'FCL' filling in for wounded Nanny tonight:
Great job, Garfield Sheriff! Love the interview Kim in this video.
Even that 'interesting cure-all' by fan of Garfield S.O Anita Sherman! By golly, just find some fun things for all our kids to do and the gang problems will be over!
So glad the S.O. is working so much harder than that and implementing measures that really work. Stay the course, Garfield Sheriff and TAG. Thank you for all you do!
Shannon Ballard:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo -- The Garfield county sheriff's office is combating gangs on the Western Slope.
Part of that process is educating the community in hopes of controlling the problem.
Most people wouldn’t connect gangs to small town Colorado, but the Garfield County Sheriff's Office says it's an issue that's growing.
There are at least 25 known gangs in Garfield County.
Authorities are holding several special education sessions to bring awareness to the problem.
They’re going over everything from why kids join gangs and identification, to how recent gang activity is impacting the area.
Specialists say gangs may seem like a fictional concept, but they present a very real threat locally.
“We’re not L.A., we're not Chicago,” Sergeant Kim Sill with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said.
“However, we do have a gang presence, we do have criminal activity being conducted by gangs, and it's a concern to our communities and to our county. We are going to combat it at every turn that we can.
The Sheriff's Office says the average age of gang recruitment is between eight and sixteen-years-old.
(Click title to read story and watch interviews)
May 25, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Leftovers …"
Credit Bob Berwyn by clicking title of post.
May 23, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Note From Nanny "Tough Breaks"
(Update from 'FCL')
'Sandbox Nanny' ended up having surgery on her wrist Thursday. I'm going to do a few posts for her this evening but then unfortunately, we are heading out camping at our house for the Memorial weekend. She should be back up and running (she thinks so, anyway...) over the weekend. Comment moderation still on global blog capture.
If not, then I'll pinch hit for her when we get back. (cue in sound of evil laughter)...because now......I have the password to access the blog!)
______________________________________________
(sighs...rolls eyes....)
Morning, everyone!
SandBox Nanny is typing one-handed today as late yesterday evening, she biffed down some concrete stairs and fractured her wrist in a couple of places.......ouch....
Blog wise, that translates out to some pinch-hitters who need to juggle schedules and holiday to help out.
Thanks for your patience.....have a great...long....relaxing and safe holiday weekend!
(....comments on a global blog comment moderation lock for now. Comment in, but they will go into hold mode until I look them over and things return to normal.)
'Sandbox Nanny' ended up having surgery on her wrist Thursday. I'm going to do a few posts for her this evening but then unfortunately, we are heading out camping at our house for the Memorial weekend. She should be back up and running (she thinks so, anyway...) over the weekend. Comment moderation still on global blog capture.
If not, then I'll pinch hit for her when we get back. (cue in sound of evil laughter)...because now......I have the password to access the blog!)
______________________________________________
(sighs...rolls eyes....)
Morning, everyone!
SandBox Nanny is typing one-handed today as late yesterday evening, she biffed down some concrete stairs and fractured her wrist in a couple of places.......ouch....
Blog wise, that translates out to some pinch-hitters who need to juggle schedules and holiday to help out.
Thanks for your patience.....have a great...long....relaxing and safe holiday weekend!
(....comments on a global blog comment moderation lock for now. Comment in, but they will go into hold mode until I look them over and things return to normal.)
May 22, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Hot Air Blog "Egyptian poll: Romney 73, Obama 25"
'AllahPundit'
"Needless to say, as Brookings notes, this is emphatically an anti-Obama vote rather than a pro-Romney one. If even one percent of Egyptian voters are capable of picking Romney out of a line-up, I’d be surprised.
Still, an amusing result. Because I’ll bet you that a huge chunk of those who “prefer” Mitt here do so on the assumption that he’ll be more hostile to Israel than Obama is. Lots of rude awakenings in Cairo happening these days.
"Needless to say, as Brookings notes, this is emphatically an anti-Obama vote rather than a pro-Romney one. If even one percent of Egyptian voters are capable of picking Romney out of a line-up, I’d be surprised.
Still, an amusing result. Because I’ll bet you that a huge chunk of those who “prefer” Mitt here do so on the assumption that he’ll be more hostile to Israel than Obama is. Lots of rude awakenings in Cairo happening these days.
Attitudes toward the United States continue to be unfavorable (85%)."Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Asked to name the two steps by the United States that would improve the views of the US the most, 66% identified brokering Middle East peace and establishing a Palestinian state, 46% identified stopping economic and military aid to Israel, and 44% identified withdrawal of American forces from the Arabian Peninsula. Only seven percent identified withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan as one of the two top steps, 12% identified an American push to spread democracy in the Middle East, and 18% identified providing more economic assistance to the region.
Although Egyptians in the past year have been understandably preoccupied with their own political and economic situation and have not been paying as much attention to the American elections as usual, and they probably know less about the republican candidates for president, that has not prevented them from giving their opinions. Presented with a choice between President Obama and likely Republican candidate Mitt Romney, 73% said they preferred Romney, and only 25% chose Obama. It is unlikely that most Egyptians know much about Romney, and the choice is more likely to be an expression of disappointment with Obama. When Obama first came to office in 2009, even before his important speech in Cairo, Egyptian public opinion of the President was more favorable than unfavorable. This contrasted with Israeli public opinion, which was more suspicious of Obama. Since then, there has been a reversal of fortune, where in a poll we conducted in Israel last February, Israeli Jews expressed preference for Obama over all the leading Republican candidates (although his lead over Romney was within the margin of error)....." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "The Mitt you see is what you get"
Richard Cohen:
"For all of Mitt Romney’s talk of what he would do on day one in the White House — bomb Iran or was it Planned Parenthood? — there’s just as good a chance he would be tacking up two pictures on the wall. One would be of George H.W. Bush and the other of Jimmy Carter. They both became one-term presidents after they were challenged in the primaries. This is a lesson for Romney.
It is also a lesson for everyone who thinks that if Romney becomes president, he would govern from the center. This is a widely held belief, encouraged by the Romney camp itself and the supposed gaffe of Eric Fehrnstrom that the world would see a different Romney in the general election: “Everything changes. It’s almost like an Etch A Sketch. You can kind of shake it up and we start all over again.” This is not a gaffe, but a feint. Romney would be able to restart nothing.
In the first place, Romney would likely have a Republican House, and maybe a Senate, too. This means he has to work with a party that has just recently punished Richard Lugar for excessive moderation and is willing, at this very moment, to bring down the country’s credit rating another notch rather than budge on the debt ceiling. To Romney, who made a fortune with the clever prestidigitation of debt, this has to make no sense, but he would go along because (1) he’d have to and (2) he always does.
Congress, though, would be the least of President Romney’s troubles. The real threat to him will come from the very core of a Republican Party, which likes him little and trusts him less. The moment he shows the slightest moderate or rational tick, someone such as Rick Santorum will come barreling out of the GOP’s piney woods, screaming oaths (in Latin) and enter the 2016 Iowa caucuses that, you might remember, he won in 2012. Santorum must be itching for such a fight, having already called Romney “the worst Republican in the country to put up against Barack Obama.” That, folks, is not a fudge....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"For all of Mitt Romney’s talk of what he would do on day one in the White House — bomb Iran or was it Planned Parenthood? — there’s just as good a chance he would be tacking up two pictures on the wall. One would be of George H.W. Bush and the other of Jimmy Carter. They both became one-term presidents after they were challenged in the primaries. This is a lesson for Romney.
It is also a lesson for everyone who thinks that if Romney becomes president, he would govern from the center. This is a widely held belief, encouraged by the Romney camp itself and the supposed gaffe of Eric Fehrnstrom that the world would see a different Romney in the general election: “Everything changes. It’s almost like an Etch A Sketch. You can kind of shake it up and we start all over again.” This is not a gaffe, but a feint. Romney would be able to restart nothing.
In the first place, Romney would likely have a Republican House, and maybe a Senate, too. This means he has to work with a party that has just recently punished Richard Lugar for excessive moderation and is willing, at this very moment, to bring down the country’s credit rating another notch rather than budge on the debt ceiling. To Romney, who made a fortune with the clever prestidigitation of debt, this has to make no sense, but he would go along because (1) he’d have to and (2) he always does.
Congress, though, would be the least of President Romney’s troubles. The real threat to him will come from the very core of a Republican Party, which likes him little and trusts him less. The moment he shows the slightest moderate or rational tick, someone such as Rick Santorum will come barreling out of the GOP’s piney woods, screaming oaths (in Latin) and enter the 2016 Iowa caucuses that, you might remember, he won in 2012. Santorum must be itching for such a fight, having already called Romney “the worst Republican in the country to put up against Barack Obama.” That, folks, is not a fudge....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: National Journal "If It Hits the Fan"
Charlie Cook:
"Talk to economists and people who work in the financial markets these days and what you’ll hear is reminiscent of the ominous warnings that you occasionally hear from pilots about strong weather fronts. We’re facing not one wave of turbulence, but several.
First, there’s Europe and the eurozone. It’s possible that the situation could be worse in Greece, but not that much worse. There’s a pretty good chance that country will be exiting the eurozone soon, but either way, Greece is putting enormous stress on its economy. Then there’s Spain, which has an economy larger than Greece, also in trouble. With Europe teetering on the edge of recession, there are limits to how much even Germany can do to keep the eurozone—now the world’s largest single economy—from going into a serious tailspin. Europe contributes 21 percent of global economic growth, so there is rather obvious significance for the U.S.
Then, there is China, whose economy is slowing. Acknowledging the problem, the Chinese government just announced that it was placing greater emphasis on economic growth. Its central bank is expected to lower rates soon. It’s unlikely that China will go into a recession, but don’t expect purchases of U.S. goods there to match those of the last few years.
But it’s the fragile nature of America’s own economy—and questions about whether our political process is capable of coping with immediate and simultaneous challenges—that make things so much worse. The Federal Reserve Board has acted heroically to pump up the economy. As the International Strategy and Investment Group reports, the Fed’s efforts put the trade-weighted dollar at close to a record low, making it almost as competitive as it ever has been. But a weak world economy still limits the U.S. advantage to sell.
The term “fiscal cliff” has been rapidly entering the economic lexicon. People using the phrase may not know exactly what is scheduled to happen at the end of this year. Probably more than anything else, though, they may know that the George W. Bush-era income-tax cuts will be eliminated both for earners above and below the $250,000 level if not renewed by Dec. 31. They also may know that some significant spending cuts will automatically be made, unless Congress takes action, that will cut defense and nondefense funding pretty much evenly. Of course, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, the real drivers in the increase of federal spending, are exempted from those cuts....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Talk to economists and people who work in the financial markets these days and what you’ll hear is reminiscent of the ominous warnings that you occasionally hear from pilots about strong weather fronts. We’re facing not one wave of turbulence, but several.
First, there’s Europe and the eurozone. It’s possible that the situation could be worse in Greece, but not that much worse. There’s a pretty good chance that country will be exiting the eurozone soon, but either way, Greece is putting enormous stress on its economy. Then there’s Spain, which has an economy larger than Greece, also in trouble. With Europe teetering on the edge of recession, there are limits to how much even Germany can do to keep the eurozone—now the world’s largest single economy—from going into a serious tailspin. Europe contributes 21 percent of global economic growth, so there is rather obvious significance for the U.S.
Then, there is China, whose economy is slowing. Acknowledging the problem, the Chinese government just announced that it was placing greater emphasis on economic growth. Its central bank is expected to lower rates soon. It’s unlikely that China will go into a recession, but don’t expect purchases of U.S. goods there to match those of the last few years.
But it’s the fragile nature of America’s own economy—and questions about whether our political process is capable of coping with immediate and simultaneous challenges—that make things so much worse. The Federal Reserve Board has acted heroically to pump up the economy. As the International Strategy and Investment Group reports, the Fed’s efforts put the trade-weighted dollar at close to a record low, making it almost as competitive as it ever has been. But a weak world economy still limits the U.S. advantage to sell.
The term “fiscal cliff” has been rapidly entering the economic lexicon. People using the phrase may not know exactly what is scheduled to happen at the end of this year. Probably more than anything else, though, they may know that the George W. Bush-era income-tax cuts will be eliminated both for earners above and below the $250,000 level if not renewed by Dec. 31. They also may know that some significant spending cuts will automatically be made, unless Congress takes action, that will cut defense and nondefense funding pretty much evenly. Of course, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, the real drivers in the increase of federal spending, are exempted from those cuts....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Novel Politics "Plot Twist? Will Obama dump Biden?"
MC Lewis:
"You may have heard the rumors over the past few weeks—the suggestions that Obama might replace Biden on the ticket, perhaps with Hillary Clinton. The recent gay marriage announcement seemed to put more distance between the President and Biden. Just before, the NYT ran a lengthy piece about Sunday night strategy sessions in the Obama campaign, sans Biden. Ominous signs for Biden.
If the President were 75 years old with a heart condition, the choice of Vice President would certainly be more of a consideration. Since Obama is relatively young and apparently healthy does anyone really care who his Vice President is?
The old pols will tell you that the choice of Vice President is seldom a consideration for most voters. Voters react to the choice for President.
Yes, but what if the election is really close?
And, if Obama’s slide in the polls continues, changing VPs could be a Hail Mary pass.
What if Biden makes a really big, unforgivable gaff?
Or, another new embarrassing revelation?...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"You may have heard the rumors over the past few weeks—the suggestions that Obama might replace Biden on the ticket, perhaps with Hillary Clinton. The recent gay marriage announcement seemed to put more distance between the President and Biden. Just before, the NYT ran a lengthy piece about Sunday night strategy sessions in the Obama campaign, sans Biden. Ominous signs for Biden.
If the President were 75 years old with a heart condition, the choice of Vice President would certainly be more of a consideration. Since Obama is relatively young and apparently healthy does anyone really care who his Vice President is?
The old pols will tell you that the choice of Vice President is seldom a consideration for most voters. Voters react to the choice for President.
Yes, but what if the election is really close?
And, if Obama’s slide in the polls continues, changing VPs could be a Hail Mary pass.
What if Biden makes a really big, unforgivable gaff?
Or, another new embarrassing revelation?...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: The Hill "Issa might not have the votes to push forward Holder contempt charge"
Jordy Yager:
"Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) might not have the votes in his own committee to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) might not have the votes in his own committee to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Canon City Daily Record "Police Chief Duane McNeill Resigns"
(Update to this post: Canon City's release of former Police Chief Duane McNeill's resignation can be found here. Comment ability is now blocked on this post.)
Carie Canterbury:
"Cañon City Police Chief Duane McNeill has submitted his resignation, about six weeks after the city placed him on paid administrative leave following an audit report of the department.
"We will have additional information later in the week on how we plan on moving the police department forward," said Interim City Administrator Doug Dotson during Monday's regular council meeting.
Dotson said he has been working with the department's two captains on developing a plan, which will be brought to the general government committee at an undetermined time.
"We want to involve the community as to what kind of steps we'll be taking to go forward," Dotson said.
McNeill's response to the 24-page audit has not yet been made available to the Daily Record.
Also Monday, Dotson gave an update on the closure of Macon Avenue between Fifth and Sixth streets.
The street is scheduled to be closed beginning June 1. The engineering department has developed a Phase 1-closure plan that involves the instillation of movable barriers at each end of the block.
Dotson is meeting with Sunflower Bank representatives to get permission for the city to repaint and reconfigure the traffic flow in the parking lot east of the Cañon City Public Library. The plan would ensure the owner of the bank property would have suitable access to the parking lot long-term.
Dotson also gave an update on the proposed Regional Dispatch Center. He said the committee has been looking at staffing and shift requirements, space requirements, facility safety and security requirements and location options for a combined facility.
"We did look at what it might cost the city to move forward with capital improvements for its own dispatch center, and our IT people had indicated that that expense is probably going to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $450,000," he said. "...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Carie Canterbury:
"Cañon City Police Chief Duane McNeill has submitted his resignation, about six weeks after the city placed him on paid administrative leave following an audit report of the department.
"We will have additional information later in the week on how we plan on moving the police department forward," said Interim City Administrator Doug Dotson during Monday's regular council meeting.
Dotson said he has been working with the department's two captains on developing a plan, which will be brought to the general government committee at an undetermined time.
"We want to involve the community as to what kind of steps we'll be taking to go forward," Dotson said.
McNeill's response to the 24-page audit has not yet been made available to the Daily Record.
Also Monday, Dotson gave an update on the closure of Macon Avenue between Fifth and Sixth streets.
The street is scheduled to be closed beginning June 1. The engineering department has developed a Phase 1-closure plan that involves the instillation of movable barriers at each end of the block.
Dotson is meeting with Sunflower Bank representatives to get permission for the city to repaint and reconfigure the traffic flow in the parking lot east of the Cañon City Public Library. The plan would ensure the owner of the bank property would have suitable access to the parking lot long-term.
Dotson also gave an update on the proposed Regional Dispatch Center. He said the committee has been looking at staffing and shift requirements, space requirements, facility safety and security requirements and location options for a combined facility.
"We did look at what it might cost the city to move forward with capital improvements for its own dispatch center, and our IT people had indicated that that expense is probably going to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $450,000," he said. "...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Denver Channel "ACLU: Victims of Domestic Violence Deported"
SandBox's guess on this story is going to be that the first thing GarCo Sheriff does on any domestic violence call is assist, protect, aid and give victim's assistance.
Probably, knowing GarCo Sheriff, simultaneously stopping the perpetrator, arresting them and housing them at the county jail. Then assisting the entire process on both sides through the judicial system.
Finally, knowing GarCo Sheriff, after making sure that everyone is safe and the law is met dotting their i's and crossing their t's by continuing to follow law and assisting ICE with the deportation of the individual(s) who are committing criminal acts by being here in the USA illegally.
Interesting comments thread starting over on the Denver Channel on this story.
Click title to read the article.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Probably, knowing GarCo Sheriff, simultaneously stopping the perpetrator, arresting them and housing them at the county jail. Then assisting the entire process on both sides through the judicial system.
Finally, knowing GarCo Sheriff, after making sure that everyone is safe and the law is met dotting their i's and crossing their t's by continuing to follow law and assisting ICE with the deportation of the individual(s) who are committing criminal acts by being here in the USA illegally.
Interesting comments thread starting over on the Denver Channel on this story.
Click title to read the article.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Colorado immigrant advocates plan driver’s license push"
Absolutely!
Finally, there is a CIRC campaign everyone should be able to embrace with eager, open arms!
Drivers licenses for everyone! Including illegal foreign nationals on american soil.
Just walk into any drivers license bureau, tell them you have no ID and are here illegally. Let's then issue a drivers license that is electronically flagged the minute it goes into the system for any reason (just like legal folks DL's....).
Want to cash a check? Get a job? Admit yourself to the ER? Drive a car? Register a child in school?
Just pull out your handy drivers license that is electronically coded and the United States of America will know exactly where you are. Just like they know where every legal American is.
This.....is an excellent idea.
Now all liberal supporters of illegal foreign nationals, we've just documented so let's stop inhumane human smuggling, secure the borders and sit down at the table for a conversation on humane immigration reforms.
via Grand Junction Daily Sentinel:
"DENVER — Immigrant advocates in Colorado want public support for allowing illegal immigrants to seek licenses to drive.
The activists say they will seek a ballot measure to change a law that requires proof of legal residency to be issued a Colorado driver’s license. They say illegal immigrants are driving anyway, and that the public would be safer if those drivers could seek licenses and auto insurance.
Critics say granting driving privileges to illegal immigrants creates an incentive to violate immigration laws.
New Mexico and Washington are the only states that allow illegal immigrants to obtain the same driver’s license as a U.S. citizen. Utah grants immigrants a driving permit that can’t be used for identification, unlike a driver’s license that helps people open bank accounts or board a commercial airliner..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Finally, there is a CIRC campaign everyone should be able to embrace with eager, open arms!
Drivers licenses for everyone! Including illegal foreign nationals on american soil.
Just walk into any drivers license bureau, tell them you have no ID and are here illegally. Let's then issue a drivers license that is electronically flagged the minute it goes into the system for any reason (just like legal folks DL's....).
Want to cash a check? Get a job? Admit yourself to the ER? Drive a car? Register a child in school?
Just pull out your handy drivers license that is electronically coded and the United States of America will know exactly where you are. Just like they know where every legal American is.
This.....is an excellent idea.
Now all liberal supporters of illegal foreign nationals, we've just documented so let's stop inhumane human smuggling, secure the borders and sit down at the table for a conversation on humane immigration reforms.
via Grand Junction Daily Sentinel:
"DENVER — Immigrant advocates in Colorado want public support for allowing illegal immigrants to seek licenses to drive.
The activists say they will seek a ballot measure to change a law that requires proof of legal residency to be issued a Colorado driver’s license. They say illegal immigrants are driving anyway, and that the public would be safer if those drivers could seek licenses and auto insurance.
Critics say granting driving privileges to illegal immigrants creates an incentive to violate immigration laws.
New Mexico and Washington are the only states that allow illegal immigrants to obtain the same driver’s license as a U.S. citizen. Utah grants immigrants a driving permit that can’t be used for identification, unlike a driver’s license that helps people open bank accounts or board a commercial airliner..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: USCIS "Electronic Immigration System"
In the age of WikiLeaks, failure to pass SOPA or any other ability to enforce internet crime, surely they jest with this:
"U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today launched the first phase of its electronic immigration benefits system, known as USCIS ELIS. The system has been created to modernize the process for filing and adjudicating immigration benefits.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our agency’s history,” said USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas.
“We have launched the foundation for the web-based future of our agency and our immigration benefits system. USCIS ELIS will transform how we interact with our customers and how we manage the 6-7 million applications we receive each year.”
This initial launch brings the agency closer to realizing the future of immigration services. Beginning today, individuals can establish a USCIS ELIS account and apply online to extend or change their nonimmigrant status for certain visa types. Eligible individuals include foreign citizens who travel to the United States temporarily to study, conduct business, receive medical treatment, or visit on vacation. USCIS ELIS will also enable USCIS officers to review and adjudicate online filings from multiple agency locations across the country.
Historically, USCIS customers have had to apply for most benefits by mail and USCIS employees then review paper files and ship documents between offices to complete their adjudication. Today’s launch signifies an important step forward and is the first of several releases. Future releases will add form types and functions to the system, gradually expanding to cover filing and adjudication for all USCIS immigration benefits.
This important transition for America’s immigration benefits system will take time and continued dedication to fully implement. Following this first release, USCIS anticipates making adjustments and improvements in response to user feedback. This process will enable USCIS to continually enhance the user experience for both customers and USCIS employees. It will also allow the agency to smooth the transition to electronic filing over time, mindful of those individuals without computer access and the agency’s commitment to serve our diverse customer base.
Benefits of using USCIS ELIS include filing applications and paying fees online, shorter processing times, and the ability to update user profiles, receive notices, and respond to requests electronically. The system also includes tools to combat fraud and identify national security concerns.
Mayorkas attributed today’s successful launch to the steadfast dedication of the USCIS workforce.
“USCIS employees believe in the transformation of our agency from a paper-based to an online environment. It is through their vision, unwavering commitment, and hard work that we have reached this important milestone,” Mayorkas said.
(Read all about it? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today launched the first phase of its electronic immigration benefits system, known as USCIS ELIS. The system has been created to modernize the process for filing and adjudicating immigration benefits.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our agency’s history,” said USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas.
“We have launched the foundation for the web-based future of our agency and our immigration benefits system. USCIS ELIS will transform how we interact with our customers and how we manage the 6-7 million applications we receive each year.”
This initial launch brings the agency closer to realizing the future of immigration services. Beginning today, individuals can establish a USCIS ELIS account and apply online to extend or change their nonimmigrant status for certain visa types. Eligible individuals include foreign citizens who travel to the United States temporarily to study, conduct business, receive medical treatment, or visit on vacation. USCIS ELIS will also enable USCIS officers to review and adjudicate online filings from multiple agency locations across the country.
Historically, USCIS customers have had to apply for most benefits by mail and USCIS employees then review paper files and ship documents between offices to complete their adjudication. Today’s launch signifies an important step forward and is the first of several releases. Future releases will add form types and functions to the system, gradually expanding to cover filing and adjudication for all USCIS immigration benefits.
This important transition for America’s immigration benefits system will take time and continued dedication to fully implement. Following this first release, USCIS anticipates making adjustments and improvements in response to user feedback. This process will enable USCIS to continually enhance the user experience for both customers and USCIS employees. It will also allow the agency to smooth the transition to electronic filing over time, mindful of those individuals without computer access and the agency’s commitment to serve our diverse customer base.
Benefits of using USCIS ELIS include filing applications and paying fees online, shorter processing times, and the ability to update user profiles, receive notices, and respond to requests electronically. The system also includes tools to combat fraud and identify national security concerns.
Mayorkas attributed today’s successful launch to the steadfast dedication of the USCIS workforce.
“USCIS employees believe in the transformation of our agency from a paper-based to an online environment. It is through their vision, unwavering commitment, and hard work that we have reached this important milestone,” Mayorkas said.
(Read all about it? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall/Chuck Norris "IRS Gives Billions in Tax Refunds to Illegals"
(See related video here)
Chuck Norris:
"WTHR, the NBC affiliate in Indianapolis, recently reported about how millions of illegal aliens are getting billions of dollars in U.S. tax refunds without having paid a dime in income taxes. The story instantly went viral because it's true. You won't believe what illegals are getting away with, and our government is enabling them.
Here's how it works.
Illegal immigrants cannot qualify for legitimate Social Security numbers, which would entitle them to work legally in the U.S. and file income tax returns, but the Internal Revenue Service allows them to apply for nine-digit individual taxpayer identification numbers, or ITINs, which also are used to file federal income tax returns.
In addition, a provision in the tax code permits illegals to claim "additional child tax credits," which grant families $1,000 per "dependent" child. Roughly three-quarters of tax returns filed by illegals include these ACTCs. With the ITIN, illegals are able to get tax credits and refunds for nephews, nieces and other family members who never have touched U.S. soil.
For example, an illegal immigrant who makes $13,000 a year not only pays no taxes but also can receive a refund of $5,000 by simply filling in five ACTCs. One illegal used a fake address and said four illegal aliens lived there with 20 relatives as dependents, for a grand total tax refund of $29,000!
According to the Center for Immigration Studies, in the 2010 tax year alone, more than 3 million returns were filed with ITINs. About 2.3 million of them paid no federal income taxes and also collected a cumulative $4 billion from the Treasury in tax refunds for claiming ACTCs.
FactCheck.org confirmed: "The (Treasury Department's inspector general's) report stated that more than 2.3 million persons who did not have Social Security numbers valid for working in the U.S. got an average of roughly $1,800 each in 2010 in child tax credit refunds. That included 9,000 illegal immigrants who each got a total of $10,000 or more by retroactively claiming credits for tax years prior to 2010."
A tax consultant snitched to WTHR News: "We've seen 10 (or) 12 dependents, most times nieces and nephews, on these tax returns. The more you put on there the more you get back. ... Here's a return right here: 'We've got a $10,300 refund (for) nine nieces and nephews.'"
And if you think this is a relatively new IRS scam, consider the report for the Center for Immigration Studies prepared by Peter A. Schulkin, who holds a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University and has taught at several universities. It was a follow-up to a November 2010 memorandum titled "Child Tax Credits for Illegal Immigrants."
In it, Schulkin "highlights new information contained in a report of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) dated July 7, 2011, (titled) 'Individuals Who Are Not Authorized to Work in the United States Were Paid $4.2 Billion in Refundable Credits.' The $4.2 billion is entirely the product of the Additional Child Tax Credit ... for the 2010 tax processing year."
Furthermore, Schulkin reported: "The July 7, 2011, TIGTA report echoes the message contained in the earlier March 31, 2009, TIGTA report in the statement: 'Although the law prohibits aliens residing without authorization in the United States from receiving most Federal public benefits, an increasing number of these individuals are filing tax returns claiming the Additional Child Tax Credit ... a refundable tax credit intended for working families. The payment of Federal funds through this tax benefit appears to provide an additional incentive for aliens to enter, reside, and work in the United States without authorization, which contradicts Federal law and policy to remove such incentives.'"
In fact, Schulkin's memorandum reports a long history of IRS abuses of ACTCs by illegal immigrants -- at least seven years....." (Read more? You should. Click title)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
Chuck Norris:
"WTHR, the NBC affiliate in Indianapolis, recently reported about how millions of illegal aliens are getting billions of dollars in U.S. tax refunds without having paid a dime in income taxes. The story instantly went viral because it's true. You won't believe what illegals are getting away with, and our government is enabling them.
Here's how it works.
Illegal immigrants cannot qualify for legitimate Social Security numbers, which would entitle them to work legally in the U.S. and file income tax returns, but the Internal Revenue Service allows them to apply for nine-digit individual taxpayer identification numbers, or ITINs, which also are used to file federal income tax returns.
In addition, a provision in the tax code permits illegals to claim "additional child tax credits," which grant families $1,000 per "dependent" child. Roughly three-quarters of tax returns filed by illegals include these ACTCs. With the ITIN, illegals are able to get tax credits and refunds for nephews, nieces and other family members who never have touched U.S. soil.
For example, an illegal immigrant who makes $13,000 a year not only pays no taxes but also can receive a refund of $5,000 by simply filling in five ACTCs. One illegal used a fake address and said four illegal aliens lived there with 20 relatives as dependents, for a grand total tax refund of $29,000!
According to the Center for Immigration Studies, in the 2010 tax year alone, more than 3 million returns were filed with ITINs. About 2.3 million of them paid no federal income taxes and also collected a cumulative $4 billion from the Treasury in tax refunds for claiming ACTCs.
FactCheck.org confirmed: "The (Treasury Department's inspector general's) report stated that more than 2.3 million persons who did not have Social Security numbers valid for working in the U.S. got an average of roughly $1,800 each in 2010 in child tax credit refunds. That included 9,000 illegal immigrants who each got a total of $10,000 or more by retroactively claiming credits for tax years prior to 2010."
A tax consultant snitched to WTHR News: "We've seen 10 (or) 12 dependents, most times nieces and nephews, on these tax returns. The more you put on there the more you get back. ... Here's a return right here: 'We've got a $10,300 refund (for) nine nieces and nephews.'"
And if you think this is a relatively new IRS scam, consider the report for the Center for Immigration Studies prepared by Peter A. Schulkin, who holds a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University and has taught at several universities. It was a follow-up to a November 2010 memorandum titled "Child Tax Credits for Illegal Immigrants."
In it, Schulkin "highlights new information contained in a report of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) dated July 7, 2011, (titled) 'Individuals Who Are Not Authorized to Work in the United States Were Paid $4.2 Billion in Refundable Credits.' The $4.2 billion is entirely the product of the Additional Child Tax Credit ... for the 2010 tax processing year."
Furthermore, Schulkin reported: "The July 7, 2011, TIGTA report echoes the message contained in the earlier March 31, 2009, TIGTA report in the statement: 'Although the law prohibits aliens residing without authorization in the United States from receiving most Federal public benefits, an increasing number of these individuals are filing tax returns claiming the Additional Child Tax Credit ... a refundable tax credit intended for working families. The payment of Federal funds through this tax benefit appears to provide an additional incentive for aliens to enter, reside, and work in the United States without authorization, which contradicts Federal law and policy to remove such incentives.'"
In fact, Schulkin's memorandum reports a long history of IRS abuses of ACTCs by illegal immigrants -- at least seven years....." (Read more? You should. Click title)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily News "Local man among rescuers in Everest tragedy"
This is an incredible story of survival and human compassion alongside courage.
Randy Wyrick:
"EAGLE COUNTY, Colorado — The window to summit Mount Everest was death's door for at least four climbers, but a few others may live because a local man was helping with rescue efforts.
Jon Kedrowski was near the summit of the world's tallest mountain Saturday when the weather changed and 100 mph winds trapped dozens of climbers, Kedrowski said.
It's being called the worst Everest tragedy since 1996, when eight people died. That event was the subject of Jon Krakauer's book, “Into Thin Air.”
Kedrowski said there was a two-hour wait at one of the main chokepoints near the summit, as more than 150 climbers attempted to summit during Friday and Saturday's brief weather window.
High winds moved in and trapped folks who were ascending and descending. Some folks had already been climbing for 18 hours or more.
Many climbers had been waiting at a staging camp for several days for their chance.
“Jon was ascending while others were descending from 18-hour climbs to the summit,” said Chris Tomer, Kedrowski's climbing partner for 15 years and a meteorologist with Denver's Fox 31 television. “They were exhausted, sick from altitude, hallucinating, frostbitten and disoriented.”
Kedrowski spotted four climbers on the verge of death and did everything he could. One man had his hat and gloves off, and was completely frozen.
“He reach out to Jon like a zombie for help,” Tomer said.
Another person was lying face-down in the snow with his headlamp still on.
“Another climber was so sick, Jon and a Sherpa stuck that guy with a needle full of DEX (an altitude drug),” Tomer said....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Randy Wyrick:
"EAGLE COUNTY, Colorado — The window to summit Mount Everest was death's door for at least four climbers, but a few others may live because a local man was helping with rescue efforts.
Jon Kedrowski was near the summit of the world's tallest mountain Saturday when the weather changed and 100 mph winds trapped dozens of climbers, Kedrowski said.
It's being called the worst Everest tragedy since 1996, when eight people died. That event was the subject of Jon Krakauer's book, “Into Thin Air.”
Kedrowski said there was a two-hour wait at one of the main chokepoints near the summit, as more than 150 climbers attempted to summit during Friday and Saturday's brief weather window.
High winds moved in and trapped folks who were ascending and descending. Some folks had already been climbing for 18 hours or more.
Many climbers had been waiting at a staging camp for several days for their chance.
“Jon was ascending while others were descending from 18-hour climbs to the summit,” said Chris Tomer, Kedrowski's climbing partner for 15 years and a meteorologist with Denver's Fox 31 television. “They were exhausted, sick from altitude, hallucinating, frostbitten and disoriented.”
Kedrowski spotted four climbers on the verge of death and did everything he could. One man had his hat and gloves off, and was completely frozen.
“He reach out to Jon like a zombie for help,” Tomer said.
Another person was lying face-down in the snow with his headlamp still on.
“Another climber was so sick, Jon and a Sherpa stuck that guy with a needle full of DEX (an altitude drug),” Tomer said....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Cop hit on her as teen, woman says"
Paul Shockley:
"A Grand Junction Police Department officer in 2000 struck up a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl whom he met investigating a runaway case, which led to trysts in the officer’s patrol cruiser and at police facilities at then-Mesa State College, among other locations, according to court records made public.
The affair continued another 11 years, the records allege.
Eric Janusz, 42, of Fruita, is charged with four counts of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust, and another count alleging a pattern of abuse.
The arrest affidavit — authorities redacted the name of the accuser victim and identifying information — was unsealed by court order on May 15.
Daniel Shaffer, Janusz’s attorney, could not be reached for comment.
Grand Junction police in August 2011 opened an investigation into Janusz’s activities after the woman filed a report. She alleged they had an off and on sexual relationship ending in August 2011, the affidavit said.
She said it started in July 2000 when she was 16, when Janusz was assigned to investigate a runaway case involving the girl’s brother. Janusz at the time worked at the department’s substation at Mesa State.
Janusz was in uniform conducting official police business when they met, the affidavit said...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment ability on this post is blocked)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"A Grand Junction Police Department officer in 2000 struck up a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl whom he met investigating a runaway case, which led to trysts in the officer’s patrol cruiser and at police facilities at then-Mesa State College, among other locations, according to court records made public.
The affair continued another 11 years, the records allege.
Eric Janusz, 42, of Fruita, is charged with four counts of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust, and another count alleging a pattern of abuse.
The arrest affidavit — authorities redacted the name of the accuser victim and identifying information — was unsealed by court order on May 15.
Daniel Shaffer, Janusz’s attorney, could not be reached for comment.
Grand Junction police in August 2011 opened an investigation into Janusz’s activities after the woman filed a report. She alleged they had an off and on sexual relationship ending in August 2011, the affidavit said.
She said it started in July 2000 when she was 16, when Janusz was assigned to investigate a runaway case involving the girl’s brother. Janusz at the time worked at the department’s substation at Mesa State.
Janusz was in uniform conducting official police business when they met, the affidavit said...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment ability on this post is blocked)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Two felonies dismissed as judge sanctions prosecutor"
(See Swift Communications coverage of the same story here: http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20120522/NEWS/120529981/1077&ParentProfile=1058)
Chad Abraham:
" A Glenwood Springs man who was facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 36 years in prison now is facing only four and a half years if found guilty, after a judge again sanctioned an Aspen prosecutor on Monday.
In her ruling, Judge Gail Nichols of Pitkin County District Court dismissed the two most serious felony charges against Asa Robinson, 30.
In addition to a felony count of false reporting of an explosive — a count that still stands from his alleged bomb threat last fall at the Belly Up — Robinson was charged with two related felonies of assault on a police officer.
Nichols dismissed the latter two charges as part of a sanction related to the handling of pretrial evidence, or discovery, by the prosecution’s offices in Glenwood and Aspen. An evidence custodian for the Aspen Police Department also erroneously handled discovery, Nichols found....." (Read more? Click title)
Chad Abraham:
" A Glenwood Springs man who was facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 36 years in prison now is facing only four and a half years if found guilty, after a judge again sanctioned an Aspen prosecutor on Monday.
In her ruling, Judge Gail Nichols of Pitkin County District Court dismissed the two most serious felony charges against Asa Robinson, 30.
In addition to a felony count of false reporting of an explosive — a count that still stands from his alleged bomb threat last fall at the Belly Up — Robinson was charged with two related felonies of assault on a police officer.
Nichols dismissed the latter two charges as part of a sanction related to the handling of pretrial evidence, or discovery, by the prosecution’s offices in Glenwood and Aspen. An evidence custodian for the Aspen Police Department also erroneously handled discovery, Nichols found....." (Read more? Click title)
Reminders of SandBox 'Rules, Regs and Worth':
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/04/sandboxblogs-note-from-nanny-some.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/p/rules-regs-worth-and-time-outs.html
Disclaimer: "Now that DA Beeson has thrown his hat in the ring for district attorney in the 9th, please take note that there will be no special treatment given to any news press surrounding his race. His articles, if they are SandBox worthy or chosen in the daily agg run-up; will be put up just like anyone else in a political race. What SandBox Commentators will continue to do, is heavily moderate his articles. (We are the only news media that provides the courtesy of moderating commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District and Mr. Beeson's articles. All 9th Judicial news articles are DA Beeson's articles )"
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/04/sandboxblogs-note-from-nanny-some.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/p/rules-regs-worth-and-time-outs.html
Disclaimer: "Now that DA Beeson has thrown his hat in the ring for district attorney in the 9th, please take note that there will be no special treatment given to any news press surrounding his race. His articles, if they are SandBox worthy or chosen in the daily agg run-up; will be put up just like anyone else in a political race. What SandBox Commentators will continue to do, is heavily moderate his articles. (We are the only news media that provides the courtesy of moderating commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District and Mr. Beeson's articles. All 9th Judicial news articles are DA Beeson's articles )"
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Lofgren relatives seek to unseal evidence used in grand jury probe"
Chad Abraham:
"The attorney for relatives of the Denver family who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in a mansion east of Aspen in 2008 is seeking to unseal grand jury evidence for use in their civil lawsuit.
The deaths of Parker and Caroline Lofgren and their young children, Owen and Sophie, sparked a year-long grand jury investigation that led to felony charges against two Pitkin County building inspectors and a Glenwood Springs business owner.
Chief Judge James Boyd of the 9th Judicial District in November dismissed the criminal cases against former county inspector Erik Peltonen and Marlin Brown, the owner of Roaring Fork Plumbing and Heating (the misdemeanor case against the other county worker was dismissed earlier). The cases were dismissed because of a statute-of-limitations issue.
The ruling freed the civil lawsuit, which had been stayed until the criminal case had been resolved, to resume.
Denver attorney William Hansen is representing Hildy Feuerbach, Caroline Lofgren’s sister; Jean Rittenour, the mother of Parker Lofgren; and Frederick Feuerbach, Jr., the father of Caroline Lofgren. Hansen filed the petition to unseal the grand jury material on Friday in Pitkin County District Court.
“We want to see everything” that Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin used in the criminal prosecution, Hansen said Monday. Mordkin does not oppose the release of the material but cannot do so without a court order, Hansen said...." (Read more? Click title)
Reminders of SandBox 'Rules, Regs and Worth':
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/04/sandboxblogs-note-from-nanny-some.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/p/rules-regs-worth-and-time-outs.html
"The attorney for relatives of the Denver family who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in a mansion east of Aspen in 2008 is seeking to unseal grand jury evidence for use in their civil lawsuit.
The deaths of Parker and Caroline Lofgren and their young children, Owen and Sophie, sparked a year-long grand jury investigation that led to felony charges against two Pitkin County building inspectors and a Glenwood Springs business owner.
Chief Judge James Boyd of the 9th Judicial District in November dismissed the criminal cases against former county inspector Erik Peltonen and Marlin Brown, the owner of Roaring Fork Plumbing and Heating (the misdemeanor case against the other county worker was dismissed earlier). The cases were dismissed because of a statute-of-limitations issue.
The ruling freed the civil lawsuit, which had been stayed until the criminal case had been resolved, to resume.
Denver attorney William Hansen is representing Hildy Feuerbach, Caroline Lofgren’s sister; Jean Rittenour, the mother of Parker Lofgren; and Frederick Feuerbach, Jr., the father of Caroline Lofgren. Hansen filed the petition to unseal the grand jury material on Friday in Pitkin County District Court.
“We want to see everything” that Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin used in the criminal prosecution, Hansen said Monday. Mordkin does not oppose the release of the material but cannot do so without a court order, Hansen said...." (Read more? Click title)
Reminders of SandBox 'Rules, Regs and Worth':
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/04/sandboxblogs-note-from-nanny-some.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/p/rules-regs-worth-and-time-outs.html
Disclaimer: "Now that DA Beeson has thrown his hat in the ring for district attorney in the 9th, please take note that
there will be no special treatment given to any news press surrounding his race. His articles, if they are SandBox worthy or chosen in the daily agg run-up; will be put up just like anyone else in a political race. What SandBox Commentators will continue to do, is heavily moderate his articles. (We are the only news media that provides the courtesy of moderating commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District and Mr. Beeson's articles. All 9th Judicial news articles are DA Beeson's articles )"
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Federal agents seize 56 pounds of meth in Utah"
via Grand Junction Daily Sentinel:
"SALT LAKE CITY — Authorities say they believe a 56-pound methamphetamine bust in Salt Lake County over the weekend marks the largest meth seizure in Utah history.
A spokeswoman for the federal Drug Enforcement Agency says the drugs were found in a car at about 10 p.m. Sunday. The Salt Lake Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/KhCoiR ) the bust came as part of a year-long investigation into the Sinaloa cartel, one of Mexico’s dominant drug cartels.
DEA spokeswoman Sue Thomas says the meth had a street value of up to $5 million.
She tells the newspaper that the drugs were smuggled across the U.S. border packed in PVC pipe and in the ceiling of a car.
U.S. Attorney spokeswoman Melodie Rydalch, in Salt Lake City, would not disclose the number of people being charged but expects charges to be filed Tuesday....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"SALT LAKE CITY — Authorities say they believe a 56-pound methamphetamine bust in Salt Lake County over the weekend marks the largest meth seizure in Utah history.
A spokeswoman for the federal Drug Enforcement Agency says the drugs were found in a car at about 10 p.m. Sunday. The Salt Lake Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/KhCoiR ) the bust came as part of a year-long investigation into the Sinaloa cartel, one of Mexico’s dominant drug cartels.
DEA spokeswoman Sue Thomas says the meth had a street value of up to $5 million.
She tells the newspaper that the drugs were smuggled across the U.S. border packed in PVC pipe and in the ceiling of a car.
U.S. Attorney spokeswoman Melodie Rydalch, in Salt Lake City, would not disclose the number of people being charged but expects charges to be filed Tuesday....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Brooke Mueller ordered to pay more than $2,400 in court costs"
Chad Abraham:
"Brooke Mueller, ex-wife of actor Charlie Sheen, was ordered on Monday to pay more than $2,400 in court costs and sentenced to a year of supervised probation for possessing cocaine in Aspen in December.
The Los Angeles resident listened to her sentence on the phone from Utah, where she is in drug rehabilitation. Mueller, who was originally charged with possession with intent to distribute, received a one-year deferred sentence. She also must complete 24 hours of community service in California.
She pleaded guilty in March to possessing less than 4 grams of the drug as part of a plea agreement that saw the distribution count and a misdemeanor assault charge dropped.
Mueller was arrested Dec. 3 after police say she punched a woman in the back during a concert at the Belly Up. She had 3.8 grams of cocaine in her wallet and told officers she “bought that coke for all my friends, I was just trying to impress them,” according to a police report. That led to the distribution charge.
During her arrest on the Hyman Avenue mall, police said Mueller became belligerent, screaming, “You think you have power, you will see,” and poking an officer in the chest, the report says.
Judge Gail Nichols of Pitkin County District Court ordered Mueller to pay a $1,500 drug offender surcharge, a $600 probation supervision fee and $326 to two victim funds, among other fees...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Reminders of SandBox 'Rules, Regs and Worth':
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/04/sandboxblogs-note-from-nanny-some.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/p/rules-regs-worth-and-time-outs.html
"Brooke Mueller, ex-wife of actor Charlie Sheen, was ordered on Monday to pay more than $2,400 in court costs and sentenced to a year of supervised probation for possessing cocaine in Aspen in December.
The Los Angeles resident listened to her sentence on the phone from Utah, where she is in drug rehabilitation. Mueller, who was originally charged with possession with intent to distribute, received a one-year deferred sentence. She also must complete 24 hours of community service in California.
She pleaded guilty in March to possessing less than 4 grams of the drug as part of a plea agreement that saw the distribution count and a misdemeanor assault charge dropped.
Mueller was arrested Dec. 3 after police say she punched a woman in the back during a concert at the Belly Up. She had 3.8 grams of cocaine in her wallet and told officers she “bought that coke for all my friends, I was just trying to impress them,” according to a police report. That led to the distribution charge.
During her arrest on the Hyman Avenue mall, police said Mueller became belligerent, screaming, “You think you have power, you will see,” and poking an officer in the chest, the report says.
Judge Gail Nichols of Pitkin County District Court ordered Mueller to pay a $1,500 drug offender surcharge, a $600 probation supervision fee and $326 to two victim funds, among other fees...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Reminders of SandBox 'Rules, Regs and Worth':
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/04/sandboxblogs-note-from-nanny-some.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/p/rules-regs-worth-and-time-outs.html
Disclaimer: "Now that DA Beeson has thrown his hat in the ring for district attorney in the 9th, please take note that there will be no special treatment given to any news press surrounding his race. His articles, if they are SandBox worthy or chosen in the daily agg run-up; will be put up just like anyone else in a political race. What SandBox Commentators will continue to do, is heavily moderate his articles. (We are the only news media that provides the courtesy of moderating commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District and Mr. Beeson's articles. All 9th Judicial news articles are DA Beeson's articles )"
SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News "Liddick: Regulatory hits and misses"
Morgan Liddick:
"This about regulation, the good and the bad. We'll leave the ugly for November.
Recently, a small outbreak of common sense descended on Washington, D.C., a town that seems to partake more of Wonderland than wisdom.
A popular outburst among farm folk and those who represent them has apparently derailed — for the moment, at least — a really bone-headed rule from the Labor Department concerning child farm labor.
While the term “child labor” invokes images of toddlers tending power looms, that's not what's involved here. The proposed restrictions would have prevented children from doing almost any farm work, save on “family farms,” defined as a farm owned by mom or dad, or both. As an aside, this is a little confusing: A group that has no problem with Heather having two mommies doesn't think Uncle Bob should be considered family. In farm country, that's a real problem.
I grew up on a family farm. We raised hay, grapes, horses and cattle. My grandparents had a vegetable garden that, to an 8-year-old charged with weeding, seemed to stretch from the banks of the Columbia River to Cleveland, Ohio. Or at least, Boise.
When I was 12, I took command of a 1958-vintage two-cylinder John Deere tractor. I towed rotary discs, ditchers, harrows, an antique hay-baler and when the time came, a trailer for baled hay or 40-pound boxes of grapes. Friends helped; sometimes, we spelled each other driving and hoisting. Was it potentially dangerous? Yes. But we respected the equipment, understood the downside, and came away unscathed, as the vast majority of farm kids did, and do.
None of this would have been possible under the proposed regulations. Instead, we would have had to hire help; the extra cost would have forced us out of the farming business in short order. Perhaps that's what the Department of Labor had in mind, small businesses being so pesky to regulate and all....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"This about regulation, the good and the bad. We'll leave the ugly for November.
Recently, a small outbreak of common sense descended on Washington, D.C., a town that seems to partake more of Wonderland than wisdom.
A popular outburst among farm folk and those who represent them has apparently derailed — for the moment, at least — a really bone-headed rule from the Labor Department concerning child farm labor.
While the term “child labor” invokes images of toddlers tending power looms, that's not what's involved here. The proposed restrictions would have prevented children from doing almost any farm work, save on “family farms,” defined as a farm owned by mom or dad, or both. As an aside, this is a little confusing: A group that has no problem with Heather having two mommies doesn't think Uncle Bob should be considered family. In farm country, that's a real problem.
I grew up on a family farm. We raised hay, grapes, horses and cattle. My grandparents had a vegetable garden that, to an 8-year-old charged with weeding, seemed to stretch from the banks of the Columbia River to Cleveland, Ohio. Or at least, Boise.
When I was 12, I took command of a 1958-vintage two-cylinder John Deere tractor. I towed rotary discs, ditchers, harrows, an antique hay-baler and when the time came, a trailer for baled hay or 40-pound boxes of grapes. Friends helped; sometimes, we spelled each other driving and hoisting. Was it potentially dangerous? Yes. But we respected the equipment, understood the downside, and came away unscathed, as the vast majority of farm kids did, and do.
None of this would have been possible under the proposed regulations. Instead, we would have had to hire help; the extra cost would have forced us out of the farming business in short order. Perhaps that's what the Department of Labor had in mind, small businesses being so pesky to regulate and all....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Facts not coming out of City Hall"
Another special shout-out of thanks to Maurice Emmer. For once again sticking to just the facts.
"Editor:
Mitzi Rapkin recently wrote a letter complaining about an article reporting on Matt Rice’s Congressional testimony. To be charitable, I assume Mitzi does not really know first-hand any of the facts, but that information is supplied to her by city managers and possibly City Council and she writes the information up in a pleasant, direct and professional way. So I do not blame Mitzi for distortions in her recent letter.
The main distortion of concern is the repeated claim that the penstock (pipeline) from Thomas Reservoir to the proposed Castle Creek hydro site was necessary because the city’s consulting engineer advised there was danger that required an emergency drain line.
This is a pretty important matter because federal law prohibits the construction of any part of a power plant system without FERC approval. That approval could be avoided if there really was a pre-existing conduit (pipeline) that was going to be used for the power plant, but in this case there wasn’t one by any stretch of imagination.
So the city drew up plans for a penstock and related structures, including increased inflow to Thomas Reservoir from Maroon Creek (yes, they propose to take water from Maroon Creek, too), and then the engineer advised that those changes would create risk. The city thought it could call this proposed penstock a pre-existing conduit needed to reduce the risk and use the exemption, but of course that was silly.
How do I know this? I asked the city questions about the project. When I got their answers I asked for the documents supporting their answers. Guess what? The documents contradicted many of the city’s answers, rather than supporting them. You can read the documents too, if you want. If Mitzi wants to convince anyone the city is right, she easily can cite to specific documents that she thinks support the city’s assertions, rather than parroting claims that are fed to her by city management....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Editor:
Mitzi Rapkin recently wrote a letter complaining about an article reporting on Matt Rice’s Congressional testimony. To be charitable, I assume Mitzi does not really know first-hand any of the facts, but that information is supplied to her by city managers and possibly City Council and she writes the information up in a pleasant, direct and professional way. So I do not blame Mitzi for distortions in her recent letter.
The main distortion of concern is the repeated claim that the penstock (pipeline) from Thomas Reservoir to the proposed Castle Creek hydro site was necessary because the city’s consulting engineer advised there was danger that required an emergency drain line.
This is a pretty important matter because federal law prohibits the construction of any part of a power plant system without FERC approval. That approval could be avoided if there really was a pre-existing conduit (pipeline) that was going to be used for the power plant, but in this case there wasn’t one by any stretch of imagination.
So the city drew up plans for a penstock and related structures, including increased inflow to Thomas Reservoir from Maroon Creek (yes, they propose to take water from Maroon Creek, too), and then the engineer advised that those changes would create risk. The city thought it could call this proposed penstock a pre-existing conduit needed to reduce the risk and use the exemption, but of course that was silly.
How do I know this? I asked the city questions about the project. When I got their answers I asked for the documents supporting their answers. Guess what? The documents contradicted many of the city’s answers, rather than supporting them. You can read the documents too, if you want. If Mitzi wants to convince anyone the city is right, she easily can cite to specific documents that she thinks support the city’s assertions, rather than parroting claims that are fed to her by city management....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News/Community Briefs "Talk about changing the script on climate change conversation"
via Aspen Daily News:
"The Aspen Global Change Institute will present a free public lecture titled “Changing the Script on Climate Change: Transformative Views on Humanity’s Role” today at 6:30 p.m. at the Limelight Lodge. The lecture will be delivered by Dr. Karen O’Brien of the University of Oslo.
In this solutions-oriented presentation, Dr. O’Brien will share highlights from research that is leading to new ideas about how individuals, organizations and whole societies can make decisions and change habits that lead to a more sustainable, thrive-able future.
A wine and cheese reception will follow the talk. This event is co-sponsored by the Aspen Skiing Co.
O’Brien is a professor in the department of sociology and human geography at the University of Oslo in Norway. Her research focuses on climate change impacts, vulnerability, and adaptation and the implications for human security, as well as on the relationships between globalization and environmental change.
The Aspen Global Change Institute is an independent Colorado nonprofit with a mission of furthering the scientific understanding of Earth systems and global environmental change....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The Aspen Global Change Institute will present a free public lecture titled “Changing the Script on Climate Change: Transformative Views on Humanity’s Role” today at 6:30 p.m. at the Limelight Lodge. The lecture will be delivered by Dr. Karen O’Brien of the University of Oslo.
In this solutions-oriented presentation, Dr. O’Brien will share highlights from research that is leading to new ideas about how individuals, organizations and whole societies can make decisions and change habits that lead to a more sustainable, thrive-able future.
A wine and cheese reception will follow the talk. This event is co-sponsored by the Aspen Skiing Co.
O’Brien is a professor in the department of sociology and human geography at the University of Oslo in Norway. Her research focuses on climate change impacts, vulnerability, and adaptation and the implications for human security, as well as on the relationships between globalization and environmental change.
The Aspen Global Change Institute is an independent Colorado nonprofit with a mission of furthering the scientific understanding of Earth systems and global environmental change....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Colorado: Landscape-level preservation eyed in San Luis Valley to protect wetlands, riparian corridors & wildlife"
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY —The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is taking some first steps toward a large-scale preservation effort in Colorado’s San Luis Valley that could ultimately protect up to 530,000 acres of wetlands, riparian corridors, and important upland habitats through voluntary conservation easements.
The agency recently held public meetings to get input from landowners and other stakeholders in the region, helping to formulate the framework for a locally-led, voluntary, cooperative partnership that will also help preserve traditional land uses.
“This project represents another opportunity for the Service to partner with the people of the San Luis Valley to protect this important landscape for both wildlife and the people that have worked these lands for generations,” said regional USFWS director said Steve Guertin.
“By beginning our partnerships in the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, we can determine the level of interest among landowners before exploring whether to broaden those partnerships to other partners elsewhere in the Valley. At every step, we want to listen, learn, and do all we can to support the goals and vision of local landowners and the local community,” Guertin said.
The goal of the draft land protection plan is to work with landowners to buy perpetual conservation easements for up to 530,000 acres of land. Conservation easements maintain traditional uses and protect natural resource values, but extinguish most development rights.
Initial efforts will focus on the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where, because of the stewardship efforts of private landowners, there are opportunities to protect important wildlife migration corridors over federal, state, and private lands. If partnerships in the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains are successful and of interest to private landowners, the Service would – at a later date – consider whether to pursue similar partnerships with private landowners in other parts of the proposed San Luis Valley Conservation Area......." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"SUMMIT COUNTY —The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is taking some first steps toward a large-scale preservation effort in Colorado’s San Luis Valley that could ultimately protect up to 530,000 acres of wetlands, riparian corridors, and important upland habitats through voluntary conservation easements.
The agency recently held public meetings to get input from landowners and other stakeholders in the region, helping to formulate the framework for a locally-led, voluntary, cooperative partnership that will also help preserve traditional land uses.
“This project represents another opportunity for the Service to partner with the people of the San Luis Valley to protect this important landscape for both wildlife and the people that have worked these lands for generations,” said regional USFWS director said Steve Guertin.
“By beginning our partnerships in the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, we can determine the level of interest among landowners before exploring whether to broaden those partnerships to other partners elsewhere in the Valley. At every step, we want to listen, learn, and do all we can to support the goals and vision of local landowners and the local community,” Guertin said.
The goal of the draft land protection plan is to work with landowners to buy perpetual conservation easements for up to 530,000 acres of land. Conservation easements maintain traditional uses and protect natural resource values, but extinguish most development rights.
Initial efforts will focus on the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where, because of the stewardship efforts of private landowners, there are opportunities to protect important wildlife migration corridors over federal, state, and private lands. If partnerships in the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains are successful and of interest to private landowners, the Service would – at a later date – consider whether to pursue similar partnerships with private landowners in other parts of the proposed San Luis Valley Conservation Area......." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Jimmy Westlake: Partial lunar eclipse on horizon"
All credit Jimmy Westlake:
"In an eerie re-creation of last December’s sunrise lunar eclipse, the full moon once again will slip into the Earth’s dark shadow by the dawn’s early light on the morning of June 4. This eclipse, however, will not be total for anyone on Earth. It is a partial eclipse of the moon, which means the moon’s path only takes it through the edge of the Earth’s shadow, not completely into it.
An eclipse of the moon occurs when the moon passes through the Earth’s long shadow cast into space, either partially or totally. This can occur only during the full moon phase when the moon is opposite the sun in our sky, but it doesn’t happen at every full moon because of the 5-degree tilt of the moon’s orbit relative to the Earth’s orbit. The full moon usually passes slightly above or slightly below the shadow cone of the Earth.
June’s full moon is known in folklore as the Flower Moon. It will rise at sunset on the evening of June 3 and will show no hint of an eclipse until just before 4 a.m. the next morning. That’s when the lower-left edge of the moon will begin to darken as it enters the Earth’s umbral shadow. Then it becomes a race against sunrise as dawn brightens the sky. Maximum eclipse happens at 5:03 a.m. when 37 percent of the Flower Moon will be shadowed. The sun will rise at about 5:39 a.m. and the partially eclipsed moon will set only nine minutes later, at 5:48 a.m....." (Read more? Click title)
"In an eerie re-creation of last December’s sunrise lunar eclipse, the full moon once again will slip into the Earth’s dark shadow by the dawn’s early light on the morning of June 4. This eclipse, however, will not be total for anyone on Earth. It is a partial eclipse of the moon, which means the moon’s path only takes it through the edge of the Earth’s shadow, not completely into it.
An eclipse of the moon occurs when the moon passes through the Earth’s long shadow cast into space, either partially or totally. This can occur only during the full moon phase when the moon is opposite the sun in our sky, but it doesn’t happen at every full moon because of the 5-degree tilt of the moon’s orbit relative to the Earth’s orbit. The full moon usually passes slightly above or slightly below the shadow cone of the Earth.
June’s full moon is known in folklore as the Flower Moon. It will rise at sunset on the evening of June 3 and will show no hint of an eclipse until just before 4 a.m. the next morning. That’s when the lower-left edge of the moon will begin to darken as it enters the Earth’s umbral shadow. Then it becomes a race against sunrise as dawn brightens the sky. Maximum eclipse happens at 5:03 a.m. when 37 percent of the Flower Moon will be shadowed. The sun will rise at about 5:39 a.m. and the partially eclipsed moon will set only nine minutes later, at 5:48 a.m....." (Read more? Click title)
May 21, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Hot Air Blog "Greek talks collapsed amid anger, insults, “unreality”"
Ed Morrissey:
"This may end up being the political quote of the year, uttered by the president of Greece after talks aimed at forming an emergency government collapsed last week:
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"This may end up being the political quote of the year, uttered by the president of Greece after talks aimed at forming an emergency government collapsed last week:
“Gentlemen, we are finished,” said the patrician President, calling an abrupt halt to two hours of baiting and cat-calling between furious Greek politicians. “I’m starting to get upset myself now. We are finished.”The only people who don’t seem to realize the depth of the truth in that quote are the Greeks themselves:
The final collapse of talks to forge a new Greek government triggered repeat elections and fears of a chaotic exit from the euro zone. But it is the manner of that collapse, the acrimony and rancor cited by Karolos Papoulias, that bodes ill for efforts after June polls to pull Greece back from the brink.“It was a complete madhouse,” a source at the socialist PASOK party told Reuters after their leader,Evangelos Venizelos, returned from the May 17 showdown. “The discussion was unbelievable.”
(Read more? Click title)Voters infuriated by grinding poverty, spending cuts and corruption, punished Samaras and fellow mainstream party leader Evangelos Venizelos. Leftist Alexis Tsipras, 37, emerged with the power to block them. Greece, he said, could ditch its spending cuts and renounce its debts to EU partners, yet enlist their help in keeping the euro currency some 80 percent of Greeks cherish.“Pythagoras didn’t manage to square the circle and god knows these guys don’t know how to either,” said one EU diplomat in Brussels, echoing widespread sentiment in European capitals.
“The Greeks seem to have no understanding of the seriousness of their predicament and that is a great source of frustration. There’s a breaking point and I think we’re getting close to it.”..."
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxblogs: National Journal "Ryan: Obama Will Bring 'European-Like Austerity' "
Alexandra Jaffe:
"House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan said that if President Obama is reelected in November, Europe’s current economic crisis will be America’s future.
“The president, his budget, the fact the Senate hasn't done a budget in three years, puts us on a path towards European-like austerity,” said Ryan, R-Wis., on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday.
He continued: “If the last four years is any indication of the next four years under current management, we'll keep kicking the can. We'll keep making empty promises to voters. And then we'll probably have a debt crisis ... in the next presidency if we stay on this path.”
Ryan offered his own, House-passed budget plan as an alternative, which he said would “preempt” austerity by reducing U.S. debt and reigning in borrowing.
“The whole premise of our budget is to preempt austerity by getting our borrowing under control, having tax reform for economic growth, and preventing Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid from going bankrupt. That preempts austerity,” he said....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan said that if President Obama is reelected in November, Europe’s current economic crisis will be America’s future.
“The president, his budget, the fact the Senate hasn't done a budget in three years, puts us on a path towards European-like austerity,” said Ryan, R-Wis., on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday.
He continued: “If the last four years is any indication of the next four years under current management, we'll keep kicking the can. We'll keep making empty promises to voters. And then we'll probably have a debt crisis ... in the next presidency if we stay on this path.”
Ryan offered his own, House-passed budget plan as an alternative, which he said would “preempt” austerity by reducing U.S. debt and reigning in borrowing.
“The whole premise of our budget is to preempt austerity by getting our borrowing under control, having tax reform for economic growth, and preventing Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid from going bankrupt. That preempts austerity,” he said....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall "Hopeless Change for the Young"
Bob Beauprez:
"In 2008, Obama inspired legions of young Americans who bought into his "Change you can believe in" campaign message. According to the Pew Research Center, voters under the age of 30 supported Obama over John McCain 66:31 – by far the largest disparity between young voters and other age groups in any presidential election since exit polling began in 1972. In addition to the critical vote totals, Obama attracted thousands of high energy campaign volunteers that brought unbridled enthusiasm to his campaign of Hope-and-Change.
Sadly, three years later, it is more like Hopeless Change that millions of young Americans face. In exchange for that 2:1 vote of confidence they gave Obama in 2008, the 18-29 year-olds are feeling the brunt of the economic stagnation – often by twice the degree of all other age groups. According to the Wall Street Journal, "The U.S. labor market is in a malaise, but young adults are in crisis."
Maybe you hadn't noticed, but the recession supposedly ended almost three years ago. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, NBER, the economic downturn that began in December 2007, lasted 18 months and officially ended in June, 2009. NBER defines a recession is a period of falling economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real GDP, real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales. Economists declare the end of a recession when the declining trend is reversed....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"In 2008, Obama inspired legions of young Americans who bought into his "Change you can believe in" campaign message. According to the Pew Research Center, voters under the age of 30 supported Obama over John McCain 66:31 – by far the largest disparity between young voters and other age groups in any presidential election since exit polling began in 1972. In addition to the critical vote totals, Obama attracted thousands of high energy campaign volunteers that brought unbridled enthusiasm to his campaign of Hope-and-Change.
Sadly, three years later, it is more like Hopeless Change that millions of young Americans face. In exchange for that 2:1 vote of confidence they gave Obama in 2008, the 18-29 year-olds are feeling the brunt of the economic stagnation – often by twice the degree of all other age groups. According to the Wall Street Journal, "The U.S. labor market is in a malaise, but young adults are in crisis."
Maybe you hadn't noticed, but the recession supposedly ended almost three years ago. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, NBER, the economic downturn that began in December 2007, lasted 18 months and officially ended in June, 2009. NBER defines a recession is a period of falling economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real GDP, real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales. Economists declare the end of a recession when the declining trend is reversed....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Right Side News "New Poll: End of Gender Gap or Proof of Credibility Gap?"
Roger Aronoff:
"The Obama campaign is complaining about the latest New York Times/CBS poll, because of its “methodology.” Their real complaint, however, is with the results. Whereas in April, the poll showed that in a general election match-up between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama, Obama was ahead among women voters by 49% - 43%, now, in the latest poll, Romney is ahead among women by 46% - 44%, which is within the three-point margin of error, but represents an eight-point swing in one month. After the Sandra Fluke/contraception issue, and the whole “GOP war on women” theme pushed by Obama and his media allies, these numbers seemed surprising. But, in fact, they indicate that a majority of women aren’t buying it.
The part of the poll that upset the Obama campaign even more was the percentage of those polled who believe that Obama made his decision to announce his support for gay marriage for political reasons. That number was 67% versus only 24% who said they believe he did it “mostly because he thinks it is right.” That is hugely significant, and it is a gap, a credibility gap, that reverberates throughout the Obama administration...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Right Scoop "Boehner steps up, sends letter to Holder over Fast and Furious"
Scoop:
"It’s about time we get the ball rolling on this. I worry it could just be posturing, but hopefully this will turn into a contempt charge because there is no way Holder’s going to comply:
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"It’s about time we get the ball rolling on this. I worry it could just be posturing, but hopefully this will turn into a contempt charge because there is no way Holder’s going to comply:
Washington Examiner – House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and House party leadership confronted Attorney General Eric Holder for not cooperating with the investigation into Operation Fast and Furious in a letter today.(Read more? Click title)
The letter — signed by Boehner, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., and House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chair Darrell Issa, R-Calif., — increases the likelihood that House Republicans will pursue contempt charges against Holder if he does not turn over documents pertaining to the gunwalking scheme.
“As co-equal branches of the U.S. Government, the relationship between the Legislative and Executive branches must be predicated on honest communications and cannot be clouded by allegations of obstruction,” the House leaders wrote. “If necessary, the House will act to fulfill our Constitutional obligations in the coming weeks.”....."
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Ranger reports verbal abuse over citation for trespassing"
Chad Abraham:
"A local developer on Friday vehemently denied an open space ranger’s account of what transpired during the issuing of a trespassing ticket in April at an entrance to Sky Mountain Park between Aspen and Snowmass Village.
Nikos Hecht, who has multiple building projects under way in Aspen, is due in Pitkin County Court on Tuesday for the misdemeanor trespassing citation.
That the encounter happened April 7 near the park entrance next to the southwest side of the Aspen airport is about the only common element in Hecht’s version of what happened and that of Trevor Washko, a seasonal ranger for the county open space and trails department...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"A local developer on Friday vehemently denied an open space ranger’s account of what transpired during the issuing of a trespassing ticket in April at an entrance to Sky Mountain Park between Aspen and Snowmass Village.
Nikos Hecht, who has multiple building projects under way in Aspen, is due in Pitkin County Court on Tuesday for the misdemeanor trespassing citation.
That the encounter happened April 7 near the park entrance next to the southwest side of the Aspen airport is about the only common element in Hecht’s version of what happened and that of Trevor Washko, a seasonal ranger for the county open space and trails department...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Colorado Springs Gazette "Marijuana cases headed to trial, even as other take pleas"
Lance Benzel:
"One is a cancer patient and former restaurateur who says he believes that oil derived from marijuana holds the cure to his leukemia.
The other — a Colorado Springs woman who left a corporate job to join the state’s booming medical marijuana trade, only to be swept up in a 2010 raid on growers who shared a local warehouse.
In June, Robert Crouse and Elisa J. Kappelmann — defendants in two of El Paso County’s most closely watched marijuana prosecutions — are headed for jury trials at a time when many similar cases quietly end in plea agreements.
Kappelmann, 52, is due for a June 4 trial. Crouse, 63, is to be tried June 25.
The cases, which are otherwise unrelated, have attracted notice from medical marijuana advocates who staged demonstrations and packed the 4th Judicial District courthouse hallways during their court appearances. According to court records, the District Attorney’s Office contends that Crouse and Kappelmann were operating marijuana nurseries without proper licensing, charges both deny.
Crouse was arrested in May 2011 after police seized 6 pounds of marijuana and more than 50 plants from his home on North Weber Street. Crouse is charged with two drug felonies, including possession with intent to distribute.
According to an arrest affidavit, Crouse told authorities he was part-owner in a recently opened dispensary called God’s Own Garden. Crouse said he wasn’t involved in day-to-day operations but told police that he occasionally supplied a business partner with marijuana that Crouse grew at home, the affidavit said.
Crouse had invested $7,000 in the venture, court records said.
Police say Crouse was also trying to produce marijuana-infused barbecue sauce, modifying the same barbecue recipe he used at Yakibob’s, the Colorado Springs restaurant he owned until handing the business off to a family member in 2009....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"One is a cancer patient and former restaurateur who says he believes that oil derived from marijuana holds the cure to his leukemia.
The other — a Colorado Springs woman who left a corporate job to join the state’s booming medical marijuana trade, only to be swept up in a 2010 raid on growers who shared a local warehouse.
In June, Robert Crouse and Elisa J. Kappelmann — defendants in two of El Paso County’s most closely watched marijuana prosecutions — are headed for jury trials at a time when many similar cases quietly end in plea agreements.
Kappelmann, 52, is due for a June 4 trial. Crouse, 63, is to be tried June 25.
The cases, which are otherwise unrelated, have attracted notice from medical marijuana advocates who staged demonstrations and packed the 4th Judicial District courthouse hallways during their court appearances. According to court records, the District Attorney’s Office contends that Crouse and Kappelmann were operating marijuana nurseries without proper licensing, charges both deny.
Crouse was arrested in May 2011 after police seized 6 pounds of marijuana and more than 50 plants from his home on North Weber Street. Crouse is charged with two drug felonies, including possession with intent to distribute.
According to an arrest affidavit, Crouse told authorities he was part-owner in a recently opened dispensary called God’s Own Garden. Crouse said he wasn’t involved in day-to-day operations but told police that he occasionally supplied a business partner with marijuana that Crouse grew at home, the affidavit said.
Crouse had invested $7,000 in the venture, court records said.
Police say Crouse was also trying to produce marijuana-infused barbecue sauce, modifying the same barbecue recipe he used at Yakibob’s, the Colorado Springs restaurant he owned until handing the business off to a family member in 2009....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News "Summit lends hand to building Mexico's K9 rescue"
Thank you so much to our Red White and Blue guys over in Summit County for participating in this terrific program. You are awesome.
Janice Kurbjun:
"A storm ravaged part of Mexico nearly a decade ago, scattering forest timbers, smashing cars, leaving several dead.
One particular family lost its husband and father, and that family became the reason eight rescue dogs are now in place in the country. Rescue dogs could have made the difference of life and death for that man, and Jesse Rodriguez promised he'd put a program in place.
Though it's nearly a decade later, Rodriguez is starting from “below scratch,” he said, adding that about 31 dogs are being trained in all of Mexico to add to the contingent of eight currently in existence. Which is why he and eight team members drove up from Hermosillo to train with Colorado's Emergency Response K9 teams this weekend. They have been training their dogs for about three months, and they're considered a senior team. Rodriguez is also overseeing programs in Columbia and Peru.
By comparison, the United States has 231 Federal Emergency Management Agency-certified canine teams in place throughout the country and have been training for years.
The eight handlers and their pups passed through Utah for training before arriving at Frisco's High Country Training Center on Thursday, nearly 18 hours away from home — by a direct route.
“We don't have rubble piles in Mexico,” Rodriguez said. “We don't have a lot of things.”
What he's doing is largely coming out of his pocket, from a minimal International Emergency Response K9 fund and some recent help from various firefighting agencies — but he's getting a lot of outside support....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Janice Kurbjun:
"A storm ravaged part of Mexico nearly a decade ago, scattering forest timbers, smashing cars, leaving several dead.
One particular family lost its husband and father, and that family became the reason eight rescue dogs are now in place in the country. Rescue dogs could have made the difference of life and death for that man, and Jesse Rodriguez promised he'd put a program in place.
Though it's nearly a decade later, Rodriguez is starting from “below scratch,” he said, adding that about 31 dogs are being trained in all of Mexico to add to the contingent of eight currently in existence. Which is why he and eight team members drove up from Hermosillo to train with Colorado's Emergency Response K9 teams this weekend. They have been training their dogs for about three months, and they're considered a senior team. Rodriguez is also overseeing programs in Columbia and Peru.
By comparison, the United States has 231 Federal Emergency Management Agency-certified canine teams in place throughout the country and have been training for years.
The eight handlers and their pups passed through Utah for training before arriving at Frisco's High Country Training Center on Thursday, nearly 18 hours away from home — by a direct route.
“We don't have rubble piles in Mexico,” Rodriguez said. “We don't have a lot of things.”
What he's doing is largely coming out of his pocket, from a minimal International Emergency Response K9 fund and some recent help from various firefighting agencies — but he's getting a lot of outside support....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "A case for high density downtown living"
Here's to Don Ensign of Carbondale.
For voicing the the most sound option to date for prosperity and growth in downtown Glenwood Springs.
And the simplest, along with being nearly zero cost to taxpayers.
Private development that builds high density downtown living. Something that a few in the construction industry have been shouting out for years trying to achieve.
Don Ensign:
"...High density living is not for everyone, but my experience and that of others demonstrates a strong market for downtown housing, especially on sites proximate to natural amenities, recreation activities, quality shopping and dining, schools, libraries, etc., with all of which downtown Glenwood is richly endowed.
Glenwood Springs has the opportunity to be a model smart growth community due to an absolutely unique set of circumstances: a river confluence, wonderful scenery, trail system, excellent transit, downtown amenities and unparalleled public services. It would be a shame to squander such a rich legacy due to irrational or uninformed fears of density...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
For voicing the the most sound option to date for prosperity and growth in downtown Glenwood Springs.
And the simplest, along with being nearly zero cost to taxpayers.
Private development that builds high density downtown living. Something that a few in the construction industry have been shouting out for years trying to achieve.
Don Ensign:
"...High density living is not for everyone, but my experience and that of others demonstrates a strong market for downtown housing, especially on sites proximate to natural amenities, recreation activities, quality shopping and dining, schools, libraries, etc., with all of which downtown Glenwood is richly endowed.
Glenwood Springs has the opportunity to be a model smart growth community due to an absolutely unique set of circumstances: a river confluence, wonderful scenery, trail system, excellent transit, downtown amenities and unparalleled public services. It would be a shame to squander such a rich legacy due to irrational or uninformed fears of density...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Efficient lighting helps preserve formations in Glenwood Caverns"
(See related posts, links within posts and public comments on the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park expansions here)
Bob Ward:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — At Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, the decision to install energy-efficient lighting was a home run both environmentally and economically.
Owner Steve Beckley had known for years that the incandescent lights in the caves actually put out more heat than light, and that Kings Row, one of the most dazzling formations on the popular cave tour, was beginning to dry out as a result.
The key to all of the caverns' strange and beautiful rock features — not to mention the 54 unique species that live in the caverns — is water, which percolates and drips through fissures in the stone.
Under normal circumstances, the temperature inside the caverns is a cool 52 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. If the drying were allowed to continue, Beckley explained, “You get a dusty, dry cave instead of a wet, living cave.”.........
.......Today, work is under way to expand the tour options in the park's namesake caverns, which Beckley can illuminate at a lower cost and with less risk to the cave's ecology.
“We began with 7,800 linear feet of passageway, and now we have about 16,000,” he smiled. “This cave has been open since 1999, and I want to make sure your grandkids can still come. Our job is the stewardship of this cave.”......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Bob Ward:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — At Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, the decision to install energy-efficient lighting was a home run both environmentally and economically.
Owner Steve Beckley had known for years that the incandescent lights in the caves actually put out more heat than light, and that Kings Row, one of the most dazzling formations on the popular cave tour, was beginning to dry out as a result.
The key to all of the caverns' strange and beautiful rock features — not to mention the 54 unique species that live in the caverns — is water, which percolates and drips through fissures in the stone.
Under normal circumstances, the temperature inside the caverns is a cool 52 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. If the drying were allowed to continue, Beckley explained, “You get a dusty, dry cave instead of a wet, living cave.”.........
.......Today, work is under way to expand the tour options in the park's namesake caverns, which Beckley can illuminate at a lower cost and with less risk to the cave's ecology.
“We began with 7,800 linear feet of passageway, and now we have about 16,000,” he smiled. “This cave has been open since 1999, and I want to make sure your grandkids can still come. Our job is the stewardship of this cave.”......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "CMC weighing $63.1M budget for 2012-13"
Hmmm....let's see.......$12,000 a year that could be income off the Source Gas compressor station lease...would buy....the entire projected budget for financial aid funds!!.....1/3 more than is projected to be spent on academic support and student services!!!!....hmmmm....support a college education for the kids of all the little guys by protesting the 'fauxtrage' directed at CMC!!!.....hmmmm......"one ringie-dingie"...."two ringie-dingie"....(see recent related posts, links within posts and public comments here)
Here's to the little guy.
Let freedom ring.
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — The Colorado Mountain College board of trustees is in the process of reviewing a proposed $63.1 million general fund budget for next year.
And the general public can do the same between now and the CMC board's scheduled budget vote on June 18, according to CMC officials.
The draft 2012-13 budget can be viewed at any CMC location, including locally in Glenwood Springs, Spring Valley, Carbondale and Rifle. It can also be found online at http://www.coloradomtn.edu/, under the “Communities & Friends” tab (click on Board of Trustees/Budget & Audit).
The proposed spending budget represents a $4 million increase over the current fiscal year. That's due in part to revenues being slightly higher than projected for this year and continuing into the next fiscal year, according to a summary of the budget proposal.
Total revenues are projected at about $63.3 million, including $46.9 million from property taxes within the multi-county special community college district......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Here's to the little guy.
Let freedom ring.
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — The Colorado Mountain College board of trustees is in the process of reviewing a proposed $63.1 million general fund budget for next year.
And the general public can do the same between now and the CMC board's scheduled budget vote on June 18, according to CMC officials.
The draft 2012-13 budget can be viewed at any CMC location, including locally in Glenwood Springs, Spring Valley, Carbondale and Rifle. It can also be found online at http://www.coloradomtn.edu/, under the “Communities & Friends” tab (click on Board of Trustees/Budget & Audit).
The proposed spending budget represents a $4 million increase over the current fiscal year. That's due in part to revenues being slightly higher than projected for this year and continuing into the next fiscal year, according to a summary of the budget proposal.
Total revenues are projected at about $63.3 million, including $46.9 million from property taxes within the multi-county special community college district......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KDNK "Weekly News Brief: Compressor Conundrum"
Terrific interview by Erick Skalac of longtime local journalist Lynn Burton on the kerfuffle over the Source Gas compressor station.
Folks have been raising their eyebrows over a couple of points. One could say those points are facts. If that offends, then one could simply say current opinions of the common man over the 'one ringie-dingie' campaign to ban Source Gas off the map in Spring Valley are simply realistic expectations based on the little guy's experiences with leaders of that campaign.
SandBox runs with Lynn Burton on one point. That there's a high probability that it's really about the money and power. Though Lynn did say same in fancy speak with a more diplomatic edge.
And also runs with Eric Skalac on the spot in question being the perfect location for a public utility. It's a weed patch, folks. One that is never maintained, the building would obstruct no views and there is little to no proof that it would have a negative environmental impact.
Again, strong appearances that what this is really about is the money and the power capable of bullying CMC.
See related posts and links within posts along with public comments by clicking here and here.
To listen to Eric's interview, click title.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Folks have been raising their eyebrows over a couple of points. One could say those points are facts. If that offends, then one could simply say current opinions of the common man over the 'one ringie-dingie' campaign to ban Source Gas off the map in Spring Valley are simply realistic expectations based on the little guy's experiences with leaders of that campaign.
SandBox runs with Lynn Burton on one point. That there's a high probability that it's really about the money and power. Though Lynn did say same in fancy speak with a more diplomatic edge.
And also runs with Eric Skalac on the spot in question being the perfect location for a public utility. It's a weed patch, folks. One that is never maintained, the building would obstruct no views and there is little to no proof that it would have a negative environmental impact.
Again, strong appearances that what this is really about is the money and the power capable of bullying CMC.
See related posts and links within posts along with public comments by clicking here and here.
To listen to Eric's interview, click title.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Biodiversity: Report touts Endangered Species Act wins"
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Like it or not (and some people definitely don’t), the Endangered Species Act does what it’s supposed to do when it’s implemented the way it’s supposed to be, according to the Center for Biological Diversity.
The conservation group last week released an analysis of how the ground-breaking environmental law has been effective in recovering at least some species that are threatened or endangered. Read and download the full report at http://esasuccess.org/.
While some critics will quibble about the species selected for the study, the fact remains that, if habitat is protected, the act can work. Release of the report comes against a backdrop of renewed attacks on the Endangered Species Act, most recently when Congress unilaterally acted to de-list wolves in the Northern Rockies — the first time lawmakers have succeeded in making a political end run around the law.
Additionally, Congress has repeatedly sought to defund the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s ability to list and recover species that clearly need protection.
“There are Endangered Species Act success stories in every state in America,” said Kierán Suckling, executive director of the Center for Biological Diversity. “No other law in the world has done so much to rescue species from the brink of extinction and put them on a path to recovery. Simply put, the act has been remarkably successful.”
On the other side, critics of law often make vague charges that the law “destroys rural American communities,” without ever showing any specific examples, like in this coment on a post in the New Century of Forest Planning blog (scroll down to the comment section).
The review examined population trends of plants and animals protected by the Endangered Species Act in all 50 states, including gray wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains, Florida panthers, Aleutian Canada geese and California condors. Again and again, the analysis finds species on a positive trajectory toward recovery — and in some cases exceeding expectations..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Like it or not (and some people definitely don’t), the Endangered Species Act does what it’s supposed to do when it’s implemented the way it’s supposed to be, according to the Center for Biological Diversity.
The conservation group last week released an analysis of how the ground-breaking environmental law has been effective in recovering at least some species that are threatened or endangered. Read and download the full report at http://esasuccess.org/.
While some critics will quibble about the species selected for the study, the fact remains that, if habitat is protected, the act can work. Release of the report comes against a backdrop of renewed attacks on the Endangered Species Act, most recently when Congress unilaterally acted to de-list wolves in the Northern Rockies — the first time lawmakers have succeeded in making a political end run around the law.
Additionally, Congress has repeatedly sought to defund the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s ability to list and recover species that clearly need protection.
“There are Endangered Species Act success stories in every state in America,” said Kierán Suckling, executive director of the Center for Biological Diversity. “No other law in the world has done so much to rescue species from the brink of extinction and put them on a path to recovery. Simply put, the act has been remarkably successful.”
On the other side, critics of law often make vague charges that the law “destroys rural American communities,” without ever showing any specific examples, like in this coment on a post in the New Century of Forest Planning blog (scroll down to the comment section).
The review examined population trends of plants and animals protected by the Endangered Species Act in all 50 states, including gray wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains, Florida panthers, Aleutian Canada geese and California condors. Again and again, the analysis finds species on a positive trajectory toward recovery — and in some cases exceeding expectations..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs; Summit County Citizens Voice "Colorado: 2012 Solar Eclipse photos"
All credit Daniel McVey via Summit Voice (Click title):
May 20, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Truth and consequences"
Dave Danforth:
".....Thompson might have been fine at his job, with or without the alleged degree. Computer science is a respected pedigree at a shop like Yahoo. The company’s challenger had more evidence about the company’s CEO than the company was willing to admit (see: denial). It was now all about credibility. By May 13, Thompson was gone, and the dissident had won three seats of the dozen on the Yahoo board.
The dissenter had broken a sweat. He did a little research that escaped Yahoo. The CEO had never bothered to ask himself what might happen if some outsider poked at the blemish on his resume. Thompson appeared to be caught up in the terminal stages of denial. Whatever the origins of the Stonehill computer science degree, he’d made a bet when he thought he wouldn’t get caught.
There are denials and then denials. When Congressman Anthony Weiner tried to defer responsibility for some salacious photo tweets, we knowingly laughed. Such is life in Congress these days that it didn’t hit home. Congress, we reasoned, is full of jokers who don’t really get anything done. Certainly no degree is required.
The voters would certainly vote Wiener out — not so much because he’d tried some freshman boasts of his sexuality, but because he’d lied about it. So he quit. But that doesn’t always hold true. When Louisiana Sen. David Vitter was discovered on the client list of a Washington madam in 2007, he found some sympathy. Fun seeking in the Bayou caused few constituents to hit the panic button, and Vitter won re-election three years later. But then, he’d never lied about it. His bet that he wouldn’t get caught held no fatal consequences.
We are in a modern world where executives and politicians rest their livelihoods on a bet about whether they’ll get caught. Often they have a grace period, in which they can beg, repent, and gain redemption. We are big on forgiveness — for about a week.
But when a bet gone wrong plunges the bettor into denial, we have instead sunk into the land of truth of and its many unforeseen consequences....." (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."
".....Thompson might have been fine at his job, with or without the alleged degree. Computer science is a respected pedigree at a shop like Yahoo. The company’s challenger had more evidence about the company’s CEO than the company was willing to admit (see: denial). It was now all about credibility. By May 13, Thompson was gone, and the dissident had won three seats of the dozen on the Yahoo board.
The dissenter had broken a sweat. He did a little research that escaped Yahoo. The CEO had never bothered to ask himself what might happen if some outsider poked at the blemish on his resume. Thompson appeared to be caught up in the terminal stages of denial. Whatever the origins of the Stonehill computer science degree, he’d made a bet when he thought he wouldn’t get caught.
There are denials and then denials. When Congressman Anthony Weiner tried to defer responsibility for some salacious photo tweets, we knowingly laughed. Such is life in Congress these days that it didn’t hit home. Congress, we reasoned, is full of jokers who don’t really get anything done. Certainly no degree is required.
The voters would certainly vote Wiener out — not so much because he’d tried some freshman boasts of his sexuality, but because he’d lied about it. So he quit. But that doesn’t always hold true. When Louisiana Sen. David Vitter was discovered on the client list of a Washington madam in 2007, he found some sympathy. Fun seeking in the Bayou caused few constituents to hit the panic button, and Vitter won re-election three years later. But then, he’d never lied about it. His bet that he wouldn’t get caught held no fatal consequences.
We are in a modern world where executives and politicians rest their livelihoods on a bet about whether they’ll get caught. Often they have a grace period, in which they can beg, repent, and gain redemption. We are big on forgiveness — for about a week.
But when a bet gone wrong plunges the bettor into denial, we have instead sunk into the land of truth of and its many unforeseen consequences....." (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: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Faux-raging for a story"
Kathleen Parker:
"....The leaking of the document and the prominent display of the story have been a boon to Obama. They provided yet another welcome distraction, as well as a helpful fundraising tool, and smeared Romney by association.
The power (and hubris) of individual political donors and their offspring — the ads they want to sire — may become the tragedy of this election season. Romney is nothing like a racist, yet suddenly he is forced to distance himself from ads about which he knew nothing. And we now can agree that resurrecting Wright for any purpose would do more political harm than good.
Ricketts apparently would agree. He has distanced himself from the proposal faster than Obama distanced himself from Wright. And poor Mitt Romney had to repudiate an ad campaign that never was, that probably never would have been, and over which he had zero control.
And thus ends another faux controversy about non-ads in the very strange universe known as American Politics...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"....The leaking of the document and the prominent display of the story have been a boon to Obama. They provided yet another welcome distraction, as well as a helpful fundraising tool, and smeared Romney by association.
The power (and hubris) of individual political donors and their offspring — the ads they want to sire — may become the tragedy of this election season. Romney is nothing like a racist, yet suddenly he is forced to distance himself from ads about which he knew nothing. And we now can agree that resurrecting Wright for any purpose would do more political harm than good.
Ricketts apparently would agree. He has distanced himself from the proposal faster than Obama distanced himself from Wright. And poor Mitt Romney had to repudiate an ad campaign that never was, that probably never would have been, and over which he had zero control.
And thus ends another faux controversy about non-ads in the very strange universe known as American Politics...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Immigration laws are there for a reason"
Kathy Buettner:
"I write in response to a May 11 Glenwood Springs Post Independent article, “Basalt woman fights on two fronts to stay in U.S.”
Might I remind legal U.S. citizens as well as the millions of illegal immigrants in this county that Norma Galindo Gonzales lived in this country for 14 years illegally before she “borrowed” someone else's identification to obtain a state ID card.
Call it what you want to relieve your guilty conscience, but I call it “stealing.” She stole from our government and U.S. citizens the privilege of living in this country all those years — and since then as well.
I have been unemployed for a year now and have been diligently seeking work and am tired of reading help-wanted ads in the papers that prefer bilingual applicants and even go so far as to offer a $5,000 bonus for such applicants. Many of these people are getting the jobs I am qualified for and have ample experience doing.
On a recent visit to the closing-day sale at Kmart in Glenwood Springs, a saleswoman could not speak English and completely ignored my attempt to ask her for assistance as she waited on Spanish-speaking individuals instead. There is no excuse for this. This is America, folks. If I were applying for a job in Mexico, I would be more than happy to learn to read and write Spanish.
My grandfather came here from Italy as a very young man in the early 1900s. He went to school to learn the English language and went through the legal process of becoming a U.S. citizen....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"I write in response to a May 11 Glenwood Springs Post Independent article, “Basalt woman fights on two fronts to stay in U.S.”
Might I remind legal U.S. citizens as well as the millions of illegal immigrants in this county that Norma Galindo Gonzales lived in this country for 14 years illegally before she “borrowed” someone else's identification to obtain a state ID card.
Call it what you want to relieve your guilty conscience, but I call it “stealing.” She stole from our government and U.S. citizens the privilege of living in this country all those years — and since then as well.
I have been unemployed for a year now and have been diligently seeking work and am tired of reading help-wanted ads in the papers that prefer bilingual applicants and even go so far as to offer a $5,000 bonus for such applicants. Many of these people are getting the jobs I am qualified for and have ample experience doing.
On a recent visit to the closing-day sale at Kmart in Glenwood Springs, a saleswoman could not speak English and completely ignored my attempt to ask her for assistance as she waited on Spanish-speaking individuals instead. There is no excuse for this. This is America, folks. If I were applying for a job in Mexico, I would be more than happy to learn to read and write Spanish.
My grandfather came here from Italy as a very young man in the early 1900s. He went to school to learn the English language and went through the legal process of becoming a U.S. citizen....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Immigrant cares about legal vs. illegal immigration"
Anyone who has followed the citizen/Sheriff relationship between Bruno Kirchenwitz and Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario will instantly recognize the major significance of this support Bruno is showing for the top badge in the county.
It takes courage and stamina to keep standing up and/or getting back up when you know you must. Kudos to you, Bruno.
"SandBox Nanny" is fairly certain Bruno's letter is being widely read in our area law enforcement community and that his support is appreciated.
Thank you to all of our law enforcement officers, deputies, agents, Chiefs and Sheriff's who uphold our immigration laws. You are appreciated.
Bruno Kirchenwitz:
"The letters from Debbie Centeno (May 8) and Janett Centeno (May 9) so annoyed me I couldn't respond fast enough. First of all, when I call some deserving soul a liar, the Post Independent's civility police won't print it due to libel concerns. It's funny how often civility editing can be seen as bias against conservative viewpoints.
Janett Centeno is typical of the progressive “citizenship is just a piece of paper” crowd. She writes, “People could really care less whether a person is here legally.” Wrong, wrong, wrong.
She also says her illegal alien brother of multiple previous deportations “may not be a perfect citizen, but I know plenty of other wannabe gangsters who aren't being harassed.” Not only is Ms. Centeno's brother David Centeno not perfect, he isn't a citizen, ergo he is deservingly being deported.
I do care if people are here legally. I am a legal immigrant and naturalized citizen whose family followed the rules. We learned English, no bilingual education for us. No welfare, no food stamps, no free health care, no subsidized housing.
Legal immigration is what made this country great. Illegal aliens will rot our quality of life and turn America into the kind of Third World country Mr. Centeno ran away from.
I am overjoyed that Mr. Centeno was justly apprehended by our valiant sheriff and would love to see each and every illegal alien in America deported back to where they came from. Keep up the good work, Sheriff Lou Vallario....." (Read the original letter? Click title)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
It takes courage and stamina to keep standing up and/or getting back up when you know you must. Kudos to you, Bruno.
"SandBox Nanny" is fairly certain Bruno's letter is being widely read in our area law enforcement community and that his support is appreciated.
Thank you to all of our law enforcement officers, deputies, agents, Chiefs and Sheriff's who uphold our immigration laws. You are appreciated.
Bruno Kirchenwitz:
"The letters from Debbie Centeno (May 8) and Janett Centeno (May 9) so annoyed me I couldn't respond fast enough. First of all, when I call some deserving soul a liar, the Post Independent's civility police won't print it due to libel concerns. It's funny how often civility editing can be seen as bias against conservative viewpoints.
Janett Centeno is typical of the progressive “citizenship is just a piece of paper” crowd. She writes, “People could really care less whether a person is here legally.” Wrong, wrong, wrong.
She also says her illegal alien brother of multiple previous deportations “may not be a perfect citizen, but I know plenty of other wannabe gangsters who aren't being harassed.” Not only is Ms. Centeno's brother David Centeno not perfect, he isn't a citizen, ergo he is deservingly being deported.
I do care if people are here legally. I am a legal immigrant and naturalized citizen whose family followed the rules. We learned English, no bilingual education for us. No welfare, no food stamps, no free health care, no subsidized housing.
Legal immigration is what made this country great. Illegal aliens will rot our quality of life and turn America into the kind of Third World country Mr. Centeno ran away from.
I am overjoyed that Mr. Centeno was justly apprehended by our valiant sheriff and would love to see each and every illegal alien in America deported back to where they came from. Keep up the good work, Sheriff Lou Vallario....." (Read the original letter? Click title)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Attorneys clash over possible sanctions in Belly Up bomb case"
Disclaimer: "Now that DA Beeson has thrown his hat in the ring for district attorney in the 9th, please take note that there will be no special treatment given to any news press surrounding his race. His articles, if they are SandBox worthy or chosen in the daily agg run-up; will be put up just like anyone else in a political race. What SandBox Commentators will continue to do, is heavily moderate his articles. (We are the only news media that provides the courtesy of moderating commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District and Mr. Beeson's articles. All 9th Judicial news articles are DA Beeson's articles ) "
Chad Abraham:
"Among the issues is when the interview was turned over by Aspen police to the district attorney’s office, and when the prosecutor’s office either gave a copy of the interview to Fang or alerted her to its existence.
The Aguilera-Pimentel case involved an “abuse of discretion” by the district attorney’s office, Fang said, adding that she feels the court of appeals is unlikely to overturn Nichols’ sanctions.
Nichols, in issuing those sanctions, cited five cases involving pretrial violations, and Fang said that determination of a pattern of missteps has continued with Robinson’s case. Nichols should not “back step” from her previous ruling against prosecutors because, in the current case, “the identical violations could not be more striking,” Fang said.
Fang argued that sanctions should rise again to the point of suppressing key evidence — in this case the interview between Robinson and MacAyeal and photos that allegedly show injuries the defendant received during his arrest — because they were provided too late.
Both pieces of evidence are exculpatory, or statements that are favorable to Robinson, who apparently told MacAyeal that he initially thought he was being “jumped” and, afterward, that he thought he was being arrested for resisting arrest, and not for the bomb-threat allegation. Police photos of the injuries that allegedly were not turned over in a timely matter back up Robinson’s story, Fang argued in the motion to dismiss, which ought to lead to outright dismissal of the case, she said.
Mordkin, however, said Nichols should not enforce sanctions that end up again in a dismissal. Prosecutors in the 9th Judicial District have made it their practice to turn over to defense attorneys what is required, he said......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Chad Abraham:
"Among the issues is when the interview was turned over by Aspen police to the district attorney’s office, and when the prosecutor’s office either gave a copy of the interview to Fang or alerted her to its existence.
The Aguilera-Pimentel case involved an “abuse of discretion” by the district attorney’s office, Fang said, adding that she feels the court of appeals is unlikely to overturn Nichols’ sanctions.
Nichols, in issuing those sanctions, cited five cases involving pretrial violations, and Fang said that determination of a pattern of missteps has continued with Robinson’s case. Nichols should not “back step” from her previous ruling against prosecutors because, in the current case, “the identical violations could not be more striking,” Fang said.
Fang argued that sanctions should rise again to the point of suppressing key evidence — in this case the interview between Robinson and MacAyeal and photos that allegedly show injuries the defendant received during his arrest — because they were provided too late.
Both pieces of evidence are exculpatory, or statements that are favorable to Robinson, who apparently told MacAyeal that he initially thought he was being “jumped” and, afterward, that he thought he was being arrested for resisting arrest, and not for the bomb-threat allegation. Police photos of the injuries that allegedly were not turned over in a timely matter back up Robinson’s story, Fang argued in the motion to dismiss, which ought to lead to outright dismissal of the case, she said.
Mordkin, however, said Nichols should not enforce sanctions that end up again in a dismissal. Prosecutors in the 9th Judicial District have made it their practice to turn over to defense attorneys what is required, he said......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Ex-cop in judicial limbo months after DUI charge"
Disclaimer: "Now that DA Beeson has thrown his hat in the ring for district attorney in the 9th, please take note that there will be no special treatment given to any news press surrounding his race. His articles, if they are SandBox worthy or chosen in the daily agg run-up; will be put up just like anyone else in a political race. What SandBox Commentators will continue to do, is heavily moderate his articles. (We are the only news media that provides the courtesy of moderating commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District and Mr. Beeson's articles. All 9th Judicial news articles are DA Beeson's articles )" On this post, comment ability is blocked.
Chad Abraham:
"...Glenwood Police Chief Terry Wilson agreed that spots on the TRIDENT team are exclusive.
“You have to be proposed as a candidate,” he said.
The DEA occasionally taps TRIDENT members to assist in investigations, though local police are not actually employed by the federal agency, Wilson said.
Wilson declined to say whether Pedersen resigned of his own volition or was forced to quit after the traffic stop. Wilson said he doesn’t discuss personnel matters
Martin Beeson, district attorney of the 9th Judicial District, said in April that he is aware of Pedersen’s role in the drug busts and the statements he made in the hearing. But Beeson insisted that his refusal to release the entire sheriff’s office report about the former Glenwood cop’s traffic stop is not special treatment.
“We don’t want witnesses to be tainted by anything they might read in the newspapers,” he said last month.
“More importantly, with potential jurors our release of factual, evidentiary things about cases always runs the risk that an accused will not get his constitutional right to a fair trial.”
The Aspen Police Department and the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office routinely release arrest reports about DUIs and other crimes in their entirety. But Beeson said it is the policy of the 9th Judicial District “to not release anything to the public” about pending cases.
The case is now back on the desk of the 9th district’s chief magistrate, Judge James Boyd, for another reassignment. Court staff said Boyd may have to give the case to a Meeker judge or an out-of-district magistrate....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Chad Abraham:
"...Glenwood Police Chief Terry Wilson agreed that spots on the TRIDENT team are exclusive.
“You have to be proposed as a candidate,” he said.
The DEA occasionally taps TRIDENT members to assist in investigations, though local police are not actually employed by the federal agency, Wilson said.
Wilson declined to say whether Pedersen resigned of his own volition or was forced to quit after the traffic stop. Wilson said he doesn’t discuss personnel matters
Martin Beeson, district attorney of the 9th Judicial District, said in April that he is aware of Pedersen’s role in the drug busts and the statements he made in the hearing. But Beeson insisted that his refusal to release the entire sheriff’s office report about the former Glenwood cop’s traffic stop is not special treatment.
“We don’t want witnesses to be tainted by anything they might read in the newspapers,” he said last month.
“More importantly, with potential jurors our release of factual, evidentiary things about cases always runs the risk that an accused will not get his constitutional right to a fair trial.”
The Aspen Police Department and the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office routinely release arrest reports about DUIs and other crimes in their entirety. But Beeson said it is the policy of the 9th Judicial District “to not release anything to the public” about pending cases.
The case is now back on the desk of the 9th district’s chief magistrate, Judge James Boyd, for another reassignment. Court staff said Boyd may have to give the case to a Meeker judge or an out-of-district magistrate....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KJCT News 8 "Fmr. Basalt Teacher Accused of Sex Assault Pleads Out"
Good wishes to Laurne Redfern as she tries to put this behind her and move on with her life.
Don Coleman:
"BASALT, Colo. -- A former Basalt High School teacher having sex with a student has agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors.
Under the agreement, Lauren Redfern, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. Two counts of Sexual Assault on a Minor by a Person in a Position of Trust were dropped.
The charges comes after she and the 18-year-old student were allegedly caught having sex in her office bathroom at the school in February. According to the Aspen Time, both Redfern and the victim told authorities they had sex when he was 17, as well.
The Times also reports the victim told authorities he "pursued" Redfern romantically and that the couple called off their relationship until he graduated.
The teacher has since resigned from the school..." (Read the orginal article? Click title)
Comment ability blocked on this post.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Don Coleman:
"BASALT, Colo. -- A former Basalt High School teacher having sex with a student has agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors.
Under the agreement, Lauren Redfern, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. Two counts of Sexual Assault on a Minor by a Person in a Position of Trust were dropped.
The charges comes after she and the 18-year-old student were allegedly caught having sex in her office bathroom at the school in February. According to the Aspen Time, both Redfern and the victim told authorities they had sex when he was 17, as well.
The Times also reports the victim told authorities he "pursued" Redfern romantically and that the couple called off their relationship until he graduated.
The teacher has since resigned from the school..." (Read the orginal article? Click title)
Comment ability blocked on this post.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Crested Butte News "Trade deal could keep mining off Red Lady "
Mark Reaman:
"While nothing is set in stone, negotiations are under way to keep Mt. Emmons molybdenum-mine-free forever. Under a general concept agreed to by the mining company, local environmental organizations and the town of Crested Butte, the decades-old controversy over extracting moly from Red Lady could likely end with U.S. Energy Corp. walking away with rights to other federal lands worth tens of millions of dollars...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"While nothing is set in stone, negotiations are under way to keep Mt. Emmons molybdenum-mine-free forever. Under a general concept agreed to by the mining company, local environmental organizations and the town of Crested Butte, the decades-old controversy over extracting moly from Red Lady could likely end with U.S. Energy Corp. walking away with rights to other federal lands worth tens of millions of dollars...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News " Mining and Hope"
Andrew Travers:
"The countless dormant mines in and around the Roaring Fork Valley offer a peculiar mix of danger and opportunity for forest officials.
Take the Hope Mine, for instance, where threats to public safety and water quality have led to innovation in reclamation strategy.
The silver mine in the Castle Creek Valley was founded in 1911 and never turned a profit before it was abandoned, though more than 158 tons of silver ore was extracted from it.
A century later, however, waste left behind by miners has proved to be fertile ground for reclamation officials. Since 2010, foresters have used biochar to successfully re-vegetate the riverside slope of mine waste, restoring soil ravaged by silver tailings. It was the first project of its kind in the world. Biochar is a charcoal-like substance made from heated biomass, which can be applied to increase soil fertility.
Forest Service soil scientist Brian McMullen said that the once-barren, dry soil below the mine has a significantly higher moisture content on some of the treatment areas compared to what’s on untreated parts of the slope.
The waste pile below the mine has formed a steep three-story-high embankment above Castle Creek, just upstream from the city of Aspen’s water treatment plant. Observers have long been concerned that the pile may slide into the river. If it did, it would add so much sediment to the creek that it could ruin Aspen’s public water supply from the creek for years, officials said.
“It’s been a pretty amazing success,” said Scott Snelson, district ranger for the White River National Forest, regarding the biochar treatment. “It reduces the risk of a slide so much.” ....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The countless dormant mines in and around the Roaring Fork Valley offer a peculiar mix of danger and opportunity for forest officials.
Take the Hope Mine, for instance, where threats to public safety and water quality have led to innovation in reclamation strategy.
The silver mine in the Castle Creek Valley was founded in 1911 and never turned a profit before it was abandoned, though more than 158 tons of silver ore was extracted from it.
A century later, however, waste left behind by miners has proved to be fertile ground for reclamation officials. Since 2010, foresters have used biochar to successfully re-vegetate the riverside slope of mine waste, restoring soil ravaged by silver tailings. It was the first project of its kind in the world. Biochar is a charcoal-like substance made from heated biomass, which can be applied to increase soil fertility.
Forest Service soil scientist Brian McMullen said that the once-barren, dry soil below the mine has a significantly higher moisture content on some of the treatment areas compared to what’s on untreated parts of the slope.
The waste pile below the mine has formed a steep three-story-high embankment above Castle Creek, just upstream from the city of Aspen’s water treatment plant. Observers have long been concerned that the pile may slide into the river. If it did, it would add so much sediment to the creek that it could ruin Aspen’s public water supply from the creek for years, officials said.
“It’s been a pretty amazing success,” said Scott Snelson, district ranger for the White River National Forest, regarding the biochar treatment. “It reduces the risk of a slide so much.” ....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Monument-to-park issue reveals fear of feds"
Gary Harmon:
"Proposed as a way to make the most of a federally recognized treasure, the potential upgrade of Colorado National Monument to a national park is morphing into a new form: a tool to keep the federal government at bay.
And make a few bucks at the same time.
“There’s no question a park has more branding value than a monument,” Owen O’Fallon, chairman of the Colorado Canyons Association, said of the value of park designation.
Legislation, however, must be couched with protections against the “many fears” of federal government that were revealed in the committee’s online survey and four open houses, O’Fallon said. Committee members have largely ruled out fears that a park could threaten state control of the Colorado River, or that a change would invite greater federal control of air quality and lighting on the Grand Valley floor....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Proposed as a way to make the most of a federally recognized treasure, the potential upgrade of Colorado National Monument to a national park is morphing into a new form: a tool to keep the federal government at bay.
And make a few bucks at the same time.
“There’s no question a park has more branding value than a monument,” Owen O’Fallon, chairman of the Colorado Canyons Association, said of the value of park designation.
Legislation, however, must be couched with protections against the “many fears” of federal government that were revealed in the committee’s online survey and four open houses, O’Fallon said. Committee members have largely ruled out fears that a park could threaten state control of the Colorado River, or that a change would invite greater federal control of air quality and lighting on the Grand Valley floor....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: First light"
And we never get tired of seeing them. All credit Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — I’ve been getting up early the past few weeks to do some sunrise photography — plus it’s a good excuse to get some exercise for me, and the dogs. Yesterday morning was wonderful, with a broken low cloud deck creating a dramatic scene above the reservoir and around our local peaks. Other days, I use the reservoir surface as close-up mirror to enhance foreground lighting. In any case, it’s never the same twice, so I never get tired of photographing these scenes....." (See more? Click title)
"SUMMIT COUNTY — I’ve been getting up early the past few weeks to do some sunrise photography — plus it’s a good excuse to get some exercise for me, and the dogs. Yesterday morning was wonderful, with a broken low cloud deck creating a dramatic scene above the reservoir and around our local peaks. Other days, I use the reservoir surface as close-up mirror to enhance foreground lighting. In any case, it’s never the same twice, so I never get tired of photographing these scenes....." (See more? Click title)
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