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Colorado

The old man check-up and no dum-dum’s!

June 6, 2011 by robertforto Leave a Comment

Yep, I am becoming and old man. I had a visit at my doctor’s office today. Not any doc. He is a surfin’, snowboardin’, bleached hair, soul patch wearin’, ultra cool, Internal Medicine doctor.

No, there is nothing wrong with my inner workings so if you are ready to jump on as my primary beneficiary and look to be included in my will let me say first: there is not much for the taking unless you want a 90-hour-work-week -business and a cabin in Alaska that needs A LOT of repairs!

It was just the becoming an old man physical. You see, I don’t like to go to the doctors. My idea of health care is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING and possibly an Advil or a Claritin if I get too sneezy.

I can probably count on one hand how many physicals I have had in my life and most of those were required to play sports in little league. I am so adverse to the medical community that I purposely have my family doctor in Denver, 2300 miles from my home, so there is no way he can make a house call. Do they still even do that? 

The whole process started last night when I had to start fasting. I was required to do it for 12 hours. My appointment was until 1:15 PM the next day. So that meant that the feast of frog legs, chicken wings, pulled pork and three shots of Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey likely could have been my Last Supper.

I knew they were going to the a full blood work up including all the Cholesterol guys (I am guessing that last meal might just skew my numbers a bit), a test to check liver and kidney function, one for diabetes, and the dreaded P.S.A. test.

If you are not familiar with what a P.S.A. Test is, it is either you are not a guy or you are too young to worry about it much. It is a test to see how the ole’ prostate is working (or not). Thank God my doc is not a proctologist! I get to skip that test until I am 50, he says…

The doc and his bevy of “assistants” including the “always there” medical student, poked and prodded, tapped, and listened to every inch of my body. They took a temperature with something that looked like it was from Star Wars across my forehead, used that little finger tip thingy to check my pulse, and made me open up and say ahhhhh. At least I didn’t have to sit there in one of those open-in-the-back-smocks.

They gave me three vaccines using both arms. One for tetanus, the first round of Hepatitis-B series, and a diphtheria shot. I am looking at doing an EMT course and need all of those to even apply. I also need a booster for measles, mumps and something else. I haven’t had any of those shots since I was ten! You will have to look at my permanent record at grade school to find those dates.

They told me as soon as I arrived that I needed to take a U/A. What! I don’t do good at those especially since I haven’t had ANYTHING to drink since the three shots of Stranahan’s at 7 pm last night. I made it happen giving them the bare minimum sample filling it to the little line. That is the best I could do.

After we were all done the doc said I was the picture of health, at least on the outside, meaning that the blood work wouldn’t be back for a couple days. He said, and I quote: “You are just like every other 40 year old American male. You could stand to lose 10 pounds but other than that you are the picture of health.”

Thats reassuring.

I headed to the front desk to collect and pay my bill. Being self employed I have to choose very wisely how I spend my health care dollars. I am not on Obamacare, at least not yet. At this doctor’s office if you choose to pay in cash they give you a 40% discount. That’s how I roll.

I left a little less of a man than when I arrived I think–but I feel pretty good about the whole 30 minute appointment.

But you know what I didn’t get a lollipop! I remember when I was a kid my doctor used to give us those suckers with the stick that was kinda round, like a handle, so you wouldn’t choke on it.

They could have at least had some dum-dum’s available. That’s the only thing I was looking forward to. When I go to the dentist next time he better give me a free toothbrush or I will be highly irate!

Filed Under: Daily Post, Robert Forto Tagged With: Colorado, denver, doctors vist, old man physical, P.S.A. Test, postaday2011, robert forto, stranahans whiskey

Date Night: Denver Downtown Aquarium

June 5, 2011 by robertforto 2 Comments

Michele lovin’ the huge shark tank!

I am trying to enjoy every minute that I can with my wife, Michele before I head back to Alaska for the summer while she and I decide what to do with moving her and my daughter Nicole up.

Last night was date night for the two of us. Even though we have lived in Denver for years neither one of us had been to the Denver Downtown Aquarium.

We arrived to a wonderful dinner at the Aquarium’s restaurant owned by Landry’s. They also own the famous Bubba Gump, the Saltgrass Steakhouse and of course, Landry’s Seafood. I thought it was a bit bizarre for a seafood restaurant to own an aquarium but the idea works great!

Watch out for the cute poisonous dart frog!

We were seated right next to the 155,000 gallon aquarium and watched the huge Red Snapper and Jacks swim by as we enjoyed our dinner. We ordered a tasty appetizer of all the favorites: onion rings, breaded jalapenos, mozzarella sticks and this great shrimp and cheese dip.

MIchele ordered Sirloin and Lobster Tail while I ordered the “girl” plate of Asian white fish topped with scallops and shrimp. While mine was good, Michele’s was better (she always orders what I want, anyway). She shared some of her steak, shrimp and lobster. This is date night. you are supposed to share!

After a very enjoyable dinner we headed upstairs to the aquarium exhibits. It was 15 bucks a piece to get in but at this late hour it was not too crowded. We had a couple hours to see everything before it closed at 9:30 pm.

I have been to a lot of aquariums, zoos and attractions over the years and I will have to say that the Denver Downtown Aquarium rivals even the huge National Aquarium in Baltimore.

The self-guided tour winds you through all the eco-systems of water life from the tropical rain forests with a school of piranhas that can eat a whole cow in 3 minutes, to the coral reefs with Nemo and seahorses, and the estuaries with the small fishes and marine life.

They even have four Bengal tigers at the aquarium that seemed more at home than the local zoo. I guess if you are going to be a tiger I would rather bask in the climate controlled indoor comfort of a place like this than a scorching outdoor exhibit any day.

When we came upon the huge shark tank I was amazed. It was breathtaking! The tank allowed you to see sharks (and all sorts of other marine life) above your head as you walked through the glass tunnels to standing on platforms with the huge fish swimming under your feet. I have never seen anything like it.

At the end of the tour they have a “touch” tank or whatever it is called and it took all the courage that Michele could muster just to touch one of the rays!

The Aquarium also offers the opportunities for visitors to set an appointment to swim and snorkel in the huge exhibits as well as a very unique way to earn your S.C.U.B.A. certification. How cool is that? 

The look is priceless!

After the aquarium tour Michele and I took a walk in the cool late spring breeze at at little park along the South Platte River before driving over to our favorite ice cream stand: Little Man Ice Cream just up the road.

What a wonderful evening with my BFF. I know we will be apart for the next few months but with memories like these, together we will always be in each other’s hearts.

Filed Under: Daily Post, Road Trippin Tagged With: Colorado, date night, denver, denver downtown aquarium, Landrys, Michele Forto, postaday2011, robert forto

Road Trippin: Evergreen Lake, Colorado

June 3, 2011 by robertforto 2 Comments

What is a vacation/road trip/work-cation without a day hanging out with your 14 year old daughter for lunch and a walk around a beautiful lake?

Today, Nicole and I decided to get away from it all for a little bit and head up to the foothills to Evergreen Lake. Evergreen a beautiful little place with a downtown that is perfect for a colorado mountain post card with cool cafes, coffee shoppes, consignment stores and ice cream parlors. It is also home to the infamous Reagan’s would-be assassin John Hinkley, Jr. and more importantly Evergreen Lake.

Nicole and I headed up I-70 in the Jeep with the windows zipped down. It was supposed to be a record breaking scorcher today but it didn’t feel like it with the crosswinds blowing thru the truck. When we made it to our destination we both looked like we survived a wind tunnel with hair-do’s the size of Mount Everest!

We grabbed a burger at the One World Cafe that overlooks Evergreen’s main street and just seconds from the lake. Lunch was wonderful. One of the things I miss most about my crazy dream chasing in Alaska is having days like this to spend with my kids.

After lunch we took the short drive to the lake, got Qyain (our German Shepherd), grabbed the camera and hit the path!

As soon as we arrived Qyain headed for the water and pulled Nicole in! She was wearing Capri-pants, shoes and socks. She will have a blister by the time we are done.

 

Of course Qyain wanted to chase the wildlife, the ducks, the sticks and everything else. He is the only dog I have ever owned that chases waves and barks his fool head off trying to catch the white caps.

I like this one. It is Nicole and Qyain looking over at the waterfall. I think it captures why days like this are so important.

This is at the bottom of the dam/waterfall at the east side of Evergreen Lake. A favorite fishing hole as a lot of kids were there with their poles.

The lodge at Evergreen Lake. In the winter people can ice skate on the lake and they light it up. It is very beautiful in the winter.

Back at the Jeep. I love my Jeep! It is the funnest vehicle I have ever owned. We are fixing it up little by little. Michele’s dad used to sell cars and we got this jeep practically for a steal! I can’t wait to get it to Alaska.

We headed home down the pass through Kitterge and Morrison. I have always loved that drive through the canyons along the river. The windy mountain road ends right next to Red Rocks Amphitheater and then a quick hop on E-470 and home in 10 minutes.

What a wonderful day!

 

 

Filed Under: Daily Post, Robert Forto Tagged With: Colorado, evergreen lake, nicole forto, One World Cafe, postaday2011, road trip, robert forto

Stranahans Whiskey: Knock your socks off, the Colorado way!

April 2, 2011 by robertforto 1 Comment

There is whiskey and then there is Stranahan’s.

On my overly quick trip to Denver I had appointments with financial planners, the beginnings of becoming an old man check up at the doctor, a fantasy football football party that was three months late and visiting the family.

But the highlight of the trip was the distillery tour of Stranahan’s.

Stranahan’s is Colorado’s own whiskey. It is made right in the Centennial State and they are very proud of it.

History

The whiskey got its start right in Colorado up near a little town called Aspen. There the head dudes used to sit around with Hunter S. Thompson and refine their craft until one day the place burned down. Some say under questionable circumstances. They moved to Denver and as they say, the rest is history.

The Distillery/Brewery

Its not Bourbon. Not a Scotch. Not an Irish. Not a Rye. It’s Stranahan’s. They call it it a Straight Rocky Mountain Whiskey. They do every thing different. They distill it different. The mash is different. In a nutshell it just rocks!

Stranahan’s shares it distillery/brewery with the Rackhouse Pub in downtown Denver at 200 South Kalamath. It is a small place and is open to the public. They hold tours every day but I encourage you to sign up in advance at their website Stranahans.

The Tour

Its free!

I have been on a lot of brewery tours in my day. I have visited the giant Anheuser Busch breweries in St. Louis and in Tampa. I have been to a micro-brewery or two including Henry Weinhard’s in Portland back in the day. I have even toured a backyard brewery in a friends garage where they made a pretty tasty brew. I have never been to a still or a moonshiner’s secret in the deep woods of Kentucky but I thought it would be cool.

The Stranahan’s tour was great! It took about 45 minutes and the young lady showed us everything from start to finish. The barrel room was very cool as our tour guide talked about the challenges of the Rocky Mountain climate.

The stills looked like they could come right out of a Kentucky farm house and they explained the use of a gas pump nozzle on how they fill the barrels.

The best part was at the end. The tasting–of course. Each of us were educated on how to experience the whiskey at it’s finest.

What was most cool is the filling parties that they hold. Every couple months or so volunteers can come to the distillery and help fill the bottles of Stranahan’s. I don’t think any other brewery in the world does this. After a few hours of standing on your feet you will get a complimentary bottle for your “hard work.”

The label

Every product has its gimmick. We all know that. But the folks at Stranahan’s have taken that to a new level. Each batch comes with its own label and there is a place where the brew master can share a few notes. There you will find things like: “Listening to AC/DC”, “Go Avs!”, or even “I’m in the dog house.” telling about a rough night on the home-front. The people at Stranahan’s believe that special touch adds something to the whiskey itself. How could it not? Listening to hard rock while distilling the stuff has to have an effect, doesn’t it?

The Taste

I have become a huge Deadwood fan. The series appeared on HBO a few years ago and I just got around to watching it on Netflix. When I think of whiskey I think of the Old West and I think of how they used to drink back then.

In the Deadwood days a Pony was 10 cents and a Jigger was 15 cents. My, how things have changed. But I don’t think the taste of whiskey has changed much. Back in the day they drank out of the bottle and everybody had hair on their chests!

When you take your first shot of Stranahan’s you will notice a difference. It is nothing like the taste of Jack Daniels, Scotch or Jim Beam. It is potent and you will feel it right as it explodes in your mouth.

You will taste hints of citrus, floral, vanilla and maybe even coffee. It is very smooth and flows down just as it should. It is a fine drink but I will warn you it has some real kick!

Where to buy

Of course you can buy Stranahan’s right at the distillery/brewery. We bought three bottles. One for my wife, Michele’s dad, one for me and one for a friend in Alaska. I had two bottles packaged up so I could take them on the plane and they made them up North with no problems.

A bottle will set you back a cool $59 bucks. Remember this is not your ordinary Jack. You will pay for the experience of a fine whiskey like Stranahan’s. It is worth every penny.

You can also buy it right from the web at Total Beverage and search Stranahans.

Robert Forto | Team Ineka | Alaska Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Dog Works Radio | Denver Dog Works | Daily Post

___________________

Robert Forto is a musher training for his first Iditarod under the Team Ineka banner and the host of the popular radio shows, Mush! You Huskies and Dog Works Radio Shows

Filed Under: Daily Post, Robert Forto, What Rocks Tagged With: Colorado, denver, postaday2011, robert forto, straight rocky mountain whiskey, stranahans, stranahans whiskey

Segment Topics

May 22, 2010 by robertforto Leave a Comment

Media: Are you looking for a segment for your publication, newscast, radio show or interview? Canine behaviorist, Robert Forto has over 20 years working with dogs. Please contact him directly for more information.

Popular segments by Robert Forto, canine behaviorist

  1. Move Over Rover: Babies and the Family Dog
  2. Why breed legislation is stupid
  3. Why Christmas Puppies are a bad idea
  4. Why I don’t like dog parks
  5. What is a therapy dog
  6. What is a service dog
  7. How can we stop dog fighting
  8. Domestic violence protection orders and pets
  9. Peak performance coaching for dog owners
  10. The Mind of a Champion
  11. Should you buy a pet from a pet store?
  12. Dogs with bite histories
  13. Why cookie cutter training does not work for canine aggression
  14. How can we educate the community about dog ownership
  15. Is positive reinforcement the best way to train your dog
  16. As Seen On TV. The hidden pitfalls of learning from a TV dog trainer
  17. So you want to be a dog trainer?
  18. Teaching today’s youth about leadership through empowerment
  19. Runnin’ Down a Dream: Robert’s quest to run the Iditarod
  20. Leader of the Pack: life lessons through sled dogs
  21. Canine Sports and Working Dogs
  22. What does your dog choice say about your personality?
  23. Barking Mad: Dealing with barking dogs and your Home Owners Association
  24. Navigating the Service Dog Maze
  25. Dog Parks: Do We Need More?
  26. Dealing with the loss of a pet
  27. Why do so many dogs have separation anxiety?
  28. Are dog vaccinations bad?
  29. Top Dog: Colorado’s Hiking Colorado’s 14ers with your dog.
  30. Way Up North: Speaking to school children about chasing your dreams, leadership and conquering your fears.
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Filed Under: dog training, Dogs, Expert Witness, Robert Forto Tagged With: Colorado, Denver Dog Works, dog, dog doctor radio, dogpark, Pet, radio segments dogs, robert forto, Service dog, Therapy dog, tv, Working dog

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