by Mark Smiley | Nov 19, 2018 | Editorials
Jamie Giellis
The 2018 statewide elections in Colorado are over. While a blue wave may not have occurred nationwide it certainly did happen in the Centennial State. Republicans not only didn’t win the governorship it lost all statewide offices it held including Attorney General, Secretary of State and Treasurer by wide margins. In Denver all the sales tax hikes were approved as prognosticated in our August 2018 editorial. Statewide the voters shot down new taxes for education and roads although Denver voters likely would have approved both.
We Denverites love our taxes, perhaps reflecting the fact that Denver is home to a very significant number of federal, state and local employees. But we also demand value for our money which many feel we are not getting from our governing city government. Neighborhoods are being destroyed with inappropriate and endless high-density projects, parking downtown has become an arduous chore at times and our roads are increasingly jammed with no relief in sight.
It would appear that many citizens of Denver have had it with Michael Hancock who is viewed as a clueless puppet of high-density developers. The publicity of the mayor’s sexual harassment of police officer Leslie Branch Wise, and his use sub silencio of taxpayer money to pay her off, has been the last straw for many in the city.
Four years ago, not a single person qualified for the ballot to oppose Hancock’s re-election. The situation has dramatically changed today with at least three highly qualified candidates willing to take on his Honor. Last month we identified two of those individuals — Penfield Tate and Lisa Calderon. Since then another highly qualified candidate has entered the ring — Jamie Giellis.
Giellis, age 41, is the president of the River North Art District. She has b
Large scale apartment project on Speer Boulevard.
een identified by The Denver Post as an important force in the development of RiNo, South Pearl Street and the Golden Triangle in her role as founder of Centro which specializes in urban planning.
Urban planning is exactly what has been sadly lacking for the last eight years as can be seen by the virtual destruction of what was one of Denver’s most scenic roadways — Speer Boulevard. Massive condo and apartment buildings crowd the roadway with no setback and totally devoid of any open areas and trees.
As Giellis correctly noted: “A broad vision for Denver is missing and the current mayor has been responding to, and not necessarily planning for, all the issues that come along with quickly growing urban areas.”
As far as we are concerned the more qualified candidates for mayor the better. Under Denver’s Charter if no person reaches the 50% level in the first round of voting there is a runoff between the top two candidates.
It is not that Hancock will be easy to defeat. Those that control the mayor have been raising large sums of money for his re-election, from the high-density developers and other lowlifes that have been raping Denver for fun and profit for years. But the voters of Denver may, at long last, have become disenchanted with Harasser-in-Chief and all the money in the world will hopefully not save him.
by Mark Smiley | Nov 19, 2018 | Feature Story Middle Left
by Libby Barrett
Stress during the holidays is common. In fact, it’s even expected. But it’s not something people should just accept. Stress anytime of the year should be held at bay. Here’s what you can do to take the season in stride.
The Effects Of Holidays
It first helps to understand why stress is so rampant this time of year. The American Psychological Association reports that the stress of the holidays has three main culprits: money, time and commercialism.
People feel pressure to give gifts while at the same time not overspending or going in debt. Additional stress comes from growing pressures to shop, wrap, plan meals, and prep for celebrations. Feelings of loneliness can also increase this time of year.
During the holidays and year-round, it’s important to get a handle on this stress. This is because when we’re under stress, our bodies release cortisol and other stress hormones, which can negatively affect our health. Further,
the Mayo Clinic explains that long-term stress can lead to anxiety, depression, digestive problems, headaches, heart disease, sleep problems, weight gain, and memory and concentration impairment.
To counter these risks, these six strategies can help.
Stay active. Physical exercise is known to relieve stress. Research shows it stimulates the production of endorphins and enkephalins, which are the body’s natural feel-good hormones. Based on this, as time-crunched as the holidays may seem, it is important to stick with your exercise routine.
Grab a buddy and go to a class together, which will also combat feelings of isolation that can increase around the holidays. Also, when shopping, park your car far from the entrance so you’ll get some extra steps in. If you’re going out of town, research exercise options where you’ll be. Many gyms do trial or out-of-town packages. Or find some fun exercise routines online that don’t require a gym or equipment.
Don’t over commit. Remember that saying no doesn’t make you a scrooge. If you have to decline a few party invites, it’s okay! During the holidays, it’s important to make time for you. Take care of yourself and family by maintaining your routine as much as possible and getting plenty of rest.
Set a budget. Before you start shopping, establish how much you truly have to spend on gifts and adhere to your budget. It can be easy to get carried away with lavish last-minute presents, but keep in mind it’s the thought that counts. Expenses quickly add up and can create stress going into the new year, especially if you’re holiday shopping on credit.
Stay hydrated. During the holidays, alcohol is often the beverage of choice at many events. While a festive cocktail can take off the stress initially, overindulging can lead to dehydration. Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and drink alcohol responsibly.
Try yoga. Yoga is an ancient mind-body practice that focuses on connecting breath with movement, which studies say can engage the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation, digestion, and a sense of calm. And yoga may help reduce stress and anxiety, while enhancing mood and overall wellbeing.
You don’t have to be a master Yogi to try this beneficial exercise. There are classes for all levels and skillsets, and some that don’t even require floor work.
Practice gratitude. Finally, when you’re feeling stressed, try to think of four or five things that you’re grateful for. Experts say cultivating gratitude is one of the best ways to improve emotional well-being and increase satisfaction and happiness. Especially during the consumerism of the holidays, take the time to slow down, reflect on what you have, and be grateful.
This holiday season, relax and focus on peace and happiness. Stay in the moment and try to keep a handle on stress.
Libby is a certified yoga and group fitness instructor and holds specialty certifications in Barre, Silver Sneakers, and BodyPump. She always incorporates cross-training to improve total health and wellness. Her goal is to help everyone love their body while building strength and confidence.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 19, 2018 | Valley Gadfly
Gingerbread houses made out of cookies and candy. Yes, it is the holiday season and LA! LA! LA! ‘Tis time to laugh with joy. Many of us travel long and far for Christmas, Hanukkah and other holidays during this festive season. “It’s the most wonderful time of year . . . the happiest season of all.” So says the popular holiday song.
Everywhere you look this time of the year, singers, dancers, bakers and others are offering tempting holiday treats for our eyes, ears, tummies and curious minds.
Here are our happy holiday choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to bring a little extra bounce to your step, a smile to your face and all around happiness:
3 Blending dance, live music and customs from around the world, Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum is a Valley favorite. See this holiday tradition at Cleo Parker Dance Dec. 1-16. Information: 303-295-1759 x13.
3 Shop Cherry Creek Dec. 8 and stop at Fillmore Plaza’s Winter Fest with fire pit, ice carvings and free refreshments. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Catch Chris Daniels & The Kings Feat in Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall Dec. 15, 8 p.m. He’s joined by Freddi Gowdy’s funk band. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 See the joyous-opulent Ebenezer Scrooge musical A Christmas Carol playing the Stage Theatre through Dec. 24. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Meet Santa, learn about the Glendale Sports Center, at their annual Holiday Celebration Dec. 18, 5:30-7 p.m. Free and open to the public, there’s crafts, music, cookies and hot chocolate. Information: 303-639-4711.
3 Enjoy prime rib, lamb shank or lamb chops and grilled shrimp at the Monaco Inn Christmas Eve for $20; New Year’s Eve Prime Rib or Filet Mignon is $20, with Lobster Tail $30. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 For hilarious fun see The Santaland Diaries, a Macy’s elf stint tale, at the Jones Theatre through Dec. 24 Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Don’t forget fireworks are being launched New Year’s Eve on the 16th St. Mall at 9 p.m. and midnight. Information: 800-233-8837.
3 With its exuberant embrace of an enchanted world, Ballet Ariel’s The Nutcracker defines the holiday season. Returning to the Lakewood Cultural Center, there are matinees Dec. 15-16, 22-23 & 26-27 at 2 p.m. Evening performances are Dec. 21-22 & 26, 7 p.m.. The toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes and Sugar Plum fairies are magical with festive costumes, breathtaking choreography. Information: 303-987-7845.
The holidays are a wonderful time of year with joy, cheer and gratitude in abundance. Everywhere you look, people seem to be in high spirits: being kind to one another, taking time to pause and reflect, and taking care of those less fortunate. Whether you are 5 or 85, this is the season to enjoy yourself and reflect on the good things in life.
Friends and family are fantastic, and this is the time to gather and remember how lucky we are to have people around us that we care about and who love us.
On the flip side, don’t let the holidays overwhelm you with parties, buying gifts, and too many work and family commitments. Just remember to put some giggle in your wiggle as you flap your feet. As we say farewell to the old year, people are singing to bring in the New Year. We add our voice: Have a HA! HA! Happy New Year!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Peter Boyles | Nov 19, 2018 | Blasting with Boyles
I call for my pipe and I call for my bowl — Dan Caplis that’s an inside joke. In the spirit of giving and God bless us all, looking back over the last 12 months of the award-winning Glendale Cherry Creek Chronicle columns, I am remiss if I don’t wish most of my targets a Merry Christmas with a gift under their trees.
Beginning with Kyle Clark and Shaun Boyd — Now you can see where this column is headed. Dudes — the numbers bite, you cut a lot of throats this year and both of you act surprised that the only person people dislike more than you two is me.
To the employees of The Denver Post — In the words of Dick Kreck, if they offer you a buy out, take it fast. It won’t be much but it will be a little something so you can buy yourselves a little holiday cheer.
To the Hickenlooper-Hancock Road Home to End Homelessness in Ten Years — My father would talk about putting one thing in one hand and something in the other and seeing which weighed the most. You can also attempt to shovel that same substance against the tide. You both deserve it put on the tops of your heads. When was the last time anyone drove Speer Boulevard and saw how Denver is ending homelessness.
To John Elway and Joe Ellis — Do you guys know the expression something is much like “Hogan’s goat?” Damn, dudes. Can’t you guys — in the words of Rodney King — just get along?
To the Bowlen family — Talk about why can’t we all get along. I’m sure it will be a really fun Christmas morning at Annabel’s.
To Stan Garnett — Stanley where are you my boy? You were the darling of new left media and now you have vanished like Marley’s ghost. Can they hear your chains rattling through the hallowed halls at Brownstein’s?
To Norm Brownstein — A true Father Christmas to the great state of Colorado. If the Broncos could have only had the year you had. You had more hits than the mafia. Sometimes I think of myself as what if I really am Whitey Bulger? That’s never good.
To Michael Hancock — who is, as I’m sure, all settled down for a long winter’s nap. It just depends who he’s with. Could be about anybody, right Mikey?
How about that John Hickenlooper — President-elect Hickenlooper? Contender Hickenlooper? Senator John Hickenlooper? If you watch the horizon John Boy’s future is so bright — here comes the gift — sunglasses, he’s gotta wear shades.
Jared Polis — or should I say Governor Jared Polis? Your win over Walker Stapleton is the equivalent of stepping on baby chicks — whoops that’s an Easter gift.
The NFL — I love that you decided to have a whole week where you saluted the military. Was that some feeble attempt to bring people back to watching your on-field performances? A special New Year’s wish for that.
And last but not least — Donald Trump. The gift that keeps on giving. How you managed these last two years is absolutely amazing. I never got the pony under the tree and I certainly never got a car. But I got you. You have made these last two years a true enjoyment watching CNN’s rating drop below the Food Channel reruns. Don Lemon is getting clipped by the Cupcake Wars. Damn what a Christmas gift that is.
So looking ahead to 2019, in the words of my sainted grandmother, if you don’t think things are going to get worse, just wait and hang on. Merry Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Happy New Year. Thank you for this last year — it’s been a blast.
— Peter Boyles
