Denver

Not lucky enough to get a golden ticket to any of tonight's DNC speeches? It should be attack dog night with Biden and Clinton. Considering the theme tonight is security I expect lots of attacks of McCain's version of security experience. So join us tonight for those speeches and to party it up.

Before I list out the event details, I thought I'd mention something else. I had shared that photo of Daryl Hannah with you all yesterday. Well, Bobby Clark from Progress Now was giving her a tour of the building and Big Tent earlier this morning and introduced me to her. Mentioning the photo, she asked how horrible it was. I wish I had said it's only possible to take flattering photos of her, but I wasn't that quick on the draw.

For anyone who made it to the Big Tent last night for convention watching, I'm really sorry about the technical difficulties. I know the staff of volunteers are working their little petooties off trying to make everything work right, but we're all trying our best.

Again, just to remind you, no 8 Rivers happy hours today or tomorrow. They're still trying to sort out launch issues with Xcel but should be open for business shortly.

The big party of course is tonight at the Skylark at 140 S Broadway. As usual, we'll have a chocolate fountain. Laughing Liberally comedians will be performing. And, we'll also be watching Bill Clinton and Joe Biden speak. To coincide better with the convention speeches we're starting a little early at 6pm.

Later in the evening, Max and the Marginalized will be performing their mix of rock, punk and politics after the speeches. First drink is also free. Did I mention free - to the first 100 people. I'm also checking right now on how many Sexy Pizzas we can spring for.

Easy to get to on the 0 bus yet just out of reach of the cocktail weenie set. For locals who need to drive, street parking is free as long as you promise to drink responsibly.

Hope you can make it,
John

I'm getting star struck and hearing of all sorts of different celebrities in and around Denver. Don't believe me? I took this picture last night of Daryl Hanna kissing Laughing Liberally performer Baratunde Thurston in the Big Tent late last night.

So, now that I've established my star connections, (yeah right) who's looking for stuff to do in and around the convention? Well, I have good news and I have bad news. First the bad news. Our happy hours at 8 Rivers are cancelled. Due to a comedy of errors caused by Xcel, the restaurant can't do open events yet. Instead, we have lots of great opportunities for people to celebrate, smooze, and politic.

While the Big Tent, at 1536 Wynkoop has been invite only to the blogerati, we're opening the upstairs Digg Stage starting at 6pm to anyone with a Drinking Liberally button. Don't worry if you don't have one. We'll have a few on hand. New Card Carrying Liberal buttons will also be available. Free beer is being graciously provided by New Belgium Brewery.

In addition, there's a watch party sponsored by DL21C, the *DL21C's Convention Bash* Hosted by Democratic Leadership for the 21st Century & Drinking Liberally -- open to all 7pm til late

Martini Ranch
1317 14th Street, upstairs in the "Shaker Room"
(corner of Larimer and 14th St., 3 blocks from the Pepsi Center)
Big Screen TV's, dance floor, special guests, 50 different types of martinis,
and complimentary Heineken and Heineken Light!

To make sure you can get in should there be a massive crowd, please RSVP at dl21c.org.

So, lots of opportunities to party it up in the evening with friends and cohorts. Then tomorrow, we're doing it up right at the Skylark at 140 S Broadway. As usual, we'll have a chocolate fountain. Laughing Liberally comedians will be performing. And, we'll also be watching Bill Clinton and Joe Biden speak. To coincide better with the convention speeches we're starting a little early at 6pm.
Later in the evening, Max and the Marginalized will be performing their mix of rock, punk and politics after the speeches. First drink is also free. Did I mention free?

Easy to get to on the 0 bus yet just out of reach of the cocktail weenie set. For locals who need to drive, street parking is free as long as you promise to drink responsibly.

Hope you can make it,
John

I think my email inbox is about to let it's smoke out the messages are coming so fast and furious.

For general information on events there's the SquareState calendar. DemConWatch also has a great event calendar as does Metro Hikers

• Drinking Liberally happy hours. Yes, I said more than one. New liberal card business 8 Rivers is opening a second location at 1550 Blake any day now. During the convention, they're helping us throw a happy hour from 4-6pm Tuesday through Thursday. Bring your Drinking Liberally button for 2 for 1 drink special. We'll also have yummy appetizers.
• Wednesday night is the big Drinking Liberally Denver 3 year anniversary party at the Skylark starting at 6pm complete with Laughing Liberally comedians, chocolate fountain, and more. Join us to also watch the vice presidential nominee speech. Max and Marginalized will rock it out with thier mix of punk and politics. First drink is also free. Did I mention free? But you never know what's possible in the next few days. I have hope for change. Spare change that is.

  Easy to get to on the 0 bus yet just out of reach of the cocktail weenie set. For locals who need to drive, street parking is free as long as you promise to drink responsibly.

• Joining the Progressive Book Club in the next 5 or so minutes (operators are standing by) could win you free tickets to Authors Turning the Page: Ideas on Election 2008, a 3-part panel co-hosted by Air America Radio and Progressive Book Club. The event will take place Monday, August 25th from 3-6pm at The Big Tent. Panelists include Ted Sorensen, John Podesta, David Sirota, Jane Mayer, Van Jones, Arianna Huffington, Paul Krugman and Markos Moulitsas Zuniga.
• Please join us on Sunday, August 24 at 4 p.m. for Live From Main Street Denver for So You Say You Want Change: Exploring the Conflicts and Opportunities Ahead. Live From Main Street is the kick-off event at The Big Tent, the top hub for activists and media throughout the Democratic National Convention. Laura Flanders host of Free Speech TV's GRITtv and The Nation's RadioNation will moderate this televised town hall discussion. Arrive early for a free copy of Laura Flanders' book Blue Grit or David Sirota's The Uprising courtesy of The Progressive Book Club!

  DETAILS:
  When: Sunday August 24, 4pm sharp @ The Big Tent - Doors Open at 3pm
  Where: The Big Tent- 1536 Wynkoop Street, Denver
  The Big Tent will be a hub for Media and Non Profits during the DNC-and is open to the public just for this special free event (http://www.bigtentdenver.org/)
  RSVP for preferred seating here

• The Denver Dems watch party is Tuesday from 5-10pm in City Park.
• Free Liberal Card memberships to a few lucky volunteers. In exchange for helping pitch and sell Liberal Card memberships we're offering your very own liberal card to card, and free beer. Did I mention free beer? Email me if interested.
• New Era Colorado is hosting a party i can't help promote as it sounds like a great time:New Era Colorado is the local charter of the Bus Federation--an innovative vehicle for hands-on democracy (and yes, we actually have buses). All five states making up this federation will be in Denver for the Bus Fed Party. Be there. Here are the details:
  Wednesday, August 27th
  9:00 pm -- wee hours of the morning
  "The Red Building"
  2930 Larimer St, Denver CO

  Music from Ari Hest, Ginger Ninjas, and more
  On-premise screen printing, tattoo artist, live art & mural painting, interactive videos, dirnks, plenty of bloggers and politicos to go around

So, hope to see you around town, but especially, as always at:
Drinking Liberally Denver
2nd and 4th Wednesday
Skylark Lounge
140 S Broadway
starting at 6pm this time

Drink tickets will be at the door until they run out.

cheers,
John, Kath, and Sarah

First the immediate. Screening Liberally Denver is tonight, though we won't be meeting in Denver. Adam, take it away:
Hey Film buffs!

WHAT: PINEAPPLE EXPRESS
WHEN: Wednesday, 6:00pm Drinking. Movie starts at 7:00
WHERE: Landmark Greenwood Village, $12.00

There are issues that our nation faces, difficult and challenging issues, that cloud the landscape with their controversy and varying view points. No issue is of greater importance, or talked about more, than Marijuana Legalization.

Except for all the other issues.

And what better way to discuss those issues than with a slapstick comedy about a couple loser drug dealers? Join us at a new venue to enjoy the political discourse that is PINEAPPLE EXPRESS, from the makers of Superbad and 40 Year Old Virgin

A movie like this must be seen in a venue that can handle this level of political discourse, and no theatre is better equipped to handle the complexity of this film than the Greenwood Village Landmark, the theatre Westword Magazine gave the title, "Best Theatre in Denver 2008" to. Tickets are $12.

Why would one pay $12? I will tell you why. With your ticket comes UNLIMITED POPCORN AND SODA. Additionally, all the seating is plush leather awesomeness, with fewer seats and better quality digital sound and picture. Also, Gourmet Kitchen. This theatre is the new hotness. And you have to come laugh with us at it.

Directions to the Theatre

Drinking starts at 6. Movie starts at 7.

Next, the coming soon:

We can now announce our Drinking Liberally happy hours for next week. It's all coming together so well. New liberal card business 8 Rivers is opening a second location at 1550 Blake any day now. During the convention, they're helping us throw a happy hour from 4-6pm Tuesday through Thursday. Bring your Drinking Liberally button for drink specials soon to be announced. We'll also have yummy appetizers.

Later Wednesday night is the big Drinking Liberally Denver 3 year anniversary party at the Skylark starting at 6pm this time complete with Laughing Liberally comedians, chocolate fountain, and more. Looking for a place to watch the convention including the vice presidential nominee? This is the place.

Our work with the Progressive Book Club also continues. If you join the club in the next 5 or so minutes (operators are standing by) you could win free tickets to Authors Turning the Page: Ideas on Election 2008, a 3-part panel co-hosted by Air America Radio and Progressive Book Club. The event will take place Monday, August 25th from 3-6pm at The Big Tent. Panelists include Ted Sorensen, John Podesta, David Sirota, Jane Mayer, Van Jones, Arianna Huffington, Paul Krugman and Markos Moulitsas Zuniga.

And, you're all invited to a free event with progressive leaders Van Jones, Rep. Donna Edwards, Lee Camp, Laura Flanders and more:

Please join us on Sunday, August 24 at 4 p.m. for Live From Main Street Denver for So You Say You Want Change: Exploring the Conflicts and Opportunities Ahead. Live From Main Street is the kick-off event at The Big Tent, the top hub for activists and media throughout the Democratic National Convention.

Laura Flanders host of Free Speech TV's GRITtv and The Nation's RadioNation will moderate this televised town hall discussion featuring:

Van Jones - Founder and President of Green for All
Rep. Donna Edwards - (MD-4th District)
David Sirota - Journalist and Bestselling Author of The Uprising
Polly Baca - former Colorado State Senator and President of the Latin American Research and Service Agency
Jim Hightower - National Radio Commentator, Public speaker and Author of Swim Against The Current
Andre Banks - Deputy Director of Color of Change
Faye Wattleton - Founder of the Center for the Advancement of Women
David Barsamian - Founder of Alternative Radio
The Comedy of Laughing Liberally's Lee Camp
and more...
Make your voice heard in our Q and A discussion! Arrive early for a free copy of Laura Flanders' book Blue Grit or David Sirota's The Uprising courtesy of The Progressive Book Club!

DETAILS:
When: Sunday August 24, 4pm sharp @ The Big Tent - Doors Open at 3pm
Where: The Big Tent- 1536 Wynkoop Street, Denver
The Big Tent will be a hub for Media and Non Profits during the DNC-and is open to the public just for this special free event (http://www.bigtentdenver.org/)
RSVP for preferred seating here: http://livefrommainstreet.com/content/RSVP
RSVP is not necessary to attend- there will be some general admission seating available on the day of the event.

FREE OF CHARGE and open to the public. Seating is limited so please arrive early – doors open at 3pm.
This is event is produced by The Media Consortium.
For more information go to LiveFromMainStreet.org

Finally, we're looking for some volunteers next week to help pitch the Liberal Card. We're offering a free membership and beer in exchange for helping publicize and sell liberal card memberships for a few hours. Remember, I said free beer.

cheers,
John, Kath, Sarah, Adam, and Paul

Tonight is the first official Drinking Liberally Denver at the Skylark Lounge, 140 S Broadway.

If you didn't hear, Question 100 to impound cars of yours, mine, and "suspected illegal immigrants" passed last night. I've been trying to find out about legal challenges to this bait and switch measure, but nothing yet.

Jared Polis of course did win the CO-02 primary last night. Diana Degette was there sounding like she promised him a seat on the Ways and Means Committee. Maybe he can be on Education too.

In other news:

Become a Progressive Book Club Member & get a chance to win tickets to an intimate lunch with David Sirota, Samantha Power, Eric Alterman, Hendrik Hertzberg, Todd Gitlin, & Andrei Cherny (and more to come!)

Monday, August 25th
12:00pm-2:00pm

Get your first 3 books for just $3, supporting progressive authors and ideas: Sign up here

The progressive book club is something we'll be talking about a lot more around here. Hopefully we can get a Reading Liberally chapter started up again.

From now on, Drinking Liberally Denver is:
2nd and 4th Wednesdays
Skylark Lounge
140 S Broadway
7:30 pm onward

See you tonight,
John, Kath, and Sarah

Hey peeps,

While we've been to the Skylark before for other events, this week Wednesday is the first official Drinking Liberally Denver there. The Skylark is extending their happy hour pricing to us for the whole evening. That is $3 pints, wine, and well drinks. We'll also be passing a hat to order a pizza or two from nearby Sexy Pizza. I hear it's Mason Tvert's favorite.

And don't forget to vote in the primary tomorrow, or I'll kick a puppy, or Doug Bruce. I haven't decided which yet. Depending on which Denver house district you live in you may not think there's anything to vote for. You'd be wrong. There's Question 100, the text of which you'll see on the ballot hides it's true meaning. One of the additions it would make to reasons for impounding a car include:

(a) Sec. 54-811 (10) is amended by an addition to subsection (10) to read: or when a driver of a vehicle is an illegal alien or may be reasonably suspected of being an illegal alien;

Another section allows a car to be impounded if the driver doesn't have a US driver's license. If this passes, I can expect a lot of irate Europeans on vacation. There's a bit more about the initiative (written by me) at SquareState. The Denver Post editorial board is opposed, and the city council voted 10-1 in opposition. Of course Peter Boyles likes it.

As for the next DL Denver, during the Convention, we're going to start that event a little early, probably 6pm, to get a start before all the specifying starts. That'll be on the TV at the Skylark, intermixed with comedy acts from Laughing Liberally.

From now on Drinking Liberally Denver is,
2nd and 4th Wednesdays
Skylark Lounge
140 S. Broadway
7:30pm onward

Cheers,
John, Sarah, and Kath