The Denver Broncos have gone from 4-12 to 13-3 in a mere two seasons and have John Elway to thank. His approach to free agency simply works, and it's only a matter of time until he leads the Broncos back to another Super Bowl.

Don’t kill the death horse!

The notorious evil blue mustang with the glowering red eyes that greets arrivers and departers to and from DIA is eligible for removal under Denver’s rules pertaining to public art. Some people actually want it gone.

I say don’t kill the death horse. It’s the most completely badass installation of all. It’s cooler than the Convention Center’s big blue bear, more memorable than the dancers on the grounds of the DCPA. It’s hauntingly beautiful, delightfully intimidating and distinctively “Denver”. In the five short years that it’s been mounted along Pena Boulevard it’s become part of our community’s rugged personality.

Besides, the death horse killed its own sculptor. What fate would we be tempting if we were to intentionally dislodge it? The ghost of Luis Jimenez would probably be really pissed off. DIA is an airport, for heaven’s sake. Safety is of the utmost importance. We cannot expose passengers to other-wordly scorn. The death horse can’t be nearly as scary as the curse of the death horse would be.

It’s been said that we should leave the horse but mute its fiery red eyes – that somebody should paint over them. Why not slap a Wahoo’s Fish Tacos decal over the Mona Lisa’s smile while you’re at it? These complainers are the same people who bitch about the 59’ Impala in your back yard, the dirty neighborhood Thai restaurant, bullying in schools and anything else you can't but at Costco.

Art is supposed to get your attention. The very fact that people either love or hate the death horse and his frightening glare is proof positive that it is doing its job standing out there between the traffic lanes. Nobody has ever seen it for the first time and had zero reaction. It invokes a feeling nearly every time two eyes land upon it. For some that feeling is dread, for others it’s exhilaration, either way it’s better than feeling nothing.

The death horse is just plain part of Denver now. Just like Casa Bonita, Confluence Park, Rocky Flats, Federal Boulevard and Elitch Gardens. It’s not perfect, but it belongs here. If you don't think so it's you who should be moved.

 

We love Colorado. You don't? Go back to where you're from.

What's wrong with you, unwashed Denver Sports fans? Are you too cheap to buy the appropriate viewing apparel for all four major teams or are you just too lazy?

That's the question posed this morning by Natasha Gardner, a snooty senior editor at ever-uppish 5280 Magazine in her online "rant and rave" column. Referring to fans who wear Broncos gear to Nuggets games and so on, Gardner asks: "Are these cross-sport dressers saying they support Denver sports…but not so much that they want to support the team they’re watching? Do they need to do the laundry?"

Gardner, who lives in Denver now but isn't shy about being a well-travelled publisher with ties to New York, goes on to add that :

"It’s even worse to be sandwiched between that ardent fan and the guy you’re not sure can tell the difference between baseball and basketball based on his shirt choice."

Denver is, of course, home to four major sports teams and a collection of passionate fans who support them all. Those who regularly attend games see nothing unusual at all about the "cross-sport dressers". Team gear is expensive, for one thing. A Broncos fan who dropped $299 on a customized replica jersey may not have the scratch to hit Pepsi Center Trading Company for the latest Duchene sweater, too. But the Broncos only play eight home games per year; so an event at  "the Can" is a perfect opportunity to show off his threads. Even if the sport's not right.

The local teams support one another. If Champ Bailey can get a standing O at the Nuggets game, Todd Helton can watch the Broncos from a suite and Peyton Manning can root on the Rox, I can wear my Iguodala jersey to Sports Authority Field and not feel weird about it. 

Don't worry, Ms. Gardner, I will hit Smiley's and wash it first.

Now, why don't you get back to sampling "craft beers" with pinkie extended and I will plow into these chicken nachos and suck back my $8 Coors Light.

 

 

 

 

Our favorite sideline reporter is finally getting the National exposure she so richly deserves.

Please read more

I had some trouble finding this so I though I would share.

It's that magical time of the year, South Standers.  That can only mean that it is time, once again, for John Reidy's Holiday Gift Guide for Denver Sports fans, published over at the A/V Club Denver / Boulder. 

Follow the link to find that perfect item for the fan who has everything except a Rockies duvet cover (whatever that is)

Jock Itch, by John Reidy.  Click HERE

You can stand up and salute in Denver.  You have a World Champion.  John Elway will be hired by the Denver Broncos.  MORE