Coyote Ugly Reality Drama Filmed in Denver

Thanks to a “news” tip from a new DCN reader, DCN has learned that Denver serves as the backdrop to the Country Music Channel’s hit reality show, “The Ultimate Coyote Ugly Search 3 in Denver.” The show, which was filmed in Denver in December and January, features 10 singing, dancing and emotional women vying for $50,000 and the last spot on the six-member traveling Coyote Ugly troupe.

After receiving the news tip, DCN set her DVR to tape the last several episodes. A Coyote crash course of sorts.

After a painful two viewing hours and some research on the show’s website, here’s what DCN was able to glean:

It’s really fun to see Denver serve as the backdrop to the show. The capital, downtown hot spots, and the Cherry Creek Dance studio were a few of the places DCN could make out. You also see Christmas lights and snow – a giveaway that the show was filmed in the dead of winter.

The show is pretty hysterical to watch. It reminds DCN much of ABC’s The Bachelor. But instead of doting over an egotistical male, the ladies work hard putting together cheesy and semi-sluty dance skits to impress Coyote Ugly owner and founder, “Lil” Lovell. And Lil isn’t shy about giving her opinion - plus, DCN thinks she has way too much time on her hands, as she scrutinizes all the competitions to a tee. (Pictured: Kelly Bentley, a Ugly contestant whose picture epitomizes the shows sex appeal).

The winner of this season’s Coyote Ugly competition will join the five other veteran Uglys, which includes a Denver native named Kalei. Way to represent, Denver!

The show premiered on March 7 and new episodes air on Friday nights. However, the episodes are re-run several times throughout the week, so you can easily catch up, as DCN did this weekend.

And finally, here’s some fun local trivia: DCN has learned that the personal trainer featured on the show is Denver’s own Keith Bailey (pictured left), who runs a personal training studio in Denver called RFA Studios (http://www.rfadenver.com/). Self-called “Official Ass Kicker,” Keith has had a few cameos in the episodes DCN drudged through, including making the primp ladies do push-ups in the snow. Now that’s entertainment – thanks Keith!

Thanks for the tip, ES!

David Beckham Visits the Mile High City

International superstar, David Beckham, is in Denver tonight for the FIRST time ever as the Colorado Rapids host the Los Angeles Galaxy in its season opener. The handsome Brit’s injuries kept him from playing in Colorado last season.

As I write this, many “fans” are at tonight’s game – some rooting for the hometown Rapids and others looking to catch a glimpse of some Beck eye-candy.

Here is some posh video from the 9News website of Beckham’s arrival at DIA last night - enjoy!
http://www.9news.com/video/player.aspx?aid=50566&sid=88921&bw=hi&cat=295

Tulo Sports Cover of SI

Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki graces the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated. Tulo has become a local fan favorite and one of DCN's husband's favorite Rockies players. DCN, however, doesn't know a Tulo from a Tupac.

As many Coloradoans know, Tulo is one of the reasons Colorado made it to the World Series last season. SI calls this runner-up Rookie-of-the-Year the next Cal Ripken, which is about the highest praise any young shortstop can receive.

Between Matt Holliday becoming a Nike spokesperson and Tulo making it big on the cover of SI, it looks like the Rockies are finally getting some big league respect.

"Game On" indeed!

Ed. Note: Thanks to DCN's sports fanatic hubby for help with the article.

Photo by Peter Gregoire

Girls Gone Skiing

The Aspen Daily News is reporting that Playboy gazillionaire, Hugh Hefner, and his three girlfriends, Holly, Bridget and Kendra (pictured), are in Aspen this week, reportedly filming an episode of E!'s totally blond "Girls Next Door" reality program.

Over-the-hill-yet-still-getting-some-Hef is visiting his ex-lover, Barbi Benton, and her ex-con husband (he served 15 months in prison last year for "fudging documents in an attempt to mislead the IRS").

Hef and his gaggle of girls, old flame and her ex-con lover will likely be having a grand ol' time enjoying the Spring slopes in Aspen. Ah, how wonderful to be rich and/or blond ...

Loveland Native Looking for Love

Noelle Drake, a Loveland resident, waits patiently every week for a rose from Brit bachelor, Matt Grant, a business development manager, during her run on ABC's dreaded The Bachelor: London Calling (yes, that is the actual title given to season 12 - I know, it's getting bad...).

Why this guy is worth vying for is beyond DCN's comprehension. But it does appear that Drake has acting aspirations and is probably using The Bachelor as a platform to become a reality star has-been. Strangely enough, her profile on The Bachelor website says that she is a photographer, not an actress.

A little about Drake: She's 26, went to Loveland High School, is a model, and has appeared on Fox's House and the movie, Red Eye. She was born in Billings, Montana, but calls Loveland home.

Drake was one of 10 bachelorettes to get a rose on last Monday's episode. Her memorable moment on the show came when she told the Brit Bachelor to talk more because she’s a sucker for an accent. How lovely.

Tune in on Monday to see if this Loveland lady gets another rose and gives DCN another chance to write another Loveland/Love pun.

Marshall Taken Down by McDonalds

Bronco's star wide receiver, Brandon Marshall, appears to have been taken down... by a fast food bag. This 6'4" 230lb chiseled athlete is recovering from arm surgery after falling into a television set in his Orlando home and cutting an artery, vein, nerve, two tendons and three muscles in his forearm. Whoa!

Marshall told reporters that his injury resulted from a freak accident when he was horsing around with his family. He said he slipped on a McDonald's bag when his arm broke through the family's TV screen. Ouch! Guess even the big guys can be taken down by their Big Macs.

Marshall is expected to recover in the next four months. No word on if he has given up fast food after this incident. The family is rumored to be in the market for a new TV set.

This incident ranks up there with other dumb Colorado sports injuries. As some of you will recall, Rockies utility man, Clint Barmes, fell and broke his collarbone while transporting venison given to him by Rockies' face of the franchise, Todd Helton, during a visit to the Helton ranch.

Thanks to CL, a DCN reader, for the story tip!

Kristi "Blessed" with Good Song Choice

Denver's Idol "Crush," Kristi Lee Cook, will likely survive for another week after her goose-bump raising performance of "God Bless the USA." Her performance last night has given DCN hope that she will stick around, at least until next week when the Idols pick their favorite country tune to croon.

Skeptical judge, Simon Cowell, even packed on the praise, "...that was the most clever song choice I have heard from you," he said in his snooty British accent.

Crush's quarterback, John Dutton, whose wife is Cook's sister, will likely be tuning in tonight - and hopefully will not see his sister-in-law stuck in the bottom three for the fourth week in a row.

Picture source: Phil McCarten, AP

Bachelorette Poses for Pics in Vail

Although Trista Sutter is still milking her 15 minutes of fame for the umpteenth time, DCN is still a big fan of the beautiful Bachelorette, who resides in Vail with her handsome hubby, Ryan, and cute baby boy, Max.

The couple posed for pictures near their Vail home during a recent photoshoot with OK! In the interview, Sutter confessed that she and Ryan are trying to have another baby.

She says, "We're definitely trying. I would really like a girl. But of course, I would be happy with a healthy baby."

Source: OK! March 31, 2008 issue / CelebrityBabyBlog

Hometown Hottie Celebrates No. 32

DCN wishes one of her favorite hometown actresses, Felicity Porter - err - Keri Russell, a happy (belated) 32nd birthday. Russell celebrated her birthday on Sunday, March 23.

Did Brit Really Shop at the Outlets in Castle Rock?

Rumor around town is that pop-nugget-turned-crazy was shopping at the outlet mall in Castle Rock. This is according to one of RMN's Penny Parker's "spies."

Guess this shows that the mega-millionaire singer can't resist a good bargain. And DCN can't resist a good gossip story either.

Ironically, Spears was spoofed on the Comedy Central cartoon hit, South Park, this week. In the episode, Spears is spotted camping in Colorado. You can see some very clever, yet quite mean, clips from the episode at http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/164642/.

Another interesting South Park tidbit - the creators of the series, Trey Parker and Matt Stone (pictured left), are Colorado natives and they were recently featured in the A.V. Club, which is a publication published by the Onion. You can read more about these comic behemoths at http://www.avclub.com/content/interview/trey_parker_matt_stone/1.

Ben, Matt and Leo Rumored Shindigs in Denver

DCN hates to report on unconfirmed rumors (never mind, who am I kidding here?) but DCN received a news tip from an anonymous source that Hollywood hotties Ben Affleck, Matt Damon (pictured left) and Leonardo DiCaprio have each rented out Denver restaurants in advance of the Democratic National Convention.

Obviously this has been an impossible rumor to confirm, but if anyone has additional information (ie, what restaurants and who are on the guest lists), please email DCN.

And if these rumors turn out to be true, remember you heard it here first!

BTW, for fun, DCN looked up these celebs recent campaign contributions. Affleck contributed $4,600 to Barack Obama in 2008. Damon's last contribution was in 2004 to losing candidate, Dennis Kucinich, and DiCaprio's last contribution was in 2004 to the "I can't believe this guy lost to Bush" presidential candidate, John Kerry. Affleck also financially supported the Kucinich and Wesley Clark (who?) campaigns in 2004.

'Da Coach is Moving On Up

DCN's gotta give her kudos to Rocky Mountain News gossip reporter, Penny Parker, who got the scoop on the Coach's new digs today.

Mike Shanahan reportedly sold his Cherry Hills mansion (pictured left) for a record $16 million. Apparently the home was appraised for a mere $6.5 million. DCN guesses the the new owner purchased the house for almost $10 million more than it's worth because of the Coach's cache.

The new home - which rumor has it will be 30,000 square feet - is in Cherry Hills as well and Parker says that the land was formerly owned by ex-football wife, Janet Elway. Apparently construction is already underway. Wonder where the Coach is living now...

Beloved Denver Businesswoman Passes Away

The Fishbein family issued the following statement today:

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, daughter and sister, Leslie Fishbein, this Wednesday, March 19th at 12:00 p.m. Leslie was a loving member of our community as well as our family. Her passing is a profound loss for all of us. We ask, once again, that we be allowed to grieve our loss privately."

Our deepest sympathies to the family.

Singing Stars Flock to Colorado in July

The inaugural Mile High Music Festival has officially announced is oh-so-fabulous singing line-up, including DCN favorites, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and the Dave Matthews Band (who DCN saw in concert in 1998).

This two-day music festival will take place on July 19th and 20th at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City (pictured left) and will cost a steep $150 per person for a two-day pass. Tix go on sale on March 20 (for KBCO Interactive members) and March 29 (for the rest of us).

Other rock and pop veterans scheduled to perform include The Black Crowes, John Mayer, and Steve Winwood. There will also be several up-and-coming acts that most of us haven't heard of including Florbots, Citizen Cope, Born in the Flood, and Colbie Caillat (OK, I've heard of Colbie - she's got a fabulous voice!).

By the way, DCN has also seen Dave Matthews in person in Chicago, walking along the Mag Mile in 2006. He is very tall and handsome - a can't miss. If you see him in town, email DCN immediately!

Dancing DelGrosso Takes a Curtsy from Season 6

DCN tuned into the Dancing with the Stars tonight, only to be disappointed that Frisco native and professional dancer, Ashly DelGrosso-Costa, wasn’t part of the cast. DCN has been a fan of DelGrosso’s since season one when she danced with NKOTB and former DCN pin-up, Joey McIntyre (the couple is pictured right). She has also danced with some unfortunate duds in seasons two and three, Master P and Harry Hamlin, respectively.

DCN has learned that DelGrosso gave birth to a baby boy on July 27, 2007, so she has been absent from the show in order to spend time with her baby.

The 5’3” dancing talent moved from Frisco to Utah when she was five. She currently resides in Massachusetts and is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints.

Elway Couldn’t “Get ‘Er Done”; Bid for Painting a Miss

The Great Falls Tribune, a newspaper covering north central Montana, reports today that Super Bowl great, John Elway, attended the C.M. Russell Art Auction in Montana on Saturday night.

Elway was the “losing bidder” of a large oil painting by Andy Thomas (pictured right) titled, "Charlie Russell and his Characters," according to the Tribune. This piece, which received the Jurors’ Best of Show award, depicted Russell displaying one of his paintings at a bar. It sold to a Montana Gallery for $180,000, the highest price ever paid at a C.M. Russell Art Auction for a piece by an artist other than Russell.

Elway is quoted in the Tribune as saying, "We were hoping to get it. We went as far as we could go. It got to the point where we couldn't get 'er done." (DCN can’t help but wonder who “we” refers to).

Thomas, whose western painting caught the eye of Denver’s beloved QB, was surprised to learn that Elway bid on his artwork. He said to the Tribune, “I think John Elway is the best quarterback ever.”

It sounds like this (now) wealthy Western artist even knows a thing or two about wealthy Western football players.

Source: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080316/NEWS01/803160303/1002

Picture source: http://www.andythomas.com/

‘Betcha Didn’t Know Colorado – Channel 2’s Parente Doubles as a Funny Guy

You know Chris Parente as the fun-spirited and energetic morning features reporter on Channel 2. But have you ever wondered where this larger-than-life reporter gets all his energy and chutzpah?

DCN, in an email interview with Parente, has discovered that Parente’s true passion is improvisation. He studied improv at the famed Second City in Chicago in 2000 under the legendary Second City director, Martin deMaat. deMaat taught the likes of Chris Farley, Tim Meadows, Sean Hayes and Tina Fey.

While Parente has performed with improv troupes in Indianapolis, Chicago, and Louisville, KY, he has yet to make his mark in Denver’s improv scene, much to DCN’s disappointment.

Admittedly, however, Parente says he is “missing it more and more.”

Let’s hope he’s missing it enough that we’ll be able to catch Parente at the Impulse or Bovine theatres in Denver one of these days!

Holliday Makes SPARQs

Rockies left-field hunky heartthrob, Matt Holliday, can been seen on TV today, and throughout the month of March, even before the 2008 MLB season starts. This is because Holliday was hand-picked by Nike to be one of the national spokespeople for its new Nike SPARQs "My Better"campaign.

This 2007 NLCS MVP and NL MVP runner-up is being paired for this high-profile Nike campaign alongside some of the biggest names in the sports industry today including Steve Nash, LaDainian Tomlinson, Kevin Durant, Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, and Diana Taurasi.

This "multi-media campaign" just launched in conjunction with the NCAA Conference Championship Week. The campaign blitz will run on major networks throughout March - and you can be sure the ads will run over and over and over again throughout "March Madness." (Ed. Note: Be sure to fill in your brackets starting Monday!)

In case you care, SPARQ stands for Speed, Power, Agility, Reaction and Quickness.

And if you'd like to see the ad, click on this link (Holliday is more prominently featured in the 30 second ad listed at the top) http://www.nikebiz.com/media/#&view=videos&video=My%20Better,%2030%20sec%20ad

Let the Matt Madness begin!

Denver has "Crush" on Idol Kristy Lee Cook

Finally, DCN is excited to report a local American Idol connection! Crush quarterback John Dutton's sister-in-law is Idol contestant Kristy Lee Cook (Dutton's wife is Cook's sister).

Cook (pictured right) made it though by the skin of her teeth last night, which surprised fans who were certain she would be the next to go after her annoying country rendition of Beatles' classic "Eight Days a Week."

Apparently, Dutton appeared on ESPN's The Hotlist yesterday to discuss Cook's performance - and probably talk a little Crush football as well.

While DCN is not a big fan of Cook, DCN's husband does think "she's easy on the eyes."

You can read the full press release post about the Dutton-Cook connection on the Crush website at http://www.coloradocrush.com/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=newsDetail&newsID=849&contentID=79&navID=82. Meanwhile, the Crush franchise will milk this publicity for everything it's worth - now go buy those Crush season tickets, ya'll!

Denver Prosecutor Suspended for Lenient Treatment towards Lead-Foot Martin

Nuggets' forward, Kenyon Martin (pictured left), is probably wishing his lead foot was a little lighter. Today, Martin is back in the headlines after a Denver city prosecutor was suspended for giving preferential treatment to the 6'9" basketball star, allowing him to keep his driver's license despite two speeding tickets issued in 2006. Martin was ticketed for going 101 mph in a 30 mph zone and for going 103 mph in a 55 mph zone.

Ironically, while Martin wasn't healthy enough to drive the lane* on the hardwood that year, he was more than capable to drive - and drive fast - on the asphalt. For those of you novice sports fan (DCN included), Martin had microfracture surgery on his right knee in 2006 and missed all but two games of the 2006-07 NBA season.

Another interesting twist is that the prosecutor, not Martin, was the one who was suspended. He'll go three days without pay. Perhaps Martin can chip in some of his $13,250,000 annual salary to float some of the prosecutor's bills.

DCN has also learned, thanks to Wikipedia, that Martin is the half-brother of the CU Buffs' star shooting guard Richard Roby.

*Drive the Lane is a basketball term. Ask my husband to explain it.

Picture source: Denver Post - NBAE via Getty Images / Jeff Reinking

DNC to Rock Red Rocks

9News Entertainment Reporter, Kirk Montgomery, has reported today that an environmental rock concert at Red Rocks will symbolize the "unofficial" kick-off of the Democratic National Convention in Colorado.

The concert, slated for Sunday, August 24th, will feature local and national performances and Montgomery reports that the DNC host committee is in "talks" with eco-guru (and Mizzou alumna) Sheryl Crow and country superstars, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

Most Coloradans will agree that Red Rocks (pictured below) will serve as the perfect backdrop for when the world's attention is focused on our state.

Denver Born Singer to Show True "Colors" on Broadway

Denver born Grammy-award winning R&B singer, India.Arie (pictured right), today announced that she will star in the Broadway revival of "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf." The play, which will be produced by the outspoken and sometimes bossy View co-host, Whoopi Goldberg, and DreamTeam Entertainment, is about seven women of color from the African Diaspora.

The show is slated to premier in early July.

India.Arie lived in Colorado until age 13, when she moved to Atlanta with her mom after a divorce divided the family.

DCN is also intrigued by the fact that India.Arie's music is featured in the the new Sex and the City movie trailer. The song, The Heart of the Matter, is a soulful reprisal of this Don Henley classic.

You can learn more about the talented singer (and see the trailer for the upcoming Sex and the City movie) on India.Arie's website at http://www.indiaarie.com/.

Former Colorado Resident Wants Nugs' Coach Fired

Former Cherry Creek High School graduate and self-proclaimed "lifelong Nuggets fan" wants Nuggets' head coach, George Karl, fired. In his contoversial blog, firegeorgekarl.com, frustrated fan, Andrew Feinstein, laments about the under-performing Nuggets given their talented roster and bloated payroll.

Feinstein has received lots of local and national attention from his satirical blog, having been featured on ESPN.com, The Wall Street Journal's Law Blog, the Rocky Mountain News, and Denver's radio news station, KOA.

Interestingly, Feinstein (pictured right) also co-writes a nationally syndicated comic strip, Girls & Sports, which runs in 200 college and mainstream papers across the U.S. Check it out online at http://www.girlsandsports.com/.

Local Businesswoman Remains in Critical Condition

Update: DCN has learned that Leslie Fishbein, the president of Kacey Fine Furniture, remains in critical condition almost a week after suffering an adverse reaction to an injection she received to relieve pain in her back. Local news reports and a source close to DCN have confirmed that Fishbein went into cardiac arrest after receiving the injection.

A family friend to Fishbein, Joyce Foster, wife of Congregation Emanuel's rabbi, Steven Foster, have visited Fishbein and told the Rocky Mountain News that she is "resting very peacefully." Foster also confirmed that there is "no chance" of recovery for the bright businesswoman.

KOA Welcomes Back Morning News Co-Host

KOA's long-standing morning news co-host and Highlands Ranch resident, April Zesbaugh, returned to work last week after a three-month maternity leave.

Zesbaugh gave birth to a baby boy, Dashel Dillon, on December 10, 2007 at Sky Ridge Medical Center.

This radio maven and UNC alumna has allowed listeners to follow her mommy trials and tribulations during her time off through her baby blog at http://850koa.com/pages/BabyBlog.html. You'll be able to see some cute baby photos there too!

Welcome back April!

Oprah's Big Give Showcases Denver

DCN learned from Bill Husted's Denver Post column today that tonight's episode of Oprah's Big Give was filmed in Denver last summer and will feature local nonprofits including Denver Health's "Newborns in Need" program, Denver Children's Home, and the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club in Montbello.

Viewers of this reality sitcom will be treated with cameos from Broncos' Jay Cutler (pictured left) and Tony Scheffler.

DCN will be a watchin!

Tune in on ABC - Channel 7 at 8:00 pm.

Attorney Credited with Rockies Bid Expecting New Grandbaby

Paul Jacobs, the lead partner in the noted Denver-based law firm, Jacobs Chase, and University of Denver alum, will have something new to smile – or oogle at – this Fall. His daughter-in-law, Amy Jacobs, a respected and well-known Jewish community leader, and Jacob’s youngest son, Craig, have announced that this swank couple is expecting their second baby in September (Jacobs and granddaugter, Sophia, pictured left).

Jacobs, who is generally credited with being the “driving force” in leading Colorado’s Major League Baseball bid to bring the Rockies to Denver, said at a dinner party attended by DCN that he is "excited" to become a grandfather for the fifth time.

Many Coloradoans may not have known that Jacobs served as the Vice President and General Counsel of the Colorado Rockies from the franchise’s start in 1991 through January 1995. Because of Jacob’s huge success, he has parlayed his experience to help build a new ballpark for the San Diego Padres.

Ed. Note: DCN is excited to be an aunt for the second time too!

No. 7 Defends “Crushing” Hawaii Photo

Lively radio personalities, Lewis and Floorwax of 103.5 The Fox, scored an interview with larger-than-life Coloradan, John Elway, earlier this week.

While the interview was a chance for Elway to promote the new season for The Colorado Crush, Lewis and Floorwax couldn’t help but have a little fun with the beloved Colorado athlete in light of the controversial photograph taken while vacationing in Hawaii earlier this month.

Elway took humor in the situation and said the photographer was hiding behind a coconut tree and “got me on the first day.” That was his defense in joking about how “white” he looked in the photo. But more than that, Elway commented how things must have really “been down for him [the paparazzi] … to be looking for guys who have been out of football for 10 years.”

In defending the comments made about how the aging football champ looked, Elway admitted being out-of-shape because he is recovering from a knee replacement surgery he had three months ago. “It was a hard surgery to go through… but I’m getting ready for golf season,” he said.

Wax joked that he thought Elway just had his “trunks on a little tight.”

In typical Lewis and Floorwax fashion, the duo put up a poll on their website where listeners could vote for whom they thought looked better in a swimsuit, Elway or Wax. Wax (pictured right), who bragged about his “man boobs,” won the vote 58 percent to Elway’s 41 percent. Elway joked that this “landslide” victory for Wax “just goes to show how far I’ve fallen.”

And addressing the controversy over exactly what was in his mouth when the surprise photo was taken, well, that was a swizzle stick off of which he just ate a piece of watermelon. No ciggie there. Thanks for clearing up that controversy, Number 7.

Kacey Fine Furniture President on Life Support

Although you may not know her by name like you do Dealin' Doug and Jake Jabs, most of us recognize Leslie Fishbein as the talking head in the Kacey Fine Furniture commercials.

DCN sadly reports that this polished 55 year-old businesswoman is fighting for her life today after suffering complications related to issues with her back. She is on life support at a local Denver hospital, news reports say.

Fishbein, president of Kacey Fine Furniture, is a Colorado native, having attended Carson Elementary, Hill Junior High and George Washington High School. She is also a graduate of the University of Colorado.

Fishbein's parents launched the local furniture chain in the 1950's and today, Kacey Fine Furniture operates six stores in Colorado.

DCN sends her best wishes to Fishbein and her family.

Kathy Springs Back - Sort Of

DCN made a quick call over to 9News to find out when Denver's most watched weather gal, Kathy Sabine, would be back to work after taking some time off with her new baby. A source at the station says that Sabine recently joked with staffers that she would return just in time for the first Spring snowstorm. Guess we'll be seeing you soon, Kathy!

Castle Rock Native, Amy Adams, to Host SNL

Stunning actress, Amy Adams, will be hosting Saturday Night Live this weekend. You probably didn't know that this leading lady was raised in Castle Rock - where she attended Douglas County High School (in fact, she was in the DCHS choir). Adams, back in the day, also performed at Boulder's Dinner Theatre and Country Dinner Playhouse.

You've probably seen Adams in Catch Me If You Can, Junebug (for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress), and Enchanted (co-starring McDreamy).

Adams will be promoting her new movie, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, on SNL. Be sure to check it out.

‘Betcha Didn’t Know Colorado - Best-Selling “Bargain” Authors Live in Boulder

If you’ve gotten married or had a baby in the last decade, it’s likely you own a copy of Bridal Bargains or Baby Bargains. DCN’s ‘Betcha Didn’t Know Colorado series is here to tell you that consumer advocates, Denise and Alan Fields (pictured left), reside right here in Boulder on the same street as the famous Mork & Mindy house (pictured below). These University of Colorado college sweethearts know how to save you a bundle on your wedding and baby wares, NaNuNaNu.

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage

Having met in the Kittredge West CU dormitory during the infamous 1984 blizzard, Denise, a Loveland native, and Alan, a Dallas transplant, began their forever partnership. Upon graduating from CU in 1987, the engaged couple moved to Austin, Texas. In their quest to plan an affordable wedding, they came upon the idea to write a local how-to wedding guide. The couple jokingly admits to DCN that these books were necessary, as “this was in the age before the Internet.” Shortly after publishing several local wedding guides, they penned their first national book, Bridal Bargains, which reigns as the top-selling bridal book on the market today.

Missing the Colorado peaks and crisp mountain air, the couple returned to Boulder in 1993, where they have lived ever since.

And Then Comes Baby
In their commitment to take their loyal readers through every life-stage, the couple began writing another national book and perhaps their most popular title, Baby Bargains, when their two sons, Ben and Jack, were born. In this book, the couple explores what baby gear items are must-haves and what are must-don’ts. This well-researched book explores everything from how to save money on big ticket items, like cribs and strollers, to saving money on smaller items such as diapers and baby bottles. A review on Amazon.com says it all, “Every new mother-to-be should cling to this book for every purchase.” We agree.

Today, this couple enjoys the relaxed lifestyle the city of Boulder offers. They often can be spotted at West End Tavern (926 Pearl Street), Rio Grande (1101 Walnut Street) and Black Cat (1964 13th Street), all favorite Boulder restaurants where they frequently dine.

DCN personally thanks this hometown power couple for their wonderful insight into the world of baby gear (and we thank them for their time in helping us launch our first “Betcha Didn’t Know Colorado blog entry for DCN too).

Oh, and Alan offered DCN a fun local spin – while at CU, he co-hosted a radio show with none other than Jon Caldara, who is now KOA’s outspoken conservative radioman. It looks like both former CU radiomen have done well for themselves!

Be sure to check out the Fields’ list of best-selling books, including other titles such as Baby 411, Toddler 411 and Toddler Bargains. All are available for purchase online at http://www.windsorpeak.com/ – tell ‘em DCN sent ya!

Denver's Most Famous Political Contributors

In honor of “Mini Super Tuesday,” DCN did a little investigative reporting to find out what political candidates are funded by some well-known Denver folk. Here’s what we found:

John Elway donated $2,300 to Rudy Giuliani (2007). This winning quarterback obviously should have called an audible on this one.

Richard “Dick” Notebaert, CEO of Qwest Communications, donated $2,300 to Bill Richardson (2007) and $2,300 to John McCain (2007).

Former Denver Mayor, Federico Pena, donated $4,600 to Barack Obama (2008).

EchoStar CEO, Charlie Ergen, donated $4,600 to John McCain (2007).

CEO of Adam Aircraft, George Adam, donated $1,000 to Mitt Romney (2007).

Former Governor, Roy Romer, donated $1,000 to Hilary Clinton (2007).

Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts, donated $2,300 to Barack Obama (2007).

Promoter and President of AEG, Chuck Morris, donated $1,000 to Bill Richardson (2007) and $250 to Barack Obama (2008).

DCN spent about an hour looking up names when she could have been working, watching TV or sleeping. Worthwhile investment? Please let me know by leaving me a comment.

Oh, and if you want to waste an evening looking up famous celebrities – think Brad Pitt and Barbra Streisand – it's your time to waste - happy searching. http://fundrace.huffingtonpost.com/.

Elway Vacations in Hawaii

DCN can't help but report on the happenings of perhaps the most famous athlete in Colorado history, John Elway. On February 26th, TMZ.com, an online gossip site, reported that Elway was vacationing in Hawaii.

Is that a cigarette he's got in his mouth? Say it ain't so, John. DCN didn't realize the two-time Superbowl champ liked to puff the ciggies - ick! Please tell us what you think (cigarette?, popsicle stick?) by leaving a comment.

(Picture captured from TMZ.com, SplashNews.com)