What to do in Denver: SPEND THE NIGHT DOWNTOWN AND RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A REMARKABLE FIREWORKS DISPLAY

SPEND THE NIGHT DOWNTOWN AND RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A REMARKABLE FIREWORKS DISPLAY

 NYE Fireworks Post Grid

As 2014 approaches, Downtown becomes alive with activity. Posh fetes, face painting, and live DJs will be present on the 16th Street Mall in Downtown Denver and all eyes will be fixed on the Eve’s main attraction as the city’s best fireworks shows light up the night sky.

December 31

9:00 p.m. & Midnight

All along 16th Street Mall

The 12th Annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks Downtown are presented by the Downtown Denver Partnership. Co-sponsors are VISIT DENVER and the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District.

Each show features two simultaneous roof top displays which run approximately eight minutes and can be viewed anywhere along the 16th Street Mall. There will also be a number of DJs along the Mall spinning tunes from 8:00 p.m. through the midnight fireworks show.

The 9:00 p.m. show is perfect for families who want to celebrate a little earlier and still make it home for the midnight countdown. The midnight show caters to the night owls who are enjoying the many New Year’s celebrations at Downtown restaurants and nightlife establishments. With an even bigger and brighter show this year, including a grand finale with over 125 “thunderous salutes,” you don’t want to miss this city-wide celebration.

The New Year’s Eve Fireworks attract approximately 100,000 spectators to the 16th Street Mall all who enjoy the various offerings that the center city has to offer. During the New Year festivities, people are encouraged to stay in Downtown Denver for the holidays and wind down at one of the many hotels conveniently located in the city center.

Downtown Denver has a wide array of unique accommodation options that serve not just the business traveler but also allow people to extend their stay and enhance their experience in Downtown. Options abound for both work and play, ranging from national operators to amazing boutique hotels. Whether you are celebrating a special event or planning a “staycation,” Downtown Denver has you covered.

– See more at: http://www.downtowndenver.com/downtown-news/spend-the-night-downtown-and-ring-in-the-new-year-with-a-remarkable-fireworks-display/#sthash.Qy02GVJ8.dpuf
http://www.downtowndenver.com/downtown-news/spend-the-night-downtown-and-ring-in-the-new-year-with-a-remarkable-fireworks-display/

What to do in Denver: Kick off New Year’s Eve 2013 with Denver’s Resolution 5K run

 
Kick off New Year’s Eve 2013 with Denver’s Resolution 5K run and walk. Resolution 5k begins promptly at 5 p.m. Please allow time for registration and packet pick-up. The 5K run and walk registration is between 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the lunchroom at South High School. The 2013 Resolution 5k start line is a five-minute walk from South High School to Washington Park. Parking is available at South High School (Louisiana Avenue & South Franklin Street). 

All Resolution 5k run and walk participants will receive a long sleeve t-shirt, admission to the race party with delicious food from Pasta Jay’s – Lone Tree and an opportunity to win post-event prize drawings. The 2013 Resolution 5k after-race party will be hosted at South High School immediately following the race with sponsor give-aways including massages! 

Due to the time of year, the course could have some changing conditions, so please plan accordingly. Please, no dogs, ferrets or ponies. Strollers are allowed. Bring friends and family and make this New Year’s Eve event the start of a tradition. 
http://www.resolution5k.com/

Mazda5 Second Row and Third Row Seats

	Mazda5 Second Row and Third Row Seats	From:Mazda USA Views:0 0ratings
	Time:01:31	More inAutos & Vehicles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYml4BbrUlM&feature=youtube_gdata

MAZDA NAMED THE MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT AUTO MANUFACTURER IN U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REPORT

MAZDA NAMED THE MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT AUTO MANUFACTURER IN U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REPORT

Dec 16, 2013

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noted in their most recent Light Duty Fuel Economy Trends report that Mazda Motor Corporation is the most fuel-efficient auto manufacturer in the U.S.  With the highest fleet-wide adjusted fuel economy performance of 27.1 miles per gallon (MPG), and the lowest CO2 emissions of 328, Mazda led the chart for model year (MY) 2012. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131205/MM28870LOGO)

While still retaining the fun-to-drive characteristics for which Mazda is known, the company had the second largest increase (2.1 MPG) in the report over their MY 2011 MPG (25.0). Mazda has achieved the highest fuel efficiency of any other mainstream automotive manufacturer in the industry, without offering a hybrid or electric vehicle.   Mazda’s unique SKYACTIV®[1] TECHNOLOGY has made this level of efficiency possible.  SKYACTIV is a suite of component and engineering technologies that incorporate ultra-high compression ratio gasoline engines, super-efficient manual and automatic transmissions, lightweight chassis and body components, reduced rolling resistance and low-drag body styling.

“Mazda has long had a history of doing things differently, and SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY is no exception,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. “While other manufacturers have turned their attention to hybrids and electric cars, we chose to focus on perfecting the base technology used in more than 90 percent of the cars and SUVs sold today: the internal combustion engine. Through analyzing and refining this technology, as well as every other component in a modern automobile, Mazda has been able to achieve class-leading fuel economy in nearly every segment it competes in, and bring that technology – at an affordable price – to every customer.”

Mazda’s SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY brought the company to the forefront of fuel efficiency through such vehicles as the all-new 2014 Mazda3, the 2014 Mazda6, and the 2014 CX-5. Mazda3 reaches near best-in-class fuel economy with 41 highway MPG when equipped with the i-ELOOP energy regeneration system. Mazda6 equipped with i-ELOOP achieves class- leading fuel economy with 40 highway MPG. At 35 MPG, CX-5 still retains the title of the highest highway MPG of any SUV in North America, including hybrids.

Please see the chart below for more information regarding the EPA test results:
http://stage2.mediaroom.com/mazdausa/2013-12-16-MAZDA-NAMED-THE-MOST-FUEL-EFFICIENT-AUTO-MANUFACTURER-IN-U-S-ENVIRONMENTAL-PROTECTION-AGENCY-REPORT

What to do in Denver: WELCOME TO The Ugly Sweater Run™DENVER, COLORADO!

 WELCOME TO The Ugly Sweater Run™DENVER, COLORADO!

This is the OG.  The Original.  The Ugly Sweater Run™ is coming back this winter season 2013. You’ve been posting requests all over our website and we’ve heard you!

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Rummage up the Ugliest Sweaters you can find and celebrate the Holidays by participating in the best 5k of the year.  Join thousands of runners and walkers from around the nation at a local Ugly Sweater Run near you. If you’ve never run a 5k before, this is a great way to burn some calories before receiving hot chocolate and a choice of Sam Adam’s Winter Lager, Boston Lager, or Angry Orchard Hard Cider.  All you have to do is register online to join in the fun. All kids 8 and under are FREE. If they would like a hat and mustache, you can purchase a kids ticket during checkout for $10.

The run is approximately 3.1 miles long on city streets and through parks depending on the city. The start line will have huge inflatables, photo stations, and awesome holiday music. Once you’re on the course, you’ll find holiday themed stations at every mile. You can ditch that Gatorade because you’ll be able to replenish those electrolytes at the good ol’ fashioned hot chocolate station on the course.

After you’ve completed your run, join us at the post run festivities.  This holiday 5k has everything your five-year old self would want with a few perks of adulthood. So after the race, take a much-deserved break from the shopping frenzy and celebrate your run with two Sam Adams beer choices and other holiday goodies. Awards for best real mustache, best fake mustache, best beard, worst sweater, best sweater will follow the race.
http://theuglysweaterrun.com/locations/denver-colorado/#.Uqie7fRDt8E

What to do in Denver: EVERYONE’S Race – The Trophy Series

Trophy Series

Date:Sat, Dec 21, 2013Location: Washington Park 
EVERYONE’S Race – The Trophy Series

Everyone – slow, fast, or in-between –  can win  at RMRR Trophy Series races.  With our handicap scoring system, we identify YOUR finish time based on recent running results, giving you a great goal to shoot for whatever your speed.  Just show up 1/2 hour before the start.  If you’re not a member, pay us the $10 race day fee and we’ll get you ready for your race.  It’s an easy and inexpensive way to race with some great people.

The Trophy Series is RMRR’s monthly race series featuring a handicap scoring and starting system.  Participants are given different starting times based on ability. In theory, everyone finishes at the same time. Racers of all abilities have an equal chance of winning.  Each race in the series is in a different location in the Denver Metro area, and the distances vary from 2 to 10 miles.

2014 Calendar

2012 TS results!

How to Win the Trophy Series in 10 Easy Steps

The Trophy Series is open to all runners and race-walkers.  The races are free for members, and non-members pay $10 (race-day registration only).  Just come to the race at least 30 minutes early to register–it’s easy.  Or make it even easier…join RMRR today on Active.com!

The Race

At each race, slower runners and race-walkers start first.  Increasingly faster racers are sent off at specific intervals over time.  At the longer races (10 miles), the last runner may start as long as 60 minutes after the first ones!

In theory, everyone should finish at the same time. This makes the finishes fun and exciting as the early starters try to hold on while the later starters try to pass.  After each race, ribbons and great fanfare are given to the top 15 finishing runners, top 3 race-walkers, and the fastest female and male runners.

Handicap System

Each racer is assigned a handicap (HCP) based on performance at previous Trophy Series races. That HCP is used to determine your start and predicted finish times at the various distances of our races.

Click here to view the Trophy Series Handicap Pace Charts (Excel file).

If you beat your predicted time, your HCP will go down. If you go slower than your predict, your HCP goes up.

Keeping Score – the Series

Members earn points in various categories at each race:

Trophy Series Runners (using the HCP formula)

Trophy Series Race-Walkers

Scratch (no handicap calculations) Male and Female Runners

The first place racer in each category earns 100 points. The following racers earn lesser points based on their finish, depending on the number of finishers, down to 20 points for the last finisher. Only members are included in the scored results.

You accumulate points at each race throughout the year towards the series titles (runners, walkers, scratch). The series titles are based on your best 10 of 12 races. So, we drop your scores from your worst 2 races, which may include races you miss. After the end of the year, trophies are awarded to the high scorers in each of the above categories — typically the top 20 for the Trophy Series runners, top 3 for race-walkers, and top 5 for each of the scratch categories.

In addition, there is the Ric Robinette Resolute Runner award which goes to the person with the most Trophy Series points accumulated over the previous 4 years.  Ric had his name added to the award because he’s been one of the club’s most active members for many years, and he’s one of the finalists each year!

New Runners

If you haven’t run a Trophy Series race before, just show up on race day. You don’t need to pre-register; just arrive 30-40 minutes early to sign up.  The race fee for non-members is $10.

At your first race, we will assign you a start time based on your recent race pace. Our race starter reads off start times, and when your time comes up, off you go.  Don’t worry if you are faster or slower than your estimate–all first time racers earn the same amount of Trophy Series points in their first race, so you can enjoy experiencing that first race without worrying about scores.

Trophy Series – Lots of Benefits

It’s free for members and only $10 for guests!

You don’t have to be an elite runner to win a race.

Track your improvement over time using the HCP Race in a fun and friendly environment.

Meet new friends who like to run like you!
http://rmrr.org/racing-trophy-series/trophy-series/

ALL-NEW 2014 MAZDA3 NAMED ‘BEST COMPACT CAR’ BY YAHOO! AUTOS

– Redesigned Compact Car One of 16 Top Models Selected for Car of the Year Competition –

ALL-NEW 2014 MAZDA3 NAMED ‘BEST COMPACT CAR’ BY YAHOO! AUTOS

– Redesigned Compact Car One of 16 Top Models Selected for Car of the Year Competition –

Nov 26, 2013

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The completely redesigned 2014 Mazda3 has been named the “Best Compact Car” for 2014, according to Yahoo! Autos.  From art pad to assembly line, this third-generation Mazda3 is all new and features the full suite of SKYACTIV®1 technologies and fluid styling of the KODO “Soul of Motion” design language.  This 2014 model also receives all-new game-changing technology with the full suite of active-safety pre-crash detection systems of i-ACTIVSENSE, which includes class exclusives Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Smart City Brake Support, the next-generation in-vehicle connectivity of MAZDA CONNECT™, which features an innovative Active Driving Display, and the capacitor-based regenerative engine braking i-ELOOP system.

“Our best-selling vehicle worldwide continues to win over the critics, impressing not only with its expected dynamics and performance but also with its top notch fuel economy, all-new technologies and excellent value,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations.  “The Mazda3 has always been competitive within its segment and will continue to bring its best to the table with the all-new 2014 model.”

The Yahoo! Autos’ testing methodology rates vehicles based on interior design, exterior styling, power delivery, ride, handling, fuel efficiency and value.  Editors also kept in mind how readers might approach these vehicles if their hard-earned money were at stake.  In its second year, this is the first time category winners have been announced.

“Even during Silicon Valley rush hour, the five-door Mazda3 continuously made us smile,” said Yahoo! Autos.  “It’s plenty peppy, handles brilliantly for a front-wheel drive hatchback and sports an engaging, well-executed manual transmission.  Boasting 33 [combined] mpg, and a price tag starting around $17,000, there really is a Mazda3 for everyone.”

Starting at $16,9452 MSRP for four-door models and $18,945 MSRP for the five-door, the 2014 Mazda3 is available with two engine choices and two transmissions.  The SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, and can be paired with either the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic.  Offering one of the best fuel economy numbers in its class, four-door models achieve an EPA-estimated 41 highway mpg while five-doors are rated at 40 highway mpg, regardless of transmission choice.

The larger SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine boasts 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm and currently is only available with the automatic transmission.  However, the six-speed manual has been confirmed to be added as a transmission selection at a later date.   Four-door models equipped with the 2.5L are EPA-estimated at 39 highway mpg while five-doors are EPA-rated at up to 38 highway mpg (with i-ELOOP). 

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers.  Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.  For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at http://www.mazdausamedia.com. 

1 SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).

2  Starting price is manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

For further information: Beverly Braga, Mazda North American Operations, (949) 727-6751; Eric Booth, Mazda North American Operations, (949) 727-6144
http://stage2.mediaroom.com/mazdausa/2013-11-26-ALL-NEW-2014-MAZDA3-NAMED-BEST-COMPACT-CAR-BY-YAHOO-AUTOS

The Ice is Officially Frozen, Southwest Rink at Skyline Park Opens Early

For a fourth consecutive year, Southwest Airlines is excited to launch the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park, offering outdoor ice skating in the heart of the Mile High City.  The Downtown Denver Partnership and Southwest Airlines are excited to announce that the Southwest Rink is officially opening early!  That’s right!  Historically, the Southwest Rink has opened the day following the Thanksgiving Holiday.  But to bring some extra cheer to families visiting the Downtown Denver area on the holiday, the Rink will be open to the public starting today, and will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Rink is located in Skyline Park next to the historic Daniels and Fisher Clocktower and near the intersection of 16th and Arapahoe streets. Skating will once again be FREE to the public with the option to bring skates or rent a pair for just $2.

To test that the ice was officially frozen and ready for the public, Southwest Airlines and the Downtown Denver Partnership invited the Denver Figure Skating Club and local Southwest Airlines Employees out for a skate. Event attendees included Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, Denver City Councilman Albus Brooks, and the Partnership’s President and CEO Tami Door.

To kick off the holiday giving season, Southwest Airlines also announced their partnership with Volunteers of America (VOA).  Rink-goers can join in the giving by dropping off a pair of gloves, mittens, or socks benefiting VOA throughout the rink season in exchange for a FREE skate rental. Volunteers of America will also be the beneficiary of 50% of the revenue generated from the broomball leagues throughout the Rink season and the remaining 50% will benefit the Parade of Lights.

“The Southwest Rink at Skyline Park is quickly becoming a Denver tradition and a favorite event of mine to kick off the holiday season,” said Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock.  “The Denver spirit is showcased in the collaboration among Southwest Airlines, the Downtown Denver Partnership and the City of Denver Parks and Recreation Department that provides such a fun, inexpensive winter activity for friends and families alike in Downtown Denver.”

“We had more than 44,000 Denver residents and visitors lace up their skates last year at the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park, so we’re thrilled to begin the countdown to the official grand opening on Friday,” said Downtown Denver Partnership’s Tami Door. “The Rink brings low-cost entertainment and Southwest’s signature spirit to the heart of the Mile High City, while also helping activate our core Downtown area. Ice skating is truly fun for all ages, so we encourage everyone to come out to Skyline Park this winter.”

“Southwest Airlines is committed to winning the hearts and minds of Denver residents,” said Danielle Reidder, Southwest Airlines Denver Station Leader.  “We couldn’t be more proud to team up with the Downtown Denver Partnership for another year of winter fun and events.  We’re thrilled that the Rink continues to be a part of the Mile High City’s unique spirit that we all know and love.”

The Southwest Rink at Skyline Park will be open seven days a week from Tuesday, Nov. 26, through Feb. 16, 2014.  Visitors can participate in “Learn to Skate” sessions for kids and adults on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Southwest will sponsor free skate rentals now through Friday, November 29, as well as on Christmas Day (Dec. 25), New Year’s Day (Jan. 1), Southwest’s eighth anniversary of Denver service (Jan. 6), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Jan. 20) and Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14). The Rink also will host broomball challenge games beginning in January. For more information, click here.

In the first three years, the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park almost 120,000 skaters. Last year, the Rink saw eight marriage proposals, 32 broomball teams, 16 occasions of live music, and more than 7,100 fun giveaways for different events. The Rink is made possible by a public-private partnership among the Downtown Denver Partnership, the City of Denver Parks and Recreation Department, and Southwest Airlines.

Southwest Airlines began service to Denver on Jan. 3, 2006, with 13 daily nonstop departures to three destinations.  The airline currently operates 165 daily nonstop flights to 56 destinations from Denver.  Southwest is also actively engaged in the community through sponsorships of the Downtown Denver Partnership, the Denver Nuggets, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Denver’s Road Home, Volunteers of America, and many more local organizations.  To learn more about Southwest’s dedication to Denver, visit: http://www.southwest.com/denver.

– See more at: http://www.downtowndenver.com/downtown-news/the-ice-is-officially-frozen-southwest-rink-at-skyline-park-opens-early/#sthash.pHeJdkl2.dpuf
http://www.downtowndenver.com/downtown-news/the-ice-is-officially-frozen-southwest-rink-at-skyline-park-opens-early/

Real-life Fox and Hound Are Best Friends

Real-life Fox and Hound Are Best Friends
When Torgeir Berge’s dog, Tinni, struck up a friendship with a fox in a Norwegian forest, he saw an opportunity to educate people about the realities of the fur industry.

Berge photographed the unlikely furry friends as they wrestled and played, and with the help of his friend Berit Helberg, he’s putting together a book about Tinni the dog and Sniffer the fox.

“Sniffer and Tinni want our help to spread their message about fur and friendship, and the knowledge that the fox is only a dog of the forest with the same reactions and movements as the dogs we look at as man’s best friend,” Helberg writes on her website.

The untitled book, which will be released next year, chronicles the adorable duo and aims to show readers “how similar foxes and dogs actually are.” A portion of the book’s sales will be donated to an organization that works to protect foxes and other animals that are killed for their fur.
http://www.mazdaoflakewood.com
http://shine.yahoo.com/pets/real-life-fox-hound-best-friends-135800936.html

‘Better Call Saul’ Goes To Court: Updates On ‘Breaking Bad’ Spinoff

The details of “Better Call Saul,” the “Breaking Bad” spinoff that may either be a prequel or a sequel to the show, have been sketchy.

But in a recent interview with Yahoo TV, writer/ producer Peter Gould hinted that Saul the lawyer will spend some time inside a courtroom. Gould noted that Saul (Bob Odenkirk) has a clownish look and said, “I’ve been hanging around in courtrooms lately, and it’s not as broad as I thought originally. He dresses in a ridiculous way, he’s got billboards, he’s got ridiculous ads, but he is a shrewd customer.”

When asked if he was hanging around there as research for the spinoff, Gould said, “Yeah, there’s a little bit of that. A little bit of research.”

http://www.mazdaoflakewood.com

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/30/better-call-saul-court_n_4363836.html