thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-16--I Started Casting My Lingerie Models On Their Stories, Not Their Looks. Here's Why

Credit: Manon Ouimet for the underargument
I was sitting at an industry event last year when the managing director of a large lingerie brand blurted out they were so proud to be “embracing the diversity trend”. This statement still echoes in my head. Somehow, in the 21st Century, brands still find it acceptable to consider people as products or marketing tactics to be discounted or renewed next season.
So when I created the underargument in 2015, I wanted it to be more than a lingerie brand. I wanted the site to be a platform to encourage all womxn to embrace our individuality – not just our unique bodies, but our entire beings, our experiences, and our stories too.
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I have always found lingerie therapeutic and empowering – it’s one of the only garments you wear that can truly be just for you. You decide how you want a set to make you feel, whether you want to show it or not. It is your choice.
I wanted the brand to be part of the beacons of change our generation is working towards: inclusivity, diversity, body positivity. But I do not believe in defining diversity. I do not agree with quotas or ratios and the stereotyped identities they tend to create. I didn’t want to take shortcuts to visually represent diversity.
I wholeheartedly believe representation matters, possibly even when it is done in ways that I personally find disingenuous and opportunistic, but I did not want to contribute to reducing womxn to the sum of their body or align them to a predefined narrative that is meant to satisfy all “womxn like them”.
So, I decided to blindly choose the womxn who would model our lingerie. Through this ‘anti-casting’, we ask for no photos, no measurements, no description of their physical traits. Instead, we invite womxn to share their personal stories related to any of our collections’ themes, either in writing or, if that is not something they are comfortable with, a voice note.
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We receive stories that speak of sexism, racialisation, genderism, sexuality, ageism, perfectionism, ‘atypical’ relationships, body differences, abuse, to failures and silver linings, ambition and personal success. From the stories that resonate with me because of their familiarity, to the heartbreaking ones or those I simply learn from, I always feel very privileged to be the first one to read the words shared by these womxn.
Credit: Manon Ouimet for the underargument Credit: Manon Ouimet for the underargument
I personally select the stories that we will feature, but my favourite part is announcing to the person that they have been selected. We womxn so often tell ourselves we are not worthy, that many believe their story will simply disappear into the ether after clicking send, that they could ‘never be chosen’. The emotion in their voice when they learn their story made the cut is a reward in itself.
The shoot day is high in emotions for all involved. When their story is selected, we invite the womxn to London, where they meet, for the first time, photographer Manon Ouimet and I. Before coronavirus, we would have about four womxn coming to the studio and getting to share this experience together – a moment of pure empowerment.
Manon is an expert at making non-models comfortable in front of the camera. She grasps their energy and personality instantly and knows how to direct to make them transcend into the most radiant version of themselves. I always say magic happens on our shoots: the womxn leave empowered and often quite emotional, while we leave humbled to have contributed to the reclaiming of their story, body and overall individuality.
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As opposed to a casting of professional models, the anti-casting requires the participants to put a lot of vulnerability on show – their personal story and their body in sheer lingerie. This is a particularly brave commitment, especially for those from minority groups that are so underrepresented yet so easily typecasted and ostracised. Every story shared has the power to allow someone else to feel like they belong and to invite them to embrace everything that they are regardless of how different they may be.
Credit: Manon Ouimet for the underargument Credit: Manon Ouimet for the underargument
Our anti-casting shoots encourage just that – they encourage womxn to own their individuality and be proud of their story. And I can truthfully say there has not been one ‘bad’ shoot, not one womxn coming out looking anything short of amazing.
Beauty is of course subjective, but the reality is when you make someone feel valuable, give them respect, a place to be themselves with confidence and acceptance, they shine. I can’t count the numbers of “Oh wow, I actually look pretty good” I’ve heard at the shoots.
This journey all comes together when the photos and stories are shared on social media and the site. For the womxn participating, sharing their story and photos with the world is a promise to themselves to continue to honour who they are. And it also is an encouragement for others to do the same. There isn’t one story that doesn’t receive a “I so needed to read this today” or a “thank you for sharing this”. Seeing these comforts me that we are doing something right.
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I’m often asked if I think other brands should go down the ‘anti-casting’ route. Brands should do what is right by their customers and their values, but if they believe diversity is important (which is a highly rhetorical statement), then they should think harder about the ways they are showcasing or selecting that diversity. If the word “trend” is involved in the process, there is an issue. And If the people making decisions about who represents diversity are all but diverse, that’s problematic too.
I would urge brands to simply be more authentic, and to me, unless diversity reaches the top in companies and the media alike, its representation in mainstream culture will always risk being nothing more than a “trend”.
Maïna Cissé is founder of the underargument. Follow the underargument on Instagram at @theunderargument


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-16--How To Reassure A Child Who Is Scared Of Needles

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I was dreading a visit to the local hospital. Not just because of Covid fears (our borough has some of the highest cases in London), but because of my eight-year-old daughter’s fear of needles. We had to go, because she needed a blood test. But how to reassure a child that it will be quick, relatively pain-free and most importantly, that it’s necessary?
I’ve always been the type of parent who tries to instil autonomy in my kids. I’ve tried to teach them they have full ownership of their bodies, and encouraged them to use the right names for different body parts, even when it’s caused friction. I’ve let them know that they don’t have to kiss ageing relatives at Christmas if they don’t want to, and that they always have the right to say “no”.
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But sometimes, Mummy knows best. Especially when it comes to their health.
naumoid via Getty Images
Reassuring my little girl that her blood test was important was tricky in itself – I didn’t want to worry her, or risk making it sound serious. Yet I also knew that children need to have a clear sense of what’s involved or what’s going to happen. Dr Amanda Gummer, child psychologist and founder of the Good Play Guide, previously told HuffPost UK that kids like familiarity and routine, so having a good sense of the steps involved can help minimise their fears.
Author and parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi also recommends speaking to your children plainly, assuming they’re old enough to understand at a basic level (so, four or five plus), about a new routine or experience. “Sit them down in a nice relaxed way, perhaps with a hot chocolate or healthy treat. Call it a ‘family meeting’, if you like,” she said.
It’s important to explain to your kids why things need to be done, Joshi added, but emphasise that it’s something you can tackle together. So, that’s exactly what I did.
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I told my daughter in advance why we needed to go to hospital – to get a test, to find out what might be going on inside her – and reminded her that she didn’t like feeling unwell. I told her that in order to find out what’s wrong, the doctors needed to examine her blood. We even read a book about it.
She wanted a blow-by-blow account of the procedure, so I explained they would probably give her some numbing cream to make it hurt less; tie something called a tourniquet around her arm, and use a small needle (at this point, there were tears) to draw blood from the inside of her elbow.
I said it would take no more than a minute, and even counted with her to 60 to show her how quick it would be.
I said she could take a teddy bear, could watch her favourite TV programme on my phone while it was happening... and have sweets. On a school day. At 9.30am. Yes, I am that parent. And I’m not ashamed to admit that sometimes, you just need to do whatever works.
“I’m not ashamed to admit that sometimes, you just need to do whatever works.”
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And that’s exactly what we did. The hospital wasn’t rammed, and thankfully we were in the zone marked out for kids’ phlebotomy, where there were lots of other (masked) parents with young children waiting, just like us. When my daughter’s name was called, we went into the clinic room and she was able to sit on my lap while a kind nurse placed her left arm on a pillow.
She was momentarily thrown when they said there would be no numbing cream – I could sense her panicking, so I brought out my trump card: my mobile phone. We watched a compendium of the best moments from her current favourite TV series (1990s American sitcom Sister, Sister, as it happens) and they tied the tourniquet, explaining it would “make her fingers numb”.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--Boris Johnson Plans Policy Blitz In Wake Of No. 10 Power Struggle

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Boris Johnson is preparing a series of “critical announcements” on policy as he tries to move on from an explosive power struggle at the heart of Downing Street.
Number 10 released a statement on Sunday insisting the prime minister “will never veer” from the government’s agenda on Brexit, “levelling up”, climate change and tackling Covid-19.
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It comes as Johnson aims to reset his premiership, less than a year after the Tories won an 80-seat majority, after it was rocked by the resignation of key aides, and staunch Brexit allies, Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain last week.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Downing Street, London, ahead of a Cabinet meeting at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. PA
Downing Street said the announcements would set a “clear signal of his ongoing ambitions for the United Kingdom”.
Measures include plans on mass testing for coronavirus, education investment and a “ten point” eco-policy ahead of the UK hosting the UN COP26 summit in Glasgow next year.
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Amid accusations Cummings’ influence had seen Johnson sideline Conservative backbenchers, the PM will meet the newly-formed Northern Research Group (NRG) on Monday.
The NRG was set-up to press the case for “levelling-up” northern England, a key election pledge of Johnson’s.
There were also signs the PM wanted to build bridges with the media after a combative year, when Piers Morgan revealed on Twitter that the government would end its 201-day boycott of ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
Health secretary Matt Hancock is due to be interviewed on Monday morning, Morgan confirmed.
Former parliament advisor Dominic Cummings walks outside his north London home after he resigned from his role on Friday ASSOCIATED PRESS
Labour’s Keir Starmer, meanwhile, has written to Johnson urging him to set out a national action plan for delivering the coronavirus vaccine, telling the PM: “We are world leaders in vaccines, and I believe we should be aiming for a world class programme for rolling it out.
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“However, this will be a mammoth logistical operation, probably larger than we have seen since the Second World War. If we are to get it right, then we must have a clear plan in place now.”
A Number 10 spokesperson said: “This government is determined to improve opportunities for people across the country, regardless of their background or where they live in the UK.
“We were elected on an ambitious manifesto to deliver this agenda, investing in education, skills and our NHS, tackling crime and introducing tougher sentencing for those who commit the most heinous crimes, as well as concluding our trade negotiations with the EU.
“Our agenda remains focused on this and we will never veer off this course, as we build back better from the coronavirus pandemic.”
GMB presenter Piers Morgan KGC-404/STAR MAX/IPx
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A Downing Street spokesperson said the prime minister would chair “key Covid” meetings in the weeks ahead, but later it was revealed Johnson had been told to self-isolate after coming into contact with an MP who later tested positive for Covid-19.
The spokesperson said: “These will look ahead to the next phase of our fight against the virus” after the scheduled lifting of the England-wide lockdown on December 2.
A spokesperson said the government would focus on “developments on vaccines and the role of new testing technologies in the government’s strategy to tackle coronavirus”.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--Boris Johnson Told To Self-Isolate By NHS Test And Trace

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Boris Johnson has been told to self-isolate after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus, Downing Street has said.
On Thursday morning the prime minister met with some MPs, including Ashfield and Eastwood MP, Lee Anderson, who posted a picture of himself with the PM – standing apart but not wearing masks – after their meeting.
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Anderson later developed symptoms for Covid-19 and has now tested positive.
Johnson, who was admitted to intensive care with coronavirus in April, said he was notified by NHS Test and Trace on Sunday that he must self-isolate.
“I have no symptoms, but am following the rules and will be working from No10 as I continue to lead the government’s pandemic response,” he said.
In a video message posted to Twitter, the PM said he was as “fit as a butcher’s dog” and felt “great”, but would continue to follow the rules.
Hi folks, I’ve been instructed by our NHS Test & Trace scheme to self-isolate for two weeks, after being in contact with someone with Covid-19.
I’m in good health and have no symptoms, and will continue to lead on our response to the virus & our plans to #BuildBackBetter pic.twitter.com/yNgIme8lOz — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) November 16, 2020
The news comes at a politically sensitive time for the Prime Minister after the sudden exit from Downing Street of his senior adviser Dominic Cummings and communications director Lee Cain.
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On Sunday night Lee Anderson posted on his Facebook page, saying: “Isolating. On Friday I lost my sense of taste at the same time my wife had a bad headache. I had no cough, no fever and felt well.
“We both had a test on Saturday and the result came in Sunday morning.
My wife and I both tested positive.
“I feel absolutely fine and my biggest concern is my wife who is in the shielded group. But we are both feeling good.”
The two men were not wearing face coverings and did not appear to be two metres apart in a photo taken at Downing Street which Anderson posted on Facebook.
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In a statement, a No. 10 spokesperson said: “The prime minister has today been notified by NHS Test and Trace that he is required to self-isolate as a contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
“The prime minister will follow the rules and is self-isolating.
“He will carry on working from Downing Street, including on leading the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--Strictly Come Dancing Says Goodbye To Max George As He Loses Maisie Smith Dance-Off

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Max George has become the third celebrity to be eliminated from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The Wanted singer and his partner Dianne Buswell were booted off the BBC ballroom competition during Sunday night’s results show.
The couple had to face EastEnders star Maisie Smith and her professional dance partner Gorka Marquez in this week’s dance-off.
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Max George and Dianne Buswell have been voted off Strictly Come Dancing BBC/Guy Levy
Max had to reprise his American Smooth routine, which netted him just 20 points out of 30 on Saturday night, and left him second from bottom at the leaderboard.
While Maisie had fared better with the judges – scoring 24 for her Cha Cha Cha – she didn’t prove as popular with the voting public, landing in the bottom two for the first time.
Maisie Smith and Gorka Marquez landed in the bottom two BBC/Guy Levy
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After both couples had performed again both Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke – who was standing in for regular judge Motsi Mabuse this week while she self isolates – voted to keep Maisie and Gorka in the competition.
Head judge Shirley Ballas said she would have also voted to save the couple.
Following the result, Max said: “I’ve loved it. It’s all down to Dianne, she’s been literally amazing. For me to get through 90 seconds of a dance for four weeks now is a credit to her, she’s just unbelievable. I’ve got to say, all these guys over here are the nicest group of people ever. I love you all!”
Both couples had to perform again in the dance-off BBC/Guy Levy
Dianne added: “I think Max has done an absolutely amazing job. He has done four incredible dances and I know how nervous you get, but you’ve come out here very week. I know you always say you want to do me proud and oh my goodness you’ve done me more than proud - so well done.
“I also want to say thank you to the judges, Anton you were incredible tonight. Thank you so much.”
Max had also been responsible for a rather sweary moment during Saturday’s show, when he dropped the F-bomb after completing his routine, prompting an apology from host Claudia Winkleman.
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Eight couples now remain in the competition.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--Marcus Rashford Strikes Back At Claims He 'Ploughed' Earnings Into Property Investments

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England footballer Marcus Rashford has defended himself after an article claimed he has “ploughed” his earnings into property investment.
The article by the Daily Mail, published on Saturday, claims Rashford used his earnings to buy “luxury homes” and “splashed out” on a golf course.
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In response, Rashford tweeted: “Ok, so let’s address this. I’m 23. I came from little. I need to protect not just my future but my family’s too.
“To do that I made a decision at the beg [beginning] of 2020 to start investing more in property.”
He added: “Please don’t run stories like this alongside refs to ‘campaigning’.”
Ok, so let’s address this. I’m 23. I came from little. I need to protect not just my future but my family’s too. To do that I made a decision at the beg of 2020 to start investing more in property. Please don’t run stories like this alongside refs to ‘campaigning’. pic.twitter.com/coqla2i19d — Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) November 15, 2020
The article has sparked a backlash on social media, with many people tweeting in support of Rashford, who was recently awarded an MBE for his campaign work to provide free school meals to disadvantaged children during the holidays.
Here they go. This is how they start. Subtle to begin with, but it will grow. It’s what they do. https://t.co/iIYpWG47Wx — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 15, 2020
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If you're one of the 100+ thousand people who liked @MarcusRashford post but buy the Mail, you're a hypocrite.
A bit like if you're a black or Asian journalist/columnist that works for them and doesn't call out the two "journalists" who wrote this fucking tripe. pic.twitter.com/ITEs1SkfZd — Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) November 15, 2020
Chapeau to @MarcusRashford that he’s sensibly investing his hard earned and taxed income. Another example of his maturity. You are allowed to be super talented, thoughtful, campaigning and kind and wise about your future. 👌🏼 — Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) November 15, 2020
This is pathetic.
There is no contradiction between investing your earnings and using your platform to campaign against child poverty.
We should celebrate @MarcusRashford as an inspirational role model to young people on and off the pitch. pic.twitter.com/D6yhXwPB7d — David Lammy (@DavidLammy) November 15, 2020
Marcus Rashford has done an incredible amount to improve the health and wellbeing of children in this country and this is how the Daily Mail repay him
We think they are an utter disgrace and will not be sharing any of their articles in future
We hope you understand our decision https://t.co/HwkWb69bPE — NHS Million (@NHSMillion) November 15, 2020
The Daily Mail and other media outlets like them are going to attack you forever b/c you rattle them. They just can't understand someone who actually wants political change that makes the lives of the many better, more purposeful and happier. Keep going. #MarcusRashford https://t.co/Ump110uiCw — John Smith (son of Harry Leslie Smith) (@Harryslaststand) November 15, 2020
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You don’t need to justify yourself @MarcusRashford. You’re doing a great job campaigning on issues crucial to so many people, while investing for your family’s future. Was expecting you’d be targeted for being courageous. Don’t let the haters deter you from your positive work. ✊🏼 — Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP (@TanDhesi) November 15, 2020
Earlier this month the government performed a quiet U-turn over its refusal to extend the free school meals scheme, and pledged to lay on £170 million of extra funding for the measure.
The money will pay for the Covid Winter Grant Scheme to support families over the season while the Holiday Activities and Food programme will be extended to cover the Easter, summer and Christmas breaks in 2021, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has said.
The policy reversal took place after the government last month whipped Conservative MPs to vote against a Labour motion in the House of Commons calling for the extension of free school meal provision following Rashford’s campaign.
Businesses and councils across the country stepped into the breach following the result, announcing they would fund meals during the October half-term for those who needed them.
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The striker’s petition for pupils in disadvantaged families to have their meals paid for during the holidays went on to attract more than one million signatures – mass backing which piled pressure on Downing Street to commit to more support.
The DWP confirmed the £170 million worth of winter grants would be administered by councils in England rather than schools.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Lockdown Could Be Relaxed So Families Can 'Spend Christmas Together', Says No.10

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Downing Street has said it wants to relax lockdown rules to “ensure that people can spend time together over Christmas”, but would not reveal what system of rules will replace the current national lockdown in England.
The four-week nationwide restrictions will legally expire on December 2.
Boris Johnson has said he wants the country to then return to a system of regional measures.
No.10 said on Tuesday the precise details of what will replace the national lockdown will not be revealed until parliament is told next next week, but signalled that enabling people to enjoy the Christmas holiday was a key objective.
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“It’s our intention to bring the tougher national measure to an end on December 2 and that will happen in law, and we will then move to a regionalised approach,” the prime minister’s spokesperson said.
“We are looking at ways to ensure that people can spend time with close family over Christmas at the end of what there’s been an incredibly difficult year.
“As to what that will be, I’m afraid you will have to wait a little longer.”
A return to a tiered system of local restrictions does not necessarily mean a return to the levels in place before November 5 – MPs will be given the opportunity to vote on what happens next.
It has been reported a fourth more severe level could be added, or that an entirely new regional approach might be introduced.
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On Monday Dr Susan Hopkins, from Public Health England, warned there had been “very little effect” on the infection rate from tier 1 and said there would need to be a “strengthening” of the tiers.
It raises the prospect that England could exit national lockdown into tougher regional measures than it was in before, but then see them relaxed for a short period over Christmas.
Downing Street said decisions over whether to lift any restrictions would be based on a “range of different factors”.
“The R rate is obviously an important one of those. We will also want to look at our hospitalisation numbers, the number of people who are being treated in intensive care units, the pressure which the NHS is under,” Johnson’s spokesperson said. “They will all be factors to be taken into consideration.
“Obviously we’ll wait to see further data over the course of the next week or so.
“The R rate has been coming down in some parts of the country. And what we continue to do is urge people to follow the rules.”
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Downing Street did not say if there was a precise R rate level, number of hospitalisations or number of people in intensive care that the government would benchmark any change in rules against.
Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia who advises the World Health Organisation, told BBC Radio 4′s World at One programme the tier system would work well if it was more “responsive”.
“I’m hoping that we will have some further relaxation over the Christmas period,” he said.
“Maybe only for a few days but I think providing that we have some rules still in place and we avoid too big gatherings I do hope that we can manage to have a more normal Christmas than we might otherwise have been expecting.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Boris Johnson Tests Negative For Covid-19 But Will Still Self-Isolate Until Next Week

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Boris Johnson has tested negative for coronavirus but will continue his 14-day self-isolation in line with current rules, Downing Street has revealed.
The prime minister was forced to quarantine in his flat and office on Sunday night after NHS Test and Trace told him he was a “close contact” of a Tory MP who tested positive.
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Johnson had been in a meeting in No.10 last Thursday with several MPs and aides, all of whom have also had to self-isolate for a fortnight since that event.
Even though the PM has said he is “bursting with antibodies” because he contracted the virus earlier this year, he will still have to complete the full period of isolation under government rules.
No.10 said that Johnson took a lateral flow test as part of a pilot scheme open to Downing Street staff.
His period of isolation will end at midnight next Thursday, November 26.
“The PM took a test yesterday and that test was negative,” his spokesperson said.
“But he will, in accordance with the rules on self-isolation, continue to self-isolate.”
Johnson has been working remotely via Zoom calls since he was “pinged” – his own word for receiving an email – by the tracing service.
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He chaired his weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday remotely and will answer prime minister’s questions in the Commons via Zoom on Wednesday too, his official spokesperson said.
People who self-isolate for 14 days after coming into contact with a positive case are not usually eligible for a test unless they develop symptoms.
But Johnson has benefited from the fact that Downing Street staff are considered “key workers” and have been taking part in a two week trial of the lateral flow tests which offer 30-minute turnaround times for results.
His spokesperson pointed out that there were a number of different tests being piloted around the country, including the mass testing scheme in Liverpool.
“We are piloting these in a wide variety of settings at the moment. We are using them in schools, universities, workplaces, Liverpool.
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“In No 10 we are taking part in a pilot where some staff have access to a lateral flow test if they wish to.”
The PM used Twitter on Monday to set out why he was quarantining.
Hi folks, I’ve been instructed by our NHS Test & Trace scheme to self-isolate for two weeks, after being in contact with someone with Covid-19.
I’m in good health and have no symptoms, and will continue to lead on our response to the virus & our plans to #BuildBackBetter pic.twitter.com/yNgIme8lOz — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) November 16, 2020
Johnson, who was admitted to intensive care with coronavirus seven months ago, spent about 35 minutes with backbencher Lee Anderson - who lost his sense of taste the day after the meeting last Thursday.
Five other MPs are also self-isolating following the meeting with “Red Wall” Tories, including Chris Clarkson, Katherine Fletcher, Andy Carter, Lia Nici
and Brendan Clarke-Smith.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated. Follow HuffPost UK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Strictly Come Dancing: Harry Styles, Prince And A 90s House Classic Feature In This Week's Songs

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The songs and dances being performed in this week’s Strictly Come Dancing have been revealed, with Ranvir Singh set to take on the first Argentine Tango of the series.
She and her professional partner Giovanni Pernice will be dancing to the Prince classic When Doves Cry, while new frontrunner Clara Amfo will dance the Samba to That’s The Way (I Like It) by KC And The Sunshine Gang.
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After surviving last week’s dance-off, Maisie Smith will be hoping her Salsa to Meghan Trainor’s Better When I’m Dancing puts her in better stead with viewers and the judges, while HRVY will be dancing a regular Tango to Harry Styles’ latest single, Golden.
The cast of Strictly 2020 during the launch show earlier this year BBC/Guy Levy
And then there’s Jamie Laing’s Couple’s Choice routine which is sure to be… quite something.
Here’s the full list of performances for this week’s show:
Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse: American Smooth to I’ve Got You Under My Skin by Frank Sinatra
Caroline Quentin and Johannes Radebe: Cha Cha to Rescue Me by Fontella Bass
Clara Amfo and Aljaž Skorjanec: Samba to That’s The Way (I Like It) by KC And The Sunshine Gang
HRVY and Janette Manrara: Tango to Golden by Harry Styles
Jamie Laing and Karen Hauer: Couple’s Choice to Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) by C+C Music Factory
JJ Chalmers and Amy Dowden: Quickstep to For Once In My Life by Stevie Wonder
Maisie Smith and Gorka Marquez: Salsa to Better When I’m Dancing by Meghan Trainor
Ranvir Singh and Giovanni Pernice: Argentine Tango to When Doves Cry by Prince
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Boris Johnson Has Sat On Priti Patel Bullying Report For Months, Ex-Top Official Suggests

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Boris Johnson has been sitting on the findings of the government inquiry into alleged bullying by Priti Patel for months, his former top civil servant has said.
Lord Mark Sedwill, who was cabinet secretary (the most senior government official) until September, said the prime minister now “needs to reflect and make a decision”.
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The probe was launched after Sir Philip Rutnam quit as the Home Office’s top civil servant earlier this year and launched a claim of constructive dismissal and whistleblowing against Patel following what he called a “vicious and orchestrated campaign” against him.
Patel has faced a number of allegations of bullying Home Office staff. HuffPost UK in February revealed claims she tried to oust another of her most senior officials on Christmas Eve, but Rutnam refused to give the order.
The Cabinet Office’s proprietary and ethics team was asked to establish the facts of the case, which Sedwill suggested was complete.
The PM has since discussed it with his adviser on ministerial interests Sir Alex Allan, but the decision on what to do was now “with him”, Sedwill said.
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Downing Street has refused for months to give any update on the status of the inquiry and Johnson has faced pressure, including from his adviser on standards in public life, to publish the report.
But on Tuesday, the PM’s official spokesperson did not deny Sedwill’s suggestion that the report was now in Johnson’s hands, saying only that it was an “ongoing process”.
Former cabinet secretary Lord Mark Sedwill PA
Commenting on the status of the report on Patel, Sedwill told the Commons public administration committee: “The Cabinet Office, the proprietary and ethics team under me, were asked to establish the facts.
“The prime minister consults his adviser on ministerial interests Alex Allan.
“That process was certainly under way, it hadn’t concluded by the time I left, it was certainly under way.
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“I think Alex had been in discussions with the prime minister, I don’t know the exact date of when that part of the process was submitted to the PM but it was under way, it was with him.”
He added: “The process was: establish the facts, have Alex Allan consider it because the prime minister wanted his advice and the prime minister needs to reflect and make a decision.
“That, as I understand it, is still in train.”
Sedwill suggested not all of the report could be made public as some people were interviewed in confidence and off-the-record.
“It’s a decision in the end for the PM, whether he publishes anything, but [they] would have to be very careful if there were any publication to respect the basis on which individuals interviewed in the process have submitted their evidence,” he said.
“That doesn’t mean you can’t publish anything, but you have to be careful about it.”
Responding, Johnson’s official spokesperson said: “It’s an ongoing process and that’s certainly the case.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Lana Del Rey Finally Sets The Record Straight Over 'Mesh' Face Mask After Facing Backlash

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Lana Del Rey has finally spoken out after facing backlash when she was seen sporting what looked to be a mesh face covering last month.
The Normal Fucking Rockwell singer came under fire from fans after she was spotted wearing a bedazzled mesh mask at a book signing, where she also performed a poetry reading for those in attendance.
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As more pictures from the event were posted online, it was also revealed that the star had also posed for photos with fans without social distancing, while still wearing the face covering in question.
A month later, Lana has now addressed the criticism, insisting that the mask in question had clear plastic sewn on the inside of it.
Responding to an article on The Michigan Daily’s website titled “Lana Del Rey wore a mesh mask. What now?”, which speculated whether Lana had been “cancelled” because of the controversy, she wrote back: “Great article. The mask had plastic on the inside. They’re commonly sewn in by stylists these days.”
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“I don’t generally respond to articles because I don’t care. But there ya go,” she responded.
“Same goes for everyone’s masks in my video. I’m lucky enough to have a team of people who can do that.”
Great article. The mask had plastic on the inside. They’re commonly sewn in by stylists these days. I don’t generally respond to articles because I don’t care. But there ya go. Same goes for everyone’s masks in my video. I’m lucky enough to have a team of people who can do that — Lana Del Rey (@LanaDelRey) November 17, 2020
The same article also referenced the fact that some fans had speculated that Lana may have voted for Donald Trump in the recent US presidential election, something which she has already denied once.
In a subsequent tweet, she added: “Again not that I believe it’s anyone’s business at all-but I made it clear who I voted for. And I don’t [glamourise] tough relationships. Relationships can just be tough. Period.
“Every other singer sings about the same damn thing. Always have, Probably always will. Thanks stay tuned.”
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Again not that I believe it’s anyone’s business at all-but I made it clear who I voted for. And I don’t glamorize tough relationships. Relationships can just be tough. Period. Every other singer sings about the same damn thing. Always have, Probably always will. Thanks stay tuned — Lana Del Rey (@LanaDelRey) November 17, 2020
Bro I’m working on 2 albums and excitedly and happily donating a million dollars throughout the nation. If I responded to everything I would be 🤷🏻♂ — Lana Del Rey (@LanaDelRey) November 17, 2020
Earlier in the year, Lana faced a huge backlash, after suggesting many of her peers had been rewarded for singing about themes that she’d been criticised for in the past.
When many pointed out that the majority of the artists she’d singled out for their success – including Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj and Doja Cat – are women of colour, the singer came under fire online, later denying accusations of racism.
In the same statement, the star teased that her seventh album under the Lana Del Rey moniker, Chemtrails Over The Country Club, would be released in September, though this has now been pushed back to 2021.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Some Schitt's Creek Fans Are Only Just Cottoning On To Its Home Alone Connection And Their Minds Are

Some Schitt's Creek Fans Are Only Just Cottoning On To Its Home Alone Connection And Their Minds Are Blown

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With her unplaceable accent, stunning vocabulary and pithy one-liners, Catherine O’Hara is responsible for one of the greatest sitcom characters ever in Schitt’s Creek’s Moira Rose.
However, it seems some people are only just catching onto the fact that she played an equally iconic character in everyone’s favourite festive film, Home Alone.
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The Canadian star appeared as Kevin McCallister’s forgetful mum Kate, who accidentally leaves her son behind when the family jet off on a festive break in the 1990 movie.
Catherine O'Hara as Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek (left) and as Kate McCallister in Home Alone PopTV / 20th Century Fox
Following the explosion in popularity Schitt’s Creek has enjoyed in 2020 – mainly thanks to a mixture of word of mouth during lockdown and its clean sweep at the Emmys – we are entering the first festive period where many Home Alone fans are aware of Moira Rose’s existence.
And it’s fair to say, their minds are blown...
bruh im schitting my creek rn just found out that moira from schitt's creek also plays the mom in home alone pic.twitter.com/ANz25ivMNR — aarch. (@aarchishaa) November 17, 2020
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I’m rewatching Home Alone and I just figured out that Kate McCallister & Moria Rose are the same person. pic.twitter.com/Awb8DkrNJj — Sh😷wn Phillips (@ShawnPhillips24) November 15, 2020
Wild to me that the Home Alone mom and Moria from Schitts Creek are the same person 😳 — J.R. JuniorJuniorsJr (@jarjarbinks23) November 15, 2020
Wait wait WAIT I know I finished Schitts Creek weeks ago.
Moria Rose is the same actress that played Kevin’s mum in Home Alone?! pic.twitter.com/LpcwR5C3TS — Stevieness (@stevieness) November 8, 2020
I just found out that Kevin’s mom in Home Alone.. and Moira Rose from Schitt’s Creek.. are played by the same actress 🤯 — bre 🧀 (@breanna_pollitt) November 17, 2020
blown away to find out that the mother on home alone is also moira rose, the mother on schitts creek — ThatsWhatSheenSaid (@whatssheensaid) November 17, 2020
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Hold up, Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek is Kevin’s mother in Home Alone. 🤯 — Avish Sood (@AvishSood) November 17, 2020
God Above please tell me why it has taken me this long to realise Moira from Schitts creek is the Mam from home alone — Shauna 🦋 (@_shaushank) November 17, 2020
OMG I Just found out that Kevin's Mom in Home Alone is the same Actress who plays Moira on Schitts Creek! My mind is blown🤯🤯🤯🤯 @SchittsCreek #SchittsCreek #HomeAlone #HomeAlone30 #Moirarose #Christmas — Apurva Kapadia (@apurva_kapadia1) November 16, 2020
Just found out that Moira from Schitts Creek is the mom in Home Alone and I am SHOOOOOOOOK how did I not recognise her — Swapna Ravichandran (@_anpaws) November 16, 2020
And if you are also one of those people who didn’t realise both characters were played by the same actor, allow us to stagger you a little more by revealing another of Catherine’s most famous roles...
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For all the people who didn’t know Catherine O’Hara (Moira-Schitt’s Creek) was the mom in Home Alone, I’ll also let you know she played Winona Ryder’s mom in Beetlejuice. pic.twitter.com/gwtCrA8qVu — Amy Truly Thankful 🍂🦃🍁 (@atrueblood5) November 17, 2020
The official Schitt’s Creek Twitter account has also been having some fun with people’s reactions, tweeting out a bunch of them with the caption: “It’s that time of year again.”
🎄 it's that time of year again 🎄 pic.twitter.com/xFsCGU2pBa — Schitt's Creek (@SchittsCreek) November 16, 2020
Earlier this year, Catherine took home the Emmy award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Moira Rose.
It was one of just nine gongs the sitcom bagged during the ceremony back in September, including acting awards for her co-stars Eugene Levy, Dan Levy and Annie Murphy (aka, Johnny, David and Alexis).
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Dan, who created the show with his real-life father Eugene, also won Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Here's What We Know About Mouthwash And Covid-19

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It’s looking increasingly likely that mouthwash could be a potentially powerful tool in protecting against Covid-19.
A preprint study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed by other scientists, found certain widely-available mouthwashes eliminated the virus in test tube experiments.
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The study, by Cardiff University researchers, created conditions that mimicked the back of the nose and throat. They then tested the ability of several high street mouthwashes to inactivate the virus which causes Covid-19.
Three mouthwashes were found to eliminate live virus in 30 seconds: Dentyl Dual Action, Dentyl Fresh Protect and Listerine Advanced.
Grace Cary via Getty Images
Researchers told Sky News that Venture Life Group, which makes Dentyl, provided information to the study but did not fund it. The same company will fund the next stage of research.
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The scientists said further studies are warranted to determine whether these formulations can actually inactivate the virus in humans, and whether this might impact transmission of the virus going forward.
How does mouthwash work on Covid-19?
We know that detergents such as washing up liquid and soap can dismantle the fatty (lipid) membrane which holds the virus together.
Back in May, scientists suggested mouthwash could also be used to damage this membrane as a possible way to inactivate the virus in the throat.
Previous studies have shown agents commonly found in mouthwashes – such as low amounts of ethanol, povidone-iodine and cetylpyridinium – could disrupt the lipid membranes of enveloped viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
Dr Richard Stanton, lead author on the study and a reader in virology at Cardiff University, says: “This study adds to the emerging literature that several commonly available mouthwashes designed to fight gum disease can also inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus – and other related coronaviruses – when tested in the laboratory under conditions that are designed to mimic the oral/nasal cavity in a test tube.”
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He points out the study has yet to be scrutinised by other scientists, as is the usual process with academic research.
Professor Jean-Yves Maillard, an expert in pharmaceutical microbiology at Cardiff University, noted that some points from the study may change once the results are peer-reviewed.
He said: “Overall, antimicrobial mouthwash may help in decreasing viral load in the oropharynx but this should not been viewed as using mouthwash instead of face masks, but instead as a potential combined intervention: use of mouthwash and wearing face masks. The remaining question is how often one needs to use a mouthwash to really make an impact? This would need to be answered before any recommendations are made.”
So, what happens next?
The University Hospital of Wales will now conduct a 12-week clinical trial to see if mouthwash can reduce the viral load in patients’ saliva.
“It is notable that coronaviruses are far more amenable to disruption than many other viruses and bacteria due to the presence of a viral lipid envelope,” says Dr Stanton.
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“In the human throat, the virus is being produced constantly, so if there is an effect it will be important to see how long it lasts for and whether this could help reduce transmission, for example in dental investigations, mouth/throat examinations by GPs, or short-term contacts with vulnerable patients or other individuals.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Great British Bake Off's Laura Admits She's 'Embarrassed' For Getting So Far

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With the finish line of Great British Bake Off in sight, one contestant has admitted to feeling “embarrassed” for getting as far as she has in the competition.
Laura Adlington is one of the four bakers to have reached this week’s semi final, despite experiencing a number of disasters in the tent.
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Speaking to the Radio Times, she admitted feeling like she hadn’t “deserved” to do as well as she has on the Channel 4 show.
Laura on Bake Off Channel 4
“I was never worried about getting to a certain point, I just wanted to do my best,” Laura said.
“If anything, I felt embarrassed at getting so far, as I didn’t feel like I deserved it.”
Laura suffered one of the biggest disasters of the series, when her ice cream cake was reduced to a puddle during the Showstopper Challenge.
Sweet Dreams are made of these. It’s Laura and her 80s Week ‘Death By Chocolate’ Showstopper! #GBBO pic.twitter.com/5VGlSRxbLK — British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) November 3, 2020
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But while a number of her bakes have failed to impress visually, she has often won praise for her flavours from judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, and was also crowned Star Baker during Pastry Week.
Laura has also credited the show with helping her have more self-confidence.
She said: “Before going on Bake Off, I was terrified of being trolled because of my weight, but the vast majority of comments have been positive and the support I’ve had has been overwhelming.
“It’s definitely made me more confident in my own skin and realise there are good people in the world.”
The Great British Bake Off continues on Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4. The latest issue of Radio Times is on sale now.
Radio Times


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Strictly Come Dancing Judge Motsi Mabuse Says Things Could Have Been Different Had She Been There La

Strictly Come Dancing Judge Motsi Mabuse Says Things Could Have Been Different Had She Been There Last Weekend

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Maisie was saved by Craig Revel Horwood and guest judge Anton Du Beke, while Shirley Ballas admitted she’d have opted to keep Max in the competition.
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However, in a new interview, judge Motsi Mabuse has admitted the chips might have fallen a little differently had she been in the studio during this weekend’s show.
Motsi is currently self-isolating after an urgent trip to Germany, where she lives most of the time, meaning she was absent from the Strictly ballroom on Saturday night.
Max George and Dianne Buswell were eliminated from Strictly this week BBC/Guy Levy
She told Radio 2 on Tuesday: “I saw that Max had a very difficult routine, he had to control himself quite a lot. If we remember last week with the Simpsons he was all jolly and I think he liked that role and this time he had to be back in control.
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“I’m stuck here, I’m almost like Shirley, watching from the outside, maybe I might have saved Max.”
However, Motsi also insisted that viewers “cannot see from the TV screen as well as you can sitting there and being a judge”.
Motsi Mabuse BBC
Motsi isn’t the only Strictly star currently self-isolating, with It Takes Two host Rylan Clark-Neal currently in the middle of a quarantine period after coming into contact with someone who later tested positive for Covid-19.
Last week also saw Nicola Adams leaving the contest suddenly, after it emerged her professional partner Katya Jones had contracted coronavirus.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Brand New Vicar Of Dibley Is The Christmas Miracle We All Needed

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Last Christmas we got reacquainted with Gavin and Stacey and this year we’ll be checking in with Geraldine Grainger when The Vicar Of Dibley returns for three brand new episodes.
Dawn French is to reprise her much-loved role as the nation’s favourite vicar, for The Vicar Of Dibley in Lockdown to mark the end of what has been a year we’d all like to forget.
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During lockdown, post lockdown and pre-another-lockdown, Geraldine has been writing and delivering monthly sermons to her parishioners via Zoom…when she can make it work.
These new thoughts on life (and chocolate) will air after repeat showings of classic episodes of the multi-award winning The Vicar of Dibley, this Christmas on BBC One.
Dawn French as The Vicar Of Dibley BBC
Speaking about reprising her most famous role, Dawn said: “Back in the dog collar, back in Dibley and back on your telly at Xmas. I couldn’t be happier. Bless you.”
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Creator Richard Curtis added: “Like every village in the country, there’s been a lot happening in Dibley this year - and Dawn has got a lot to say about it.”
Geraldine will be helped by Hugo Horton (James Fleet) as well some of the local primary school children as the Vicar discusses all the important topics, including how it’s never a good idea to let Owen Newitt cut your hair, or make home-made wine.
The very dearly departed Alice Tinker, who was played by the late Emma Chambers, is also still an important presence in the village, with some residents still looking for lost buttons and the arrival of decimalisation.
The 3 x 10 minute episodes will air weekly, with a 30 minute compilation episode of all three sermons airing later over Christmas.
Let’s hope there are no sprouts involved...
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Richard Arnold Hangs His Head In Shame After Suffering Mariah Carey Mind-Blank Live On Air

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He’s the expert on all thing showbiz, but even Good Morning Britain star Richard Arnold has a mind-blank sometimes.
During Tuesday’s edition of GMB, the entertainment correspondent discussed his recent interview with music legend Nile Rodgers, in which the guitarist and music producer shared that his favourite festive tune belonged to Mariah Carey.
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Unfortunately, as he regaled viewers with the story, Richard could not for the life of him remember what Mariah’s song was actually called.
“He said to me that his favourite Christmas song is Mariah Carey’s… number one song, of course, which only came to number one last year,” he explained.
Yes, Richard. We know the one. But what was it called again?
Richard Arnold laughs off his gaffe on Good Morning Britain ITV
Apparently stalling while he racked his brain, he continued: “That big tune… that I’ve completely forgotten what it’s called!”
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As Charlotte Hawkins was heard laughing off-screen, Richard had a lightbulb (or should that be Christmas light?) moment, as he announced: “All I Want For Christmas! That’s it!”
“Were you hoping that no one would notice or someone would shout it in your ear?” Charlotte asked.
“You would have thought they wouldn’t throw me under the bus,” Richard responded. “I can’t believe it, I’ve just forgotten a Mariah Carey song. I’m going to be thrown out of the club!”
The queen of all things festive, Mariah Carey Kevin Mazur via Getty Images
“I’m a celebrity, get me out of here,” Richard quipped, as he skulked off screen.
Listen, Richard, at that time of the morning, anything can be forgiven.
Even forgetting the name of one of the most popular festive records of all time. And in the lead-up to Christmas.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Dolly Parton Donated $1m To Moderna Covid-19 Trial And We Really Don’t Deserve Her

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Not content with gifting the world with some of the greatest music ever, delivering an encyclopedia’s worth of quotable soundbites (“It costs me a lot of money to look this cheap”), starring in a brand new Christmas film and donating over 147 million free books to children, Dolly Parton has also played a part in saving us all from the hell hole that is 2020.
Yep, just when you thought Dolly couldn’t be any more of a saint, the country singer and philanthropist donated $1 million (£760,000) towards Covid-19 research which resulted in the Moderna vaccine.
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According to The Daily Beast, Dolly became friends with Vanderbilt University surgeon Naji Abumrad after she was involved in a car accident in 2013.
Dolly Parton (halo out of shot). SIPA USA/PA Images
At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the doctor showed the singer the research the university was doing on antibodies to combat Covid-19, and she stumped up a cool million to the Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, which was involved in the Moderna vaccine trial.
After it was discovered that Dolly had played a role in the vaccine’s success, her name began trending on Twitter on Tuesday.
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I want everyone to know that Dolly Parton gave us Buffy the tv series, the song 9 to 5, Dollywood, and of course the Covid vaccine. https://t.co/mCPB3QlCpZ — Kevidently (@Kevidently) November 17, 2020
Another day in the life of Dolly Parton: Cornflakes, write great songs, perform them really well for someone of her age, self-deprecate like it's going out of fashion, help to fund the research that might save society and hundreds of thousands of lives, Ovaltine, bed. https://t.co/6ziX4WYaVw — Jon Horne (@jonjonhorne) November 17, 2020
Dolly Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt for vaccine research.
Vanderbilt researchers were involved in the Moderna trials.
Ergo, Dolly Parton helped cure COVID. — Jonathan "Boo and Vote" Cohn (@JonathanCohn) November 17, 2020
Dolly Parton continues to be one of the best people https://t.co/BfMX1HwSDv — The Written Ward (@WrittenWard) November 17, 2020
Dolly Parton is a goddess. She just gets on with being a bloody decent, kind, compassionate and generous human and I didn't think I could love her more. — Victoria Broadley (@broadleygirl) November 17, 2020
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dolly parton just before she started work on the coronavirus vaccine pic.twitter.com/6IYIqtKU2P — billy (@ly__bil) November 17, 2020
Dolly Parton has given us 9 to 5 Jolene Imagination Library & funding for flood ravaged TN & apparently #COVID19 vaccine! Bless her beautiful heart & soul. pic.twitter.com/ujeAsCzTL3 — Principessa Sandra (@bobswife64) November 17, 2020
Apparently Dolly Parton cured COVID. I am not in the least bit surprised! https://t.co/uhsyr7tT8Y — Kate "Syncopated, For Her Pleasure" Harvest (@KateSix) November 17, 2020
On Monday the US biotechnology firm announced its coronavirus vaccine is more than 94% effective at preventing the disease.
Interim data from the company suggests its jab is highly effective in preventing people getting ill and also works across all age groups, including the elderly.
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The UK has secured an initial agreement for five million doses of the vaccine – which works in a similar way to Pfizer’s.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Jeremy Corbyn Says He Did Not Intend To 'Belittle' Anti-Semitism Concerns

Jeremy Corbyn has said it was not his intention to “belittle concerns” about anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.
The former Labour leader was suspended from the party in October over his reaction to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s report into anti-Jewish racism in the party.
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The watchdog found the party committed unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination while Corbyn was leader.
In response Corbyn said allegations about anti-Semitism had been “dramatically overstated” by his political opponents. He also did not accept all of the EHRC’s findings.
Keir Starmer, who took over as party leader in April, said the report was a “day of shame” for the party and he was “truly sorry”.
He said anyone who believed accusations were “exaggerated or a factional attack” was “part of the problem” and “should be nowhere near the Labour Party”.
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Corbyn’s suspension risked setting off a fresh civil war within the party, with his allies demanding it be overturned.
In a statement first given to the party on the day he was suspended, but published on Tuesday, Corbyn said: “To be clear, concerns about anti-Semitism are neither ‘exaggerated” nor ‘overstated’.
“The publication of the EHRC report should have been a moment for the Labour Party to come together in a determination to address the shortcomings of the past and work as one to root out anti-Semitism in our own ranks and wider society.
“We must never tolerate anti-Semitism or belittle concerns about it. And that was not my intention in anything I said this week.
“I regret the pain this issue has caused the Jewish community and would wish to do nothing that would exacerbate or prolong it.
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Corbyn added: “The point I wished to make was that the vast majority of Labour Party members were and remain committed anti-racists deeply opposed to anti Semitism.
“I fully support Keir Starmer’s decision to accept all the EHRC recommendations in full and, in accordance with my own lifelong convictions, will do what I can to help the party move on, united against anti-Aemitism which has been responsible for so many of history’s greatest crimes against humanity.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Piers Morgan Accuses The Crown Of 'Crossing A Line' With Prince Charles And Lord Mountbatten Scenes

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The opening episode of the hit Netflix show’s fourth series features an imagined interaction between the two men, in which Lord Mountbatten admonishes Charles for his pursuit of Camilla, who at the time was married to Andrew Parker Bowles.
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Viewers see Mountbatten writing a letter warning Charles he is in danger of bringing “ruin and disappointment” to the royal family.
On the show, the prince only reads the note after the IRA assassinated Lord Mountbatten in August 1979, but there is no record of the letter actually ever existing.
Speaking on Tuesday’s Good Morning Britain, Piers stated that he believed the scenes went too far.
Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain ITV/Shutterstock
“If I was Prince Charles I would think, wow. It’s one little bit that resonated with me,” the presenter said.
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“He had this extraordinarily close relationship with Lord Mountbatten who was of course murdered by the IRA.
“The Crown has basically invented a letter that Lord Mountbatten sends Charles being very critical about his lifestyle. Now there’s no record of that letter ever being sent.
“Charles was utterly heartbroken by the murder of his great favoured uncle and that to me, that crosses a line to me where if you’re inventing a critical letter from someone who’s now dead and can’t respond and there’s no record of that letter ever being sent, what justification is there for that?”
Charles Dance as Lord Mountbatten and Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles in The Crown Netflix
However, Piers did go on to say that he had binged a large part of the fourth series since its release on Sunday, admitting it was “compulsive viewing”.
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“Unless you’re the royal family whose life is dissected,” he said. “My thought was it’s great for us but if you’re someone who’s portrayed… it’s brutal in part.”
Meanwhile, The Crown’s creator, Peter Morgan, has defended the scenes.
Speaking on the show’s official podcast, he said: “What we know is that Mountbatten was really responsible for taking Charles to one side at precisely this point and saying, ‘Look, you know, enough already with playing the field, it’s time you got married and it’s time you provided an heir’.
“As the heir I think there was some concern that he should settle down, marry the appropriate person and get on with it.”
Prince Charles with Lord Mounbatten prior to his death in 1979 Susan Wood/Getty Images via Getty Images
Criticism of The Crown has often focused on its portrayal of made up events. The show employs researchers but Peter defended his right to creative freedom.
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He continued: “In my own head I thought that would have even greater impact on Charles if it were to come post-mortem, as it were. I think everything that’s in that letter that Mountbatten writes to Charles is what I really believe, based on everything I’ve read and people I’ve spoken to, that represents his view.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Covid Vaccine: Here’s What We Know About The Rollout

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Thousands of volunteers with no medical background at all could be trained up to administer the coronavirus vaccine in a bid to deliver the government’s mass immunisation plans, it has emerged.
St John Ambulance will be one of the organisations delivering training to those who sign up, a representative for the charity confirmed on Monday evening.
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In plans leaked to the Daily Mail, St John Ambulance said future vaccine volunteers would “be trained to deliver the actual injection to patients”.
Pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna have recently announced successful trials of their vaccine candidates, boosting hopes that a mass vaccination programme could be under way by early next year.
The British Medical Association (BMA) says the intention is to prepare for a service to be delivered from 1 December, however the actual start date will depend on the availability of the vaccines.
Here’s what we know so far about how the vaccine will be delivered, and administered, across the UK.
How will vaccines be transported?
It depends on what sort of vaccine is used. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which will have to come to Britain from the company’s distribution centre in Belgium, needs to be stored at minus 70C.
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The moment the vaccine leaves the factory, it can only be taken out of minus 70C four times before it is injected into a patient’s arm. But it can be stored at a warmer temperature in the two days prior to being used, implying that the vaccine will be able to be administered two days after deliveries without the need for new refrigeration systems.
Health secretary Matt Hancock said he has “confidence” the NHS can deliver an approved vaccine despite the logistics involved.
File photo of a nurse preparing to give a patient a vaccine PA
The Moderna vaccine, which is working on a formula based on similar technology, does not need to be stored at such a low temperature.
Other vaccines including ones from Johnson & Johnson and Novavax can be stored at 2-8 degrees C, the temperature of a regular refrigerator.
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Pfizer spokesperson Kim Bencker said one detailed plan includes using dry ice to transport frozen vaccine vials by both air and land at their recommended temperatures for up to 10 days.
They can be kept in an ultra-low temperature freezer for up to six months, or for five days at 2-8 degrees C – a type of refrigeration commonly available at hospitals, Bencker said.
The Pfizer storage units can also be refilled with ice for up to 15 days, she said.
But shots will spoil in around five days at normal refrigeration temperatures of slightly above freezing. BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin told Reuters the companies are analyzing if they can extend that for two weeks.
How will they be administered?
As well as being given by GPs, organisations including St John Ambulance will be delivering training to non-medics to give the vaccine under a new legal amendment.
These individuals would also have to “potentially react to any immediate adverse reactions”.
The only criteria is that the volunteer be between the age of 18 and 69, have at least two or more A-levels or equivalent, be at low risk of Covid-19 and be prepared to undergo a reference check.
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In October, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended the government introduce a new national protocol to allow non-medics to administer a future vaccine.
The law was amended last month to allow more healthcare workers – such as paramedics, physiotherapists or student doctors and nurses, as well as doctors and nurses working outside the NHS – to vaccinate.
This law has now been extended to include “people who are not registered healthcare professionals” to “safely administer a Covid-19 or influenza vaccine,” the Mail reported.
According to the BMA, local pharmacies may also be commissioned to administer the vaccine where GP coverage is not enough.
Who will get it first?
Eligible patients will be confirmed soon, but are expected to be in line with the latest JCVI (joint committee on vaccination and immunisation) recommendations.
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all over the age of 50
those at high risk
care home residents and staff
all health and care workers (although it is unlikely that general practice will be required to deliver to all health and care staff who may get it from their employer).


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Eric Trump Can't Accept That Rally Attendance And Votes Are Different

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Eric Trump is having a hard time understanding that his dad lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden. He also is having difficulty recognising that attendance at President Donald Trump’s campaign rallies doesn’t equate to votes in the election.
The president’s second-oldest son on Monday falsely declared the election “was rigged from the beginning” because Biden didn’t hold rallies during the coronavirus pandemic like the president did.
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Biden couldn’t get 10 people to a rally & went days without leaving his house. @realDonaldTrump received 11 million more votes than 2016, nearly doubled African American support - this was every stop, multiple times a day. This election was rigged from the beginning. pic.twitter.com/iM3tcSIMmf — Eric Trump (@EricTrump) November 16, 2020
Eric Trump has tried to make a similar case before, like when he argued boat parades of Trump supporters were a better sign of voter preference than, you know, scientific polls and stuff like that.
Granted, the polls underestimated the president’s support, like they did in the 2016 election. But attendance at Trump’s campaign rallies and boat parades overestimate his appeal.
Many Twitter users attempted to help the presidential son understand how it works.
Of all eligible voters, almost 70% voted. This represents the highest percentage (&, of course, raw number) since 1900. Of course @realDonaldTrump garnered more votes than he did in 2016. That’s math. — Michelle (@Michell67804140) November 16, 2020
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Biden got 79 million votes
People with a life don't need to go to cult rallies — Rick Newman (@rickjnewman) November 16, 2020
Others reminded him that Biden didn’t hold rallies like his dad did because, duh, it’s the pandemic.
That was a strategic move....to display covid caution.... it was actually a smart move. — 💀TeamDokken💀 (@TeamDokken) November 16, 2020
250,000 missing votes ... on Daddy’s watch pic.twitter.com/L4G7sW8eFz — Lisa Walton -Philly Girl🦅🏈 #Equality🇺🇸🏳🌈 (@lisawaltonlcsw) November 16, 2020
Still others on Twitter used examples to point out the frailty of Trump’s argument.
Using your logic then Freddy Mercury should be President pic.twitter.com/tS8GgPFEfS — Rick Ingram 🧢 (@MrRickIngram) November 16, 2020
Some subtly suggested that the president’s son may not be an intellectual giant.
Eric Trump is so dumb that:
When he counts to eleven, he unzips Don Jr.
He thinks Covid-19 is hair product.
When he hears Libs are coming for his guns, he puts on long sleeves.
He thought his kid brother was named Barron because Melania was. — Eric Winer (@TheWeeklyWiner) November 16, 2020
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One person didn’t understand why the Trumps just can’t handle the truth.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--US Nurse: Dying Covid-19 Patients ‘Still Don’t Believe The Virus Is Real’

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A South Dakota nurse has gone viral after explaining her ongoing frustrations with trying to convince Covid-19 patients they actually have the virus.
“Their last dying words are, ‘This can’t be happening. It’s not real,’” Jodi Doering told CNN. “Even after positive results come back, some people just don’t believe it.”
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Doering was sitting on her couch Saturday night and was attempting to soothe herself on a night off by cuddling her dog and eating Oreo ice cream, when she felt the urge to publicly express the obstacles she’s facing at work.
Going to ruin the USA. All while gasping for breath on 100% Vapotherm. They tell you there must be another reason they are sick. They call you names and ask why you have to wear all that “stuff” because they don’t have COViD because it’s not real. Yes. This really happens. And — Jodi Doering (@JodiDoering) November 15, 2020
“I can’t help but think of the Covid patients the last few days,” she tweeted. “The ones that stick out are those who still don’t believe the virus is real. The ones who scream at you for a magic medicine and that Joe Biden is … Going to ruin the USA.”
She added: “All while gasping for breath on 100% Vapotherm. They tell you there must be another reason they are sick. They call you names and ask why you have to wear all that ‘stuff’ because they don’t have Covid because it’s not real.”
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Some state officials and residents in South Dakota — a coronavirus hot spot in which a majority of voters cast ballots for President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election — have been vocal about downplaying the threat of the virus.
Governor Kristi Noem has refused to put a mask mandate in place. In response to President-elect Joe Biden’s proposed idea that there be a nationwide lockdown and mask mandate once he takes office to help quell the spread of the virus, Noem’s office told the Sioux Falls Argus Leader in a statement Friday that she has no intention of using state resources to enforce any federal Covid-19 orders.
This report isn't science. It's fiction.
Under the guise of academic research, it's nothing short of an attack on those who exercised their personal freedom to attend Sturgis. (THREAD 1/) https://t.co/3zkmabJV2y — Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) September 8, 2020
She also told Fox News that the four economists from three US universities that researched the paper “took a snapshot in time, and they did a lot of speculation, did some back-of-the-napkin math, made up some numbers and published them.”
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Yet, factors that contribute to the spread of the coronavirus are hard to ignore when Doering emphasized to CNN (above) the extent of some of her Covid-19 patients’ denial.
“People want it to be influenza, they want it to be pneumonia, we’ve even had people say, ‘I think it could be lung cancer,’” Doering told the outlet. The nurse said that when she suggests that some patients should FaceTime with their friends and family for a final conversation, they say, “‘No, because I’m doing fine.’”
I can’t stop thinking about it. These people really think this isn’t going to happen to them. And then they stop yelling at you when they get intubated. It’s like a fucking horror movie that never ends. There’s no credits that roll. You just go back and do it all over again. — Jodi Doering (@JodiDoering) November 15, 2020
She said this attitude is taking a serious toll on health care workers.
“It’s like a fucking horror movie that never ends,” she tweeted Saturday. “There’s no credits that roll. You just go back and do it all over again.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Got 3 Seconds? Watch The Fastest Knockout Ever In Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

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Now that’s cutting to the chase.
Ulysses “The Monster” Diaz knocked out Donelei Benedetto in 3 seconds during a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship bout on Friday night. (See the video below.)
Body language may have told the story before the BKFC match even began.
Look at the two right before the round began. Who looks ready to fight?
Donelei Benedetto (left) and Ulysses Diaz (right) square off seconds before their bout ended. Instagram
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Once the referee signalled the combatants to start, Diaz sprung into action. He flicked a jab at the retreating Benedetto and then unloaded a right hand that floored him. Diaz celebrated with a face-first leap over the rope.
Benedetto was “OK” and was eating and drinking after the weekend fight in Miami, BKFC President David Feldman told HuffPost on Monday.
Diaz set a BKFC record for fastest knockout ― and that time may be amended to an even quicker 2.2 seconds, Feldman added.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Vernon Kay's I'm A Celebrity Shower Scene Has Everyone (Including Ant McPartlin) Making The Same Jok

Vernon Kay's I'm A Celebrity Shower Scene Has Everyone (Including Ant McPartlin) Making The Same Joke

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The former T4 presenter became one of the first stars to use the new shower in the castle, where the ITV show is being hosted this year.
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However, it seemed to be just a little bit small for 6ft 3in Vernon, causing everyone – including the I’m A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin – to make the same joke.
Vernon Kay in the I'm A Celebrity shower ITV
Let’s just say it involved a certain scene from the Will Ferrell Christmas classic Elf...
I can’t stop thinking about Vernon Kay as Buddy the elf #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/sMBoqsjxi9 — Sophie 🍁 (@SophieScribbles) November 16, 2020
Anyone else getting Elf vibes from seeing Vernon in the shower 🤣🤣 #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/5bJSVYe8E3 — Missguided (@Missguided) November 16, 2020
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Watching vernon kay in the shower on #ImACeleb Jack: he reminds me of buddy the elf cause he's so tall'. Ant then comes on 'doesnt he remind you of buddy the elf' 😂😂 — Bethany🌻 (@BethanyKelsall) November 16, 2020
Vernon reminds me of the scene in Elf where buddy’s too big for it 😂😂 @antanddec @imacelebrity #ImACeleb — Miss Nini (@JKL_nini_30) November 16, 2020
Seeing Vernon Kay shower is like watching the scene from Elf where Buddy tries to shower in a human sized shower #imaceleb.....and @antanddec stole my joke ..... — Craigo (@craigrussell84) November 16, 2020
Started I’m a celeb late but my god Vernon Kay looks like buddy the elf in that shower 😂 — Callum Garner (@Callum_Garner_) November 16, 2020
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Vernon Kay reminds me of Buddy the Elf 😂😂 @imacelebrity pic.twitter.com/acXnwBYHtE — Samantha Louise (@Sam__Louise) November 16, 2020
Gonna tell my kids this was Buddy the Elf #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/US5R0DyGvl — I'm A Celebrity... (@imacelebrity) November 16, 2020
Vernon and Jordan had tag-teamed using the shower, which requires another celebrity to keep water pumping out of a watering can above.
The scene also provided some amusement for Vernon’s wife Tess Daly, who said she “saw a bromance starting” between the pair as she shared a clip on Instagram.
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Both Vernon and Jordan will be taking on Tuesday night’s trial Frights Of The Round Table alongside Beverley Callard, which will see them attempting to eat a concoction of nasties in an attempt to win food for camp.
I’m A Celebrity continues tonight at 9pm on ITV.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Howard Stern Makes A Stark Prediction For Trump's Post-White House Plans

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Radio icon Howard Stern had some blunt advice for President Donald Trump over his reported plans to get into media after leaving the White House: Don’t do it.
“[If] he thinks running the country is hard, wait ’til he has to run a news network,” Stern said on Monday on his SiriusXM radio show, according to the New York Daily News.
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The self-anointed “King of All Media” also made a not-so-veiled reference to Trump’s shortcomings in the world of business, warning that any “Trump TV” effort would meet the same fate.
“That’ll fail inside of a year, like all the other businesses,” Stern said. “This is just insanity what’s going on.”
Howard Stern, Donald Trump Getty Images
The radio host also told Trump he needs to concede and help President-elect Joe Biden with the transition.
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“For once do something good for the country, calm down your fucking loony hillbilly friends, and tell them you lost the election and you’re going to help the transition,” he said, according to the Daily News. “These loonies who follow you are all worked up; they think something was taken from them.”
Stern was once friendly with Trump, prior to his presidential bid, and had him on as a guest frequently. Stern has since become a Trump critic, endorsing former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Biden this year.
Trump has not conceded despite losing the election, but several reports have indicated he is preparing to get involved in media ― perhaps with a “Trump TV” project ― after he leaves the White House.
However, it’s not clear what form that supposed enterprise would take.
The Wall Street Journal reported over the weekend that investors with ties to Trump had looked into acquiring conservative outlet Newsmax.
CEO Christopher Ruddy told Variety that would “never” happen but offered Trump a job as host of a weekly show.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Jack Black's TikTok WAP Dance Will Get You In The Mood For Whatever

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Jack Black hasn’t just taken Jumanji to The Next Level. He’s now doing the same for WAP.
On Sunday, the School of Rock star posted his TikTok spoof dance of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s risque video for their hit song.
He high-kicks, twerks, break-dances and gets wet, courtesy of a spraying hose.
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Black, 51, provided quarantine comic relief back in March when he busted some moves wearing cowboy boots ― again shirtless and in a bathing suit. That bit received more than 4 million views, but his WAP dance already earned him more than 22 million overnight.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Taylor Swift Says Scooter Braun Has Now Sold Her Master Recordings As Feud Takes New Turn

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Taylor Swift has said Scooter Braun has now sold the master recordings of much of her back catalogue to a private equity firm.
The US singer has claimed the talent manager would not enter negotiations with her unless she signed an “ironclad” non-disclosure agreement.
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The pair have been embroiled in a bitter (and complicated) public feud after it was revealed Scooter had bought her old label, Big Machine, last year and therefore owned the masters to her first six albums.
In the latest twist in their row, Taylor shared a lengthy note on Twitter on Monday night, saying Scooter had sold her old music to a third party and claimed that before negotiations could start, his team wanted her to sign an “ironclad NDA stating I would never say another word” about him “unless it was positive”.
Taylor Swift Shutterstock
She wrote: “So I would have to sign a document that would silence me forever before I could even have a chance to bid on my own work. My legal team said that this is absolutely NOT normal, and they’ve never seen an NDA like this presented unless it was to silence an assault accuser by paying them off.”
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Taylor said a private equity firm called Shamrock Holdings had bought “100% of my music, videos and album art” from Scooter, and that his team would “not even quote my team a price” for her to buy them back, claiming that “these master recordings were not for sale to me”.
She said the company told her Scooter – whose clients include Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande – had insisted they make no contact with her before the sale was final or the deal would be off.
Been getting a lot of questions about the recent sale of my old masters. I hope this clears things up. pic.twitter.com/sscKXp2ibD — Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) November 16, 2020
Taylor also said the terms of the deal mean Scooter will “continue to profit of my old musical catalogue for many years” and his involvement means she will not forge a partnership with Shamrock Holdings.
The sale means she will have no say in how the recordings are used in advertising, TV, films and on streaming platforms, with the owners earning revenue through these avenues.
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Taylor has confirmed she is now in the process of re-recording her old music, so she would own the masters to the new versions, saying “it has already proven to be both exciting and creatively fulfilling”.
This means she could try and ensure the new versions are streamed by fans and used in any other projects, taking away revenue from the owner of the old versions.
Scooter Braun Shutterstock
Taylor also shared what she said was a letter in response to the private equity firm, which now owns her first six albums.
In it, she said she had been looking forward to working with Shamrock Holdings until she realised Scooter would continue to profit from her work.
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Taylor wrote: “I simply cannot in good conscience bring myself to be involved in benefitting Scooter Braun’s interests directly or indirectly.”
She added that it is a “sacrifice I will have to make to keep Scooter Braun out of my life”.
HuffPost UK has contacted a representative for Scooter Braun for comment.
Scooter bought most of Taylor’s back catalogue when his company, Ithaca Holdings, purchased Big Machine Label Group, her first record label in 2019.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Joe Biden Says ‘More People May Die’ If Trump Keeps Obstructing Transition

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President-elect Joe Biden said Monday that the biggest threat posed by President Donald Trump’s refusal to cooperate with his transition team is that “more people may die” if he can’t access the outgoing administration’s Covid-19 vaccine distribution plans.
When Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris delivered remarks on the economy in Wilmington, Delaware, an NBC reporter asked Biden what he saw as the biggest threat to his transition, “given President Trump’s unprecedented attempt to obstruct and delay a smooth transfer of power.”
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“More people may die if we don’t coordinate,” Biden answered. “As my chief of staff, Ron Klain, would say … a vaccine is important. It’s of little use until you’re vaccinated. So how do we get the vaccine, how do we get over 300 million Americans vaccinated? What’s the game plan?”
Q: "What do you see as the biggest threat to your transition right now given President Trump's unprecedented attempt to obstruct and delay a smooth transfer of power?"
President-Elect Biden: "More people may die if we don't coordinate."
Full video: https://t.co/WANwvEyYLg pic.twitter.com/ZvJ6FiCi1s — CSPAN (@cspan) November 16, 2020
Trump has refused to concede the election, despite all major media networks projecting Biden, who is far ahead in both the popular and electoral votes, as the winner. Trump’s campaign continues to allege voter fraud and ballot-counting irregularities, but lacks the evidence to prove it.
The Trump-appointed head of the General Services Administration has refused to acknowledge Biden as the president-elect, obstructing his team’s access to necessary funds, offices and personnel that would facilitate a smooth transfer of power.
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Part of that transition includes sharing vital information from Operation Warp Speed, the Trump administration’s program that facilitates and accelerates the development, manufacturing and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines.
“It’s a huge, huge, huge undertaking to get it done, prioritise those greatest in need, and work our way through it ― and also cooperate with the World Health Organisation and the rest of the world in dealing with this,” Biden said.
“If we have to wait until January 20 to start that planning, it puts us behind over a month, month and a half,” he explained. “So it’s important that it be done, that there be coordination ― now, or as rapidly as we can get that done.”
In his remarks on Monday, the president-elect also implored Americans to continue wearing face masks as the nation heads into the winter with Covid-19 cases surging.
President-Elect Biden: "There's nothing macho about not wearing a mask."
Full video: https://t.co/WANwvEyYLg pic.twitter.com/7SwkpYST7w — CSPAN (@cspan) November 16, 2020
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“It’s about patriotism,” Biden said of wearing masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. “It’s about being patriotic. It’s about saving lives, for real; it’s not a hyperbole.”
Meanwhile, Trump and many Republican leaders claim that mask mandates take away Americans’ freedoms and don’t make a difference in curbing the virus’ spread. Public health experts have long said that wearing a mask can help stop the spread of the virus and save lives.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Celebs Defend Harry Styles After He Gets Attacked For His Vogue Cover Dress

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Olivia Wilde and Zach Braff are among the stars defending Harry Styles after the singer came under fire from a small but vocal group of critics for his embrace of gender-fluid fashion.
In November, Vogue magazine unveiled photos from its December issue, featuring Styles on the cover. In several of the images, the former One Direction member pairs a floor-length Gucci gown with a tuxedo jacket.
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.@harry_styles is our December issue cover star!
Read how the star is making and playing by his own rules: https://t.co/tQPLi5OEtj pic.twitter.com/AxZgxE68Rx — Vogue Magazine (@voguemagazine) November 13, 2020
The photos drew a scathing response from right-wing author Candace Owens, who argued on Twitter that Styles was indicative of the “steady feminisation of our men,” adding, “Bring back manly men.”
Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro felt similarly. “Anyone who pretends that it is not a referendum on masculinity for men to don floofy dresses is treating you as a full-on idiot,” he tweeted.
But the vocal majority online appear to be loving the new looks.
“Harry Styles is plenty manly, because manly is whatever you want it to be, not what some insecure, toxic, woman-hating, homophobic dickheads decided it was hundreds of years ago,” Jameela Jamil tweeted. “He’s 104% perfect.”
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Also... this was at one time considered very manly. Wigs, make up, tights, frills... maybe this is the comeback of the “manly man.” pic.twitter.com/8dvSRGYj4w — Jameela Jamil 🌈 (@jameelajamil) November 16, 2020
Braff offered similar sentiments ...
Our whole lives boys and men are told we need to be manly. Life is short. Be whatever the fuck you want to be. pic.twitter.com/oY6ji3tpaI — Zach Braff (@zachbraff) November 16, 2020
... as did Chasten Buttigieg, the husband of former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg.
Love love love this @Harry_Styles @voguemagazine spread. I remember when some said I played into “heteronormativity” by wearing chinos in @TIME. Honestly, what can you wear these days? Oh yeah. That’s right. Anything you damn well please. — Chasten Buttigieg (@Chasten) November 16, 2020
And Wilde, who is currently directing the singer in the forthcoming thriller “Don’t Worry, Darling,” fired back at Owens with just two words.
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You’re pathetic. — olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) November 16, 2020
Others pointed out that the Vogue cover story isn’t Styles’ first time challenging gender norms through fashion. Musical predecessors like David Bowie and Prince broke similar barriers during their heydays, too.
As of Monday, Styles had yet to respond directly to the critics. In his Vogue interview, however, he appeared to brace himself for some pushback.
“Clothes are there to have fun with and experiment with and play with. What’s really exciting is that all of these lines are just kind of crumbling away,” he said. “When you take away ‘There’s clothes for men and there’s clothes for women,’ once you remove any barriers, obviously you open up the arena in which you can play.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Prepare Your Mind, Body And Soul To See Meryl Streep Rap In Netflix's The Prom

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Over her illustrious 40-year career onscreen, Meryl Streep has mastered river rafting, playing the violin, the French culinary arts, opera singing and a globe-spanning command of accents.
Now, she’s about to add rapping to her overstuffed résumé, according to Ryan Murphy, who teased that fans will see a new side of Streep when The Prom arrives on Netflix on 11 Dec.
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The Oscar winner plays fading musical theatre star Dee Dee Allen in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical, which boasts an all-star cast, including James Corden, Nicole Kidman and Kerry Washington.
To give the movie musical an extra-special something, Murphy and team added an original closing number called Wear Your Crown centered around the women in the film.
Meryl Streep in Netflix's The Prom. MELINDA SUE GORDON/NETFLIX
“I told the songwriting team and the composer, ‘Let’s do something upbeat, that we can send people out in a celebratory fashion,’” the prolific producer told Variety in an interview published on Monday. “Let’s have all the women do the vocal tracks.”
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“Furthermore, let’s have Meryl Streep rap,” he added.
“They were like, ‘What?’ I said, ‘I want her to rap. I need her to rap,’” Murphy continued. “They laughed, and they went off and wrote the song ‘Wear Your Crown,’ and it’s optimistic and makes you feel good. It has a message of fighting intolerance and being proud of who you are. We wanted to leave young people with that feeling.”
And, per Murphy, Streep was more than up for the task, as she nailed her verse on the first try.
“I think Meryl fans are going to go crazy for it,” he added. “I have a video of Meryl rapping. She was so good that we used her first take, which just goes to show you there’s nothing that Meryl Streep cannot do.”
While Streep has consistently flexed her musical abilities in recent years, rapping is still a relatively new frontier.
Fans will remember that her role as the Witch in Stephen Sondheim’s fairy-tale musical Into the Woods required her to speak-sing several verses.
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Corden at the time said that her rapping skills were so well finessed that a “second career beckons,” adding that she was “less an Eminem, more a 50 Cent type,” according to Vanity Fair.
But don’t expect her to be dropping any expletive-laden bars in The Prom, which Murphy told Variety was a “love letter to Hollywood musicals” suitable for all ages.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Jordan North Crowned 'Most Terrified I'm A Celebrity Contestant Ever' Following Viper Vault Challeng

Jordan North Crowned 'Most Terrified I'm A Celebrity Contestant Ever' Following Viper Vault Challenge

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Jordan North has been crowned the most terrified I’m A Celebrity contestant ever after confronting his fear of snakes in the show’s latest trial.
The Radio 1 DJ and EastEnders star Shane Richie tackled The Viper Vault challenge on Monday’s episode of the ITV show, which saw them locked inside vaults built into the floor of the Welsh castle hosting this year’s series.
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Inside each vault were five locked safes, each containing a star that would earn a meal for camp.
But a very pale-looking Jordan, who vomited before tackling a cliff abseil in the first show, almost didn’t go through with the challenge, admitting snakes were his biggest fear.
Jordan North (left) and Shane Richie ITV/Shutterstock
“I’ve never been this scared in my life,” he told hosts Ant and Dec.
After much persuading from Shane, Jordan eventually decided to go ahead with the challenge and once inside the vault he had viewers – and a certain Radio 1 colleague – in hysterics as he repeatedly screamed about his “happy place” as he tried to get through the trial.
HAPPYPLACEHAPPYPLACETURFMOORHAPPYPLACEHAPPYPLACETURFMOOR — nick grimshaw (@grimmers) November 16, 2020
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After nabbing nine stars, a relieved Jordan said: “My brother said to me…” only for Shane to cut in and say: “Why didn’t you do Strictly Come Dancing?”
The Viper Vault almost got the better of @jordannorth1, but channeling his happy place saw him and @realshanerichie bag an impressive 9 stars for Camp! 🌟 #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/USwymG0Ac5 — I'm A Celebrity... (@imacelebrity) November 16, 2020
Jordan added: “That is the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done in my life… ever.”
Unfortunately for Jordan, the public have voted for him to take part in Tuesday night’s Frights Of The Round Table eating trial alongside Vernon Kay and Beverley Callard.
Let’s hope he’s got the stomach for it.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Police Officer Could Be Fired ‘For Using 7p Barcode To Buy £10 Krispy Kreme Donuts’

A police officer allegedly tried to buy a £9.95 box of 12 Krispy Kreme donuts for seven pence by sticking a barcode for carrots on them and going through a self-service checkout.
PC Simon Read faces a misconduct hearing over the alleged incident at Tesco Extra in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire on February 10 this year.
Papers say his alleged breach of professional standards is “so serious that dismissal would be justified”.
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It is alleged that PC Read entered the supermarket while in uniform and on duty and selected a cardboard tray of 12 Krispy Kreme donuts priced at £9.95, with a barcode on.
PC Read is accused of acting dishonestly and without integrity by knowingly paying seven pence for the donuts when he knew he should have paid £9.95 (file picture) PA
He is said to have gone to the fruit and vegetable area and used the self-service scales to obtain a barcode sticker for carrots with a price of seven pence.
He stuck the carrot barcode on the donut tray and scanned it at a self-service checkout so that he was charged seven pence for the donuts instead of £9.95, it is claimed.
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PC Read is accused of acting dishonestly and without integrity by knowingly paying seven pence for the donuts when he knew he should have paid £9.95.