Charlotte Wood Turners

My Writing Journey

Category: Entertainment (page 1 of 1)

June 29, 2023

Hot Tubs and Stargazing: Backyard Astronomy from Your Soothing Soak

Whoever said that stargazing is an activity exclusive to scientists and nighttime enthusiasts? The cosmos doesn’t discriminate; they unveil their celestial display for all to see, and one of the best seats in the house could be in your backyard. Now, imagine being tucked into your hot tub, with the warmth diffusing into your bones, while above you, the vast infinity of the universe unravels itself.

Not every night needs to be an eventful journey towards the heavens, but when the skies are clear, the stars are twinkling, and the hot tub’s jets are gently pulsating, why not take the opportunity to look up and wonder? Your hot tub could be the luxurious launch pad for a whimsical trip amongst the stars, all while remaining at home. Welcome to the delightful duality of soaking and stargazing.

A Dip in Time and Space

When you think about it, stargazing from your hot tub is the perfect cocktail of time travel and self-care. As you submerge yourself into the warm, therapeutic waters, you’re not just sinking into your hot tub—you’re sinking into an experience that predates our species, an experience that ties us to our distant ancestors who too marvelled at the cosmos.

While it might be hard to grasp the enormity of the universe from our tiny corner of the cosmos, a relaxed body and an open mind create the perfect conditions to ponder such vastness. You’re not just stargazing, but traversing through light-years and cosmic dust from your very own spaceship, a.k.a. your hot tub.

Navigating the Night Sky: A Hot Tub Astronomer’s Compass

Let’s dive into some tips and tricks to enhance this cosmic experience. Armed with just a little knowledge and a sense of curiosity, anyone can become an amateur astronomer.

Remember, the key to stargazing is patience. The human eye takes about 20 minutes to fully adapt to darkness, so give yourself some time to adjust. To aid the process, consider installing dimmer switches or using red light bulbs in nearby lighting. Red light has a lesser effect on your night vision than other types of light, keeping your eyes attuned to the celestial panorama unfolding above.

Apps and star maps can be your best companions when navigating the sky. With a little help from modern technology, you can easily identify constellations, planets, and meteor showers. But don’t let the digital world dominate the experience. Allow yourself to just gaze, get lost, and rediscover the night sky, just as the ancients did.

Caring for the Cosmic Connoisseur

While the universe offers a feast for the eyes, you need to remember to take care of the earthly body that’s soaking up the cosmos (and the warm water). Staying hydrated is crucial when you’re in a hot tub, no matter what you’re doing. The warm water can lead to dehydration faster than you might realize. So keep a bottle of water nearby, and maybe a towel too, to keep the shivers at bay when you eventually decide to retreat indoors.

Remember, hot tubs are supposed to be relaxing, not scalding. The recommended water temperature for a hot tub is between 100°F (37.8°C) and 102°F (38.9°C). Also, as a rule of thumb, don’t soak for more than 15-20 minutes at a time. It’s better to take a break and return than to risk overheating.

The Personal Planetarium

This combination of relaxation and celestial exploration is a treat to the senses, a dance between the earthly and the ethereal. But it’s not just about the external experience, it’s also about introspection. As your body unwinds, let your mind wander. Use this time not just to connect with the cosmos, but also to reconnect with yourself. Let the worries of the day dissolve into the starlight, and let the beauty of the universe invigorate you.

At the end of the day, your hot tub planetarium can be whatever you want it to be: a celestial observatory, a relaxation retreat, a place of connection, or a portal to the universe. And who knows? As you soak and stargaze, you may just discover that you’re not merely under the stars—you’re among them.

So here’s to the wonders of the cosmos, the warmth of the water, and the joy of experiencing it all from your backyard. Welcome to the ultimate guide to backyard astronomy from your soothing soak. The universe is waiting. Happy soaking, stargazers!

June 4, 2023

The Influence of Social Media on Music Discovery and Popularity

Back in my day, we discovered new music by listening to the radio, buying CDs, or getting recommendations from that one friend who always seemed to know the coolest bands before they hit mainstream. Remember mixtapes? Ah, those were the days.

Today, however, the times they are a-changin’. Thanks to the rise of social media, our music discovery process has transformed faster than you can say ‘synthesizer’.

A TikTok to Stardom

Take TikTok for example. Ever had a catchy tune stuck in your head for days, and then realized you’ve never actually heard the full song? Just a 15-second clip on a loop? Welcome to the TikTok effect.

TikTok’s short-form video format has become a goldmine for aspiring artists. The platform’s algorithm favors catchy, engaging content – and what’s more engaging than a catchy tune? The result is songs blowing up overnight, reaching audiences that would take traditional marketing months or even years to reach.

Remember “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X? It went from a TikTok meme to a Billboard No. 1 hit, faster than you can say “yeehaw!”

The Hashtag Symphony

Meanwhile, platforms like Twitter and Instagram use hashtags to help us navigate the vast ocean of content. You might find a gem in #NewMusicFriday or #SoundCloudArtist, leading you to the next big thing in music. It’s like sifting for gold, but instead of a pan and a river, you’ve got a smartphone and a strong thumb-scroll game.

The Spotify Algorithm Dance

And let’s not forget about the influence of streaming services like Spotify. Its recommendation algorithm is like that friend who knows your music taste so well, they always know what you’ll like. They observe what you listen to, introduce you to similar artists, and boom! You’re hooked to a new band you’ve never heard of before.

Caveat Auditor: Listener Beware

But as with all good things, there’s a flip side. While it’s great that we’ve got a world of music at our fingertips, social media and algorithms can sometimes create a kind of echo chamber.

You know how it is – you listen to one synth-pop song, and suddenly your recommendations are filled with moody electronica. There’s a risk of missing out on a whole world of diverse music if we let algorithms lead the way.

The Music Goes Round and Round

But at the end of the day, isn’t it exciting to see how social media has democratised music? It’s no longer about which artist has the biggest record deal, but about who has a catchy tune that can make the internet sit up and listen.

The result? A vibrant, diverse, and eclectic music scene, where anyone with a melody and a dream can shoot for the stars. And all we need to discover our next favorite song is a smartphone and a little bit of curiosity.

So, crank up the volume and hit that explore button – your new favorite artist might be just a click away.