Taylor Swift, the global superstar known for her captivating music and empowering lyrics, possesses a lesser-known passion that runs as deep as her talent—a love for horses.
She is one of many stars that shared her passion for these beloved creatures, and to the surprise of most fans, she is a big horse lover.
In this article, we explore Taylor Swift’s lifelong connection to these majestic creatures and how they have shaped her life and creative journey.
Join us as we dive into the world of Taylor Swift and her unbridled passion for horses.
Taylor Swift and Horses
A Childhood Bond
Taylor Swift’s love of horses started at an early age. She spent a lot of time up on a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania, surrounded by nature and the equestrian world.
Recognizing her affinity for horses, her parents nourished it by enrolling her in horseback riding classes and giving her with an opportunity to interact with these magnificent creatures.
A Source of Inspiration
Horses have been a wellspring of inspiration for Taylor Swift’s music and artistry. Their grace, strength, and untamed spirit resonate deeply with her creative soul.
Through her lyrics, she often weaves metaphors and imagery related to horses, showcasing her profound connection to these animals. Their presence in her songs symbolizes freedom, resilience, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
Horses in Taylor Swift Videos
Despite her huge passion for horses, she doesn’t own any. However, she grew up with horses and loves to take casual rides.
On top of that, we think that Taylor Swift is a big believer in horse symbolism since in many of her music videos we can find horses.
For example, in her song Blank Space, we can find many horse elements in the video.
First of all, there is a scene where two white horses confront her in her bedroom and tell her everything is going to be okay.
There is another scene where Taylor Swift and her “boyfriend” in the video are riding horses. And another is where the horse observes her while she is trying to cut down a tree with their names written on it after the breakup.
This shows that horses in Taylor Swift’s life are supportive and true companions. They are here to support her through tough times.
Giving Back to Equine Causes
Driven by her love for horses, Taylor Swift has used her platform to support equine causes and advocate for their well-being.
She has made generous donations to organizations dedicated to horse rescue and rehabilitation, demonstrating her commitment to ensuring these magnificent creatures receive the care and respect they deserve. Her actions inspire her fans and highlight the importance of animal welfare.
Final Words
Even though Taylor Swift isn’t showing much of her passion for horses, the truth is, her childhood life made her fall in love with these incredible creatures.
We can rarely spot Taylor Swift at horse racing events or using horse racing bonuses by TwinSpires. Still, having a passion for horses doesn’t mean that you must show up on every big Derby Day.
In fact, she managed to keep her private life quite secret, and even though we don’t know for sure that she has got a horse, there is a good chance that she purchased one.
Taylor Swift’s love of horses exemplifies the power of connection, inspiration, and pursuing our genuine passions.
Horses have played a crucial role in defining her life, from the early awe that ignited her passion for these creatures to the deep influence they have on her artistic path.
She inspires people to find their own sources of joy, embrace their interests, and enjoy the beauty and power found in the environment around us via her music, activism, and personal connection with these amazing creatures.
Whether you are an enjoyer of artistic creations or enjoy making art yourself, the law works is a crucial, if oft-overlooked part of the art process. In this guide, we explore the topic of law in the art world; what it is, why it matters, and some of the different types of laws that are in place.
What is law in art? Why does it matter?
Put simply, failure to account for the law can leave artists and buyers open to being taken advantage of or taking advantage of one another. The law protects the rights of both parties. For buyers, this includes protection from fraud, misrepresentation, and paying an unfair price. For artists, it protects artworks from being stolen or copied, and ensures that they are correctly compensated for their hard work and creativity.
Law in the art industry is also used to retain trust in art and the market for it. And lastly, the government has an incentive to promote the law through art – both to maximise tax revenues and support the creation of art for the good of culture and society at large.
Copyright law
One of the main types of law that impacts artists, buyers, and people working with art is copyright. According to the National Portrait Gallery, this type of law is designed to ensure that the creator of a piece of art has complete control over how the piece is used, including stopping it being copied. If a third party wishes to use the art for a commercial purpose, they must pay the creator for the privilege.
Copyright law is enshrined in the UK under the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, with copyright lasting until the artist passes away, plus 70 years. After this period, it typically enters the public domain and may be used by any individual or organisation.
Art ownership laws
There is also law governing what happens when an artist sells their art. According to expert comments in a 2019 Lexology article, when a seller and buyer agree to go through with a sale, copyright over the work falls to the buyer.
Of course, the seller may wish to stipulate within the contract of sale that they retain copyright, though this would need to be agreed by the opposing party too. Once payment is made, the contract goes into effect.
Art forgery law
If a piece of art is sold and turns out to be a fake, then the buyer may be covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 or Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the buyer be guaranteed a refund. The contract itself may also feature terms relating to forgeries. Proving a piece of art is fake can be complicated, however.
Understanding the interplay between art and the law is important. Hopefully, with the information above, you should feel more at ease selling, purchasing, or using art commercially.
The Weeknd has released a new batch of tracks from the soundtrack to his HBO series The Idol. Blackpink’s Jennie, who stars in the show as Dyanne, is featured alongside Lily-Rose Depp on a track titled ‘One of the Girls’. The Weeknd has also shared ‘Fill the Void’ with Depp and another cast member, Ramsey, as well as a cover of John Lennon’s ‘Jealous Guy’. Check it out below.
The Idol soundtrack, which is out June 30, includes the previously released tracks ‘World Class Sinner / I’m a Freak’ (with Lily-Rose Depp), ‘The Lure’, ‘Double Fantasy’ (with Future), and ‘Popular’ (featuring Madonna and Playboi Carti), ‘A Lesser Man’, ‘Take Me Back’, and the Moses Sumney collab ‘Get It B4’.
Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice have teamed up for ‘Barbie World’, their contribution to Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie. The track samples Aqua’s ‘Barbie Girl’ and was produced by Ice Spice collaborator RiotUSA. Check it out below.
Minaj, who has been using Barbie references throughout her career and uses the nickname “Barbie,” dropped ‘Barbie Dreams’ back in 2018. ‘Barbie World’ marks Minaj and Spice’s second collaboration following the release of the ‘Princess Diana’ remix in April.
Barbie the Album features previously released tracks from Dua Lipa (‘Dance the Night’), Karol G (‘Watati’), and PinkPantheress (‘Angel’). On Thursday, Charli XCX announced that her song for the soundtrack, ‘Speed Drive’, will arrive on June 30.
May Rio Sembera started making her first solo project while confined to her home studio in New York, writing songs that were partly inspired by her time on tour with her former band, Poppies. She worked on the tracks quickly, with no real intention of releasing them; the result was 2021’s Easy Bammer, a warm and intimate record that married its charm with sharp moments of dissonance. Having popped up on songs by the Dare and Blaketheman1000 over the past year, she’s now come through with her second LP, French Bath, which she was able to treat with a newfound level of confidence and care. Rio has a knack for playful, off-kilter pop songs, and with help from co-producer Tony 1 of the eclectic duo Tony or Tony, they’re now punchier and cover more ground; there are wryly funny songs that sound dreamy and alluring, earnest moments that carry a sense of unease. “No one can fill up your emptiness,” she sings to someone looking for an easy escape on ‘Getaway’, and she’s not interested selling that kind of illusion to anyone. But her music does have a fun way of twisting the reality we still find ourselves trapped in, reminding us there’s more than a few ways to soak it in.
We caught up with May Rio for the latest edition of our Artist Spotlight series to talk about her songwriting journey, community, her approach going into French Bath, and more.
You started the project during the pandemic in your bedroom. What role had songwriting served for you up until that point?
I kind of came to it late. Painting was my thing growing up. Going to art school, I had developed kind of an unhealthy relationship to painting at that point, it just wasn’t fun for me anymore. I’m a perfectionist, and I’ve gotten better at dealing with that, but definitely at the time painting had kind of been stripped of its joy for me. Just as a personal challenge to myself, I had a break from college and I bought this Yamaha acoustic guitar from this pawn shop. I couldn’t play it, but sort of learned how to play an A chord, and I wrote a song. And it just felt so good. It’s the best feeling – you get a song to click, and then you just get to keep experiencing it over and over again.
After I moved to New York, I was in a band for a few years, that was my first project I’ve been in. But during the pandemic, that was the first time in a while when I had space for myself again. I’ve written a lot of songs for the band, and they were definitely like for the band – it was cool to just sort of sit down with myself and have those limits be lifted.
There’s something therapeutic about that feeling that you’re describing, but because you said you had developed an unhealthy relationship with painting, I’m curious if you were wary of the same thing happening with music.
There are some points that I wish I had started making music earlier, because most people I know did start making music earlier. But I kind of decided that, no, it’s good that I started late, because I was able to come to it without any expectation of being “good” at it, which is what painting had become for me. It was very liberating, and I’m happy that I’ve been able to bring that sort of energy to it still. It has not yet, and I hope it never does, become this thing that I feel like needs to be perfect.
When did you move to New York?
I’ve been here several years now. I don’t have any family here, but I definitely have built a family in my friendships here. But I’m from Texas, from generations of Texans. I grew up in Austin, and a lot of people are like, “Oh, there’s a really good Austin music scene.” I would visit New York when I was still in school, and what was happening musically was just so much more interesting to me. There is just so much happening. There is so much space to try this out and I go to a ton of shows now, and for the most part, the bill is never just three bands in a row that sound the same. I’ve always romanticized New York since I was a kid. It’s nothing like the 10-year-old version of myself thought it would be, but it’s pretty great.
Do you still romanticize it in a way, when you’re away or touring?
I romanticize it while I’m here. I truly fall in love with it again like every month. It is intimidating how vast it is, but it is really cool if you’re ever feeling beaten down or you’re in a rut, you just go to a different neighborhood, and you’re reminded of how much you don’t know and will never know, how much is there for you to discover. It can be exhausting, and it’s certainly frustrating whe, like, the trains aren’t working, but there’s so much adventure.
What’s a new thing you’ve discovered that’s made you fall in love with it more?
There is this Russian bar in midtown that I only found on accident because it’s right across the street from this other, much more popular Russian bar. I knew someone who worked there, and I thought I was going into that bar when really I was going into this less popular bar – they have a similar name. I’ve never gone there and have it be busy, even on the weekend. There’s a piano player and his friend sometimes plays this little electric harmonica; the two of them play in both of these Russian bars, they alternate throughout the week. I started going a lot, and one time I was there, I had like a Martini and was feeling a bit bold, so I went up to the piano player and asked if I could just join him for one song, and I ended up befriending them. They’d come up and invite me to join them for a song – that already is so much fun, but one night I did that, and after I jumped off the bench, this woman started talking to the piano player. And then he hands her the mic and starts playing a song, and it turns out she’s a real opera singer. [laughs] We’re in this nearly empty bar and we get this private show of this professional opera singer. Maybe that kind of thing could happen in other places, but maybe not a ton of other places.
Now that you’re not in a band, what role does community play in your day-to-day life as a solo artist?
It plays a massive role. I am a solo artist now, but I get so much support from my community, and likewise I support whenever I can – whether that’s, we’ll go to each other’s shows, but also bounce ideas off each other. I don’t know how things are now, but when I was in the band, I was playing a lot more shows with bands, and it did seem like there is maybe this undercurrent of competition, or everyone sort of doing their own thing and focusing on that. I feel like just the way my social infrastructure is now, everyone is constantly looking out for each other and is very proactive. I just feel more free to be myself now. I definitely don’t feel alone in what I’m doing.
On ‘Aspartame’, you describe someone as “sweet in a sickly way,” which comes pretty close to encapsulating the aesthetic of the album – it’s infectious, but there are parts of it that are deliberately off-kilter. Was that your vision going into it?
Totally. Even the name of the album, French Bath – do you know what it is?
Yeah, I read about it. I don’t know if that came first, though, or if you had the title and the ideas grew from that.
It’s funny, I don’t even know how these things get made. I feel like I black out. I definitely felt very drawn to that idea for a long time, and I’d had in my head that I really like this name for an album. But it wasn’t until I wrote that line that it’s in ‘Aspartame’ that it made sense. It’s not that I’m not thinking about these things, but I’m not like, “I’m going to make an album, I want it to have a hint of…” I just kind of make songs, and they show themselves to me through the making of them.
Are you more conscious of why you were drawn to that name?
I think I’m really drawn to things that have, if not dual meanings, at least dual ways they can land. And I think that name really land in very different ways, depending on what you know about it already. I also am drawn to humour, and I feel like the best pieces of art, even if they’re very sad, have at least a hint of humour, which rounds it out a bit more. Even Elliot Smith, who is one of the saddest songwriters of all time, his songs are funny, too.
“Biting” is a good word for some of the funnier songs on your album, too, like ‘NYC UMTs’.
Not all the songs are like jokes on the album, but this one definitely was kind of a joke song to me.
It feels like it’s the romanticization of the lifestyle that’s kind of the joke rather than the characters themselves.
I don’t want to seem like I’m putting anyone down. I go to a lot of parties, I’m a pretty social person – I’ve never actually encountered anyone who is sort of like the character in the song, it’s definitely kind of a cartoon of maybe characters I’ve encountered. Sometimes I get bored, I get tired of writing about myself and my own experiences that it can be fun sometimes to just step into the shoes of a different character.
I’m comparing it to a song like ‘Mr. Horny Puke Man’, which is more directly poking fun at the subject.
It totally is. That one was actually inspired by a specific friend who I adore.
Did you have to show it to them?
He doesn’t know. [laughs] I don’t think he’ll ever know, because again, it was inspired by him, not actually – if I truly felt the way about someone that the song expresses, I’m not sure that is really someone I’d be friends with. But I had a friend get too drunk one night after another friend’s birthday party and, you know, puke. It was just funny.
What do you think it is that connects all these different songs and characters, whether they’re real or exaggerated or imagined?
There’s definitely songs on the album that are completely true to what I’ve lived and experience, and there’s also songs that are made up and other songs in between. It is the inclination to try and classify things that way, like, this is true, that’s not true. But I do feel like a lot of people’s reality, the way that they experience things, is way more plastic than they realize. And how you experience the same interaction will be completely different, depending on what mood you’re in or how much sleep you got. If I said to you, “All of these songs are based are written about this thing that I actually went through,” I feel like anyone who says that – I’m not even sure that’s a true statement, even if they think it’s true.
How has the way you personally reflect on these experiences changed since making your debut?
One conscious way that I did approach this album differently was just by taking it a bit more seriously, and again, still having fun with it. The first album, the songs are all really short, I wrote them really quickly. It’s the first time I’d made something just for myself in so long, and I needed to make this album very quickly, even just to show myself I could do it. And then I did it, and I was like, “Okay, cool, I can do this. I can have a solo project.” It definitely started out with no real ambitions, I just needed to do something for myself. For the second album,I was in this place where, like, “Oh, there is actually infrastructure and support surrounding me, and I can take my time and make a real album if I want to do that.” And I did.
On ‘Self Service’, you sing, “Hope I’ll tell myself/ Slow it down/ Things take time to live out/ You might get it wrong/ Welcome in the doubt.” It must feel particularly important for you to live by that now as you’re about to release the record.
It’s crazy, I’m having this moment of like things feel a bit easier in some ways because people are excited about this album, snd so they’re excited about me. And I know it is a moment, inevitably the wave will die down, so I’m really trying to allow myself to be excited about all of that while also get my own enjoyment and fulfillment not from all that stuff. All that stuff is exciting, it’s fun, but it’s not really something I can count on. And I also don’t want the way I view myself or my music to just be a reflection of how other people see it. It’s important to me to have my own relationship to myself and to my music.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
Palehound has unveiled a new single, ‘Independence Day’, alongside an accompanying video. It’s lifted from their upcoming LP Eye on the Bat, which has so far been previewed by the tracks ‘The Clutch’ and ‘My Evil’. Check it out below.
“The ending of a relationship that spanned the majority of my twenties illuminated a forked road that daunted me,” Palehound’s El Kempner said of ‘Independence Day’ in a statement. “In the aftermath of our breakup, I found myself dwelling on what that other life would have been like and who I would have become had we chosen differently, or even if circumstance or tragedy had chosen for us.”
Volker Bertelmann, aka Hauschka, has announced a new album titled Philanthropy. The follow-up to 2019’s A Different Forest is set for release on October 20 through City Slang. Today, the composer has unveiled its lead single ‘Loved Ones’, alongside a video from director Tilly Shiner, which is adapted from the short film I Haven’t Told This to Anybody Before / Finding Nick Ayer. Check it out and find the album artwork and tracklist below.
Bertelmann recorded most of the new album alone on his piano in his studio, beginning in the summer of 2022. “I really loved how I worked in the beginning,” he remarked in a press release. “I wanted to connect with the time I first started.” Philanthropy features contributions from cellist Laura Wiek and violinist Karina Buschinger, as well as Múm drummer Samuli Kosminen.
Bertelman’s score for All Quiet on the Western Front won Best Original Score at the 2023 Oscars.
As the new school year approaches, it’s the perfect time to update your wardrobe with the latest back-to-school shoes and clothes. And being a teacher doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style! Plenty of versatile pieces, colors, and accessories can help you look and feel your best in the classroom.
Here, we’ll explore some stylish options for teacher outfit ideas and provide practical tips to curate a fashionable and functional wardrobe.
Versatile Pieces
When selecting your back-to-school fashion pieces, choosing versatile items that can be easily mixed and matched is important. Some timeless staples to consider include:
Blazers: A well-fitted blazer can instantly elevate any outfit, making it a must-have for teacher outfits.
Midi Skirts: Combining style and comfort, midi skirts are a great addition to your teacher’s wardrobe. They can be dressed up or down with the right blouse or jacket, making them perfect for any school day.
Blouses or Shirts – A crisp, tailored blouse or shirt can easily elevate your teacher’s outfit ideas. Choose classic colors like white or navy, and consider investing in a few statement blouses or shirts with bold prints or patterns to add a touch of personality.
Jumpsuits – Jumpsuits are a one-and-done outfit that can be dressed up or down with the right accessories. Look for solid-colored jumpsuits or professional prints for a chic teacher style.
Embrace Color
While it’s great to have neutral pieces in your wardrobe, don’t be afraid to play with color and patterns with your back-to-school fashion. This season, consider incorporating jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and rich burgundy into your outfits for a sophisticated pop of color. Additionally, experiment with patterns like florals, stripes, and geometric prints to make a teacher-style statement.
Stylish and Comfortable Teacher Shoes
As a teacher, you’ll be spending long hours on your feet, so investing in comfortable yet back-to-school shoes is crucial. Look for options that provide support and cushioning without compromising on style. Some fashionable and functional choices include:
Sandals or slides: A pair of stylish sandals or slides can be easily dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
Block Heels: If you prefer wearing heels, opt for a low block heel that provides stability and comfort throughout the day.
Sneakers: Sneakers can be trendy and functional if you’re between the classroom and the sports field.
Essential Accessories for Cool Teacher Style
Essential Accessories for Cool Teacher Style
Backpacks – Replace your usual teacher bag with a stylish or branded backpack for ample storage and hands-free convenience while navigating school halls.
Statement jewelry – Enhance your teacher outfit with eye-catching statement jewelry, such as bold earrings or a special necklace, for an elevated look without classroom distractions.
Essential Fashion Tips for Practical Chic
Prepare your outfits in advance to save time thinking of teacher outfit ideas. This will boost your confidence and help you feel more ready as you enter the school daily.
Prioritize high-quality clothing. Although it may be tempting to purchase cheaper clothes, it’s wiser to invest in high-quality pieces that can last for several school years. Opt for well-crafted items that can endure the daily demands of teaching.
Master the art of layering. Layering is essential for teachers because the temperature can fluctuate significantly throughout the day. Keep a cardigan or lightweight jacket in your classroom when you need added warmth.
Embracing versatile pieces, colors, and stylish accessories helps to create a look that’s both professional and fashionable. Staying up-to-date with current fashion and trends can make your back-to-school transition fashionable. Happy shopping!
A party garden is an amazing addition to the modern home. Even if you’ve got a small yard and a tiny lawn, you can fit a lot of amenities into the space with a few arranging tips. And as we move into the summer, hosting BBQs and garden parties and sipping cocktails under the stars will very much be activities of the season.
So, you’re going to need a hosting space capable of keeping you comfortable and dry as the weather moves around you! And to get you started with making the perfect party garden for your needs, we’ve constructed a complete guide for you down below. Use these tips as some general rules for drawing up a layout, so you can then make sure you’re happy with the final result.
Create a Weather Safe Area
This is your first priority. When you want to spend more time in the garden, you need to make sure it’s always safe to be out there. To manage that, you’ll want to set up a permanent covered space, rather than just a fabric gazebo or awning you can take down when the season is done with.
This is going to take a bit of DIY expertise, but it can be easily done when you’ve got the right materials! Start with checking out a range of plastic roof sheets; you want the roof of your weather safe area to be waterproof, fireproof, and able to keep you safe from lightning during thunder storms.
Then think about the space you need to take up, how you can safely fit people under it alongside bulky furniture and electrical lights, and if it’s going to be easy to move around carrying food plates and smashable glasses. Double check your measurements and be very happy with your layout before you get the toolbox out!
Vary the Sitting Area with Different Levels
Once the weather safe area is all set up and ready to go, it’s time to vary the sitting area and add a bit of style to it. To do that, it’s best to set up different levels to sit, lay, and lounge on. Don’t worry, this is much easier than it sounds – you don’t need to construct different decking here!
After all, you just need some chairs for people who just want to take a seat, a sofa for those who love to be close and comfy, and then some floor cushions and blankets for those who like to just lay around, especially after a few drinks. It might take a little more time to clean up after you’ve hosted something, but you’ll be satisfied at just how good a time your guests had.
Remember, the easier it is to sit down, the more you’re going to enjoy the party space you make outside. Not only will it be super cosy to spend time in, but you can literally just collapse and there’ll be something soft nearby to put your head on!
Small Kitchen Hubs Work Wonders
Just like you fitted a wardrobe into the awkwardly shaped wall next to the window, you can fit a small kitchen hub into your backyard setting. You just need to think in smaller terms, and try to double up on the use of certain areas.
And once it’s set up, you’ll have an outdoor cooking space you can use whenever you feel like it. That makes hosting any kind of event outside a lot more convenient, and it’s just fun to slide a pizza into a real clay oven every now and then! What could be a better scene for the first garden party of the summer in your friend circle?
Remember, you’re going to want a place to prepare the food, so that means you’ll need a ‘counter’, usually made out of brick or plasterboard, and then you’ll want to move across to the actual BBQ itself, with the pizza oven standing next to it.
Doing so makes it a lot easier to use both at the same time, as the heat can be shared well here. And then think about setting up a little sink station – it doesn’t have to be plumbed in, but you will need somewhere to put the dirty dishes and any rubbish you want to throw out.
Brace Your Patio with Tall Plants
Tall plants are great for adding a sense of levels to your garden without the need for digging up or down. They’re also great for bracing pathways and making sure your lawn isn’t touched by people who’ve had a bit too much to drink!
And they go above and beyond when it comes to giving your garden a bit more privacy; that’s always a bonus when you’ve got a lot of delicate furniture out there. So if you want to give your hosting space a more intimate vibe, make sure you plant plenty of taller, grassy plants that block the view and help to curate the sections you’re going for.
This way you’ll always have somewhere to retreat to when the party gets a bit loud, or you need a breather from dancing and singing karaoke. Parties are great, but they can get a bit much from time to time, and you’ll thank yourself for having foresight during the layout stage!
Hang Lighting Strategically
You need to light up your party garden very clearly, of course. However, you also want to preserve that sense of intimacy we talked about earlier on. This means you’ll want to keep the light a bit spotty in places, and easy to dim down or turn up when you need it. This might sound hard to do, but it’s actually quite easy with modern garden tech.
After all, it means you can quickly and simply hang up string lights anywhere you need to move, and then use solar powered lights for the edges of pathways or the lawn itself. You can even get smaller lights that are perfect for fitting into borders around plant boxes or strip gardens you’ve planted. This way you can always keep them lit up without ever needing to fully illuminate the space, meaning people are far less likely to trip over them!
Craft a Natural Soundscape
A natural soundscape sounds hard to put together, doesn’t it? But remember the kinds of sounds you want to incorporate here: birdsong, the gentle babbling of water, etc., both of these things are easy to feature in your garden!
The latter is easy to get going; you just need to set up a water feature, and you don’t even need to make this yourself either. You can buy one from a store, fill it with water, and then leave it to get going. Be sure to check in with the feature once a week to make sure it hasn’t gotten dirty.
However, the first is going to take a little while to set up, as you need to make your space wildlife friendly. But don’t be discouraged – getting birds and other animals to call your garden home is the name of the game anyway. You’re going to naturally plant some flowers that they’ll find friendly, as well as put down little homes for critters to move into.
Don’t just focus on frogs or hedgehogs here; you’ll want to put down a ‘hotel’ for solitary bees, and any other insect that wants to move in. None of them are particularly bad, and if you give them a place of their own, they’re going to be far less likely to make their way into your home!
Make Some Space in the Shed
If you’ve got enough room for a shed in your garden, now’s the time to give it a clear out. After all, you’re going to want to use it as a storage space more than anything else; a lot of the furniture you use in your party garden is going to need to be kept safe in the autumn and winter months.
And no proper party garden is without good storage space, so don’t forget to include it in your plan. You’ll want to move things in and out over the year anyway, as you’re going to fall out of love with certain items and swap things in when they’ve gotten worse for wear. Do yourself a favour as early on as you can and make it easy to move the garden and use it like a normal room.
Got Some Garden Space Going to Waste?
The perfect party garden shouldn’t be too hard to design. After all, you’ve already got a host of ideas about what you want to do with the space, and now you’ve got the practical tips to make it all happen!
Whether you want to light up an awning and make it the best place to be at night, or you’ve got a big family you need to seat on a weekly basis, now’s your chance to draw up the best layout for your purposes.
Twitch, the leading live streaming platform, commands a vast audience eager to share in the gaming adventures of their favorite streamers. Twitch is not just about gaming; it’s become a vibrant social hub where users can interact with streamers and fellow viewers. Recently, the Twitch landscape has seen the emergence of gambling sponsorships, a trend posing several ethical dilemmas. This article aims to explore these ethical considerations and the inherent responsibility that Twitch streamers carry when engaging with gambling sponsorships.
The intersection of online streaming and gambling is relatively new but rapidly growing. Gambling companies are sponsoring streamers, offering lucrative deals to promote their services to their considerable follower base. The allure of these sponsorships lies in the substantial financial benefits for the streamers and the extensive market reach for the sponsors.
However, as the popularity of these gambling sponsorships escalates, so does the concern about the ethical implications. The influence of streamers on their audience, the potential harm to viewers, particularly the young and impressionable, and the normalization of gambling are aspects that warrant a comprehensive examination.
The Rise of Gambling Sponsorships on Twitch
Gambling sponsorships on Twitch function in a rather straightforward manner. Betting companies sponsor streamers to feature their gambling services during live streams, often with streamers participating in the gambling activity themselves. The nature of these sponsorships is appealing to many: streamers enjoy a generous income stream, while sponsors access a broad, engaged audience.
Data reveals an alarming surge in the number of streamers accepting gambling sponsorships. Coupled with the high viewing figures attracted by top streamers, this trend indicates a massive audience exposed to gambling activities regularly. Further, the raw enthusiasm of the streamers, fueled by potential big wins, effectively markets these gambling platforms to their viewers.
Gambling companies are all too aware of the marketing potential Twitch offers. Streamers, especially those with large followings, can influence viewer perceptions and behaviors, making them invaluable to sponsors. This relationship benefits gambling companies by providing them a platform to normalize and promote their services to a global audience.
The Ethical Implications
The prevalence of gambling sponsorships on Twitch presents multiple ethical concerns. High on the list is the exposure of gambling activities to underage viewers. With no reliable age verification mechanisms, Twitch inadvertently provides a gateway to gambling for minors. The danger lies in glamorizing gambling and minimizing the associated risks, which can create unrealistic expectations and potentially trigger addictive behaviors.
The normalization of gambling poses another ethical issue. With streamers often seen participating in gambling activities, it can create a perception that gambling is a standard pastime, devoid of financial risk. However, this is far from the truth. Gambling can lead to severe financial and personal consequences, an aspect often underplayed in streams.
Moreover, the risk of gambling addiction cannot be overstated. The thrill of winning, combined with the emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows, can foster addictive behaviors. This issue becomes more critical given the young age of many Twitch viewers who may not yet possess the maturity to handle such scenarios responsibly.
The Responsibility of Twitch Streamers
Twitch streamers, by virtue of their influence, carry a significant responsibility. They can shape the opinions, attitudes, and behaviors of their viewers, often younger audiences who look up to them. When engaging in gambling sponsorships, streamers should bear in mind the potential harm they might inflict if they do not adequately communicate the inherent risks of gambling.
Opaque relationships between streamers and gambling sponsors can also be problematic. Transparency is key in maintaining trust within the Twitch community. If streamers do not openly disclose their relationships with sponsors, they run the risk of betraying this trust, further compounding the ethical issues surrounding gambling sponsorships.
A few streamers have taken steps to promote responsible gambling, which is commendable. However, the question remains: are these efforts sufficient? Given the vast influence of streamers, is mentioning responsible gambling enough, or should they be doing more to educate their viewers about the potential risks and consequences of gambling?
Regulations and Twitch’s Role
Gambling sponsorships on Twitch fall into a somewhat grey area in terms of regulation. Currently, there is limited legislation specifically targeting this issue. This lack of oversight allows gambling sponsorships to proliferate, exposing a wide array of viewers to gambling content.
The role of Twitch as a platform is critical. It can help protect users from the potential dangers of gambling by establishing and enforcing strict guidelines around gambling sponsorships. However, critics argue that Twitch is not doing enough to safeguard its viewers, particularly the younger audience.
Potential actions for Twitch could include stringent age verification processes, clear disclosure requirements for streamers engaged with gambling sponsors, and education initiatives around responsible gambling. These steps could significantly reduce the potential harm caused by gambling sponsorships.
Case Studies
There have been several high-profile cases where Twitch gambling sponsorships have led to controversy. These instances serve as stark reminders of the potential dangers and ethical issues related to gambling sponsorships. They underline the urgent need for streamers, Twitch, and regulators to take action and protect viewers.
One such case involved a streamer promoting a gambling site without disclosing his financial stake in the company. This incident highlights the issue of transparency and how the lack of it can lead to the manipulation of viewer trust.
Another case involved a minor who started gambling after watching his favorite streamer. His ensuing struggle with gambling addiction reveals the real danger that these sponsorships can pose, especially to younger viewers.
Conclusions
The rise of gambling sponsorships on Twitch brings to light several ethical considerations and responsibilities. The potential harm to viewers, especially those who are young and impressionable, is significant. The responsibility that streamers carry, given their influence over their viewers, is equally critical. The question is, how should these issues be addressed?
Reflections on potential solutions point towards the need for comprehensive regulations, increased transparency from streamers, and a proactive role from Twitch. It’s clear that the status quo is unsustainable and potentially harmful. For the sake of its viewers, the Twitch community must push for change.
Recommendations
Change must come from all stakeholders involved. Regulators should enact legislation specifically addressing gambling sponsorships on Twitch. Twitch itself must establish and enforce stricter guidelines around these sponsorships, focusing on protecting its users.
Streamers, too, must play their part. They should be transparent about their relationships with sponsors, and actively promote responsible gambling. They must remember that their influence extends beyond their streams – it impacts the lives of their viewers.
Lastly, viewers themselves must be vigilant. They should understand the risks associated with gambling and demand more responsible behavior from Twitch and its streamers. After all, the power of Twitch lies in its community, and it’s this community that can drive meaningful change.
