As anticipated, it looks as though 10th Judicial District Attorney Bill Thiebaut and the race for the District 1 County Commissioner seat down in Pueblo are going to be tough races. Thiebaut surprisingly lost key support to Jeff Chostner at last night's Democratic Caucus.
Pete Roper:
"On the district attorney's race, Vincent Guerrero announced that he was supporting Chostner.
"I've found Jeff has been responsive to constituents," he said. "I'd like to see the DA's office going in a little different direction."...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 7, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Coloradoan "What did your tax dollars pay for? Keep Fort Collins Great sales tax sent about $20 million to city's coffers"
Conservatives are not always 'anti-taxes'. When it makes sense, when it is fiscally responsible and when the benefits exceed what's spent; they generally support an increase.
When Fort Collins passed the 'Keep Fort Collins Great' sales tax it was a bi-partisan effort.
One that looks like it is paying off. Kudos to the folks up, over and up again in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Kevin Duggan:
"Fort Collins officials say city residents are seeing the benefits of their willingness to raise their own taxes.
In 2011, the first year that revenue from the so-called Keep Fort Collins Great sales tax was available, about $19.9 million came into the city's coffers.
That spurred more than $14.2 million in spending on projects ranging from the resurfacing of major streets to keeping the water flowing in popular fountains in community parks. Another $19 million is budgeted to be spent in 2012.
Differences brought on by the fiscal boost around the community have been profound, City Manger Darin Atteberry said in an interview..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
When Fort Collins passed the 'Keep Fort Collins Great' sales tax it was a bi-partisan effort.
One that looks like it is paying off. Kudos to the folks up, over and up again in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Kevin Duggan:
"Fort Collins officials say city residents are seeing the benefits of their willingness to raise their own taxes.
In 2011, the first year that revenue from the so-called Keep Fort Collins Great sales tax was available, about $19.9 million came into the city's coffers.
That spurred more than $14.2 million in spending on projects ranging from the resurfacing of major streets to keeping the water flowing in popular fountains in community parks. Another $19 million is budgeted to be spent in 2012.
Differences brought on by the fiscal boost around the community have been profound, City Manger Darin Atteberry said in an interview..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times/Letters to the Editor " Playing with fire"
Tom Kilby, Carbondale:
"If our answer is “yes,” then we should put this facility on the plagued Crystal River Market Place site. It would be a brilliant monument to our stupidity.
DontTrashCarbondale.com encourages you to stay informed and tell others about the dangers of allowing Carbondale's sleeping “trash giant” to awaken...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"If our answer is “yes,” then we should put this facility on the plagued Crystal River Market Place site. It would be a brilliant monument to our stupidity.
DontTrashCarbondale.com encourages you to stay informed and tell others about the dangers of allowing Carbondale's sleeping “trash giant” to awaken...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Thompson Divide drilling wouldn't be all bad"
'SandBox Nanny' will just set aside still yet another letter written in commending the Garfield County BOCC for denying the alleged 'people killer' asphalt plant next to the 'organic farm that was never "in danger" in the first place' by stating again that Commissioner Mike Samson was right and both Martin and Jankovsky were shamelessly courting voters.
And instead toss up a letter from Stuart Cerise in Carbondale. His words of calm in a purposefully inflamed disinformation war over Thompson Divide make sense. Click title, it's a good read.
"A couple comments on Joe Mollica's letter of March 3. As someone who has recreated and worked in the Thompson Creek, Four Mile and Divide Creek area for more than 50 years, I concur that is a great area to do such in.
I do remember gas drilling and logging activity in the area many years ago, as well as loud gas-driven compressor stations, pipeline installations and all the related activity. Those drillers and loggers created trails and improved the old roads to a passable status. They harvested timber, reduced overgrowth, created trails for deer, elk and the cattle who summer there.
Yes, there were problems, but they were usually related to specific issues such as meeting a truck in a narrow section of roadway and each harping that the other was on the wrong side of the road. Everyone got along pretty well, and the entire area benefited from it...."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
And instead toss up a letter from Stuart Cerise in Carbondale. His words of calm in a purposefully inflamed disinformation war over Thompson Divide make sense. Click title, it's a good read.
"A couple comments on Joe Mollica's letter of March 3. As someone who has recreated and worked in the Thompson Creek, Four Mile and Divide Creek area for more than 50 years, I concur that is a great area to do such in.
I do remember gas drilling and logging activity in the area many years ago, as well as loud gas-driven compressor stations, pipeline installations and all the related activity. Those drillers and loggers created trails and improved the old roads to a passable status. They harvested timber, reduced overgrowth, created trails for deer, elk and the cattle who summer there.
Yes, there were problems, but they were usually related to specific issues such as meeting a truck in a narrow section of roadway and each harping that the other was on the wrong side of the road. Everyone got along pretty well, and the entire area benefited from it...."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Vail Resorts skier visits drop 14.6 percent"
Bob Berwyn:
"In its quarterly earnings statement, Vail Resorts said the decline in skier visits was offset by a 13.8 percent increase in season pass revenue, as well as increases in revenue from ski school and food and beverage sales.
“This has been one of the most, if not the most, challenging winters for the U.S. ski industry,” VR CEO Rob Katz said in a press release. “We have seen the lowest snowfall levels in over 30 years for our Colorado resorts and weather patterns in Tahoe that have not been seen since the late 1800s,” acknowledged Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz. “Given that backdrop, we are very pleased with the strength and stability shown by our operating model, as we reported only modest declines across our major revenue lines in what many would consider a worst case weather scenario, which followed last season’s record setting snowfall.”
Sales at the Ritz-Carlton Residence and One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge helped take the sting off the drop in skier visits, as real estate accounting for net cash proceeds of $23.8 million since the beginning of fiscal 2012 through March 5, 2012.
Katz said the company is hoping for that the final quarter of the ski season will bring the company’s bottom line close to last years, as trends for the Easter and spring break period appear positive.
Vail Resorts said it plans to spend about $75 million to $85 million on capital improvements this fiscal year, with $40 million to $45 million going toward maintenance projects including routine replacement of snow grooming equipment and rental equipment.
The centerpiece of the company’s 2012 capital plan is a new, 10-person, state-of-the-art gondola with heated cabins and Wi-Fi serving as the gateway to Vail Mountain through Vail Village, where almost one-half of Vail Mountain guests start their ski day. The new lift is expected to reduce wait times by increasing uphill capacity by 40 percent...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"In its quarterly earnings statement, Vail Resorts said the decline in skier visits was offset by a 13.8 percent increase in season pass revenue, as well as increases in revenue from ski school and food and beverage sales.
“This has been one of the most, if not the most, challenging winters for the U.S. ski industry,” VR CEO Rob Katz said in a press release. “We have seen the lowest snowfall levels in over 30 years for our Colorado resorts and weather patterns in Tahoe that have not been seen since the late 1800s,” acknowledged Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz. “Given that backdrop, we are very pleased with the strength and stability shown by our operating model, as we reported only modest declines across our major revenue lines in what many would consider a worst case weather scenario, which followed last season’s record setting snowfall.”
Sales at the Ritz-Carlton Residence and One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge helped take the sting off the drop in skier visits, as real estate accounting for net cash proceeds of $23.8 million since the beginning of fiscal 2012 through March 5, 2012.
Katz said the company is hoping for that the final quarter of the ski season will bring the company’s bottom line close to last years, as trends for the Easter and spring break period appear positive.
Vail Resorts said it plans to spend about $75 million to $85 million on capital improvements this fiscal year, with $40 million to $45 million going toward maintenance projects including routine replacement of snow grooming equipment and rental equipment.
The centerpiece of the company’s 2012 capital plan is a new, 10-person, state-of-the-art gondola with heated cabins and Wi-Fi serving as the gateway to Vail Mountain through Vail Village, where almost one-half of Vail Mountain guests start their ski day. The new lift is expected to reduce wait times by increasing uphill capacity by 40 percent...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Garfield County "2012 Air Show at Rifle Airport"
Set the date! The wildly popular Garfield County Air Show is on for July 13 and 14, 2012.
Garfield County:
"Western Colorado's best aviation event returns with amazing aviation acts, an expanded Merchant Village, a huge static aircraft exhibition and aircraft rides. The kid's space activity center is also returning, along with several new activities for teenagers, including a full motion flight simulator. Everyone in Garfield County is invited to attend this free admission event...." (Read more? See photos? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Garfield County:
"Western Colorado's best aviation event returns with amazing aviation acts, an expanded Merchant Village, a huge static aircraft exhibition and aircraft rides. The kid's space activity center is also returning, along with several new activities for teenagers, including a full motion flight simulator. Everyone in Garfield County is invited to attend this free admission event...." (Read more? See photos? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Durango Herald "Three generations of Seavey sledders"
Mary Pemberton :
"The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race ended last year for 2004 champion Mitch Seavey when he nearly sliced off one of his fingers while opening a bale of bedding straw for his dogs.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race ended last year for 2004 champion Mitch Seavey when he nearly sliced off one of his fingers while opening a bale of bedding straw for his dogs.
If the 52-year-old veteran Iditarod musher runs into trouble on the trail this year, he can count on family. His father, 74-year-old Dan Seavey, ran in the first Iditarod in 1973 and can provide inspiration.
Mitch’s 25-year-old son, Dallas, can provide a competitive push if he can catch him, which remains to be seen.
“My goal is to win the Iditarod,” Mitch Seavey said...." (Read more? Click title)
March 6, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Pueblo Chieftain "Analysis: US, Israel agree to disagree on Iran"
One of the best news aggregators in the West is the Pueblo Chieftain. They round up the very best suited for Coloradans news stories and are not afraid to post them.
With the Netanyahu and Obama story, SandBox chose this article via the Chieftain.
A picture really does say a thousand words, doesn't it?
Does the face of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu look like he really believes a word President Obama is saying?
Click title for article.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
With the Netanyahu and Obama story, SandBox chose this article via the Chieftain.
A picture really does say a thousand words, doesn't it?
Does the face of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu look like he really believes a word President Obama is saying?
Click title for article.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Colorado Statesman " How long can troops remain loyal to a leader who shows little loyalty towards them? "
Miller Hudson:
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"During the Watergate fiasco, one interview stamped itself on my memory. Larry O’Brien was the national chairman of the Democratic Party, and it was his office that was broken into by Richard Nixon’s “plumbers.” O’Brien had a long political career in Massachusetts which concluded with his appointment as the manager for both John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson’s presidential campaigns. Johnson had rewarded him with an appointment as U. S. Postmaster General. While Nixon’s men scrambled to escape the tightening noose of Congressional investigations and impeachment subpoenas they engaged in an unseemly display of finger pointing as they tried to heave one another beneath a tsunami of criminal indictments.
O’Brien was asked what would have happened if a similar disgrace had unfolded in the Kennedy White House where he served. His reply was enlightening. He said, “Six Irishmen, myself included, would have marched onto Pennsylvania Avenue and thrown ourselves on our swords and that’s the last you would have ever heard about it.” He went on to explain that these willing volunteers would have served out their federal prison sentences in silence, and none would have yammered on or written books about who was responsible, who was to blame. This scenario stands in stark contrast with the criminal scrambling to cover their tracks evidenced by Haldeman, Ehrlichman, Liddy, Dean, Mitchell and others...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/James Kellogg "Obama's budget is a big bill for the future generations"
James Kellogg:
"...As far as President Obama is concerned, power is fortified by a welfare state full of indentured voting blocks. Taxpaying Americans end up holding the dirty end of the stick.
The U.S. national debt has surpassed $15.4 trillion. That's over $136,000 per taxpayer. Yet, the Obama budget comprises unfunded entitlements, endless deficits with undefined payment terms, and immense tax increases on the entrepreneurial class.
President Obama claims his administration is making “very difficult choices.” He proclaimed, “Every department will feel the impact of these reductions as they cut programs or tighten their belts.” We are told his plan will cut the deficit by $4 trillion over the next decade. Yeah, right!
Did you know that $2 trillion of the president's claimed deficit reduction measures were already enacted into law under the Budget Control Act of 2011? They can't be counted again in fiscal year 2013. Besides, Mr. Obama is not even responsible for these measures. Tea Party Republicans forced those spending cuts on the president last year as conditions to approve the debt ceiling increase he wanted.
Another $1 trillion of Mr. Obama's so-called savings comes from winding down the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But these funds were never requested or authorized. It's like a minimum wage worker declaring, “I'm not going to buy a Lamborghini next year, so I'm cutting spending by $400,000.”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"...As far as President Obama is concerned, power is fortified by a welfare state full of indentured voting blocks. Taxpaying Americans end up holding the dirty end of the stick.
The U.S. national debt has surpassed $15.4 trillion. That's over $136,000 per taxpayer. Yet, the Obama budget comprises unfunded entitlements, endless deficits with undefined payment terms, and immense tax increases on the entrepreneurial class.
President Obama claims his administration is making “very difficult choices.” He proclaimed, “Every department will feel the impact of these reductions as they cut programs or tighten their belts.” We are told his plan will cut the deficit by $4 trillion over the next decade. Yeah, right!
Did you know that $2 trillion of the president's claimed deficit reduction measures were already enacted into law under the Budget Control Act of 2011? They can't be counted again in fiscal year 2013. Besides, Mr. Obama is not even responsible for these measures. Tea Party Republicans forced those spending cuts on the president last year as conditions to approve the debt ceiling increase he wanted.
Another $1 trillion of Mr. Obama's so-called savings comes from winding down the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But these funds were never requested or authorized. It's like a minimum wage worker declaring, “I'm not going to buy a Lamborghini next year, so I'm cutting spending by $400,000.”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Union Leader "Super PAC donors act as kingmakers"
George F. Will:
"The threshold choice is this. Americans can keep the system they currently have — campaigns financed by voluntary contributions of after-tax dollars from individuals eager to participate in politics by funding the dissemination of political advocacy they favor. Or they can choose government funding of politics. The latter is what many critics of Citizens United want, although they are as sly about their real aim as they are confused about Citizens United....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The threshold choice is this. Americans can keep the system they currently have — campaigns financed by voluntary contributions of after-tax dollars from individuals eager to participate in politics by funding the dissemination of political advocacy they favor. Or they can choose government funding of politics. The latter is what many critics of Citizens United want, although they are as sly about their real aim as they are confused about Citizens United....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Colorado Congressman Cory Gardner "Energy and Commerce Hearing with EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson"
Very interesting video from Congressman Cory Gardner on a recent hearing with EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.
Click title.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Click title.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News "Liddick: Learning is hard work"
Morgan Liddick:
"...The world is a competitive place, in which the well-prepared and vigorous flourish. Others, not so much. Our nation embraced this reality once, and it led us to preeminence and prosperity. Now, we seek to shield young people from this truth, in favor of nourishing their egos. Everyone gets a medal simply for showing up, and if one wishes to ride instead of drudging out a job, there are unemployment benefits as far as the eye can see, paid for by taxes on those who produce a profit. This must stop. What is subsidized, grows; what is taxed, shrinks.
Excellence and diligence need recognition and reward; not the empty praise that levels in the name of “fairness,” but acknowledgement of real accomplishment. This will require a sea change in our society: the acceptance of challenges as a part of life, the discipline to surmount them and the will to hard work must become expectations again. Everyone must demand it — parents, teachers, friends, everyone. Lady Gaga got this one right: We all have to put our shoulder to the wheel, persist, and understand that change of this size and importance takes time. And that making it is absolutely critical to this nation's continued success.
Or, we can just throw more money at the problem. That's worked so well in the past...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"...The world is a competitive place, in which the well-prepared and vigorous flourish. Others, not so much. Our nation embraced this reality once, and it led us to preeminence and prosperity. Now, we seek to shield young people from this truth, in favor of nourishing their egos. Everyone gets a medal simply for showing up, and if one wishes to ride instead of drudging out a job, there are unemployment benefits as far as the eye can see, paid for by taxes on those who produce a profit. This must stop. What is subsidized, grows; what is taxed, shrinks.
Excellence and diligence need recognition and reward; not the empty praise that levels in the name of “fairness,” but acknowledgement of real accomplishment. This will require a sea change in our society: the acceptance of challenges as a part of life, the discipline to surmount them and the will to hard work must become expectations again. Everyone must demand it — parents, teachers, friends, everyone. Lady Gaga got this one right: We all have to put our shoulder to the wheel, persist, and understand that change of this size and importance takes time. And that making it is absolutely critical to this nation's continued success.
Or, we can just throw more money at the problem. That's worked so well in the past...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Plea for respect, compassion from BHS"
Note from Nanny: Comment ability on this post is blocked.
Jenna Linden:
"Over the past few weeks there have been many articles written by community members expressing opinions regarding the recent “scandal” at Basalt High School. As the editor of the BHS newspaper, The Longhorn Roundup, I feel it is important that the feelings and emotions at Basalt High are shared, as well.
The past few weeks have not been easy for anyone who stepped foot into BHS. It seemed as if oppressive gray clouds loomed over our halls and classrooms. There were no local newspapers to be found at BHS because students came to school early to collect such papers and dispose of them before they could be read by students. This speaks volumes because at any high school gossip rules the halls, but after this incident our students felt a need to defend and protect our school and the student and teacher involved.
“I didn't want everyone to be reading the stories in class and making it an awkward situation for anyone who was close to both parties,” said Carina Capobianco, a member of the BHS girls basketball team. “Coach Redfern was a big role model in my life, and even after all that has happened I still look up to her because I know that not everyone is perfect.”
Students at BHS are very sensitive about this situation and are very defensive of their school. A former student of BHS made a derogatory comment about the situation on Facebook. She was bombarded with 45 comments in defense of BHS and the student involved.
It is important that this issue does not reflect on our school as a whole or on our student body. Students feel that the actions of two people should not define the character of the 400-plus members of BHS. We have received snide comments and gestures from other schools in the valley. We ask for respect...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Jenna Linden:
"Over the past few weeks there have been many articles written by community members expressing opinions regarding the recent “scandal” at Basalt High School. As the editor of the BHS newspaper, The Longhorn Roundup, I feel it is important that the feelings and emotions at Basalt High are shared, as well.
The past few weeks have not been easy for anyone who stepped foot into BHS. It seemed as if oppressive gray clouds loomed over our halls and classrooms. There were no local newspapers to be found at BHS because students came to school early to collect such papers and dispose of them before they could be read by students. This speaks volumes because at any high school gossip rules the halls, but after this incident our students felt a need to defend and protect our school and the student and teacher involved.
“I didn't want everyone to be reading the stories in class and making it an awkward situation for anyone who was close to both parties,” said Carina Capobianco, a member of the BHS girls basketball team. “Coach Redfern was a big role model in my life, and even after all that has happened I still look up to her because I know that not everyone is perfect.”
Students at BHS are very sensitive about this situation and are very defensive of their school. A former student of BHS made a derogatory comment about the situation on Facebook. She was bombarded with 45 comments in defense of BHS and the student involved.
It is important that this issue does not reflect on our school as a whole or on our student body. Students feel that the actions of two people should not define the character of the 400-plus members of BHS. We have received snide comments and gestures from other schools in the valley. We ask for respect...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Belly Up bomb threat suspect likely to be tried"
Chad Abraham:
"A judge said on Monday that she will likely rule there is enough evidence to bind over for trial a Glenwood man who allegedly called in a bomb threat regarding the Belly Up to get into a sold-out concert.
After a nearly two-hour hearing in Pitkin County District Court, Judge Gail Nichols ruled that there is probable cause to believe Asa Robinson, 30, assaulted Aspen police officer Gregg Cole on Nov. 22.
Robinson is charged with two counts of assault of a peace officer and false reporting of explosives. Nichols only ruled on one of the assault counts, saying she wanted to study a custody issue related to the other charge and a hearsay issue related to the false reporting count.
Cole testified on Monday that he went to the Belly Up after the bomb threat was called in to the county emergency dispatch center around 9:40 p.m.
The center’s phones have caller ID, and another officer, using the number, was able to get Robinson’s account information from Sprint, the cell-phone carrier, Cole said. Robinson’s photograph was on file at the police department from “previous contacts,” the officer said...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"A judge said on Monday that she will likely rule there is enough evidence to bind over for trial a Glenwood man who allegedly called in a bomb threat regarding the Belly Up to get into a sold-out concert.
After a nearly two-hour hearing in Pitkin County District Court, Judge Gail Nichols ruled that there is probable cause to believe Asa Robinson, 30, assaulted Aspen police officer Gregg Cole on Nov. 22.
Robinson is charged with two counts of assault of a peace officer and false reporting of explosives. Nichols only ruled on one of the assault counts, saying she wanted to study a custody issue related to the other charge and a hearsay issue related to the false reporting count.
Cole testified on Monday that he went to the Belly Up after the bomb threat was called in to the county emergency dispatch center around 9:40 p.m.
The center’s phones have caller ID, and another officer, using the number, was able to get Robinson’s account information from Sprint, the cell-phone carrier, Cole said. Robinson’s photograph was on file at the police department from “previous contacts,” the officer said...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Former Snowmass man gets four years probation in marijuana-mailing case"
Chad Abraham:
"Saying she was giving a former Snowmass Village man a “huge break,” an Aspen judge on Monday sentenced the three-time felon to four years of probation for receiving 11 pounds of marijuana in the mail.
Vaughn Barnett, 28, smiled and told his mother, who testified via phone from New Jersey on his behalf at the sentencing hearing in Pitkin County District Court, that he would see her soon.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin had recommended prison time for Barnett, and the prosecutor slowly shook his head when Judge Gail Nichols of the 9th Judicial District began questioning Barnett about where he would live if she sentenced him to probation.
U.S. Postal Service agents arrested Barnett and his then-roommate at gunpoint at the Snowmass post office on Nov. 20, 2010. The package mailed to the roommate ripped open, and postal employees who noticed the smell alerted authorities.
Barnett pleaded guilty on Jan. 9 to felony possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute more than 5 pounds in a plea deal in which a bail-bond violation count was dropped. The roommate pleaded guilty last March to attempted possession of marijuana and received a two-year deferred sentence.
The judicial district’s probation office recommended that Barnett be sentenced to two years of community corrections in Rifle.
But Barnett, who is black, told Nichols that he was assaulted in Rifle because of his race and did not want to live and try to find work there.
“He’s terrified of that prospect,” said his attorney, public defender Tina Fang.
Fang urged Nichols to sentence Barnett to probation, saying prison time would be a “tremendous backslide” for him and that he would have a solid support system of relatives on the East Coast..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Saying she was giving a former Snowmass Village man a “huge break,” an Aspen judge on Monday sentenced the three-time felon to four years of probation for receiving 11 pounds of marijuana in the mail.
Vaughn Barnett, 28, smiled and told his mother, who testified via phone from New Jersey on his behalf at the sentencing hearing in Pitkin County District Court, that he would see her soon.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin had recommended prison time for Barnett, and the prosecutor slowly shook his head when Judge Gail Nichols of the 9th Judicial District began questioning Barnett about where he would live if she sentenced him to probation.
U.S. Postal Service agents arrested Barnett and his then-roommate at gunpoint at the Snowmass post office on Nov. 20, 2010. The package mailed to the roommate ripped open, and postal employees who noticed the smell alerted authorities.
Barnett pleaded guilty on Jan. 9 to felony possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute more than 5 pounds in a plea deal in which a bail-bond violation count was dropped. The roommate pleaded guilty last March to attempted possession of marijuana and received a two-year deferred sentence.
The judicial district’s probation office recommended that Barnett be sentenced to two years of community corrections in Rifle.
But Barnett, who is black, told Nichols that he was assaulted in Rifle because of his race and did not want to live and try to find work there.
“He’s terrified of that prospect,” said his attorney, public defender Tina Fang.
Fang urged Nichols to sentence Barnett to probation, saying prison time would be a “tremendous backslide” for him and that he would have a solid support system of relatives on the East Coast..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Washington Post "Military conference offers a woman’s perspective"
Remember Steamboat Springs very own Cmdr. Nicole Shue? Standing at just around 5' tall and commanding the high seas on the U.S.S. Higgins? Remind yourself by clicking here.
She's back in the news. We're pretty sure Petula Dvorak will accommodate a long snip of this piece. After all, there are a number of Colorado women who let their patriotic spirits sail the high sea with Cmdr. Shue. Be sure to read public comments in the link above.
Petula Dvorak:
"Okay, men, I double dog dare y’all to do it here.
Come to this military conference, look into the eyes of the commander of a naval warship or the strike officer who was in charge of deploying Tomahawk cruise missile tests or the major christened “The Angel of Death” by an Afghan general, and tell these women that you want to decide their reproductive future.
I dare you.
This was my first thought when I walked into a Maryland ballroom Monday filled with about 1,700 U.S. servicewomen from all five branches of the military. Hundreds of uniforms, stars, bars and medals, including at least a dozen kind-of-billowy maternity uniforms, and about 1,700 ramrod straight backs.
The Sea Service Leadership Association said this is the largest gathering of military women ever. It offers an opportunity for those in uniform to speak not only about being service members but also about being women.
“Usually, we find ourselves in the minority,” said Navy Cmdr. Nicole L. Maver-Shue, who is president of the association that put on the conference...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
She's back in the news. We're pretty sure Petula Dvorak will accommodate a long snip of this piece. After all, there are a number of Colorado women who let their patriotic spirits sail the high sea with Cmdr. Shue. Be sure to read public comments in the link above.
Petula Dvorak:
"Okay, men, I double dog dare y’all to do it here.
Come to this military conference, look into the eyes of the commander of a naval warship or the strike officer who was in charge of deploying Tomahawk cruise missile tests or the major christened “The Angel of Death” by an Afghan general, and tell these women that you want to decide their reproductive future.
Go ahead, Rush, and see if you have the nerve to call any of these women in uniform sluts for using contraceptives to plan their families around deployments.
I dare you.
This was my first thought when I walked into a Maryland ballroom Monday filled with about 1,700 U.S. servicewomen from all five branches of the military. Hundreds of uniforms, stars, bars and medals, including at least a dozen kind-of-billowy maternity uniforms, and about 1,700 ramrod straight backs.
The Sea Service Leadership Association said this is the largest gathering of military women ever. It offers an opportunity for those in uniform to speak not only about being service members but also about being women.
“Usually, we find ourselves in the minority,” said Navy Cmdr. Nicole L. Maver-Shue, who is president of the association that put on the conference...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "A primer on the geologic history of western Colorado"
A terrific piece from John Colson. Right here on the Glenwood Spring Post Independent. Interesting, well written and engaging.
Well done.
John Colson:
"Barkman's presentation graphically showed how the coal- and oil-bearing formations sank over time in relation to the uplift. Erosion continued to play a powerful role in shaping the landscape.
A “large delta system encroached into the seaway across northwest Colorado,” Barkmann said.
The Piceance Basin (pronounced PEE-aunce) was in its early stages of formation, and over the past 10 million years, geologic forces raised up the Roan Plateau, and Battlement Mesa and Grand Mesa.
Meanwhile, the Colorado River carved downward through the rising earth.
The Piceance Basin now appears as a sharp depression between the Cathedral Bluffs on the west, near Rangely, and the Grand Hogback on the east, bearing northwest from New Castle.
At either end, the upward-bending formations rise to the surface, while they “sag” in the middle, Barkmann said.
“This is a really deep basin,” he added, explaining that hydrocarbon deposits reach down to sea level and below.
The basin is permeated by a large number of folds and faults, he said, which complicates the search for gas, oil and coal deposits...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Well done.
John Colson:
"Barkman's presentation graphically showed how the coal- and oil-bearing formations sank over time in relation to the uplift. Erosion continued to play a powerful role in shaping the landscape.
A “large delta system encroached into the seaway across northwest Colorado,” Barkmann said.
The Piceance Basin (pronounced PEE-aunce) was in its early stages of formation, and over the past 10 million years, geologic forces raised up the Roan Plateau, and Battlement Mesa and Grand Mesa.
Meanwhile, the Colorado River carved downward through the rising earth.
The Piceance Basin now appears as a sharp depression between the Cathedral Bluffs on the west, near Rangely, and the Grand Hogback on the east, bearing northwest from New Castle.
At either end, the upward-bending formations rise to the surface, while they “sag” in the middle, Barkmann said.
“This is a really deep basin,” he added, explaining that hydrocarbon deposits reach down to sea level and below.
The basin is permeated by a large number of folds and faults, he said, which complicates the search for gas, oil and coal deposits...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Listen, then decide"
Elizabeth Milias:
"It’s hardly a surprise that City Council has already decided to simply rescind Ordinance 30 before hearing a single word from the community on the pros and cons of a public vote. The March 12 public meeting and council vote on the issue are less than a week away, but in their hallmark fashion, our councilmen have already made up their minds. Never mind what the 953 citizens who signed the petition want. Why would council listen to them? The same elected leaders who claimed victory for hydro plant bonds in a 2007 election with notoriously low voter turnout don’t want this issue decided during another off-season election. Somehow potential low voter turnout is a threat to them this time around.
Instead, they want a ballot question on the November ballot when turnout will be much higher given that it’s a presidential election. This is likely, but what is far more uncertain is what the November ballot question will be. It’s up to City Council to write the language. Knowing these guys, they’ll craft some ambiguous non-binding blather where “yes” means “no” and “no” means “yes.” One thing that’s not likely is a clear up-down vote on the completion of the hydro plant. That, after all, is what the community really wants. And it’s exactly what council fears.
Regardless of where you stand on the hydro plant issue, please attend the March 12 council meeting and speak out in favor of a public vote. It’s the only democratic way to express the community’s will. Besides, aren’t you getting tired of these guys ruling instead of governing?...." (Read original letter? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"It’s hardly a surprise that City Council has already decided to simply rescind Ordinance 30 before hearing a single word from the community on the pros and cons of a public vote. The March 12 public meeting and council vote on the issue are less than a week away, but in their hallmark fashion, our councilmen have already made up their minds. Never mind what the 953 citizens who signed the petition want. Why would council listen to them? The same elected leaders who claimed victory for hydro plant bonds in a 2007 election with notoriously low voter turnout don’t want this issue decided during another off-season election. Somehow potential low voter turnout is a threat to them this time around.
Instead, they want a ballot question on the November ballot when turnout will be much higher given that it’s a presidential election. This is likely, but what is far more uncertain is what the November ballot question will be. It’s up to City Council to write the language. Knowing these guys, they’ll craft some ambiguous non-binding blather where “yes” means “no” and “no” means “yes.” One thing that’s not likely is a clear up-down vote on the completion of the hydro plant. That, after all, is what the community really wants. And it’s exactly what council fears.
Regardless of where you stand on the hydro plant issue, please attend the March 12 council meeting and speak out in favor of a public vote. It’s the only democratic way to express the community’s will. Besides, aren’t you getting tired of these guys ruling instead of governing?...." (Read original letter? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News/Letter to the Editor "Don’t blow up our money"
Ruth Harrison of Aspen reminds us all that it is that time of year again when our local leaders determine whether or not we can afford fireworks for various celebrations.
The stand that SandBox maintains on this issue is this:
Just say NO. As long as we have hungry and homeless citizens and struggling small businesses we have no business wasting a dime on a fireworks display.
There is a solution that unfortunately, our local leaders don't care to be bothered with.
Make the firework displays be self-sustaining. If they can bring enough tourism revenue to town to pay for themselves then of course, the folks would love to enjoy them.
Until that time comes, every dollar saved on fireworks needs to go to our local food banks, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and substance abuse facilities.
(Read the letter from Ruth? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
The stand that SandBox maintains on this issue is this:
Just say NO. As long as we have hungry and homeless citizens and struggling small businesses we have no business wasting a dime on a fireworks display.
There is a solution that unfortunately, our local leaders don't care to be bothered with.
Make the firework displays be self-sustaining. If they can bring enough tourism revenue to town to pay for themselves then of course, the folks would love to enjoy them.
Until that time comes, every dollar saved on fireworks needs to go to our local food banks, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and substance abuse facilities.
(Read the letter from Ruth? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily News "Businesses pleased with SnowBall weekend"
Scott N. Miller:
"AVON, Colorado — People who came to the three-day SnowBall Music Festival over the weekend may be taking memories home, but many of them left dollars behinds.
Businesses in and around Avon reported good crowds from the festival and very little mischief. In fact, only Bob's Place boss Chris Doyle said he had to ask anyone to leave the premises, and that only happened once.
Given that Bob's is the closest bar to the festival's front door, you'd expect the place to be busy over the weekend, and it was.
“We had a fair bit of our regular business and skier traffic, and then a large amount of SnowBall business,” Doyle said.
Doyle said last year that he believed events like SnowBall are good for Avon. He still believes that, and hopes this festival can lead to others, perhaps with different styles of music to attract different types of fans...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"AVON, Colorado — People who came to the three-day SnowBall Music Festival over the weekend may be taking memories home, but many of them left dollars behinds.
Businesses in and around Avon reported good crowds from the festival and very little mischief. In fact, only Bob's Place boss Chris Doyle said he had to ask anyone to leave the premises, and that only happened once.
Given that Bob's is the closest bar to the festival's front door, you'd expect the place to be busy over the weekend, and it was.
“We had a fair bit of our regular business and skier traffic, and then a large amount of SnowBall business,” Doyle said.
Doyle said last year that he believed events like SnowBall are good for Avon. He still believes that, and hopes this festival can lead to others, perhaps with different styles of music to attract different types of fans...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily News "Huge jet lands at Gypsum airport"
Pam Boyd:
"GYPSUM, Colorado — History was quietly made at the Eagle County Regional Airport on Monday — that is if you can call a massive plane landing “quiet.”
A privately chartered Boeing 767-200ER jet out of Washington, D.C., touched down at about 5 p.m. — the largest commercial aircraft ever to land at the county airfield..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"GYPSUM, Colorado — History was quietly made at the Eagle County Regional Airport on Monday — that is if you can call a massive plane landing “quiet.”
A privately chartered Boeing 767-200ER jet out of Washington, D.C., touched down at about 5 p.m. — the largest commercial aircraft ever to land at the county airfield..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "After more than 100 years, Glenwood still has no convention center"
Finally, some information that no one can dispute regarding how protracted the development and governmental leadership processes are in Glenwood Springs.
From local historian, Willa Kane:
"“We are without an auditorium in which the larger conventions can be held. With a suitable meeting place, Glenwood would no doubt be chosen as the meeting point of many organizations which are now unable to find a suitable hall room.” (Read more? Click title)
— Glenwood Post, July 20, 1901
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
From local historian, Willa Kane:
"“We are without an auditorium in which the larger conventions can be held. With a suitable meeting place, Glenwood would no doubt be chosen as the meeting point of many organizations which are now unable to find a suitable hall room.” (Read more? Click title)
— Glenwood Post, July 20, 1901
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Men of Aspen beware"
A very dark and veiled piece from Steve Skinner today. Up on the Aspen Daily News.
Steve Skinner:
"Think your gal loves ya? Maybe, but probably not. Even your mum had some misgivings.
According to a book called, “Little White Lies, Deep Dark Secrets: The Truth about Why Women Lie,” published by St. Martin’s Press, 50 percent of women harbor “mixed feelings about mothering.” This is bad news for offspring everywhere, especially guys. Guys need their mommies. One mother confessed to author Susan Shapiro Barash that she was jealous of working women who have no children and no husbands.
Barash interviewed 500 lively, honest women and the results are unsettling to an old-fashioned guy like me.
In Aspen, we still have some highly buffed, snipped, stitched, tucked, vacuumed, pulled, pounded, pouted, enhanced, caked, massaged, acupunctured, tinctured, medicated, hair-extensioned, dyed, tanned, toned, trained, styled, clipped, polished and decked women clinging to the Barbie image that I thought we were all supposed to reject but can’t seem to shake. The hottest models are still rail thin.
But here’s a shocking surprise for you guys under the spell of the tucks, stitches, enhancements and pluckings. No matter how deeply you look into the colored contacts, you are probably looking into pools of deception..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Steve Skinner:
"Think your gal loves ya? Maybe, but probably not. Even your mum had some misgivings.
According to a book called, “Little White Lies, Deep Dark Secrets: The Truth about Why Women Lie,” published by St. Martin’s Press, 50 percent of women harbor “mixed feelings about mothering.” This is bad news for offspring everywhere, especially guys. Guys need their mommies. One mother confessed to author Susan Shapiro Barash that she was jealous of working women who have no children and no husbands.
Barash interviewed 500 lively, honest women and the results are unsettling to an old-fashioned guy like me.
In Aspen, we still have some highly buffed, snipped, stitched, tucked, vacuumed, pulled, pounded, pouted, enhanced, caked, massaged, acupunctured, tinctured, medicated, hair-extensioned, dyed, tanned, toned, trained, styled, clipped, polished and decked women clinging to the Barbie image that I thought we were all supposed to reject but can’t seem to shake. The hottest models are still rail thin.
But here’s a shocking surprise for you guys under the spell of the tucks, stitches, enhancements and pluckings. No matter how deeply you look into the colored contacts, you are probably looking into pools of deception..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Fox News "EXCLUSIVE: Infamous international hacking group LulzSec brought down by own leader"
Note from 'SandBox Nanny'. Comment ability on this post is blocked.
Jana Winter:
"EXCLUSIVE: Law enforcement agents on two continents swooped in on top members of the infamous computer hacking group LulzSec early this morning, and acting largely on evidence gathered by the organization’s brazen leader -- who sources say has been secretly working for the government for months -- arrested three and charged two more with conspiracy.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Jana Winter:
"EXCLUSIVE: Law enforcement agents on two continents swooped in on top members of the infamous computer hacking group LulzSec early this morning, and acting largely on evidence gathered by the organization’s brazen leader -- who sources say has been secretly working for the government for months -- arrested three and charged two more with conspiracy.
Charges against four of the five were based on a conspiracy case filed in New York federal court, FoxNews.com has learned. An indictment charging the suspects, who include two men from Great Britain, two from Ireland and an American in Chicago, is expected to be unsealed Tuesday morning in the Southern District of New York.
“This is devastating to the organization,” said an FBI official involved with the investigation. “We’re chopping off the head of LulzSec.”....." (Read more? Click title to original article)
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning Photos"
'SandBox Nanny' admits to a feeling of relief that today appears to be a much 'lighter' news day than yesterday. Never ceases to surprise how news cycles into patterns.
Let's start the day off with some of her favorites from Bob Berwyn. Up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice.
All credit Bob Berwyn:
Let's start the day off with some of her favorites from Bob Berwyn. Up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice.
All credit Bob Berwyn:
March 5, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Restaurateur’s lawsuit against city still active despite his death"
Liza DeGraff's voice is not the one that District Court Judge Gail Nichols needs to hear.
Judge Nichols needs to remember all the voices that pursued Scott and his family for years in the Aspen and Snowmass communities.
She needs to remember that the culmination of all those voices into a 'moral character' judgement removed the ability for Scott DeGraff, his family, all of his creditors and partners to ever recover any sense of justice or uphold the technical merits of law. Those cumulative voices drove actions against DeGraff that were so far from full truth and reality, they took on a life of their own in the media and internet.
She needs to think about her district she serves and walk back over all the unnecessary actions that some in power took at the time of Scott's death. That 800 lb. gorilla in the room has only gained weight since that time of loss for Liza DeGraff and her children. Unnecessary, pointless and fruitless actions such as the display of force from the Dept. of Revenue.
Saved in a file in her email records, 'SandBox Nanny' holds the heart sounds from many who wrote in on our one post we did when all of us lost Scott DeGraff.
Words of pain that were enhanced to near unbearable weight over the pillorying that did not pass with him. If you knew Scott, it was not hard to find awareness of what were likely some of his thoughts. A good man, a kind and gentle man who so many, many times took the higher road. Who always looked for all sides and resolution. He tried and when he failed, he stood back up and tried again. Somewhere, he is a little more at peace listening to those words being put down anonymously and sent to a stranger. We have no idea the true effect we have on others lives. Yes, ill-intent individuals who are likely very uncomfortable with themselves when Scott enters their thoughts will twist that statement. It is being posted for the living who have no need to look in the mirror.
In the case of Scott DeGraff, one cannot make peace with the notion that suicide is a selfish act. The attacks on his family, his life, his very essence of self were horrific and grossly distorted attacks. It gets worse when one looks around at the players in this story and sees the obvious attempts to cover wrong-doing and unjust enrichment as they took advantage of Scott's nature and his brilliance in business. The notion of Scott DeGraff as selfish is far-fetched. The feeling that his death was wrongful is great.
One email spoke of deep pain over 'staying silent' when truly vile, untruthful and disinforming words were spoken about Scott by prominent and powerful people at a high-end function. Writing anonymously to a stranger eased the hurt. Another friend of the family met regularly with Scott. The environment was a local sport. This person played that sport with others as well. And spoke of outrage they were feeling at how unwanted the verbal assaults on Scott were and that they were subjected to. Ending with a statement that they would have played game after game and day after day with Scott DeGraff before they would want to play again with those who assaulted him behind his back.
Hopefully, Judge Nichols will listen not to the surviving voices in the motions in front of her and instead listen to the community she serves. The law sounds like one of those open to broad interpretation so she may have that broader ability.
One cannot fix dead. There is no ability to bring those passed back to life again. There is no ability to heal life again when faced with what Scott DeGraff faced and his wife and children now bear. None. One can only rebuild.
But there are times when we can draw the voices and needs of the heart that those who have passed have back to us and help make the living whole again. 'SandBox Nanny' on behalf of those anonymous voices who reached out, asks that Judge Nichols do just that in the case of Scott DeGraff.
My best wishes go out to Liza DeGraff, a woman of courage.
I allowed the one previous story posted at Scott's passing to stay up live on blog for only a short time. My thoughts were filled with feelings for the family and the fresh, raw pain I was reading in mails sent to SandBox because I blocked comment ability. The blog was filled with literally hundreds of hits per day during that time, on that one post.
I will leave this post and all posts from this point forward until the ruling is in or the lawsuit is completed with trial. You may comment in directly but will be heavily monitored. (Click title for article)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Judge Nichols needs to remember all the voices that pursued Scott and his family for years in the Aspen and Snowmass communities.
She needs to remember that the culmination of all those voices into a 'moral character' judgement removed the ability for Scott DeGraff, his family, all of his creditors and partners to ever recover any sense of justice or uphold the technical merits of law. Those cumulative voices drove actions against DeGraff that were so far from full truth and reality, they took on a life of their own in the media and internet.
She needs to think about her district she serves and walk back over all the unnecessary actions that some in power took at the time of Scott's death. That 800 lb. gorilla in the room has only gained weight since that time of loss for Liza DeGraff and her children. Unnecessary, pointless and fruitless actions such as the display of force from the Dept. of Revenue.
Saved in a file in her email records, 'SandBox Nanny' holds the heart sounds from many who wrote in on our one post we did when all of us lost Scott DeGraff.
Words of pain that were enhanced to near unbearable weight over the pillorying that did not pass with him. If you knew Scott, it was not hard to find awareness of what were likely some of his thoughts. A good man, a kind and gentle man who so many, many times took the higher road. Who always looked for all sides and resolution. He tried and when he failed, he stood back up and tried again. Somewhere, he is a little more at peace listening to those words being put down anonymously and sent to a stranger. We have no idea the true effect we have on others lives. Yes, ill-intent individuals who are likely very uncomfortable with themselves when Scott enters their thoughts will twist that statement. It is being posted for the living who have no need to look in the mirror.
In the case of Scott DeGraff, one cannot make peace with the notion that suicide is a selfish act. The attacks on his family, his life, his very essence of self were horrific and grossly distorted attacks. It gets worse when one looks around at the players in this story and sees the obvious attempts to cover wrong-doing and unjust enrichment as they took advantage of Scott's nature and his brilliance in business. The notion of Scott DeGraff as selfish is far-fetched. The feeling that his death was wrongful is great.
One email spoke of deep pain over 'staying silent' when truly vile, untruthful and disinforming words were spoken about Scott by prominent and powerful people at a high-end function. Writing anonymously to a stranger eased the hurt. Another friend of the family met regularly with Scott. The environment was a local sport. This person played that sport with others as well. And spoke of outrage they were feeling at how unwanted the verbal assaults on Scott were and that they were subjected to. Ending with a statement that they would have played game after game and day after day with Scott DeGraff before they would want to play again with those who assaulted him behind his back.
Hopefully, Judge Nichols will listen not to the surviving voices in the motions in front of her and instead listen to the community she serves. The law sounds like one of those open to broad interpretation so she may have that broader ability.
One cannot fix dead. There is no ability to bring those passed back to life again. There is no ability to heal life again when faced with what Scott DeGraff faced and his wife and children now bear. None. One can only rebuild.
But there are times when we can draw the voices and needs of the heart that those who have passed have back to us and help make the living whole again. 'SandBox Nanny' on behalf of those anonymous voices who reached out, asks that Judge Nichols do just that in the case of Scott DeGraff.
My best wishes go out to Liza DeGraff, a woman of courage.
I allowed the one previous story posted at Scott's passing to stay up live on blog for only a short time. My thoughts were filled with feelings for the family and the fresh, raw pain I was reading in mails sent to SandBox because I blocked comment ability. The blog was filled with literally hundreds of hits per day during that time, on that one post.
I will leave this post and all posts from this point forward until the ruling is in or the lawsuit is completed with trial. You may comment in directly but will be heavily monitored. (Click title for article)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Redfern's case should not be prosecuted as ‘assault'"
One doesn't have to form an opinion or pass judgement on Lauren Redfern to engage in the controversy surrounding her arrest.
It's good to see Niki Delson step up and voice an opinion that is being widely talked about regarding Redfern. There are many aspects of what Delson is saying that make sense and ring true.
Niki Delson:
"Sexual abuser. Sexual assault. Child molester. Pedophile. Sex offender.
These words grab our attention, inflame our sensibilities and conjure up images of an innocent victim and predatory offender. We visualize a Jerry Sandusky creating a nonprofit agency to gain access to a helpless child, a priest violating a young boy, a father fondling his daughter, a man creating an online persona in order to gain sexual access to an underage girl.
But should we place a teacher who has a sexual relationship with one of her students in the same category?
The language we use to talk about sexual abuse shapes our conversation and our understanding.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health defines sexual assault as “any type of sexual activity that you do not agree to, including: Inappropriate touching, penetration, sexual intercourse that you say ‘no' to, rape or attempted rape, and child molestation.”
Sexual assault is not consensual. It demeans and diminishes the child victim when the law uses the words “sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust” to describe both the actions of a priest raping a prepubescent child and the actions of a 25-year-old teacher engaged in consensual sexual activity with an almost 18-year-old student. When we label this type of consensual sex as “assault,” we also minimize the real problem of sexual abuse by females...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
It's good to see Niki Delson step up and voice an opinion that is being widely talked about regarding Redfern. There are many aspects of what Delson is saying that make sense and ring true.
Niki Delson:
"Sexual abuser. Sexual assault. Child molester. Pedophile. Sex offender.
These words grab our attention, inflame our sensibilities and conjure up images of an innocent victim and predatory offender. We visualize a Jerry Sandusky creating a nonprofit agency to gain access to a helpless child, a priest violating a young boy, a father fondling his daughter, a man creating an online persona in order to gain sexual access to an underage girl.
But should we place a teacher who has a sexual relationship with one of her students in the same category?
The language we use to talk about sexual abuse shapes our conversation and our understanding.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health defines sexual assault as “any type of sexual activity that you do not agree to, including: Inappropriate touching, penetration, sexual intercourse that you say ‘no' to, rape or attempted rape, and child molestation.”
Sexual assault is not consensual. It demeans and diminishes the child victim when the law uses the words “sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust” to describe both the actions of a priest raping a prepubescent child and the actions of a 25-year-old teacher engaged in consensual sexual activity with an almost 18-year-old student. When we label this type of consensual sex as “assault,” we also minimize the real problem of sexual abuse by females...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel " Heroin spike prompts changes"
Paul Shockley:
"...The Street Crimes Unit, intended eventually to include four officers and one sergeant, is expected to be operating in the coming weeks. The unit was eliminated in August 2010 in the face of budget cuts.
Awarded a nearly $1 million federal grant in September to hire four new officers in order to restore the unit, Camper said the department in recent months had difficulty filling the positions with new hires.
Although their work may overlap, the Drug Task Force is generally focused on mid- to upper-level drug activity, while Street Crimes will be tasked with busting street-level dealing..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"...The Street Crimes Unit, intended eventually to include four officers and one sergeant, is expected to be operating in the coming weeks. The unit was eliminated in August 2010 in the face of budget cuts.
Awarded a nearly $1 million federal grant in September to hire four new officers in order to restore the unit, Camper said the department in recent months had difficulty filling the positions with new hires.
Although their work may overlap, the Drug Task Force is generally focused on mid- to upper-level drug activity, while Street Crimes will be tasked with busting street-level dealing..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KKCO 11 News "GJ hunter charged with illegally trapping lions for client shooters "
Remember the "coward Richard Kendall" story? The 'hunter' up in Craig who got down on his belly and slither crawled into the den of a hibernating bear? Then claimed a "trophy kill"?
Marvin Ellis and the "hunting guides" he runs with must be friends of Kendall.
Surely this story cannot be accurate that Ellis and friends would tether, trap and bait these lions and bobcats and then take clients out on a guided hunt to shoot them?
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Marvin Ellis and the "hunting guides" he runs with must be friends of Kendall.
Surely this story cannot be accurate that Ellis and friends would tether, trap and bait these lions and bobcats and then take clients out on a guided hunt to shoot them?
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KKCO 11 News "Family of slain victim asks that suspects not be stereotyped "
The problem is not the commentators.
The problem is the website.
It's called an off button and every comment able website has one.
Moderation is the key, but it does take a human being to implement the policy and follow up on it.
KKCO should take a good look at what they wish to be known for.
From the looks of things in their hub they have inherited all that made the PI and Sentinel hubs become such a discredit to the communities they served. Hopefully, they will take the constructive criticism and do the opposite of what both of those newspapers did in censoring and banning. Instead, make the effort and build a commentary community.
Moderation doesn't curb or cancel free speech abilities. Quite the contrary, actuallly. When people know they can speak up with true anonymity and in a forum that engages in dialog; those people who gave up on the micro-blogging communities return.
Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of Abel Roper.
(Read the article? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
The problem is the website.
It's called an off button and every comment able website has one.
Moderation is the key, but it does take a human being to implement the policy and follow up on it.
KKCO should take a good look at what they wish to be known for.
From the looks of things in their hub they have inherited all that made the PI and Sentinel hubs become such a discredit to the communities they served. Hopefully, they will take the constructive criticism and do the opposite of what both of those newspapers did in censoring and banning. Instead, make the effort and build a commentary community.
Moderation doesn't curb or cancel free speech abilities. Quite the contrary, actuallly. When people know they can speak up with true anonymity and in a forum that engages in dialog; those people who gave up on the micro-blogging communities return.
Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of Abel Roper.
(Read the article? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Meadows housing plan hung up over fee waivers"
John Stroud:
"....The waivers are necessary to show city support for the project, to go along with $11 million in low-income tax credits that were awarded to the project by the Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA), Hud Karshmer of Denver-based Steele Properties emphasized at the March 1 Glenwood Springs City Council meeting.
“Without the fee waivers, you're pulling the bottom out of the house of cards,” he said....
.....Robert Macgregor, developer of the larger Meadows project, warned that CHFA may not look to Glenwood Springs again for a tax-credit-supported housing project if the city doesn't agree to fee waivers for Glenwood Green.
“ThIs would be the final nail in the coffin,” he said. “You won't see another affordable housing project in this city....” (Read more? Click title)
Maybe that's a promise from Macgregor instead of still yet another threat. Taxpayers can only hope. Wouldn't it be terrific to see the developer who built the falling apart "Ghettos" pack up and leave town? There are a lot of Mom and Pop businesses who lost everything to all things Meadows and a number of builders, sub-contractors and construction industry local businesses who are still trying to recover financially from these kinds of schemes and perk demands from Macgregor and cohorts.
Thank Buddha! If it really is a promise instead of a threat.
As far as the 'house of cards' falling down if Macgregor doesn't get to feed the greed; Hud Karshmer sounds a little confused.
It's 'The Ghettos' and it already is falling down.
(whisper...whisper...what 'stinking' cards??..we "don't need no stinking.."cards....whisper...)
Mary Noone made a lot of sense awhile back, didn't she? Did Council listen?
Obviously not if we are now stuck with a 'public street' that is actually a dead-end road built on constantly shifting ground.
Let's see....who's up next that can be cleaned off that dais in the next council race?
"....The waivers are necessary to show city support for the project, to go along with $11 million in low-income tax credits that were awarded to the project by the Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA), Hud Karshmer of Denver-based Steele Properties emphasized at the March 1 Glenwood Springs City Council meeting.
“Without the fee waivers, you're pulling the bottom out of the house of cards,” he said....
.....Robert Macgregor, developer of the larger Meadows project, warned that CHFA may not look to Glenwood Springs again for a tax-credit-supported housing project if the city doesn't agree to fee waivers for Glenwood Green.
“ThIs would be the final nail in the coffin,” he said. “You won't see another affordable housing project in this city....” (Read more? Click title)
Maybe that's a promise from Macgregor instead of still yet another threat. Taxpayers can only hope. Wouldn't it be terrific to see the developer who built the falling apart "Ghettos" pack up and leave town? There are a lot of Mom and Pop businesses who lost everything to all things Meadows and a number of builders, sub-contractors and construction industry local businesses who are still trying to recover financially from these kinds of schemes and perk demands from Macgregor and cohorts.
Thank Buddha! If it really is a promise instead of a threat.
As far as the 'house of cards' falling down if Macgregor doesn't get to feed the greed; Hud Karshmer sounds a little confused.
It's 'The Ghettos' and it already is falling down.
(whisper...whisper...what 'stinking' cards??..we "don't need no stinking.."cards....whisper...)
Mary Noone made a lot of sense awhile back, didn't she? Did Council listen?
Obviously not if we are now stuck with a 'public street' that is actually a dead-end road built on constantly shifting ground.
Let's see....who's up next that can be cleaned off that dais in the next council race?
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Negative reporting, negative impacts"
Have you ever assumed anything?
Ever engaged in 'just a little gossip'?
Ever held a position of power in the community? A position of trust? Ever taken a sworn oath to uphold duty?
Have you ever been a writer, an investigative reporter or columnist? Ever had the power of the media at your fingertips, either owned by another or created at your own hand?
Have a Facebook page? How about tweets, do you ever tweet 'just a little something' about what you read or hear 3rd party?
What does 'one more layer' of speculation matter? No harm, 'eventually it will work out'.
Ever had any of those kinds of thoughts?
Sure you have. You're a human being.
It's so noticeable and the topic of most conversations up and down the Roaring Fork Valley and I-70 corridor because we are one of the worst areas in the state for social abuse of others.
Yes, we are. We have an abundance of the kinds of stories like Rappaport and Condon. Don't believe it? Spend a couple months touching every single community in the state and their news sources. Do your own investigating.
Yes, we are.
Is it because we are an 'ugly people' with no conscience? Of course not. Is it because we live in an area of the state that has a higher level of material wealth, entitlement, highly intelligent professionals such as lawyers and politicians who have made their living from shrewdly calculating what others think and say? Is it because we've become so absorbed with ourselves that we don't even see decency any longer? Or is it simply logistics and the problem is a handful or two of powerful people with powerful social tools?
Could be. Maybe in part.
It's always best to take the higher road. Doing so usually gives the other person or issue exactly what they thought they wanted. Usually leads them to believe they've hit the jackpot of their own creation.
There is a world of difference between Scott Condon, who is employed by a powerful newspaper spending years targeting Glenn Rappaport with subtle flamer after subtle flamer (and) Glenn Rappaport finally stepping off to the side of that higher road with the realization that the time had come to speak to Scott Condon in a language Condon might finally hear.
A world of difference. Funny how that works when you give back to someone what that person thinks they wanted. There is no one left looking in the mirror today as Glenn's son writes in, other than Scott Condon. Very well done, Glenn.
A thank you goes out to the Aspen Daily News for being the first stop most locals make when they want their voices heard. That's an earned honor.
A special thank you goes out to Glenn's son, Nelson Harvey. For stepping off to the side of that higher road with his Dad. Well done.
"...but that’s precisely what happened. When Glenn resigned shortly thereafter, Condon’s press coverage played up complaints from some observers who thought he had acted improperly in the Rebekah Lodge case. Glenn was clean, but his name was forever sullied with the “conflict of interest” charge.
Furthermore, Condon published an article featuring concerns about the aesthetics of Glenn’s design for his proposed addition. (The design of the addition was not a part of the application.)
This set off a domino effect: The Rebekah Lodge owner scrapped the addition project, due to the negative press. Glenn lost his contract, and the town lost a pocket park. Most reporters can only dream of having this sort of impact, sinister as its effects may be.
I happen to know that Glenn resigned in 1998 for family reason — I was one of four children and step-children who had entered his life in the previous two years. Freedman’s contention, in her letter, that “ ... there is no indication that his family situation had changed,” is groundless and out of line.
Glenn Rappaport, my step-father, has been a dedicated public servant in the Roaring Fork Valley for 25 years. He has applied his energy to numerous public projects, often without compensation. His love for Basalt is unmatched, and he hopes to further serve the town as mayor. We won’t let erroneous press stand in his way." (Read the rest? Click title)
Nelson Harvey
Carbondale
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Ever engaged in 'just a little gossip'?
Ever held a position of power in the community? A position of trust? Ever taken a sworn oath to uphold duty?
Have you ever been a writer, an investigative reporter or columnist? Ever had the power of the media at your fingertips, either owned by another or created at your own hand?
Have a Facebook page? How about tweets, do you ever tweet 'just a little something' about what you read or hear 3rd party?
What does 'one more layer' of speculation matter? No harm, 'eventually it will work out'.
Ever had any of those kinds of thoughts?
Sure you have. You're a human being.
It's so noticeable and the topic of most conversations up and down the Roaring Fork Valley and I-70 corridor because we are one of the worst areas in the state for social abuse of others.
Yes, we are. We have an abundance of the kinds of stories like Rappaport and Condon. Don't believe it? Spend a couple months touching every single community in the state and their news sources. Do your own investigating.
Yes, we are.
Is it because we are an 'ugly people' with no conscience? Of course not. Is it because we live in an area of the state that has a higher level of material wealth, entitlement, highly intelligent professionals such as lawyers and politicians who have made their living from shrewdly calculating what others think and say? Is it because we've become so absorbed with ourselves that we don't even see decency any longer? Or is it simply logistics and the problem is a handful or two of powerful people with powerful social tools?
Could be. Maybe in part.
It's always best to take the higher road. Doing so usually gives the other person or issue exactly what they thought they wanted. Usually leads them to believe they've hit the jackpot of their own creation.
There is a world of difference between Scott Condon, who is employed by a powerful newspaper spending years targeting Glenn Rappaport with subtle flamer after subtle flamer (and) Glenn Rappaport finally stepping off to the side of that higher road with the realization that the time had come to speak to Scott Condon in a language Condon might finally hear.
A world of difference. Funny how that works when you give back to someone what that person thinks they wanted. There is no one left looking in the mirror today as Glenn's son writes in, other than Scott Condon. Very well done, Glenn.
A thank you goes out to the Aspen Daily News for being the first stop most locals make when they want their voices heard. That's an earned honor.
A special thank you goes out to Glenn's son, Nelson Harvey. For stepping off to the side of that higher road with his Dad. Well done.
"...but that’s precisely what happened. When Glenn resigned shortly thereafter, Condon’s press coverage played up complaints from some observers who thought he had acted improperly in the Rebekah Lodge case. Glenn was clean, but his name was forever sullied with the “conflict of interest” charge.
Furthermore, Condon published an article featuring concerns about the aesthetics of Glenn’s design for his proposed addition. (The design of the addition was not a part of the application.)
This set off a domino effect: The Rebekah Lodge owner scrapped the addition project, due to the negative press. Glenn lost his contract, and the town lost a pocket park. Most reporters can only dream of having this sort of impact, sinister as its effects may be.
I happen to know that Glenn resigned in 1998 for family reason — I was one of four children and step-children who had entered his life in the previous two years. Freedman’s contention, in her letter, that “ ... there is no indication that his family situation had changed,” is groundless and out of line.
Glenn Rappaport, my step-father, has been a dedicated public servant in the Roaring Fork Valley for 25 years. He has applied his energy to numerous public projects, often without compensation. His love for Basalt is unmatched, and he hopes to further serve the town as mayor. We won’t let erroneous press stand in his way." (Read the rest? Click title)
Nelson Harvey
Carbondale
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily News "Curious Nature: Spring fever means coyote love"
Jessica Foulis:
"The sun is shining. The patios are overflowing. The neon one-sies are making their appearance. It must be springtime!
Here in the valley, we all know what March brings … spring fever! We are all getting geared up for spring skiing and summer activities, and love is in the air. Believe it or not, coyotes also get spring fever as the females are in breeding condition for five days per year between January and March. Coyotes generally court for two to three months before mating for life. When they are expecting, pairs will dig a natal den in a sheltered area, much like a human couple painting the nursery. Both parents, and many times pups from previous litters, help care for the young. Pups may emerge from the den when they are as young as two weeks old and are weaned at about six weeks of age. During these first weeks, important developmental interactions occur during play with littermates. Coyotes are social animals and these play fights, with aggression, submission, and posturing, establish the groundwork for future dominance relationships. Not only is the coyote social structure similar to that of humans, but coyotes are one of the few animals whose distribution increases in conjunction with humans..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The sun is shining. The patios are overflowing. The neon one-sies are making their appearance. It must be springtime!
Here in the valley, we all know what March brings … spring fever! We are all getting geared up for spring skiing and summer activities, and love is in the air. Believe it or not, coyotes also get spring fever as the females are in breeding condition for five days per year between January and March. Coyotes generally court for two to three months before mating for life. When they are expecting, pairs will dig a natal den in a sheltered area, much like a human couple painting the nursery. Both parents, and many times pups from previous litters, help care for the young. Pups may emerge from the den when they are as young as two weeks old and are weaned at about six weeks of age. During these first weeks, important developmental interactions occur during play with littermates. Coyotes are social animals and these play fights, with aggression, submission, and posturing, establish the groundwork for future dominance relationships. Not only is the coyote social structure similar to that of humans, but coyotes are one of the few animals whose distribution increases in conjunction with humans..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race"
And the moment the world has been waiting for has finally arrived.
How did Lo Semple and Ro Marolt finish in the Power of Four race this past weekend? Exactly, how.
Aspen Daily News:
37 27 Mens 12 Lo Semple 8:46:34 8:46:36
37 27 Mens 12 Ro Marolt 8:46:36 8:46:36
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
How did Lo Semple and Ro Marolt finish in the Power of Four race this past weekend? Exactly, how.
Aspen Daily News:
37 27 Mens 12 Lo Semple 8:46:34 8:46:36
37 27 Mens 12 Ro Marolt 8:46:36 8:46:36
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 4, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Newsmax "Palin: Rep. Allen West Should Be Considered for VP"
Write a letter to a soldier. Or a thank you note to a cop. Set up pen-pal arrangements with an orphanage.
Any of those ideas are better ways to occupy your time than writing rant email to 'SandBox Nanny' over the view she is about to express over Sarah Palin.
Truly, 'kids'.
Again:
The view 'SandBox Nanny' has on any woman holding the Office of the Presidency of United States is that a woman has no business holding such a position. Can a woman do the job? Of course we can and likely a lot better than a number of the men who have held the spot. The problem is that it's a whole other world out there once female POTUS steps off American soil. Can you imagine the Taliban or Iran taking her seriously if she imposed sanctions??! Get real. 'Wait until your father gets home' is a concept that works well.
Now, VP or Sec State? You betcha. Those two spots should never be held by a man again. Would Palin make a terrific VP? You betcha. With the added bonus that putting her on a ticket with someone like Newt would guarantee a win. Putting her on a ticket with someone like Romney would at least get us one conservative in the White House.
Sarah Palin, love her or can't stand her; has been the singlemost driving force for positive change in conservative politics since Ronald Reagan. Love the Tea Party or can't stand the Tea Party, makes no difference.
The entire left has nothing but Tea Party Envy.
This idea of hers to promote Florida Rep. Allen West (R) is a good one. Ideas like this and her total lack of outward reserve in expressing herself while pushing the establishment are unifying the disenfranchised voter.
Here's to the little guy.
Let freedom ring. (Read and watch? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Any of those ideas are better ways to occupy your time than writing rant email to 'SandBox Nanny' over the view she is about to express over Sarah Palin.
Truly, 'kids'.
Again:
The view 'SandBox Nanny' has on any woman holding the Office of the Presidency of United States is that a woman has no business holding such a position. Can a woman do the job? Of course we can and likely a lot better than a number of the men who have held the spot. The problem is that it's a whole other world out there once female POTUS steps off American soil. Can you imagine the Taliban or Iran taking her seriously if she imposed sanctions??! Get real. 'Wait until your father gets home' is a concept that works well.
Now, VP or Sec State? You betcha. Those two spots should never be held by a man again. Would Palin make a terrific VP? You betcha. With the added bonus that putting her on a ticket with someone like Newt would guarantee a win. Putting her on a ticket with someone like Romney would at least get us one conservative in the White House.
Sarah Palin, love her or can't stand her; has been the singlemost driving force for positive change in conservative politics since Ronald Reagan. Love the Tea Party or can't stand the Tea Party, makes no difference.
The entire left has nothing but Tea Party Envy.
This idea of hers to promote Florida Rep. Allen West (R) is a good one. Ideas like this and her total lack of outward reserve in expressing herself while pushing the establishment are unifying the disenfranchised voter.
Here's to the little guy.
Let freedom ring. (Read and watch? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Union Leader "For what, all these wars?"
An outstanding piece from Pat Buchanan. A must read. (Click title for full column)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News " The professor and the basketball star"
(Comment ability blocked on this post)
Dave Danforth:
"...For his class, Tatge pulled together a 17-page file on the Stephens episode. It included her Twitter and Facebook profiles, the police report and court documents. It also included her permission to travel out of state for the team.
Four sorority members at Stephens’ Pi Beta Pi told her that her record was the subject of a journalism class.
“I felt embarrassed,” Stephens told The DePauw. “I felt really uncomfortable walking around. I don’t think it reflects on the person I am.” Stephens told her parents, who complained to DePauw’s vice president for student life, ramping up the case to a level where it drew the attention of national websites.
The school was caught in a dilemma. It wanted to make sure its students were comfortable, while also protecting the sanctity of the classroom. The case involved academic freedom, privacy issues, and freedom of academic expression, for starters. There were no right answers.
Stephens’ mother let loose in a letter to the paper. She accused Tatge of wanting to “create news,” and of making himself the center of a story. By targeting her daughter, Tatge was also guilty of a form of social bullying, she said. This in turn drew rebukes from other students, who questioned whether Stephens was taking responsibility. Stephens, they suggested, had put herself in harm’s way.
DePauw officials are still mulling what to do, if anything. The values at issue conflict.
Add to these values the question of police discretion. Police officers are hired by the public to protect them. But often, the public complains that they are disproportionately getting busted instead of protected by officers who are out “trolling for trouble,” in search of cases they can “clear by arrest.”
Community standards and public safety often don’t square up. Local police standards are often imported from other towns from which officers are recruited. Locals note how the community values taught to Pitkin County sheriff’s deputies clash with the more “them’s-the-breaks,” “knock-’dem-heads” practices on display in Aspen police reports.
Ultimately, citizens decide what kind of law enforcement they want, although many don’t know it. The chief local prosecutor is often elected, though local citizens differ over respect for police while scrutinizing their tactics and the integrity of their reports.
It matters when it hits home, as it did to Alison Stephens, her family, and to a distinguished visiting professor at DePauw. Its 2,400 students all know the news before it hits..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Dave Danforth:
"...For his class, Tatge pulled together a 17-page file on the Stephens episode. It included her Twitter and Facebook profiles, the police report and court documents. It also included her permission to travel out of state for the team.
Four sorority members at Stephens’ Pi Beta Pi told her that her record was the subject of a journalism class.
“I felt embarrassed,” Stephens told The DePauw. “I felt really uncomfortable walking around. I don’t think it reflects on the person I am.” Stephens told her parents, who complained to DePauw’s vice president for student life, ramping up the case to a level where it drew the attention of national websites.
The school was caught in a dilemma. It wanted to make sure its students were comfortable, while also protecting the sanctity of the classroom. The case involved academic freedom, privacy issues, and freedom of academic expression, for starters. There were no right answers.
Stephens’ mother let loose in a letter to the paper. She accused Tatge of wanting to “create news,” and of making himself the center of a story. By targeting her daughter, Tatge was also guilty of a form of social bullying, she said. This in turn drew rebukes from other students, who questioned whether Stephens was taking responsibility. Stephens, they suggested, had put herself in harm’s way.
DePauw officials are still mulling what to do, if anything. The values at issue conflict.
Add to these values the question of police discretion. Police officers are hired by the public to protect them. But often, the public complains that they are disproportionately getting busted instead of protected by officers who are out “trolling for trouble,” in search of cases they can “clear by arrest.”
Community standards and public safety often don’t square up. Local police standards are often imported from other towns from which officers are recruited. Locals note how the community values taught to Pitkin County sheriff’s deputies clash with the more “them’s-the-breaks,” “knock-’dem-heads” practices on display in Aspen police reports.
Ultimately, citizens decide what kind of law enforcement they want, although many don’t know it. The chief local prosecutor is often elected, though local citizens differ over respect for police while scrutinizing their tactics and the integrity of their reports.
It matters when it hits home, as it did to Alison Stephens, her family, and to a distinguished visiting professor at DePauw. Its 2,400 students all know the news before it hits..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "U.S. attorney: No pot shop safe from federal enforcement"
Will 2012 bring the final outcome?
Is this the year that the medical marijuana industry finally gets a straight answer on the question of whether to stay open or close the doors? Finally get a break from lawyer fees and being hassled in the business community on all kinds of levels? Be able to go to work without being afraid the cops are on their way?
Colorado US Attorney John Walsh says that it is.
Rema Rahman:
"DENVER — The U.S. attorney in Colorado says there is no such thing as "safe harbor" for pot shops.
U.S. Attorney John Walsh sent a letter Friday to a lawyer representing medical marijuana dispensaries, saying safe harbor doesn't exist for such shops because marijuana remains illegal under federal law. It was the latest in an exchange of letters between Walsh and lawyer Robert Corry regarding the location of dispensaries and how far they need to be from schools.
Walsh said in the new letter that it is at his office's discretion to take enforcement action against any and all medicinal marijuana dispensaries...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Is this the year that the medical marijuana industry finally gets a straight answer on the question of whether to stay open or close the doors? Finally get a break from lawyer fees and being hassled in the business community on all kinds of levels? Be able to go to work without being afraid the cops are on their way?
Colorado US Attorney John Walsh says that it is.
Rema Rahman:
"DENVER — The U.S. attorney in Colorado says there is no such thing as "safe harbor" for pot shops.
U.S. Attorney John Walsh sent a letter Friday to a lawyer representing medical marijuana dispensaries, saying safe harbor doesn't exist for such shops because marijuana remains illegal under federal law. It was the latest in an exchange of letters between Walsh and lawyer Robert Corry regarding the location of dispensaries and how far they need to be from schools.
Walsh said in the new letter that it is at his office's discretion to take enforcement action against any and all medicinal marijuana dispensaries...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "A skier’s best friend"
Aspen Daily News:
"Dogs in Aspen are a ubiquitous site, seen everywhere from the post office to City Hall to the numerous parks around town. And while many owners may even bring their dogs to work to lie silently in the corner of the office, there is an elite group that wake up everyone morning and really go to work. Instead of getting the morning paper, these canines strap on their harnesses, hop on the chairlift and spend the day on the mountain ready to spring into action if there is an avalanche.
There are 11 mountain rescue dogs spread across the four local mountains: three on Aspen Mountain; three on Highlands; four on Snowmass including a part-time Mountain Rescue Aspen dog and a new puppy named Piper; and this season brings the first dog to Buttermilk, Two, aptly named since she was the second born in her litter.
Lori Spence, a member of the Highlands Ski Patrol and leader of the rescue program on that mountain, said all of the dogs within the Aspen Skiing Co.’s program are owned by their handlers. The low staff turnover of patrollers helps to facilitate that approach, and is unique when compared to other resorts where the dogs belong to the companies that own them.
Although local avalanche rescue dogs were formally introduced seven years ago, Brad Benson, the leader of the program on Aspen Mountain, traces the first working canine back to 1983. Chopper worked on Highlands with his owner Chris Kessler, who was killed in a slide on Highland Bowl in 1984..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Dogs in Aspen are a ubiquitous site, seen everywhere from the post office to City Hall to the numerous parks around town. And while many owners may even bring their dogs to work to lie silently in the corner of the office, there is an elite group that wake up everyone morning and really go to work. Instead of getting the morning paper, these canines strap on their harnesses, hop on the chairlift and spend the day on the mountain ready to spring into action if there is an avalanche.
There are 11 mountain rescue dogs spread across the four local mountains: three on Aspen Mountain; three on Highlands; four on Snowmass including a part-time Mountain Rescue Aspen dog and a new puppy named Piper; and this season brings the first dog to Buttermilk, Two, aptly named since she was the second born in her litter.
Lori Spence, a member of the Highlands Ski Patrol and leader of the rescue program on that mountain, said all of the dogs within the Aspen Skiing Co.’s program are owned by their handlers. The low staff turnover of patrollers helps to facilitate that approach, and is unique when compared to other resorts where the dogs belong to the companies that own them.
Although local avalanche rescue dogs were formally introduced seven years ago, Brad Benson, the leader of the program on Aspen Mountain, traces the first working canine back to 1983. Chopper worked on Highlands with his owner Chris Kessler, who was killed in a slide on Highland Bowl in 1984..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Oak Creek musher Tom Thurston on his way in Iditarod"
"Steamboat Springs — Oak Creek musher Tom Thurston said he was gunning for a top 20 finish in this year’s Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska, and Saturday, he was well ahead of his goal.
Through the first leg of the 40th annual Iditarod, Thurston was fourth. Of course, it helped that he started fourth and that the leg, which cut 11 miles through downtown Anchorage, Alaska, was only ceremonial.
Thurston, his 16 dogs and the 66 other teams in this year’s race will get down to the real race starting Sunday in Willow. It will be the first real step toward the finish line in Nome, nearly 1,000 miles away.
Racing the event for the fourth time, Thurston enters with much greater expectations. He’s finished twice, including last year when he hoped only to make it to Nome and to build his team’s experience...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News "Biff America: Love doesn't melt the snow"
Jeffrey Bergeron:
"(Read more? Click title)...There is a story about a southern senator in the 1930 s — an avowed segregationist. After his retirement, he was a on the board of a state-run high school for the blind. The post was mostly honorary, but after many years he finally attended a function — a segregated schools dance.
The room and dance floor was divided by a rope, with black students dancing on one side, white on the other. The senator saw the ludicrousness of the situation, as neither could tell the difference. Rather, they were told by those sighted whose skin was what color. The students could feel the rope separating them, but could not see the color dividing them.
The story goes that from that moment on, the once-bigoted senator disavowed segregation.
There is a rope dividing same-sex couples from the rest of us. That rope was put up by those too unimaginative or steeped in bias and zealotry to focus on real problems or issues. That in itself is a slope as slippery as any snowy sidewalk absent the heat of love."
Jeffrey Bergeron, under the alias of Biff America, can be seen on TV-8-Summit and read in several newspapers and magazines. He can be reached at biffbreck@yahoo.com.
Biff's book “Steep, Deep and Dyslexic” is available from local book stores or at BiffAmerica.net
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"(Read more? Click title)...There is a story about a southern senator in the 1930 s — an avowed segregationist. After his retirement, he was a on the board of a state-run high school for the blind. The post was mostly honorary, but after many years he finally attended a function — a segregated schools dance.
The room and dance floor was divided by a rope, with black students dancing on one side, white on the other. The senator saw the ludicrousness of the situation, as neither could tell the difference. Rather, they were told by those sighted whose skin was what color. The students could feel the rope separating them, but could not see the color dividing them.
The story goes that from that moment on, the once-bigoted senator disavowed segregation.
There is a rope dividing same-sex couples from the rest of us. That rope was put up by those too unimaginative or steeped in bias and zealotry to focus on real problems or issues. That in itself is a slope as slippery as any snowy sidewalk absent the heat of love."
Jeffrey Bergeron, under the alias of Biff America, can be seen on TV-8-Summit and read in several newspapers and magazines. He can be reached at biffbreck@yahoo.com.
Biff's book “Steep, Deep and Dyslexic” is available from local book stores or at BiffAmerica.net
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning Photo: Sky Fire "
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Every now and then I can’t help but pick out a few sunset shots from here and there. And for as often as I’ve photographed sunsets from the meadows and wetlands near our house, I never get tired of it, and no two sunsets are alike." (See more? Click title)
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Every now and then I can’t help but pick out a few sunset shots from here and there. And for as often as I’ve photographed sunsets from the meadows and wetlands near our house, I never get tired of it, and no two sunsets are alike." (See more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Rush the uniter"
Kathleen Parker:
"WASHINGTON — Who'd have thought that Rush Limbaugh would become the great uniter in this divisive political season?
Indeed, he has united decent people of all stripes and persuasions with his vile remarks about a Georgetown Law student.
Perhaps by now you you've heard of Sandra Fluke, who created a smallish tempest when she tried to testify before a congressional committee considering the federal Health and Human Services contraception mandate and was denied a place at the (all-male) table. There really was no reason for her to testify. The subject was religious freedom versus government overreach, not contraception per se, but this detail no longer seems to matter.
Fluke stalked out of the hearing room and has enjoyed the media spotlight ever since. She did finally get to testify at an unofficial hearing convened by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, during which she focused on Republican “censorship,” which, fascinating as it sounds, was a sidebar to a non sequitur...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"WASHINGTON — Who'd have thought that Rush Limbaugh would become the great uniter in this divisive political season?
Indeed, he has united decent people of all stripes and persuasions with his vile remarks about a Georgetown Law student.
Perhaps by now you you've heard of Sandra Fluke, who created a smallish tempest when she tried to testify before a congressional committee considering the federal Health and Human Services contraception mandate and was denied a place at the (all-male) table. There really was no reason for her to testify. The subject was religious freedom versus government overreach, not contraception per se, but this detail no longer seems to matter.
Fluke stalked out of the hearing room and has enjoyed the media spotlight ever since. She did finally get to testify at an unofficial hearing convened by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, during which she focused on Republican “censorship,” which, fascinating as it sounds, was a sidebar to a non sequitur...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 3, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Conservative Black Chick "Is Money Mitt’s Ticket to Ride?"
Conservative Black Chick:
"If Romney was left to run only on his conservative credentials, voters would probably begin to see him as the emperor in The Emperor’s New Clothes, someone in desperate need of a personality and an authentic conservative mantle. In states where Mitt Romney doesn’t spend lots of money, he loses...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"If Romney was left to run only on his conservative credentials, voters would probably begin to see him as the emperor in The Emperor’s New Clothes, someone in desperate need of a personality and an authentic conservative mantle. In states where Mitt Romney doesn’t spend lots of money, he loses...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Sister Toldjah "Where is MY phone call, President @BarackObama?"
'ST':
"...I’m sure some liberals would say that because I write under a pseudonym and the people who said the above quotes were anonymous, that what they said “doesn’t matter.” Even if that were true (it isn’t), what about the prominent conservative women like Sarah Palin and Michelle Malkin who HAVE been called disgusting terms – with malicious intent – by well-known Obama-supporting liberals like Bill Maher and others? Where are their phone calls, President Obama?
In seriousness, they don’t really want a phone call from you. Nor do I. Because, unlike “feminists” who try to pass 30 year-olds off as 23 year old “law students”, none of us are interested in playing the “victim card.” We’ll leave that to desperate “progressive” women who, most of the time, can only get attention on any given issue by lying their a**es off about it! It was worth writing this post, though, to point out the glaring hypocrisy of this administration that is supposedly so “concerned” with how “courageous” are treated when they speak out.
For the record, I’m with Malkin on the issue of Rush calling Sandra Fluke a “slut” – but that doesn’t mean Fluke and her feminist hangers-on in DC are off the hook for what they’re doing, either...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"...I’m sure some liberals would say that because I write under a pseudonym and the people who said the above quotes were anonymous, that what they said “doesn’t matter.” Even if that were true (it isn’t), what about the prominent conservative women like Sarah Palin and Michelle Malkin who HAVE been called disgusting terms – with malicious intent – by well-known Obama-supporting liberals like Bill Maher and others? Where are their phone calls, President Obama?
In seriousness, they don’t really want a phone call from you. Nor do I. Because, unlike “feminists” who try to pass 30 year-olds off as 23 year old “law students”, none of us are interested in playing the “victim card.” We’ll leave that to desperate “progressive” women who, most of the time, can only get attention on any given issue by lying their a**es off about it! It was worth writing this post, though, to point out the glaring hypocrisy of this administration that is supposedly so “concerned” with how “courageous” are treated when they speak out.
For the record, I’m with Malkin on the issue of Rush calling Sandra Fluke a “slut” – but that doesn’t mean Fluke and her feminist hangers-on in DC are off the hook for what they’re doing, either...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Craig Daily Press "Local teens recall cold night spent in Routt National Forest"
Jerry Martin:
"Dig a pit and get ready to wait.
That was 17-year-old Moffat County resident Justin McAlexander’s first thought when he realized he and his two friends, brothers Jesse and Mason Burke, 17 and 13 respectively, had become stranded Feb. 19 while snowmobiling on Black Mountain near Freeman Reservoir.
“It’s instinct, you’ve got to do this to survive,” said McAlexander, who’s been involved in Boy Scouts since fifth grade and attained the rank of Life Scout.
The group set out from Craig with two snowmobiles about 7 a.m.
Two hours later, they arrived at the base of Black Mountain, an area McAlexander often snowmobiles.
For the Burke brothers, it was their first time snowmobiling in the backcountry.
“We’ve rode around on little fields with like two or three feet of snow, but this was our first time up in the mountains,” Jesse said.
The three teens said the first sign of trouble came about 1 p.m., when they arrived at an area known locally as “top of the world.” There, they encountered bad visibility and poor snow conditions, which made moving difficult.
“There was no base (to the snow), so it was all fresh powder,” McAlexander said. “Your sled digs but it never hits anything hard, so you won’t move. You just dig holes....” (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Dig a pit and get ready to wait.
That was 17-year-old Moffat County resident Justin McAlexander’s first thought when he realized he and his two friends, brothers Jesse and Mason Burke, 17 and 13 respectively, had become stranded Feb. 19 while snowmobiling on Black Mountain near Freeman Reservoir.
“It’s instinct, you’ve got to do this to survive,” said McAlexander, who’s been involved in Boy Scouts since fifth grade and attained the rank of Life Scout.
The group set out from Craig with two snowmobiles about 7 a.m.
Two hours later, they arrived at the base of Black Mountain, an area McAlexander often snowmobiles.
For the Burke brothers, it was their first time snowmobiling in the backcountry.
“We’ve rode around on little fields with like two or three feet of snow, but this was our first time up in the mountains,” Jesse said.
The three teens said the first sign of trouble came about 1 p.m., when they arrived at an area known locally as “top of the world.” There, they encountered bad visibility and poor snow conditions, which made moving difficult.
“There was no base (to the snow), so it was all fresh powder,” McAlexander said. “Your sled digs but it never hits anything hard, so you won’t move. You just dig holes....” (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Glenwood Mock Trial teams sweep regional tourney"
March 6, 2012 NOTE: There has been a correction (or is it an update/explanation?) made by coach Charlie Willman in today's Post Independent. Click here. A reminder that comments are being monitored on this local story and the problem seems to lie with the coaches and the PI's coverage. Not the kids. )
________________________________________________
What a sad, sad day for Glenwood Springs that no public acknowledgement or resolution has been made transparent by Glenwood Springs High School Mock Trial coaches.
See related story and public commentary (including from the legal community) here.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
________________________________________________
What a sad, sad day for Glenwood Springs that no public acknowledgement or resolution has been made transparent by Glenwood Springs High School Mock Trial coaches.
See related story and public commentary (including from the legal community) here.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "City supports plan to acquire bus station site"
One of these days, RFTA is going to get caught while their hand is out for mega grants like the Omnibus Spending bill, by a clear thinking politician who's going to check out every single word of their grant application.
Like.....whether or not they really have the land, means and local support from all counties and municipalities affected before they are given millions of taxpayer dollars.
John Stroud:
"A local engineer who has been working with Kum & Go on their project, Phil Harris of Boundaries Unlimited, disputed Kincade's assertion that RFTA had formally approached Rudd before the lease with Kum & Go was in the works last summer...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Like.....whether or not they really have the land, means and local support from all counties and municipalities affected before they are given millions of taxpayer dollars.
John Stroud:
"A local engineer who has been working with Kum & Go on their project, Phil Harris of Boundaries Unlimited, disputed Kincade's assertion that RFTA had formally approached Rudd before the lease with Kum & Go was in the works last summer...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Council OKs library, parking garage plans"
Is it the nature of the beast?
Or are the 'horror stories' that get spread around about architects, designers, builders and trades really true?
Or is it possible that just maybe those construction professionals really do know what they're talking about and communication is the key? Granted, it's usually communication that is not pleasant by any standards.
A special thank you again goes out to city councilman Mike Gamba and Todd Leahy for standing up at the hardest part, for a very brief time and accomplishing what previous council and many on current council could not get done in years worth of effort.
The library can now finally move forward.
John Stroud:
"“I know that wasn't a pleasant situation for anyone,” Gamba said. “But what we have now is a design we can all support..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Or are the 'horror stories' that get spread around about architects, designers, builders and trades really true?
Or is it possible that just maybe those construction professionals really do know what they're talking about and communication is the key? Granted, it's usually communication that is not pleasant by any standards.
A special thank you again goes out to city councilman Mike Gamba and Todd Leahy for standing up at the hardest part, for a very brief time and accomplishing what previous council and many on current council could not get done in years worth of effort.
The library can now finally move forward.
John Stroud:
"“I know that wasn't a pleasant situation for anyone,” Gamba said. “But what we have now is a design we can all support..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Aspen"
All credit to the father and son team of Bob and Dylan Berwyn:
March 2, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Colorado Springs Gazette "TOWN HALL: Give driver's licenses to 'illegals' (Poll)"
Colorado Springs Gazette:
"Anti-immigration activists should rejoice. They do not like perceived lawlessness of illegal immigrants and often complain that they are completely undocumented and living outside of the law. So a new plan is underway that will help change some of that. A group called “Driver’s License For All” has begun collecting signatures for a November ballot measure that would help illegal immigrants obtain Colorado driver’s licenses. To get a license, immigrants would prove where they are from and provide documentation of paying income taxes in the United States.
It’s a great idea, and we wish this campaign well. If you see them gathering signatures, by all means sign...."
(Read more? Click title)
Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/safer-134414-illegal-perceived.html#ixzz1o0CBbayR
"Anti-immigration activists should rejoice. They do not like perceived lawlessness of illegal immigrants and often complain that they are completely undocumented and living outside of the law. So a new plan is underway that will help change some of that. A group called “Driver’s License For All” has begun collecting signatures for a November ballot measure that would help illegal immigrants obtain Colorado driver’s licenses. To get a license, immigrants would prove where they are from and provide documentation of paying income taxes in the United States.
It’s a great idea, and we wish this campaign well. If you see them gathering signatures, by all means sign...."
(Read more? Click title)
Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/safer-134414-illegal-perceived.html#ixzz1o0CBbayR
SandBoxBlogs: Citizen Telegram "Moving on: Detective retiring after 22 years with Rifle Police Department"
Thank you for your service, Detective Jones.
Jenny Lavey:
"Detective William Jones wants to say something to the community of Rifle.
“Thank you.”
Following a call to service that began in 1981, Jones has become a staple in countywide law enforcement, but most notably in the Rifle Police Department.
This week, he'll be turning over his office keys, retiring after 22 years on the Rifle beat.
Reflecting on a career of public service, first as a police officer and finally as a detective, Jones calls police work “a job, but really it's not just a job.”
Charged with working in a system that keeps both the ills and good of society running, Jones says he's been honored to have worked with the team of colleagues that defines Rifle's criminal justice task force.
“It's been an honor to serve this community,” he said. “Some of the finest I have ever known are here....”
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Jenny Lavey:
"Detective William Jones wants to say something to the community of Rifle.
“Thank you.”
Following a call to service that began in 1981, Jones has become a staple in countywide law enforcement, but most notably in the Rifle Police Department.
This week, he'll be turning over his office keys, retiring after 22 years on the Rifle beat.
Reflecting on a career of public service, first as a police officer and finally as a detective, Jones calls police work “a job, but really it's not just a job.”
Charged with working in a system that keeps both the ills and good of society running, Jones says he's been honored to have worked with the team of colleagues that defines Rifle's criminal justice task force.
“It's been an honor to serve this community,” he said. “Some of the finest I have ever known are here....”
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Pueblo Chieftain "AP sources: Chief NKorea nuke envoy heading to NY"
via Pueblo Chieftain AP:
"SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea's top nuclear negotiator is heading to New York next week on the heels of a breakthrough nuclear agreement with the U.S., two people with knowledge of negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang told The Associated Press on Thursday...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea's top nuclear negotiator is heading to New York next week on the heels of a breakthrough nuclear agreement with the U.S., two people with knowledge of negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang told The Associated Press on Thursday...." (Read more? Click title)
(Jean H. Lee)
SandBoxBlogs: SkyHi Daily "Former Fraser-Winter Park Police Officer Kyle Sandusky, formally charged"
"Former Fraser-Winter Park Police Officer Kyle Sandusky, 27, was in Grand County Court on Tuesday, Feb. 28, for an advisement hearing where he was formally charged with burglary, criminal tampering , and official misconduct...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KREX News 5 "Street Crimes Unit Reimplemented to Fight Rise in Heroin Use"
Cori Coffin:
"The Grand Junction Police Department said they were working on reimplementing the Street Crimes Unit that was cut in 2010, but after realizing the urgency of this rapidly-growing problem, the department decided to start the unit right away.
“The task force primarily works on mid to high-level dealers, and the Street Crimes Unit can then target some of those lower level street dealers and users out there. It’s a great partnership,” said Kate Porras of the Grand Junction Police Department...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The Grand Junction Police Department said they were working on reimplementing the Street Crimes Unit that was cut in 2010, but after realizing the urgency of this rapidly-growing problem, the department decided to start the unit right away.
“The task force primarily works on mid to high-level dealers, and the Street Crimes Unit can then target some of those lower level street dealers and users out there. It’s a great partnership,” said Kate Porras of the Grand Junction Police Department...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Shell produces 1,700 barrels of oil from Piceance shale"
Fascinating.
That we have had how many news reports from our local paper on this incredible technology from Shell Oil?
Technology developed right here in our own backyard?
Two?
Congrats to Shell Oil on their major progress up on the Piceance Basin.
John Colson:
"The company has been working on its own privately held land in the Piceance Basin since 1996, Tucker said.
Historically, the methods used to extract the kerogen have involved mining the ore in which it is contained, transporting the ore to a “retorting” or heating plant to liquefy the kerogen and extract it from the rock, then refining the liquid for later use.
Shell has developed a number of technological innovations, including an in-situ method that involves heating the rock in place, underground, and piping the resulting flow of oil up to the surface.
Shell also is working on a “freeze-wall” technology. This method surrounds the area to be heated with a wall of supercooled rock, to prevent contamination of nearby groundwater resources while the extraction process is underway.
Tucker said the 1,700 barrels of extracted oil came from a plot that was 30 feet by 40 feet at the surface, and roughly 1,800 feet deep, on Shell property.
The process, she told reporters, employed an “in-situ conversion” technology that sinks heating elements into the ground and heats the kerogen-rich rock layers to 260 degrees Fahrenheit. The kerogen is converted from its original solid form to liquid and gas, which flow to the surface.
The freeze-wall was used to isolate the process from the surrounding subterranean region, Tucker said...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
That we have had how many news reports from our local paper on this incredible technology from Shell Oil?
Technology developed right here in our own backyard?
Two?
Congrats to Shell Oil on their major progress up on the Piceance Basin.
John Colson:
"The company has been working on its own privately held land in the Piceance Basin since 1996, Tucker said.
Historically, the methods used to extract the kerogen have involved mining the ore in which it is contained, transporting the ore to a “retorting” or heating plant to liquefy the kerogen and extract it from the rock, then refining the liquid for later use.
Shell has developed a number of technological innovations, including an in-situ method that involves heating the rock in place, underground, and piping the resulting flow of oil up to the surface.
Shell also is working on a “freeze-wall” technology. This method surrounds the area to be heated with a wall of supercooled rock, to prevent contamination of nearby groundwater resources while the extraction process is underway.
Tucker said the 1,700 barrels of extracted oil came from a plot that was 30 feet by 40 feet at the surface, and roughly 1,800 feet deep, on Shell property.
The process, she told reporters, employed an “in-situ conversion” technology that sinks heating elements into the ground and heats the kerogen-rich rock layers to 260 degrees Fahrenheit. The kerogen is converted from its original solid form to liquid and gas, which flow to the surface.
The freeze-wall was used to isolate the process from the surrounding subterranean region, Tucker said...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Condemnation a possibility for RFTA to acquire BRT site"
Finally, RFTA has a worthy opponent. Wayne Rudd. Ought to be very, very interesting to see Rudd dig in his heels should they not meet his price. That's likely to be the first legal contest that RFTA isn't going to get a lot of help from that "eight member government" of theirs that Rudd doesn't match in same strength legal force.
How very good it is to see this possibility of someone finally shedding transparency on the bully that is the Roaring Fork Transit Authority.
(Read the article? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
How very good it is to see this possibility of someone finally shedding transparency on the bully that is the Roaring Fork Transit Authority.
(Read the article? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Silt will lend $170,000 to help Dollar General store"
Hey, how about that Town of Silt, Colorado! Just look at these projections:
John Colson:
"...On Tuesday, the trustees voted unanimously to transfer $170,000 from the town's Water and Wastewater Activity Enterprise fund to a newly created Economic Development Revolving Fund. The revolving fund, according to the authorizing resolution passed by the trustees, is then to loan the $170,000 to the Silt Urban Renewal Authority.
The money is to be used to install utility lines, stormwater drains, curb and gutter, and other infrastructure.
In addition to the fund transfer, the trustees agreed to kick in $10,000 in town funds to the Dollar General Urban Renewal Project, mainly to pay for legal and engineering fees and for staff time spent on the project.
The $170,000 loan to the authority, for a period of up to 15 years, is to earn 3 percent interest. It is to be repaid from sales and property tax revenues generated by the store.
According to town documents, the new store has projected annual sales of $1 million, which is expected to generate $30,000 in annual sales tax receipts. The town also expects to receive more than $14,000 in annual property tax revenues, based on the expected $900,000 value of the Dollar General building.
In addition, the town expects the store will generate roughly $20,000 per year in tax increment financing, or TIF, payments, based on the increased taxable value of the property as a result of the efforts of the urban renewal authority..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
John Colson:
"...On Tuesday, the trustees voted unanimously to transfer $170,000 from the town's Water and Wastewater Activity Enterprise fund to a newly created Economic Development Revolving Fund. The revolving fund, according to the authorizing resolution passed by the trustees, is then to loan the $170,000 to the Silt Urban Renewal Authority.
The money is to be used to install utility lines, stormwater drains, curb and gutter, and other infrastructure.
In addition to the fund transfer, the trustees agreed to kick in $10,000 in town funds to the Dollar General Urban Renewal Project, mainly to pay for legal and engineering fees and for staff time spent on the project.
The $170,000 loan to the authority, for a period of up to 15 years, is to earn 3 percent interest. It is to be repaid from sales and property tax revenues generated by the store.
According to town documents, the new store has projected annual sales of $1 million, which is expected to generate $30,000 in annual sales tax receipts. The town also expects to receive more than $14,000 in annual property tax revenues, based on the expected $900,000 value of the Dollar General building.
In addition, the town expects the store will generate roughly $20,000 per year in tax increment financing, or TIF, payments, based on the increased taxable value of the property as a result of the efforts of the urban renewal authority..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Hardly an emergency"
From the City of Aspen on a number of issues, Garfield County BOCC and the City of Glenwood Springs on the Glenwood Adventure Park expansion and related tourism marketing; there are a number of valley-wide residents who feel similar to Mike Maple.
Mike Maple, Aspen:
"While I might not agree with some of the city's policies and decisions, I expect the city to comply with the letter and spirit of the law. Time and again, that seems to be too high a standard..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Mike Maple, Aspen:
"While I might not agree with some of the city's policies and decisions, I expect the city to comply with the letter and spirit of the law. Time and again, that seems to be too high a standard..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Three Leap Day babies born in Aspen"
Andrew Travers:
"The three newest valley residents are members of an exclusive birthday club.
JenCarlos De Leon-Gonzalez, Jake Parker Rueggeberg and Florence Willimon Serson were born here on Leap Day, Wednesday.
The trio will, technically speaking, celebrate their first birthdays on Feb. 29, 2016.
They are among about five million people worldwide born on Leap Day, the extra day appended to the end of February every four years to keep the calendar in accordance with the Earth’s rotation around the sun...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The three newest valley residents are members of an exclusive birthday club.
JenCarlos De Leon-Gonzalez, Jake Parker Rueggeberg and Florence Willimon Serson were born here on Leap Day, Wednesday.
The trio will, technically speaking, celebrate their first birthdays on Feb. 29, 2016.
They are among about five million people worldwide born on Leap Day, the extra day appended to the end of February every four years to keep the calendar in accordance with the Earth’s rotation around the sun...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Aspen Power of Four race returns to test athletes' endurance"
Jon Maletz:
"ASPEN — Pain coursed through Chris Klug's legs, stinging his quads like electric shocks as he trudged toward the summit of Highland Bowl.
“After every step, I kept thinking, ‘How am I going to do another?'” he said. “When I clipped into my snowboard and dropped into Full Curl, my legs seized up on every turn. If I crashed, I would've tomahawked all the way to the bottom — I had these visions of cartwheeling through the snow. The cramps were so bad that I could barely hit the brakes; it's a little disconcerting when you're flying down a 45-degree slope and you can't stop.”
Klug managed to descend without incident and then, somewhat surprisingly, caught a second wind for the final stretches of last season's inaugural Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race.
After 9 hours, 49 minutes, 3 seconds — and a trek that covered 25 miles across four ski areas and about 11,000 unforgiving feet of vertical gain — the former Olympian and partner Jon Gibans, an emergency-room doctor at the Snowmass Clinic, crossed the finish line at the base of Aspen Mountain's Lift 1A in 24th place.
“I was pretty psyched to arrive at the bottom. It was a bit unceremonious — I think my wife, my mom and a friend were the only ones out there,” Klug jokingly recalled. “We started (early in the morning) at Snowmass Village, and it was damn near dark by the time we finished. What a long, long day.
“It was a little more hard-core than I realized. For me, it was one of the harder races I've ever done — harder than the Elk Mountains Grand Traverse and the Leadville Trail 100. … I'm starting to wonder myself why I'm doing it again....”
(Read more? Can't wait to see how Roger Marolt fares? Click title and stay tuned)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"ASPEN — Pain coursed through Chris Klug's legs, stinging his quads like electric shocks as he trudged toward the summit of Highland Bowl.
“After every step, I kept thinking, ‘How am I going to do another?'” he said. “When I clipped into my snowboard and dropped into Full Curl, my legs seized up on every turn. If I crashed, I would've tomahawked all the way to the bottom — I had these visions of cartwheeling through the snow. The cramps were so bad that I could barely hit the brakes; it's a little disconcerting when you're flying down a 45-degree slope and you can't stop.”
Klug managed to descend without incident and then, somewhat surprisingly, caught a second wind for the final stretches of last season's inaugural Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race.
After 9 hours, 49 minutes, 3 seconds — and a trek that covered 25 miles across four ski areas and about 11,000 unforgiving feet of vertical gain — the former Olympian and partner Jon Gibans, an emergency-room doctor at the Snowmass Clinic, crossed the finish line at the base of Aspen Mountain's Lift 1A in 24th place.
“I was pretty psyched to arrive at the bottom. It was a bit unceremonious — I think my wife, my mom and a friend were the only ones out there,” Klug jokingly recalled. “We started (early in the morning) at Snowmass Village, and it was damn near dark by the time we finished. What a long, long day.
“It was a little more hard-core than I realized. For me, it was one of the harder races I've ever done — harder than the Elk Mountains Grand Traverse and the Leadville Trail 100. … I'm starting to wonder myself why I'm doing it again....”
(Read more? Can't wait to see how Roger Marolt fares? Click title and stay tuned)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
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