Thursday, March 11, 2010
Politics Norton scalded in another outreach to the tea party
Posted by Anthony Lane on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 at 9:41 PM
Republican senatorial frontrunner Jane Norton's outreach efforts to the tea party crowd Tuesday night at Mr. Biggs in Colorado Springs might have gotten her some attention, though maybe not the kind she wanted.
This is from the progressive blog Talking Points Memo:
Appearing at a Tea Party-hosted Republican candidate forum on Tuesday, Norton was asked to name federal programs that she thought were unconstitutional, under the scope of the federal government's enumerated powers, and also whether it was constitutionally permissible for the government to run the Social Security program as it exists now, with the government controlling the money."The federal government is fundamentally out of control," Norton answered. "They are seizing control of things like car companies, banks, insurance companies. They're encroaching in areas of education, of the EPA and its endangerment finding, circumventing the rule of law, circumventing legislative processes. They are absolutely out of control. With regard to Social Security, it has turned into a Ponzi scheme. The money that people pay into it should be there for when they are ready to retire."
MSNBC's Ed Schultz features Norton on "Psycho talk," remarking:
SCHULTZ: She thinks Social Security is a ponzi scheme. Notice how that came kind of at the end of her big statement about how liberals are taking over America and we can't turn this thing around. She just got on a roll and really got after Social Security. which has been the most successful and reliable government program for more than 70 years. period. now, watch out Colorado. The woman who wants to be your next senator sounds like she's reading right out of the Michele Bachmann playbook. Norton is courting the crazy book and so far it's working. She is leading the Michael Bennet in a hypothetical matchup. We're going to keep an eye on this one in Colorado because anyone who calls Social Security a ponzi scheme belongs in psycho talk.
You can see full the full video on the Ed Schultz show, or an abbreviated version below:
Food & Drink Brew birthdays
Posted by Matthew Schniper on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 at 5:29 PM
Drop by for anniversary specials like $2 mochas, $1 lattes and $2 cinnamon rolls and call 494-8300 for more on contests, music and other offerings during the celebration.
Also — a heads up on the next couple beer releases at Trinity Brewing Company: Tomorrow will see the unveiling of the Farmhouse: Beach House. In Trinity's words:
A Saison inspired by spring break and all its liberty. Brewed with ripe bananas and cocoa nibbs, this malt driven dry and toasty Belgian Ale is reminiscent of a Dunkel Weiss, but our crazy brewers made it blond!
Then, at a St. Patrick's Day party on next Wednesday, March 17, look for the unveiling of the Wee Banshee Irish Heather Ale. Here's the data on it from the guys:
Using ingredients directly from the isle we brewed up a historically authentic ancient beer.It's toasty from the addition of both Victory and Vienna malts, with a lightly sweet caramel note. European noble hops add a dryness and drinkability to the ale while balancing and supporting the complex malt undertones. Separating this ale from all Irish reds, Heather Tips bring us back to ancient and medieval brewing times, adding a very pleasant and soft floral echo. Bringing a little bit more of the isle to this ale we add a very small amount of sea salt t0 the boil. 7.0% ABV.
Local News Manitou Library to get a face lift
Posted by Edie Adelstein on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 at 3:58 PM
- Work is already underway.
From the listings desk: Starting Saturday, the Manitou Springs Public Library (701 Manitou Ave.) will begin its outdoor restoration project that includes repairing the roof, gutters and brick walls. During the four-month work block, the library will remain open.
But you can send the library off for its face lift with refreshments (cake and "Manitou lemonade") and some words at the Groundbreaking Ceremony & Hard Hat Party this Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. While worth significant pomp on its own, this event is also one celebration in a series to commemorate the library's 100th anniversary this year.
While the library received this grant from the Colorado State Historic Fund to preserve the building, says director Margaret Morris, it's still waiting on more funding for its expansion in which it hopes to add 10,000 square feet. (For more on the library's fundraising ventures, read here).
For more on the library itself and ways to contribute, visit manitousprings.colibraries.org and manitousprings.colibraries.org/news-events/restoration-project-2010.
Entertainment Mad Men style meets its miniature match
Posted by Edie Adelstein on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 at 2:30 PM
I don't watch Mad Men (no cable) and I don't play with Barbie dolls (anymore) but I can still totally appreciate this based on killer 60s fashion.
(Which is more than anyone can say for Wal-Mart. The behemoth that just got caught selling black dolls at half the price of white dolls).
Anyway, parent companies Mattel and Lionsgate unveiled yesterday Mad Men Barbie dolls.
Designed by Barbie designer Robert Best, the "Mad Men" Barbie doll line features key players from the Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency: creative director and leading man Don Draper; his wife Betty Draper; Sterling Cooper partner Roger Sterling; and bombshell office manager Joan Holloway.
- Mattel, Inc., Lionsgate®
- All-American commerce: yours for just $74.95
For those in the know, here are the details on what the dolls are wearing:
Don Draper wears his classic, polished red-lined suit and comes accessorized with a hat, overcoat and brief case; Betty Draper's classic look is captured with unparalleled detail, from her faux pearl necklace to her pumps; Joan Holloway looks chic in a purple skirt suit and perfectly styled coif with her staple accessory - a pen necklace; and Roger Sterling is looking dapper in his monogrammed shirt.
Some things are just meant to be together.
Local News Syn, markedly less sinful for next 15 days
Posted by J. Adrian Stanley on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 at 1:38 PM
- Girls will not be going wild at Syn for a while.
Um, in case you haven't heard, the Syn nightclub — known for incidents involving violence and bare breasts — won't be serving alcohol for the next 15 days.
This from the city:
Liquor Board suspends 13 Pure/Syn Night Club's Liquor License
The Colorado Springs Liquor and Beer Licensing Board summarily approved the request to suspend 13 Pure/Syn Night Club's liquor license at today's special called meeting following an incidence of violence this past weekend that involved 22 police cars. The suspension will be in effect for the next 15 days. An additional Show/Cause notice was issued to 13 Pure/Syn Night Club yesterday and is scheduled to be heard at the Board's March 19th meeting. On this date will also be the continuance of the previous violations of service to minors.
Music Tonight's hip-hop surprise
Posted by Bill Forman on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 at 1:29 PM
This being Thursday, you probably have yet to devour and digest this week’s Indy. So we figured we’d give you an additional heads-up on the hip-hop bill at the Black Sheep tonight, especially since it features an unannounced surprise.
Okay, it’s not really a surprise if you’ve already read our Mr. Lif interview here. But if you haven’t yet, you should know that Akrobatik, who was Lif’s former cohort in the Perceptionists, has come onboard for the tour. It’ll actually be a de facto reunion gig, since the duo will be performing a number of their classic tracks.
The show starts at 8, and you’ll want to be on time for once, as the Springs’ own ReMINDers are opening and Lyrics Born is closing.
Yes, it's still just March, but this is likely to be one of the year’s best shows. See you there.
Local News Updated: Ironically yours, Doug Bruce
Posted by J. Adrian Stanley on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 at 12:33 PM
UPDATE, 3:30 p.m.: In a return call that clocked in at about 40 minutes long, Douglas Bruce said Rivera's synopsis is far from the truth.
He says he hasn't sued over 300 because Council has mostly complied with his intent thus far (in phasing out payments and subsidies from enterprises to the city over eight years). He says he expects that after new Councilors are elected, the city will opt for full compliance.
As for the mayor's assertion that he's being vindictive, Bruce says, "The mayor is delusional, he’s the figure who's been publicly humiliated, repudiated and basically shunned.”
Bruce adds that his latest lawsuit isn't about how much money the city spends hiring outside legal counsel — though he finds the millions spent annually to be exorbitant. Rather, it was spurred by the city attorney's unilateral hiring of outside counsel, which he says violates the charter.
——-
- Bruce: Making Photoshop fun.
Anti-taxer Douglas Bruce has sued the city once again.
Snore.
But wait! There's some humor to be found in this.
See, Bruce did not sue the city for implementing an ordinance to enforce his voter-approved Issue 300, as most everyone expected he would. (Bruce claims the city is trampling his language and intent.)
Bruce is suing the city because he claims — among other things — that the city attorney and city enterprises have hired expensive outside legal counsel without the proper approval of City Council.
Huh.
Well, anyway, getting the the funny part, Mayor Lionel Rivera of course says the lawsuit is nonsense and that Council and staff adhered to the city charter at all times, blah, blah, blah. Then he says .... guess what? Bruce is suing the City Attorney and the City Council, which means the city will be forced to hire outside legal counsel, thus incurring more of the bills that Bruce is suing the city for incurring.
"The one thing he says he's complaining about," Rivera says, "his very action causes us to spend more money on."
So has Bruce just gone off the deep end? Not in Rivera's opinion. The mayor says he believes Bruce wanted to sue over the new Issue 300 ordinance, but didn't think he could win, so instead Bruce came after the city for something "frivolous."
"It's his way of getting even," Rivera says.
Business No smoking, please.
Posted by Pam Zubeck on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 at 11:53 AM
A local firm is pumped — and hoping its stock price will go higher — after an Obama administration official made statements about developing new forms of medical marijuana.
Standoutstocks.com reports that President Obama's deputy director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Tom McClellan, was quoted in Wednesday's USA TODAY noting the need for non-smoked medical cannabis products similar to those being developed for FDA clinical trials by Cannabis Science, Inc., run by Dr. Robert Melamede in Colorado Springs.
McClellan said in the article that the Obama administration opposes smoking marijuana for its medicinal benefit, but that more research is needed to deliver the medically useful ingredients in a non-smoked form, the Web site says.
"With an open invitation like this from the Obama Administration, we at Cannabis Science feel more confident than ever that our efforts to provide our 'wounded warriors' with an alternative to treatments that are not working will be fairly examined, when we submit our non-smoked cannabis pharmaceutical products to the FDA for clinical trials," Melamede said in a statement. "We are doing precisely the sort of scientific research that Deputy Director McClellan is calling for."
Richard Cowan, Cannabis Science CFO and a former CEO of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), noted, "It is important that the Obama Administration is making such an open call that they want more FDA clinical trial research on the same types of drugs we are creating. Consequently, we will rapidly proceed with our development of a cannabis-based medicine for PTSD for FDA clinical trials. We hope they will share our sense of urgency, because PTSD is killing not only our veterans, but also our active duty troops. In January alone, more of our active US military troops died of suicide than were killed in Iraq and Afghanistan wars combined."
Both Dr. Melamede and Cowan are long-term advocates of the full legalization of marijuana, and support the rights of patients to use the plant to medicate, including smoking. The article reported that support for full legalization is growing rapidly (now up to 44% nationally and a majority in some states).
Cannabis Science says it works with world authorities on phytocannabinoid science targeting critical illnesses, and adheres to scientific methodologies to develop, produce, and commercialize phytocannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products.
Local News Mayor won't run for County Commissioner
Posted by J. Adrian Stanley on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 at 11:44 AM
- Staying out of it.
It's long been assumed that Mayor Lionel Rivera would run for El Paso County Commissioner this year.
You know what they say about assumptions.
"I called the El Paso County chair," he says, "and I [also] told the vice chair I'm not running."
Asked why not, he mentions the current challenges of his mayoral duties (budgets, medical marijuana, etc.), the pressures from his job, and a need to spend more time at home.
"I do have a wife that I'd like to spend more time with," he says.
Rivera says he won't rule out a future run, but says right now, "it just doesn't work for my schedule."
"Once you've been in politics, you never say [never]," he says, "because you never know what will come up."
Education D-11: Summer school's nixed ... for K-8, for now
Posted by Kirk Woundy on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 at 9:12 AM
Spokesperson Elaine Naleski confirms this morning that Colorado Springs School District 11 has decided to drastically scale back its summer programming, in response to budget troubles. But that doesn't necessarily mean that all elementary and middle schools will keep out miserable kids until August.
- Maybe, just maybe, there will be more tears where these came from.
Naleski says the reading and math programs for students entering grades K through 8 will not be offered at the district level. However, she notes that individual schools are reviewing their budgets right now, and may decide to offer programming on their own. Best idea is to check in with your kid's school later this spring, to see what, if anything, is in the works.
Credit-recovery courses for high-school students will still be offered.
Economy Our loss is other cities' gain
Posted by Ralph Routon on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 at 6:47 AM
Down in Pueblo, and up north in Fort Collins, local businesses will be enjoying a mini-boon the next four days, thanks to the Colorado High School Activities Association.
We're talking about the state high school basketball tournaments. Class 5A and 4A teams converge on Denver, which makes sense because it's just a short drive for so many teams and their followers.
For the lower classifications, though, it's a much-anticipated ROAD TRIP, one of the highlights of the school year for those lucky (or good enough) to qualify.
Class 3A's top 16 teams, eight girls and eight boys, are in Fort Collins, with some having arrived Wednesday night. All of those teams are guaranteed at least two games, so they're staying as long as possible.
Meanwhile, the 2A and 1A boys and girls, totaling 32 teams, have converged on Pueblo for their tournaments. They're filling the motels, restaurants and even the retail stores.
If something sounds familiar about those tournaments, it should. For years, Colorado Springs hosted either or both of those groups, utilizing facilities from the Colorado Springs World Arena and Air Force Academy to the Olympic Training Center.
The nice thing about those tournaments is that they don't depend on local spectators to make it or not. The teams bring their fans, more and more from schools and small towns that last into the semifinals and finals on the weekend.
I've heard many anecdotes in past years of buses and/or convoys of kids and their families going to the local malls between games and buying all kinds of clothes, because it's their best chance to go shopping in a big city. And of course, it goes without saying how much the players and fans feel inspired by the Air Force Academy and the OTC.
A story in today's Pueblo Chieftain pegs the economic impact there at $3 million to $3.5 million, which you can read here. Meanwhile, Fort Collins officials are estimating the 3A events will produce about $1 million in economic benefit.
During a slow time for tourism and before the spring-break time arrives, Colorado Springs would be smart to revisit hosting some of those tournaments.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Entertainment Cowgirl coronation
Posted by Pam Zubeck on Wed, Mar 10, 2010 at 5:55 PM
This just in: The 2010 El Paso County Fair Queen title was captured Saturday by a 19-year-old Peyton resident after she successfully ran the gauntlet of public speaking, horsemanship and personal interview.
Brenna Harfert was crowned at a ceremony at the fairgrounds in Calhan by 2009 Fair Queen Dayna Jenkins.
An eight-year member of the Plainsmen & Fiber Friends 4-H Clubs, where her special project was fiber goats (does anybody know what that is?), Harfert participated in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), National Honors Society and as a Boys and Girls Club tutor.
She was named 2009 Grand Champion Senior Round Robin Showman and Calhan Lion’s Club Student of the Month and made the dean’s list at Colorado State University-Pueblo where she's a business major. She's also participated in the Pikes Peak Rangerettes for the past four years.
Brenna wil reign over the 105th Annual El Paso County Fair, July 24-31.
This year's new attractions will be the “Great Cat Adventure” and “Circus Boy,” along with traditional bookings such as auto racing, rodeos, got talent contest, off road extreme truck racing and demolition derby.
Local News Dunk your councilman, hair battle and other fun
Posted by J. Adrian Stanley on Wed, Mar 10, 2010 at 3:21 PM
Very soon, Springs residents will get the opportunity to punish city leaders without going to the polls.
Councilors Tom Gallagher and Sean Paige are putting themselves at your mercy in the "Dunk your Councilman" contest. Tickets: $1 for three tries. Messing up Paige's perfectly coifed hair: priceless.
The event is being held at Westside Community Center, at 1628 W. Bijou St., and is a part of the "Spring Sunflower Festival," which is being held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 20.
The festival was organized to celebrate spring while also bringing attention to the plight of community centers, which are scheduled to be closed by the city March 31 due to budget woes. All the money raised at the festival will go to the Save Our Community Centers Fund and the West Agricultural Learning Center garden (Westside's recently approved new community garden).
In addition to the dunking, spectators will also likely enjoy the "Hair Battle!" event. Stylists and barbers are being encouraged to pay the $25 admission fee to compete in this cutting-edge contest, and possibly win a trophy. The entry fees will be donated to American Charities, Inc.
In other news at Westside, local folk legend Chuck Pyle will be giving a free performance at Westside, during the Rocky Mountain Center for Spiritual Living’s Sunday Celebration Service at 10 a.m. this Sunday, March 14.
Music Free downloads from MeadowGrass artists
Posted by Kirk Woundy on Wed, Mar 10, 2010 at 2:51 PM
UPDATE, 3/10:
Jeff Bieri from KRCC points out that the station's "Big Something" segment from yesterday features free downloadable songs from a number of bands appearing at MeadowGrass — including live cuts from Grant-Lee Phillips, Great Lake Swimmers, Gregory Alan Isakov and Martha Scanlan. Some recordings from last year's performers are available there, too.
- A big deal in Canada: Great Lake Swimmers were recently nominated for a Juno Award.
Also, you can find ticket info (including KRCC member discounts) and a link to Ticketweb if you scroll down a ways and look to the right-hand side of the page.
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I've seen Grant-Lee Phillips, whether solo or with his former band, Grant Lee Buffalo, in all sorts of dark, intimate venues, most recently Denver's Soiled Dove. But given his evolution from brooding twentysomething frontman to eminently approachable mid-life singer-songwriter, it seems perfect that the next time I see him will be under the sun (hopefully) at MeadowGrass this coming Memorial Day weekend.
As detailed by a recent press release, Phillips shares headlining duties with the Greencards and Great Lake Swimmers during "two days of national and regional artists performing roots, Americana, bluegrass, indie and blues music in the meadow of La Foret Conference and Retreat Center."
More:
Grant-Lee Phillips headlines on Saturday, May 29, along with Gregory Alan Isakov, Grant Gordy Quartet, Martha Scanlan, Antero Junction and The Genuwines. On Sunday, May 30, The Greencards lead the lineup that includes Great Lake Swimmers, Sons and Brothers, Elephant Revival, Palmer Divide and Cahalen Morrison.
Last year's inaugural MeadowGrass was dampened by some serious (and seriously uncharacteristic) hard rain in Black Forest. But those who braved it came back raving about the music, and charmed by La Foret, which is an absolutely gorgeous retreat center deceptively close to I-25. Its site has a good rundown on ticket prices (nothing more than $50, including camping and two-plus days of music) and amenities.
For more on the artists, see the MeadowGrass site. In the meantime, enjoy a stripped-down version of "Strangest Thing," from Phillips' newest release, Little Moon:
Eco News Get your condoms, get your endangered species condoms!
Posted by J. Adrian Stanley on Wed, Mar 10, 2010 at 2:18 PM
- A more responsible message than the local Democrats' "Rock Out with Your Caucus Out"?
In fact, Gardner is so concerned with your bedside manner that he's taking part in a Center for Biological Diversity project that aims to hand out 100,000 "endangered species condoms" to highlight the effects of human population growth on the Earth's other organisms.
With predictably hilarious results, Gardner has chased down runners, cornered moms, and embarrassed more than a few old guys, all the while waving condoms that bare slogans like 'Wear a jimmy hat, save the big cat," and "Cover your tweedle, save the burying beetle."
Watch Gardner try to persuade the (obviously totally environmentally aware) people of Colorado Springs to care here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXSTrW_dARc.
Anyway, the condoms feature illustrations of endangered species, including the polar bear, snail darter, spotted owl, American burying beetle, jaguar, and coquí guajón rock frog, along with the aforementioned slogans. (Personal favorite: "Hump smarter, save the snail darter.") And they aren't just clever promotion. These activists are hoping you'll use these things, and hopefully stop breeding at such prolific rates that you drive other animals to extinction.
The Web site at www.endangeredspeciescondoms.com notes:
At 6.8 billion people, the human race is not only the most populous large mammal on Earth but the most populous large mammal that has ever existed. Providing for the needs and wants of this many people — especially those in high-consumption, first-world nations — has pushed homo sapiens to absorb 50 percent of the planet’s freshwater and develop 50 percent of its landmass. As a result, other species are running out of places to live.
