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Articles for Friday, July 18, 2008Homeby Curtis Wackerle, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer Saturday, July 19, 2008
The city of Aspen’s admits it could have used a better word in an advertisement taken out in local papers defending the Burlingame affordable housing project.
The ad in question, which ran in both newspapers recently, states that the city has built 84 housing units, a road, installed utilities to the site and is “constructing” seven single-family homes, all for $58.5 million, the total spent on Burlingame so far.
by Curtis Wackerle, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer Friday, July 18, 2008
Building permit activity and construction valuations are down in Aspen, sharply in some cases, so far for 2008 compared to years past.
Through July 16, contractors have applied for 381 building permits, a 16 percent decline from the same period in 2007. Those permits represent $110.9 million in construction valuation, a 17 percent drop from year-to-date figures for 2007. All data are based on building permit history information from the city of Aspen’s Web site.
by David Frey, Aspen Daily News Correspondent Friday, July 18, 2008
CARBONDALE — Long before this town was known for its swanky restaurants or groovy Mountain Fair, it was known for its potatoes, and Eugene Grubb was the potato king, traveling the world to both gather and spread new varieties of spuds.
Until recently, Grubb’s century-old Victorian home stood on the edge of town as a reminder of those days. Then, several days ago, the 20th-century potato king’s home and adjacent barn were razed by 21st-century financial wizard Tom Bailey, the billionaire Janus mutual fund founder turned cutting horse impresario, known locally for moseying into town on horseback and tying up at his downtown lot while filling up at a local watering hole.
by Andrew Travers, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer Friday, July 18, 2008 (Editor’s Note: The Aspen Daily News is refining its police blotter reporting policy. Beginning this week, we are going to withhold the names of alleged offenders on non-felony crimes who do not pose a threat to public safety. We welcome the community’s input as to how to responsibly report the lesser crimes normally associated with the blotter at andrew@aspendailynews.com).
If there is a warrant out for your arrest, there are better places to hide out than, say, unconscious in a roadway. Aspen Daily News Staff Report, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer Friday, July 18, 2008 A hiker who fell ill at Thomas Lakes near the base of Mount Sopris had to be rescued on Thursday morning.
Authorities were alerted to the situation by the hiker’s father, who said that his son was unable to walk out on his own and was going to need assistance, according to a press release from the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office. by Alan Fletcher Friday, July 18, 2008 On Tuesday, July 22, we will have two stellar concerts illustrating something I love about music in Aspen: Excellence and diversity.
At 6 p.m. in Harris Hall, the remarkable young pianist Simone Dinnerstein will play Bach’s monumental Goldberg Variations. An Everest for any pianist, the Goldberg has provided Dinnerstein with a career-making opportunity: Her CD recording of it became the unexpected hit of 2007 and was a world-wide best-seller. Aspen Daily News Staff Report Friday, July 18, 2008 The Pitkin County Open Space and Trails department on Thursday formally released its draft management plan for the Smuggler Mountain open space above Aspen.
Public comments on the draft plan will be accepted until Sept. 12. The plan can be viewed and comments made at www.aspenrecreation.com. Aspen Daily News Staff Report Friday, July 18, 2008 The city of Aspen’s environmental health department is beginning “surveillance activities” to identify any potential cases of West Nile virus, according to a press release. West Nile is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause mild to severe illness in humans and animals. It is spread to humans almost exclusively through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Trapping in lower elevations of the state usually begins in May, but Aspen’s cool climate helps to slow the arrival of mosquitoes, according to city officials. Mosquito traps in the area have so far turned up relatively empty, with only a few dozen mosquitos trapped. Columnistby Kristine Crandall, Aspen Daily News Columnist Friday, July 18, 2008
In musing about the summer so far, a few high notes come to mind, along with some rumblings:
Baby birds
Front and center in the yard and on hikes over the past month have been the baby birds. An American robin family hatched and raised three blotchy-breasted babies in this summer’s first brood in my neighborhood. At one point, I looked out my window and saw the two parents scooting across the length of the lawn like the silly-looking cartoon roadrunner. On further investigation, I noticed the target of the parents’ attention — one of the youngsters sitting quietly on a rock in the perennial herb garden. What a classic nuclear family!
by Matthew L. Moseley/Guets Commentator Friday, July 18, 2008
The big dogs are back at the door
by Amy Goodman, Aspen Daily News Columnist Friday, July 18, 2008 While the presidential candidates trade barbs and accuse each other of flip-flopping, they agree with President Bush on their enthusiastic support for nuclear power.
Sen. John McCain has called for 100 new nuclear power plants. Sen. Barack Obama, in a July 2007 Democratic candidate debate, answered a pro-nuclear power audience member, “I actually think that we should explore nuclear power as part of the energy mix.” Among Obama’s top contributors are executives of Exelon Corp., a leading nuclear power operator in the nation. Just this week, Exelon released a new plan, called “Exelon 2020: A Low-Carbon Roadmap.” The nuclear power industry sees global warming as a golden opportunity to sell its insanely expensive and dangerous power plants. Letter to the EditorAspen Daily News Staff Report, Aspen Daily News Columnist Friday, July 18, 2008 Editor:
Aspen Daily News Staff Report, Aspen Daily News Columnist Friday, July 18, 2008 Editor:
Although I live in Utah, I want to share my thoughts with others who have had doubts about the recent presidential primary. Aspen Daily News Staff Report, Aspen Daily News Columnist Friday, July 18, 2008 Editor:
Satire and political cartoons are true American literary free-speech forms that have an elevated place in American life. Aspen Daily News Staff Report, Aspen Daily News Columnist Friday, July 18, 2008 Editor:
First Ted Rall calls for the naturalization of our oil industry, citing the miraculous reappearance of milk on the shelves after Chavez nationalized oil (in his country), conveniently forgetting the downward spiral of (Venezuela’s) economy since his socialist policies began.
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Horoscopes
- Aries

Fatigue or a need for a change of pace defines plans. Remember that you are not a train that can go endlessly, so stop treating yourself that way. Meet a friend at a flea market, or opt for a different type of happening. Your energy might return! Tonight: Try some exotic cuisine.
This Week: Opportunities appear out of the blue. Don't hesitate too much.
- Taurus

What you think could be fun and relaxing, someone else feels is a drag. Watch how this person rolls his or her eyes at the suggestion. Isn't partnership about finding a middle ground or sometimes doing what the other wants? Tonight: Plans rapidly change.
This Week: Read between the lines. An offer is for real.
- Gemini
 Others have different ideas. You have some choices to make. You do not have to go along with the program, but you might be depressed being alone. Make sure you will be content with your personal choices. Tonight: Dinner with friends.
This Week: A partner, once more, changes his or her tune. Initiate talks.
- Cancer
 - Leo
 Your fiery personality could wear out even you by the end of the day. Imagine what it could be doing to others. If pressure is overwhelming, go off and do your thing. A walk or bike ride helps you relax. Tonight: So what if tomorrow is Monday?
This Week: Maintain an even pace. Evaluate an offer that might be too good to resist. (So don't)
- Virgo
 Basics count. Think positively about a change. Sometimes you are resistant because you are tired. Do not head the negative party; rather, take a walk and consider an option more openly. It just might work! Tonight: Cozy at home.
This Week: Your creativity surges. Good news and opportunities come forward.
- Libra
 Speak your mind with full knowledge that others will react and have different responses. In the mix, an even better plan arises. Hang out with a dear pal or buddy. He or she loves being with you. Tonight: A discussion can happen over dinner.
This Week: Opportunity strikes on the home front. It might be too good to be true.
- Scorpio
 Expenses need taming, but you might ask how. Just saying the word "no" obviously might not be working. Create a realistic budget. Discuss how to add to your income rather than take away from spending. Tonight: Fun does not always have a high price tag.
This Week: Check out a new purchase that will make you smile more often. Yes, it could cost!
- Sagittarius
 - Capricorn
 Much romps through your mind, distracting you from being here and now with a loved one or friend. Perhaps you could schedule some down time or a walk in the country. Revise your energy and refresh your mind. Tonight: Do only what you want.
This Week: You feel lucky. You also emanate energy and magnetism. Go for what you want.
- Aquarius
 Friends clamor for your company. The problem lies in that a loved one or family member could be overly sensitive if you do not focus on him or her alone. Know that you can do a juggling act. Understanding evolves with a key friend. Tonight: Do what you want, not what others want.
This Week: A friendship could change. Don't worry so much.
- Pisces

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