Being a space and science geek I’ve been following the story of this satellite’s upcoming plummet towards Earth. Where will it fall? Perhaps Siberia where KGB agents in Siberia will haul it through the tundra to a secret hanger and unlock U.S. secrets? (Wait never mind it’s 2008.) Maybe in a remote wilderness aside DB Cooper’s stash?

Here’s Wired’s story from Monday reassuring us that harm is slim, and then yesterday afternoon’s update from AF Gen. Gene Renuart, alerting us to a potential duck and cover day in the next few weeks…

I have to admit I do think it would be cool to be walking the dog and see a charred hunk of metal the size of a school bus crash in a field next to me and start smoldering. Straight out of a 1950 sci-fi movie.

I grabbed this photo from the blog SATTRACKCAM - an an amateur satellite tracking group based in Leiden, Netherlands. Check out their site to follow USA193 and for more cool space stuff.

Oh and heads up.

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From Reuters:  Travel agency OssiUrlaub will fly you to the Baltic Sea town of Usedom, along with other nudist passengers…  Organizer Enrico Hess said:

“I don’t want people to get the wrong idea. It’s not that we’re starting a swinger club in mid-air or something like that,” he added. “We’re a perfectly normal holiday company.”

Good for them.  If the business model works then why not…  Should I ever wind up on this flight I’ll be bringing my own seat cover though.

Reuters story and blog.

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BBC’s Justin Web discusses how those abroad view the current U.S. elections.  Will the bright future promised by Obama be stamped out by Huckabee’s evangelical base (and theocratic rule?)  Justin’s blog.

Interstate 70 pops up again.  For those unfamiliar - The 75 mile stretch between Denver and Summit County suffers the same problem as I-15 from SoCal to Vegas:  numbing congestion for countless miles during weekend recreation traffic.    And it’s not limited to the ski season.  Drive back to the city any Sunday afternoon and you’ll be bumper to bumper for miles.  I rarely even go skiing on weekends anymore due to traffic and crowds; rather I drive up Sunday, stay overnight and ski all day Monday.  Options from a high speed (high elevation) train, banning semi trucks on weekends, congestion pricing, and freeway widening (which Idaho Springs will fight to the end,) have all been optioned.  The present solution?  Ski weekdays, or drive to Jackson Hole.

Rocky Mountain News discussion.

Reader and contributor M.P. sent me the scoop on L.A.’s new medical marijuana automatic dispensaries.   From Gizmodo and KCBS.  Fortunately (or unfortunately) my diabetes isn’t so crippling that I need to frequent this machine, but I think it’s a great option for those wishing to partake.  No complaints here…

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How to make your own passport photos.  The Tao examines why anyone would pay $8 at a drug store for crappy photos, when a white cloth purchased for $2, plus $3 from epassportphoto.com nets you 32 photos.  

A far greater value than my local Walgreens, who can’t even spell “passport” correctly…

Original Article from The Tao of Making Money via Consumerist.

Are hard drives going the way of zip drives and the good old 5 and 1/4?  Solid state drives, which use flash memory are more reliable, rugged, and lighter.   No moving parts =  less damage.   From Suzann Choney at MSNBC.

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My regular readers might notice it’s been a little less divisive here as of late. I have no idea yet which presidential candidate will provide me a better America, and there’s only so much you can say about Mike Huckabee, “religious” political action groups, and other such nonsense. Plus Vinny over at Insignificant Thoughts has been dishing out some heavy political commentary lately, and even if I disagree on some takes I enjoy reading his stir of issues.

Last year I posted a short brief on Karla Comfort’s trek across America in her airbrushed Hummer - in support of our troops. In my post I wrote that a Hummer is a universal symbol of U.S. greed and excess, and seen as integrally tied to oil in the middle east macro view. To use it as a rolling MEMORIAL is ridiculous. What’s wrong with a Harley? On par with the rest of the U.S. populace my comments were split 50/50, half agreeing with the ridiculous irony and the other half calling me an unpatriotic jerk.

I received an email this week from Barbara, who like this commenter who mistook me for Neighborhood Flix, thought I was Karla Comfort. Karla’s presence, and her Hummer, is being requested at the Roseville California Springtime Extravaganza. With another airbrushed Hummer mom believe it or not.

Now - since this fell into my lap, I have to say I don’t feel tributes to our fallen servicemen and women have any place at county fairs - sharing space among window companies, RV and spa dealers, funnel cone stands, and radio station tents. If this was a true old timey county fair with local crafts and the 4H club selling chickens that might be different, but I don’t think those even exist anymore. At least not in central California. Now these events are simply conduits for local advertising - and I don’t find them a respectful venue for the most solemn of tributes.

I don’t feel that memorials should be relegated to city parks and Veteran’s Day parades, but they shouldn’t be an afterthought pocketed into other events. And most of all not used to bring in traffic as a promotional gimmick. My uncle, (my dad’s older brother,) died following injuries sustained in a WW2 plane crash. Portraits of him in his gunnery bubble and in his fatigues at his base hang in my living room. I’d be mortified if I ever saw his face on a Hummer, or on a balloon at a county fair.

Being a good net citizen I attempted to give the organizer Karla’s actual site and contact info, but damned if I could find it among the right-wing blogs supporting her. I did send Barbara a note saying that I wasn’t Karla, so if need be they can get in touch. If anyone is attending the Roseville Springtime Extravaganza please send me an update…

Speaking of respectfully disagreeing; last summer I wrote about why seven year Jason Rinkel should abstain from getting a medical assistance dog for his type 1 diabetes. This story was the best of local news sap, but like most local TV news stories it faded away quickly. I detailed my experiences as a type 1 diabetic, and wrote about why an assistance dog would PREVENT Jason from living a normal life, which is perfectly possible with diabetes.

Jason’s older brother Mark was nice enough to post a note thanking me for plugging his site, even if I think the idea is completely unnecessary. Turns out Jason and Mark DID raise enough money, and are getting their dog in a few weeks. I suggested to Mark that he and his brother start a blog about how their new companion works out in relation to Jason’s diabetes. I truly am interested in how well this ($25,000) dog functions with Jason’s diabetes.

Even though I still disagree with the medical necessity of using a dog for blood sugar detection I think that Jason is extremely fortunate to to have Mark as an older brother - and I wish them the best.

My original post, and Jason and Mark’s site at pawsoflife.net.

One more: Read the current Bus Radio discussion and ensuing comments, then read Katy’s comment at #14. No adult should ever dismiss the views and opinions of the younger generation, when Katy’s clear and logical points far outshine the verbal chaos and cluttered prose spewed out by the parents that also commented. The chasm of clarity is astounding.

Weekend dispatch complete. It’s a sunny 55 degrees here in Denver and I’m off to go biking.

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I’ve finally been spending some quality time with the Asus EEE PC, or the “E3″ as some call it.  And the EEE has been winning me over.  There’s a reason this should be under “travel” as well as “tech,” because I can’t think of a better use for this computerita than as a tool while on the road.

Business or pleasure travelers wanting to stay connected usually have two options: Lug along their notebook PCs, which for minimalist travelers like myself hog valuable real estate plus require precautions against theft and damage, (hello TSA,) OR - use public internet terminals, and conduct personal business while maintaining a healthy paranoia and a vigilant eye against malware.

I’ve gone both routes depending on my needs:  I don’t mind flying with my clunky older Sony Vaio if I’ll be staying in one place for a long period.  And during a road trip or ski weekend, (where most motels have WiFi,) it’s easy to just throw my Vaio in the trunk.  Much of the U.S., from rural Wyoming to Orange County suburbia lack internet cafes where you can quickly pop in for session.  Hence it’s often worth the short term hassle of toting your laptop.  But still, I often travel for a few days with just a messenger bag, and cramming in my laptop and power cord adds bulk, weight, and inconvenience, (hello again TSA.)

I don’t take my laptop to big cities or international destinations.  Most large cities have ample internet cafes, (like Quetzal in San Francisco,) and so long as you’re careful about how you submit personal information cafes suffice just fine for checking mail, city research, activity planning, and quick tasks like printing maps.  While internet cafes abound in cities abroad, some on every block, there are enough in large U.S. cities too.

Now the bridge-gapper:  It’s the Asus EEE (Tiny) PC.  Released last fall this small computer measures 9 by 6.5 inches, with a 7 inch 800 x 480 screen.  The Asus includes its own OS with Firefox and open office.  Caleb begrudgingly modified this version to accommodate windows, all while questioning why anyone, (me,) would want to scar such a beautiful machine with Windows.  There is no hard drive in the EEE, rather it uses USB memory sticks, and also has a slot to expand the internal memory via a 1 or 2 gig card. 

It’s simple, clean, and functional.  Little surprises are found about the machine, such as the far right side of the touch pad which acts as a scroll function.  Also included is a webcam and microphone, which when tested by us worked great with Skype.  There are three USB ports, which are more than some expensive full notebooks have.

The light and little ASUS can fit with ease into briefcases, messenger bags, backpacks among rumpled up clothing, and (I’d guess,) even large purses.  For travel purposes it’s perfect.   Once you get used to the small keyboard you can whip out e-mails, surf the net, upload your photos, post to your blog, and accomplish everything you’d want while traveling without the heavy physical burden of a full notebook.

Potential drawbacks?   Obviously keyboard size, but for me it only took a small learning curve to become accustomed to the smaller keys.  If my fat fingers can learn to type rapidly on this board anyone else can too.  Also if you’re planning to use the Asus as a “remote PC” for work then you’ll want to make sure that your company’s VPN software can run on Linux.  (Or install Windows.)   The screen could utilize more of the frame; however the next generation will most likely feature a 10 inch option.

Internal storage is nominal, but I’ve never cared about this.  My one computer mantra is “treat all of your computers as dummy terminals,“ meaning all of your content such as photos, music, documents, and writings should NEVER be stored on a PC hard drive, but rather an external and separate hard drive, or backed up to CDs and flash drives, or an FTP site.  (Preferably two or more.)   Your PC crashes?  Yeah you have to spend an evening reinstalling the OS and programs, but your most important “files of life” are untouched.

Overall I love it.  This is my new friend at home and abroad.   And I think the EEE will have a great time in Amsterdam come this March.

Here are some photos of the black model from Digital-Daily.  More photos (better than mine below,) from Gizmodo.   Check out some of the reviews and see if the Asus might be your new travel companion, or further info at the Official EEE site:  eeepc.asus.com

By James Van Dellen and Caleb Cross

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Here it is: Burt Rutan’s SpaceShipOne.  Richard Branson and Burt Rutan unveiled the ship at a press conference in New York.  For the right price you could be flying with Virgin Galactic to the edge of space.   And beyond…? 

At 60 percent complete, test flights are expected to possibly take place this year, with passenger flights as early as 2010.

And a knock to our current space fleet, Rutan states that SpaceShipOne will be “hundreds” times safer than present space flight - which he compares to commercial aviation of the 1920s.

Read the full New York Times story by John Schwartz.

p.s. Have you noticed that CamelCase, (the lettering and writing style that eliminates spaces between words,) is becoming more and more popular for some reason?  It’s called CamelCase because the words resemble humps in a camel. PerhapsIShouldRebrandMySiteAs: FutureGringoDotCom

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The CLEAR registered traveler program has been in existence for a few years now.  Later this month Denver International Airport will be the next airport to introduce CLEAR lanes.  You can become a “registered traveler” for $128.  $100 for the Registered Traveler Program, and $28 to the TSA.   The Denver CLEAR lines will be located at the south security area, in the main terminal.

Opinion time…  You won’t find me signing up for the registered traveler program.  I can certainly understand the lure of business travelers wanting to shave 30 or 40 minutes off a Monday morning airport queue.   Tempting as it would be, I’ll clumsily shuffle through the maze of flimsy ropes with my nose in a book before I’ll trade my time in exchange for my biometric data. 

I don’t consider myself a privacy nut.  I don’t live on a compound and squirrel away my money in a tin box.  I use credit cards, have multiple bank accounts, and a blog with my name publicy displayed.  The government can easily find me and collect whatever info they want - but I just don’t care to volunteer more.

Until the government catches on to my secret life as an international diamond thief, I just don’t feel they merit reason to keep my fingerprints and iris scan on file.  Nor should a private company.  Should domestic U.S. flights ever require this type of scrutiny you can meet me for lunch at my new loft in Vancouver.  No wait make that Mérida - I’ll be staying at the beautiful Luz.

I like this description by a commenter on this blog:

“A program to create a database of biometric and background info, funded by the people themselves”

Has anyone become a registered traveler and use CLEAR frequently?  Even though I’m completely against it for myself I’d love to hear stories of passengers who find it justifiable.  I bite my toungue every time when I witness the TSA inconsistencies from airport to airport, so paying $128 for such nonsense to be “out of sight out of mind” would certainly be tempting…

If you are interested in giving your biometric information to a private company sanctioned by the TSA -  the Registered Traveler Program has offices at the Denver Tech Center Hyatt and downtown at the Grand Hyatt.  They’re open from 7am to 7pm.

An aside annoyance: WHY do writers and companies insist on calling Denver International Airport “DIA” when listing airport codes?  The International Civil Aviation Organization’s code for Denver is DEN.  The ONLY other name its ever had was “DVX,” which was it’s temporary assignment during construction, before Stapleton relinquished the DEN code.  However the CLEAR website, just like this Time Magazine Article I rebutted, list Denver as “DIA.”  DIA is nothing more than a local moniker used to abbreviate Denver International Airport.  I am sending CLEAR an e-mail in hopes they’ll correct their website.  (The website that I’ll probably never look at again.) 

Rant time over.  In other news Dex left ANOTHER two phone books at my doorstep last Saturday.  This time the “compact size”  Hey 33% less wasteful!  Thanks Ken Clark.

And tomorrow I’ll have a review of the Asus EEE PC.  This full functioning micro size computer is the ultimate travel tool.  And it’s not much bigger than the Radio Shack “Mr. Professor” I had as a kid.

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Sunday’s Denver Post features a graphic/map of Colorado’s smaller ski areas.

Included are the popular Loveland and Eldora areas, unarguably the closest and most accessible to the Denver metro area, save for the new Echo Mountain.  Also charted are Monarch and Wolf Creek, towards the southwest corner of the state.

It’s a great summary and orientation for those planning a Colorado ski trip sans condos, large hotels, and spas.  

I would have added Arapahoe Basin. (pictured left.)  Perhaps because it’s just down the road from Keystone it gets lumped into the Summit County megaresorts.  Not quite as old timey feeling as the others, but still a place where you can park on site, lunch in a large dining hall, split up and still easily meet up at the base or picnic back at the car with the dogs.

Being a long time skier I chose this place to take on my first serious snowboard session last season.   It remains to be decided if I’ll do it again.

List and graphic here.   More of my A-Basin photos.

a p.s. tip:  For car-free visitors to Denver the Eldora Ski Area, west of Boulder in Nederland, is served by RTD’s “N” route.

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Dougherty’s Neighborhood Pub is a three month old business located in the heart of my favorite Denver retail stretch. At South Broadway and Ellsworth they’re within blocks of the Mayan Theater, Swift’s Steak House, Sputnik, the Hi-Dive, and the many fine used bookstores.

Formerly a small pizza joint, Dougherty’s has refurbished the interior into two sections: A medium sized dining room with knotty light piny stained wooden chairs and tables, and on the east side a large bar with pool table for socializing.

Many in the neighborhood have been frequenting this new place, but the dining area hasn’t been quite as popular as the bar. (Probably true with many Irish pubs.) I had their lunch special:  ham and cheese on Irish flatbread served with potato soup for $4.95. Because it was early Saturday the patrons were light, so our server was attentive and the chef came out for a visit.  However lack of sleep and coffee prevented me from remembering either of their names. They have a hearty menu, and dinners range from $8-$18.

I can’t find any website for them yet, but here’s a couple of reviews from Yelp. They’re at 5 East Ellsworth, at South Broadway and Ellsworth next to Freaky’s.

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Hey look who doesn’t have any United aircraft in his photo library. I guess Ted will have to suffice…

If you’re a United Airlines Mileage Plus member and shop at Safeway and Vons - check out Safeway’s selection of “Eating Right” products.

Now through February 29th they are offering 500 miles with the purchase of 10 items of this brand. Although I don’t frequent Safeway that often, I am registered since every cumulative of $250 spent will net you 125 miles. It’s easy to sign up: Just enter your Safeway card number at the United.com Mileage Plus section.

And of course my initial thought: “So how much is the cheapest single yogurt cup?” I’ll find out on my next visit. Although the Safeway Eating Right FAQ does promote five frozen “entrees” for $10.

Don’t forget to save your receipts, as these take a few weeks to post. Thanks for the tip M.P.!

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Of course my occasional clothing reviews go against my concept of living simply and refusing to be drones to mainstream trends. But many small companies produce hip and original products that are worth noting. Plus who wants to be seen out and about with the same crumpled Abercrombie shirt that 20 other people are wearing?

Tooling around in San Diego over Christmas I found a couple shops selling Affiliate Clothing.  And it turns out after returning to Denver two friends received them as gifts. Affliction makes originally designed t-shirts, and jeans which stand out and carry their own style. Their sister company 925 Jewelry makes biker style ring, dogtags, and pendants. And for the ladies they design under the name Sinful.

I find their the long sleeve t-shirts to be the most well designed, or maybe I’m partial to them during the winter months…  They’re carried at the retail store Metropark. More stores and catalog at Afflictionclothing.com

p.s. To Affliction:  What’s wrong with showing some heads in your photos?  I think these long sleeve Ts make guys and girls look hot.  Let’s see them…

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Warning:  journalistic blasting ahead… 

Here’s an example of the internet’s power - for local use.  Claire Walter’s Travel-Babel analyzes an article by Peter Greenberg titled “Winter Alternatives.”  Greenberg’s article is filled with glaring errors which include describing Nordic Walking as a winter sport, to the more common misconception that Colorado Springs is just steps from the slopes.   Other ski resorts are geographically misrepresented - doing a disservice to those heeding his advice about to click “book this trip.”  At least he doesn’t describe Denver as “surrounded by mountains where locals catch a few runs before hopping in their snowcats to work.”   Read the full article, and Claire’s wealth of insightful skiing articles too.

Claire’s points reinforce how useful the internet can be - if you drill it down LOCALLY.  In addition to be paid shills, (another problem she addresses,)  travel articles that pile up top 10 lists of beaches, ski resorts, or castles - have very little, (or worse inaccurate,) information about each individual one.   MSNBC Travel with its flashy slideshows is constantly showcasing pithy summaries of the “World’s Best Airport Lounges” or “Iowa’s Best Dilapidated Barns.”  But for the micro traveler I find it completely worthless.  You usually travel ONLY to a specific place and region, often to engage in a specific interest of activity.  Blanket generalities are worthless at best, and wrong at worst.

Unless you love top 10 lists (I admit they’re addicting,)  time is better spent reading local newspapers, an alternative weekly, ex-pat sites, specific regional boards, or local blogs.  Local research is the best resource even BEFORE you’ve decided on a region or location.   For example Yucatan Living, a favorite site of mine, yields FAR more info about tourism and culture than you’d ever find from a mass distributed AP article about the region, or even a guide book of a few years old.   When traveling the oft given advice is “Just ask the locals where they go.”  Now that can be done from home.   All of the small hotels and guest houses I’ve stayed at over the last few years have been found on the net, and been decided on by reading personal trip reports, blogs, and a few e-mail interactions with the staff.  Same for many restaurants, clubs, and events.

Writers and bloggers that focus on their own corners of the world, and write from their own experiences are the “mom and pops” among the glossy magazines and ad filled guidebooks.   Collectively they are far superior and more useful.    Think globally.  Google LOCALLY.  

More Travel News of Interest…

Expect longer waits when entering the U.S.   While I agree with the premise that U.S. citizens should already have passports - (we’ve been reminded for over a year now,)  I can’t believe - ok I can believe, that Michael Chertoff, a high ranking government official, would actually use the phrase  “It’s time to grow up” addressing those who disagree.  Just because you dissent and carry a different opinion does not make you an idiot.   Hey some of my best friends are Republicans!  Denver Post article.  

Samarpan Nepal is an organization in Kathmandu that provides volunteer opportunities, backpacking and photography expeditions, and cultural exchanges in the region.  The funds go to help provide social wefare and education to impoverished children in the region.    Check out their programs, or consider them in your next charitable donation.

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How much crap can you stuff into one letter size envelope?  AAA Insurance attempts the world record… 

I have no problem with Triple A.  I’m not an insurance expert, but my parents and extended family have used them for years, and I was a member at some point in the past also.  As far as I know Triple A, (or is it AAA?) has a long and reputable history.  I can’t remember a family vacation without a trusty “Triptik” and motel discount book stuffed in the console of our wood paneled station wagon.

But I questioned this mess that arrived at my office last Friday from AAA Colorado (located at Colorado and Arkansas, just a hop from the Bulgarian Market.)  I receive plenty of junk mail.  Comcast, Xcel Energy, Qwest, and local menus from around the neighborhood are no stranger to my mailbox.  But this one gets the 5 star AAA award for most wasteful.  It would seem AAA doesn’t think a simple letter stating, “Hey how about joining AAA, we can save you some bucks,” will net an adequate response. I understand them wanting to create an incentive or call to action, but this is just overkill.  So grab your knife and let’s dissect it!

Top Center: A four page newsletter addressed to “member-elect” from “Rod Manuel,” summarizing via bullet points and pre-printed blue “highlighting” the full benefits of AAA membership. Ok - I can handle a letter stating they’re great for trips, travel, and roadside assistance, but the following ancillary enclosures start to look frightfully desperate.

Top Left: Actual “insurance cards” with a membership number and my name, good until February 15. The back states “AAA provides services and privileges with the exception of bail bonds.” I’m guessing they’re avoiding DUIs here.

ok - so this is a REAL AAA card good until the February 15th? I can actually USE it for roadside services?  But is this real INSURANCE covering comprehensive and liability? I doubt that if I totaled a BMW this would actually be accepted as insurance.

Middle Right: A 6″ x 6″ “personal” note from Rod telling me that he is delighted to include me in this offer. “It’s quite amazing!” writes Rod.

Bottom Center: As if Rod’s personal note doesn’t get me frothing, also included is a letter from member “John Ziegler.” This correspondence is angled to appear as if it’s been hastily slammed onto the copy machine in a mad rush to get this package out to me.  John’s letter to AAA states “days after mailing in my application, I locked my keys in my car.” He states he used his temporary card from AAA. Actual quote: “Thanks SO MUCH for mailing me the application.” I guess this answers my above question about use of cards.

Top Right: A glossy quick start guide for new members detailing benefits.  (As if anyone over 25 doesn’t know you can throw AAA around for car rental and motel discounts.)  Through even more bullet points and photos I’m shown stranded motorists receiving rapid assistance, a happy guy on a road trip, and couples and families dining and shopping with glee, all thanks to AAA.

Bottom Right: A dangerously shiny AAA rectangular sticker to be displayed on car.  At the proper angle this could be reflect the sun and blind pilots.

Left Center: Business reply envelope. “RUSH!!! Registration enclosed”

Bottom Left: The envelope in which these shenanigans arrived in- misleadingly marked “Membership Registration Enclosed.”

Whew! There you have it. Normally something like this would make a beeline for the dumpster and not even merit a second glance, but I found it utterly astounding at just how much stuff was jammed inside. 

Now - these temporary membership cards:  I examined the fine print, which states “If you USE your card you will be billed for services should you fail to send in the premium by deadline.”   I supposed that’s fair, but to play the manipulative consumer I COULD use my cards and just not pay.  I didn’t sign a contract with them.  They sent ME a service card to use.  It’s similar to the “Cash this check for $10 and you’ll be enrolled in…”  that credit card companies mail.  But what’s different here is that they have no way of charging me - All they have is my name and address.

Perhaps I should USE my temporary membership card and try to help a stranded motorist in the next month.  I’d like to make SOMETHING positive happen from all this waste.  If I can use my card to be a good Samaritan then I’ll win, a stranger wins, and AAA?   We’ll, maybe they’ll learn to be less wasteful.

By James Van Dellen

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Last month I wrote about Encore Restaurant’s trouble in obtaining a liquor license due to their proximity to East High School.  Fortunately that’s past them, and they are now open in the Lowenstein Complex at 2550 East Colfax.

Here’s a review by Kevin Zachmann, of the blog “He Said Denver.”

p.s. Lest you think Future Gringo is turning into viral marketing blog for the Lowenstein Complex fear not - I just find it one of most uniquely cultural places in Denver, in a wonderful community setting on the border of Greektown and Congress Park.

Situated in the box office area of the former theater, the vibe is contemporary yet casual with a long, sleek bar and a back kitchen that’s in full view of the dining room. The real story though is that the entire space is almost completely eco-friendly. 

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I wrote up a brief post about “Neighborhood Flix” last fall, and finally did dinner and a movie last week.   Neighborhood Flix, or their self created nickname “Flix on the Fax,” is the newest independent theater in Denver. However Flix has a twist:  In addition to three comfortable theaters showing the latest Indy films, they also have a spacious restaurant and bar incorporated into the venue.

Patrons can enjoy dinner and drinks, then retire to the theater.  Or - order your meal and eat during the show.  In the entry and dining area framed movie posters adorn the walls.  It’s studio themed, but not over the top kitschy like movie themed diners.

Last week I dined with Caleb and our friend Michael.  We had the Penne Pasta with Plum Tomato Basil Sauce, the Louisiana Cat Fish, and the Shrimp Gumbo with Dirty Rice. If you want to ditch your diet for the night I recommend the Sesame Ginger Sweet Potato Fries. If you just want a drink before the show there’s a large soft lit bar, and you can bring your drink into the show as well.

The intimate “Bistro” cinema has sofa/lounge style seats with tables in the rear (behind the seating rows,) allowing you and your other to dine during the movie, (just like at home.)  Initially I didn’t think much of hearing my fellow movie goers chomping and slurping behind me, but while watching the film “Lars and the Real Girl,” I was not at all distracted, as the tables are set back from the seating rows, and the large furniture absorbs any noise.

While I would never put down the fine group of Landmark theaters in Denver, one advantage that Neighborhood Flix has, (being a brand new venue,) is very comfortable seating.  Older theaters have small and narrow seats.  In contrast, enormous high backed reclining seats are found in suburban stadium-plexes.  Flix is cozy and comfortable, and each theater is of a proportionate size with their largest, the “Premiere Cinema,” at 189 seats.

They’re centrally located in the Lowenstein Theater Complex at 2510 East Colfax. It’s adjacent to the Tattered Cover, Twist and Shout, and the now open “Encore Restaurant.”   Check out what’s playing and plan your visit.

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“Hey do like maps? Me too! Those are some great maps you have on your wall.” Sorry that’s an excerpt from an inside joke. Prompt me and I’ll explain.

Mapping London - Making Sense of the City is a 288 page hardcover featuring over 200 historical maps of the city of London. With detailed photos and writing the city’s changes are shown year by year and through generations, including historical events such as London’s great fire, the Plague, the two World Wars, and even future planning for the 2012 Olympics.

If you’re interested in cartography and history this is a must read.

From Black Dog Publishing:

The maps in this comprehensive survey are allowed to speak for themselves, revealing not only their political and social context, but also the dreams of their makers and the drama of their creation. The maps are often objects of great skill and beauty themselves, with the names of the greatest of their makers still revered today.

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