The Denver Insider's Blog

Check out the Rocky Mountain Independent

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:06:00 +0000

Check out the Rocky Mountain Independent, a news website that has some content by former staffers of the Rocky Mountain News. This is a different site than the InDenverTimes.com which is still active and producing content.
However, InDenverTimes seems to be syndicating a lot of content from other sites, including the Rocky Mountain Independent.

New sites like this should be supported by the local community to preserve local voices and perspective. While physical newspapers may be in trouble, we can still support the content producers and battle the Googlification of news content. Visit the site, click on some links, check out the advertisers...

"2009 Rocky Mountain Independent"

5-freedoms-you-would-lose-in-health-care-reform.html: Personal Finance News from Yahoo! Finance

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:52:00 +0000

Here is another great article from Shawn Tully of Fortune Magazine outlining some of the freedoms we would lose under the proposed health care reform package currently in Congress. While the goal of health care for everybody is laudable, the mechanics that are being proposed to achieve this goal are frightening.

"5 Freedoms You'd Lose in Health Care Reform"

Yahoo! Personal Finance: Calculators,Money Advice,Guides,& More

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:36:00 +0000

This is a great article from Ben Stein, noted humorist and intellectual, about the health care debate. It's worth reading and thinking about.

What is it that society owes its participants and who is required to provide this? Stein addresses this question while also including a dose of compassion and humanity. It really gets at the crux of what makes this a difficult issue.

"These Rights Don't Come for Free"

Denver Ranked as 6th Happiest City by McDonald's - Hooray!

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:51:00 +0000

As reported in the Denver Business Journal, McDonald's has rated Denver as the 6th happiest city, a ranking put out to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the happy meal.

Denver fell behind Minneapolis, Atlanta, Virginia Beach, Washington D.C., and Portland.

I take a little exception to being behind of Washington, D.C. Our nation's capitol has a terrible crime rate and is crawling with lawyers and lobbyists. And, it's school systems are terrible. What gives? Denver should AT LEAST be number 5.

McDonald's ranks Denver No. 6 - Denver Business Journal:

Nuggets Re-sign the Birdman!

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:19:00 +0000

One day after new broke that one of Denver's longest time sports heroes, Joe Sakic, will be retiring comes news that one of our newest sports heroes, Denver Nugget Chris "Birdman" Andersen, has resigned for five years. This is well-deserved for the Birdman who is a key energy guy on the Nuggs and was a key player in the playoffs this year.

Congratulations Birdman!

Andersen reaches 5-year deal to stay with Nuggets - NBA - Yahoo! Sports

Joe Sakic Retires

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:52:00 +0000

Just reported in the Denver Post that Joe Sakic has decided to end his amazing career and retire. This is the end of an era in Denver sports and Super-Joe will forever be the first hockey superstar this town had known.

Thanks for all the great memories, Joe.

A quick commentary that this is a classy way to step out for Sakic. The Avs are rebuilding so there is really no point in him returning and it is great that he retired as an Avalanche instead of looking for one last season elsewhere.

Sakic to retire from NHL

Now showing Denver Twitter Feeds

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:59:00 +0000

Announcing a new addition to the Denver Insider's Blog. On the right hand side we have installed an ongoing twitter feed showing any twitter feeds that mention Denver - - Take a look!

In Denver Times attempts launch

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:57:00 +0000

From the ashes of the Rocky Mountain News, InDenverTImes.com is attempting to rise.

A group of former Rocky employees is trying to get 50,000 pledges for subscriptions for $4.99 per month by April 23. If they reach the goal, they will launch this new local news site. This is an intriguing effort in the face of a lot of newspaper's struggling nation wide. The Seattle Post Intelligencer has recently shifted to online only; its last print edition was yesterday.

Former Rocky Mountain News writers involved with InDenverTimes.com is:

Sam Adams, Tom Auclair, Lisa Bornstein, Mark Brown, Tim Burroughs,Mary Chandler, Mark Christopher, Kevin Flynn, Tillie Fong, Steve Foster,Scott Gilbert, Chuck Hickey, Cindy House, Kevin Huhn, Kim Humphreys, Jay Lee, Aaron Lopez, Gary Massaro, David Milstead, John Moore, Alex Neth,Melissa Pomponio, Bill Scanlon, Hank Schultz, Marc Shulgold,Ed Stein, George Tanner, Chris Tomasson, Bob Willis and Mark Wolf.

Will you be subscribing? Any thoughts?

At least visit the site and have a look: www.indenvertimes.com

Fire Josh McDaniels Blog

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:56:00 +0000

Check out a new blog:

www.firejoshmcdanielsnow.com

McDaniels is doing a terrible job as coach thus far. If he alienates Cutler and runs him out of town, we will be giving up on a great quarterback and be stuck with an unproven coach. This new blog will keep an eye on McDaniels' every move.

Ridiculous...

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:03:00 +0000

The economy sucks. Individuals, businesses, and the government are all hurting. No doubt about it.

I read an article on the Reuters wire about a town hall meeting in Philadelphia where the citizens were discussing whether they'd rather be taxed or to lose services. Here is the ridiculous quote:

"Hazel Whittington, 71, who missed her favorite TV show to attend the meeting, said she fears that closing swimming pools will leave young people in her neighborhood with nothing to do."

Hazel missed her favorite TV show to attend the meeting! If that doesn't emphasize how important this meeting was, I don't know what would! Maybe the network can send her out a DVD (or probably a VHS tape) with a copy of the episode. Please. Either Hazel needs figure out her priorities or the author, Jon Hurdle, needs to figure out which details to include in his story. Maybe Jon can buy her a Tivo and help her set it up.

Just a random rant...

Broncos considered trading Jay Cutler

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:50:00 +0000

The Detroit Lions approached the Broncos today with interest in Jay Cutler and proposed a three team trade where Matt Cassel (who ended up being traded to Kansas City first) would go to Denver. While allegedly the Broncos decided against the trade (who knows if they just lost out because Cassel went to K.C. first), Cutler is a little bit pissed. Hopefully this does not cause long term tension between Cutler, who is clearly an incredible talent, and new coach Josh McDaniels. I suspect Cassell will be a major bust in K.C. and was a one year wonder who benefitted from an amazing system around him in New England. Getting rid of Cutler would be a titanic mistake.

Rocky Mountain News last issue will be Friday, February 27

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:24:00 +0000

This just in! Reported on the Rocky website, the search for a buyer was unsuccessful and the Rocky Mountain News will publish its final print edition on Friday, February 27.

This is a very sad end to a long running Denver institution that nearly made it 150 years. The 150th anniversary would have been in two months.

This blog will keep its eye out to see where some of the Rocky Mountain News' writing talent crops up - probably online.

The brand, website, and archives will be put up for sale separately now, which may be valuable content for somebody with a web strategy.

Here is a link to live coverage from the Rocky Mountain News Website of the announcement:

John Elway is a true hero

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:56:00 +0000

This story by Rick Reilly from ESPN.com about bringing a young boy's dreams to life highlights why John Elway is a true hero in Denver:

Rick Reilly John Elway Story

Elway is #1! Thanks to Rick Reilly for sharing this story and for your part in making it happen

Rocky Mountain News decision coming soon

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:27:00 +0000

A Scripps exec has commented that there will be a final announcement on the fate of the Rocky by March 31 (end of Q1), or sooner. We could be in the final days of Denver being a two newspaper town. This speaks to my previous post about the changing face of radio because this is another venue where local voices could be lost - it seems doubtful that the Denver Post will be able to hire all these columnists.

Will the Rocky continue on in Internet only format? Will it shut down entirely? Only time will tell, but it certainly will be interesting. We are witnessing a titanic shift in the business landscape in this country as many of the major corporations and brand names will be completely gone two years from now. Stay tuned.

Adam Carolla Radio Show Cancelled - Radio is changing.

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:19:00 +0000

This is not Denver news, but from time to time I mention other miscellaneous items that are of personal interest. The Adam Carolla morning show, which did not air in Denver, but could be streamed from anywhere, was cancelled.

The greater story, perhaps, is the changing nature of radio away from personalities and towards cheaper programming or national syndication. Radio stations everywhere are re-evaluating local talent and determining if there is a way to replace this talent with cookie cutter music formats or with national shows. Locally, Jennifer Wild of the Alice Morning Show was let go despite being a part of the number one morning team. Other local talent could be replaced as well - nobody really is safe.

Its a shame because we risk losing local voices and discussion of local issues. What if we lost Lewis and Floorwax or The Sports Guys or the stable of KOA local personalities or Brett Saunders? Would be a total bummer.

Boulder High to become Barack Obama High School?

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:42:00 +0000

A group of students at Boulder High School are proposing the name of the school be changed to Barack Obama High School, as reported in the Rocky Mountain News. The student group suggesting this initiative is called the Student Workers Club, which in previous years has protested the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance due to its inclusion of "under God".

Boulder High School to become Barack Obama High School?

I have no doubt that in the future there will be plenty of things named after Barack Obama, as should be since he broke a barrier in becoming the first black President. However, I think it's a bit premature to start renaming schools after him now. First of all, it is nearly unprecendented to rename things after presidents during their administration. Second, let's give him a chance to execute on some of the changes he has promised and to really improve our country before we begin renaming everything after him. Right?

Denver is the most desireable place to live in America!

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:21:00 +0000

According to a Pew Research study, Denver was ranked as the most desireable city in the country to live in.

I think all of us who live here can clearly see why:

- Gorgeous weather and sunshine
- Amazing Rocky Mountains 40 minutes away
- Great sports town - Go Broncos
- Friendly people
- Wash Park
- Active population
- etc. etc. etc.

More from yahoo:

Denver Tops List of Preferred American Cities

Rocky Mountain News is for Sale - Could be shut down entirely

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:18:00 +0000

News from the Denver Business Journal today announced that E.W. Scripps company is searching for a buyer for the Rocky Mountain News and for its 50% share in the Denver Newspaper Agency. This could even result in the Rocky Mountain News being shut down entirely.

Rocky Mountain News For Sale and Could be Shut Down

This is sad news, but not surprising given the poor state of the newspaper industry as a whole and the bad economy. Further, the Rocky Mountain News has always been #2 behind the Denver Post.

If they don't find a buyer by mid-January, the paper could be shut down then. Hopefully a white knight will emerge and save it. Yikes.

Freezing in Denver today

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:00:00 +0000

This Is my first post in a long time but hope to be more active again...

All I can say now is that winter is here and hopefully the ski resorts
can have a good snowy weekend

New Colorado Presidential Polls

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 22:15:00 +0000

Rasmussen polling shows that in head to head matchups for President, Mccain is in a dead heat with Obama, 46-46; however McCain leads Hillary Clinton 52-38.

John McCain has showed growing strength overall in nationwide polling as the Democratic primary race grows increasingly contentious. Over polling done a month ago, McCain has gained on Obama in Colorado while maintaining against Hillary Clinton.

Will Colorado be red or blue in November?

More from Rasmussen Reports:

Colorado 2008 Presidential Election

Nuggets score 168 points in 52 point win

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:34:00 +0000

The Nuggets set a franchise regulation record for points score and found themselves in fourth place all time for most points scored in regulation when they crushed the Supersonics last night at the Pepsi Center, THey won 168 - 116

With three consecutive blowout wins, the Nuggest are showing exciting signs of life. The real test will be the upcoming five game road trip that begins in Detroit.

More From Yahoo:

Nuggets set NBA season high in scoring with 168-116 rout of SuperSonics

Facebook Spam Begins

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:27:00 +0000

While not directly related to Denver, this is something interesting I came across so I will comment on it.

I just received my very first spam friend request from Facebook. It came from somebody I don't even know and the profile certainly looks fake - the picture is grainy and the pose was slightly suggestive. When I used MySpace, these types of requests were quite common, but Facebook had always been able to suppress them somehow. Further, my profile has all it's privacy settings set quite high, so this is even more interesting.

This may be a terrible omen for Facebook. While MySpace has always been quite sketchy, Facebook was able to keep a highly educated and affluent audience by limiting who could access its network. Now that it is completely wide open, it seems there may be some unsavory characters lurking.

I predict Facebook's users will not stand for this for long. I hope they respond soon.

Denver Photo Red Light Ticket Cameras on their way

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:30:00 +0000

The City of Denver has partnered with a company that provides cameras at red lights to automatically catch and ticket those that run red lights. The city will start the test at 4 intersections and will have a 30 day warning period before tickets and fines kick in. This is similar to photo-radar vans which are designed to catch speeders.

The first four intersections to receive cameras will be:

6th Avenue & Lincoln Street
8th Avenue & Speer Blvd.
6th Avenue & Kalamath
36th Avenue & Quebec Street

These cameras will be up and running by late May 2008. Better watch out Denver drivers!

DIA Censors free wireless access

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:25:00 +0000

DIA has free wireless now, however the catch is that it has censored some of the websites that users can visit. The goal is to limit complaints from other people who may oversee something they would rather not see.

While I am generally against government intervention, I don't see this as a major problem at all and people who are worried about it probably are either self-righteous or simply just enjoy complaining.

DIA is providing wireless internet access to people for free as a convenience. It is not a long term internet solution for anybody. It is a legitimate concern that people might be subjected to seeing things involuntarily... especially kids. It is probably the same type of justification used for limiting the types of programming that is on network TV during prime time. The airport wants to focus on moving passengers, not on dealing with angry parents. Also, this is not a concerted effort to squelch any political speech. If the airport was censoring a presidential candidates website, for example, then we would have a problem. However, that does not seem to be the case.

The Internet access is most valuable for business travelers who are checking emails, reading articles, and doing other work related activities. These types of sites won't be censored.

This really is a non-issue. Have a little common sense here.

Avalanche trade for D Adam Foote

noreply@blogger.com (LPM) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:27:00 +0000

The Avalanche continued to reassemble their Stanley Cup winning team from 2001 by trading for defenseman Adam Foote. This is an exciting move as they are strengthening their team to prepare for a playoff run. Forsberg, added yesterday, and Foote both are gritty veterans with great playoff experience.