Women in theWork Force EventOn Saturday October 18th , Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County will join forces with the 29th Street Mall to host Women in the Workforce. This event will help women from Boulder County who are looking to enter or re-enter the work-force by providing them with training and coaching. We will help with job hunting and inter-viewing skills and provide tips for dressing and make up. The mall will provide support from merchants like Macy’s, Sophora and others. The highlight of the event will be a “What Not to Wear Fashion Show. “
Read more…
Posted by Erik Keith on September 24, 2008 at 2:00pm
Award-winning veteran journalist David Brancaccio, Stephen Lewis, Former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations and Barbara J. Krumsiek, Chair, CEO, and President of Calvert Group, Ltd. are among a powerful group of speakers and topics slated for the 19th annual SRI in the Rockies Conference, October 26–29, 2008.Mr. Brancaccio, host of the PBS news magazine NOW and author of Squandering Aimlessly; will moderate a roundtable on industry trends at SRI in the Rockies, which will be held at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler in the stunning Canadian Rockies in Whistler, British Columbia. This year’s meeting is expected to draw a record 700 sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) industry practitioners and professionals from related fields in the United States, Canada, and around the world—the largest gathering in the conference’s 19-year history.The 2008 conference theme is Beyond Borders: Investing & Partnering for a Sustainable World. Sessions will focus on sustainable finance and investing, ramifications of the credit crisis, business ethics and transparency, new trends in shareholder activism, climate change, various emerging issues and industries like clean tech, the latest on community investing, and a host of other topics.In addition to Mr. Brancaccio, plenary speakers include:• Doug Bauer, Senior Vice President , Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors• Melissa Brown, former Executive Director, Association of Sustainable and Responsible Investment in Asia (ASrIA)• Timothy "Scott" Case, Technologist, Entrepreneur, Inventor: Co-Founder, priceline.com• Michelle Chan, Program Manager, Green Investments Project, Friends of the Earth; President of BankTrack• Dave Chen, Venture Capitalist; Chairman of the Oregon Innovation Council• Matt Christensen, Executive Director, European Social Investment Forum• Eugene Ellmen, Executive Director, Social Investment Organization, Canada• Sarah Forrest, Executive Director, Goldman Sachs Sustain, London• Reynold Hert, President, CEO and Director, Western Forest Products Inc.• Jennifer James, Urban Cultural Anthropologist• Michael Jantzi, President and Founder, Jantzi Research• Barbara J. Krumsiek, Chair, CEO, and President of Calvert Group, Ltd.• Valerie Langer, Director, BC Coast Campaigns, ForestEthics• Kenneth G. Lay, Vice President and Treasurer, The World Bank• Stephen Lewis, Former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations• Ross McMillan, President and CEO, Tides Canada Foundation• Ken Melamed, Mayor of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, BC• Sandra Odendahl, Chair, North American Task Force, UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)• Jack Robinson, Founder, Winslow Management Company• Richard Russell, Board President, The Russell Family Foundation• Art Sterritt, Executive Director of the Coastal First Nations• Lisa Woll, CEO of the Social Investment Forum (U.S.)SRI in the Rockies is a partnership between First Affirmative Financial Network and the non-profit Social Investment Forum (SIF). The conference attracts a wide range of investment professionals—from financial advisors to institutional investors and mutual fund companies—as well as social research and proxy voting organizations. Members of religious organizations and social change non-profits, and officers from community development banks, credit unions and related organizations also will be in attendance.
Read more…
Posted by Erik Keith on September 23, 2008 at 10:59am
The Alliance for Sustainable Colorado (www.sustainablecolorado.org) today announced the names of six of its eight Heroes of Sustainability finalists who have led the way to a more sustainable future in four categories: non-profit, business, government and academia. The finalists will be showcased during the Sustainability Gala scheduled for Thursday, October 16 at the Sherman Events Center in Denver.Residents of Colorado were encouraged to nominate people who show leadership and innovation in addressing any aspect of sustainability – economic, social and/or environmental. The selections are intentionally diverse – from major corporations to the grassroots efforts of a few concerned citizens – to emphasize the full collaborative scope of the sustainability movement.“The finalists have led the way to a more sustainable future through leadership and innovation,” said Aaron Nelson, Project Director for Alliance for Sustainable Colorado. “We are proud to be able to recognize these Heroes of Sustainability for their perseverance and hard work in bettering their communities. Their contributions will have a positive impact on many generations to come.”1. Kris Holstrom, the Regional Sustainability Coordinator for The New Community Coalition is an organic farmer and community activist and has done work with the Youth Empowering Sustainability Club, recycling and composting regional project and the regional zero waste plan.2. Katrina Blair does work with the Turtle Lake Refuge whose mission is to celebrate the connection between wild lands and personal health. She provides locally grown organic greens to public schools.3. Evolve is a company that has learned to turn a profit while making the world a better place by developing and selling apparel - custom uniforms from organic fabrics and materials.4. Lend Lease Communities build green communities, mixed use, master planned, with holistic approach that covers environment, social and economic sustainability.5. Fort Carson (Army base) made incredible progress by accomplishing 45 percent water reduction, a new 12-acre solar photovoltaic array generating 3,200 megawatts of power annually, new facilities constructed to meet U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Silver criteria and solid waste reductions that saved the installation over half a million dollars in 2007.6. Director of Greening for Denver’s Host Committee, Parry Burnap led the community-based Greening Subcommittee to promote and foster sustainable operations, policies and practices.The Sustainability Gala will include cocktails, live and silent auctions, and dinner prepared from local and organic foods. Local growers will be on hand to exhibit and discuss their products and processes.For more information on sponsorship opportunities please contact Rick Blauvelt at rblauvelt@sustainablecolorado.org or by phone 303-572-1536 x1016.The Alliance for Sustainable Colorado is a nonprofit organization created to unify the sustainability movement in Colorado by building collaborative networks among individuals, nonprofit organizations, business, government, and academia. The organization’s green office building, the Alliance Center at 1536 Wynkoop Street near Union Station, is a multi-tenant sustainability hub housing 27 nonprofit organizations. To request a tour of the Alliance Center, contact Emily Andrews at eandrews@sustainablecolorado.org.
Read more…
I recently attended the Boulder Valley School District Parent Council candidate forum. From perusing candidate websites, sometimes it appears that the candidates are very similar in their views and positions. However, after listening to the candidates at the forum, there was a clear difference between the candidates in Boulder Valley. Every single democratic candidate was present at the forum or sent a representative from their campaign. Several of the republican candidates did not show up or send a representative. After listening to the candidates it was obvious that the democratic candidates were head and shoulders above the republicans in their knowledge of school district issues, issues involving finance and spending in government and issues of concern to parents. If you are still undecided about local candidates, I would suggest taking advantage of the forums available to you to go and listen to the candidates. You will be impressed with the thoughtful intelligent individuals who are currently running for office on the democratic ticket.
Read more…
Posted by Ann Brandt on September 13, 2008 at 3:17pm
I just finished reading Resistance, a novel set in WWII Wales. The author has given the timeline a different twist. The Germans are winning, the Allied Invasion has failed and Britain is about to fall to the Nazis. In the opening scene all of the men in this remote valley famland have left--mysteriously disappearing during the night. That fall a patrol of five German soldiers arrives in the valley. The story centers on what happens during an exceptionally harsh winter when the two elements--the native farmwomen and the German soldiers are thrown together in a life style that cannot end well. The ending will surprise you.
Read more…
Posted by Erik Keith on September 11, 2008 at 6:15pm
First Affirmative Financial Network and the Social Investment Forum, hosts of the 19th annual SRI in the Rockies Conference, have designed their 2008 event to be a “green meeting.” This year’s conference is expected to draw a record 700 sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) industry practitioners and professionals to Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, October 26–28, 2008.According to the Convention Industry Council's definition, a green meeting is “a meeting or event that incorporates environmental considerations to minimize its negative impact on the environment.”George Gay, CEO of First Affirmative, is planning for the 2008 SRI in the Rockies Conference to be a model of social responsibility, and not only with regard to the environment. “It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the changes necessary to create a genuinely ‘green’ meeting,” says Gay. “But whatever we do now—even simply asking questions of hotels—contributes to the momentum that will move green meetings to the mainstream.”As part of First Affirmative’s conference planning process, hotels are asked to complete a request for proposal (RFP) that includes the Best Practices Survey developed by the Green Hotel Initiative (GHI). Hotels that fail to address the RFP's sustainability questions or to complete the GHI survey are eliminated from consideration.The SRI in the Rockies request for proposal also includes extensive questions regarding a hotel's sustainability efforts, such as whether or not the property has evaluated its carbon footprint, is LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), uses locally grown and/or organic food, has a recycling program, and exhibits a commitment to energy efficiency in its operation.“It's an evolutionary, rather than a revolutionary, process,” says First Affirmative President, Steve Schueth. “As we continue to raise the bar on this event each year, we encourage more green events and conventions across the spectrum.”Greening SRI in the Rockies includes working with hotel staff onsite to create awareness as well as lowering energy usage. For example, rather than daily room delivery of newspapers, they are distributed by request. At meals, pitchers of water and other beverages are made available with empty glasses rather than all glasses being pre-filled; bottled water is not available. When attendees enter their rooms, they will find that the television is off, as is all superfluous lighting. Rather than housekeeping replacing bed linens and towels daily, they are instructed to replace them only upon request. The Conference has a Recycling Sponsor, and a Carbon Offset Sponsor. For additional information, please go to http://www.sriintherockies.com/d/SRIR08_Sustainability.pdf.This year’s conference venue, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, has been awarded a 4 Green Key Rating in the Green Key Eco-Rating Program. For more information, please go to http://www.hotelassociation.ca/site/programs/green_key.htm.A new study, “The Green Event Imperative” by the Event Marketing Institute, found that investment in green event marketing could double over the next 18 months. But the study also found that companies claiming to be active in green initiatives have a significant gap between their participation and their level of commitment.ABOUT FIRST AFFIRMATIVEFirst Affirmative Financial Network, LLC (www.FirstAffirmative.com) is an independent fee-only Registered Investment Advisor (SEC File #801-5687). The company, which manages about $700 million in client portfolios, offers consulting and asset management services through a nationwide network of investment professionals who specialize in serving socially conscious investors. First Affirmative produces the annual SRI in the Rockies Conference (www.SRIintheRockies.com), the premier conference for the sustainable and responsible investment industry in North America.ABOUT THE SOCIAL INVESTMENT FORUMThe Social Investment Forum (SIF) is the U.S. membership association dedicated to advancing the concept, practice, and growth of socially and environmentally responsible investing. SIF members integrate economic, environmental, social, and governance factors into their investment decisions. SIF membership includes more than 500 social investment practitioners and institutions, including financial professionals, analysts, portfolio managers, banks, mutual funds, researchers, foundations, community development organizations, and public educators. More information about the Forum, including the 2007 Report on Socially Responsible Investing Trends in the United States, is available at www.socialinvest.org.REGISTRATION AND SPONSORSHIPSTo register to attend the conference, go to www.sriintherockies.com/register.jsp. For assistance with registration and sponsorships, please contact Krystala Kalil at 303-442-4463 / krystala@SRIintheRockies.com.MEDIA QUESTIONSMo Shafroth for First Affirmative and SRI in the Rockies: 720-470-3653 / mshafroth@csg-pr.comPatrick Mitchell for the Social Investment Forum: 703-276-3266 / pmitchell@hastingsgroup.com
Read more…
Posted by Erik Keith on September 11, 2008 at 4:45pm
The Alliance for Sustainable Colorado (www.sustainablecolorado.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to unifying the sustainability movement in all 50 states across the country, today announced that it was successful in exposing over 500 bloggers, journalists, celebrities and political and business leaders to its message of a more unified environmental sustainability network at the “Big Tent” event during the 2008 Democratic National Convention.The Big Tent, an 8,000 square-foot two-story structure, for the first time provided 500 bloggers and new media journalists with work space during the Democratic National Convention. The Tent also hosted in-depth panels with prominent national leaders including energy executive T. Boone Pickens, Executive Director of the Sierra Club Carl Pope, Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO), Congresswoman Donna Edwards (MD-4); Google CEO Eric Schmidt, Digg founder Kevin Rose, President and CEO of the Center for American Progress John Podesta, and many more (For a full list of panelists, see www.bigtentdenver.org.)Katie Couric Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjy-HOupcq8Political leaders — including Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D-MT) — as well as actors Sean Penn and Darryl Hannah and other celebrities visited the tent, making it one of the places to be during the DNC. In addition, The Smithsonian Institution will archive Big Tent memorabilia in its political collection.“The Big Tent will be remembered as a defining moment for the sustainability movement and new media,” said Aaron Nelson, Project Director for Alliance for Sustainable Colorado. “New media has tremendous influence and we will work closely with them as we unify the sustainability movement across the country.”Colorado Biz Magazine- People Planet Report Interview: http://www.cobizmag.com/video.asp?do=openvideo&video=129&channel=4The “Big Tent” hosted by the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, Progress Now and Daily Kos, hosted panel discussions on topics such as the economy, energy independence, the war, the environment, and the role of media in politics. During the event over 4,000 new media, traditional media and thought leaders passed through the “Big Tent” flap on August 25-29th, making it a first of its kind event.The Alliance for Sustainable Colorado is a nonprofit organization created to unify the sustainability movement in Colorado by building collaborative networks among individuals, nonprofit organizations, business, government, and academia. The Alliance for Sustainable Colorado's green office building, the Alliance Center at 1536 Wynkoop Street near Union Station, is home to 27 nonprofit organizations. To request a tour of the Alliance Center, contact Emily Andrews at eandrews@sustainablecolorado.org.
Read more…
Posted by Erik Keith on September 9, 2008 at 11:53am
Integrated Asset Services, LLC (IAS, www.iasreo.com), a leader in default management and residential collateral valuation, today released its IAS360 House Price Index for July 2008. The monthly report, which includes the most current and granular data available in the industry, showed a 0.9% appreciation in house prices on a national level in July, and a -11.4% decline from July 2007 to July 2008.The IAS360 House Price Index is a comprehensive housing index tracking monthly change in the median sales price of detached single-family residences across the U.S. The index, based on all arms-length transactions, tracks data at a “neighborhood” level, which is then rolled up to report on the changes in 360 counties, nine census divisions, four regions, and the nation overall. The IAS360 House Price Index is delivered on a monthly basis.“The IAS360 HPI is unique in that it’s not a seasonally adjusted or smoothed index,” says Dave McCarthy, President and CEO of Integrated Asset Services. “This combined with its timeliness and granularity give lenders, investors and consumers a peek at the raw changes in home price forecasts from the front lines.”At the broader census region level, results for July show three out of four U.S. census regions experiencing gains in house prices, with only the West region continuing to show a decline. On a year-over-year basis, however, all four census regions are still posting losses, the most notable being the West, the only region with a double-digit decline.Results for the month of July at the Census Division level showed six out of nine U.S. census divisions posting gains during July, but only two—East North Central, which posted the largest jump in July, and West South Central, which posted the largest decline—have appreciated year over year.IAS also provides “neighborhood” level house price trends through its iMVI product. More information on iMVI can be found on the IAS website, www.iasreo.com/cs.html.*Due to the timeliness of the data, the IAS360 House Price Index is subject to revisions on a monthly basis.About Integrated Asset Services, LLC.IAS (www.iasreo.com) is a privately-held Colorado-based corporation specializing in default mortgage services including valuation, reconciliation and full cycle REO disposition. The Company’s advanced valuation and volatility technology combined with its expert professional services help its clients reduce exposure while expediting the entire asset management process. Founded by REO industry experts, IAS provides services that go beyond industry expectations; from the level of integrity of its employees to the measurably better service it routinely provides.###This press release contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding future results of operations and market opportunities that are based on InteliReal and IAS’ current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the company and its industry. Investors are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements as a result of the success of IAS’ branding and consumer awareness campaign and other marketing efforts; competition from existing and potential competitors; and IAS’s ability to continue to develop and integrate new products, services and technologies.
Read more…
Posted by Downtown Gal on September 5, 2008 at 11:25am
Today, DowntownGal Shoes & More announced the opening of the company’s latest effort to offer men’s and women’s high-end designer shoes at some of the lowest prices found online anywhere. With a fresh new look and edgy branding, Downtowngalshoes.net, was launched with extreme discounts on all Kate Spade designer shoes and Diaper Bags.To see the complete press release, click here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/08/prweb1246004.htm
Read more…
Posted by Erik Keith on September 4, 2008 at 3:33pm
During the 2008 Democratic National Convention, REC Solar (www.recsolar.com), an industry-leading provider of residential and commercial solar electric systems and MySpace.com provided clean, renewable energy to convention participants and their tech tools at a solar-powered recharging station located in the heart of Denver, CO.The Democratic National Convention set out the goal of making this the greenest convention in history by promoting sustainable practices to minimize the environmental impacts of the convention. Among the projects that were initiated was the installation of a solar electric system on the MySpace/REC Solar Recharging Station, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, the Colorado Convention Center, the Pepsi Center and at the Denver International Airport.“The focus on renewable energy during the DNC did a tremendous job in highlighting solar power and its incredible potential in weaning us off of our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Angiolo Laviziano, President and CEO of REC Solar.At the MySpace Solar Recharging Station, powered by REC Solar, people used solar powered computers to access the internet and re-charged their iPods, cell phones, laptops and other gadgets.“It’s exciting to see the next generation of energy consumers embrace alternative energy sources. Their collective ability to adopt new technologies will play a vital role in raising awareness of alternative energy sources that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help move us away from our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Laviziano. “We look forward to reaching out to this growing and critical community in promoting solar electricity.”REC Solar has installed more solar electric systems in the United States over the past two years than any other company, according to the California Solar Initiative (CSI). With several million watts of solar installed, REC serves California, Colorado, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Oregon residents and business owners. Founded in 1997, the company specializes in grid-tied solar electric design and installation, offering affordable solar solutions for all residential and commercial customers. REC Solar is committed to lowering the cost of solar power through efficient processes, innovative products, and outstanding customer service.About REC Solar, Inc.REC Solar, Inc. is an industry-leading solar solutions provider specializing in grid-tied residential and commercial installations. With a local presence in all major solar markets in the United States and with millions of watts installed, REC Solar is committed to lowering the cost of solar power through efficient processes, innovative products, and outstanding customer service. REC Solar is among the nation’s largest solar integrators and currently operates offices throughout 5 states (CA, CO, HI, OR and NJ). For additional information on REC Solar visit www.recsolar.com or call 1-888-OK-SOLAR (888-657-6527).About MySpace.comMySpace, a unit of Fox Interactive Media Inc., is the premier lifestyle portal for connecting with friends, discovering popular culture, and making a positive impact on the world. MySpace has created a connected global community by integrating web profiles, blogs, instant messaging, e-mail, music streaming, music videos, photo galleries, classified listings, events, groups, college communities, and member forums. MySpace's international network includes more than 29 localized community sites in the United States, Brazil, Canada, Latin America, Mexico, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, India, Japan, and New Zealand. Fox Interactive Media is a division of News Corp. (NYSE:NWS)
Read more…
FREE REI SURVIVAL SKILLS CLINICS:Most survival situations happen when you least expect it and when you are least prepared. Before you head to the hills this fall to explore the color change or the bugling elk, join the Cottonwood Institute for a Free Survival Clinic at REI to participate in an interactive survival scenario, learn about survival priorities, tips, strategies, and techniques, and will learn how to make a personal survival kit. We have 2 Free Clinics in September:REI Denver Flagship Store - Tuesday, September 16th, 2008 at 7pm located at: 1416 Platte Street, Denver, CO 80202.REI Boulder Store - Tuesday, September 30th, 2008, at 7pm located at: 1789 28th Street, Boulder, CO 80301.ESSENTIAL SURVIVAL SKILLS: LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!Taking a free survival class, reading a survival book, or watching a survival show is an important first step, but to really learn these skills it is essential to take a course to get the dirt time to confidently rely on these skills in a real survival situation. We are gearing up for our Essential Survival Skills course for adults on October 2 - 5, 2008, but our registration deadline for this course ends this Friday, September 5th, so register today! Bring a friend and practice essential survival skills, including natural shelters, friction fire, water location and procurement, and complete a 24-hour survival scenario to apply your new skills.If you have any questions, please contact Ford Church, Cottonwood Institute Executive Director, via Email: ford@cottonwoodinstitute.org or by phone at (303) 447-1076.
Read more…
With the Democratic National Convention in full swing, most of the attention is on Obama, Clinton, etc. However, lets not forget the Green Party and its candidate - Support the HULK for President;-) Puny Humans would be well advised to vote for the Big Green Guy because "you would not want to make the Hulk angry as you wouldn't like him when he gets angry"
Posted by Peter Wayne on August 20, 2008 at 12:30pm
Part of the Olympic experience is not only view the events, but also meeting people. There were many folks I met who were family and friends here to see and support their athletes. I spoke to a couple of Aussie’s at a boxing event. They were part of a special Australian group of Olympian parents who pooled together to make their trip arrangements and be with one another. At the women’s marathon starting line, some friends of the New Zealand runner, Liza Hunter-Galvan, were there to cheer on their athlete. Seeing my camera, they requested that I email them some photos. Fortunately, I was able to get a few shots of Liza to send on. The entire media staff from the tiny country of Cameroon stayed at my hotel. I spoke with some of them at breakfast and learned their facilities are quite sophisticated. They had a few video camera people and would satellite transmit to the Cameroon TV stations nightly. They also had radio commentators and newspaper journalists giving full reports on their teams progress every day. Sitting behind me at a basketball game was an American Ex-patriot and his family. He has been in Beijing for the past 10 years. His job is organizing student exchanges for Americans to study in Beijing. He felt that doing cultural and educational exchanges has contributed greatly to stabilize our countries relationships and has contributed to China opening it’s doors to the world. Finally, there were all the hospitable people of Beijing that I met. They are a proud and very helpful people. Taxi drivers who plowed through traffic refused our tips on the meager $5 fare they charged. A young Chinese couple spotted me in a struggle to find a taxi on my first day, and guided to the subway to get me home. Exploring the back neighborhoods of Beijing (called ‘hutongs’), people smiled at my western physique and were gratuitous enough to allow me to photograph them. The Beijing Olympics demonstrates that China want to be part of the world. As we all know, the government has much to improve on human rights and personal freedoms for its people. But as they open their door bit by bit, these hard political stands have greater potential to soften. It will be interesting to see how the Olympics might accelerate this process. More Olympic Photos BELOW: My photographer friend Ali showing a Chinese girl a photo he just made of her.
Posted by Peter Wayne on August 18, 2008 at 10:00pm
Last night, I attended the track and field events (formally known as ‘athletics’) in the National Stadium also known as the ‘Birds Nest’. The 91,000-person stadium is massive. Just circulating around the structure once is like walking two miles. The open air structure leaves for spectacular views of the Beijing skyline and the Olympic Green Village. The obtuse concrete pillars are architecturally interesting as they form complex web shapes of the stadium. My seat was mid-field, on the 5th of 6 tiers. The enormity of the venue could be felt form this central location. However, it was difficult to feel part of the event itself, as the athletes were just tiny figures view from hundreds of feet away. Two enormous monitors were at either end of the field to see the activity up close, but this was the equivalent of sitting at home in front of the TV. The tactic at this event, as well as others, is to do whatever it takes to get a better seat. The idea is to scope for empty seats up front, then pounce upon them just at the moment the event begins. At one point, I was fortunate to get to ground level, next to a group of rowdy Ethiopian fans. Ethiopia won the men’s 10,000-meter run. To say they were overjoyed is an understatement! More Olympic PhotosRead more…
Posted by Peter Wayne on August 17, 2008 at 2:21am
Tickets for the Olympics have been challenge. If you did not think ahead like me, you’ve got to scramble in a number of different ways to get them. My first try was to check the standard web sites. www.cosport.com is the official distributor of Olympic tickets for USA, Australia and the European Union. These were sold out. Next was on line auctions on e-bay, were I obtained a couple of pairs for under $100. No too bad.Upon arrival is when it got interesting. It is illegal to sell tickets for greater than face value. The local folks have interesting way of working this. Most ticket seller hang out and certain entrances to the Olympic Village. They don’t really advertise this, you have to find them. Being as discreet as possible, you approach someone who looks like they have tickets to sell. After asking, they stare at you for a couple of minutes determining if you might be with the authorities. If you pass the test, they tell you what events they have and what they are asking. Then, the negotiation begins. When the price is agreed, money is collect by a second person and the tickets are handed over by a third person. The sellers purposely spread things out in case they are caught. I chose not to purchase by this method, as the prices were totally unreasonable.Surprisingly, cosport.com started releasing tickets during the Olympics. By going to their web site, a limited number of tickets were being released each day at face value! The only hassle was to pick up in person at an office building in downtown Beijing. It the equivalent of downtown Denver in terms of distance and convenience, but at least I got tickets at a reasonable price.Then, just as surprisingly, the site stopped posting tickets. Who knows what’s going on?This morning was a free event to view the woman’s marathon. The race started and doubled back through Tiananmen Square providing two chances to view and take photos. Tonight I will be at the track and field events (officially known as ‘athletics’) in the massive Birds Nest Stadium.
Read more…
Posted by Katie Davis on August 16, 2008 at 11:00am
You are invited to Advaita Satsang with Katie Davis, author, Awake Joy and Sundance Burke, author, Free Spirit. They are residents of Maui and travel worldwide to share their message of conscious freedom and causeless joy through spiritual awakening, enlighenment, mediation, non-duality and Advaita.In 1982, Sundance awakened with Satoshi (Osho) and Sunyata, named the Rare Born Mystic by Ramana Maharshi.In 1986, Katie radically and spontaneously awakened without practices or teachers. Sundance and Katie met in 1988 and spent 12 years integrating the profound realization. Since 1999, they have been traveling to share with others in the form of Advaita Satsang.In 2004, Eckhart Tolle encouraged them to write their books and they just published in February 2008.More information, event testimonials and free videos, television and radio shows with slideshows at www.KatieDavis.org and www.SundanceBurke.org.Sundance and Katie will begin sitting 15 minutes early and you are welcome to join them. Please arrive early and enter in silence.Boulder Advaita Satsang, Friday, September 26, 7:00-9:00 pmVenue: Community United Church of Christ, 2650 Table Mesa, Dr., BoulderOptional donation $20 at the door.Contact Pat Dorsey, (303) 817-3472 or louisvillmt@msn.comBoulder Advaita Satsang, Saturday, September 27, 6:00-8:00 pmVenue: Community United Church of Christ, 2650 Table Mesa, Dr., BoulderOptional donation $20 at the door.Contact Pat Dorsey, (303) 817-3472 or louisvillmt@msn.comBoulder Advaita Satsang, Sunday, September 28, 4:00-6:00 pm7257 Siena Way, Boulder (Directions at www.KatieDavis.org/Schedule.html)Optional donation $20 at the door.Contact Attila Kassa (720) 480-9646 or attila.kassa@comcast.net
Read more…
Posted by Robert Leja on August 15, 2008 at 4:00pm
Greeley Colorado, August 15, 2008 An overnight lightning strike has knocked KUNC-FM’s Boulder translator off the air. The translator, which broadcasts KUNC’s programming at 99.9 FM to Boulder County as a supplement to the station’s main broadcast signal at 91.5 FM, will be off the air until the equipment can be repaired by the manufacturer.The translator signed on one year ago, when relocation of KUNC’s main transmitter resulted in weaker reception to some areas of Boulder and the surrounding communities.Repairs are expected to be completed sometime next week.In the meantime, many Boulder residents can still hear KUNC at 91.5 FM, online at KUNC.org, or on cable at 101.7.KUNC offers national and international news provided by National Public Radio, American Public Media, Public Radio International, along with local news coverage, and Diverse Music programming that blends jazz, classical, acoustic, singer-songwriter, and world music featuring regional, national, and international artists.KUNC serves listeners along the Front Range at 91.5 FM and 99.9 FM in Boulder, with translators also serving Breckenridge, Buena Vista, Dillon, Estes Park, Holyoke, Julesburg, Leadville, Steamboat Springs, Sterling, Vail/Eagle, Walden, Wray and Yuma.
Read more…
REI and The Women's Wilderness Institute are teaming up to share some great clinics in Boulder and Lakewood.What: Goal Setting and Outdoor Adventure for WomenWhen: 9/4/08Time: 7-9 pmCost: FreeWhere: REI BoulderLaunch into fall with a rejuvenation of mind, body and spirit. The clinic will guide you towards identifying, achieving and living your personal goals with specific tools for integrating outdoor activities to enrich your process. Taught by Jody Radtke, program director of The Women's Wilderness Institute, a local nonprofit that offers high quality outdoor adventures and trips for women and teen girls, this clinic is excellent preparation for TWWI’s fall Yoga (Sept. 10-14) and Writing (Sept. 24-28) retreats. www.womenswilderness.org.What: Fall Bike Tune-Up for Women with Heather SzaboWhen: 10/6/08Time: 7-9 pmCost: FreeWhere: REI BoulderJoin professional bike racer Heather Szabo of The Women's Wilderness Institute and Team Tokyo Joe's as she demonstrates the basics of bike maintenance and roadside repair, specifically for women. We’ll also talk about where to ride locally to extend the fall biking season and how to store your bike over the winter so it’s ready to roll for that first spring ride. Heather is on staff at The Women's Wilderness Institute, a local nonprofit offering high quality outdoor adventures and trips for women and teen girls. womenswilderness.org.What: Fall Bike Tune-Up for Women with Heather SzaboWhen: 10/9/08Time: 7-9 pmCost: FreeWhere: REI LakewoodJoin professional bike racer Heather Szabo of The Women's Wilderness Institute and Team Tokyo Joe's as she demonstrates the basics of bike maintenance and roadside repair, specifically for women. We’ll also talk about where to ride locally to extend the fall biking season and how to store your bike over the winter so it’s ready to roll for that first spring ride. Heather is on staff at The Women's Wilderness Institute, a local nonprofit offering high quality outdoor adventures and trips for women and teen girls. womenswilderness.org.
Read more…
Posted by Peter Wayne on August 14, 2008 at 7:00pm
Incredibly, there are 30 different venues to house all the Olympic venues. Each is tailored to its' specific sport be it fencing, softball, basketball, etc. Contrary to popular belief, they are not all in the Olympic Village. The venues are scattered mostly in the northern outskirts of the city. It can be quite a challenge getting there, as not even the taxi drivers know exactly where they all are. Fortunately, I was able to snag a special Olympic map at the airport that lays out all the locations. By pointing on the map to the taxi drivers, we get there. However, the areas around the venues are large and no vehicles are allowed within 1 KM. In fact, unless you have a ticket, there is no way you can just stroll around a stadium. I've met a number of American volunteers for the games. They are either ushers at the events or are manning the many information booths throughout the city. Most are students with an Asian background who speak Chinese as their second language. These unpaid volunteers apply about a year before the start date and are selected from a pool of thousands. Today I happened to meet one from my old home state of New Jersey, of all places. Another at a basketball venue was from Baltimore. These English speaking volunteers have been great to unravel some of the confusion on how to get to the venues (ie take subway line X to Y, etc.) Despite the difficulty in navigating, these venues are impressive. Seat position, lighting, venue layout has been well thought out. Getting crowds in and out is very smooth. There are very few 'bad' seats. Finally, I've decided that there is some sort of borderline insanity to all these Olympics. A country spends 4 or 5 years and billions of dollars building stadiums and infrastructure all for just 17 days of intense and tightly scheduled games. It will be interesting to see what Beijing will do with all these venues once the Olympics are done. More Olympic PhotosRead more…
Posted by Peter Wayne on August 12, 2008 at 11:30am
The new airport in Beijing is as impressive as everyone says. The new terminal 3 is as large as DIA. Beyond the airport, the whole city is Olympics crazed with banners, and signs everywhere. Many people are dressed to the max with Olympic wear. My evening was spent on Tieniman Square. The gate of the square has large Olympic theme diplays. It has become a large gathering place for in and out of towners. Most people were going picture crazy taking photos of friend and family members in front of these various themes. A few Chinese people asked they could have a picture with me. Oddly, I see very few westerners in the Square, which makes me stand out. Getting back to the hotel that night proved to be a bit of a problem. At around 10pm, all the taxi's are occupied. I attempted to share a ride with a couple of guys from Austrialia, but still no cabs. A couple of local university students observed our dilemma, and offered to guide us though the Beijing subway. This was a great boost to navigating the city. Signs are in both Chinese charaters and the English equivalent. Even the recording in the trains are announced in both English and Chinese.Tomorrow morning is the men's bike race, which I hope to attend if not too jet lagged. Til then, see my photos from this evening at 2008 Olympic PhotosRead more…
