by Laura Lieff | Feb 19, 2024 | Glendale City News
by Laura Lieff
Returning for a second year as part of the Super Rugby Americas (SRA) league, the American Raptors team faces fierce competition. In addition to the Glendale team, the SRA league is comprised of six other franchises — defending champions Peñarol Rugby (Uruguay), Cobras Brasil XV, Selknam (Chile), Yacare XV (Paraguay), and two teams from Argentina, Dogos XV and Pampas. All the clubs will be traveling to and from South America and the United States, with several ga
Full Force: Feofaaki Pulu carries the ball in an American Raptors match against Yacare XV at Infinity Park. (Photo by Seth McConnell)
mes slated to be played at Infinity Park throughout the 2024 season.
“With the goal of providing a pathway to international rugby for high caliber players, and creating a fanbase that brings new players to rugby, SRA continues to provide a unique competition over twelve rounds, with teams playing matches at home and on the road,” says Frankie Deges, Media & Communication Manager for Super Rugby Americas. “Additionally, with the inclusion of the American Raptors in 2023, SRA represents the coming of age of the Superliga Americana de Rugby that was first played between 2020 and 2022.”
Launched two weeks before the world went into lockdown due to COVID-19, Superliga Americana de Rugby successfully returned in 2021 and 2022. Many have recognized this tournament as the catalyst for Chile’s first-ever qualification for Rugby World Cup, and Uruguay beating the USA Eagles to take the first spot in the Americas Qualifying system.
Strong Team
Comprised of 35 players, the American Raptors staff is excited for the year ahead and is thrilled to have a talented pool of returning and new players.
“The American Raptors’ mission to develop the best young American talent is hitting full stride going into their second season of competing in SRA,” says Patrick Guthrie, Chief Operating Officer of the American Raptors. “Marking a strategic blend of experience and fresh young talent
Tough Tackle: Watson Filikitonga gets tackled during a match against Selknam last spring. (Photo by Seth McConnell)
, the Raptors have expanded their lineup by adding 19 promising new players while retaining the skills of 16 seasoned athletes.”
Key players include Mikey Grandy, who is returning for his fourth season, and Diego Fortuny returning for his second year, as well as newcomers Ignacio Mieres and Facundo Ignacio Pomponio. The club began its 2024 season with a three-match road trip to Argentina and Uruguay before returning to Infinity Park for six straight home games. They will finish the season back on the road traveling to Brazil, Paraguay, and Chile.
Raptors games can be streamed on ESPN+ but the best way to enjoy rugby is attending games at Infinity Park. Since its inception in 2007, Infinity Park remains the first and only municipally-owned rugby-specific stadium in the United States. Known as RugbyTown USA, Glendale continues to welcome rugby teams from around the world to play at the 4,000-seat facility.
In addition to serving as the American Raptors headquarters, Infinity Park has hosted several international men’s and women’s rugby matches over the years including the 2019 Pacific Nations Cup and all three 2023 Rugby World Cup Qualifiers for the United States men’s national rugby team. The venue also served as the United States stop on the 2018- 2019 World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series and is home to the annual RugbyTown 7s tournament, which takes place annually during the third weekend of August.
For more information about the schedule, and to buy tickets, visit americanaptors.com/schedule-and-tickets.
Home Game Themes
3/17: Raptors Green Out (St. Patrick’s Day) | Giveaway: Green Raptors t-shirt | Wear green to celebrate the Raptors’ first home game.
3/24: Western Day | Giveaway: Raptors Bandanas | Wear your best cowboy/cowgirl attire to Infinity Park.
4/7: Military Appreciation Day | Giveaway: Camo Koozies | Honoring those who served and active military members throughout the game.
4/14: Mental Health Awareness Day | Giveaway: Stress Balls | Raising awareness and promoting positive mental health.
4/21: Colorado Day | Giveaway: Raptors Keychains | Celebrate everything Colorado with local mascots, local colleges, and Colorado food staples.
4/28: Autism Awareness Day | Giveaway: Fidget Spinners | Raising awareness about Autism at the Raptors last home game of the season.
by Mark Smiley | Jan 19, 2024 | General Featured
by Mark Smiley
For those who want to hit the slopes but avoid the drive over the President’s Day holiday weekend, Snowstang will be operating and providing service to some of the state’s premier mountain resorts.
Snowstang travels roundtrip to Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Loveland Ski Area, and Steamboat Springs every Saturday, Sunday, and President’s Day (Monday, February 19) through mid-spring. All routes board at Denver Union Station, RTD’s Federal Center Station in Lakewood, and at the Wooly Mammoth Park-n-Ride — upper lot (18560 U.S. 40, Golden, CO 80401).
Roundtrip tickets are $25, except for Steamboat Springs, which is $40. Additional discounts are available for seniors (65+) and people with disabilities. Children ages 2 to 11 ride for $12.50 (with a paying adult). Tickets can be purchased at ridesnowstang.com
“If you like to ski or snowboard but don’t like dealing with the holiday weekend traffic, Snowstang is an ideal option,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “And it’s not just this weekend. If people want to enjoy the variety of activities and special events that’ll be taking place at our partner resorts this winter and early spring, Snowstang is a great travel alternative on any weekend.”
Each Snowstang coach provides seating for 51 passengers, is climate controlled, and has luggage bays, Wi-Fi, a restroom, and USB and power outlets.
“This is our fourth season of serving skiers and snowboarders, and it continues to grow in popularity since it provides a stress-free, safe alternative to get to our world-class resorts,” said CDOT’s Division of Transit and Rail Director Paul DesRocher. “Snowstang is also affordable, comfortable, and convenient, dropping passengers off right near the ski lifts.”
by Mark Smiley | Jan 19, 2024 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Ranger S: The cruiser style Ranger S from Heybike is a foldable ebike suitable for commuting to work, grocery store runs, or mountain biking.
In the December 2023 edition of this publication, we reviewed the Heybike Cityrun, an electric bike that most riders would find suitable to have in their garage. Another option to consider from the same manufacturer, Heybike, is the Ranger S.
The Ranger S has a larger motor than the Cityrun at 750W. In addition to the hydraulic brakes, it has a folding mechanism of the Ranger S for those with limited space or that want to tuck it away when not riding.
This ebike excels in urban areas as it features pedal assist to get up to speeds of 28 mph and many safety features making it a good choice for city riding. The pedal assist is a more gradual acceleration which has less of an immediate jerk forward than most ebikes.
Reviews online have touted the comfortable ride quality with its cruiser-style riding position. In our tests, the bike was a comfortable and zippy ride through town. At 72 pounds, it is not the lightest on the market but after riding, it is not something that will weigh on your mind.
Many riders expect a battery that will last. The ebike’s battery life is impressive, offering up to 55 miles on a single charge, ensuring uninterrupted long rides. Also, they expect ebikes to be in a certain price range. At time of press, this bike was listed for $1,299. This price point is c
Foldable: The Ranger S is foldable, making it convenient to store, ideal for those that live in the city.
onsidered affordable for the specs that are included with it.
Riding any bike in most cities is both convenient and sometimes dangerous. Fat tires with splash guards come standard
on this bike, and as most of Heybike’s fleet have, you’ll find large bright lights in front and rear with integrated bright turn signals to inform those around you which direction you are going and be easily seen. And, the horn is loud enough so someone inside a car can hear.
As with most bike computers, the Ranger S features a display for current speed and distance traveled, alongside which power level out of five you’re currently set to and the battery level. Consider downloading the Heybike app to have accurate readings on battery level and so forth.
The battery is removable with a key and can be charged on its own which is a nice feature if you want to only carry the battery into your office if commuting to work.
The Heybike Ranger S stands out as a feature-rich, versatile folding ebike. It balances performance, safety, and user convenience. Whether you’re navigating city streets, commuting, or embarking on mountain biking adventures, the Heybike Ranger S is a reliable, comfortable, and enjoyable ride experience.
To learn more about the Ranger S, visit www.heybike.com/products/ranger-s.
by Glendale Sports Center | Jan 19, 2024 | Glendale City News
The Health Beat
(BPT) – As the new year is here and you may be setting health goals for yourself, exploring the new weight loss medications might be part of this. Whether you’re considering trying them, currently on one, or recently have ended treatment, it’s important not only to consult with your health care provider for guidance, but also to follow nutrition practices that can support your long-term wellness goals.
To help you in sustaining your weight loss journey, Dr. Jonathan Clinthorne, PhD, director of nutrition at Atkins, offers practical advice and recommendations.
“Many patients who are now taking medications to help promote weight loss can face unique challenges,” said Clinthorne. “Health and wellness are long-term goals that go beyond weight, however the good news is that these medications appear to be effective and can really help people reduce their calorie intake by reducing appetite. Ultimately for many people this is an important piece of their wellness journey.”
When your appetite is suppressed and you’re eating less, it becomes more important to focus on nutrition quality and make every bite count. Here are some important factors to keep in mind if you’re taking weight loss medications, and tools to help keep you on track.
- Focus on maintaining lean muscle
Losing weight typically involves losing some lean muscle tissue, so it’s important that you consume enough protein to help minimize the amount of muscle lost. One way to do that is by following eating patterns that prioritize protein, like the Atkins approach, which has been shown to be helpful for preserving muscle tissue during weight loss. Overall, it’s recommended to seek meals and snacks that are higher in protein, including lean meats, seafood, eggs, low-fat dairy, and nuts. Also, don’t skimp on exercise; combining resistance training with higher protein intake is typically the best way to preserve lean tissue during weight loss.
- Make sure to get your vital nutrients
Since weight loss medications can suppress your appetite, your everyday food choices will matter even more. Be sure that the foods you do eat are not full of empty calories and added sugar, but instead are sources of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that your body needs, such as vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, zinc, protein, and fiber. Many of the newer weight loss medications may also reduce thirst, so make sure to stay well hydrated. Smoothies and soups are great ways to incorporate more nutrition and hydration into your day, without seeming like an overwhelmingly large meal.
- Find healthier ways to satisfy cravings
It’s important to understand that if you haven’t made nutrition and lifestyle changes, it’s likely you will regain weight if you stop taking these medications. You may also find that your cravings for certain foods — like sweet things — will return when stopping treatment. However, that doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of all the tastes that you love.
To help you stay on track as you work toward your wellness goals, Atkins offers delicious, indulgent low-carb and low sugar recipes, and other options that can help satisfy your cravings for your favorite foods. You can choose from Atkins nutrition bars and shakes which are uniquely formulated with protein, fiber, carbs, and fat to help support your weight loss journey.
For example, Atkins PLUS Protein & Fiber Shakes are rich in protein, and also a good source of fiber, calcium, and other important vitamins and minerals. Atkins Shakes are portable and a great option to keep you satisfied throughout the day so you don’t end up skipping meals.
“Seek out mini meals like Atkins bars and shakes when your appetite is suppressed, because they provide a one-two punch combining quality protein and fiber,” said Clinthorne. “And for anyone who worries about regaining the weight they’ve lost if they discontinue taking their weight loss medications, Atkins offers delicious products and sustainable low-carb options and recipes that can help support and maintain your weight loss long-term.”
For more information about weight loss medications, and how Atkins can help, visit Atkins.com/weight-loss-medications.
by Editorial Board | Jan 18, 2024 | Editorials
Billionaire and octogenarian, Phil Anschutz, is the wealthiest man in Colorado, worth almost 11 billion dollars. Befitting a man of such wealth, he desires to have political influence to protect his business interests and have a say on the matters of the importance in the state. Described by many as a rock-solid conservative he is a member of the Colorado Republican Party. He is, however, more of a Bush/Cheney country club Republican and no fan of Donald Trump or the vulgarians (as he sees them) in the party who support him. Over time as with many other billionaire businessmen he finds himself drifting to the left or perhaps the Republican Party under Donald Trump is moving to the extreme right.
A couple of falls ago he hosted a conclave of billionaires at his Sea Island Resort off the coast of Georgia. There they decided to support Ron DeSantis as the best person to dethrone Trump after his January 6th shenanigans. They poured in hundreds of millions to that end which now appears for naught.
An extremely private man Anschutz never publicly states his political preferences as that would make him a target for those who would oppose him. Your chances of getting to meet him are on par with you meeting up with Bigfoot. He has set up in Colorado an intricate web of front groups to express his views and undertake his political agenda. He has control or influence over including inter alia The Gazette (Colorado Springs), Denver Gazette, Independence Institute, Complete Colorado, Advance Colorado, The Lobby, Leadership Program of the Rockies, Camp Fire Colorado (RIP) Rocky Mountain Voice, Caucus Room, and Colorado Peak Politics. Publication of an article from one outlet is quickly republished in one or more of the other outlets to amplify the message.
The message these days from Anschutz world screamed by Dick Wadhams, Jon Caldera. Jimmy Sengenberger and various others is how awful the new grassroots Colorado Republican Party is and, in particular, its Chairman Dave Williams. Virtually the only publication supporting the Colorado Republican grassroots and Williams is the recently formed and anonymous RINOwatch Colorado which does a good job, but it is a David versus Goliath battle.
Anschutz also has indirectly controlled the Colorado Republican Party for over three decades by he and his allies generously contributing to party activities. No one reflects Anschutz views more than two-time State Republican Party Chair Dick Wadhams, who sits on the board of Anschutz’s Independence Institute. Wadhams is fond of quoting former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge: “The chief business of the American people is business.”
But the business of America is not looking too good according to Anschutz. Democrats control the U.S. Presidency and Senate. Even worse, the national Republican Party is increasingly dominated by Donald Trump. In Colorado, the Democrats control every statewide office including governorship and have supermajorities in the State House and Senate.
It is not that Anschutz won’t do business with just about anyone. He is purported to have made a deal with Governor Polis where he would not support his Republican opponent, Heidi Ganahl, if Polis would stop Democrats from attacking his business interests. Each man lived up to his side of the bargain.
Democrats have turned Colorado blue by changing the election rules from everything from open primaries to mail balloting and ballot harvesting. Anschutz is at fault for this predicament as he fought none of those changes because they hurt the hated grassroot Republicans and assured ever more moderate squishy Republicans like Joe O’Dea that Anschutz prefers. His idea of a great Republican these days is Liz Cheney. He contributed the full amount allowed to her disastrous re-election campaign in 2022 in his own name, which he seldom does. He views the social issues important to the grassroots like abortion, gun rights, parental rights, and school choice as tedious and a distraction from the chief business of the American people.
The rudest shock came this last March when the grassroots under Dave Williams took over the State Republican Party. The prior party chair, Kristi Burton Brown, drained the party dry before leaving to join Anschutz’s Advance Colorado. Anschutz and his business allies cut off all funds to the Party expecting Williams to go belly up. But Williams found funds from small donors and other sources like charging Republican Presidential candidates large fees for participating in the Colorado Republican Party Primary. He has found innovative ways to fund lawsuits against the Party’s enemies. Worst of all Williams has become a strong favorite of Donald Trump.
Williams has become the odds-on favorite to replace Doug Lamborn in CD 5 following Lamborn’s shock retirement while continuing to be Party chair to the horror of Anschutz world. If grassroot Republicans also win CD 3 and CD 4, which is certainly possible, the grassroots would control a great deal of money and power with Williams becoming Colorado’s “Grassroots King.” If Trump became President, Anschutz could then be facing fierce enemies locally and nationally. Trump and Williams could then join together for revenge. All the tens of millions Anschutz spends annually on all of his front organizations would be of little value.
Anschutz’s detractors would like to envision, if this would come to fruition, Anschutz in one of many mansions mumbling: “Rosebud.”
— Editorial Board
by Mark Smiley | Dec 15, 2023 | General Featured
by Mark Smiley
Reliable: The OtterBox Fast Charge is one of the fastest portable power banks on the market. This reliable brand is worth considering if in the market for a portable power bank.
Power bank chargers, also known as portable chargers or external battery packs, are portable devices designed to store electrical energy and then release it to charge various electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more. These devices have become increasingly popular due to the high energy demands of modern gadgets and the need for a reliable source of power while on the go.
Power banks have become essential accessories for many people who rely on their electronic devices while on the go. When selecting a power bank charger, consider your specific needs and preferences to find the right one for you.
Three to consider purchasing for different reasons are the TravelCard Plus, OtterBox Fast Charge, and the CHAMP Portable Charger from Nimble.
Ultra Compact: The CHAMP Portable Charger from Nimble features up to 80% charge in 30 minutes and can charge two devices simultaneously.
The physical dimensions and weight of the power bank can affect its portability. Smaller and lighter power banks are more convenient for daily carry, while larger ones may offer more capacity but can be less portable. One of the most slim and portable chargers is the TravelCard Plus. This portable charger is complete with built in charging cords and is compatible with iPhones and Android devices. The TravelCard Plus is approximately the size of a credit card and easily fits in your pocket for charging on the go.
It easily fit in my pocket on a dog walk to give the phone an extra boost. It contains a 1,500mAh battery, which does not offer a lot of horsepower but it makes up for it with it’s slim design and light weight at 1.6 ounces. Retailing at $39, the TravelCard Plus is a product that should be in your arsenal of power bank chargers. Visit www.travelcardcharger.com for more information or to purchase.
Slim Design: TravelCard Plus is slim and lightweight at 1.6 ounces. It is complete with built in charging cords and fits in your pocket with ease.
If you want more power and faster charging, the OtterBox Fast Charge is your ticket. It boasts a 20,000mAh battery. It does weigh nearly one pound so it isn’t necessarily the product that you would carry in your pocket. But, Otterbox has a reputation of designing and manufacturing good products and this is no exception. Power banks usually have multiple output ports to charge different devices simultaneously and the OtterBox Fast Charge offers this.
“I bought this so my daughter could charge her iPhone and air pods on road trips and airplanes,” said Ryan on Amazon. “It’s perfect. You get several charges on devices from this after it’s fully charged. The charge indicator is helpful to show how much charge it holds. It’s not so bulky where you can’t put it in a bag and bring it with you anywhere. It’s exactly what I was looking for and from a reliable brand. Highly recommend.” The OtterBox Fast Charge 20,000mAh retails for $54.95 and is another portable power bank to consider owning. Visit www.otterbox.com for more information.
Nimble’s CHAMP Portable Charger is the last power bank that is worth considering. It is perhaps the Goldilocks of portable chargers with a compact design, a weight of 6.4 ounces, and a 10,000 mAh battery for up to three days of power. It works with iPhone, iPad, Android devices, and more. This device is in my glove compartment for times when my phone needs an extra boost.
This device is also TSA approved and compact enough to throw in a backpack and take on the airplane. The CHAMP features up to 80% charge in 30 minutes and can charge two devices simultaneously. Also, Nimble is environmentally conscious as the packaging is made from recycled paper and uses no harmful inks or dyes. It is biodegradable and inside that packaging, you’ll find a bag that you can use to responsibly recycle your old electronic tech for free. The CHAMP retails for $49.95 and can be purchased at www.gonimble.com.
The price of power banks can vary widely based on capacity, features, and brand. While it’s important to stay within your budget, consider investing in a quality power bank from a trusted manufacturer to ensure long-term reliability. These three options are all in the $50 range and you can’t go wrong owning all three.
