THEGAYUK

Tag: Top List

  • 4 Summer Essentials For A Gay Boy About Town

    Dive into summer (yes it’s finally here) with these four sun embracing must-haves chosen by me just for you!

    1. Oh the shade of it all!! Protect your peepers from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses. Usually, I’m a Raybans boy but I did find these awesome Aviators from American Eagle for only £12. Stylish yet affordable.

    2. Dig out your budgie smugglers! Summer is all about that bass so make sure that your tushi is covered only in the best that swimwear has to offer. This year I’m sunning it in bright, bold printed trunks by Aussie Bum and The Swim Shop. I like a tight fit with enough room to cup my junk and these definitely deliver.

    Cheetah Animal Print, Aussie Bum – £23.19

    Twilight Lagoon Print, Aussie Bum – £22.48

    Speedo Men’s Endurance, The Swim Shop – from £13

    1. Step into the light! Flip flops are so passé, not to mention bloody uncomfortable. I much prefer to slip my feet into a pair of Toms. So much so I just bought two pairs! All in the name of charity off course because for every pair of Toms you purchase the company will give a pair to a needy child somewhere. Winning!

    2. Burn baby burn! No, don’t burn, only douche bags don’t wear sun screen. A good sun screen will protect you against dark spots and skin cancer while allowing you tan like a god. There are so many great brands to chose from including Kiehl’s, Clinique, Nivea and Malibu to name but a few. I’d recommend having a selection with varying SPF levels. I like to wear a stronger SPF on my face because my mug tends to burn quickly.

    It may only last a day it may last all summer but we don’t care, this is Britain! Go out there, get yourself a Mr Whippy and enjoy Summer!!

    @StephenCroweFit

  • The five best Abba comedy videos

    With Eurovision rapidly approaching most of us are recalling the dazzling days of yore where the contest could create lasting stars and songs the whole world remembered.

    No act, though, could ever match the massive legend that would become ABBA the fabulous foursome left a legacy that continues to influence new generations.

    The most interesting thing is that ABBA did not just touch the gay scene and the music scene, but the comedy scene as well.

    Let’s take a look at some British comedians whose acts were touched by Swedish genius.

    5 ½. Dannii Cohen Yes, I too am part of those the group influenced. When starting out as a comic in the late 90s I had a comedy music group with a friend. It was called Mayallzone: named in tribute to both Rik Mayall and Boyzone (yes, yes I know.) The music was strictly ABBA, though. Understandably, it did not last very long.

    Okay, now that’s out of the way:

    Let’s take a look at some British comedians whose acts were touched by Swedish genius.

    5. Peter Kay Kay has acknowledged his love for ABBA several times, giving a rare interview to talk about the group in a documentary about 1976 and even refusing to host ITV’s Sunday Night at the London Palladium because the group would not reform for him.

    He performed the Bjorn and Benny classic “I Know Him So Well” with Susan Boyle for Comic Relief.

    4. Rowan Atkinson Starting with this amazing performance with the cast of Not The Nine O’Clock News:

    Rowan has used the music of ABBA on various occasions, with this great scene of Johnny English as a highlight.

    3. David Walliams What was it that made David Walliams survive the gruelling swim down the Thames in 2011? Was it strength and pure determination? Or did it have something to do with playing music by 4 magic Swedes in his head? It certainly helped. David requested various songs by ABBA when calling into radio stations for updates about the swim, but no song drove him more then the all time classic Dancing Queen, his favourite song, which saw him through the worst day of the swim, when falling ill.

    After recovering he paid tribute to the group on Sport Relief night with pall Miranda Hart.

    (Bonus: a very funny sketch ABBA sketch from his Rock Profile series)

    2. Steve Coogan AHA!! With the first series of his TV show named after an ABBA track Steve was a strong contender for the number one spot. In earlier years, of course Steve Coogan claims it is Alan Partridge who is the ABBA fan, but no-one can know so much detail about a group and it’s music without being a fan.

    One of his inner circle has claimed that one one occasion he was given a lift by Coogan and the car radio was on, playing songs by ABBA loudly. Coogan blushed, swiftly switched it of and exclaimed: “JUST RESEARCH!!” Yeah, right. In recent years he admitted: “Just because Alan likes it, it doesn’t mean it must be naff. That’s very two-dimensional thinking. A lot of the music I choose for Alan is stuff I like.”During recent series The Trip with friend Rob Brydon the duo perform The Winner Takes it all in a bar.

    1. Rik Mayall – Who else!! In the early 90s during his Rik Mayall Presents series, Rik starred in a fabulous movie called “Dancing Queen” about a man falling in love with the stripper (Helena Bonham Carter) who dances at his wedding. A lovely romantic comedy romp.

    Over the years Rik often referenced ABBA (with “Money, Money, Money” even being used in The New Statesman). And now here’s for a twist: ABBA were fans of him too!! Well, at least Bjorn and Benny, which led to him being cast in ABBA’s Our Last Video Ever. The role of the producer was written especially for him and shows all the signs of his trademark humour.

    With this trump card there was no doubt Rik should be number one!!

  • Top 10 Gay German Films

    Since it produced one of the world’s first ever explicitly gay films called Different From The Others back in 1919, Germany has been at the forefront of making really good LGBT movies. To mark the occasion of the release of the German-produced Futuro Beach made by Brazilian filmmaker Karim Ainouz, we have named our Top Ten German Gay Movies.

    gay german films

    1) Futuro Beach

    This stunning new movie is light on plot as it focuses much more of the sensuality of each moment. There are certain pivotal scenes that are sparse of dialogue where he allows the camera to remain much longer than the norm with such riveting effect. Whether it be Donato letting off steam dancing rather manically in a club, or when he and Konrad are making rough and passionate sex together, or in the closing scene of the final motorbike ride. This story about the search for self-identity is one that will linger with you for a long time after you have seen it.

    NEXT PAGE

  • The Nation Has Voted, Fish And Chips Tops The List

    All hail the local chippy – as fish and chips has been voted the nation’s favourite British dish, says new research.

    A poll of 2,000 Brits revealed the traditional seaside fare to beat the roast dinner, Victoria Sponge and the Cornish Pasty to come top of Britain’s favourite meals and snacks.

    Bacon butties, baked beans and Shepherd’s Pie also ranked highly in the list of 40, along with buttered crumpets and a cream tea.

    A proud 43 per cent of the adults polled even said British cuisine is the best in the world.

    Tom Lowes, Marketing Manager at Sykes Cottages who commissioned the survey for the ‘Discover Cornwall’ food and drink guide, said:

    “Over the years the nation’s tastes have become increasingly international when it comes to food.

    “We want to try flavours from all over the world, and it’s great that it’s so available to us.

    “But we Brits are undoubtedly spoilt when it comes to great local cuisine, and the results are proof that we still get excited by it.

    “The top three are firm British favourites, but the list demonstrates that regional delicacies whet the nation’s appetite too.’’

    The research showed seven in ten of the adults to rate a fish supper as the top traditional British meal – preferably straight out of newspaper at the seaside.

    The traditional roast dinner complete with gravy and Yorkshire puddings came second, ideally eaten at Sunday lunchtime in a decent British pub.

    While a full English breakfast usually consisting of bacon, sausages, baked beans and fried eggs made up the iconic top three.

    One in eight said fry-ups are most satisfying on a Sunday morning – other food made tastier by an event included a hot pie at a football match, and strawberries and cream while watching tennis.

    Those with a sweet tooth voted apple crumble, Victoria sponge and a classic Bakewell tart into the top 40 list, as well as pub favourite Sticky Toffee Pudding and custard.

    While some quintessential English snacks such as buttered crumpets, sausage rolls and Scotch eggs also featured in the list.

    Regional grub including Scotland’s haggis and tatties, London’s jellied eels and the famous Cornish pasty were deemed great examples of British fare, said the poll.

    And the chippy was shown to be a trove of Brit favourites, as the list also featured the Northern picks of mushy peas and chips with gravy.

    While further pub classics appeared in the form of bangers and mash, ham, egg and chips and a Ploughman’s lunch.

    When it came to washing it down, the top drink was unsurprisingly revealed as a cup of builder’s brew.

    For 13 per cent it was a pint of real ale that epitomises Britain, while one in ten said a tall glass of Pimms was their chosen Brit classic.

    Adults are patriotic when it comes to food – as 43 per cent said British food is the best in the world, with the West Country nabbing the crown for the best regional cuisine.

    But a Sunday lunch was most brag-worthy, as half admitted they would serve up traditional roast dinner to international guests, followed by a fruit crumble and a cheese platter.

    Tom Lowes of Sykes Cottages said,

    “When travelling, sampling local food is a great way of getting to know the local area.

    “And we should remember that this is as relevant in Britain, as it is with international holidays.’’

    BEST BRITISH FOOD

    1. Fish ‘n’ chips

    2. Roast dinner with Yorkshire pudding

    3. Full English breakfast

    4. Bacon butties

    5. Apple crumble

    6. Strawberries and cream

    7. Bangers and mash

    8. Cream tea

    9. Shepherd’s Pie

    10. Crumpets

    11. Ham, egg and chips

    12. Sausage rolls

    13. Cornish ice cream

    14. Baked beans

    15. Victoria Sponge

    16. Toad in the hole

    17. Sticky Toffee Pudding and custard

    18. Cornish Pasty

    19. Steak and kidney pie

    20. Pork pie

    21. Bakewell Tart

    22. Ploughman’s lunch

    23. Chips and gravy

    24. Rhubarb and custard

    25. Scampi

    26. Prawn cocktail

    27. Mushy peas

    28. Marmite

    29. Cheese and pickle on crackers

    30. Scotch eggs

    31. Cornish fudge

    32. Spotted Dick

    33. Irish stew and dumplings

    34. Chelsea buns

    35. Eccles cakes

    36. Pea and ham soup

    37. Cucumber sandwiches

    38. Haggis and tatties

    39. Cockles and mussels

    40. Jellied eels

  • 11 Mariah Carey Songs Every Gay Boy Needs In His Life

    There’s nobody that quite manages to fulfil their Diva quota like Mariah. In among the glitter, butterflies and working out in five-inch heels, she’s written some belters to help you get through the darkest moments of your life.

    Hero (Music Box)

    If you’re in need of a pick me up and need to hear something inspirational then Mariah’s Hero, is the tune. Don’t take any old version. Get out your original copy of Music Box, go on. We know you’ve got it. Yes, the one with the face.

    Anytime You Need A Friend (Music Box)

    From the same album Anything You Need A Friend is a tune that cuts right to the heart, if times is down and you’re smile is a frown, Mariah will be there. Plus it has the most insane high note at the end.

    Can’t Take That Away (Rainbow)

    Mariah’s own personal theme. It has everything you need in a self-empowerment tune. Self-affirmation and a peppy tune. Get out your hairbrush, stand in the mirror. Legs slightly parted, like the #1 album and sing it biatch. Make sure you get that run at the end right or she’ll be after you.

    Make It Happen (Emotions)

    If you need sh** to happen, you got to make it work. So if you’re facing adversity, get it together and make it happen.

    I Am Free (Daydream)

    Like a bird baby. Be a prisoner no more. Come out. Free to love, free to soar… Free to fly.

    Outside (Butterfly)

    Mariah wrote this song about being bi-racial and the adversity she faced. The lyrics speak of being an outsider and it’s something we can totally relate to.

    When You Believe (#1s)

    Basically this song is so Diva. Its very core is basically gay. In a good sense. And you will WIN when you believe.

    Through The Rain (Charmbracelet)

    One of her best ballads on one of her worst performing albums, which is a real shame, because it’s actually a gooden. You really get a sense that at her lowest ebb, it was herself that she could depend on.

    Almost Home

    Speaking of getting through and making it, Almost Home talks about the journey’s end. It’s in sight. Don’t give it.

    Obsessed

    Yep. You. Stop obsessing about my sexuality. Westboro Baptist Church I’m looking at you.

    I Want To Know What Love Is

    Bae. You have it from your gay fans all over the world.

     

  • Big Brother Past LGBT Contestants Where Are They Now

    Big Brother Past LGBT Contestants Where Are They Now

    Hundreds of people have walked into the Big Brother house in the hopes of winning big or forging a career out of the experience. Some achieve. Most don’t. We look back at those gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans contestants and where they are all now.

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  • GARDEN | April gardening tips – It Is all kicking off

    Here we go fellow gardeners. April is the month when there’s no looking back!

    Ever since Andy and I began keeping bees we’ve been super aware of which plants flower at which time of year. Nature is a clever mistress and bees are provided with different flowers to feast on throughout the year.

    Our bees have just begun to stir on warm days are finding food from flowering trees, daffodils and the bright yellow flowers of the local gauze bushes

    April showers

    Rain and sun. The perfect combination for growing plants. April is the month to get sowing a huge variety of seeds. Many can be sown straight outdoors now. I usually find the mixture of wet and warm weather this month gets seedling off to a great start – but be aware of late frosts and dry spells.

    If you’ve been sowing seeds indoors over the last few months you will have some small plants ready for the great outdoors. On warm days put them outside and bring them in overnight. This is called ‘hardening off’ and will save your young plants from the shock of being put straight outside.

    Sweetie Darling

    April is your last chance to sow sweet peas. These annuals are hugely popular with gardeners of all abilities as they are easy, colourful and wonderfully scented. We usually plant them in specially made baskets with support sticks built in. As they grow we just help guide them onto the framework for stunning results.

    Sow your seeds in fertile, well drained soil mixed with seed compost. Put your pots out in an area of full sun and watch them go! Pick flowers throughout the summer for fragrant and beautiful table decorations.

    Off with their heads!

    Now’s the time to start deadheading. The process of deadheading not only keeps your garden looking fresh and vibrant but keeps your plants producing more flowers for longer.

    Have a go now at pansies, primulas and any other spring flowering plants.

    And so to bed

    Keep an eye on your flower beds. April is a great time to feed and top up with compost to give your borders a boost. Now is also the time to start checking your borders for any plants that are thriving a little too much. Flower beds are about balance so make sure nothing is getting out of control and smothering smaller, later blooming plants.

    Also it’s time to start weeding! Everyone’s favourite job. As with most things in life, a little bit everyday will work wonders. Stick on the radio and try and dedicate a bit of time to tidying up your beds. It will transform your garden and keep your flowers looking gorgeous.

     

    So there we have it – a few tit bits to help you out this month. If you’ve never grown anything before, April is definitely the month to get started. Results are fast and impressive – boosting your confidence as a gardener straight away. Try a few pots this year and see how you get on.

     

    Enjoy!

     

    Adam and Andy are writers and smallholders making a living in the Welsh countryside. @AndyandAdams – Facebook ‘Andy and Adam’s’ – www.andyandadam.co.uk

  • Is Social Media Wrecking Your Relationship?

    Just under half of all Brits admit they have secretly checked their partner’s Facebook account and one in five went on to row about what they discovered, new research has revealed.

    One in seven said they had contemplated divorce because of their other halves activities on Facebook, Skype, Snapchat, Twitter or What’sApp.

    Nearly a quarter or the 2,000 married Brits asked, said they had at least one argument a week with their partner because of social media use and 17 per cent said they rowed every day because of it.

    The most common reasons for checking their partner’s social media accounts was to find out who their partner was talking to, to keep tabs on them, to check who they were out with and find out if they were telling the truth about their social life.

    While 14 per cent said they looked specifically to identify evidence of infidelity.

    The research was commissioned by family law specialists Slater and Gordon who have seen an increase in the number of people citing social media use as a cause of divorce year on year.

    Andrew Newbury, head of family law at Slater and Gordon said:

    “Social media can be a wonderful way of keeping in touch with family and friends, but it can also put added strain on a relationship.

    “Five years ago Facebook was rarely mentioned in the context of a marriage ending, but now it has become common place for clients to cite social media use, or something they discovered on social media, as a reason for divorce.

    “With more than 556 million people using Facebook each day, the way we live our lives, and our marriages, has drastically changed. We are finding that social media is the new marriage minefield.

    “Social media, specifically pictures and posts on Facebook, are now being routinely raised in the course of divorce proceedings.”

    It wasn’t just what their partner was doing on social media but also how long they spent on it that was likely to cause marital problems with Facebook usage topping the list of reasons couples argued over social media.

    Arguments were also caused because of contact with an ex-partner, sending secret messages and posting inappropriate photos.

    One in twenty even complained that their partner didn’t post any pictures of them together which made them upset.

    Fifteen per cent of Brits considered social media to be dangerous to their marriage, with Facebook considered the most dangerous, followed by WhatsApp, Twitter and Instagram.

    But one in ten admitted they hid images and posts from their partner, while eight per cent admitted to having secret social media accounts.

    A fifth of respondents said they felt uneasy about their relationship after discovering something on their partner’s Facebook. 43 per cent said they confronted their spouse immediately about this, but 40 per cent said it took them some time before they felt comfortable to raise it with their partner.

    While a third said they kept their social media log-in details a secret from their partners, 58 per cent said they knew their partner’s log-in details, even if their spouse wasn’t aware they knew them.

    Andrew Newbury, head of family law at Slater and Gordon said:

    “Social media can also make a divorce more difficult. Divorce is already a stressful time for everyone involved and what is being posted on Facebook can antagonise families and make a speedy resolution more difficult to achieve.

    “We are now actively advising our clients to be cautious when it comes to using Facebook and all forms of social media because of its potential to damage relationships.”

     

    Have you ever checked on your partner’s social media or other profiles?

    Yes
    No

    Poll Maker


    TOP FIVE TIPS FOR COUPLES USING SOCIAL MEDIA

     

    1. Don’t post in anger. Your post will be seen by all your friends, family and potentially millions of others. Even if you later delete your post, the damage will have been done.

    2. Be respectful. Don’t complain about your partner or other family members online.

    3. Be transparent. Check with your partner before you post images or information.

    4. Check your privacy settings. You might think someone can’t see a post when they actually can.

    5. Take a break and enjoy the moment. You don’t need to post everything on Facebook

  • 10 Reasons British Gays Are The Best

    Our colleagues over at NewNowNext recently reignited the 90’s East Coast/West Coast rivalry, fought not over hip hop but homos. While I have nothing but love for American gays (I am one, after all), let’s be real: we all know that British gay men are the best gay men. Here’s just ten reasons why: (more…)

  • Top 30 Things That Get Parents Down

    With more children being born and adopted by same-sex couples the top 30 parenting challenges have been revealed.

    Challenges faced by parents are universal from being able to afford everything for your child, a lack of sleep to getting children to eat what you put in front of them.

    Researchers from a new study have found nine in ten parents feel they face a series of challenges to bring up their children every day with having enough money at the top of the list.

    Dealing with tantrums, encouraging children to work hard at school and do their homework and even getting them up in the mornings also rank highly.

    Other hectic events mums and dads face include coping when a child is ill, giving your child what they want without spoiling them and going shopping with the kids in tow.

    A spokeswoman for RESCUE REMEDY, which commissioned the research said, ‘’Everyone faces some challenges in their day-to-day lives, but for parents, these can be more difficult than most.

    ‘’As well as looking after yourself and making sure your day goes to plan, you also have to worry about everything your children do, or perhaps don’t do.

    ‘’Everything from getting them out of bed and to school on time, right though to making sure they eat the right foods and go to sleep at a decent time and without too much drama can make the average day frantic enough.

    ‘’But throw in the challenges which are always there, like money worries or whether you are doing the right thing in the way you bring up your children can mean many parents are often strained or tense.”

    The study of 2,000 parents found having enough money to afford everything that their child asks for is the biggest challenge faced on a daily basis, followed by dealing with a lack of sleep, having patience and encouraging their children to eat their meals.

    Dealing with an ill child came fifth in the poll.

    Keeping on top of the chores, encouraging children to do their homework and work hard at school, dealing with tantrums and getting children out of bed completed the top ten. Other challenges on the list include coping with sibling rivalry, knowing how to answer all of their probing questions and toilet training.

    Childcare features heavily among the list, with finding and juggling childcare as well as trying to work around an ill child in the top 20.

    Other trials faced by parents include managing the school run, getting small children to sleep through the night and dealing with other competitive parents.

    Researchers also found 83 per cent of parents feel they experience something challenging about being a parent every single day.

    And eight in ten admit being a parent is more challenging than they thought it would be, with another 81 per cent believing it’s only going to get more difficult as their children get older.

    But while one in twenty say the newborn and baby stage was the most challenging for them as a parent, a staggering 66 per cent say it’s the teenage years which they found most trying.

    As a result of the daily trials and tribulations parents face, 87 per cent have days where they feel there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything they need done.

    And almost nine in ten have days where they feel under pressure or strained as they try to juggle everything in their lives.

    Despite 88 per cent wishing they had more time to relax a little, the average parent gets just five-and-a-half hours a week – less than an hour a day – to unwind.

    One in twenty even claims they feel they never get time to truly relax.

    A spokeswoman for RESCUE REMEDY added, “The research revealed an alarming nine out of ten parents face a series of challenges bringing up their child every day.

    “Parents have so many roles and responsibilities to juggle and need to feel that they can accomplish all of these, without the underlying feeling that these can at times be too much to handle.

    “RESCUE is trying to encourage parents to stop and take a moment out of their busy day with RESCUE REMEDY by their side.”

    Top 30 parenting challenges

    1. Being able to afford everything your child needs or wants

    2. Dealing with a lack of sleep

    3. Having patience

    4. Encouraging your child to eat their meals

    5. Dealing with an ill child

    6. Keeping on top of the household chores

    7. Encouraging your children to do all their homework

    8. Encouraging your child to work hard at school

    9. Tantrums

    10. Getting children up in the mornings

    11. Giving your child what they want without spoiling them

    12. Worries about whether you are doing the right thing

    13. Getting your child to eat fruit/veg

    14. Going shopping with children in tow

    15. Getting your child to clean their teeth properly, twice a day

    16. Getting time off work when your children are ill

    17. Encouraging your child to stay in bed at night

    18. Sibling rivalry

    19. Knowing the answer to all of your children’s questions

    20. Finding/juggling childcare

    21. Getting your child dressed in the morning

    22. Getting your baby/child to sleep at night

    23. Getting to work on time after the school run

    24. Getting your children to school on time

    25. Stopping your children from swearing or using bad language

    26. Getting your baby/child to sleep through the night

    27. Toilet training

    28. Tackling bullying

    29. Other competitive parent

    30. Trying to keep your children from spending too much time in front of a computer/TV screens

  • Six In Ten Of Us Are Embarrassed By Our Homes

    Six In Ten Of Us Are Embarrassed By Our Homes

    Six in ten Brits admit to being embarrassed about the state of their home, a study has revealed.

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