It takes a hero to vote early in Colorado

Dollars to doughnuts, you’ve had a conversation recently about early voting. And doughnuts to police officers, that conversation probably started with you asking a friend or co-worker whether or not they were going to vote prior to November 4, a choice opportunity afforded to voters in Colorado as well as…

From the week of October 30, 2008

“Amendmentos,” Kenny Be, October 2, 9 & 16 Mmmm, Good Thank God for Kenny Be! Without his three-part “Amendmentos” guide to the initiatives, I would still be trying to fill out my mail-in ballot. Even though he presented his opinions in comic form, I found them seriously good recommendations and…

The Westword.com blog shortcut, October 29 edition

Shackin’ up. Allow us to guide you through the confusing labyrinth that is the World Wide Web. Today in Cafe Society: • Jonathan Shikes survives the attack of the Rib Shack. • Richard Sandoval’s second local La Sandia Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar is among the new restaurant openings. •…

Hotel Martino: The Troubleshooter has some trouble of his own

TV and radio personality Tom Martino, aka The Troubleshooter, has built his reputation exposing negligent business owners. But in this week’s Westword, Jared Jacang Maher tells the story of “Hotel Martino,” an abandoned building owned by a company registered to Martino. Pick up this week’s paper to read the article…

Mystery solved: We know who Will is

You don’t look a day over 89, Will. Congratulations to all you brilliant commenters who suggested that the mysterious, one- word “WILL” billboards around town — whose meaning we pondered fruitlessly last week — referred to the 90th birthday of the non-profit Goodwill Industries, which I just applauded as a…

Scott McInnis prematurely pisses on GOP’s grave

Scott McInnis. Former Republican Congressman Scott McInnis isn’t waiting for the November 4 election to offer a post-mortem on his party’s campaign. In an October 28 interview with the Colorado Independent website (an online source that leans leftward), he predicted that GOP senatorial candidate Bob Schaffer will lose to Democratic…

Goodwill hunting for Halloween costumes

The Goodwill branch at 21 S. Broadway. In these trying economic times, it’s hard to justify doling out extra dough for a Halloween costume. If you must dress as a slutty nurse, should you really have to pay $44.99 for the privilege? So this weekend, my friend Marci and I…

The difficulty of being a first-time, mail-in Colorado voter

Nick Roberts. “‘Block the Vote’ co-author and Rolling Stone contributor Greg Palast on Colorado’s troubled voting system,” an October 29 blog, suggests that our fair state makes it mighty tough on folks who not only want to vote but are interested in their ballot counting. Here’s one more anecdote to…

REI: The real white house

A deeper shade of pale. As a Denver native, I’ve integrated myself into the culture of this city, knowing that on any given day I will see: someone in fleece; four forest green ski/bike racked Subaru station wagons; and that guy/gal who dresses in shorts, sandals and a parka with…

Why it’s no surprise 9News is bidding farewell to Bob Kendrick

Bob Kendrick. Plenty of people were surprised when 9News announced that it wouldn’t be renewing the contract of primary news anchor Bob Kendrick — probably including Kendrick (who hasn’t been responding to press inquiries). After all, the station’s late newscast has held the top spot in the ratings since 2003…

Buttoned Up: George H.W. Bush and… Bob Dole?

The dream team that wasn’t. Editor’s note: To get you in the mood for ballot-casting, The Latest Word is kicking off each weekday between now and the November 4 election with Buttoned Up, a look at political buttons from my family’s extensive collection… At first glance, this button featuring George…

The Westword.com blog shortcut, October 28 edition

Hungry for a bite? It’s a blog bonanza. Today in Cafe Society: • The eleven Halloween treats you really don’t want to see in your pillowcase. • A farewell to Via Modern Tratteria & Bar. • Indulging at Indulge Wine Bar. • Trying cookies that are Boulder Baked. • Dan…

Most overexposed celebrities on the campaign trail

Kevin Costner in the not exactly beloved film Swing Vote. Kevin Costner made campaign-oriented appearances in Colorado yesterday, and he’s still at it today, leading an Obama march on the CU campus in Boulder. And he’s not alone; as a swing state (can you remember the more innocent, commercial-free time…

Instead of bashing him, should unions be thanking Ryan Frazier?

Ryan Frazier, union hero? Aurora city councilman Ryan Frazier has been the unions’ punching bag ever since he co-sponsored the initiative to put Amendment 47, the right-to-work measure, on next week’s ballot. He’s faced lawsuits and attack ads, and, as came to light this morning, he even received a vulgar…