People, this has been a rough couple of months. It was bitter, it was convoluted, it was stressful, and it certainly did not end on a great note. In light of that, let’s take a moment to look at some things that actually DID go well last Tuesday: You can smoke weed in a lot more states now. Recreational marijuana is now legal in California, Nevada, and Massachusetts. Medical marijuana is also now legal in Florida, Arkansas, and North Dakota. The passage of these ballot measures means it’s legal to purchase, possess, and consume that Mary Jane, but this privilege is accompanied by establishing... Read More

This week, we celebrated love. The Boulder Pridefest, held last weekend, wrapped up a week of much needed love and support.  After such a trying year for the LGBTQ community, the city came together to celebrate the freedom to love one another. For Victoria Brozek, a festival goer and self-proclaimed “hella gay participant,” Pridefest is, “inspiring in the way that the community comes together to celebrate different gender identities, relationships, and ways of life.” She adds that, “having [that] support is so important, especially when it may not be coming from other places.” Many... Read More

Boulder is known almost universally as a welcoming and free-spirited community. Its history as a nest of inclusivity and open mindedness is what many citizens love so much about this city. With this in mind, the recent decision to enforce the city’s camping ban seems almost uncharacteristic. How do we reconcile our vision of Boulder with this decision to curtail who we allow to be part of our community? The ban, primarily aimed at the city’s homeless population, prohibits sleeping in public outdoor spaces. After an intentional relaxation of the policy over this past summer, Boulder Police... Read More

For many of us, the past few weeks have been filled with moving boxes, the hauling of desks up countless flights of stairs, and the consumption of pizzas while sitting cross-legged on the living room floor. With many leases expiring in August, this is the season of moving. It is also the season during which an absurd amount of recyclable material ends up in the trash. As you move in to your new place or out of your old, remember a few simple guidelines to help you be a responsible Boulderite. How to Recycle: Gone are the days of complicated sorting. Boulder County has switched to a single stream... Read More

For anyone who has recently braved the terror that is Target during back to school, congratulations. You survived. Let’s be honest about back to school season. Once the novelty of your new backpack/agenda/room décor wears off, we are left with the reality that summer has ended. The nights that don’t require a down jacket are limited, and the first snowfall is a very close reality. If you’re anything like me, you will experience a vague feeling of loss and emptiness as you realize your first midterms are a mere month away. I know. I’m sorry to so rudely awaken you. Let me make it up to... Read More

In 1976, Denver declined the honor of hosting the Olympics. Unheard of, I know. In an effort to keep Denver intact as its low-key self, citizens decided to opt out of this chance at international fame. This act did very little to curb the long-term flocks of people who found their new home at the base of the Rocky Mountains. In recent decades, Colorado’s front range has experienced almost exponential population growth. With an expected population of 7.8 million by 2040, the state will undoubtedly continue to attract the masses. This influx is partially responsible for the economic success and... Read More

Perusing social media this weekend, I couldn’t help but notice an article among fellow University of Colorado students. University Primetime came out with its annual list of the nation’s top 100 party schools. CU Boulder made number 16. While university officials would be quick to point out that it’s quite a drop from its number one spot on Playboy’s 2011 list, the notoriety still stands. Thanks in part to the 420 rallies of yore, CU’s party school reputation is one that often far precedes it. Thinking back to the summer before my freshman year, I remember being vaguely terrified by... Read More

If you’ve been anywhere around Boulder this weekend, you’ve seen the plume of smoke caused by the Cold Springs Fire above Nederland. This fire, caused by the mindless neglect of a campfire, has claimed 8 homes, burnt over 600 acres, and displaced almost 2,000 people so far. These numbers seem staggering, but it could have been much worse. In 2010, the Four Mile Canyon Fire destroyed upwards of 150 homes just a few miles outside of Boulder. At the time, it was the most destructive fire in Colorado history. This status would soon be overtaken by the High Park fire, Waldo Canyon Fire, and the... Read More

The fireworks have been lit and the watermelon consumed. While the weather is still sizzling and the iced drinks are still in season, the Forth of July reminds us all that summer is fast on its way by. I’ve always found the moment when the last sparkler goes out to be a profoundly bittersweet moment. In my quest for an endless summer, I’ve sought out as many seasonal celebrations as possible. Here are a few of the sunniest. Tube to Work Day Was June’s bike to work day too mundane for you? Do you relish the idea of commute by water? Don your worst suit, grab your tube, and join the... Read More

If you’ve spent any time in Boulder’s public spaces recently, the odds are that you’ve been asked to sign a petition. It’s understandable that on a stroll down Pearl Street, one might not want to interact with a stranger wielding a clipboard. What you might not realize is that you, as a registered Colorado voter, have the opportunity to directly influence your state’s legislation through the petition process. Colorado is one of 24 states to allow citizens to initiate a change through a public petition. While the process is understandably complicated, it offers the individual an enviable... Read More

While summer in Boulder is lovely and warm, it can also be a bore. If you find that you’ve grown tired of lounging on the porch watching Netflix, it might be time to consider putting yourself to good use. Boulder is teaming with volunteer opportunities. Dust off that Cheeto dust and make your community a better place. After all, Harry, Ron and Hermione will still be fighting the good fight when you get back. Boulder County Boulder County supplies countless services to the community. They provide much needed assistance to a diverse population, and as a result have plenty of opportunities to get... Read More

We’ve all been there, stuck in traffic on the way to work as a bicyclist zips by us in the bike lane. We envy their blissful freedom from the snare of cars, imagining ourselves embarking on the same, ultimately Boulder trip instead of melting into the seat of our car. Now is your chance to join them. June 22nd is Boulder’s official bike to work day. Take this opportunity to free yourself from the frustration of rush hour and join the party. Presented by the City of Boulder in cooperation with Community Cycles, this Boulder celebration makes an early morning commute into a community festival.... Read More

It’s summer! Time to lace up those hiking boots, grab a trail map, and head outdoors. Boulder’s beautiful open space is the reason many of us gravitate here. This season, exercise your responsibility on the trails and help keep the wilderness around for all of us to enjoy. Impact If you consider yourself a wild soul, I can understand the temptation to step off trail and forge your own way. While this gung-ho exploration may feed your inner Zebulon Pike, it’s pretty rough on your surroundings. Trails are designed to minimize our impact on nature. They make sure erosion is kept to a minimum,... Read More

Although Colorado’s April snow showers and chilly May days make warm summer weather seems highly improbable, the heat is on its way. With this weekend’s forecast hovering in the 80s, it’s a perfect time to take advantage of Boulder’s many swimming destinations. Whether you’d prefer to keep cool in the pool or make a water adventure out of the day, Boulder has something for you. Scott Carpenter Pool Located in central Boulder, Scott Carpenter Pool is a great place for a low-key pool day. Home to Boulder’s only 50 meter pool, you can get in a great workout and recover with a nice... Read More

With Memorial Day weekend fast approaching there are a few things you, as a Boulderite, should know. The first is that Boulder is absolutely filled with festivities and family fun. The second is that the whole affair can be a bit hectic. Worry not! Whether you’d like to stay in town and take part in the revelry or escape with a hike in the wilderness, there’s something for everyone on this holiday. Bolder Boulder 10K Some of you might be in the final stages of training to participate in Boulder’s annual memorial day run. This race, started in 1979, has grown to host more than 50,000 runners... Read More

It’s no secret that Boulder is home to a thriving art scene. With countless galleries and performance spaces, one could very easily spend every weekend, and most weekdays, exploring a new area within this cultural sphere. If you’re one of these weekend gallery warriors, get yourself a ticket for Murmuration this Saturday, May 21st and explore a whole new side of the performing arts. Produced by Block 1750, Murmuration blends extensive genres of dance and music to create a collaborative work. The show, its name stemming from the vast flocks that starlings form, echoes its namesake through the... Read More

School is coming to a close, the weather is warming up, summer is on its way. For many of us in Boulder this means enjoying the sunshine as much as possible, whether it be through extreme hiking and climbing or just some good old fashioned lounging. If you’re looking for a novel way to reconnect with your sun drenched self, you might consider checking out one of Boulder’s brightest gems, its community garden system. Boulder County is home to 12 community garden sites, eight of which are located within the city limits. Growing Gardens, the organization responsible for the garden spaces, is... Read More

On the off chance you were not aware – fellow college students, I’m looking at you – Mother’s Day is this Sunday the 8th. This day stands monument to all of the times our mothers put our interests first. It reminds us of the many hours they spent making sure that our homework was done, that our hair was combed, and that our mistakes were merely informative instead of dire. Just think of all the colds they save us from by making sure that our coats are zipped and our hats secure. While it’s certainly a great reason to bring our mother’s breakfast in bed, Mother’s Day was... Read More

For Earth Day, RTD unveiled its new University of Colorado A line. This train, offering frequent and rapid service from Denver’s Union Station to Denver International Airport, is one of the most recent in RTD’s efforts to connect the front range through public transportation. While this progress is most definitely exciting, I am frequently reminded by my peers that even the current bus and train lines remain a mystery. Boulder is home to a fantastic transit system. With 13 local routes and 7 major regional and commuter lines, getting around the front range without a car is really very easy.... Read More

Photo Credits: Julia DeBell This Friday, April 22nd, the United States celebrates its 46th Earth Day. This holiday, founded in 1970, stands in tribute to the national phenomenon that was the Environmental Revolution. This movement, widely considered one of the most successful in recent US history, was the force behind the creation of the eminent Environmental Protection Agency. This progressive public sentiment drove environmental reform across the nation. In short, we can thank it for our breathable air and our drinkable water. Boulder has long been a hotspot of environmentalism. As a hippy nest... Read More