CITY LIFE

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Apr 25, 2003

MORNING RADIO SHOW

Readers' choice: KVOR (740 AM)

Jim Arthur and Laurie White do the kind of solid nuts-and-bolts local and national news show that our NPR affiliate KRCC (91.5 FM) should be doing.

GO! choice: KRDO (95.1 FM)

It's the most idiotic quiz imaginable: "Fifty thousand Americans do this every weekend . . .? " But somehow Brian Kulis and Mark Goldberg keep "The Peak Puzzler" interesting and oddly suspenseful. It's a refreshing change of pace from the shock jocks.

DISC JOCKEY

GO! choice: Vicky Gregor on KRCC (91.5 FM)

Gregor has returned to her "Morning Freeform Show" on KRCC after maternity leave. "Your friend and neighbor Vicky" mixes that kind, familiar voice with an eclectic taste in acoustic and electronica that always keeps us guessing.

TV NEWSCAST

Readers' choice: KKTV/Channel 11

The "News You Can Count On" has pulled ahead in the ratings race and continues to produce a show that feels like a big-city newscast.

GO! choice: KOAA/Channels 5 & 30

With new news director Cindy Aubrey, KOAA/Channels 5&30 has become more aggressive, making "News First" the place for the most scoops and moving features.

FEMALE TV ANCHOR

Readers' choice: Lisa Lyden on KOAA

This is one of those times when familiarity breeds content. Lyden has become not only one of the most comforting figures on the local news scene, she also has developed the most credibility.

GO! choice: Jeannette Hynes on KKTV

Hynes, a consumer reporter and weekend anchor, has the look, the style and the steadiness to be the next Heidi Collins. Don't be surprised if, in two or three years, she's on CNN or one of the broadcast networks.

MALE TV ANCHOR

Readers' choice: Eric Singer on KKTV

Singer continues to be among the most popular anchors on TV. Is it the melodious voice? The friendly, confident anchorman persona? His use of hand gestures? Probably all of the above.

GO! choice: Tim Glenn at KRDO/Channels 13

Glenn is our pick for the male anchor who's most ready for the bigger desk. His combination of personality and professionalism boosts him above the crowd. Our respect for Glenn only grew stronger when we learned he wears a Superman T-shirt under his suit when he does the news.

SPORTS ANCHOR

GO! choice: Vince Greco at KRDO

Even though Greco is coming close to the title of "seasoned" anchor (in September, he'll have 13 years at Channel 13), and you can see that experience in his growing knowledge of sports, he still retains his passion for the game. His excitement is contagious.

METEOROLOGIST

GO! choice: Mark Nelson on KRDO

For aweather reporter, Nelson is pretty low on the dork meter. His weather reports are descriptive, informative, and the guy actually seems contrite when his reports are off the mark.

CIVIC-GROUP SPEAKER

GO! choice: Teller County Sheriff Frank Fehn

His talk about the capture of the Texas Seven has been the hit of the civic-group circuit.

PLACE TO SEE AND BE SEEN

Readers' choice: The Ritz

On a Friday or Saturday night, The Ritz is packed with the young, the restless, the middle-aged, the hot, not-sohot. It's the place to be. 15 S. Tejon St.

GO! choice: 32 Bleu

It's where the younger "in" crowd goes. 32 S. Tejon St.

PLACE TO VOLUNTEER

Readers' choice: Silver Key

You can help a senior live a fuller, more independent life. How cool is that? In some cases, Silver Key volunteers provide transportation. In other cases, they just may just provide an attentive ear. Call 632-1521.

GO! choice: Youth soccer

Our city recreation programs are experiencing a serious lack-of- coaches crisis. What a great way to be a local hero. Anyone interested, call 385-6005.

CHARITY BENEFIT

GO choice!: The Colorado Springs Dance Theatre's Wine Festival

Whether you're a wine snob or someone who relishes good conversation and great food, the Colorado Springs Dance Theatre's annual Wine Festival is one not to miss. The twoday festival begins with a grand tasting of more than 300 premium wines and gourmet hors d'oeuvres from the region's finest restaurants and caterers. If you haven't had enough wine, the featured vintners offer seminars the next day. The finale is the Gourmet Winemaker Dinner & Live Auction that pairs a fabulous gourmet dinner with choice wines from the guest winemakers. Then you can sit back, relax and watch Christie's principal wine auctioneer whip the crowd into a froth bidding on priceless wine, champagne and getaway packages. Divine!

LOCAL WEB SITE

GO! choice: Lets-Eat-Out.com

Randy Filkin's unsponsored labor of love is an invaluable resource for people who like to eat. Filkin is a one-man operation, keeping 389 restaurant menus updated on his interactive Web site, organized by area and type of cuisine. Looking for Italian food? Let's-Eat-Out will give you 18 options in Colorado Springs alone with hours of operation, phone number, directions and a menu with prices. www.letseatout. com/msie.htm

BLOW-UP DOLL

GO! choice: Twinkie the Kid

The giant inflatable Twinkie donning a cowboy hat that sways atop the Wonder Bread convenience store at Platte Avenue and Institute Street is just goofy and annoying enough to have major kitsch value.