Family-owned Colorado. marijuana shop wants to become 'Costco of weed'

"Smoke Dreams"

The pot business is booming in Colorado, and the owners of one of the state’s largest marijuana dispensaries have big plans: to become the "Costco of weed."

According to the Denver Post's Cannabist, members of the Williams family, who own the Medicine Man in northeast Denver, are embarking on a $2.6 million expansion including a retail space "all in white like an Apple store."

Their current headquarters — located in Denver's Montbello neighborhood, now dubbed "Potbello" — includes bulletproof glass, armed security guards, 65 video cameras and a $35,000 charcoal air filtration system that is supposed to eliminate the pot smell coming from the building.

“We really are trying to industrialize a hippie process,” Pete Williams told the paper.

The Medicine Man opened in 2010 and quickly became one the state's largest dispensaries of medical marijuana. According to the Cannabist, the company was the first to apply for a license to distribute recreational marijuana. On Jan. 1 — the first day retail pot sales opened — the store sold 15 pounds of marijuana, taking in close to $100,000. More than 600 customers came through Medicine Man's doors.

“This was one of these great opportunities, like a gold rush,” Williams continued. “We were just kind of pioneers, willing to take that risk.”

Williams said the company recently raised $1.4 million in loans from a marijuana-focused investor group.

Psychiatrist Called Threat Team About Aurora Shooting Suspect James Holmes

By MARK GREENBLATT AND ENJOLI FRANCIS

    Aurora, Colo., shooting suspect James Holmes came to the attention of the threat assessment committee at the University of Colorado but no further action was taken because he left the school more than a month before the attack that killed 12 and injured 58, sources told ABC News.

    ABC News has learned that Dr. Lynne Fenton, the psychiatrist who was treating Holmes, 24, at the school, was also a key member of the university's threat assessment team. The group of experts were responsible for protecting the school from potentially violent students.

    KMGH-TV, ABC News' affiliate in Denver, reported exclusively that, according to sources, by early June, Fenton had informed other members of the team about her concerns regarding Holmes. But on June 10 -- three days after Holmes bought an assault weapon and added it to his already growing arsenal -- he suddenly told the university that he was dropping out of the neurosciences doctoral program with no explanation.

     KMGH-TV reported last week that he'd purchased the weapon hours after failing a key oral exam.

On Monday, Holmes was charged with 24 counts of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting during a midnight screening of "The Dark Knight Rises."

    Twelve people were killed and 58 were wounded in the worst mass shooting in U.S. history. Each death carried two separate murder charges, one for showing premeditation and one for showing extreme indifference to life. Both of the charges carry the death penalty as a possible sentence.

    Sources have told KMGH-TV that the threat assessment team never had a formal meeting and never intervened, believing that it had no control over Holmes once he'd left the university. Documents uncovered by ABC News show that Fenton also wrote the school's policy on threat assessment.

    Michael Carrigan, chairman of the CU board of regents, told KMGH that he did not know if Holmes had ever been discussed by the threat assessment team. "It's the first I'm hearing about this," he said in a phone interview.

    A CU spokeswoman declined comment to KMGH on Fenton or any threat-team team actions, citing a gag order.

    Don Elliman, the university's chancellor, said last week that "to the best of our knowledge, at this point, we did everything we think we could have done."

    But experts said today that Holmes' departure should have been a red alert.

"You know, I think that's the signal that you should intensify your efforts, not walk away," said Barry Spodak, a threat assessment expert. "Under those circumstances, most well-trained threat assessment teams would have gone into action."

Penn St players vow to stick together

Way to go loyal Lions, time to come together................ 

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — More than 30 Penn State football players say they're staying in Happy Valley despite NCAA sanctions that will keep the Nittany Lions out of a bowl game for the rest of their careers.
Flanked by more than two dozen teammates, seniors Michael Mauti and Michael Zordich vowed to restore Penn State to greatness after an unprecedented child sex abuse scandal that shattered the program's image as a place where "success with honor" was the rule.
"We want to let the nation know that we're proud of who we are," Zordich said Wednesday. "We're the true Penn Staters, and we're going to stick together through this. We're going to see this thing through, and we're going to do everything we can for the university. We know it's not going to be easy, but we know what we're made of."
Quarterback Matt McGloin also tweeted that he planned to stay.
Neither Zordich nor Mauti — both sons of former Penn State players — mentioned former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky by name.
"We take this as an opportunity to create our own legacy," Mauti said. "This program was not built by one man and it's sure as hell not going to get torn down by one man. This program was built on every alumni, every single player that came before us, built on their backs."
The Nittany Lions will not be able to play in a bowl game until the 2016 season, and the scholarship reductions they'll receive could make it difficult for new coach Bill O'Brien to field a competitive squad during the next few seasons. That's why support will be needed from fans and alumni more than ever, the players said.
"We're going to do everything in our power to get this place back on track," Zordich said. "I'm personally calling out every member of Nittany Nation — all the students, faculty, fans and family members, alumni, everything that there is. Please, please come support us through this, because we need you just as much as you need us. And together we're going to get through this thing to the end."

Questions in my mind about Colorado???

A few questions have arisen in my mind since the event in Colorado. I am skeptical of events such as this, and always ask myself, "Why?"

Where did an unemployed student get the 20 or 30 thousand dollars to purchase the guns, ammo and equipment, and where and when did he acquire the expertise to turn his apartment in to an intricately designed booby trap?

Friday, 20 July, 2012

How irrational is it to attempt to blame the "Tea Party" for the Colorado theater incident. News persons and politicians will grasp any straw, with or without "facts" to mislead the public. To politicize such a horrendous chain of events is  beyond comprehension.

I think those who implied these thoughts should be made to account for their actions.

Perhaps we would be more accurate if we blamed those who perpetrate these incidents rather than wildly blaming others, for whatever reason.

Observation

Why does Obama feel he needs to fly to Colorado and see the disastrous fires raging out there? What can he actually accomplish, other than causing a great deal of congestion. It seems like any disaster in our country, or for that matter, around the world, has to be visited by some politician who has absolutely nothing to offer.

All presidents and governors have always done the same thing. They have enough "hot air" already, one of the problems they are having. I wonder how many people will be involved in his visit.

"Hey, all you firefighters, stop what you are doing, forget that damned fire, go get showered and cleaned up, be back here in two hours, Obama is coming and we want a nice looking crowd to meet him. Be sure to wash your hands, he will  do a lot of hand shaking. What? Great idea. Clean those shovels up and paint VOTE OBAMA on them."

Better idea, take ALL the Washington politicians out there, give them shovels, and let them work on the fire line. Be nice to see them work for their money for a change.

Wildfire victims crowd shelters as fight continues

By P. SOLOMON BANDA
  
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Fire crews fought to save the U.S. Air Force Academy and residents begged for information on the fate of their homes Wednesday after a night of terror sent thousands of people fleeing a raging Colorado Springs wildfire.

More than 30,000 have been displaced by the fire, including thousands who frantically packed up belongings Tuesday night after it barreled into neighborhoods in the foothills west and north of Colorado's second-largest city. With flames looming overhead, they clogged roads shrouded in smoke and flying embers, their fear punctuated by explosions of bright orange flame that signaled yet another house had been claimed.

"The sky was red, the wind was blowing really fast and there were embers falling from the sky," said Simone Covey, a 26-year-old mother of three who fled an apartment near Garden of the Gods park and was staying at a shelter. "I didn't really have time to think about it. I was just trying to keep my kids calm."

Wilma Juachon sat under a tree at an evacuation center, wearing a mask to block the smoke. A tourist from California, she was evacuated from a fire near Rocky Mountain National Park last week and, now, from her Colorado Springs hotel.

"I said I hope it never happens again, and guess what?" Juachon said.

Donate to Dooley Observed

Why Donate, good question, and where will the money go?

Website, advertising and promotion. I am also exploring affiliations with other information sources that are compensated for their involvement.

I want to thank those who have already donated, any amount is greatly appreciated.

I assure all that donated funds will be put to good use.

The DONATE icon is in the left column, at the top, again, thanks.

Ten GREAT All-American Road Trips

Seward Highway
Alaska


Dine' Tah Scenic Road
Arizona


Pacific Coast Highway 
California


San Juan Skyway
Colorado


Florida Keys Overseas Highway
Florida


North Shore Drive
Minnesota



Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway
New York


Blue Ridge Parkway
North Carolina and Virginia


Mt. Hood Scenic Byway
Oregon


Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway
South Dakota

Stores busy as Colo. prepares for major snowstorm

By DAN ELLIOTT | Associated Press

DENVER (AP) — A powerful winter storm moving across Colorado Friday has dumped more than a foot of snow in some areas.
The storm has prompted a blizzard warning for the northeast, forced flight cancellations and school closures, and calls from highway officials to slow down on icy roadways.

National Weather Service meteorologist Bob Kleyla says the snow began falling Thursday night and by 3:30 a.m. MST Friday, six inches had fallen on downtown Denver, more in suburban areas and up to 15 inches in the foothills west of the city.
He adds that Boulder and some areas just north of Colorado Springs were struggling with 10 inches of snow.
But despite the weather, Colorado Department of Transportation spokesman Jarrett Handy says there are no current road closures, even though many roads are icy and snow packed.

He urged motorists to drive cautiously, especially during rush hour.

Doug Lamborn, GOP Congressman From Colorado, Will Boycott Obama's State Of The Union Address

Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) announced plans Monday to boycott President Obama's State of the Union address.

In a statement, Lamborn said he won't be in attendance Tuesday when Obama addresses a joint session of Congress, in protest of his belief that the president will use the high-profile event for political gain. He says he'll watch on television instead and isn't attempting to get his colleagues to follow suit.

Lamborn, who made it clear that it would be the first State of the Union he has skipped, said he "believes the President is in full campaign mode" and will take the opportunity to launch attacks on his "political opponents." He also expressed his disapproval over the administration's rejection of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, as well as Obama's recent decision to recess appoint his nominees to head both the National Labor Relations Board and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Lamborn, who was named the "most conservative" member of Congress by National Journal in 2010, became embroiled in controversy last year when he referred to Obama as a "tar baby." He later apologized in a personal letter to the president.

While Lamborn claims that, as far as he knows, he is the only Republican passing on attending the address, Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.) -- who last year tweeted during the address that Obama believed in "socialism" -- claimed that he watched the State of the Union every year from his office.

Not sure how I feel about this. I think I understand his reasons, but not sure if this is the way for him to go to show his concern. I would imagine that every President, in similar circumstances, was accused of the same thing. A politician is always campaigning, that's what they do. Personally, I have never heard of him, until now. Maybe it takes radical measures to be heard .........

KEVIN JOSEPH DOOOEY - My Nephew

Kevin Dooley is an American Celtic artist. He is a traveling troubadour known in some circles as the “acoustic road warrior”. A multi-instrumentalist, Dooley’s interest in music goes back to his childhood. In fact, he was a drummer in a band by the age of 12 and had his first “’professional’ gig” at a Sigma Chi fraternity FAC not long after that.


The drumsticks were shortly cast by the roadside however when “Sister Jane gave (him) her old acoustic guitar.” Dooley admits it’s been “’unplugged’ ever since”. Dooley would eventually move from his home state of Michigan to Colorado upon graduating from Albion College. He would work as Community Service Director for the Y before totally committing to his music.

His first gig in Colorado would be in Boulder at Fred's. Alone or with other bands he would play many legendary clubs that now only live on in memories: Peggy's Hi-Lo, The Walrus, The Hotel Boulderado and the original Penny Lane to name but a few. He would release his debut disc, the eponymous Kevin Dooley in 1994 and begin touring on a regular basis.

Kevin Dooley was a twelve-track CD featuring all original material. He would be backed by such local legends as Drew Emmitt and Mark Vann from Leftover Salmon and The Left Hand String Band, Steve Mullins, Brock Edwards, Julie Hoest and more. It included such songs as the lead-in “Close Your Eyes" and “Anasazi Wind”. This would also lead to his being featured on KBCO's Local Music program and a gig at Studio C Performance as well.

The Midwest, Texas and The Southwest would soon become familiar territory to Dooley as he would be touring and performing live whenever he was in between projects. (To date he has “played from coast to coast” in various venues including such events as the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, Telluride Blues Festival ,The Paonia Roots Fest and The Colorado Irish Festival.) His career would hit another recording highlight a couple years later (1996) when he would work with other artists to put out a compilation album titled Collage Volume 1. It would be released on the ASH Records label and include other Boulder Artists such as Laughing Hands, Julie Hoest, Marty Peters and Cody and Stewart. This project would also involve a live show at The Boulder Theatre.

The following year (1997) would also be a noteworthy one as Dooley would release another solo album Everyday Dreams. This one included more of his original material such as the title track, “Everyday Dreams”, the opener “Decidin’ Time” and fan favorite “Thirty Bucks and a Muffin”.

The new millennium would witness the release of Dooley’s next new disc titled Twilight Drive. Highlights here include “Rebecca”, and a cover of the classic cut “16 Tons”. This project would be mixed at Purplefish Studios by “the ever subtle” James Tuttle and mastered by "the master" David Glasser. It would also include guest artists such as Grammy winner Sally Van Meter on dobro and E-Town music director Chris Engleman on bass.

It would be well-received enough to encourage the release of yet another studio album in 2003. This one, Home Cookin’, in Dooley’s words included “a new bunch of original tales from the road, home and campsite.” He adds: “I play a number of instruments, drums and bass and even sing some harmonies” stating that they were both “simple and affordable” and that he will probably “put out more of them, more often.”

The next year he would bow to the requests of his fans. “I’ve been asked a bunch of times to record a CD of solo blues performances. Speaking of the 2004 release How Late'll Ya Play Til? He says: “This is it.” He also recorded a collection of folk-rock and traditional fan favorites in another album out that year called Midnight Special.

Dooley would begin a regular gig performing with an acoustic original and traditional Irish song-playing band named Parting Glass in 2006. Their weekly shows at one venue are said to be “going very well with . . . good attendance at all area shows” as well. In fact, the group was encouraged to release Live at The Bader House: Parting Glass. This is said to be 13 tracks of “very fun live” material recorded in an “intimate setting” and features band mates Beth Leachman, Steve Mullins and Chris Engleman.

When not in the studio Dooley has also opened for such legends as Bo Diddley and Leon Russel as well as “contemporaries” such as Catie Curtis, John Smith, Brooks Williams and Chanting House. He has also shared stages with artists such as Nanci Griffith, Marc Cohn, Los Lobos, Hot Tuna, Missy Raines, PineTop Perkins and more. Dooley has also managed to find time to appear on other compilations in the recent past including Colorado Blues Society 2001 (Vol.1),American Street's and Cafes (Vol. 2), Oasis Music, Acoustic Sampler (Vol. 23), Benefit for OUR House and more.

He has even had the time to score top honors such as the Crossroads Acoustic Blues Award, inclusion on the “Best of Boulder” list, was chosen to play the “main showcase” at The SWRFA Conference in Austin, Texas and was invited to join the faculty at The Rocky Mountain Folk Festival’s "Song School" on numerous occasions.

Earlier this year, however, Dooley stepped out of the studio once again with yet another solo CD. This one is titled Moonlight Highway. Dooley handles the acoustic guitar and vocal chores and is assisted by an assortment of additional artists including: Diego Voglino (drums and percussion), Eric Thorin (upright bass), Gurf Morlix (electric and bottleneck guitar and lap steel), John Magnie (accordion, Hammond B-3 and background vocals), Steve Amedee (percussion and background vocals), Jessie Burns (4 and 5 string fiddle), Eric Drobney (background vocals), Bret Billings (pedal steel) and Brian McRae (percussion).

The album opens with “Mystery Wheel”. This is one of four Dooley originals on the disc. It is also a local radio fan favorite. This is one of the best cuts on the album.

“Love’s Been Linked to the Blues” is the second selection. It’s a great, gruff cover of a song by David Olney. It has an interesting organ intro and was even chosen for inclusion on a local cable-TV channel show. Specifically, it’s used for the Longmont Happenings Music List at Oscar Blues and Larry's Guitars Concert Listings. While it is, unfortunately, not an original Dooley composition it still receives “Critic’s Choice” here . . . perhaps because Dooley makes the tune his own. It’s just an honest number.

“Silvery Moon” is an upbeat Kevin Dooley tune. It has an upbeat, traditional sound and yet in truth it’s actually very new. A cover of producer Todd Adelman’s “Ocean-Breeze, First Kiss” follows. It focuses on memories of a relationship and love at the beach or at the shore depending upon which coast one lives.

The next number is “Car Outside”. This is a clever cover of a Jimmy LaFave tune. “Ferryman” follows here. It’s a traditional piece with a new arrangement by Dooley and features Casey Driessen on fiddle.

Up next is “A Showman’s Life”. This is a cover of a tune by Jesse Winchester. It seems quite appropriate here. Another cover is next.

“This Old Porch” is actually a Robert Earl Keen song. It’s highlighted by Tommy Detamore on dobro. “Old Man at the Mill” comes next and is yet another traditional piece with a fresh arrangement by Dooley.

"Moonlight Highway" is the title track. This is also another fan favorite and successful radio cut composed by Dooley. Recently, the tune took the top slot on the ReverbNation Americana charts for CO and the number 22 spot nationally.

“The Big Easy” was written by Ray Bonneville. It’s about the disaster in New Orleans. It’s highlighted by the Kesslerettes on background vocals.

Another original Dooley work, “Sunset Town” is next. It’s yet one more example of what Dooley can do. He closes the CD with a nice cover of Tom Waits’ “Shiver Me Timbers”.

Dooley’s music is at times vaguely reminiscent of Van Morrison or even—at his best—James Taylor. His vocals are expressive and the music is produced in such a way as to not take away from the guts of the songs. Polishing up anything here would take away the personality. While a few critics might point out that Dooley is more American than Celtic on this album it seems a moot point. The truth of the matter is Dooley seems to have put together a disc that tells us something about him regardless of toward which country the music often leans.

Indeed, while the idea of a guy with a guitar traveling from tavern to tavern and singing for his supper and then going on to be recorded on albums may date back to at least the early days of Woody Guthrie’s career, Kevin Dooley holds claim to his own interesting take on the experience and successfully shares it with others on his CDs.
 
LINK TO KEVIN

Cantaloupe outbreak is deadliest in a decade

 Health officials say as many as 16 people have died from possible listeria illnesses traced to Colorado cantaloupes, the deadliest food outbreak in more than a decade.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday that 72 illnesses, including 13 deaths, are linked to the tainted fruit. State and local officials say they are investigating three additional deaths that may be connected.

The death toll released by the CDC Tuesday — including newly confirmed deaths in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas — surpassed the number of deaths linked to an outbreak of salmonella in peanuts almost three years ago. Nine people died in that outbreak.

The CDC said Tuesday that they have confirmed two deaths in Texas and one death each in in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Last week the CDC reported two deaths in Colorado, four deaths in New Mexico, one in Oklahoma and one in Maryland.

New Mexico officials said Tuesday they are investigating a fifth death, while health authorities in Kansas and Wyoming said they too are investigating additional deaths possibly linked to the tainted fruit.

Listeria is more deadly than well-known pathogens like salmonella and E. coli, though those outbreaks generally cause many more illnesses. Twenty-one people died in an outbreak of listeria poisoning in 1998 traced to contaminated hot dogs and possibly deli meats made by Bil Mar Foods, a subsidiary of Sara Lee Corp. Another large listeria outbreak in 1985 killed 52 people and was linked to Mexican-style soft cheese.

Listeria generally only sickens the elderly, pregnant women and others with compromised immune systems. The CDC said the median age of those sickened is 78 and that one in five who contract the disease can die.

Dr. Robert Tauxe of the CDC says the number of illnesses and deaths will probably grow in coming weeks because the symptoms of listeria don't always show up right away. It can take four weeks or more for a person to fall ill after eating food contaminated with listeria.

Cattle Guards

For those of you who have never traveled to the West or Southwest, cattle guards are horizontal steel rails placed at fence openings, in dug-out places in the roads adjacent to highways (sometimes across highways), to prevent cattle from crossing over that area. For some reason the cattle will not step on the "guards," probably because they fear getting their feet caught between the rails.


A few months ago, President Obama received a report that there were over 100,000 cattle guards in Colorado . Because Colorado ranchers had protested his proposed changes in grazing policies, he ordered the Secretary of the Interior to fire half of the cattle guards immediately.

Before the Interior Secretary could respond and presumably straighten him out, Vice-President Joe Biden intervened with a request that before any guards were fired, they be given six months of retraining.

Passed on without further comment....