thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--Johnson Has Treated You Like A Child For Too Long. Now He’s Facing The Consequences

LOADING ERROR LOADING
As we enter a second lockdown in the UK, the issue in everybody’s mind is whether people will comply.
After all, you can close the workplaces and the shops and the pubs all you like, but if people then congregate and socialise and drink in their homes, then you are simply wasting your time.
Advertisement
And, as we ponder this issue, we are reverting to the questions that fatally delayed the first lockdown. Do people lack the grit to stick with it? Or will fatigue take over?
But as Thomas Pynchon once observed, if you get people asking the wrong questions, you don’t need to worry about the answers. And the reason why these questions are wrong is that they presuppose that the problem – and also what differs between March and November – lies within the individual.
But of far greater significance is what is happening – and has changed – between individuals (who are asked to abide by restrictions) and the government (which is imposing them).
At the UK level, there has been a profound shift in the relationship between the government and the people. Confidence in the Government has fallen from a little above 70% in April to around 30% today.
Advertisement
Now, the relationship between factors like confidence and trust, on the one hand, and compliance on the other is not straightforward. It is clearer in some areas, like getting tested and providing your contacts, which involve engaging with authority, than in others, such as maintaining distance and reducing contacts, which don’t.
In order to understand how to win trust back it is helpful to examine how it was lost. And here one event clearly stands out. In late May, following Dominic Cummings’ trip from London to Durham there was a precipitous drop in the trust ratings of Johnson and his UK government (though not in the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales).
“In the midst of the greatest crisis of our generation, we need a leadership to unite us and rally us. For that, we need a government we can trust – and right now we don’t have one.”
The reason why this event was so corrosive was not so much to do with what Cummings had done as the fact that it was defended – and even praised – by the prime minister and other members of his cabinet.
Advertisement
This incident, and its effects, reflects a broad psychological literature on the influence of leaders and compliance with authorities. The key point is that people will trust leaders and authorities and go along with them to the extent that they are seen as being of “us” and acting for “us”. So how do leaders have to act in order to gain our trust? In a phrase, treat the public like a partner: listen to us, respond to our concerns, respect us, be open and honest with us.
If the Cummings debacle is a particularly egregious example of breaking down any sense of “being in this together”, the real problem lies much more in the many mundane ways in which government has related to the public during the pandemic.
Paternalism has trumped partnership. Johnson and his ministers have treated us as errant children who are to blame for breaking rules and allowing infections to spike. They have lectured and hectored us, informing us that it is our duty to do the right thing, and they have threatened us with punishment if we do the wrong thing.
By acting in these various ways, the government continue to position themselves as other to us, and hence lead us equally to position them as other. So bang goes partnership, trust and adherence.
Advertisement
Through their actions, the government violates one of the first rules of social influence: you rarely inspire people to act by talking down to them. Rather, people will listen to you to the extent that you show yourself to be on their side. You achieve traction more through what you do than what you say.
To be more concrete, the government must stop seeing compliance in terms of a civic duty and more in terms of a civic contract: let them concentrate less on what we need to do and more on what they need to do themselves: to provide a functional testing system, to support the public to abide by restrictions, to create safe environments for where we work and relax.
If the government takes its own responsibility to support us seriously then they are in a better position when it comes to asking us to take our responsibilities seriously (as indeed we must to control the spread of infection).
In the midst of the greatest crisis of our generation, we need a leadership to unite us and rally us. For that, we need a government we can trust – and right now we don’t have one.
The good news is that trust can be regained as well as lost. But for that to happen there must be a radical reset of the way they relate to the public – as radical as the reset needed in our testing system to make that work too, and just as important.
Advertisement
Stephen Reicher is Wardlaw Professor of Psychology at the University of St. Andrews and member of Independent SAGE.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--Fancy A Nibble On Santa’s Yumnut? This New M&S Treat Is Raising Eyebrows

HuffPost is part of Verizon Media .
We and our partners will store and/or access information on your device through @ @ @ @ @ similar technologies , to display personalised ads and content , for ad and content measurement @ @ @ @ @ development .
Your personal data that may be used • Information about your device and @ @ @ @ @ IP address • Browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media websites and apps Find @ @ @ @ @ use your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy .
To enable Verizon Media @ @ @ @ @ your personal data select ' I agree ' , or select 'Manage settings ' for @ @ @ @ @ your choices .
You can change your choices at any time by visiting Your Privacy @ @

M&S Santa's Yumnuts
From the same supermarket kitchen that brought us the infamous Love Sausage comes another intriguingly-named product that is raising plenty of eyebrows and, well, proving our minds are all very much in the gutter.
Marks and Spencer is selling a new festive treat named Santa’s Yumnut, which has met with quite the reaction after its grand unveiling on social media.
Advertisement
The sweet treat is pretty innocent in nature – a yum yum-doughnut hybrid with flaky pastry layers and a sweet Santa’s belt topping.
So far, so delicious.
And perhaps we could forgive the name on its own, but when M&S tweeted a very tongue-in-cheek “Who wants a bite of Santa’s Yumnut?” on November 5, it was too much to handle.
Who wants a bite of Santa’s Yumnut™? Our yum yum-doughnut hybrids have been given a Christmassy makeover, with delicious flaky pastry layers and a sweet Santa’s belt topping. Find them in our in store bakery. pic.twitter.com/BcWwxOo26r — M&S (@marksandspencer) November 5, 2020
People had thoughts.
Well that’s below the belt! — Whisky Tennessee (@Glamino) November 5, 2020
Advertisement
'Who wants a bite of Santa's Yumnut?' is simultaneously the best and worst sentence of all time https://t.co/O1Nh369ZOC — Fred Delicious (@Fred_Delicious) November 5, 2020
EXACTLY HOW MANY PEOPLE SIGNED OFF ON THE NAME? — 🍍Heckboy🍍 (@outofmyplanet) November 5, 2020
That sounds... rude. — Lis (@mrslisrs) November 5, 2020
Advertisement
Santa reading this like pic.twitter.com/N2PDLGXofT — Alex Trayce (@lextf92) November 5, 2020
Unless you're very specifically into having that kind of present wrapped under the tree, nobody wants a taste of "Santa's Yumnut." https://t.co/o7tTSI1tXj — Jonathan H. Gray is... ✪ The Noiseferatu ✪ (@jongraywb) November 5, 2020
There was also a lot of disbelief that the retailer had actually trademarked Yumnut. (It has, FYI.)
For those interested in sampling the ‘Yumnut’, the doughnut hybrid is now ready and waiting in stores and costs £4 for three or £1.50 for one on its own. Bon appetit.
I would like to thank @marksandspencer for giving us Santa's Yumnut (tm) at a time when we all really, really needed a good laugh. — Anne Perry, Esq. (@thefingersofgod) November 5, 2020


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--Trevor Noah Reveals How Donald Trump Has Flipped A Racist Insult On Its Head

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Trevor Noah accused President Donald Trump of reaching a new level of stupidity “that I did not expect” with his premature declaration of victory in the 2020 election.
“Sometimes it feels like Trump is an actual toddler,” The Daily Show host said on Wednesday.
Noah asked viewers to “take a moment to admit” that Trump’s demand that states stop counting votes while he is in the lead is “insane.”
Advertisement
“This is a textbook authoritarian move, which is impressive coming from a guy who’s never read a textbook,” the comedian cracked.
“For a guy who hates ‘shithole’ countries, Trump really likes to jack their style,” Trevor added. “I never thought I’d see the day when someone yelling at me to ‘go back to Africa’ sounded more like a concern for my rights than a threat.”
Check out the video below...


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--Emily Maitlis Baffled By Trump Supporter Spouting Election Conspiracy Theories

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Emily Maitlis has earned praise for her no-nonsense approach to a Trump supporter who insisted on pushing baseless election conspiracy theories during a televised interview.
Randi Reed, a Republican congressional candidate who ran for Nevada earlier in 2020, appeared on Newsnight on Wednesday evening as the 2020 presidential election rumbled on.
Advertisement
Maitlis started the interview by asking Reed if she would like to hear Donald Trump accepting the result that current polling had found – which puts Joe Biden narrowly ahead of the sitting president.
Reed replied: “Absolutely not. I completely agree with Trump that we need to get to the bottom of what’s going on before he can accept, let alone concede, the seat.
“To have an absolute stop in vote counting is completely unacceptable, but at the same time the Democrats laid out the exact plan and we’re just living it right now.”
“Sorry, I don’t understand,” Maitlis replied. She addd: “You’ve heard Donald Trump in a tweet claim victory in Pennsylvania, which hasn’t finished counting, victory in North Carolina, which hasn’t finished counting, and victory in Michigan, which has been given to Joe Biden and the Democrats.
Advertisement
“Why is he doing that?”
Reed replied: “Because we look at what happened last night. Before the Democrats decided to put a stop to actual vote counting, Trump had an amazing surge.
“They did the math and realised that if Trump were to win those states that he was going to surpass 270 [the number of electoral college votes needed to win the presidency], and the Democrats wouldn’t allow that, there’s no way.”
“What do you mean they stopped? They’re still counting the votes,” Maitlis challenged. “That’s the whole point – they’re still counting a lot of votes.”
Reed then doubled down on her claim, which mirrors a baseless theory shared among Republicans that Pennsylvania had stopped counting votes. This has since been been widely debunked, including by Philadelphia commissioner Al Schmidt, who tweeted: “Philadelphia will NOT stop counting ALL legitimate votes cast by eligible voters.
“And we will report and report and report until the last vote is counted.”
Philadelphia will NOT stop counting ALL legitimate votes cast by eligible voters. And we will report and report and report until the last vote is counted. See for yourself: https://t.co/El2XfWKxQw — Commissioner Al Schmidt (@Commish_Schmidt) November 4, 2020
Advertisement
Faced with the Republican candidate’s insistence that election officials had stopped counting votes after they had seen a “surge” for Trump, Maitlis responded: “I don’t think I even understand what you’re saying. They’ve been counting the votes.”
Reed also said the voting had resumed, but maintained that any stop in voting had corrupted the election. Asked if she thought an alleged pause in the count “delegitimises the entire election”, Reed said mail-in voting as a whole had delegitimised the voting process.
Reed’s nonsensical argument also further exposed the divisions in reasoning between Republican campaigners, some of whom have protested at polling stations to chant “stop the vote” while others, like Reed, claim that stopping the count is the exact problem.
Viewers in the UK widely praised Maitlis for her stance during the interview, with one social media user writing that the clip “sums up our collective reaction to four years of unhinged nonsense from Trump cultists.”
OMG Emily Maitlis is taking absolutely no shit from a deluded Trump supporter right now and it’s incredible — Nicola Coughlan (@nicolacoughlan) November 4, 2020
Advertisement
"I don't even think I understand what you're saying". Love Emily Maitlis SO much. #Newsnight — Suzanne Seyghal (@CurlyAdventurer) November 4, 2020
Emily Maitlis is brilliant. Relentless, takes no shit from these lying idiots and doesn't bother paying them the courtesy they don't deserve of being polite. Fantastic to watch.#Newsnight — John Featherstone (@johnfeath) November 4, 2020
Emily Maitlis spoke for Britain when she said “I really don’t understand what you’re saying” to this Republican Nevadan.#BBCNewsnight — Joshua Garfield (@JoshuaGarfield) November 4, 2020


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--Warner Bros Apologises After The Witches Film Sparks Backlash Over Depiction Of Limb Difference

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Warner Bros has issued an apology after many disabled people took issue with the way limb difference was depicted in their new film version of The Witches.
Released last month, the new adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic book sees Anne Hathaway in the lead role of the Grand High Witch.
Advertisement
The film adds a new detail not seen in the original book – or the first adaptation starring Anjelica Huston – in which her character has only three fingers on each hand.
Following the film’s debut, many disabled public figures voiced their disapproval of this detail, suggesting it perpetuates stigma around disability.
Anne Hathaway as the Grand High Witch in The Witches Warner Bros
“Was there much thought given as to how this representation of limb differences would effect the limb difference community?!” questioned Paralympian Amy Marren, who said: “It’s upsetting to [see] something that makes a person different being represented as something scary.
Advertisement
“This opens up all new difficult conversations for those with limb differences and sets back what we are trying to achieve which is to celebrate who you are.”
@WarnerBrosUK was there much thought given as to how this representation of limb differences would effect the limb difference community?! @ReachCharity @RoaldFull pic.twitter.com/kiTEAuYt7i — Amy Marren (@amy_marren) November 2, 2020
Since then, many people with disabilities have been posting photos of themselves on social media, using the hashtag #NotAWitch.
Why missing fingers??
Here we go again...
Using disability as a costume and to highlight a character as a “baddie”.
Children with limb differences rarely get to see themselves represented truthfully. But instead get shown as scary monsters?
Not what we need 😑#TheWitches pic.twitter.com/AApqu1Nodx — Melissa Johns (@Melissa_Clare_J) November 2, 2020
😡 @wbpictures out of all ways to create fear & horror in the new @thewitchesmovie you chose to use limb difference. Which is NOT SCARY!
This could seriously hurt and marginalise those with limb differences and create misinformed ideas on limb differences. NOT OK! #NotAWitch pic.twitter.com/L3vDzPr2vR — Laurie Williams (@LaurieWilliams8) November 4, 2020
Advertisement
Enough children stare and are scared of me because of my scars and hand without the new #TheWitchesMovie portraying disabilities to be scary too... it’s 2020!! So much for equality 🙄 SHAME @WarnerBrosUK #NotAWitch #LimbDifference pic.twitter.com/83QZjmya5N — Catrin Pugh (@CatrinPugh) November 3, 2020
Hey @wbpictures , thanks for your attempt to convince audiences people with limb difference (LD) are evil, scary and the villain. It's not like children with LD have much against them already #notawitch pic.twitter.com/xGXFOo6vFQ — Becky Cant (@BeckyCant) November 2, 2020
Hey @warnerbros - missing fingers doesn’t make someone bad or equate evil. Lazy stereotyping on your part. It’s hard enough challenging assumptions and stereotypes about disability without major film companies perpetuating nonsense. PLEASE DO BETTER #NotAWitch #WarnerBros pic.twitter.com/0yAJNXtdWO — Dr Amanda Bates (@Red_Fringe) November 3, 2020
Limb difference is not scary. Differences should be celebrated and disability has to be normalised. #NotAWitch calls out ‘#TheWitches’ movie for portrayal of disability 👉 https://t.co/aSY1U6TymE pic.twitter.com/UCU87bUeV8 — Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) November 3, 2020
Advertisement
Apologising in a statement issued to Deadline, a spokesperson for Warner Bros said: “We the filmmakers and Warner Bros. Pictures are deeply saddened to learn that our depiction of the fictional characters in The Witches could upset people with disabilities, and regret any offence caused.
“In adapting the original story, we worked with designers and artists to come up with a new interpretation of the cat-like claws that are described in the book. It was never the intention for viewers to feel that the fantastical, non-human creatures were meant to represent them.”
They added: “This film is about the power of kindness and friendship. It is our hope that families and children can enjoy the film and embrace this empowering, love-filled theme.”
Warner Bros’ new version of The Witches also stars Octavia Spencer, Stanley Tucci and voice acting from Chris Rock.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--Rishi Sunak Extends Furlough Scheme Until March In Latest U-Turn

LOADING ERROR LOADING
The 80% furlough scheme has been extended until the end of March for any firm hit by local or national lockdowns, chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed in a major U-turn.
Speaking in the Commons, the chancellor pointed to a “worsening economic backdrop” as England’s second national lockdown begun.
Advertisement
Sunak said the government’s highest priority remains “to protect jobs and livelihoods”.
The decision to extend the furlough scheme will be reviewed in January.
The government has also said that, iund people who lost their jobs when furlough ended in October can be re-employed and re-furloughed by their employers.
It comes amid fears the pandemic will spark mass joblessness due to the hit to the economy.
Boris Johnson had previously confirmed that the 80% furlough, which sees the government pick up the wage bill for those forced out of work during restrictions, would restart in England in November, as the country goes into lockdown, until December 2.
But Sunak’s announcement extends the scheme until the end of March and follows furious rows between the government and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham over ministers imposing a much-inferior 67% emergency wages scheme in areas facing tier 3 local lockdowns.
The first ministers of Scotland and Wales, Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford, had also hit out at the Treasury amid reports other national lockdowns would not see the 80% scheme attached.
Advertisement
As during the first lockdown, payments will be capped at £2,500 a month.
Sunak said the support the government was offering would protect “millions of jobs”.
“In the face of such an unprecedented crisis, the government must be flexible to ever-changing circumstances,” he said.
“It is not a weakness to be agile and fast-moving in the face of a crisis, but rather a strength and that will not change.”
He also rejected suggestions that the government has treated workers in the north of England as “second-class citizens” in recent weeks.
Labour’s Margaret Greenwood, who represents Wirral West, challenged Sunak in the Commons: “Can the chancellor explain why workers in the north were expected to get by on 67% of their pre-crisis wages when tier 3 restrictions were put in place but that has now changed to 80% once areas in the south are being locked down?
“And will he give a cast-iron guarantee to people in Wirral West that workers in the north will never again be treated as second-class citizens?”
Advertisement
Sunak replied it was a “misrepresentation” to say people were not being treated equally, adding: “It’s simply not the case that the wage support schemes we’ve put in place differentiate between people on the basis of where they live.”
Conservative MP Peter Bone, meanwhile, questioned how the country will pay for the “unprecedented” support.
Congratulating the Chancellor on “the enormous amount of help” he has provided, Bone added: “But could the chancellor tell us how the country is going to pay for that support?”
Sunak replied that “in the short-term”, the cash would come from “extensive borrowing”, and added: “Now, that is not a sustainable situation, so as we continue to recover and grow we will have to make sure we reduce our structural deficit over time in line with the recommendations from the IMF to stabilise that.
“In the first instance, that will come through growth, but also we’ll need to make sure that our public finances are balanced appropriately ensuring that we can pass a strong economy onto the next generation.”
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--Jimmy Kimmel Points Out Trump’s Biggest Post-Election Hypocrisy

LOADING ERROR LOADING
America might need some medical help as a result of the still-unresolved election battle between President Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Joe Biden, Jimmy Kimmel said.
“I thought if your election lasted more than 48 hours you’re supposed to seek medical attention,” the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! said. Instead, the race remains “closer than Donald and Ivanka at a father-daughter dance.”
Advertisement
Trump has threatened to sue to stop the vote-counting in Pennsylvania, where he is ahead, but wants it to proceed in Arizona, where he’s behind.
“Right. Stop counting the votes,” Jimmy said. “Stop counting the votes in the states where I’m ahead, in the states we’re not, keep tallying, OK?”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--I'm A Teacher, And You're Wrong To Call Us Lazy

Maria Symchych-Navrotska via Getty Images
As we find ourselves looking down the barrel of a second national lockdown, it’s a strange time to be a teacher.
We aren’t immune to the terrifying figures revealed in press conferences and commons debates. We understand the projections of deaths higher than all previous reasonable worst case scenarios. We understand increasing prevalence of the virus in almost all corners of the UK.
Advertisement
We also understand, of course, the potentially devastating impact of taking children out of schools again – and why it should be a last resort.
I’d argue we understand it better than many people do because we see the difference education can make – especially in the lives of children who might be lacking support and stability elsewhere. The truth is, it’s why most of us do the job.
So I’ll be honest, the relentless teacher bashing that seems to be standard whenever staff raise safety concerns about schools remaining open, is already getting pretty old.
“It is possible to be both deeply concerned about the wellbeing of children and yet also not want to get Covid ourselves or pass it onto our vulnerable loved ones.”
Advertisement
“Won’t somebody please think of the children?” is how the narrative begins, reasonably enough. But a quick scroll through the social media of your choice will usually show it swiftly descending into accusations that teachers are simply lazy and scenting after a cheeky few weeks of extra holiday.
Last time, it was suggested we were all sitting at home, counting the money from our generous salaries and laughing as children’s educational chances slithered down the drain.
This time, we’re desperate, apparently, for the chance to vegetate on our lazy backsides again – unwilling to do our bit like the doctors and the nurses and the supermarket workers.
But the truth is, it is possible to be both deeply concerned about the wellbeing of children and yet also not want to get Covid ourselves or pass it onto our vulnerable loved ones.
“We’re the only key workers expected to continue on the frontline without PPE or basic protections, exposed to tens of contacts a day, children and adults.”
Advertisement
And what the genuinely unpleasant levels of vitriol directed at teachers fail to account for is the fact that those working in education are in a uniquely challenging situation.
Teachers didn’t “have six months off” during lockdown. They were teaching online, or in schools looking after key worker and vulnerable children – often trying to do both simultaneously.
Schools have tirelessly pulled their sleeves up in the face of last minute, confusing government announcements, doing their best despite knowing they’ll be damned either way.
But most importantly, we’re the only key workers expected to continue on the frontline without PPE or basic protections, exposed to tens of contacts a day, children and adults.
And this idea that schools aren’t transmission focused is looking increasingly dubious, with Office for National Statistics figures estimating that 1% of primary pupils and 2% of secondary pupils have the virus, and that these levels have increased dramatically since wider opening in September.
Advertisement
“Why is it simply a given that teachers should be willing to hurl themselves against the barricades, regardless of the risks this might entail?”
I worry for my older colleagues, for my colleagues with asthma – and I find myself increasingly incensed by arguments that schools are “covid secure” now.
Yes, we have staggered start times and year group bubbles and hand sanitiser everywhere (all measures that schools themselves have organised and implemented). But the truth is, bigger changes from higher up the chain are also required.
Schools need more space and more staff to really make things as safe as they can be, but, thus far. the government has been unwilling to countenance suggestions or work with education leaders to achieve this.
Then there are the people who waive away arguments that school closures might be necessary by pointing out how unlikely children and young people are to become severely ill.
Advertisement
Every teacher I know is glad that this is (for the most part) the case, (though presumably some of the older family members of these children are less protected).
But again why is the wellbeing of the adults who work in education settings so unimportant as to barely even merit a mention? Why is it simply a given that, as long as it’s OK for children, teachers and support staff should be willing to hurl themselves against the barricades, regardless of the risks this might entail?
Like many people, in the end I began to view the “clap for our carers” initiative over the spring and summer with some skepticism – after all, as nice as regard and appreciation are, proper financial support and decent working conditions matter more.
But the final insult to injury in all of this is that teachers and schools mostly don’t even seem to be worthy of the appreciation.
The very people who are so quick to accuse teachers of being lazy and irresponsible and not really caring enough are the same ones telling us that schools are of vital importance. That’s some truly impressive double-think.
Advertisement
The truth is – I don’t know if I want schools to close or not. The truth is, I feel very torn. I want to be at work, doing my best to make a difference in the lives of children, but I want myself and my colleagues and our families to be safe too.
Surely, as a society, we ought to be able to recognise this complexity without saying awful things about the people to whom we entrust the care of our children.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--Elsa Raven, Titanic And Back To The Future Star, Dies Aged 91

Elsa Raven, the American actor who appeared in films like Back To The Future and Titanic, has died at the age of 91.
Her agent confirmed that she had died at her home in Los Angeles.
In the late 1980s, Elsa – whose real name was Elsa Rabinowitz – appeared in the sitcom Amen as Inga the maid, as well as the TV series Wiseguy, playing Carlotta, the mother of Ken Wahl’s character.
One film from which fans will recognise her is the 80s classic Back To The Future, in which she played the “Clock Tower Lady”.
Advertisement
Elsa in Back To The Future, in which she played "Clock Tower Lady" Universal
Her Back To The Future character – whose catchphrase was “save the clock tower” – was determined to save the town clock tower, in opposition to the local mayor, who wanted to have the whole thing replaced.
Elsa also played Ida Straus, the wife of Isidor Straus (played by Lew Palter), in Titanic. Ida and Isidor Straus were two real-life passengers who died in the 1912 disaster.
Although a lot of her scenes from Titanic were cut, Elsa and Lew appear in one of the film’s most enduring moments, when the two are seen holding one another while lying on their bed, as the ship goes down.
Advertisement
Elsa in her most famous Titanic scene 20th Century Fox
Other films and TV credits Elsa appeared in over the years include The Amityville Horror, Indecent Proposal, The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air and Everybody Loves Raymond.
Her final on-screen role was in the 2011 film Answers To Nothing.
Deadline reports that Elsa is survived by her 15 nieces and nephews.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--What You Need To Know If You're Shielding In Lockdown

LOADING ERROR LOADING
New support measures were revealed for those in the clinically extremely vulnerable category – also known as ‘shielders’ – hours before England went into lockdown.
Charities supporting the vulnerable accused the government of causing “untold amounts of stress” on these groups, with leaders saying they were “frustrated” by the last-minute updates and that many people had been left “bewildered and anxious”, PA reported.
Advertisement
Tracey Loftis, head of policy and public affairs at Versus Arthritis, said: “Without advance notice, people do not have time to plan and adapt their lives for the new rules. This can affect jobs and caring responsibilities, leaving people feeling isolated and confused.”
Meanwhile Professor Mark Woolhouse, an expert in infectious disease epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh, said the new guidance “feels like an afterthought” and “should have been made weeks ago”.
While the recognition of extra protection to the most vulnerable is welcome, he said, “we have to ask why the need to protect the vulnerable has not been at the forefront of the response over the past few weeks”.
So what do shielders need to know this time around?
Advertisement
Justin Paget via Getty Images
New groups added to the extremely clinically vulnerable list
People with chronic kidney disease (stage 5) or undergoing dialysis, as well as adults with Down’s syndrome, have been added to the clinically extremely vulnerable list after evidence found they’re at higher risk from Covid-19 than the general population.
This means those with the following conditions now fall into the clinically extremely vulnerable group:
solid organ transplant recipients
people with specific cancers:
people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy
people with lung cancer who are undergoing radical radiotherapy
people with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma who are at any stage of treatment
people having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer
people having other targeted cancer treatments that can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors
people who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs
people with severe respiratory conditions including all cystic fibrosis, severe asthma and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
people with rare diseases that significantly increase the risk of infections (such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), homozygous sickle cell)
people on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection
adults with Down’s syndrome
adults on dialysis or with chronic kidney disease (Stage 5)
women who are pregnant with significant heart disease, congenital or acquired
other people who have also been classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, based on clinical judgement and an assessment of their needs.
Letters will be going out later this week to all those identified as clinically extremely vulnerable, providing them with further detail on the updated guidance and on how to access the support available.
Advertisement
What’s the advice for these people?
Many shielders have been continuing to do so since the first lockdown over fears for their safety, despite the official period ending on August 1.
For those who haven’t, the new guidance advises to stay at home as much as possible, except to go outdoors to exercise or attend health appointments. But they can exercise with those they live with or in their support bubble.
They are urged to avoid all non-essential travel, but should continue to travel to hospital and GP appointments unless told otherwise by their doctor.
They are “strongly advised” not to go to any shops or to pharmacies.
The message is clear that if people cannot work from home, they should not attend work. These people may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay, Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit or the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme during this period of national measures, reads the government advice.
The formal shielding notification can act as evidence for your employer or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that you should not work outside of your home for the period stated in the letter, adds the guidance.
Advertisement
What about vulnerable kids?
Most children originally on the shielded patient list can still attend school, according to the guidance. But if parents are unsure or worried, they are urged to contact their child’s GP or hospital clinician to check whether they should still be considered clinically extremely vulnerable.
If a GP or clinician has advised that a child should remain on the shielded patient list, they should not attend school.
Deputy chief medical officer for England, Dr Jenny Harries, said: “Our guidance for this group of individuals has always been advisory, but I would strongly urge all those who are clinically extremely vulnerable to take these extra precautions to keep themselves as safe as possible.”
What’s the advice for people living in the same household as a shielder?
Those living in a household with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable are advised to carry on as normal, attending work and school as per the latest regulations. Most people are urged to work from home where they can.
People who are vulnerable have been urged to try to stay 2 metres away from other people within their household, especially if they display symptoms of the virus or have been advised to self-isolate.
Advertisement
However charities have warned that this isn’t practical advice, especially for those living in smaller, shared spaces.
What support is available?
Aside from the financial benefits people can apply for if they can’t attend work, there are a few other ways to get support.
Shielders will be able to use an online service to request priority access to supermarket delivery slots, and to inform their council they need help.
The government will be providing £32 million to upper tier councils in England which will be used to provide support, such as access to food and signposting to local support of befriending services.
NHS Volunteer Responders will also be on hand once again to help with a regular, friendly phone call, and transport to and from medical appointments. You can call 0808 196 3646 between 8am and 8pm to arrange support or visit NHS Volunteer Responders.
Advertisement
What about those who aren’t extremely clinically vulnerable?


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--Test And Trace Hits New Low With Worst 'Contact Tracing' Rate Since Its Launch

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Boris Johnson’s Test and Trace service has hit another new low after it reported its worst ever figures for tracking down “close contacts” of people with Covid.
The prime minister has recently admitted that the service run by Dido Harding has to get better and hopes the second nationwide lockdown that began on Thursday will give it time to improve.
Advertisement
But the latest statistics showed that the controversial £12bn system saw just 59.9% of cases in England being reached and told to self-isolate to stop the spread of the virus. The figure is down from 60.6% for the previous week.
That means that for the week ending October 28, 40.1% of people who have been in contact with someone testing positive for the virus have not been reached – and therefore not told to self-isolate for 14 days.
A total of 131,136 known people were not reached in that week, meaning they were potentially spreading the virus asymptomatically.
Since the service began, some 598,930 close contacts have not been reached, compared to 1.2m who have.
Advertisement
The figure is the worst since the so-called NHS Test and Trace service, which is largely run by private companies, was launched in May.
The previous worst figure for close contacts was 60% in the week to October 14.
Government scientific experts have advised that the whole system can only work effectively if at least 80% of “close contacts” are actually tracked down and self-isolate
Close contacts are defined as those who have spent more than 15 minutes within two metres of a positive Covid case.
Earlier, justice secretary Robert Buckland said the month-long lockdown that began on Thursday would be used to “redouble our efforts” to expand the NHS Test and Trace programme.
The statistics once again show a big difference in success rates between council-run local teams and the partly outsourced NHS Test and Trace call centres.
Advertisement
For cases managed by local health protection teams, a much higher 97.9% of contacts were reached and asked to self-isolate in the week to October 28.
For cases managed either online or by call centres, 58.5% of close contacts were reached and asked to self-isolate.
There is no record of whether any of those people actually did self-isolate.
Baroness Dido Harding during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on coronavirus (COVID-19). PA
Shadow health minister Justin Madders said: “Seeing again that over 40% of people not being contacted is a continued failure of test and trace.
“Ministers know that we won’t get on top of the virus unless we see a better performing system. Despite the flurry of government announcements on testing this week we haven’t heard a single proposal on how they are going to fix contact tracing.
Advertisement
“It is absolutely vital they use this time in the second lockdown to finally fix test and trace.”
Harding defended the service, pointing to it hitting the PM’s target for 500,000 daily testing capacity by the end of October.
“Latest figures show NHS Test and Trace is processing more tests and reaching more people, which means we are finding positive cases and helping to break chains of transmission,” she said.
“We know that there are areas where we still need to improve and we are working tirelessly to make the service quicker and more effective every day.”
The figures for testing turnaround times also showed the service was still a long way from the PM’s target of getting 100% of tests done within 24 hours.
Just 26.4% of people tested for Covid-19 in England at a regional site, local site or mobile testing unit – a so-called “in-person” test – received their result within 24 hours.
Advertisement
The proportion was up slightly from 22.6% in the previous week, but Johnson told MPs earlier this summer that he would get “all tests turned around by the end of June”.
A total of 137,180 people tested positive for coronavirus at least once in England between October 22 and October 28.
Of those transferred to the contact tracing system, 82.7% were reached and asked to provide information about their contacts.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--10 Brilliant New TV Shows, Albums And Films To Look Forward To Before 2020 Finally Does One

LOADING ERROR LOADING
The world may feel uneasy right now, but there is plenty of new entertainment to look forward to before 2020 is out.
Some of the year’s biggest releases are still yet to drop, which means there is still lots of great TV, music and movies to distract us for the rest of the year.
Advertisement
Lock-in during lockdown with our picks of the best in new entertainment...
Kylie - Disco, November 6
From Dua Lipa and Jessie Ware to Roisin Murphy and Kylie, disco has enjoyed a glittering comeback this year, and has provided the perfect escape from the real world.
The year’s last big disco release, simply called Disco, come courtesy of Kylie Minogue. The singles Say Something and Magic are a good indication of the album’s direction: big, ethereal melodies and optimistic lyrics. “Love is love, it never ends: can we all be as one again?” asks Kylie. Delicious pop escapism.
Little Mix - Confetti, November 6
Advertisement
Competing with Kylie for the number one spot in the same week is Little Mix, whose new album Confetti was announced by the girls recently on Instagram.
We’ve already had a taste with the singles Holiday, Break Up Song and Sweet Melody, so we’re excited to hear what else the band has in store.
Mariah’s Secret New Christmas Project, Date TBC
It’s barely November and Mariah Carey, Queen of Christmas, has already been taking charge of the news. When Mariah first put this pic of director’s chairs up on Twitter, it led fans to speculate about who the initials belonged to (it didn’t take long for most to agree it’s likely Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande...)
No more news about this giant collab is available as yet, although fans believe the project may be a re-recording of Mariah’s ’90s hit All I Want For Christmas Is You.
Advertisement
Earlier this week she shared this ridiculous, yet absolutely iconic, video declaring: “It’s Time,” before All I Want For Christmas plays in the background. Could an announcement about the new project be soon to follow?
Miley Cyrus - Plastic Hearts, November 27
Miley’s collaboration with Mark Ronson, Nothing Breaks Like A Heart, has informed the sound of her forthcoming album Plastic Hearts, which is a very good thing indeed.
So far we’ve heard the brilliant lead single Midnight Sky, as well as Miley’s covers of Blondie’s Heart of Glass and Zombie by The Cranberries (live versions of both will appear as bonus tracks).
“No one checks an ego like life itself. Just when I thought the body of work was finished… it was ALL erased. Including most of the musics relevance.
Because EVERYTHING had changed,” Miley said recently in a dramatic note on Instagram, referring to the fire that destroyed her house and the original album-that-never-was.
Advertisement
I’m A Celebrity 2020, November 15
After nineteen years in the depths of the Australian outback, I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! relocates this autumn, to deepest, darkest... Wales.
Gwrych Castle in the Welsh countryside is the new home for the celebrity campers, and even though Wales is currently in lockdown, a spokesperson for I’m A Celeb has insisted the show will go on.
The Crown - series 4, November 15
Advertisement
The new season of The Crown throws us back again, for the fourth time, into the depths of royal history: but not quite so far back as you might imagine.
This season begins in the very late-seventies, and the focus is on the marriage of Charles and Diana in 1981. It’s the first time the super glossy, high-budget drama has been within lived experience for much of its audience: so we mostly know what’s coming, but that doesn’t stop this show still feeling explosively dramatic.
Jingle Jangle, November 13
Most years, we’re moaning Christmas has come too early. But this year, because of the pandemic, it’s a welcome slice of escapism and it can’t come soon enough.
Netflix’s big sparkly Christmas film this year is Jingle Jangle, a musical starring Forest Whitaker who plays toymaker Jeronicus Jangle, who lives in a town called Cobbleton. When his most prized toy goes missing, he enlists the help of his granddaughter to track it down.
Advertisement
Interestingly, Jingle Jangle was filmed in Norwich back in June this year.
I Am Greta, November 13
The maker of this Hulu documentary, Nathan Grossman, started shooting Greta protesting about climate change when she was 15. He had hoped his film, shot in low-quality mode on his camera to save space, would potentially make the local news.
But then her profile blew up around the world and Nathan kept filming: this is the end product, chronicling two years in the life of the climate change activist who told the United Nations Climate Action Summit: ‘How dare you?’
Bridgerton, December 25
Netflix’s shiny new period drama is the perfect Christmas Day escape. Set in Regency-era England in the 1800s, Bridgerton has been compared to a period version of Gossip Girl, so expect deliciously salacious drama and eye-catching outfits.
Advertisement
Based on the novels of the same name by Julia Quinn, the drama is created by Shonda Rhimes, the showrunner behind Grey’s Anatomy.
Free Guy, December 11
Ryan Reynolds returns this December playing a character who thinks he works in a bank, but comes to realise he’s actually a character in a computer game.
Other than Tenet, 2020 has felt void of these expansive, big-budget US blockbusters, and the Deadpool star – perhaps Hollywood’s most likeable lead guy – is here to round out the year with a dose of silliness on Netflix.
Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer also stars, and from the look of the trailer, her character has some pretty clear similarities to Villanelle.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--7 Lessons Boris Johnson Didn't Learn From The First Lockdown

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Everyone makes mistakes – but the most important thing is to learn from them to avoid repeating them.
But as England enters a second national lockdown, campaigners have heavily criticised the government for failing to learn from the errors it made during the first wave of the pandemic.
Advertisement
Now scientists and public health experts have revealed some of the fatal flaws that are happening again – and they say lessons haven’t been learnt in the handling of the coronavirus crisis.
Too slow to go into lockdown
A sign outside beau-k florists in Battle, East Sussex, ahead of a national lockdown for England from Thursday. PA
One of the biggest criticisms of the first coronavirus lockdown was that it came too late and that the delay cost lives.
When the UK went into full lockdown on March 23 – some experts said taking action just a week earlier may have halved the death toll.
Advertisement
But the government seems to have been just as slow to act this time around. Scientists recommended a “circuit breaker” lockdown weeks ago, and urged the government to impose a time limited lockdown as a matter of urgency.
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), which has provided scientific advice throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, warned on September 21 failure to take immediate action was a dangerous strategy and would result in “a very large epidemic with catastrophic consequences”.
“We are now going to have to try to climb down a mountain instead of a hill. That’s going to take a lot longer and be more difficult.” - Gabriel Scally, a member of Independent SAGE
Advisers wanted a two-week lockdown over the October half term to significantly restrict the winter wave of infections.
Boris Johnson, however, opted for the three-tier local lockdown system, leaving much of the country largely unprotected. Now, England is heading into its second national lockdown – although one where schools and childcare settings will stay open.
Advertisement
Dr Gabriel Scally is president of epidemiology and public health at the Royal Society of Medicine and a visiting professor of public health at the University of Bristol.
“We are now going to have to try to climb down a mountain instead of a hill,” Dr Gabriel Scally, a member of Independent SAGE, told HuffPost UK.
Dr Gabriel Scally, a member of Independent SAGE HuffPost UK
“That’s going to take a lot longer and be more difficult.
“A circuit breaker would have been by far a better time to have a lockdown, particularly during half terms when schools were closed.”
Professor John Ashton is also scathing about the government’s apparent indecision.
“They have been looking in the rear view mirror rather than looking at the windscreen at what is ahead and acting on it.”
Advertisement
Ashton, a former north-west regional director of public health, has written a book called Blinded By Corona, which describes the many mistakes he believes the government made in its handling of the coronavirus crisis.
Professor John Ashton, former north west regional director of public health who has written a book called Blinded By Corona John Ashton
Prof Ashton told HuffPost UK the government’s constant changing of mind was “pathetic”.
“The government failed to take decisive action in February and early March and now it has done the same thing all over again.
“They didn’t act decisively or quickly at the beginning of the pandemic and now they have made the same mistake again and don’t seem to have learned anything.”
Announcing the second lockdown on Saturday, Boris Johnson declared that “now is the time to take action.”
Advertisement
He told the nation that the one-month stay at home order was necessary to stop hospitals becoming overwhelmed.
Not learning from other countries
Medical staff dressed in a protective suit during the voluntary mass-testing programme for coronavirus. SIPA USA/PA Images
When many other countries across the world had introduced the wearing of face masks, particularly in enclosed spaces, early on in the pandemic, the government only announced they would become mandatory for people visiting shops from July 24.
The reluctance to follow the lead of countries who have made great strides in reducing the spread of coronavirus is a common factor in the government’s handling of the crisis, says Ashton. He believes the worst aspect of this was revealed after the first lockdown.
“After the initial lockdown, there was an opportunity to really suppress the virus – but the government did not do that. Instead, everyone was encouraged to go out and shop and eat out,” he said.
Advertisement
“But other countries such as China, Hong Kong and New Zealand all squashed the virus as they were robust in their actions.
“We are still not on top of testing, tracing and isolating – and now there are so many cases of the virus around, it is impossible to contact trace. The infection has become much more widespread.”
A sign outside the Terra Rossa restaurant on Upper Street in Islington, North London, promoting an extension of the Eat Out to Help Out food discount scheme for its customers. PA
Scally from Independent SAGE agrees. “The two big ways of tackling coronavirus are social restrictions and the whole system of test, trace and isolate,” he said.
“At the time of the first lockdown, the government abandoned that system but them brought it back – but it has just not worked.
Advertisement
“This system works best when cases are relatively low. But the virus was still circulating in many parts of the country when the government lifted the lockdown.
“A test, trace and isolate system would have been much better if it was locally based and run. The system was set up to fail and has failed.”
Ashton feels the government also failed to learn lessons from the surge in Covid-19 cases that happened in countries such as Germany and Spain when children returned to school.
During this second lockdown, schools, colleges and universities in England will remain open. While Ashton acknowledges education is vitally important, he believes things should have been handled differently instead of having a mass return to schools.
“We should have copied the office-based community, many of who have said they don’t want everyone back in the office until next year and only have about a third of the staff in,” said Ashton.
Advertisement
“Schools, colleges and universities should have done this and only had one-third of students in at any one time, rotating them with home learning being provided the rest of the time.
In April, education secretary Gavin Williamson pledged the government would fund laptops for children on free school meals in Year 10 to learn at home, as well as for vulnerable pupils with social workers and care leavers.
But, despite some 540,000 pupils being eligible for the scheme, just 220,000 laptops had been delivered to schools even four months later.
Scally said: “There is no clear strategic plan for dealing with Covid-19 from the government and they make it all about the lockdown and coming out of it and reducing restrictions.
“The problems are to do with the virus. The lockdown is not the problem – the virus is.”
False hope and poor communication
Boris Johnson speaks during a virtual press conference inside 10 Downing Street in central London on October 31, 2020 ALBERTO PEZZALI via Getty Images
Advertisement
With his declaration of beating off the virus by November, his promises of having a “world-beating” test and trace operation and his dangling of the pipe dream of families being reunited for Christmas, Boris Johnson has been accused of constantly giving people false hope and poor communication.
On March 19, four days before the first national lockdown, Boris Johnson said: “We can turn the tide within the next 12 weeks and I’m absolutely confident that we can send coronavirus packing in this country.”
Then when making the announcement about the second lockdown, Johnson said: “Christmas is going to be different this year, perhaps very different, but it’s my sincere hope and belief that by taking tough action now we can allow families across the country to be together.”
“Communication has been appalling throughout this pandemic and is continuing to be awful,” said Ashton, pointing out the shambolic way the news of the second lockdown emerged through leaks before the public waited hours for Boris Johnson to address the nation and make it official.
“They have managed it like a political campaign by talking things up rather than just giving people the facts and doing the right thing.
Advertisement
“It smacks of wishful thinking. And some of the messages the government has been putting forward are the kinds of things you say when you want people to vote for you.
“The public needs truth and trust. It is madness that Boris Johnson is talking about Christmas. He should be managing expectation now by telling people Christmas will be very different.”
“It smacks of wishful thinking and some of the messages the government has been putting forward are the kinds of things you say when you want people to vote for you.” - Professor John Ashton, former north west regional director of public health
He added: “The government’s communication around the pandemic has been about telling a good story rather than the true story.
“It is entirely wrong of the government to give people false hopes that they know will be dashed.
“It gives the impression of a government that is not really in charge and is creating a false narrative.”
Advertisement
BAME people are still being let down
A man wearing a protective face mask passes a mural showing medical and transport workers, in Waterloo, London Dominic Lipinski - PA Images via Getty Images
The disproportionate impact of coronavirus on people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds became apparent early on in the pandemic.
Concerns were raised when it emerged the first 10 doctors who died of Covid-19 in the UK were all from non-white backgrounds.
Various studies and research revealed that BAME people – particularly Bangladeshi and Black people – were more likely to die of coronavirus than white people, with those from some backgrounds being twice as likely to die as their white counterparts.
After campaigners pushed for a public inquiry into the issue, Public Health England published a report highlighting the increased risk of coronavirus to BAME communities and in mid-June, published a subsequent report with several recommendations on tackling the disproportionality.
Advertisement
But nothing has changed, says Weyman Bennett, co-convener of Stand Up To Racism.
Bennett fears more BAME people will die disproportionately due to the government’s failure to learn lessons from the first wave of the pandemic and lockdown.
Weyman Bennett, co-convener of Stand Up To Racism Weyman Bennett
“The government is saying even more people may die this time around,” he said. “We fear there will be disproportionate deaths of BAME people once again.
“Ninety-three per cent of the first set of doctors and nurses who died during the first wave were from the BAME community.
“Once can be accepted as a mistake, but the second time is wilful negligence and incompetence.” - Weyman Bennett, co-convener of Stand Up To Racism
Advertisement
“The government has done nothing to address this disproportionality the second time around.
“Once can be accepted as a mistake, but the second time is wilful negligence and incompetence.
“There is no excuse as they knew but did nothing to tackle it and our communities are going to be ravaged by the virus once again.”
Sure enough, as HuffPost UK revealed last month, the proportion of intensive care beds filled with Covid patients from Black and Asian backgrounds during the second wave was the same as it had been during the first wave.
Lack of transparency with figures
bizoo_n via Getty Images
There has been a lack of openness and transparency when it comes to coronavirus death figures throughout the pandemic, says former public health director Ashton. He feels that pattern is continuing as England heads into its second lockdown.
“For the first couple of months, the coronavirus death figures being published were only hospital deaths and didn’t include the deaths in care homes,” he said.
Advertisement
“Then about three months ago, they decided they would only count Covid-19 deaths if a person died within 28 days of a positive diagnosis.
“This is total madness. If I hit someone on the head with a hammer and they didn’t die until six months later, I would still get done for murder.
“If people die of coronavirus but it takes a while for the long term effects to take hold and kill them, their death should still be attributed to Covid-19.
“This is total madness. If I hit someone on the head with a hammer and they didn’t die until six months later, I would still get done for murder.” - Professor John Ashton
“If the government wants the public to trust it and do what they are asking, they can’t tell lies and manipulate data and need to explain things properly.”
Advertisement
The UK recorded another 492 deaths of people who had tested positive for coronavirus yesterday – the highest number of deaths recorded in 24 hours since May 19, when 500 were reported.
Another 25,177 cases were also picked up – the second highest daily increase ever.
Parents treated as an afterthought
Pascal Skwara via Getty Images
A familiar pattern of the first lockdown was announcements coming from the government – and then tweaks and changes being made.
This is happening all over again with the second lockdown, says Ashton, as was demonstrated by the government announcing on Saturday that, in England, people would be allowed to meet with one other person from another household and it must be outside.
The initial plans counted a parent and a baby as two people – which would have meant them being unable to meet up with anyone else while looking after their child.
Advertisement
The government agreed to change its new lockdown rules and on Sunday afternoon, health minister Nadine Dorries announced children under school age with their parents would not count towards the limit on two people meeting outside.
“It shows a total lack of empathy with how ordinary people live,” said Ashton. “The government has constantly had to change and tweak things leading to the public becoming very confused.
“These people making the decisions are accustomed to having nannies to look after their children and lots of money for childcare so are out of touch with how ordinary people live.”
Lack of notice
Drazen Zigic via Getty Images
Advertisement
One of the criticisms of the first lockdown was the last-minute rushed approach to announcing it and a failure to give people notice.
Boris Johnson announced the first full lockdown on March 23 telling cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants to close that night as soon as reasonably possible and not to open the following day.
Many sectors believe there has once again been a lack of notice with the prime minister announcing the second lockdown on Saturday evening with the shutdown coming into effect from Thursday.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of hospitality trade association UK Hospitality told HuffPost UK that the relative lack of notice with which the various restrictions have been brought in has proved a huge challenge.
“Businesses need time to plan their openings and closings, sort out shifts and to order, use up or cancel stock,” she said.
Advertisement
“That becomes much harder with just a few days’ notice.
“Businesses need time to plan their openings and closings, sort out shifts and to order, use up or cancel stock.” - Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality
“Over the past couple of weeks, we have been faced with a patchwork approach to restrictions, with different countries adopting different positions and even regions within countries moving through the various levels of restrictions at the drop of a hat.
“For businesses that operate outlets across the UK, keeping on top of the current state of play can be difficult.”
But Ashton disagrees about a lack of notice as he feels that once the government decides and announces a lockdown, it should happen straight away.
“Every day that you are not locking down, the virus is spreading further and there is a three-week lag to more deaths,” he said. “Once the decision is made, lockdown should happen.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--10 Habits That Will Help Stop Doomscrolling And Boost Mental Health

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Constantly checking our social media pages and consuming endless amounts of bad news — or “doomscrolling” — isn’t exactly new, but 2020 has definitely brought more awareness to the habit. Never has that been more apparent than this week, as we face the outcome of elections and grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic.
There’s actually a valid reason why we doomscroll, according to Kaz Nelson, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis: The human brain is always on the lookout for threats to our safety and wellbeing in order to prepare ourselves for what’s to come.
Advertisement
“When we read upsetting news, the threat response is activated,” she said. “This can be helpful if it helps us to be aware of true threats to our safety and health and motivates us to work to address or respond to the threat. This is why it is so tempting to scroll page after page. Our brain perceives that we are doing something essential and productive.”
However, she added, “our brains did not evolve to access information in this manner and to this extent” — so information overload can contribute to overwhelming amounts of stress. It can also lead to other significant mental health problems, like an anxiety or panic, depression, insomnia and self-harm.
But just because we know doomscrolling is bad for us doesn’t mean we can easily stop doing it. Instead, experts recommend introducing some healthier habits into your routine to help cut back. Give some of these a try:
1. Set aside a realistic block of time to spend scrolling.
Pavan Madan, a psychiatrist at Community Psychiatry in Davis, California, said it could be helpful to give yourself a predetermined amount of time on social media.
Advertisement
“Set a reminder to turn off your phone, and use apps that educate you about your total screen time each day and how much you spent on each social media site,” he said.
You can also carve out chunks of time throughout the day. For example, give yourself 15 minutes to catch up on Twitter and the news, then put your phone down or exit the apps for a few hours. Then you can return to them later for another 15 minutes, and so on. This can be a difficult habit to develop, but after a few days of practice, it’ll become simpler.
2. Examine the thoughts that come up when you’re doomscrolling.
Madan also suggested using tools from cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT.
“One of the techniques used in CBT is called cognitive restructuring, and involves identifying and evaluating your irrational or maladaptive thoughts,” he said.
Basically, you spend time examining the negative thoughts you have and then slow your reaction to them. This includes taking the time to reflect on how accurate your immediate thoughts really are, identifying what triggered them (so, in this case, what tweets or headlines are causing the most damage?), examining what your instant reaction is to these thoughts (do you yell or lash out? Do you withdraw from friends?), and then finally working to change this reaction.
“While this is ideally done under the guidance of a psychotherapist, CBT-based self-help books may also help in learning them,” Madan said.
Advertisement
PeopleImages via Getty Images If you're feeling a lot of anxiety after spending huge chunks of time reading the news on your phone, you may need to adopt some new habits.
3. Try a 10-second (yes, that fast!) meditation.
A shorter version of the last tip can happen through a meditation exercise. Sure, it sounds cliche, but building a meditation habit could drastically improve your mental health. It’s also probably a lot better for you than indulging in doom and gloom.
Meditation teacher Paul Harrison said he often advises his students to practice a quick technique to help interrupt doomscrolling. It’s called Vipassana, and it only takes 10 seconds.
“Vipassana is a meditation technique in which we label the thoughts and feelings that we experience,” Harrison said. “It is practiced by closing the eyes, focusing on the breath, and labelling any thoughts or feelings that are occurring. This will remind you that it is just a feeling and nothing more. Then, your feeling of worry will have less power over you.”
Any time you’re going through your phone or watching the news and you start to feel unsettled, pause and try this method.
Advertisement
4. Don’t pick up your phone right when you wake up.
Liana Pavane ― a digital wellness coach and founder of TTYL NYC, a tech-free community dedicated to human connection ― suggested adding a bit of mindfulness into your morning rather than starting it off with social media.
“Make a solid effort to wake up at the same time each day and eliminate technology for the first half-hour upon waking up,” she said. “This will allow your body and mind to awaken naturally and increase productivity for the rest of the day. Start your morning by doing an activity to fill the time slot of your normal commute that doesn’t include looking at a screen. Maybe that means listening to a podcast or reading a book — not checking the news.”
5. Turn off your phone’s push notifications.
In the early days of smartphones, having your notifications on felt productive. But these days, notifications can be an unnecessary distraction — and maybe even triggering.
“If you have notifications set up on your apps that cause you to stop what you’re doing and read an article, turn them off,” said Candace V. Love, a licensed clinical psychologist at North Shore Behavioural Medicine in Chicago. “They’re just distracting and make you feel a false sense of urgency to read something right now. Those articles can wait.”
JP Alcaraz via Getty Images Putting away your phone and focusing on a creative endeavor can help your mental health. One expert recommended trying out puzzles and coloring books.
Advertisement
6. Carve out time for creative activities.
Pavane also recommended taking one period of your day where you’d watch the news or scroll your phone and using that time to do an activity that positively stimulates your brain instead.
“For example, working on a puzzle each day releases tiny amounts of dopamine as you connect the pieces,” Pavane said. “The closer you get to completing the puzzle, adrenaline increases and your body releases endorphins.”
“Colouring books follow the same principles, as does reading a book or playing an instrument,” she added. “Any activity that will allow you to reach a level of accomplishment creates a significant dopamine effect on your brain.”
7. Set time to talk with your family and friends — and make the news off limits.
You’re likely not the only person in your circle struggling to stay away from doomscrolling. Take some time to reach out to your family and friends: Ask how they’re doing and really listen, make plans you can look forward to together in future, dive into your current read or that great podcast you just discovered. But whatever you do, don’t talk about the news cycle.
8. Get outside during the day for a few minutes.
Amber Trueblood, a licensed marriage and family therapist and host of the Stretch Marks Podcast, noted that “spending time in the fresh air, preferably around trees, grass or sand ― without your phone in hand ― is incredibly helpful.”
Advertisement
She added that your “nervous system can better recalibrate when you’re in nature,” and being exposed to daylight can help regulate your mood, circadian rhythm and more.
EyeWolf via Getty Images Spending some time outside can help counteract some of the negative effects of doomscrolling.
9. Clean up the list of accounts you’re following.
Regine Muradian, a licensed clinical psychologist and mental health advocate, recommended that you “follow people on social media who inspire you and make you feel happy.”
“Make a list of things you enjoy and would like to learn more about. There are many influencers, professionals, and artists who have positive messages to share,” Muradian said. “By choosing to follow these people, you are making a healthy and feel-good choice.”
Stick with a handful of trustworthy news sources and flood your feed with more calming, funny or entertaining accounts. That way you’re able to break up the doom a little bit better.
Advertisement
10. Have a cut-off time at least an hour before bed.
If that’s too hard, start by ending screen time 15 or 30 minutes before bed and slowly increase that to an hour or more. And this doesn’t give you permission to switch to Netflix: This goes for all devices.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--'Kafka-esque Nightmare' As Woman, 73, Arrested Trying To Take Mother, 97, Out Of Care Home

A 73-year-old woman was temporarily arrested and restrained by police after she attempted to take her 97-year-old mother out of a care home.
Video footage shared on social media by former Coronation Street actress Leandra Ashton appeared to capture part of the incident in a car park in Market Weighton in East Yorkshire on Tuesday.
In the two clips an upset Ashton claims she and her mother had taken her grandmother out of the home where she is “deteriorating”, because they had not seen her for nine months.
Advertisement
The 97-year-old woman could be seen sitting in the passenger seat of a stationary car with a police vehicle parked in front of it.
Speaking to a police officer and other individuals present, Ashton criticises the “ridiculous” situation.
Ashton also films her mother sitting handcuffed in the back of the police vehicle, who in one clip briefly comforts her.
Advertisement
Ashton tells police at the end of one video: “When rules start to keep families apart I think we have to question the rules.”
In a Facebook post, Ashton wrote: “When the rules – like so many in this period of our history – are purporting to be in place to ‘protect’ but yet are causing untold damage to physical and mental health then you start breaking the rules.”
She claimed her mother is a trained nurse who wanted to care for her grandmother at home.
Woman being taken out of care home Leandra Ashton/ Facebook
She wrote: “We only have Power of Attorney for my Nan’s finances. Not for her wellbeing.
“Before lockdown we could overcome this by visiting my Nan regularly. Now we can’t. My Mum was arrested because she refused to take my Nan back to the care home.
“It feels like we are living in the worst Kafka-esque nightmare. People in masks coming to take your relative away from you.
Advertisement
“I find myself for the first time in my life on the wrong side of the law.”
She argued rules sometimes needed “challenging and changing” and proposed relatives are given “key-worker status” to allow them to go into a family member’s private room to visit, feed and care for them.
Leandra Ashton briefly appeared on Coronation Street during 2016 as Saskia Larson, the fiancee of Will Chatterton, played by Leon Ockenden.
In a statement, assistant chief constable Chris Noble of Humberside Police said the force responded to “a report of an assault at a care home” in Market Weighton at 11.15am on Tuesday.
He added: “The care home had also reported that a woman who they were legally responsible for had been taken from the home by her daughter.
“Officers found both women along with a third woman nearby and informed them that they would need to return the lady to the home, as is their legal duty to do so.
Advertisement
“The situation was distressing and emotional for everyone and the woman did not want her mother to be returned to the care home staff.
“The officer in attendance had to ensure that everyone was safe and in particular the 93-year-old lady who was frail and vulnerable and so made the decision to briefly restrain the 73-year-old woman until the situation was calm and under control.
“Officers then returned the elderly lady to the home.
“The 73-year-old lady was then immediately unrestrained, de-arrested and allowed to return home with her daughter.
“She and her daughter thanked the officers for the way they had dealt with the incident.
“We understand that this is an emotional and difficult situation for all those involved.
“We sympathise with all families who are in this position and will continue to provide whatever support we can to both parties.”
Downing Street said it recognised there had been “distressing scenes” during the incident
The prime nister’s official spokesman told reporters at a briefing: “They clearly are distressing scenes.
Advertisement
“I think the police have said themselves the situation was distressing and emotional for all of those involved.
“We absolutely understand how difficult the current situation is for families and those with loved ones in care homes and that’s why we’re publishing new guidance to enable more visits to take place.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--Trump's 'Spiritual Adviser' Holds Bizarre Prayer Service And Claims To Hear 'Sound Of Victory'

LOADING ERROR LOADING
The US presidential election is on a knife-edge with Joe Biden currently leading Donald Trump with six states to go.
The incumbent president is bringing out the big guns and has launched a series of bizarre and contradictory legal challenges in an attempt to ensure he stays in the White House.
Advertisement
He also has another secret weapon – his spiritual adviser Paula White. Here they are pictured in 2019...
While the ballot counting continues in battleground states, White has been leading a marathon prayer service at the New Christian Destiny Centre near Orlando.
Presidential spiritual adviser Paula White is currently leading an impassioned prayer service in an effort to secure Trump's reelection. pic.twitter.com/hCSRh84d6g — Right Wing Watch (@RightWingWatch) November 5, 2020
Here’s a transcript of the 105-second segment doing the rounds on social media and we promise you, these are not typos. At one point White appears to begin speaking in tongues, a common part of Christian worship in some denominations, though not typically used to summon angels to affect the outcome of an election.
Advertisement
”... and strike, and strike, and strike, and strike, and strike, and strike, and strike, and strike, and strike, and strike, and strike until you have victory.
“For every enemy that is aligned against you, let there be, that we would strike the ground. You will give us victory. I hear a sound of abundance of rain. I hear a sound of victory. I hear a sound of shouting and singing. I hear a sound of victory. I hear a sound of abundance of rain. I hear a sound of victory. I hear a sound of abundance of rain. I hear a sound of victory
“The Lord says it is done. The Lord says it is done. The Lord says it is done. For I hear victory, victory, victory, victory. In the corners of heaven. In the corners of heaven. Victory, victory, victory, victory, victory, victory.
“For angels are being released right now. Angels are being dispatched right now.
“Amunda, acka, atta, racka, dayda, packa, sanda, atta, amba, orsa, katta, reekay, panda, atta, reekay, deedy, asha, tar.
“For angels have even dissphur... dispatched from Africa right now, Africa right now, Africa right now. From Africa right now.
Advertisement
“They’re coming here. They’re coming here. In the name of Jesus. From South America, they’re coming here, they’re coming here, they’re coming here, they’re coming here, they’re coming here.
“From Africa. From South America. Angelic forces. Angelic reinforcement. Angelic reinforcement. Angelic reinforcement. Angelic reinforcement.
“Theeka, hacka, anda, atta. Rura, batta, atta, acha, acha, manda, rassa, taa. For I hear the sound of victory. I hear the sound of victory.
“I hear the sound of victory. I hear the sound of victory. I hear the sound of victory. I hear the sound of victory. I hear the sound of victory. I hear the sound of victory. I hear the sound of victory.”
And here’s a version with added beats and a cat.
You have to live Twitter - cats against fascism strike back ;) pic.twitter.com/1Kau0QazBI — asad rehman (@chilledasad100) November 5, 2020
Advertisement
Yet the sound of victory has so far eluded Trump. Both he and Joe Biden believe they will emerge victorious in the US presidential election, but the two candidates are taking starkly different approaches in their messages to the American public.
There is still no clear winner in the contest as counting the ballots in six states spills over into a second day.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--Ever Feel Secondhand Embarrassment For Someone? There's A Word For That.

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Were you cringing through the entirety of Borat 2? Did hearing the details of CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin’s masturbating-on-a-Zoom-conference-call horror show make you want to die a little inside?
The Germans have a word that describes exactly what you were experiencing (because of course they do).
Advertisement
“Fremdschämen” is the feeling you get when someone does something so awkward or embarrassing, you end up feeling secondhand embarrassment for them.
“It’s basically the notion or feeling of shame or embarrassment particularly toward people you don’t personally know and oftentimes never met in real life,” said Ales Pickar, a German writer who occasionally shares German language lessons on his YouTube channel.
Unlike schadenfreude, the increasingly well-known German term that describes the unique pleasure we get from watching people we don’t like experience misfortune, fremdschämen isn’t a feeling of cruelty. It’s a word full of empathy, actually.
With fremdschämen, you’re embarrassed for the person in question but you also sympathise with them. With the Borat 2 example, you probably felt a tinge of it watching the kindly non-actor babysitter explain to Borat’s 15-year-old daughter Tutar that “enormous fake titties” won’t prevent drowning. (The woman, Jeanise Jones, said she had no idea she was being set up. For what it’s worth, Sacha Baron Cohen did end up donating $100,000 to the church of the unsuspecting babysitter.)
Advertisement
I employ a babysitter in US&A, but since I did not have a baby for her to sit on, instead she take care of my daughter pic.twitter.com/LMmP9jazuc — Borat (@BoratSagdiyev) October 24, 2020
If you were feeling incredibly generous, you may have felt a small amount of fremdschämen for Donald Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani as he “adjusted” himself on a hotel bed in the company of Tutar posing as a reporter in the film.
“The feeling is usually directed only toward people that should have known better than to put themselves into such a position,” Pickar said. “Oftentimes, it’s people that were actually paid to make fools out of themselves ― for instance, in reality TV shows ― or people that are simply by the nature of their trade supposed to be smarter than that, like politicians or people of prominence.” (Cough, cough, Giuliani.)
The prevailing feeling with fremdschämen may be, “Oh, you were so gullible to put yourself in that position,” but you also sympathise ― and maybe even empathise ― with the person.
“There might be a little moment of personal shock in secret awareness that this actually could be us if the opportunity had presented itself,” Pickar said. “Are we really 100% sure that Ali G could not punk us if he wanted to?”
Advertisement
Another nuance in the word that’s worth nothing? With fremdschämen, you usually need to be able to identify with the person in question to some degree.
“One would think that Donald Trump would be an inexhaustible source of fremdschämen, but it doesn’t work like that, because the average person can hardly identify with such a person,” Pickar said. “But I guess looking at his audience during some rally, this is when the fremdschämen might kick in.”
The expression became a popular part of the lexicon in the era of the “The Jerry Springer Show,” according to Pickar. Apparently, Germany had a lot of similar cringe-y talk shows in which people sat down and shared way too much information about their personal lives.
Fremdschämen is one of many cherished compound words in the German language.
The word itself can be broken into two parts, said Levi Antrim, a high school German teacher with a language instruction YouTube channel.
“The first part ‘fremd’ is the word for ‘strange’ in German,” Antrim said. “The second half, ‘schämen’ is ‘to be embarrassed.’ So it’s literally to be embarrassed for a stranger.”
Advertisement
Germans love their compound words: schadenfreude, for instance, is a compound of schaden meaning “damage” or “harm” and freude meaning “joy.”
The abundance of compound words means there’s a German word for seemingly everything.
“With German, you can take two words and smush them together and create something entirely new,” Antrim said. (This kind of thing occurs in English, too — “mansplaining,” for instance — but far less often.)
Compound words are the reason why Swiss-born British philosopher Alain de Botton says Germans can say things others struggle to talk about.
“Germans are geniuses at inventing long or what they call compound words that elegantly put a finger on sensations that we all know but that other languages require whole clumsy sentences or paragraphs to express,” he explained in “The School of Life” video below.
Advertisement
Antrim offered up some of his favorite compound German words.
“There’s the word ‘heimweh’ or homesickness. It literally is ‘home pain,’” he said. “But switch it up to make ‘fernweh’ (literally ‘far pain’) and you have a similar feeling of longing to be somewhere, but it is far away instead of home.” (Who doesn’t feel a bit of fernweh now that we’re all stuck at home, unable to travel?)
Bharat Chaudhary, a YouTuber living in Germany, admits that the hyper specificity of the German language caught him off guard when he first moved to the country.
“Being married to a German, one thing I have noticed is how ridiculously observant Germans are about things,” he said. “They have this innate ability to express complicated feelings through composite words that can very directly express a particular feeling and that could come from the directness ingrained in the German culture.”
In the end, that’s what makes our friends in Deutschland such effective communicators. Sure, German may not be the most melodic language, but if you want to convey a thought fast and precisely, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better language to do it in than German. Gut gemacht, friends!


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--Susannah Constantine Reveals She Is A Recovering Alcoholic In Candid Interview

What Not To Wear star Susannah Constantine has revealed she is a recovering alcoholic in a candid new interview.
The TV personality – best known as one half of the presenting duo Trinny and Susannah – spoke of her past struggles with alcohol abuse in an interview on the podcast My Mate Bought A Toaster.
Susannah Constantine in 2019 SOPA Images via Getty Images
Advertisement
“It’s not something I’ve spoken about before really, but it’s important,” she explained.
“I’m in recovery, so I’m an alcoholic and I’ve been in recovery for nearly seven years now.”
Although she said her addiction did not affect her work, Susannah did reveal it had a negative impact on her relationships, continuing: “As an addict, often what you would do, and certainly what I did, I would put all my own defects – I would find someone else to attach them to.
“And so I thought my husband was passive aggressive, but actually I was the one who was passive aggressive. And I’ve realised [that] over time and being in recovery.
“I was the awful, angry passive-aggressive and my poor husband was the one who had to live with it.”
Susannah with her former co-host Trinny Woodall Toni Anne Barson via Getty Images
Advertisement
Susannah also recalled the moment she first acknowledged her drinking had become a problem, describing it as a “liberating” experience.
“I felt a lot of shame most of the time… the relief was so immense because I could change it,” she said. “I wasn’t having to try and change someone else. It was down to me.
“I was responsible and accountable for becoming a better person and getting sober and well. And so it was the most extraordinary relief to have that lightbulb moment.”
In recent years, Susannah has made numerous reality TV appearances, most notably in 2015, when she was the first contestant to be eliminated on I’m A Celebrity.
Three years later, she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, and was partnered with Anton Du Beke.
Listen to Susanna’s full interview on the podcast My Mate Bought A Toaster.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--How Women Can Carry On Running At Night In Lockdown

LOADING ERROR LOADING
My favourite park is off limits now that the clocks have changed. I set my music low as I jog through lit streets, keeping an extra bit of energy in the tank, just in case.
As a woman, running in the dark can feel both fantastically rebellious and extremely foolhardy, depending on my mood and who I encounter. And it’s something more women are contemplating doing, due to lockdown.
Advertisement
With gyms closed, exercising outdoors is the only option for those who need a break from their screens and can’t face another fitness date with Joe Wicks. But there are, undoubtedly, extra considerations when the sun sets.
Stevica Mrdja / EyeEm via Getty Images
Hannah Catrin, 25, who’s usually based in London but is spending lockdown in North Wales, says she sticks to well-lit, busier areas at night. She’s noticed her boyfriend – also a keen runner – doesn’t give a second thought to his route.
“I feel frustrated that men aren’t conditioned to feel the same concern or worry about exercising alone,” she says. “I wish that urban planning catered for both halves of the population, with better lighting and outdoor facilities.”
Advertisement
Concerns about running during winter evenings have caused some women to change their exercise routines altogether.
Sian Collins, 29, from Glasgow, says she’s reverted to weekend runs only since the clocks changed, because she doesn’t feel comfortable going in the dark and isn’t a morning person. It’ll mean she gets less exercise this winter, impacting her physical and mental health.
“I rely on physical activity to break up my week, refocus my energy on something other than work and relieve stress,” she says.
mihailomilovanovic via Getty Images
Meanwhile Amy Heather, 22, from Surrey, says she “definitely runs faster out of fear”. “If my sister can’t run with me there’s much less of a chance of me going, which is sad,” she adds.
Advertisement
Of course, we know street harassment isn’t limited to the evenings. Rini Jones, 26, based in London, says women of colour especially face disproportionate rates during the day time. “I often train in the early hours when men aren’t on the street so I can run in peace,” she says. “Running during the day is an absolute no for me.”
Other women got in touch to say that they do feel safe running – whatever time of day – but usually because they’ve adapted their behaviour.
The onus shouldn’t be on women to change the way we exercise to feel safe, but let’s get realistic: we might need to over the next few weeks. Wanting to give my own confidence a boost, I asked women on Twitter for some tips.
Know your surroundings
Traci Coulter, 48 and based in London, advised sticking to places you know well when running solo – now is not the time to explore.
“I always have a planned route with a familiar feel to it so, I know the way back quickly and confidently,” she said. “I run on roads, along the Thames and routes I know like the back of my hand. I feel safe and feel like the benefits of running outweigh any fears.”
Advertisement
Consider who you run with
Unlike the first lockdown, you’re now allowed to meet one person from another household, meaning you can exercise with a friend.
Kate Oliver, 28, based in London, has been on evening runs with her boyfriend, as well as her friends. It helped her pacing, but also enabled her to feel safe.
“We didn’t run together, instead we had checkpoints as they were slightly faster runners,” she said. “They would wait for me at one or two agreed locations during the run, therefore if I wasn’t there, they’d know there was a problem.”
Oliver avoids sharing details of her night runs on social media that might reveal her route, explaining: “You never ever know, and people can always see where you’re ending up.”
Kevin Kozicki via Getty Images
Advertisement
Turn your music down
Many women suggested turning music down, using one headphone or scrapping it altogether. Instead of seeing this as a loss, use it as an opportunity to be mindful and listen to the sounds of the night – something we so rarely do.
BYO light
If you can’t rely on street lights to be on, bring your own source. A number of women said they run with a head torch during the winter.
Others recommended high-vis clothing, while I’ve added some flashing armbands to my running gear. Zero fashion credentials, but cars can definitely see me coming.
Think about the perks
Running at night can feel freeing and plenty of women said they enjoy it. Instead of focusing on the negatives, think of the benefits. Bryony, 39 from the West Midlands, who is deaf, says: “In some ways, the fact that it’s dark means I’m more aware of traffic due to their lights, so am a bit safer in that respect.”
Stephanie Boland, 30, from London said she gets fewer catcalls in the dark, saying: “Men find it harder to see me from a distance!”
Advertisement
With the general lockdown message to stay at home, Felicity Baillie, 32, from Cambridgeshire, added that she’s looking forward to some quieter runs: “I feel safer knowing pubs are shut and people should be indoors,” she said.
Consider changing your routine
Winter exercising was a challenge for women before lockdown – but the conditions of the pandemic have made it easier for some.
Katherine Howbrook, 39, from London used to buy a temporary gym membership during autumn and winter, but this year, working from home has opened up her options. “I can now run in the morning when it’s light and still be ready for work by 9am,” she explained.
Emma Bolton, 28, based in Swansea, is also starting work earlier so she can take a running break at 10am before showering and returning to her desk feeling energised. If evening running doesn’t feel like an option, consider talking to your boss about flexible hours or a longer lunch break.
Think about your impact on others
To make getting out and about at night nicer for everyone, regardless of gender, consider the fact you might also be intimidating to someone else who can’t see you in the dark.
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--Piers Morgan Tears Into People 'Moaning' About Lockdown: 'I've Seen So Many People Be So Callous'

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Piers Morgan has blasted those complaining about England’s second lockdown, branding them “callous”.
The Good Morning Britain presenter accused those who were “moaning” about the latest restrictions of having a “disregard for those dying”.
Advertisement
Speaking after the UK recorded its highest daily death count of Covid-19 since May, he said on Thursday’s edition of the ITV breakfast show: “If people do the right thing, and they stop all moaning and we come together, help those who really need the help and we get through it, then come the second week of December, we might be out of this.
“But if we ignore this and rates carry on flying and the deaths carry on surging in the way they are, we’ll not be out of this and we’ll be in it for months. That’s what I say to people that just don’t want to do any form of self-restriction – think about it.
“If the hospitals get run over, we are absolutely in the cart. Our economy, in my estimation, would be in a far worse state if we can’t treat people at all because the hospitals are overrun, that’s the debate here.”
Piers Morgan tore into those "moaning" about lockdown ITV
Advertisement
He continued: “Sorry, but I’ve seen so many people be so callous, I’ve seen them all day long and it’s the disregard for those dying and the mayhem it’s causing and the mourning to the families.”
Trying to balance the argument, Piers’ co-host Susanna Reid said: “Yes, but you’ve got to have sympathy for those who are going to be affected – and you describe them as moaning – actually are genuinely frightened for their livelihoods.”
“Those are two different things,” Piers clarified. “I’m talking about the ones that are moaning that I think don’t have a lot to moan about, who don’t have the financial problems, don’t have health conditions and actually don’t want to have their freedom impinged.”
Piers later added: “We’ve all got to do our bit. We’ve got to look after those who need medical treatment or need financial support. That is where our energy should be going.”
Issuing a warning to Piers, Susanna added: You need to be careful not to come across as not being sympathetic to those people who are really going to struggle during lockdown.”
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--Couple Join Surnames To Become Mr And Mrs White-Christmas

HuffPost UK Memories Made Photography/Bath and North East Somerset Council/PA
A young couple have officially become Mr and Mrs White-Christmas after tying the knot in a pre-lockdown wedding.
Tilly Christmas and Kieran White, from Bridport, Dorset, married at the Roman Baths in Bath on November 3.
Advertisement
The coronavirus-secure ceremony, performed in line with the latest Government advice, was attended by a small number of close family members and friends.
The service was performed beside the Great Bath, with a reception for 15 guests including the couple on the picturesque Roman Baths’ Terrace.
Business student Mrs White-Christmas, 20, said: “We were due to get married in July at another venue, but because of Covid had to put the wedding back.
“To cheer ourselves up, we decided to look for another place with a real wow factor for the rescheduled ceremony and fell in love with the Roman Baths as a venue.”
Advertisement
Mr White-Christmas, also 20, works as a supermarket assistant for Waitrose.
HuffPost UK Memories Made Photography/Bath and North East Somerset Council/PA
The couple met when they were just 12 at school and were determined to get married despite the setbacks due to Covid-19.
Mrs White-Christmas, who will celebrate her 21st birthday on Thursday, said: “He really did fall head-over-heels for me. He actually fell over and head-butted my feet. After that, we became great friends and eventually boyfriend and girlfriend.
“It took us time to twig that our surnames came together as White-Christmas. We first realised at our secondary school prom when our friend uploaded pictures to social media using the hashtag #WhiteChristmas.
“I wanted to keep the surname Christmas for a few reasons.
“It is a surname I have grown up loving and I wanted to keep the name going. It just so happens the man I am marrying has the perfect surname to go with it.”
Advertisement
Following the evening wedding and reception, the couple stopped in Bath before heading back to Dorset before Thursday’s national lockdown.
Paul Crossley, cabinet member for community services at Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “On behalf of the council, our registrars and the team at the Roman Baths, I want to pass on our heartfelt congratulations to the new Mr and Mrs White-Christmas.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-05--Trump Supporters Chant 'Fox News Sucks' On MSNBC In Surreal Scene In Arizona

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Some of US President Donald Trump’s supporters turned on Fox News in an unexpected scene Wednesday in Arizona.
Unhappy that the network had called the state late Tuesday for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, the Trump supporters in Phoenix chanted “Fox News Sucks.”
Advertisement
“They’re actually chanting Fox News Sucks” pic.twitter.com/XqfiHln6Mt — Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) November 5, 2020
Trump supporters ― egged on by the president ― have been gathering outside election offices in multiple states in an effort to interfere with vote counting.
Some of the angriest crowds have been in Arizona, fueled by debunked rumours over ballots as well as the early call by Fox News.
Advertisement
Fox News was once the president’s favourite network, and he is still known to watch and call into shows such as “Fox & Friends” and “Hannity.”
However, he has also grown unhappy with the network as well, openly grousing about its polling and complaining on Twitter when Fox News hosts interview Democrats.