Boulder Neighborhood Guide: Gunbarrel

September 29, 2013 by

 

Boulder Neighborhood Guide: Gunbarrel

gunbarrel

Gunbarrel, named after a historic local stagecoach route, is a neighborhood located northeast of Boulder proper and one of the fastest growing parts of the region. With expanding bike paths, rolling hills and affordable housing, Gunbarrel is beginning to look a lot like home for many people.

History: Gunbarrel came about mainly due to IBM. Before that time, Gunbarrel consisted of farmland. But when IBM’s plant was built in Boulder County in 1965, they needed housing for the many executives and employees that they brought in to work at the new facility. What better place to build than right across the road from the company headquarters? With the new development of houses, it was also decided to move the Boulder Country Club to it’s current location in the heart of Gunbarrel. This area is also home to one of the top advertising agencies in the nation, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, which adds to the area’s population.

Housing: There are two different advanced degree programs located in Gunbarrel, the Boulder College of Massage Therapy and the Southwest Acupuncture College. This means that there is no shortage of rental properties, both condos and townhomes, to be found. And because Gunbarrel is a little further from downtown, many of the rental prices you find here will be cheaper than counterparts in Boulder proper. The same holds true for housing sales. The average price for a single-family home in Gunbarrel is mid-$300′s, significantly lower than Boulder proper, and most homes were built in the 1970′s.

Restaurants and Shopping: Gunbarrel is starting to blossom with a variety of retail options. The many non-retail companies that have been relocating there are to thank for this.  In addition to a major grocery store, there’s a sushi place, a deli, and a couple of coffee shops.  And let’s not forget there is a major hotel currently under construction and set to open in early 2014. With the growth of the area, Gunbarrel will be unrecognizable in five years’ time.

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Family & Fitness: Surrounded by Open Spaces, Gunbarrel boasts many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. There is the Boulder Reservoir, right across Diagonal Highway, and home to many events including races, festivals, and leisurely summertime picnics. Hop on a bicycle to hit the trails that head west into Boulder or go to the east, making a path out to Longmont. If that’s not enough activity for you, there’s the golf course or Twin Lakes Open Space to quench your thirst for fitness.

Schools: Heatherwood Elementary, Platt Junior High, Boulder High

Quirks: With a massage school and an acupuncture school located in Gunbarrel, you have all your alternative healing practitioners within walking distance. Additionally, Celestial Seasonings has their tea operations based in Gunbarrel. So if you have a thing for their peppermint room or just can’t get enough of the Zinger blend, then this neighborhood might be your cup of tea.

Major Street Boundaries: Hwy 119 (the Diagonal) on the west, Jay Rd on the south and 75th on the east

Gunbarrel provides the best of both worlds…living close to Boulder without any of the traffic, parking or real estate prices. You get a Boulder zip code without any of the pretense. Some may scoff at the neighborhood but with more and more happening in Gunbarrel, they won’t be laughing for long.

www.YourBoulder.com

 

 

John Marcotte

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IRONMAN Boulder 2014

September 26, 2013 by

 IRONMAN Boulder 2014

August 3, 2014

 

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One of the world’s most popular triathlon destinations, this beloved Rocky Mountain town now hosts a full-distance race. Welcome to IRONMAN Boulder.

Nestled at the foot of the imposing Flatirons, Boulder, Colorado is already a wildly popular home-base and vacation destination for world-class triathletes. The city’s health-conscious culture, near-perfect weather and breathtaking natural environment means its destined to be an instant favorite on the IRONMAN circuit.

Boulder’s robust downtown, with its famous pedestrian-only Pearl Street Mall and idyllic Boulder Creek, will provide families and fans an unforgettable race day as they wait for their loved ones to cross the finish line. From five-star hotels to James Beard award-winning restaurants, Boulder’s hotel and dining options are some of the best in the nation.

The race will start at the Boulder Reservoir with a single loop 2.4-mile swim. Once finished in the water, the first transition will start the athletes on a beautiful 112-mile one-loop bike course in the city’s vast open space. The bike will loop around Carter Lake and along the eastern plains of the Front Range before ending downtown at Boulder High School.

The two-loop run course is almost entirely on Boulder Creek Trail, winding along the creek and through city parks. Spectators will have multiple opportunities to cheer on the athletes and the last few steps of the day will take athletes up Pearl Street for a triumphant finish.

Read the entire article here: Ironman 2014

 

 

John Marcotte

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2013 Boulder County Walk MS

September 20, 2013 by

2013 Boulder County Walk MS

September 21, 2013

Walk MS is a simple but incredibly powerful way to raise money to support essential programs, services, and research the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter provides to the 100,000 people in Colorado and Wyoming affected by multiple sclerosis. Come celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Walk MS by joining us at the Boulder County Walk. Choose the one mile or three mile route through CU campus. Registration, entertainment and activities start at 7:30am. Walk begins at 9:30am. Team Village Mission MS Tent Sponsor Row Kids’ Corner Pooches’ Place Drawing for cooling products provided by Polar Products.

 

Read the entire article here: Boulder County Walk MS

John Marcotte

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Photography for a Change Features Boulder Photographers

September 17, 2013 by

 

Photography for a Change Features Boulder Photographers

boulder photography for a change

We live in a region of unparalleled beauty — and that statement extends far beyond Boulder. From mountains and lakes to miles upon miles of idyllic farm land, there’s nothing quite like a story well told through a fantastic photo. That’s why we’re introducing you to Photography for a Change, which officially launched on September 2nd.

Three Boulder-area photographers have come together to offer their breathtaking images of Colorado to benefit two local nonprofits. They also have included a photographer from outside of the region as a guest photographer.

The photographers are donating 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the prints featured on the Photography for a Change website to the named nonprofits. If you’d like to show your Boulder-area support, head on over to their Facebook page. Each day, they’ll feature fresh photography from participating artists and all fans who like the page will be entered to win one of five large format prints. The best part? Winners can choose from any of the 40 images on the site to brighten their home, office, or other area that needs a slice of Colorado beauty.

 

 

 

John Marcotte

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Reading for Inspiration

September 15, 2013 by

Reading for Inspiration
Top 5 Motivational Best Sellers

Reading for Inspiration - Top 5 Motivational Best Sellers

All of the books below–in no particular order–are best sellers for good reason. Frequently featured in “Top 10” lists and having influenced some of the most successful people in the world, you’re sure to find your life improved by reading (or re-reading) one of these classics.

The Power of Positive Thinking
Science has since verified his premise, but when it was first published Dr. Norman Vincent Peale was attacked from pulpits and therapy sessions alike. Now translated into fifteen languages, The Power of Positive Thinking is still one of the most popular motivational books ever written. Dr. Peale offers advice on mastering the problems of everyday living and eliminating self-doubt from toxic, negative thought habits.

Quote: “Action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause, of fear. Perhaps the action you take will be successful; perhaps different action or adjustments will have to follow. But any action is better than no action at all.”

Drive
Daniel Pink leaves old “carrot and stick” motivation theories in the dust. Drive shows how rewards and punishments neither give the best motivation, nor are they sufficient to maintain it over long periods of time. At the highest levels of performance, motivation comes from both a deep self-knowledge and an awareness of who you truly want to become as a person and remaining true to these tenets in your life.

Quote: “For artists, scientists, inventors, schoolchildren, and the rest of us, intrinsic motivation–the drive to do something because it is interesting, challenging, and absorbing–is essential for high levels of creativity.”

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Eliminating mental clutter and stress is key to staying motivated. Distractions and time-wasters can easily cause you to set goals aside. In fact, get distracted enough and you won’t reach your goals. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff teaches skills for distinguishing between what serves your success and what deserves to be ignored.

Quote: “Stress is nothing more than a socially acceptable form of mental illness.”

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Still a bestseller 24 years after its first edition, The 7 Habits is more than just a manifesto on motivation. Steven Covey presents a roadmap for solving problems, getting along with people, and being a better person. President Bill Clinton invited Covey to Camp David to help him install the habits in his Presidency; many others credit him with teaching them potentially world-changing habits. Covey coined the idea of abundance mentality–as contrasted with scarcity mentality–meaning the ability to celebrate the success of others, rather than feel threatened by them, and learning to embrace a win-win perspective in all interactions with others.

Quote: “Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.”

Think And Grow Rich
Perhaps the most well-known and often cited motivational book is Napoleon Hill’s commission from Andrew Carnegie. In the early 1930s, Hill interviewed forty millionaires to discover their “best practices” in an age where it was usually assumed success and wealth was some combination of greed, luck and high birth. Think And Grow Rich provides the roadmap that anyone can follow to achieve success–rich uncle not required! YouMagazine.com

 

 

 

John Marcotte

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Credit Repair Companies

September 13, 2013 by

Credit Repair Companies

Make Sure Their Strategy Works for YOU

Credit Repair Companies - Make Sure Their Strategy Works for YOUBy Steve White

Credit scores and other credit worthiness instruments are more important than ever before. Our American way of life, which includes borrowing on and paying with credit, has come to depend on it.

There exist consumers who have had their reputations and credit histories severely damaged by identity theft and credit card scams, or simply due to personal financial circumstances. Thus, they turn to credit repair organizations for help. But consumers must know with whom they’re dealing. On the flip side, legitimate companies must often lookout for those trying to pass themselves off as anything less than ethical.

If you’re in search of a credit repair company, the endless number of organizations claiming to help may be overwhelming. But here’s a helpful tip: Narrow down your search by researching the strategy the company uses, and make sure it works for YOU.

The methods the company uses to repair credit are important. Avoid those using a “standard dispute letter” approach, as this may be insufficient for your needs. A company that follows a pre-litigation approach, used by Consumer Law Attorneys, generally provides the best results. The key to this approach is the initial threat of legal action sent to the creditor. Make sure the firm you choose goes to the creditor first on your behalf.

The “right” company is out there and with this knowledge you’ll be sure to make a wiser choice when enlisting help to repairing your credit.

Steve White is the CEO and President of American Credit, a decade-old credit repair company and financial services firm specializing in credit restoration and consultation services.

 

 

John Marcotte

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Pica’s Taqueria Spices up East Boulder

September 6, 2013 by

Pica’s Taqueria Spices up East Boulder

picas_food

Pica’s is one of the amazing places that is helping East Boulder to make a name for itself. The taqueria is located in a strip mall (which follows my theory) at Arapahoe and Conestoga, across the parking lot from Ozo Coffee and across the street from Dizzy’s Donuts.

Pica’s is in the corner of the shopping center, giving the restaurant a spread-out feeling and a sweet back dining patio. With reasonable prices and a friendly environment, Pica’s is the real deal.

Trent, Pica’s owner and chef, can frequently be found working in the kitchen or running food out to tables and talking with customers. His toddler son can also be found often running around the restaurant.

With the success of his first restaurant in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Trent decided to bring to Boulder a high-end taqueria featuring quality ingredients and unique updates to traditional Mexican food.

picas burrito

Photo credit: Pica’s Taqueria

I’ll be honest. I’ve been spoiled by the tacos at Pica’s. Maybe it’s the creamy lime cabbage coleslaw on the grilled shrimp tacos or the pineapple in the tacos al pastor, but it’s been difficult ordering tacos elsewhere. And if you’re not as taco-crazy as I am, there are plenty of enchiladas, burritos and quesadillas on the menu to choose from as well.

The drinks at Pica’s complement tacos nicely. In addition to making their own horchata and margaritas, Pica’s offers Mexican beers, watermelon juice (!) and Mexican Coke. So whether you feel like getting a buzz or not, they have you covered in the beverage department. They also have a happy hour Monday through Saturday. The only bad news is that Pica’s is closed on Sundays. By Tara Cahilman, Yourboulder.com

 

John Marcotte

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The Mapleton Elk – Cop Strikes Plea Deal

September 5, 2013 by

The Mapleton Elk – Cop Strikes Plea Deal

boulder mapleton elk

We all remember earlier this year when the iconic Mapleton Elk was shot for trophy in the middle of one of Boulder’s neighborhoods. Shenanigan after shenanigan ensued, photos of cops posing with the dead elk emerged, and all hell broke loose.

Yesterday, the first cop in the case — not the one actually charged with shooting the elk — struck a plea deal. The penalty he’ll have to live with? One year of probation and 60 days of house arrest.

Having known people charged with DUIs and DWAIs in Colorado, I’m failing to see how this guy’s penalty for his involvment in this crime are fitting. Especialy given that he plead out to one felony and four misdemeanor charges. You seek help from professionals nearby or check out Leppard Law anytime to opt with your concerns.

Here’s the direct skinny from The Daily Camera this morning:

He received a two-year deferred sentence for the felony charge, tampering with evidence. If he abides by the terms of the deferred sentence for two years, the felony would be wiped from his record.

The misdemeanor charges are illegal possession of a trophy elk with a Samson Law surcharge, conspiracy to commit illegal possession of wildlife, unlawful taking of a big game animal out of season, and unlawful use of an electronic communication device to unlawfully take wildlife.

Three other felonies and a misdemeanor were dropped in exchange for the plea.

Now — let me get this straight. Someone who has a few beers or cocktails and gets caught and charged with a DUI or DWAI in Colorado faces a zero tolerance threshold and that offense will never be wiped from his or her record. It will follow them to and from every job application and criminal background check for a lifetime. And no, I’m not saying that it’s AOK to drink and drive — it’s anything but.

But a guy who goes out and conspires to shoot another living being — unlawfully — and to the effect of four felony charges and five misdemeanors gets to have his felony wiped from his record after he “behaves” for two years?

I’m not on board with this. But frankly, it doesn’t matter what I’m on board with. It’s the District Attorney’s office in Boulder that carries the burden here. Boulder’s a community that lives and breathes the outdoors. We practice Leave No Trace and report dog owners for not sporting a pup’s off-leash tag on the Mt. Sanitas trail. We provide the training ground for world-class athletes and are graced to ake up each morning to deer wandering through residential yards.

We are the idyllic watercolor painting.

And when crap like this happens in our community — the conspired death of wildlife — by those who have sworn to protect and serve our community, I fail to see how a plea deal as slick and self-serving as the one handed down serves anyone except Brent Curnow. We certainly can’t get the elk back, the one that was shot for trophy by a Boulder Police Officer.

But does anyone feel that this is justice served?

John Marcotte

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BRU: Handbuilt Beer in Boulder

August 16, 2013 by

BRU: Handbuilt Beer in Boulder

BRU tapwall

Beer in Boulder has its own zone. Dubbed the “Brewmuda Triangle” by those in the know, East Boulder is home to many of the town’s newest craft breweries.

One of those, BRU, also features a welcome ambiance and exceptional food. With brewing equipment proudly on display behind plate glass windows that encompass most of one wall, BRU embraces the art of pairing craft beer and good food. It’s a deliciously winning combination.

BRU is located in a strip mall (yet again) that hides an amazing interior decor. There are plants hung on walls in mason jars, warm earth tones and pillows put on the benches for comfort. In addition to small tables and a front patio dining area, BRU also has a bar area and very special chef seats perched on the edge of the open kitchen. It’s common to see seating like this at sushi bars but it’s rare to see in other types of restaurants. The BRU chefs wanted a way to interact with customers and put on a culinary show.

Mission accomplished.

beers

The beer menu is Belgian-heavy, with lots of Belgian yeast and mentions of the style. A favorite, the Citrum IPA, is perfect for hop-lovers. The combination of lemon and juniper increase both the bitterness and the intensity of the beer. All of BRU’s brews are unfiltered and pints cost $5, so come thirsty. And if you can’t make up your mind, you can always choose a flight of 5 sample beers or order the half-pint fun size. Happy hour runs daily from 3-6pm.

Pick a food trend and BRU probably has it on their menu: cured, braised, smoked, roasted, charred & pickled. And all delicious. That’s what you get with a wood-burning oven and talented chefs.

They serve sandwiches and pizzas that sound gourmet but simply taste divine. With thick-sliced pepperoni, duck confit and arugula as pizza toppings, even the snobbiest of Boulder palates will find something to like. Two very interesting things to notice in the list of ingredients for different salads: buttermilk shaved ice and flan. Nicely played, BRU.

Tara Cahliman YourBoulder.com 

Cheers to that!

 

 

John Marcotte

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Bank of America expects civil charges over mortgage bonds

August 11, 2013 by

Bank of America expects civil charges over mortgage bonds

 
The logo of the Bank of America is pictured atop the Bank of America building in downtown Los Angeles November 17, 2011. REUTERS/Fred Prouser

 

The Justice Department intends to file civil charges against Bank of America Corp (BAC.N) linked to a sale of one or two mortgage bonds, the bank said on Thursday in a regulatory filing.

The Securities and Exchange Commission may also file civil charges for one of those bonds, the bank said. Both cases relate to mortgages that were too big to be guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, but were packaged into “jumbo” mortgage bonds.

The filing did not specify what the cases were about. A Bank of America spokesman did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

The new charges, disclosed in a quarterly filing, underscore the extent of the second-largest U.S. bank’s hangover from the financial crisis. Bank of America has announced a series of settlements with investors and the U.S. government, including an $8.5 billion settlement with investors in mortgage-backed securities and a $1.6 billion deal with bond insurer MBIA Inc (MBI.N).

Staff at the New York Attorney General’s office said they intend to recommend filing an action against the bank’s Merrill Lynch unit from their mortgage bond investigation, the bank said in the filing.

The SEC is also considering civil charges against Merrill Lynch linked to repackaged debt securities known as collateralized debt obligations, the filing said.

Many of Bank of America’s headaches, including the $8.5 billion settlement, arise from its disastrous 2008 acquisition of Countrywide Financial Corp, a mortgage lender it bought at the height of the housing crisis for $2.5 billion. Analysts estimate the bank has lost more than $40 billion from bad loans, litigation and settlements linked to the purchase.

(Reporting by Dan Wilchins in New York; Editing by Peter Rudegeair and Lisa Shumaker)

 

John Marcotte

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