Help pets beat the heat during the dog days of summer!

For months, we’ve been dreaming about warmer temperatures and sunny days, and

they’re finally here! There’s not much better than enjoying long, lazy summer days outside with our pets. But, do you know that warm weather poses health and safety risks to our furry companions? Let’s see how we can protect our pets during the dog days of summer.

Feelin’ hot, hot, hot
When it’s hot outside for you, it’s even hotter for your animal. Humans are covered in sweat glands, but pets don’t sweat the way we do. In fact, dogs only have sweat glands on the pads of their feet and their noses, and cats just sweat through their paws. When you think about an animal’s feet, you realize that’s not a very large surface area to accomplish a sufficient amount of cooling. So, what can we do to avoid the dangers of too much heat—and, on some days, that may simply mean leaving pets at home?

Keep cool and stay hydrated
We all know pets who like to soak up the sun, but direct sunlight can overheat them. Be sure there are options for shade when your animals (and you!) are lounging out in the yard or supporting their human siblings at soccer games. Just like their owners, animals need to stay hydrated, so use your thirst as a guide. When you want a drink, you can count on your companion wanting one, too. Be sure to bring a collapsible bowl to make water breaks easy when you’re out and about.

Know the signs
Dehydration can cause serious problems for pets. Cats and dogs drink water and pant to bring their body temperature down when it gets higher than normal. Some symptoms of overheating include drooling, heavy panting, vomiting and diarrhea. If your pets show signs of heat exhaustion, bring them to a cool place, get them to drink water and call their veterinarian.

No, no, never, never, ah, ah, ah
It’s never OK to leave your dog in a parked car—even for a few minutes—during the summer. When it’s 70 degrees out, after 10 minutes inside a car, the temperature rises to 89 degrees, and after 30 minutes, it’s a whopping 104 degrees! Not only is it dangerous to leave your pet in a car, but it’s also illegal in Colorado. If you see a pet left alone in a car and you think he’s in danger, legally you can enter a locked vehicle to help an at-risk animal. Learn more about the hot car immunity law at here.

Don’t get burned
Did you know that pets can get sunburns too, especially ones who have short hair or light-haired coats? Well, they can, and it hurts just like it does when it happens to us. Apply sunscreen to your four-legged companions regularly per the instructions on the package. Remember, human sunscreen isn’t safe for animals, so be sure to buy one that’s made specifically for pets.

Skip the summer shave
A pet’s coat naturally keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer, so while you may think shaving your dog will help keep them from overheating, that’s not the case. If you do get your pup a summer cut, be sure to leave an inch of hair to help protect their skin from sunburns.

Leash this
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean your pup isn’t going to want their routine walk—and there’s no reason to stop. Try and adjust your strolls so that you go earlier or later in day and never in the middle when it’s the hottest. It’s always a good idea to bring water, too. Along the walking line, be sure to pay attention and keep your pup off hot surfaces. Their paws can get burned, and since they can absorb heat through their pads, their body temperature can climb. If your enthusiastic walking companion is open to wearing socks/booties, they do serve a great purpose when the terrain is hot.

Don’t chew on that
Not much screams summer more than a BBQ but remember that our four-legged friends can’t enjoy the experience as we can. Pets should never drink alcohol. Never. It’s also best to stay away from sharing snacks and meals with your friend, so their diet isn’t disrupted. Plus, things like onions, raisins and some ingredients, such as chocolate and the artificial sweetener xylitol—commonly used in gum and sugar-free baked goods—can be deadly.

Be water safe
Some dogs can swim, others can learn and then there are those who will never pick up the activity. I know. I know. Based on the doggy paddle swimming style, we assume all dogs inherently know how to do this aquatic activity, but that’s not always the case. No matter your pup’s skill level, if you’re near water, they need a brightly-colored canine life jacket to stay afloat in case of an emergency.

Tame the spark
Many of us enjoy the sights and sounds of fireworks, but these displays—no matter how large or small—may frighten cats and dogs. When pets panic, they can run away, and, in fact, more dogs are lost on July 4 than any other day of the year. Learn how to keep your pets calm and safe at ddfl.org/news/help-your-pets-stay-safe-this-independence-day.

Mika - Ice Cream

 

Today, platinum-selling artist MIKA shares visuals to his latest summer anthem ‘Ice Cream’ out now via Republic Records / Casablanca Records.

Directed by Francesco Calabrese and filmed in Barcelona, the ‘Ice Cream’ visuals see a carefree MIKA as vibrant as ever navigating his way through summer with dance routines, beach lounging and his trusty Ice Cream van. The summer bop was written by MIKA and co-written/produced by Daniel Black, along with Mark Crew and Dan Priddy. ‘Ice Cream’ is taken from MIKA’s forthcoming album, My Name Is Michael Holbrook, to be released October 4.

“Ice Cream was written on a day of extreme heat.” MIKA comments, “It was the last few weeks of writing for the album; a writing period that lasted two years. Through the writing I had confronted personal, serious and at times painful issues, now I felt lighter and freer.”

He continues, “It was August in Italy. I wanted to run away to the sea, or just about anywhere. I dreamt about summer flings with someone totally stunning and out of my reach, I dreamt about the other person I always wish I was during the summer. Instead, I was left with all the discomforts of summer heat. Sweat, work deadlines, bee stings, and all this with no AC.”

“The song is a daydream fantasy.” MIKA adds, “It shimmers like a mirage, and makes me feel like anything is possible. Inspired by the irreverent attitude of the music of the 90s; George Michael among others. Dare to be the more proud version of yourself. Dare to be a sensual man, dare to express out loud the desires you always keep inside your head. That’s why and how I wrote it.”

Enjoy a glass of rosé w/ Trixie Mattel (+ laugh your face off)

If you're having a long week and need a pick-me-up, we recommend giving folk music chart-topper, TV star, cosmetics entrepreneur and winner of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Trixie Mattel's brand new NPR essay a read.

Along with a curated PRIDE playlist perfect for getting ready for a night out while enjoying a (large) glass of rosé, Trixie details with her nuanced and brilliant sense of humor what it takes to turn into the celebrated drag icon she is today.

Annual Survey on Gay & Bisexual Men's Health and Entertainment

Take ten minutes to make your voice heard in this annual survey about how media and entertainment interact with gay and bisexual men’s health and entertainment. Your answers are completely confidential and participation will help provide health services to our community.

Those who complete the survey may enter for a chance to win one of twenty prizes: Either $50 cash, or a $50 donation to a charity of your choice.

Books: Fire Island Photographs

As summer crashes ashore with full abandon, New York’s most titillating island gets its time in the sun in FIRE ISLAND: PHOTOGRAPHS (Glitterati) by Alex Geana, who spent four years capturing its most intimate and indomitable moments. Ripe with seductive images of luminous locations and luscious lords, the 224-page book shows Fire Island in all its unrepressed glory. “Alex focuses his lens on the tribal spirit involved in poolside romping, … and is there to clock the ritualized exhibitionism, glamor and inclusion,” crows Michael Musto, the LGBT community’s most ubiquitous scribe.

FIRE ISLAND: PHOTOGRAPHS is a provocative, unabashed journey into the island’s psyche, filled with unexpected moments, famous and infamous figures and the celebration of youth, sex and beauty. Inspired by the works of legends like Slim Aarons and Herb Ritts, Geana’s images are at once supple and serene, bathed in carnal sunlight that is both impeccably simple and deeply complex. It’s that contradiction that makes every image its own story … left to the reader to imagine.

“Fire Island is not just a place, it’s a memory, escape, dream, haven. It represents so much to so many people, and capturing its essence was a labor of love,” said Geana. “The setting is unmistakable, but it’s the scenery that tells the story – the people, the places, the time of year, the friends you make, the connections you forge and the beauty of love, spontaneity and free -spirited recklessness. I was so awed by the trust, honesty and excitement I encountered when making this book. The final result is a photographic diary of the Fire Island experience through a sun-lit lens."

FIRE ISLAND: PHOTOGRAPHS is available in two versions: the 9x12” hardback retailing for $50.00, and a special 11x14” hardback version with a slipcase. The Collectors Edition, of which there are only 20 copies available, retail for $2,500. The book can be ordered on Amazon (NSFW) as well as purchased at the General Store in The Pines by calling 631-597-6500.

Tyler James Bellinger - Save Me

Singer/songwriter, Tyler James Bellinger, who is best known for churning out hits behind the scenes, continues to put his unique stamp on the music industry with his powerful solo releases.

Produced by Michael MacAllister, his newest single, “Save Me” is out everywhere today.

“I wrote ‘Save Me’ with my friend Lena Leon in 2017” shares Bellinger. “The song was a prayer for me. At the time I was going through some relationship troubles and I was struggling with the idea that my relationship wasn't going to work out.”

“Save Me” is part of Bellinger’s forthcoming project. He will continue to drop new music this summer coinciding with his upcoming appearance on the NBC television show Songland. On the show, undiscovered songwriters pitch their original songs to superstar recording artists and a panel of music producers.

Third single “Find a Way” will follow next month.

Earlier this year, Bellinger released his lead single, “Feel Like Home,” and its accompanying video. “Feel Like Home” celebrates belonging and acceptance for LGBTQ+ homeless youth. The song is based on true events from lives of two trans women of color who shared their unique stories with Bellinger. For the release of the video, Bellinger partnered with The Ali Forney Center, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive agency dedicated to LGBTQ homeless youth.

“’Feel Like Home’ is incredibly personal to me, as I wrote it for my partner,” explains Bellinger. “My hope is that the video will continue to draw light upon LGBTQ+ homelessness and the adversity that trans women, particularly trans women of color, face daily.”

In addition to his songwriting and solo career, Bellinger is one half of the band KNGDAVD. The act has amassed nearly 5 million plays on Spotify. KNGDAVD’s single “Blood On Our Hands” has been featured in Guinness’ 200th anniversary commercials and the trailer for the new movie The Public. Their single “You Never Know” was featured in the Marvel TV show Cloak and Dagger, and their song “Say My Name” will be featured in the upcoming season of Netflix’s Lucifer.

On August 24th, celebrate with One Colorado at the 2019 Ally Awards!

 
By Garrett Royer, Development Manager, One Colorado Education Fund

Happy Pride! With Pride month winding down, we're not far off from One Colorado's signature event — the Ally Awards! On August 24th, we'll be honoring some truly incredible awardees and we can't wait to celebrate with you.

Ticket prices will increase on July 16th so make sure you save your spot today!

Starting at 6:30 PM, we'll kick off with a cocktail reception on the pool terrace with a hosted bar and heavy passed and stationed hors d’oeuvres. Guests will then move to the Four Seasons ballroom and attendees will enjoy an awards ceremony with special guest speakers, delectable desserts, and champagne.

And the Ally Awards go to…
• UCHealth Integrated Transgender Program
• former Colorado Attorney General, Cynthia H. Coffman
• former Colorado Speaker of the House, Crisanta Duran

And the Lifetime Achievement Award goes to…
Lockheed Martin engineer and transgender activist, Christine Bland

Grab your tickets today — we can't wait to see you there!

PS — Do you have an item, experience, or venue that you'd like to donate to be featured in this year's silent auction? Please email me at garrettr@one-colorado.org for more information.

WalletHub: 2019’s Best & Worst Places to Celebrate 4th of July

Source: WalletHub

With the Fourth of July just days away, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2019's Best & Worst Places for 4th of July Celebrations as well as accompanying videos to go along with interesting stats about the holiday in its 4th of July Facts & Figures infographic. 

To determine the best places to celebrate the most star-spangled occasion, WalletHub compared the 100 largest U.S. cities based on how well they balance holiday cost and fun. The data set of 20 key metrics ranges from average beer and wine prices to duration of fireworks shows to Fourth of July weather forecast.
 

Best Cities to Celebrate Fourth of July
1	New York, NY		11	New Orleans, LA
2	Los Angeles, CA		12	Scottsdale, AZ
3	San Diego, CA		13	Milwaukee, WI
4	Washington, DC		14	Baltimore, MD
5	Las Vegas, NV		15	Philadelphia, PA
6	Dallas, TX		16	Seattle, WA
7	Atlanta, GA		17	Denver, CO
8	Chicago, IL		18	Miami, FL
9	San Francisco, CA		19	Orlando, FL
10	St. Louis, MO		20	Pittsburgh, PA

MTV transforms dads into queens in new heartwarming makeover series, “Drag My Dad”

Bob the Drag Queen is hosting the ultimate makeover show that presents a whole new approach to family bonding, MTV’s “Drag My Dad.” Each episode centers on a young adult who is at a crucial point in their life and struggling to connect with their dad. From bold contours to runway walks, Bob and his team of experts jump in to offer families a hilarious and tear-jerking experience, teaching these dads what it’s like to take a walk in someone else’s size 14 heels! The new digital original series airs every Monday on MTV Facebook.

In yesterday’s premiere episode on Facebook, Amanda gave her dad Bret the makeover of a lifetime. After Amanda’s mother and father divorced, her relationship with her dad has never been the same. Amanda hopes glamming up her dad will help bring out the happy-go-lucky, fun guy he once was, and remind him that it is okay to laugh even if life doesn’t turn out as you expect.

DDFL: Keep pets safe and calm during July 4 festivities

The Fourth of July is coming up. The holiday and the days leading up to it are sure to be full of picnics, fun and fireworks! While many of us find the sights and sounds exciting, fireworks and other elements of our celebrations may frighten cats and dogs, causing them to panic and escape the confines of a yard or even the house.

To help protect pets during the festivities, here are some tips for pet owners: 

• Keep your pet indoors during fireworks celebrations in a quiet, isolated room with covered windows, such as a bathroom, or a basement where there are no windows. Turn on a fan, radio or TV to muffle the sound of fireworks. These devices provide familiar indoor sounds and may help soothe your pet if he must be alone on this noisy holiday.
• Don’t bring your pet to a fireworks display.
• If you know from experience that your pet will suffer from severe anxiety caused by the loud noise of fireworks, consider talking with your veterinarian in advance about giving your pet a mild tranquilizer.
• If your pet behaves nervously by pacing, whining or crying, try playing with her as a distraction or doing something she enjoys.
• Make sure your pet always wears an appropriately fitted collar and an I.D. tag with your current phone number and address. Your pet should also be wearing a current license/rabies tag.
• You may want to talk with your veterinarian about providing your pet with a microchip identification implant in case your pet loses his collar and tags. And if your pet already has a microchip, make sure the contact information is up to date.
• More tips for helping your pets cope with fireworks can be found by clicking here.
• If you find a lost pet, take it to your nearest animal shelter. You can also place a “found” ad in your local paper, on websites like Finding Rover, Next Door, Facebook or Craigslist and post notices around your neighborhood.
• If your pet does go missing, check the website of the shelter closest to you, then check our Lost & Found page to look for your lost pet. Additionally, follow these tips to give your pet the best chance of returning home quickly and safely.

LGBTQ Elected Officials Increased by 24.9% in Past Year; New Report Shows 698 LGBTQ Elected Officials Serve Nationwide

There are 698 known openly LGBTQ elected officials in the United States – a 24.9 percent increase in the past year – according to LGBTQ Victory Institute’s 2019 Out for America report, which was released today. The increase is attributable to the growing number of LGBTQ people running for office, an increase in those willing to run openly, and incumbent elected officials who are deciding to come out. The report also shows LGBTQ elected officials continue to become more diverse – with LGBTQ people of color, bisexual and transgender people, and cisgender women elected officials increasing at a faster rate than white people and gay men.

While the growth in LGBTQ elected officials was strong, America must elect 22,688 more LGBTQ people to public office to achieve equitable representation in government.

Among the report’s key findings:

• 698 known LGBTQ elected officials are currently serving in the U.S., just 0.13 percent of all elected officials nationwide;
• LGBTQ elected officials of color increased by 36 percent compared to 21.1 percent among white LGBTQ elected officials; and
• Bisexual elected officials increased by 126 percent and transgender elected officials by 53.8 percent.

The report also found a 22.5 percent increase in LGBTQ state legislators over the past year and a 34.9 percent increase over the past two years.

“While LGBTQ elected officials are increasing in number and becoming more diverse, LGBTQ people – and especially LGBTQ people of color, bisexual and transgender people – remain severely underrepresented at every level of government,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Institute. “This must be a call-to-action for our community. LGBTQ candidates face obstacles and inequities that many who run for office do not face, yet voters are ready to elect us if we run. It is our responsibility to encourage leaders in our community to run for office and be our voice in the halls of power.”

The Out for America report is an annual analysis of LGBTQ elected representation in government based on Victory Institute’s LGBTQ elected officials database – the largest and most comprehensive listing available. The interactive Out for America map displays all known LGBTQ elected officials and is available at outforamerica.org.

GQ Celebrates Pride: Rapper Kevin Abstract Kicks Off a Week of LGBTQ+ Coverage 50 Years to the Date of the Stonewall Riots

GQ today begins its Pride Week coverage, with its first ever Pride digital cover, starring rapper Kevin Abstract of music group Brockhampton. The week culminates on June 29, World Pride Day, and leads straight into NYC Pride, on June 30. Coming off the brand’s second consecutive GLAAD nomination, this year’s hub is part of an ongoing effort to amplify marginalized voices.

Highlights of the Upcoming Pride Coverage:

Kevin Abstract

The rapper and Brockhampton frontman stars in the first ever GQ Pride digital cover with a Q&A by critically acclaimed playwright Jeremy O. Harris. Highlights include informal therapy sessions led by Shia LaBeouf, and addressing the Brockhampton #MeToo moment that led to losing a member.

Allyship Roundtable

Thoughtful interviews with LGBTQ leaders, activists, and celebrities on what allyship means in 2019. Participants include Adam Rippon, Wilson Cruz, Margaret Cho, Nina West, Nico Santos, Alaska Thunderfuck, Hayley Kiyoko, Chella Man, Jenna Wortham, Daya, Jacob Tobia, Ali Krieger, and Billy Porter

The Commodification of Pride Style

GQ unpacks who Pride is really for this year: the LGBTQ community, or the big brands trying to make it about them.

Sasha Velour

The winner of season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race explores drag kings, an oft-overlooked group in the drag community..

Steven Canals Profile

The creator of Pose discusses what the show means to the LGBTQ community.

Sam Ratelle Q&A

Billy Porter’s stylist breaks down the star’s iconic looks.

Ocean Vuong Q&A

The poet and TS Eliot Prize-winner speaks in depth about his new novel, writing gay sex scenes, and being basic.

MUNA Profile

The queer-identifying musical trio talk about addressing sexuality and gender in music, and touring with Harry Styles.

FIRE: University's censorship of a Lady Gaga sign a 'Shallow' move

By Daniel Burnett

The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, a national civil liberties and free speech organization, intervened on behalf of University of Central Arkansas librarians who were censored by their university for displaying a pro-LGBTQ library sign featuring a quote from Lady Gaga. FIRE's letter to President Houston Davis explains how the First Amendment doesn't allow such censorship at a public university, and calls on him to rescind his censorship of the Lady Gaga library sign. 

"We see President Houston Davis' poker face and are calling his bluff," said Adam Steinbaugh, author of FIRE's letter. "Librarians at UCA are entitled to expressive rights — and FIRE will defend them." 

Censoring the librarians’ sign amounts to viewpoint discrimination prohibited by the First Amendment and principles of academic freedom in several ways: 

• As a public institution, the University of Central Arkansas is bound by the First Amendment.
• The expression is by librarians or the library, not the university as an institution.
• The expression takes place in a designated public forum.
 
Librarians at UCA are faculty members entitled to the full spectrum of expressive and academic freedom. That’s especially true in Arkansas, where the legislature recently passed — and the governor signed — a law discouraging its public universities from censoring campus expression, including by faculty members, that others might find inappropriate. 

The Arkansas Times reported last week that President Davis communicated with Republican Sen. Jason Rapert and university trustees before ordering the sign's removal.
FIRE urges President Davis to quickly restore the sign as Pride Month draws to a close. I am happy to connect you with a FIRE representative to speak on this further.

P.S. FIRE has set up a form where you and your readers can write directly to President Davis to tell him to respect expressive rights. Help FIRE fight back against censorship.

Hot Chip - Spell

 

Last Friday, Hot Chip released A Bath Full Of Ecstasy, their brilliant seventh album and the group’s definitive release, crystallizing the sound they’ve become celebrated for – bridging euphoria and melancholy with colorful melodies, idiosyncratic vocalizations and pounding electronic pop rhythms.

Ahead of their show at Glastonbury this weekend – where they headline the Park Stage on Saturday – the band have shared a video for album track “Spell."

Having originally started life as a track for Katy Perry (Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard contributed to her 2017 album Witness), “Spell” showcases some of the more experimental vocal production found on A Bath Full of Ecstasy. Taylor’s vocals are manipulated to be playful and free, without obfuscating the words; harking to Prince’s gender-bending infectious lust.

Nice To See StevieB: Tasty Tasty Murder

By StevieB

I was always that guy who brought that green box to the BBQ. There is always one; you host a cookout and spend a lot of time shaping and flavoring burgers to grill, and someone shows up with a Garden Burger box and asks you to place the frozen, grey pucks on the corner of the grill. Yep. I was the guy who smeared his sense of personal superiority on the plant-based food item like mustard. Side eyeing the cow murderers. All while clouds of dust came from my mouth as I chewed on the cardboardish facsimile of a real burger patty.

I was thinking about this as I was line at Brother’s BBQ Sunday afternoon. I was deciding whether I had to start the charade that I was buying a full rack of ribs for my large, and hungry family. Instead I made a stand; I ordered my full rack, proud to be free from the meat-binge closet. Oh, how time changes you.

That being said, I still have the "Meat is Murder" bumper sticker boy living inside of me. He will always be there. I have to say, I am happy eating at my local vegan restaurant and maintaining a plant based diet. My freezer is filled those green boxes of Garden Burgers frosting away. And yet, there are a few times when the carnivorous cow or pig hating murderer comes out. I guess the saying of "Everything in Moderation" is true.

Editors note: full rack eaten in record time.