Ear to the ground:

"I felt like I was at a mime convention at one point."

– One local having an ’80s checkerboard fashion flashback at last weekend's English Beat show at Ska

Check out some deals

You already know that your Durango Library card gets you books, movies, ebooks and audiobooks. But how about a half-price massage?

For the month of September, the Durango Public Library is partnering with local businesses to offer car holders discounts and free swag. Simply show your card at any participating business.

Some of the tempting deals include 10 percent off clothing; 50 percent off massages; 20 percent off eye exams; a free manicures; free self defense classes, and, for the wee card holder, a free piggy bank. For a complete list, go to www.durangopubliclibrary.org. But hurry, offer ends Sept. 30.

Love connection

The great Durango love fest is back. Durango Connect will be returning for another run at completing a human chain from one end of the 7-mile Animas River Trail to the other on the morning of Wed., Oct. 2.

Last year's inaugural event drew an estimated 9,000 participants, including students from all 9-R schools. This year, 9-R again will be attending and is working the Connect into its curriculum. The event will kick off 9-R's new "Durango Character Education Partnership" (DCEP) program, a joint effort between community leaders and organizations to instill students with values for success.

Once again, participants are asked to leave the dog and car at home, and walk to the trail. The plan is for the grand linkage to take place at 10 a.m.

Also, for the germaphobes, if holding hands with a stranger makes you run for the Germ-ex, organizers say it is perfectly acceptable to "link arms, share a rope or ribbon or any other mutually accepted way to be in contact with persons on each side of you."

For more info., go to www.durangoconnect.com

Getting chippy

No one likes to think ahead to their Monday morning commute, especially on a Thursday. But for those who use Florida Road to get in and out of town, here's a heads up. The City of Durango will be chip sealing Florida Road from the East Third Ave intersection (sometimes known as Dysfunction Junction) to the Chapman Roundabout on Mon., Sept. 16

Construction is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., at which time traffic will be reduced to a single lane and delays should be expected. The good news is, the chipping should be completed in time for the trek back home. But for those who don't want yet anther ding in the windshield, bike frame or god forbid anywhere else, city crews advise you to take it slow.