Trust Theroux to get right to the nub of the problem
America has a love affair with prescription painkillers, which has led to a widespread dependency on opiates, but following a crackdown on over-prescription, two million Americans are finding new ways to feed their habit.
With the pills now becoming increasingly expensive and scarce on the black market, vast numbers of Americans have turned to the cheaper and stronger opiate: heroin. The drug now claims more lives in the US than either car accidents or gun crime. And, for the first time in over two decades, life expectancy in the US is declining – largely attributed to the rise in fatal heroin overdoses.
In Huntington, West Virginia, Louis Theroux embeds himself in an Appalachian community that is being devastated and stretched to its limits by widespread heroin use. With one in ten babies in the city born dependent on opiates and a fatal overdose rate 13 times the national average, this is the epicentre of the most deadly drug epidemic in US history.
Louis spends time with the user community caught in the vice-like grip of drug misuse and follows the emergency services struggling to cope with multiple overdoses each day.
Louis Theroux: Dark States – Heroin Town BBC Two on 8 October at 9pm
Fan favourites such as Orange Is The New Black and House Of Cards are going to be a little more expensive to watch from now on.
Fan favourite House Of Cards will be a little more expensive to watch from now on thanks to a price hike.
Netflix is about to raise its prices, the first time in two years – meaning that your monthly spend could be up to 11.2 percent more expensive.
The standard UK price plan will rise by 50 pence, from £7.49 to £7.99, whilst the premium price plan will rise by a whole pound, meaning it will now cost £9.99 a month. That’s £12 extra a year… We can handle that… right?
The basic account will stay static at just £5.99 a month.
Charges only apply to the two top tiers of membership – the Standard and the Premium. The basic member will remain at £5.99.
In the US, the price plans will rise by $1 to $10.99 a month for the standard service and $2 to $13.99 for the premium service.
Netflix has been at the forefront of streaming technology, forcing mainstream television companies and film distributors to reconsider their options. In a digital age, Netflix is a real disruptor – as millions of people leave linear television behind.
So, what are we getting for our extra £££? Well, Netflix has promised to produce 40 feature films in the coming year, and a continuation of its original programmings, such as House Of Cards, Stranger Things, 13 Reasons Why and ATypical.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words; we say an object speaks a thousand more. This is exactly what the public of Brighton learnt when The Museum of Transology opened its doors recently at the iconic Brighton Pavilion Museum, featuring key objects and artefacts from previously unearthed trans history.
“Maeve – Not long after I started my transition, my cousin asked me to be a bridesmaid. I wore these shoes and a dress which my mum made. I was absolutely shitting myself in church but it was a beautiful day <3”
Collected and curated by E-J Scott, the new exhibition showcases seemingly “everyday” objects, revealing remarkable stories behind them, from the brave and diverse trans individuals who’ve donated their personal possessions to go on display. Challenging society-fixed gender labels, binary and the ideology that gender is biologically determined, the exhibition includes personal belongings such as a trans man’s first pair of gender-bending childhood ballet shoes and a woman’s first ever transition-land marking item of makeup – all with unpredicted stories told through the objects.
“This was the ticket I used to meet my Canadian girlfriend, the first time seeing her in person as her boyfriend instead of her girlfriend. An amazing moment!”
Having proved a blowout success during its showing in London earlier this year, the gallery contains photography from Bharat Sikka and Sharon Kilgannon, plus further works from other key artists and creatives. This is the biggest display of trans artefacts and photographic portraiture ever displayed in the UK – if not, the world!
“My first pair of ballet shoes… I’ve been doing ballet since I was 4 years old. When I came out I was worried that people wouldn’t see me as male because of my love of ballet and pointe, but because I love it so much I refused to quit. Since coming out I’ve been more confident in my dancing, and while they were worn long before my transition, they hold a lot of meaning for me as ballet has made me the man I am.”
“I became far more ambitious with age! (But wore this [for] 10 years)”
Open until summer 2018, the exhibition takes place during exceptionally pertinent times for the trans community, with anti-progressive obstacles threatening trans individuals recently, such as Trump disgracefully banning trans soldiers from the US military. Alongside key events this year such as Trans Pride – having celebrated its 5th successful this year – The Museum of Transology exhibition provides a positive voice for the often-unheard trans individuals within the UK.
“This was the first piece of makeup I bought. It all comes back to this. I learnt about it from YouTube and still use it today. I finally built up the confidence to go into a shop and buy makeup without feeling judged. Now that I’ve started I’ve not looked back once – SPx”“The lipstick was from my wonderful sister who was the first family member to accept and support my transition. <3”
Here are some of the touching first-hand trans stories and experiences to expect at the new exhibition…
New figures from Public Health England show that new HIV infections amongst gay and bisexual men dramatically fell from 2015 to 2016.
Official figures published yesterday by PHE show there has been a significant decline in new diagnoses of HIV in the UK in gay and bisexual men. The statistics highlight the importance of frequent and regular testing to ensure that HIV is both diagnosed and treated much sooner: improving patient outcomes and reducing the spread of HIV.
The decrease in HIV diagnoses in gay and bisexual men represents the most exciting development in the UK HIV epidemic in 20 years when effective treatment became widely available.
High levels of condom use and increased testing
Commenting on the figures, Dr Valerie Delpech, Head of HIV surveillance at Public Health England, said:
“This is very good news. It is the first time since the beginning of the HIV epidemic in the 1980s that we have observed a decline in new HIV diagnoses among gay and bisexual men and is clear evidence that HIV prevention efforts are working in the United Kingdom.
“Our success in reducing transmission is due to high levels of condom use among gay men, and a sharp rise in the number of men testing for HIV each year, with those at greatest risk testing more frequently. Early diagnosis is also key to making sure that people benefit from HIV treatments so they can live long and healthy lives and are protected from passing on the virus to others.”
With continued investment in testing and diagnosis, the decline in HIV infection which has taken place for gay and bisexual men in London can be replicated in other parts of the country and in all those at higher risk of HIV. HIV testing enables diagnosis and the opportunity for treatment which not only means people can live long, healthy lives but also provides reassurance that the virus cannot be passed on.
It is easy to get tested for HIV. Testing is freely available through GP surgeries, local hospitals and sexual health clinics as well as on self-sampling and self-testing (see NHS Choices for further information).
As well as getting tested, using a condom with new or casual partners protects against HIV and other STIs.
Rain, biscuits and old books have emerged among a list of weird and wonderful scents which get us in the mood for love.
Researchers who polled 2,000 UK adults also found fragrances such as bonfires, baked bread and Sunday roasts evoke romantic tendencies.
More traditional aphrodisiac aromas such as flowers, perfume aftershave featured high on the list too as did Autumnal aromas such as mulled wine, gingerbread and log fires
Commissioned by Yankee Candle®, the research found 42 percent of us associate our favourite fragrances with romance.
Dr Lynda Shaw, cognitive neuroscientist and psychologist, said: “When we inhale a scent it reaches the olfactory receptor cells at the top of our nose and then travels to the limbic system in our brains, resulting in chemical and physical stimulation.
“The limbic system is associated with memory, emotion and mood which therefore explains why our sense of scent plays such a powerful role in physical attraction.”
Other romantic scents to make the list include fresh linen, vanilla and coffee, along with chocolate, cherry and whisky.
Cinnamon, mixed spices and saffron feature too.
The research also found over three-quarters of UK adults consider smell to be important in a partner.
Amid this, three in ten single Brits said not liking a date’s perfume or aftershave would be a major turn-off and ten percent admitted this would also end any chances of a second date.
Thirty-five percent of women said they find deep, woody fragrances most appealing on a partner and quarter a quarter find ‘fresh’ scents the most attractive.
While 24 percent of men like ‘fresh’ scents too and 13 percent prefer sweet scents such as vanilla.
Amid this 29 percent of the population said autumn makes them feel more romantic than they do during the rest of the year.
While almost a fifth of single guys are more likely to use a dating app to find a partner during the colder months.
Log fires and bonfire both feature highly on the list of turn on fragrances for people in the UK.
The research also found the perfect autumnal romantic night in would feature a roaring fire, a home-cooked meal, movie – and a bottle of wine.
While our favourite things about the pre-winter months include cuddling up on the sofa, long walks and the changing colour of the leaves.
Snuggly in the autumn
Having the heating on, watching movies at home and home cooking are also some of our most cherished things as the nights draw in.
Hannah Jenkins, Brand Activation and Channel Marketing Director EMEA Yankee Candle®, said: “Whether it’s the warm and vibrant colours of the leaves or the fruity and earthy scents of the forest, there is certainly something about the autumn season that is magically romantic.
“It is this feeling of love and contentment that Yankee Candle aims to capture in its new Fall in Love collection.
“For those looking for love, or hoping to reignite a sense of romance in their relationship, snuggling up on the sofa with a warm cashmere blanket and an ambient scented candle can help to soothe and seduce the senses and allow love to blossom as the colder weather sets in.”
In 1993, teenager Rachel and her best friends are obsessed with The Band, and sneak off behind their parents back’s to a concert where, on the way home, they discuss the future, make promises to each other and swear that they will be best friends for ever. But when something happens that shatters their world, the girls go their separate ways. 25 years later, The Band brings them back together, when Rachel wins a competition to see them in Prague, and decides to invite the group she had lost touch with. But with an awkward reunion on the cards, it’s going to be a trip they will never forget.
Photo Credit – Matt Crockett
Launched primarily off the back of a Saturday night TV talent show, The Band became the UK’s fastest selling theatre tour; but now that the TV show has ended and the hype has died down, the question is, is it actually any good? And the answer is a resounding “yes”.
What elevates The Band high above other jukebox musicals is the story written by Tim Firth. Firth successfully interweaves great characterisations with nostalgia, comedy and genuine emotion in a heartfelt story about friendship, self-belief, realising that it is never too late to achieve your ambitions and that life doesn’t always pan out how you planned.
The back catalogue of Take That songs is ripe for the picking, and with plenty of hits spanning their 30 year career, including Relight My Fire, Greatest Day, Prey, Shine and Back For Good, the show primarily presents the musical numbers not as standalone songs, but almost as if it is the soundtrack to the character’s lives; and cleverly places them naturally into the story; meaning that they are there to support the narrative and not because the fans expect them to be shoehorned into the show somehow.
In a cast which is fairly faultless and which works incredibly well together, Rachel Lumberg excels as Rachel, the bubbly woman whose love of The Band brings her friends back together; Alison Fitzjohn provides many of the laughs as the self-depreciating Claire and the young ensemble who play the teenage friends are brilliantly put together.
As for the Let It Shine winners, they were everything you would expect; putting on a great performance as they belted their way through the musical numbers, singing and dancing their hearts out with confidence and professionalism; and looking great to boot; meaning that it’s not surprising at all to hear that they are working on their first album.
The presentation of the show, especially for a touring production, is big budget and incredibly well done, with inventive staging, immersive lighting, a solid sound design and direction which keeps the show moving along flawlessly. The production is incredibly slick and polished and barely stops for breath as it speeds along.
The success of the show is how all of the individual elements are present and come together to produce the whole package; and in the audiences relatability to the story and characters. We have all had a band which we have obsessed over, we have all had songs which remind us of a particular time in our lives and we have all had friends who we lose touch with.
The Band surpassed all expectations and is a crowd-pleasing, foot tapping, fun packed show crammed with genuine warmth and emotion at its heart.
The Band is at Sheffield Lyceum until Saturday 14th October 2017 , before continuing on an extensive national tour until July 2018. Visit The Band Official Website for details.
I Knew You, written by Steven Camden, aka Polar Bear – the renowned spoken-word artist, comes to The Door with a delicate yet powerful domestic tale.
Growing up in a non-nuclear family is more custom in this generation, but what is not often seen, is the repercussions of a family break up. Through the stories of Angela (Lorna Laidlaw) the mother; Nathan (Brenton Hamilton) the son; Patrick (Roderick Smith) the father, we see the nucleus of the family drama.
The writing is sublime with poetry ringing alongside the emotional speeches. Lorna showcased comedy and emotion very well, carrying the story – very good crescendo of emotions as the story progressed. Brenton did a great job with anger, but a little one-dimensional with the less climatic stuff. Roderick was a good choice for the sullen Patrick, giving the audience a good look-in to the other side of the argument, but a little lacklustre in the final speech. What was nice about the production was the feeling of provenance with actors hailing from Birmingham, with local accents adding to the comfort.
The play was only fifty minutes long, and I am wondering if story beat opportunities were missed as the story appeared to be presented in chunks, in places, and the build-up of the drama was lost with a very sudden ending at Patrick arriving in the house.
The Anglican Church on Tuesday disciplined its Scottish branch for deciding to allow same-sex couples to get married in its churches. The Scottish Episcopal Church (SEC) voted in June to change its law on marriage, removing the reference to it being between a man and a woman. As a result the first gay wedding in a… (more…)
So the original cast of Will and Grace have reunited and a new series has been launched, but when is it coming to the UK?
Back in the noughties, Will & Grace was the show that broke the mold for the gay community. Now, ten years since the last episode was filmed a new series has been produced and fans are eagerly awaiting its broadcast in the UK.
The original series ran from 1998 to 2006 – over 8 series.
Sixteen episodes, expanded from an original order of 10, were made by the producers.
When will Will & Grace be shown in the UK?
As of the beginning of October, there is no known air date or even channel for the ever popular sitcom. This is despite it already airing in the US pulling a magnificent 10.19 million viewers for its American broadcaster, CBS.
Channel 4 was the original broadcaster for the show in the 00’s and although it remains to be seen if Channel 4 will pick up the show this time around. We will update this when there is confirmation on a UK broadcaster.
Has Will & Grace been extended to further series?
Yes, Will and Grace have been picked up for a 10th season.
A man, who attended the Las Vegas country music concert with his boyfriend, has been confirmed as one of the people killed in America’s deadliest shootings.
Cameron Robison (right) was killed in the Las Vegas shooting on Sunday. His boyfriend, Bobby (left) was injured during the massacre.
28-year-old Cameron Robinson was killed, when shooter, Stephen Paddock opened fire on thousands of concertgoers in Las Vegas, from his room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel, on Sunday. Cameron was attending the concert with his boyfriend, Bobby Eardley.
The Las Vegas Journal reports that he was shot fatally through the neck. His sister, Meghan Ervin said that the couple were together at the music festival.
The attack, which has claimed the lives of at least 59 people, and injuring over 500 people, is the deadliest mass shooting in America, overtaking the Pulse Massacre in 2016.
Cameron worked in Las Vegas as a legal records specialist but was a resident of Utah.
A tribute to Cameron said that he was “an amazing friend, son, brother, uncle, cousin, coworker and boyfriend” and was “full of life and love and so much passion”.
Bobby and Cameron together in happier times. Cameron was shot through the neck and died from his injuries. Bobby sustained a lower back injury from shrapnel according to reports.
A statement on the page describes Cameron as someone who
“…loved to cook, entertain, run marathons, travel, go camping, boating, and the outdoors in general and above all surround himself with those he loved and others. He is an amazing example to all and brought so much light to those he came in contact with. He accomplished so much in such a short time and touched the lives of so many. Between his love to cook and amazing dance moves there was always good times. He was such a caring, giving and loving man. Cameron, you will be greatly missed. We love you so much!
KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE – The camp as Christmas Jason Bourne/James Bond piss take is back for number two with big laughs, endless extreme bloodshed and more anal sex jokes again.
Nutshell – Eggsy and the sexy as fu*k Merlin (The shaggable Mark Strong) go on the run after Julianne Moore and her henchmen totally destroy the Kingsman spy organisation. So it’s off to Kentucky in the USA to meet the even bigger and better Statesmen organisation of great looking spies like Channing Tatum and Halle Berry, cue car chases galore, gadgets, robo attack dogs and the kidnap of Elton John via Glastonbury, The Alps and Cambodia in the sequel twice as explosive as the first.
Running Time – 141 minutes;
Certificate – 15.
Tagline – ‘Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated
The Gay UK Factor – Taron Egerton – fit, Mark Strong – masculine, Pedro Pascal – Hairy Latin stud, Channing Tatum – Uber fit and loads of other thugs and good guys that no-one would kick out of bed – this is a true wank fest.
Cast – Egerton, Strong, Pascal and Tatum are backed up by Colin Firth (didn’t he die in the first one?), Keith Allen, Julianne Moore, Halle Berry, Michael Gambon, Jeff Bridges and Elton John with a real major part so plenty here to keep you occupied – how big will the cast be in part three and will Bennie and Jet the Robodogs be back?
Key Player – Matthew Vaughan the director and man behind Kick-Ass, The X-men, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Eddie The Eagle etc is a master at mixing light content with bouts of extreme gore and action and he has the perfect vehicle here. He also writes the film here alongside Jane Goldman (Mrs Jonathon Ross) and their endless invention is here for all to see and boy is it giving the fans what they want.
Budget – $104 Million way up on the first film and its cash registers are ringing like crazy making that back in just 5 days so it is off into the land of mega profit from now. This is a big hit and some.
Best Bit – 1.31 mins; A breathtaking assault on an Alpine mountaintop stronghold climaxing in a truly stunning cable car sequence one of the best action beats of the year and it even beats the opening London Taxi fight/chase which is as good as any sequence of the Summer but the film just gets better as it goes on .
Worst Bit – 0.21 mins; Julianne Moore as the bad guy who has a thing for Grease style 1950’s Americana and her HQ is a Fonzie/Happy Days style diner is just not nasty enough even though she does have a mean trick of putting her enemies through a burger mincer – she is a bit like a fourth division Bond villain when we needed a nasty as f*ck Blofeld type.
Little Secret – There just having fun here but this movie stars a mega five Oscar winners in Firth, Berry, Moore, Bridges and Elton the latter for The Lion King. The original film length was over 3 hours 40 minutes which would have made it the longest blockbuster of the Millenium and beating Titanic/Avatar & any Lord Of The Rings film until the Studio insisted on cuts. This is Elton’s 21st acting credit and by far his biggest, he has starred in everything from SpiceWorld, Tommy and Bob The Builder in the past but here he gets to kick butt instead of shagging it.
Further Viewing – Kingsman 1, James Bond circa Roger Moore, Spy, Austin Powers, The Bourne Identity, Kick-Ass, Carry On Spying and The Johnny English films.
Any Good – Matthew Vaughn said if you didn’t like the first one you are gonna really hate this one and likewise we believe the converse is just as correct. More of the same just bigger and brasher all in all not as good as the number one but isn’t that normal with sequels.
