Ear to the ground

“Treat your joints to portable heat!”

– A jingle from the Rocky Mountain chapter of the Arthritis Foundation that could have used a second pair of eyes

Best in show

The brain trust atU.S. News once again cracked the code and recently announced the “Best Places to Live for 2009.” In a move that may come as a surprise to readers, the magazine tapped Albuquerque – a location many Durangoans love to loathe – as the single best city/town in the nation.

In preparing the report, the magazine editors cited desperate economic times and that “Americans have grown increasingly reluctant to gas up their moving vans.” They went on to quote the Census Bureau’s national mover rate, which hit its lowest level since 1948, when the bureau began tracking the data.

“And who can blame us?” they asked. “In the face of a terrifying banking crisis, a historic housing crash, and a grueling recession, relocating to a new city isn’t exactly on the to-do list.”

Given these circumstances and U.S. News’ “thrift-conscious approach” to compiling the 2009 list, Albuquerque came out on top. “We looked for affordable communities that have strong economies and plenty of fun things to do,” the article continued.

New Mexico’s Duke City received high marks for scenery and favorable weather.

“The sunny climate and endless landscape have long drawn writers, poets and artists to this spot, which includes an unconventional mix of American Indian, Hispanic and Anglo cultures,” U.S. News reported. Albuquerque’s 14 golf course and trails network caught the editors’ attention. The magazine went on to note Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia National Laboratories and Intel Corp. as “stable anchors for the economy.”

U.S. News offered nine other options to any prospective movers not satisfied with the No. 1 choice. Rounding out the top 10 were Auburn, Ala.; Austin, Texas; Boise, Idaho; Durham, N.C.; La Crosse, Wis.; Loveland, Colo.; San Luis Obispo, Calif.; St. Augustine, Fla.; and Upper St. Clair, Pa.

Raining kittens

Durango is still desperately in need of kitten care. The La Plata County Humane Society has been inundated with large numbers of litters of surrendered and/or abandoned young kittens.

Currently more than 60 kittens are being housed at the shelter. The Humane Society is seeking temporary foster parents to provide love and care until they are 8 weeks old at which time they can be adopted. Because the Shelter is beyond maximum capacity, it is in desperate need of immediate help.  Anyone interested in fostering kittens can contact the Humane Society at 259-2847.