Denver snowstorm photos

Here's photos of the Capitol Hill neighborhood after round two of the storm!
Round two (round one was before Christmas, as if you could forget) began around 11 a.m. Thursday.

In these photos, it's Friday morning, and it looks like at least a light vehicle with a blade came through on 9th Street on Thursday night, even if the plows didn't make it. Lots of people were out shoveling the sidewalks Friday morning, early, so the sidewalks were good.

Mayor Hickenlooper enacted the snow emergency routes, which meant no parking on those streets or you could be ticketed and towed. But the mayor, who made part of his campaign for office a pledge to lower parking meter rates (and he did!), and the city didn't ticket anyone and only three cars were towed. The mayor said most people complied with the snow route thing. Although, I have to say there were lots of cars still on Logan, even right under the snow route sign. Bill Vidal with Public Works though says city officials decided to be flexible with ticketing and towing when they saw many snow route signs were all covered up by snow. They only towed when they absolutely had to, to get the plows in, and the cars were only towed a short distance.

As of yesterday, Vidal was saying an estimated 45 percent of neighborhood streets had not had a heavy plow come through to break through ice -- in some cases as thick as 10 inches! -- left over from the last storm, so that's why the Mayfair and Baker neighborhoods looked like maybe nothing had been through yet.

Next priority:
_ Digging out neighborhoods
_ Parking areas for commercial , small businesses so they can get some business back and be ready for New Year's Eve

Turducken!

I hope your holidays have been happy. My family had a 15-pound turducken from Cajun Creations to feed 11 people for $104 (about a third of that cost was for shipping from New Orleans of a fresh frozen turkey stuffed with a boneless duck stuffed with a boneless chicken). Our turducken, (or tur-duc-hen, as the label said) had a shrimp and crawfish stuffing. Our tasters said it was pretty moist, a little salty , but tasty. Paired with Blue Moon Belgian style ale and cranberry sauce (made with fresh cranberries and orange juice, not from the can) it was a tasty dinner.

So, here's the turducken before (defrost for two days in the fridge):



and after four hours of cooking, plus some slicing and chopping, some oohing and aahing:

What I learned in Chicago

_Northwestern grad Julia Louis-Dreyfus will be the commencement speaker at Northwestern this summer.
_I went to Chicago this week and had brunch at Tempo. Try the waffles with blueberries and strawberries, and get some hot cocoa. Or the Gold Coast omelette with egg whites is supposed to be good. Also in Chicago, my friend got her eyebrows threaded at this place on Wells, a few blocks south of Grand. It's cheaper if you can find a place on Devon though, so go there instead.
_The view from the 15th floor of the Holiday Inn at Merchandise Mart at night is lovely!
_The El gets you from here to there pretty cheaply, but it's still going to smell like urine sometimes

Broncos warmup

Spend some time with Denver Broncos safety Nick Ferguson before the game against the San Diego Chargers today. (audio and photos)

It's that time again...

...for year-end lists. Here's one for videos

"Such Great Heights"

The Original (Postal Service)




Perhaps you've heard the cover by Iron and Wine. Now hear Ben Gibbard's acoustic version



Ben Folds' cover! (Folds and conspirators)




You haven't made it as a songwriter til the a capella groups take you on (Treblemakers)

brrrrrr

Well, it's snowing again today. If you made it to the Denver Art Museum today, it's FREE! You need a ticket though. Because of the weather, there may still be some left at this hour. Remember to check out the Anschutz Gallery.



What is your favorite cold weather drink?

_BAILEY'S AND COFFEE
_HOT COCOA AND SCHNAPPS
_HOT APPLE PIE: (Tuaca+hot apple cider, with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick)

The Forecast

It's a chilly, white wonderland outside! The snow's still falling, with temps headed down to the single digits. So does that mean I should take the bus tomorrow to avoid having to chisel the snow and ice off the car and navigate snowy streets? Or drive so I don't have to stand outside a long time waiting for the bus and then walking the couple blocks to work? Decisions, decisions.

If you decide to go out, there are free tours of the governor's mansion (Boettcher Mansion) this week, 10am -2 pm.

FREE outdoor ice skating Thursday, 11/30, at Belmar in Lakewood, with a neon 80s theme. Brr. Bundle up. Maybe it'd be a better day to stay in w/ the NFL and watch Baltimore and the Bengals on TV.

On Sunday, 12/3, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is having a free day!

Desserts in Denver

If you're in downtown Denver looking for some good dessert, here's where to go and what to get.

_LUCA D'ITALIA (on 7th and Grant in Capitol Hill): The only constants on the dessert menu are the almond cake and tiramisu. The pastry chef Angela changes up all the rest with the seasons. Right now, I'd say order the apple crostada with ginger gelato. Mmmm. I would get the ginger gelato alone, but the crostada smells delicious and has the mix of the crispy crust and soft apples inside. Otherwise, the orange/vanilla panna cotta is light, and it comes with pistachio toffee and brandied cherries. The cherries I could do without, but the toffee I liked better than I thought I would. Amanda at the bar will help you choose a good dessert wine. Each dessert is about $7

_CUCINA COLORE (on 3rd and St. Paul in Cherry Creek): Bread pudding. Bread pudding. Bread pudding. It's the sauce that makes it. Yes, tiramisu is on the menu, and it's fine, but just try the bread pudding. YUM! It's $6

_CREPES 'N CREPES (2816 E. Third Ave -- that's between Detroit and Fillmore --, Cherry Creek): This is a sweet little French place, with a charming French cook who will talk with you if you sit at the bar and watch him cook. I'd say go for the crepes with the strawberries, banana and Nutella. It's big, so two could share, but I have seen one small man devour a whole one. Prices vary, but two crepes and a wine are about a $21 bill, including tip.

_THE MARKET (Larimer Square, look for the blue and white awning, 1445 Larimer St.): Spring Fling. I'm pretty sure that's what it's called. It's this tall cake with tons of fruit layered on top including kiwi, grapes, strawberries, possibly peaches if I'm not mistaken. It is something like $6 a slice, just so you know.

If you're on the cheap and hankerin' for tiramisu, there's a Chinese restaurant on Broadway near Decade and all those shops by 1st, Bayaud, Ellsworth area. Sorry I can't be more precise, but I can't remember the name of the place or it's address. What can I do. Just look for the Chinese restaurant on the east side of the street that sells Hello Kitty gear, hardcore. For some reason that I haven't determined, they offer tiramisu on the menu for like $4. I'm pretty sure they don't make it there, but it's available.

***If you happen to be in Boulder, then my goodness, stop in to Sushi Tora @ 2014 10th Street, if not for sushi then at least for dessert. Take your pick from the dessert menu.

Jigga

Follow Jay-Z as he gets back into the game!!!

The Forecast

Big night at the Hi-Dive this Friday (11/17)! Hot IQs celebrate their CD release, so does Lion Sized. Plus the Hi-Dive celebrates its anniversary. Get on over there.

Tomorrow night, (11/16) don't miss Moonrats and Conner, which always seems to find new fans in Denver every time they play.

Talib Kweli at the Ogden 12/1.

Denver Starbucks

Hey, Denver: If you see a cabbie or someone else driving around town with a coffee cup on top of their car, stop and tell them, and you could get a free cup of Starbucks, according to the Seattle Times. It's part of Starbucks' holiday campaign. Details here

It took me 2 hours and 15 minutes to vote on Tuesday. How 'bout you? I voted at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 8:28 p.m. I had chances to vote earlier in the day at the Wash Park Rec Center (but there were 300+ people in line) and Tattered Cover downtown (estimated wait, three hours), but decided not to get in line and just go after work instead. Two of my co-workers tried to vote Tuesday _ one even tried to go twice _ but they gave up on the long lines and never made it to cast a ballot. Little did I know, FairVoteColorado.org had posted online a list of vote centers with short lines. None of the ones with short lines were near where I live or work, but next election, I'll know what to do. If you believe the Denver Election Commission, tech problems should be fixed by the next election, so there shouldn't be such atrocious waits at any vote center anyway.

Behind the Scenes

If you've followed what's been going on with Ted Haggard, formerly pastor at the 14,000-member New Life Church, I think you'll agree true life can be just as weird as anything on TV. 9News has been working the story since August. Scuttlebutt is they were trying to catch Haggard visiting the gay escort and had made arrangements for a hidden camera, but Haggard didn't go to the guy's apt. after August. On Friday reporters' cars lined the road outside the driveway of Haggard's house (his property has more than a couple acres, bordered with white fence, electronic gate at the foot of the driveway, a fountain in front) waiting for a comment. One resident leaned out the window as her car rolled past and screamed at reporters to go home, but other residents slowed down their cars to get updates on what was new. On Friday, the bookstore at New Life still had a full shelf up of Haggard's books and copies of books on his recommended reading list. Church members are supporting Haggard right now. I'm sure "Law and Order" will jump on this with a new script in coming months

Snow!

There was so much snow in the mountains yesterday that Keystone is opening Nov. 3, a week early. Mostly slush in the city, although it was snowing hard yesterday morning. It's bright and sunny today, and temps are rising all the time. That's Colorado for you.

Fat bastards

Want to know why your gas mileage isn't better? Read this

The Departed vs. Infernal Affairs

(Today at the Denver library, an elderly gentleman grabbed today's Wall Street Journal, sat at a table and promptly fell asleep sitting up. I wasn't brave enough to grab the paper from him while his eyes were closed, so I don't know what he was reading. But the weekend Journal had an article on an LA cop-turned-lobbyist-turned informant who survived a bullet in the face and had to wiretap a friend. Which reminds me...)

In the last few days I saw both "The Departed," (Scorcese's latest star-studded movie) and "Infernal Affairs" (the Hong Kong movie on which Scorcese's movie is based). The people I watched "The Departed" with all like IA better, without as many plot contrivances (two men going for the same woman), a more clever take on the Wong/Martin Sheen character trying to get out of the multistory building without the gang seeing him or him with the Tony Leung/Leonardo DiCaprio character, etc. But the Scorcese version did fill in some questions from IA.

Here's what some of the pros think:

The AP says: "Infernal Affairs" remained taut throughout its 101 minutes; "The Departed," at 150 minutes, sort of lolls around awhile, with lots of soul-searching and pill-popping, before reaching its climactic rooftop conclusion."

The New York Times:
"Fine as Mr. DiCaprio and Mr. Damon are, neither is strong enough to usurp memories of the actors who played the same roles in the original — Tony Leung as the good guy, Andy Lau as the bad — both of whom register with more adult assurance. That’s an observation, not an indictment. Comparisons between “Infernal Affairs” and its redo are unavoidable given how closely the screenwriter William Monahan follows the first film’s beats and scenes. But as fans of “Infernal Affairs” (and its two sequels) know well, the Hong Kong film owes an enormous debt to Mr. Scorsese, whose imprint, along with that of Michael Mann, is all over the trilogy. The Hong Kong and Hollywood action films are themselves doppelgängers of a sort, and Mr. Scorsese, himself larger than life, is one of their biggest, baddest daddies."

From salon.com:
""The Departed" reimagines its source material rather than just leeching off it, preserving the bone structure of the first movie while finding new curves in it. The story has been clarified; the ellipses of the original have been filled in with just the right amount of exploratory shading. ... DiCaprio's performance is terrific -- but I can't say it's better than Tony Leung's, in "Infernal Affairs." Leung vested his version of the character with even deeper furrows of sadness, particularly in a scene where he meets the young daughter he didn't know he had. But I think it's possible to feel warmer toward "Infernal Affairs" than toward "The Departed," while recognizing the ways in which Scorsese has built on, and enhanced, the original's strengths."

What do you think?

Anyways, the Denver International Film Festival schedule is out. Anthony Minghella and Tim Robbins are scheduled to attend. Werner Herzog's "Rescue Dawn" closes the festival. Tickets to the public go on sale Friday. Party on Thursday (see second item in previous post)

Tidbits

Stephen Colbert is grand marshal for Northwestern University's homecoming parade this weekend.

The Denver International Film Festival releases its lineup Monday (10/23), and then Martini Ranch has a party for the film festival 10/26 with free sushi, free Stella. 6-9 pm at 1317 14th Street. You can also win free tix to some of the films

The front page of the Greeley Tribune is in readers' hands.

Moxie, DRD, and ramblings

Got my hair cut at Moxie the other day, right there on 13th and Sherman next to Watercourse. It's a great haircut but I swear this is the second time they've screwed up the scheduling and I arrived at my appt. time with no one there to cut my hair. The stylist rescheduled and gave me my cut for half off, but jeez, people, quit sniffing the hairspray. With the discount and friendly service and good conversation, all was pretty much forgiven. Anyway, Moxie is having a Halloween party 10/28 at Bender's Tavern

One night before, 10/27, Denver Roller Dolls has a Halloween bout at the Denver Coliseum. Tix are $13 now, or $15 later, so get your tickets sooner rather than later

The next night, 10/28, is the Rocky Mountain Rollergirls' bout

Check out the sail hotel. Where Brangelina stays.

Toys. Inventing toys can be just as much fun as playing with them

Golf. Does this explain why the corporate world is mostly one gender, one color? Maybe Tiger and Michelle Wie will change things. But a friend who works at a private high school for troubled kids was saying how the school tends to recruit fellows with affluent backgrounds who have trouble relating to the students, some of whom have parole officers or parents who don't have time to devote to their education, etc. The school is in the mountains of Colorado, and so it's hard to recruit young staffers who can deal with noncity life. Colorado has always looked at its outdoors lifestyle as a great selling point. But if you think about it, most of the young people who are attracted to the remote mountain lifestyle are into mountain biking and skiing, which require some money or are not really part of the inner-city life. Thoughts?

Spreading the joy

_Woxy.com goes live again on 10/10
_Peet's Coffee on the 16th Street Mall in Denver is giving out FREE coffee from 1-3 p.m. every day thru Oct. 22
_This isn't free, but Academy Award winner Ellen Burstyn will be in Denver on Nov. 1 (it's a Wednesday) to talk about her new memoir. At noon. Tix for $20-25.
_Broncos beat the Ravens in a steady rain, 13-3. And there's snow in the foothills.

Denver Art Museum

It's a beautiful day (10/7) in the city! And lots of people are checking out the new addition to the Denver Art Museum. The line was about 20 minutes to get a timed ticket to enter the building early this afternoon. Let the ticket office know what time(s) you want your ticket(s) for. Other events to celebrate the opening of the new wing are ticket-free, including outdoor art stuff for kids, a music stage, and the rest of the museum is also open.



The inside of the building is just as angular as the outside, with open landings, angled, white walls, skylights. It's an interactive museum, conducive to wandering. At times you feel like you're lost in a maze, but you can't really get lost.



From the deck, you can get a peek at the neighborhood, and off in the distance, the snowcapped Rocky Mountains. Read below for a look at one of the galleries ....

Anschutz Gallery

A few minutes in the Anschutz Gallery in the new building at the Denver Art Museum and I was so excited to be there -- and for free! It's a room of all modern art, a collection of oversized gigantic pieces, meant to titillate, mostly colorful. The pieces are on loan, but right now, there are many many pieces of modern art by Asian artists, many Chinese. The first item is this urethane number, called "Headless" by Michael Joo. They're meditating figures, but headless, with various doll heads suspended above each body. It sits next to a piece by Wenda Gu of New York City by way of Shanghai. It's called "Babel of the Millennium," with old-style characters in hair, glue and rope.

Photography actually isn't allowed by visitors, but I bet you can surf the Web for pictures by news media of "Terra Cotta Warriors" by Yue Minjun. It's five life-size figures of cartoonish men in white T-shirts and blue jeans, all with their hands clasped in front of them. Their eyes are closed, with wide smiles. They stand in triangle formation. They stand back to back with five figures, dressed the same, also standing in triangle formation, but with hands up behind their heads. This piece is "The Last 5,000 Years." The figures are not always in triangle formation, as you can see on the Web. Apparently, sometimes they are also in a straight line. Anyhow, there are also anime-style pieces in this gallery right now, more huge canvases, etc

Hot DAM

If you've been by the Denver Art Museum, you've been watching that crazy architectural addition taking shape near the central library and hovering over 13th Street. Museum members have been getting sneak previews of it. This weekend, DAM reopens to the public with its new addition, with free events for 35 straight hours this weekend. If you stop by in the wee hours, from 12:30 a.m.-4 a.m. Saturday night (technically Sunday morning) at the Hamilton Building, you'll get to see the museum, plus The Yummies FREE. Details

Well, what do you know. Looks like WOXY is rising yet again. See their home page for more

Beer

The Great American Beer Fest is in full swing. Last day is today. If you're lucky, you might see reps of some brewers handing out free tickets outside the Denver convention center, which will save you $30-$40. Designated drivers get in for $15. Last night, the convention center was roaring. I mean roaring. It's like being at Mile High after the Broncos score a touchdown, only the roar never dies down. There was a mix of home brewers there last night tasting the different craft beers like wine drinkers, and "swillers" running around with pretzel necklaces, beads and hopes of getting rip-roarin' drunk. There's way to many brewers there to point out favorites, but Natty Greene's Brewing Co. from N.C. is decent, Brooklyn Brewery is there. Butte Creek Brewing Co. offers organic. If you're lucky you'll get to see Charlie Papazian, one of the central figures in American home brewing.

Fall colors

Was hoping to post some photos of fall colors for you, but the computer won't allow it right at the moment. I've been trying for a few days. Anyway, I was in Bailey today, and boy, that place is beautiful. The aspens look lovely.

In other news, I know the Great American Beer Fest is going on at Denver's convention center, (it was already humming tonight...you get a good whiff of craft beer right when you walk in the door), but the Walnut Room has a good show Friday night (9/29). Eric Bachmann (Crooked Fingers), Richard Buckner and Nick Urata (DeVotchKa) all play, plus Jonathan Byerley, for $14 on day of show.

PeaceJam

If you missed PeaceJam over the weekend, you can hear the Dalai Lama and other Nobel Peace Prize laureates speaking via the AP multimedia report.

WOXY says don't cry for me...

It's the last day for woxy.com. Shiv says it's no funeral cuz he's never seen so much alcohol at a funeral. So this is a party. To celebrate woxy's role in promoting good music. Shiv, Mike and Barb sign off this afternoon

Urban Outfitters sells '80s shirts, happy pop plays on

Heard this by Camera Obscura yesterday at the store. Love it

The Forecast

South Park Music Festival still going on all this weekend with FREE shows. Steve Poltz performed yesterday. If you missed him, he's at Hubba's in Aurora today. I've been a fan since I heard him rap out TLC's "Waterfalls" when he was still with The Rugburns. He's got the cover of it on some of his solo albums though too.

CU vs. CSU football. In Denver. Today. There's just too many jokes that could be made here, but I'll leave the trash talking to you.

How is your fantasy football team doing? Mine's doing grrrreat. But Sunday is the true test...

Nouvelle Vague at the Gothic on Monday! $15!

Why I'll miss WOXY

...Shiv just played solo stuff from Miho Hatori (formerly of Cibo Matto), followed by a cover of Nirvana's "Lithium" by Polyphonic Spree (lots of polyphonic choruses of course with keyboard arpeggios in the background -- it's great)

In the neighborhood

Record shop Twist & Shout is going to just have the one location in its new spot on Colfax (w/ the Tattered Cover) and close the older spot on Alameda as of Oct. 18, The Denver Post reports.

The Forecast

What to do this weekend:

Not in Seattle for Bumbershoot this weekend? Head to the Taste of Colorado in downtown Denver. It's chilly today so bring a warm raincoat.

If you're in Vegas: pool crashing

On Tuesday, 7 Monkeys in Omaha, Neb., opens to the public. The private opening for friends and family was last night. This will be a sports bar/upscale dining place/music club/hangout for swanksters

Kissing Party plays tonight @ the LL
Cat-a-Tac plays the Hi-Dive Sunday.

Very sad

WOXY is calling it quits (more here), unless there's someone who can buy it or there's some other miracle.

I started listening to WOXY on FM when I lived in Cincinnati in 1998. The station kept its indie rock spirit alive by going online after its spot on the FM dial was sold. When money got tight, it found angel investors and started asking listeners to pay for memberships. But WOXY still let fans listen free (members got better quality sound) and never seemed to be anywhere close to getting as many paying subscribers as it wanted each month.

Pooh. I think I'm in denial

Song of the Day

Wolf Parade plays in Boulder at the Fox Theater 8/28

JonBenet suspect sips bubbly in business class

I can't make this up. The AP got a seat on the plane from Thailand to the US along with JonBenet slaying suspect John Mark Karr. He got to fly business class, Jocelyn Gecker reports.

Thanks to JonBenet, Don Vito's arrest on accusations of inappropriate touching on two kids isn't getting more attention. He's supposed to have an advisement hearing tomorrow morning in Jefferson County, and twerpy ManiaTV.com promises to cover it.

Meanwhile the suspect in JonBenet's killing is on his way to LA from Thailand as we speak after Thai authorities expelled him. Reporters from around the world are wandering around Boulder today wondering when he'll be sent to Colorado. Experts are discussing evidence collected from the crime scene, but if suspect John Karr's ex-wife has proof she was with him NOT in Colorado over the Christmas holidays in 1996, all that talk will be moot.

***

In the meantime, school is starting, summer is nearing the end. The film series at Red Rocks has its last film Thursday...and it's "Old School!" There's an informal tailgate for Big Ten alumni in the Upper Lot before Opie Gone Bad starts performing at 7:30.

munchies

Just a few tidbits for Sunday:

_For the travelers: Hong Kong

_READERS' TIPS:
From FCT: Look at some art ***
From CP: FYI. You can get directory assistance from your cell phone, 1-800-373-3411 free of charge.

See Kid Rock free

CEDIA Expo 2006, where the latest tech for the home is shown off, is in Denver this year, and believe it or not, they got Kid Rock to perform. Tix are first-come first-served at a kiosk outside the lecture hall of the Colorado Convention Center. I'm not sure if you have to be going to the expo to get a Kid Rock ticket. Anyways, Kid Rock performs Sat., 9/16, at 10 p.m., if you're into the bawitdaba

Oh, Craigslist

New methods of computer parts disposal, via Craigslist:
Need to borrow someone's property so I can blow up an old monitor

travelogue

The NY Times take on Seattle

Thank God for Astronauts and Lord Zorplin play at Hi-Dive tonight. Six bucks.

Show up at noon at Sputnik next to the Hi-Dive tomorrow (8/5) with a partner and a video camera for the video scavenger hunt. Noon-5 pm, and watch the videos when it's all over

Al Gore

"An Incovenient Truth" is still in theaters. Al Gore will be in Denver and signing copies of his book by the same name this Saturday at the Tattered Cover downtown, 16th and Wynkoop. Noon to 1 p.m.

It's interesting timing, because a Colorado utility has given money to a scientist who disagrees with Gore's ideas on global warming. The AP has more.

You pick 'em

Fantasy football leagues are getting ready for drafts coming up here, and this may be the first year I get involved. I'm a lower- lower- lower- level beginner, so my friend Jamie offered me a few pointers for me and for other people who are clueless but don't want to lose their money w/o a fight:

_Make sure you have a list of players you like written out beforehand. Cuz you're gonna be drunk before the draft actually begins. Since most draft days are an EVENT, with beers, possibly golf, and unmentionables, chances are you ain't gonna remember who you wanted on your team, Jamie says. So bring the list.

_Buy one of those fantasy football magazines, which list all the players so you can mark them off and not be the one to call out names of players that have already been drafted when it's your turn.

_Some guys are going to bring their laptops to the draft. Some may have bought software from the football guys where you can type in the name of each player as they're picked in the draft, and the software will spit back out the next player YOU should pick. Jamie says I may need Excel.

_Running backs first, then Peyton Manning.

Anyone want to share more?

Highest, longest, scariest: The Royal Gorge

I took a quick road trip to the Royal Gorge recently in Canon City, about 2.5 hours south of Denver. The gorge has the world's highest suspension bridge, in a park with the steepest incline railway (it takes you from the top of the gorge to the bottom at a 45-degree angle) and the longest single-span aerial tram that takes you over the gorge. Admission to the park is somewhat pricey at $21 per adult, so make sure you take the tram and incline railway (get your money's worth). For extra, you can also ride a big swing that swings you out OVER the gorge. Yikes. There's also a small wildlife zoo.

Once you're in, you can walk across the bridge, which is 1,503 feet over the Arkansas River. It's quite breezy across the gorge. My buddy said that if I wanted to walk across the bridge, he would go with me. "I'll make sure we get across." That made me wonder. "It's got wood planks, and you can see in between 'em," he said. Hmm, freaky. It's quite a view looking down though.

But the best deal that we found: Book the private lodge looking out over the gorge. A while ago my buddy shot pictures for a wedding for folks who rented out the lodge. He says it sleeps eight. When we asked the park people how much it cost to book it, she said $200! Not bad. I'm not sure if the price goes up if you have more people stay. I think the park person assumed we only needed it for two people. My buddy and I didn't stay though because we had work to do, which involved looking for a woman who lives way way out in what I think is unincorporated Fremont County, in beautiful but remote mountains. If you want to disappear, the place to do it would be where this lady lives. But that's a-whole-nother story.

HEAT HEAT GO AWAY
Looks like the cooler weather is finally moving in. Yippeee!!!! No more hiding out in the library, mall, movie theater and swimming pool or getting to the office four hours early just to escape the heat! (Just kidding on that office one)

notes

THURSDAY, 7/27
The Colorado Symphony gives a free concert Thursday night at Cheesman Park in Capitol Hill. 7:30 p.m.
Also free music at the Denver Pavilions
And a free outdoor movie at Films on Fillmore in Cherry Creek. This week is "Madagascar" at sunset, or 8:15 ish.

The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is this weekend, by the way, at Sloan's Lake

I know it's early but Zero 7 is playing in Denver, Sept. 6. At the Gothic. (They come here after playing at Bumbershoot in Seattle)

Head-butting jockey, in case you didn't get enough head butting from the World Cup.

At the movies

"The Heart of the Game" is finally in Denver, at the Mayan on Broadway and 1st.

Sudoku backlash!

_Chicago Trib columnist Eric Zorn turns on Sudoku! read it
_This person hates it too!
_In fact, check out MySpace. Sudoku has no friends (Tom has to be friends with EVERYone!)
_Do you hate it too? Do you hate it at room temperature or on a beach?

h-o-t

It's hitting triple digits in Denver. I hope you have a friend with a pool. While they're beating the heat in Grand Junction, Colo. at the ice rink, I say just escape. Get out! Get OUT! I'm in Seattle, where I visited Madison Park Beach, Alki Beach and went canoeing, and the temperature has barely cracked 80.

If you're still in Denver, here's your forecast.

Lessons from the World Cup! (Turn up the sound too :) )

Urban Assault Race

How fun is this? Check out the Urban Assault Race. You've got two chances to get your act together and build a two-person team, with the Urban Assault Race hitting Denver on July 30 and Boulder on Aug. 27. It's like a bike race/obstacle course/scavenger hunt/adventure race. About 25 miles. There's a shorter family race too. It's a little pricey but you could also win bikes.

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth is playing at Little Radio TONIGHT in LA. The guest list is full and you ain't gettin' in, but you can still hear the whole show at www.littleradio.com. The whole shebang, with openers and everything, runs 8p-12a Pacific time.

Summer reading list

July and August are time for beaches, mojitos on verandas, and road trips or holidays on planes. And every occasion could use a good book. This summer I've finished "The Crazed," and I'm in the middle of "Waiting." Then there's about five others that friends have loaned me after talks at the pool, at work or visits to their homes. Here's the summer list:

The Crazed, by Ha Jin. The payoff came at the end, and it took a while to get there.
Waiting, by Ha Jin. An award winner. It's good so far. I just got to Part Two.
Bel Canto, Ann Patchett. My friend has already warned me I won't like the ending. Her brother's wife got it for her as a gift. As for the book's plot, there's a Japanese executive, an opera singer and South Americans involved.
The Devil Wears Prada, Lauren Weisberger. I've heard neither the book nor the movie are worth much time, but it's summer, so trash fits. My friend loaned it to me to read before I watch the movie
Rock of Ages, Stephen Gould. Loaned by a coworker after I told her I was writing about Biblically Correct Tours, which gives Bible-based tours at science and history museums, zoos and other Colorado attractions
Mona in the Promised Land, Gish Jen (I've already read this one a while ago but brought it down to the pool again)

I saw "Crossworld" at the bookstore the other afternoon, and it just made me think of the book "Word Freak" about Scrabble players and how the guy who wrote "Crossworld" was kind of piggybacking. It also made me think how I wanted to see the movie "Wordplay." I really don't have any desire to read "Crossworld."

Free

GoodTimes is opening another location on the 16th Street Mall, between Curtis and Champa. If you're one of the first 50 outside tomorrow (7/7), you get FREE Mighty Deluxe every week for a year.

By the way, the last few times I've walked down Champa between 18th and 16th, I've seen a couple parking meters bagged by Qwest. If you park at one of these meters with the white bags over them, you can park there free for two hours, courtesy of Qwest.

Rock and roller derby

I guess I should talk about Denver. The Rocky Mountain Rollergirls and Pikes Peak Derby Dames hold the Front Range Showdown on Saturday night at the Bladium. The after-party is at the Streets of London on Colfax.

Then the very next week, the Denver Roller Dolls bout on Friday, July 14, at the Denver Coliseum. (That also happens to be the night of the free show at the Larimer Lounge, with Thank God For Astronauts and Cat-a-Tac).

Another free show @ the LL on Friday, July 21. Starring Lord Zorplin (spot the members of former Denver bands).

Bus for a buck (or 20, but who's counting)

You've heard of the cheap Chinatown buses from Boston to New York. What would you say to a cheapie bus from Detroit to Chicago. Check out megabus.com, featured today in the Wall Street Journal. Prices are as cheap as $1.50 for certain cities in the Midwest. I checked a random trip from DET to CHI, and it said it was $20.

Bumbershoot

Have you seen the lineup for Bumbershoot???? It's a-ma-zing! Kanye West, Rogue Wave, Feist, Tribe Called Quest, Atmosphere, Lady Sovereign, Nouvelle Vague, Mates of State...just to list a very few. And the ticket prices are a steal for all that music. It's in Seattle over Labor Day weekend. Don't live in Seattle? Don't despair. KEXP has a contest giving away FREE airfare and hotel, plus tickets to Bumbershoot.

Temper, temper: Mikulik

(I'm posting this because I was talking with a friend about it and she hadn't heard about it.)

Rockies minor league affiliate manager Joe Mikulik of Asheville had a tantrum after what he thought was a bad call at second base. The tirade included screaming at the ump, diving belly-first on second base, picking the base up and throwing it, heading to the dugout and throwing bats on the field, and kicking dirt on home plate.

Watch the video

And from a different angle! The whole miserable thing

Miss your cigs? Head to the LL

Hobbs NM is MC'ing the BBQ on the patio at the Larimer Lounge today (7/1), so he'll probably sing a bit in between sets. Music starts around 2 p.m. $5. The indoor smoking ban in Colorado kicks off today (you can still smoke on many outdoor patios), so this may be the first of many odd times when folks at the Larimer Lounge head indoors for some fresh air.

I have to plug this: Thank God for Astronauts and Cat-a-Tac, together for a FREE (for 21+ year olds) show at the Larimer Lounge on July 14!!! The Hot House is also playing.

-------------
The Chicago Tribune has an exhaustive list of stories today on the death of Northwestern football coach Randy Walker. Here, the school posts memorial service information and a way to send messages to the Walker family.

Rogue Wave does Denver

We are good clappers.
We are not good spellers.
That's the word from Zach Rogue of Rogue Wave, who played a full room at the Larimer Lounge just now. The crowd clapped out waltz time for a new tune. The band also played another new song, "Ghost." There was the rambunctious hoedown of "Medicine Ball."
"Bird on a Wire," "Catform," "Publish My Love," and "California" all got played, and "Every Moment." No "10:1" though.
Anyway, Denver's not so good with the spelling. Rogue Wave was playing with Ghosty and the Laylights, but you wouldn't know it from the LL's fliers, which advertised Rouge Wave with Ghostly.
There was an encore! A long one: There was solo Rogue on "Postage Stamp World," the whole band did lovely harmonies on the Beatles' "I'm Only Sleeping," and then ... shoot. There was a third song. I think it was "Love's Last Guarantee."
Ghosty is a pretty good band, by the way.
Man, it's been a while since I've been to the LL. They actually charged me at the door, I didn't recognize either of the doormen or bouncers, and instead of an '80s cash register there's a real computer with a touchscreen, just like at a real live bar! just kidding. I digress. It was a great show. I think Rogue Wave mighta had fun too. If the guy in front of me hadn't smelled so much like a fart, the show would've been perfect.

Ward Churchill

Well, that's it. CU interim Chancellor DiStefano says professor Ward Churchill should be out. Actually, DiStefano's ruling of dismissal is just part of the process toward firing him. There could still be appeals, etc., so we'll have to see what happens next.
More

UPDATE: Churchill plans to appeal to a Faculty Senate committee, according to his attorney.
The last time a similar case went to the Faculty Senate committee, it took 18 months to resolve, according to CU.

Capture the Flag, part II

They're doing it again >>>>

Tidbits from Tom Green's online show:
_Tom's dating Jamie Kennedy's ex-girlfriend
_He has a Miss PacMan machine in his house
_Jeremy Klein (from team Birdhouse) broke his skateboard jumping off Tom Green's roof onto the patio
_Ace Young from American Idol, comedian Harland Williams and Tom's dog have been guests
_Brooke Shields and Andy Dick are supposed to be guests next week
_He's going on five times a week. Yes, FIVE. (Four original shows per week, plus a repeat). On ManiaTV.com. It's possible he will be on even more on tomgreen.com. You can still call in live to the show and talk to Tom and his guests. (There apparently is a 45-second delay, so don't freak out if you can't hear yourself right away). Apparently ManiaTV is just the bankroller for Tom Green to do whatever he wants on the Internet! Haha!
_You can curse on the Internet, and Jeremy Klein does.

Guster

Guster is posting slice-of-life videos on their Web site. Read about it here or watch 'em here. Funny

Montag

The Spinto Band is playing live in the WOXY Lounge right this second! Check the lounge archives later if you miss it.

ManiaTV.com said Tom Green would have a weekly, live call-in show online debuting June 15. But now that ManiaTV's put in all that studio equipment in his living room, it sounds like Tom might be going live online whenever he feels like it. He's even toying with a nightly show....So who knows. Next time you click onto ManiaTV.com or tomgreen.com, you just might see him doing his show right then and there.

Red Rocks film series (Film on the Rocks) starts tonight with Top Gun. Outdoors, beautiful venue, band to open, plenty of room for all your friends and refreshments.

You might have caught up with the Denver Roller Dolls on all their various MySpace pages. Now the roller derby league has a new Web site. *

"Heart of the Game"

Thanks to ATT, here's an early review of "The Heart of the Game":

"The Heart of the Game" screened at the Seattle International Film Festival for the second year in a row, this time more polished and as a preview to its wide release.

Producer/director Ward Serrill introduced many of the movie's "characters" following the Thursday (6/8) screening. It was a packed theater supporting the homegrown story.

The story follows the developments of a high school girls' basketball team and its players during a seven-year span under the direction of an unlikely coach - a university tax professor. Upon his hiring, he admits that he has little experience and unconventional ideas, but has an enthusiasm to coach and try new tactics. I often hear high school and college-level coaches professing that they teach their players life skills in addition to game skills. This coach is shown to actually do so.

To try to summarize this movie would not do it justice. The mix of humor, drama, and moral/political debate is well-balanced and smooth. I can toss out any number of descriptors that would attempt to classify it - "an uplifting story of teamwork", "a study in friendly rivalry and coaching styles", "a girl power movie", "a collection of people taking unconventional paths and facing major turning points at an early age" - but it's better just to experience it for oneself.

Development of audience sympathy and familiarity for the coach and main character comes at the price of some minimization of other teammates and of a rival team. Thankfully, the rivalry was developed only on-court and friendly moments off-court were often featured, avoiding a Disneylike good guys-bad guys dichotomy. Narration by Ludacris was neither notably bad or good. I didn't realize it was his voice until credits ran. I didn't really know what to expect from this movie, but I came away from it extremely satisfied.

Could this be the year of the documentary? Along with "WordPlay" and "Dave Chappelle's Block Party," some reviewers (read this) are saying it's a great year for documentaries, some of which are trumping other theatrical releases as the best of the year so far.

UPDATE:
And here is another fun take on the film, from a U-Dub perspective

Bonnaroo

Even if you're not at Bonnaroo, you can still hear Dungen and My Morning Jacket today on the Webcast. Here's the schedule

Columbine Memorial

It was a gloomy, overcast day as the first people started arriving at Clement Park on Friday for the groundbreaking of the memorial to victims of the 1999 shootings at Columbine High School. Then the sun came out, and coats came off. About 2,000 people were gathered on the grass. Former President Clinton, who was on his second trip to help raise funds for the memorial, was to speak after Dawn Anna Beck, mother of slain student Lauren Townsend. But before Dawn Anna could finish, it was raining, thundering and there was even a bolt of lightning. When it was Clinton's turn, he quipped that he may not be running for political office, but he knew better than to talk to the crowd in the rain for too long. A planned 20-25 minute speech ended up being much shorter.

The area where the shovels went in the ground was actually blocked off from the public by temporary barriers. But Clinton walked over to the barriers to shake hands for quite a long time after the official ceremony, with security people holding an umbrella over his head. I heard one guy say something into his cell phone to the effect of, "I just had the greatest moment in my life, I shook Bill Clinton's hand!" He then gave a play by play into his phone as Clinton moved along the fence.

Some people shouted Four More Years!, which was shocking only cuz this has got to be one of the most Republican enclaves in metro Denver. One of the event planners allowed me to walk past the barrier to talk to Clinton, but one of the security folks said "Hi!" and pulled on my raincoat to hold me back. I don't think I could have taken the president. Later I caught up with him, where an awestruck crowd heard Clinton talk about how people could make small donations and still make a difference. (The memorial committee still needs to raise $250,000 to reach the $1.5 million goal for the memorial, even after Clinton pledged $50,000.) "People of modest means have enormous power if enough agree to do the same thing," Clinton said.

The memorial committee is selling pins for $13 to help raise money _ one dollar for each of the 12 students and the teacher who were killed. Nearly all the money goes toward the memorial, according to the families. There are also 300 limited edition pins that come with a sketch of the 13 victims. The families gave Clinton No. 42, because he was the 42nd president. How to donate

Scattered Arts

So if we get in the way-back machine, you might see when we told you about Paniolo. Well, forget that. The new deal is Kettle Black, and they're playing at the Scattered Arts Collective event Friday night (6/9) @ the Oriental Theater. It's FREE.

UPDATE:Hipsters, punks, the tattooed ones and arts-minded folks spilled out from the Oriental Theater onto the sidewalk in the Highlands for Scattered Arts. Kettle Black's singer/songwriter Corey Teruya was sick, and it kinda showed in his vocals. I would've preferred to hear more songs on the acoustic guitar than electric, but the crowd got a kick out of the electric violin last night. In the lobby aXa had a great art piece of a baby face painted in black and white on a grid, so every other square was either the face or a square of black and white dots. Interesting. The magician bombed...but not for lack of trying. It just wasn't a great venue for a goofy magician. A friend of a friend in Scattered Arts got on stage and ate fire (literally! he's had training from carnival types) when the dance troupe couldn't make it. My friends dug The Life There Is. They remind me of the Cure. The live show definitely makes you think of three guys who sit in the basement and toy with their Casios, but they did all pick up guitars towards the end. IF you missed it, check them out Larimer Lounge on July 1. Of the bands we saw last night, they probably sounded the best, but I like the songwriting of Kettle Black better. By the way, the Oriental Theater is a beautiful venue. Old-time theater with a big stage, red curtains, a balcony, the pit is open for people to sit or pack it in. Bar and artwork in the lobby.

As you might have heard, there's just a week to go til Tom Green launches his LIVE call-in show on ManiaTV.com, which, did you know, has a warehouse behind Heritage Bank on York Street. (yes, THAT Tom Green, from MTV, former spouse of Drew Barrymore, the one to blame for "Freddy Got Fingered"). Debut: 6/15.

Today

Remember the Evolution of Dance guy who was a big hit at my work? He was on the Today show this morning.

Which by the way, what was up with Natalie Morales mispronouncing Jai's name during her interview of the Queer Eye guys? (she pronounced it JIE, twice) Whoops. Guess she doesn't watch the show.

Composition

I'm sorry to report that Composition has vacated its shop in LoDo, although you can still shop online at Composition's beautifully designed Web site.

It's a shame we won't see the store and Abby (sp?) the unofficial black-and-white mascot running out with a chew toy in her mouth on our way to the coffee shop anymore. Rents are high in the area of 15th and Blake, but I don't know if that's why Composition left. Anyone else have more details?

Voxtrot tonight at the Hi-Dive.

Twilight Singers @ Larimer Lounge, 6/12

The Black Angels @ LL, 6/16

In case you haven't heard, the Giraffes are in town Tues. (6-6-6) at the Bluebird, then do a show at the LL 6/23. Prepare for items to be thrown

Musashi

I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you're in Seattle and you like sushi, you must try Musashi. This small, tight eatery on North 45th and Interlake in the Wallingford neighborhood fills up QUICK, so it's best to get there as close to opening time as you can, especially with groups larger than two. I ordered the special bento box, which had a skewer each of chicken and beef teriyaki, onion, mushrooms and cucumber; four pieces of tuna sashimi, two pieces of red snapper sashimi, and two pieces of salmon sashimi; rice; one cooked shrimp; salad and two pieces of egg for $9.95. For some reason, I also ordered two salmon sushi pieces a la carte, not realizing how full I would be. A piece here is like 1.5 pieces anywhere else I've ever been. Seriously. You really can't believe it when they bring the slab of fish to your table. And it was only $1.50 a piece. The catch: Musashi doesn't take credit cards, so bring cash. But honestly, you could comfortably skate out of here paying just $20 per person, even if you get a drink. I had a glass of plum wine for just $2.50. It's mostly standard stuff here -- no crazy wide selection of rolls or hipper-than-you attitude (they staple posters of upcoming concerts and festivals all over the walls for heaven's sake), but if it's a neighborhood sushi joint you're looking for that's affordable, Musashi=yum.

C @ L

C@L is the rebus for Seattle, which is where I'm blogging from today from a bench next to University Avenue. Yes, I'm sitting outside using the city's free wifi service, and thank goodness there is no Seattle rain in sight. The plan was to get a haircut at Rudy's, go to a coffee shop, blog in bliss and then meet ATT for lunch. The haircut got done in lightning speed, and the coffee shop I wanted to go to isn't open yet! There are some cute boutiques, but those won't open til 11 am (student shoppers sleep in). So far I've been to the Folklife Festival, the Seattle International Film Festival to see "Russian Dolls" and there was a Memorial Day bbq, a walk in the rain, and a coffee drink in there too, so I've had the downtown Seattle experience. It's a shame I didn't bring my camera because we could have had a nice photoblog of Seattle fashion, from Crocs to hippie frocks. Use your imagination.

Here, a woman who drives a station wagon complains about her husband not letting her drive his new SUV. (My advice to her would have been: Trade in your station wagon for a Mini)

The loudest truck ever has just parked nearby, and I must move lest I lose my hearing forever. Ciao

what you might have missed

Qwest's CEO Dick Notebaert defended founder Phil Anschutz and another former board member, Cy Harvey, from shareholder Gerald Armstrong, who tried to suggest at the annual meeting this week that their departures from the board were somehow linked to shareholder dissatisfaction. Notebaert said they were good assets to companies, while Armstrong responded, "yes, i think they also brought us joe nacchio" or something to that effect. Armstrong also took issue with Notebaert's pay, which topped $4 million in salary and bonus alone last year. ("How much do you need to live on anyway? Can't you get by with a few million less?")

From the show Top Chef, contestant Lee Anne Wong gives an interview to Asiance Magazine, and winner Harold Dieterle cooks on the Today show. Denver weather lady Kathy Sabine is supposed to do the weather on the Today show this weekend

Frontier Airlines has given its Web site a much fresher, newer look in hopes of getting more people to use it to book flights. For a limited time, if you book a flight there, you can get a coupon good for watching DirecTV on your flight FREE, instead of having to shell out five bucks.

Which former MTV celebrity has bleached hardwood floors, wall to wall windows, pop culture paintings of Suzanne Somers and black-and-white travel photos in his living room? **answer next weekend.

Enjoy the weekend!!!!!!! wa-HOO!

At its shareholders meeting today, Qwest was handing out tins of mints in the shape of cell phones. It opens like a flip phone but instead of a keypad, there's mints!

5/21

There's all sorts of good things about Colfax like the Bluebird Theatre, Atomic Cowboy, Mataam Fez, The Fabric Lab, MezCal, the Ogden, the Fillmore...we could go on and on. The Colorado Colfax Marathon passed by it all this morning. Here is The Denver Post's tribute to the street itself

The Three Gorges Dam across the Yangtze is done. Story. We saw the project a few years ago and went past some of the communities that would be flooded by it. The whole project is supposed to prevent future floods though and generate hydroelectric power

Photo gallery of the Cubs-White Sox brawl, if you haven't seen it on TV

And...how 'bout them Tigers???? I hope columns like this don't jinx it, but it's exciting.
The Rockies aren't doing so bad either. Baseball. Crazy.

Finally, a timely ringtone from They Might Be Giants

This was a big hit at work today: (check out dance fever)

A MapQuest survey says 76 percent of Denver men in the survey said their spouse/partner was responsible for getting lost on road-trips -- and 70 percent of women agreed with that assessment!!! Come ON, ladies!

5/15

BBC interviewed the wrong guy! Read all about it.
I hope you have a broadband connection too so you can see the video of the wrong "Guy" looking startled and getting interviewed.

AP also has a story on Jodie Foster quoting Eminem in public....

...and that's our segue into Detroit, where 89x is celebrating its 15th birthday. Nice lineup! Including:
Dashboard Confessional
Rogue Wave
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
We Are Scientists
Guster
The Stills....and more

Arrested Development will headline theWestword Music Showcase, a time to check out the Colorado music scene live and to vote on your favorites. June 17.

Rogue Wave comes back to Denver! @ Larimer Lounge, June 28

Tapes 'n' Tapes will be at the LL on June 22

And VOXTROT is back in town June 3 at the Hi-Dive. Dressy Bessy is there tonight, 5/11

I hope you have Mother's Day taken care of by now. Time to think about Father's Day. Depending on your family, what better gift than the Beer Belly. So he can go to the ballpark with some beverages from home and just say no to $8 beer.

Two things

_I was ridiculously happy to find the online Wall St. Journal is free right now.

_Yesterday my summer softball team went to Veterans Park for some pickup softball for practice/scrimmage. When we got to the field, there were two guys there, Hector and Jose, hitting balls to each other and fielding and speaking in Spanish, and both of them plus another random guy ended up on our team for the scrimmage. Jose apparently was kind of like a translator for Hector maybe? Hector said he is in the Rockies' minor league system. He played shortstop and hit some homers over the fence. So anyway, I think he's this guy, a 17-year-old prospect from the Dominican Republic. If anyone has a picture of his face, show me, and I can tell you whether that was the guy at V Park yesterday. And the best part is, some of my summer softball teammates have a spring team that will close out the season with a triple header Thursday. They asked Jose and Hector if they wanted to come play, and they were like, "Yeah, sure!" haha! Looks like a plastic trophy may be headed their way on Thursday.

goofy shoes

Crocs, based in Niwot, is planning on unleashing turquoise, army green, silver and gold pairs this year, plus flats, a hiking Croc, and a Mary Jane.
I think most Croc models are too clunky to be cool, but today on the way to work, there was a girl in a skirt wearing a bright green sweater and matching bright green shoes crossing the street. I couldn't believe she found shoes just the right color, and what do you know, they were Crocs.

Day w/o Immigrants - Denver

Crowds at the immigration rally downtown spilled over from the west steps of the Capitol across Lincoln Ave. to Civic Center Park. Police estimate there were 75,000 marchers, bringing some streets to a standstill downtown around lunchtime. These photos were taken before everyone ended up at the Capitol.


On the way home, I ran into the director of the Shenyang Heping District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, who was in town from China for a health conference. There was much more traffic than usual in Capitol Hill, so FCT and I helped him get back to his hotel, but that's another story.

The Motion Sick

So diggin' the band The Motion Sick. Boston is SO lucky!

underground

Must put in a plug for The Scattered Arts Collective's free music festival. No cover!! Artists we've written about before will be performing. Check out the LL's page for more details. 4/27.

The Essex Green

I've discovered that I really like The Essex Green. There's four songs on the band's myspace page, but Little Radio was playing "The Late Great Cassiopia" on its myspace page today, and that song is the best of all. Anyway, The Essex Green, of Brooklyn, plays in Seattle on May 2 then does a live spot on Seattle's KEXP (from New York though) on May 19.

Fun and Games

Upcoming:
Doors Open Denver: Here's your chance to check out a bunch of the city's coolest architectural sites for FREE. There will be guided tours too. Sites include the Governor's Mansion, ArtHouse Townhomes and Coors Field and tons more. (April 22-23)

El Ten Eleven at the Hi-Dive, April 23, 9 p.m. Only $6!

Capture the Flag! Across all of downtown Denver! This is free too. You and your team will hide your flag then use bikes, your feet, the 16th street shuttle, whatever to evade the other team and try to get their flag. (May 6)

Free wi-fi

Denver offers free wi-fi on the 16th Street Mall! More in the The Denver Post. I can't think of when I'd need to use free wi-fi on the pedestrian mall, but perhaps soon we'll see all the traveling business people downtown heading out of their hotels with their laptops to check their email.

That baby needs a "Husky"

Here, we find an interesting article on obesity, and how car-seat manufacturers, casket makers and others are responding.
"From the cradle to the grave and most points between, obesity has found its niche in American marketing. Make that a wide berth. Baby seats, doorways and caskets are but a few examples from a long list of life's accouterments that are getting much bigger to accommodate much bigger people. There are also vacation resorts for those embarrassed to be seen in a bathing suit," Deborah Hastings writes. Continue

Proof shot

Forwarded from att: I can't believe it:
D12 rapper Proof killed from the Detroit Free Press

More from Delicatessen.

Band of Horses

Band of Horses is going to be touring, but apparently they didn't like dealing with snow the last time they were in Denver (at the Larimer Lounge!), so they're not visiting on this latest batch of dates. All I have to say is....come back in the summer. March IS our snowiest month. sheez.

Mary J. Blige

Here's some video clips of an interview with Mary J. Blige

early lookout

South plays live on KEXP April 22, 1p MDT.

Itzhak Perlman plays in Denver tomorrow night with the Colorado Symphony. It's been sold out for months, but maybe you'll get lucky and find someone selling/scalping their tix.

There's still a little bit left to ski season....

Kanye in Colo.

Kanye West at the Colorado State Fair grounds??? I thought it was an April Fools Day prank, but the Pueblo Chieftain says it's no joke. Tickets on sale tomorrow (Monday) for the show Thurs., April 27.

from the Denver March Pow Wow

Funny correction!

**
NEW YORK (AP) -- In a March 23 story about the ratings for the 10th-season premiere of "South Park," The Associated Press reported erroneously that the show's grade-schoolers tried to revive the apparently dead character Chef. Instead, it was "Super Adventure Club" members who tried to revive Chef.

sale

The public can supposedly buy pianos _ digital, upright, baby grands _ used by the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design's music dept. this Sunday. Sample prices include used baby grands for $2,600 and brand new grand pianos starting at $4,595.

Denver March Powwow starts Friday. Celebrate with food, song, dance and storytelling. At the Denver Coliseum.

MTV blurb. They still love NY, despite it's drrty, drrrty air.

Santa Dog celebrates its new EP release tonight in Bristol. Details The four-song "Belle De Jour" EP does indeed show Santa Dog can do sparkly, tongue-in-cheek pop. The bones are here: tight playing, rich vocals from Rowena Dugdale, lyrics that might sound silly when said aloud but sound ok in song...Will wait to pass judgment until there's a full album out. Santa Dog is honing its sound and satiating fans with EPs for now whilst courting the zines. keep an eye on them

post-SXSW

Mr. Destructo is at it again:
from 2005
and from The Denver Post this year:"Porlolo missed some sets after singer Erin Roberts broke her leg in two places at a party late Wednesday night. She jumped on Post pop music critic Ricardo Baca for a hug and they fell, prompting her trip to the hospital..."

Snow day

Big snow day on the way. Get your groceries early today, say by early afternoon. It might be hard to get around once the snow starts flying, so here's a look at some recent DVDs that might be fun to rent once you're done building the snow igloo and need to snuggle inside with hot cocoa:

Hustle and Flow
Lost in Translation. (saw the film in the theater, but I heard the DVD's pretty good)
Moulin Rouge. I'll admit, I only kinda liked the movie, but when I saw all the extras on the DVD, with full uncut looks at the choreographed dances and with commentary from Baz Luhrmann on why he chose the songs he chose for the movie, etc, it made me appreciate the movie much much more. (And the web site is fun too. Click around until you get to "Toulouse Tonight" for interviews with cast/ crew conducted by John Leguizamo. Ha!
Spirited Away
Hero. Seen it, but the movie's beautiful!
Pride & Prejudice

Suggest others in the comments section

3/20 Rhett Miller

Rhett Miller plays FREE at Twist & Shout, Monday, 6 p.m. Get there early for easy free parking and a view of him up close, but you should still be able to get in if you get there ten minutes before. Just be prepared to see the back of a lot of hipsters' matted hair and sweatshirt hoods.

(Also, Gomez @ Twist & Shout Underground across the street, 5p.)

Stuck in Denver? Can't get to Austin? The Warlocks play at The Fillmore tonight.

Rose Hill Drive and The Fray do a free party in LoDo tomorrow for 93.3, then the Denver Roller Dolls bout at the Coliseum at 7:30p and the St. P's debauchery continues through the night at the after-party @ 3 Kings Tavern, or be creative, ditch the after-party and find your own fun

The new Little Radio Web site is finally up and it's sick. Looks like parts are still under construction, but at least there's tons to look at again.

The director of "Hoop Dreams" is teaching a documentary course at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University!

Vail gets a reality-show pilot

So THAT's what they ask people who go on reality shows >>> www.vailcasting.com

Fill in the answers and you could get cast for the pilot of a new reality show

news

The Colorado teacher who was put on paid leave after a student tape-recorded him saying President Bush's State of the Union speech had a similar tone to Adolf Hitler is back at school. More

March Madness is getting under way, and Air Force makes it into the NCAA tournament. They face Illinois on Thursday.

Pledge time

It's that time! KEXP needs money, WOXY needs money. Make a donation. (KEXP will thank you!)

In the meantime, Little Radio still running guilt-free online tunes without asking you for a dime today. And KALX too, I think. But go ahead and make a donation to them too, just in the spirit of things

My laundry should be done now, so no more posts for today

Echo Mountain update

Went up to check out Echo Mountain yesterday, the new ski area just up the road from Denver dedicated to the terrain park. (If you want to know more, hop over to the forums on Echo Mountain's web site) It's a soft open, so to speak, with the park really getting into gear next season. They had a long run open this past weekend and the lift was running for their "sneak peek" for Access Pass holders and their friends. People who showed up were greeted in the parking lot by a guy in a monkey suit, got free grub/Red Bull, got to see lots of orange construction fence still up around one of the features that has yet to get snow blown on it, and one of the main buildings was still under construction. It's manmade snow, but the kids all seemed to like it. Some rails and boxes are up. There's a good vibe there. All electronica/hip hop/punk all the time in the lodge and on the slope, just like the park rats like it. They've got Atari in the video lounge.

In any case, it's a beautiful, winding drive up Squaw Pass road in Evergreen to get there, past a mountain valley and through trees to the park, where there is an amazing view of the peaks of the foothills and the snow-covered Rockies farther in the distance. They haven't decided what they'll do with the park in the summer. One idea floating around is offering up space for weddings. That will probably drive the kids crazy, but if you see the views here, it makes a lot of sense. Mountain biking is another option.

Bobblehead

I hope this link works because it's funny.
UPDATE: Try here instead.

Before I forget, KEXP is hosting some cool bands for live performances from the studio. If you miss one, you can always check archives after the fact:
This Friday, Matt Pond PA at 2p (MST)
3/14 Voxtrot, 10a MST
3/19 Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, 5:30 p MST

Colorado vs. SXSW

We told you before about some Colorado bands that got SXSW spots. Some other bands will be playing too at showcases thrown by the Larimer Lounge and the Hi-Dive.
At the LL's BBQ at the Flamingo Cantina on St. Patty's Day: BLACK LAMB :: PRIESTESS :: THE APES :: GOGOGO AIRHEART :: FINN :: THE OMENS :: MACHINE GUN BLUES :: THE FUNERAL :: THE DATSUNS
At Mile High Fidelity (showcase put on by the hipster collective of the Hi-Dive, Morning After Records, Public Service Records), March 16 @ Habana Calle 6:
PINK MOUNTAINTOPS :: THE CRYSTAL SKULLS (from the Northwest, but that's OK) :: BORN IN THE FLOOD :: HOT IQS :: THE PHOTO ATLAS :: THE SWAYBACK :: PORLOLO

Reminder: Hot IQs and Voxtrot play the Hi-Dive on Friday. A chance to get Voxtrot's EP and to see the Hot IQs' new video.

It's so funny cuz it's true

Funny street names

Snow from A to Z

Ever looked around and thought, there just AREN'T enough ski areas in Colorado? WELL...There are plans for at least three new ski areas right now, all with different MOs. Echo Mountain at St. Mary's Glacier, a short drive from Denver, is looking to hook Gen Xers and others stoked to get on terrain parks. (Pre-opening party next weekend. Finally! After getting teased all season on when the park would open)
Battle Mountain is a private resort planned up in Minturn, near Vail. Plans still in the works. And in the flatlands, KCNC-TV tells us,
Pelican Falls Golf Course near Windsor wants to set up a beginner ski slope. Just an itty bitty hill.

B.B. King in Boulder

B.B. King brought his band and two grandsons along for his public lecture Wed. night at the University of Colorado. A good 1,000+ people were there at the Coors events center, where they have the basketball games. Everyone was on their feet when Mr. King got on stage before his talk and then at the end, after the audience got him to play "How Blue Can You Get" for an encore. In between were more songs, B.B. King talking about his past (he got his pilot's license in '63, he never finished high school) and a question and answer session, where he said his songs are inspired by the ladies; T-Bone Walker, Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian are all on his MP3 player; and he thinks Ruby Wilson will go far.

Quotes from Mr. King on Wed. night:
"I've never seen an ugly woman."
"I love my job. I don't have to stop at 65. If somebody made me stop, I'd cry."
"I'd play for free if somebody would pay my bills."
"I never think I'm 80 'til I walk up some stairs."
"That's the thing when you're 80. You can always pretend like you forgot. And most of the time you did. And when people call, you can pretend you can't hear."

Riley B. King grew up wanting to be a gospel singer. He grew up in a segregated society and would play music at an intersection where the two halves would meet. "They always put something in the cup when I played blues." Some people said he played the devil's music, which he says he didn't understand, because when he worked outside, no one ever told him he was picking the devil's cotton. On Wednesday, he played "I Need You So" and "You are my Sunshine," the first song that he said he learned to play, plus others. He wasn't in top form Wednesday, (he was hoarse, dropped one of his chord progressions and missed some notes) but the crowd still ate it up. He definitely tried to keep the crowd happy, dancing in his seat, singing out, playing more music when he thought the audience was getting bored with his stories. It was an enjoyable evening

B.B. King performed in Denver last night and now he gives a public lecture tonight at the University of Colorado in Boulder. 7 p.m.

The film "11:59" was shot in Colorado and has Colorado actors, and Starz Film Center in Denver is showing it now for a limited time. The film is by the same team that did "Spin," an 8-minute short that revives that whole "God is a DJ..." idea. Watch "Spin" and the trailer for 11:59 at www.doubleedgefilms.com

I'd like to thank Mrs. Keebler, from grade 1...

Joshua Novak plays at the Larimer Lounge tonight, and if you go*, he'll put you in the liner notes for his new album.
*Fine print, so to speak: Go to this Web site, print out the free ticket, go to the show and donate a couple of bucks to help him make his CD, and voila! You! In the liner notes!

The U.K. has more to give than Coldplay and the Spice Girls. From Bristol, Santa Dog is getting ready to put out a new EP. The first pressing of 100 copies comes with hand-printed sleeves and artwork by the band, and if you order it this month, you'll get your name on the liner notes, lead singer Rowena says. Or sleeve notes. Those Brits.

Finn/Radio Control/Remote Control...the Brooklyn band with the ever-changing name says a new EP is due soon. They'll be playing at SXSW supposedly, but since we don't know what they're called or where to send you, guess you'll just have to stay tuned. Anyway, I bet you could get on the liner notes if you can think of a name for them that hasn't already been taken. Leave your suggestions in the comments section and we'll point them there.

Conner + Sonic Boom

Conner is joining Sonic Boom recordings. Congrats. Conner returns to Denver for two shows: one tomorrow at the 15th St. Tavern in Denver and one Saturday at the Hi-Dive.

Diversions

Bored at work? We're here to help:
Sudoku online
Watch fake movie trailers. Search for "Brokeback to the Future" and "The Shining," presented as a heartwarming family flick!

Opera

I think I am going to see a dress rehearsal of the opera Norma tonight (www.operacolorado.org). I will let you know how it is.

UPDATE: Thanks to my friends, I watched the opera from a seat in the third row. THIRD ROW of the Ellie Caulkins opera house, which seats something like 2,200 these days, according to our usher. (She reminded us to watch what happens to the chandelier at the top of the opera house when the lights go down ... it kinda folds up and flies away into the ceiling. Also, supposedly no seat in there is more than 110 ft. away from the stage. The usher was very chatty) Because it was a working dress rehearsal, some of the singers were saving their voices, most notably Philip Webb as Pollione in his Opera Colorado debut, but it seemed like the women were really singing out strong. Hasmik Papian was impressive as Norma and her duets with Irina Mishura, also strong, were lovely. Both women also were making their Opera Colorado debut. Papian had an incredible range, not just in hitting all the notes , but in volume as well, going from strong and powerful to delicate as if she were just singing to the front row but still with great tone and control.

I have not seen other productions of Norma, but Opera Colorado chose to cast boys (I don't know, they looked like teens or maybe slightly older) as the druids. And in one scene, a parade of them came out in nothing but thongs, butt cheeks exposed. Then they had to bend over and crouch and paint themselves with war paint. Couldn't they have given them loin cloths or something? Third row. Remember.

Anyway, some of you may be disappointed to know that my friends and I gave a standing ovation to Papian since standing ovations seem to be given to everyone these days, but it was one of those things where there wasn't any other way to show our appreciation for a good performance in a vocally demanding part because the audience had given a loud cheer to two kids who didn't sing but had to pretend like they were sleeping on stage and not cry and all that. So how do you go up from there when it's time to clap for people who actually had to sing.

Opening night is Thursday and there will be a couple days in between each performance so the singers can rest their voices.

Also wanted to make a note of Sean Panikkar, tenor, as Flavio.

Read the preview in The Denver Post

To do

This weekend....

It's the Valentine's Prom at the Hi-Dive tonight. $5. Prom king and queen will be chosen!

Olympics, Olympics, Olympics

You can see more of Anna Newell's photography at 16th and Curtis (inside the Marriott)

Mr. X

Denver police make a valiant attempt to protect Kenyon Martin's identity this week:

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Date: February 9, 2006
During the Nuggets game Wednesday February 8, 2006 a fan sitting in the stands continuously heckled one of the Nuggets players identified as K. Martin. At some point during the game, after continuous heckling on behalf of the fan, it was stated that Martin stood up turned around and had a verbal exchange with the person in the stands. As the team returned to the court, Martin then sat back on the bench and watched the game. Shortly after the verbal exchange with the fan in the stands two associates of the Nugget player took it upon themselves to approach the fan on behalf of K. Martin. Once again there was a verbal exchange between the three and the associates left the area but not the facility.

Immediately after the game the fan decided to discuss the incident with Pepsi Center security. Security then summoned officers that were working the venue in an off duty capacity. While the incident was being discussed, K. Martin and the two associates of his approached the group and once again a short verbal exchange took place. K. Martin and the two associates then left the area. The fan (unidentified) then stated to officers that he did not feel that this incident would go any further and that he would just like an escort out to his vehicle. Officers walked outside with the fan and waited until he left the area. There was no citation issued and no arrest was made. Once again the only action the fan wanted at the time was an escort out to his vehicle which he did receive.

Daddy Warbucks, where are you

Woxy.com needs your dough. Sigh

Denver news

The forces trying to get Mayor John Hickenlooper to run for governor kick it into high gear with blast e-mails to the media. Remember, even Ang Lee got into the "Please run for guvn'r" game, so who's to say these people are wrong.

UPDATE: New release from Draft Hick:
Since April 2005, Draft Hick has felt that the most important thing for
the campaign was to encourage the mayor to run, and not our own
identities.

To that end, Draft Hick has declined to reveal the identity of those
behind the group. With today's announcement that the mayor would not
be running for governor, Draft Hick has decided to speak openly with the
press.

The group's spokesman, Andrew Luxen, will be happy to answer any
questions you may have about the Draft Hick movement or drafthick.com.

Andrew Luxen, 26, is currently a third year law student at the
University of Denver College of Law. He was recently elected president
of the Colorado Young Democrats.

Drafthick.com is a grassroots, bi-partisan organization that was devoted
to persuading John Hickenlooper to run for governor.

The Denver Post reports that the mother of a slain teen forgives the killer. The Associated Press picks up the story, crediting The Post. The Rocky Mountain News puts the story on its Web site, crediting "a Denver newspaper."

Just one more thing on Hick til he tells us whether he's running...his birthday is supposedly tomorrow...

Weekend. Whoo! Fun. Whoo!

No shortage of things to do, now that the Broncos won't be playing in the Super Bowl. (Should be a good game, by the way.)

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Morning After Girls and Elefant, all on the same bill, this Sunday at the Gothic. Killer bill for everyone who doesn't mind missing the Super Bowl.

Ski resorts off I-70 all got around a foot of fresh snow in the last 48 hours...

Saturday, Ghost Buffalo has its CD release show at the Larimer Lounge. (This is the band with the partners in real life and in the band...she persuaded him to do Ghost Buffalo full time and leave Planes Mistaken for Stars full time) Red Cloud West also playing

And tonight, Anna Newell's photography is up at the Oriental Theatre at 44th and Tennyson in Denver. Go to the opening at 6 p.m.
Meanwhile w/ Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Concertmaster YuMi Hwang-Williams plays on a Mozart-Dvorak program

Woxy.com is replaying Giant Drag doing their cover of Wicked Game right this second.

HEY YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!

The Electric Company is coming out on DVD! Feb. 7, for just about $50. There's something like four discs. The Chicago Tribune has more. Yippeeeee!

Ang Lee nominated

Ang Lee and his movie "Brokeback Mountain" pick up a load of Oscar nominations. How many nominations do you think will turn into wins? The nominations include best director, best film, best actor (Heath Ledger), best supporting actress (Michelle Williams), cinematography.

This has nothing to do with Ang Lee, but UMass, like CU, is trying to curb binge drinking. You know what that means in Amherst? No funnels. And no 99 bottles of beer on the wall. Story