I saw National Treasure: Book of Secrets over the weekend.  It was pretty hokey, but as far as dumb movies go it was one of the better ones - and I’m not ashamed to say I had fun and enjoyed it.

I read the New York Post review by critic Kyle Smith.  Writing as the “voice” of Nicolas Cage, this review is as entertaining as the movie itself.  This must be the first movie review I’ve ever laughed out loud at. 

An excerpt:

THIS is Nicolas CAGE. Remember when I used to make quiet movies for smart people? Things have CHANGED.  National Treasure: Book of Secrets” is my latest LOUD movie for IDIOTS. It’s another flick about maps, landmarks and buried treasure that makes “The Da Vinci Code” look like TOLSTOY.  And yes, I do continue to develop my HABIT of suddenly YELLING in the middle of a sentence.

Read the rest here.  Photo from Rottentomatoes.

Share This

I’ve been spending the past few days in Orange County visiting friends and family, and exploring places such as the Mission Viejo Target and Downtown Disney. If you’ve ever wanted to visit a quaint little restaurant (that seats over 600 people,) I suggest driving to Anaheim, exiting on “Disney Way,” west to Harbor Blvd, enter the Disneyland main entrance, park in F5, walk to the “Downtown Disney” retail district, turn left and enter the Rainforest Cafe. After walking through the Rainforest Cafe’s retail store your “safari guide” will greet you, and if you prefer patio seating you’ll walk up flight of stairs to the mezzanine seating podium, check in and be sent past a waterfall, down another flight of stairs, walk through an automatic door, check with the patio seating agent, and be seated at one of about 100 tables. Hey it’s not easy to get to the rainforest, so why should it be convenient to grab a bit to eat at the Rainforest Cafe?

Generally my rule is I don’t walk through a restaurant’s store to get to the restaurant itself, (that includes you Cracker Barrel and your delicious jams,) but we were pining for what I guess is Amazonian American food - and it turns out despite my distaste for restaurants of stadium proportions I really enjoyed their clam chowder and had an excellent Cobb Salad. Hey wait clam chowder doesn’t originate from the… Never mind. I believe I also recognized some aquarium fragments from Denver’s now shuttered Rainforest Cafe.

And it was cute when a “lava volcano mud something or other” (five scoops of ice cream inside four vertical wedges of chocolate cake,) arrived at a little kid’s table and he could barely contain his excitement.

I thought it would be fun to visit San Diego during this sunny postcard SoCal day. A perfect southern California day consists of temperatures in the 70s, clear skies, and some moderate winds which work hard to clear out any haze - giving you unspoiled vistas of the snow-capped San Gabriel mountains and ocean. It’s a welcome change from last year’s holiday week - which consisted of digging out cars, shoveling driveways, and sliding down icy streets. In fact I wouldn’t mind living in southern California again, except I just can’t tolerate the traffic. Perhaps if I had a time machine I could live in 1950s Orange County - and I could hot rod it between then small town diners which at that time were separated by miles and miles of orange fields.

We sped down the 5 freeway past the hills of south Orange County and through the open space of San Onofre and Camp Pendleton. We arrived San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood mid day. Hillcrest is a couple miles north of downtown San Diego, and is known as the gay neighborhood, but is also populated with vintage and modern clothing stores, music and body design stores, and a great collection of local food joints.

From Hillquest.com - the Hillcrest sign which stands at 5th and University was erected by several female shopkeepers in 1940 to promote their stores. After years of disrepair it now lights up every night, which current local merchants contributing to it’s care. Kasa Korbett’s site has a full list of merchants, and a good site to visit if planning to visit.

After checking out Flashback and buying some threads at “Wear it Again Sam” we looked for a place to eat. The local Hamburger Mary’s is now Urban Mo’s Bar - and being in the mood for something spicy we walked up University and found Baja Betty’s. Baja Betty’s is on the east end of Hillcrest at 1421 University. Like many Mexican restaurants they have a ton of flavored drinks which makes selection a challenge. (As usual I start with the house, and here I wound up liking the lemon drop and cointreau filled Platinum.) Baja Betty’s also has daily specials on margaritas and dinner plates. Something unexpected I noticed: To me it seemed their food was prepared much healthier than most Mexican restaurants. My “el tigre” salad consisted of romaine lettuce and watercress stems with a light Caesar dressing. The quesadillas were also light, stuffed with chicken and not overburdened with greasy cheese. Very healthy in general - which left plenty of room for tequila laden salty rimmed margaritas this beautiful afternoon.

They don’t serve any desserts which resemble a glucose filled volcano - which may just require a trip back to the rainforest.

*Rainforest Cafe photo from daroffdesign.com

James Van Dellen

Share This

If you haven’t completed your Christmas shopping yet there’s still plenty of gift opportunities available at your local Target!

Today I visited the location in Mission Viejo, California. I didn’t even have to scrape the upper half of the barrel to find these phenomenal gems. Perfect for under the tree or as stocking stuffers…

Let’s get started…

A huge selection of third rate software. Hello Geek Squad! From $19.99

A category five hurricane shaped candle holder. Hypnotize your next dinner party!

Gillette razor and shaving gel set. Includes three golf balls for some reason.

Oh yes lots more…

(more…)

Share This

I read a lot of blogs containing airplane trip reports. That is, detailed posts about the flight, times, seat location, food, and activity on board. I generally find these a bit dull, unless it describes an experience of sheer pleasure or horror. Even under cramped circumstances you just sit, be quiet, and read, and unless you’re sitting in a midwest snowstorm for 12 hours you usually arrive at your destination no worse for the wear. However my report rivals even the most dreaded conditions:

Yesterday morning we set out to the airport in a non-rushed mood, not needing to depart to Los Angles until 11:20am. I didn’t want to make coffee at home, figuring we’d stop on the way. By the time I realized we had passed 12th Avenue (coffee options for Daz Bog and Under the Umbrella,) we were already driving east on 14th to Colorado, my standard route to the airport. I expressed my coffee concerns to Michael, our friend driving us and also house sitting, that it was already 9am and I hadn’t had any coffee yet, however my verbal fritterings were drowned out by Pink.

We turned north on Colorado Boulevard and planned to stop at the McDonald’s at 35th and Colorado. “No problem” I thought, I can get coffee there. I had heard McDonald’s had some fancy new brew so why not. We pulled into McDonald’s and were about to enter - but then the three of us realized that in addition to being completely mobbed, McDonald’s food is also disgusting. We saw the Church’s Chicken across the street and Michael, being an Alabama native, assured me that they were indeed open breakfast hours. Fried chicken and biscuits - yes a fun and unique breakfast. However they were not serving coffee. Crap.

Already being 9:45 I didn’t want to make another stop, and other than a gas station there’s no coffee shop between 40th Avenue and interstate 70. Oh well, I can get Starbucks in the airport. Michael dropped us off and we gave our appreciation for the ride. A LOT of appreciation for not having to park, walk, or park and take a shuttle during the holidays. Having checked in online we headed to security to catch our American Airlines flight to Los Angeles.

Here’s a tip next time you’re departing Denver International: The north and south security screenings are located in the main terminal “tent” building, and both checkpoints lead down to the concourse tram. However these two enormous collective checkpoints feature an insane number of roped-off switchbacks. By the time you arrive at security you feel like a mountain goat with vertigo and ready to just jump off and end it all. I usually check in online and don’t have luggage, so I immediately head to the north end of level 6. From here I can then look down and see how bad the lines are, OR, walk north through a 3rd and smaller security screening leading to the “A” gates. (Signed: Bridge to A Gates.) Provided Fronter Airlines doesn’t have a large batch of flights departing this security checkpoint USUALLY has short lines, and it’s a simple line rather than the series of switchbacks. After clearing security you walk over a sleek bridge and arrive at the “A” gates, or take the elevators down the train which will go to the “B” and “C” gates. It’s a bit more walking, but you avoid the masses (pictured left,) and have a less chaotic security experience before a quiet walk over this bridge to your gates (pictured right)

Back to the story: I arrive at gate C39 via my method above. Caleb checked out the airport’s finally free WiFi, and I started to hunt down some brew. Yes I know what you’re thinking: it’s just south of 11am and I STILL have not had coffee yet. The line at Einsteins leads to infinity, so I opt for TCBY’s coffee. I walked back to my seat on the floor and had a few sips of the rancid brew.

We boarded the MD-80 and got settled in. I’m not exactly sure why these are called “Super MD80s.” “Functional and adequate” would be a better term. I do like the “two seat” sections. Perfect for traveling with a companion. Having spilled while getting seated one too many times I threw away my coffee at the gate, and figured I’d wait until we’re airborne to relax and fill up. We depart over Denver and the majestic snow covered Rockies enters into view. No window shade should ever be shut departing over the Rockies. It’s one of the most beautiful views on earth with brilliant white snow and sharp jagged treelines. On clear days you can even see the runs at Summit County ski resorts. I’m relaxed and content as the flight attendants make their way down the isle. This is where things all go to Bush:

The coffee maker on board was broken. Panic time! The FA was sincere and apologetic, and I kept my composure as I analyzed the situation in my head. I instinctively ordered a Diet Coke as I started jotting down some options. The route from Denver to Los Angeles as expected goes southwest over the four corners area, straddling Utah and Arizona until entering California near Needles and arriving over the San Gabriel Mountains. Being a small time private pilot and aviation buff I’m familiar with most airports in the southwest and told the flight attendant I’d like to speak with the captain so we could work out a plan that would be least disruptive. I didn’t want to upset the flight attendant by telling her she SHOULD have just borrowed some coffee from the Dallas arrival that had pulled up minutes before we left - and we were airborne now. (With NO coffee on board.) What should we do?

My two options were Grand Junction’s Walker Field, or Durango, Colorado. Both of these airports on the western plateaus of Colorado have long runways and can easily handle an MD80. We could land, get coffee, and easily depart - again with minimal disruption to crew and passengers.

I was informed that the captain was busy “flying the plane,” but she would pass my suggestion (scratched on a napkin and some Spanish homework) to him. Unfortunately as we passed between Shiprock and Blanding, Utah I realized my ideas had been completely ignored. I reminded her again about our imminent situation but only got lines about “taking my seat,” and “safety threat.” It was 12:30 and I had only imbibed a few scant sips of coffee since waking up. Again - not trying to be selfish, I suggested we land at Laughlin. (Hence avoid the traffic into Las Vegas.) Now, obviously straight out of the book the FAs come back with serious toned remarks about “detainment upon arrival.” and “federal crimes this and that…” I felt just like Jodie Foster on Flight Plan*. Why wouldn’t anyone take me seriously? As a burly lumberjack of a guy stood up and said, “Do you need some assistance ma’am?” I snapped my finger and said “okay Guantanamo” then sulkingly took my seat. I certainly didn’t want to wind up on the AA blacklist like Joel and Victoria Osteen. I had no choice but to forgo coffee for the duration of the flight. Yes it appears we were barreling towards LAX - a full two hours and thirty minute flight sans coffee.

We landed at LAX and taxied around the dilapidated Tom Bradley International Terminal to the American Terminal. Also I didn’t realize the Tom Bradley Terminal had so many remote gates to the west side. So not only do international travelers depart or arrive from an airport that’s third world in chaos and infrastructure, some are also sardined into a bus just to board the plane.

We deplaned and walked outside into the tube of traffic and noise that is the LAX arrivals level. We were picked up shortly thereafter, and whisked off to a well needed lunch at In-N-Out. Great burgers and fries, but alas: They also lacked coffee…

*Airplane photo from Airliners.net

*Denver airport photos, In-N-Out photo, and fictional accounts of crew interaction by me. (the extent of it consisted of “No problem, Diet Coke please”.)

*Spoiler alert: Jodie Foster DID have a kid, and the air marshal did it.

James Van Dellen

Share This

With some days off and down time in SoCal coming up I started watching the Twin Peaks Gold Box DVD set, and plan on getting through at least one season over the next few weeks.

I initially watched the series on VHS about six years ago, being slightly behind the curve catching the original airings.

I watched the pilot episode last night and was amazed at the quality of picture and sound in this 10 disc set. They’re as razor sharp as Josie’s machine saw down at the mill.

I love the imagery, subtle humor, and style of Dale Cooper. His decent character and observations as an outsider are sly and hilarious, and creator David Lynch can create dialogue and meaning out of something as small as a raised eyebrow or pursed lip.

Between the Log Lady, Leland Palmer, apple pie, and David Duchovny as Dennis (or Denice,) I don’t know what show could be better on a cold winter nights.

Share This

Here’s a last minute Christmas gift that probably won’t arrive by this weekend without super expensive shipping, but it’s worth checking out the collection of Ten Bills for their newest designs.  (Maybe a New Year’s gift to yourself.)   Created by various artists, musicians, and designers, their shirts feature various puns and wordplay, while others go for a decidedly retro or industrial appeal.

And they have hoodies to help get you through the winter.  Check out their full collection at tenbills.com  Shown below:  “Let’s blow this joint” and “This is a Blackberry”

James Van Dellen

Share This

Great news!  It is now possible to reverse sexual orientation.   In Fruit Flies.  This is great news for young fruit flies who are questioning their sexuality, who are now able to change their orientation in a matter of hours.  That’s almost as fast as Ted Haggard!

This will finally put on end to such controversial debates as gay fruit fly marriage, gay fruit fly church clergy, and gay fruit flies in the fruit fly military. 

More at, you guessed it, this Fox News article.

Salon says: “Let’s have a presidential debate on science.”  The initiative Science Debate 2008 calls for technology to be established as fundamental political dialogue.  

Salon article:

Popular and political anti-intellectualism is taking a toll on our national esprit de corps and on our economic security. In a time when we lack major national science and engineering policy goals, and when it’s not of status to be a scientist, or a teacher, or a laborer, who is going to want to do it? And yet intellectual candidates for public office are seldom perceived as cool; in the high school parlance of our national politics, they’re not “the kind of guy you’d like to have a beer with.”

Watch this vintage commercial “Mom’s new job at McDonalds” over at the cool site tek.no.lo.gic

Share This

I’ve blogged about invasive and intrusive advertising before, from guerrilla marketing campaigns to municipalities selling our public spaces to advertising companies. However one of my biggest complaints about “captive audience” advertising is marketing to kids.

With a captive audience, unlike radio and television, parents and children lack the option to just “TURN IT OFF.” And I find that wrong.

When I was in high school back in the early 90s our school entered into contract with a company called Channel 1. In exchange for outfitting every classroom with TVs and VCRs (whoop dee doo) our school signed an obligation to show 15 minutes of daily “news” programming. However this joke of a news service was (and still is) nothing more than entertainment, promotions, and advertising. Any national or world news is completely secondary and practically worthless in the quality and informative techniques.

One useful life tool that I DID gain from Channel 1 was my long term use of the “mute” button. During one semester we had a teacher so incensed by this deal with the devil that he muted the sound during every Channel 1 ad. To this day I keep the remote control at hand, and without thinking I instinctively mute all commercials until my show comes back on. If I’m not actively watching a show on television I don’t keep the TV on as background noise. And when I visit friends and family that maintain the practice of constantly blaring their TV whether it’s being watched or not I often need to bite my tongue.

Here’s a new one: Bus Radio is a service that pipes in programming to the captive audience of school bus riders. They produce programming for elementary, middle, and high school levels. Fun huh? Not so much. Here’s their programming clock.

Although their “sponsorship” (which is a PC word for advertising,) is only relegated to a scant sounding eight minutes per hour, we have NO idea what ads and companies are working their way into “original programming.” Much like television today marketers and companies have agreements with programmers for detailed product placement. I doubt that the 44 minutes of “original programming” is free of mentions, discussions, and products that are sold in that manner.

Here’s their “about” page:

Bus Radio is an innovative media company that reaches over one million students every day on their bus ride to and from school. By offering a superior, age-appropriate alternative to AM/FM radio programming, students are engaged and entertained in the safest way possible.

Exclusive agreements with school districts and school bus contractors in the top 40 markets mean 10,000 school buses nationwide are fitted with our customized digital radio units. These units receive new programming every day, via WiFi from our centralized programming facility, that entertains students with three separate shows specifically tailored to Elementary, Middle and High School audiences.

Students are driven to interact with the Bus Radio show on air and online at BusRadio.com through exciting contests, lively DJ banter, PSAs and age-appropriate top 40 songs. With Bus Radio, students are guaranteed to be entertained, even when they’re not on the bus.

And the kicker:

With Bus Radio on board, noise levels drop, kids stay in their seats and the bus ride is safer and more fun than ever!

No - that means HUMAN noise levels drop, as the vapid audio clutter of DJs and Top 40 music rises. To even suggest that the interaction of student chatter and life should be ceased and replaced by meaningless chatter and celebrity gossip is insulting and offensive to young people and their development. Their “proven research” pages show Bus Radio improves attention and students behavior. By “improve” they mean it dumbs them down to a quiet glazed over zombie shell of an active student. There’s been arguments that mood altering drugs have the same effect. It’s not always correct to just do the easiest thing, and Bus Radio is nothing more than “audio ritalin” for educators in order to pacify students, thus avoiding the typical challenges of youth behavior.

Shame on these school districts and cities who have sold out and decided that mindless entertainment should replace the daily interaction that kids have with one another. With all the consensus and arguments AGAINST this product I don’t understand how a school districts can cave in and STILL allow this?

Tell me what’s better? Kids laughing with each other, sharing stories and parental woes, - talking, teasing, and doing the same thing they’ve done the bus for 70 years? Or this obnoxious dribble from their demo:

If you’d like to keep this nonsense out of your school buses contact the below head company members and tell them to stay the hell out of your town.

David Briere dbriere@busradio.com
Stephen Connolly connolly@busradio.com
Sonya Luongo sluongo@busradio.com

More at busradio.net

Excellent further resources and documentation against Bus Radio:

Gary Ruskin from commercialalert.net.
Obligation.org - highlighting lyrics and content

Share This

A post about a candy store / chocolatier following my diabetes story is about as logical as my Watercourse Foods vegetarian restaurant article right after a giant photo of my Thanksgiving ham.

I was at Enstroms Candies a few nights ago buying some gifts, and realized I’ve never mentioned one cool little tidbit that area visitors might find useful: For reasons unknown to me Enstroms has about six internet stations at their location in Cherry Creek. Should you be staying in or visiting Cherry Creek and need a quick e-mail/web session this is a great place. The library at 3rd and Milwaukee has internet, and there’s a Kinkos on 2nd, but this bright cheery place can’t be beat.

Perhaps Enstroms assumes you’ll purchase some of their great almond toffee, (well my favorite,) plunk down for some web browsing and before you know it have gobbled up all your confections, necessitating a second purchase.

They’re in the Cherry Creek area of Denver at 2nd and University. And they have ice cream too.

Share This

For about 12 years now I’ve been a type 1 diabetic, meaning insulin dependent. Type 1 diabetes requires that you to check your blood sugar throughout the day and take shots to regulate food intake (usually at meals.)

I rarely mention this in my blog because it’s been a part of my life for so long I don’t even consider it noteworthy. Unlike an ambulatory or noticeable handicap I don’t consider type 1 diabetes to be that life altering. With proper care and planning type 1 diabetes is easily manageable, so long as you are disciplined about the food you consume and daily exercise. From traveling to scuba diving to hiking, camping, and skiing - diabetes has never prevented me from doing anything I’ve wanted in life. Oh wait - I suppose it did prevent me from becoming a professional airline pilot, but in retrospect that’s probably a good thing because my alternate life might find me unemployed living out of an efficiency apartment in suburbia. And eating nothing but fast food - thus developing type 2 diabetes.

So the overall theme of diabetes is really kind of boring to me. I did write a post in which I told a diabetic kid he shouldn’t get a dog. Then I later realized no matter what the circumstances are you should never tell a kid he can’t have a dog.

As benign as it outwardly appears diabetes does constantly factor into your daily life. The most annoying part of type 1 diabetes is the need to constantly test your blood sugar, and also experiencing blood sugar swings. During a normal day, i.e. sitting at the office or puttering around the house it’s rarely an issue: I prick my finger and sample a drop of blood with a meter. Based on the result I take a shot if it’s too high, eat some food if it’s too low, or simply remain aware of my blood sugar level for future activities that day.

However there are times when it’s a pain in the ass to check your blood sugar. When out at a restaurant or bar with friends. Or when doing my favorite “INGS” like flying, hiking, skiing, biking - it requires me to stop what I’m doing and reference my small meter. Granted glucose meters now take less than 20 seconds to process, but it’s still something that requires an interruption. And of course those are the times you NEED to check your blood sugar more often.

For years type 1 diabetics have tested their blood and injected themselves throughout the day this way. However for the past few years many have been using a newer and more effective method of control: The Insulin Pump. Insulin pumps regulate the delivery of insulin more effectively by mimicking the pancreas: they administer a small and constant dosage throughout the day and night. This is far more controlled than ONE daily injection of a “24 hour” insulin, plus additional shots with meals. People who have given up multiple shots for the insulin pump have stabilized their blood sugars and have seen amazing improvements. And with constant delivery the pump is excellent at “holding” your blood sugar levels within a tighter range.

Yet I was never that keen on wearing a pump because I really don’t mind giving myself shots. It’s easy and I’m used to it. That and the co-pay for an insulin pump is north of $1,200. BUT - the advent of the constant glucose meter is something that I find absolutely incredible. When I learned that my insurance would now cover the insulin pump AND the constant glucose monitor I decided it was time to upgrade my gear. For the past month I have been equipped with the Minimed Paradigm insulin pump which operates in tandem with the “Guardian Real Time constant glucose monitoring system.”

The benefit of a constant glucose monitor is to reduce or eliminate major blood sugar swings. Even diabetics who exercise tight control are still subject to blood sugar ups and downs. If you eat without giving yourself sufficient insulin your blood sugar is high. If you’re exerting energy during activity and don’t eat enough food you’re subject to low blood sugar. As mentioned you track these by checking blood sugar, but again when these “finger pricks,” are needed it’s often at the most inopportune moments.

Also correcting high and low blood sugars often result in a “superball” or “pendulum” effect. If your blood sugar is 220, and you correct with a bit too much insulin you risk plummeting to levels too low. Then eating food bounces it back up. Once your blood sugar is “bouncing” it’s often difficult to stabilize it back to a normal range and stop the pendulum effect.

But the constant glucose monitor provides a constant update of what your blood sugar is, and WHERE it’s going. The knowledge of the TREND allows you to take action BEFORE your blood sugars reach high or low levels.

The constant glucose sensor/transmitter attaches to your body and looks like a small seashell. It transmits a signal to your insulin pump every five minutes relaying your blood sugar and rate of change. This rate of change, or “trend” is very beneficial. For example if your blood sugar is 150 and climbing you can correct with a small dose via your insulin pump, rather than a large and potential overcorrection. You are in a sense operating an “external artificial pancreas.” This isn’t automatic though. It still requires you to be aware, alert, and make decisions regarding your food and activity hour by hour. However the resource of this small device as a guide and tool is a significant change in the life of a type 1 diabetic.

Contrary to some beliefs this system doesn’t eliminate blood sugar checks. Since the little “seashell” glucose sensor draws from your interstitial fluid just below your skin while a finger prick checks actual blood (which is more accurate,) you still need to compare and calibrate at least twice daily.

In some ways this system is far more discreet than the routines of my previous 12 years. I’ve never felt embarrassed about giving myself a quick shot. But if I’m on a plane, in a movie, at a concert, in a meeting, or similar environment it’s often inconvenient to squeeze out a drop of blood onto my machine. Now I simply look at my small pager size device for information.

But in some ways it’s NOT so discreet. Although only a small device clipped inside your pocket, you do have a tiny tube connected to a your “infusion” site, which you change every few days. As cool as this gear is, you are constantly tethered to it, and even though the pump and tube can disconnect for showering, swimming, hot tubbing, high action volleyball games, and sex - you still have your small “infusion site” patch on you. Should you find yourself at a nude beach or similar situation where you don’t care to explain a cyborg-like port on your upper buttocks, thigh or abdomen, you can easily remove the infusion patch and transmitter. But the costs of these proprietary pieces means most folks leave them attached for as long as possible. After I adjusted to the fact that this little guy is going to be at my side for a long, long time I realized that everyone, (including me,) has cell phones, iPods, and other miscellaneous toys that already reside on their being all day long. Another gadget in today’s world really isn’t that odd. The only difference between carrying this and another gadget is the small tube.

After reading this a non-diabetic is probably thinking “Holy crap I’m glad I don’t have to deal with such a nightmare.” And I’d probably think the same. But to me this is absolutely the coolest piece of gadgetry I’ve ever owned. I admire the development and technology in the medical field, and I feel very fortunate that I have the resources to obtain this.

The answer to the most FAQ’d? No, it’s not painful. The required two cannulas that sit inside of you are made of extremely tiny flexible plastic. Inserting them is no different than a shot, and once they’re under your skin you don’t even feel them. Good times.

Since my blog is more than sufficiently fragmented between travel, food, Denver, and random musings I probably won’t post further on life with diabetes - but if my regular readers are interested I would be happy to post a follow up.

If you’re curious for more I recommend visiting the blog Sixuntilme.com, written by the very attractive Kerri. Kerri’s excellent writing details life with diabetes, and she also contributes to the online site dlife.com (You guessed it - diabetes life.) Kerri’s blogroll lists a host of other bloggers devoted to the highs and lows of living with diabetes. And I’ll bet now you can guess why that last sentence was a pun.

childrenwithdiabetes.com is an excellent resource for parents, with information on insulin pumps and constant glucose meters. From a design and style standpoint Amy Tenderich of diabetesmine.com suggests we recruit Steve Job’s help in developing the next generation of insulin pumps.

And if you want an example of totally playing up your diabetes for attention watch Brett Michaels “Rock of Love” on VH1.

James Van Dellen Denver

Share This

I recently read a post on this hilarious concept in the Lonely Planet U.S. travel board. Usually the majority of posts about Texas spiral into rambling diatribes on how Texas either sucks or is the greatest place on earth. But this article by Andrea Grimes of the Dallas Observer gives a fresh look into a certain demographic and lifestyle of young Dallas residents. “The $30,000 Millionaires” explores the culture and motives of those who live a life that is mostly for show, while spending an astonishing amount of money above what they earn.

Read her entire article and comments here.

In the bar, credit cards passed from patron to bartender. Discarded glasses containing half-bitten olives and over-squeezed limes littered the scene. As I forked over $7 for a well whiskey and cola, waves of imminent douchebaggery washed over me. Tonight was my night. I moved toward the back of the room, near the VIP lounge and high-definition televisions.

Elusive and, some say, mythical, the $30,000 millionaire is a creature of legend among the denizens of Dallas nightlife. Used frequently as a term of derision, the $30,000 millionaire is often referenced but rarely captured because it is a master of camouflage: $30,000 millionaires live above their means, usually with the aid of multiple credit cards and sympathetic family units, spending more money than they make on items such as leased luxury cars, designer clothing and $14 drinks.

Local Dallas personality Jay Gormley is also producing, or has been in the process of producing, an independent film on this demographic and lifestyle. His trailer and subjects can be found at 30kmillionaires.com   Biceps and debt: Massive

Share This

This finally moved up my que in Netflix and I’ve been absolutely riveted by this series.  “Life in the Undergrowth” was produced by the BBC in 2005.  It documents and details insects and invertebrates across the world as they go about their daily activities of eating, mating, and protecting their homes and young.

In each episode David Attenborough takes us to the landscapes and floors of every continent poking around and explaining the behavior of these little guys.    As much as the insects make the show David Attenborough completes it.  Most animal, science, and nature shows are narrated by an unseen off-screen voice.  As Attenborough himself hikes up a hill or scoops away dirt you share his delight and appreciation in learning about these little guys.  You feel like you’re on an expedition with your cool science teacher uncle as he explains everything for the layman.

One reason this series is so incredible now is that camera technology has vastly improved over the past few years.  Tiny cameras are able to work their way into desert scorpion holes, and watch bumblebees hover in midair as you see the details in their eyes.  Any “ewww” factor is quickly replaced by the appreciation of nature.  There’s something oddly human about watching two spiders fight on their hind legs, or a spider take care of his nest in order to woo the eggs of a female visitor.   And like the human culture some bugs are working hard to survive and provide, and some are taking advantage of others with more nefarious intentions.  It’s beautiful, delicate, and deadly.  I highly recommend it.  And your kids would love it too.  From David Attenborough:

“If we and the rest of the backboned animals were to disappear overnight, the rest of the world would get on pretty well. But if they were to disappear, the land’s ecosystems would collapse. The soil would lose its fertility. Many of the plants would no longer be pollinated. Lots of animals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals would have nothing to eat. And our fields and pastures would be covered with dung and carrion. These small creatures are within a few inches of our feet, wherever we go on land — but often, they’re disregarded. We would do very well to remember them.”

More about the series at BBC’s site 

by James Van Dellen

Share This

Here’s your photo of the week.   Maybe this is why Americans don’t have passports.  Good price on eggs though.

I meant to post on this topic a month back when reading a slew of articles in the Consumerist, an excellent site for consumer issues and saving money.  They ran a series of stories about “refusing receipt checks” at retailers.    Basically rants of people who have PAID for their items at checkout, and subject to a further wait and check of their bags while having their receipts matched to their purchase.

My local Walgreens does the same thing.  Only instead of a door checker I always trip a shrill security alarm four out of five times, regardless of my purchase.   I don’t know if the sensitivity is too high, or the clerk forgets to disengage the security tag on my four dollar soap.

Personally I don’t care.  I don’t find it worth getting upset about, and usually when I’m AT Best Buy I want to get the hell out as soon as possible.  Regarding Walgreens I don’t mind showing my receipt,  but also I’m not going to stop like a dog just because an alarm goes off.  I paid for my item and I’m going to move on with my day.  I just keep walking, and I’m not going to run BACK to the store from the parking lot and hang out with the staff there.

But here’s the problem with standing up for your rights.   If you’re going to make a stink about something you can bet on being delayed.   If you want to challenge the astute minds of the TSA you had better be prepared to miss your flight.  If you want to get into an argument with a door clerk at Best Buy then prepare to make it a police issue if necessary (as described in the below posts.)  To me it’s not worth it and I’m happy to let someone else be the Rosa Parks of receipt checks.  Nonetheless I find it an interesting topic.

Here’s the Consumerist discussions:  Show your Receipts.    Adventures in Receipt check Refusals.

Share This

While not reducing any flights, Frontier Airlines is laying off 100 people here in Denver and scaling back on various items like food carts on aircrafts and employee expenses.  

KUSA reports that in addition to firing 100 employees during the holidays they’re also canceling the Christmas party.  Or I’d guess probably just dialing it down to cake, limp balloons, and $10 gift exchanges in a conference room from 1 - 1:30pm

Bummer.  Frontier Airlines is a wonderful Denver based company with excellent service, new planes, and friendly staff.  Many in Denver and the region go out of their way to fly them and appreciate the competition Frontier brings.  And everyone here loves their heavy winter schedules to Mexico.  Hopefully these cuts won’t have an effect on overall service and the good spirits and attitudes you find when flying them.

It’s always interesting to browse and find hip and elcectic stores in new cities.  While you probably won’t buy a sofa when traveling it’s nice to find unique things on the road for yourself and gifts.  Design Sponge offers their  “Denver Design Guide“  linking cool places in Denver for gifts, fashion, and relaxation.  Many of my favorite places I’ve posted on are listed.  Check out their other City Guides as well.

Share This

I’ve known about this annoying ordinance for a while, but for some reason every Sunday afternoon I still keep hiking down to the 7-Eleven at 6th and Columbine attempting to purchase a six pack of beer. And every time I’m reminded that they are not permitted to sell beer at any time, reason being they’re located within 1,000 feet of a school.

I was reminded of this reading our local community newspaper “Life on Capitol Hill.” The December issue discusses a proposed new restaurant by entrepreneur Steve Whited called “Encore,” located in the Lowenstein Theater complex. The Lowenstein Complex is a fine example of urban renewal, and home to the famous Tattered Cover Bookstore and the new “Neighborhood Flix Theatre.” Encore is seeking approval for a full bar before commencing their property construction, however the Lowenstein complex is located a long stones throw away from East High School - pictured here from their Wikipedia page. This high school, set far back from the street behind an enormous fountain and acres upon acres of lawn, may cause Encore to be denied a license. Remember Encore will be located OPPOSITE a busy street, and in a business complex frequented by and oriented to adults. A city council meeting on December 7th will give them the green or red light. Encore must overcome the obstacle of the liquor proximity issue, as well as the more logical issue of neighbor concerns about outdoor patio noise.

Other than the reactionary “For The Children” reason I don’t understand how being near a school should impede a business from selling or serving liquor. Back to my 7-Eleven: they’re near an ELEMENTARY school. An elementary school makes LESS sense than a ban near a high school. Think what you want about the intelligence fortitude of convenience store clerks, but if a nine year old girl with a “Hello Kitty” backpack sauntered up with a couple forties I think the staff on duty would quickly put the kybosh on such transaction.

And the new Encore Restaurant (location pictured left) and similar venues? Servers and wait staff already card diners. Even if a group of high school kids DID sit down to eat, (which they wouldn’t because it would be 3pm and they couldn’t afford it anyway,) the waiter would card them, see that they’re only 15, and kick them out.

The Denver rule of “No liquor within 1,000 feet of a school” is annoying and insulting to adults and a hindrance to business. Servers are personally fined and businesses are dealt stiff penalties if caught serving to underage patrons. If they’re policed enough to restrict sales to under 21 it doesn’t matter if the denied patron is 8, 18, or 20.

Give Encore their license please. Should you care to support, (or not support,) them their hearing is Monday the 7th at 10:30am - 201 West Colfax. Liquor notice here.

Share This

Yesterday the Denver Post had a feature story titled “The Dark Side of Craigslist,” in which Michael Booth highlighted some of the various discussion groups and rants found in Craigslist.  He writes that Craigslist features filthy jokes, ethnic rants, and a plethora of potentially abusive content.   And then states “Thanks to Craigslist your kids have heard all of this.”   (Ok we all know what’s wrong with that pithy summary.)

Slow news day?  You bet.  Should you “fear” Craigslist?  Of course not.  Craigslist is completely compartmentalized by subject.   Those looking for leftover granite tile aren’t likely to stumble upon discussions of sexual fetishes or rants about bad drivers.  And if they do so what?  They know where the “back” button is on their browser.   Plus EVERY post has a “FLAG” button.  Enough people flag it - post is removed.  Done and done.  The beauty of Craigslist is the simplicity - which allows a multitude of life interests to be houses under ONE roof.

Here’s the number one problem with this article as one commenter posted.   Part of the Denver Post’s revenue is generated through classified ads.  That makes Craigslist a direct competitor with the Denver Post.  Now I don’t think I’ve used newspaper classifieds since looking for my first car 15 years ago.  I use Craigslist for ads, you do, everybody does.  In fact I’m baffled at who even uses the newspaper for classified ads. In the comments of this article “Getaclue” writes:

If you look on the web and have your content settings low you can find anything!!! Anywhere on the Web not just Craigslist? This is about the paper and your on-line classified losing money and now you’re attacking Craigslist, weak.   Self monitoring on Craigslist works fine use common sense and if something seems wrong, end it say sorry no thank you.

I agree.  One has to be aware that there IS a bias in a newspaper attacking or “exposing” another classified ad venue.  Especially when this lifestyle article is 25 point font on the front page of the BUSINESS section.  Keep that in mind. 

And as always, the “Best of Craigslist” truly rocks.

Share This

Hey fun -  and it’s about time.  This has been bounced about for the past year or two:  Confirm your ticket online, click and send to your cell phone, then show your phone boarding pass for gate access and boarding.  According to Chris Null’s blog 240 airlines have already adopted a universal standard and agreed to the logistics and processes of utilizing this method.

One concern I have is RETURNING from overseas to the U.S.   If these are delivered via text message can I still access it from a location where I don’t have service?   But overall this is great.  Everyone from age 8 to 80 has cell phones, especially when traveling.   This would create fewer lines like these, and less steps in the departure process.

More at USA Today.  Yahoo Tech has more on the pros and cons.

Imagine this: instead of taking a paper ticket to the airport or stopping at an automated kiosk, you’d just skip the lines and head right to security, cell phone in hand.   Blogger Chris Null has already written about Air Canada’s test program that lets passengers use a cell phone as their board pass, and now USA Today reports that a similar pilot program kicked off yesterday in Houston.  For the three-month test, passengers flying out of Bush Intercontinental Airport on Continental (the airline that’s participating in the program) will receive a bar code on their phones before their flights; once they get to the airport, fliers simply display the bar code to TSA officials and gate attendants, who swipe the code using a hand-held scanner and send them on their way.

Of course, the pilot program still has some hurdles to clear. For now, the system only works for individual passengers; Continental is working on a fix so a family can travel under one bar code. It also sounds like you’ll need a smartphone such as a BlackBerry, a Treo, or an iPhone to receive the bar code (although more and more standard phones are capable of receiving e-mail messages). Oh, and what happens if your phone goes dead? No problem—just go back to the kiosks or head to the counter.

Share This