And it only took at least a decade of local voices refusing to 'be quiet'.
The resulting boycotts and mass exodus to places like Vail, from locals and tourists with a conscience who have been observing the social persecution and pillorying of anyone trying for economic equality with living wages, anyone bringing alleged soft corruption (heck, maybe even hard corruption) issues to light, anyone refusing to be gouged with outrageous pricing and few amenities, anyone who is global weary of the social class structure and pecking order of Aspen and Big Money and anyone who really is genuinely in favor of the DEA and FBI hanging out around the area and focused on Aspen; must have finally dug a trench in the Crown Family and the Aspen Ski Corp bottom line profits.
After all, it was well over 14 years ago that Vail determined it was appropriate and necessary to provide things like mountain biking, kayak parks and year round offerings to the folks. Which is precisely the reason that they have been able to enjoy $35 million annual profits, spend $70 million on new lifts after spending mega-money the year before on improvements to the mountain. Oh, yes. And repeatedly landing world class sporting venues and events.
Looks like (if no further national and world economic recessions happen) we can count on this new energy from the powers that be up in the Skico to finally get game on if they start building now, in what, 10 years?
Wasn't it Johnny Boyd who was talking up turning base village into a high end gambling casino venue? That might be faster.
Johnny Boyd:
"As skiing becomes an iffy proposition in the future, the SkiCo has finally decided that mountain biking really is fun and might be a good way to make some money. Whistler is a huge destination for bikers of all ages and Keystone has a gnarly reputation for summer fun. SkiCo should be able to blow both of those upstarts off the map.
It looks like Snowmass could become the place to be later in the summer. The SkiCo has commissioned at least one awesome trail on the Elk Camp side of the mountain. This trail was built by the company Gravity Logic, and has excellent flow and, for those young enough to leave the ground, the possibility of big air. If you haven’t ridden it yet, you should head to Snowmass as soon as the snow melts. It’s almost as fun as a powder day.
The one disappointing addition to Elk Camp is the Vapor Trail. I’m not too sure what it is supposed to be when it grows up, but I hope the SkiCo brings in someone to redesign it and give it the flow that it needs to become a popular trail.
When the SkiCo decided to move all summer operations to the Elk Camp gondola it abandoned many perfectly good trails on the Sam’s Knob end of the mountain. The downhill course used by Blast the Mass and NORBA competitors was described as “neglected” by the racers I talked with last year. Instead of letting these trails revegetate, the SkiCo needs to make the commitment to summer and think about opening the entire mountain.
The trails on the western side of Snowmass run ridge lines with views forever and drop through aspen forests in amazingly technical descents that riders would flock to Snowmass for. Plus, there is plenty of room for more trails and terrain parks.
Mountain biking amenities need to be modeled like skiing. Instructors teaching the skills needed to ride a bike should be lined up at Base Village just like in the winter. Video of the day’s class could be posted to the Internet so the folks back home who paid for Junior’s trip to Snowmass Village can see the little tyke’s progress.
If the commitment to summer downhill sports is certain, it makes sense to open both sides of the mountain. Running the Village Express six-pack and the Elk Camp Gondola sends bikers into all kinds of terrain. There are no finer views than the top of Sam’s Knob, which opens other money-making possibilities for the SkiCo.
As winter as we know it becomes more and more doubtful with the change of climates the Aspen area is experiencing, the summer activities have to take center stage for the SkiCo. By running two lifts and turning on the marketing to let riders know what we’re doing, we could become a bigger summer biking destination than Whistler. In fact, the possibilities are endless and could make summer as busy as winter for the SkiCo....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
April 16, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Project aims to spruce up concert pavilion"
Who ya gonna call?
81601 small businesses, marketing and economic development have needed a hero for a very long time.
Breaking the glass ceiling of 81601 and surrounding areas, in order to really get any ability to act with full community involvement on ideas, concerns, concepts and actual manifestation of viable tourism infrastructure, has been a long slog and uphill climb for many.
The stringent hold on public cash flows, the hopelessness (at times) brought on by entrenched politics and complacent media, strong and growing more apparent as valid allegations of cronyism that serves only a few, have only begun to be overcome by individuals and small groups over the past three years.
A rise in small groups of business folks, tourism related folks and leaders really showed up in earnest over the past six to seven years. With a growing trend towards sub-groups and organizations seizing opportunities to "do something" about each of their own special interest needs. Just like the guys shown in this article that are taking on the restoration of the pavillion.
One of the assets of 81601, that 'big power' has refused to look at cultivating, is Two Rivers Park. And the stretch of the Colorado River from that point and down to Exit 114, the related geothermal asset and that prime visual appeal in that area to I-70 and the entrance into East Glenwood Canyon.
Two Rivers has the potential to be a huge year-round tourist and local economic draw.
A few years back, a guy by the name of Jason Carey and his River Restoration organization said to 'heck with it', and near single-handed (with a background bunch of Tourism Lions poo-poo'ing the concept) built the whitewater park at Exit 114. Now one of our biggest draws and doubling Carey's cred as a very popular local hangout. Of course, and long after the fact, now an extremely popular marketing push with the 'Lions' and their tourism marketing.
Imagine a world, where the City of Glenwood Springs city council did an immediate 180 degree turn and decided to just stop. Just stop the tunnel-vision, entrenched in the past politics and back-stroking. Seized hold and full control of where every dime of tourism and economic development funds is spent, ceased and eliminated non-producing promotions and ads that do not yield 100% + actual cash in business pockets returns. Not pie-in-the-sky sales pitches. Sat down and took a page, from some of the most successful in the Rocky Mount region destination resorts, and actually invested financially in the building of tourism and economic related infrastructure.
'Build it and they will come'.
Imagine a world where right now, they went after GOCO grants and all resources out there that would feed money into an organization such as the 'Two Rivers Pavillion' group, then enjoined the combined financial strength into manifesting our assets, like Two Rivers Park, into a stand alone destination that would thrive as a natural draw when completed.
In the meantime, the folks will rely on these guys, and all the others like them that are actively, each and every day with their own strengths and focuses, pounding cracks into that glass ceiling of 81601. Hopefully, it won't be too many more years before that ceiling is shattered and tossed out, leaving equal balance for the entire community behind. Sunlight, fresh air and an unobstructed view of the entire community of Glenwood Springs.
Who ya gonna call?
Just look at these shining faces in the PI photo. We have another group of local heroes.
(whisper...whisper... (yes, this is a "whispering campaign"...)....folks: pay special attention to the last snippet of Stroud's...whisper...whisper....)
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — A group of local music enthusiasts and designers are working to draw up and raise money for some long-needed improvements to the outdoor music venue at Two Rivers Park, including a roof extension over the stage.
After the final concert of the 2011 Glenwood Springs Summer of Music series with rhythm and blues singer Hazel Miller got rained out last August, Glenwood Springs residents Matt Soltesz and David Darling took it upon themselves to launch the Two Rivers Pavilion Project.
Soltesz and Darling are both members of the Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts' Summer of Music Committee. They also both work professionally as lighting designers and audio technicians for various music events around the area.
“Our goal is to have a more reliable, more functional space that people can use for a variety of events,” Soltesz said. “It is a unique facility, located right on I-70, that could host some larger events in the future if it can be modernized.....
.......“We want to make this a community project, and open it up to anyone who would like to help,” Darling said......." (Read more? Click title)
81601 small businesses, marketing and economic development have needed a hero for a very long time.
Breaking the glass ceiling of 81601 and surrounding areas, in order to really get any ability to act with full community involvement on ideas, concerns, concepts and actual manifestation of viable tourism infrastructure, has been a long slog and uphill climb for many.
The stringent hold on public cash flows, the hopelessness (at times) brought on by entrenched politics and complacent media, strong and growing more apparent as valid allegations of cronyism that serves only a few, have only begun to be overcome by individuals and small groups over the past three years.
A rise in small groups of business folks, tourism related folks and leaders really showed up in earnest over the past six to seven years. With a growing trend towards sub-groups and organizations seizing opportunities to "do something" about each of their own special interest needs. Just like the guys shown in this article that are taking on the restoration of the pavillion.
One of the assets of 81601, that 'big power' has refused to look at cultivating, is Two Rivers Park. And the stretch of the Colorado River from that point and down to Exit 114, the related geothermal asset and that prime visual appeal in that area to I-70 and the entrance into East Glenwood Canyon.
Two Rivers has the potential to be a huge year-round tourist and local economic draw.
A few years back, a guy by the name of Jason Carey and his River Restoration organization said to 'heck with it', and near single-handed (with a background bunch of Tourism Lions poo-poo'ing the concept) built the whitewater park at Exit 114. Now one of our biggest draws and doubling Carey's cred as a very popular local hangout. Of course, and long after the fact, now an extremely popular marketing push with the 'Lions' and their tourism marketing.
Imagine a world, where the City of Glenwood Springs city council did an immediate 180 degree turn and decided to just stop. Just stop the tunnel-vision, entrenched in the past politics and back-stroking. Seized hold and full control of where every dime of tourism and economic development funds is spent, ceased and eliminated non-producing promotions and ads that do not yield 100% + actual cash in business pockets returns. Not pie-in-the-sky sales pitches. Sat down and took a page, from some of the most successful in the Rocky Mount region destination resorts, and actually invested financially in the building of tourism and economic related infrastructure.
'Build it and they will come'.
Imagine a world where right now, they went after GOCO grants and all resources out there that would feed money into an organization such as the 'Two Rivers Pavillion' group, then enjoined the combined financial strength into manifesting our assets, like Two Rivers Park, into a stand alone destination that would thrive as a natural draw when completed.
In the meantime, the folks will rely on these guys, and all the others like them that are actively, each and every day with their own strengths and focuses, pounding cracks into that glass ceiling of 81601. Hopefully, it won't be too many more years before that ceiling is shattered and tossed out, leaving equal balance for the entire community behind. Sunlight, fresh air and an unobstructed view of the entire community of Glenwood Springs.
Who ya gonna call?
Just look at these shining faces in the PI photo. We have another group of local heroes.
(whisper...whisper... (yes, this is a "whispering campaign"...)....folks: pay special attention to the last snippet of Stroud's...whisper...whisper....)
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — A group of local music enthusiasts and designers are working to draw up and raise money for some long-needed improvements to the outdoor music venue at Two Rivers Park, including a roof extension over the stage.
After the final concert of the 2011 Glenwood Springs Summer of Music series with rhythm and blues singer Hazel Miller got rained out last August, Glenwood Springs residents Matt Soltesz and David Darling took it upon themselves to launch the Two Rivers Pavilion Project.
Soltesz and Darling are both members of the Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts' Summer of Music Committee. They also both work professionally as lighting designers and audio technicians for various music events around the area.
“Our goal is to have a more reliable, more functional space that people can use for a variety of events,” Soltesz said. “It is a unique facility, located right on I-70, that could host some larger events in the future if it can be modernized.....
.......“We want to make this a community project, and open it up to anyone who would like to help,” Darling said......." (Read more? Click title)
"What we each personally believe, comes forward from our perceptions throughout our lifetime. What we think we see, becomes what we believe. What we actually see, comes from what we perceive."
SandBoxBlogs: Pueblo Chieftain "Comments sought on geothermal leases"
Matt Hildner:
"MONTE VISTA — The Bureau of Land Management has extended the comment period on a draft study of leasing policies for geothermal energy in the San Luis Valley.
The comment period has been extended to April 24.
The draft environmental assessment identifies public lands in the valley with the potential for geothermal development.
It also lists the stipulations that would be tied to any leases issued by the agency...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"MONTE VISTA — The Bureau of Land Management has extended the comment period on a draft study of leasing policies for geothermal energy in the San Luis Valley.
The comment period has been extended to April 24.
The draft environmental assessment identifies public lands in the valley with the potential for geothermal development.
It also lists the stipulations that would be tied to any leases issued by the agency...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Ecotravel: Carbon-neutral Antarctica voyages start this year"
(whisper...whisper (yes, it's a "whispering campaign"...)...dear 'hammerandnails':....do you remember what an epiphany it was for you, after all the years of both of us digging in our heels and refusing to budge...when you realized that I was "right" that the logical sequence for paint crews and tile crews was nowhere near what the majority of building contractors put into project scheduling?....whisper...whisper...and now...you have your heels dug in as deep whenever any painter or tile guy tries to use the "old way" methods and you will not let them?....whisper...whisper...there really is a message for you in all this penguin, sea lions and Antarctica posting I am doing lately....whisper...whisper...a message just for you....maybe the "answer" to your frustration with me is the same as it was way back then with paint and tile....whisper....just stop for a bit and ask me....listen....try out what I show you with 110% effort to make it work....whisper...whisper.... love, Nanny...whisper...whisper..see related link here...)
April 15, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Not a choice between the two"
William L. Robinson:
"However, you seem to have missed the real point of the resolution. It is a proposal to let the people of Colorado decide, not the environmental lobby at the capital. That would be government by the people, a notion which I think we all cherish. And if the resolution passed, and if the voters approved it, then the answer to the question of whether it would divert funds from existing lottery proceeds or add to them would be answered — by the free market choice of those who purchase tickets. That is another principle we cherish; a free market economy.
So why would the commissioners write the legislators urging them to kill this referendum? Is it perchance because they fear the people might decide that meeting the crushing needs of our returning veterans is worth some minimal risk to well funded environmental interests?
As an aside, let me add that at the first hearing on the resolution last week, it was sad to see the acrimony between the environmental and education lobby on one side and the veterans, who use, enjoy and value those institutions, but desperately seek some way to help their fellow returning veterans...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"However, you seem to have missed the real point of the resolution. It is a proposal to let the people of Colorado decide, not the environmental lobby at the capital. That would be government by the people, a notion which I think we all cherish. And if the resolution passed, and if the voters approved it, then the answer to the question of whether it would divert funds from existing lottery proceeds or add to them would be answered — by the free market choice of those who purchase tickets. That is another principle we cherish; a free market economy.
So why would the commissioners write the legislators urging them to kill this referendum? Is it perchance because they fear the people might decide that meeting the crushing needs of our returning veterans is worth some minimal risk to well funded environmental interests?
As an aside, let me add that at the first hearing on the resolution last week, it was sad to see the acrimony between the environmental and education lobby on one side and the veterans, who use, enjoy and value those institutions, but desperately seek some way to help their fellow returning veterans...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Durango Herald "Taliban attack Pakistan prison, free 380 prisoners"
How can this be?
Our thoughts are with and our hearts go out to 380 American military families who have each lost a soldier to the Taliban. For every single one of these prisoners of war that have escaped in Pakistan, an American lost their life.
How can this be? And again, Pakistani government.
Thank you so much for your service and generosity in letting that soldier go.
ISHTIAQ MAHSUD:
"They were carrying modern and heavy weapons," said Zahid Khan. "They fired rockets."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Our thoughts are with and our hearts go out to 380 American military families who have each lost a soldier to the Taliban. For every single one of these prisoners of war that have escaped in Pakistan, an American lost their life.
How can this be? And again, Pakistani government.
Thank you so much for your service and generosity in letting that soldier go.
ISHTIAQ MAHSUD:
"They were carrying modern and heavy weapons," said Zahid Khan. "They fired rockets."
Once inside the building, the attackers headed straight to the area of the prison where death-row prisoners were being kept, he said. They fought with guards for around two hours, setting part of the prison on fire before freeing the 380 inmates, including at least 20 "very dangerous Taliban militants," said Shafique...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Pueblo Chieftain "Man arrested with 3 1/2 kilos of coke "
(See related to post comment story here)
Gosh...wonder which source access he uses. A Mexican drug cartel or Hezbollah? Or (shudders...gasps...dare she say it?) Americans?
"A man was arrested Friday in possession of 3 1/2 kilograms of cocaine, police said.
Louis P. Figueroa, 32, was arrested after trying to hide from police on a roof in the 2200 block of East Evans Avenue.
The cocaine Figueroa reportedly had is worth more than $663,000, an affidavit by narcotic Detective Mark Bravo said.
Police on Friday had been surveilling Figueroa's home, located in the 2100 block of Wyoming Avenue, when they saw him leave with a brown duffle bag.
The affidavit said narcotic detectives were walking up to talk to him when he fled in a car, nearly hitting Detective John Guerrero, who responded by firing a shot at the car.
Patrol officers soon located Figueroa on Evans Avenue hiding on a roof.
Two houses down, police located the brown bag, which contained the bricks of coke.
The affidavit said police found $9,000 in cash in Figueroa's car and a 20-ton hydraulic press in his basement that is believed to be used in packaging kilos of cocaine.
Figueroa was being held in Pueblo County jail without bail pending a court appearance."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Gosh...wonder which source access he uses. A Mexican drug cartel or Hezbollah? Or (shudders...gasps...dare she say it?) Americans?
"A man was arrested Friday in possession of 3 1/2 kilograms of cocaine, police said.
Louis P. Figueroa, 32, was arrested after trying to hide from police on a roof in the 2200 block of East Evans Avenue.
The cocaine Figueroa reportedly had is worth more than $663,000, an affidavit by narcotic Detective Mark Bravo said.
Police on Friday had been surveilling Figueroa's home, located in the 2100 block of Wyoming Avenue, when they saw him leave with a brown duffle bag.
The affidavit said narcotic detectives were walking up to talk to him when he fled in a car, nearly hitting Detective John Guerrero, who responded by firing a shot at the car.
Patrol officers soon located Figueroa on Evans Avenue hiding on a roof.
Two houses down, police located the brown bag, which contained the bricks of coke.
The affidavit said police found $9,000 in cash in Figueroa's car and a 20-ton hydraulic press in his basement that is believed to be used in packaging kilos of cocaine.
Figueroa was being held in Pueblo County jail without bail pending a court appearance."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News "Tamara Drangstveit and Rob Murphy: Why support our local working families?"
It looks like the big dust-up over in Summit County regarding living wage, affordable housing (and all related issues) and struggling working families has finally come to a peak.
So, let's gather up a few links out of the past few weeks of dozens of links available, and toss some of it up.
First, let's deal with reality for the little guy:
Tamara Drangstveit and Rob Murphy:
"...The Colorado Self-Sufficiency Standard is a tool for understanding the economic challenges of low- and moderate-income families. This county-by-county measure describes a “self-sufficiency wage,” or amount that a family must earn to avoid relying on public or private assistance, for a variety of family types. In Summit County, for example, a single parent with an infant must earn $23.24 per hour full-time, or a little over $49,000 per year. A couple with an infant and preschooler must earn $18.21 per hour per adult, or $76,939 annually. The standard only looks at the basic needs of families; housing, food, child care, health care and transportation.
The standard indicates a large gap between “poverty” and “self-sufficiency” in Summit County. The 2012 Federal Poverty Level for the first family is $18,920, and for the second family $28,820. While there are families in Summit who earn at or below federal poverty level, there are far more who earn above it, but still fail to meet the Self-Sufficiency Standard.
So how do these standards compare to the realities of the local workforce? In 2010, nearly 50 percent of jobs in Summit were in the accommodation/food service industry, with an average annual wage of $23,348. This level of income does lend itself to self-sufficiency.
Housing and child care costs are typically the largest pieces of a family's budget. The challenge of affording housing and child care costs is faced not only by lower-earning families, but middle-income parents as well. This includes long-time locals who alternate between different types of seasonal work, those who work multiple part-time jobs to try and make ends meet, and those who work year-round, full-time and still struggle to keep up.
Child care is near the top the of expense list. The Self-Sufficiency Standard's estimated monthly child care cost for the single parent with an infant is $838, and for couple with an infant and preschooler, $2,034 (note the child care expense for the second family far exceeds even a typical rent payment for a 2-bedroom apartment). When combined with a budget where at least 30 percent, and sometimes more than 50 percent is allocated for rent, there's not much left at the end of the month for other basic needs like food, transportation, and health care." (Read more? Click title)
Now, let's hear only exactly what he said from the guy who lit the fuse that set off the big dust-up, Frank Kent of Breckenridge:
"First, a warm welcome to the new Breckenridge Town Council members. Second, lets get to work! Here is some advice for the entire council:
1) Now is the right time to establish new and better priorities for our town. Focus on restoring basic services. Cut out the social welfare programs. (Granted..he might should have put quotation marks around the buzz kill words of 'social welfare')
2) Stop the imaginative and illogical rationalizations that attempt to justify wasteful spending on child care and affordable housing; Mayor Warner being the worst offender. Describing local government waste as “just another town amenity” is dumb. No one I know thinks spending on things that serve the entire community like fire/police protection, public works, open space, rec center or the golf course is the same as making transfer payments to a select few. There is no comparison. I suggest you start here: Cut out all funding for spending that benefits less than 15 percent of Breckenridge residents. Then, improve funding for basic services that serve the entire town and its visitors.
3) Start making decisions based on real and current data. There are tons of existing deed-restricted houses for sale. Building more hurts our community. Likewise, local daycare centers are at less than 70 percent capacity with 66 percent of children enrolled not even living in Breckenridge. Common sense dictates spending in these areas should be zero in the current environment. Just keep an eye on the facts and adjust in the future if things change.
Many of us are counting on the new council to set a new direction. With corrected priorities we can all be optimistic about maintaining our town's character while achieving sensible economic development."
(Read the original letter? Click the link to Frank's name)
Now, let's toss up a few 'interpretations' of what Frank said. Click the links to read:
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20120408/LETTER/120409849/1025&parentprofile=1058
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20120411/LETTER/120419997/1025&parentprofile=1058
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20120414/LETTER/120419923/1025&parentprofile=1058
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20120414/LETTER/120419926/1025&parentprofile=1058
To read the shameless exploiting by the Summit Daily with subsequent articles, etc. after Frank's letter came out; just surf what is usually a pretty balanced newspaper that is usually respectable in its presentations. Just click here to get to the current day front page.
Here's what 'SandBox Nanny' hears Frank 'just sayin':
1. He's obviously been around the area for awhile and understands that the real problem with "affordable housing" and "employee housing" is a developer taking advantage problem ultimately. Not the folks in the houses themselves. Notice his reference to the major gut of open deed restricted housing in Breckenridge. (whisper...whisper...sounds like Pitkin, Garfield and Eagle counties, doesn't it?...whisper...whisper...)
2. He's paying for that child care and wants the rules enforced. The rules are you have to live in Breckenridge. He's not saying chuck the kiddos and parents out in the cold, bitter winter with no place to go. Just make the ones that do not live in Breck stay in their own towns with that supplied child care. (whisper....whisper....sort of sounds like our illegal foreign nationals and unsecured borders problem, doesn't it...whisper...whisper...and again... like Pitkin, Garfield and Eagle counties...whisper...whisper...)
3. On child care, he's also saying that he understands the issue. Adjust in the future when there are changes. Adapt, be flexible and go for win-win. (whisper...whisper...gosh...maybe he's hinting at government and the parents using child care sit down and really look for solutions...whisper...whisper....)
Now, go back up and re-read Tamara and Rob's reality check for the folks. How does anyone know that Frank Kent isn't one of those falling in self-sufficiency brackets? If he isn't, betcha he knows what the reality of those brackets are. It shows in his informed content of his letter.
Where does the real fix on all things 'deed-restricted' lie?
Could it possibly be in the cleaning up of the soft corruption in the development, building and planning and cronyism within local governments? Just imagine a world where no one was milking easy access in order to get a big personal pay day on a build at the same time they eventually hold the nest egg of getting that deed restricted housing 'back' when it starts to fall apart or renters/owners have personal issues while keeping up with the ridiculous rules that treat them as....well...basically chattel.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
So, let's gather up a few links out of the past few weeks of dozens of links available, and toss some of it up.
First, let's deal with reality for the little guy:
Tamara Drangstveit and Rob Murphy:
"...The Colorado Self-Sufficiency Standard is a tool for understanding the economic challenges of low- and moderate-income families. This county-by-county measure describes a “self-sufficiency wage,” or amount that a family must earn to avoid relying on public or private assistance, for a variety of family types. In Summit County, for example, a single parent with an infant must earn $23.24 per hour full-time, or a little over $49,000 per year. A couple with an infant and preschooler must earn $18.21 per hour per adult, or $76,939 annually. The standard only looks at the basic needs of families; housing, food, child care, health care and transportation.
The standard indicates a large gap between “poverty” and “self-sufficiency” in Summit County. The 2012 Federal Poverty Level for the first family is $18,920, and for the second family $28,820. While there are families in Summit who earn at or below federal poverty level, there are far more who earn above it, but still fail to meet the Self-Sufficiency Standard.
So how do these standards compare to the realities of the local workforce? In 2010, nearly 50 percent of jobs in Summit were in the accommodation/food service industry, with an average annual wage of $23,348. This level of income does lend itself to self-sufficiency.
Housing and child care costs are typically the largest pieces of a family's budget. The challenge of affording housing and child care costs is faced not only by lower-earning families, but middle-income parents as well. This includes long-time locals who alternate between different types of seasonal work, those who work multiple part-time jobs to try and make ends meet, and those who work year-round, full-time and still struggle to keep up.
Child care is near the top the of expense list. The Self-Sufficiency Standard's estimated monthly child care cost for the single parent with an infant is $838, and for couple with an infant and preschooler, $2,034 (note the child care expense for the second family far exceeds even a typical rent payment for a 2-bedroom apartment). When combined with a budget where at least 30 percent, and sometimes more than 50 percent is allocated for rent, there's not much left at the end of the month for other basic needs like food, transportation, and health care." (Read more? Click title)
Now, let's hear only exactly what he said from the guy who lit the fuse that set off the big dust-up, Frank Kent of Breckenridge:
"First, a warm welcome to the new Breckenridge Town Council members. Second, lets get to work! Here is some advice for the entire council:
1) Now is the right time to establish new and better priorities for our town. Focus on restoring basic services. Cut out the social welfare programs. (Granted..he might should have put quotation marks around the buzz kill words of 'social welfare')
2) Stop the imaginative and illogical rationalizations that attempt to justify wasteful spending on child care and affordable housing; Mayor Warner being the worst offender. Describing local government waste as “just another town amenity” is dumb. No one I know thinks spending on things that serve the entire community like fire/police protection, public works, open space, rec center or the golf course is the same as making transfer payments to a select few. There is no comparison. I suggest you start here: Cut out all funding for spending that benefits less than 15 percent of Breckenridge residents. Then, improve funding for basic services that serve the entire town and its visitors.
3) Start making decisions based on real and current data. There are tons of existing deed-restricted houses for sale. Building more hurts our community. Likewise, local daycare centers are at less than 70 percent capacity with 66 percent of children enrolled not even living in Breckenridge. Common sense dictates spending in these areas should be zero in the current environment. Just keep an eye on the facts and adjust in the future if things change.
Many of us are counting on the new council to set a new direction. With corrected priorities we can all be optimistic about maintaining our town's character while achieving sensible economic development."
(Read the original letter? Click the link to Frank's name)
Now, let's toss up a few 'interpretations' of what Frank said. Click the links to read:
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20120408/LETTER/120409849/1025&parentprofile=1058
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20120411/LETTER/120419997/1025&parentprofile=1058
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20120414/LETTER/120419923/1025&parentprofile=1058
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20120414/LETTER/120419926/1025&parentprofile=1058
To read the shameless exploiting by the Summit Daily with subsequent articles, etc. after Frank's letter came out; just surf what is usually a pretty balanced newspaper that is usually respectable in its presentations. Just click here to get to the current day front page.
Here's what 'SandBox Nanny' hears Frank 'just sayin':
1. He's obviously been around the area for awhile and understands that the real problem with "affordable housing" and "employee housing" is a developer taking advantage problem ultimately. Not the folks in the houses themselves. Notice his reference to the major gut of open deed restricted housing in Breckenridge. (whisper...whisper...sounds like Pitkin, Garfield and Eagle counties, doesn't it?...whisper...whisper...)
2. He's paying for that child care and wants the rules enforced. The rules are you have to live in Breckenridge. He's not saying chuck the kiddos and parents out in the cold, bitter winter with no place to go. Just make the ones that do not live in Breck stay in their own towns with that supplied child care. (whisper....whisper....sort of sounds like our illegal foreign nationals and unsecured borders problem, doesn't it...whisper...whisper...and again... like Pitkin, Garfield and Eagle counties...whisper...whisper...)
3. On child care, he's also saying that he understands the issue. Adjust in the future when there are changes. Adapt, be flexible and go for win-win. (whisper...whisper...gosh...maybe he's hinting at government and the parents using child care sit down and really look for solutions...whisper...whisper....)
Now, go back up and re-read Tamara and Rob's reality check for the folks. How does anyone know that Frank Kent isn't one of those falling in self-sufficiency brackets? If he isn't, betcha he knows what the reality of those brackets are. It shows in his informed content of his letter.
Where does the real fix on all things 'deed-restricted' lie?
Could it possibly be in the cleaning up of the soft corruption in the development, building and planning and cronyism within local governments? Just imagine a world where no one was milking easy access in order to get a big personal pay day on a build at the same time they eventually hold the nest egg of getting that deed restricted housing 'back' when it starts to fall apart or renters/owners have personal issues while keeping up with the ridiculous rules that treat them as....well...basically chattel.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "A whole new animal enters valley transit scene"
And....(drum roll, please)....all these bells and whistles and new busses that will still be running up and down the valley from Rifle to Aspen with partial loads 'round the clock'..........only cost us........$46 million bucks!!!!
Yowza! Such a deal.
Do you think that the entire 'RFTA on Steroids' campaign was boondoggled by local governments because they 'somehow' got the idea that if folks could ride faster to Aspen it would all pay for itself with a gazillion new riders? Remember those voting breakdowns now when 'voters passed' those bonds. All those special interests beating the drum and the minority isolated pockets who support them barely, barely got the thing passed. With a lot of unhappy folks just saying NO. Come to think of it, they never mentioned all the forcing of imminent domain and the little technicality that they had no real plan in place for the actual infrastructure before they put in on the ballot, did they? Remember now, fares are yet to be determined and the travel time is still just a guesstimate.
Oh, sure...there's always money for RFTA.
Scott Condon:
"The goal will be for VelociRFTA buses to make the trip between Aspen and Glenwood Springs in one hour...."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Yowza! Such a deal.
Do you think that the entire 'RFTA on Steroids' campaign was boondoggled by local governments because they 'somehow' got the idea that if folks could ride faster to Aspen it would all pay for itself with a gazillion new riders? Remember those voting breakdowns now when 'voters passed' those bonds. All those special interests beating the drum and the minority isolated pockets who support them barely, barely got the thing passed. With a lot of unhappy folks just saying NO. Come to think of it, they never mentioned all the forcing of imminent domain and the little technicality that they had no real plan in place for the actual infrastructure before they put in on the ballot, did they? Remember now, fares are yet to be determined and the travel time is still just a guesstimate.
Oh, sure...there's always money for RFTA.
Scott Condon:
"The goal will be for VelociRFTA buses to make the trip between Aspen and Glenwood Springs in one hour...."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "A year without purpose"
Max Vadnais:
"ASPEN — As an avid backcountry skier, this season has obviously been a conundrum of hope without results. After spending last year in the Wasatch range over in Utah and having 700-plus inches of snowfall and a perfect stability of snowpack all year, this season has been one of just training, but for what?
Of course there are many uphill competitions to take part in here in the Roaring Fork Valley, but like many others I enjoy the adventure of being out beyond the resorts and in the middle of exotic terrain that gets the heartbeat pounding and adrenaline flowing. So, where do we stand this year?
With the avalanche danger being the highest in 30 years here in Colorado, the simple answer is: We are at a monumental, if not total, loss. The more complex answer, however, is that this is a year to expand the horizon of what and where we ski....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"ASPEN — As an avid backcountry skier, this season has obviously been a conundrum of hope without results. After spending last year in the Wasatch range over in Utah and having 700-plus inches of snowfall and a perfect stability of snowpack all year, this season has been one of just training, but for what?
Of course there are many uphill competitions to take part in here in the Roaring Fork Valley, but like many others I enjoy the adventure of being out beyond the resorts and in the middle of exotic terrain that gets the heartbeat pounding and adrenaline flowing. So, where do we stand this year?
With the avalanche danger being the highest in 30 years here in Colorado, the simple answer is: We are at a monumental, if not total, loss. The more complex answer, however, is that this is a year to expand the horizon of what and where we ski....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "On the fly: What a difference"
Kirk Webb:
"BASALT — What a difference a year can make. Last year at this time we still had huge amounts of snow in the high country followed by one of largest runoffs on record. Fishing was challenging to say the least. Even the normally tame waters of the Fryingpan River were in excess of 800 cubic feet per second. Flows on the Roaring Fork River were so high and discolored that fly fishing outfitters and guide services were not able to do a commercial float trip until the middle of July.
Fast forward to the present and you'll find below-average snowpack and low water flows. Currently the Fryingpan River is flowing around 60 cfs and the Roaring Fork River is still clear and running at lower-than-normal flows. So what does all of this mean for fly anglers?..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"BASALT — What a difference a year can make. Last year at this time we still had huge amounts of snow in the high country followed by one of largest runoffs on record. Fishing was challenging to say the least. Even the normally tame waters of the Fryingpan River were in excess of 800 cubic feet per second. Flows on the Roaring Fork River were so high and discolored that fly fishing outfitters and guide services were not able to do a commercial float trip until the middle of July.
Fast forward to the present and you'll find below-average snowpack and low water flows. Currently the Fryingpan River is flowing around 60 cfs and the Roaring Fork River is still clear and running at lower-than-normal flows. So what does all of this mean for fly anglers?..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Colorado: A little snow history"
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Each year’s weather triggers discussions about past seasons, and without having exact statistics at hand, it’s easy to get mixed up about snowfall records or dry spells. Last year, for example, during the big La Niña snows, there was a lot of talk about the “snowiest winter ever” and a lot of hype. More on the ENSO cycle here.
It was a big year, for sure, and the snow fell late into the spring, but detailed month-to-month comparisons from previous seasons showed that it wasn’t quite the snowiest year ever, though some specific locations did set snowfall records, for example at A-Basin, which reported record April totals. Which brings up another point: Snowfall totals can vary greatly across just very short distances, based on local topography and other factors.
Similarly, this winter has already earned a reputation as the driest on record, and that’s not quite true, either, although it came pretty close. And again, some specific locations did report record low snowfall, so I suppose it depends in part on how and where you measure...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Each year’s weather triggers discussions about past seasons, and without having exact statistics at hand, it’s easy to get mixed up about snowfall records or dry spells. Last year, for example, during the big La Niña snows, there was a lot of talk about the “snowiest winter ever” and a lot of hype. More on the ENSO cycle here.
It was a big year, for sure, and the snow fell late into the spring, but detailed month-to-month comparisons from previous seasons showed that it wasn’t quite the snowiest year ever, though some specific locations did set snowfall records, for example at A-Basin, which reported record April totals. Which brings up another point: Snowfall totals can vary greatly across just very short distances, based on local topography and other factors.
Similarly, this winter has already earned a reputation as the driest on record, and that’s not quite true, either, although it came pretty close. And again, some specific locations did report record low snowfall, so I suppose it depends in part on how and where you measure...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Sunny start, snowy evening"
All credit: Bob Berwyn
"SUMMIT COUNTY — The sun peaked through early morning Saturday, but it was already apparent that a storm was starting to move in, with winds gradually shifting from a warm southwesterly flow, to west, to northwest, the favored direction for snowfall in the north-central mountains. Here’s how it looked around the reservoir at dawn, and then late in the afternoon, when the snow began to fly." (See more? Click title)
"SUMMIT COUNTY — The sun peaked through early morning Saturday, but it was already apparent that a storm was starting to move in, with winds gradually shifting from a warm southwesterly flow, to west, to northwest, the favored direction for snowfall in the north-central mountains. Here’s how it looked around the reservoir at dawn, and then late in the afternoon, when the snow began to fly." (See more? Click title)
April 14, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Fox News "Obama paid lower tax rate than secretary"
This news still does not let Romney off the hook for consistently paying lower rates than average workers nor does it come as a surprise that Obama is not practicing what he thumps on his campaign pulpit.
What it does do is put both candidates on the same exact footing with regard to their tax returns.
Could that possibly mean that voters do not have to listen to further rhetoric from either of them on the 'evils' of their personal finance choices?
Probably not. Unfortunately, it's still a long road to November.
"President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama had a combined income of $789,674 in 2011 but paid a lower tax rate than the president's secretary, who made less than $100,000, the White House confirmed Friday.
The Obamas paid an effective rate of 20.5 percent. White House aides would not reveal presidential secretary Anita Breckenridge’s tax rate but confirmed it was higher than the first family's rate. Breckenridge earned $95,000 last year.
The Obamas' rate is less than the 30 percent the president wants millionaires to pay under his proposed Buffett Rule.
“The president’s secretary pays a slightly higher rate ... than the president on her substantially lower income, which is exactly why we need to reform our tax code and ask the wealthiest to pay their fair share,” White House spokeswoman Amy Brundage told Fox News....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
What it does do is put both candidates on the same exact footing with regard to their tax returns.
Could that possibly mean that voters do not have to listen to further rhetoric from either of them on the 'evils' of their personal finance choices?
Probably not. Unfortunately, it's still a long road to November.
"President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama had a combined income of $789,674 in 2011 but paid a lower tax rate than the president's secretary, who made less than $100,000, the White House confirmed Friday.
The Obamas paid an effective rate of 20.5 percent. White House aides would not reveal presidential secretary Anita Breckenridge’s tax rate but confirmed it was higher than the first family's rate. Breckenridge earned $95,000 last year.
The Obamas' rate is less than the 30 percent the president wants millionaires to pay under his proposed Buffett Rule.
“The president’s secretary pays a slightly higher rate ... than the president on her substantially lower income, which is exactly why we need to reform our tax code and ask the wealthiest to pay their fair share,” White House spokeswoman Amy Brundage told Fox News....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Washington Post "Mystery donor gives $10 million to Crossroads GPS group to run anti-Obama ads"
When one is faced with another who steadfast refuses to look at their view or facts, and the stakes are literally a matter of the well being of the majority, it is that individual responsibility to communicate in an effective manner that the opposing side will hear.
All the diplomacy, cajoling, patient pointing out of the facts of your need is not going to ever be heard when another is 'deaf'.
How much more stump-bashing, negative advertising, relentless and unbendable rhetoric has to go on in American media and politics before the one voice, the one vote of the common man is listened to?
A very special thank you goes out today to the anonymous donors bringing millions of dollars into the "negative" advertising arena in the most important political race of our time.
On behalf of voices struggling every single day out here to get heard amidst a tsunami of repression, your leadership (and your money) is greatly appreciated.
Say NO to Barack Obama in November 2012.
T.W. Farnam:
"An anonymous donor gave $10 million late last year to run ads attacking President Obama and Democratic policies, escalating the money race that is defining the 2012 presidential campaign. And in the new, free-wheeling environment of independent political giving, the identity of this donor, like many others, is likely to remain a permanent mystery.
The donation went to Crossroads GPS, the conservative nonprofit group founded with the support of political strategist Karl Rove. Another donor gave $10 million in the 2010 midterm elections, according to draft tax returns that provide the first detailed look at its finances...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
All the diplomacy, cajoling, patient pointing out of the facts of your need is not going to ever be heard when another is 'deaf'.
How much more stump-bashing, negative advertising, relentless and unbendable rhetoric has to go on in American media and politics before the one voice, the one vote of the common man is listened to?
A very special thank you goes out today to the anonymous donors bringing millions of dollars into the "negative" advertising arena in the most important political race of our time.
On behalf of voices struggling every single day out here to get heard amidst a tsunami of repression, your leadership (and your money) is greatly appreciated.
Say NO to Barack Obama in November 2012.
T.W. Farnam:
"An anonymous donor gave $10 million late last year to run ads attacking President Obama and Democratic policies, escalating the money race that is defining the 2012 presidential campaign. And in the new, free-wheeling environment of independent political giving, the identity of this donor, like many others, is likely to remain a permanent mystery.
The donation went to Crossroads GPS, the conservative nonprofit group founded with the support of political strategist Karl Rove. Another donor gave $10 million in the 2010 midterm elections, according to draft tax returns that provide the first detailed look at its finances...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "John Bolton, Michelle Malkin commit to Steamboat conference"
Brent Boyer:
"Steamboat Springs — Former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton and conservative columnist and author Michelle Malkin will headline this year’s Freedom Conference hosted by The Steamboat Institute.
The fourth annual conference is scheduled for Aug. 24 and 25 at The Steamboat Grand.
Bolton, whose lengthy legal and diplomatic career perhaps was highlighted by his controversial tenure as the U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations during the presidency of George W. Bush, is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a commentator on Fox News.
Malkin is a conservative blogger, columnist and frequent guest host and commentator on the Fox News Channel. Her four published books are “Invasion: How America Still Welcomes Terrorists, Criminals and Other Foreign Menaces,” “In Defense of Internment: The Case for Racial Profiling in World War II and the War on Terror,” “Unhinged: Exposing Liberals Gone Wild” and “Culture of Corruption: Obama and His Team of Tax Cheats, Crooks, and Cronies.” She lives near Colorado Springs with her husband and two children.
“We’re very excited about this,” Steamboat Institute co-founder and Vice Chairman Rick Akin said. “This is really the earliest we’ve had big-name speakers confirmed. We’re very happy to have speakers of this quality and ones who are anxious to come speak in Steamboat.”
Akin, a Steamboat-based attorney, said Malkin will be the keynote speaker at the Aug. 25 lunch. Other Freedom Conference speakers will be announced soon, he said....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Steamboat Springs — Former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton and conservative columnist and author Michelle Malkin will headline this year’s Freedom Conference hosted by The Steamboat Institute.
The fourth annual conference is scheduled for Aug. 24 and 25 at The Steamboat Grand.
Bolton, whose lengthy legal and diplomatic career perhaps was highlighted by his controversial tenure as the U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations during the presidency of George W. Bush, is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a commentator on Fox News.
Malkin is a conservative blogger, columnist and frequent guest host and commentator on the Fox News Channel. Her four published books are “Invasion: How America Still Welcomes Terrorists, Criminals and Other Foreign Menaces,” “In Defense of Internment: The Case for Racial Profiling in World War II and the War on Terror,” “Unhinged: Exposing Liberals Gone Wild” and “Culture of Corruption: Obama and His Team of Tax Cheats, Crooks, and Cronies.” She lives near Colorado Springs with her husband and two children.
“We’re very excited about this,” Steamboat Institute co-founder and Vice Chairman Rick Akin said. “This is really the earliest we’ve had big-name speakers confirmed. We’re very happy to have speakers of this quality and ones who are anxious to come speak in Steamboat.”
Akin, a Steamboat-based attorney, said Malkin will be the keynote speaker at the Aug. 25 lunch. Other Freedom Conference speakers will be announced soon, he said....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Craig Daily Press "John Raftopoulos’s Angus bull program recognized as best in the state"
Joe Moylan:
"The Raftopoulos name has been synonymous with Moffat County ranching for almost a century.
The family is best known for its connection to the sheep industry.
But on March 31, John Raftopoulos, 60, of Raftopoulos Ranches, was recognized as the 2011 Promoter of the Year by the Colorado Angus Association for his ability to raise some of the best performing, high-altitude Angus cattle in Colorado.
Raftopoulos Ranches expanded into the commercial and registered Angus seed stock business 10 years ago.
“It was a surprise and honor that they selected us for the award,” Raftopoulos said. “I never thought 10 years ago that we would be getting an award.
“All we are trying to do is produce cattle that work in our environment, which is my passion. If you take care of business, do what you think is right, use common sense and work hard, things like this happen.”
The award was presented during Raftopoulos Ranches’ — aka Diamond Peak Cattle Company — annual bull sale in Loma, where the outfit sold 207 bulls at an average price of $4,068 a head...."
(Read more? Click title)
"The Raftopoulos name has been synonymous with Moffat County ranching for almost a century.
The family is best known for its connection to the sheep industry.
But on March 31, John Raftopoulos, 60, of Raftopoulos Ranches, was recognized as the 2011 Promoter of the Year by the Colorado Angus Association for his ability to raise some of the best performing, high-altitude Angus cattle in Colorado.
Raftopoulos Ranches expanded into the commercial and registered Angus seed stock business 10 years ago.
“It was a surprise and honor that they selected us for the award,” Raftopoulos said. “I never thought 10 years ago that we would be getting an award.
“All we are trying to do is produce cattle that work in our environment, which is my passion. If you take care of business, do what you think is right, use common sense and work hard, things like this happen.”
The award was presented during Raftopoulos Ranches’ — aka Diamond Peak Cattle Company — annual bull sale in Loma, where the outfit sold 207 bulls at an average price of $4,068 a head...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Colorado Springs Gazette "Algae-filled bedroom leads to grand prize at science fair"
Carol McGraw:
"Sara Volz, a junior at Cheyenne Mountain High School, has won the grand prize in the senior division at the 57th Colorado Science and Engineering Fair at Colorado State University.
Again.
Volz’ topic is titled Optimizing Algae Biofuels: Artificial Selection & Nitrogen Stress as Methods to Induce Lipid Synthesis.”
Yes, it’s complicated. Just know that she has shelves and shelves of algae growing in her room and that her mother Pattye Volz is happy about that because the 30 beakers used to be on her kitchen counter.
This is Sara’s second year of winning the state grand prize. She’s been a competitor for six years.
“It was awesome, there was a lot of tough competition and I didn’t expect to win again,” she said.
She will compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair May 13-18 in Pittsburgh. Last year, she won first place in the energy and transportation category at the international event...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Sara Volz, a junior at Cheyenne Mountain High School, has won the grand prize in the senior division at the 57th Colorado Science and Engineering Fair at Colorado State University.
Again.
Volz’ topic is titled Optimizing Algae Biofuels: Artificial Selection & Nitrogen Stress as Methods to Induce Lipid Synthesis.”
Yes, it’s complicated. Just know that she has shelves and shelves of algae growing in her room and that her mother Pattye Volz is happy about that because the 30 beakers used to be on her kitchen counter.
This is Sara’s second year of winning the state grand prize. She’s been a competitor for six years.
“It was awesome, there was a lot of tough competition and I didn’t expect to win again,” she said.
She will compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair May 13-18 in Pittsburgh. Last year, she won first place in the energy and transportation category at the international event...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Scientists double their estimates of Antarctic emperor penguin populations after careful satellite study"
"Oh, so are we!!!" (say all the fans of Bob Berwyn's penguin stories on this wonderful news from the Brits):
Bob Berwyn (with photo credits to the British Antarctic Society) :
"....."“We are delighted to be able to locate and identify such a large number of emperor penguins,” said lead author and geographer Peter Fretwell, of the British Antarctic Survey. “We counted 595,000 birds, which is almost double the previous estimates of 270,000 – 350,000 birds. This is the first comprehensive census of a species taken from space.”...." (Read more? See more? Click title)
Bob Berwyn (with photo credits to the British Antarctic Society) :
"....."“We are delighted to be able to locate and identify such a large number of emperor penguins,” said lead author and geographer Peter Fretwell, of the British Antarctic Survey. “We counted 595,000 birds, which is almost double the previous estimates of 270,000 – 350,000 birds. This is the first comprehensive census of a species taken from space.”...." (Read more? See more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily News "Vail's Chris Anthony: Flying to the zone"
(Read Part One here)
Chris Anthony:
"I have been guiding at Points North for over 11 years and been skiing in the Chugach Range for over 22. Every year, I question my motivation and every year I leave knowing I'm coming back. I have to remind myself when I arrive to just slow down, get organized and be very patient but ready for anything. It's a tough mindset after a season of running all over the place. Base camp can be tranquil and quiet with little or no cell service and slow internet. Yogis would love it. On the other hand, it can have the same adrenaline of that of the deck of an aircraft carrier, which I have experienced as well..." (Read more? Click title)
Chris Anthony:
"I have been guiding at Points North for over 11 years and been skiing in the Chugach Range for over 22. Every year, I question my motivation and every year I leave knowing I'm coming back. I have to remind myself when I arrive to just slow down, get organized and be very patient but ready for anything. It's a tough mindset after a season of running all over the place. Base camp can be tranquil and quiet with little or no cell service and slow internet. Yogis would love it. On the other hand, it can have the same adrenaline of that of the deck of an aircraft carrier, which I have experienced as well..." (Read more? Click title)
April 13, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Newsmax "WSJ: Real Unemployment Rate 11.8 Percent"
"The official unemployment rate remains at an ugly perch of 8.2 percent, despite declines in recent months. But even that lofty level understates the magnitude of the jobs problem, according to a Wall Street Journal blog by Paul Vigna.
He looks at the issue in terms of the labor force participation rate. That measures the percentage of working-age Americans, excluding those who are in jail or the military, who are “participating” in the work force. That includes both people who have a job and those looking for a job.
The rate has been dropping since January 2007, when it stood at 66.4 percent. The reading fell to 65.5 percent in July 2009, even as the Great Recession was officially ending, and currently registers an almost 30-year low of 63.8 percent.
Taking that drop into account produces a higher jobless rate. If you apply the July 2009 participation rate to today’s jobless numbers, that generates an unemployment rate of more than 10 percent. And if you utilize the 2007 participation rate, you’re left with a jobless rate of 11.8 percent....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
He looks at the issue in terms of the labor force participation rate. That measures the percentage of working-age Americans, excluding those who are in jail or the military, who are “participating” in the work force. That includes both people who have a job and those looking for a job.
The rate has been dropping since January 2007, when it stood at 66.4 percent. The reading fell to 65.5 percent in July 2009, even as the Great Recession was officially ending, and currently registers an almost 30-year low of 63.8 percent.
Taking that drop into account produces a higher jobless rate. If you apply the July 2009 participation rate to today’s jobless numbers, that generates an unemployment rate of more than 10 percent. And if you utilize the 2007 participation rate, you’re left with a jobless rate of 11.8 percent....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall "In Battle for Young Voters, Romney Should Play it Uncool"
Jonah Goldberg:
"...Obama was different. He had that cool name. He was black. He'd never done much that was important, save give some fun speeches, but that was OK; neither had most college students, and that didn't keep them from being special either. More important, they believed his promises, they liked his style, they bought his easy answers and flattering pandering.
Four years later, Obama's in trouble, which is why he's visiting college campuses more often than a Red Bull delivery truck. He's talking louder and getting more shrill, because his campaign knows how desperately it needs to replicate -- or even come close to replicating -- his success with the youth vote in 2008. Polls and countless news stories indicate that young voters are either bored, unimpressed or disappointed with Obama, and with the state of the country.
All of the exciting reasons to vote for Obama are gone. Even his accomplishments don't excite people, never mind his failures. His "Yes, we can" rhetoric is gone because it sounds stupid after four years of "No, we didn't." Now we get cynicism and fear-mongering. His attacks on the Republicans are tawdry and desperate. He even admits the "Buffett Rule" is a gimmick. Other issues like green energy are passé now, even though gas prices continue to soar. (A troubling sign for Obama: Only a third of hybrid car owners are interested in ever getting another after they get rid of the one they have.)
Obama's approval rating among 18- to 29-year-olds hovers around 50 percent (after almost a year of bad press for the GOP). But a late 2011 Harvard survey found that only 12 percent of young people felt the country was moving in the right direction. An outfit called Generation Opportunity, which is trying to organize young voters on economic issues, finds that 77 percent of young people have had to put their lives on hold because of the economy....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"...Obama was different. He had that cool name. He was black. He'd never done much that was important, save give some fun speeches, but that was OK; neither had most college students, and that didn't keep them from being special either. More important, they believed his promises, they liked his style, they bought his easy answers and flattering pandering.
Four years later, Obama's in trouble, which is why he's visiting college campuses more often than a Red Bull delivery truck. He's talking louder and getting more shrill, because his campaign knows how desperately it needs to replicate -- or even come close to replicating -- his success with the youth vote in 2008. Polls and countless news stories indicate that young voters are either bored, unimpressed or disappointed with Obama, and with the state of the country.
All of the exciting reasons to vote for Obama are gone. Even his accomplishments don't excite people, never mind his failures. His "Yes, we can" rhetoric is gone because it sounds stupid after four years of "No, we didn't." Now we get cynicism and fear-mongering. His attacks on the Republicans are tawdry and desperate. He even admits the "Buffett Rule" is a gimmick. Other issues like green energy are passé now, even though gas prices continue to soar. (A troubling sign for Obama: Only a third of hybrid car owners are interested in ever getting another after they get rid of the one they have.)
Obama's approval rating among 18- to 29-year-olds hovers around 50 percent (after almost a year of bad press for the GOP). But a late 2011 Harvard survey found that only 12 percent of young people felt the country was moving in the right direction. An outfit called Generation Opportunity, which is trying to organize young voters on economic issues, finds that 77 percent of young people have had to put their lives on hold because of the economy....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Red State "Elitism"
Erick Erickson:
"Move past Hilary Rosen’s remarks if you can. The amazing speed at which Democrats sought to distance themselves from her remarks suggests they know that in all the talk about Romney’s problem with women, they have their own.
After Hilary Rosen’s remarks, a number of leftwing pundits came out seemingly upset that Hilary did not go as far as they would have wanted her to. In so doing, these pundits, activists, and politicos have raised up the raw stench of elitism. Luckily, few smelled it because it was drifting in from MSNBC.
Nonetheless, there were people like Joan Walsh of the far left rag Salon. She thought it perfectly okay to pronounce on Hardball yesterday that of course working women have it harder than stay at home moms. Of course they do you women battling breast cancer and suffering from MS while raising five boys without nannies and cooks and maids contrary to what the left has been claiming is, was, and forever more shall be the case with Ann Romney. Never mind that Mitt and Ann Romney gave away their inherited fortune to build their own lives and fortune.
There there is Chris Hayes, also of MSNBC and the even further left than Salon The Nation. He said if Republicans really think that stay at home moms are workers, then they should be paid a wage. Seriously.
It went down hill from there. The most striking thing is the overwhelming presumption from so many on the left who waded into the waters who think only the wealthy can be stay at home moms. As a matter of fact, I know scores of stay at home moms and not a single one’s husband gets them into the 1%, let alone the top 10% for most.
The myopic view of not just stay at home mothers as rich socialites with nannies, but of women in general too, highlights the problem for the Democrats. They talk about the GOP as the party of the rich when they are increasingly a party of the elite. Many of them look on stay at home moms as inferior or second class.
Consider Christy Hayes of MSNBC and the Nation who openly wonders if it can really be considered work if they are not getting a salary....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Move past Hilary Rosen’s remarks if you can. The amazing speed at which Democrats sought to distance themselves from her remarks suggests they know that in all the talk about Romney’s problem with women, they have their own.
After Hilary Rosen’s remarks, a number of leftwing pundits came out seemingly upset that Hilary did not go as far as they would have wanted her to. In so doing, these pundits, activists, and politicos have raised up the raw stench of elitism. Luckily, few smelled it because it was drifting in from MSNBC.
Nonetheless, there were people like Joan Walsh of the far left rag Salon. She thought it perfectly okay to pronounce on Hardball yesterday that of course working women have it harder than stay at home moms. Of course they do you women battling breast cancer and suffering from MS while raising five boys without nannies and cooks and maids contrary to what the left has been claiming is, was, and forever more shall be the case with Ann Romney. Never mind that Mitt and Ann Romney gave away their inherited fortune to build their own lives and fortune.
There there is Chris Hayes, also of MSNBC and the even further left than Salon The Nation. He said if Republicans really think that stay at home moms are workers, then they should be paid a wage. Seriously.
It went down hill from there. The most striking thing is the overwhelming presumption from so many on the left who waded into the waters who think only the wealthy can be stay at home moms. As a matter of fact, I know scores of stay at home moms and not a single one’s husband gets them into the 1%, let alone the top 10% for most.
The myopic view of not just stay at home mothers as rich socialites with nannies, but of women in general too, highlights the problem for the Democrats. They talk about the GOP as the party of the rich when they are increasingly a party of the elite. Many of them look on stay at home moms as inferior or second class.
Consider Christy Hayes of MSNBC and the Nation who openly wonders if it can really be considered work if they are not getting a salary....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Right Scoop "Israeli ambassador reprimands New York Times: Netanyahu does not interfere in U.S. elections"
Barak Ravid:
"The duel between the New York Times and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisers continues. Israeli ambassador to Washington Michael Oren submitted a letter to the editor to the New York Times' editorial board, with a complaint regarding an article which was published several days ago about the close ties between Netanyahu and the likely Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The duel between the New York Times and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisers continues. Israeli ambassador to Washington Michael Oren submitted a letter to the editor to the New York Times' editorial board, with a complaint regarding an article which was published several days ago about the close ties between Netanyahu and the likely Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney.
In the letter, which was published on Thursday, Oren rejected the allegations that Netanyahu is intervening in the presidential race in the United States....." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Colorado House approves $7.4 billion spending plan"
How about that Governor John Hickenlooper (D) ? He is doing a pretty darn good job, isn't he?
Now, liberals shouldn't let that go to their heads, it has got to be a fluke that one very good man and excellent leader rolled in at the right time.
Congratulations to Colorado legislators on this historic compromise.
Ivan Moreno:
"DENVER — The Colorado House approved a $7.4 billion spending plan Thursday, turning what many believed would be an acrimonious process into an unusually jovial time as they kept funding for schoolchildren at the same level as last year and returned a property tax break for seniors.
The Republican-controlled House approved the bill on a nearly unanimous vote, with only one lawmaker out of 65 opposing. In past years, it would not be surprising to have a couple of dozen lawmakers voting no on the budget.
The plan now heads to the Senate, which could debate it next week.
After the vote, Republican Rep. Mark Waller, the party's third-ranking lawmaker in the House, walked over to Democratic Rep. Claire Levy and gave her a fist bump. "I just want to say congratulations on the budget," he said, adding that he'd work with her on executing the knuckle-to-knuckle handshake in his style...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Now, liberals shouldn't let that go to their heads, it has got to be a fluke that one very good man and excellent leader rolled in at the right time.
Congratulations to Colorado legislators on this historic compromise.
Ivan Moreno:
"DENVER — The Colorado House approved a $7.4 billion spending plan Thursday, turning what many believed would be an acrimonious process into an unusually jovial time as they kept funding for schoolchildren at the same level as last year and returned a property tax break for seniors.
The Republican-controlled House approved the bill on a nearly unanimous vote, with only one lawmaker out of 65 opposing. In past years, it would not be surprising to have a couple of dozen lawmakers voting no on the budget.
The plan now heads to the Senate, which could debate it next week.
After the vote, Republican Rep. Mark Waller, the party's third-ranking lawmaker in the House, walked over to Democratic Rep. Claire Levy and gave her a fist bump. "I just want to say congratulations on the budget," he said, adding that he'd work with her on executing the knuckle-to-knuckle handshake in his style...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall "What Goes Around"
Oliver North:
"This week's "cease-fire," brokered by former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, hasn't stopped Syrian refugees from trekking through the Syrian Desert and across the border into Qaim. Deterred by harsh conditions, lack of fuel and inadequate food and water and banned by the Iraqi government of Nouri al-Maliki from going any farther, they have become unwelcome squatters in the border town that once served as a refuge for terrorists.
The brutal irony in all this is that many of those who once passed through Qaim to threaten the government in Baghdad are now among the armed rebels menacing the regime in Damascus. For six years, Bashar Assad was deaf to U.S. pleas to cut the terror ratlines from Syria into Iraq. Instead, he did the opposite -- facilitating the movement of thousands of Islamist fighters into Anbar province to kill and maim.
Now those same Islamists have turned on him, and he is learning one of the harsh realities of war: What goes around comes around....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"This week's "cease-fire," brokered by former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, hasn't stopped Syrian refugees from trekking through the Syrian Desert and across the border into Qaim. Deterred by harsh conditions, lack of fuel and inadequate food and water and banned by the Iraqi government of Nouri al-Maliki from going any farther, they have become unwelcome squatters in the border town that once served as a refuge for terrorists.
The brutal irony in all this is that many of those who once passed through Qaim to threaten the government in Baghdad are now among the armed rebels menacing the regime in Damascus. For six years, Bashar Assad was deaf to U.S. pleas to cut the terror ratlines from Syria into Iraq. Instead, he did the opposite -- facilitating the movement of thousands of Islamist fighters into Anbar province to kill and maim.
Now those same Islamists have turned on him, and he is learning one of the harsh realities of war: What goes around comes around....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Dept of Defense "Special Tactics Officer Receives Air Force Cross"
Thank you so much for your service, Captain Crawford. A special thank you for your family and loved ones that wait for you at home for their patriotism and generosity.
Air Force Capt. Kristen D. Duncan:"Captain Crawford repeatedly and conspicuously disregarded his own safety to assist his United States and Afghan teammates," Schwartz said at today’s ceremony. "It is not hard to be utterly impressed by his bravery and inspired by his selflessness."
"Crawford braved effective enemy fire and consciously placed himself at grave risk on four occasions while controlling over 33 aircraft and more than 40 airstrikes on a well-trained and well-prepared enemy force,” his award citation reads. “His selfless actions and expert airpower employment neutralized a numerically superior enemy force and enabled friendly elements to exfiltrate the area without massive casualties."
The team of about 100 personnel flew into the steep mountains of Laghman province early May 4, 2010. As soon as they were on the ground, they heard enemy chatter on the radios. Within 30 minutes, they found a substantial weapons cache inside the village. The enemy force apparently was dug in to defensive positions, waiting for the sun to rise before beginning their assault on the coalition force.
"As soon as the sun came up, we started taking extremely heavy enemy fire," Crawford said in an interview. "Our placement in the middle of the village, and the enemy's superior fighting positions, required us to 'run the gauntlet' of enemy fire no matter where we were in the valley."
Enemy fighters were expertly using sniper and medium machine-gun fire to target the force as insurgents were closing in on their location from all sides. Five commandos were wounded in the assault.
"Recognizing that the wounded Afghan soldiers would die without evacuation to definitive care, Captain Crawford took decisive action and ran out into the open in an effort to guide the [medical evacuation] helicopter to the landing zone," according to the citation. "Once the pilot had eyes on his position, Crawford remained exposed, despite having one of his radio antennas shot off mere inches from his face.
"Acting without hesitation,” the citation continues, “Crawford then bounded across open terrain, engaging enemy positions with his assault rifle and called in AH-64 strafe attacks to defeat the ambush."
When the weather cleared, the team moved along the steep terrain. To allow his team to freely move in the open and prevent further casualties, Crawford coordinated the delivery of danger-close AH-64 Apache Hellfire missiles, and 500- and 2,000-pound joint direct attack munition bombs from F-15E Strike Eagles.
"Everyone there was on task and wanted to crush the enemy," Crawford said. "My teammates went above and beyond, and everyone's efforts really re-energized the entire assault force's morale."
As the U.S. and Afghan commandos left the burned-out village, Crawford's team once again came under attack. Stuck in an open, narrow valley with 300- to 500-foot sheer mountain cliffs around them, the team was forced to hold their position in poor weather conditions.
With the enemy merely 150 meters away, Crawford repeatedly called for danger-close 30 mm strafing, and rocket attacks from AH-64 Apaches overhead. To mark the enemy locations, Crawford ran into the open to engage the enemy while continuing to direct Apache airstrikes.
"The Apaches were our lifeline," Crawford said. "They were consistently engaging. It was a battle of survival for us, and they unleashed hell on the enemy."
The original mission was to collect intelligence from a remote village sympathetic to the Taliban. However, the village had been burned prior to their arrival. Their mission quickly turned into a battle for survival, which was remarkably successful. The special operations team suffered two Afghan commando casualties, but more than 80 insurgents were killed during the engagement, including three high-ranking enemy commanders...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Air Force Capt. Kristen D. Duncan:"Captain Crawford repeatedly and conspicuously disregarded his own safety to assist his United States and Afghan teammates," Schwartz said at today’s ceremony. "It is not hard to be utterly impressed by his bravery and inspired by his selflessness."
"Crawford braved effective enemy fire and consciously placed himself at grave risk on four occasions while controlling over 33 aircraft and more than 40 airstrikes on a well-trained and well-prepared enemy force,” his award citation reads. “His selfless actions and expert airpower employment neutralized a numerically superior enemy force and enabled friendly elements to exfiltrate the area without massive casualties."
The team of about 100 personnel flew into the steep mountains of Laghman province early May 4, 2010. As soon as they were on the ground, they heard enemy chatter on the radios. Within 30 minutes, they found a substantial weapons cache inside the village. The enemy force apparently was dug in to defensive positions, waiting for the sun to rise before beginning their assault on the coalition force.
"As soon as the sun came up, we started taking extremely heavy enemy fire," Crawford said in an interview. "Our placement in the middle of the village, and the enemy's superior fighting positions, required us to 'run the gauntlet' of enemy fire no matter where we were in the valley."
Enemy fighters were expertly using sniper and medium machine-gun fire to target the force as insurgents were closing in on their location from all sides. Five commandos were wounded in the assault.
"Recognizing that the wounded Afghan soldiers would die without evacuation to definitive care, Captain Crawford took decisive action and ran out into the open in an effort to guide the [medical evacuation] helicopter to the landing zone," according to the citation. "Once the pilot had eyes on his position, Crawford remained exposed, despite having one of his radio antennas shot off mere inches from his face.
"Acting without hesitation,” the citation continues, “Crawford then bounded across open terrain, engaging enemy positions with his assault rifle and called in AH-64 strafe attacks to defeat the ambush."
When the weather cleared, the team moved along the steep terrain. To allow his team to freely move in the open and prevent further casualties, Crawford coordinated the delivery of danger-close AH-64 Apache Hellfire missiles, and 500- and 2,000-pound joint direct attack munition bombs from F-15E Strike Eagles.
"Everyone there was on task and wanted to crush the enemy," Crawford said. "My teammates went above and beyond, and everyone's efforts really re-energized the entire assault force's morale."
As the U.S. and Afghan commandos left the burned-out village, Crawford's team once again came under attack. Stuck in an open, narrow valley with 300- to 500-foot sheer mountain cliffs around them, the team was forced to hold their position in poor weather conditions.
With the enemy merely 150 meters away, Crawford repeatedly called for danger-close 30 mm strafing, and rocket attacks from AH-64 Apaches overhead. To mark the enemy locations, Crawford ran into the open to engage the enemy while continuing to direct Apache airstrikes.
"The Apaches were our lifeline," Crawford said. "They were consistently engaging. It was a battle of survival for us, and they unleashed hell on the enemy."
The original mission was to collect intelligence from a remote village sympathetic to the Taliban. However, the village had been burned prior to their arrival. Their mission quickly turned into a battle for survival, which was remarkably successful. The special operations team suffered two Afghan commando casualties, but more than 80 insurgents were killed during the engagement, including three high-ranking enemy commanders...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Citizen Telegram "McKibbin to take reins as editor for The Citizen Telegram"
Heather McGregor:
"RIFLE, Colorado — The Citizen Telegram is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike McKibbin of Rifle as the new editor of the weekly community newspaper and its website, citizentelegram.com.
McKibbin will start in the post on Monday, April 16..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"RIFLE, Colorado — The Citizen Telegram is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike McKibbin of Rifle as the new editor of the weekly community newspaper and its website, citizentelegram.com.
McKibbin will start in the post on Monday, April 16..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Story of canyon’s flume is a real cliffhanger"
Gretel Daugherty:
"Several hundred feet above the San Miguel River, a steady wind whipped red sand and dirt across the cactus-studded canyon rim with a sandstone overhang. As the wind made the sparse tufts of high-desert grass dance, project manager Ron Anthony carefully peered over the lip of the overhang.
He watched a crew 100 feet below nudge a wooden frame, suspended with ropes and the first of 13 such frames that will be installed, over the rock edge of the cliff, then stop.
His radio crackled. A voice said the frame had gotten hung up on a juniper branch beneath the canyon rim, but it finally was free after the branch broke off and dropped into the San Miguel River below. Amid laughter on both ends of the transmission, Anthony replied, “Kent, I’ll need that juniper branch back when you’re all done with your work.”
“Ron, that’s easy. I already sent it toward Gateway,” the voice on the other end said.
Despite the gusty breeze and clouds of dust, the mood of the team was jovial and excited.
“We call it ‘Flume Fever,’” Anthony said....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Several hundred feet above the San Miguel River, a steady wind whipped red sand and dirt across the cactus-studded canyon rim with a sandstone overhang. As the wind made the sparse tufts of high-desert grass dance, project manager Ron Anthony carefully peered over the lip of the overhang.
He watched a crew 100 feet below nudge a wooden frame, suspended with ropes and the first of 13 such frames that will be installed, over the rock edge of the cliff, then stop.
His radio crackled. A voice said the frame had gotten hung up on a juniper branch beneath the canyon rim, but it finally was free after the branch broke off and dropped into the San Miguel River below. Amid laughter on both ends of the transmission, Anthony replied, “Kent, I’ll need that juniper branch back when you’re all done with your work.”
“Ron, that’s easy. I already sent it toward Gateway,” the voice on the other end said.
Despite the gusty breeze and clouds of dust, the mood of the team was jovial and excited.
“We call it ‘Flume Fever,’” Anthony said....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
April 12, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: The Foundry "Obama’s Ten Worst Energy Policies"
Mike Brownfield and Nicolas Loris:
"In his time in office, President Obama has made some seriously bad proposals and decisions on energy policy, and Americans are paying the price, whether it’s in higher energy costs, wasted tax dollars, or in jobs that have been left on the table. For those who aren’t keeping track, we’ve compiled a list of the President’s ten worst energy policies..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"In his time in office, President Obama has made some seriously bad proposals and decisions on energy policy, and Americans are paying the price, whether it’s in higher energy costs, wasted tax dollars, or in jobs that have been left on the table. For those who aren’t keeping track, we’ve compiled a list of the President’s ten worst energy policies..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Commentary Magazine "Large Wage Discrepancy in the White House"
Alana Goodman:
"Talk about a perfect follow-up to the story about women losing seven times as many jobs as men since President Obama’s taken office. The Washington Free Beacon’s Andrew Stiles reports on the gender pay gap in the White House:
Female employees in the Obama White House make considerably less than their male colleagues, records show.
According to the 2011 annual report on White House staff, female employees earned a median annual salary of $60,000, which was about 18 percent less than the median salary for male employees ($71,000)...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Talk about a perfect follow-up to the story about women losing seven times as many jobs as men since President Obama’s taken office. The Washington Free Beacon’s Andrew Stiles reports on the gender pay gap in the White House:
Female employees in the Obama White House make considerably less than their male colleagues, records show.
According to the 2011 annual report on White House staff, female employees earned a median annual salary of $60,000, which was about 18 percent less than the median salary for male employees ($71,000)...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Union Leader "Pat Buchanan: The socialist and the social Darwinist"
Pat Buchanan:
"The night of his victories in Maryland, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia, Mitt Romney laid out the ground upon which he will stand to fight his fall battle with Barack Obama.
Obama, said Mitt, seeks “a government-centered society.”
But Mitt would restore an “opportunity society” built on the foundations of freedom and private enterprise.
“Romney spoke in upbeat, elevated and optimistic tones that were steeped in themes of patriotism crafted for a general election,” said The New York Times.
That same day, President Obama went before America's editors to lay out the ground on which he intends to fight....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The night of his victories in Maryland, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia, Mitt Romney laid out the ground upon which he will stand to fight his fall battle with Barack Obama.
Obama, said Mitt, seeks “a government-centered society.”
But Mitt would restore an “opportunity society” built on the foundations of freedom and private enterprise.
“Romney spoke in upbeat, elevated and optimistic tones that were steeped in themes of patriotism crafted for a general election,” said The New York Times.
That same day, President Obama went before America's editors to lay out the ground on which he intends to fight....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times/Melanie Sturm "Icebergs in way of health care reform"
Classic Melanie Sturm. Up on the Aspen Times. A very good read.
"Politically diverse commentators agree that the government failed to substantiate the law's constitutionality in oral arguments before the Supreme Court, though some believe that the court must defer to Congress by upholding its law. However, doesn't our system of checks and balances mean the judiciary must declare unconstitutionality when another branch acts unconstitutionally? The Supreme Court struck down President Bush's military tribunals, so why not the health care law?...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Politically diverse commentators agree that the government failed to substantiate the law's constitutionality in oral arguments before the Supreme Court, though some believe that the court must defer to Congress by upholding its law. However, doesn't our system of checks and balances mean the judiciary must declare unconstitutionality when another branch acts unconstitutionally? The Supreme Court struck down President Bush's military tribunals, so why not the health care law?...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBoxBlogs: Hot Air Blog "Palin’s PAC reserves space in Tampa during Republican convention"
'Allahpundit' :
"Interesting. I wonder how much space you can get in Tampa for $4,500.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Interesting. I wonder how much space you can get in Tampa for $4,500.
The political action committee for the former Alaska governor and 2008 vice presidential candidate plunked down $4,500 to reserve space at Channelside Bay Plaza for the big political event.Three possibilities, listed here in order of decreasing probability and increasing intrigue. One: Convention-related party. No doubt other PACs will be in town to host them, so why not? It’s good for the brand. Two: Book signing. Does she have a new one coming out? Maybe there’s something in the works and the public doesn’t know it yet. She’s got four and a half months to reveal it and the convention would be a perfect place to sign. Three: Tea-party press conference warning Romney that he’d better govern as a conservative if elected or else the base will have a fee-vah and the only prescription will be primarying him into oblivion. I sure hope someone’s planning to do something like that, if not her. FreedomWorks, maybe? Tea Party Patriots? There’ll be a million journalists in town salivating for a storyline about tensions among Republicans. Might as well use the opportunity to send a message to Mitt...."(Read more? Click title)
The expense was listed in required filings submitted Wednesday to the Federal Election Commission.
It’s unclear what, if any, official role Palin will have at the Aug. 27-30 convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Canada Free Press "What Have Democrats Done To Make Your Life Better?"
After clicking the title and watching the video, check out the video producer's site at www.black-and-right.com .
"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 "Top Dispatchers Honored in Grand Junction"
Danielle Kreutter:"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- Public safety agencies around Mesa County are honoring the men and women who help the community 24 hours a day.
The Telecommunicator Awards recognized members of the Grand Junction Regional Communication Center for their hard work and dedication to helping save lives and keeping our community safe.
Mary Edris was honored as the Telecommunicator of the Year for 2011. Laura Etcheverry won Supervisor of the Year and Kelly Wilkinson was awarded Communication Training Officer of the Year...."
The Telecommunicator Awards recognized members of the Grand Junction Regional Communication Center for their hard work and dedication to helping save lives and keeping our community safe.
Mary Edris was honored as the Telecommunicator of the Year for 2011. Laura Etcheverry won Supervisor of the Year and Kelly Wilkinson was awarded Communication Training Officer of the Year...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: SkyHi Daily "Men rescued from ice on Lake Granby"
A special thank you for their service goes out to the Granby and Grand Lake Fire Departments and EMS on this rescue.
Kristen Lodge:
"A woman who lives near Lake Granby called 9-1-1 Saturday afternoon after she saw a man fall through the ice into the lake.
By the time Granby Fire Department arrived to conduct an ice rescue seven minutes later, another man had fallen through and both men had managed to climb back onto the thin ice. A third man in the group did not fall in.
At 3:38 p.m. Granby and Grand Lake Fire departments worked from Sunset Point on the southern tip of Lake Granby with ice rescue gear to help the three men off the ice.
The men, all from Aurora, are Seon Beok Kim, 65, Jin Youn Kang, 78, and Sun Hag Park, 74. They had been fishing on the lake....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Kristen Lodge:
"A woman who lives near Lake Granby called 9-1-1 Saturday afternoon after she saw a man fall through the ice into the lake.
By the time Granby Fire Department arrived to conduct an ice rescue seven minutes later, another man had fallen through and both men had managed to climb back onto the thin ice. A third man in the group did not fall in.
At 3:38 p.m. Granby and Grand Lake Fire departments worked from Sunset Point on the southern tip of Lake Granby with ice rescue gear to help the three men off the ice.
The men, all from Aurora, are Seon Beok Kim, 65, Jin Youn Kang, 78, and Sun Hag Park, 74. They had been fishing on the lake....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Coloradoan "Fort Collins hits $250,000 defense cap for Jim Broderick"
Robert Allen:
"The city of Fort Collins has ceased paying the legal bills of suspended police Lt. Jim Broderick after his legal team tallied $250,000 toward his defense on felony perjury charges.
“We’ve stopped making payments,” City Manager Darin Atteberry said Wednesday, adding that a plea agreement or guilty verdict will mean Broderick must reimburse the city within 90 days. Broderick has put his home up as collateral.
Broderick has been on paid leave for two years while receiving his full salary of about $102,251 per year, according to city documents the Coloradoan obtained this week through the Colorado Open Records Act...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The city of Fort Collins has ceased paying the legal bills of suspended police Lt. Jim Broderick after his legal team tallied $250,000 toward his defense on felony perjury charges.
“We’ve stopped making payments,” City Manager Darin Atteberry said Wednesday, adding that a plea agreement or guilty verdict will mean Broderick must reimburse the city within 90 days. Broderick has put his home up as collateral.
Broderick has been on paid leave for two years while receiving his full salary of about $102,251 per year, according to city documents the Coloradoan obtained this week through the Colorado Open Records Act...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Pueblo Chieftain " Police chief placed on leave "
Tracy Harmon:
McNeill took over the department in December 2009. Canon City Mayor Tony Greer said he and former City Administrator Steve Rabe requested the audit and it was approved by City Council.
"When the audit report came back, there were quite a few allegations that were not very flattering," Greer said. "We now need to have an independent investigation because some of the allegations are pretty serious."
Greer said the allegations included retaliation and coercion that are alleged against "Not only the chief, but also some of the officers."...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"CANON CITY — Police Chief Duane McNeill was placed on paid administrative leave late Tuesday following the release of an independent audit of the department.
McNeill took over the department in December 2009. Canon City Mayor Tony Greer said he and former City Administrator Steve Rabe requested the audit and it was approved by City Council.
"When the audit report came back, there were quite a few allegations that were not very flattering," Greer said. "We now need to have an independent investigation because some of the allegations are pretty serious."
Greer said the allegations included retaliation and coercion that are alleged against "Not only the chief, but also some of the officers."...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"CANON CITY — Police Chief Duane McNeill was placed on paid administrative leave late Tuesday following the release of an independent audit of the department.
SandBoxBlogs: Durango Herald "Are you exposed on Internet?"
(See related story links here)
Yes, but here lies the rub.
Until law enforcement recognizes that they actually already have enough law in place to enforce what others 'do' to your personal information on the web and that politicians and legislators will spin their wheels until the boots that are on the ground, that are watching the consequences of that ill-intent, push the boundaries to get those perpetrators off-line; there will not be any hope for internet regulation laws that work in the real world.
Paige Blankenbuehler:
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Yes, but here lies the rub.
Until law enforcement recognizes that they actually already have enough law in place to enforce what others 'do' to your personal information on the web and that politicians and legislators will spin their wheels until the boots that are on the ground, that are watching the consequences of that ill-intent, push the boundaries to get those perpetrators off-line; there will not be any hope for internet regulation laws that work in the real world.
Paige Blankenbuehler:
"Josh, a 26-year-old Durango resident who asked that only his first name be used, said that he will never create an online profile.
“You never know what information that you share might come back to haunt you in 10 years, or even 20 years,” he said. “To me, sharing information online is like sending it up to this floating island of information, I don’t understand it, and I don’t know the extent of who can access that information even if I think that I’m keeping it private.”
Josh also has concerns about potential employers holding information that they find online against him when he is looking for a job.
On March 30, Facebook said in a public statement that reports of businesses asking potential employees for passwords in order to view private posts and pictures as part of the job-application process were ‘alarming.’
In a survey released by Microsoft Research in 2010, 70 percent of recruiters said they’d rejected applicants based on information they found online.
But before you delete or deactivate your Facebook account, note that the research also identified the opposite: 68 percent of job granters said social-networking profiles contributed to a candidate getting hired.
Josh acknowledged that social media may not always be a negative in the job search, but that didn’t change his mind.
“When I am applying for jobs, that employer should look at my credentials, not my personal life,” he said.
In February, the Obama Administration released a proposed ‘Bill Of Rights’ for online privacy.
The bill’s main purpose is to enable users to easily tell Internet companies with a single click whether they want their online activity tracked.
Josh’s preference is clear.
“I just think that it’s better to be safe than to be sorry,” he said....." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "CBP Officers at Del Rio Port Seize Assault Rifles, Ammo"
(See related videos here and here)
There is a traceable dynamic going on here.
Guns and ammo going out?? Drugs coming in???
How informed is your vote? When you cast for any politician albeit local (Say NO to Glenwood Springs City Councilman Leo McKinney if he runs again...), state (Say NO to Rep. Jared Polis (D-Boulder) or national (Say YES to anyone BUT Barack Obama...) how informed are you on the dynamic stated above?
Seriously.
" Del Rio, Texas – A Ciudad Acuña man is in custody after attempting to smuggle assault rifles and ammunition out of the United States.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
There is a traceable dynamic going on here.
Guns and ammo going out?? Drugs coming in???
How informed is your vote? When you cast for any politician albeit local (Say NO to Glenwood Springs City Councilman Leo McKinney if he runs again...), state (Say NO to Rep. Jared Polis (D-Boulder) or national (Say YES to anyone BUT Barack Obama...) how informed are you on the dynamic stated above?
Seriously.
" Del Rio, Texas – A Ciudad Acuña man is in custody after attempting to smuggle assault rifles and ammunition out of the United States.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Del Rio port of entry selected a 1992 GMC pickup truck for inspection as the vehicle was leaving the United States, bound for Mexico. After interviewing the driver and five passengers, CBP officers noticed that several areas of the pickup appeared to have been tampered with, prompting officers to have the vehicle scanned with a non-intrusive imaging system.
The scan revealed eight assault rifles and 640 rounds of ammunition hidden throughout the vehicle. The driver, a 23-year-old resident of Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico, was arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
“We are committed to keeping weapons and ammunition from both entering and leaving the country illegally,” said Michael Perez, CBP port director, Del Rio. “Officer training and experience are vital tools in intercepting a variety of prohibited items.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."
SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "CBP Breaks Ground on South Texas Border Intelligence Center"
"Laredo, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Deputy Commissioner Thomas S. Winkowski and CBP South Texas Commander Robert L. Harris together with Laredo Sector Border Patrol and other federal, state and local officials broke ground today on the South Texas Border Intelligence Center, a facility designed to intensify and integrate intelligence gathering and sharing activity among law enforcement agencies across South Texas.
“Information sharing among law enforcement at the federal, state and local level is essential to effective border security,” said Acting Deputy Commissioner Winkowski. “This new multi-agency facility will integrate intelligence operations among South Texas law enforcement agencies and help drive enforcement operations at all levels to meet and engage emerging threats from transnational criminal organizations and to combat terrorism.”
Housed on the Laredo Sector Border Patrol compound, the two-story modular building will provide 7,000 square feet of work space for up to 20 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to integrate and co-locate intelligence gathering and sharing activities and will operate on a seven-day by 24-hour basis.
Among the participating agencies and components: CBP’s Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, DEA, Texas Department of Public Safety, Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Laredo Police Department.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
“Information sharing among law enforcement at the federal, state and local level is essential to effective border security,” said Acting Deputy Commissioner Winkowski. “This new multi-agency facility will integrate intelligence operations among South Texas law enforcement agencies and help drive enforcement operations at all levels to meet and engage emerging threats from transnational criminal organizations and to combat terrorism.”
Housed on the Laredo Sector Border Patrol compound, the two-story modular building will provide 7,000 square feet of work space for up to 20 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to integrate and co-locate intelligence gathering and sharing activities and will operate on a seven-day by 24-hour basis.
Among the participating agencies and components: CBP’s Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, DEA, Texas Department of Public Safety, Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Laredo Police Department.
The $3.5 million structure is projected for completion by January 2013. The facility will be CBP-owned but managed by the law enforcement community.
Gathering with Deputy Commissioner Winkowski and Commander Harris to break ground on the center were a variety of federal, state and local officials, including CBP’s John R. Stanton, Executive Director, Joint Operations Directorate, Jeffrey Baldwin, Acting Executive Director, Operations, Office of Field Operations, John C. Esquivel, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, Laredo Sector, Eugenio Garza Jr., Director Field Operations, Laredo Field Office, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, Cindy Liendo Espinoza, Mayor Pro Tempore, City of Laredo and Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, City of Laredo among others.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "ACRA to decide on U.S. Chamber membership during private meeting"
(See related links to story along with public commentary here)
Andrew Travers:
"The board of directors at the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) will go behind closed doors to make its long-awaited decision on its controversial membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
ACRA is expected to take a final vote on the issue during a board retreat on Monday, April 23. The press and public — including chamber members — will not be permitted to attend the 45-minute discussion on the U.S. Chamber or any other portion of the daylong board retreat at The Gant.
Though 49 percent of ACRA’s budget comes from local tax dollars and public funds, the chamber is a nonprofit membership organization, and not legally considered a public body. So, it is not bound by Colorado’s open meetings laws. Those laws require public boards, like county commissions and city councils, to post notices for meetings and abide by strict rules controlling when and why they can exclude the public and press from meetings........
.......Chamber president Debbie Braun said Wednesday that board members want to speak openly without fear of having their views broadcast publicly through the media, as they make a final decision on this long-simmering and divisive issue.
“We want to have an honest dialogue,” Braun said. “We want to hear from everyone on the board, and we don’t want them to think they might get caught with a pull-out quote in the newspaper.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Andrew Travers:
"The board of directors at the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) will go behind closed doors to make its long-awaited decision on its controversial membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
ACRA is expected to take a final vote on the issue during a board retreat on Monday, April 23. The press and public — including chamber members — will not be permitted to attend the 45-minute discussion on the U.S. Chamber or any other portion of the daylong board retreat at The Gant.
Though 49 percent of ACRA’s budget comes from local tax dollars and public funds, the chamber is a nonprofit membership organization, and not legally considered a public body. So, it is not bound by Colorado’s open meetings laws. Those laws require public boards, like county commissions and city councils, to post notices for meetings and abide by strict rules controlling when and why they can exclude the public and press from meetings........
.......Chamber president Debbie Braun said Wednesday that board members want to speak openly without fear of having their views broadcast publicly through the media, as they make a final decision on this long-simmering and divisive issue.
“We want to have an honest dialogue,” Braun said. “We want to hear from everyone on the board, and we don’t want them to think they might get caught with a pull-out quote in the newspaper.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "New CMC site found for compressor station"
(See related stories and public commentary here)
You must, as a voter, sit back and let the pride of a job well done roll through your feelings when a few of your votes cast turn out to be excellent choices.
Do you ever wonder, possibly with a sense of helplessness, if your one vote really matters? So much power out there that just seems to steamroll over the best intentions.
Here's some proof that you do matter. That one vote, that one 'purple finger' raised matters.
A very special thank you goes out to our CMC Trustees today. For proving every single person who voted them in as 'right'.
As far as the issue itself:
It's also very nice, especially for the numerous quashed over the years little guys out here, to have on record some substantiating evidence that there just might be certain "neighbors" and social tier levels in the 81601 community that there is no ability to please unless they hold unilateral controls. Thank you again, to CMC Trustees for making sure that those individuals had/have the chance to voice their personal viewpoints.
Will they then forever hold their peace when they are overruled? That is always the question, isn't it?
John Colson:
"At a meeting with the campus faculty and staff on Wednesday, CMC President Stan Jensen tried to assure an audience of about 50 people that he had meant all along to be transparent about the talks with SourceGas.
“On this one, I did not do so well. There is no excuse,” he said.
He invited those present, along with students and neighboring landowners, to a meeting with SourceGas tentatively scheduled for the morning of April 18.
In addition, CMC Vice President Joe Maestas said three students have volunteered to serve on an advisory committee that will participate in future discussions of the issue.
Jensen, in his remarks, spoke favorably of SourceGas' efforts to meet the needs of its gas customers...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
You must, as a voter, sit back and let the pride of a job well done roll through your feelings when a few of your votes cast turn out to be excellent choices.
Do you ever wonder, possibly with a sense of helplessness, if your one vote really matters? So much power out there that just seems to steamroll over the best intentions.
Here's some proof that you do matter. That one vote, that one 'purple finger' raised matters.
A very special thank you goes out to our CMC Trustees today. For proving every single person who voted them in as 'right'.
As far as the issue itself:
It's also very nice, especially for the numerous quashed over the years little guys out here, to have on record some substantiating evidence that there just might be certain "neighbors" and social tier levels in the 81601 community that there is no ability to please unless they hold unilateral controls. Thank you again, to CMC Trustees for making sure that those individuals had/have the chance to voice their personal viewpoints.
Will they then forever hold their peace when they are overruled? That is always the question, isn't it?
John Colson:
"At a meeting with the campus faculty and staff on Wednesday, CMC President Stan Jensen tried to assure an audience of about 50 people that he had meant all along to be transparent about the talks with SourceGas.
“On this one, I did not do so well. There is no excuse,” he said.
He invited those present, along with students and neighboring landowners, to a meeting with SourceGas tentatively scheduled for the morning of April 18.
In addition, CMC Vice President Joe Maestas said three students have volunteered to serve on an advisory committee that will participate in future discussions of the issue.
Jensen, in his remarks, spoke favorably of SourceGas' efforts to meet the needs of its gas customers...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Do the hydro math"
Has it occured to any "Aspenite" yet, that for all technical fact purposes, retired attorney Maurice Emmer is an "outsider"?
Just think. Seriously.
That every view he has ever written, every blog he has created or contributed to, every organization he has joined, every time he has had (dare we say it in a 'family' forum??) the cajones to walk in and sit down with the 9th Judicial District D.A. and query exactly 'why' law enforcement hasn't stepped in on some of the valley's abuses that are going on.....is an "outsiders" untainted view of the social, political and public interests plight here in the Roaring Fork Valley?
Hmmmmmmm....says, 'SandBox Nanny'. Bit of fodder for thought there.
Maurice Emmer:
"So do you think the city of Aspen will buy Sippy or Gulpy? If the public does not intercede, the city will buy Gulpy. The city should talk to Joe....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Just think. Seriously.
That every view he has ever written, every blog he has created or contributed to, every organization he has joined, every time he has had (dare we say it in a 'family' forum??) the cajones to walk in and sit down with the 9th Judicial District D.A. and query exactly 'why' law enforcement hasn't stepped in on some of the valley's abuses that are going on.....is an "outsiders" untainted view of the social, political and public interests plight here in the Roaring Fork Valley?
Hmmmmmmm....says, 'SandBox Nanny'. Bit of fodder for thought there.
Maurice Emmer:
"So do you think the city of Aspen will buy Sippy or Gulpy? If the public does not intercede, the city will buy Gulpy. The city should talk to Joe....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times/John Colson "Garfield County's bread is buttered on the industry side"
What is 'SandBox Nanny's' personal opinion of John Colson?
Let's lay to rest for all time, in the first time (ever) that her very own personal view has ever been expressed without the 'cover' of "shock-jock style" commentating, what she really thinks of John Colson and his chosen line of work.
She could care less what John Colson chooses to do with his time or his career. Has no personal view one way or the other on any of it. The guy has never bothered to introduce himself, ask for an interview, or for that matter...ask one question or investigate the 'other side of the story' of 'SandBox Nanny'. Even with that dismal track record revealing his diligence and competency in his chosen field; she really (sincerely) doesn't care anything at all about John Colson's personal choices in his career. Isn't it amazing what factual truths one can learn about big stories when the simplicity of basic facts come out into the light of day?
'SandBox Nanny' does have, in her actor's role as 'SandBox Nanny', one problem with John Colson. Read up on her natural quirk tendency here.
John Colson is not just an everyday bully that can be dealt with through social darwinism.
John Colson is a bully who places himself in a position of public trust, that just so happens to be a position that wields a tremendous amount of power to harm and alter the courses of lives.
In her personal view, John Colson should either stop his behaviors or look for another line of work. Be an op-ed columnist. Or be a reporter that adheres to the standards and ethics of journalistic integrity. It is impossible to be both. As far as the bully tendencies, those are personal traits that shouldn't be in either the 'columnist' or the 'reporter' portfolio. Unless, of course, you wish to tackle major social issues through the use of a pseudonym that is strong enough to break through very thick stone walls. Now...that last one is an idea, isn't it? Some cases might even find that kind of style to be leadership in nature. Just think, you could be one of those that wants to be in that role should you alter your course and redirect your energies.
With the above said, let's move on with today's 'SandBox Nanny' post on this latest column by John Colson. Up on the Aspen Times.
Number of editorial letters written in to various newspapers complaining about Colson's output:
Hmmmm.....wonder what the 'kids' will have to say out there in public commentary on John Colson's latest 'rant of vengeance' today? In his column 'Hit and Run'. Up on the Aspen Times.
Click title.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Let's lay to rest for all time, in the first time (ever) that her very own personal view has ever been expressed without the 'cover' of "shock-jock style" commentating, what she really thinks of John Colson and his chosen line of work.
She could care less what John Colson chooses to do with his time or his career. Has no personal view one way or the other on any of it. The guy has never bothered to introduce himself, ask for an interview, or for that matter...ask one question or investigate the 'other side of the story' of 'SandBox Nanny'. Even with that dismal track record revealing his diligence and competency in his chosen field; she really (sincerely) doesn't care anything at all about John Colson's personal choices in his career. Isn't it amazing what factual truths one can learn about big stories when the simplicity of basic facts come out into the light of day?
'SandBox Nanny' does have, in her actor's role as 'SandBox Nanny', one problem with John Colson. Read up on her natural quirk tendency here.
John Colson is not just an everyday bully that can be dealt with through social darwinism.
John Colson is a bully who places himself in a position of public trust, that just so happens to be a position that wields a tremendous amount of power to harm and alter the courses of lives.
In her personal view, John Colson should either stop his behaviors or look for another line of work. Be an op-ed columnist. Or be a reporter that adheres to the standards and ethics of journalistic integrity. It is impossible to be both. As far as the bully tendencies, those are personal traits that shouldn't be in either the 'columnist' or the 'reporter' portfolio. Unless, of course, you wish to tackle major social issues through the use of a pseudonym that is strong enough to break through very thick stone walls. Now...that last one is an idea, isn't it? Some cases might even find that kind of style to be leadership in nature. Just think, you could be one of those that wants to be in that role should you alter your course and redirect your energies.
With the above said, let's move on with today's 'SandBox Nanny' post on this latest column by John Colson. Up on the Aspen Times.
Number of editorial letters written in to various newspapers complaining about Colson's output:
- 13 tracked since 2009.
- Dozens and no less than weekly tracked since 2009.
- 5 (including 2 large corporations) tracked since 2009.
- Too many (and too depressing) to count. SandBox and SafePlace stopped at 11 direct names.
- 5 people.
- Too many (and too depressing) to count. SandBox and SafePlace stopped at 4.
Hmmmm.....wonder what the 'kids' will have to say out there in public commentary on John Colson's latest 'rant of vengeance' today? In his column 'Hit and Run'. Up on the Aspen Times.
Click title.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Global warming: Forest Service researchers examine the role of pathogens in a world that’s heating up"
Again, another good column from Bob Berwyn. Up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice.
One of Colorado's most trusted and respected investigative journalists.
With that said, still the dominant tone of 'after the 'fact' ' global warming unleashing what nature inherently holds.
What, exactly, are the natural predators in the global warming 'crisis' ? Natural sources of carbon, pathogens, planetary cycles and rhythms? Come to think of it, what other natural climate predators are out there that have nothing whatsoever to do with the apathy and negligence of mankind?
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Forest Service scientists say warmer and drier conditions could lead to more Armillaria root disease in some conifers and hardwoods, as well as more Cytospora canker on aspens and dwarf mistletoe, which poses a high risk under drought conditions.
Under a warmer and wet climate change scenario, sudden oak death and other Phytophthora tree diseases could become more common, as the pathogens reproduce and spread quickly under favorable moist and warm conditions.
The report from the agency’s Pacific Southwest Research Station surveyed existing scientific literature to try and rate potential risks to forests under different climate change scenarios, looking specifically at eight diseases that affect forests in the Western United States and Canada.
The results suggest that climate change will affect forest health, but there is still some uncertainty about the degree of climate change and how it will affect pathogen biology, the potential direct impacts to host species and the interactions between the pathogen, host, and climate.
“Tree diseases shape our forests,” says Susan Frankel, the report’s project leader and a PSW plant pathologist. ”This assessment explains fundamental relationships between trees diseases and climate that will help people determine how local conditions may influence tree survival.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
One of Colorado's most trusted and respected investigative journalists.
With that said, still the dominant tone of 'after the 'fact' ' global warming unleashing what nature inherently holds.
What, exactly, are the natural predators in the global warming 'crisis' ? Natural sources of carbon, pathogens, planetary cycles and rhythms? Come to think of it, what other natural climate predators are out there that have nothing whatsoever to do with the apathy and negligence of mankind?
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Forest Service scientists say warmer and drier conditions could lead to more Armillaria root disease in some conifers and hardwoods, as well as more Cytospora canker on aspens and dwarf mistletoe, which poses a high risk under drought conditions.
Under a warmer and wet climate change scenario, sudden oak death and other Phytophthora tree diseases could become more common, as the pathogens reproduce and spread quickly under favorable moist and warm conditions.
The report from the agency’s Pacific Southwest Research Station surveyed existing scientific literature to try and rate potential risks to forests under different climate change scenarios, looking specifically at eight diseases that affect forests in the Western United States and Canada.
The results suggest that climate change will affect forest health, but there is still some uncertainty about the degree of climate change and how it will affect pathogen biology, the potential direct impacts to host species and the interactions between the pathogen, host, and climate.
“Tree diseases shape our forests,” says Susan Frankel, the report’s project leader and a PSW plant pathologist. ”This assessment explains fundamental relationships between trees diseases and climate that will help people determine how local conditions may influence tree survival.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Get those mallets ready"
Bummer....if Ullr is really on the way this weekend.
One of the most looked forward to by Coloradans all over the state sports. Right here in Glenwood Springs this Saturday. Bless the Irish for starting it all!
Jeff Casperson:
"Eccentric, mallet-wielding cyclists will be out en masse on the grass at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs this Saturday.
And they want you to join them.
Local cycling collective Stomparillaz, which stages various spoke-related events throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, is putting on the Colorado Cup grass bike polo tournament. Matches will run all day long, from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Bike polo is what you'd imagine it to be. Think traditional polo, but replace the horses with bicycles.
Atop a heavy dose of local teams, the tournament will feature squads from Fort Collins, Denver and Durango. New teams are welcome to sign up, too, and there will be limited bikes and mallets available to use.
The Stomparillaz have held a number of tournaments in the area in recent years, and the group is looking to boost the history-rich sport's profile locally.
“It's been around for a long, long time,” said Steve Novy, who's not only organizing the tournament but is also playing in it. “It started in Ireland, right around the turn of the century — the late 1800s. Locally, it's grown in popularity very slowly. It's not the type of sport that's appealing to everyone.”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
One of the most looked forward to by Coloradans all over the state sports. Right here in Glenwood Springs this Saturday. Bless the Irish for starting it all!
Jeff Casperson:
"Eccentric, mallet-wielding cyclists will be out en masse on the grass at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs this Saturday.
And they want you to join them.
Local cycling collective Stomparillaz, which stages various spoke-related events throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, is putting on the Colorado Cup grass bike polo tournament. Matches will run all day long, from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Bike polo is what you'd imagine it to be. Think traditional polo, but replace the horses with bicycles.
Atop a heavy dose of local teams, the tournament will feature squads from Fort Collins, Denver and Durango. New teams are welcome to sign up, too, and there will be limited bikes and mallets available to use.
The Stomparillaz have held a number of tournaments in the area in recent years, and the group is looking to boost the history-rich sport's profile locally.
“It's been around for a long, long time,” said Steve Novy, who's not only organizing the tournament but is also playing in it. “It started in Ireland, right around the turn of the century — the late 1800s. Locally, it's grown in popularity very slowly. It's not the type of sport that's appealing to everyone.”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Colorado weather: Return of Ullr?"
Good grief!!!!!
Talk about 'eye of the storm'....
(Photo credit: IPS Meteostar satellite via SCCV. Click title for story)
Talk about 'eye of the storm'....
(Photo credit: IPS Meteostar satellite via SCCV. Click title for story)
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Around the reservoir"
(See.....we figured Berwyn was simply having some technical issues yesterday....welcome back today...)
All Credit: Bob Berwyn
"SUMMIT COUNTY — I headed over to the beach along Dillon Dam Road for a morning walk and, what do you know — the ice is mostly melted away from that side of reservoir. Feeling curious, and trying to avoid dealing with some WordPress issues, I decided to venture a little farther than I usually do to check the status of the ice closer to the Dam itself, and since I was already across the Dam in Dillon, what the heck, why not check out the Snake River Arm. From there it was an easy decision to head over Swan Mountain Road to complete the roundtrip. All images taken with an iPhone and filtered with Instagram.
I spent quite a bit of time thinking about photographer Brad Odekirk during this short circuit around the reservoir, wondering what he would have thought of instant mobile photography … I think he would’ve enjoyed working with the iPhone....." (Read more? Click title)
All Credit: Bob Berwyn
"SUMMIT COUNTY — I headed over to the beach along Dillon Dam Road for a morning walk and, what do you know — the ice is mostly melted away from that side of reservoir. Feeling curious, and trying to avoid dealing with some WordPress issues, I decided to venture a little farther than I usually do to check the status of the ice closer to the Dam itself, and since I was already across the Dam in Dillon, what the heck, why not check out the Snake River Arm. From there it was an easy decision to head over Swan Mountain Road to complete the roundtrip. All images taken with an iPhone and filtered with Instagram.
I spent quite a bit of time thinking about photographer Brad Odekirk during this short circuit around the reservoir, wondering what he would have thought of instant mobile photography … I think he would’ve enjoyed working with the iPhone....." (Read more? Click title)
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