Foodbanks Face ‘Busiest Christmas Ever’, Charity Says In Plea For Help
Reliance on foodbanks is forecast to surge to record levels this Christmas as  the number of food parcels handed-out has continued to increase this year, a leading charity has said.

The Trussell Trust, the largest food bank provider in the country, is expecting its ”busiest Christmas ever” when a traditional December spike kicks in.

It points to new data revealing a 47% increase in three-day emergency food supplies last December compared to the monthly average, allied to a 13% leap in foodbank use during the first six months of this financial year.

Last December, Trussell Trust’s network of food banks gave out 146,798 three-day emergency parcels.

It is asking the public to help with donations and volunteering as food banks distribute presents and special Christmas food boxes, as well as run holiday clubs and prepare community meals.

The charity also points out high foodbank demand continues at the start of the New Year and into spring, when donations fall.

Mark Ward, interim chief executive, said: “For many, this Christmas will not be a time for celebration. Every year we see a spike in demand at Christmas but this year foodbanks are expecting their busiest Christmas ever.

“At Christmas foodbanks will be working hard to provide not only those regular essentials, like pasta and cereal, but also little extras that offer hope at a time when people need it most.

“The stories are as inspiring as they are heart-breaking – one mum told us that she was relieved as her daughter’s first Christmas was taken care of with help from the foodbank.”

Ward added: “Last December, the public’s generosity meant foodbanks could help thousands of people across the country. But when the festive season is over there will still be people in our communities unable to afford food.

“Foodbanks rely on donations, which is why we’re asking the public to show that same generosity again, not only this December but in the months that follow Christmas too.”

www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/foodbanks-christmas_uk_5a1d66fce4b04e8b2a84508e

North Korea, Armie Hammer, Masterpiece Cakeshop, Frank Ocean, Daniel Day-Lewis, Sufjan Stevens: HOT LINKS

PROVOCATION. North Korea launches a ballistic missile: ‘Bloomberg reported that the missile crashed into the sea. “We confirm that we have detected a North Korean ballistic missile launch. The missile is still travelling towards the direction to the East Sea, as we are monitoring right now,” a South Korean military official told NBC.’

DELETE YOUR ACCOUNT. Armie Hammer did after a “bitter AF” Buzzfeed article about his career.

PRESS ALERT. 46 national, state, and local organizations call on the press to reject anti-LGBTQ talking points when reporting on the upcoming SCOTUS Masterpiece Cakeshop case: “Referring to the matter at the center of this case as religious freedom or religious liberty is deceptive and factually inaccurate branding started by anti-LGBTQ organizations and political strategists to obfuscate the actual harm that can and will be done to LGBTQ and other marginalized people under these exemptions. This is not a neutral framing of this debate, but is language that is driven by some of the most fringe and anti-LGBTQ organizations in the United States including Family Research Council, Mass Resistance, and Liberty Council. In contrast, the term religious exemptions is factually accurate and neutral. It does not take a particular side in this issue, and does not adopt the language of organizations squarely against LGBTQ rights.”

PULLING OUT. Chuck and Nancy pull out of Trump meeting after tweet: ‘”Given that the President doesn’t see a deal between Democrats and the White House, we believe the best path forward is to continue negotiating with our Republican counterparts in Congress instead,” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a joint statement.’

Meeting with “Chuck and Nancy” today about keeping government open and working. Problem is they want illegal immigrants flooding into our Country unchecked, are weak on Crime and want to substantially RAISE Taxes. I don’t see a deal!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 28, 2017

MASTERPIECE CAKESHOP. Roy Moore-funded group chimes in: “Moore’s group, called the Foundation for Moral Law, took the side of Lakewood baker Jack Phillips and contended that he shouldn’t be compelled to create a wedding cake for a gay couple because doing so would conflict with his Christian beliefs about marriage.”

KEITH OLBERMANN. I’m retiring from political commentary.

NEW VIDEO: After “Pocahontas,” Trump’s an ex-president waiting to happen – imminently. So this will be the last episode of #TheResistanceGQ. If you’re a political account and I unfollow you it ain’t personal. And I recommend everybody follow @ddale8 pic.twitter.com/NzguN6uvL3

— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) November 27, 2017

MEXICO. Huge national park created to protect marine life.

WYOMING. Casper gay rights group proposes nondiscrimination resolution.

HARVEY WEINSTEIN. Disgraced mogul hit with sex trafficking lawsuit: “The federal lawsuit filed Monday by Kadian Noble alleges Weinstein enticed her in Cannes France with the promise of a film role, then forced her to engage in a sex act in his hotel room. The actor also alleges that Weinstein’s brother and the Weinstein Company were complicit in the scheme. Sexual assault and battery claims often must be filed within five to 10 years of the incident. But the statute of limitations for civil claims of sex trafficking is longer: They can be brought within 10 years of the alleged incident, potentially exposing Weinstein to further legal action.”

NO LONGER VITAL. Daniel Day-Lewis reveals why he’s quitting acting.

PROVINCETOWN. David Drake named new Artistic Director of the Provincetown Theater. ‘To start “rebalancing” what the theater has to offer and “redefine the mission,” board president David Wilson on Monday announced Obie Award-winning playwright/performer David Drake (“The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me”) as the new artistic director. Although Drake has directed and performed before at the theater — including a well-received “Our Town” and a gender-swapped “The Importance of Being Earnest” — he will be reintroduced to the community next month with “A Very Townie Christmas” musical holiday revue.’

AWARDS. Call Me By Your Name and Get Out split up the Gotham Awards: “Get Out (with 3 wins) and Call Me By Your Name (with 2 including Best Feature) dominated the Gotham Awards last night taking the bulk of the prizes. That didn’t leave much for other contenders though A24 movies The Disaster Artist and Lady Bird scored both leading acting awards. Entirely shut out despite multiple nominations: The Florida Project, Good Time, and I Tonya.”

NEW ALBUM? Frank Ocean suggests one might be on the way.

CPR ASSIST. Motivational CPR dummy mourns its dead son.

4:20 AM. And Marky Mark is done with his workout.

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE DAY. Sufjan Stevens “The Greatest Gift”.

TOO HOT FOR TUESDAY. Joel Green.

The post North Korea, Armie Hammer, Masterpiece Cakeshop, Frank Ocean, Daniel Day-Lewis, Sufjan Stevens: HOT LINKS appeared first on Towleroad.

North Korea, Armie Hammer, Masterpiece Cakeshop, Frank Ocean, Daniel Day-Lewis, Sufjan Stevens: HOT LINKS

Roy Moore Denies He’s a Pedophile, Again Trashes Trans People

“There is no right to believe you’re a person of the opposite sex,” the anti-LGBT Alabama Republican said Monday night.

www.advocate.com/politicians/2017/11/28/roy-moore-denies-hes-pedophile-again-trashes-trans-people

Russell Tovey is a gay superhero who survived Nazi capture
Here’s the badass gay superhero you didn’t know you needed so very badly.

www.queerty.com/russell-tovey-gay-superhero-survived-nazi-capture-20171128?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Get Thee to Provincetown. ‘Tis the Weekend for ‘Holly Folly’ and Sexy Santas

What are you up to this weekend?

Grab a friend and shake things up a bit with an easy and affordable trip to Provincetown?

Provincetown This Winter.
Indulge this weekend.

It’s Ptown’s annual HOLLY FOLLY: three days of entertainment, food, shopping, nightlife, and festive events created to welcome the winter season to the gayest resort town in the nation.

Easy & Affordable

And this year for the first time EVER, Bay State Cruise Company is running from Boston to Provincetown throughout the weekend (just 90 minutes), so you don’t even have to drive.

Instead of a day in traffic and a dreaded trip to the overcrowded mall you can take care of your holiday shopping at the unique boutiques and shops up and down Commercial Street, capping your trip off with a cocktail or a coffee in a restaurant by a glowing fireplace. Same friendly streets and people.

Go to the Cape.
Car, Bus, plane or Ferry

Provincetown knows you need to get your holiday gift list checked off, and you can win prizes and packages by getting it done here. Take part in the ‘Shop, Hop, and Stroll‘ and bring your receipts to the Holly Folly headquarters for a chance to win exciting gifts and prizes from many of the restaurants and merchants in town.

Shop, Hop, & Stroll.

Holly Folly is also the opening weekend of the Canteen Holiday Market, where you can shop local crafts, drink warm cider, and even ice skate by the sea. And Sage Inn at Pilgrim House this year is hosting a food boutique shop featuring 15 artisanal food producers from around New England. Whaler’s Wharf (arts & crafts, shops, eateries) is also raffling off a huge basket of goods donated by its merchants, so don’t miss out.

On Saturday, imagine yourself having a delicious champagne brunch by the sea before or after watching dozens of sexy shirtless Santas in Speedos in the annual Jingle Bell Run down Commercial Street from Fanizzi’s Restaurant (waterfront, open all year) to the Crown & Anchor (Speedo Brunch, Central House Restaurant, video and piano Bars) . After that you might hit the Provincetown Art show at Hatches Harbor and pick up something gorgeous by a local artist for someone special in your life who loves Ptown.

No Bull. Run with Sexy Santas.

You won’t want to skip the hilarious Saturday afternoon Drag Bingo hosted by Tiki Bronstein where you could even fill your pockets with more cash to shop. If you’ve ever wanted to see inside all the town’s guesthouses, there’s a fantastic Inn Stroll on Saturday afternoon, And Saturday night features another must-not-miss event – the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus makes its annual holiday trip to Town Hall, an event which always sells out.

There are a few traditions that have already cemented themselves into Ptown’s holiday schedule on Sunday: The annual Drag Brunch at Bayside Betsy’s, and Gregg’s Cookie Party (an astonishing assortment of sugary treats) at the Porch Bar. This year Strangers & Saints is offering a wine dinner series (this week’s theme is Mediterranean Islands), so cozy up to their beautiful bar or grab a table.

A-House.  Art Show.

And there are no worries for those of you who love Ptown for the drinking, dancing, and nightlife. Friday night you can sing along with Billy Hough at the Porch Bar before hitting the Crown for the ‘Tis the Season annual holiday drag revue hosted by Barbie Que and Anita Cocktail. There’s also Jessie Malone at the Pilgrim House Showroom, the Holly Folly Cabaret at Tin Pan Alley, holiday classics and current hits with VJ Tom Yaz at the Wave Bar, Bobby Wetherbee at the Central House Cabaret, a holiday dance party at Purgatory, and the Annual Snow Ball at the A House.

Bingo. Brunch. Billy.

And that’s just Friday night. As in summertime, Provincetown visitors are spoiled for choice.

Cabaret. Cocktails. Chorus.

On Saturday, Billy Hough is sing-along-ing once again at the Porch Bar, Zoe Lewis is playing piano at the Sage Inn, and the Gifford House, Crown, and A House will be opening their doors again for all you party boys. On Sunday night, Club Purgatory’s at it again.

Find out more about everything that’s happening at this year’s HOLLY FOLLY HERE and start planning this weekend right now.

Dining. Drag. Dance parties.

And one more thing.

For those of you who don’t have your New Year’s Eve plans set yet, this year Ptown is going all out with its First Light Provincetown celebration from December 28 to January 2, offering a week’s worth of entertainment, dance parties, fun competitions and a weekend fireworks show over the harbor.

And…Reserve First Light Dec. 28-Jan 2

Five days of fun as we ring in the New Year. There will be fireworks. And nowhere better to spend New Year’s Eve.  Many restaurants go all out with prix fixe menus and champagne and the clubs and bars have extended hours until 2 am.

So reserve now to ring in 2018 in America’s favorite gay destination!

The post Get Thee to Provincetown. ‘Tis the Weekend for ‘Holly Folly’ and Sexy Santas appeared first on Towleroad.

Get Thee to Provincetown. ‘Tis the Weekend for ‘Holly Folly’ and Sexy Santas

UK’s Brexit ‘Divorce’ Bill Could Top £50bn
Britain and the EU have reached agreement on a Brexit divorce bill that could see the UK having to find more than £50bn to quit the EU, two reports from Brussels have said.

The Daily Telegraph reported on Tuesday the cost of the settlement will be between £42bn and £52bn, and an agreement-in-principle was reached last week.

This was followed by a Guardian report, also citing sources from Brussels, suggesting the final figure could reach £57bn.

Agreement on the tab is key as it would signal that the UK and the EU are moving much closer to a deal at a December summit that would allow them to move onto discussions of post-Brexit trade.

Downing Street has previously dismissed the idea of paying up to £36bn.

The Guardian reported sources were being careful not to get over-excited about talks moving on at the meeting of EU’s leaders next month, mainly thanks to a rift between the UK and Ireland over the prospect of a ‘hard’ border between the two countries.

Liberal Democrat Leader Vince Cable said:

“If these numbers are correct, it means we’re paying a heavy price to leave an institution that has benefitted the country for decades.  “The Brexiters said we’d get £350m a week for the NHS, instead we face a financially damaging divorce settlement.  “The true cost of Brexit is becoming clearer by the day. “This underlines why people should have a referendum on the final deal with the option of an Exit from Brexit.”
Reuters reported the European Commission declining to comment on the report but a British government official said he did “not recognize” the newspaper’s account.

In any case, the pound rallied around 1 percent against the US dollar on the first report, though they soon flattened.

The includes the UK’s liabilities as a member state, including the seven-year budget ending in 2020, pension costs and outstanding loans.

The two sides already believe they are quite close on agreeing the scope of rights for expatriate citizens in Britain and on the continent.

British Prime Minister Theresa May is due to meet President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker and European Union Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday.

The EU says any British move needs to come by around that date if leaders meeting at the December summit are to be able to endorse a move to a new phase of talks, to include future trade relations.

www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/brexit-divorce-bill_uk_5a1db540e4b056995022f66a

Student Rowers Get Naked for A Good Cause

www.advocate.com/photography/2017/11/28/student-rowers-get-naked-good-cause

Tape reveals ‘family values’ Republican Joe Barton discussing “heavily sexual” affair after pic leak
Another shoe has dropped in the sex scandal surrounding antigay GOP Texas Congressman Joe Barton.

www.queerty.com/tape-reveals-family-values-republican-joe-barton-discussing-heavily-sexual-affair-pic-leak-20171128?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Armie Hammer’s Balls Were Digitally Removed from ‘Call Me By Your Name’ – WATCH

Armie Hammer’s short shorts in Call Me By Your Name were apparently too short to conceal all his anatomy and caused director Luca Guadagnino to have to digitally remove Hammer’s testicles from certain parts of the film.

RELATED: Armie Hammer Says He ‘Fell in Love’ with Director Luca Guadagnino on the Set of ‘Call Me By Your Name’

The cast noted, in its discussion with Andy Cohen on SiriusXM, that if you look hard enough, you might be able to find them elsewhere.

Watch:

Hammer also said that his mom refuses to see the movie because of her religious beliefs:

Cohen also discussed meeting Chalamet on a dance floor when he was dating Lourdes Leon, Madonna’s daughter:

The post Armie Hammer’s Balls Were Digitally Removed from ‘Call Me By Your Name’ – WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.

Armie Hammer’s Balls Were Digitally Removed from ‘Call Me By Your Name’ – WATCH