Conquer Colorado Springs' Rails-to-Trails Routes

Rails-to-trails transform unused rail corridors into vibrant and accessible trails for runners, hikers and cyclists to enjoy while giving America a brighter future through conservation. The Pikes Peak region boasts four official rails-to-trails routes for travelers to enjoy. To find more outdoor recreation and the region’s top 25 trails, head to www.VisitCOS.com/top-25-trails.  

Arkansas River Walk

This seven-mile trail winds up and down the Arkansas River through Cañon City. The trail offers everything from lush foliage to native wetlands. Nature enthusiasts can spot various Colorado bird species including great blue herons, fowl, thrashers, magpies and ferruginous hawk.

New Santa Fe Regional Trail

Wander this 20-mile trail that follows the abandoned Atkinson, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad tracks. Following a largely unpaved path that extends between Colorado Springs and Palmer Lake, this trail shows off picture-perfect views of grassy hillsides and Piñon Pine trees. 

Manitou Incline

Perhaps the most popular and challenging hiking trail in the Pikes Peak region, the Manitou Incline has one of the largest increases of elevation around. The incline railway was originally created for reaching access to a hydroelectric plant, then later turned into an incline railway tourist attraction. After the train closed in the early 1990’s the trail gained fame for its 2,788 steps that reach 2,000 feet of elevation in under a one-mile trek. 

Rock Island Regional Trail

This 14.8-mile course runs parallel to Highway 24 between Colorado Springs and Peyton. Several landmarks can be viewed from the trail including Pikes Peak, Rampart Range and the Rattlesnake Buttes at Homestead Ranch Regional Park.

Elusive, Endangered Aye-Aye Born at Denver Zoo

With only 24 residing in seven zoos in the United States and an unknown number in the wild, aye-ayes are among the rarest—and hardest to see—animals in the world. Now three of these elusive nocturnal lemurs, which many consider the strangest primates on earth, call Denver Zoo home following the birth of a female named Tonks.

Tonks, who was born on August 8 to mom Bellatrix and dad Smeagol, is healthy and thriving; however, her first days were worrying for Denver Zoo’s animal care staff and veterinarians.

“We noticed that Bellatrix wasn’t showing typical mothering behaviors, so we decided to step in to give Tonks some supportive care,” said Lead Primate Keeper Becky Sturges. “We provided 24-hour care for the first week and had to teach Bellatrix how to nurse, but now she is nursing well and Tonks has gained a lot of weight. Now we’re just monitoring them to make sure things continue to go well.”

Aye-aye are classified as Endangered on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ and native only to remote parts of Madagascar. They are one of the most distinctive looking animals on the planet due to a number of unique adaptations, including coarse dark hair, long bushy tails, rodent-like teeth, piercing eyes and skeletal hands that feature extra-long middle fingers with hooked claws. Aye-ayes are born weighing just a few ounces and reach up to 5 lbs. as adults, and live up to 20 years.

Tonks is currently in the aye-aye exhibit in Emerald Forest with Bellatrix and Smeagol, but guests shouldn’t expect to see her anytime soon—she’ll remain in her nest box for at least a couple more months before she’s exploring on her own and easily visible.

The Joy Formidable - The Better Me

 

Yesterday, The Joy Formidable unveiled the video for “The Better Me”, the third single from their highly-anticipated new album AAARTH. Set for release on September 28 via Hassle Records, the album has received critical acclaim from the BBC’s Radio 1, who dropped the exclusive audio of “The Better Me” on Tuesday, as well as Consequence of Sound and Billboard, who recently dubbed the record, “art that is both evocative and earnest.” The band wrapped a tour with the Foo Fighters last night and will continue to tour throughout North America this fall, coming to Denver on October 31.

Following recent singles Dance of The Lotus and The Wrong Side, “The Better Me” is an inventive and emotive rally cry. Lead singer and guitarist Ritzy Bryan explains, “‘The Better Me’ is a song about self-acceptance, living with your mistakes and appreciating how we all make up the whole and have something different to offer. A song of thanks to a loved one and a decision to love oneself.”

Produced by by Boston-based creative studio TRLLM, the video was filmed in Las Vegas’ deserted backstreets during golden hour; the perfect setting to capture the bittersweet themes within the lyrics, like simultaneous loneliness and hopefulness.

TRLLM commented, “We knew we wanted to do something simple & centered around Ritzy’s performance because it’s a very personal song. There’s also this natural defiance in walking forward, pushing forward through these deserted streets in a lonely corner of Las Vegas."

Submissions for 31st Annual Lambda Literary Awards Now Open!

Lambda Literary is proud to announce the opening of submissions for the 31st Annual Lambda Literary Awards. 

The Lammys honor books in more than twenty genres ranging from literary fiction and poetry to speculative fiction, graphic novels, and memoir. New this year is the addition of a bisexual poetry category.  

"We are thrilled to add bisexual poetry to the books we'll honor next year," said Ella Boureau, Lambda Literary Awards Manager. "Our community made it clear that this is an important category to recognize, and we listened."

 

Books submitted for consideration in this Lammys cycle must be published between January 1 and December 31, 2018 and meet all of the submission guidelines. Please read the guidelines carefully and choose the correct category before you submit. 

Finalists will be announced in March 2019. Winners will be revealed at the Lambda Literary Awards awards ceremony held on June 3, 2019 at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. Tickets for the gala go on sale in spring 2019.

The Lammys celebrate the best in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender literature. Since the first ceremony in 1989, Lambda Literary has awarded more than 575 Lammys to outstanding authors, including Dorothy Allison, Hilton Als, Kate Bornstein, Rita Mae Brown, Samuel Delany, Leslie Feinberg, Roxane Gay, Carmen Maria Machado, Cherríe Moraga, Armistead Maupin, Chinelo Okparanta, John Waters, and Jacqueline Woodson.  

Click here to submit books now.

Do You Want To Reach Denver's Gay Community? Advertise With Denver's Best Gay Blog!

Do you want to advertise to Denver’s gay community? Of course you do, it’s the 7th largest in the United States! And the best way to reach them is with MileHighGayGuy – Colorado’s Best Gay Blog.
 
Just click the Advertising page or email sales@milehighgayguy.com to get started today.

Raise a Glass to This Year's Power Winners!

Join the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce and OUT FRONT and raise a toast to this year's Power Winners tomorrow at Mile High Hamburger Mary's.

Every year the CLGBTQCC and OUT FRONT pair up to honor some of Colorado's most powerful LGBTQ people. This year, five individuals and two organizations will be honored for their outstanding work in progressing us toward equality.

Travel: Key West’s Glamorous Headdress Ball

Combining entertainment and creative rivalry, Key West’s Headdress Ball typically dazzles audiences with contestants’ flamboyant masks and outrageous headdress regalia. The 36th annual ball is set for 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, at the Key West Amphitheater at Truman Waterfront Park.

The gala is the premier LGBTQ event of the subtropical island’s 10-day Fantasy Fest celebration.

More than 25 entrants wearing masks and headgear constructions — many decorated with feathers, sequins, unique accessories or even moving parts — are expected to vie for cash prizes including a first-place award of $3,000. While some competitors wear full costumes, the panel of VIP judges evaluates ensembles only from the shoulders up.

The ball is produced each year by the Key West Business Guild, one of the United States’ oldest LGBTQ business organizations, and serves as a major fundraiser for it.

“The Headdress Ball will be an evening of creativity, fun and surprise guest entertainment taking place during the competition — something you won’t want to miss,” said Dan Skahen, the guild’s executive director.

Queer the Vote with the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund

Make plans to join the Task Force Action Fund for a discussion of critical issues surrounding LGBTQ and social justice communities. Queering the Vote means examining politics through a LGBTQ lens and seeking equality and justice for ALL.

What matters to you? Share your thoughts on Facebook LIVE, Wednesday, September 12.

2018 LGBTQ Health Survey: One week left to make change

The 2018 LGBTQ Health Survey closes THIS SATURDAY, September 15, at midnight. That means you have just this one week to share your story, and help One Colorado improve access to health care, quality of health, and ways to improve health care provider competency to best serve LGBTQ patients. Will you take the survey now?

When One Colorado conducted the last LGBTQ Health Survey in 2011, they were able to help thousands of LGBTQ Coloradans gain access to quality, affirming health coverage when they did not have access before. Through data from that study – and with your support – they have even secured non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people accessing care.

By sharing your story, you can be entered in to win a $25 gift card. The survey will take about 20 minutes to complete, is available in Spanish, can be taken on behalf of an LGBTQ young person, and is not age restricted. The data will be aggregated anonymously to inform the final report to be published this winter. Click here if you would like to share your story and take the health survey!

Dumb Friends League Opening Veterinary Hospital

The Dumb Friends League has announced that PetAid Animal Hospital is becoming Dumb Friends League Solutions – Veterinary Hospital. The change is expected to take place on
October 1, 2018. Adding Dumb Friends League Solutions – Veterinary Hospital to the services provided through mobilespay/neuter units and Solutions – Cat Spay/Neuter Clinic will allow the League to provide preventive care to owned animals while working toward its mission to end pet homelessness and animal suffering.

“Sometimes people surrender animals to us because they can’t afford medical care,” said Dr. Apryl Steele, Dumb Friends League President and CEO. “By opening the veterinary hospital for the people struggling to help their pets, we hope to preserve existing bonds and help people and pets to stay together.”

In the past several years, the demand for veterinary care to underserved pets has increased dramatically, a trend the League expects to continue. The organization is uniquely positioned in experience, infrastructure and community support to meet this urgent need.

“We provided life-changing outcomes for the more than 20,000 homeless pets and horses that came to our shelters last year alone,” said Steele. “Now, we will be able to help even more animals and people in need.”

“For more than 20 years, PetAid Animal Hospital has provided donor-subsidized care for tens of thousands ofpets – nearly 14,000 in 2017 alone,” said Diane Matt, PetAid Colorado CEO. “We are excited to work with the Dumb Friends League during this transition, and for the League to carry on PetAid’s mission in our community.”

Are You Gay With Something To Say? Bloggers Wanted For Denver's Best Gay Blog!

Are you a new or experienced writer or blogger? Do you want to be? Or maybe you're just some gay guy with something to say? Well, what better forum for you than MileHighGayGuy?

MileHighGayGuy is looking for regular and guest bloggers to write about local news and events, do music and movie reviews, or write opinion or feature pieces from a gay perspective.

These are unpaid positions but offer the opportunity to be published in Colorado's Best Gay Blog (2010, 2011, 2012 OUTstanding Awards, Denver 2012 #WebAwards), expand your audience and gain valuable experience. There's also swag available in the form of free movie and concert tickets, music, books and other cool stuff.

If interested, shoot an email over to Drew Wilson at drew@milehighgayguy.com. And if you've got column or story ideas to pitch, this is the place to do it.

Do You Want To Reach Denver's Gay Community? Advertise With Denver's Best Gay Blog!

Do you want to advertise to Denver’s gay community? Of course you do, it’s the 7th largest in the United States! And the best way to reach them is with MileHighGayGuy – Colorado’s Best Gay Blog.
 
Just click the Advertising page or email sales@milehighgayguy.com to get started today.

GDASA: Denver's LGBTQ Sports Association

Looking for a safe and positive atmosphere for the LGBTQA community through engaging social and competitive sports within Colorado?

Greater Denver Area Sports Association welcomes and encourages everybody to join and participate. And more leagues are coming soon!

HOYA Foundation Announces Speakers for Transportation and Construction Girl Day

The HOYA Foundation’s goal is to reach out to young women to let them know about the sustainable and financially rewarding careers in construction and transportation.  During The HOYA Foundation’s Transportation and Construction Girl Day, there will be three women under the age of 24 to discuss how girls can actually pursue a path in this industry.  These future leaders bring intelligence, passion and commitment to this industry. 

Daniela Gonzalez – Daniela has been a Transportation Engineer for EST for the past year – since she graduated from CSU.  During a summer internship, Gonzalez learned what it takes to get a building off paper and erected in the real world.  A member of Engineers Without Borders, Gonzalez worked on a project in La Criba in El Salvador.  Part of the project design team, she helped design the water distribution system that got this village running water.  As a young girl who experienced bullying, Gonzalez will share inspiration and words of perseverance.

Jay Helmreich – Helmreich graduated from Ralston Valley High School in May 2018.  She is studying welding at Warren Tech and started classes at Red Rocks Community College this fall.  Helmreich understood that she has a different learning style and she flourished at Warren Tech.   Helmreich also will talk about how networking.   Networking with one person – a Learning Specialist at Warren Tech – led to participating in Transportation and Construction Girl 2017, an internship with a welding company, an internship, Career Days for Girls and a scholarship from the HOYA Foundation. 

Elena Pocs – Pocs is in her senior year at Prairie View High School.  Pocs didn’t grow up around construction and it wasn’t until her junior year that her woodshop teacher gave her a flyer for Career Days for Girls.  The things Pocs knew she wanted in her career were; ability to work inside and outside, manage people and organize projects, and the ability to see what she had accomplished.  Construction Management will allow Pocs to do all of those things.  During Career Days for Girls, she drilled down in talking to everyone about what their career was really like on a day-to-day basis.

What do all of these young women have in common?  They are all exceptional young women who have an inspiring story to tell about their journey into the construction and transportation industry.  And, they all got help on that pathway by the HOYA Foundation.

Books: TOTO's Steve Lukather To Release Memoir 'The Gospel According To Luke'

To know Steve Lukather AKA: “Luke” is to love him, and readers of his upcoming memoir are about to get a no-holds barred uncensored look at Luke’s 40+ years of making records with his band TOTO along with the countless legendary sessions he’s been a part of.

 

Written by Luke along with acclaimed UK author Paul Rees, The Gospel According To Luke will be released worldwide on September 18^th.  The books shares an outspoken spirit, and takes the reader behind the VIP curtain of rock and pop stardom recounting the vibrant and frequently lurid history of a vanquished golden age of the music business. 

 

Historically, few ensembles in the history of recorded music have individually or collectively had a larger imprint on pop culture than the members of TOTO.  The band has sold over 40 million albums and have over half a billion streams worldwide as of 2018 and today continue to be a worldwide arena draw staging standing room only events across the globe.  They are pop culture, and are one of the few 70’s bands that have endured the changing trends and styles, and 40 plus years in to a career enjoy a multi-generational fan base. 

 

Running parallel to this, and as stellar session players, Lukather and band-mates David Paich, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Porcaro, David Hungate and Mike Porcaro were also the creative linchpins on some of the most successful, influential and enduring records of all time including Michael Jackson’s Thriller. 

 

“How many bands collectively (all members past to present) can say that they have played on 5,000 albums, had around 225 Grammy nominations, and were pretty much the house band on the biggest album in history?” remarked Lukather. 

 

It’s without question, that TOTO are currently in the middle of a major resurgence around the world.  The band’s brand new Greatest Hits package titled 40 Trips Around The Sun (Legacy Recordings - Sony) debuted in the top of the charts in multiple different countries.  Their European tour earlier this year saw them performing to packed houses every night including sold out stops at the 17,000 seat Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam to Royal Albert Hall in London and everything else in-between.  Most recently, Weezer’s covers of the classic TOTO hits “Rosanna” and “Africa” have attracted a ton of media attention along with over 12 million streams of the tracks combined.  TOTO recently returned the favor and released a smokin’ cover of Weezer’s “Hash Pipe.”

 

This fall TOTO will also be releasing their definitive box set: All In via Legacy Recordings (a division of Sony Music).