Colorado Springs Independent

Noted: FBI investigation on Fort Carson noose

letters@csindy.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Also: New ambulance alarm, marijuana taxes, AK-47 accusation not a threat and Strandlof denies charges. FBI checks noose incident FBI agents are investigating whether a civilian employee at Fort Carson who was shown a noose at work is the victim of a hate crime, a letter indicates. Anthony Jackson, who worked as an inspector at Fort Carson's firing ranges, says the noose was visible in an office at range control for several weeks before a co-worker brandished it at him with the warning, "You don't want me to hang your ass." According to a Fort…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

AFA's springboard to 2010?

letters@csindy.com (Ralph Routon) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Troy Calhoun always has been optimistic about the future of Air Force football. He and his staff believe in the cadet-athletes, mainly because most of them followed that same path. by Ralph Routon Troy Calhoun always has been optimistic about the future of Air Force football. He and his staff believe in the cadet-athletes, mainly because most of them followed that same path. To the coaches and players, it's perfectly logical to envision — and even fully expect — the Falcons to have a chance against any college team in America, because that's been the prevailing mood inside AFA football for virtually its entire history. From facing and often beating the likes of…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Playing around listings

letters@csindy.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Who's playing where, and when, at area venues for the next week. Venue directory Adam's Mountain Café, 934 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, 685-1430 Ancient Mariner, 962 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, 685-5503 Antlers Hilton, 4 S. Cascade Ave., 389-1253 Back East Bar & Grill, 9475 Briar Village Point, #168, 264-6161 Belle's Lounge, 734 N. 19th St., 632-4282 Benny's Restaurant & Lounge, 517 W. Colorado Ave., 634-9309 Black Sheep, 2106 E. Platte Ave., 227-7625 Boulder Street Coffee Roasters, 332 N. Tejon St., 577-4291 Buck's Mountain Saloon & Grill, 116 W. Midland Ave., Woodland Park,…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Cinefiles

letters@csindy.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Rocky: The Undisputed Collection, Andy Barker, P.I.: The Complete Series, Spread and more. [image-1] Rocky: The Undisputed Collection (Blu-ray) (NR) MGM Home Entertainment Been looking for a reason to finally buy a Blu-ray player? Well, now you've got six reasons! Rocky: The Undisputed Collection puts all of Sylvester Stallone's iconic all-American heroism into one nicely packaged set: 1976's Oscar-winning Rocky, 1979's Apollo Creed rematch Rocky II, 1982's duel with Mr. T in Rocky III, taking on the Russians in Rocky IV, the much-maligned return-to-the-roots Rocky V and, best of all, 2006's bittersweet send-off,…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Letters

letters@csindy.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Outcry on 2C continues, Winnebago answer, Berlin Wall anniversary, ignored veterans speak and more. Cash or clunkers OK, voters turned down 2C. Why? Could it be that the proposal was presented at a bad time and also, after years of wasteful spending, the majority said, "Enough!"? I for one am tired of people trying to lay blame and guilt on the voters who said "no." As a senior citizen, I hear, "Be sure to remember the senior center in your wills, or whatever you can do to donate money." Seniors have gone to wars…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Big gigs

letters@csindy.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Upcoming concerts here and around the region. BT Boulder Theater, bouldertheater.com or 303/786-7030 CV Contact venue, listed in Venues Directory FT Fox Theatre, foxtheatre.com or 303/443-3399 LN Live Nation, livenation.com or 877/598-8497 TH TicketHorse, tickethorse.com or 866/461-6556 TM Ticketmaster, ticketmaster.com or 800/745-3000 TWB TicketWeb, ticketweb.com or 800/965-4827 TWST TicketsWest, ticketswest.com or 866/464-2626 All Time Low, with We the Kings, Hey Monday, Gothic Theatre, Englewood, Nov. 19, LN Thrice, with the Dear Hunter, Polar Bear Club, Black Sheep, Nov. 19, TWB Railroad Earth, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Nov. 19-21,…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Movie picks

letters@csindy.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Our reviewers' recommendations for films playing around the area. Films recommended by our reviewers are indicated by an *. 2012 (PG-13) As the end of the world nears, as predicted by the Mayan calendar, a group of would-be heros struggles to survive. — Not reviewed Carmike 10, Chapel Hills 15, Cinemark 16, Hollywood Interquest, Tinseltown *Amelia (PG) The Earhart of Amelia (played by Hilary Swank) is fully formed as a role model from the very first moment, and so she remains all the way through to the end (and…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

IQ: Winter, in reel life

letters@csindy.com (Kevin Kehl) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Maybe during next year's holiday season, we'll throw on the heavy coats and head to a local movie event. In the meantime, our film choices are two: the multiplex or the living-room couch. by Kevin Kehl Maybe during next year's holiday season, we'll throw on the heavy coats and head to a local movie event. In the meantime, our film choices are two (but still pretty good): the multiplex or the living-room couch. [image-1] Shane Mondry Old Colorado City Truck driver What's the best movie to watch while snowed in? Shawshank Redemption. It would turn any mundane day exciting. What was the last film that either thrilled or repulsed you? The Curious Case of Benjamin Button…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

7 Days to live

letters@csindy.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

19 Thursday spectacle Lord of the Dance, the sprightly, Celtic-flavored extravaganza that comes to the Pikes Peak Center (190 S. Cascade Ave., pikespeakcenter.com) this evening, has sold out, and in more ways than one. Not everyone knows that Lord of the Dance actually started out as a stage adaptation of Lord of the Flies, William Golding's allegorical tale of British children getting stuck on an island and proceeding to kill each other. Critics loved the original stage production, especially the…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Web Extra: Bloodless

letters@csindy.com (MaryAnn Johanson) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Two hours of pretty teenagers making moon eyes at one another in this love triangle is an hour-forty-five too much. by MaryAnn Johanson The Twilight Saga: New Moon (PG-13) Carmike 10, Chapel Hills 15, Cinemark 16, Cinemark 16 IMAX, Hollywood Interquest, Tinseltown There comes a point in this mind-numbing, butt-numbing, two-hour-plus ramble through adolescent sexual fears and desires when a band of buff, shirtless Indian lads is wandering through a misty wood in search of trouble. A smart director might have found some way to make this feel elemental and mythic, considering that the lads are werewolves shifted into human form and our…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Slice of life

letters@csindy.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

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Young and restless

letters@csindy.com (Tricia Olszewski) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

An Education feels more mature than most coming-of-age movies, and will buoy anyone who remembers taking that first peek into life beyond parents and textbooks. by Tricia Olszewski *An Education (PG-13) Kimball's Peak Three To a 16-year-old seeking a world of sophistication beyond her buttoned-down household, a night at a jazz club can feel like a lusty Christmas. The dress is slinky instead of schoolgirl. Dinner arrives around the time a good student should be heading for bed. And a date who's smooth-talking, well-off and well-versed in all things refined makes the stammering teen look even more ridiculous. In Danish director Lone Scherfig's An Education, you can feel…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Stranger than fiction

letters@csindy.com (Roland Sweet) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

All the weird news that's fit to print. by Roland Sweet Curses, foiled again Belgian authorities said two robbers misguessed how much dynamite it took to blow open a cash machine in Dinant. The blast caused the building behind the ATM to collapse and killed both robbers. Bank officials said they wouldn't have gotten any money anyway, since the ATMs are designed to implode when forced open and destroy all the cash inside. Other Belgian authorities said a thief who robbed a shoe store in Maldegem didn't get far. Police official…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Trap play

letters@csindy.com (Scott Renshaw) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

The Blind Side is unimpressive for a conventional reason: It's simply a lazy piece of movie-making. by Scott Renshaw The Blind Side (PG-13) Carmike 10, Chapel Hills 15, Cinemark 16, Hollywood Interquest, Tinseltown The Blind Side offers a reminder that when it comes to "feel-good" filmmaking, generally there are two sides: those who bask uncritically in the warmth and chide "heartless" detractors, and those who treat the mere idea of emotionalism as an artistic deficiency. And as is typical in such schisms, both sides are missing something. Here's the thing: Brains and heart are not mutually exclusive. No sensible…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Advice Goddess

letters@csindy.com (Amy Alkon) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Offering a woman a massage is, like, the oldest college boy sex gambit in the book: "If you'd just take your shirt off, I could really get at that knot." by Amy Alkon Ducky rubber I kept seeing this woman I was interested in at pool parties, but I've always been very shy and reluctant to make the first move. At the third party, she hugged me as she was leaving. The following week, she kissed me. I invited her to come up for dinner. We had a great time. I even kissed her, and she didn't resist. Several days later, she said she'd see me at my condo's pool that afternoon, but…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Get involved

letters@csindy.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Heritage of Hope Art Show and Reception, 25th annual Trees of Life Outdoor Tree Lighting Ceremony, Suicide Awareness Day Art for peace Bid on and buy works of art to benefit Family Life Services, a local ministry-based organization that helps mothers and children with affordable housing and counseling. Heritage of Hope Art Show and Reception Friday, Nov. 20, 7-9 p.m. Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., $20 per person Contact: 632-4661, flscs.org Branch out Honor loved ones with this community ceremony in which trees will be adorned with lights in memory of friends and family. A…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

School of thought

letters@csindy.com (J. Adrian Stanley) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

When Al Loma and LuAnn Long take their seats Nov. 30 on the D-11 board, they'll bring points of view that have been absent as of late from the group. They might even bring some fireworks. by J. Adrian Stanley When Al Loma and LuAnn Long take their seats Nov. 30 on the Colorado Springs School District 11 board, they'll bring points of view that have been absent as of late from the group. They might even bring some fireworks. As departing board president Tami Hasling notes, "There are some really strong personalities that will be on this board." Expect Long to stand up for district employees. She's just wrapping up an 18-year career with the district that was highlighted…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Punctual pies

letters@csindy.com (Monika Mitchell Randall) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Aside from pleasing the kids, Pizza Time ultimately succeeds in satisfying grown-up eaters too. by Monika Mitchell Randall After six years of owning a full-service pizza restaurant as well as another business in Huntington Beach, Calif., Roger and Imelda Chugh craved a change. The expense and crowds of Southern California weren't exactly what they had planned for raising their four children. So, five years ago, they sold both businesses and moved to Colorado Springs, aiming for open space and a quieter climate. But leaving Cali behind didn't mean leaving their passion for food. A year and a half…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Opening this week

letters@csindy.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

The Blind Side, An Education, Planet 51, The Twilight Saga: New Moon The Blind Side (PG-13) See the full review on here Carmike 10, Chapel Hills 15, Cinemark 16, Hollywood Interquest, Tinseltown *An Education (PG-13) See the full review on here Kimball's Peak Three Planet 51 (PG) In this animated adventure, the residents of a far-off planet live in dread of aliens invading their homeland, when an astronaut shows up confirming their fears. Carmike 10, Chapel Hills 15, Cinemark 16, Hollywood Interquest, Tinseltown The Twilight Saga: New Moon (PG-13) In this second…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

ES&S trying to monopolize America's voting system

letters@csindy.com (Jim Hightower) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

During the past decade, state and local election authorities have ever-so-quietly allowed a little intrusion to come between the casting and the counting of our votes. The intrusion is called "privatization." by Jim Hightower When you cast a vote, should it be counted just as you cast it? Well, of course, you shout! After all, voting is sacrosanct. Why wouldn't every single one of our votes count just as each voter intended? They should. But during the past decade, state and local election authorities have ever-so-quietly allowed a little intrusion to come between the casting and the counting of our votes. The intrusion is called "privatization." Balloting, which has historically and properly been a…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Winter film in 3-D

letters@csindy.com (Jill Thomas) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

As winter settles in, it's time to prepare for the avalanche of film that will hit screens before 2010. by Jill Thomas [image-1] As winter settles in, it's time to prepare for the avalanche of film that will hit screens before 2010. Now, you may remember those chunks of life you lost to The Pink Panther 2, or the mid-recession, what-were-they-thinking release Confessions of a Shopaholic. How do you know where to spend your time in the next six weeks, so you won't be wishing for a do-over later? Well, we hope this collection of stories will help you shovel through the…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Side dish

letters@csindy.com (Matthew Schniper) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Five stars for the Penrose Room, biodiesel donations for Designated Driver, free meal for military and veterans and more. by Matthew Schniper The big five How's this for marketing: "Penrose Room is the only Five-Star and Five-Diamond restaurant in Colorado." Last week, The Broadmoor's pinnacle dining spot (broadmoor.com/penrose-room.php) became one of two Five-Star restaurants added to the 2010 Forbes Travel Guide (formerly Mobil Travel Guide), earning it the right to the above banner. The announcement came with a record 50th Five-Star nod from Mobil for the hotel, and a first-time fifth star for The Spa at Broadmoor. Beautiful spread The King Soopers-anchored…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

The Lon and the short of it

letters@csindy.com (Jill Thomas) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

As local movie director Pete Schuermann talks about his work, he admits he has a pet peeve: People can't believe he makes films in Colorado Springs.

by Jill Thomas As local movie director Pete Schuermann talks about his work — films ranging from Haze, a documentary about alcohol and college hazing, to Evil Brain from Planet X, a sci-fi short spoofing old B-movies — he admits he has a pet peeve. "When people around town ask me what I do and I tell them I'm a filmmaker, they say, 'You do that here?'" explains Schuermann. "I'm tired of hearing that." So he's been meeting with others, who are passionate…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Sweet and sour

letters@csindy.com (Edie Adelstein) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

The mysteries of sugar grow exponentially in scale and complexity in terms of its role in history and biology, from the slave trade to genetic modification on farms. by Edie Adelstein They hang like shaggy amber ghosts or fossils of ancient fish. But these relics are actually life-size sculptures of sugar beets as they appear in the soil, with roots tentacling down nearly seven feet. Made from animal collagen and artificial sinew, then painted with a synthetic polyester, the 11 sugar beets were created by Montana artist Tracy Linder and appear as part of the I.D.E.A. Space at Colorado College's new show, Sugar, Sugar. Linder grew up near Billings, Mont., on…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Gather your nuts

letters@csindy.com (Jonathan Kiefer) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0700

I am here to advise you to see this fall movie season as a period of rest, recuperation and gradual replenishment. by Jonathan Kiefer We all like to say that the end of the year is the time for a better, more thoughtful breed of movie — you know, the fancy-pants pictures, whose solemn duty is to clear the last stink of summer blockbuster from the air and replace it with the fine incense of awards-buzz respectability. If the synaptic destruction incurred from toxic exposure to Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen cannot be reversed, our intuition tells us, perhaps it can somehow be mitigated…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]