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Critique: Lin Guo & Oskar Odiakosa – Latin Dance Performance

Abbie Wilson
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Critique: Lin Guo & Oskar Odiakosa – Latin Dance Performance

Lin Guo and Oskar Odiakosa delivered a performance that was as much a visual feast as it was a technical showcase. From the outset, their opening sequence set the tone for a routine filled with high energy, sharp movements, and an undeniable connection. It was clear that their performance was the result of rigorous training and a deep, shared chemistry. Their ability to connect with the rhythm and beats was evident in every step, turn, and pose. Each movement synced perfectly with the music, transforming their dance into a harmonious dialogue with the soundtrack.

What truly stood out was their partner work. The duo communicated non-verbally in a way that felt natural and effortless. Lin’s fluidity on the floor complemented Oskar’s commanding presence, creating a partnership that was both balanced and dynamic. Their facial expressions and interactions with one another fully engaged the audience, and Lin’s radiant smile, paired with Oskar’s dramatic flair, added an extra layer of charisma that heightened the performance.

Dance competition： Lin Guo & Oskar Odiakosa， Majestic Dance Tournament 2024. Photograph 2， Sophie‘s Photography

However, there were areas for growth. While the routine was polished, there were a few fleeting moments where foot placement could have been crisper, especially during the faster sequences. Tightening this aspect would elevate their technical score and add precision to their performance. Additionally, some transitions between slower and faster movements felt slightly rushed. Smoother pacing would have enhanced the overall flow and helped maintain the seamless energy throughout the routine.

The highlight of their performance came during a synchronized spin sequence followed by a daring lift. It was executed with impeccable timing and precision, drawing audible gasps from the audience—a moment of sheer brilliance that will surely be remembered.

Overall, Lin and Oskar’s performance was a masterful blend of artistry and athleticism. Their ability to merge emotion with technique sets them apart as competitors. With a touch more refinement in certain details, they are on the path to becoming legends in the Latin dance circuit. Bravo to both performers, and we eagerly await their next masterpiece on the floor.

The Grain of Memory: Tianjiao Wang’s Tribute in WILLIAMBABE

Abbie Wilson
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The Grain of Memory: Tianjiao Wang’s Tribute in WILLIAMBABE

Film is a time-based medium—its very structure compels us to move through duration, to experience moments as they unfold and dissolve. This temporal nature makes film uniquely suited for reflecting on the passage of time, on the impermanence of life, and on the enduring impact of those we’ve lost. Today, we highlight WILLIAMBABE, an experimental short recently showcased at the Light Matter Film Festival in Alfred, New York. The film is directed by Tianjiao Wang—an acclaimed artist, scholar, writer, and teaching fellow at the University of Chicago. In this work, Wang turns to 16mm film not just as a tool of expression, but as a vessel for grief, memory, and transformation. Shot with an organic and expressive sensibility, the film is a deeply personal tribute to her mentor, the late artist William Pope.L. Through tactile textures and emotional pacing, Wang explores how the materiality of film can mirror the fragile yet persistent imprint one life leaves on another.

The title WILLIAMBABE appears, handwritten on black leader, followed by a small heart drawn in the same style, accompanied by the sound of applause. The next shot reveals a close-up of a peace lily at night. Then follows a time-lapse sequence captured through single-frame shooting. The plant is now placed indoors, on a table set against a window. Within just a few minutes of screen time, the sequence reveals the plant’s gradual transformation over the course of a day, from slightly drooping to standing tall. In lived reality, such changes are nearly imperceptible to the human eye. The temporal scale of a plant’s life process may not be measured in seconds or hours, but in longer, continuous integrals. In Wang’s film, regardless of how time is marked or experienced, the plant’s quiet yet unmistakable vitality before the camera becomes a gesture of reverence for the unseen durations of life.

Wang describes the film’s dual visual effect as the result of an intensely tactile, hand-driven process in the darkroom, where she relied on nothing but touch and intuition. Using a simple rewind kit, she worked in absolute darkness, pressing a pushpin directly into the 16mm strip before winding it back and reloading the reel into her Bolex for a second pass. In these gestures—part mark-making, part ritual—the film became more than a surface of images; it became a palimpsest of memory and presence. The scratches, uneven in pressure and depth, produced unpredictable reactions during lab processing. Because the film stock contains multiple light-sensitive layers, each incision disrupted the emulsion differently, blooming into variations of color and brightness that could not have been fully anticipated.

Through this painstaking, physical inscription, Wang etched her own hand into the material history of cinema, collapsing the distance between artist, medium, and memory. The scratched passages reveal Pope.L’s Cliff (2012) and Better (2013), once installed on the glass walls of the Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago. Spanning three floors of windows, the vinyl letters—beginning in a stairwell and stretching outward—collectively declared: “on strike for better schools.” In Wang’s film, these fragments reappear not as static documentation, but as spectral impressions, flickering through grain and rupture, carrying forward the urgency of Pope.L’s work while embedding it within her own language of loss and tribute.

More than a tribute, WILLIAMBABE becomes a vessel through which film and life fold into one another. Pope.L’s presence lingers, not only in the image, but in the grain, the scratch, the rhythm. In honoring a mentor, Wang also makes visible the elusive ways we carry those who’ve shaped us.

MIKE Announces New Album ‘Showbiz!’, Shares Video for New Single

Konstantinos Pappis
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MIKE Announces New Album ‘Showbiz!’, Shares Video for New Single

MIKE has announced a new album, Showbiz!, which will arrive on January 31 via his own label 10k. Today’s announcement comes with the release of the new single ‘You’re The Only One Watching’, which follows last month’s ‘Pieces of a Dream’. MIKE co-directed the song’s accompanying video with longtime collaborator Ryosuke Tanzawa, and you can check it out below.

Earlier this year, MIKE joined forces with Tony Seltzer for the album Pinball.

Albums Out Today: Good Morning, Juice WRLD, Mark Barrott, Juanita Stein, and More

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
Albums Out Today: Good Morning, Juice WRLD, Mark Barrott, Juanita Stein, and More

In this segment, we showcase the most notable albums out each week. Here are the albums out on November 29, 2024:

Good Morning, The Accident

Australian duo Good Morning have released their eighth album, The Accident. Liam Parsons and Stefan Blair tracked instrumentals in Greece last August, while lyrics and mixing took place in Joshua Tree in November, and final touches were added at Melbourne’s York Street Recorders in February. “We’re not really fighters (we’re way too passive for that), but given that we’re making a new record at the same time as already getting sick of thinking about the old one, an air of burn out and band related bum out seems to find its way into much of the lyrics,” they explained. “For the first time in a long time, there is no new Good Morning record being worked on as this one is coming out, and no plans to tour.”

Juice WRLD, The Party Never Ends

The Party Never Ends, which is billed as Juice WRLD’s final posthumous album, has arrived. It boasts guest appearances from Eminem, Fall Out Boy, the Kid Laroi, Benny Blanco, and Nicki Minaj. The rapper’s state shared a trailer for the LP starring actor Eric Roberts, who plays the role of a grandfather who tells his grandchildren about “the legend of Juice WRLD.” “I went to all the concerts. I listened to every project and freestyle, but the last album — it was really worth the wait,” Roberts said in the Steve Cannon-directed clip.

Mark Barrott, Everything Changes, Nothing Ends

British producer Mark Barrott has released a new album, Everything Changes, Nothing Ends, via Reflections. The orchestral ambient record is dedicated to the artist’s late partner, Sara Kult-Smith, following her death last year. In a statement, Barrot called it “the story of how life can change and be snatched away in the blink of an eye,” continuing: “But this is not a sad story, it’s a story of joy, love, grief and gratitude for what was. It is also my most ambitious album to date, conceived in the weeks after Sara’s death, as I worked with orchestras and choirs across Europe, trying to find the right sonic language to portray the Tsunami of emotions that were running through my body, mind and soul. Whilst this is my story, I hope that for someone, somewhere, it brings joy and maybe comfort for those of us that are just trying our best to get through the night. Keep going and stay safe…the light does come back.”

Juanita Stein, The Weightless Hour

Juanita Stein has unveiled her fourth solo LP, The Weightless Hour, via Agricultural Audio. The Howling Bells frontwoman previewed the follow-up to 2020’s Snapshot with the single ‘Mother Natures Scorn’. It sees the singer reuniting with Depeche Mode and Blur collaborator Ben Hillier. “I think making records is a really powerful way of letting go of experiences,” Stein said. “I’m allowing myself to kiss things goodbye.”

The Innocence Mission, Midwinter Swimmers

The Innocence Mission – the husband-and-wife folk duo of Karen and Don Per – are back with a new LP, Midwinter Swimmers. The follow-up to 2020’s See You Tomorrow was preceded by ‘This Thread Is a Green Street’ and the title track. “There is a companionship about Karen’s voice, and a realistic joy and gratitude, in the midst of life’s difficulties, that she is expressing here on songs like ‘Sisters and Brothers’,” Don Peris said in a press release. “I feel bolstered and comforted by them.”

total tommy, bruises

total tommy – the moniker of Sydney-based artist Jess Holt – has dropped her debut album, bruises, today via [PIAS] Recordings. Holt wrote the album during a period in which she went through a breakup, moved cities, came out as queer, and met her now-wife. “That was a really big time,” she said in a press release. “I grew so much, I learnt so much about myself; I mostly feel like an adult now.” She worked on the songs alongside producer and longtime collaborator Mark Zito of Fractures, seeking to capture the energy of the project’s live show.

Other albums out today:

Bedsore, Dreaming the Strife for Love; The Last Poets, Africanism;  Aisha Badru, The Sun Still Rises; Sech, Tranki, Todo Pasa; Jakob Bro, Taking Turns; Rikuto Fujimoto, Distant Landscapes; Jaeychino, Artwork III; Gregor Tresher, False Gods.

 

DJ Koze Enlists Damon Albarn for New Song ‘Pure Love’

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
DJ Koze Enlists Damon Albarn for New Song ‘Pure Love’

DJ Koze has shared a new track, ‘Pure Love’, which features Damon Albarn. It’s the first single from the German musician’s upcoming LP Music Can Hear Us. The follow-up to 2018’s Knock Knock is billed as “a 64-minute return trip into space and back,” and it’s set to arrive on April 4 via Pampa. Check out ‘Pure Love’ below.

 

Kesha Shares New Single ‘Delusional’

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
Kesha Shares New Single ‘Delusional’

Kesha has released a new song, ‘Delusional’. She co-wrote the song with Madison Love and Zhone, the latter of whom also co-produced it. Check it out below.

‘Delusional’ follows July’s ‘Joyride’, Kesha’s first song since being freed from Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe Records in December of last year. Upon announcing ‘Delusional’, Kesha was accused of using AI-generated art for the track’s cover art, though she has yet to address the backlash.

Ex-Vöid Release New Song ‘Pinhead’

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
Ex-Vöid Release New Song ‘Pinhead’

Ex-Vöid have released a new track, ‘Pinkhead’. It’s taken from their upcoming album In Love Again, which was led by the single ‘Swansea’. Check it out below.

In Love Again, the follow-up to 2022’s Bigger Than Before, is set to arrive on January 17 via Tapete Records.

How to start winning at casino slots?

Our Culture Mag & Partners
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How to start winning at casino slots?

A newcomer to online casinos has only a few steps to take to start playing for money. Modern gambling clubs offer a comfortable interface and a large assortment of gambling entertainment.

Why choose slots is a priority?

At the Bruno Casino showcase, you can find roulette, poker, and Baccarat emulators. Large gambling clubs also offer lotteries, tournaments, and a showcase with live dealers. However, professionals recommend choosing honest online slot machines.

Video slots do not require any skills and abilities from the player. In fact, all you need to do is choose the size of the bet and start spinning the reels. Somehow influencing the result of the drawing, the user cannot practically.

Everything is determined by the random number generator. This is a special combination in the software code, which each rotation calculates differently. Therefore, the probability of falling out several wins in a row is extremely low.

At the same time, this does not mean that the user does not get a chance to be on the plus side. In modern slots, a unique bonus program is thought out. This is a prize system that has wild cards, scatter symbols, and free scrolls. Due to this, you can compensate for past losses and catch large coefficients.

What do I need to do to start playing?

Prepare yourself in just a couple of minutes. A newcomer to online casinos needs to go through several stages:

  • Registration. You can create a profile at an online casino via email or mobile number. The easiest way is to link to an account from a social network. For those who are not sure that they will continue playing at the casino, this option is the best.
  • Opening a deposit. You can credit funds to your personal account using a bank card or any electronic wallet. Today, clubs support a wide range of tools, which includes foreign platforms.
  • Choosing a slot machine. On the showcase, there are a large number of slots. Top clubs work with thousands of applications. Therefore, it is better to approach this issue in advance and determine for yourself the giving slot machine.

Operators of gambling clubs give users hints. Find them on the main page of the official site.

How to decide on the first video slot?

One of the mistakes of beginners is to play several slot machines at once. Do not do this. It is impossible to thoroughly study each game. It is better to stop at one of the simulators and train in it.

Start exclusively with demo mode. Only in the free version will you be able to understand the mechanics and bonus set of slot machines. In addition, it will help to understand what deposit is better to start with.

The user should pay attention to the reviews. You can read them in social networks, Telegram, or on closed forums. Here you can, firstly, learn about whether it is worth playing in a particular casino. Secondly, it will give information about slots in which real jackpots have been snapped.

Usually these games are on the main page in the popular tab. In other casinos, this selection can be called the top of the week or month. Here are always added simulators that users run more often than others.

Another clue for the player can be a tape of recent payments. Such have many licensed casinos. Here you can see which emulator appears in the selection with a win more often than others. This means that the slot machine is maximally heated and ready to give out a win after the first few spins.

By the way, you should not forget about the terms of withdrawal of winnings. Jackpots in the casino newbies can withdraw only in instalments, and it can take up to several months.

How Much Do F&I Managers Make in Car Dealerships? Exploring Salaries, Training, and Career Growth

Our Culture Mag & Partners
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How Much Do F&I Managers Make in Car Dealerships? Exploring Salaries, Training, and Career Growth

The automotive industry is full of dynamic opportunities, and one of the most lucrative roles within car dealerships is that of Finance and Insurance (F&I) managers. These professionals are responsible for crucial financial and insurance-related transactions, making them indispensable to a dealership’s operations. We’ll explore how much F&I managers typically earn, the factors influencing their income, and how specialized F&I Training programs can open doors to success in this rewarding career.

Finance Manager Training is an F&I School provider, approved by the Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision, specializing in preparing automotive, RV, and powersports dealerships to develop the next wave of skilled F&I Managers.

Understanding the Role of an F&I Manager

Before diving into salary specifics, it’s essential to understand what an F&I manager does. Finance and Insurance managers handle financial transactions related to car purchases, including securing loans, presenting warranty options, and selling additional insurance products. Their role bridges the gap between customers and lenders, ensuring that all paperwork is accurate and in compliance with regulations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Negotiating financing terms with lenders.
  • Presenting and selling extended warranties and insurance products.
  • Ensuring compliance with state and federal laws.
  • Handling credit applications and providing financial guidance to customers.
  • Working closely with sales teams to finalize deals.

This multifaceted role makes F&I managers some of the highest-paid employees in a car dealership.

 

Average Salaries of F&I Managers in Car Dealerships

National Average Earnings

The salary of an F&I manager varies based on factors such as location, experience, and dealership size. On average, F&I managers in the U.S. earn between $90,000 and $150,000 annually, with some experienced professionals in high-performing dealerships making upwards of $200,000 per year.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the automotive finance sector continues to experience steady demand, contributing to the competitive salaries in this field.

Base Salary vs. Commission

F&I managers typically have a base salary complemented by performance-based commission. The commission is tied to the sale of financial products, which means their earning potential is closely linked to their ability to upsell products such as extended warranties, GAP insurance, and other add-ons. A high-performing F&I manager can significantly boost their earnings by excelling in these areas.

Factors Influencing F&I Manager Salaries

Several factors determine how much an F&I manager can earn:

Geographic Location

Salaries are higher in metropolitan areas or regions with a high cost of living. For example, F&I managers in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago often earn more than their counterparts in smaller towns.

Dealership Size

Larger dealerships with high sales volumes generally pay their F&I managers more due to increased business and higher revenue potential.

Experience Level

Entry-level F&I managers earn less than seasoned professionals. Experience brings not only a higher salary but also better commission opportunities.

 

Skill Set and Certifications

Professionals with specialized training or certifications, such as those offered by Finance Manager Training School, are in higher demand and command better salaries.

The Role of Finance Manager Training School in Career Growth

Why Training Matters

Becoming a successful F&I manager requires more than just on-the-job experience. Formal training can significantly improve your knowledge, skills, and earning potential. This is where Finance Manager Training School plays a pivotal role.

Finance Manager Training School offers comprehensive programs designed to prepare aspiring F&I managers for the challenges of the job. These programs cover critical topics such as:

  • Automotive finance laws and compliance.
  • Effective sales techniques for F&I products.
  • Loan structuring and interest rate negotiation.
  • Advanced customer service skills.
  • Tools to maximize dealership profitability.

Benefits of Enrolling in Finance Manager Training School

Enhanced Knowledge and Confidence

The training provides in-depth knowledge of finance and insurance operations, giving you the confidence to handle complex customer interactions.

Industry-Recognized Certification

Certifications from reputable training schools add credibility to your resume, making you a more attractive candidate to dealerships.

Higher Earning Potential

Trained F&I managers often secure higher salaries and better commission rates compared to those without formal training.

Networking Opportunities

Training programs offer connections to industry professionals, mentors, and potential employers, helping you build a strong professional network.

Steps to Becoming an F&I Manager

Gain Experience in Sales or Customer Service

Many F&I managers start their careers in sales or customer service within a dealership. This helps them build foundational skills and understand the automotive industry.

Enroll in a Finance Manager Training Program

Formal training is crucial for mastering the intricacies of the F&I role. Programs like those offered by Finance Manager Training School provide the specialized knowledge required to excel.

Obtain Necessary Certifications

Some states require F&I managers to hold specific certifications related to finance and insurance. Ensure you meet these requirements before applying for positions.

Apply for F&I Manager Roles

Leverage your training and certifications to secure a position. Highlight your expertise in financial products, compliance, and customer service during the interview process.

Continuously Improve and Upskill

Stay updated on industry trends and regulations to maintain your competitive edge. Ongoing education and professional development are essential for long-term success.

Career Outlook for F&I Managers

The demand for skilled F&I managers is expected to grow in the coming years as the automotive industry evolves. With advancements in digital tools and the increasing complexity of financial products, dealerships need knowledgeable professionals who can navigate these changes effectively.

By investing in specialized training through programs like Finance Manager Training School, aspiring F&I managers can position themselves for a lucrative and fulfilling career.

Conclusion: Why F&I Managers Are Worth the Investment

F&I managers play a vital role in car dealerships, ensuring smooth financial transactions and maximizing profitability. Their earning potential, while already impressive, can be significantly boosted with the right training and skills. For anyone considering a career in this field, enrolling in a program like Finance Manager Training School is an excellent first step toward achieving success.

Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to advance your career, the combination of formal training, experience, and dedication can pave the way for a high-paying and rewarding role as an F&I manager.

Revisiting the Gambling Sector: Military Influences and Igor Zotko’s Impact

Our Culture Mag & Partners
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Revisiting the Gambling Sector: Military Influences and Igor Zotko’s Impact

Despite significant challenges, the Ukrainian gambling industry stands out for Igor Zotko’s key role in combining business growth with social support. Focusing on aligning business goals with deeply rooted social responsibility, the businessman leads PIN-UP Ukraine.

Expanding Horizons in the Ukrainian Gambling Market: Igor Zotko’s Strategies During the Conflict

Ukraine has made significant progress since legalizing gambling in 2020. The initial licensing phase started in early 2021 under the supervision of the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL).

Pin-Up founder Igor Zotko spoke about market dynamics and innovations:

  1. The Pin-Up Ukraine brand became one of the first licensed online casinos. The 2020 law significantly liberalized the gambling business, even despite the current problems in the industry. Legislative coherence, tax cuts, and increased banking cooperation are precisely what the current needs are.
  2. To solve the problems, Zotko promotes effective communication between industry stakeholders and regulators, advocating the elimination of the gray market. He emphasizes the significant potential and courage of the Ukrainian market in the global market.
  3. Thanks to his extensive experience in various companies, Igor Zotko effectively manages Pin-Up Ukraine.
  4. The entrepreneur has successfully launched Yedynyy Prostir, a financial service for uninterrupted payment processing. This project operates independently of the gambling business.
  5. Igor Zotko’s projects are committed to transparency and ethical practices, countering disinformation.

Reputation of PIN-UP Ukraine: Igor Zotko and KRAIL

KRAIL’s public dispelling of any misconceptions about Igor Zotko’s ties to Russia confirm the integrity of the supporter’s activities and the legitimacy of the PIN-UP license. Eventually winning the case, the businessman protected his brand’s reputation despite the slander. He also dispels myths about illegal commissions with the Diia app, calling on the media to be accurate. Thanks to PIN-UP Ukraine’s fiscal responsibility and compliance with the law, Opendatabot recognizes it as a leader in the gambling industry.

“This year, we faced an information attack to discredit our brand. Winning the court case against the media only confirmed our unshakable reputation,” comments Igor Zotko.

Supporting Stability and Growth: Igor Zotko and PIN-UP’s Contribution

As an indicator of their commitment to community support and resilience, Forbes Ukraine and PIN-UP have initiated grants to empower businesses in conflict-affected regions. In addition:

  • PIN-UP is a leader in tax payments in the gambling sector, significantly contributing to the national economy (UAH 3.4 billion in 2023).
  • Since the beginning of the war, the company has allocated significant funds to charitable and social initiatives under the PIN-UP Foundation. The total amount amounted to UAH 180 million.

Community Support and Philanthropy: The Efforts of Igor Zotko and Ukr Game Technology

Zotko has created a comprehensive support system within the company:

  • The internal support center assists employees and military personnel in military service.
  • The PIN-UP Foundation distributed over 200 tons of food to the recently liberated territories.
  • Investments have been made in basic infrastructure and social services, and vulnerable populations have been supported during crises.

Under the leadership of Igor Zotko PIN-UP Ukraine demonstrates a business model that combines significant social contributions with commercial success.

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