by Mark Smiley | Apr 21, 2022 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Collaboration Fest: The Fillmore Auditorium was the venue for the 7th Collaboration Fest on April 2, 2022.
After a two-year hiatus, Collaboration Fest returned on April 2, 2022, at the Fillmore Auditorium. Ticket holders who purchased tickets to the 2020 fest that was cancelled due to the pandemic enjoyed over 150 beers. Guild members teamed up with fellow local and national brewers to create unique and interesting beers that were brewed specifically for this event.
Dubbed as one of the most unique and creative beer festivals in the world, Collaboration Fest is an annual beer festival hosted by the Colorado Brewers Guild. The Colorado Brewers Guild is a non-profit trade association representing Colorado craft breweries and brewpubs founded in 1995. CBG sponsors various beer events each year, such as the Colorado Pint Day, Colorado Brewers Rendezvous, Colorado Strong, and the Collaboration Fest. All of these are designed to increase awareness and appreciation of Colorado brewed beer.
“The sheer number of collaboration beers tapped in one single day is phenomenal,” said Shawnee Adelson, CBG executive director before the festival. “Beer lovers will get to sample everything from tried-and-true styles to some off-the-wall creations. There will be something for everyone at Collaboration Fest.”
Mockery Brewing and Baere Brewing Company collaborated for the seventh time spanning the entire life of the festival. Their first collaboration was Mocking Baered Episode I: Lost On Lacto Island. It started as a joke but then became a story they have told over the course of seven years collaborating together.
“This year, it is an Imperial Red [MockingBaered Episode 7: Some like it Hot!] with a lot of spicy and hot peppers, carrots, ginger, and smoked pineapple,” said Zach Rabun, owner of Mockery Brewing. “We are dipping back into some old recipes for this one. Chile beers are already a pretty polarizing category so we definitely want people to know that they’re going to have a chile beer,” said Ryan Skeels, owner of Baere Brewing Company. “This year we decided to incorporate some elements from collaborations of years past and throw a scorching amount of heat into an otherwise malty, sweet, and fruity beer.”
Mockery & Baere: Back row, left to right: Zach Rabun, owner of Mockery Brewing; Ryan Skeels, owner of Baere Brewing Company; and Jason Woody, Head Brewer of Mockery Brewing. Front row, left to right: Mandie Hardison, Mockery Brewing; and Matt Schenck, Head Brewer of Baere Brewing Company.
Collaboration Fest is among the beer fests that attendees look forward to the most. Also, brewers enjoy this one and were excited to see it return. “I think it would be a universal, industry response that there would be nothing but good things said about it [Collaboration Fest],” said Rabun. “We all do a bunch of different festivals in different formats all throughout the year but collab fest stands out because of the format and while we see the same handful of people at all festivals, this one is unique because everyone is pouring something that was created purposely for this festival. So, it’s not their normal lineup of beers you see at every other festival. You can see the different identities of each brewery and it’s cool to see what they can come up with.”
“Mockery is known for putting unique ingredients in their beers in a thoughtful way and now this is the one time a year that everyone decides they should do that so it is pretty fun,” said Skeels.” “Collab beers tend to be more experimental.”
Other stand outs at the festival were Comrade Brewing Company and Cheluna Brewing Company who collaborated on Szech Juan IPA, an American IPA with Szechuan chiles/peppercorns and Tamarind pulp for a combination of sweet/ spicy/hoppy to hit all the bases. “It’s great to have the festival back after a 2-year hiatus,” said David Li, owner of Comrade Brewing. “It showcases the community and camaraderie the craft brewing industry has. The szechuan peppercorn tamarind IPA we brewed with Cheluna Brewing finally happened after we were talking about it in early 2020.”
Comrade Brewing also teamed up with Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company to brew an American Style Double IPA. They experimented with Thiol enhanced brewing techniques for this collab. Jake Lancaster (Glenwood Canyon), Mark Lanham and David Lin (Comrade) have known each other for some time, and each got the ball rolling on this project.
All collaboration beers can be found at each brewery while supplies last. Comrade Brewing is located at 7667 E. Iliff Ave. in Denver, Mockery Brewing is located at 3501 Delgany Street in Denver, and Baere Brew-ing Company is at 320 Broadway in Denver. For a complete list of beers, visit collaborationbeerfest.com. Follow the Colorado Brewers Guild on social media @coloradobrewers guild.
by Charles Bonniwell | Apr 21, 2022 | Editorials
Citizen Kane
When John L. Kane first donned the black robes of a federal court district court judge and climbed the steps of the judicial pulpit in 1977, most Colorado residents had not even been born. He was appointed by President Jimmy Carter who became known for idiosyncratic judicial picks. Eight years ago, this Editorial Board praised Judge Kane over him taking to task the Denver City Attorney’s Office over the torture case of Jamal Hunter in the city jail. He had been compared to film hero Sheriff Will Kane in the western High Noon. While Will Kane knew when to retire, apparently Judge John Kane does not. The octogenarian jurist is being compared more these days with another film protagonist, the megalomanic John Foster Kane in the film Citizen Kane.
Federal judges have, according to the U.S. Constitution, a lifetime tenure which some judges such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg took literally. It appears octogenarian Judge Kane appears to take a similar view to Justice Ginsburg for his position as a District of Colorado federal judge much to the detriment of the people Colorado. His judgement and acuity appear substantially diminished over the years and it’s getting worse. In the fall of last year, he issued an injunction stopping parents in Douglas County from exempting their children from wearing masks in public schools. The public officials and people of Douglas County had spent months fighting to free themselves from the dictatorial mandates of Tri-County Health and its somewhat crazed executive director Dr. John Douglas who singlehandedly destroyed the oldest and largest health department in the state with his mask mandates.
In September of last year, the duly elected Douglas County commissioners voted to finally be freed of Tri-County and set up its own Douglas County Health Department. The new health department issued a ruling allowing a parent or guardian to sign a written declaration exempting their children from school mask mandates.
Free at last, free at last! The children who have the least risk from COVID-19 were liberated from mask oppression at least with the consent of their parents. But while Douglas County was liberated from the malicious hands of Dr. Douglas they were unfortunately delivered into the hands of germaphobe Judge Kane. The School District with teacher union board members and nine students claimed the health department could not make health decisions for the county; that was up to an 84-year-old federal judge. He issued a highly quixotic ruling claiming under the Americans with Disabilities Act children must be masked. Once the governor declared the COVID-19 pandemic to be over it mooted the bizarre ruling but in theory Judge Kane could become his own health department.
What was pathetic about the ruling was Judge Kane’s apparent inability to even understand the federal courts’ own declarations about mask requirements. A statewide declaration had been issued saying those entering federal courtrooms in Colorado could, but were not required to wear masks, except in high COVID areas of the state. While Grand Junction was considered a high-risk, Denver was not. Directives posted on the courtroom doors of federal judges in Denver, other than Kane, correctly indicated that masks could be worn but were not required. On Kane’s courtroom door, it announced masks must be worn. A judge who cannot read and understand orders on masks probably should not be issuing mask mandates.
Kane’s most recent outrage, and there are many others, was his ruling on the effort of five Republican plaintiffs not to have their nominating process overwhelmed by unaffiliated voters who do not share their political beliefs. Kathryn Murdoch and various other Democrats has been pouring money into Colorado Republican primaries to elect ever more left leading Republicans.
“Rosebud”
In theory, in federal court the judge assigned to your case is random so that plaintiffs cannot forum shop. Whether federal judges can try to get certain cases assigned to them is less clear. The plaintiffs in the open primary challenge case were assigned to President George W. Bush appointee Chief Judge Philip A. Brimmer, considered a favorable draw. But then all of a sudden, Brimmer had a conflicting criminal trial and “abracadabra,” up pops Carter appointee Judge Kane who was generally considered the worst pick the plaintiffs could have gotten.
The Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold through the attorney general’s office filed a motion to dismiss for “lack of standing” of the plaintiffs because the Republican Party itself was not a party.
Normally a motion to dismiss for lack of standing is considered first as if granted everything else is moot. The plaintiffs had to know that Kane was itching to get them when he combined the motion to dismiss with the request for a temporary preliminary injunction on what appeared to be specious grounds. It was obvious that Judge Kane wanted to get his pound of flesh from plaintiffs’ attorney Dr. John Eastman, a bete noire to Democrats like Kane for advising Trump and speaking on January 6th at the Capitol.
Kane’s 32-page Memorandum and Order was every bit as biased as expected. On the dozens of issues, law, and fact, Kane found every one in favor of Jena Griswold and then some. It was so one-sided that a 710 KNUS radio personality leeringly read out parts of the opinion on his morning radio show (replacing Peter Boyles) various parts of opinions calling it a “b**** slap” to the plaintiffs and their counsel.
When a radio jock finds your legal opinion so biased as to be entertaining, it’s probably time to retire as a judge. Unfortunately, Judge John Kane appears to enjoy pushing Coloradans around so much they will get to carry him off the bench only after expiring and whispering “Rosebud.”
— Editorial Board
by Glendale Sports Center | Apr 21, 2022 | Glendale City News
by Amanda-Scates Preisinger, MPH
Senior Director of Health and Well-Being, YMCA of Metro Denver
Mental health is how we think, feel, and act. Throughout our lives, our mental health is influenced by the environments around us. When these environments are stressful, we try to cope — sometimes in ways that help and sometimes in ways that harm.
Over the past two years, we have all had to live in stressful environments with COVID-19 and social isolation. The impact on our youth has been particularly staggering with a recent CDC-published study indicating that more than 1 in 3 high school students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic. Now more than ever, we all need a safe and healthy environment that supports our mental health, an environment where the community spends time together, has fun and feels connected to one another.
We at the YMCA of Metro Denver are committed to providing that welcoming and transformative home away from home that we all need right now. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, your local Y is offering a number of workshops and experiences to promote mental health in our community. From mindful yoga and stress management to wellness seminars and fly fishing, there are opportunities for everyone to care for their spirit, mind, and body. Our team members are committed to supporting the mental health of every person we connect with.
While our role at the Y is centered around community care through supportive relationships, positive skill building, and empowerment, we also recognize that we all have different needs when it comes to mental health. By partnering with non-profit organizations and government agencies across the Denver Metro, we at the Y are working to ensure that we can connect anyone with the programming, resources, and support they need.
We know that mental health is a continuum, and our aim is that our programs and services help the community cope with stress, be productive, and contribute in a meaningful way to their families, workplaces, and communities. When adults are healthy, motivated, and socially connected, they contribute to stronger communities. When we support the mental health of youth, they have a greater ability to overcome obstacles, develop fulfilling relationships, adapt to change, and realize their potential.
When we promote the mental health and wellness of each other, that creates a safer and healthier community for us all.
To learn more about our mental health workshops, events and resources at the Y, please visit denverymca.org/mentalhealth.
by Regan Bervar | Mar 18, 2022 | General Featured
“Progressives want livable, walkable cities, but by allowing the continued operation of open-air drug scenes, they are making cities unlivable and unwalkable, as well as inhumane.”
by Luke Schmaltz
In his recently published 350+ page opus, author Michael Shellenberger tackles the daunting task of unwrapping a multi-layered crisis which has reached a critical state in California’s City by the Bay.
For those who may be unaware, San Francisco, CA, is a city in the grips of a social, political, and humanitarian nightmare. Decriminalization of illicit drugs and mass adoption of progressive “harm reduction” policies have backfired, plunging the city into an epidemic of addiction. One resident, business owner Adam Mesnick, is quoted as saying, “What’s happening is not even liberal. It’s not realistic. It’s fantasy land. This is a severe drug addiction crisis that needs greater intervention or everyone’s just going to die from fentanyl.”
San Franshitsco
Shellenberger describes how homelessness and rampant drug abuse are coupled with a statewide housing market that is grotesquely lopsided. This is apparent by the skyrocketing rental rates and property values which are pricing out many average citizens — even those with full-time jobs. The result is a populace with a large percentage of “unhoused” aka “homeless” people. In 2019, over 30,000 incidents of public defecation were reported in San Francisco, while California as a whole was found to account for 51% of all unhoused people in the entire United States.
Harm Induction
Shellenberger exposes “harm reduction” sites and so-called “Safe Sleeping Spaces” as the open-air drug scenes that they are. “Harm reduction” is a term used for government-approved areas which supply everything (equipment-wise) an addict needs in order to successfully inject narcotics such as methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. NGO (non-governmental organization) workers provide addicts with tourniquets, cooking kits, syringes, and needles in an effort to somehow “reduce harm.” Shellenberger calls the practice what it truly is — “harm induction.” These NGOs are key drivers of the homeless epidemic, disguising a sadistic policy of aiding addiction behind the auspices of altruism.
Housing First
Shellenberger shines a harsh light on “housing first” which is the battle cry of many homeless advocates. This line of thinking advocates the reduction of access to overnight shelters and instead, insists on housing for addicts and mentally ill people without requiring sobriety, medication, and treatment. Shellenberger presents evidence that this policy does not effectively address the core issues which cause homelessness. To the contrary, by taking treatment for mental illness and drug addiction out of the equation — the issue spins further out of control.
A Huge Industry
Shellenberger goes to superhuman lengths to uncover, document, support, and reinforce the fact that homelessness and open-air drug scenes across the state are worsening in spite of the fact that taxpayer-funded spending on the issues is at an all-time high. The Homeless Industrial Complex, as absurd as it may sound, is very real and very much as counterintuitive and dysfunctional as the title suggests. While hundreds of millions of taxpayer funds are siphoned into this system, half of the money goes to staff salaries. It does not take a genius to realize that if they fix the problem, the cash cow is essentially taken from the milking parlor and put out to pasture.
A Legislative Nightmare
San Fransicko also presents a smorgasbord of political abominations which are adding fuel to the fire. Specifically, the decriminalization of the possession and use of illegal drugs is making it easier than ever for dealers to blatantly serve their market without fear of penalties. Meanwhile, deliberate reduction of the severity of crimes such as shoplifting, burglary, trespassing, and grand larceny has created a black-market industry which favors criminal behavior which is used to support addiction.
Crazy Town
Shellenberger further demonstrates how an unaddressed mental health epidemic is not only a miscarriage of the civil duties of elected government officials, but their pawning it off onto NGOs is downright irresponsible. The simple fact of the matter is that allowing those with untreated mental illness to openly and freely obtain and inject themselves with methamphetamines, fentanyl, and heroin is in no way a solution to a very serious problem.
A Viable Solution
Shellenberger goes on to suggest a comprehensive treatment solution for the mental health crisis via a plausible institution he dubs “Cal-Psych” which would “efficiently and humanely treat the seriously mentally ill and addicts, while providing housing to the homeless on a contingency-based system. Cal-Psych’s CEO would be best-in-class and report directly to the governor. It is only in this way that the voters could hold the governor accountable for the crises on the streets.”
Whether Shellenberger will be taken up on his offer to provide a plausible solution is anyone’s guess. Regardless, if homelessness, open-air drug scenes, rising crime, and increasing danger in your city concerns you, San Fransicko is required reading.
Image by article author
Michael Shellenberger exposes the flaws of a system gripped by addiction, psychosis and inhumane conditions.
by Mark Smiley | Mar 18, 2022 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Spa: The spa features Hydrotherapy in an area that resembles a cenote. The one-hour treatment features a sauna, steam room, and jetted pools to relax in.
Paradise: Dreams Natura Resort & Spa is a 553-room resort and a short 10-mile drive from the Cancun International Airport.
Dreams Natura Resort & Spa is a new resort which had the unfortunate timing of scheduling to open just before the COVID-19 pandemic began. After being closed for months, and then shifting to limited capacity, the resort is open to tourists at full capacity.
Dreams Natura, part of the AMR Collection, which also owns Secrets and Breathless Resorts, is located in Puerto Morelos, a 20-minute ride from the Cancun Airport. The resort prides itself on great service, beautiful landscaping, views, and activities throughout the day and night keeping the entire family engaged. “This resort has some of the best staff I have ever encountered at a resort,” said one guest. “They really enhance the experience by going above and beyond and always being friendly and accommodating.”
The 553 rooms are spacious and come stocked with free minibars, TVs with satellite channels, whirlpool tubs, and furnished terraces. Expect lots of open-air spaces, and a wristband-free all-inclusive program with good food and several places to eat or grab a drink without reservations. “Staying At Dreams Natura was so fun!,” said 10-year-old Ellie Smiley (this author’s daughter). “My favorite part of Dreams Natura was probably the activities and food. The days I was there I really enjoyed. They have such nice workers and the resort itself is so nice, I would definitely recommend.”
Infinity Pool: The main pool is where most of the action happens during the day. The entertainment team orchestrates activities and staff is on hand to keep the drinks flowing.
While the resort offers a beautiful place to have a wedding, relaxation with the family at their infinity pool, time on the beach, three water slides, or the on-property roll glider, the crown jewel of this resort is the spa. “The spa area is so nice and I loved how they designed it to be like a cenote,” said another guest. “The hydrotherapy circuit was such a special treat and I would highly recommend adding this to your treatments.”
The hydrotherapy experience begins with the sauna, moves to the vapor steam room, and then to the pools, the first of which has jets to relax the body, and then the last two being the hot tub and a colder pool to soak in. The entire treatment lasts one hour and leaves the guest refreshed and ready for the rest of the day.
While visiting the Riviera Maya, consider a catamaran sailing trip to Isla Mujeres. Cancun Sailing offers four different packages to choose from, all of which include a friendly staff that guides you through the process which may include snorkeling, shopping, drinks on board, and lunch. Cancun Sailing is one of the only companies, now 13 years old, to include docking fees in the price paid up front. They also have packages that include transportation from Dreams Natura. Visit www.cancun sailing.com for more information.
Southwest, Frontier, and United Airlines offer nonstop service from Denver International Airport to Cancun International Airport which takes less than four hours. With an additional 20-minute ride from the airport, it makes the travel a breeze. Once you are greeted at Dreams Natura resort with a cold beverage and towel and walk through the immaculate grounds, you are on vacation and have entered your home away from home.
For more information, visit www.amrcollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/dreams/mexico/natura-resort-spa, follow them on twitter @DreamsResorts or on Facebook at @DreamsNaturaResort.
by Glendale Sports Center | Mar 18, 2022 | Glendale City News
by Jenna Glover, PhD, Child And Adolescent Clinical Psychologist At Children’s Hospital Colorado
Children are constantly surrounded by media and technology — from TV and cell phones, to tablets, computers, and video games. Technology and media are very much intertwined with our daily lives — so much that it can be difficult to find a balance between the real world and the digital one.
That’s why it’s important for families to balance their use of media and technology with daily family responsibilities and other important healthy activities. Too much technology use can keep children from getting the study time, face-to-face communication, hands-on play, physical activity, and sleep they need.
However, technology can be used to promote physical activity, educate kids and reinforce important skills. Because technology is so deeply ingrained into a modern child’s life, using these same innovative tools to motivate and educate can be more impactful.
Be a good role model by limiting your own media use. This will also help you be more available for your children to interact and communicate with them.
For children under 2 years of age, play and interact with your child. Avoid screen time except for video chatting with family and friends.
For older children, take an active role in your child’s use of media by watching programs with them and taking time to discuss the program and your family’s values. Choose media that is educational and teaches good values. Be firm about only allowing your child to use and watch media that is appropriate for their age.
Other great things to keep in mind are: Keep computers in a public part of your home so you can check on what your kids are doing online and keep them safe; create tech-free zones in your home; do not allow screens in kids’ bedrooms; and turn off the TV and put cell phones away during mealtimes.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends creating a family media plan that helps families balance important daily activities with media use. Families can use it to prioritize time for homework, exercise, sleep, face-to-face communication, family time, and downtime within their daily routine. Time for media use is then incorporated into the day in a way that does not displace other important daily activities.
To learn more about kids and mental health from Children’s Hospital Colorado experts, sign up for a session hosted during Flex Your Family Fun in April at the YMCA of Metro Denver. To learn more, visit https: //www.denverymca.org/programs/youth-programs/flex-your-family-fun.
Adapted from the Children and Technology article that originally was published by Children’s Hospital Colorado.
www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/parenting/parenting-articles /children-technology-guidelines
