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Shopping is more stimulating than SEX

Shopping could be more stimulating than SEX, according to a pioneering neuroscience study.

Scientists have today unveiled the physiological effects of shopping on the human brain, revealing how “inspired shopping” can deliver moments of prolonged highs in the brain comparable to sexual intercourse.

Experts isolated the secrets to better browsing by analysing Gamma brainwaves which are scientifically linked with higher mind-states of creativity and extreme pleasure.

Partnering with mind-tech experts, MyndPlay, the data unveiled some astounding insights about how Brits can put the inspiration, satisfaction and pleasure back into shopping.

According to the data 84 percent of Inspired Shoppers experienced a ‘buyers high’ at check-out, comparable to a Formula 1 driver finishing a circuit – and twice that of their “Shop-y-cat” counterparts – who just buy things to “fit in”.

Shop-y-cat Shoppers, on the other hand, felt exhausted, with an accumulative 30 percent increase in mental fatigue every ten minutes while shopping.

The results also show Brits can train their brains to stay in the inspiration zone and shop better by staying present, still and calm.

Rob Hattrell, Vice President of eBay UK, said: “Shopping is personal. It’s a reflection of what makes you, you.

“eBay is encouraging Brits to reject the boring and beige, and to stop shopping like everybody else. Instead, we want shoppers to be bolder and express their individuality.

“This fascinating research gives great insight into the highs that can be achieved when you hit the zone of inspiration and shop like nobody else.”

What is a Shop-y-cat?

Self-confessed ‘Shop-y-cats’, which make up nearly half of the population, admit to often buying items for themselves simply to fit in and ‘keep up with the Joneses’.

Mostly men, these, shop-y-cats experienced a short-lived rush at check-out after making a purchase, observed behavioural psychologists.

More than four in five Shop-y-cats also felt the pressure to fit in whilst browsing increased mental fatigue by 30 percent every 10 minutes.

This is in sharp contrast with Inspired Shoppers who embrace a more intuitive approach, purchasing unique things they truly want, as an expression of their individuality.

Be an Inspired Shopper!

Brain monitors showed that 84 percent of Inspired Shoppers experience a prolonged mental high, nearly twice that of shop-y-cats and comparable to sex or aa Formula 1 driver finishing a race.

But it seems shoppers are out-of-practice when it comes to experiencing retail euphoria.

When asked to find a unique item, 89 percent of participants found it mentally laborious.

However, the study uncovers that getting into the inspiration zone and achieving optimum enjoyment, simply requires shoppers to maintain a mindstate of being present, still and calm.

29th September 2017
Drag Race’s Willam blasted for being “transphobic” during live broadcast

Drag Race star, Willam Belli has been blasted over comments made during her show Suck Less.

The season four drag queen was joined by Season 6 runner-up, Courtney Act, to answer fan questions. One such question was from a girl who had recently started to date a trans man. She was unsure of how to proceed with the relationship because he didn’t have a penis.

Well, the resulting comments from Willam have sent fans on social media into a frazzle.

During the show, Willam said,

“Here’s the thing, he’s not your boyfriend if he’s not a boy and he’s not f**king you… just because someone says they’re a boy, doesn’t make them a boy.

“If they haven’t had the science, they’re not a boy yet. Just because you cut your titties off and take testosterone, that doesn’t change your chromosomes.”

Courtney called Willam out, saying that the comments were “transphobic” and told Willam that she had quoted Germaine Greer’s infamous “just because you lop off your d**k and then wear a dress, that doesn’t make you a f***ing woman.” quote.

Courtney wasn’t having any of it and address the viewer directly saying,

“You’re dating a trans man, by the sounds of it,”

“Sometimes men have vaginas, and sometimes men have penises, and that is a fact of the world we live in.

“[Just because he] does not have a penis, it doesn’t mean that he can’t pleasure you.”

“I feel bad”

The discussion continued – as Willam and Courtney continue to unpack the controversial comments made earlier.

On Reddit, fans were not happy calling Willam transphobic and saying that as a Drag Queen should know better.

Willam has responded to the allegations of transphobic saying,

“I feel bad about how I made people feel about it and this is my official apology,”

“I’m sad that me not knowing these things made my friends feel some kind of way,” he continues. “What I do makes me a known entity or a public figure, so I have to be more responsible for my words.”

29th September 2017
Four US cities you totally need to visit in the Midwest

Travelling to America as a gay man you probably think New York, South Beach or San Francisco, well we recently had a little vagaytion to America’s Midwest and we uncovered some wonderful gems.

CREDIT: Jake Hook

View from the John Hancock centre. 96 floors up.

Springfield
CREDIT: Jake Hook
Springfield’s capitol building.

Springfield is the state capitol of Illinois and the political heartland of the state. Every street corner is bustling with political back channelling, clandestine meets and poll rigging… We may have just made that up, but we’re absolutely certain people were talking about The Good Wife. Politically speaking, Illinois is one of the epicentres of US politics, which boasts two Presidents who lived in the state, Abraham Lincoln and Barrack Obama.

CREDIT: Jake Hook

Rub the nose of Lincoln, it brings good luck

Whilst you’re there make sure you visit the Illinois State Capitol building (pictured above) and breath in that political air, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, the Oakridge Cemetery, where Abraham Lincoln’s tomb is located, (don’t forget to rub the nose of his statue, it’s supposed to be good luck) and be sure to grab yourself a hot dog on a stick at the Cosy Dog Drive in.

CREDIT: Jake Hook

You might be surprised to know that Springfield has its very own gay bar, Club Station House – a very friendly affair. On the night we stayed we sang Rick Astley karaoke – the locals had no idea who he was, but they clapped all the same.

CREDIT: Jake Hook

Stay at the gorgeous State House Inn, but here’s a tip – ask for an odd numbered room. They’re at the back of the hotel – and you shouldn’t be disturbed by the Juggernaut trains that slice through the city at 3 AM in the morning – horns blaring.

Chicago

CREDIT: Jake Hook

Obviously, no trip to America’s Midwest would be complete without a stay in Chicago. From an LGBT perspective, it’s got two incredibly friendly neighbourhoods – the more youth orientated Boystown and the slightly maturer Andersonville. Of course, there are many gay bars to visit and street festivals to try out, but one particularly sensational event to try, is the Andersonville Annual Midsoomarfest. If you go a stranger, I promise you won’t leave without making friends.

CREDIT: TheGayUK

When you’re in Chicago top attractions include: The Tilt – a glass enclosure which tilts you out over Chicago, 94 floors up the John Hancock centre, Navy Pier – where you can book an evening cruising on the sleek Odyssey cruise boat and watch as the sun sets on Chicago’s famous skyline, take in a few paintings at the Art Institute of Chicago and if you’re feeling brave – splash out on a helicopter ride overlooking the entire beachfront of the magnificent city.

As with all major cities make sure you make time for a river cruise and perhaps catch something at the theatre – perhaps the Blueman group and avail yourself of some Chicago pie. It’s like nothing you’ve ever tried before.

Indianapolis

CREDIT: Jake Hook

Outside Illinois state, in the state of Indiana, you’ll want to try and visit the state’s capital city, Indianapolis, famous for amongst other things the Indy Car Race Track. If you’re around March through September make sure you catch one of the 16 races – and join over 300,000 spectators who revel in the high-octane Indy car racing. If you fancy something a little slower then try a Sedway riverside tour. Honestly, as you take a Sedway tour along the river, you’ll think you’re in a different time altogether – as it looks incredibly futuristic. It’s no secret that Indianapolis’s culinary scene is booming, ask any city-dweller the best place for eats, and they’ll gladly reel off a list of great places. For one of the most incredible meals, you need to dine out at St Elmo’s Steak House and try the Shrimp Cocktail.

Indianapolis is home to a number of gay bars and spaces and has one of the highest attended LGBT Prides in the US. If you’re looking for a spot of entertainment then a visit to the Talbott Street Nightclub is a must. They regularly host special events which often feature the gals from RuPaul’s Drag Race.

For more venues visit our guide page.

Galena

CREDIT: Jake Hook

If you’re a fan of the fly/drive holiday then you’ll want to check out the Great Lakes Facebook page, where you’ll get lots of ideas for glorious cities, friendly towns and exciting hot-spots to visit whilst you’re in the area. One such find is the ridiculously beautiful town of Galena. Around 3 hours west of Chicago, you’ll drive through miles and miles of farming land – the Midwest is known as the breadbasket of America – because of its wheat production and you’ll certainly see a lot of it.

The roads are easy, wide and once outside the city limits mainly free from traffic. You can forget the M6 or M25. Galena is a different world altogether and as you enter through the town’s giant floodgates (it sits on the Galena River which feeds into the almighty Mississippi River) you’ll be left wondering if you’ve actually stepped back in time.

Home to just under 3500 people, the town has an incredible friendly laid-back appeal. You must stay in one of the gorgeous, unique suites at the Jail Hill Inn – owned, operated and lovingly restored by the Inn Keeper, Matthew Carroll. Fill your boots at the wonderfully authentic Vinny Vanucchi‘s Italian restaurant. To really get your orientation in this quaint historic town buy a ticket for the Galena Trolleys – which depart from 10 AM until 9 PM. Your guide will take you on a whirlwind stop of this picture perfect town.

If you’ve a head for heights book yourself on to the Balloon flight experience – and see how beautiful the Midwest countryside is from the sky. As you float several thousand feet up let yourself drift with the wind – who knows where you’ll end up next.

28th September 2017
Two more “terrorist” organisations have been proscribed by Amber Rudd

Two more organisations have been proscribed by the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd.

Scottish Dawn and NS131 were identified by the Home Office as aliases of National Action, which was proscribed in December 2016. Speaking today, Ms Rudd called National Action a “vile racist, homophobic and anti-semitic group” which glorified violence and that she wouldn’t not allow it continue under different names.

The neo-Nazi group National Action was banned last year following an assessment that it was ‘concerned in terrorism.’ The order laid today means that it cannot operate as Scottish Dawn or NS131, which have been identified as alternate names the group has used.

From the 29th September when the order comes into effect, being a member – or inviting support for – the organisations will be a criminal offence, carrying a sentence of up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, said:

National Action is a vile racist, homophobic and anti-semitic group which glorifies violence and stirs up hatred while promoting their poisonous ideology and I will not allow them to masquerade under different names.

By extending the proscription of National Action, we are halting the spread of a poisonous ideology and stopping its membership from growing – protecting those who could be at risk of radicalisation.

Our priority as government will always be to maintain the safety and security of families and communities across the United Kingdom and we will continue to identify and ban any terrorist group which threatens this, whatever their ideology.

National Action’s online propaganda material featured violent imagery and language, inferring that violent acts, including the attack on the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando and the murder of Jo Cox should be emulated.

Decisions about proscribing or extending the proscription of a particular organisation are taken after extensive consideration and in light of a full assessment of available information.

28th September 2017
Dating apps make men unhappy and provide a platform for racism

Do dating apps give men body image concerns and lower self-esteem?

shutterstock

Glen Jankowski, Leeds Beckett University

As the dating app Tinder turns five, new research shows men who regularly use the app have more body image concerns and lower self-esteem.

The research found Tinder users reported lower levels of satisfaction with their faces and higher levels of shame about their bodies. And users were also more likely to view their bodies as sexual objects.

This is hardly surprising given that Tinder’s “evaluative factors” have the potential to intensify preexisting cultural beauty ideals. The app’s “swipe right to dismiss” facility, along with the limited number of words a user can write on their profile means appearance take centre stage. In other words, the more conventionally attractive your photos are, the more likely you are to be clicked, swiped or hit upon by other users.

But whether men use Tinder or not, most will report dissatisfaction with some aspect of their appearance. This could be anything from height, body hair, muscularity, skin tautness, shoe size, penis size, facial symmetry, head hair amount and more. Sadly there are few areas of the body men do not find fault with.

The body beautiful?

Over the last few decades, boys’ and men’s appearances have come under increasing scrutiny. This is largely because in the 1980s businesses finally started exploiting a relatively untapped market: the appearance insecurities of men.

To demonstrate – today men are sold anti-cellulite cream for their pecs, hair transplants for their facial hair and “manscara” for their eyes. Then there are the boys’ action dolls that have gained muscle and lost body fat with each successive edition. Add this to the fact that 80% of the men featured in popular media such as Men’s Health magazine are of a muscular body build – with many of these models taking drastic measures in the weeks leading up to photos shoots to make sure they look lean.

These models also tend to have a full head of hair and symmetrical faces. The same goes for porn sites – where almost all of the men featured are equally ripped and stereotypically “handsome”.

Love your selfie.
Shutterstock

It’s unsurprising then that boys today feel they are growing up in a world which focuses heavily upon their appearance. Of course, this is a problem that has plagued women and girls for decades. And in the way that this has impacted girls for so long, now this pressure is impacting on boys’ well-being. One recent study found almost one in five boys had resorted to diet pills, purging, skipping meals, steroids or tanning products to change their appearance.

White washing

But beyond appearance pressures, dating apps are doubly damaging because they often operate in a sphere where sexual racism is commonplace.

The dating app OKCupid recently analysed sexual racism among 1m of its male site users. The company found that compared to black, Asian or minority ethnic users, white users got more messages. White users were also found to be less likely to reply or match with users of a different race to themselves, and more likely to question interracial marriage.

Online dating comes with its own rules, preferences and prejudices.
Shutterstock

Recent research from Australia also found that 15% of gay men on the dating app Grindr included sexual racism on their profiles. This was more likely to be the case if the profile user was white, and if the user held broader racist views.

I too have noticed gay men who write offensive terms that specify race preferences on their profiles – such as “Black=block”, “no gaysians” or even “no chocolate or rice”. In its terms and conditions, Grindr bans offensive speech. Which is in part why, three years ago, I started a Twitter account, @GrindrRacism to encourage Grindr to remove offensive profiles. Disappointingly Grindr has often been slow to act though – meaning sexual racism is still present on the app.

Dating elite

Of course apps aren’t the cause of racism around sexual preferences. Instead like appearance pressures, users are influenced by what’s going on in wider society. By not tackling those problems in society, however, – for example cracking down on offensive speech – apps can act as enablers for racism and insecurity.

So while in some ways, these apps have brought our dating lives into the 21st century – where casual sex is more accepted and where gay men can meet other gay men without being imprisoned – in other ways, they also remind me of the 1950s, a time when shops would hang “No Blacks” signs in their doorways and when magazines like Playboy relentlessly objectified women’s appearances.

Ultimately given that more people are using dating apps than ever before, they need to work for everyone – not just those who are “attractive” or white.

Glen Jankowski, Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

28th September 2017
Kim Kardashian Slams ‘Fake Story’ About Kylie Jenner Pregnancy

When Harper’s Bazaar published a story about Kim Kardashian’s supposed first reaction to the news that sister Kylie Jenner is reportedly pregnant, using a quote from a People story, Kardashian was not happy about. Kim Kardashian, who attended a Harper’s BAZAAR celebration at The Plaza Hotel on Sept. 8, 2017 in New York City, isn’t backing… (more…)

27th September 2017
When does the new series of Walking Dead start?

The Walking Dead returns for season 8 and its 100^th episode on Monday 23^rdOctober at 9pm on FOX

It’s that time of year again! Get your bloodied baseball bats and your crossbows at the ready because the world of walkers is about to return to your TV screens. This October, not only does the return of The Walking Dead mark the start of a whopping eighth season, but the global smash hit series is also celebrating its birthday – the start of season eight is the 100th episode of The Walking Dead!

But not everyone is celebrating… Last season Rick Grimes and his group of survivors were confronted with their deadliest challenge yet. The introduction of Negan and the Saviors broke the group physically and emotionally…

Walking Dead series 8 starts on the 23rd October at 9PM.

27th September 2017
29 Epic photos from the first ever Worcestershire Pride

Last weekend, Worcester played host to the first ever Worcestershire Pride…

Hundreds of people attended the first ever pride in Worcester last weekend. There was a full day of entertainment hosted by local DQ Princx. The show was headlined by X Factor’s Freddy Parker and Ginny Lemon.

The pride took place in The Fountains and Copenhagen Street car park by South Quay and according to organisers took a year in the planning. The pride was also awarded a £9,900 lottery grant to put on the pride.

Entertainment was provided by a slew of wonderful Drag Queens and X Factor’s Freddy Parker, who wowed the audience with his bouncy and energetic set.

27th September 2017
52 guys got completely starkers to raise money for testicular cancer in this calendar

Praise be!

The Naked Rugby Players calendar is here and it contains 52 nekkid mens!

Six LGBT rugby clubs around Britain got starkers earlier this year to raise awareness for both inclusive rugby and the importance for guys to check their tackle for lumps and bumps, in partnership with the Balls To Cancer charity.

From Edinburgh to London, Swansea to Manchester, Northampton to Newcastle, the teams braved the cold, the driving rain (and the rare occasion of sunshine) to bare all on the pitch, locker rooms and showers. Money raised from the sales of calendars help support the clubs involved and the Balls To Cancer charity.

Photographer Monty McKinnen said,
“Turning up to each club was a challenge as we didn’t know who the players would be, or how comfortable they’d be when we asked them to strip and get up close to pose with each other. It turned out in the end they didn’t need much encouragement to derobe. In fact at one club we turned around to find them all stood there naked on the pitch before I’d even got the camera out!

“I have so much admiration for these guys who bared all for charity. 200,000 men are diagnosed with cancer every year. 80,000 of those will die from their cancer. It’s time we got to grips and get a hand on the situation. I hope this calendar empowers guys to check their packages more often and to feel comfortable talking about male cancers.”

One in two men will suffer cancer in the UK during their lifetimes. Cancers which are detected early, such as testicular cancer, are beatable – but only if the message gets through that men should check their equipment regularly, which is why the Calendar features a cheeky monthly reminder.

In total 52 guys of all shapes and sizes got completely naked for the calendar, which the organisers hope will bring much needed attention to testicular cancer and the importance of LGBT+ inclusive sports in the UK.

The calendar is available to purchase directly from the Naked Rugby Players’ website or from Amazon

27th September 2017
Terror suspect Abdeslam wants to attend trial in Belgium: prosecutors

Paris terror suspect Salah Abdeslam wants to appear in person at his trial for a shootout with police in Brussels last year that led to his capture after four months on the run, Belgian prosecutors said Tuesday. Abdeslam, the only surviving alleged member of the Islamist gang that murdered 130 people in the French capital in… (more…)

27th September 2017
11 people arrested for coordinated activity into proscribed organisation, National Action
Eleven men were arrested this morning, across England and Wales as part of a national investigation into the group National Action.

National Action is an extreme right-wing, homophobic and racist group that was proscribed in the UK in December 2016, which means it is illegal to support or be a member of the group. The group was proscribed in December 2016.

Those who were arrested were aged between 22 and 35 years-old – are all suspected of membership of National Action.

As part of the coordinated activity, officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North East and North West, supported by Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit and Wiltshire Police have arrested:
- Six men from the North West area, one of which has been produced from prison
- Two men from South Wales area
- Two men from the West Yorkshire area
- One man from Wiltshire area
Eleven properties are being searched across a number of force areas in England and Wales.

The arrests follow activity earlier this month by West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson, who is responsible for counter-terrorism policing for the North West, said: “We are committed to taking positive action such as this to remove those connected to organisations, such as National Action, from our communities.

“Individuals involved in proscribed organisations who support extremist ideologies bring damaging consequences to local communities but with the help of the public and our partners, we will do everything we can do bring these people to justice.

“All information received will be dealt with in the strictest confidence and can be passed to us anonymously by calling the Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321”

Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu for The Metropolitan Police, said: “CT policing is committed to tackling all forms of extremism that threatens public safety and security. Investigations relating to alleged extreme right-wing activity are pursued with the same level or resource and vigour as other ideologies, in order to bring suspected offenders before the courts.

“Today’s arrests, while resulting from two separate investigations, have been coordinated by our officers across a number of forces. This maximises operational effectiveness for police and minimises disruption for the local communities.”

Arrest Details in Full

A 24-year-old man from Seaforth on suspicion of Preparation Of A Terrorist Act (Section 5 of the TACT 2006), Funding Terrorism (s15 TACT 2006) and Membership Of A Proscribed Organisation (s11 TACT 2006);

A 23-year-old man from Newton-le-Willows on suspicion of Preparation Of A Terrorist Act (s5 TACT 2006), Funding Terrorism (s15 TACT 2006) and Membership Of A Proscribed Organisation (s11 TACT 2006);

A 33-year-old man from Prescott on suspicion of Preparation Of A Terrorist Act (s5 TACT 2006), Funding Terrorism (s15 TACT 2006) and Membership Of A Proscribed Organisation (s11 TACT 2006);

A 31-year-old man from Warrington on suspicion of Preparation Of A Terrorist Act (s5 TACT 2006), Funding Terrorism (s15 TACT 2006) and Membership Of A Proscribed Organisation (s11 TACT 2006);

A 35-year-old man from Warrington on suspicion of Preparation Of A Terrorist Act (s5 TACT 2006), Funding Terrorism (s15 TACT 2006) and Membership Of A Proscribed Organisation (s11 TACT 2006);

A 22-year-old man from Lancashire has been produced from prison for police interview on suspicion of Preparation Of A Terrorist Act (s5 TACT 2006) and Membership Of A Proscribed Organisation (s11 TACT 2006);

A 28-year-old man from Swansea (South Wales) on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation under Section 11 of the Terrorism Act and under Section 58 of the Terrorism Act, possession of terrorism material/documents

A 23-year-old man from Sowerby Bridge (West Yorkshire) on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation under Section 11 of the Terrorism Act

A 23-year-old man from Swansea (South Wales) on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation under Section 11 of the Terrorism Act

A 26-year-old man from Leeds (West Yorkshire) on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation under Section 11 of the Terrorism Act

A 30-year-old man from Wiltshire on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation under Section 11 of the Terrorism Act.

* This article’s title has been ammended. A previous edit label the group National Action wrongly.
27th September 2017