Comment on SXSW 2015 Wednesday wrap: Laura Marling, TVOTR, Leon Bridges, Houndmouth

When the idea of price transparency first took hold outside purely academic circles, the pitch was simple: Coloradans would save themselves and the system money by shopping for health care the way they do for TVs or cars. But shopping for health care has proven more difficult than buying consumer goods.

If you are curious about the giant construction project surrounding Keystone’s River Run gondola, it’s a village-sized resort that will change the look of the main base area. Kindred Resort, set to open in the spring of 2025, is touted as “the most luxurious new slopeside property in the Colorado Rockies.” Part of Vail Resorts’ RockResorts brand, the property consists of 107 high-end hotel rooms, 95 one-to-four-bedroom residences, a private club, spa, ski valet, the new headquarters for Keystone’s Ski & Snowboard School, upscale retail shops and three restaurants, all within steps of River Run Gondola. “Kindred is going to be a game-changer,” says Ken Riley, the first mayor of Keystone, which became an incorporated town last February. “It does feel like this is a missing link to what a top family-friendly resort can offer.” While Keystone has long since boasted fine dining haunts like the Ski Tip Lodge and (located on one of its two world-class golf courses) Keystone Ranch, as well as a massive conference center and upscale spa at Keystone Lodge, it has always positioned itself as a more affordable family destination than surrounding ski resorts. Despite the upscale developments starting with Kindred, Keystone still offers free parking within walking distance of lifts at River Run and Mountain House, family amenities, and lodging packages, including free lift tickets for kids. Incorporating the town was crucial to Keystone’s journey toward improved infrastructure and offerings.

Colorado’s animal shelters are reaching the end of their leash with capacities, a struggle fueled by skyrocketing prices and a lack of accessible, pet-friendly housing, animal advocates say. “What’s happening in animal shelters is just so reflective of what’s happening in the community,” Foothills Animal Shelter Executive Director Maggie McSchaefer said.

Though vocally skeptical of the allegations, a Denver judge has agreed to allow an aunt of former Granby Ranch ski area CEO Melissa Cipriani to investigate whether she used the ski area to fraudulently transfer money and evade the aunt’s $19 million court judgment. “I’m frustrated with this case,” Judge David Goldberg said at a Dec.

Is this the most wonderful time of the year? Even a joyous holiday season can cause stress, anxiety or even melancholy for many Americans. A poll conducted during last year’s holiday season, by the American Psychological Association, concluded that most American adults feel overwhelmed by the holiday season; as nearly nine in ten said that even a joyous holiday season can cause stress and even sadness. Why is this? For many people, the holiday season, often depicted as a time of joy and celebration, can paradoxically bring about substantial personal health and physical challenges. While festive decorations and cheerful carols fill the air, a hidden undercurrent of stress, anxiety and sadness can make it particularly difficult for many. Understanding these challenges is essential to our ability to offer support during this holiday season. One of the main challenges during the holidays is the heightened sense of loneliness.

Dear Eric: When my only son and his wife got married and had kids, I was informed that Christmas Day would just be for them to celebrate. I said OK. For decades, I have given my son and his family (wife and two kids) really nice gifts for Christmas. We are talking about hundreds of dollars.