Best Liquid Asset 2001 | David Jamiel | Best of Denver® | Best Restaurants, Bars, Clubs, Music and Stores in Denver | Westword
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Best Liquid Asset

David Jamiel

No one can accuse ranger David Jamiel of not making the most of his assignment at Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge -- a 73-acre Arvada "sub-unit" of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Jamiel has attracted almost seventy volunteers and 6,000 visits to the prairie paradise, an accomplishment that recently earned him top billing as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Refuge Employee of the Year -- besting 7,500 employees at more than 530 refuges nationwide. On his tours, Jamiel likes to point out the 100 species of birds, wildlife such as deer, fox and coyotes, as well as assorted creatures that dwell in the three ponds at Two Ponds. And since this offshoot is miles from the arsenal proper, chances are good that visitors won't be stumbling over any unexploded sarin bombs.

Best Use of a Mile-High White Elephant

'N Sync concert at Mile High Stadium

You thought the crowd made noise for the Broncos and Patriots? Let's hear it for the boys! 'N Sync returns for its second concert in little more than a year at the doomed arena -- giving Mile High Stadium reason to stand a little longer and providing Mayor Wellington Webb with a handy excuse for not complying with neighborhood wishes that it go away... now! The Orlando-based pop group (sorry, Mickey Mouse isn't joining the boys, but things could get Goofy) will croon their hits on July 13. Maybe they could borrow a tune from the Talking Heads and belt out "Burning Down the House."

Best Use of a Mile-High White Elephant

'N Sync concert at Mile High Stadium

You thought the crowd made noise for the Broncos and Patriots? Let's hear it for the boys! 'N Sync returns for its second concert in little more than a year at the doomed arena -- giving Mile High Stadium reason to stand a little longer and providing Mayor Wellington Webb with a handy excuse for not complying with neighborhood wishes that it go away... now! The Orlando-based pop group (sorry, Mickey Mouse isn't joining the boys, but things could get Goofy) will croon their hits on July 13. Maybe they could borrow a tune from the Talking Heads and belt out "Burning Down the House."

Best Nugget

Antonio McDyess

The long-beleaguered Nuggets' shaky playoff hopes may have faded on the road in February, but Antonio McDyess, the team's indispensable power forward, continues to be one of the NBA's finest players -- as evidenced by his selection to the 2001 All-Star team. The 6'9", sixth-year man out of Alabama remains in the top five or six, league-wide, in field-goal percentage (over .500), and his defense is impeccable. If Dan Issel's road-battered troops are ever to return to the NBA playoffs, it will be McDyess and guard Nick Van Exel who get them there.

Best Nugget

Antonio McDyess

The long-beleaguered Nuggets' shaky playoff hopes may have faded on the road in February, but Antonio McDyess, the team's indispensable power forward, continues to be one of the NBA's finest players -- as evidenced by his selection to the 2001 All-Star team. The 6'9", sixth-year man out of Alabama remains in the top five or six, league-wide, in field-goal percentage (over .500), and his defense is impeccable. If Dan Issel's road-battered troops are ever to return to the NBA playoffs, it will be McDyess and guard Nick Van Exel who get them there.

Best Yurts

Colorado State Parks

More than a tent, less than a cabin: That's the yurt, the newest camping option offered in selected state parks. The semi-permanent shelters consist of a wooden-lattice wall and rafters surrounded by weatherproof canvas and topped with a clear domed skylight. Construction costs are less than a quarter of those for a traditional cabin of the same size. The yurts in Ridgway, Pearl Lake and Mancos parks are equipped with electricity, gas fireplaces, ceiling fans, full insulation and screened windows, making them perfect for visits year-round. (Golden Gate Canyon state park is adding two yurts as part of its ongoing upgrade, to be completed this summer.) Each yurt sleeps six; bring your own bedding, but otherwise expect a camping experience, with cooking outdoors and no running water. Rental fees range from $40 to $60, based on occupancy; maximum stay is fourteen days. Reservations, which must be made at least three days in advance, are accepted, but yurts are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Best Yurts

Colorado State Parks

More than a tent, less than a cabin: That's the yurt, the newest camping option offered in selected state parks. The semi-permanent shelters consist of a wooden-lattice wall and rafters surrounded by weatherproof canvas and topped with a clear domed skylight. Construction costs are less than a quarter of those for a traditional cabin of the same size. The yurts in Ridgway, Pearl Lake and Mancos parks are equipped with electricity, gas fireplaces, ceiling fans, full insulation and screened windows, making them perfect for visits year-round. (Golden Gate Canyon state park is adding two yurts as part of its ongoing upgrade, to be completed this summer.) Each yurt sleeps six; bring your own bedding, but otherwise expect a camping experience, with cooking outdoors and no running water. Rental fees range from $40 to $60, based on occupancy; maximum stay is fourteen days. Reservations, which must be made at least three days in advance, are accepted, but yurts are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Best View of the Ballpark Neighborhood

Thorndyke's

Taking up residence in the historic Burlington Hotel last year, Thorndyke's bills itself as the "Ballpark Neighborhood's Living Room" -- and this is truly a room with a view. At any given time during any given day (except Sundays), you can catch up with the locals here over a beer, sandwich or cup of coffee. But even more enjoyable than the local gossip is watching the image of downtown's skyline change as the sunset fades into night (love that blue Qwest glow!) through the giant picture windows of the old Burlington.

Best View of the Ballpark Neighborhood

Thorndyke's

Taking up residence in the historic Burlington Hotel last year, Thorndyke's bills itself as the "Ballpark Neighborhood's Living Room" -- and this is truly a room with a view. At any given time during any given day (except Sundays), you can catch up with the locals here over a beer, sandwich or cup of coffee. But even more enjoyable than the local gossip is watching the image of downtown's skyline change as the sunset fades into night (love that blue Qwest glow!) through the giant picture windows of the old Burlington.

Best Jazzercise Instructor

Brooke Sirhal

Need to lose a few pounds or gain some energy? Peppy and upbeat, Brooke Sirhal has several years of experience as a Jazzercise instructor, and she keeps things moving. The friendly ladies who work at the door welcome new students and make sure they don't get lost during the sometimes-complicated exercise routines. The first session is complimentary, so there's no excuse not to go jump around!

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