First off, I appreciate your patronage to our newspaper and I welcome any and all questions, comments and concerns you may have — good, bad or anywhere in between — regarding any of the stories we run.
That said, when you do have a complaint about a story, please tell me what story or stories you are expressing concern about. As a journalist, I'm trained to have a short-term memory because we have to move subject to subject quickly.
It does neither of us no good if I don't know what you're talking about.
I want to help you, but you see the predicament I'm in.
Or if you would like to rant, send us a letter to the editor. You can chew us out or praise us, but don't you want all of the readers to know your concerns?
Three weeks into my new diet and exercise regiment, I've noticed that when I'm focused, it's easy to manipulate my body.
When I started, I was 186 lb. at home (190.0 fully clothed at work). Last Friday, I weighed in at 180 (184.0). A solid two-pounds-a-week rate. It's right on pace with my goal of 171 (175.0) by Feb. 27.
My gameplan's been working. I've been consistent with my six-days-a-week workouts and the Chipotle diet is delicious and healthy. The alcoholic consumption cap has been pretty easy. I've been averaging three beers a week. I've broken the fast-food rule once — I had a hankering for some fries last Friday. But I got a value size from Wendy's and two pieces of baked chicken from King Soopers.
Starting today, I've altered my routine slightly.
Two-a-day workouts This won't be all six days, but if I can hit it three or four days in the week, it'll be beneficial. I woke up early to hit the gym this morning.
More food consumption? I haven't decided on this yet. I'm letting the outcome of this week dictate whether I need to eat more or not. If I lose more than three pounds on Friday, it means yes.
Fedor Emilianenko defeated Andrei Arlovski last night. Arlovski started off well, using his jabs to keep Fedor at bay, even catching Fedor with his speed. Definitely the training of Freddie Roach (Manny Pacquiao's trainer) helped. It was working well — well, until he decided to throw a flying knee into the equation.
It evoked fond memories of a simpler time — a time when we understood the rules, knew the game and were ready to play it.
We thought we were never going to say goodbye — but we were wrong.
The art of Rickrolling died Jan. 13. It was 17 months old.
This Internet phenomenon of luring unsuspecting indivuduals into clicking a link that played Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” breathed new life for the artist and pranksters, alike.
For a year and a half, new frontiers were pioneered to creative innovative Rickrolls. From fake movie trailers to leaving notes with a number that plays the recording of the song, friends and coworkers came up with new excuses to successfully get one another.
When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. posted her YouTube clip, “Speaker Pelosi Presents Capitol Cat Cam,” it marked an end to an era of Internet pranking.
At the 37 second mark, the antics of her feisty feline friends slowly fades to the Astley’s music video — complete with an explanation of what Rickrolling is to the viewer.
While the Rickroll has experienced many brushed with death, it has fought off fading away to being just another story of Internet lore. But the “PelosiRoll” was the boulder that crushed the camel flat.
Not only was it like seeing your parents destroy a part of your youth by jamming out to your favorite music or playing online games, the explanation that was given ruined the effect of the prank.
It turned this annoying, albeit jovial gag into something completely lame. A fad that falls into the realm of pogs and the “Macarena.”
We must remember the good times. The first time we Rickrolled a friend. The tributes, such as the famous “BarackRoll.” And, of course, Astley rickrolling all of America at the 2008 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Some things are timeless. But for the Rickroll, it’s time to run around and desert you.It evoked fond memories of a simpler time — a time when we understood the rules, knew the game and were ready to play it.
We thought we were never going to say goodbye — but we were wrong.
The art of Rickrolling died Jan. 13. It was 17 months old.
This Internet phenomenon of luring unsuspecting indivuduals into clicking a link that played Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” breathed new life for the artist and pranksters, alike.
For a year and a half, new frontiers were pioneered to creative innovative Rickrolls. From fake movie trailers to leaving notes with a number that plays the recording of the song, friends and coworkers came up with new excuses to successfully get one another.
When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. posted her YouTube clip, “Speaker Pelosi Presents Capitol Cat Cam,” it marked an end to an era of Internet pranking.
At the 37 second mark, the antics of her feisty feline friends slowly fades to the Astley’s music video — complete with an explanation of what Rickrolling is to the viewer.
While the Rickroll has experienced many brushed with death, it has fought off fading away to being just another story of Internet lore. But the “PelosiRoll” was the boulder that crushed the camel flat.
Not only was it like seeing your parents destroy a part of your youth by jamming out to your favorite music or playing online games, the explanation that was given ruined the effect of the prank.
It turned this annoying, albeit jovial gag into something completely lame. A fad that falls into the realm of pogs and the “Macarena.”
We must remember the good times. The first time we Rickrolled a friend. The tributes, such as the famous “BarackRoll.” And, of course, Astley rickrolling all of America at the 2008 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Some things are timeless. But for the Rickroll, it’s time to run around and desert you.
With the Broncos having hired a new head coach, it's time to work on the team's personnel deficiencies.
Meaning, it's time to work on the Broncos' D — especially in the draft.
If I were in the GM position, my pick would've been — without a doubt — USC junior free safety Taylor Mays.
The Broncos tend to have success when they have a monster free safety such as John Lynch and Steve Atwater. At 6'3" and 230 lb. with a 4.32s 40-yard-dash, he fits the mold.
But the 20-year-old decided to go back for his senior year, so we have to look elsewhere. Missouri's William Moore is a solid prospect, too, but taking him at No. 12 seems high.
The big rumor is that the Broncos may go to a 3-4 defense. If that's the case, they need a solid inside linebacker. Here's the best options:
LB Rey Maualuga, USC, 6'2", 260 lb. Maualuga is a great combination of size and speed mixed with a killer instinct. Some have said he's similar to Pittsburgh's S Troy Polamalu with his aggressive play. Can't go wrong with having someone who invokes fear in the middle of the field.
LB James Laurinaitis, Ohio State, 6'2", 240 lb. He's a three-time All-American with superb instincts and a solid frame that could hold a few more pounds. Plus his father is Joe Laurinatis, better known as Road Warrior Animal. How cool would it be to have the son of a wrestler scouring the middle of the field?
These are the only two names I would consider with the No. 12 pick. Doesn't matter who the Broncos choose, they'll have an instant impact player to be along side D.J. Williams, Boss Bailey and Jamie Winborn.
But we still need a safety and there is a name if Pat Bowlen's willing to shell out the dough.
S Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia Yeah, he's 35. Yeah, he's on the downturn of his career. But Dawkins is still one of the hardest hitters in the game. He'd provide good veteran leadership on this young Broncos team and would be good to have until someone younger comes into his own.
Or grab someone in the second round. Oregon's Patrick Chung and Alabama's Rashad Johnson are both projected to be taken there.
Who would’ve thunk it that a love story about impoverished kids set half way around the world would be the frontrunner to win Best Picture at the Oscar’s this year?
But that’s exactly what Danny Boyle’s “Slumdog Millionaire” is after winning the Golden Globes award for Best Picture — Drama. Seventeen out of the past 24 Oscar winners won the Golden Globes, according to RopesofSilicon.com.
It’s hard for me to argue against “Slumdog Millionaire” — it was one of the best movies I’ve seen this year with its nontraditional storytelling down to the stellar acting from the entire cast. What intrigues me more is what other movies are going to be nominated.
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is definitely going to get a nod and is going to be the biggest threat to taking down “Slumdog.”
“Milk” has gotten plenty of love this award season and it would surprise me if it didn’t get a nomination. “Frost/Nixon” falls in the same boat.
The final spot is a toss up. Films such as “Revolutionary Road,” “Doubt” and “The Reader” have all received plenty of attention. And don’t exclude “Wall-E” and “The Wrestler.” But the dark horse in this whole situation is “The Dark Knight.” Heath Ledger is all but assured of being named the Best Supporting Actor, and the position reception the film’s received this past year is surely going to attract the attention of the Academy.
All I know is that there’s a bunch of movies I get to watch these next few weeks.
The last time I worked to lose weight, I dropped 14 pounds in the course of about two to three months. It stayed off for a while — then summer hit. Family, friends came back into town and I partook in the pageantry of food and spirits.
Enter this year: I weighed in at 186 pounds (190 with my clothes on) at the beginning of the year.
Here at the Sentinel, a few of us are trying an eight-week challenge to drop some pounds. The plan is simple: set a goal for ourselves and work to reach it.
My goal is 15 pounds. Approximately two pounds a week, which is a safe, recommended number for weight loss.
The first week's been good, with everyone participating losing weight — from 1/2 to four pounds.
I was in the middle. I lost 2.6 pounds and weighed in at 187.6 fully clothed. Here's my gameplan: • Return to my five- to six-day-a-week workout routine So far, so good. I've worked out four days this week so far and I fully expect to spend six days at the gym when it's said and done. Wednesdays are my days off in order to recuperate.
My routine alternates daily with legs and upper body lifts following a 30-minute cardio warm-up. The cardio warm-up will slowly increase as I get over my cold.
Two-and-a-half weeks off from the gym — in addition to lots of eating, spirits and doing nothing — have made me a little weaker in my upper body. Mostly in my larger muscle groups. I've dropped down to 155 pounds for my bench reps, but I figure I'll be back to normal in two or three weeks.
• Eat a ton of small meals throughout the day This isn't too hard. I've returned to the Chipotle diet. I pick up a steak or chicken fajita burrito minus the sour cream. This ends up being about 900-1,100 calories, depending on how packed it gets. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., I munch on it whenever I get hungry, which is every 75-90 minutes as I've discovered. I have a small fruit breakfast in the morning and a protein shake after my workout at night. This ends up being about 1,600 to 1,800 calories a day — something I'll need to increase in a few weeks when my metabolism increases.
Weekends I'll play by ear. Probably a heavier breakfast/lunch for my midday workout and then a light early dinner.
• Limit my alcoholic consumption to 64 ounces of beer a week My beer intake was higher over the holiday season, but now that I'm back on my schedule, this shouldn't be too hard to do. I've hit 46 ounces this week. I may have a pint this weekend, but it's going to be something that's lower in calories (and delicious) such as a Guinness with its 125 calories in 12 oz.
I'm not much of a hard alcohol man. I'll enjoy my occasional whiskey, but for the most part, give me a good beer and I'll be your friend.
• Plenty of sleep Sleep lets your body fix stuff. Get enough sleep and you're good to go.
• No fast food Don't give me that "Chipotle is fast food" crap. It's good food, fast. I'm talking about the McDonald's and Taco Bells. When I eat that stuff, my body gets angry.
And if I get the urge, I just need to pop in "Super-Size Me" and I'll be turned off of fast food for months.
Simple, right?
Alright, 12.4 pounds to go by Feb. 27. Once I hit this goal, I move to my next one: drop down to 165.
I know the Nuggets hate draft picks. Beyond Carmelo and, to a lesser extent, James Posey, who have we drafted in the past 10 years has turned out good?
(Nene was drafted, then traded by the Knicks. Linas Kleiza was drafted and traded by Portland)
But my gripe is, couldn't we have traded our No. 1 pick for someone better than Johan Petro — the French Steven Hunter? We already have the American Steven Hunter on our roster.
Here's my list of five players who could've been better options:
1. F-C Channing Frye, Portland As a rookie, he averaged 12.3 ppg and 5.8 rpg for the Knicks. Since then, he's been moved further down the bench, now providing about 12 mpg for the TrailBlazers. He's a good sized, quick power forward/center who would provide quality minutes off the bench.
2. F Reggie Evans, Philadelphia A monstrous rebounder who used to play for the Nuggets. Although he's on 6'8", he plays like he's much bigger.
3. F-C Francisco Elson, Milwaukee A lanky vet who will provide valuable minutes and consistant play.
4. F-C Ronny Turiaf, Golden State He'll block, he'll rebound, he'll score. Solid total who would instantly provide help off the bench.
5. C David Harrison, free agent Yeah, he moves like molasses. But this former CU star is a solid defender and a prototypical center who could bang inside with the best of them.
