What astonishes me more than people who value liberal ideas like individual rights, free speech, et. al. but see no threat from the ideology of jihadist Islam is this: had Shmulevich placed a Bible in that toilet, the National Endowment for the Arts would have examined the act through a jar containing a crucifix in urine and declared Shmulevich a visionary.
Continue Reading 6 comments July 31st, 2007
For part of the day on Wednesday, July 25, The Aspen Times ran a very disturbing story on its online version: Violent crimes mar Glenwood's weekend.
But in a stunning example of editorial irresponsibility, that story did not make the print version of the Times. The story reported on three instances of scary violence and intimidation: a mini riot, a stabbing, and a death threat (felony menacing). The Times reported that Glenwood Police Chief Terry Wilson said, “that ((the riot) was one of the most frightening situations he's ever seen an officer go through in the time he's been with the police department.”
Equally disturbing to the Times’ omission is the glaring complacency shown by the citizens of the Roaring Fork Valley, where the growing kinds and levels of violence is seeming of less concern to a somnambulant public than where to have lunch.
Continue Reading 1 comment July 31st, 2007
The people have spoken: the Bolsheviks rule in Aspen.
But are the people listening as The People's Republic of Aspen is snatched away by those they voted for?
Am I wrong to call Aspen Mayor Mick Ireland and his band of three "Bolsheviks"? The word, though far from historically neutral, simply means "The Majority," and Mick The Quick has put together a rubber stamp four-of-five majority that does whatever he damn well pleases.
Continue Reading 4 comments July 31st, 2007
Did you know blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, which help neutralize “free radicals”, the by-products of metabolism that can cause aging diseases and cancer? The pigment that gives these berries their blue hue is thought to be responsible for this benefit. There is truth to the notion that fruits and veggies with vivid color are often rich in vitamins and minerals. Blueberries also contain iron, potassium and calcium-not to mention they are low fat and sodium free.
Continue Reading Add comment July 30th, 2007
Remember in college, right before a test? You’d hear things like “I’m not ready for this test”; “I didn’t study until last night” and someone else would respond “Me either, in fact, I never even read the material”. Finally, someone would shut everyone else down by saying “I never even bought the book!” It’s easy to get caught up in these kinds of conversations around wellness and training, too. You don’t hear people bragging about the salad they had at lunch, or how diligently they trained before the race.
I wonder, are we covering our ‘you know what’s’ by pretending like we don’t really want our goals, just in case we don’t achieve them?
Continue Reading Add comment July 30th, 2007
Chris created beautiful spaces like the Wilds in Basalt and his home on the Eriksen ranch. His latest dream was to develop energy efficient buildings and a sustainable farm at his ranch that was recently purchased in the Gunnison area. His family became involved in working on all these projects and are continuing to carry them out, the most recent being a remote, off-the-grid cabin on some mining claims on the backside of Aspen Mountain.
Continue Reading Add comment July 29th, 2007
Update July 29, 2007: Iraq 1:0 Saudi Arabia. Way to go indeed...
The Iraqi national soccer team will play Saudi Arabia for all the glory in the Asia Cup final tomorrow. I will watch the game if I can find it. Regardless, I am cheering for Iraq.
Continue Reading 7 comments July 28th, 2007
I just returned from a vacation to Florida. I’ve never considered going back to the place where I grew up a vacation and argued with my wife that we go somewhere different. “Let’s go to Kauai, or Zihuatanejo, or Alaska,” I begged, but my wife wouldn’t have it. “We’re going home,” she said, and that was that.
Continue Reading 2 comments July 27th, 2007
Learn the basic skills and techniques required to ride safely and confidently, and have fun out on the trails.
The clinic will cover the following in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, under the supervision of experienced, certified coaches:
- Correct body positioning and balance
- Safe and effective cornering
- Climbing and descending skills
- Riding over small obstacles
- Effective and efficient shifting and braking
- And much more!
Continue Reading Add comment July 27th, 2007
If jihadists achieve control over OPEC interests, they will control the U.S.
The kinds of economic black mail the jihadists will employ will make the games played by then Shah of Iran Mohammed Reza Pahlavi back in the 70s seem like child’s play. The U.S. Government will no longer be able to protect its citizens. Transportation will fail. Reliable food distribution will cease. Supply and demand will drive inflation rates to unimaginable heights. The value of the dollar will plummet, and the price of gold will sky rocket. Widespread starvation and poverty in north America will result.
Continue Reading 8 comments July 26th, 2007
