by Valley Gadfly | Mar 27, 2015 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
Spring flowers come along and cheer us up at a time when we most need it — after surviving this year’s wintry weather. Speaking for myself, it isn’t going too far to say flowers help me convalesce as I recuperate from this year’s blustery barrage. Many people are just beginning to catch spring fever as this month gets underway.
Others, like myself, “think spring” much earlier than that despite the cold, snow and ice. Officially, of course, the first day of spring or vernal equinox was March 20.
Here are our sun-drenched choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to create color, warmth, renewal and re-growth to add a little “spring” in your step:
3 Robins are busy making nests. The days are getting warmer and the Denver Auto Show at the Convention Center April 8-12 is a sure sign it’s spring and time to rev new-fangled engines. Information: 303-228-8000.
3 View the ’67 Family Dog rock posters in the Byers-Evans Gallery to imagine artistry of the past through May 10. Information: 303-620-4933.
3 Spring is the time when everything feels fresh and new. Sully & Co. can help men spring into the season with casual, comfortable and classy clothes sure to make you feel like a new you. Information: 720-398-8064.
3 Music is a beautiful spring rite, especially when Natasha Peremski plays Brahms at Boettcher on April 10, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
3 For a fun spring fling attend the Families First fundraising dinner-dance at DTC’s DoubleTree Hotel April 18, 5:30 p.m. Information: 303-745-0327.
3 Taste, savor, experience spring by enjoying lunch or dinner at the recently spruced up Ambli’s Gourmet Eatery & Wine. Information: 303-355-9463.
3 Brighten up your spirits by taking in the film screening of Arise at the Denver Botanic Gardens April 22, 6:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-3580.
3 Proclaim spring’s arrival by participating in Doors Open Denver as event showcases the city inside and out April 25-26. Information: 303-446-2266.
3 Take a spring stroll to help homeless pets by attending the 22nd annual Dumb Friends League Furry Scurry in Washington Park May 2, beginning at 9 a.m. Participants will enjoy refreshments, contests and demonstrations plus appetizing treats from local food trucks. Funds raised during this event allow the League to provide care for sick or injured animals and much more. Information: 303-751-5772, ext. 1378.
Yes, we know April can be a transition time with unstable weather producing storms or snow. Still, spurts of sunshine have given us spring fever. If pussy willow shrubs were people, they’d fall into the spring fever camp with us. They display their fuzzy catkins while winter is still entrenched, one of the first plants to herald spring.
Often thought of as wild shrubs, you can grow pussy willows in landscapes. Along with early spring flowers they lighten our spirits after a long dreary winter.
Early blooming flowers are the surest sign of spring. The Valley’s many days of sunshine produce some of the top flowers in the nation. The intensity of our light creates flowers with extra brilliance. Cultivating flowerbeds is the secret to growing blushing beauties just as sweet April showers do spring May flowers.
— Glen Richardson
by Mark Smiley | Mar 27, 2015 | Feature Story Bottom Left
Confessions Of A Serial Dater
Sheik Of Cherry Creek Greg Hollenback
I don’t know about you but one of my biggest fears in life is being in a committed relationship with someone only to end up as a couple of strangers on the same couch, together, forever. For those of you wondering what I’m talking about let me explain… Strangers on the same couch are couples who no longer have any desire to talk with each other or share intimate thoughts with their partner. Couples never start out as strangers on the same couch but if you’re not very careful you may wind up sharing your most valuable down time in a personal prison with a mysterious cell mate. No thank you.
First I am going to share with you signs that you may be in a “strangers on the same couch” situation, or you’re heading in that direction fast.
- Most of your conversations with your partner are very short and blasé. You know, “How was your day?” “What’s for dinner?” “Is there anything good on the tube tonight?” You get the picture. Making small talk is a lot easier and safer than actually talking about something important in your life.
- You find yourself closer to a cubicle mate or a co-worker than you do your partner. The day that it dawns on you that you express yourself without hesitation with strangers or acquaintances but you bite your lip at home because you don’t want to start a fight or be judged you might just be with a stranger on the same couch.
- Let’s face it, sitting next to someone on a couch in silence for hours gives you a lot of time to think and plan. When you’re thinking of things you want to do or things you want to experience are you wanting to include that lump sitting next to you? If not, you are definitely a stranger on the same couch.
- Do you find yourself trying to avoid the metaphoric couch altogether? This is an advanced stage of the Stranger on the Same Couch Syndrome. When you’re at this stage something has to give and you’re either going to shut down everything that is you and give into the couch, or you’re going to freak out one day and jump out the window in order to escape.
- Are you constantly on your computer or laptop “working” so you have some kind of contact with people other than your couch stranger?
Some of you reading this can really identify with what I am talking about because you are living it now or you have lived like this before. Others of you may not be quite there yet but you find yourself slip sliding in that direction. The obvious solution for me would be to blow things up and push the reset button and see where the chips fall. I’m a keep it real guy at all costs because I know the price to pay is more than I’m willing to give. I have to be me, and you have to be you, anything short of that is fake and I can’t do fake. Some people can do fake though and those people scare the heck out of me. You know who I’m talking about… These people tell you what you want to hear, they give you false reality, they tell you what you “need to know” about themselves, they have more buried in them than King Tut’s tomb. They would rather lie when the truth would do.
If you’re anything like me you’re searching for true love and you want to share yourself with someone completely. In order for me to gift to someone the purest essence that makes up me and my heart I have to know that I am being afforded that same gift in return. Well, that and she has to be hot and witty. Probably too much to ask seeing as though I haven’t found all the puzzle pieces but I’ve been close a couple of times, real close.
All I can tell you speaking from a ton of dating and relationship experience is that if you don’t want to end up being a stranger on the same couch with someone is to set personal standards with whomever you’re dating when you feel you want to start taking things more serious with each other. Foresight, prevention and communication will be your strongest allies in your plight for a fun, productive, honest, enjoyable relationship. Just like I mentioned earlier, couples never start out as strangers on the same couch, it’s something that happens over time and it is up to you to make sure it doesn’t happen and you need to be aware when you see it happening and be prepared to address it.
When you are in the fun, open, no-expectations phase of your dating, point out certain situations or intimate times you are having so you have a reference point or a marker, if you will, of a time when you were able to be real and have fun together. Fight for the best in your personal life and who you choose to share it with. You deserve it!
Lastly, the Modern Dater Date Club is about to be launched! A couple of things, it looks like we have a great group of daters who contacted me but there is a problem. I never in a million years thought I would find myself saying these words but here goes… There are not enough guys! Blah, I feel weird but it’s true. Most of the people who have contacted me (like 80 percent) are women, tons of women. What’s up with that guys? Or are all of my readers ladies? Either way here’s your chance guys, email me at themoderndater@gmail.com (yes ladies, you can too) and get ready for some “Circle Cooking” with some of Denver’s finest single ladies.
Hope you’re enjoying spring, Sheik!
by Mark Smiley | Mar 27, 2015 | Feature Story Middle Left
Colorado Athletic Club Fitness Tips
by Amy Boone Thompson
BSED – Certified Health Coach, ACE
National Director of Personal Training Wellbridge
We all know we need to exercise more and eat healthier. The benefits are irreplaceable and the consequences of not doing so are irrefutable. Despite good intentions, many people simply feel overwhelmed with taking the first step. What every great Personal Trainer will tell you is that committing to a healthier lifestyle is a lot easier than you may think.
First, consider the reasons you want to make this positive change in your life. Do it for yourself, not others, and do it with a true intention of being healthier; not simply looking better but also feeling better and living longer. How will your life change once you have accomplished this goal of including daily exercise and good eating habits? How will you feel?
Consider the obstacles that could get in the way of achieving this transformation. Now begin eliminating and/or removing them in order to pave a successful path. For example, if your day gets filled with appointments and miscellaneous activities, you need to schedule your workout before your day officially starts.
When you have completed both of the above, turn your attention to small and lasting changes. One change per week is a strategy that has worked with our clients. You can build upon this success by adding on just one healthier habit per week. An example, this week try sleeping more. Get at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep. Next week, continue the sleep habit and try drinking more water.
The reason many people fail to achieve their goals is because they try to accomplish too much at once. These are easy ways to generate positive results that you can incorporate with little discomfort and begin creating a lifelong habit. When you are ready to join an athletic club or locate a Certified Personal Trainer, look for the most reputable in your community. Until then, start simple and start small, but start something. One positive habit will lead to another and another.
by Mark Smiley | Feb 27, 2015 | Editorials
February 6, 2015
Dear Friends,
First they took our park, now they want to buy a council seat.
I joined the Friends of Denver Parks with an undying belief that no matter whom the foe that we as “citizens” — the most important title an American can hold — gives us the right to stand up against the rich and powerful. During my entire 12 years as mayor, I always looked for ways to maintain and acquire new park space. The parks we have are a contract we take out between us and the citizenry, and the legacy we leave for future generations.
I joined your effort publicly and financially because it is my belief that what happens in one part of the city will then be repeated in another part of the city. My message is a resounding: “Leave our park land alone.” Do your business deals on non-parkland. If they get away with this, the rich and powerful will try to take other parks and buy our council seats.
I believe this is already happening in Council District 4. The reason I so strongly support candidate Halisi Vinson for the Council District 4 seat is that the group who took the park are now supporting one of her opponents, a nice woman whose main interests really has been school issues.
What residents of District 4 need to be aware of is that Halisi’s opponent is taking thousands of dollars for her campaign from the people who took the park. They even rejected your signatures calling for a public vote on taking the park land, which has been officially called a park since 1955.
First they take your park, now they think they can buy your council seat.
Halisi Vinson supports District 4 residents and the city’s parks. I urge you and your friends to support Vinson because she is the candidate whose only interest is District 4.
I am engaged is this race because I don’t like any business deal that takes our parks. I will never forget in 1991 you stood up against big money to support a man in tennis shoes for your mayor.
Let’s do it again, and donate today. Remember they first took our park now they want to buy a council seat.
To learn more about Halisi and how you can help her campaign visit: http://halisivinson.com/
Or contact her at: halisi@halisivinson.com
303-550-1247 (cell)
Donate Today
Wellington E. Webb
