace with each other or not.
You are appreciated for all you do with your enterprises that bring so many jobs to Americans.
You are also appreciated for the random acts of philanthropy and generosity that you do for so many and also for the major good works you do that are never in the forefront.
(sigh....rolls eyes....)
Pity poor Bill Koch for having to undergo a complete forensic audit of his financial status simply to get a guardrail up on Castle Creek Road.
(Learn more? Get the juicy details? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: KJCT News 8 "Local Company Strikes Big Deal With Vail Mountain"
Congratulations!!
What a major coup this is for the Western Slope of Colorado!! Thank you, Vail Resorts! Happy 50th Anniversary!
"...Vail Mountain is one of the premier resorts in the country and Leitner-Poma is thrilled its keeping its business in state.
The company’s president, Rick Spear says “They're a Colorado company and its great to work with them. This lift will involve over 20,000 man and woman hours of work right here in Colorado....”
(KJCT)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
What a major coup this is for the Western Slope of Colorado!! Thank you, Vail Resorts! Happy 50th Anniversary!
"...Vail Mountain is one of the premier resorts in the country and Leitner-Poma is thrilled its keeping its business in state.
The company’s president, Rick Spear says “They're a Colorado company and its great to work with them. This lift will involve over 20,000 man and woman hours of work right here in Colorado....”
(KJCT)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 5, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Melanie Sturm "America's New Years resolution: fiscal fitness"
"...Like a long-running soap opera whose actors change though the story line doesn't, we spend $4 billion more than we have every day — and growing. Since 2008, spending skyrocketed past our historical average of 20 percent of gross domestic product to 25 percent.
The problem isn't merely the amount of debt — though as Sen. Obama asserted before voting against the 2006 debt-ceiling increase, “Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren” — it's the size of the debt relative to our economy that reflects poor economic health. With our debt-to-GDP ratio at 100.3 percent versus 69.8 percent in 2008, we're living on “borrowed” time unless politicians stop deluding themselves that a stagnant private sector can finance a growing public sector.
The eurozone crisis offers America a timely warning that the battle of the spending and debt bulge is an existential one. Europe's saga is our “Chronicle of a Death Foretold,” except America can avert doom by slashing spending levels and lifting private-sector burdens. If Sweden, Ireland and a new reform-minded Spanish government can do both — the reverse of what we've done during the Great Recession — America should, too...."
(Melanie Sturm)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The problem isn't merely the amount of debt — though as Sen. Obama asserted before voting against the 2006 debt-ceiling increase, “Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren” — it's the size of the debt relative to our economy that reflects poor economic health. With our debt-to-GDP ratio at 100.3 percent versus 69.8 percent in 2008, we're living on “borrowed” time unless politicians stop deluding themselves that a stagnant private sector can finance a growing public sector.
The eurozone crisis offers America a timely warning that the battle of the spending and debt bulge is an existential one. Europe's saga is our “Chronicle of a Death Foretold,” except America can avert doom by slashing spending levels and lifting private-sector burdens. If Sweden, Ireland and a new reform-minded Spanish government can do both — the reverse of what we've done during the Great Recession — America should, too...."
(Melanie Sturm)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Crested Butte News "Council to consider support for Bear Ranch deal "
Just say YES.
Bill Koch's proposal for Bear Creek Ranch is and always has been, win-win.
"Former Crested Butte mayor Tom Glass of the Western Land Group, Inc. came before the council Tuesday, January 3 asking for a letter of support for the exchange. “We’ve been at this a long time,” he told the council. “Bear Ranch is a working ranch 20 miles west of here near Erickson Springs. The owner [energy billionaire Bill Koch] wants to obtain a strip of BLM land that split the ranch. We have proposed a land exchange.”
Under the proposal, Koch would obtain 1,846 acres of BLM land in six parcels near the property that would tie the Bear Ranch together. In exchange, he would purchase parcels of land near the Curecanti National Recreation Area, Dinosaur National Monument, Marble, Paonia and Erickson Springs and give them to the public....."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Bill Koch's proposal for Bear Creek Ranch is and always has been, win-win.
"Former Crested Butte mayor Tom Glass of the Western Land Group, Inc. came before the council Tuesday, January 3 asking for a letter of support for the exchange. “We’ve been at this a long time,” he told the council. “Bear Ranch is a working ranch 20 miles west of here near Erickson Springs. The owner [energy billionaire Bill Koch] wants to obtain a strip of BLM land that split the ranch. We have proposed a land exchange.”
Under the proposal, Koch would obtain 1,846 acres of BLM land in six parcels near the property that would tie the Bear Ranch together. In exchange, he would purchase parcels of land near the Curecanti National Recreation Area, Dinosaur National Monument, Marble, Paonia and Erickson Springs and give them to the public....."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily News "‘Wildways for Wildlife' in Vail"
This has been in the works here in Colorado for years. The folks are pretty happy over how beautiful this concept is and that it solves the problem as well.
We can hardly wait to get through the seemingly endless preliminaries with all powers that be and actually get construction started.
Imagine...these 'wildways' throughout the entire U.S.
(Want to see? Click title. Comment to discuss)
We can hardly wait to get through the seemingly endless preliminaries with all powers that be and actually get construction started.
Imagine...these 'wildways' throughout the entire U.S.
(Want to see? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 4, 2012
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Sky Watching: Happy Perihelion!"
Bob Berwyn isn't our fav astronomer guy. Professor Jimmy Westlake, over on Steamboat Today is our absolutely best fav 'star man'.
But...Berwyn does put out some good posts on what's happening in the galaxy. This one is quite interesting.
"SUMMIT COUNTY — It may not be quite as sexy as the recent lunar eclipse, or as spectacular as this morning’s meteor shower, but Earth nonetheless experiences another celestial milestone today when it reaches it’s closest point to the sun during its 365-day orbit.
To be precise, at perihelion, our planet will close in to within about 91 million miles of the sun, more than 3 million miles closer than at the early July aphelion, when the the Earth and sun are more than 94 million miles apart. All this because, of course, the Earth’s orbit is elliptical and not circular.
It may seem counter-intuitive that the Earth is closer to the sun during the coldest time of the year, but the temperatures at the surface of the planet are influenced by the 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth’s axis and the angle of the sun’s rays much more than by the distance from the sun. Because of that tilt, the northern hemisphere days are much shorter in our winter, leading to the colder temperatures.
According to NASA, there are measurable differences in solar heating that result from our planet’s slightly elliptical orbit.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
But...Berwyn does put out some good posts on what's happening in the galaxy. This one is quite interesting.
"SUMMIT COUNTY — It may not be quite as sexy as the recent lunar eclipse, or as spectacular as this morning’s meteor shower, but Earth nonetheless experiences another celestial milestone today when it reaches it’s closest point to the sun during its 365-day orbit.
To be precise, at perihelion, our planet will close in to within about 91 million miles of the sun, more than 3 million miles closer than at the early July aphelion, when the the Earth and sun are more than 94 million miles apart. All this because, of course, the Earth’s orbit is elliptical and not circular.
It may seem counter-intuitive that the Earth is closer to the sun during the coldest time of the year, but the temperatures at the surface of the planet are influenced by the 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth’s axis and the angle of the sun’s rays much more than by the distance from the sun. Because of that tilt, the northern hemisphere days are much shorter in our winter, leading to the colder temperatures.
According to NASA, there are measurable differences in solar heating that result from our planet’s slightly elliptical orbit.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Summit sunset series"
Anyone who thinks bloggers and commentary moderators have it easy, think again.
We don't have regular hours, days off unless we force them to be scheduled or the luxury of just a set scope of duties.
With as many as a dozen forums at a pop up on one's computer screen and heavy activity such as the Iowa Caucuses last night, the instant gratification you all see out there comes at a price for those of us who are currently etching out a living in the blogosphere.
So, today...SandBox says "Thank you" to Texas Governor Rick Perry for staying the course. Wait for it that our predictions given in the previous post come to pass.
Until tomorrow on this forum, here are a couple of relaxing spots for you followers. All credit goes to Bob Berwyn. Up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice.
We don't have regular hours, days off unless we force them to be scheduled or the luxury of just a set scope of duties.
With as many as a dozen forums at a pop up on one's computer screen and heavy activity such as the Iowa Caucuses last night, the instant gratification you all see out there comes at a price for those of us who are currently etching out a living in the blogosphere.
So, today...SandBox says "Thank you" to Texas Governor Rick Perry for staying the course. Wait for it that our predictions given in the previous post come to pass.
Until tomorrow on this forum, here are a couple of relaxing spots for you followers. All credit goes to Bob Berwyn. Up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice.
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