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."
May 21, 2012
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."
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