READS
Kindergarten wars
The Kindergarten Wars: The Battle to Get Into America’s Best Private Schools, by Alan Eisenstock (Warner Books; $24.99)
Alan Eisenstock, a former member of a private elementary school board, poses the $500,000 question – Is the estimated half-million dollar cost of a private K-12 education worth it? – as he follows four families of differing incomes and demographics on their ultra-competitive and often heartbreaking quest to get their 4-year-olds into the “right” kindergarten, presumably setting the kids on the “right” track for their future.
URBAN LIVING
The scoop on Gelazzi’s new fall flavors
Once the leaves drop and the first snow falls, the phrase “let’s go out for ice cream” typically drops from your vocabulary, and for good reason. But let’s rethink this. Gelazzi, on Larimer Square, has just released plenty of tasty, fall-appropriate reasons to keep this sassy gelato lounge on your radar. How about a scoop of Pecan Pie or Pumpkin Spice gelato, served up in a freshly pressed nutmeg-spice waffle cone?
This ice cream parlor isn’t just for the kindergarten set. Gelazzi serves up a menu of gelato cocktails too. Try one of the new Halloween Gelatinis ($7.95) available through Oct. 31, like The Undertaker, Witches Brew, Jagermonster and the Banshee.
A new series of fall and holiday cocktails will appear Nov. 1, including warm drinks such as caramel apple cider and spiced coffee. 1411 Larimer St., 303-534-5056
DRIVE
Lexus LS parallel-parks itself
Here’s another reason to regret that we can’t afford a $61,000 Lexus LS. The 2007 LS parallel-parks itself. Just pull up to a spot, mark off the parameters using an in-cabin video screen. Take your hands off the wheel, and the car backs in. There’s a demo at lexus.com. Click on Lexus LS, then “what’s new” at the bottom right of the page, and hit “demo.” The option does add another four grand or so to the price.
CANINE COSTUMES
Fido fashion contest a howling good time
One of the best things about dogs: They’re above humiliation. You can dress them in the dumbest clothes, and those furry Fidos never seem to be anything other than grateful for the attention. Take advantage by entering your dog in the “Howlween” costume contest 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at 24th and Blake streets downtown. The outdoor dogfest, sponsored by the online creative agency Malenke/Barnhart and the Flying Dog Brewery, costs $2 per pooch. Proceeds go to nonprofit MaxFund, a no-kill shelter in Denver. howlween.com.
