thedenverpost--2020-12-31--Broncos scouting report: How Denver matches up against Raiders and predictions

Las Vegas Raiders ( 7-8 ) at Denver Broncos ( 5-10 ) , Sunday , 2:30 p.m. MT , Empower Field at Mile High , CBS , 850 AM , 94.1 FM , 103.5 FM 1 .
Finishing on a high note .
All season long , the Broncos have asserted they are a better team than what they ’ ve shown most Sundays .
So how about backing up that talk in the season finale against the franchise ’ s archrival who , by the way , brutalized the Broncos in their first-ever trip to Las Vegas in November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take momentum as the “ franchise QB ” into 2021 , and that includes the top priority of taking care of the football .
Vic Fangio needs a win over the hated Raiders to remind the fanbase the team still has heart following two straight disheartening losses .
2 .
Jerry Jeudy ’ s rebound .
The rookie endured a nightmare game last week when he dropped five passes , including one on a would-be touchdown and one on a vertical route on the team ’ s final possession .
Jeudy has 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 15th overall pick this year was visibly dejected by his miscues in Los Angeles , throwing his helmet on the sideline and burying his head in his hands .
Lock will surely be looking Jeudy ’ s way a lot versus the Raiders — Jeudy had a career-high 15 targets last week — so the wideout needs to redeem himself .
3 .
Broncos swan songs .
Sunday may be the last game in orange and blue for a multitude of notable Broncos .
Defensive end Shelby Harris , safety Justin Simmons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be unrestricted free agents this offseason .
Safety Kareem Jackson ’ s 2021 cap hit of $ 12,882,353 could make him expendable .
And watching from the sidelines , running back Phillip Lindsay ( injured reserve , restricted free agent ) and cornerback A.J .
Bouye ( suspended , no guaranteed money remaining on his contract ) also might be done in Denver .
Who has the edge ?
Las Vegas ranks 12th with 120.7 rushing yards per game behind Josh Jacobs , who needs 24 yards to record a second straight 1,000-yard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has regressed over the past couple months and is 24th with 131.6 rushing yards allowed per game .
Quarterback Derek Carr and the Raiders rank 10th with 257.2 passing yards per game and face a depleted secondary with unproven cornerbacks in Michael Ojemudia , De ’ Vante Bausby and Parnell Motley .
Motley took over for a benched Baubsy against Los Angeles .
Melvin Gordon ( who needs 107 yards for 1,000 ) will again be called on to carry the load with Lindsay injured .
Gordon had 79 yards rushing last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver will need his presence for all four quarters against a defense paced in tackling by inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski .
Lock ’ s interceptions ( tied for an NFL-worst 15 on the season ) , Jeudy ’ s stone hands , consistent cracks in pass protection… If it ’ s not one issue , it ’ s another that ’ s hindered Denver ’ s aerial attack in 2020 .
The Raiders present a solid chance for that unit to find a rhythm , as Las Vegas ranks 25th with 259.2 passing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Brandon McManus missed his first field goal from under 40 yards in three years , but he ’ s still about as reliable as kickers come .
The same could be said for Daniel Carlson , the Raiders ’ kicker and Colorado Springs native , who has connected on 32-of-34 field goals this year .
Denver ’ s kickoff unit can ’ t give up a big runback .
Jerry Jeudy catches two touchdown passes as the Broncos finish with a win and possibly play themselves out of a top-10 draft pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bitter defeat as Drew Lock throws two second-half interceptions , and Derek Carr finds tight-end Darren Waller for the winning touchdown late in the fourth .
No fans in the stands and no playoff implications .
Does this game matter ?
Heck , yeah .
It ’ s Raiders week .
Drew Lock ’ s marching orders ?
Simple : Check down and hand off .
The Raiduhs are surrendering 153.8 rushing yards per game over their last five contests — and 5.1 yards per carry .

Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) at Denver Broncos (5-10), Sunday, 2:30 p.m. MT, Empower Field at Mile High, CBS, 850 AM, 94.1 FM, 103.5 FM
3 Things to watch
1. Finishing on a high note. All season long, the Broncos have asserted they are a better team than what they’ve shown most Sundays. So how about backing up that talk in the season finale against the franchise’s archrival who, by the way, brutalized the Broncos in their first-ever trip to Las Vegas in November? Drew Lock must play well to take momentum as the “franchise QB” into 2021, and that includes the top priority of taking care of the football. Vic Fangio needs a win over the hated Raiders to remind the fanbase the team still has heart following two straight disheartening losses.
2. Jerry Jeudy’s rebound. The rookie endured a nightmare game last week when he dropped five passes, including one on a would-be touchdown and one on a vertical route on the team’s final possession. Jeudy has 10 drops on the year overall, and the 15th overall pick this year was visibly dejected by his miscues in Los Angeles, throwing his helmet on the sideline and burying his head in his hands. Lock will surely be looking Jeudy’s way a lot versus the Raiders — Jeudy had a career-high 15 targets last week — so the wideout needs to redeem himself.
3. Broncos swan songs. Sunday may be the last game in orange and blue for a multitude of notable Broncos. Defensive end Shelby Harris, safety Justin Simmons and defensive end DeMarcus Walker will all be unrestricted free agents this offseason. Safety Kareem Jackson’s 2021 cap hit of $12,882,353 could make him expendable. And watching from the sidelines, running back Phillip Lindsay (injured reserve, restricted free agent) and cornerback A.J. Bouye (suspended, no guaranteed money remaining on his contract) also might be done in Denver.
Who has the edge?
When the Raiders run
Las Vegas ranks 12th with 120.7 rushing yards per game behind Josh Jacobs, who needs 24 yards to record a second straight 1,000-yard season. The fading Denver run D has regressed over the past couple months and is 24th with 131.6 rushing yards allowed per game.
Edge: Raiders
When the Raiders pass
Quarterback Derek Carr and the Raiders rank 10th with 257.2 passing yards per game and face a depleted secondary with unproven cornerbacks in Michael Ojemudia, De’Vante Bausby and Parnell Motley. Motley took over for a benched Baubsy against Los Angeles.
Edge: Raiders
When the Broncos run
Melvin Gordon (who needs 107 yards for 1,000) will again be called on to carry the load with Lindsay injured. Gordon had 79 yards rushing last week and was a first-half spark, but Denver will need his presence for all four quarters against a defense paced in tackling by inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski.
Edge: Even
When the Broncos pass
Lock’s interceptions (tied for an NFL-worst 15 on the season), Jeudy’s stone hands, consistent cracks in pass protection… If it’s not one issue, it’s another that’s hindered Denver’s aerial attack in 2020. The Raiders present a solid chance for that unit to find a rhythm, as Las Vegas ranks 25th with 259.2 passing yards allowed per game.
Edge: Broncos
Special teams
Last week, Brandon McManus missed his first field goal from under 40 yards in three years, but he’s still about as reliable as kickers come. The same could be said for Daniel Carlson, the Raiders’ kicker and Colorado Springs native, who has connected on 32-of-34 field goals this year. Denver’s kickoff unit can’t give up a big runback.
Edge: Even
Post predictions
Ryan O’Halloran, beat writer: Broncos 21, Raiders 13
Jerry Jeudy catches two touchdown passes as the Broncos finish with a win and possibly play themselves out of a top-10 draft pick.
Kyle Newman, beat writer: Raiders 20, Broncos 17
Another disappointing year ends in a bitter defeat as Drew Lock throws two second-half interceptions, and Derek Carr finds tight-end Darren Waller for the winning touchdown late in the fourth.
Mark Kiszla, columnist: Broncos 27, Raiders 24
No fans in the stands and no playoff implications. Does this game matter? Heck, yeah. It’s Raiders week.
Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 28, Raiders 24
Drew Lock’s marching orders? Simple: Check down and hand off. The Raiduhs are surrendering 153.8 rushing yards per game over their last five contests — and 5.1 yards per carry.


thedenverpost--2020-12-31--Most-read Denver Nuggets stories of 2020, from skinny Nikola Jokic to Michael Porter Jr. trade rumor

Most-read Denver Nuggets stories of 2020, from skinny Nikola Jokic to Michael Porter Jr. trade rumors

Here ’ s a look back at The Denver Post ’ s top 10 most popular Denver Nuggets stories of 2020 , as determined by our readers .
10 .
NBA trade deadline : Nuggets not trading Michael Porter Jr. , want first-round pick for Malik Beasley Published on Feb. 4 , 2020 .
As the Feb. 6 trade deadline inched closer , one name the Nuggets had no intention of dealing is rookie Michael Porter Jr .
The Nuggets also had to make decisions on fourth-year shooting guard Malik Beasley and fourth-year forward Juancho Hernangomez , both of whom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer .
Published on Aug. 11 , 2020 .
Altitude has announced it will waive its exclusive broadcasting rights for Avalanche and Nuggets first-round playoff games , thus all games will be available locally on national platforms .
Published on June 19 , 2020 .
“ I get the premise and have no problem with the question .
But from a year-over-year standpoint , Jokic just can ’ t win , ” Mike Singer writes .
Published on Sept. 4 , 2020 .
When asked about having spent “ a month and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ bubble ” before the question cut out , Malone clarified the timeframe and issued a scathing rebuke of the NBA ’ s bubble policies .
6 .
Nuggets ’ Jerami Grant expected to opt out of contract , source says , could command $ 16 million annually Published on Sept. 27 , 2020 .
Grant made himself invaluable throughout the Nuggets ’ postseason run .
When the Nuggets traded a first-round pick last summer for Grant , they hoped he ’ d provide the defensive versatility that he ultimately did .
Grant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , $ 60 million deal with the Pistons .
Published on June 12 , 2020 .
Jokic was looking svelte late this spring and everyone wanted to see .
4 .
Nuggets ’ Troy Daniels dishes on the Lakers , LeBron James and his path to Denver : “ It ’ s good to feel wanted ” Published on Aug. 1 , 2020 .
On his sixth team in his seventh season in the NBA , Daniels craved the chance to get out of the first round of the playoffs , something he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stayed with the Lakers , that benchmark was almost assured .
But Daniels had heard the Lakers were considering other options with his roster spot , and there were no guarantees he ’ d be with the team after March 1 .
If the Lakers moved on from Daniels after that date , he wouldn ’ t have been eligible to play on a playoff team .
So the Lakers did what was best for Daniels ; they agreed to waive him .
3 .
Rockets target Michael Porter Jr. in potential James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nuggets , sources say Published on Dec. 22 , 2020 .
A new season , a new Michael Porter Jr. trade rumor .
Houston ’ s interest centered firmly on Nuggets small forward Michael Porter Jr. , the source said .
Those talks haven ’ t materialized into anything substantial .
Any potential deal would have to include Gary Harris or Will Barton , if not both , to match salaries , which would leave the Nuggets extremely thin on the wing .
2 .
Why Facundo Campazzo left Spain for the Nuggets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t belong here ” Published on Dec. 20 , 2020 .
For years , the 5-foot-11 firecracker dissected defenses for Real Madrid and the Argentinian national team , awing onlookers with his devilish passes and inspired play .
The Nuggets were among those captivated .
1 .
Michael Porter Jr. ’ s tweets on George Floyd spark criticism from several NBA players Published on May 29 , 2020 .
The Nuggets rookie later encouraged his followers to “ pray ” for both the Floyd family and the police officers involved in the killing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantial amount of backlash , including from some fellow NBA players .

Here’s a look back at The Denver Post’s top 10 most popular Denver Nuggets stories of 2020, as determined by our readers.
Published on Feb. 4, 2020. As the Feb. 6 trade deadline inched closer, one name the Nuggets had no intention of dealing is rookie Michael Porter Jr. The Nuggets also had to make decisions on fourth-year shooting guard Malik Beasley and fourth-year forward Juancho Hernangomez, both of whom could enter restricted free agency this past summer.
Published on Aug. 11, 2020. Altitude has announced it will waive its exclusive broadcasting rights for Avalanche and Nuggets first-round playoff games, thus all games will be available locally on national platforms.
Published on June 19, 2020. “I get the premise and have no problem with the question. But from a year-over-year standpoint, Jokic just can’t win,” Mike Singer writes.
Published on Sept. 4, 2020. When asked about having spent “a month and a half or so,” inside the “bubble” before the question cut out, Malone clarified the timeframe and issued a scathing rebuke of the NBA’s bubble policies.
Published on Sept. 27, 2020. Grant made himself invaluable throughout the Nuggets’ postseason run. When the Nuggets traded a first-round pick last summer for Grant, they hoped he’d provide the defensive versatility that he ultimately did.
Grant later opted out and signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the Pistons.
Published on June 12, 2020. Jokic was looking svelte late this spring and everyone wanted to see.
Published on Aug. 1, 2020. On his sixth team in his seventh season in the NBA, Daniels craved the chance to get out of the first round of the playoffs, something he’d never done. Had he stayed with the Lakers, that benchmark was almost assured.
But Daniels had heard the Lakers were considering other options with his roster spot, and there were no guarantees he’d be with the team after March 1. If the Lakers moved on from Daniels after that date, he wouldn’t have been eligible to play on a playoff team. So the Lakers did what was best for Daniels; they agreed to waive him.
Published on Dec. 22, 2020. A new season, a new Michael Porter Jr. trade rumor. Houston’s interest centered firmly on Nuggets small forward Michael Porter Jr., the source said. Those talks haven’t materialized into anything substantial. Any potential deal would have to include Gary Harris or Will Barton, if not both, to match salaries, which would leave the Nuggets extremely thin on the wing.
Published on Dec. 20, 2020. For years, the 5-foot-11 firecracker dissected defenses for Real Madrid and the Argentinian national team, awing onlookers with his devilish passes and inspired play. The Nuggets were among those captivated.
Published on May 29, 2020. The Nuggets rookie later encouraged his followers to “pray” for both the Floyd family and the police officers involved in the killing — a message that drew Porter a substantial amount of backlash, including from some fellow NBA players.


thedenverpost--2020-01-01--Witnesses capture video of apparent drones in Yuma County

Jennifer Rollins was visiting her parents in rural Yuma County the day after Christmas when her husband looked up and said , “ Hey , look , some drones.
” “ We thought he was kidding because we ’ ve been reading the news stories , ” she said .
But he wasn ’ t — up in the air was some sort of contraption , with red and flashing white lights , that rotated as it moved up and down through the sky .
“ It was too low to the ground to be a plane , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be out in space , like a satellite , ” Rollins said .
“ It was definitely within driving range , for sure.
” Rollins watched one apparent drone overhead for about a half-hour , capturing a short video of it , before it flew out of sight , she said Tuesday .
“ You could see that it was rotating , ” she said .
“ You could see things sticking off to the sides .
It was crazy.
” Drone sightings in rural Colorado have stacked up since mid-December , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to explain where the drones are coming from or why they ’ re flying in the evening hours and into the nighttime over Northeast Colorado and western Nebraska .
A laundry list of agencies and companies have denied responsibility since the reports first came out , and the Federal Aviation Administration has said it has no information on the flights , although it is investigating .
The lack of information on the drones ’ operator has sparked a wide range of theories as to their purpose , from agriculture to aliens .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Yuma , weighed in Tuesday , saying that he is closely monitoring the situation .
Yuma County Sheriff Todd Combs said in a statement Tuesday afternoon that several sheriff ’ s offices , police departments and federal agencies have scheduled a Jan. 6 meeting about the drones .
“ Hopefully this meeting will provide some answers , or at least aid in the development of a plan to identify who is in control of the drones , ” he said on the sheriff ’ s office Facebook page .
He urged residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they appear to be flying close to people or in a reckless manner , and said as of Tuesday the drones don ’ t appear to be breaking the law .
“ There are many theories about what is going on , but at this point , that ’ s all they are , ” he said .
“ I think we are all feeling a little bit vulnerable to the intrusion on our privacy that we enjoy in our rural community , but I don ’ t have a solution or know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can say is don ’ t live your life in the fear of the unknown.
” Meanwhile , some residents are capturing video and photos of the drones in hopes of solving the mystery themselves , or at least offering up some clues .
Dawn George , in Wray , said she has been watching the drones for the last few nights and was able to take a video as some flew by on Sunday night .
She says she knows the drones are nearby because her dogs “ go crazy.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
“ They can hear them .
If you ’ re familiar with what a drone sounds like , they sound identical to a smaller drone , just louder.
” She said she finds the drones to be a little “ creepy and weird , ” mostly because no one has been able to explain who is operating them .
“ It ’ s just really weird that everybody is seeing them and no one has an answer , ” she said , then added after a pause , “ or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re not being told what is going on.
” Some have suggested shooting the drones down , but George said the machines fly well out of shooting range .

Jennifer Rollins was visiting her parents in rural Yuma County the day after Christmas when her husband looked up and said, “Hey, look, some drones.”
“We thought he was kidding because we’ve been reading the news stories,” she said.
But he wasn’t — up in the air was some sort of contraption, with red and flashing white lights, that rotated as it moved up and down through the sky.
“It was too low to the ground to be a plane, and it seemed way too close to the house to be out in space, like a satellite,” Rollins said. “It was definitely within driving range, for sure.”
Rollins watched one apparent drone overhead for about a half-hour, capturing a short video of it, before it flew out of sight, she said Tuesday.
“You could see that it was rotating,” she said. “You could see things sticking off to the sides. It was crazy.”
Drone sightings in rural Colorado have stacked up since mid-December, but local authorities are at a loss to explain where the drones are coming from or why they’re flying in the evening hours and into the nighttime over Northeast Colorado and western Nebraska.
A laundry list of agencies and companies have denied responsibility since the reports first came out, and the Federal Aviation Administration has said it has no information on the flights, although it is investigating. The lack of information on the drones’ operator has sparked a wide range of theories as to their purpose, from agriculture to aliens.
Even U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, who lives in Yuma, weighed in Tuesday, saying that he is closely monitoring the situation.
Yuma County Sheriff Todd Combs said in a statement Tuesday afternoon that several sheriff’s offices, police departments and federal agencies have scheduled a Jan. 6 meeting about the drones.
“Hopefully this meeting will provide some answers, or at least aid in the development of a plan to identify who is in control of the drones,” he said on the sheriff’s office Facebook page.
He urged residents to take videos of the drones if they appear to be flying close to people or in a reckless manner, and said as of Tuesday the drones don’t appear to be breaking the law.
“There are many theories about what is going on, but at this point, that’s all they are,” he said. “I think we are all feeling a little bit vulnerable to the intrusion on our privacy that we enjoy in our rural community, but I don’t have a solution or know of one right now. All I can say is don’t live your life in the fear of the unknown.”
Meanwhile, some residents are capturing video and photos of the drones in hopes of solving the mystery themselves, or at least offering up some clues.
Dawn George, in Wray, said she has been watching the drones for the last few nights and was able to take a video as some flew by on Sunday night. She says she knows the drones are nearby because her dogs “go crazy.”
“They’ll run out,” she said. “They can hear them. If you’re familiar with what a drone sounds like, they sound identical to a smaller drone, just louder.”
She said she finds the drones to be a little “creepy and weird,” mostly because no one has been able to explain who is operating them.
“It’s just really weird that everybody is seeing them and no one has an answer,” she said, then added after a pause, “or someone has an answer and we’re not being told what is going on.”
Some have suggested shooting the drones down, but George said the machines fly well out of shooting range.
“Apparently that’s illegal anyway,” she said.


thedenverpost--2020-01-01--Lone Tree residents asked to avoid Erminedale Drive during police action

The city of Lone Tree asked residents to avoid Erminedale Drive at about 4:40 p.m. Tuesday and told people on @ @ @ @ @ place while police worked in the area .
Few details were available , but a @ @ @ @ @ the activity surrounded one house .
A SWAT team is assisting , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ as more information becomes available .

A police action that brought a SWAT team to Lone Tree ended peacefully, with one person in custody Tuesday night.
The city of Lone Tree asked residents to avoid Erminedale Drive at about 4:40 p.m. Tuesday and told people on the street to shelter in place while police worked in the area. Police and a SWAT team surrounded one house on the street.
A Lone Tree police spokesman said no one fired any shots. He couldn’t release what crime the person was suspected of.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.


thedenverpost--2020-01-31--Ask Amy: Mom wants to celebrate son’s success

Dear Amy : My son had a rocky start to high school , including participating in an event that led to juvenile detention and community service .
He went above and beyond his community service , spending more than the required hours scooping poop at a horse facility that serves handicapped children .
He has turned his life around , and while still doing dumb 17-year-old stuff , it looks like he will graduate on time .
He has pre-enlisted in the Marines .
I want very much to announce his graduation to his attorney , therapist , probation officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rocky start .
I REALLY don ’ t want this to appear as a gift request , but I want to acknowledge those that made the event possible .
Can you suggest verbiage to convey that gifts are not required , but thank those professionals that made his success possible ?
Dear Mom : Wow , don ’ t overthink this .
You should approach this as a thank you message , conveying : “ all hail and hallelujah , it looks like this young man will cross the finish line !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a note ( or email ) , acknowledging their efforts and compassion toward your son .
Tell them that you are so grateful that “ the system ” worked for this one young man .
If you send a written note , send a copy to their supervisor .
If you send an email , forward it to the supervisor .
Let them know : “ You do a very tough job .
I hope you will be gratified to learn that my son has completed his community service , has gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his actions on others , and seems to have turned his life around .
He never would have gotten there without your efforts , and we are so grateful .
I ’ m very proud to tell you that he will be graduating on time ( fingers crossed ) and has pre-enlisted in the Marine Corps.
” If your son would like to follow up with a printed graduation announcement with his hand-written : “ I made it !
Thank you !
” on the card , I guarantee it will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one will think you are trolling for gifts .
Dear Amy : I have coached a college athletic team at a very large university for over three decades .
In recent years it has become common for students to interject the phrase , “ Thank you for understanding ” when corresponding with me via email regarding conflicts with our practice schedule .
I have found myself getting more irritated when this phrase is used .
These kids seem to assume that I DO understand their situation , which is often not the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning : “ I ’ m doing this whether you like it or not , so you should accept it and excuse it.
” Am I being too sensitive about this ?
Were I to respond or write a coach , professor , employer , etc.
, when I was younger , I would have phrased it , “ I hope you can understand and forgive my absence.
” Is it a generational thing where the student is being respectful , but due to my own interpretations I am taking it disrespectfully ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ these students are doing is to assume and express the privilege of people who don ’ t believe they have to ask permission , but need only to thank you for understanding that they are following a certain course of action .
They are telling you what they are doing .
They are giving you notice of their scheduling conflict , and you are to accept without question that they have other plans .
At the beginning of your season , you could try to train them to perhaps behave differently toward you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a conflict , I expect you to contact me in advance and ask if you can be relieved or excused from training that day .
Your schoolwork comes first .
Things happen .
I understand that conflicts arise , but if I don ’ t excuse you from practice , then consider yourself not excused .
Got it ?
Thank you for understanding.
” Dear Amy : Your alarmed response to the question from “ Newlywed ” was truly bizarre .
Her husband was being possessive .
They worked together , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her .
He didn ’ t want to go to work without her and didn ’ t want her to change jobs .
Maybe this guy just really loves his wife !
Your answer suggested that he was some kind of monster !
Dear Upset : I genuinely hope I was overreacting to this .
But where you saw devotion , I saw control .
Control and possessiveness are not love .

Dear Amy: My son had a rocky start to high school, including participating in an event that led to juvenile detention and community service.
He went above and beyond his community service, spending more than the required hours scooping poop at a horse facility that serves handicapped children.
He has turned his life around, and while still doing dumb 17-year-old stuff, it looks like he will graduate on time. He has pre-enlisted in the Marines.
I want very much to announce his graduation to his attorney, therapist, probation officers and others who were part of his rocky start.
I REALLY don’t want this to appear as a gift request, but I want to acknowledge those that made the event possible.
Can you suggest verbiage to convey that gifts are not required, but thank those professionals that made his success possible?
— My Son’s Mom
Dear Mom: Wow, don’t overthink this. You should approach this as a thank you message, conveying: “all hail and hallelujah, it looks like this young man will cross the finish line!”
Reach out to each of these people with a note (or email), acknowledging their efforts and compassion toward your son. Tell them that you are so grateful that “the system” worked for this one young man.
If you send a written note, send a copy to their supervisor. If you send an email, forward it to the supervisor.
Let them know: “You do a very tough job. I hope you will be gratified to learn that my son has completed his community service, has gone above and beyond in recognizing the impact of his actions on others, and seems to have turned his life around. He never would have gotten there without your efforts, and we are so grateful. I’m very proud to tell you that he will be graduating on time (fingers crossed) and has pre-enlisted in the Marine Corps.”
If your son would like to follow up with a printed graduation announcement with his hand-written: “I made it! Thank you!” on the card, I guarantee it will be posted in the break room.
No one will think you are trolling for gifts.
Dear Amy: I have coached a college athletic team at a very large university for over three decades.
In recent years it has become common for students to interject the phrase, “Thank you for understanding” when corresponding with me via email regarding conflicts with our practice schedule.
I have found myself getting more irritated when this phrase is used. These kids seem to assume that I DO understand their situation, which is often not the case.
I also interpret it as potentially meaning: “I’m doing this whether you like it or not, so you should accept it and excuse it.”
Am I being too sensitive about this? Were I to respond or write a coach, professor, employer, etc., when I was younger, I would have phrased it, “I hope you can understand and forgive my absence.”
Is it a generational thing where the student is being respectful, but due to my own interpretations I am taking it disrespectfully?
— I Don’t Understand
Dear I Don’t: What these students are doing is to assume and express the privilege of people who don’t believe they have to ask permission, but need only to thank you for understanding that they are following a certain course of action.
They are telling you what they are doing. They are giving you notice of their scheduling conflict, and you are to accept without question that they have other plans.
At the beginning of your season, you could try to train them to perhaps behave differently toward you. Tell them, “In case of a conflict, I expect you to contact me in advance and ask if you can be relieved or excused from training that day. Your schoolwork comes first. Things happen. I understand that conflicts arise, but if I don’t excuse you from practice, then consider yourself not excused. Got it? Thank you for understanding.”
Dear Amy: Your alarmed response to the question from “Newlywed” was truly bizarre. Her husband was being possessive. They worked together, and he wanted to continue to work with her. He didn’t want to go to work without her and didn’t want her to change jobs.
Maybe this guy just really loves his wife! Your answer suggested that he was some kind of monster!
— Upset
Dear Upset: I genuinely hope I was overreacting to this. But where you saw devotion, I saw control. Control and possessiveness are not love.
(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--2020-01-31--UCLA knocks off No. 20 CU Buffs

UCLA knocks off No. 20 CU Buffs

LOS ANGELES — The Pauley Pavilion magic is no more for the Colorado Buffaloes .
After winning at UCLA ’ s historic venue in each of the past two seasons , Thursday ’ s Pac-12 Conference battle once again saw the 20th-ranked Buffaloes get outclassed on the glass away from home , leading to a 72-68 victory for the Bruins .
• How DU hockey maintains tradition of goaltending excellence : “ Our philosophy is different ” • Keeler : From Kyle Shanahan to Jon Embree , Super Bowl LIV is a family affair • Moby Madness : Isaiah Stevens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off Nevada • CU athletic director supports bill to let college athletes profit from name , image and likeness UCLA outrebounded the Buffs 39-29 , the third straight road game in which CU has been beaten on the glass .
More damaging than the final margin was the Bruins ’ 13 offensive rebounds , which they turned into 18 second-chance points .
The Buffs trailed 39-27 at halftime and watched the deficit grow to 15 points on a 3-point play by UCLA ’ s Chris Smith just 14 seconds into the second half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back , reeling off a 10-0 run and eventually cutting the Bruins ’ lead to three points with about 10 minutes remaining .
CU eventually got within two points on a Lucas Siewert free throw with 7 minutes , 22 seconds remaining , but UCLA answered with a 12-2 run that gave the Bruins an 11-point lead with 3:26 remaining .
Junior Chris Smith poured in a career-high 30 points for the Bruins .
Smith went 13-for-15 at the free throw line to lead UCLA ’ s 25-for-29 showing on free throws .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Buffs , while McKinley Wright IV recorded 14 points and five assists .

LOS ANGELES — The Pauley Pavilion magic is no more for the Colorado Buffaloes.
After winning at UCLA’s historic venue in each of the past two seasons, Thursday’s Pac-12 Conference battle once again saw the 20th-ranked Buffaloes get outclassed on the glass away from home, leading to a 72-68 victory for the Bruins.
UCLA outrebounded the Buffs 39-29, the third straight road game in which CU has been beaten on the glass. More damaging than the final margin was the Bruins’ 13 offensive rebounds, which they turned into 18 second-chance points.
The Buffs trailed 39-27 at halftime and watched the deficit grow to 15 points on a 3-point play by UCLA’s Chris Smith just 14 seconds into the second half. From there the Buffs began battling back, reeling off a 10-0 run and eventually cutting the Bruins’ lead to three points with about 10 minutes remaining.
CU eventually got within two points on a Lucas Siewert free throw with 7 minutes, 22 seconds remaining, but UCLA answered with a 12-2 run that gave the Bruins an 11-point lead with 3:26 remaining.
Junior Chris Smith poured in a career-high 30 points for the Bruins. Smith went 13-for-15 at the free throw line to lead UCLA’s 25-for-29 showing on free throws.
Evan Battey went 4-for-6 with 14 points for the Buffs, while McKinley Wright IV recorded 14 points and five assists.
UCLA 72, No. 20 Colorado 68
COLORADO (16-5, 5-3 Pac-12)Wright 3-9 6-6 14, Bey 4-7 4-4 12, Schwartz 2-5 5-8 9, Battey 4-6 5-8 14, Gatling 1-3 2-2 5, Siewert 4-9 1-2 11, Daniels 1-3 0-0 3, Kountz 0-3 0-1 0, Walton 0-0 0-0 0, Parquet 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 19-45 23-31 68.UCLA (11-10, 4-4)Smith 8-16 13-15 30, Singleton 2-6 0-0 5, Campbell 1-5 1-2 3, Jaquez 3-7 7-8 13, Ali 3-7 2-2 11, Riley 2-4 0-0 4, Hill 1-5 2-2 4, Bernard 0-1 0-0 0, Kyman 1-3 0-0 2, Olesinski 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 21-54 25-29 72.Halftime – UCLA 39-27. 3-Point Goals – Colorado 7-20 (Wright 2-5, Siewert 2-7, Battey 1-1, Gatling 1-1, Daniels 1-3, Schwartz 0-1, Kountz 0-2), UCLA 5-15 (Ali 3-3, Singleton 1-3, Smith 1-5, Kyman 0-1, Campbell 0-3). Fouled Out – Riley, Hill. Rebounds – Colorado 28 (Bey 8), UCLA 36 (Smith 9). Assists – Colorado 8 (Wright 5), UCLA 8 (Singleton, Campbell 2). Total Fouls – Colorado 23, UCLA 24.


thedenverpost--2020-01-31--Two-time All-Star Nikola Jokic carries Nuggets past division rival Jazz

Nuggets forward Jerami Grant laid sprawled on his back , his fingers forming the universal 3-point symbol .
With Grant ’ s shot and a trove of other huge buckets , the Nuggets buried the Jazz amid a massive 27-1 run that spanned the third and fourth quarters .
By the end of it , the Nuggets were up by as much as 17 .
They survived a late push from the Jazz to hang on for the 106-100 win , which carries more significance because of their Northwest division rivalry .
Newly minted two-time All-Star Nikola Jokic carried the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and four rebounds .
He scored 11 straight points during the waning moments to help stave off Utah , which got 37 points from reserve Jordan Clarkson .
“ He ’ s first-team All-NBA center for a reason , ” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone , adding it might have been their best win of the year .
“ He wins games , he hits game-winning shots , he makes the right play.
” In addition to his play , Jokic has become a vocal presence during team huddles .
His volume has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injuries .
“ If I ’ m going to see something , I ’ m gon na say something , ” Jokic said .
“ But I don ’ t want to give the wrong information.
” Jazz All-Star Donovan Mitchell was limited to just 4 points on 1-of-12 shooting .
Torrey Craig was relentless on the defensive end , adding 13 points and 10 rebounds to go along with his stellar effort .
“ I think he ’ s one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA , I really do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t get that public acknowledgment because he ’ s Torrey Craig and we ’ re Denver.
” Down three starters , the Nuggets improved to 33-15 but Thursday was only the start of their grueling back-to-back set .
They ’ ll immediately hop on a plane to Milwaukee , where the NBA ’ s best team will be waiting for them Friday night .
“ The back-to-back is criminal , ” Malone said prior to the game .
“ You ’ re playing an 8:30 national TV game here .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Our itinerary has us arriving at the hotel at 3:30 .
The itinerary is never right.
” Jokic asserted himself in the third quarter battling against fellow All-Star center Rudy Gobert .
Denver ’ s star center scored nine points , including a clutch 3-pointer to cut into Utah ’ s lead .
The Nuggets trailed 70-61 with 4:13 left in the third quarter before they reeled off a riveting 15-0 run , buoyed by momentum-swinging 3-pointers and defensive stops .
Nuggets rookie Michael Porter Jr. canned two 3-pointers during the spurt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feed from Jokic .
Backup guard P.J .
Dozier ended the quarter with one more 3-pointer , his teammates charging onto the court after the buzzer sounded .
Porter finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds for his fourth double-double in the last seven games .
Grant added 15 points and five boards .
The Nuggets were down starters Jamal Murray ( ankle ) , Paul Millsap ( knee ) and Gary Harris ( personal reasons ) , in addition to reserve Mason Plumlee , making Thursday ’ s win even more impressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found out he ’ d been voted a reserve for next month ’ s All-Star Game in Chicago .
It ’ s the second consecutive year he ’ s earned the honor .
Thursday ’ s announcement made it official , but Malone had been banging the drum for at least two weeks .
He was asked what it says that Jokic , and Utah ’ s fellow All-Stars Mitchell and Gobert , all took relatively unheralded paths to the exhibition .
“ So much is made up on draft night , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I picked ?
’ That doesn ’ t matter .
It ’ s what you do after that .
And I think all three of those players have continued to get better.
” From his media obligations to his participation in last year ’ s skills contest , Jokic has a plan for navigating the annual showcase .
“ Just having more fun , I think that ’ s the thing , ” Jokic said .
“ Even when you ’ re having fun , if you ’ re tired , when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s easy.
” He said his most memorable moment from last year was just getting to know his fellow All-Stars personally .
“ You know the story , ” Jokic said .
“ Like , me and Russ ( Westbrook ) , we were always on the court like a little bit chippy , whatever .
And All-Star , we were talking like , he was good to me .
He was not bad to me.
” Down 11 midway through the second quarter , the Jazz were threatening to pull away .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Craig continued his sizzling half to pull the Nuggets within 48-43 entering halftime .
Without Harris , Craig and Barton were invaluable , adding 21 points over the first two quarters .
They were Denver ’ s best counter for Utah ’ s scorching 3-point shooting .
The Jazz connected on 9-of-19 from outside compared to just two makes for the Nuggets .

Nuggets forward Jerami Grant laid sprawled on his back, his fingers forming the universal 3-point symbol.
With Grant’s shot and a trove of other huge buckets, the Nuggets buried the Jazz amid a massive 27-1 run that spanned the third and fourth quarters. By the end of it, the Nuggets were up by as much as 17. They survived a late push from the Jazz to hang on for the 106-100 win, which carries more significance because of their Northwest division rivalry.
Newly minted two-time All-Star Nikola Jokic carried the Nuggets with 28 points, 10 assists and four rebounds. He scored 11 straight points during the waning moments to help stave off Utah, which got 37 points from reserve Jordan Clarkson.
“He’s first-team All-NBA center for a reason,” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone, adding it might have been their best win of the year. “He wins games, he hits game-winning shots, he makes the right play.”
In addition to his play, Jokic has become a vocal presence during team huddles. His volume has increased as their bench has frayed from injuries.
“If I’m going to see something, I’m gonna say something,” Jokic said. “But I don’t want to give the wrong information.”
Jazz All-Star Donovan Mitchell was limited to just 4 points on 1-of-12 shooting. Torrey Craig was relentless on the defensive end, adding 13 points and 10 rebounds to go along with his stellar effort.
“I think he’s one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, I really do,” Malone said. “He won’t get that public acknowledgment because he’s Torrey Craig and we’re Denver.”
Down three starters, the Nuggets improved to 33-15 but Thursday was only the start of their grueling back-to-back set. They’ll immediately hop on a plane to Milwaukee, where the NBA’s best team will be waiting for them Friday night.
“The back-to-back is criminal,” Malone said prior to the game. “You’re playing an 8:30 national TV game here. You’re going to lose an hour. Our itinerary has us arriving at the hotel at 3:30. The itinerary is never right.”
Jokic asserted himself in the third quarter battling against fellow All-Star center Rudy Gobert. Denver’s star center scored nine points, including a clutch 3-pointer to cut into Utah’s lead.
The Nuggets trailed 70-61 with 4:13 left in the third quarter before they reeled off a riveting 15-0 run, buoyed by momentum-swinging 3-pointers and defensive stops. Nuggets rookie Michael Porter Jr. canned two 3-pointers during the spurt, including one off a perfect outlet feed from Jokic. Backup guard P.J. Dozier ended the quarter with one more 3-pointer, his teammates charging onto the court after the buzzer sounded.
Porter finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds for his fourth double-double in the last seven games. Grant added 15 points and five boards.
The Nuggets were down starters Jamal Murray (ankle), Paul Millsap (knee) and Gary Harris (personal reasons), in addition to reserve Mason Plumlee, making Thursday’s win even more impressive.
Hours before the game, Jokic found out he’d been voted a reserve for next month’s All-Star Game in Chicago. It’s the second consecutive year he’s earned the honor.
Thursday’s announcement made it official, but Malone had been banging the drum for at least two weeks. He was asked what it says that Jokic, and Utah’s fellow All-Stars Mitchell and Gobert, all took relatively unheralded paths to the exhibition.
“So much is made up on draft night,” Malone said. “‘Where was I picked?’ That doesn’t matter. It’s what you do after that. And I think all three of those players have continued to get better.”
From his media obligations to his participation in last year’s skills contest, Jokic has a plan for navigating the annual showcase.
“Just having more fun, I think that’s the thing,” Jokic said. “Even when you’re having fun, if you’re tired, when you’re having fun, it’s easy.”
He said his most memorable moment from last year was just getting to know his fellow All-Stars personally.
“You know the story,” Jokic said. “Like, me and Russ (Westbrook), we were always on the court like a little bit chippy, whatever. And All-Star, we were talking like, he was good to me. He was not bad to me.”
Down 11 midway through the second quarter, the Jazz were threatening to pull away. But Will Barton knocked down consecutive shots and Craig continued his sizzling half to pull the Nuggets within 48-43 entering halftime.
Without Harris, Craig and Barton were invaluable, adding 21 points over the first two quarters. They were Denver’s best counter for Utah’s scorching 3-point shooting. The Jazz connected on 9-of-19 from outside compared to just two makes for the Nuggets.


thedenverpost--2020-01-31--Wyndham Clark shoots 10-under 61 to lead Phoenix Open by 2

SCOTTSDALE , Ariz. — Wyndham Clark beat darkness — and everyone else Thursday at TPC Scottsdale .
Playing in the second-to-last group off the 10th tee , Clark shot a career-best 10-under 61 to take the first-round lead in the Waste Management Phoenix Open .
He had eight birdies in a 10-hole stretch from No .
12 to No .
3 , added two more on Nos .
7 and 8 and putted out for par on No .
9 just after sunset .
“ I hit a lot of fairways and I just gave myself a lot of looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clark said .
Clark was a stroke off the course record of 60 set by Grant Waite in 1996 and matched by Mark Calcavecchia in 2001 and Phil Mickelson in 2005 and 2013 .
The 26-year-old former University of Oregon player is in his second full season on the tour .
He missed the cuts the last two weeks , shooting 69-79 last week at Torrey Pines .
“ I actually played really well the last two weeks , ” Clark said .
“ I just wasn ’ t making putts .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was second , holing nearly 200 feet of putts in an afternoon 63 .
“ I looked on the leaderboard and saw I was at 8 under and I saw Billy Horschel was , too , ” Clark said .
“ I said , ‘ Man , he ’ s going to rain on my parade.
’ So , kind of to myself I said , ‘ All right , let ’ s go get past him.
’ ” Horschel had an eagle and six birdies .
“ Any day you shoot 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t complain , ” Horschel said .
He had the big putting day after working with instructor Todd Anderson .
“ We made a couple changes , a couple tweaks to the putting stuff that was a little off , ” Horschel said .
J.B. Holmes was another stroke back after a roller-coaster start — highlighted by a hole-in-one — and big finish in the morning wave .
He won the event in 2006 and 2008 for his first PGA Tour titles .
“ I like playing in the desert .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ The greens are always usually in great shape .
They ’ re in great shape this week — they ’ re quick , they ’ re firm.
” The long hitter from Kentucky played the first five holes in even par , following a double bogey on the second , with a birdie on the third , the ace on the fourth and a bogey on the fifth .
He used a 7-iron on the 175-yard fourth .
“ I didn ’ t feel like everything was going my way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was actually going to go in , ” Holmes said .
“ But I hit it up there .
I knew it was a good shot , and I thought I ’ m going to have a short putt for birdie and then it disappeared.
” Holmes birdied the final three holes and seven of the last 10 , hitting to 4 feet on 16 and 17 and closing with a 25-footer .
He fought right elbow pain , seeking treatment from his trainer at the turn .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than it normally does , ” Holmes said .
Tom Hoge , Harris English , Bud Cauley and Byeong Hun An shot 65 , and Nate Lashley , K.J .
Choi , Sungjae Im , Adam Long and Hudson Swafford were at 66 .
Jon Rahm opened with a 67 .
He can jump from No .
3 to No .
1 in the world with a victory , provided top-ranked Brooks Koepka — tied for 48th in the Saudi International after an opening 70 — finishes out of the top four .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of playing tee to green as good as I did today , ” Rahm said .
The former Arizona State star wore maroon and gold shoes in honor of late Sun Devils and Cardinals football player Pat Tillman .
Playing partner Justin Thomas played the 16th in a Kobe Bryant jersey from the late Lakers great ’ s high school days at Lower Merion in Pennsylvania .
“ I ’ ve played a lot of golf in that , believe it or not , so it felt pretty comfortable , ” Thomas said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a two-week break .
He opened the year at Kapalua with his second victory of the season , then missed the cut in Honolulu .
Hideki Matsuyama , the 2016 and 2017 winner , matched Rahm with a 67 in the threesome with Thomas .
Defending champion Rickie Fowler had seven bogeys in a 74 .
Jordan Spieth also shot 74 , making four bogeys .
Bubba Watson , playing alongside Spieth , bogeyed two of his last three for a 69 .

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Wyndham Clark beat darkness — and everyone else Thursday at TPC Scottsdale.
Playing in the second-to-last group off the 10th tee, Clark shot a career-best 10-under 61 to take the first-round lead in the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
He had eight birdies in a 10-hole stretch from No. 12 to No. 3, added two more on Nos. 7 and 8 and putted out for par on No. 9 just after sunset.
“I hit a lot of fairways and I just gave myself a lot of looks and the putter was hot,” Clark said.
Clark was a stroke off the course record of 60 set by Grant Waite in 1996 and matched by Mark Calcavecchia in 2001 and Phil Mickelson in 2005 and 2013.
The 26-year-old former University of Oregon player is in his second full season on the tour. He missed the cuts the last two weeks, shooting 69-79 last week at Torrey Pines.
“I actually played really well the last two weeks,” Clark said. “I just wasn’t making putts. I wasn’t capitalizing.”
Billy Horschel was second, holing nearly 200 feet of putts in an afternoon 63.
“I looked on the leaderboard and saw I was at 8 under and I saw Billy Horschel was, too,” Clark said. “I said, ‘Man, he’s going to rain on my parade.’ So, kind of to myself I said, ‘All right, let’s go get past him.’”
Horschel had an eagle and six birdies.
“Any day you shoot 8 under, no bogeys, you can’t complain,” Horschel said.
He had the big putting day after working with instructor Todd Anderson.
“We made a couple changes, a couple tweaks to the putting stuff that was a little off,” Horschel said.
J.B. Holmes was another stroke back after a roller-coaster start — highlighted by a hole-in-one — and big finish in the morning wave. He won the event in 2006 and 2008 for his first PGA Tour titles.
“I like playing in the desert. I just enjoy being here,” Holmes said. “The greens are always usually in great shape. They’re in great shape this week — they’re quick, they’re firm.”
The long hitter from Kentucky played the first five holes in even par, following a double bogey on the second, with a birdie on the third, the ace on the fourth and a bogey on the fifth. He used a 7-iron on the 175-yard fourth.
“I didn’t feel like everything was going my way, so I wasn’t thinking it was actually going to go in,” Holmes said. “But I hit it up there. I knew it was a good shot, and I thought I’m going to have a short putt for birdie and then it disappeared.”
Holmes birdied the final three holes and seven of the last 10, hitting to 4 feet on 16 and 17 and closing with a 25-footer. He fought right elbow pain, seeking treatment from his trainer at the turn.
“It’s been hurting a little bit more lately than it normally does,” Holmes said.
Tom Hoge, Harris English, Bud Cauley and Byeong Hun An shot 65, and Nate Lashley, K.J. Choi, Sungjae Im, Adam Long and Hudson Swafford were at 66.
Jon Rahm opened with a 67. He can jump from No. 3 to No. 1 in the world with a victory, provided top-ranked Brooks Koepka — tied for 48th in the Saudi International after an opening 70 — finishes out of the top four.
“I’ll take four days of playing tee to green as good as I did today,” Rahm said.
The former Arizona State star wore maroon and gold shoes in honor of late Sun Devils and Cardinals football player Pat Tillman.
Playing partner Justin Thomas played the 16th in a Kobe Bryant jersey from the late Lakers great’s high school days at Lower Merion in Pennsylvania.
“I’ve played a lot of golf in that, believe it or not, so it felt pretty comfortable,” Thomas said.
The fourth-ranked Thomas shot 68 following a two-week break. He opened the year at Kapalua with his second victory of the season, then missed the cut in Honolulu.
Hideki Matsuyama, the 2016 and 2017 winner, matched Rahm with a 67 in the threesome with Thomas.
Defending champion Rickie Fowler had seven bogeys in a 74. Jordan Spieth also shot 74, making four bogeys. Bubba Watson, playing alongside Spieth, bogeyed two of his last three for a 69.


thedenverpost--2020-01-31--Sans Nathan MacKinnon, the Avalanche returned from nine-day hiatus to prepare for road trip

Amid an 11-day break between games , the Avalanche gathered for the first time in nine days Thursday for a relatively long , two-sheet practice at Family Sports Center .
With the exception of leading scorer and lone 2020 NHL All-Star Nathan MacKinnon , all players were present and cleared to play .
MacKinnon , coach Jared Bednar said , had a “ big All-Star ” weekend and was taking the day off , but will be at practice Friday morning before the team departs for a five-game trip beginning Saturday at Philadelphia .
Bednar said he is not concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the Flyers .
“ I might have had some concerns , depending on we came out and practiced today but I loved our practice , ” the coach said .
“ Great energy .
Physical .
Competitive .
Lots of talk , chatter on the ice .
Which just tells me the guys are mentally rested and they ’ re ready to go .
Physically rested , I know we are , for sure , after the time off .
I know we had some skate .
We can ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skating over the break together , which is nice .
So they ’ ve been taking care of themselves , got some time away , and we ’ ll be on the ice ( as a team ) three times before we play Philly .
I think there ’ s no reason why we shouldn ’ t be excited for the stretch run.
” The long break was especially beneficial to winger Joonas Donskoi , who has missed the last five games to recover from a concussion .
Donskoi was cleared for contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team decided to make his return Saturday for precautionary reasons .
“ I feel great .
Super excited .
It was hard to be out , ” said Donskoi , who was injured Jan. 7 at the New York Rangers .
“ Feels like forever since my last game .
I just can ’ t wait to get back.
” Donskoi practiced Thursday on a bottom-six line with center Tyson Jost and left winger Matt Nieto .
Donskoi has been a top-six guy for the Avs but Bednar wants to take his return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without him — going 3-0-2 on a five-game homestand .
“ I really liked the way we finished the homestand .
I like the line combinations we had .
And now , he ’ s pushing a month of being out , ” Bednar said .
“ So we ’ ll probably start him there , and then , everything is subject to change.
” Colorado has 33 remaining games in the 82-game regular season .
The Avs ( 28-15-6 ) entered Thursday ’ s games tied with Vancouver for second in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two games in hand over the Canucks .
Colorado also has played two fewer games than conference-leading St. Louis ( 70 points ) .
The Avs came in No .
6 in the NHL.com ’ s Super 16 rankings Thursday , largely based on their consistency over the first four months off the season .
They rallied to finish 5-2-2 in January after going 7-5-2 in December .
They were 8-2-2 in October and 8-6 in November during a stretch without several key players including top-line wingers Mikko Rantanen and Gabe Landeskog .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their new sky-blue Stadium Series breezers ( pants ) Thursday .
New breezers , to be worn Feb. 15 against the Los Angeles Kings at Air Force ’ s Falcons Stadium , are typically stiff and there ’ s usually a break-in period .
… Colorado has one glaring weakness right now — the power play .
The Avs are just 2-of-25 ( 8 percent ) in their last eight games .

Amid an 11-day break between games, the Avalanche gathered for the first time in nine days Thursday for a relatively long, two-sheet practice at Family Sports Center.
With the exception of leading scorer and lone 2020 NHL All-Star Nathan MacKinnon, all players were present and cleared to play. MacKinnon, coach Jared Bednar said, had a “big All-Star” weekend and was taking the day off, but will be at practice Friday morning before the team departs for a five-game trip beginning Saturday at Philadelphia.
Bednar said he is not concerned about how his well-rested team will play against the Flyers.
“I might have had some concerns, depending on we came out and practiced today but I loved our practice,” the coach said. “Great energy. Physical. Competitive. Lots of talk, chatter on the ice. Which just tells me the guys are mentally rested and they’re ready to go. Physically rested, I know we are, for sure, after the time off. I know we had some skate. We can’t have a mandatory skate but there were guys skating over the break together, which is nice. So they’ve been taking care of themselves, got some time away, and we’ll be on the ice (as a team) three times before we play Philly. I think there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be excited for the stretch run.”
The long break was especially beneficial to winger Joonas Donskoi, who has missed the last five games to recover from a concussion. Donskoi was cleared for contact before the break but he and the team decided to make his return Saturday for precautionary reasons.
“I feel great. Super excited. It was hard to be out,” said Donskoi, who was injured Jan. 7 at the New York Rangers. “Feels like forever since my last game. I just can’t wait to get back.”
Donskoi practiced Thursday on a bottom-six line with center Tyson Jost and left winger Matt Nieto. Donskoi has been a top-six guy for the Avs but Bednar wants to take his return slowly based on how the team played without him — going 3-0-2 on a five-game homestand.
“I really liked the way we finished the homestand. I like the line combinations we had. And now, he’s pushing a month of being out,” Bednar said. “So we’ll probably start him there, and then, everything is subject to change.”
Colorado has 33 remaining games in the 82-game regular season. The Avs (28-15-6) entered Thursday’s games tied with Vancouver for second in the Western Conference with 62 points, with two games in hand over the Canucks. Colorado also has played two fewer games than conference-leading St. Louis (70 points).
The Avs came in No. 6 in the NHL.com’s Super 16 rankings Thursday, largely based on their consistency over the first four months off the season. They rallied to finish 5-2-2 in January after going 7-5-2 in December. They were 8-2-2 in October and 8-6 in November during a stretch without several key players including top-line wingers Mikko Rantanen and Gabe Landeskog.
Footnotes. The Avs began breaking in their new sky-blue Stadium Series breezers (pants) Thursday. New breezers, to be worn Feb. 15 against the Los Angeles Kings at Air Force’s Falcons Stadium, are typically stiff and there’s usually a break-in period. … Colorado has one glaring weakness right now — the power play. The Avs are just 2-of-25 (8 percent) in their last eight games.


thedenverpost--2020-01-31--How DU hockey maintains tradition of goaltending excellence: “Our philosophy is different”

Standing in front of the DU hockey team ’ s net is a towering 6-foot-6 , 216-pound protector with a name worthy of his fierce reputation — Magnus Chrona .
No .
4 DU ( 17-4-5 ) hosts conference foe No .
10 Minnesota Duluth ( 13-9-2 ) on Friday and Saturday at Magness Arena with the Pioneers riding an 11-game unbeaten streak ( 8-0-3 ) .
Chrona — a Swedish 2018 fifth-round NHL draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning — has been a big part of that success with a goals-against average ( 2.18 ) , shutout total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 ) that all rank second among NCAA freshmen .
And it ’ s not just because of Chrona ’ s size .
“ Of course , it gives me an advantage , ” Chrona said .
“ Because I ’ m bigger , I need more speed also .
I try to work on points that I ’ m not as good at that smaller goalies have ( such as quickness and puck-handling ) .
… I have a really good team in front of me , so they give me a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity arose just five games into the season after starting goaltender Devin Cooley suffered a lower-body injury .
The Pioneers haven ’ t missed a beat as Chrona has emerged as the next link in a long line of elite goaltending for the Pioneers ’ proud hockey program .
Since 2002 , DU has produced five All-American goalies , with Tanner Jaillet the last , earning the honor twice ( 2017 , ’ 18 ) .
“ It goes back a long way , before our time here , certainly , ” head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s really motivating , ” Chrona said of DU ’ s tradition .
“ I heard a lot of good things ( about DU ) .
I thought this was a perfect fit for myself.
” Indeed , DU ’ s recent success in recruiting the position is not simply a result of landing the best prospect out there .
There is a method to Coach Carle ’ s talent acquisition .
“ Our philosophy is different from some other bigger programs , ” Carle said .
“ We like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the recruiting process to be able to talk more directly about who is leaving and who they are replacing .
I think that gives the best goalie available the clarity of the position he ’ s going to fill ; versus recruiting a guy three or four years out , and he ’ s wondering what year he ’ s going to come in and who he is replacing.
” A perfect example : It wasn ’ t until DU goalie Filip Larsson signed with the Detroit Red Wings last spring that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ success is proof that the Pioneers ’ goalie strategy works .
DU has limited its opponents to two or fewer goals in each of its last four games .
“ Not only was ( Chrona ) given the opportunity , he ’ s earned the opportunity , ” Carle said .
“ He ’ s a really calming presence for us even though he ’ s a freshman.
” DU has an excellent goaltending history , particularly since 2000 when sophomore Wade Dubielewicz took over the starting job and freshman Adam Berkhoel helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sixth NCAA title in 2004 .
The following DU goalies won major awards :

Standing in front of the DU hockey team’s net is a towering 6-foot-6, 216-pound protector with a name worthy of his fierce reputation — Magnus Chrona.
“He’s a big boy,” sophomore forward Cole Guttman said.
“There’s not a lot to shoot at,” added senior forward Tyson McLellan.
No. 4 DU (17-4-5) hosts conference foe No. 10 Minnesota Duluth (13-9-2) on Friday and Saturday at Magness Arena with the Pioneers riding an 11-game unbeaten streak (8-0-3). Chrona — a Swedish 2018 fifth-round NHL draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning — has been a big part of that success with a goals-against average (2.18), shutout total (two) and win count (13) that all rank second among NCAA freshmen.
And it’s not just because of Chrona’s size.
“Of course, it gives me an advantage,” Chrona said. “Because I’m bigger, I need more speed also. I try to work on points that I’m not as good at that smaller goalies have (such as quickness and puck-handling). … I have a really good team in front of me, so they give me a lot of confidence.”
Chrona’s opportunity arose just five games into the season after starting goaltender Devin Cooley suffered a lower-body injury. The Pioneers haven’t missed a beat as Chrona has emerged as the next link in a long line of elite goaltending for the Pioneers’ proud hockey program.
Since 2002, DU has produced five All-American goalies, with Tanner Jaillet the last, earning the honor twice (2017,’18).
“It goes back a long way, before our time here, certainly,” head coach David Carle points out.
“It’s really motivating,” Chrona said of DU’s tradition. “I heard a lot of good things (about DU). I thought this was a perfect fit for myself.”
Indeed, DU’s recent success in recruiting the position is not simply a result of landing the best prospect out there. There is a method to Coach Carle’s talent acquisition.
“Our philosophy is different from some other bigger programs,” Carle said. “We like to take the goaltending position a little slower in the recruiting process to be able to talk more directly about who is leaving and who they are replacing. I think that gives the best goalie available the clarity of the position he’s going to fill; versus recruiting a guy three or four years out, and he’s wondering what year he’s going to come in and who he is replacing.”
A perfect example: It wasn’t until DU goalie Filip Larsson signed with the Detroit Red Wings last spring that the program added Chrona. His instant success is proof that the Pioneers’ goalie strategy works. DU has limited its opponents to two or fewer goals in each of its last four games.
“Not only was (Chrona) given the opportunity, he’s earned the opportunity,” Carle said. “He’s a really calming presence for us even though he’s a freshman.”
DU has an excellent goaltending history, particularly since 2000 when sophomore Wade Dubielewicz took over the starting job and freshman Adam Berkhoel helped plant the seeds for the Pioneers’ sixth NCAA title in 2004. The following DU goalies won major awards:
All-Americans:
George Kirkwood (1961)
Ron Grahame (1973)
Ernie Glanville (1978)
Chris Olson (1986)
Wade Dubielewicz (2002)
Marc Cheverie (2010)
Juho Olkinuora (2013)
Sam Brittain (2014)
Tanner Jaillet (2017, ’18)
Hobey Baker Award finalists (NCAA best player, since 1981):
Wade Dubielewicz (2002)
Marc Cheverie (2010)
Mike Richter Award (NCAA best goalie, since 2014)
Tanner Jaillet (2017)


thedenverpost--2020-01-31--Investing in a big screen could mean big rewards in the real estate market

It ’ s Super Bowl Sunday , and approximately 100 million viewers will be tuning in and streaming the big game , according to data from Tech Crunch .
This year , the biggest game in football is taking place in Miami .
Thousands have flocked to sunny South Florida to attend what is arguably the biggest sporting event in the U.S. , but for those fans that can ’ t be there in person , watching Super Bowl LIV on a big screen at home might be the next best thing .
Kicking back , relaxing and enjoying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of the many beauties of having a media room .
But home theaters can add additional benefits to houses other than providing the perfect place to catch a game , watch a flick or binge your latest favorite TV series .
Adding a media room or purchasing a home that already has a home theater could be a wise investment in the future value of a home .
As the age of the typical luxury homebuyer shifts and younger generations are beginning to hold more buying power within the housing market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stronger selling point for listings on the market .
Technology that tops the wish lists for millennial homebuyers include integrated security systems , automated blinds and home cinemas , according to a study from The NPD Group .
If you ’ re looking for a home with a theater of its own , LIV Sotheby ’ s International Realty has a variety of listings that meet the needs of any movie buff or sports fanatic .
4851 Preserve Parkway North in Greenwood Village is a gorgeous Georgian-inspired home that backs up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven bathrooms .
While this house features many desirable amenities , including a heated garage , a partially heated driveway , and beautiful outdoor living spaces , the media room is one of its most impressive .
The bonus room has theater-style seating and a screen fit for feature films .
This home is listed by LIV SIR brokers Nancy Kosena and Bob Kosena for $ 3,795,000 .
In Cherry Hills Village , 6 Churchill Drive , listed by LIV SIR broker Josh Behr for $ 5,600,000 , is a home that lets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this iconic neighborhood in known for .
Situated on 1.6 acres , this house has all the added features one could need to unwind after a long week , including an expansive patio living area , a home gym , a billiards room , a sauna and a home theater .
There ’ s never a bad seat in the house with stadium-style seating and a huge screen for optimal viewing of the big game or your favorite film .
In Colorado Springs , 14345 Millhaven Place is every entertainer ’ s dream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cathedral Pines neighborhood is built for those with a passion for making memories with friends and loved ones and is currently listed by LIV SIR brokers Katie Williams and Adana Leonard for $ 4,900,000 .
Living in this home , you and your guests will never grow bored .
Exercise in the home gym , take a dip in the indoor swimming pool , sip on cocktails at the wet bar , or host a Super Bowl watch party in the home theater .
This incredible space has enough room for all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wide screen and comes complete with a projector system , theater-style chairs as well as bench seating and a ceiling that looks like a starry night .
Find a home with fun and functional bonus features this year with the help of LIV Sotheby ’ s International Realty ’ s real estate professionals by calling 303-893-3200 or by visiting LIVSothebysRealty.com .
LIV Sotheby ’ s International Realty , the exclusive Board of Regent for the Who ’ s Who in Luxury Real Estate , has 23 office locations in metro Denver and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rock , Cherry Creek , Denver Tech Center , downtown Denver , Evergreen and the resort communities of Breckenridge , Winter Park , Dillon , Crested Butte , Telluride and the Vail Valley .
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

It’s Super Bowl Sunday, and approximately 100 million viewers will be tuning in and streaming the big game, according to data from Tech Crunch.
This year, the biggest game in football is taking place in Miami. Thousands have flocked to sunny South Florida to attend what is arguably the biggest sporting event in the U.S., but for those fans that can’t be there in person, watching Super Bowl LIV on a big screen at home might be the next best thing.
Kicking back, relaxing and enjoying the entertainment without having to leave the house is one of the many beauties of having a media room. But home theaters can add additional benefits to houses other than providing the perfect place to catch a game, watch a flick or binge your latest favorite TV series. Adding a media room or purchasing a home that already has a home theater could be a wise investment in the future value of a home.
As the age of the typical luxury homebuyer shifts and younger generations are beginning to hold more buying power within the housing market, technology upgrades and additions have become a stronger selling point for listings on the market. Technology that tops the wish lists for millennial homebuyers include integrated security systems, automated blinds and home cinemas, according to a study from The NPD Group.
If you’re looking for a home with a theater of its own, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty has a variety of listings that meet the needs of any movie buff or sports fanatic.
4851 Preserve Parkway North in Greenwood Village is a gorgeous Georgian-inspired home that backs up to Greenwood Gulch and has five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. While this house features many desirable amenities, including a heated garage, a partially heated driveway, and beautiful outdoor living spaces, the media room is one of its most impressive.
The bonus room has theater-style seating and a screen fit for feature films. This home is listed by LIV SIR brokers Nancy Kosena and Bob Kosena for $3,795,000.
In Cherry Hills Village, 6 Churchill Drive, listed by LIV SIR broker Josh Behr for $5,600,000, is a home that lets you relax in the luxurious setting that this iconic neighborhood in known for. Situated on 1.6 acres, this house has all the added features one could need to unwind after a long week, including an expansive patio living area, a home gym, a billiards room, a sauna and a home theater.
There’s never a bad seat in the house with stadium-style seating and a huge screen for optimal viewing of the big game or your favorite film.
In Colorado Springs, 14345 Millhaven Place is every entertainer’s dream home. This 15,643-square-foot estate in the Cathedral Pines neighborhood is built for those with a passion for making memories with friends and loved ones and is currently listed by LIV SIR brokers Katie Williams and Adana Leonard for $4,900,000.
Living in this home, you and your guests will never grow bored. Exercise in the home gym, take a dip in the indoor swimming pool, sip on cocktails at the wet bar, or host a Super Bowl watch party in the home theater. This incredible space has enough room for all of your friends to come enjoy entertainment on the wide screen and comes complete with a projector system, theater-style chairs as well as bench seating and a ceiling that looks like a starry night.
Find a home with fun and functional bonus features this year with the help of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty’s real estate professionals by calling 303-893-3200 or by visiting LIVSothebysRealty.com.
LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, the exclusive Board of Regent for the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, has 23 office locations in metro Denver and surrounding areas, including Boulder, Castle Rock, Cherry Creek, Denver Tech Center, downtown Denver, Evergreen and the resort communities of Breckenridge, Winter Park, Dillon, Crested Butte, Telluride and the Vail Valley.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-01-31--With a trendy mid-mod look, Brookfield’s low-maintenance homes at Sterling Ranch feel like Highland,

With a trendy mid-mod look, Brookfield’s low-maintenance homes at Sterling Ranch feel like Highland, close to foothill trails

Brookfield Residential will show you something south of Littleton on Sunday , Feb. 2 , that you won ’ t find anywhere else in town : a line of “ new-urban ” low-maintenance homes with the mid-century-modern look you see in city areas like Highland , but 10 minutes from some of the best hiking in the Denver area .
If you like the looks of these spacious models in master-planned Sterling Ranch , west of South Santa Fe/U.S .
85 on Titan Road , you ’ ll find quick-move versions of the same plans , one of them ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on the same portfolio that Brookfield first introduced at its Midtown community near downtown , where they were the showstopper in the Parade of Homes that year — and sold rapidly .
They have that sleek , contemporary styling that custom builders are doing now in areas like Sloan ’ s Lake , along with the lower-maintenance yard design that ’ s proving popular both with older buyers and younger ones .
Here at Sterling Ranch , those very urban stylings are 10 minutes from Roxborough State Park with some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chatfield State Park ( residents get a continuing pass ) is five minutes away , and the trailhead into hiking and fishing in Waterton Canyon is six minutes away .
The chance to get that urban design , with Sterling Ranch ’ s outdoorsy surroundings , won ’ t last long .
In a winter market where builders and real estate agents are already noting uncommonly brisk traffic , Brookfield has six of those plans that can deliver this month , but after that only six other sites in Sterling Ranch where it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way to avoid a double move , ” notes Brookfield ’ s MacKenzie Graham , who can show you a Signature 1 plan , ready now with a main-floor master suite , two upstairs bedrooms on a Jack-n-Jill bath , a finished basement with another bed-bath suite , and a rooftop deck with a view of the foothills .
Like all of these Signature plans , it comes with a large patio opening out from a wide-open entertaining area , a very private side yard , hardwood floors on the main , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a closet system , and a shower with upgraded tile and Euro glass door .
The home has over 2,800 finished feet plus an oversized two-car garage and is priced at $ 596,900 .
Five of the homes for early move-in have finished basements included .
“ You ’ ll get the feel of a more personalized home than you will from similarly priced builders , ” adds Graham .
“ We don ’ t have that cookie-cutter look.
” She notes that buyers have come from Highlands Ranch , Littleton and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where these designs have a special popularity .
Some new buyers take advantage of Sterling Ranch ’ s close proximity to Lockheed Martin , while others head into downtown or the Denver Tech Center .
Graham adds that Sterling Ranch is a perfect setting for that contemporary look : The community has a contemporary-style Sterling Center with coffee bar and brewpub , now open across from Brookfield ’ s models .
Take S. Santa Fe south from C-470 4 miles to Titan Parkway , turn west a mile to a roundabout , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s are the first two models .
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

Brookfield Residential will show you something south of Littleton on Sunday, Feb. 2, that you won’t find anywhere else in town: a line of “new-urban” low-maintenance homes with the mid-century-modern look you see in city areas like Highland, but 10 minutes from some of the best hiking in the Denver area.
Brookfield Residential at Sterling Ranch What: Closeout, Brookfield Residential’s Signature Portfolio at Sterling Ranch; low-maintenance single-family homes, modern styling, main-floor master; planned community close to Roxborough, Chatfield; quick move-ins.
Closeout, Brookfield Residential’s Signature Portfolio at Sterling Ranch; low-maintenance single-family homes, modern styling, main-floor master; planned community close to Roxborough, Chatfield; quick move-ins. Where: 9903 Eagle River St, Littleton; from C-470 take S. Santa Fe/U.S. 85 south 4 miles to Titan Pkwy, west on Titan 1 mi. to roundabout, then south of Eagle River St half block.
9903 Eagle River St, Littleton; from C-470 take S. Santa Fe/U.S. 85 south 4 miles to Titan Pkwy, west on Titan 1 mi. to roundabout, then south of Eagle River St half block. Price: From upper $500s, move now $559,000
From upper $500s, move now $559,000 When: Sunday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 303-803-7571
303-803-7571 More Info: BrookfieldResidentialCO.com
If you like the looks of these spacious models in master-planned Sterling Ranch — west of South Santa Fe/U.S. 85 on Titan Road — you’ll find quick-move versions of the same plans, one of them ready now at $559,000.
These are based on the same portfolio that Brookfield first introduced at its Midtown community near downtown, where they were the showstopper in the Parade of Homes that year — and sold rapidly. They have that sleek, contemporary styling that custom builders are doing now in areas like Sloan’s Lake, along with the lower-maintenance yard design that’s proving popular both with older buyers and younger ones.
Here at Sterling Ranch, those very urban stylings are 10 minutes from Roxborough State Park with some of the most scenic hiking in metro Denver. Chatfield State Park (residents get a continuing pass) is five minutes away, and the trailhead into hiking and fishing in Waterton Canyon is six minutes away.
The chance to get that urban design, with Sterling Ranch’s outdoorsy surroundings, won’t last long. In a winter market where builders and real estate agents are already noting uncommonly brisk traffic, Brookfield has six of those plans that can deliver this month, but after that only six other sites in Sterling Ranch where it can offer them.
“This is the way to avoid a double move,” notes Brookfield’s MacKenzie Graham, who can show you a Signature 1 plan, ready now with a main-floor master suite, two upstairs bedrooms with a Jack-n-Jill bath, a finished basement with another bed-bath suite, and a rooftop deck with a view of the foothills.
Like all of these Signature plans, it comes with a large patio opening out from a wide-open entertaining area, a very private side yard, hardwood floors on the main, a kitchen with quartz tops, a master with a closet system, and a shower with upgraded tile and Euro glass door. The home has over 2,800 finished feet plus an oversized two-car garage and is priced at $596,900.
Five of the homes for early move-in have finished basements included.
“You’ll get the feel of a more personalized home than you will from similarly priced builders,” adds Graham. “We don’t have that cookie-cutter look.”
She notes that buyers have come from Highlands Ranch, Littleton and Roxborough, and a number from California, where these designs have a special popularity. Some new buyers take advantage of Sterling Ranch’s close proximity to Lockheed Martin, while others head into downtown or the Denver Tech Center.
Graham adds that Sterling Ranch is a perfect setting for that contemporary look: The community has a contemporary-style Sterling Center with coffee bar and brewpub, now open across from Brookfield’s models.
Take S. Santa Fe south from C-470 4 miles to Titan Parkway, turn west a mile to a roundabout, then south on Eagle River; Brookfield’s are the first two models.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-01-31--Keeler: From Kyle Shanahan to Jon Embree, Super Bowl LIV is a family affair

If you ’ re curious why Jon Embree is smiling , roll the clock back to Week 3 of the preseason , to the inside joke that keeps on giving .
On Aug. 24 at Arrowhead Stadium , the 49ers beat the Chiefs 27-17 .
Embree , the former CU player and coach and Cherry Creek alum , and son Taylor are on Kyle Shanahan ’ s staff in San Francisco ; Embree ’ s son Connor is on Andy Reid ’ s staff in Kansas City .
To mark the occasion , some folks were kind enough to print @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the words THE EMBREE BOWL printed on the front .
Everybody got a good chuckle out of it , and then Dad upped the ante , suggesting the perfect place for a rematch .
“ We said , ‘ Let ’ s see if we can do this again in Miami , ’ ” Jon recalled by phone as the Niners headed to practice in advance of Super Bowl LIV , “ not having any idea the realistic possibility of it .
Shoot , this was just the preseason.
” Little did they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on , ( we thought ) , ‘ This could really happen , ’ ” Embree said , chuckling .
“ And then , when the playoffs started , it was like , ‘ OK , this is very realistic.
’ And then it happened.
” Not only do we get a sequel , we get it on the biggest stage imaginable .
Or as the family calls it , The Embree Bowl II : This Time It ’ s For All The Dang Marbles .
“ I think ( my wife Natalyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the 49ers tight ends coach , said of Sunday ’ s big game , which features one of his sons on each of the sidelines — Taylor is a Niners offensive quality control coach ; Connor is a defensive assistant for Andy Reid .
“ We ’ ve always had a very competitive household .
Pretty much every day , someone was going to be mad because they lost .
This just continues the path they ’ ve been forging in the household since they ( were kids ) .
” Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nauseous , what with all those Chiefs fans partying in South Florida and Shanahan performing his NFL blueblood revival act in San Francisco instead of Dove Valley , you can ’ t deny the angles .
It ’ s a family affair from the top down , and not just because of Kyle and Mike .
Kyle Shurmur , the Chiefs ’ practice squad quarterback , is the son of newly-hired Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur .
Niners running backs coach Bobby Turner is Orlando Franklin ’ s father-in-law .
You ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eric Bieniemy on the other .
Heck , the Buffs are woven so deep into the Super Bowl narrative , they might as well roll the new Ralphie out with both teams when they come out of their respective tunnels .
Bieniemy , the old CU tailback , is pushing the buttons for the best offense on the planet .
Embry , his old Buffs running mate , has helped transform Niners tight end George Kittle into a one-man wrecking ball .
“ It ’ s very surreal , ” Embree said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ no matter how many Super Bowls you ’ ve been to or been around , until you ’ re in it , just being here … it ’ s different from anything I ’ ve ever experienced.
” They ’ ll catch up at dinner Friday night : Embree , Bieniemy , and both of their respective spouses .
Dad already took out the boys , one on each staff , on Tuesday .
“ We sat around , laughed and talked , ” Embree said .
“ Not ( as ) much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the experiences we ’ re having down ( here ) … about friends and family and that kind of stuff .
“ This won ’ t define us .
Or divide us .
It ’ s just an opportunity to share a cool event in all our lives .
And to be able to do it together.
” Some pals printed up T-shirts for this one , too .
Everybody wore Embry Bowl I on their respective sleeves .
They ’ ll wear Sunday in their hearts , win or lose .
Forever @

If you’re curious why Jon Embree is smiling, roll the clock back to Week 3 of the preseason, to the inside joke that keeps on giving.
On Aug. 24 at Arrowhead Stadium, the 49ers beat the Chiefs 27-17. Embree, the former CU player and coach and Cherry Creek alum, and son Taylor are on Kyle Shanahan’s staff in San Francisco; Embree’s son Connor is on Andy Reid’s staff in Kansas City.
To mark the occasion, some folks were kind enough to print out T-shirts for friends and family with the words THE EMBREE BOWL printed on the front. Everybody got a good chuckle out of it, and then Dad upped the ante, suggesting the perfect place for a rematch.
“We said, ‘Let’s see if we can do this again in Miami,’” Jon recalled by phone as the Niners headed to practice in advance of Super Bowl LIV, “not having any idea the realistic possibility of it. Shoot, this was just the preseason.”
Little did they know.
“As the season went on, (we thought), ‘This could really happen,’” Embree said, chuckling. “And then, when the playoffs started, it was like, ‘OK, this is very realistic.’ And then it happened.”
Not only do we get a sequel, we get it on the biggest stage imaginable. Or as the family calls it, The Embree Bowl II: This Time It’s For All The Dang Marbles.
“I think (my wife Natalyn) is enjoying it,” Jon, the 49ers tight ends coach, said of Sunday’s big game, which features one of his sons on each of the sidelines — Taylor is a Niners offensive quality control coach; Connor is a defensive assistant for Andy Reid.
“We’ve always had a very competitive household. Pretty much every day, someone was going to be mad because they lost. This just continues the path they’ve been forging in the household since they (were kids).”
Even if Super Bowl LIV makes you slightly nauseous, what with all those Chiefs fans partying in South Florida and Shanahan performing his NFL blueblood revival act in San Francisco instead of Dove Valley, you can’t deny the angles. It’s a family affair from the top down, and not just because of Kyle and Mike.
Kyle Shurmur, the Chiefs’ practice squad quarterback, is the son of newly-hired Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. Niners running backs coach Bobby Turner is Orlando Franklin’s father-in-law.
You’ve got Jon Embree on one sideline, Eric Bieniemy on the other. Heck, the Buffs are woven so deep into the Super Bowl narrative, they might as well roll the new Ralphie out with both teams when they come out of their respective tunnels.
Bieniemy, the old CU tailback, is pushing the buttons for the best offense on the planet. Embry, his old Buffs running mate, has helped transform Niners tight end George Kittle into a one-man wrecking ball.
“It’s very surreal,” Embree said. “It’s cool, because no matter how many Super Bowls you’ve been to or been around, until you’re in it, just being here … it’s different from anything I’ve ever experienced.”
They’ll catch up at dinner Friday night: Embree, Bieniemy, and both of their respective spouses. Dad already took out the boys, one on each staff, on Tuesday.
“We sat around, laughed and talked,” Embree said. “Not (as) much about the game. Just talked about the experiences we’re having down (here) … about friends and family and that kind of stuff.
“This won’t define us. Or divide us. It’s just an opportunity to share a cool event in all our lives. And to be able to do it together.”
Some pals printed up T-shirts for this one, too. Everybody wore Embry Bowl I on their respective sleeves. They’ll wear Sunday in their hearts, win or lose. Forever.


thedenverpost--2020-01-31--Starry, starry nights: At Pelican Lake Ranch, 40 minutes from DIA, $450,000 buys a ranch, land, quie

Starry, starry nights: At Pelican Lake Ranch, 40 minutes from DIA, $450,000 buys a ranch, land, quiet, nice neighbors

When residents at Pelican Lake Ranch , 40 minutes north of DIA , arrive home to their 1- to 3-acre sites at night , they look up to a sky full of stars that homeowners in typical Denver suburbs never , ever see — the Milky Way , constellations and a shooting star now and again .
That ’ s just the start of why you ’ d want to visit a one-of-a-kind master-planned community on Saturday and Sunday , Feb. 1-2 , with plenty to see including two new-builds , both of them ranches ready now , a resale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building .
“ It ’ s nice and quiet like Windsor was 25 years ago , ” says builder John Holman of Holman Homes , who ’ s building a ranch for his wife Cori and himself in Pelican Lake Ranch , while getting ready to start two other for-sale ranches expected to come in at the $ 500,000 to $ 550,000 range .
On Pelican Lake Ranch ’ s big sites , Holman is doing a 2,700-square-foot main level with a walk-out basement , but he ’ s also adding a living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s a great place to do that ; it ’ s impossible to in neighborhoods that don ’ t have these acreage lots , ” he says .
“ This is where you can escape the traffic in favor of a sunrise over the lake or a sunset over the mountains , ” says Tina Wernsman , who will meet you Saturday and Sunday , Feb. 1-2 , 15 miles east of I-25 ’ s Longmont/Firestone exit , to show you a prairie style three-bedroom/four-bath resale home .
It shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 499,900 , on 2.83 acres — about 25 times the size of lots that builders are showing in subdivisions at this price range closer into town .
She also has two new-builds to show , including a ranch by New Expressions Homes , with a four-car attached garage , ready to move in at $ 450,000 , and another by King Family Builders at $ 550,000 .
Wernsman also has the inside scoop on three resale homes that will be coming on the market in Pelican Lake Ranch early this spring , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a horse owner — with outbuilding , designer landscaping and views .
You can also pick a homesite ( they ’ re from as low as the $ 85,000s ) and create a custom home , working with Holman or one of Pelican Lake Ranch ’ s other participating builders .
Finished prices , Wernsman says , typically come in $ 100,000 lower than comparably sized new homes on acreage elsewhere .
Wernsman adds that residents rave about the quality of their friendships in the neighborhood — fostered by a range of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nice community pool , park , tennis courts , a riding arena , 8 miles of riding trails and a stocked fishing lake .
Residents pay less for those features than you may be paying in HOA fees at a large-scale community closer in , currently only $ 300 per year .
All homes receive district water , gas , electric and paved streets .
Residents are 35 minutes from Westminster/Interlocken , 45 minutes from downtown Denver .
Take I-25 to Colorado 66 ( the second Longmont exit ) and head east @ @ @ @ @ @ @ north a mile to County 32 , then east 6 miles to County 39 and north .
From the I-76 corridor , you can shorten the route by exiting taking I-76 north to Hudson and heading west on 52 to County 41 .
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

When residents at Pelican Lake Ranch, 40 minutes north of DIA, arrive home to their 1- to 3-acre sites at night, they look up to a sky full of stars that homeowners in typical Denver suburbs never, ever see — the Milky Way, constellations and a shooting star now and again.
Pelican Lake Ranch What: Pelican Lake Ranch, custom/semi-custom community with 1- to 3-plus-acre sites; tour 3 homes ready now; ranch designs, new homesites; pool, clubhouse, tennis, equestrian trails, lake; low HOA.
Pelican Lake Ranch, custom/semi-custom community with 1- to 3-plus-acre sites; tour 3 homes ready now; ranch designs, new homesites; pool, clubhouse, tennis, equestrian trails, lake; low HOA. Where: 16502 Beebe Draw Farms Pkwy, Platteville; take I-25 north to exit 243, Colorado 66, east 8 miles to U.S. 85, north 1 mile to County 32, east 6 mi to County 39; north 1.5 mile to entryway at Beebe Pkwy.
16502 Beebe Draw Farms Pkwy, Platteville; take I-25 north to exit 243, Colorado 66, east 8 miles to U.S. 85, north 1 mile to County 32, east 6 mi to County 39; north 1.5 mile to entryway at Beebe Pkwy. Price: From mid-$400s, lots from $85,000, move now $550,000
From mid-$400s, lots from $85,000, move now $550,000 When: Open Saturday, Feb. 1, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 2, 1 to 5 p.m.
Open Saturday, Feb. 1, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 2, 1 to 5 p.m. Phone: 970-590-1419
970-590-1419 More Info: PelicanLakeRanch.com
That’s just the start of why you’d want to visit a one-of-a-kind master-planned community on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2, with plenty to see including two new-builds, both of them ranches ready now, a resale home, and big sites for custom building.
“It’s nice and quiet like Windsor was 25 years ago,” says builder John Holman of Holman Homes, who’s building a ranch for his wife Cori and himself in Pelican Lake Ranch, while getting ready to start two other for-sale ranches expected to come in at the $500,000 to $550,000 range.
On Pelican Lake Ranch’s big sites, Holman is doing a 2,700-square-foot main level with a walk-out basement, but he’s also adding living quarters for Cori’s father.
“It’s a great place to do that; it’s impossible to in neighborhoods that don’t have these acreage lots,” he says.
“This is where you can escape the traffic in favor of a sunrise over the lake or a sunset over the mountains,” says Tina Wernsman, who will meet you Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2, 15 miles east of I-25’s Longmont/Firestone exit, to show you a prairie style three-bedroom/four-bath resale home. It shows 2,818 finished feet, priced at $499,900, on 2.83 acres — about 25 times the size of lots that builders are showing in subdivisions at this price range closer into town.
She also has two new-builds to show, including a ranch by New Expressions Homes, with a four-car attached garage, ready to move in at $450,000, and another by King Family Builders at $550,000.
Wernsman also has the inside scoop on three resale homes that will be coming on the market in Pelican Lake Ranch early this spring, including a walk-out ranch that’s perfect for a horse owner — with outbuilding, designer landscaping and views.
You can also pick a homesite (they’re from as low as the $85,000s) and create a custom home, working with Holman or one of Pelican Lake Ranch’s other participating builders. Finished prices, Wernsman says, typically come in $100,000 lower than comparably sized new homes on acreage elsewhere.
Wernsman adds that residents rave about the quality of their friendships in the neighborhood — fostered by a range of master-planned amenities already in place, including a nice community pool, park, tennis courts, a riding arena, 8 miles of riding trails and a stocked fishing lake. Residents pay less for those features than you may be paying in HOA fees at a large-scale community closer in, currently only $300 per year.
All homes receive district water, gas, electric and paved streets. Residents are 35 minutes from Westminster/Interlocken, 45 minutes from downtown Denver.
Take I-25 to Colorado 66 (the second Longmont exit) and head east 8 miles to U.S. 85, turn north a mile to County 32, then east 6 miles to County 39 and north. From the I-76 corridor, you can shorten the route by exiting taking I-76 north to Hudson and heading west on 52 to County 41.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-02-03--Fatal crash on I-25 clogs traffic Monday morning in Thornton

A fatal crash on northbound Interstate 25 triggered the closure of the right lane of traffic between 120th Avenue and @ @ @ @ @ according to police and transportation officials .
The on-ramp from 136th Avenue to I-25 is @ @ @ @ @ the Thornton Police Department .
Police ask commuters to consider taking Washington Street to 144th @ @ @ @ @

All lanes of northbound Interstate 25 have been reopened following a fatal crash early Monday morning near 136th Avenue in Thornton, police said.
The crash had triggered the temporary closure of the right lane of traffic between 120th Avenue and 136th Avenue, according to Thornton police and state transportation officials.
The on-ramp from 136th Avenue to I-25 has also been reopened, according to a tweet by the Thornton Police Department.