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  • Find Out How Your Tax Is Spent

    From Monday 3 November over 24 million people will start receiving their first Annual Tax Summary from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which breaks down exactly how their tax is spent by the Exchequer.

    8 million taxpayers who complete self-assessment returns will be able to access their tax summary online, while the 16 million PAYE taxpayers who received a tax coding notice from HMRC for 2013 to 2014 will receive their summary in the post over the next seven weeks.

    The summaries were first announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne at Budget 2012 in a move to make tax more transparent and easier to understand. They will set out how much tax and National Insurance each person paid in the previous year and how it contributed to public expenditure.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said: ‘I promised that taxpayers would know much more about how much direct tax they pay and how that money is spent.

    ‘Now we’re delivering on that promise by giving 24m taxpayers a new personal tax summary.

    ‘It is a revolution in transparency and it will show how hardworking taxpayers have to pay for what governments spend.’

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    At Budget 2012 the Chancellor announced that around 20 million taxpayers would receive a tax summary detailing how their 2013 to 2014 tax year income tax and National Insurance contributions have been calculated.

    In April this year the Chancellor announced that 4 million more people than previously announced would receive the summary. The additional people are PAYE taxpayers who have had recent contact from HMRC setting out their tax calculation for an earlier tax year. These might be people with more complicated or changing circumstances such as a new job.

    There are 29.9 million income taxpayers in the UK. Any taxpayer who does not receive a tax summary can use HMRC’s tax calculator to estimate their tax bill and see how it contributes to public spending. The app can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple app store or Google Play by searching ‘HMRC tax calculator’.

  • Spotlight: Ben Haenow From X Factor 2014

    We spy with our little eyes something beginning with hot X Factor contestant Ben, but sorry boys he’s spoken for!

    The 29-year-old van driver from Croydon has certainly made an impact with audiences and has proved very popular with the judges and impressed them all with his version of Wild Horses. Ben used to be in a band with his brother called “The Lost Audio”. He is a long term relationship and nearly proposed to his girlfriend at the arena auditions.

    So what does it feel like to be through to the lives?

    “I can’t believe it. I wasn’t happy with my performance and everyone else was so good. To be the last one to be sent through, as well. It felt like I was waiting for a year”

    What did you feel about the makeovers?

    “I’m excited about it. I’m not sure I want highlights or blue ends but I’m definitely willing to have a bit of a trim. I’ve never been styled, I’ve never had that before.”

    What is your dream duet?

    “All my heroes are dead, man! Robert Plant, from Led Zep. If I could have a dead one it’d be Otis Reading. The guy has an amazing voice.”

    And what about your van days?

    “I might buy one for leisure purposes!”

  • X Factor’s Andrea Faustini Thinks Dermot O Is Cute

    Ah… That Dermont O’Leary fella off the X Factor has been making Andrea Faustini feel right at home by buying him Italian food.

    Taking to Twitter, Bookies favourite to win X Factor 2014, Andrea Faustini tweeted a picture of the pair saying, ‘How cute is @radioleary who brought to me proper Italian food from @linastores #WeLoveDermot #AndWeLoveLina’ to his 146 thousand followers.

    Last week we profiled the student from Rome and hot favourite after his rendition of Beyoncé’s Listen brought down the X Factor studio and reduced Cheryl and Mel B to tears.

    In tonight’s episode, Andrea will be performing Relight My Fire, we’re wondering whether Lulu will turn up for the Halloween special, fright night. Andrea went on to say, ‘ Big SCARY day today! One of us is leaving the competition tonight, so I need your support more than ever! I’ll try my hardest … #thankyou’

    X Factor continues on ITV Tonight At 8:00PM

  • COMMENT | Hitched On Apps, Harry Hitchens on gay dating apps

    Ex-Young Apprentice and photographer HARRY HITCHENS came out on YouTube, So what’s next? He went on Grindr, of course! Here’s what he found out.

    ‘Hey man what you doing?’ Is the question you’re going to have to answer more than any other. Coming up with a good, clever, witty answer to this question may well determine your whole experience of dating apps.

    Members only. My phone is alive with the sound of beeping and squawking as another picture arrives, is it of your face? Unlikely…Would I go on a date with someone who’s already shown me what they’ve got in their pants… also unlikely.

    Hey sexy. Compliments are great. You think I’m cute. Terrific. But if you tell me you’re round the corner and horny to boot, I’m not sure I believe all the other really nice things you’ve said to me.

    Sorting the men from the boys. This is really an important one. The apps have age restrictions, but I’m pretty sure that not everyone is playing by the rules? Are older guys using the apps to seek out younger guys? Are guys who are too young experimenting with apps? Are they being careful?

    Phone a friend. Everyone I met who had been on a hook-up said the same thing – they would recommend telling a friend where they were going and with whom. Even though it would be better to meet in a public place first, if not, have a backup plan and charge your phone.

    Instant Gratification. It is not – if you’re a bit fussy or particular – this is a lot of admin, my friends. Several apps on the phone, GiFi, scruff, jack’d, mensch’d trying to keep tabs on what you said to whom, rejecting some, keeping some interested enough… Hours go by

    Time to man up. You see someone. They look nice. The banter begins. It’s going well. Then. Nothing. Ouch…

    Casual sex. It’s catching with sex potentially available from your phone 24/7 people are taking more risks than ever before and rates of HIV and syphilis are on the up – dramatically. Wrap it up, boys.

    It’s addictive… Sorry were you saying something? Friends are ignored as you stare at your phone. Food goes cold on your plate as you dream up something witty to reply to a potential date. Real friends start to get ignored… like Facebook, twitter etc. The apps are compulsive – ping… ping… got to go!

    Real people. It’s easy to forget that behind the profile pics, the dirty texts and the flirty messages there are real people. The apps turn our love lives and desires into a game, which is fun, or into an online store where we can pick out something and have it delivered to our door quicker than amazon. But remember they’re actual people with real feelings too.

     

    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.

  • Arson Attack On Cinema During Gay Film Festival

    Two days ago The Circle, the gay movie that is Switzerland’s official submission for a Best Foreign Picture Oscar Nomination, was being screened in Kiev’s iconic theatre Cinema Zhovten as part of on an LGBT Film Series.

    Anti-LGBT protests and the burning of pride flags took place outside, but during the next screening the theatre was set on fire with over 100 people inside and it burned down to the ground. Remarkably no casualties were reported.

    It’s a sobering reminder of the real strength of homophobia, and as the news spread on Facebook in Ukraine someone posted ‘it’s a country where street Nazis have become police officers, no-one will investigate a crime committed by the Far-Right. One hand washes the other.

  • Is love in the air for Johnny Carter?

    Things look to be hotting up between Johnny Carter and Ben on Eastenders – but Ben has something to tell Johnny.

    Oh we want this to happen – quite badly, but it looks as though Johnny (Sam Strike) is going to get the ‘I’m not gay’ treatment from Ben (Harry Reid) this week on Eastenders.

    The pair have been getting close but during a Halloween party at the Queen Vic Johnny and Ben have a moment, and a furious Ben tells Johnny in no uncertain terms that he isn’t one of the boys.

    So our Johnny may have to wait just a little longer for love.

  • Male Motorists Hit Hard With Car Insurance Rises

    Premiums for male motorists have risen by almost double that of females compared to this time last year.

    • – Car insurance premium prices up in Q3 2014 vs Q3 2013 – first year on year rise since 2011 peak

    • – MoneySuperMarket urges drivers to compare insurers to find the best deal for them

    Male motorists have been hit the hardest by rising car insurance prices, as year-on-year their premiums have increased by 3.2 percent, almost double the 1.8 percent increase for women, according to the latest analysis from MoneySuperMarket.

    The UK’s number one comparison site analysed 55 million car insurance quotes run on the site between April 2010 and September 2014, and found the average premium for male drivers has increased £14 from £425 in Q3 2013, to £439 on average this year. This compares to a £6 increase for women, with cover now costing £360, up from £354.

    This is despite the ECJ gender neutral ruling coming into force in December 2012. This prevents insurers charging men and women different amounts purely on the basis of their gender.

    Overall, car insurance premiums are up across the board when looking at Q3 premiums for all drivers, over the last three years. Premiums were flying high in Q3 2011, with a peak average price of £512 a year. This fell steadily – dropping to £456 on average in Q3 2012, and bottoming out at a wallet-friendly £394 in Q3 2013. This year has sadly seen the first premium price increase for all drivers, with overall premiums rising to £401 for annual cover at the end of September.

    Kevin Pratt, Car Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket said,

    “Premium prices do fluctuate, and while we’ve been in a deflationary market for car cover for the last few years, costs are now creeping back up. What is surprising is that, despite the fact that gender neutral pricing has been in place in the car insurance market for several years, it turns out that men are still paying more. Insurers look at a wide range of factors when calculating premiums, such as postcode, profession, make of vehicle, driving history and points on a licence. Clearly, for whatever reasons, men are registering higher when it comes to insurer risk profiling, and they’re paying more than women as a result.

    “For car insurance, the key message is always to keep an eye on your renewal premium, and always to shop around and seek out the best possible deal for your circumstances. With premium prices currently trending upwards, it is even more important to make sure you aren’t paying over the odds on your renewal.”

  • Apple boss, Tim Cook “proud to be gay”

    Writing in a column in Bloomberg today, Tim Cook, chief exec at Apple has said that he is proud to be gay.

    It wasn’t a secret that Tim Cook is gay, especially around Silicon Valley, but up until today, he hadn’t formally come out, in an attempt to maintain some privacy.

    In his article, he said,

    “While I have never denied my sexuality, I haven’t publicly acknowledged it either, until now. So let me be clear: I’m proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me.

    “I don’t consider myself an activist, but I realise how much I’ve benefited from the sacrifice of others,

    “So if hearing that the CEO [chief executive] of Apple is gay can help someone struggling to come to terms with who he or she is, or bring comfort to anyone who feels alone, or inspire people to insist on their equality, then it’s worth the trade-off with my own privacy,”

    Cook also wrote how being gay gave him more empathy saying,

    “Being gay has given me a deeper understanding of what it means to be in the minority and provided a window into the challenges that people in other minority groups deal with every day. It’s made me more empathetic, which has led to a richer life. It’s been tough and uncomfortable at times, but it has given me the confidence to be myself, to follow my own path, and to rise above adversity and bigotry. It’s also given me the skin of a rhinoceros, which comes in handy when you’re the CEO of Apple.”

  • OPINION | No Time Wasters

    There is a photograph in a grid. Taken in the harsh yet flattering light of a locker room. You click on the picture and then read the shopping list.

    ”Vers”

    ”Under 40”

    ”Smooth”

    ”Muscle”

    ”Neg Guys only”

    And then there is it; the three word clause, so common as to be almost a default mantra of the hook up app profile;

    ”No Time Wasters”

    You do a quick sum and calculate the amount of time it will take to travel the 1.2km it says he is away. Hey, you may be horny but you’re busy too and can only spare an hour. Two max.

    So please don’t waste my time.

    We know just what those words on the phone screen mean. Showering and douching for the fit muscle guy a couple of streets away that never shows. The chain of hot cock pictures that abruptly goes cold. In order to secure a casual Sunday afternoon hungover f**k, we write it on the list. When you encounter yet another one; curse those f’king apps and I AM gonna delete all them this time for definite; it becomes another piece of evidence to pluck out and present how all gay men are shit.

    So we write it down. If only to save ourselves from minor irritation. After all that half an hour spent negotiating could have been invested in a hot bloke who followed through. It’s annoying isn’t it… Every gay man can swap war stories of the casual time waster that’s inconvenienced him, the ones who don’t show up, the guy that didn’t text back.

    Much has been documented about the ”Together Alone” nature of social media and how isolating the faux intimacy of virtual relationships can be. There is something brutal about how the Grindr and Scruff’s of the online world at their most ruthlessly efficient can pare interaction down to the bare minimum. Why spend half a day traveling into the city to engage in drinks ‘n small talk with a good looking potential conquest when one can in theory be naked with a like minded individual in the vicinity via the exchange of a few messages?

    At a time when we are told we work on average far longer hours than our parent’s generation, it’s hardly surprising that more so than ever time has become a currency not to be squandered. In the prehistoric pre web days, quick casual sex was the domain of the scuzzier gentlemen’s toilet and public park cottages. Now though, due to health fears, the risk of law and advances in portable technology, sex on the doorstep has become infinitely more convenient. Not unlike putting in a grocery order online. Witness the amount of gay businessmen away from home who reach for the smart phone and check out who’s nearby barely a split second after the hotel room door is shut.

    It’s true that No Time Wasters has become a hook up app cliché but it’s there though because phones and laptops have made us increasingly impatient and searching for what’s instant. No matter how small the investment we’ve made with that currency.

    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.

  • INTERVIEW | David Allison

    For those of you who don’t know David Allison, he’s a high flyer, literally as he works for one of the top airlines, he’s a social media personality, making people laugh on both Facebook and Twitter, and he’s also a fundraiser. Every other year he takes part in a fundraising cycle ride over in the States to raise both awareness and much needed funds for AIDS research and support and has fun and lycra chaffing to prove it. As he prepares for the upcoming 2015 event, I managed to catch up with him to find out more about the event, and his fundraising to date:

    How and when did you become involved?
    A friend of mine put a link on Facebook for sponsorship back in 2010. I donated to his fundraising and followed it up with a message to wish him luck. Following that conversation he asked me “why don’t you do it too?”. I gave it some serious thought for a few days and thought ‘why not?!’ I had to change around some annual leave at work and once that was in place I simply signed up. Now I find myself training for my 3rd AIDS LifeCycle. My aim is to do it every other year due to the logistics and time off required. So far I’ve done 2011, 2013 and now training for 2015. Next year’s ride will be even more special as I’ve now been certified as a Training Ride Leader by ALC.

    From all the charities out there, why this one?
    Being a gay man (not that I am restricting those affected by HIV to one group or another) I have friends that are either directly affected by HIV or involved in Fundraising for HIV charities. No matter who it affects, it is a worth while cause. We have to make a difference in the world however we can. There are many charities, many fundraising efforts and many heroes. We each have to do our bit to help. We should all strive to be the best version of ourselves and share the love.

    How do you prepare for this event?
    My first year I didn’t even own a bike! Once I had all the necessary equipment I just began cycling as much as I could fit into my week, my month, my year. Someone once told me “do a LOT of hill training” and oh how right they were. Some of these hills (I’m tempted to say “mountains”) even have names such as ’The Evil Twins’ and ‘Quadbuster’… I rest my case.

    Because of my job and the fact I don’t always have access to a bike I utilise whatever I can to train. This usually meant lots of training in hotel gyms. I do recall spending 8 hours on a hotel gym bike once; I had a bag of food and bottles of water/sports drinks and I just got peddling whilst everyone else was sunning themselves by the pool. It was so un-glam, but by the end I had buns of steel so firm you could break a diamond on them.

    I also own a ‘Turbo Trainer’ which allows me to attach my own bike to a prop which has a roller on the back, essentially allowing me to train on my own bike at home. The great thing about this is you can train indoors when the weather isn’t so great, watch TV and get your backside accustomed to your saddle, which trust me, NEEDS to happen.

    Talk us through some of the things that happen along the road – and keep it clean, or not!
    Being a fully supported ride there are scheduled rest stops and water stops every so many miles. Each and every stop has a theme, Roadies dress up, food and water stands are decorated and there is just a general theme of fun and hilarity. You’ll even find interesting things to read in the portaloos! At certain points of the ride there will be entertainment; again provided by the roadies. It’s simple touches like this that can keep your spirits elevated.

    One of the most motivating things apart from roadies and fellow cyclists have to be random strangers cheering you on at any given time; the toot of a horn, the ring of a bell or even a whole school of children coming out to cheer you on are real energisers.

    My favourite day has to be ‘Red Dress day’ for a number of reasons; firstly because we get to dress up and secondly because it’s the shortest day at only 42 miles. This day was originally called ‘Dress Red day” but you know what happens when you get a bunch of gay guys and gals together! The purpose of this day was to emulate a huge AIDS ribbon cycling the route.

    Camping can bring about some interesting stories I’m sure, personally I’m too exhausted to think about anything other than having a shower, eating and getting to bed. You’ve not lived until you’ve had a shower in a truck specifically designed for the purpose!

    Each night in camp after you’ve joined the line for food (which is served to you by more awesome roadies) there are speeches, videos and pictures. Each night you are reminded of the day you’ve just completed, whether that be pictures taken by riders or video interviews of the people you are helping with your fundraising or sometimes even a musical guest or two. There are guaranteed to be laughs, tears and some heartwarming stories. Then it’s time for a hot chocolate and to hit the sack. I usually get up at 5am each morning and am on the road by about 6am ready to spend around 10 hours in the saddle. Trust me when I say that I make up for all these early nights and good behaviour when I get to LA as it’s Pride the day after the finish *insert cheeky grin*.

    What’s the atmosphere like on this race? Who does it attract in terms of other participants?
    Firstly it’s not a race, don’t get me wrong there are some competitive people out there but for many it’s just a chance to be able to make a difference and cycle all 545 miles. As far as the demographic I can honestly say the AIDS LifeCycle attracts every single creed, colour, sexual orientation, size and fitness capability. It’s like a rainbow flag of people, every colour and each one as bright and as beautiful as the last.

    What experiences have you had along the road?
    Each year the town of Bradley (population 120) parks their school bus on the outskirts of the town welcoming riders. When you cycle into Bradley there is a huge sense of love and community. They have a BBQ stand selling burgers to riders to raise money for their school and the children wearing official ALC T-shirts. It makes you think if a small town like this can be accepting of this cause then why can’t others?

    When people said to me that this ride would be life changing, they were right. Apart from fellow cyclists, the ride gives you the most amazing time for reflection. You are quite often riding roads that are simply in the middle of nowhere, facing the most mountainous of hills, breathtaking of views or just your own thoughts. It is a great opportunity for thinking about the way you live your life, the people you’re helping or how you can do things better. This ride literally fills you up with love for the human spirit. This reflection culminates in camp on the last night. After dinner there is a candlelight vigil on the beach. As Sofia from The Golden Girls would say “picture it…” 2000 people, each holding a candle yet sitting in silence. It can put you at peace, make you cry or just be happy to be alive and marvel in the accomplishment of your week. It is without doubt one of the most spiritual experiences; so much so I believe it fills you with energy for the last day. I don’t know where it comes from but the energy I feel when cycling those last few miles to the finish line is purely electric.

    The single most memorable moment of my two ALC rides has to be last year when my Mum surprised me at the finish line. Bearing in mind the longest flight she has ever done would be around 4 hours; to have her there cheering me on was just immeasurable. Thankfully someone took at video of it as it all happened so fast. I have always been fortunate to have my American friends and work colleagues at the finish but to have her there was just awesome… and yes… there were tears.

    And finally, where can we donate?
    You can donate directly to my fundraising efforts here www.tofighthiv.org/goto/davidallison and may I say a huge thank you in advance.

    Previously I’ve blogged en route but this time around I’m going to do it in video format via Instagram, if you’d like to follow along you can do so here www.instagram.com/dfa73

    What can I say? This guy is an inspiration – to take to two wheels and cycle this distance, raise funds for charity and also have fun doing it with a bunch of like minded individuals is one heck of a feat. The images David provided from previous events shows that this is hard work – but that everyone pulls together to make it an event to remember for these taking part, and that it raises as much as possible for these worthwhile causes.

    If you can, donate – and follow David on his Instagram feed, following the link above.

    For those of us who haven’t heard of Aids Lifecycle, can you give us some background

    (Taken directly from the ALC website) “AIDS/LifeCycle is a fully supported, 7-day bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise money and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS. AIDS/LifeCycle 2015 will take place May 31st through June 6th, 2015. Every year, this landmark ride through beautiful California delivers a life-changing experience for thousands of participants from all backgrounds and fitness levels united by a common desire to do something heroic.”

    ALC usually has around 2000 participants and around 500-600 Roadies who support the cyclists and the team. Collectively this year’s ride raised over $15million USD. Each participant commits to raising $3000; this money goes directly to the charities (San Francisco AIDS foundation and LA LGBT Centre). Costs such as flights, hotels pre/post ride etc are paid for by the individual rider. That said, through the week we are fully taken care of by the ALC team; we camp in tents which are provided by ALC as are food, hydration, medical professionals, bike technicians to name a few. ALC is such a massive undertaking each year; I sometimes think the cyclists have the easy job because as you’re cycling or getting ready to ride there are a team of Roadie’s getting up earlier to serve breakfast or setting up that next rest stop. While you’re riding the whole ‘village’ is being transported to the next camp.

    Both the San Francisco AIDS foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Centre provide numerous services such as testing, support, education, research and nutritional advice etc. These centres are a lifeline for many, many people who ordinarily wouldn’t have access to help. These organisations make a huge difference in people’s lives and in some cases it literally saves them.

    You can find a ton of information about the ride at www.aidslifecycle.org

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Rock Of Ages

    ★★★ | Rock Of Ages

    The Bourbon Room is the hottest club on the Sunset Strip, being the epitome of rock ‘n’ roll excess. Run by Dennis and Lonny, the club finds itself under threat from an over-eager property developer and so tries to raise money by staging a farewell gig by Arsenal, the biggest rock band around, fronted by the charismatic Stacee Jaxx. Meanwhile, bar tender Drew craves to be on stage and Sherrie, who is just a small-town girl, arrives in LA to chase her dreams. Drew and Sherrie fall in love, but neither quite say it, so when Stacee Jaxx comes between them and the club is about to be pulled down, can Rock ‘n’ Roll win through?

    This jukebox musical was crammed full with a truckload of guilty pleasure soft rock classics, including “We Built This City”, “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”, “Just Like Livin’ in Paradise”, “Here I Go Again”, “Wanted Dead or Alive” and “Don’t Stop Believin’”, with the musical numbers coming thick and fast, accompanied by the live band a scantily clad ensemble.

    Ben Richards, as Stacee Jaxx, was criminally underused, but spent most of his time making the audience swoon as he stripped to the waist and swaggered around the stage. Cameron Sharp stole many scenes as the camp German, Franz, and treated the audience by displaying his thighs which would make a pro-rugby player jealous. Noel Sullivan exceeded expectations as Drew and Cordelia Farnwoth was a versatile lead. But the energy and enthusiasm of Stephen Rahman-Hughes as Lonny, the comedic narrator, made him stand out from the remainder of the cast.

    The stage was busy and detailed, combining a static background, video projection and moveable props, all complimented by some well-designed lighting. The live band was good, and the balance between music and vocals were about right. The costumes reflected the stonewashed denim and excessive lace of the era, but the choreography and dancing could have been tighter than it was.

    Rock of Ages is energetic, bold, brash, loud and in your face – reflective of the rock movement at the time – and nestles neatly between being an affectionate tongue in cheek tribute to the times and a knowing, self –mocking piece of fun with an abundance of flesh on display and a playful feel to it. It amounts to a generally fun but throwaway piece of musical theatre which was lapped up by the crowd and the finale garnered whoops and cheers, bringing everyone to their feet and singing along.

    Rock of Ages is currently playing at Sheffield Lyceum Theatre until Saturday 1st November 2014, before rounding off its national tour. For more detail, visit the official website at: www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk/

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