Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day! Posting will resume later this week.

Books: Make America Sane Again

A mindset that embraces rational thinking, perspective taking, and optimism can help society fight back against the rising tide of pessimism, posits Dr. Michael Adamse in his new book, Make America Sane Again: A Mental Health Expert Weighs In.

 

“Unless we get a collective grip on what is truly happening to us on a deeper psychological level, the shift away from individual and collective optimism is at risk,” Adamse wrote in the book’s introduction.

 

In Make America Sane Again, Adamse uses his background in philosophy and clinical psychology to tackle the critical topic of America’s mental health from two important — and completely nonpolitical — perspectives.

 

First, Adamse explores the myriad nationally scaled issues such as addiction, violence, loneliness, the double-edged sword of technology and other concerns that continue to undermine America’s mental health.

 

Then, after taking readers on a deep dive into the factors influencing the current mental health crisis, Adamse emphasizes personal responsibility and offers readers practical suggestions on how to address these challenging sources of stress and what they, as individuals, can do to contribute to America’s welfare.

 

Written in a conversational style, Make America Sane Again uses well established psychological principles to evaluate what is happening in this country on a deeper level and what readers can do to improve their own well-being, which, in turn, helps everyone.

 

“I think we should be aware and concerned about America’s mental health, but not panicked,” Adamse added. “Panic subverts rational thinking and simplifies complex issues into a primitive state of fear … The path forward is clear if we intelligently learn to manage the influences that work to distract us.”

WalletHub: 87% of People Want a Raise to Keep up With Inflation & Labor Day By the Numbers

87% of people think they should get a raise to keep up with inflation, the personal-finance website WalletHub found in its Labor Day Survey. This nationally-representative survey examines Americans’ Labor Day plans and how people have been impacted the current economic environment. Alongside this survey, WalletHub also released its Labor Day Fun Facts report to educate and entertain consumers with stats on all aspects of the holiday – from hotdogs and history to financials and 5Ks. You can find highlights from each below, along with a Q&A with WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzalez.

Labor Day Survey

• Consumers plan to shop more. 23% more people plan to go shopping over Labor Day this year than last year. 
   
• Many people are concerned about monkeypox. 40% of people think monkeypox will have a negative effect on the economy.
   
• Gas prices are impacting Labor Day travel. 44% of people say they’re less likely to travel this Labor Day weekend due to high gas prices, compared to last year.
   
• Many people have started working harder. 55% of people say they’ve worked harder since the pandemic began.
   
• Cost dominates Labor Day travel concerns. The biggest concern about Labor Day travel this year is cost (48%), followed by traffic (26%) and car accidents (12%).

Labor Day Fun Facts

• 75% of Americans left vacation days unused in 2021.
   
• 61% of remote workers find it more difficult to unplug during off-hours now than before the pandemic.
   
• 818 hot dogs are eaten every second from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
   
• More than 647,000 workers’ lives have been saved since the Occupational Safety and Health Act was enacted in 1970.
   
• $176+ Billion is the annual cost of worker injury and illness in the U.S. 

Jinkx Monsoon and in WOWPresents Plus First Look

 

Today, World of Wonder (RuPaul’s Drag Race) unveils a first-look preview trailer for the entire slate of upcoming 2022 original programming on WOWPresents Plus. With series starring the recently crowned Queen of All Queens Jinkx Monsoon, Trixie Mattel, Katya, Jimbo, Raven, Ts Madison, etc. and genres ranging from beauty competition to animated comedy, this trailer features the best of your favorite queens and the full diversity of queer content being produced by WOW.

Netta - Playground Politica

Today Netta drops “Playground Politica”, the next entry in a one-of-a-kind discography which showcases the colorful vision, musical ingenuity, and undeniable heart of one of the world’s most exciting musical mad scientists. The Eurovision champ was recently praised by The Hollywood Reporter for “her humorous lyrics, quirk-pop persona and over-the-top fashion”, and today’s track, an Afrobeat fusion jam which features beloved Nigerian artist Mr Eazi, is an important and earnest moment in her groundbreaking career. 

 

“Playground Politica” is a candy-coated pop gem brimming with celebratory pizzaz that is also the most personal track of Netta’s career, being the first time she has shared a reflection on her adolescence growing up in Nigeria. It is a beautiful look at the life lessons she learned in Nigeria, tinged with a fittingly childlike aesthetic. Also out today is the joyous music video for “Playground Politica” which Netta filmed in Nigeria earlier this year with Mr Eazi. Watch HERE.

 

Before winning Eurovision with her monster smash hit “Toy” and earning 100s of MILLIONS of plays and streams across her entire catalog, Netta spent her formative early years (6.5 years to be exact) in Nigeria where she attended an international school which shaped her early human experiences in a very special way. All the kids were from different countries & cultures and “Everyone was different so no one was different,” she said. Everyone was encouraged to “shine their own unique light.”

 

“Playground Politica” captures the essence of Nigeria as her happy place, something she used to think about when she moved back to Israel and felt picked on by her peers, with the track title referring to the hierarchical nature of classrooms which she felt on the losing end of: “I was the fat unibrow kid with an accent that didn’t fit in.”

The old Israel nursery rhyme “Nadneda” is featured in the song, which translates to “swing away, swing away, down, up, up and down”. This intentionally was chosen as Netta often found refuge on the swingset when she felt teased, “almost as if the swing could go back in time to take me back to Nigeria.”

Books: Europe Meets USA

Yang Liu draws comparisons between Europe and the USA in the new book - available from Taschen - 'Europe Meets USA'.

How do people respond to “how are you” on opposite sides of the pond? Do lunch breaks change over distant longitudes? Is the boss bigger in Paris or L.A.? With the latest book in her best-selling series, Yang Liu distills the obvious and not-so-obvious contrasts between the European and U.S. experience into clever, crisp pictograms.

George Michael's Iconic Album 'Older' Deluxe, Limited Edition Box Set out September 16

“I think I composed the best, most healing piece of music that I’ve written in my life with this album … Older is my greatest moment” – George Michael

Originally released in the UK on May 13, 1996 through Virgin Records, Older, George Michael's iconic album, reached the pinnacle of chart success, where it remained for three consecutive weeks, spending 35 weeks in the top 10 overall. The album produced six singles, two of which - "Fastlove" and the haunting "Jesus To A Child" - reached No.1, with the other four peaking in the top three. The album was a huge global commercial success, going 6x platinum in the UK, as well as verified platinum in another 22 countries – an achievement that is unparalleled to this day.

 

Older was George’s third album as a solo artist and would see him experimenting with new musical styles and expanding his artistic horizons. Hailed by critics as a triumph, it told the story of an extraordinary period in the life of the man who wrote, recorded and produced it, as he journeyed through one of the most turbulent periods of his professional and personal life. George channeled all his painful life experiences into one of the most personal, heart-felt albums he had ever written.

 The Older deluxe, limited edition box set will be released on September 16, 2022

 

Pre-order  HERE

Colfax Canvas 2022 Is Ready To Introduce You to East Colfax

Exciting things are coming to Aurora’s art and cultural district this fall with the latest Colfax Canvas happening on September 18. The mural festival will bring dynamic art-related activities to the Colfax East corridor. 10 artists have been chosen for the 2022 Colfax Canvas by a neighborhood selection committee to bring color to an already colorful part of town. The goal of the festival is to celebrate the natural diversity of East Colfax’s arts district and change the narrative of the neighborhood to one of unity, beauty, and positivity.
 

“We’re working together to create a safe, inclusive, and vibrant festival celebrating everything that highlights the massive potential of East Colfax. We’ve expanded and shifted the block party to the neighborhood’s open plaza, next to MLK Jr. Library, and we’ve partnered with Indie 102.3 to find musicians and entertainment that speak to the neighborhood.” says Aaron Vega, one of the festival’s producers.

 

While everyone is welcome to witness the process of mural curation between September 12 - 18, the murals will be on full display along with an art market, live music, buskers, food trucks, and beer (from neighborhood breweries Cerebral Brewing & Lady Justice Brewing) September 18 from 12 p.m.-6 p.m. The music will be more family friendly at the top of the day and slowly transition to the headliner, Old Man Saxon by the afternoon.

 

The non-profits in the area get a spotlight too. There will be “on demand” t-shirts available for sale by the local printing CoOp Red Delicious Press and the neighborhood youth have been taking a class with Colfax Canvas alum Yazz at DAVA (Downtown Aurora Visual Arts).

 

Use the Colfax Canvas Map for your own guided tour of the canvassed streets and alleyways and public art.

HHS Secretary Becerra Announces More Than $20 Million in Funding to End HIV Epidemic

At the recent National Ryan White Conference on HIV Care and Treatment, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra announced more than $20 million in funding to expand HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services at health centers nationwide. The funding – awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to 64 health centers – is part of HHS’ Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) initiative, which aims to reduce the number of new HIV infections in the U.S. by 90 percent by 2030.

“Community health centers are critical to preventing and treating HIV, especially when it comes to reaching underserved communities,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Today’s awards will ensure high quality HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services are more readily available for Americans who need it the most.”
 

Health centers who receive this funding will leverage it to expand access to medication to prevent HIV (including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP and related services), connect people to care, and ensure care services are well coordinated. They will also leverage it to strengthen partnerships with community organizations such as HRSA’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program-funded organizations and health departments. Stronger partnerships speed up patients’ connections to prevention services, including testing and PrEP.
 

“We have the tools to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S., including testing and medication to prevent and treat HIV. Yet, tools alone won’t end the epidemic – we need to support trusted community leaders in their work to engage people in care,” said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. “Today’s awards make these critical investments by building on HRSA’s longstanding support for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program to expand our HIV prevention and treatment work in community health centers.”

 

nd action are even more important as the U.S. faces a monkeypox (MPx) outbreak.  As part of the monkeypox outbreak response, the Biden-Harris Administration launched a national strategy to provide vaccines of MPx for individuals at higher risk of exposure. HRSA’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program has begun allocating an initial allotment of vaccines for people with HIV, people who are low income, and those who are uninsured. 
 

“We have many of the tools necessary to substantially curb the HIV epidemic in the United States,” said Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the NIH. “This funding award is an important contribution to ensuring that vital HIV testing, prevention tools, treatment and access to care reach the local communities where they can have the most impact.”
 

The funding announced today builds on over $100 million in previously awarded EHE funding to more than 300 health centers, and will fund additional health centers in the counties, territories, and states identified as a part of the EHE initiative. The EHE initiative supports President Biden’s National HIV/AIDS Strategy 2022-2025, which extends across many federal departments and encompasses the entire nation. The EHE initiative is a leading component of HHS’ work – in collaboration with state, tribal, territorial, and local partners – to implement the Strategy.

Check out the official trailer for "The Kardashians" coming to Hulu on September 22

 

"The Kardashians" are coming to Hulu on September 22 with new episodes every Thursday.

Cameras return to capture the ever-changing lives of Kris, Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, Kendall, and Kylie. The family welcomes viewers back to stand with them through their biggest triumphs and struggles. From fiery romances and life-changing milestones to unimaginable successes. The family bond remains unbreakable as they navigate their public and private lives for the world to see.

Taylor Swift Sets Series of New MTV VMA Records

 

Taylor Swift just made history at the 2022 MTV VMA’S. In addition to taking home three wins for “Video Of The Year,” “Best Long-Form Video” and “Best Direction,” she set multiple records this year with “All Too Well: The Short Film,” which she solo directed. Taylor now stands out as “The First Ever Artist To Solo-Direct MTV’s VMA ‘Video of the Year’ Award-Winning Video” and “The First Artist in VMA history to Win Three ‘Video of the Year’ Awards.”  She is also “the only female artist to win ‘Best Direction’ twice for directing her own videos.” 

Pride Journey: Orlando

By Joey Amato

Orlando has always been a place close to my heart. Back in 2002, I attended graduate school there as well as worked in the music industry for a company that launched the careers of Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, O-Town and other stars. I even managed a boy band of my own around that time. Needless to say, I really enjoyed living in Orlando. It was also the place where I finally admitted to myself that I was gay, although I didn’t officially come out to my family until a few years later.

When I heard U.S. Travel’s IPW convention was going to take place in Orlando this year, I knew I had to go.

I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, which is perfectly situated within minutes of Walt Disney World parks and just a short drive from Universal Studios. The property is massive and contains a separate fitness building, resort-style pool with bar and live music as well as a convention area.

Epcot was always my favorite park to visit as a child, so I was excited to learn that one of the main events for the conference would take place there. We got to experience the park without the crowds, which was quite pleasant, especially when it came to the newer rides Frozen Ever After and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Seeing the iconic globe lit up at night is as magical now as it was when I was a younger.

Ironically, the conference coincided with One Magical Weekend, so I also had the opportunity to visit two LGBTQ parties while there, the first being the annual Red party at House of Blues and the second being OMW’s Therapy pool party at Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort. People from around the country travel to Orlando for this event, so I ran into many friends during that weekend, some of which I hadn’t seen in years.

My visit wasn’t all fun and games though. I think we all remember where we were when we heard the news of the Pulse massacre back on June 12, 2016. A few years ago, the owner of the club opened an interim memorial with a goal of raising the funds to open a permanent space which would pay homage to the forty-nine beautiful souls lost that day. Located at the site of the original club, the current memorial contains an offering wall where visitors can leave flowers or mementos.

There are three viewing areas of the building. Visitors will be able to see the waterfall at the entrance of the club, a wall of the building where the forty-nine names are inscribed, as well as the area where people were rescued by from the restrooms by first responders.

The memorial also has a Ribbon Wall of Photographs, filled with pictures of the community and the world’s response of love and support and artifacts collected from the Orange County History Center. It’s a very emotional experience but one you need to do if you’re ever in the area.

A few miles away is the new Hall at the Yard development, an upscale food hall venue. One of the highlights is a restaurant called The Chef & I, which is owned by my friends Erica and Chris Rains from Nashville. Every time I visited their restaurant, I knew I was about to experience something special. The Chef & I is one of my favorite restaurants in Nashville and I’m sure it will be a hit with the Orlando community. The restaurant throws a delicious brunch, featuring menu items like Duck and Waffles, Brined and Smoked Salmon Benedict as well as their Hot Salt Chicken.

People often forget that Orlando isn’t just theme parks. There are many beautiful towns in the metro area that are worth visiting. Antique collectors will really enjoy the charm of Mount Dora, while Dr. Phillips has emerged as a culinary epicenter boasting a variety of fine dining restaurants.

However, my favorite neighborhood to visit is Winter Park and more specifically, Park Avenue. The cobblestone street is lined with wonderful boutiques, outdoor cafes and is adjacent to Rollins College, my alma matter. Located in Winter Park, The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The Museum’s Tiffany collection includes jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass windows and lamps, and the chapel interior the artist designed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

Orlando is known for having a wonderful LGBTQ scene. One of my preferred low-key places to enjoy a cocktail is Savoy, located just north of downtown. Every time I visit, I usually end up there with friends. Some other popular spots include Stonewall Bar Orlando and Southern Nights.

Orlando Pride is also one of the largest pride events in the state. This October, Coming Out With Pride will take place on Saturday, October 15 at Lake Eola Park in downtown, and will be surrounded by a host of other events throughout the week leading up to the festival. While downtown, try to catch a show at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The sparkly new building hosts a variety of touring Broadway shows as well as performances from major artists in addition to Orlando’s many local performing arts organizations.

The next time you visit Orlando, I would encourage you to venture outside of the amusement park areas to get to experience the city. I met so many wonderful people when I lived there, so I would love for you to get to know the locals the way I did.

Enjoy the Journey!

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Queer artist JOHNNY MANUEL releases new single "AGAIN"

Prolific queer artist and The Voice Australia finalist Johnny Manuel is back with today’s release of “Again,” the soulful first single of his upcoming EP Younger Skin, out October 7. Produced by Aidan Laprete (Amazon’s The Wilds), Younger Skin is Johnny’s first-ever solo project. 

As a proud queer black man, Johnny is excited to step out on his own and embrace a fresh sound for his latest single and upcoming EP. About the creative process of his latest project, he says, “There was a level of comfort I hadn’t experienced in the creation of my music before and it allowed me to open up. The icing on the cake was having it mixed by Elijah Marrett-Hitch, and his magic ears, and mastered by Dale Becker. Their combined level of skill and attention to detail elevated the EP and gave it the polished finish it needed.”

"'Again' is an emancipation of sorts," says Johnny. "It’s me celebrating parts of myself I was told I wasn’t supposed to. I’m shaking off the opinions I was afraid of. I’m living on the other side of what used to hold me back and giving myself permission to enjoy that. I’m falling deeply back into what I was told I had to leave behind. It’s me feeling my oats a little bit too. That’s part of what made writing this with Aidan Laprete and Mischa Mandel so fun. I’ve never talked like this on a record before. It was liberating. I think this song is also a testament to Aidan’s genius as a producer. It’s so clever and infectious. I’m obsessed with his production on this one.”

Human Rights Campaign Endorses Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser for Reelection

Today the Human Rights Campaign PAC (HRC PAC) announced its endorsement of Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser (pictured) for reelection. The HRC PAC is committed to engaging our volunteers, members and supporters to mobilize the 1.5 million Equality Voters in Colorado in support of candidates up and down the ballot in November who will fight to protect democracy and equality for all Coloradans.  

Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Interim President Joni Madison issued the following statement:  

“Attorney General Weiser has been unwavering in his fight to defend Coloradoans against those who want to roll back our rights. He has protected access to affordable healthcare, defended voting rights, and has fought to ensure that LGBTQ+ Coloradans can live their lives free from harassment and discrimination. The LGBTQ+ community in Colorado needs allies like Attorney General Weiser to guard these hard-fought rights on our behalf. The Human Rights Campaign is proud to endorse his bid for reelection.”  

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser released the following statement:  

“I am proud to be a strong ally in the fight for the dignity and equal rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Every American should be able to live their true authentic self free from discrimination or violence. It's why I fought to protect employees from losing their job just because they are gay or transgender, and why we are currently defending Colorado's civil rights law at the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that businesses cannot deny goods or services to members of the LGBTQ+ community. I am honored to have the endorsement of HRC and I am committed to working together to fulfill our nation's promise of liberty and justice for all.” 

HRC’s Commitment to Colorado 

Equality Voters, including the 1.5 million in Colorado, are a voting bloc of demographically and geographically diverse Americans who are united by the advancement of LGBTQ+ equality. Equality Voters are younger, more racially diverse, and more female than the general electorate, they recognize and trust the HRC brand, and they are more likely to identify with issue-specific organizations than candidates or political parties. 

Across the country, HRC PAC works every day to elect pro-equality leaders who support policies that will support the rights and lives of LGBTQ+ people. During the 2020 election cycle, HRC staff on the ground recruited 5,800 individual volunteers nationwide who completed 28,500 hours of voter contact in more than 2,650 volunteer events. HRC engaged in robust digital and online GOTV efforts, including sending over 2.7 million person-to-person text messages, a massive increase from 2018 when approximately 500,000 texts were sent. HRC sent over 2.5 million mail pieces, had over 930,000 phone conversations with voters, and engaged more than 200,000 voters through HRC’s voter dashboard at hrc.org/vote.