Years Ago in The Horseshoe

Baez to cut rap album
(Hollywood) In an apparent attempt to keep pace with current trends in music, legendary Sixties folk singer/activist Joan Baez is cutting her first album in two years. The disc will feature her distinctive voice in tune with a new age rap format.
“Some of my fans may feel I’m selling out or going off the deep end on this one, but in reality I’m just reflecting the artistic style of the Nineties,” said Baez. “I don’t see any conflict in presenting a political statement with a beat.”
Although the album will not be formally released until August, already critics have responded en masse, with many slamming the attempt and a few giving the effort a “thumbs up.” One New York music lover says he likes the album because Baez shows versatility and a desire to experiment with new artistic license. Another critic in Los Angeles gives the album a positive nod but places it in a humor category.
“She must be kidding,” said the critic. “For decades we’ve heard her sing about everything from the classic Joe Hill to her bittersweet romance with Bob Dylan. Now we aren’t quite sure what she is saying.”
Baez has replied to this kind of response by saying that everything she records does not have to have a heavy political message, although if one listens between the lines there is a great deal of substance to be digested.
“I think my listeners will be surprised, even put off, at first,” said Baez, “but that after repeated play the album will be appreciated for what it is. I’ve even taken some of the more popular lyrics from some of my Sixties ballads and added a methodical, driving beat. I just hope the kids like it.”

C.B. Councilman Wants Land Returned to Utes
(Crested Butte) A Crested Butte town councilman has presented a motion that some 60 acres of greenbelt property recently acquired by the town be returned to its rightful owners, who, he insists, are the Northern Utes.
“They lived here even way back before the ski area was established,” said Larry Sego. “If we are going to hold public land in trust for the future, why shouldn’t we share the wealth with the Native Americans who cherished the place?”
The Utes lived in this region for centuries leaving it as they found, it minus asphalt, condos and rampant recreational development. They were the true caretakers until about 100 years ago when the white man took over. In that time the honky has succeeded in trashing the place beyond recognition.
“I wonder if the Utes would even recognize this valley,” shrugged Sego.
Although the concept has received wide support from various environmental groups, and even some ranchers, there is still as lot of whining among realtors and develop-till-ya-puke concerns.
“This idea is not in conflict with anyone or anything,” explained Sego, who is not up for reelection in the near future. “Our long-range plans are for the construction of a casino, operated by the Utes, located just to the south of town. We are not concerned with the small profits that will come to the town as the result of such a venture. We are concerned with the big profits.”
Critics of the plan say that Sego is attempting to play both sides against the middle and that he has his eye on a County Commissar spot that may open up in 1996.
“I’m not planning to play anything but a little seven card stud,” smiled Sego, “and maybe a couple of games of Keno.”

DIA TO OPEN FOR PEOPLE WITHOUT LUGGAGE
(Denver) The Denver International Airport will open tomorrow catering to travelers who do not have baggage. The facility has experienced a scheduling nightmare due to problems with an allegedly sophisticated computer system that, by all reports, simply accounts for the status of suitcases.
“I know the whole thing has been rather absurd,” said a Denver mayoral aide Friday. “The public and the media have had field days at our expense, but they don’t realize how well things will work when we finally get all of our jets in a row.”
The entire facility will be open for business and air passengers can fly virtually anywhere on the planet from Denver, just so long as they limit their luggage to the carry-on variety.
“With some of the deals offered by the airlines, in conjunction with the “early” opening we figure that people will have enough extra cash to buy new wardrobes and other items when they arrive at their destinations,” the aide told the Horseshoe. “And if they stay away long enough they can check all their newly acquired baggage through on their return flight. We should be 100 percent open by then.”