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  • FILM REVIEW | Solo: A Star Wars Story

    SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY – The second standalone film loosely around the edges of the ongoing 8-movie main space saga. This time we get Han Solo’s origin story, how he met Chewbacca and got his hands on that famous spaceship.

    Nutshell – A young Han Solo is a street criminal who gets involved with a major heist which goes wrong leading into some dramatic twists and some even greater high adventure across many planets as he meets Lando Calrissian, Chewie, the Millennium Falcon & others in a boys own tale way before the rebellion and all we know in the Star War’s universe, so why is it the poorest yet?

    Running Time – 135inutes – Cert 12A.

    Tagline – ‘Never Tell Him The Odds’.

    The Gay UK Factor – The relatively unknown Alden Ehrenreich best known for a minor part in the Coen Brothers’ Hail Caeser takes over the Han Solo role made famous by Harrison Ford in an interpretation rather than an impression of the great man. He is a good looking lad in a sexy ‘Years & Years’ type bend over and suck chavvy way but he is much better to look at and fantasize over than watch as his acting is boring and he wrecks what should have been a great Indiana Jones in space type yarn, but he does look fit and fuckable throughout.

    Cast – Alden (Mr Wooden) Ehrenreich, Emilia (Game Of Thrones) Clarke, Danny Glover, Thandie Newton, Paul Bettany and that Natural Born Killer Woody Harrelson fresh off his superb third Oscar nom for the incredible Three Billboards.

    Key Player – Ron Howard formally of the Happy Days TV show is a great director especially with cerebral fodder like Apollo 13 & the Da Vinci Code series but he is not good at action as we see with the likes of Willow, Backdraft and InThe Heart Of the Sea. Therefore why he was picked for this and accepted we will never know. He tries his best but this was never going to be more than a three-star movie and worse, the writing and casting departments are even bigger fuck up merchants here.

    Budget – $300 Million which is a hefty price tag. It will be the first Star Wars in history to lose money in North America and this franchise does not travel as well as say the Fast & Furious/Transformers & Superhero films do. Therefore a disappointment all around and lessons need to be learnt.

    Best Bit – 0.43 mins; The first heist which is the much-telegraphed roller coaster type train sequence as seen on the posters and trailers works well. It’s exciting and you have no idea what is going to happen next – There is a world war 2 feel to it a bit but the Expendables did this sort of thing a lot better.

    Worst Bit – 1.46 mins; After the final big action sequence we get a prolonged confusing twist heavy epilogue over who has been screwing over who but frankly you won’t care. It is a real bugger’s muddle (whatever that is – probably one of our editor’s sex parties); there is one saving grace by the sudden unexpected appearance of an unadvertised much-loved character from the earlier films but soon you are back to the sodden screwy dialogue like the Handmaid’s Tail with dicks.

    Little Secret – We finally get to find out what Chewbacca’s age is – he is 190 yo which means he is 200 for a New Hope and then through all the other Star Wars films he ages to 234 yo in the Last Jedi so now we have an accurate timeline to the saga. Ron Howard was brought on to direct after the original duo of Lord and Miller had been dismissed for ‘Creative Differences’ i.e. the film was not working. It is estimated that Howard shot 80% of the final film but which scenes no-one is letting on, this film was problematic throughout like a straight guy giving his first blowjob.

    Further Viewing – Star Wars 1 through 9 obviously, Indiana Jones 1 to 4, Romancing The Stone, Von Ryan’s Express, Battlestar Galactica, Thor Ragnarok and anything heisty like say Ocean’s 11 or The Inside Man.

    Any Good – This is a three-star movie and there is nothing bad about it or particularly good either. The problem is that is just not good enough for a Star Wars film. It will be the least financially successful and the poorest reviewed of the saga and it will disappoint fans Worldwide. So what went wrong – to soon after the last one (just 5 months from The Last Jedi), poor casting, wrong director, confused ending probably tied by potential & now unwanted sequels and the existing story arcs of the characters in the original films and on top of that an appalling release schedule squashed between the superior Deadpool 2, Avengers Infinity War and Jurassic World hits. A flop all around that could have been avoided like trying to give your partner the shag of his life after 8 pints….points for effort but overall unsatisfactory and your glad when the floppy thing has run its course.

    43/100

  • BB star Sam Giffen slams photoshop claims

    Sam Giffen has hit out at claims that he’s been photoshopping his pictures.

    (C) Sam Giffen / Instagram

    In one of the latest of the reality star’s social posts, Sam Giffen was showing off his slender frame when another user accused him of photoshopping the picture.

    The Big Brother star quickly responded by telling the over-keen fan “have a nap”

    The photoshop criticism came from a user called sarahflaherty1 who accused Sam of a photoshop fail because it appeared the star’s back arm was missing from the picture and that his back leg looked “wonky”.

    “Photoshopped badly! Where’s your hand and arm from that mug and your legs look all wonky too #photoshopfail”

    Sam wasn’t haven’t any of it and shot back, “my other arm is on the other side of my body and my other hand is on the other side of the mug holding the handle you absolute fruit loop. Seriously what is wrong with you people go and have a nap”.

    T2 plz ta

    A post shared by S A M G I F F E N. (@samgiffen) on

    You are bad.. but I like bad ideas ?

    A post shared by S A M G I F F E N. (@samgiffen) on

    Well, quite!

  • Here’s why numbing lube might not be so good for you

    Here’s why numbing lube might not be so good for you

    If you’ve ever thought about using numbing lube for anal sex, here’s maybe why it’s not such a good idea.

    © Ongap | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

    There are a number of numbing lubes out there for those who might be having problems with bottoming or trying out fisting, but there’s a downside which ultimate could cause more harm than good.

    Speaking on the Talk About Gay Sex podcast, gay-sex positive doctor, Evan Goldstein of Bespoke Surgical was warning against the use of numbing gels or lubes – especially if you’re planning to take something huge up your ass.

    The problem with the numbing lube is that if you’re doing damage to yourself, you might not feel it.

    Speaking with the two hosts Steve Rodriguez and Steve Carpenter, Dr Goldsten revealed, “A lot of people are using numbing lubricants or poppers or other to relax, and the reality of that, is that, it leads to injury because a lot of people don’t feel the trauma happening”.

    Host Rodriguez answered, “Really numbing is a negative word, we should never be numbing ourselves of anything, emotionally, physically, because we’re just sort of masking it”.

    Carpenter added, “There’s also a lot of nerves which can be pleasure nerves. If you’re numbing that you’re taking that pleasure away”.

    Goldstein finished by saying that he was all for poppers or whatever gets you off, but you should only use that stuff when you’ve achieved full openness – rather than using them to get you opened up in the first place – so that you are more aware of what is happening with your body.

    Sounds like good advice to us!

    Listen to the show here.

     

  • 5 LGBT films you need to stream on Now TV June 2018

    5 LGBT films you need to stream on Now TV June 2018

    If you find yourself at a loose end and just don’t know what to watch, here are five LGBT or camp classics on the streaming service NOW TV for you to enjoy.

    Mean Girls ★★★★★


    Wearing Pink is not absolutely required but suggested. Naive new girl Lindsay Lohan accidentally falls in with catty queen bee Rachel McAdams. Top teen comedy. Moderate language/mature themes/flashing images. (2004)(93 mins) Streaming until 17th Jan 2021

    Just Charlie ★★★★★

    Tender drama about a gifted young footballer whose future appears mapped out, until a long-held and closely guarded secret comes out into the open. Harry Gilby stars. (2017)(99 mins) Streaming until 31st May 2019

    First Wives Club ★★★★★

    Three of the campest gay icons join forces to create the 90’s campest film. Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton and Bette Midler take revenge on the husbands who dumped them for trophy wives. Girl power comedy with Maggie Smith and Sarah Jessica Parker. (1996)(99 mins) Streaming until 29th Feb 2020

    As Good As It Gets ★★★★★


    Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt are on Oscar-winning form as a cranky novelist has to look after his gay neighbour’s dog after the neighbour is queer bashed in his own apartment. Bittersweet comedy. Strong language/mature themes. (1997)(134 mins) Streaming until 30th Nov 2019.

    Boys Don’t Cry ★★★★★

    Moving to a new town, an Oscar-winning Hilary Swank hides a secret that could rip her life apart. True-life drama. Strong language/drug use/violence/sexual violence. (1999)(114 mins) Streaming until 11th April 2020

     

    Others:

    In and Out ★★★

    Teacher Kevin Kline becomes the talk of the town after being pronounced gay by a famous ex-pupil. With an Oscar-nominated Joan Cusack. Strong language/sex/mature themes. (1997)(90 mins) Streaming until 31st Oct 2019

  • DILEMMA | I think I’m gay, but I can’t tell my family

    DILEMMA | I think I’m gay, but I can’t tell my family

    We asked our contributors to write some advice for a reader who is worried that he’s still a virgin and scared to come out to his parents as gay.

    Pexels / Pixabay

    Dear TGUK

    “I think I am gay, because I am very much attracted to men, it’s difficult for me to come out and tell my parents about it because of society issues. Never had sex before, I’m still a virgin.

    I I don’t know what’s the scare, like something stopping me to come out. I just watch porn and masturbate!

    24, Male, Questioning

    We have our say:

    Shuggie Hughes, Columnist from the Gay Dad Diaries

    I think you are putting too much pressure on yourself. Pressure to come out, pressure to have sex, pressure to lose your virginity. I think you need to relax and explore your attractions without thinking about any of these things. Enjoy the company of others, dates don’t need to lead to sex unless you want them too. When you meet the right person you will feel no pressure and it will evolve organically.

    Tom Driver, The Knee Jerk Columnist

    I think you need a holiday or a trip away for any purpose where people don’t know you. Give yourself a chance to explore some of the insecurities you have in anonymity. Having a sexuality is not a diagnosis, it does not come with spots or any other symptom, so don’t label yourself. There is no requirement to come out. Your first responsibility is to yourself to be yourself. This is not practice for life it is the real thing and a one time opportunity. Take the pressure off, and everything else is likely to follow.

    Jake Hook, Editor

    You don’t say whether you’re dependent on your family for accommodation and money, if coming out is going to affect that situation or it puts you in danger, you should try and get yourself in a position to live independently as soon as you can. However, if you still need their help for the foreseeable future, there’s no reason why you can’t explore your sexuality without coming out to them, after all, you don’t want to endanger having a roof over your head. Parents don’t need to know everything about their offspring, just as offspring don’t need to know everything about their parents.

    Are you able to find a gay scene nearby, pride season is upon us, can you make your way to a pride and hang out with the crowd, find out what is available in your local community and get involved somehow. Sex is important but you shouldn’t feel the need to rush – and masturbation is healthy – and if it makes you happy then crack on.

    Want your dilemma answered?

    ← Back

    Thank you for your response. ✨

  • FILM REVIEW | The Happy Prince

    FILM REVIEW | The Happy Prince

    ★★★★★ | The Happy Prince

    Rupert Everett has reached a new pinnacle in his career with the release of his new film The Happy Prince.

    In a film in which he wrote and directed, Everett plays Oscar Wilde in the final years of his life. Everett, if you remember, played Wilde a few years back in London’s West End in the critically-acclaimed show ‘The Judas Kiss’ which won Everett awards. Now, and ten years in the making, sees Everett play the role he was practically born to play. It was ten years of struggling to get funding for this film, and once Colin Firth had signed on (he is an Executive Producer as well as playing Reggie Turner, one of Wilde’s best friends, in the film), The Happy Prince was finally made, and what an excellent film it is.

    In the very late 1890’s, Wilde was a penniless man, living in France, with lots of stories to tell yet not a whole lot to his name. However, three years prior to his death (in 1900), Wilde had been released from prison where he served time for sodomy and gross indecency. Before his prison sentence, Wilde had enjoyed being a member of high society and was usually the centre of attention (we see as flashbacks in the film), and in The Happy Prince, we see this side of his life portrayed. We also see the desperate side in the opening sequence in the film where he happily takes money from an old friend in a dark alley while he struggles to come to terms with the fact that his life will never be the same ever again. He does, however, have occasional contact with friends, and with his long-forgotten wife (yes he was married) Constance Lloyd (Emily Watson) – the mother of their twin sons – while he surrounds himself with young men, cocaine, and not much else.

    It’s a bravura performance from Everett that makes The Happy Prince both an ode and tribute to a man who has been the subject of many a book and show. By making The Happy Prince his way, Everett will reap the respect, and the rewards and awards, that he truly deserves for making this magnificent film.

    ‘The Happy Prince is now in cinemas

  • This fast food chain is saying bye bye to single use plastic straws

    This fast food chain is saying bye bye to single use plastic straws

    YAAASSSS.

    McDonald's is to phase out single-use plastic straws by 2019
    McDonald’s is to phase out single-use plastic straws by 2019

    The world is literally thanking McDonald’s RN.

    The mega-chain McDonald’s has announced that it’s to quit using plastic straws. It currently uses 1.8 million straws every day, according to the BBC – most of which are single use and end up in the trash.

    It is estimated that we use over 8 billion plastic straws in the UK each year and considering there is under 70 million of us in the country – that’s a lot of straw per person.

    The restaurant is to phase out the plastic in all 1361 of its UK and Irish store by 2019. The eventual aim is to make all of McDonald’s packaging sourced from renewable or recycled sources by 2025.

    Hans / Pixabay

    The new policy follows on from a successful trial in a few restaurants earlier in 2018. The company said, “Reflecting the broader public debate, our customers told us they wanted to see a move on straws”.

    Environment Secretary Michael Gove called it a “significant contribution” to helping the environment, adding that it was “a fine example to other large businesses”.

    But the change isn’t happening globally. BOOO.

    However, some users, have said that the banning of plastic straws could have unforeseen consequences for people who are disabled, who argue that plastic straws enable people to be able to drink independently, particularly for hot drinks. The eco alternatives either conduct or disintegrate with hot liquids.

  • Looking for a pay rise? Here’s how you can get one according to the experts

    Looking for a pay rise? Here’s how you can get one according to the experts

    It can feel like the most awkward conversation in the world, but hey we all need to live right?

    1820796 / Pixabay

    So how do you get one? When’s the best time to ask? We asked two experts for their thoughts.

    Sinead Bunting, VP of Marketing Europe of job search site,Monster told us, “Asking for a pay rise is similar to your initial salary negotiations; however, once you’re in the job and have been doing it successfully for a while, you’re going to be in a stronger position. Most companies will work hard to keep good employees, as the cost in time, recruitment fees and the handover process make losing a valued employee bad news, however with businesses under pressure to continuously manage costs and overheads, making a solid business case is essential.”

    Okay, we’re with you Sinead… so how do we broach the subject?

    According to Sinead certain moments are more naturally suited to asking for that all-important addition to your wardrobe fund, like during your performance review or the end of the calendar or financial year can work just as well. However she warns, “don’t ask more than once a year as you’ll come across as unrealistic, if not greedy in your boss’ eyes”.

    How do you pop that question?

    via GIPHY

    Sinead suggests booking in time with your boss and prepare for the meeting thoroughly. “Compare your salary against similar jobs being advertised at the moment, or use an online salary calculator. The stronger the case you can present the better your chances of getting what you want. Use every possible advantage to help weight your case, including any recent achievements or additional training, qualifications or skills you have gained. Don’t forget to mention soft skills (attitude, teamwork, good time keeping etc.).

    The price is right

    via GIPHY

    Sinead also suggests, ask for more than you expect to get. It’s a negotiation after all – but don’t go too high. “Let them know you’re willing to take on more responsibility in return for extra money. Don’t rush things, but do ask to be kept up-to-date with how your request is progressing. Expect some resistance and be prepared to fight your corner, but don’t overdo it. If the cash you want is not available, be prepared to ask for additional benefits such as a company car or an increased employer’s contribution to your pension scheme”.

    So are there things you shouldn’t ask?

    via GIPHY

    “I can’t pay my mortgage, food bills, botox injections…”

    via GIPHY

    Rob Moore best-selling author of the #1 book ‘Money, Know More, Make More, Give More’ and the man behind the current UK’s #1 business & lifestyle podcast ‘The Disruptive Entrepreneur’ hinted that you should play the victim, saying, don’t “tell your employer that you can’t cover your bills and you don’t have enough to live on, or to pay off your house and car. Employers don’t care about that and will only see that you can’t manage your money. They can also feel emotionally blackmailed, which has a high chance of backfiring on you”.

    “I’ve another job waiting”

    Also, even though it’s a bit of a negotiation Moore says that saying that you’ve got another job in the pipeline might also backfire on you. He revealed, “It goes very bad very quickly if a staff member plays off the new employer versus the existing one. As soon as I am used as a pawn to get a pay rise because the new employer is offering more, I’m out.”

    Office gossip

    via GIPHY

    Also don’t ask for a pay rise because you’ve heard on the office grapevine that someone else got a pay rise. Rob tells us, “This never works, at least not for me. It’s none of anyone else’s business what others are paid. Why would anyone increase someone’s salary just because they increased their colleagues’ salary? That’s not sound logic or financially smart. This also erodes the trust of discretion. An employer’s big fear is that when one person asks for a raise, everyone does. It can stop it from raising salaries of people who deserve it. So always be discreet and never use this as leverage to get a raise”.

     

  • Police make appeal after homophobic assault in Lambeth

    Police make appeal after homophobic assault in Lambeth

    Police are calling on witnesses after three people assault on London bus in Lambeth

    (C) MET POLICE

    Investigators have released a picture of a person they’d like to talk with in connection to an alleged assault on three passengers on board a London bus.

    The assault happened in March, but police are now looking for information on a suspect, who was asked to stop making homophobic remarks by fellow passengers.

    The assault happened at around 04:15hrs on Sunday, 25 March on board a N87 bus on Wandsworth Road, SW8.

    Members of the public were seated on the top deck of the bus when they overheard the suspect sitting in front of them swearing and making homophobic remarks.

    When asked to refrain from making such remarks, the suspect then proceeded to assault three passengers on the bus.

    The suspect is described as a black man with a shaved head and goatee beard wearing a smart blue suit, black shoes and grey scarf.

    Detective Constable Sarah Bunting of the Met’s Road & Transport Policing Command said, “This man is sought in connection with a homophobic assault on a bus.

    “If you know who this man is, or may be able to assist us in our investigation, please call 101 and quote CAD 1045/25Mar18.

    “The Met will not tolerate any form of hate crime and we strongly urge anyone who has been a victim of this sort of situation to call police and report it.”

     

  • The UK’s (possibly the world’s) first touring pride is happening in Cornwall

    The UK’s (possibly the world’s) first touring pride is happening in Cornwall

    If you can’t get to pride – Pride will come to you.

    Organisers of have created an ingenious way of ensuring anybody and everybody who wants to get involved with a pride in their county, but can’t make to one central location, can now do so, because this pride is going on tour (and there’ll be drag queens – squeal!) It’s been called a pop-up pride and a flash pride.

    The tour bus will be stopping off in 11 different locations on one day, the 23rd June. The stop offs include: Wadebridge 10:05 AM, Launceston 11.15 AM, Bodmin 12:35 PM, St Austell 13:55 PM, Truro 15:15 PM, Falmouth 16:30 PM, Heartlands 17:55 PM, Hayle 18:55 PM, Marazion 19:40 PM, Penzance 20:15 PM,  Newquay 21:55 PM.

    10.05 Wadebridge – Camel Trail nr. Lidl
    11.15 Launceston – Launceston Castle
    12.35 Bodmin – Town Council Court
    13.55 St Austell – White River Place nr. the Cinema
    15.15 Truro – Outside Hall for Cornwall
    16.30 Falmouth – Prince of Wales Pier
    17.55 Pool – Heartlands, outside the engine house nr. Red River Cafe
    18.55 Hayle – Penpol Creak. Park outside Spar
    19.40 Marazion – The Station House
    20.15 Penzance – Harbour
    21.55 Newquay – Killacourt

    The event is being called, Come Out For Cornwall and will take place on Saturday 23rd June 2018 and will be a celebration of being proud to be you as we travel throughout Cornwall in our ‘Pride Bus for the day’, visiting most of the major towns to spread the word about Pride and what it means as well as enforcing the message that Cornwall is an inclusive and accepting place to live work and visit, no matter who you are. To find out more click here.

  • Peter Tatchell arrested in Russia, while protesting Human Rights – legally

    Peter Tatchell arrested in Russia, while protesting Human Rights – legally

    One of the UK’s most prominent Human Rights campaigners has been arrested in Russia, ahead of the World Cup.

    CREDIT: Monty McKinnen

    Peter Tatchell has been arrested in Moscow after protesting Russia’s mistreatment of LGBT+ citizens as the FIFA World Cup commences.

    ** Updated** go to end of the article for update

    Mr Tatchell was holding a banner supporting gay men who have been violently targeted in a “gay purge” in Chechnya while standing next to the statue Marshal Zhukov close to the Kremlin.

    This is the campaigner’s sixth visit to Russia in solidarity with the LGBT+ freedom struggle there. He was previously arrested twice during protests in Moscow and suffered brain damage after being attacked by Russian neo-Nazis in 2007.

    Peter Tatchell, speaking from Moscow before the protest, said,

    “I was exercising my lawful right to protest, under the Russian constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and the right to protest in Articles 29 and 31. A one-person protest, which is what I did, requires no permission from the authorities and the police.

    “Getting arrested is standard for Russians who protest for LGBT+ rights or against corruption, economic injustice and Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its bombing of civilians in Syria.

    “Unlike brave Russian protesters, I have the ‘protection’ of a British passport, which means I have been treated more leniently than they are.

    “My fate was mild compared to what often happens to Russians who dare to challenge the Putin regime. I am awed by their courage.”

    “President Putin has failed to condemn and act against the homophobic witch-hunts in Chechnya, which have seen scores of LGBT+ people arrested and tortured, with some even being killed.

    “The singer Zelim Bakaev disappeared in Chechnya in August 2017 and has never been seen since.

    “Russia’s 2013 anti-gay law against so-called ‘homosexual propaganda’ has been used to suppress peaceful LGBT+ protests, sack LGBT+ teachers and suppress welfare organisations that support LGBT+ teenagers.

    “Little action has been taken by the Russian government and police to crack down on far-right extremists who target LGBT+ people for violent and humiliating assaults – including the instigators of the current threats to bash and stab LGBT+ football fans at the World Cup.

     

    Released:

    Mr Tatchell received consular assistance during his detention.
    Speaking from Moscow, Mr Tatchell said:
    “I am required to appear in court on 26 June for violating Federal Law 54 and Presidential Decree 202, which prohibit all protests near the Kremlin and during the World Cup.
    “I have written a letter to the Chief of Police of Kitay-Gorod police district, requesting that my court appearance is voided on the grounds that I am flying back to the UK on 18 June. I have been told I will be free to leave Russia on that date as planned. I spent one hour and 40 minutes in police custody, from the moment I was detained near the Kremlin to the moment of my release from the police station.
    “Senior officers were stern but the apprehending officer very helpful, friendly and polite. I presume I was well treated, partly because I am a UK citizen and because a senior British Embassy consular official, Colin Wells, contacted the police. I guess the Russians also did not want to be seen as being heavy-handed during the World Cup.”

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