by Mark Smiley | Jun 20, 2025 | Uncategorized
Ideal For Dedicated Coffee Fans Who Enjoy A Proper Home Brewed Cup
by Mark Smiley
Making pour-over coffee at home is becoming more popular as prices rise at coffee shops around the Cherry Creek valley. Besides the savings, pour-over coffee at home offers several other advantages. It offers superior flavor control with control over the water temperature, coffee grind size, and brewing time. This results in a cleaner, more nuanced cup with clarity and complexity often lost in automatic machines.
Pour-over coffees also offer a level of freshness. You’re likely using freshly ground beans and filtered water. The result is a more aromatic, flavorful cup compared to pre-ground or store-bought coffee.
If you’re particular about taste or enjoy the craft of coffee making, pour-over is hard to beat. However, one disadvantage would be the time it takes to make those cups at home. That is where the xBloom Studio machine comes into play. xBloom is a premium specialty coffee system designed for home baristas who care about precision, flavor, and convenience. If you want café-quality pour-over with automation and the ability to customize every variable, this machine is worth a look.
xBloom Studio is an automated pour-over coffee machine with a built-in burr grinder, scale, and touchscreen. It supports three brewing modes: Autopilot, Copilot, and FreeSolo. The autopilot allows you to tap an NFC “xPod” card to pull a roaster-curated recipe, and the machine handles grind, water temp, pour pattern, and timing. The copilot mode allows for use of your own beans and the ability to customize every parameter via the xBloom app. The FreeSolo mode offers complete manual control using the machine’s onboard dials, grinder, and scale.
The system uses biodegradable whole-bean “xPods” with embedded RFID chips to automatically load brewing profiles; you can also pour in your own beans or use a Kalita dripper.
“As a dad of two, convenience is everything — and this machine delivers,” said Mark P., a Verified buyer of the xBloom Studio. “It’s incredibly easy time feels like a treat. I’m seriously wondering why I didn’t buy this earlier.”
The xBloom Studio has a built-in 48 mm conical burr grinder, 0‑2 kg scale (0.1 g resolution), touchscreen, and metal dials on the front for precise adjustments. With all of the components, it features a small footprint and is a sleek and stylish machine that looks good in any kitchen and does not take up a lot of space.
It features precision pouring and heats water instantly via nanofilm heating and delivers water in circular patterns while gently agitating the dripper for even extraction. The xBloom app connects via Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth to set up brew recipes, control every variable, monitor grind.
The xBloom Studio is one of the most advanced home pour-over systems available. It’s a strong pick for dedicated coffee fans who appreciate control and quality in a sleek package.
At time of press, the xBloom Studio retails for $599. Chronicle readers can use promo code Glendale-20 to receive $20 off their purchase. Visit www.xbloom.com to learn more and to purchase.
by Jessica Hughes | Jun 20, 2025 | Travel
By Jessica Hughes
120 yogis attend the first guided yoga class at the UCHealth Health and Welleness Zone. Photo provided by Outside.
Lord Huron closed out the second Outside Festival and Summit in Denver. Photo by Jessica Hughes
Austin has South by Southwest — now Denver has the Outside Festival and Summit. Any lingering doubt that Colorado is the epicenter of the outdoor industry was put to rest last month, as the Outside Festival and Summit returned to downtown Denver, doubling both its attendance and presence.
Founded by Outside Interactive Inc. and presented by Capital One and REI Co-op, the Outside Festival and Summit exceeded expectations with 35,000 attendees over the weekend — far surpassing the anticipated 25,000 and nearly doubling last year’s debut turnout. The event didn’t just grow in attendance; it also expanded its footprint, with the Outside Summit taking place across two locations and offering 11 sessions and two workshops.
This year’s four-day event — two days focused on outdoor industry professionals and two days of public festival programming at Civic Center Park — kicked off with the debut of Outside Ignite, a national startup pitch competition. New to the festival, the competition drew nearly 200 applicants, from which five finalists were selected to pitch live to a panel of five judges. The grand prize, valued at $100,000, was awarded to Carbondale-based Raide Research, while Campfire Ranch took runner-up honors and won the audience-voted People’s Choice Award. “This is the Shark Tank of the outdoors,” said Jessica McGee, Director of Marketing at Outside. “These participating contestants — from hospitality to gear — are helping reshape the industry.”
Following Outside Ignite; the Outside Summit welcomed 900 attendees to 15 sessions featuring 46 speakers. Highlights included insights from Conor Hall of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Mary Beth Laughton, president and CEO of REI Co-op; and Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, who shared his latest vision for Powder Mountain, a project aiming to disrupt the ski industry.
The second Outside Festival doubled in attendance at Civic Center Park. Photo by Jessica Hughes
The Outside Festival took over Civic Center Park on Saturday and Su
nday with a dynamic mix of programming. Industry icons like Alex Honnold headlined presentations, while 500 climbers scaled The North Face climbing wall and over 100 walkers joined Diana Nyad and Bonnie Stoll for the EverWalk session on Sunday.
Attendees also heard “Tales from the Trails” from seasoned backpackers, sharing stories from their outdoor journeys. Between sessions, a standout lineup of 12 musical acts kept the energy high, with headliners including Trampled by Turtles, Sylvan Esso, and Lord Huron. New this year was the UCHealth Health and Wellness Zone, where 120 yogis greeted the day with sunrise salutations, and the Ultimate Basecamp where industry professionals and athletes engaged audiences in inspiring conversations about adventure and the outdoors.
“This year’s Outside Festival and Summit proves that we’re building something much bigger than an event… we’re fostering deeper connections and bringing the outdoor community together,” said Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside Interactive. “The Outside Summit rethinks the traditional outdoor trade show model and brings leaders in the industry together to discuss new ideas, successes, and challenges that top outdoor businesses are facing today. The Outside Festival is where we see huge potential for more engagements at t
he event, continuing to celebrate outdoor culture and attract fans of music, film, wellness, and adventure. We hope to keep growing this event and adding value for years to come.”
The timing of the Outside Festival feels especially significant, as Colorado’s position as a leader in the outdoor industry was called into question following the Outdoor Retailer trade show’s 2022 departure from Denver back to it roots in Salt Lake City. But with Outside Inc. relocating its headquarters from Santa Fe to Boulder, the company has forged a strong partnership with the state — paving the way for the creation of this new, uniquely Colorado event, says McGee.
Denver responded to the moment, launching a festival that not only attracts industry professionals but also directly engages outdoor enthusiasts, bridging a gap that hadn’t been crossed before.
“Outside brings a South by Southwest approach to the outdoor space,” says McGee. “We’re not trying to be another expo,” McGee adds. “We want people to come for the connections, the conversations, and the fun. Brands benefit, too connecting with both their industry peers and with consumers in one vibrant space.”
For those in the industry, McGee emphasizes the importance of building community and fostering dialogue about where the outdoor world is heading. For consumers, the mission is simple: get people outside. That’s why the festival is free for kids 12 and under — to make it as accessible as possible and inspire the next generation of outdoor lovers. “It’s all about kicking off the summer season and getting people excited about the outdoor lifestyle.”
With plans already underway for a third year — scheduled for the weekend after Memorial Day — the Outside Festival is quickly establishing itself as the unofficial launch of summer. “We’re committed to growing this event year after year,” says McGee. “The goal is to keep the momentum going and build the go-to gathering place for the entire outdoor community — professionals and consumers alike.”
by Mark Smiley | Jun 20, 2025 | Main Articles
Artists Stop Through Glendale To Promote The Show
by Mark Smiley
Cirque In Glendale: Henrik Veres (right) and Eddie John Browne visited Glendale’s Infinity Park to promote the upcoming Cirque du Solei show, ECHO. They had fun with a rugby ball on the field and enjoyed learning more about the Village during their visit.
Cirque du Soleil returns to Denver with its latest show, ECHO, a story of connection, intention, and the symbiotic unions between humans and the animal kingdom. The show will be under the big top in the parking lot of Ball Arena from July 12 to August 17, 2025.
Fueled by the power of change, the hope of the youth, and the value of empathy, ECHO follows an inquisitive young woman named FUTURE as she wanders into a fantasy world that explores our sacred bond with animals and nature. When FUTURE and her best friend, the DOG, encounter a mysterious CUBE, they quickly learn how their actions have the power to shape this world, and if we come together, we can rebuild our planet to create the world we all want to live in.
Henrik Veres is a 6th generation circus performer from Hungary. He is performing the role of EWAI the aforementioned Dog in the show and has been with Cirque for seven years. This role is different for Veres as much of the show, he wears a mask. “Throughout this whole show having, my face covered with the mask, I really had to learn different ways of communicating, with the audience and communicating my emotions,” said Veres. “When I pull the mask off and reveal my face is when I feel like I can really just go full out and do what I’m the best at, my juggling number.”
Veres started juggling at the age of 12, and performed his very first show at age 14. He was been
honing his craft and working in circus arts ever since, performing previously with Cirque du Soleil’s CRYSTAL and Cirque du Soleil at Sea. Over the past 15 years, he has performed in over 5,000 shows across the world. A seasoned circus performer, Veres joined ECHO a few months ago, as a juggling act and one of two artists, a principal role on the show.
Eddie John Browne’s path to the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil bega
n in Sierra Leone, where he grew up and discovered a passion for movement and performance. Eddie was honing his flexibility and control from a young age.
Specializing in dislocation and contortion, Browne masters the art of bending and twisting the human body in extraordinary ways. These disciplines require not only physical prowess but also immense dedication and resilience.
Cirque du Soleil’s 20th Big Top show brings bold new visuals and a unique aesthetic on tour. Packed with vibrant characters, inspiring music, astounding lights and projections, and never-before-seen acrobatic feats, ECHO invites audiences on a journey through a universe of color, wonder, and infinite possibilities.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/echo.
by Editorial Board | Jun 20, 2025 | Editorials
by Erik Clarke
Denver voters approved the $937 million Elevate Denver Bond Program in 2017 to fund nearly 500 civic infrastructure projects across our city. Nearly a decade later, while many worthwhile improvements have been made, far too many projects remain unfinished, delayed, or over-budget. Now, city leaders are preparing to ask voters to approve another general obligation bond- the proposed “Vibrant Denver” bond package, which could target $800 million in new spending.
Before we issue another nearly-billion dollars in taxpayer-backed debt, Denver residents deserve accountability for how the last billion was spent.
Despite the size and complexity of the Elevate Denver bond program, and a smaller follow-up package, the Auditor’s Office has never conducted a dedicated performance audit of the program. That must change — immediately. We need an independent audit to assess which projects have been completed on time and on budget, which have fallen behind, and whether taxpayer dollars were spent effectively and efficiently. Denver residents deserve full transparency before we make another bond decision.
I am also deeply concerned by the possibility that this new Vibrant Denver bond might be used, either quietly or indirectly, to complete unfinished prior bond projects. If that is the case, the public has a right to know. No Vibrant Denver bond dollars should be used to backfill Elevate or Rise bond cost overruns unless it is explicitly stated, clearly labeled, and fully explained to voters prior to the bond being placed on the ballot. The City should also expand the existing bond dashboard to include a budget-to-actuals for each project, with supporting material, and an estimate of cost to complete.
As of June 2025, 13 projects are still being developed, but 105 projects have not even broken ground. Examples of projects that are not even in production, include transportation projects (62), parks improvements (34), and improvements to city-owned facilities. The unstarted projects even include public safety renovations, like improvements to police district 6 and fire station 40. There are roughly $171 million worth of projects in the in-design phase. This is a significant chunk this late in the game.
Bonds are essential tools for building city infrastructure. I’m far from being anti-bond. But bond projects require strong oversight and transparency. With global economic concerns, questions about public budgets, concerns about construction oversight, and more, the public needs to be able to trust that their taxpayer dollars are being safeguarded.
If Denver voters approve the Vibrant Denver bond, we need more, earlier oversight of these construction projects. That means that targeted project-based audits in the first few years of the bond cycle should be prioritized. If there are delays or cost-overruns early in the bond cycle, then folks should be aware of it. Oversight shouldn’t be an afterthought that comes near the end, once taxpayer dollars are already spent. Construction oversight should be a part of the foundation of good management.
If we want to make Denver a well-run, opportunity city, then we need to invest in Denver’s future. We also need to be sure that our investment is getting results. We need to do our due diligence prior to making voting decisions. The time is now for greater transparency and accountability. You, as taxpayers, deserve it.
Erik Clarke is an Executive Controller in the private sector and was in leadership roles at major accounting firms, specializing in internal audit and financial advisory. He has managed performance, construction, cybersecurity, and financial audits at nearly two dozen organizations.
