Ear to the ground

 “What’s Montrose? It sounds like a rock band from the ’70s!”

-A visiting man in the Durango airport after hearing that the flight may be rerouted to Montrose

Taos freed?

Taos Ski Valley has decided to drop the ropes for snowboarders. A memo to employees distributed by Mickey Blake, the ski area president, said the change will occur March 19.

Taos Ski Valley has been snowboard-free and a stronghold for skiers since its founding in the 1950s. As legend tells, ski area founder Ernie Blake’s dying wish was Taos remain the realm of skiers for perpetuity. “I guess hell finally froze over …” said one blogger on the website of theTaos Daily News, where the news was first reported.

Blake’s family continues to own and manage Taos, and the memo to employees stated, “For several seasons, the debate has been more directed as to ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ snowboarding would be permitted at Taos Ski Valley.”

Some welcomed the decision with open arms. The blog on the Taos Ski Valley website contained many enthused entries. “On behalf of about every tourist-related business in town, I want to thank TSV for lifting the ban,” wrote Marc Coan.

One unidentified grandparent lauded it as a way to renew family inclusiveness. “I am happy to say that once again we can be a ‘snow sport family’ in one area … hurray!”

Others bemoaned the end of an era, saying that the decision was purely financial and would destroy unique character. More than one writer was sure that Blake, who died in 1989, was spinning in his grave.

In a bitter twist, the day Taos opens to snowboarding, March 19, is the day following the traditional celebration of Blake’s birthday.

Back-ordered Jesus

Millions of Americans are putting Jesus under the tree this year. Following in the footsteps of Tickle Me Elmo, Cabbage Patch Kids and Nintendo Wii, the Christmas gift of the 2007 season appears to be the Talking Jesus Action Figure.

According to a report in the Dallas Morning News, Wal-Mart has completely sold out of the figurines and Target.com is down to a “very limited supply.” The figure tells Bible stories and shares scripture. It also comes complete with loaves of bread and a “water into wine” accessory. It also includes the disclaimer: “does not actually turn water into wine.” Another version of the doll includes glowing “miracle” hands.

The toy’s creator, David Socha, took the strong sells quite literally, saying, “We feel blessed that the toys are now in the hands of thousands of children, teaching them the word of God.”

Others have a less dogmatic view of the doll. One shopper chuckled, “I bought Jesus on Ebay!”