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Jackson Hole going global

Allen Best/Special to the Daily

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. That seems to be the ambition of a new organization, the Jackson Hole Center for Global Affairs.The organization recently held its first conference, called the U.S.-China Clean Energy Initiative, a weekend gathering of international bankers, environmentalists, scientists and government officials to address global warming.Jackson Hole has served as a high-stakes meeting ground before. In a 1989 article titled “Where the Elk and the Diplomats Roam,” New York Times reporter Timothy Egan dubbed Jackson Hole “The Geneva of the Rockies.” Then Secretary of State James A. Baker was meeting with his counterpart from the Soviet Union, Eduard A. Shevardnadze, to talk about chemical warfare, nuclear missiles, and such. The intent, said Baker, was to use “one of the garden spots of the earth” to help inspire global solutions to questions of war and peace.From a less ethereal perspective, chamber director Steve Duerr told the Jackson Hole News & Guide that the mission of the new center dovetails with his agency’s agenda of creating “sustainable business,” by drawing visitors during a time when tourists are few, and not harming the valley’s natural resources.Perhaps – as long as they don’t decide to return and buy big houses.Scenery also good for hospital patientsSUMMIT COUNTY, Utah As it turns out, scenery is also good medicine. In choosing the location for a new hospital for Summit County, reports The Park (City) Record, one consideration is the view from rooms. Those views, as well as the hospital’s appearance, are important facets in healing of patients, explained Randall Probst, a hospital administrator.Officials calculate they can break even if they get only 50 percent of local patients who are now going to hospitals in nearby Salt Lake City or Heber Valley.What some will do for a season’s passWHISTLER, B.C. It was a contest designed to challenge stamina, stomachs, and sensibilities, all in pursuit of a season ski pass, says Pique newsmagazine.Contestants in the Whistler-Blackcomb Freeze Factor were to stand outside for 24 hours, buckled into their skis or snowboards, subjected to various regimens such as bobbing for eyeballs. Oh, and no leaning, sitting, tunes, or drugs, sex, and alcohol.


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