October 7th, 2009
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Causes And Organizations 
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michael Webster asked:
BY MICHAEL WEBSTER: Syndicated Investigative Reporter Dec 17, 2008 at 4:00 PM PST.
Early this month U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Tucson, Ariz. sector and agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were again fired upon with what appeared to be military type automatic weapons by Mexican drug smugglers dressed in military garb. Agents after observing a Flatbed tow truck on the Mexican side of the U.S. Mexican border backed up to the new international border fence. According to witnesses the tow truck backed up on a newly constructed earthen dirt berm which put the truck almost even with the height of the fence. The tow truck operator slowly unloaded two trucks laden with marijuana over the 18 ft. high fence to the U.S. side of the border. The entire episode was caught on the remote camera surveillance system and watched by U.S. predator and National Guard camera operators who were able to coordinate Border Patrol field agents to the scene. Shortly after arriving several Border Patrol agents came under fire after chasing and stopping the drug smugglers two vehicles near Douglas, Ariz.
According to the Border Patrol, agents observed two large trucks, a Chevrolet Avalanche and a Ford F150 using the tow truck ramp to cross over the border fence. While using a remote camera surveillance system, camera operators were able to coordinate field agents to intercept the trucks. As agents got close, the trucks turned south and attempted to flee back to the border. Agents were able to deploy a tire deflation device and successfully deflated the tires of both trucks stopping them just north of the international boundary fence. A third vehicle was spotted south of the border fence where a subject was observed firing an automatic rifle in the direction of the agents. Several additional subjects with weapons were seen climbing over the fence and they began unloading marijuana from the Chevy Avalanche. The individuals were seen throwing numerous bundles of marijuana back into Mexico. As agents were able to form a security perimeter around the Ford F150, the smugglers set fire to the Avalanche and absconded back into Mexico. Agents were able to secure the Ford F150 and inside the vehicle they discovered 1,158 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $1 million.
Registration checks were run on the Ford F150 and agents discovered the vehicle was reported stolen out of Douglas, Ariz. Mexican law enforcement was contacted but at this time no arrests have been made or expected.
An official close to the investigation tells the Laguna Journal that agents did not return fire when they were fired upon. Later an agent who wants to remain anonymous says many Border Patrol agents are fearful of losing there job or worse being arrested should they return fire particularly since the Ramos and Compean case. “These men are still in prison for doing what many of us think was just doing their jobs as Border Patrol Agents.
In a similar incident last month Border Patrol agents from the San Diego sector seized nearly a ton of marijuana and seized two vehicles after agents spotted two vehicles jump over the border fence also using a ramp system, five miles east of Tecate, Calif.
San Diego Chief Patrol Agent Michael J. Fisher commented, “This significant drug seizure exemplifies smugglers’ disregard for our laws and the safety of the general public. The Border Patrol’s mission includes securing our Nation’s borders and preventing dangerous drugs from reaching our streets.”
Mexican solders on the U.S. side of the Border.
In the past the Laguna Journal reported locals said they have witnessed, not far from this tow truck incident on the Mexican side of the border a big yellow crane that they refer to as a cherry picker it was seen lifting several vehicles, one at a time up and over the fence and put down gently on the American side. These witnesses say they believe those vehicles were loaded with drugs. There are also many reports from locals seeing armed Mexican solders operating on both sides of the international border and they believe the Mexican army is being used by the Mexican drug cartels to escort and protect drug runners, human smugglers and gun runners and they say they have reported these activities to the authorities.
There are many reports of Mexican troops being spotted on our side of the border and just as many we never hear of. Seven members of the Mexican military were found inside the United States recently, telling border agents they had become disoriented while on patrol and accidentally crossed into the country, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol said.
The incident began when the Border Patrol’s Yuma, Arizona, sector was notified that a military-style Hummer was broken down, Customs and Border Patrol said in a written statement.
Agents said they found the vehicle about 200 yards from the Colorado River, and the seven individuals were dressed in military-style clothing. Customs and Border Patrol later determined that the troops’ entry was unauthorized.
U.S. agents told the Mexican troops they were inside the United States and took them into custody, the statement said.
“This is not an uncommon occurrence,” Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colorado, said, “Often times, it is the result of the Mexican military providing cover essentially for drug transportation across into our country, and/or creating a diversion so it will draw our people away from the place where the drugs are coming across.”
In August, the Border Patrol said Mexican troops had crossed the border illegally 42 times since October 2007.
Tancredo said the U.S. State Department lodged a complaint with the Mexican government for the first time over these and other military incursions. Attempts where made by this reporter to contact the State Department and the Mexican government those efforts were unsuccessful. Nor did they return our calls.
Secretary Michael Chertoff said last month that attacks on agents were an “unhappy” consequence of heightened enforcement. According to the latest figures available the Border Patrol said its agents were attacked 1,097 times during the fiscal year that ended in September, 2008 an 11 percent increase from the record 987 a year earlier.
The mostly uninformed U.S. public about the escalating levels of military incursions into the U.S. and the violence associated with warring Mexican drug cartels in Mexico and along our border is alarming.
Joan Lopez a Deming resident said, “Most people have a notion of what’s going on from an occasional headline in the mainstream newspapers, short sporadic newscasts on network television, and even Hollywood movies like “No Country for Old Men.” But I believe most of the ongoing coverage is done by freelance reporters and some local news media”.
As reported earlier this year in the Laguna Journal the explanations for the void of information on a national scale is believed at least partly because of the cozy relationship between the Bush and Caldron administrations. Both governments filter the information that is made available to the public, some call it diplomatic courtesy.
Google or click on the following:
Watch how Mexican troops found their way in the United States »
Mexican Soldiers Crossing Into The United States
Drug smugglers disguised as Mexican soldiers arrested
CHESTER
October 7th, 2009
| Posted in
Sports And Fitness
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MIKE SELVON asked:
Colorado ski vacations are long-time favorite getaways because of the awe-inspiring scenery of the Rocky Mountains, and because of the excellent snowfall received during the winter season. When it comes to enjoying a ski adventure, Colorado ski resorts are experienced at delivering memorable wintertime holidays for their guests.
There are vast arrays of skiing resorts located in the mountainous terrains of Colorado in which people choose to spend their vacations. However, there are a few locations that stand out among the mountain ski resorts.
These include the Aspen Snowmass Resort, the Beaver Creek Resort and the Breckenridge Resort. Each of the resorts can deliver exciting and fulfilling winter getaway vacations and each provides unique features and charm.
Out of all the destinations one can choose for Colorado ski vacations, perhaps the most well-known is the Aspen Snowmass resort, set in Aspen, Colorado and encompassing nearby Snowmass Mountain and the newly developed Snowmass Village. Aspen is considered to be a haven for world-class skiers and also a mecca for those who enjoy wealth and fame.
In Aspen Snowmass, the winter season begins in the later part of November and continues through mid-April. They usually receive about 300 inches of snowfall on average each year. Snowmass Mountain has over 90 different trails, 23 lifts and covers more than 3,000 acres including steeps, half pipes, cruisers, terrain parks and even a vertical drop of over 4,400 feet.
Aspen Snowmass is also very well-known for various family activities that are available which help to make ski vacations very family friendly. In addition, Aspen Snowmass has repeatedly been named as one of the best ski resorts not only in the United States, but in all of North America.
Some of the family activities that are popular are ice-skating, campfire story time, an Olympic size pool at the town’s sports center, a youth center and an ice arena for hockey. There is also world renowned dining, a hopping night scene and incredible shopping opportunities at every turn.
The Beaver Creek Resort is located in the stunning Rocky Mountains in the town of Vail Valley, Colorado. There, you will find a variety of groomed runs and heart-stopping bump runs that help to make it a favorite destination for both advanced skiers and beginners alike.
In all, there are three unique villages and two small towns that are all encompassed within the resort. Those who choose to take their Colorado ski vacations here will never have a lack of activities to enjoy. If you are accustomed to pampering and luxury, then you will also appreciate the heated walkways throughout this top ski resort and the unparalleled world-class dining choices you will have.
Beaver Creek Resort also boasts four outstanding spas that provide even more pampering with a menu of services. When you are thoroughly relaxed after your session at the spa, you can enjoy a shopper’s paradise of unique shops and galleries that will tempt you. Other activities that you can enjoy are hot air ballooning, various Nordic sports, ice skating and even sleigh riding.
A ski vacation at the Breckenridge Resort can start very early in the season. The season here normally starts in early November and runs through until late April. There are a total of 29 lifts scattered around this top ski resort which covers 2,358 acres of terrain. Having over 140 trails will suite virtually any skill level.
Breckenridge Colorado ski vacations also provide numerous opportunities to indulge in fine dining as there are almost 80 restaurants to choose from. There are also over 180 shops and boutiques to explore, 16 galleries and museums and 6 spas to luxuriate in, giving you many options to keep you busy when you are not on the slopes.
STEVE
October 6th, 2009
| Posted in
Water Sports
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Amber Mike asked:
Winter is when skiers start to think about booking their skiing holiday. In Europe there are hundreds of destinations to choose from. France, Switzerland and Austria all have very popular ski resorts, but if you are looking for a bargain then try Eastern Europe. Borovets in Bulgaria and the high Tatra mountains in Slovakia are attracting increasing numbers of skiers. A survey by pricerunner.co.uk and travelex.co.uk revealed that not only are the Eastern European resorts much cheaper than the popular destinations in the Alps, but they are also rated quite highly. Bansko in Bulgaria, Jasna in Slovakia, Zelezna Ruda in the Czech Republic and Kranjska Gora in Slovenia all got a mention.
If you are unsure which resort to pick, companies such as Forbes create a list of the top ski resorts in the world. The list will contain many Western and European resorts primarily because of the quality of the snow and the village atmosphere. New England has snow, but it won’t feature much on the list. This is because its snow tends to be icy, not powdery like the snow in Europe which is better for skiing. However, skiing holidays are about more than the quality of the snow. Resorts such as Aspen are hugely popular and the slopes are crowded, meaning that you probably spend more time waiting for the chair lift than on the slopes. Another consideration is the après-ski scene. For some people this is the best part of the holiday. There should be plenty of opportunities for dining, drinking and swapping stories in front of a log fire. It is also a good idea to choose somewhere that has activities other than skiing, just in case your legs need a rest from the slopes. Your accommodation is also important and should be comfortable with easy access to the slopes.
Ski holidays can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. When you book your holiday you should consider a package deal as these often work out cheaper. A single lift ticket can be very expensive. Try booking at the last minute and stay in catered accommodation to save on eating out. Book your ski pass and ski hire online and always pay in local currency.
Ski resorts that regularly make it into the top 10 lists are:
Aspen: Located in the beautiful state of Colorado, Aspen always features on the list of top ski resorts due to its excellent ski runs that are suitable for skiers of all abilities. It is also the place where you have the chance to ski with the rich and famous although the downside of this is that it is not cheap!
Cortina: Another top choice is this stylish Italian ski resort which hosted the Olympic Games in 1956. Cortina was one of the world’s first ski resorts. The Cortina Ski World is located in the Alps and is one of the most scenic places in the world, with 120 kilometres of ski trails and 52 lifts.
Mont-Tremblant: Canada’s best known ski resort first opened in 1939 and has recently been given a $1 billion facelift. It is a compact ski resort lying in the pretty Laurentian Mountains. The village has a distinctive French feel to it and it has a number of cafes and bistros in cosy log cabins, as well as boutiques and restaurants. The skiing is suitable for mixed groups and there is a good ski school. Another plus for this resort is that it is just one hour from Montreal for those who would like to do some sight-seeing along with their skiing.
Stowe: Located in Vermont, this is another American resort famed for its picturesque setting. It has the largest vertical drop in the area and is famous for its double-black diamond ‘Four Front’ trails, suitable for experienced skiers. However, it also offers trails suitable for intermediate skiers and beginners. Away from the ski slopes it has over 90 shops and 60 restaurants.
Chamonix Mont-Blanc: Situated in the French Alps, it played host to the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924. It lies at the foot of Mont-Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. It is renowned for its vertical drop of 9,209 feet and for having one of the world’s longest runs, the Vallee Blance, at 13.7 miles.
Banff/Lake Louise: This ski resort in Alberta, Canada is located in the Banff National Park. It is one of the most scenic mountain resorts in North America and has very reliable snow conditions. Covering 4,200 acres it offers tree-lined runs, smooth slopes and plunging bowls, providing ideal skiing for everyone from the novice to the expert.
Vail: Another ski resort in Colorado, Vail claims to be America’s favourite resort. With 5,300 acres of skiable terrain it has the largest ski area in the USA. Vail also has a lot to offer besides skiing with art galleries, ballooning, dog sledding, museums, ice skating, hockey and snowmobiling.
Zermatt: Switzerland’s top resort is a picturesque village and a car-free area at the foot of the Matterhorn. It has the second biggest lift-served vertical drop in the world. Zermatt has large snowfalls and the longest skiing season in the Alps.
Kitzbuhel: The most famous resort in the Austrian Tyrol. Skiing began here in 1892 and the 700-year old village still retains its traditional charm. Kitzbuhel is home to the Hahnenkahm the most dangerous and famous of the downhill ski races and is Austria’s winter entertainment capital. It has excellent skiing and snowboarding, but due to its low altitude snow may be lacking on the lower slopes.
Whistler/Blackcomb: This resort in British Columbia provides the best skiing in North America with the biggest vertical drop. It has 8,171 acres of skiable terrain and has been voted North America’s Favourite Ski Resort by OntheSnow.com visitors. The village has cafes, spas, galleries, international stores and over 100 restaurants that feature cuisines from around the world including French, Chinese, Italian, Mexican and more.
DOUG
October 3rd, 2009
| Posted in
Travel
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Jayesh Bagde asked:
From a small mining town, Denver has grown not only for its historical settings, but due to its various nature parks and sports teams. As currently one of the vacation hotspots in the US, it also boasts of elegant and classic hotels.
Denver City first started as a mining town during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush in Western Kansas. Denver was founded in November 1858. During that summer, a group of gold prospectors from Kansas arrived. They established Montana City on the banks of the South Platte River. This was the first settlement. Later on, it became the city of Denver. General William Larimer, a land speculator from Eastern Kansas, named the place after Governor James W. Denver.
Denver now boasts of over 200 parks. This is from some small parks to the giant parks all over the city. These parks have become the tourist spot in the area. This city maintained and acquired around 14,000 acres or about 56 km2 of mountain parks like the Red Rocks Park.
The Red Rocks Park is famous for its beautiful scenery as well as musical history which revolve around the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Denver also has the Winter Park Resort ski area which is operated in Grand County, about 67 miles west of the city. Hence, it continuously develops its park system along the Platte River and in the Stapleton neighborhood redevelopment.
Denver is at the threshold of the Rocky Mountains. Its skyscrapers mark the evolution between the Great Plains and the American West. The Rocky Mountains majestic peaks can be observed from afar and is still clearly visible. It is obviously a haven as well as the obvious point of arrival for thrill seekers that are heading into the mountains. Mountaineers, hikers, bikers, rock climbers and even trekkers will find the terrains a different experience, surely changing your life with the experience. The 2,000 acre land can offer you ample time for any escapade on your list of activities.
For those who are more of the scholarly type, you can visit the Denver Art Museum which houses the premium collections of the American Indian’s artifacts. Another destination for kids would be the Denver Zoo, Children’s Museum and the Botanic Garden. Aside from all these, you can inquire about the United States Mint for a free tour of the county.
Memorable sights can really make your stay in Denver worthwhile. Staying in Top hotels will cost much but the service you will receive is high end. Cheap hotels or motels can offer you good services at a more economical price for the family. This is good for couples or even those who travel alone. These days where practicality is a wise step, people can save some extra money when they seek cheap and good hotels.
As a hot spot for travellers and for vacation trippers, the City of Denver also boasts of its remarkable history, sporting events and museums. This is one reason why it is known as the “Mile High City”. The reason for this nick name is the elevation of the land which would go at approximately 5280 feet or 1609 meters above sea level. Statistically, it is the 26th most populous city in the United States of America. It is also the second largest city in the Mountain West, next to Phoenix.
Hence, Denver is very famous for its sports teams. In fact, they have four major sport teams. This includes the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Their current home is the Invesco Field at Mile High. Their team won a back to back championship in the years 1998 and 1999. Another team called Coors Field of the Major league Baseball was also created by the former Mayor, Frederico Pena. The Colorado Rockies, on the other hand, represent an expansion franchise in 1993. Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League Ave won two Stanley cups, in the years 1996 and 2001. Thus, the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association, the Denver Outlaws of the Professional Outdoor Lacrosse team and the Major League Soccer team named Colorado Rapids are also other teams that Denver is proud of, making every season a sports season in the region.
DONNIE
