by Mark Smiley | Apr 18, 2025 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Body Maintenance: The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra stands out for its dual-head versatility, safety features, and waterproof design.
A close shave can seem like a small grooming detail, but it actually holds more importance than people often realize — both practically and symbolically. A close shave gives a smoother, more polished look. It’s especially valued in professional settings or events where grooming reflects personal discipline.
When done correctly, a close shave removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores. This can help reduce acne and give skin a fresher, healthier glow. A clean shave can prevent itchiness and discomfort that often comes with stubble or uneven growth.
Many electric razors on the market leave a lot to be desired. They don’t get close enough and leave the dreaded razor burn. This Father’s Day, consider the Manscaped Chairman Pro Electric Foil Shaver for that special dad in your life.
Close Shave: The Manscaped Chairman Pro Electric Foil Shaver is a premium grooming tool designed for men seeking a close, comfortable shave.
The Manscaped Chairman Pro Electric Foil Shaver is a premium grooming tool designed for men seeking a close, comfortable shave with advanced features and flexibility. One of the key features includes dual Interchangeable blade heads. It includes a four-blade foil shaver for a smooth, skin-close shave and a SkinSafe stubble trimmer for maintaining a well-defined scruff.
The Chairman Pro Electric Foil Shaver also features FlexAdjust technology. The pivoting head adapts to facial contours, reducing friction and minimizing skin irritation for a more comfortable shave.
It is also waterproof where the design allows for both wet and dry shaving, accommodating various grooming preferences. The USB-C charging features a 60-minute runtime with quick recharge capability, offering convenience for users on the go.
If you want to surprise your father, add the Manscaped Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra to the gift. The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra by Manscaped is a premium grooming tool designed for precise and comfortable trimming of groin and body hair. It features two interchangeable SkinSafe blade heads: a trimmer blade for general hair reduction and a foil blade for a close, smooth shave. This dual-head system allows for versatile grooming options.
The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra stands out for its dual-head versatility, safety features, and waterproof design. It excels in providing a smooth shave, and overall, it’s a strong contender in the grooming market, especially for users seeking a comprehensive shaving solution.
For more information, visit www.manscaped.com. At time pf press, the Manscaped Chairman Pro Electric Foil Shaver retails for $149.99 and The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra runs $99.99.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 18, 2025 | General Featured
by Mark Smiley
Sleek Design: The Tenways CGO600 Pro has a sleek design, making it hard to distinguish from a traditional bicycle.
This publication has reviewed electric bikes over the last couple of years. In their own right, they have all had features that we have found to be beneficial and ones that Denverites would be proud to have in their fleet.
Electric bikes (or e-bikes) are bicycles equipped with an electric motor to assist with pedaling. They’ve gotten super popular lately for commuting, fitness, or just fun riding. They offer a ton of convenience, making them a super practical option for commuting, errands, and even just fun rides.
The Tenways CGO600 Pro is the next ebike to consider purchasing if in the market. It is a lightweight, stylish, and low-maintenance electric bike designed for urban commuting, perfect for the streets of Denver. Weighing just 37 pounds, it offers a sleek aluminum frame with integrated cabling and a removable 360Wh LG battery, providing up to 53 miles of range on a single charge. This portable battery is a nice feature when parking and locking up the bike during errands or a trip to the local coffee shop.
It is a pedal assist style ebike which means you pedal and the motor helps. Speaking of the motor, this model is equipped with a 350W Mivice M070 rear hub motor delivering 40 Nm of torque, paired with a magnetic torque sensor for smooth and responsive pedal assistance.
The braking system features TEKTRO hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors, ensuring reliable stopping power in various cond
Lightweight Option: The Tenways CGO600 Pro is a compelling option for Denver riders seeking a sleek, efficient, and low-maintenance e-bike.
itions. In our tests, this held true as the brakes are some of the best we have tested.
The Tenways CGO600 Pro comes with a minimalist OLED display and integrates with the Tenways app for ride tracking and settings adjustments. In addition to being lightweight which many electric bikes cannot claim, it boasts clean lines and integrated components give it a modern aesthetic, making it hard to distinguish from a traditional bicycle.
The Tenways CGO600 Pro is a compelling option for Denver riders seeking a sleek, efficient, and low-maintenance e-bike. Its combination of lightweight design, responsive motor assistance, and clean aesthetics make it well-suited for daily commuting.
For information or to purchase, visit www.us.tenways.com. At time of press, this bike retails for $1,499.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 18, 2025 | Editorials
by Mark Smiley
Barbecue season is upon us and this publication will be spending the latter part of spring and summer exploring different products to elevate your cooking experience at home. With warmer temps comes the return to grilling, one of America’s most beloved pastimes. Given all the options available today — from equipment, fuel, and methods to what you can grill (answer: pretty much everything) — your choices may seem overwhelming.
Whether you’re new to grilling or looking to upgrade this year, you’ll want to know about options that grillmasters use that make sense for a backyard experience. Pellet grills have the reputation of being easy to use, but some do not match up with real charcoal flavor, depth of smoke, or searing power of a charcoal grill. And with today’s technology, charcoal grilling is just as easy as working with pellets.
All of this may seem daunting to backyard enthusiasts or even seasoned chefs. “Most things seem complicated or intimidating until you try them,” said Rasheed Philips, Philips Barbeque Co. “It’s like riding a bike; once you do it you never forget it, and it’s never as scary after the first time.”
To help sort out these options, the two pellet grills that can go toe to toe with the charcoal experience come from Z Grills and Yoder Smokers. Stay tuned for an introduction and in-depth review of the Yoder 640s in June. This edition will cover the 700D4E WiFi Pellet Grill & Smoker from Z Grills. But first, we take on the Saffire Platinum Large Kamado Grill, which is a direct competitor with Big Green Egg.
Saffire Platinum Large Kamado Grill
Beautiful Design & Construction: The Saffire Platinum Large Kamado Grill is one of the best kamado grills on the market.
Saffire Grills are premium kamado-style ceramic grills known for their durability, innovative features, and exceptional cooking performance. Manufactured by the family-owned Saffire Grill Co. in Rockford, Illinois, which was started in 2008 by people with a combined 40 years of experience in the BBQ industry.
The claim to fame on this well built and manufactured grill is the crucible firebox, a patented, reinforced firebox designed to eliminate breakage common in traditional ceramic fireboxes. It is a significant upgrade for kamado grill enthusiasts, offering enhanced durability, heat resistance, and ease of maintenance.
This firebox is constructed with firebricks rated up to 2,700° F, 1,000° F higher than traditional ceramic fireboxes, which allows for superior heat retention and cooking performance. In our tests, the performance was outstanding and each cook came off the grill perfectly.
This grill also features a smokin’ chip feeder, a unique front-access port that allows users to add wood chips without opening th
Inside The Saffire Grill: The multi-level cooking system lets you cook in two temperature zones at once.
e lid, maintaining stable temperatures during smoking.
The Saffire Platinum Large Kamado Grill and all other grills manufactured by Saffire feature high-grade stainless-steel components, including vents, hinges, and cooking grates, ensuring resistance to rust and corrosion.
Another feature that BBQ enthusiasts will enjoy is the multi-level cooking system. This offers versatile cooking options with adjustable cooking surfaces. The multi-level cooking system lets you cook in two temperature zones at once. You can lower one side for a quick searing and keep the other side up for more thorough cooking. With the ceramic heat deflector added to the mix, you can transfer more heat to one side for an intense, radiant, searing heat, while letting the heat slowly work into the food on the other. This grill features a 19-inch cooking diameter with a total possible cooking area of 746 square inches, suitable for serving eight or more people.
In perusing reviews online, customers appreciate features like the wood chip feeder and the grill’s ability to maintain consistent temperatures for extended periods, making it ideal for smoking. Some users have noted that while the grills are generally more expensive, the quality justifies the price.
At the time of press, the Saffire Platinum Large Kamado Grill retails for $1,649. Visit www.saffiregrills.com to learn more or to purchase.
Z Grills
Pellet Smoker: The Z Grills 700D4E WiFi Pellet Grill & Smoker features 697 square inches of cooking space and a 28-pound pellet hopper.
The Kamado grills use charcoal as their fuel, while pellet grills, as mentioned earlier, are a bit easier to manage on cooks. Z Grills is a U.S.-based brand renowned for its high-quality wood pellet grills and smokers, offering a versatile 8-in-1 cooking experience that includes grilling, smoking, roasting, baking, searing, braising, barbecuing, and char-grilling. With over 30 years of manufacturing expertise, Z Grills combines durable construction with user-friendly features like PID temperature control and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Z Grills built pellet grills for other brands including Traeger, who they worked with for seven years. In 2016, they decided to develop their own brand and first brought Z Grills to the U.S. market via a crowdfunding campaign, so they knew there was demand and the launch was a huge success, causing quite a stir in the pellet grill market.
The 700D4E WiFi Pellet Grill & Smoker features WiFi connectivity, PID temperature control (for precise temperature management), and ample cooking space, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned grillers. This grill has a total of 697 square inches of cooking space, divided between a 504 sq inch main rack and a 193 sq inch upper rack.
The pellet hopper is also unique as it is equipped with a 28-pound hopper, allowing for extended cooking sessions without frequent refills. This grill is built to last as well. It is constructed with stainless steel and rolled steel, coupled with double-wall insulation for improved heat retention.
The Z Grills 700D4E WiFi Pellet Grill & Smoker stands out as a feature-rich option for both novice and experienced grillers. Its combination of ample cooking space, precise temperature control, and modern conveniences like WiFi connectivity make it a compelling choice. While there are minor drawbacks, such as limited searing capabilities and occasional quality control issues, the overall value and performance it offers are noteworthy. The features this grill has are more expensive in competitor brands so the value is there if you are in the market for a pellet grill.
Z Grills currently has a Crowdfunding promotion going. The special offer is where you can purchase a grill for $777 and receive 10 free replacements over the next 50 years (shipping fees apply). For more, visit www.zgrills.com/pages/reward-crowdfunding.
Schmidt Bros
Zebra Wood BBQ 6 Piece Knife Set
Chef Knife Set: Schmidt Bros Zebra Wood BBQ 6 Piece Knife Set is perfect for grillmasters and chefs on the go with premium, German stainless-steel blades.
Now that you have decided on the grill you would like to purchase, there are a couple of items to consider having in your kitchen. Whether you’re a professional cook or an enthusiastic home chef, a good knife is a must. Luckily, there are thousands of options available from brands that we all know and love, like Shun, Wusthof, or Zwilling. The knife collection to consider adding to your outdoor kitchen comes from Schmidt Brothers.
The Zebra Wood BBQ 6 Piece Knife set is perfect for grillmasters and chefs on the go. Their premium, German stainless-steel blades are dual-sharpened to maintain their razor-sharp edge while the fully forged, full-tang, Zebra Wood handles will give you strength and flexibility as you slice through your juicy roast.
This set contains: 11” Brisket (Slicing) Knife, 10” Butcher Knife, 8” Chef’s BBQ Knife, 6” Boning Knife, 6” Carving Fork, and a Knife Carrying Roll. Each knife comes with a protective sheath.
“These knives are made of the finest steel and wood I have ever found in a set of knives,” said G. Braswell, a verified purchaser. “Absolutely beautiful and well balanced. My recommendation would be, if you cook inside or outside on a smoker or grill, you need these knives.”
Visit www.schmidtbrothers.com/products /zebra-wood-bbq-6-pc-set for more information or to purchase. At time of press, this set retailed for $149.99.
Asaya Chef/BBQ/Work Apron
Family Owned: The Asaya Chef/BBQ/Work Apron is a must have for any chef or BBQ enthusiast.
Last but certainly not least, every chef or BBQ enthusiast needs a good apron. The Asaya Chef/BBQ/Work Apron is one to consider as it is made with high quality materials and are battle tested in real world kitchens. They are hand crafted with 10 oz. cotton canvas, brass hardware, and leather.
“First and foremost, I’d like to say that I thoroughly enjoy these aprons and I use them every day for work at the most maximum potential that they offer (I’ve bought two so far), said a chef who purchased through Amazon. “Virtually everything that I need for a full functioning day of service I am able to store in my apron. The multiple pockets allow me to hold everything that I need.”
The company was founded by Chris Classic (raised in Silverthorne, Colorado) in 2017. It is a small, family company that strives to bring top quality products to your everyday home cook as well as professional and amateur chefs and culinary students across the globe.
The Asaya Chef/BBQ/Work Apron is a versatile and durable apron designed for cooking, grilling, and workshop tasks. The apron features a cross-back strap design to alleviate neck and shoulder strain during extended use. The apron includes three large front pockets, a cell phone pocket, a pen holder, a custom Asaya bottle opener, and a hand towel.
Available in various colors such as black, olive green, and purple, the apron is priced at $35.99 on the official Asaya store.
Visit www.asaya.store/products/chef-bbq- work-apron for more information or to purchase.
by Mark Smiley | Mar 28, 2025 | Editorials
by Mark Smiley
Boots are no longer just for cowboys and cowgirls. They are a shoe that every person should have at least one pair of in their closet. If you had to have one affordable pair in your arsenal, consider the Booker Chelsea Round Toe Western Boot made by Ariat. This boot retails for approximately $149.95 at time of press.
Ariat is a popular brand known for making high-quality footwear, apparel, and accessories, particularly designed for outdoor activities like horseback riding, work, and general outdoor sports. The Booker boot which features a round toe and 1.5” heel is also ideal for dressing up a pair of jeans or even slacks for men.
This boot which has been worn for a couple of months, is durable, comfortable, and a dressy option. The Ariat Booker Chelsea Round Toe Western Boot combines elements of Western style with the convenience of a Chelsea boot.
The Booker is designed with a round toe, making it a versatile option for both work and casual wear. Its Chelsea boot design features elastic side panels, allowing for easy on and off without laces or zippers.
This boot is made from premium leather and provides durability and a sleek appearance. The leather construction also allows it to mold to your foot over time, enhancing comfort. The ankle height is perfect for wearing under jeans.
This boot incorporates Ariat’s signature ATS technology for all-day comfort and support. The technology includes a gel-cushioned footbed, a moisture-wicking lining, and a lightweight composite shank for stability and support.
The outsole is made of rubber, which offers traction and durability, making it suitable for a variety of environments, from ranch work to everyday wear. The boot blends the practical design of a Chelsea boot with Western-style elements, such as a sleek silhouette and sometimes subtle stitching or decorative details, making it perfect for both modern and traditional Western aesthetics.
“I almost sent these back before I had even tried them on,” said Robert Fichera, Amazon customer. “I am so glad that I didn’t; they are like wearing my house slippers. I love the fact that the sides have the stretchy material where your ankles are so much more comfortable.” There are many 4 and 5 star reviews across the board with most reviewers complimenting the comfort and durability.
If you are in the market for a stylish and comfortable boot that won’t break the bank, consider the Ariat Booker Chelsea Round Toe Western Boot.
For more information, visit www.ariat.com. You can find a nice selection of Ariat boots at the Boot Barn located at 8500 East Orchard Road in Englewood or 12 other Colorado locations.
by Jessica Hughes | Mar 28, 2025 | General Featured
by Jessica Hughes
A packed house of players at the Denver Metro Bridge Studio.
Weekly bridge games are played at the Denver Metro Bridge Studio.
The tight-knit community of bridge players at the Denver Metro Bridge Studio in the greater Glendale area (Leetsdale Drive and Forest Street) works to rebuild five years after the COVID pandemic while preserving a game that offers far more than just entertainment.
Five years after a bridge tournament in Colorado Springs, turned into a COVID superspreader claiming the lives of six players, the Denver bridge community is still working to recover its momentum. “It became difficult after COVID. Bridge clubs closed and were going away,” explains Kathy McMahon, a dedicated member and player at the Denver Metro Bridge Studio. Like many social institutions, bridge clubs faced an existential threat during the pandemic.
For the game to survive, it had to pivot quickly. “We had to play online,” McMahon recounts. The American Contract Bridge League (ACBL), which governs competitive bridge in North America, developed online platforms where players could continue earning masterpoints — the currency of achievement in bridge competitions.
Despite these efforts, the pandemic created significant gaps in the community. The club lost many instructors and an entire generation of potential new players. “We missed the opportunity to train new people during COVID.
With the average age of bridge players in their late 60s or older, recruiting new enthusiasts has become vital for the game’s future. While the game is played by people of all ages, the benefits for seniors are particularly compelling: mental exercise, social con-
nection, and continuous learning. Bridge demands strategy, memory, and problem-solving skills — a true mental workout that research suggests may help delay cognitive decline. The game also provides crucial social connections, particularly important for seniors vulnerable to isolation.
“For seniors, playing bridge keeps them social and happy. It keeps brains healthy and keeps your brain going,” McMahon explains. These benefits extend beyond the individual to create vibrant communities centered around the game.
The Denver Metro Bridge Studio serves multiple roles — it’s both a competitive venue and a teaching center. The club offers lessons for beginners, mentorship programs, and games for various skill levels throughout the week. “We want bridge clubs to continue to be the social networks that they are,” says McMahon. “Playing in person brings this
Denver Metro Bridge Studio Club Owner, Elly Larson.
social aspect, which is so important.”
A typical sanctioned game at the club takes about three hours, with players rotating to play the same hands against different opponents. While competitive games allow players to earn points toward rankings like Life Master (requiring 500 master points) or the prestigious Grand Life Master (requiring 10,000 master points), the club also hosts more casual social games for those who aren’t concerned with earning points.
The community is diverse in age and gender, with its oldest member turning 100 this year. McMahon herself didn’t begin playing until near retirement, proving it’s never too late to start. She now plays approximately three times per week with various partners.
“We are in the post-pandemic r
Denver Metro Bridge Studio meets at 5250 Leetsdale Dr. in Denver.
ebound, so there’s been much more of a need to advertise these clubs,” McMahon notes. The Denver Metro Bridge Studio has invested in outreach efforts aimed at attracting both seniors and younger players.
For newcomers interested in learning, the club offers beginner classes and assistance with finding partners. They provide food and drinks during games and maintain a welcoming atmosphere for players of all levels — though McMahon says that depending on when you play, beginners might find themselves facing off against the club’s “sharks,” their most accomplished players.
As online bridge helped save the game during pandemic lockdowns, the Denver Metro Bridge Studio is working to preserve what makes in-person play special: the bonds formed across the card table, the shared excitement of a well-played hand, and the community that grows around a common passion.
For those looking to exercise their minds, expand their social circles, or simply find a fulfilling hobby, visit www.bridgewebs.com/denvermetro.
Photos provided by Kathy McMahon
by Mark Smiley | Mar 28, 2025 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Cirque du Soleil’s CRYSTAL — a one-of-a-kind production that brings the circus arts to the ice for the very first time, returns to two Colorado markets in 2025: Loveland, April 18-20, 2025, at Blue Arena, and Colorado Springs, April 24-27, 2025, at Broadmoor World Arena. With 11 circus acts all adapted for Cirque du Soleil’s first foray into a brand-new creative territory — the ice —CRYSTAL takes audiences on an unforgettable journey into the vivid and whimsical world of imagination.
Since 2017, CRYSTAL has performed in front of more than 2 million people in over 145 cities worldwide, blending the art of skating with adrenaline-inducing acrobatics and aerial feats. CRYSTAL pushes the boundaries of possibility within the circus arts. The show highlights Cirque du Soleil’s creativity in a new way and encourages audiences to find the magic of the everyday. Every time you watch, there’s something new to see and experience.
Tickets for CRYSTAL are now available exclusively to Cirque Club members. Cirque Club membership is free and includes access to advance tickets and special offers. To join, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.cirquedusoleil.com/crystal.
CRYSTAL – Performance Schedule:
Loveland, CO – BLUE ARENA
- Friday, April 18 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 19 at 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
- Sunday, April 20 at 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Colorado Springs, CO –
BROADMOOR WORLD ARENA
- Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m.
- Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 26 at 3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, April 27 at 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO — the first original Cirque du Soleil Big Top show after the pandemic — will also make its way through Denver in 2025 with 46 performances under the tent in Ball Arena’s 4Runner West Parking Lot July 12-August 17, 2025. Tickets for ECHO are also now available exclusively to Cirque Club members and general tickets can be purchased at www.cirquedusoleil.com/echo.
Photos by Matt Baker & Olivier Brajon
