thedenverpost--2020-01-23--Guest Commentary: There’s a better way to pick schools than Denver’s rating system

It ’ s school choice season in Denver .
Parents have until February 18 to do their homework , identifying up to 12 schools they can rank in order of preference .
Those choices will then be run through a series of algorithms to determine where children will be enrolled next fall .
The system can be particularly confusing for families new to the district .
In many parts of the country , the school choice process is simple : you send your children to whatever neighborhood school they ’ re zoned for .
In Denver , however , families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process designed to advance equity and increase the odds of finding a good fit .
But the number of choices can be paralyzing .
And even the simplest question is a daunting one .
After all , what makes a “ good ” school ?
To minimize the burden on families , DPS offers an easy-to-digest school rating system .
As the Denver Public Schools website puts it , the district ’ s School Performance Framework ( SPF ) “ is like a report card for schools , letting us know where a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to focus on improving.
” Strapped for time and overwhelmed by choices , thousands of parents will look to the district ’ s color-coded ranking system for advice .
Many will make their selections based largely on the rankings provided by DPS .
They will rest easy , knowing they ’ ve done their due diligence .
Unfortunately , such ratings tell us very little about the many things we value in public education .
Federal law mandates the publication of performance data that focuses chiefly on student standardized test scores in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few other metrics , like graduation rates , states then produce accountability ratings .
But such ratings tell us very little about the many things we value in public education .
And , just as troublingly , they often tell us more about student social and economic status than about school quality .
As research shows , the chief predictors of student standardized test scores are variables like family income and parental educational attainment .
School districts have freedom to develop their own rating systems , independently of the state .
And Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vision of the SPF is to serve as a “ starting point for meaningful conversations , ” as well as to help families “ understand where schools are making progress or need to grow.
” Presently , however , that isn ’ t how the SPF works .
A part of that is due to the summative ratings issued to schools .
The single , color-coded score that schools get are more conducive to rank-ordered lists than they are to meaningful conversations .
But mostly , the problem is data .
The measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chiefly standardized test scores and graduation rates — the same narrow measures mandated by federal law .
What this means is that a school with a high SPF rating isn ’ t necessarily a good school , at least not by the broad and comprehensive standards that most of us have for our schools .
And given the relationship between test scores and student demography , a low SPF rating doesn ’ t necessarily identify poor performers , either .
Fortunately , leaders and activists in the Denver school district realized this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has convened a committee to “ reimagine ” the SPF .
On January 15 , the committee voted to recommend to the full school board that the district abandon the rating scale .
The future remains uncertain .
Hopefully DPS will leverage best practices from other school districts that have already moved beyond test scores for measuring school quality .
But in the meantime , what should families do to learn more about the schools ?
Our suggestion : Put the SPF report aside and take a deep breath .
Take out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things you want schools to do for your children — or even better , for all children .
We all want schools to prepare them to read and write and calculate .
But many of us might include more expansive aims on our lists .
We might want the schools to promote social and civic competencies , or to support students ’ physical and psychological development .
Many of us likely support a broad and rich curriculum — one that includes history and science and art and music .
Some of us may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play , and wellbeing .
Some may be attuned to issues of equity and social justice .
All of us likely want students to feel safe , cared for , and as if they belong .
After you make a list , think about how you might learn more about these dimensions of a school .
DPS surveys students and their families , and the results are hosted online ; they make for an interesting read .
Old-fashioned methods are useful , too .
Especially if you already have a group of schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proximity , or because they advance some value of yours , like racial diversity — the best way to learn about a school is often by talking with people who are part of the community .
And walking through a school can be surprisingly informative offering a glimpse of the way people treat each other , what teaching looks like , and what students are working on .
In short , there ’ s no good shortcut at the moment .
And the truth is , there may never be .
But while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school quality , we might take the time to have a deeper and more nuanced conversation about what a good school is .
Good schools are everywhere ; you just have to know how to look .
Jack Schneider is an assistant professor of education at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and the author of “ Beyond Test Scores : A Better Way to Measure School Quality ” ( Harvard University Press ) .
He co-hosts the education podcast “ Have You Heard.
” Paul Vranas is a Denver resident and parent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ yellow ” rated DPS neighborhood school next year .
What to ask ?
Here ’ s a set of questions that families might ask about teaching drawn from the book “ Beyond Test Scores : A Better Way to Measure School Quality ” by Jack Schneider .
1 .
What grade-levels and subject areas have you had to hire for in the past two years ?
2 .
What does it typically look like here when teachers try to engage students ?
3 .
What stories can you tell me about how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the school promote that kind of investment ?
4 .
How much turnover has there been in the teaching staff over the past two years .
What explains it ?
5 .
What is your top priority as the person responsible for helping teachers grow ?
1 .
How many of your colleagues are teaching the children and the subjects that they ’ re best qualified to teach ?
2 .
How much are teachers encouraged to use different kinds of teaching strategies to engage students in class ?
3 .
To what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the students and invested in their futures ?
4 .
How much do your colleagues trust the principal here ?
5 .
How much has your principal helped teachers improve ?
What kinds of things has s/he done ?
Teachers environment questions to ask parents at the school : 1 .
What does your child say about his or her teachers ?
2 .
Do you get the sense that teachers use different kinds of teaching techniques here ?
3 .
Is it your impression that teachers at this school are invested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turnover is there in the teaching staff from year to year ?
5 .
Do you get the sense that teachers here enjoy working with each other ?
What does that look like ?
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

It’s school choice season in Denver. Parents have until February 18 to do their homework, identifying up to 12 schools they can rank in order of preference. Those choices will then be run through a series of algorithms to determine where children will be enrolled next fall.
The system can be particularly confusing for families new to the district. In many parts of the country, the school choice process is simple: you send your children to whatever neighborhood school they’re zoned for. In Denver, however, families can look across the city — a process designed to advance equity and increase the odds of finding a good fit. But the number of choices can be paralyzing. And even the simplest question is a daunting one. After all, what makes a “good” school?
To minimize the burden on families, DPS offers an easy-to-digest school rating system. As the Denver Public Schools website puts it, the district’s School Performance Framework (SPF) “is like a report card for schools, letting us know where a school is making progress and where we need to focus on improving.”
Strapped for time and overwhelmed by choices, thousands of parents will look to the district’s color-coded ranking system for advice. Many will make their selections based largely on the rankings provided by DPS. They will rest easy, knowing they’ve done their due diligence.
Unfortunately, such ratings tell us very little about the many things we value in public education. Federal law mandates the publication of performance data that focuses chiefly on student standardized test scores in two subject areas. Along with a few other metrics, like graduation rates, states then produce accountability ratings. But such ratings tell us very little about the many things we value in public education. And, just as troublingly, they often tell us more about student social and economic status than about school quality. As research shows, the chief predictors of student standardized test scores are variables like family income and parental educational attainment.
School districts have freedom to develop their own rating systems, independently of the state. And Denver has laudably done so. The guiding vision of the SPF is to serve as a “starting point for meaningful conversations,” as well as to help families “understand where schools are making progress or need to grow.”
Presently, however, that isn’t how the SPF works. A part of that is due to the summative ratings issued to schools. The single, color-coded score that schools get are more conducive to rank-ordered lists than they are to meaningful conversations. But mostly, the problem is data. The measures included in Denver’s SPF are chiefly standardized test scores and graduation rates — the same narrow measures mandated by federal law.
What this means is that a school with a high SPF rating isn’t necessarily a good school, at least not by the broad and comprehensive standards that most of us have for our schools. And given the relationship between test scores and student demography, a low SPF rating doesn’t necessarily identify poor performers, either.
Fortunately, leaders and activists in the Denver school district realized this. In response to their concerns, DPS has convened a committee to “reimagine” the SPF. On January 15, the committee voted to recommend to the full school board that the district abandon the rating scale. The future remains uncertain. Hopefully DPS will leverage best practices from other school districts that have already moved beyond test scores for measuring school quality.
But in the meantime, what should families do to learn more about the schools?
Our suggestion: Put the SPF report aside and take a deep breath.
Take out a paper and pen and write down 10 things you want schools to do for your children — or even better, for all children. We all want schools to prepare them to read and write and calculate. But many of us might include more expansive aims on our lists. We might want the schools to promote social and civic competencies, or to support students’ physical and psychological development. Many of us likely support a broad and rich curriculum — one that includes history and science and art and music. Some of us may be concerned with matters like joy, play, and wellbeing. Some may be attuned to issues of equity and social justice. All of us likely want students to feel safe, cared for, and as if they belong.
After you make a list, think about how you might learn more about these dimensions of a school. DPS surveys students and their families, and the results are hosted online; they make for an interesting read. Old-fashioned methods are useful, too. Especially if you already have a group of schools in mind — perhaps because of their proximity, or because they advance some value of yours, like racial diversity — the best way to learn about a school is often by talking with people who are part of the community. And walking through a school can be surprisingly informative offering a glimpse of the way people treat each other, what teaching looks like, and what students are working on.
In short, there’s no good shortcut at the moment. And the truth is, there may never be. But while DPS is building a better measure of school quality, we might take the time to have a deeper and more nuanced conversation about what a good school is. Good schools are everywhere; you just have to know how to look.
Jack Schneider is an assistant professor of education at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and the author of “Beyond Test Scores: A Better Way to Measure School Quality” (Harvard University Press). He co-hosts the education podcast “Have You Heard.”
Paul Vranas is a Denver resident and parent to a preschooler who will be attending his “yellow” rated DPS neighborhood school next year.
What to ask?
Here’s a set of questions that families might ask about teaching drawn from the book “Beyond Test Scores: A Better Way to Measure School Quality” by Jack Schneider.
Teaching Environment Questions
Teachers environment questions to ask a school’s principal:
1. What grade-levels and subject areas have you had to hire for in the past two years?
2. What does it typically look like here when teachers try to engage students?
3. What stories can you tell me about how invested teachers are here? How does the school promote that kind of investment?
4. How much turnover has there been in the teaching staff over the past two years. What explains it?
5. What is your top priority as the person responsible for helping teachers grow?
Teachers environment questions to ask teachers:
1. How many of your colleagues are teaching the children and the subjects that they’re best qualified to teach?
2. How much are teachers encouraged to use different kinds of teaching strategies to engage students in class?
3. To what extent are your colleagues personally interested in the students and invested in their futures?
4. How much do your colleagues trust the principal here?
5. How much has your principal helped teachers improve? What kinds of things has s/he done?
Teachers environment questions to ask parents at the school:
1. What does your child say about his or her teachers?
2. Do you get the sense that teachers use different kinds of teaching techniques here?
3. Is it your impression that teachers at this school are invested in the kids?
4. How much turnover is there in the teaching staff from year to year?
5. Do you get the sense that teachers here enjoy working with each other? What does that look like?
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-01-23--Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios barks, mocks his way to third round

MELBOURNE , Australia — Love him or hate him — and make no mistake , there are plenty in each camp — Nick Kyrgios never allows for a dull moment when he ’ s on a tennis court , whether it ’ s shot selection , showmanship , momentum swings , barking at his entourage or mocking another player not even involved in the match at hand .
All of the above happened during his ever-eventful 6-2 , 6-4 , 4-6 , 7-5 victory over Gilles Simon in the Australian Open ’ s second round Thursday night .
That included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six months ’ probation from the ATP for verbally abusing tennis officials — poked fun at the man he might meet in the fourth round , Rafael Nadal .
After being warned for taking more than the allotted 25 seconds between serves , Kyrgios mimicked how Nadal fidgets before a point , as if to remind the chair umpire that there are folks who more egregiously waste time .
When a reporter asked Nadal about Kyrgios ’ imitation of the 19-time major champion , the Spaniard replied : “ I really don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play tennis.
” About the only boring segment of the proceedings came during the in-stadium interview , when an allusion was made to later rounds and Kyrgios , an Australian seeded 23rd , told the Melbourne Arena crowd , “ I ’ m not thinking ahead .
… I ’ m just taking it one match at a time at the moment.
” After Kyrgios wrapped up , the No .
1-seeded Nadal was still in the early stages of what became a 6-3 , 7-6 ( 4 ) , 6-1 win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arena .
Those results were the most intriguing of Day 4 at the year ’ s first Grand Slam tournament , especially given the distaste Kyrgios and Nadal have for each other in a raucous rivalry that provided one of the highlights of Wimbledon in 2019 .
Never too early to begin pondering a meeting with a quarterfinal berth at stake during Week 2 in Melbourne , with the popular Nadal facing the home-backed Kyrgios .
For that to materialize , Kyrgios first needs to beat No .
16 Karen Khachanov of Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
27 Pablo Carreno Busta in an all-Spanish matchup .
A massive overnight storm blew dirt all over town , turning the Yarra River brown and leaving traces of red dust on the blue courts Thursday .
The playing surfaces required power washing , which delayed the start of action on some outside courts for more than four hours .
• “ My mission was to win ” : Coco Gauff tops Venus Williams at Australian Open • Wildfires mar first days of play at Australian Open qualifiers Among the noteworthy winners were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took a medical timeout because of a nosebleed late in the second set of his 7-5 , 6-1 , 6-3 victory over Spanish qualifier Pedro Martinez , along with two-time French Open finalist Dominic Thiem , No .
7 Alexander Zverev , No .
10 Gael Monfils and a trio of women who have been ranked No .
1 and own Grand Slam titles : Simona Halep , Angelique Kerber and Garbiñe Muguruza .
Nothing captivated a crowd quite like Kyrgios did against Simon , a 35-year-old from France who is ranked 61st @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though .
Yes , Kyrgios delighted the fans with his between-the-legs shots and his booming serves — to the tune of 28 aces , including one at 136 mph to end the match .
He also probably made them nervous with the way he seemed to completely give away the third set after twice being a single point from serving for the win , holding break chances while already leading 4-2 .
Kyrgios dropped the last four games of that set , no longer showing the patience in baseline exchanges that helped build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There also were the consecutive double-faults that allowed Simon to get to 4-all with his first break of the match .
That was part of a stretch in which Kyrgios veered off course for quite a while .
The talented 24-year-old went from a total of 10 unforced errors over the first couple of sets to 30 over the next two .
During the changeover before the fourth set , Kyrgios expressed his displeasure with the sort of support he was getting from his group in the audience — which included former No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ So creative .
So creative .
So creative .
Out of all the things you could say : ‘ Stay tough.
’ Thanks , man .
Thanks .
‘ Stay tough.
’ That ’ s what I get .
Every break point : ‘ Stay tough.
’ Wow .
Wow .
Wow.
” Kyrgios later described himself with a vulgar term for that reaction and said he apologized to his entourage in the locker room .
“ They don ’ t deserve that .
They do a lot of things for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
“ No , it ’ s not acceptable from me .
Nothing to do with them.
” Eventually , he got himself headed back in the right direction , earning break points at 5-all in the fourth with the help of an unnecessary leaping backhand that seemed to fly out of control yet somehow landed on the baseline .
Kyrgios got that key break with a forehand winner to lead 6-5 , then extended his arm toward the spectators .
He served it out with a trio of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200 Australian dollars per ace this month — there have been 111 in singles thus far , so 22,200 Australian dollars ’ worth — to help relief efforts for the wildfires burning around his country .
Then he turned toward the stands behind the baseline and let out a roar .
“ Could have gone to a dark place , and I brought it back .
I somehow scraped the win , ” Kyrgios said later .
“ Maturity ?
I don ’ t know .
I ’ m just happy to get @ @ @ @

MELBOURNE, Australia — Love him or hate him — and make no mistake, there are plenty in each camp — Nick Kyrgios never allows for a dull moment when he’s on a tennis court, whether it’s shot selection, showmanship, momentum swings, barking at his entourage or mocking another player not even involved in the match at hand.
All of the above happened during his ever-eventful 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 victory over Gilles Simon in the Australian Open’s second round Thursday night.
That included a moment when Kyrgios — currently on six months’ probation from the ATP for verbally abusing tennis officials — poked fun at the man he might meet in the fourth round, Rafael Nadal. After being warned for taking more than the allotted 25 seconds between serves, Kyrgios mimicked how Nadal fidgets before a point, as if to remind the chair umpire that there are folks who more egregiously waste time.
When a reporter asked Nadal about Kyrgios’ imitation of the 19-time major champion, the Spaniard replied: “I really don’t care. I’m here to play tennis.”
About the only boring segment of the proceedings came during the in-stadium interview, when an allusion was made to later rounds and Kyrgios, an Australian seeded 23rd, told the Melbourne Arena crowd, “I’m not thinking ahead. … I’m just taking it one match at a time at the moment.”
Zzzzzzzz.
After Kyrgios wrapped up, the No. 1-seeded Nadal was still in the early stages of what became a 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-1 win against Federico Delbonis over at Rod Laver Arena.
Those results were the most intriguing of Day 4 at the year’s first Grand Slam tournament, especially given the distaste Kyrgios and Nadal have for each other in a raucous rivalry that provided one of the highlights of Wimbledon in 2019.
Never too early to begin pondering a meeting with a quarterfinal berth at stake during Week 2 in Melbourne, with the popular Nadal facing the home-backed Kyrgios.
For that to materialize, Kyrgios first needs to beat No. 16 Karen Khachanov of Russia on Saturday, when Nadal plays No. 27 Pablo Carreno Busta in an all-Spanish matchup.
A massive overnight storm blew dirt all over town, turning the Yarra River brown and leaving traces of red dust on the blue courts Thursday. The playing surfaces required power washing, which delayed the start of action on some outside courts for more than four hours.
Among the noteworthy winners were U.S. Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev, who took a medical timeout because of a nosebleed late in the second set of his 7-5, 6-1, 6-3 victory over Spanish qualifier Pedro Martinez, along with two-time French Open finalist Dominic Thiem, No. 7 Alexander Zverev, No. 10 Gael Monfils and a trio of women who have been ranked No. 1 and own Grand Slam titles: Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber and Garbiñe Muguruza.
Nothing captivated a crowd quite like Kyrgios did against Simon, a 35-year-old from France who is ranked 61st.
Not all for good reasons, though.
Yes, Kyrgios delighted the fans with his between-the-legs shots and his booming serves — to the tune of 28 aces, including one at 136 mph to end the match.
He also probably made them nervous with the way he seemed to completely give away the third set after twice being a single point from serving for the win, holding break chances while already leading 4-2. Kyrgios dropped the last four games of that set, no longer showing the patience in baseline exchanges that helped build a lead in the first place.
There also were the consecutive double-faults that allowed Simon to get to 4-all with his first break of the match.
That was part of a stretch in which Kyrgios veered off course for quite a while. The talented 24-year-old went from a total of 10 unforced errors over the first couple of sets to 30 over the next two.
During the changeover before the fourth set, Kyrgios expressed his displeasure with the sort of support he was getting from his group in the audience — which included former No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt — sarcastically huffing: “So creative. So creative. So creative. Out of all the things you could say: ‘Stay tough.’ Thanks, man. Thanks. ‘Stay tough.’ That’s what I get. Every break point: ‘Stay tough.’ Wow. Wow. Wow.”
Kyrgios later described himself with a vulgar term for that reaction and said he apologized to his entourage in the locker room.
“They don’t deserve that. They do a lot of things for me, on and off the court,” he said. “No, it’s not acceptable from me. Nothing to do with them.”
Eventually, he got himself headed back in the right direction, earning break points at 5-all in the fourth with the help of an unnecessary leaping backhand that seemed to fly out of control yet somehow landed on the baseline. Kyrgios got that key break with a forehand winner to lead 6-5, then extended his arm toward the spectators.
He served it out with a trio of aces, adding to his pledge of 200 Australian dollars per ace this month — there have been 111 in singles thus far, so 22,200 Australian dollars’ worth — to help relief efforts for the wildfires burning around his country.
Then he turned toward the stands behind the baseline and let out a roar.
“Could have gone to a dark place, and I brought it back. I somehow scraped the win,” Kyrgios said later. “Maturity? I don’t know. I’m just happy to get the win.”


thedenverpost--2020-01-23--Suspect arrested after allegedly driving minivan into a Littleton Chase Bank, Dino Mart

Jefferson County sheriff ’ s deputies arrested a 39-year-old man early Thursday morning after he allegedly crashed a minivan into @ @ @ @ @ station convenience store in Littleton , according to a sheriff ’ s office tweet .
@ @ @ @ @ walls and windows of a Chase Bank and a Sinclair gas station Dino Mart near @ @ @ @ @ Coal Mine Avenue , according to the 4:45 a.m. tweet .
Deputies arrested the suspect @ @ @ @ @ items from the Dino Mart to the mini van parked near the Chase Bank , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s tweet .
The name of the suspect has not been released .
Deputies @ @ @ @ @ crime scenes for several hours , a tweet said .
Check back for updates of @ @ @ @ @

Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies arrested a 39-year-old man early Thursday morning after he allegedly crashed a minivan into a bank and a gas station convenience store in Littleton, according to a sheriff’s office tweet.
The smash-and-grab burglaries crushed the walls and windows of a Chase Bank and a Sinclair gas station Dino Mart near S. Kipling Parkway and W. Coal Mine Avenue, according to the 4:45 a.m. tweet.
Deputies arrested the suspect as he was carrying stolen items from the Dino Mart to the mini van parked near the Chase Bank, according to a second sheriff’s tweet.
The name of the suspect has not been released.
Deputies were expected to investigate the crime scenes for several hours, a tweet said.
Check back for updates of this breaking news story.


thedenverpost--2020-01-24--After Florida teen Sol Pais bought a gun in Colorado, feds audit FBI background check system

The U.S. Department of Justice inspector general is auditing how the FBI ensures states correctly use its background check system @ @ @ @ @ 18-year-old Florida woman bought a shotgun in Colorado and caused a manhunt that closed hundreds @ @ @ @ @ of the FBI ’ s oversight of its National Instant Criminal Background Check System , @ @ @ @ @ requested last year by U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse , D-Lafayette , and four other Colorado @ @ @ @ @ allowed to buy the gun shortly after arriving in Colorado , a news release by @ @ @ @ @ .
The audit hopefully will prevent a similar incident from happening again , the news @ @ @ @ @ s flight to Colorado led to a statewide manhunt after FBI officials said Pais was @ @ @ @ @ High School shootings .
The concerns over the teen ’ s intentions caused hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ to close .
The Clear Creek County coroner later determined Pais had died by suicide @ @ @ @ @ same day she arrived in Colorado and purchased the shotgun .

The U.S. Department of Justice inspector general is auditing how the FBI ensures states correctly use its background check system for gun purchases after an 18-year-old Florida woman bought a shotgun in Colorado and caused a manhunt that closed hundreds of schools.
The audit of the FBI’s oversight of its National Instant Criminal Background Check System, known as NICS, was requested last year by U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Lafayette, and four other Colorado representatives after Sol Pais was allowed to buy the gun shortly after arriving in Colorado, a news release by Neguse’s office said.
The audit hopefully will prevent a similar incident from happening again, the news release said.
Pais’s flight to Colorado led to a statewide manhunt after FBI officials said Pais was infatuated with the 1999 Columbine High School shootings. The concerns over the teen’s intentions caused hundreds of schools along the Front Range to close. The Clear Creek County coroner later determined Pais had died by suicide on Mount Evans on the same day she arrived in Colorado and purchased the shotgun.


thedenverpost--2020-01-24--Rockies Media Preview: Join local journalists on Jan. 29 at the Denver Press Club to discuss the 202

Rockies Media Preview: Join local journalists on Jan. 29 at the Denver Press Club to discuss the 2020 season

Calling all Rockies fans : Join local journalists for a media preview of the 2020 Rockies season on Wednesday , January 29 , at the Denver Press Club .
The event , moderated by Denver Post beat writer Patrick Saunders , will feature a panel of writers and broadcasters who cover the team on a daily basis .
Fans will get the chance to pose questions in a forum setting while also chatting with journalists one-on-one .
• Rockies Insider : Larry Walker ’ s Hall of Fame career began with dreams of being an NHL goalie • Rockies ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says he ’ s concentrating on baseball • Kiszla : Hey , Rockies !
Here ’ s solution to the nasty tiff between Nolan Arenado and Jeff Bridich • Larry Walker going into Hall of Fame representing Rockies , not Expos Plus , broadcaster Jerry Schemmel is the evening ’ s celebrity bartender .
Schemmel will be pouring drinks to raise money for the Kyle Pease Foundation , which works to create awareness and raise funds for people with disabilities by providing assistance through sports .
Doors open at 5 p.m. and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free for Denver Press Club members and $ 8 for non-members , and can be purchased through Eventbrite .
Complete list of journalists scheduled for the panel : Patrick Saunders ( Denver Post ) , Kyle Newman ( Denver Post ) , Jenny Cavnar ( AT & T SportsNet ) , Jerry Schemmel ( formerly KOA Radio ) , Thomas Harding ( MLB.com ) , Manny Randhawa ( MLB.com ) , Drew Creasman ( DNVR ) , Patrick Lyons ( DNVR ) and Samantha Bradfield ( Purple Row ) .

Calling all Rockies fans: Join local journalists for a media preview of the 2020 Rockies season on Wednesday, January 29, at the Denver Press Club.
The event, moderated by Denver Post beat writer Patrick Saunders, will feature a panel of writers and broadcasters who cover the team on a daily basis. Fans will get the chance to pose questions in a forum setting while also chatting with journalists one-on-one.
Plus, broadcaster Jerry Schemmel is the evening’s celebrity bartender. Schemmel will be pouring drinks to raise money for the Kyle Pease Foundation, which works to create awareness and raise funds for people with disabilities by providing assistance through sports.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and the panel begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are free for Denver Press Club members and $8 for non-members, and can be purchased through Eventbrite.
Complete list of journalists scheduled for the panel: Patrick Saunders (Denver Post), Kyle Newman (Denver Post), Jenny Cavnar (AT&T SportsNet), Jerry Schemmel (formerly KOA Radio), Thomas Harding (MLB.com), Manny Randhawa (MLB.com), Drew Creasman (DNVR), Patrick Lyons (DNVR) and Samantha Bradfield (Purple Row).


thedenverpost--2020-01-24--Kafer: Pit bulls will go from death row to probation with Denver compromise

The art of compromise isn ’ t completely lost , but it ’ s hard to find .
In the highly polarized , perpetual campaign season that has come to characterize American political life , working with the other side is a liability .
Pleasant statements about cooperation and common ground don ’ t get retweeted .
The battle-hungry base craves a dramatic stand against dastardly opponents .
Only the weak , unprincipled , and disloyal give an inch .
But like a Rembrandt discovered in a New Jersey basement , the lost art of compromise was dusted off this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And , it was beautiful .
On Wednesday , the council ’ s safety committee approved legislation by Councilman Chris Herndon to allow pit bulls in Denver city limits .
The bill does not repeal the breed ban enacted in 1989 ; rather , it allows an owner to register his or her pit bull ( American Pit Bull Terrier , American Staffordshire Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier ) on a probationary yearlong basis .
After three years , dogs that have not had any violations are eligible for a regular license .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the owner will have to microchip and vaccinate the dog and provide extensive contact information , a description of the dog and a photograph .
The proposal will soon be heard by the whole council .
If successful , Denver will join over 100 cities across the country that have repealed or modified their breed-specific ordinances .
You don ’ t have to be a dog expert to know that breed-specific bans are ineffective and unfair .
They target an entire breed rather than dangerous dogs of all breeds .
Under such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ euthanized , and no one is safer for it .
Bans also deter thoughtful , law-abiding people from owning certain breeds , while increasing those breeds ’ prestige among lawless and irresponsible individuals .
While research by the American Veterinary Medical Association has found pit bulls are not more dangerous than dogs of other breeds , some people continue to have concerns .
It ’ s understandable .
Pit bulls are not poodles .
As with other powerfully-built breeds such as Akitas , Rottweilers , Chow Chows , German Shepherds , and malamutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pets , but they require training and socialization for the sake of the dog , other dogs , and people .
Abuse or neglect of any dog is cruel .
Among large , muscular dogs , such treatment can create a dangerous animal .
An aggressive Chihuahua can draw blood .
An aggressive pit bull , Akita , or malamute can seriously maim or kill another dog or a person .
Breed bans are well-intentioned efforts to prevent fatalities .
Denver ’ s pit bull ban was enacted because a 3-year-old child was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although the solution is flawed , the concerns are real .
As the owner of a German shepherd-chow and a fan of the pit bull breed , I have long advocated in this column for the repeal of breed-specific bans in Colorado .
That said , I acknowledge that people have legitimate concerns about pit bulls and other powerful dog breeds .
Recognizing the validity of other people ’ s concerns is at the heart of compromise .
A good compromise addresses the concerns and priorities of differing parties .
While neither @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets done .
In this case , pit bulls will move from death row to probation and pit bull ban advocates will have some assurance that only those responsible enough to get a special license can legally possess a pit bull .
While not every compromise is a good one , a good compromise advances solutions that are at least partially amenable to most people , giving all parties something to wag their tail about .
That ’ s more than we can say for the drama-ridden battles fought by righteous , entrenched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Krista Kafer is a weekly Denver Post columnist .
Follow her on Twitter : @ kristakafer .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

The art of compromise isn’t completely lost, but it’s hard to find. In the highly polarized, perpetual campaign season that has come to characterize American political life, working with the other side is a liability. Pleasant statements about cooperation and common ground don’t get retweeted. The battle-hungry base craves a dramatic stand against dastardly opponents. Only the weak, unprincipled, and disloyal give an inch.
But like a Rembrandt discovered in a New Jersey basement, the lost art of compromise was dusted off this week by the Denver City Council. And, it was beautiful.
On Wednesday, the council’s safety committee approved legislation by Councilman Chris Herndon to allow pit bulls in Denver city limits. The bill does not repeal the breed ban enacted in 1989; rather, it allows an owner to register his or her pit bull (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier) on a probationary yearlong basis. After three years, dogs that have not had any violations are eligible for a regular license. To get the special pit bull license, the owner will have to microchip and vaccinate the dog and provide extensive contact information, a description of the dog and a photograph.
The proposal will soon be heard by the whole council. If successful, Denver will join over 100 cities across the country that have repealed or modified their breed-specific ordinances.
You don’t have to be a dog expert to know that breed-specific bans are ineffective and unfair. They target an entire breed rather than dangerous dogs of all breeds. Under such ordinances, good dogs get confiscated and euthanized, and no one is safer for it. Bans also deter thoughtful, law-abiding people from owning certain breeds, while increasing those breeds’ prestige among lawless and irresponsible individuals.
While research by the American Veterinary Medical Association has found pit bulls are not more dangerous than dogs of other breeds, some people continue to have concerns.
It’s understandable. Pit bulls are not poodles. As with other powerfully-built breeds such as Akitas, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, German Shepherds, and malamutes, pit bulls can be wonderful family pets, but they require training and socialization for the sake of the dog, other dogs, and people. Abuse or neglect of any dog is cruel. Among large, muscular dogs, such treatment can create a dangerous animal. An aggressive Chihuahua can draw blood. An aggressive pit bull, Akita, or malamute can seriously maim or kill another dog or a person.
Breed bans are well-intentioned efforts to prevent fatalities. Denver’s pit bull ban was enacted because a 3-year-old child was mauled to death by a pit bull. Although the solution is flawed, the concerns are real.
As the owner of a German shepherd-chow and a fan of the pit bull breed, I have long advocated in this column for the repeal of breed-specific bans in Colorado. That said, I acknowledge that people have legitimate concerns about pit bulls and other powerful dog breeds. Recognizing the validity of other people’s concerns is at the heart of compromise. A good compromise addresses the concerns and priorities of differing parties. While neither side gets everything it wants, something gets done. In this case, pit bulls will move from death row to probation and pit bull ban advocates will have some assurance that only those responsible enough to get a special license can legally possess a pit bull.
While not every compromise is a good one, a good compromise advances solutions that are at least partially amenable to most people, giving all parties something to wag their tail about. That’s more than we can say for the drama-ridden battles fought by righteous, entrenched foes that characterize these strange political times.
Krista Kafer is a weekly Denver Post columnist. Follow her on Twitter: @kristakafer.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-01-23--Colorado hospital profits are skyrocketing, new state report says

Colorado hospitals are making billions in profits while consumers pick up the tab , a new report from the state says .
Democratic lawmakers say the first step in fixing the increasing burden on patients is transparency , as they work on similar types of bills related to prescription drug costs .
“ Today ’ s status quo in health care means ever-increasing costs , and the current trajectory is unsustainable , ” Rep. Susan , Lontine , D-Denver , said .
“ The first step in making changes is understanding the problem.
” Despite money from the state to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Medicaid payment rates , hospitals — not the providers — are making billions in profits while forcing patients to pay more , according to a report released Thursday by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing .
The Colorado Hospital Association , which represents dozens of facilities around the state , countered that the state isn ’ t taking into account how much of Colorado ’ s aging population is covered by Medicare , which pays less than private insurance .
The crux of the disagreement is how much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Facilities have traditionally charged higher rates to insurance companies and their customers to make up for care to uninsured people and those covered by Medicare and Medicaid , which pay less than the cost of some services .
The report argues that hospitals are facing less of a shortfall than they did a decade ago because fewer people are uninsured and the state has increased Medicaid reimbursement rates and created other mechanisms to fund shortfalls .
Lt. Gov .
Dianne Primavera said the state expected hospitals to stop shifting so much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as their shortfall went down , but instead they ’ ve increased spending on executives and middle men .
“ If all the money we ’ re spending on health care isn ’ t making us any healthier , where is that money going ?
” she said at a news conference Thursday about the report .
Two women spoke about their experiences with rising costs at the news conference , discussing how their health diagnoses depleted their savings and forced them to dip into retirement money .
The report estimated one-fifth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one-third struggle to afford prescription drugs .
“ This is not right , ” Pamela White said of her experience with rising costs after she was diagnosed with breast cancer .
“ We need solutions.
” Advocates pointed to the report as another example of the need for a public insurance option , which is shaping up to be one of the biggest political fights this session .
A poll released this week found that a majority of Coloradans support a public option .
Rep. Chris Kennedy , a Democrat from Lakewood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are calling for a total transformation of the system so Coloradans stop paying for volume and start paying for value .
The transparency bills and other measures introduced this year are short- and medium-term steps to getting there , he said .
The hospital association , however , argued that since 60 % of Colorado residents are covered by public insurance , they still face a substantial shortfall .
The report found that the prices Colorado hospitals charge have risen faster than the national average , and that the increase isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the funding shortfall .
Profits nearly tripled , from $ 538 per patient in 2009 to $ 1,518 in 2018 .
The hospital association said the profits the state cited don ’ t into account some of their costs , like taxes and the value of time spent training medical residents .
It also attributed much of the increase in profitability to a strong economy and to improvements in vulnerable hospitals ’ finances .
“ ( Profit ) margin improvement is also due to hospitals working to control their costs as they work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of great uncertainty , ” the statement said .
A report from the Health Care Cost Institute showed prices for inpatient hospital services grew 10 % nationwide , but grew 23 % in Denver and 20 % in Colorado Springs .
Boulder ’ s cost growth was in line with the national average , and Fort Collins saw slower growth .
Most of the increase in costs since 2009 has come from charges by hospitals themselves , rather than payments to physicians working in the hospitals , according to a 2019 study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an associate policy researcher at RAND Corporation , couldn ’ t speak directly to Colorado ’ s insurance markets , but said one factor driving increased prices nationwide is consolidation .
Hospitals often pitch mergers as a way to increase efficiency and lower costs , but “ we actually see the opposite going on , ” he said .
A report from the Health Care Cost Initiative found the Denver and Colorado Springs markets were “ highly concentrated , ” and Fort Collins was “ very highly concentrated.
” Hospitals have invested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may see facilities as a proxy for quality , Whaley said .
They bring in more customers and hospitals are able to pass much of the cost on to insurance companies , which then pass it on to all of their customers , he said .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Colorado hospitals are making billions in profits while consumers pick up the tab, a new report from the state says.
Democratic lawmakers say the first step in fixing the increasing burden on patients is transparency, as they work on similar types of bills related to prescription drug costs.
“Today’s status quo in health care means ever-increasing costs, and the current trajectory is unsustainable,” Rep. Susan, Lontine, D-Denver, said. “The first step in making changes is understanding the problem.”
Despite money from the state to make up for funding shortfalls and increases in Medicaid payment rates, hospitals — not the providers — are making billions in profits while forcing patients to pay more, according to a report released Thursday by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.
The Colorado Hospital Association, which represents dozens of facilities around the state, countered that the state isn’t taking into account how much of Colorado’s aging population is covered by Medicare, which pays less than private insurance.
The crux of the disagreement is how much of a shortfall hospitals have to make up. Facilities have traditionally charged higher rates to insurance companies and their customers to make up for care to uninsured people and those covered by Medicare and Medicaid, which pay less than the cost of some services.
The report argues that hospitals are facing less of a shortfall than they did a decade ago because fewer people are uninsured and the state has increased Medicaid reimbursement rates and created other mechanisms to fund shortfalls. Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera said the state expected hospitals to stop shifting so much of their costs onto people with private insurance as their shortfall went down, but instead they’ve increased spending on executives and middle men.
“If all the money we’re spending on health care isn’t making us any healthier, where is that money going?” she said at a news conference Thursday about the report.
Two women spoke about their experiences with rising costs at the news conference, discussing how their health diagnoses depleted their savings and forced them to dip into retirement money. The report estimated one-fifth of Coloradans forgo care because of cost, and one-third struggle to afford prescription drugs.
“This is not right,” Pamela White said of her experience with rising costs after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “We need solutions.”
Advocates pointed to the report as another example of the need for a public insurance option, which is shaping up to be one of the biggest political fights this session. A poll released this week found that a majority of Coloradans support a public option.
Rep. Chris Kennedy, a Democrat from Lakewood, told The Denver Post that lawmakers are calling for a total transformation of the system so Coloradans stop paying for volume and start paying for value. The transparency bills and other measures introduced this year are short- and medium-term steps to getting there, he said.
The hospital association, however, argued that since 60% of Colorado residents are covered by public insurance, they still face a substantial shortfall.
The report found that the prices Colorado hospitals charge have risen faster than the national average, and that the increase isn’t explained by increasing numbers of patients or the funding shortfall. Profits nearly tripled, from $538 per patient in 2009 to $1,518 in 2018.
The hospital association said the profits the state cited don’t into account some of their costs, like taxes and the value of time spent training medical residents. It also attributed much of the increase in profitability to a strong economy and to improvements in vulnerable hospitals’ finances.
“(Profit) margin improvement is also due to hospitals working to control their costs as they work to address affordability and operate during a time of great uncertainty,” the statement said.
A report from the Health Care Cost Institute showed prices for inpatient hospital services grew 10% nationwide, but grew 23% in Denver and 20% in Colorado Springs. Boulder’s cost growth was in line with the national average, and Fort Collins saw slower growth.
Most of the increase in costs since 2009 has come from charges by hospitals themselves, rather than payments to physicians working in the hospitals, according to a 2019 study in Health Affairs.
Chris Whaley, an associate policy researcher at RAND Corporation, couldn’t speak directly to Colorado’s insurance markets, but said one factor driving increased prices nationwide is consolidation. Hospitals often pitch mergers as a way to increase efficiency and lower costs, but “we actually see the opposite going on,” he said.
A report from the Health Care Cost Initiative found the Denver and Colorado Springs markets were “highly concentrated,” and Fort Collins was “very highly concentrated.”
Hospitals have invested in cosmetic upgrades and more amenities because patients may see facilities as a proxy for quality, Whaley said. They bring in more customers and hospitals are able to pass much of the cost on to insurance companies, which then pass it on to all of their customers, he said.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-01-23--Mark Kennedy: Underfunding CU endangers our state’s future

A decade ago , the iPhone was three years old .
Uber and Airbnb had just started .
Instagram launched .
Tesla ’ s battery-powered Model S was two years away .
Oh , how our world has changed in the past 10 years .
What will the coming decade bring ?
Will fully autonomous cars be commonplace ?
Will drones deliver packages ?
What must Colorado do to continue to prosper ?
In some respects , change in the future will mirror change of the past , only at a faster , more disruptive pace .
Advances in technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the automation of many tasks .
Some forecasts suggest nearly half of today ’ s jobs could be automated by 2030 , nearly a third of workers will need to prepare for a new career , and almost everyone will need to be a lifelong learner to keep current .
Economic vitality will depend on new technologies and ventures emerging from research to replace jobs eliminated by automation .
Increasingly , success of individuals , enterprises , states and nations will hinge on education and research .
It ’ s no coincidence that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Airbnb , Instagram and Tesla emerged from California , home to the leading public university system ranked by research expenditures .
The University of Colorado system ( with more than $ 1 billion annually in research ) ranks among the top 10 public university systems in the nation in research expenditures .
Among the factors the federal government undoubtedly considered in locating its new Space Force in Colorado was that CU is the top public university in NASA research funding .
Ecosystems like the state enjoys in space , with its military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complementing each other , will become more essential for economic success .
CU also is also a national leader in health care and environmental research , other ecosystems vital to Colorado ’ s prosperity and to our nation ’ s and the planet ’ s future .
The state benefits not just from the highly skilled workforce CU provides , but also from nearly 200 companies that have emerged from CU research .
Research and workforce development at our colleague universities also contribute to a healthy state economy .
Yet without a course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is tenuous .
Public funding for higher education in Colorado has not kept up , even accounting for last year ’ s generous increase ( for which we are thankful ) .
Colorado ranked 48th nationally in per-student funding a decade ago .
It has the same ranking today .
This has driven tuition up .
The state ’ s commitment must be renewed .
Attracting nonresident students has helped some campuses mitigate the impact of this decline .
But continuing to subsidize Colorado students with out-of-state tuition is increasingly risky .
Nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decade .
Colorado high school graduates will decline after 2025 .
Other states will fight harder to keep their students home .
When you combine low state support with competitive tuition , Colorado universities are among the most efficient of their peers .
Yet low state funding constrains the financial aid and support services we can make available to meet the needs of tomorrow ’ s students , who increasingly are from under-represented minorities , low-income families and are the first generation in their families to attend college .
The state also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better-funded research universities in other states .
Colorado has relied on attracting out-of-state college graduates to meet workforce needs , but Front Range real estate prices make that risky as well .
CU is undertaking a strategic plan to address Colorado ’ s needs and to lean into the future .
It will allow us to embrace technology to support the success of an increasingly diverse student body , expand lifelong learning ( including new forms of credentials ) , generate breakthrough discoveries , enhance support for mental health , expand online offerings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Recently , Virginia committed to investing $ 1.1 billion to produce 25,000 to 35,000 additional graduates in computer science and engineering fields over the coming 20 years , doubling the current rate .
While all degrees are important , engineering degrees cost significantly more to deliver .
Student demand is there , as we see with a growing share of CU ’ s graduates on our campuses and our engineering collaborations with Colorado Mesa and Western Colorado University .
For Colorado to have the talent and discovery that the future demands , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher education , follow the paths of states like Virginia and invest in our future .
Doing so will let us look back a decade from now at one of the wisest investments we ever made .
Mark Kennedy is president of the University of Colorado .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

A decade ago, the iPhone was three years old. Uber and Airbnb had just started. Instagram launched. Tesla’s battery-powered Model S was two years away. Oh, how our world has changed in the past 10 years.
What will the coming decade bring? Will fully autonomous cars be commonplace? Will drones deliver packages? What must Colorado do to continue to prosper?
In some respects, change in the future will mirror change of the past, only at a faster, more disruptive pace. Advances in technology will continue to accelerate, as will the automation of many tasks. Some forecasts suggest nearly half of today’s jobs could be automated by 2030, nearly a third of workers will need to prepare for a new career, and almost everyone will need to be a lifelong learner to keep current.
Economic vitality will depend on new technologies and ventures emerging from research to replace jobs eliminated by automation. Increasingly, success of individuals, enterprises, states and nations will hinge on education and research. It’s no coincidence that advances such as the iPhone, Uber, Airbnb, Instagram and Tesla emerged from California, home to the leading public university system ranked by research expenditures.
The University of Colorado system (with more than $1 billion annually in research) ranks among the top 10 public university systems in the nation in research expenditures. Among the factors the federal government undoubtedly considered in locating its new Space Force in Colorado was that CU is the top public university in NASA research funding. Ecosystems like the state enjoys in space, with its military bases, leading aerospace companies and CU complementing each other, will become more essential for economic success.
CU also is also a national leader in health care and environmental research, other ecosystems vital to Colorado’s prosperity and to our nation’s and the planet’s future. The state benefits not just from the highly skilled workforce CU provides, but also from nearly 200 companies that have emerged from CU research. Research and workforce development at our colleague universities also contribute to a healthy state economy.
Yet without a course correction, Colorado’s economic success is tenuous. Public funding for higher education in Colorado has not kept up, even accounting for last year’s generous increase (for which we are thankful). Colorado ranked 48th nationally in per-student funding a decade ago. It has the same ranking today. This has driven tuition up. The state’s commitment must be renewed.
Attracting nonresident students has helped some campuses mitigate the impact of this decline. But continuing to subsidize Colorado students with out-of-state tuition is increasingly risky. Nationwide, college enrollment has declined for nearly a decade. Colorado high school graduates will decline after 2025. Other states will fight harder to keep their students home.
When you combine low state support with competitive tuition, Colorado universities are among the most efficient of their peers. Yet low state funding constrains the financial aid and support services we can make available to meet the needs of tomorrow’s students, who increasingly are from under-represented minorities, low-income families and are the first generation in their families to attend college. The state also risks having its best talent poached by better-funded research universities in other states.
Colorado has relied on attracting out-of-state college graduates to meet workforce needs, but Front Range real estate prices make that risky as well.
CU is undertaking a strategic plan to address Colorado’s needs and to lean into the future. It will allow us to embrace technology to support the success of an increasingly diverse student body, expand lifelong learning (including new forms of credentials), generate breakthrough discoveries, enhance support for mental health, expand online offerings and streamline degree pathways with partner colleges.
Recently, Virginia committed to investing $1.1 billion to produce 25,000 to 35,000 additional graduates in computer science and engineering fields over the coming 20 years, doubling the current rate. While all degrees are important, engineering degrees cost significantly more to deliver. Student demand is there, as we see with a growing share of CU’s graduates on our campuses and our engineering collaborations with Colorado Mesa and Western Colorado University. For Colorado to have the talent and discovery that the future demands, it needs to renew its support for higher education, follow the paths of states like Virginia and invest in our future.
Doing so will let us look back a decade from now at one of the wisest investments we ever made.
Mark Kennedy is president of the University of Colorado.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-01-23--Avs’ Nathan MacKinnon is pseudo leader of four rival Blues at All-Star Game in St. Louis

Nathan MacKinnon is off to St. Louis for NHL All-Star Game weekend at Enterprise Center , home of reigning Stanley Cup-champion St. Louis Blues .
The Avalanche ’ s only all-star will captain the Central Division — serving as the pseudo leader over 10 players , including four Blues .
St. Louis ( 68 points ) and Colorado ( 62 ) stand first and second in the Western Conference standings and have split their four games against each other , with both winning twice at home .
At this rate , the Central Division title could come down to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Pepsi Center .
This weekend , however , it ’ s all fun and games between respected rivals .
“ They won the Cup , ” MacKinnon said of the Blues ’ four all-stars .
“ Me being captain doesn ’ t hold any bragging rights over those guys , that ’ s for sure.
” MacKinnon , 24 , played his first two seasons with the Avs as a teammate of now-Blues center Ryan O ’ Reilly .
When O ’ Reilly was traded to Buffalo in 2016 , MacKinnon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lease at a downtown Denver condominium .
They remain close friends .
“ I spent a lot of time with him , ” MacKinnon said of O ’ Reilly , the 2019 Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP .
“ It ’ s always catching up with Factor ; such a great guy .
He ’ s really the only guy I know really well on their team .
It ’ ll be great to see him .
All the Western guys ( Central and Pacific division ) are in one room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know more of them.
” MacKinnon is making his fourth All-Star Game appearance and second straight as the Central ’ s captain .
But he didn ’ t play a year ago in San Jose because of a leg injury .
“ Me not playing last year doesn ’ t dictate my hunger for the All-Star Game .
It ’ s a fun event .
I had fun last year , not playing , ” he said .
“ I really didn ’ t miss much .
You play for like 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the fastest skater .
But it ’ s a fun event , for sure.
” MacKinnon is expecting to participate in Friday ’ s skills competition .
He doesn ’ t have any vacation plans after this weekend .
The Avs don ’ t have to report for practice until Jan. 30 .
“ Just hang out and get my body ready for another 33 games , ” MacKinnon said .
Footnotes .
Two Colorado-raised 25-year-old defensemen will compete in All-Star weekend and both Seth Jones and Jaccob Slavin will represent the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all-star from the Columbus Blue Jackets and Slavin is the only representative of the Carolina Hurricanes .
Both Jones and Slavin grew up playing for the triple-A Colorado Thunderbirds .
… Among the four divisions , the Central is the only one that didn ’ t have original members decline to play or back out because of injury .

Nathan MacKinnon is off to St. Louis for NHL All-Star Game weekend at Enterprise Center, home of reigning Stanley Cup-champion St. Louis Blues. The Avalanche’s only all-star will captain the Central Division — serving as the pseudo leader over 10 players, including four Blues.
St. Louis (68 points) and Colorado (62) stand first and second in the Western Conference standings and have split their four games against each other, with both winning twice at home.
At this rate, the Central Division title could come down to the April 4 regular-season finale between the two at the Pepsi Center.
This weekend, however, it’s all fun and games between respected rivals.
“They won the Cup,” MacKinnon said of the Blues’ four all-stars. “Me being captain doesn’t hold any bragging rights over those guys, that’s for sure.”
MacKinnon, 24, played his first two seasons with the Avs as a teammate of now-Blues center Ryan O’Reilly. When O’Reilly was traded to Buffalo in 2016, MacKinnon took over O’Reilly’s lease at a downtown Denver condominium. They remain close friends.
“I spent a lot of time with him,” MacKinnon said of O’Reilly, the 2019 Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP. “It’s always catching up with Factor; such a great guy. He’s really the only guy I know really well on their team. It’ll be great to see him. All the Western guys (Central and Pacific division) are in one room so I’m excited to get to know more of them.”
MacKinnon is making his fourth All-Star Game appearance and second straight as the Central’s captain. But he didn’t play a year ago in San Jose because of a leg injury.
“Me not playing last year doesn’t dictate my hunger for the All-Star Game. It’s a fun event. I had fun last year, not playing,” he said. “I really didn’t miss much. You play for like 10 minutes 3-on-3 and do a hard lap in the fastest skater. But it’s a fun event, for sure.”
MacKinnon is expecting to participate in Friday’s skills competition. He doesn’t have any vacation plans after this weekend. The Avs don’t have to report for practice until Jan. 30.
“Just hang out and get my body ready for another 33 games,” MacKinnon said.
Footnotes. Two Colorado-raised 25-year-old defensemen will compete in All-Star weekend and both Seth Jones and Jaccob Slavin will represent the Metropolitan Division. Jones is the lone all-star from the Columbus Blue Jackets and Slavin is the only representative of the Carolina Hurricanes. Both Jones and Slavin grew up playing for the triple-A Colorado Thunderbirds. … Among the four divisions, the Central is the only one that didn’t have original members decline to play or back out because of injury.


thedenverpost--2020-01-23--Regional books: “The Winter Army,” “Pathway to Gold” and more

The 10th Mountain Division may have been the most glamorous of all the military units of World War II .
It was made up of an elite group of men trained in skiing and mountaineering and was popularized in magazines and newspapers across the country .
The problem was that with the exception of a few men who were sent to Alaska , the 10th did little more than train .
In fact , half of its members were so disgusted about missing the fighting that they switched to other units .
Not until the end of 1944 was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In those last four months and one week of the war , however , the soldiers of the 10th fought in savage battles .
Of the 20,635 members of the unit , nearly 1,000 were killed and 4,000 wounded .
Coloradans are familiar with the 10th , of course , since it trained at Camp Hale , outside Leadville .
The site was a terrible choice because it was thousands of feet higher than anywhere the men would fight in Europe and was set in a mountain valley that trapped smoke from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up initially of skiers and mountaineers — one was a member of the famed Von Trapp family — and most knew more about the outdoors than their officers did .
The Colorado mountains were more brutal than anything the men encountered in Europe and , oddly enough , they never really used skis in Italy .
As casualties mounted , men from other army units were assigned to the 10th .
The most famous of them was Robert Dole , who had never skied or climbed a mountain when he joined the 10th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent three years in a hospital .
In “ The Winter Army , ” Maurice Isserman tells the story of the 10th , which grew from an idea bounced around by several early skiers to its formation as an elite unit , through training and battles and the war ’ s aftermath .
It is the only unit in U.S. military history to use wartime skills to promote a civilian pastime .
“ Pathway to Gold , ” by Lee and Jane Whiteley ( Raven ) The transportation corridor that became U.S. Highway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ albeit not as famous as some of its counterparts ( such as Route 66 ) .
Lee and Jane Whiteley are known for their trail books , and this one doesn ’ t disappoint .
It ’ s crammed with history and folklore and hundreds of illustrations of everything from railroad timetables to trailside signs to pictures of sites that thrilled the motoring public of yesteryear .
The Missouri River-to-Denver route began as a trail to the Colorado goldfields .
Wagon trains and stagecoaches traveled over what was called the Smoky Hill Trail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along the route , and as auto traffic became popular , the government put in Highway 40 .
The Whiteleys cover all forms of transportation .
Early stagecoaches took almost three weeks to reach Denver , with passengers paying as much as $ 1 for a meal consisting of fried strips of pork fat , soggy biscuits and black coffee .
Not everyone dined even that well .
In 1859 , four men subsisted on boiled roots and grass .
As each one died , those remaining dined on his flesh until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Pathway to Gold ” follows the trail from its inception to Denver and beyond to Idaho Springs , stopping at old transportation signs , landmarks and tourist attractions such as the Wonder View Tower at Genoa .
It ’ s no surprise that John Fielder , Colorado ’ s best-known landscape photographer , fell in love with nature as a boy .
Starting with a Brownie Hawkeye , he began taking pictures of the West .
Not until he was married with two children , however , did he quit his day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His work often involved family trips , sometimes using llamas to carry equipment into isolated areas .
Writer Steve Walsh ’ s account is upbeat but includes the tragedies in Fielder ’ s life , including his wife ’ s early-onset Alzheimer ’ s and his son ’ s suicide .
“ John Fielder In Focus ” is actually written for young readers , but this brief biography is of interest to anyone who wants to take better pictures of the outdoors .
Fielder says that he eschews well-known sites in favor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says , is not just having a good eye but also being in the right place at the right time .
“ Objects of Survivance , ” by Lindsay M. Montgomery and Chip Colwell ( Denver Museum of Nature and Science/University Press of Colorado ) One of the government ’ s most misguided policies against American Indians was that of ripping children from their homes and placing them in boarding schools .
The idea was to rid Indian children of their culture and heritage and turn them into whites .
The result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended up at home in neither world .
Many teachers believed in the government ’ s goal but were nonetheless sympathetic to the Indians .
Such a man was Jesse H. Bratley , who taught in Western Indian schools from 1893 to 1903 .
While not exactly an advocate for the Indians , he became their friend and was so intrigued with their culture that he acquired hundreds of objects that might otherwise have been destroyed .
While he was employed by officials who wanted to wipe out Indian culture , he actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the authors call “ objects of survivance , ” is housed in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science .
This academic book — which is a story about America ’ s Indian schools , a biography of Bratley and a story of preserved Indian culture — is nicely illustrated with some of Bratley ’ s 500 own photographs as wel as pictures of his 1,000-object collection .

Regional books of interest this month:
“The Winter Army,” by Maurice Isserman (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
The 10th Mountain Division may have been the most glamorous of all the military units of World War II. It was made up of an elite group of men trained in skiing and mountaineering and was popularized in magazines and newspapers across the country.
The problem was that with the exception of a few men who were sent to Alaska, the 10th did little more than train. In fact, half of its members were so disgusted about missing the fighting that they switched to other units. Not until the end of 1944 was the 10th sent into battle, in Italy. In those last four months and one week of the war, however, the soldiers of the 10th fought in savage battles. Of the 20,635 members of the unit, nearly 1,000 were killed and 4,000 wounded.
Coloradans are familiar with the 10th, of course, since it trained at Camp Hale, outside Leadville. The site was a terrible choice because it was thousands of feet higher than anywhere the men would fight in Europe and was set in a mountain valley that trapped smoke from trains and fires. It was made up initially of skiers and mountaineers — one was a member of the famed Von Trapp family — and most knew more about the outdoors than their officers did. The Colorado mountains were more brutal than anything the men encountered in Europe and, oddly enough, they never really used skis in Italy.
As casualties mounted, men from other army units were assigned to the 10th. The most famous of them was Robert Dole, who had never skied or climbed a mountain when he joined the 10th in Italy. Severely wounded, he spent three years in a hospital.
In “The Winter Army,” Maurice Isserman tells the story of the 10th, which grew from an idea bounced around by several early skiers to its formation as an elite unit, through training and battles and the war’s aftermath. It is the only unit in U.S. military history to use wartime skills to promote a civilian pastime.
“Pathway to Gold,” by Lee and Jane Whiteley (Raven)
The transportation corridor that became U.S. Highway 40 has its own colorful history, albeit not as famous as some of its counterparts (such as Route 66). Lee and Jane Whiteley are known for their trail books, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s crammed with history and folklore and hundreds of illustrations of everything from railroad timetables to trailside signs to pictures of sites that thrilled the motoring public of yesteryear.
The Missouri River-to-Denver route began as a trail to the Colorado goldfields. Wagon trains and stagecoaches traveled over what was called the Smoky Hill Trail. The Kansas Pacific Railway built tracks along the route, and as auto traffic became popular, the government put in Highway 40. The Whiteleys cover all forms of transportation.
Early stagecoaches took almost three weeks to reach Denver, with passengers paying as much as $1 for a meal consisting of fried strips of pork fat, soggy biscuits and black coffee. Not everyone dined even that well. In 1859, four men subsisted on boiled roots and grass. As each one died, those remaining dined on his flesh until the sole survivor was rescued by Indians.
“Pathway to Gold” follows the trail from its inception to Denver and beyond to Idaho Springs, stopping at old transportation signs, landmarks and tourist attractions such as the Wonder View Tower at Genoa.
“John Fielder In Focus,” by Steve Walsh (John Fielder Publishing)
It’s no surprise that John Fielder, Colorado’s best-known landscape photographer, fell in love with nature as a boy. Starting with a Brownie Hawkeye, he began taking pictures of the West. Not until he was married with two children, however, did he quit his day job to become a full-time photographer. His work often involved family trips, sometimes using llamas to carry equipment into isolated areas. Writer Steve Walsh’s account is upbeat but includes the tragedies in Fielder’s life, including his wife’s early-onset Alzheimer’s and his son’s suicide.
“John Fielder In Focus” is actually written for young readers, but this brief biography is of interest to anyone who wants to take better pictures of the outdoors. Fielder says that he eschews well-known sites in favor of remote locations. Taking successful pictures, he says, is not just having a good eye but also being in the right place at the right time.
“Objects of Survivance,” by Lindsay M. Montgomery and Chip Colwell (Denver Museum of Nature and Science/University Press of Colorado)
One of the government’s most misguided policies against American Indians was that of ripping children from their homes and placing them in boarding schools. The idea was to rid Indian children of their culture and heritage and turn them into whites. The result was desperate parents and traumatized children who ended up at home in neither world.
Many teachers believed in the government’s goal but were nonetheless sympathetic to the Indians. Such a man was Jesse H. Bratley, who taught in Western Indian schools from 1893 to 1903. While not exactly an advocate for the Indians, he became their friend and was so intrigued with their culture that he acquired hundreds of objects that might otherwise have been destroyed. While he was employed by officials who wanted to wipe out Indian culture, he actually preserved it. His collection, which the authors call “objects of survivance,” is housed in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
This academic book — which is a story about America’s Indian schools, a biography of Bratley and a story of preserved Indian culture — is nicely illustrated with some of Bratley’s 500 own photographs as wel as pictures of his 1,000-object collection.


thedenverpost--2020-01-23--Protesters arrested at Gov. Polis’ State of the State speech will not face criminal charges

More than 30 climate protesters will not face criminal charges for interrupting Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis ’ State of the State address at the Capitol earlier this month .
District Attorney Beth McCann will seek dismissal of the cases against 38 people who were arrested on Jan. 9 at the Colorado State Capitol , according to a news release .
The protesters , who were demanding climate action , interrupted the address and were forced out of the House of Representatives chamber by police .
They were arrested for investigation of trespassing , disrupting a lawful assembly and obstruction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Colorado State Patrol and with the Denver Police Department in coming to the decision to drop charges against 33 adults and five juveniles who were arrested , the release said .
“ I support and appreciate peoples ’ First Amendment right to protest and express their opinions ; however , they can not disrupt official proceedings inside the state capitol , ” McCann said .
“ Since most of these climate change activists spent a night in jail , I ’ ve concluded that prosecuting them further for criminal conduct is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I strongly urge these protesters to work with their elected officials to affect the change they seek and warn them that if they engage in future actions that disrupt official state business , criminal charges will be considered .
”

More than 30 climate protesters will not face criminal charges for interrupting Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’ State of the State address at the Capitol earlier this month.
District Attorney Beth McCann will seek dismissal of the cases against 38 people who were arrested on Jan. 9 at the Colorado State Capitol, according to a news release. The protesters, who were demanding climate action, interrupted the address and were forced out of the House of Representatives chamber by police. They were arrested for investigation of trespassing, disrupting a lawful assembly and obstruction of a peace officer.
McCann met with the Colorado State Patrol and with the Denver Police Department in coming to the decision to drop charges against 33 adults and five juveniles who were arrested, the release said.
“I support and appreciate peoples’ First Amendment right to protest and express their opinions; however, they cannot disrupt official proceedings inside the state capitol,” McCann said. “Since most of these climate change activists spent a night in jail, I’ve concluded that prosecuting them further for criminal conduct is not warranted given all of the circumstances. I strongly urge these protesters to work with their elected officials to affect the change they seek and warn them that if they engage in future actions that disrupt official state business, criminal charges will be considered.”


thedenverpost--2020-01-23--WATCH: A glimpse inside Tim Tebow and Demi-Leigh Nels-Peters’ wedding

Former Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow married Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nels-Peters earlier this week in a ceremony in Cape Town @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , his wife released a video on Instagram showcase a glimpse into their magic @ @ @ @ @ Nel-Peters on Jan. 9 , 2019 outside his family ’ s farm in Jacksonville , @ @ @ @ @ spent the past few days in South Africa with friends and family .
Nel-Peters , @ @ @ @ @ raised in South Africa .
She won the Miss South Africa 2017 crown prior to @ @ @ @

Former Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow married Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nels-Peters earlier this week in a ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa. On Wednesday, his wife released a video on Instagram showcase a glimpse into their magic moment.
Tebow proposed to Nel-Peters on Jan. 9, 2019 outside his family’s farm in Jacksonville, Fla.
The couple has spent the past few days in South Africa with friends and family. Nel-Peters, 24, was born and raised in South Africa. She won the Miss South Africa 2017 crown prior to winning Miss Universe.


thedenverpost--2020-01-23--Rockies podcast: Breaking down all aspects of Nolan Arenado’s rift with the Colorado front office

In this episode of the On The Rox podcast , Denver Post sportswriters Kyle Newman and Patrick Saunders have an @ @ @ @ @ of Nolan Arenado in Colorado .
What ’ s to make of Arenado ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Jeff Bridich ?
What are the chances Arenado gets traded this year ?
What impact @ @ @ @ @ the Rockies heading into spring training ?
Plus , more analysis .
Like this story @ @ @ @ @ journalism .
Become a subscriber for only 99 cents for the first month .

In this episode of the On The Rox podcast, Denver Post sportswriters Kyle Newman and Patrick Saunders have an in-depth discussion about the future of Nolan Arenado in Colorado. What’s to make of Arenado’s public spat with general manager Jeff Bridich? What are the chances Arenado gets traded this year? What impact will the rift have on the Rockies heading into spring training? Plus, more analysis.
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thedenverpost--2020-01-24--Ask Amy: Boyfriend wants influence over Instagram

Dear Amy : My boyfriend “ Brad ” and I have been dating for almost a year .
Brad and I have very different views about social media .
For me , Instagram is my “ scrapbook ” of memories — it ’ s my way of documenting my life .
By the six-month mark , Brad had become the most important thing in my life , and I wanted to share that with everyone !
However , Brad sees social media as superficial .
He doesn ’ t want to share our relationship with followers .
He also thinks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t matter — he says we should just send photos of ourselves to friends , or I should document our relationship in a private folder .
I understand his point of view .
I know that he does not want to “ hide ” our relationship .
I know he won ’ t post pictures of us , even though it hurts to see my best friends and their significant others ’ happy pictures of their adventures .
But , at this point , it ’ s also stopping me from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a huge part of my life that posting photos without him seems artificial .
It seems unfair to me .
After we reached an impasse , I decided that I should be able to post photos of us , even if he decides not to post any .
When I told him I wanted to post photos of us marking our anniversary , it opened up the argument all over again .
I get it .
It is his face , and I would be annoyed if a friend posted a picture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at the same time , he has chosen to be a part of my life and my Instagram was my scrapbook long before we started dating .
And I want to document ( and yes , even show off sometimes — I ’ m human ! )
my life .
Is there a compromise here ?
Dear Anonymous : The compromise I suggest involves you respecting your boyfriend ’ s wishes not to have his photo posted on your public Instagram account .
If your guy doesn ’ t want to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more power to him .
Traditionally , a “ scrapbook ” was an actual book maintained by an individual , viewed only by the person who had made it , and by others only with permission .
Instagram is a wonderful photo flow of pictures , which can tell a curated story about a person ’ s life — available to anyone who wants to view it .
My own public Instagram account features many pictures of the rolling hills and flocks of sheep pasturing on my family ’ s farm , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Because I respect their privacy .
You could very easily set up a second Instagram account where you could post photos documenting your relationship .
You could keep this second account private and only accept followers both you and your boyfriend know and approve of .
At the start , he said he wasn ’ t looking for a relationship , but that he wanted to keep seeing me .
I wanted more than that but instead of leaving , I stuck around .
I am from California , now studying abroad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia , he said he was having real feelings for me .
We ’ ve been together now for three months .
He ’ s spending $ 1,000 to come visit me for a week , but I still feel like he isn ’ t as emotionally invested as I am , and he said he doesn ’ t know what he wants .
What should I do ?
Dear Wondering : Your guy is showing you how invested he is in seeing you .
Spending $ 1,000 for a short visit is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point in your relatively short relationship , you should focus on your own feelings .
Enjoy this relationship as it is , one day at a time .
You may believe that your boyfriend is delivering mixed messages , but the way I read this , his feelings for you are growing .
He sounds as if he has been honest with you .
Encourage his honesty and respond in kind .
Dear Amy : You are running lots of questions from people regarding new family relationships being uncovered as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those families !
My siblings and I were approached by a person claiming to be a half-sibling .
Sure enough — we have a brother .
Yes , this has been challenging , but overall everyone has handled this well .
Dear New Family : Every family has their share of secrets .
I give you all so much credit for accepting and embracing reality .

Dear Amy: My boyfriend “Brad” and I have been dating for almost a year. Brad and I have very different views about social media. For me, Instagram is my “scrapbook” of memories — it’s my way of documenting my life. By the six-month mark, Brad had become the most important thing in my life, and I wanted to share that with everyone!
However, Brad sees social media as superficial. He doesn’t want to share our relationship with followers. He also thinks I just want attention from people who don’t matter — he says we should just send photos of ourselves to friends, or I should document our relationship in a private folder.
I understand his point of view. I know that he does not want to “hide” our relationship. I know he won’t post pictures of us, even though it hurts to see my best friends and their significant others’ happy pictures of their adventures. But, at this point, it’s also stopping me from posting my own photos because he is such a huge part of my life that posting photos without him seems artificial. It seems unfair to me.
After we reached an impasse, I decided that I should be able to post photos of us, even if he decides not to post any.
When I told him I wanted to post photos of us marking our anniversary, it opened up the argument all over again.
I get it. It is his face, and I would be annoyed if a friend posted a picture of me without my permission. But, at the same time, he has chosen to be a part of my life and my Instagram was my scrapbook long before we started dating.
And I want to document (and yes, even show off sometimes — I’m human!) my life.
Is there a compromise here?
— Anonymous
Dear Anonymous: The compromise I suggest involves you respecting your boyfriend’s wishes not to have his photo posted on your public Instagram account. If your guy doesn’t want to be Kanye to your Kim, then … more power to him.
Traditionally, a “scrapbook” was an actual book maintained by an individual, viewed only by the person who had made it, and by others only with permission. Instagram is a wonderful photo flow of pictures, which can tell a curated story about a person’s life — available to anyone who wants to view it. My own public Instagram account features many pictures of the rolling hills and flocks of sheep pasturing on my family’s farm, and no photos of family members. Why? Because I respect their privacy.
You could very easily set up a second Instagram account where you could post photos documenting your relationship. You could keep this second account private and only accept followers both you and your boyfriend know and approve of.
Dear Amy: I’m a 19-year-old woman. I met a guy over the summer.
At the start, he said he wasn’t looking for a relationship, but that he wanted to keep seeing me.
I wanted more than that but instead of leaving, I stuck around.
I am from California, now studying abroad in Russia.
Before I left for Russia, he said he was having real feelings for me. We’ve been together now for three months.
He’s spending $1,000 to come visit me for a week, but I still feel like he isn’t as emotionally invested as I am, and he said he doesn’t know what he wants.
What should I do?
— Wondering Woman
Dear Wondering: Your guy is showing you how invested he is in seeing you. Spending $1,000 for a short visit is nothing to sneeze at.
At this point in your relatively short relationship, you should focus on your own feelings. Enjoy this relationship as it is, one day at a time.
You may believe that your boyfriend is delivering mixed messages, but the way I read this, his feelings for you are growing. He sounds as if he has been honest with you. Encourage his honesty and respond in kind.
Dear Amy: You are running lots of questions from people regarding new family relationships being uncovered as a result of DNA testing.
I am in one of those families! My siblings and I were approached by a person claiming to be a half-sibling.
Sure enough — we have a brother. Yes, this has been challenging, but overall everyone has handled this well.
— New Family
Dear New Family: Every family has their share of secrets. I give you all so much credit for accepting and embracing reality.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-01-24--Adams County deputy in patrol vehicle hits, kills pedestrian on Federal Boulevard

A pedestrian was hit and killed by an Adams County sheriff ’ s patrol vehicle Thursday night on Federal Boulevard @ @ @ @ @ 7:45 p.m. near the intersection of West 56th Avenue , said Sgt .
Blake White @ @ @ @ @ The deputy , responding to a service call , was southbound on Federal when the @ @ @ @ @ , and adult male , who was crossing Federal mid-block , outside a crosswalk or @ @ @ @ @ The pedestrian was crossing four lanes of roadway west to east .
The deputy rendered @ @ @ @ @ was pronounced dead at the scene .
The pedestrian was struck by the front end @ @ @ @ @ vehicle .
The emergency lights and siren of the patrol car were not activated .
@ @ @ @ @ .
Investigators do not believe excessive speed to be a factor , White said .

A pedestrian was hit and killed by an Adams County sheriff’s patrol vehicle Thursday night on Federal Boulevard.
The collision happened about 7:45 p.m. near the intersection of West 56th Avenue, said Sgt. Blake White of the State Patrol.
The deputy, responding to a service call, was southbound on Federal when the patrol vehicle struck the pedestrian, and adult male, who was crossing Federal mid-block, outside a crosswalk or intersection, White said. The pedestrian was crossing four lanes of roadway west to east.
The deputy rendered aid, but the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The pedestrian was struck by the front end of the deputy’s vehicle.
The emergency lights and siren of the patrol car were not activated. The cars headlights were on. Investigators do not believe excessive speed to be a factor, White said.
An investigation is ongoing.


thedenverpost--2020-01-24--Firefighter pilot who died in plane crash in Australia grew up in Wray

An American pilot and firefighter who died battling wildfires in Australia grew up in Wray , on Colorado ’ s Eastern Plains .
Ian McBeth was one of a three-member crew killed Thursday when a C-130 Hercules aerial water tanker crashed in southeastern Australia .
“ Ian was a very tough , tenacious and very , very capable person , ” said his father , Bill McBeth .
“ One of the most capable persons I ’ ve ever known.
” After graduating from Wray High School , where he excelled in football , Ian McBeth attended the University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guard with the intention of becoming a pilot , his father said .
Initially , McBeth was denied pilot training because of his eyesight , and he became a construction specialist with the Guard .
When he turned 28 , McBeth took another shot at becoming a pilot and passed the eye exam , clearing the way for him to realize his dream , Bill McBeth said .
Ian McBeth served military tours in Iraq and Afghanistan .
He transferred to the Montana Air National Guard to join a C-130 squad and about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coulson Aviation .
“ He was someone ideally suited for what he ended up doing , flying that plane and fighting fires , ” Bill McBeth said .
“ He liked to help people , and he liked to be challenged .
He was just a tremendous individual.
” Ian McBeth is survived by a wife and three children among other family members , colleagues and friends .

An American pilot and firefighter who died battling wildfires in Australia grew up in Wray, on Colorado’s Eastern Plains.
Ian McBeth was one of a three-member crew killed Thursday when a C-130 Hercules aerial water tanker crashed in southeastern Australia.
“Ian was a very tough, tenacious and very, very capable person,” said his father, Bill McBeth. “One of the most capable persons I’ve ever known.”
After graduating from Wray High School, where he excelled in football, Ian McBeth attended the University of Wyoming and joined the Wyoming Air National Guard with the intention of becoming a pilot, his father said.
Initially, McBeth was denied pilot training because of his eyesight, and he became a construction specialist with the Guard. When he turned 28, McBeth took another shot at becoming a pilot and passed the eye exam, clearing the way for him to realize his dream, Bill McBeth said.
Ian McBeth served military tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He transferred to the Montana Air National Guard to join a C-130 squad and about five years ago went to work for Coulson Aviation.
“He was someone ideally suited for what he ended up doing, flying that plane and fighting fires,” Bill McBeth said. “He liked to help people, and he liked to be challenged. He was just a tremendous individual.”
Ian McBeth is survived by a wife and three children among other family members, colleagues and friends.