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Hundreds of Denver Public School elementary students gathered for the district’s 24th Annual Shakespeare Festival which takes place today at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Pictured above, young performers march down Curtis Street toward the performing arts center. View large image.
Posted at 10:29 am by Jeff Panis
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This week, Congress held a hearing on stem cell research. Friday morning, Rep. Diana DeGette will hold a question and answer session on Colorado Confidential from 11 - 11:30 a.m. According to Rep. DeGette, the problem is this:
“Every time there’s a new discovery in some other type of research, the Bush administration and its allies say it’s a substitute for embryonic stem cell research, so I really want to bring researchers in to talk about how all of this research is complementary and you can’t take one type of research out of the equation.” DeGette said.
After the hearing, DeGette wrote:
Over the past year there have been many important developments in the field of cell-based scientific research. One thing that has become clear is that no one can predict which line of research will produce the next breakthrough. All research is important, and should be supported as long as it adheres to certain ethical guidelines.
I am working to establish an ethical framework for all forms of stem cell research. This hearing highlighted the amazing advancements that have been made through adult stem cell research and the unbelievable potential of breakthroughs that will come from embryonic stem cell research.
Tomorrow’s q and a will include a discussion of the hearing and the issues surrounding ethical stem cell research.
Posted at 3:14 am by Jeralyn Merritt
Politics
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We tell you what to do, where to be, and why for each week of the year.
By Kazia Jankowski
SHOP
What: In this month’s “Mom-preneurial Spirit,” we highlighted the creative businesses Denver moms run during naptime. This week, the moms featured in 5280 step out of their homes for a live shopping event.
Why: Forget maneuvering internet shopping carts for Because You See…’s Van Gogh magnets or Knitone’s stylish knitting bags. Here, all the products are ready for purchase.
Bonus: The host of tonight’s shopping event, Love Your Earth Boutique, carries both organic grocery totes and onesies, so save a few shopping dollars to spend in the boutique.
Details: Thu, 6-9 p.m. Love Your Earth Boutique, 4110 Tennyson St. Free. For more information, call 303-455-3366.
MUSIC
What: Two years ago, concert producer Mike Ligon created HomeVibe Presents, giving music lovers a chance to catch singer-songwriters in intimate performance settings. Now, for an anniversary show, HomeVibe brings together seven local folk rock artists.
Why: Gregory Alan Isakov, a veteran of the South by Southwest music festival and Westword’s best singer/songwriter for 2007, headlines the show, but others joining him include Reed Foehl, a former opening act for Patty Griffin and Dave Matthews, and Blue Light, Colorado Music Buzz’s next band to watch.
Bonus: Tonight, Dan Craig releases his new CD Skin Grows Thin. Expect additional partying and merriment.
Details: Fri, 7:30 p.m. The Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. $10. For more information, call 303-455-2124 or visit www.theorientaltheater.com
THEATER
What: The Denver Project, a thoughtful play about life in the margins by Bronx-based playwrights Steven Sapp and Mildred Ruiz, draws on the real experiences of Denver’s homeless, government officials, and social workers.
Why: This world premiere defies theatrical convention, combining traditional theater with poetry, politics, and choreography.
Bonus: Saturday’s opening night show ($75) hosts Denver’s Road Home, Mayor Hickenlooper’s project to end homelessness, and the festivities include not only an address from Hickenlooper but also hors d’oeuvres from Dazzle and live music.
Details: Through June 21. Thu-Sat 8 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. (some exceptions apply). Curious Theatre Company, 1080 Acoma St. $25-$32. For more information, call 303-623-0524 or visit www.curioustheatre.org.
LECTURE
What: 2006 dawned sunny on Mt. Everest, but as the season passed it turned into one of the most deadly years on the mountain, resulting in the deaths of eleven climbers. Former Outside magazine editor Nick Heil will reveal the details of that year’s challenges in a reading from his new book Dark Summit.
Why: After the 1996 IMAX movie and Discovery’s 2007 Everest Beyond the Limit, you’ve got to have some good Mt. Everest questions. Here’s a chance to finally ask them.
Bonus: On May 29, author and documentary filmmaker Lincoln Hall, who in 2006 was left for dead on Mt. Everest, will visit the Unity of Boulder Church to discuss his book Dead Lucky: Life After Death on Mount Everest.
Details: May 14, Wed, 7:30 p.m. Boulder Book Store, 1107 Pearl St. Free. For more information, call 303-447-2074 or visit boulderbookstore.booksense.com.
Posted at 10:00 pm by Kazia Jankowski
Entertainment & Nightlife
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Coming Soon: Ink! Coffee to Cherry Creek
Ever since Cherry Creek’s Emogene Patisserie et Cafe closed last fall, we’ve been watching to see what would go into that tony location. Finally, an answer: Aspen-owned Ink! Coffee is taking over the glass-enclosed space. We hear the shop—home to our favorite white coffees and blended chais—will open in July. Once the espresso machines fire up, we’ll be watching to see if Ink! pulls customers from nearby Peet’s Coffee and Java Creek. 2415 E. Second Ave., and three other Denver locations, www.inkcoffee.com —Amanda M. Faison
Dining Escapades: Needlefish, Squid with Sea Urchin, and Grunt
Last week we embarked on a dining adventure—an omakase (chef’s choice) style dinner at Izakaya Den with master chef Mr. Yoshitomi. Toshi and Yasu Kizaki (owners of both Izakaya and Sushi Den) flew Yoshitomi in from Fukuoka, Japan, to prepare this traditional sushi dinner. By our count there were 21 tastes, beginning with a simple rice soup and ending with okra and marinated ginger blossom. In between, we tasted such delicacies as needlefish (a long, folded up piece of fish enhanced by herbs and plum paste), squid topped with sea urchin and a hint of citrus, and tender grunt fish. A real treat came in the form of the gorgeously marbled toro (the highest grade of tuna), which was reportedly the best cut in the entire U.S. market.
In addition to discovering new flavors, we were indoctrinated into old-style Japanese sushi. Yoshitomi requested that the sashimi and sushi (which were served once piece at a time) be eaten within three seconds. This was to preserve the ideal temperature—and flavor—of each bite. We also found, as a whole, traditional sushi to be very subtle: The rice is far less sweet than we were used to, and pieces were served spiced to the chef’s liking (no soy sauce or wasabi for dunking). The final effect: The fish is the one and only star of the show. Though I’m not sure we’ll order squid or needlefish nigiri anytime soon, we came away from the dinner with a greater respect for the art of sushi—and the next time we dine, we’ll carefully ration the soy sauce. 1518 S. Pearl St., 303-777-0691, www.izakayaden.net —AMF
Recipe: Buttermilk Cookies
We’re hopelessly addicted to Seattle-based Molly Wizenberg’s blog Orangette. Each week, we eagerly await her food-related posts—and last week’s entry, Because of the Cookies, had us baking two batches of the buttermilk cookies with lemon zest. This is a recipe that Wizenberg adapted from Gourmet (which was inspired by renowned cookbook author Edna Louis). We further tailored it by subbing orange zest for the lemon in the second batch. In either form, these springy cookies would make a perfect addition to a Mother’s Day brunch, or any special celebration. www.orangette.blogspot.com —AMF
Sustainable Dining: Plant a Garden
Two weeks ago, the New York Times published the provocative Michael Pollan article “Why Bother?”. In five short pages, the author of The Ominvore’s Dilemma encouraged individuals to make green lifestyle changes, including growing some of their own food. We decided that Pollan’s proposal was very doable, even for the beginning gardener, and we called up John Smith at Paulino Gardens for advice. Smith had a handful of simple solutions to get us started. Plant in pots of at least 16 inches (any smaller and the July heat will burn the plant down to the roots). Mix polymer crystals into the soil and add mulch to the top of the pot to help keep the soil moist. Tackle plants of the appropriate size for a pot (cherry tomatoes, chile peppers, eggplant, or herbs). When you go on vacation, get a plant sitter or move your pots into the shade. And finally, when garden shopping, ask for advice to make sure you get the plants best suited to your growing conditions. Bonus: Check out this weekend’s plant sales at the Botanic Gardens and Wildflowers (1201 Madison St., 303-333-4050). —Kazia Jankowski
Event: Tea to Tofu
Think Colorado and natural foods, and Boulder is likely to pop into mind. The city has the metro area’s most varied farmers’ market, and is home to companies such as Celestial Seasonings and Horizon Organic. This Saturday, the Boulder History Museum takes a closer look at the roots of this natural foods phenomenon. Starting at farmers’ market, the Tea to Tofu tour will introduce participants to local farmers, before heading to the museum, where curator Julie Schumaker will explain the relationship between John Kellogg’s sanitarium, the 1970s environmental movement, and Boulder’s natural foods companies. Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon. Boulder Farmers’ Market, 13th and Arapahoe streets. $25. For more information, call 303-449-3463 or visit www.boulderhistorymuseum.org. —KJ
Posted at 10:00 pm by Amanda M. Faison
Dining
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Are you a candidate to be a delegate to the Democratic National Convention? If so, you have just been invited to an event featuring DNC Chair Howard Dean.
CDP Chair Pat Waak invites all Candidates for Delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention to a mid-day reception with DNC Chair Governor Howard Dean.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret
16th Street Mall at Arapahoe in Downtown Denver (Park at Park Central - Lawrence St. between 15th St. and 16th St. Mall)
Cost: $100.00
Posted at 6:15 am by Jeralyn Merritt
Politics
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Olaf, the 22 year old polar bear at the Denver Zoo, was euthanized Saturday after it was determined he was suffering from liver cancer.
Olaf came to the Denver Zoo from Omaha when he was 1 1/2 years old.
He was named after Saint Olaf, the Patron Saint of Norway. During his time at the zoo, Olaf fathered the famous polar bears Klondike and Snow and Ulaq and Berit.
Olaf is the father of Klondike and Snow, Ulaq and Berit.
Posted at 6:14 am by Jeralyn Merritt
Community
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Spotted today at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center:
Posted at 2:29 pm by Daniel Brogan
Entertainment & Nightlife, People
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Republican presidential candidate john McCain is backpeddling tonight on a remark made today in Denver that would seem to have conceded that the war in Iraq is being fought for oil. Speaking at a town meeting at the Mizel Family Cultural Arts Center, the Arizona senator said:
“And I just want to promise you this: My friends, I will have an energy policy, that we will be talking about, which will eliminate our dependence on oil from the Middle East,” McCain said. “That will prevent us from having ever to send our young men and women into conflict again in the Middle East.”
By the time McCain’s plane landed in Phoenix later in the day, he and his handlers were furiously spinning.
“I was talking about that we had fought the first Gulf War for several reasons,” McCain said, noting primarily that Iraq had invaded its neighbor Kuwait.
“But also we didn’t want them to have control over the oil, and that part of the world is critical to us because of our dependency on foreign oil. And it’s more important than in any other part of the world.”
But he did not mention the first Gulf War during his town hall meeting in Denver. His comments then came in the context of a conversation about the latest Iraq struggle, and how his plans for Iraq differ from that of his Democratic opponents, who want to begin withdrawing troops quickly from Iraq.
Interestingly, neither the Denver Post or the Rocky Mountain News felt McCain’s explosive remark was worth mentioning in their initial coverage of his visit.
Posted at 9:59 pm by Daniel Brogan
Politics
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There will be no ballot initiative in November concerning term limits for Colorado judges. The backers of the initiative say it failed to garner enough signatures . As I wrote here, and the Denver Post opined here, term limits for judges are a bad idea.
The proposal was the brainchild of former Senate President John Andrews and his group, Limit the Power. They began collecting signatures in January, but never met the magic number of 76,047 validly registered voters. If you think Andrews and his group will find a message in their failure and retreat, think again. They will now turn their attention to defeating other measures on the ballot.
“Our focus this year will be on curbing the undue power of labor unions, trial lawyers, and the spending lobby here in Colorado,” he said.
I wonder why they don’t turn their attention to what voters want this year — economic relief. Maybe if they gave voters petitions to sign for initiatives that promised more jobs, lower gas and grocery prices and help with keeping their homes out of foreclosure, they’d get some takers.
Posted at 8:59 pm by Jeralyn Merritt
Politics
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By Georgia Benjou
Designer Watch: Rogan For Target
Since its inception in early 2006, Target’s GO International designer series has won a huge following. The limited-edition brand series, shaped by designers like Milla Jovovich and Carmen Hawk, is known for its fashion forward, affordable clothing, and on May 18, GO’s next line hits stores. Showcasing environmentally conscious designer Rogan Gregory, a 2007 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award winner as well as the mastermind behind his own avant-guard, street style brand, the new GO line combines sustainable materials with urban styling. Rogan’s wrap dresses are made of hemp and his zebra and leopard tees use organic cotton. Rogan has even developed a complementary line of swimwear. But the best part of the new line is the price. Rogan’s designs run no more than $45, which means this cool designer has made fashionable, eco-friendly clothing easily accessible. Target, multiple locations, www.target.com/go.
Product Pick: CLK’s Pendants
Denver-based jewelry designer Cathy Law began beading and working with silver in high school. Back then her bracelets and necklaces were just a hobby, but over the years she has finely-tuned her craftsmanship. She now has a six-year-old line, CLK Jewelry, available online or in area stores, which offers a wide array of bohemian to contemporary, silver and semi-precious stone jewelry. Of all her diverse works, though, we particularly love her handmade sterling silver pendants ($48–$68). These gems, with their inspirational inscriptions and clean styling, are the perfect trinket for a loved one (think Mother’s Day) or even a bridesmaid gift. CLK Jewelry, 303-438-0856, www.clkjewelry.com.
Trend: Spring Blossoms
From New York City to Paris, runway shows for this spring’s collection displayed large-scale floral prints. The designs were vibrantly colorful, but at times, they proved overly feminine and bold. For a more subtle look that’s still in keeping with the latest style, turn to Jayson Brundson’s Asian-influenced prints. Brundson, an Australian designer best known for designs that capture cinematic drama and modern elegance, presents a spring line featuring silk and satin pieces with delicate nature designs. Brundson’s dresses, like the cherry blossom silk charmeuse ($650), are simple with a decidedly sophisticated look. Neiman Marcus online, www.neimanmarcus.com.
Posted at 12:47 pm by Georgia Benjou
Fashion, General
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Denver medical malpractice attorney Jim Leventhal has been retained by the husband of Leslie Fishbein to investigate whether negligence on the part of the doctor that administered a pain shot to the late furniture company executive contributed to her death.
Denver’s medical examiner today released the results of an autopsy on Mrs. Fishbein, who died two weeks after receiving a shot of bupivacaine for back pain at her doctor’s office.
According to an autopsy report released this morning by Dr. Amy Martin, Denver’s chief medical examiner, Fishbein’s brain was starved for oxygen after her heart stopped in the physician’s office. That ultimately resulted in severe brain damage and death, said the medical examiner.
Martin concluded that Fishbein’s death was an accident.
Levanthal today said: » Continue reading this entry…
Posted at 9:42 pm by Jeralyn Merritt
People
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Colorado’s freaky spring weather pattern continues as a snow storm envelopes the mountains and the front range. Above, snow blankets Belmar town center. View large image.
Posted at 1:53 pm by Jeff Panis
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The Government isn’t giving up on challenging the reversal of Joe Nacchio’s insider trading conviction. Today it filed a petition in the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals seeking a review of the reversal by all of the Judges on the court. The reversal was decided by a panel of three judges. The Petition alleges the panel erred in holding that the trial judge was wrong to exclude Nacchio’s expert witness.
First, the government challenged the panel’s ruling that the district judge “lacks discretion to exclude expert testimony even where the government’s motion to exclude the evidence challenges the expert’s reliability and the defendant’s written opposition makes no showing of reliability and does not request an evidentiary hearing.”
Second, the government argued against the panel’s conclusion “that an economic expert must be permitted to provide ‘context’ about ‘economic concepts’ even if the jurors already understand the concepts.”
This is all pretty technical stuff. When the trial judge excluded the expert testimony, he opined that that the criminal rules require the same advance disclosure about the details of the expert testimony as the civil rules and that Nacchio had not complied with the requirements. The panel said the rules are different and that Nacchio had complied with the criminal rule. It also said the Judge was wrong to exclude the testimony based on briefs without a hearing where the defense could present evidence. The panel noted:
The right of a defendant to call witnesses is crucial for testing the prosecution’s case and defeating the charges against him. Indeed, the “right to present a defense . . . is a fundamental element of due process of law.”
In order to get a review by all judges on the court, the Government must show that “such consideration is necessary to secure or maintain uniformity of the court’s decisions” or that “the proceeding involves a question of exceptional importance.” The Government’s petition relies heavily on the second ground, that the question is one of exceptional importance. The Government faces an uphill battle here as petitions for “en banc” or full court review are rarely granted.
A copy of the petition is here (pdf.)
Posted at 5:00 am by Jeralyn Merritt
Crime
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THEATER
What: Five sweet singing boys take the stage for the Off-Broadway musical comedy Altar Boyz. Matthew, Luke, Mark, Juan, and Abraham are a religious-themed boy band on a Raise the Praise tour, and their clever songs ring with notes of parody that will have the audience in stitches.
Why: Where else can hear lyrics like “Jesus called me on my cell phone/no roaming charges were incurred”? The show’s catchy tunes won the coveted Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical Off-Broadway.
Bonus: Arvada may be the last stop for the New York-based touring cast, but the actors haven’t lost their enthusiasm. After their show, the actors are likely to greet you in the lobby with a handshake.
Details: Through June 1. Tue 7 p.m.; Wed 1:30 p.m., 7 p.m.; Thu 7 p.m.; Fri 7 p.m.; Sat 1:30 p.m., 7 p.m.; Sun 1:30 p.m. Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. $38-$48. For more information, call 720-898-7200 or visit www.arvadacenter.org.
SHOPPING
What: At the Annual Ladies Only Sample Tour, independent stores from five local shopping districts join forces to offer one afternoon of free samples and incredible shopping.
Why: With the purchase of a $10 bracelet, you get access to one of these shopping districts: Old South Pearl Street, Historic Downtown Littleton, Historic Downtown Golden, Old South Gaylord, and Historic Olde Town Arvada. Your entry bracelet then entitles you to free samples (think free boxes of stationary and mascarpone cream puffs) from various stores within your designated ‘hood.
Bonus:. Each bracelet comes with a book of coupons good for discounts in all of the five shopping districts. Watch out for deals like free ice cream cones and reduced-price haircuts.
Details: Thu, 4-7 p.m. Multiple locations. $10. For more information, call 303-797-6756 or visit www.originalshoppingdistricts.com
FILM
What: Denver Art Museum continues its spring film series this week with a special double feature of Detour (1945) and Blood Simple (1984).
Why: The spring series celebrates the influence of classic films on their more modern cinematographic successors. Detour is an example of classic film noir, a style which inspired Joel and Ethan Coen’s Blood Simple.
Bonus: Film curator Thomas Delapa hosts this event as well as the following Friday showings of Tokyo Story (May 9) and Stranger Than Paradise (May 16). Also, don’t forget to check out the Inspiring Impression exhibit, which is in its last month.
Details: Fri, 7 p.m. Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. $8. For more information, call 720-865-5000 or visit www.denverartmuseum.org.
ART
What: London-based contemporary photographer Trevor Appleson displays works from his project in Mexico. The Mexico photographs, taken at dawn or dusk in Appleson’s open-air studio, depict luchadores (fighters, wrestlers, and boxers) with everyday objects of Mexican society, like piñatas and eggs.
Why: Although Appleson has displayed his other work in New York, this is the first time he brings his Mexico portfolio to the United States.
Bonus: Catch Appleson’s exhibit this Friday, and combine it with a First Friday art tour. Other shows worth hitting up are Tate Hamilton’s Impressions of Manhattan at Michael Walter Art & Design (www.michaelwalterart.com) and Bill Murphy’s desert drawings at Artists on Santa Fe (www.artistsonsantafe.com).
Details: Through August 10. Tue-Thu 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, 1485 Delgany St. Free with paid admission. For more information, call 303-298-7554 or visit www.mcadenver.org.
Posted at 10:00 pm by Kazia Jankowski
Entertainment & Nightlife
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The Indictment against Aaron Thompson, alleging he abused his daughter Aarone Thompson and that the abuse resulted in her death, has been unsealed. It tells an ugly story.
The 60-count indictment of the father, Aaron Thompson, quotes witnesses, including the other children, who say Aarone was abused for at least two years, beginning in 2002. The grand jury indictment, released today, paints a picture of Thompson and the girlfriend, Shely Mary Lowe, as sadistic parents who beat all of the eight children in the household with fists, a baseball bat, belt, broomstick or electric cord.
….Among the grand jury charges are 20 counts of child abuse, seven counts of child abuse resulting in death, two counts of concealing a death and two counts of abusing a corpse.
Shely Mary Lowe is dead, Aarone’s body has never been recovered. Aaron Thompson is in custody awaiting trial.
I think the Rocky Mountain News should have mentioned in the article that the Indictment is merely a statement of charges and is not evidence. At a minimum, it should have included the fact that Mr. Thompson has pleaded not guilty to the sentence “Thompson is awaiting trial.” A little balance would have been nice, particularly since Mr. Thompson continues to be presumed innocent.
Posted at 1:11 pm by Jeralyn Merritt
Crime
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Best Bites: Limón’s Scallop Tostada
Though it’s been a couple weeks since I dined at Limón in Uptown, I can’t stop thinking about my entrée: the scallop tostada. This spring dish—a combo of pan-seared scallops, spinach, quinoa, crispy tostadas, and avocado cream—is a brilliant contrast of Peruvian tastes and textures. 1618 E. 17th Ave., 303-322-0898, www.limondenver.com —Amanda M. Faison
Brunch Biz: Colterra’s Brunch and Tastes Wine Bar
After naming Niwot’s Colterra Food & Wine a best new restaurant in our December issue, we were anxious to try the spring brunch menu. Dishes—from strawberry crêpes to the sausage scramble—were beautifully presented, but almost across the board, disappointing. The Haystack chèvre omelet needed more of the starring cheese, a Long Family Farms pork dish arrived with tough, dried out meat, and the crêpes lacked both flavor and whipped cream. To Colterra’s credit, the piping hot beignets and the smoked salmon Benedict were huge hits, the coffee was rich and strong, and the spicy bloody marys went down easily. This great spot has never failed us for dinner, but we wish Colterra upheld the same standard at brunch. 210 Franklin St., Niwot, 303-652-0777, www.colterra.com
Closer to home, Tastes Wine Bar’s Uptown location began serving brunch over the weekend. Look for a tapas-style menu with goodies such as sweet and savory crêpes, silver-dollar size pancakes, paninis (we liked the croque Hawaiian with ham, Gruyere, and pineapple), and the brothy African peanut soup. 1033 E. 17th Ave., www.tasteswinebar.com —AMF
News: Big Changes for Two Denver Spots
We’ve known for months that Annie’s Café was losing its location to new development, but when we read in Saturday’s Rocky Mountain News that the breakfast spot is purchasing Goodfriends not-yet-vacant location, we had two thoughts: We’d miss the laid-back Goodfriends, and thank goodness we’d still get to enjoy Annie’s killer cinnamon-sugared French toast. The deal between team Goodfriends (Lee Goodfriend and Dave Racine) and Annie’s owners Dianne Williams and Peggy Anderson is a bittersweet one, but it demonstrates the camaraderie that can be found in Denver’s small restaurant community. “I didn’t imagine that I was throwing Annie’s a lifeline at the time but I guess that I was,” says Goodfriend, referring to her suggestion that Williams and Anderson buy the Goodfriends space. “And that was great to us as we [as owners of Racines] had been thrown out by developers and the thought of helping two independent women keep their restaurant alive was perfect karma to us.”
Karma indeed. Instead of losing two dining staples, Denver only loses one. Help Goodfriends celebrate its 29 years of business by dining there until the doors close on May 17. For old times sake, order up the nutty cheese salad or the fish and chips. And then, come June 9, help welcome Annie’s into their new digs—vintage goods, French toast, and all. Goodfriends, 3100 E. Colfax Ave., 303-399-1751, www.goodfriendsrestaurant.com —AMF
Resource: Elanaspantry.com
When celiac disease is diagnosed, the story often goes like this: Little Joey is diagnosed with the disease. Then it turns out that mom and big brother also suffer from this hereditary gluten intolerance. In a matter of days, everyone in the family has to make a lifestyle change. Everyone that is, except dad, who wonders where his chocolate cakes and morning muffins went. Not surprisingly a family’s adaptation to celiac disease can be challenging. But to ease the transition there is Elanaspantry.com, an online resource complied by local celiac Elana Amsterdam who posts in her almost-daily blog the best of the best of the world’s published gluten-free recipes. Look for cupcake and Thai chicken soup recipes, as well as resource information on body care, health, and living with celiac disease. Related Article: Where Has All the Flour Gone?. —Kazia Jankowski
Event: Dos Casas
This Wednesday an incredible array of Denver chefs unite to extend a hand to kids with cancer. At Lola restaurant, chefs Jamey Fader (Lola), Shelia Lucero (Jax Fish House Denver), Matt Selby (Vesta Dipping Grill), Goose Sorenson (Solera), Tyler Wiard (Elway’s), and Duy Pham (formerly of Aqua) will cook up regional Mexican plates for the Dos Casas benefit dinner. All event proceeds go to Brent’s Place, a foundation providing apartments to kids undergoing cancer treatment. Bonus: 5280 reviews Lola. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. $75–$150; 1575 Boulder St., 720-570-8686, www.loladenver.com —KJ
Posted at 10:00 pm by Amanda M. Faison
Dining
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Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee for President, will be holding an open Town Hall Forum in Denver on health care Friday. To attend, you must call 303-830-6707.
You can read more about John McCain’s health care plan on his website, here.
The forum will take place at the Jewish Community Center, 350 S. Dahlia, Denver at 8:00 a.m.
Posted at 9:46 am by Jeralyn Merritt
Politics
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With tax rebate checks arriving any day now, there will be a lot of folks who are tempted to get a new television, probably thinking they are going to need one by next February.
9News last night had a very informative segment on who needs a new TV. It also sent shoppers undercover to see what advice electronic store salespersons were giving out. A lot of it was wrong, possibly out of ignorance, more likely out of a desire to make a sale.
- Unless you have a TV that uses rabbit ears or set-top antenna, you don’t need to do anything. If you already get cable or satellite, you’re all set, regardless of the age of your TV.
- If you do have a TV with rabbit ears or set-top antenna, you only need a coverter box. They cost $80 or less, and the Government is plastering $40 rebate coupons everywhere. They are red and look like a mini-credit card.
- The switch date is February 17, 2009.
My personal recommendation: Do some research before buying a new flat screen and check the prices for the model you want on E-Bay and Amazon. You may save the sales tax and Amazon often offers free shipping. In addition to the magazine reviews, google the make and model you are thinking about and find an online forum discussing it.
Posted at 9:05 am by Jeralyn Merritt
General
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I frequently write about the need to be smarter, rather than just tough on crime. That means funding prison programs that rehabilitate prisoners and reduce the chance of recidivism.
Here’s a success story. On May 26, among those wearing a cap and gown to receive degrees at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs will be Alex Matheson.
Matheson, a twice-convicted felon, has earned degrees in English and Philosophy. Now 26, Matheson’s first crime stint landed him in Colorado’s youth correctional facility. He escaped, and ended up at the Crowley Correctional Facility.
He began studying at Crowley and continued once released into Community Corrections. In 2005, he became a full time student. Three years later, he’s graduating, sober, drug-free and with two degrees and a new lease on life.
Matheson also works full-time as a tile installer. He’s almost finished with his parole, and recently married, will be moving to Washington state where his wife is. His plans?
Matheson hopes to earn a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Washington. He’d like to help prisoners re-integrate into society, because how it works now is “a joke.” Whatever happens, he said, “the future is looking good to me.”
The New York Times today examines ex-offender employment programs in Newark, N.J. » Continue reading this entry…
Posted at 10:50 am by Jeralyn Merritt
Crime
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Troy Hooper at the Aspen Daily News dissects a new report by the Bureau of Economic Analysis on personal income at the county level.
Colorado’s wealthiest county is, no surprise, Pitkin. Our poorest is Crowley.
Of the 64 counties in Colorado, per-capita personal income reached $86,122 in 2006, which was the most recent year cited in the study. That figure is about $70,000 more than Colorado’s poorest county, Crowley County, some 200 miles to the east, where the average income is $16,859.
Pitkin also is the third richest county in the nation in terms of personal income. Who’s richer? The residents of New York County and Teton County, Wy.
One could spend a day analyzing the data in this meaty report. If you’re into this kind of thing, be sure to check it out.
Posted at 10:48 am by Jeralyn Merritt
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