In the spirit of journalistic integrity, I have to admit I have a slightly biased opinion about this week’s location. I already knew how rad one of the owners was prior to writing this. But don’t let my conflict of interest dissuade you from checking out Spectra Art Space on South Broadway, it deserves all the praise I can bestow. I stopped in for the first time a few days ago and saw my friend Sadie Young, the mastermind behind the operation. Spectra opened just last year at 1836 S Broadway and its already well established. The entrance to the gallery opens up into a large main room. There... Read More

Justen Howard has become a staple in Denver music, especially at open mic nights around the city. He moved to Colorado from Manhattan roughly five years ago to start a studio and be involved in a budding music scene. Before moving West, he learned to play a variety of instruments, starting with the saxophone he picked up at the age of four. From there he learned how to play piano, guitar, drums, mandolin and more. As he grew up he understood that at times he would need to learn how to play certain instruments in order to get the songs he wrote finished All Chiefs is Justen’s current band which... Read More

I read an article this week about a woman who ghosted a man after their first date. His response was to send her a bill for her half of the meal he paid for on their date. No matter what your opinion of either party’s actions, let me say that you should always treat other people as you would like to be treated. Responding to bad behavior with more bad behavior is immature, tacky and, unfortunately, the inappropriate privilege we’ve given ourselves in the age of social media. Don’t misunderstand! I’m not saying you have to respond to all who message you on a dating site.  ’m not saying... Read More

Taking a cold shower, unless it is a sweltering hot day, does not sound like a desirable practice. Research, however, shows that those who took a cold shower regularly, took fewer sick days than those who did not. A study from the Netherlands revealed that those who finished their daily showers with 30-, 60- or 90-second blasts of chilly water, were less likely to take a sick day at work. Cold water didn’t keep participants from being sick, but those who took cold showers (roughly 50 degrees Fahrenheit) experienced more mild symptoms and had more energy, which allowed them to power through work... Read More

“Go West young man” Just a week after I moved to Denver, I saw a parade of longhorn cattle and cowboys on horseback riding through downtown Denver just a week after I moved.  Wow!  I guess I’m really in the West now! NWSS Opening Parade Often labeled the American West, the Frontier, the Wild West…it’s the term for the group of states including Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada.  The phrase, “Go West young man”, stems from the American westward expansion and the belief of Manifest Destiny widely held in the mid-1800’s. Wikipedia states,... Read More

The Denver Nuggets were a mere 4.4 seconds from making the NBA Playoffs.  Nikola Jokic had the ball in his hands and a one-on-one opportunity.  But like a microcosm of the entire season, Jokic and the Nuggets came up just short.  With a 112-106 overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver will have to watch the playoffs from afar as the organization focuses on next year.  Here are five moves that can get us playoff bound in 2018-2019. 1. Do nothing. Okay, almost nothing.  Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Gary Harris made great strides this year.  Under Michael Malone, Denver has improved... Read More

I’m writing this from the great state of Colorado. During my life, I’ve spent time in Texas, Washington, Connecticut, Maryland, and traveled through most of the United States. While I’ve enjoyed a lot of America, I’m partial to Colorado. Can you blame me? Our climate is pleasant with lots of sunny days. We have a wide variety of culinary delights. Outdoorsy activities like skiing, hiking, and rock climbing are close by and plentiful. There’s not much to complain about.* You know what I’m particularly fond of? Our state government frequently does smart stuff. One of my favorites is a... Read More

The NoCo Hemp Expo hit Loveland, CO last weekend on April 6th and 7th. The largest hemp expo in the world, NoCo partnered with Athletes For Care (A4C) as their NFP benefactor for the incredible two day event. A4C “is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating a community where athletes can find support, opportunity and purpose in life after a career in sports.” They “are an organization founded by a group of pro athletes who are uniting as one voice to advocate for research, education, and compassion when addressing important health issues facing athletes and the public at large.” On... Read More

I try to spread the word about a wide range of places to see art or music or even just grab a quick drink.  Everyone has different taste pallets when it comes to entertainment. That being said, my cup of tea is a glass of whiskey, preferably at a dive bar. Nothing beats a small, grungy hangout with cheap drinks. Throw in some local bands and save me a bar stool by the weirdos. The Lion’s Lair fits the bill perfectly. Naturally it’s on Colfax, the proverbial Vegas strip of dive bars. It sits at 2022 East Colfax Avenue next to End of Days Tattoo. The faded blue and gold storefront with its roaring... Read More

John Demitro has been playing music around the Denver area since he was a child. He and his sisters started picking up instruments before high school and gradually started playing together as they grew up. Originally, he was in a band with his sister, Lulu, as the Branded Bandits and eventually took on the title of Pink Fuzz. He played drums for both bands before joining forces with Demi in The Velveteers. It isn’t often that you see a family of musicians working together but John believes that working with family is better because he can count on his sisters being brutally honest during the... Read More