Spencer Hawken
Bio
I'm a fiftysomething guy with a passion for films, travel and gluten free food. I work in property management, have a history in television presentation and am a multi award wining filmmaker, even though my films are/were all trash.
Stories (74/0)
Gluten-Free Globetrotting
Five years ago, I discovered travel. Now, I know what you're thinking: travel most definitely existed before I discovered it. But in my world, I discovered the joy of travel. To me, travel was something I would do in the UK, not out of it. I have been just about everywhere in England, which I guess is another indication I knew about travel long before I said I did. I’d ruled out "international travel" because in 2013, I had become a coeliac (someone who is gluten or wheat intolerant). I thought travel was a locked door to me. I soon, however, realized that actually, it was the opening of the door.
By Spencer Hawken9 months ago in Feast
Twitter's Demise and the Emergence of X
In a seismic shift that reverberated through the digital realm, the worm has finally turned, and Elon Musk, the enigmatic entrepreneur, has given Twitter's co-founder, Larry, a defiant farewell. Debates over whether Larry deserved such treatment or not are now moot, as after an impressive 17-year reign, Twitter has now been laid to rest. Replacing it is a platform straight out of the X-Files, bearing the enigmatic name - X.
By Spencer Hawken9 months ago in Journal
- Top Story - July 2023
Gluten-Free Adventures in UzbekistanTop Story - July 2023
As an avid traveler, I've had my fair share of journeys, but writing about my experiences in Uzbekistan has been the most daunting yet, especially when it comes to being gluten-free. Before embarking on my trip to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, anxiety loomed large, knowing I was venturing into a nation renowned as the "world's bread basket." As a coeliac with wheat/gluten intolerance, the prospect of navigating local cuisine filled me with dread.
By Spencer Hawken9 months ago in Feast
Navigating the Film Festival Scene
As we venture through the captivating world of cinema, we yearn for authentic experiences and genuine connections. For aspiring filmmakers, the film festival circuit is a realm of dreams, but it can also be a maze of challenges. In this journey, one in a hundred filmmakers possess the remarkable traits of being real and genuine. Unfortunately, the industry isn't without its flaws, as ego problems seem to haunt many who work in film. It's a place where compliments flow, but true intentions often hide behind a facade of camaraderie.
By Spencer Hawken9 months ago in Geeks
Is Zilebesiran about to change millions of lives forever?
A few years ago, I shared an article about my experience with high blood pressure, and it truly caught me by surprise. It all started when my girlfriend and I finally made the decision to purchase our first home together. As we went through the process of getting a mortgage, the issue of my age came into play since I am 14 years older than my partner. The insurers were concerned that I might not make it to retirement and, as a result, asked me to undergo a medical examination.
By Spencer Hawken9 months ago in Longevity
How to Break the Cycle of Mediocrity
Sometimes life just stays the same... As a child, my parents moved to a small seaside town in the UK. In this town, it was not uncommon to settle into a certain routine, earn a maximum wage, and raise your family without ever leaving. While this could be said for many towns across the world, there was always a lack of inspiration to do more than what was expected in that place. Looking back, out of the 200+ children in my year at senior school, less than ten of us managed to "make it out," and that includes me. But what did I do to break that cycle? And what am I doing to continue breaking the cycle?
By Spencer Hawken9 months ago in Lifehack
Unveiling the Dark Social: A Paradigm Shift in Advertising Strategy, for those with little experience
In the world of digital marketing, falling into the oldest and easiest trap in the book during the initial foray into paid online ads is all too common. Every year, countless marketers become victims of this dangerous trap. While the statistics may appear promising, they can be deceptive. This article explores the concept of dark social, sheds light on its deceptive nature, and suggests a shift in advertising strategy for optimal results.
By Spencer Hawken9 months ago in 01
Decoding "The Idol": A Provocative Tale of Power and Intrigue
HBO's run of its captivating series, "The Idol," has just completed. However, the show faced intense criticism, with the media treating it as if it were something out of the 16th century witch trials. Yet, upon delving into the myriad of articles, one thing becomes apparent: many critics simply failed to grasp its essence. Some even claimed to explain the show while overlooking crucial details, leaving readers with more questions than answers. Perhaps, one wonders if these authors truly understand the intricacies of human experiences or have enough depth in their own lives to comprehend it fully.
By Spencer Hawken10 months ago in Geeks
From Inactive to Influential
If you have been using the Instagram platform for more than five years, it is highly likely that over 50% of your following is inactive. In 2018, this wasn't a significant concern, but as social media continues to evolve, the purpose of having a large follower count has shifted. Merely having hundreds, thousands, or even millions of followers means little if they are not actively engaging with your content. Whether you aspire to be an influencer or are already one, declining engagement is a sign that your days of success on the platform may be coming to an end. However, if you don't care much about your Instagram appearance and have noticed an increase in followers but a decrease in interaction, there are simple rules you can follow to enhance your following.
By Spencer Hawken10 months ago in Journal
From Wanderlust to Obsession
often ponder how it all came to be, what triggered the change. Perhaps you can shed some light on it in the comments section? It was in 1986 when my mother surprised us with the news of a holiday. A holiday! My mind immediately jumped to the possibility of revisiting Polperro, as until then, I had only experienced three "holidays," all within our country. Two trips to the charming Cornish town of Polperro and one to Barking, part of Greater London, summed up my 11 years of life. However, to my amazement, my mother, a newly divorced single mother, revealed that we were traveling to Elounda in Crete, Greece.
By Spencer Hawken10 months ago in Wander
How I became an expert
It is an undeniable truth that every individual possesses expertise in some aspect of life. In my case, I have cultivated proficiency in several areas, including Italian thriller and horror cinema from the 1970s and 1980s, social media, film production, and film festivals.
By Spencer Hawken10 months ago in Journal
The Idol: This years most misunderstood TV show
HBO's highly anticipated summer show has come and gone, leaving behind a trail of both hype and disappointment. Regardless of which side of the pond you reside on, the aggressive promotion of the "dream" pairing of Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd captured attention. Lily-Rose Depp, although not unfamiliar due to her famous parents, reached new levels of exposure. Meanwhile, The Weeknd, known as the music draw for a new generation, seemed like the perfect match on paper. However, the media's response to the show left critics worldwide scratching their heads, questioning whether they were right or simply missing something.
By Spencer Hawken10 months ago in Geeks