Venue: Unihood x2 & Temperature Home, 253 Eversholt St, NW1 1BA, London
Producer: Oscar Jiaao Yin
Curator: Janelle Jiabin Xu
Curatorial execution: Gaga Xingcheng Xu
Co-curator: Ivy Weiyi Chen
Where Daydreams Reconstruct Reality
Silver Can Art proudly presents “DAYDREAM: Halfway Between Here and Not”, a contemporary art exhibition exploring the fluid boundaries between reality and imagination. Running from February 28 to March 6, 2025, at Unihood x2 & Temperature Home in London, the show features works from 50+ international artists across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, textile, installation, film.
Inspired by Carl Jung’s concept of “active imagination”, this exhibition redefines daydreaming as a tool for subconscious exploration and self-individuation. In today’s fast-evolving technological landscape, where reality is constantly reshaped, daydreams become both an escape and a means of reconstructing the world. Personal memories, collective consciousness, and artificial intelligence intersect in this dreamlike space, creating a complex interplay of past experiences, shared narratives, and digital cognition.
Daydreams are often seen as unrealistic fantasies, brief escapes from reality. However, inspired by Jung’s concept of “active imagination,” this exhibition redefines daydreams as a tool for engaging with the subconscious and achieving self-individuation.
In this space, daydreaming becomes a hidden escape during wakefulness, drifting between reality and illusion. It reflects desires, stitches together memories, and serves as a creative process where consciousness meanders. Through the interpretations of the participating artists, the exhibition attempts to reconstruct our understanding of the real world, creating a multi-layered realm of imagination.
Here, perception merges with fluid narratives, and the boundaries between the inner and outer worlds blur. Everything is in a constant state of becoming, where boundaries fade and narratives fragment. The exhibition invites the audience to experience this “in-between” state—a liminal space where thoughts, memories, and desires converge, offering a new way of understanding both the world and the self.
FOUR EXHIBITION HALLS | FOUR DREAMSCAPES
The exhibition unfolded across four distinct spaces, each offering a unique exploration of the interplay between reality and imagination. First, in the initial space, visitors encountered works that delved into the emergence of daydreams, illustrating how individuals drift between fantasy and reality.
Moving into the second space, the focus shifted to the intersection of personal memory and collective consciousness, where artists used collage, video, and mixed media to depict the layering of time and reality.
Photo by Xueshijia Wang
In the third space, the boundaries between the figurative and the abstract became increasingly blurred. Here, fluid forms and shifting perceptions invited viewers into a surreal landscape where imagination took precedence over tangible reality.
Photo by Xueshijia Wang
Between the third and fourth spaces, a transitional hall featured photography and painting, capturing fleeting moments of reality while reflecting the ways in which artists navigate between the dreamlike and the tangible.
Photo by Xueshijia Wang
Finally, in the fourth space, the exhibition turned toward the future, exploring how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies shape our dreams and redefine the nature of reality itself.
Photo by Xueshijia Wang
FEATURED ARTISTS
This exhibition showcases works by 55 international artists, including:
Anastasia Abramova, MUCHU Ai, Ronn Beattie, Poppy Cauchi, Ivy Weiyi Chen, Xing Chen, Yiding Chen, Ziyang Chen, Jingshan Ding, Sally de Courcy, Hanbing Fang, Yixuan Han, Louise Hapton, Haoran Hou, Romilly Horton, Pan Huang, Jake Jacobs, Defeng Jin, Yezihong Jin, JEEHEE, Michalis Karaiskos, Vladimir Lalic, Lee Kay-Barry, Xingyu Li, Jun dai Lin, Guoyi Liu, Form Liu, Tia Liu, Ma Shirong, Mai Muraguchi, Miguel Sopena, Ivan Šuletić, Mingzhang Sun, Aura Sun, Xiao Tan, Xinyue Tao, Henryk Terpilowski, Jin Tian, Zhenzhen Tian, Chisara Vidale, Anya Wang, Xueshijia Wang, Yiru Wang, YY Wang, Yuyang (Lily) Wei, Daoguang Wen, Yahan Wu, Chengming Xing Maxim, Tingting Xiao, Dongyun Xie, Chen Yang, Peggy Yu, ZIAN ZENG, Xin Zhang, Qian Zhong.
ABOUT SILVER CAN ART
Silver Can Art is a London-based curatorial team founded by four Chelsea College of Arts graduates: Jiaao Yin, Xingcheng Xu, Jiabin Xu, Weiyi Chen. Silver Can Art creates dynamic exhibitions that foster dialogue between artists, audiences, and the broader art community. Our aim is to provide a platform for emerging artists to present their innovative and thought-provoking work while building a strong creative art network.
SPONSORS
LANJING
A remarkably unique museum presentation team, mixing expertise with fun in every presentation they delivered.
PHOENIX PALACE
PARTNERS
Venue: Unihood x2 & Temperature Home
Partnership: is Designed
Equipment Support: LONDON ART COLLECTIVE
Curator assistant: Shuting Da, Peiyi Song, Ziming He, Wenwei Li
Academic guidance: Liu Quan, Guoyi Liu
Special Thanks: Betty Liang, Zecheng Li, Xinhan He, and Chongxi Feng
There’s so much music coming out all the time that it’s hard to keep track. On those days when the influx of new tracks is particularly overwhelming, we sift through the noise to bring you a curated list of the most interesting new releases (the best of which will be added to our Best New Songs playlist). Below, check out our track roundup for Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
Frankie Cosmos – ‘Vanity’
Frankie Cosmos have announced a new LP, Different Talking, arriving June 27 via Sub Pop. It’s led by ‘Vanity’, which is characteristically warm and subtly expansive by the band’s standards.
Mark Pritchard and Thom Yorke – ‘Gangsters’
Thom Yorke and Mark Pritchard have shared a new single from their upcoming album Tall Tales, the bleeping, otherworldly ‘Gangsters’. It comes paired with a fittingly eerie video video directed by Jonathan Zawada.
HLLLYH – ‘Dead Clade’
The Mae Shi, whose last album was 2008’s HLLLYH, have reformed with HLLLYH as their new moniker. They’ll release a new album, URUBURU, on June 2, and its dizzying lead single ‘Dead Clade’ is out now.
Smut – ‘Syd Sweeney’
‘Syd Sweeney’, the blistering lead single from Smut’s upcoming record Tomorrow Comes Crashing, was, indeed, inspired by the actress. “Women in entertainment are exceptionally talented, smart and beautiful, because they have to be,” vocalist Tay Roebuck explained. “Sometimes they want to explore sexuality and vulnerability in their work. Then the pitchforks come out, how dare they be amazing AND sexual? You can only be one or the other! Why is talent and hard work seemingly erased once you’ve seen a woman naked?”
Sorry – ‘Jetplane’
Sorry have dropped a new single, ‘Jetplane’, which weaves in a vocal sample from Guided By Voices’ ‘Hot Freaks’. The eerily infectious track also comes with a video directed by FLASHA Productions, aka Sorry vocalist Asha Lorenz and Flo Webb.
Florry – ‘First it was a movie, then it was a book’
From Sorry to Florry (my sincerest apologies) – anyway, the latest from Francie Medosch’s band is called ‘First it was a movie, then it was a book’, which is rambunctious and rootsy in all the right ways. About the song and its accompanying video, Medosch shared: “When the weather was nicer, and when I didn’t really have a job yet last Fall, Jon Cox and I would often go into Waterbury, VT to visit a wild thrift store called Bargain Boutique where everything was either 50 cents or $2. One time I found a random VHS in a blank white case and I threw it into my basket. Later on at a dinner party at Trash Mountain, where we live currently, there were a bunch of friends on our couch in the living room so I busted out the VHS TV and the random tape and it turned out to be bull riding. We instantly knew then we had to use it for the Movie video cos the vibe was right.”
“We shot the rest of the video at our very own Johnny Brendas in Philly, forever our favorite place to play anywhere that has venues. It only felt right to have footage of us playing there captured forever in a music video. Kurt Vile is somewhere in there too, I was reteaching him Passenger Side and Beast of Burden in the green room for our encore. We’ve been playing there since our conception as a band, and since then we’ve played it almost 15 times or so. Shout out to JB’s, their staff is amazing, the green room hummus platter is amazing, the tea is amazing, great sound, great crowds, great lights, great everything.”
Deerhoof – ‘Under Rats’ [feat. Saul Williams]
Deerhoof have collaborated with Saul Williams for ‘Under Rats’, a buzzing, ramshackle cut off their forthcoming album Noble and Godlike in Ruin. “Almost as bad as the crimes of the ruling class are the crimes that enable them: tricking everyone into thinking that no one else cares,” the band’s Greg Saunier wrote on Instagram. “There were so many times when we were making our new record when we became almost overwhelmed with doubt: ‘What’s the point of music when genocide is standard fare and the murderers are the most rewarded people in society?’ Saul Williams was and is someone we look to. Who’s doing it like Saul? He’s been there every day with poetry, with grief, with news that oligarch-owned media doesn’t touch for months. Making us all feel less alone. We express ourselves in order to find our chosen family.”
“I met Saul at a tiny music festival in Switzerland,” he continued. “I was performing a duo with Marc Ribot, and Saul was performing with a string quartet. When it was over Saul, Marc and I talked American politics backstage for hours, and I immediately felt I’d become acquainted with someone I would respect for a lifetime. I’ve been grateful ever since.”
Green Day – ‘Smash It Like Belushi’
‘Smash It Like Belushi’ is one of five new songs on the just-announced deluxe reissue of Saviors, which came in early 2024. The others are called ‘Fuck Off’, ‘Ballyhoo’, and ‘Underdog’, and ‘Stay Young’.
Punchlove – ‘Today You Can Learn the Secret’
Today you can hear a new track by Brooklyn shoegazers Punchlove called ‘Today You Can Learn the Secret’. “This release is a surrealist, portal fantasy-inspired encounter with the unconscious mind,” Jillian Olesen explained. “This latest song started with just the title itself (“Today You Can Learn The Secret”), and then Ian wrote all the instrumental parts. When it came time to write the lyrics, I had started leaving an open notebook next to my bed each night as a creative exercise in automatism I’d read about somewhere and basically started waking up to find all kinds of scribbles and chicken scratch all over the pages each morning. It was like scary psychological Christmas each morning. At times there was really raw stuff in there. It kinda freaked me out, but it was also exciting and really started to shift my perspective on my own humanity, as well as the world around me. It felt like I had a new window into understanding how certain things were really affecting me, and to start grasping the nuances of how I had been unknowingly absorbing and filtering my (excessively digital) daily stimuli on an unconscious level, from which I could begin to make real changes. So outlining my own experience and some of the recurring themes of these bizarre dream entries, O is the journey of moving from an outward facing, always-on, digital world in towards the deepest, darkest, realms of ourselves, where we are found face-to-face with our own humanity and mortality in new and unexpected ways.”
Cloud Nothings – ‘That Prince’
Cloud Nothings have unveiled ‘That Prince’, a groovy B-side from their latest LP Final Summer. “‘That Prince’ was written during the throes of the Covid pandemic, and it deals with that time when no one was sure of anything and telling yourself a few little lies was standard practice to get through the day with your sanity intact,” the band shared. “Lyrics like ‘everything you know / will be here in the morning’ and ‘if i could tell a lie / would you not mind’ formed out of the pervasive and frightening feeling that gripped the world for a few years.”
Juan Wauters – ‘If It’s Not Luv’
Juan Wauters has announced a new album, MVD LUV, arriving June 27 on Captured Tracks. To accompany the announcement, the singer-songwriter has shared the playful and joyous ‘If It’s Not Luv’. “This time around you catch me in Montevideo, the city where I was born and grew up,” Wauters remarked. “Though I’m from here, this is the first time I get to record an album here. I have always longed to do this. Let’s get to it, make it through it, MVD LUV a.k.a. Amor Montevideo.”
The Chain – ‘Useless’
Australian hardcore crew the Chain are back with ‘Useless’, a monstrous single that leads their forthcoming LP Blind the World – set for release on May 9 via Triple B.
Mclusky – ‘chekhov’s guns’
“If I had a bad day every time that I’d said I had a bad day/ Then I wouldn’t be the owner of this snooker hall,” begins ‘chekhov’s guns’, the pummeling new single from Mclusky’s forthcoming record the world is still here and so are we.
Smerz – Roll the dice
“It’s a post-something situation song,” Smerz said of ‘Roll the dice’, which may or may not help you contextualize it. It’s alluring, that’s for sure, and it’s got one hell of a piano riff.
Garbage – ‘There’s No Future in Optimism’
“I love the title,” Shirley Manson said of the new Garbage single, which is taken from their forthcoming LP Let All That We Imagine Be the Light. “The band sent it me and I was like, ‘This is great. I’m keeping that.’ But the lyrics are an action against that title. Because if we allow our fatalism or our negativity to really take over, we will crumble. It’s about a city, in my case, Los Angeles, but it could be anywhere where bad stuff is happening. After the George Floyd murder, which is one of few things in my life that I wish I’d never seen: I was changed entirely by seeing the footage of that cop kneeling on George Floyd’s neck. In Los Angeles there were huge protests and a lot of upheaval after that. Above our house in Hollywood, there were helicopters all day long, for days on end. It was really precarious, chaotic and terrifying.”
Mary Halvorson – ‘Carved From’
In addition to a new Deerhoof song, today we get the announcement of a new album produced by John Dieterich of Deerhoof. ‘Carved From’, the colourful lead single from Cloudward, doesn’t sound quite like the Deerhoof track, but it’s just as adventurous.
In the depths of British winter, you might daydream about clear skies, warm seas and carefree days abroad. And with so many options tempting you from all corners of the globe, the perfect summer getaway is within reach! It comes down to finding the right vibe for you.
Mediterranean coast delights
If your ideal break involves sun-kissed beaches, seafood lunches and a relaxing pace of life, then the Mediterranean coast is a natural fit.
You could take things easy in a Greek fishing village, where each evening ends with a seaside sunset and a chilled carafe of local wine. Alternatively, touch down in the Balearics and spend your days dipping in and out of turquoise coves. Majorca weather always delivers, making it a great option for guaranteed heat without heading too far from home.
European city breaks
Holidays don’t always have to put sand between your toes. If you like to pair your blue sky with a side of history, food and nightlife, Europe’s cities tick a lot of boxes.
Explore Lisbon’s sun-bleached streets, for example, stopping for custard tarts and panoramic views as you go. Or wander through Rome – where every corner hides a centuries-old story or a cosy trattoria.
The key to success lies in timing. Head out for mornings and evenings when temperatures are gentler, and leave the hottest part of the day for long lunches and shady museums, galleries and shops.
Exotic South American adventures
ABTA’s 2025 Travel Trends report shows more of us are looking to discover far-flung destinations. For something that feels worlds away from the familiar, South America offers an unforgettable change of scenery.
You could trek through the mist-shrouded peaks of the Andes, soak up Rio’s famous beaches or lose yourself in the lush, wildlife-packed Amazon. Travel here rewards the curious – so take every chance to dive into local life. Join cooking classes or follow expert guides into places you’d never dare explore alone!
African safaris
Head to Africa’s legendary wildlife reserves if you want your trip to feel like an adventure film brought to life. July and August mark the dry season across much of East and Southern Africa, meaning animals gather at watering holes and are easier to spot on game drives.
You could watch lions and elephants roam the Serengeti or follow the Great Migration as it thunders across the Masai Mara. Safari accommodation cater for all tastes, from luxurious eco retreats to simple stays that put you as close to nature as possible.
Tropical Caribbean escapes
Sometimes, all you want is pure, effortless indulgence – and the Caribbean always delivers.
Try checking into a beachfront resort in Antigua, with your toughest decision becoming choosing between the pool and the sea. Or how about exploring more laid-back islands like Trinidad & Tobago – one of Lonely Planet’s top picks for 2025 – letting days drift by with fresh seafood and reggae?
For a stress-free start, book a direct flight to one of the larger islands, then let the island time work its magic.
Which of these five ideas spark your wanderlust? Pick a path and place and book something to look forward to!
When cooking or baking, we often pour our love and creativity into the process. Intricate flavours are meticulously blended, marrying into a delicious symphony that delights the palate. However, equally important to this procedure and often overlooked, is the artistry of plating. Just like the delicate strokes of a paintbrush bring a canvas to life, presentation transforms a dish from simply food to an experience. This art incorporates color, texture, and arrangement to create a visual appetizer before the meal.
The Importance of High Quality Ingredients
In this process, high-quality ingredients make all the difference. Incorporating something like my favorite Taylor Farms onions brings an amazing pop of brightness and sharpness that not only tastes fantastic but also catches the eye. Fresh ingredients bring vibrancy and life to your presentation, making your dish more enticing.
Celebrating Color in Plating
Visual appeal is the first sense engaged before dining. Bright, bold, or contrasting colors can make the overall composition of your dish more delightfully appealing. Coloring your plate is akin to painting; each ingredient is a pigment, and your plate is the canvas. Aim to incorporate a variety of colors, from fiery red peppers to lush, green herbs, to the deep purples of eggplant, or to the brilliant white of a crème fraîche swirl.
Understand the Importance of Arrangement and Balance
Just as in visual art, balance is vital to plating. Artfully arrange your ingredients to entice and intrigue. Several elements can contribute to this balance, including portion sizes, the placement of different components on your plate, and the distribution of color and texture across the dish. For instance, balancing a crispy fried element with something smooth and creamy, or a vibrant, spicy pepper with mild, mellow cheese, can create a harmonious edible artwork.
Embrace Texture
Texture plays a vital role in enhancing the visual attractiveness of your dish and influencing the dining experience. Each ingredient’s texture contributes to the final masterpiece. Crisp, roasted potatoes, smooth and creamy sauces, or crunchy granola can each become the star in a dish if highlighted correctly. Changing up the textures on your plate can create varied and surprising combinations that make each bite exciting.
Garnishing: The Final Touch
Garnishing is the finishing touch that completes your culinary painting. Whether it be a sprinkling of freshly chopped herbs, a drizzle of luxurious olive oil, or a dusting of aromatic spices, garnishing can elevate your dish from home-style to haute cuisine. However, remember that garnishing should always complement the meal, akin to a frame enhancing a painting without overpowering it.
Exploring Plate Shape and Size
The shape and size of the plates can become tools to amplify your presentation. An artist wouldn’t put a small, detailed masterpiece on a huge canvas, and similarly, small portions might look lost on large plates, while brimming, busy plates can seem cluttered and overwhelmed. The illusion of more or less can be played with in this regard. Aiming to fill about two-thirds of the plate often gives a balance between overcrowded and bare, leaving enough white space to let your culinary art breathe.
Practice Makes Perfect
Just like in painting, practice makes perfect in plating. Experiment, see what works for you, what you enjoy doing, and remember, mistakes are part of the process. This is about expressing yourself and adding your personal touch to your dishes. The satisfaction and compliments from a well-presented dish are truly worth the extra effort.
To enhance your culinary creations, consider presentation as an essential part of your recipe. It’s about embracing your inner artist and elevating your dish’s taste, aesthetics, and overall experience. It’s time to turn your plates into canvases and your ingredients into paint. Happy plating!
Mahjong has come a long way from its origins in 19th century China to becoming a global digital sensation. The rise of mahjong online platforms has transformed this traditional tile-based game into an accessible entertainment option for millions worldwide. With an estimated 600 million players globally, mahjong has successfully bridged the gap between ancient tradition and modern technology, allowing players to enjoy the game’s strategic depth and social aspects from virtually anywhere.
The Origins and Evolution of Mahjong
Mahjong originated in mid-19th century China during the Qing Dynasty. The word “mahjong” translates to “sparrow” in southern Chinese dialects, referring to the bird-like clacking sound produced when players shuffle the tiles. Many historians believe it evolved from the ancient Chinese card game madiao.
The game made its international debut in the 1920s when American businessman Joseph P. Babcock introduced it to the United States. Despite prevailing anti-Chinese sentiment, mahjong quickly became what historian Annelise Heinz calls an “enormous national fad.” Throughout the 20th century, mahjong adapted to different cultures worldwide. In China, the game faced political challenges and was banned for over 40 years due to its association with capitalist corruption. Meanwhile, it became a cornerstone in diverse communities across America, from Chinese immigrants to Jewish social circles.
Understanding Mahjong Basics
Mahjong is a four-player game that combines elements of chance and skill, similar to poker or gin rummy. Players work with a set of 144 tiles featuring distinctive Chinese iconography across several “suits” including bamboos, circles, arrows or “dragons,” and flowers. The objective is to create winning combinations by drawing and discarding tiles.
The gameplay revolves around building sets of matching tiles or sequences. Each player begins with 13 tiles and takes turns drawing and discarding until someone achieves a winning hand. The mix of strategy, memory, and luck creates a balanced gaming experience that rewards both careful planning and adaptability.
Mahjong culture includes numerous superstitions and rituals. Players might avoid tapping someone on the shoulder during play for fear of disrupting a winning streak. The extended pauses between rounds naturally create space for conversation, making mahjong an inherently social experience.
The Digital Revolution of Mahjong
The transition of mahjong from physical tabletops to digital platforms represents one of gaming’s most successful analog-to-digital migrations. Beginning with simple computer versions in the 1980s, mahjong software has evolved into sophisticated online multiplayer experiences and mobile applications that faithfully capture the game’s essence while adding convenient digital enhancements.
Modern digital platforms offer significant advantages over physical play. Players can enjoy matches anytime without needing to gather three other participants. Automated scoring systems eliminate calculation errors. Tutorial modes allow newcomers to learn at their own pace. The digital format also enables variations impossible in physical play, such as single-player puzzle adaptations.
The mobile revolution has further accelerated mahjong’s digital expansion. Smartphone apps allow players to enjoy quick games during commutes or breaks. The COVID-19 pandemic particularly highlighted the value of digital mahjong, as traditional gatherings became impossible. Online platforms saw dramatic increases in player numbers as people sought both mental engagement and social connection during isolation periods.
Choosing the Right Digital Platform
Selecting the ideal online mahjong platform significantly impacts player experience. When evaluating different options, consider these key factors:
User interface design – Look for clean, intuitive layouts and customizable settings
Game mode variety – Quality platforms offer multiple mahjong variants
Social features – Integrated chat systems and club functionalities recreate in-person camaraderie
Tutorial systems – Comprehensive lessons make learning approachable for beginners
The best platforms balance authentic mahjong traditions with modern digital convenience.
AI Integration in Digital Mahjong
Artificial intelligence has revolutionized digital mahjong by creating sophisticated opponents that adapt to player skill levels. Modern AI systems analyze player patterns and adjust their difficulty accordingly. Some platforms offer multiple AI personality types that mimic different human playing styles.
Digital mahjong platforms have incorporated gamification elements through achievement systems and rewards. Players can unlock virtual trophies or access to new game variants by completing specific challenges. The integration of strategy guides and analytical tools represents another AI-powered enhancement. Some platforms offer post-game analysis that highlights missed opportunities or suboptimal plays.
Why Mahjong Has Become a Global Digital Phenomenon
Mahjong’s global digital success stems from several key factors. The game’s inherent adaptability has been crucial—throughout its history, mahjong has evolved to accommodate different cultural contexts while maintaining its core identity. The competitive aspect creates what many players describe as an “irresistible desire to win.” Unlike physically demanding games that cause fatigue, mahjong allows extended play sessions as players chase victory.
Digital accessibility has dramatically expanded mahjong’s reach. Traditional play requires specific equipment, physical space, and three other players—substantial barriers to entry. Online platforms eliminate these obstacles, allowing play from anywhere with an internet connection. Mobile apps have made mahjong a popular option for commutes, waiting rooms, and other formerly idle moments.
The preservation of mahjong’s social elements in digital spaces has been particularly important. Video chat integration, messaging systems, and community forums recreate the conversational aspects of traditional play. Regular online tournaments foster competitive communities and create shared experiences.
Appeal Across Generations
Digital mahjong has successfully bridged generational divides. For older generations who grew up with physical mahjong, digital versions offer convenient alternatives when in-person gatherings aren’t possible. Many seniors have embraced digital mahjong as a way to maintain cognitive activity and social connections.
Younger players discover mahjong through entirely different channels. Popular culture references, like the pivotal mahjong scene in “Crazy Rich Asians,” have sparked curiosity among millennials and Gen Z audiences. Digital platforms with slick interfaces and progression systems appeal to those raised on video games.
The intergenerational appeal creates unique connection opportunities. Grandparents teach grandchildren family mahjong traditions through digital platforms despite geographic separation. College students discover the game through apps, then organize physical mahjong nights as social events.
Cognitive Benefits and Learning Resources
Mahjong offers significant cognitive benefits that digital platforms have made more accessible. The game exercises multiple brain functions simultaneously:
Strategic planning – Evaluating multiple possible moves and their consequences
Pattern recognition – Identifying tile combinations and potential winning hands
Probability calculation – Assessing the likelihood of drawing needed tiles
Memory – Tracking discarded tiles and opponent behaviors
Research suggests regular mahjong play may help maintain cognitive function, particularly among older adults.
Digital platforms enhance these cognitive benefits through structured learning paths. Interactive tutorials break down complex concepts into manageable lessons. Strategy guides explain the probabilistic thinking behind expert decisions. Some platforms even incorporate brain-training elements that target specific cognitive skills.
The availability of comprehensive learning resources has democratized mahjong education. Video tutorials allow visual learners to observe proper techniques. Practice modes with hint systems provide immediate feedback on decisions. This educational infrastructure makes approaching mahjong less intimidating for beginners while offering advanced players opportunities to refine their skills.
Conclusion: The Future of Digital Mahjong
The digital transformation of mahjong exemplifies a successful implementation of gamification principles applied to heritage gaming assets. By employing procedural generation alongside authentic gameplay mechanics, cloud-based mahjong platforms have revitalized user engagement metrics for this centuries-old strategic tile-matching system. The projected development roadmap suggests imminent integration with emerging technologies including VR immersive environments, deep learning AI neural networks capable of mimicking human play patterns, and enhanced social API implementations fostering synchronous multiplayer engagement.
As cross-platform development frameworks advance, digital mahjong will likely continue evolving toward a seamless omnichannel experience bridging physical and virtual gameplay interactions. The enduring player retention rates and high session frequency metrics associated with this ancient gaming architecture demonstrate that technological innovation need not compromise core game loop integrity. Instead, thoughtful digital adaptation with responsive UX/UI design philosophies can reinvigorate cultural artifacts, ensuring sustainable user acquisition and engagement metrics across multiple demographic segments for generations to come.
Jackpot winners in both games have the option of receiving a lump sum cash payout or an annuity paid over 30 years. The cash option is lower than the advertised jackpot but provides an immediate payout, while the annuity grows over time with annual payments.
Regardless of your choice, both games provide the possibility of significant jackpots and contribute to state-funded initiatives in West Virginia. The revenue generated from ticket sales supports important programs, making each purchase beneficial beyond the game itself.
The gaming industry is pretty huge these days. Since the 1960s, it has grown from a relatively niche hobby to something almost everyone enjoys, with over 3 billion global gamers. While it is easy to dismiss gaming as a childish pastime, there is a massive argument against that idea.
Modern video games are far more complex than products of the past. From online communities to XR standards in gaming, there are many reasons why adults need games, as explored here.
Reconnecting with Childhood
While we can take growing up more seriously than we should, we can benefit from connecting with our inner child. Even if you don’t play games anymore, there is something to be said about the power of nostalgia. Today, retro gaming, fromPinball machines to NES consoles, is a massive niche and generates a lot of money. By playing your favorite games from the past, you can rediscover what made you happy as a child and enjoy these hobbies with your own kids.
Stress Relief, Of Course
One of the most cited reasons for playing video games today is stress relief. A survey by the Entertainment Software Association found that 75% of gamers believe video games relieve stress. But how can a game help you become less stressed? Here are some common reasons:
Completing complex challenges in a video game boosts serotonin and dopamine levels.
You can achieve a flow state where you are fully immersed in a game and “in the zone.”
Video games can be used as a welcome distraction from physical and mental trauma.
Dopamine is essential for beating depression, and gaming encourages its release. Being in the zone promotes serotonin, especially when you win at something. Of course, pain and suffering can be major obstacles in life, and video games allow you to escape your troubles for a while.
Adults Need Games for Creative Expression
There are many games that indulge every whim you can imagine. From caring for pets to hard-core and ultra-violent zombie killing and everything in between, there is something for everyone. Some of the most popular video games played by adults include creative games. You have probably heard of The Sims. But you may not know that there are people who don’t actually play the game and instead spend all their time creatively building homes for others.
Keeping the Mind Sharp
Rather than a mindless quick fix of fun, video games are more or less puzzles, and puzzles are well-known for keeping the brain sharp. As you get older, your brain can become a little slower, and you may not have the quickness you had in your 20s and 30s. However, the creative, logical, and fast-paced nature of some games means they can aid in cognitive function. Puzzle games are so good at this that it has been suggested they can delay the onset of dementia.
A Healthy Outlet for Emotions
Laughing and crying are pretty much the same thing. They are an emotional outlet. Of course, some people have trouble managing emotions and this leads to all kinds of problems within personal life and society at large. However, emotional stability is a fundamental part of maturing. Like books, movies and music, video games allow you to deal with complex issues and feel emotion for characters and themes, assisting with the emotional outlets a person needs.
Adults Need Games for Social Interaction
There is pretty much no end in sight to theenduring allure of video games, as the industry continues to grow. There are many reasons why adults need games, but a Power of Play report found that 55% of people play video games to deal with feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Enhanced social interaction
Multiplayer games specifically allow adults to connect with each other in meaningful ways. Someone who doesn’t enjoy real world social interaction can be an online social butterfly.
A strong sense of community
Most gamers are very passionate about their favorite titles. As such, strong bonds are formed through gaming communities, with some players becoming lifelong friends and even lovers.
Teamwork and communication
Video games require all kinds of skills to achieve a common goal. Working together allows you to develop effective teamwork, coordination, and communication skills while playing a game.
For all the bad press video games get, most articles never focus on the positive side of gaming. No longer a solitary and isolated pastime, most video games today have an online component that offers social interaction. This is a lifeline for adults who are awkward in society at large.
A Sense of Accomplishment
There are many reasons why life takes you down a different path, and the best we can do is deal with it in our own way. Not everyone achieves great things and accomplishes what they want. However, you can be a video game legend and do things you never thought possible. The serotonin release that makes you feel a sense of accomplishment is essential for health, no matter where it comes from, and actively fights against cortisol that causes depressive feelings.
Escaping Life’s Problems
Escapism is one of the biggest needs a human has. Life can be stressful and hectic, and sometimes, it is too much to handle. Some bury their heads in books, others are addicted to music, and there are people who love nothing more than the silver screen. Video games are also a powerful way to escape for a while, and with VR games, it has become even more so. If only for a few hours, you can be anything, go anywhere, and become something more.
Adults Need Games to Pass the Time
Having hobbies is a joy in life. Imagine how boring life would be if you could no longer go fishing, take photographs in the wild, or learn an instrument. Like these popular hobbies, video gaming is one of the most widely enjoyed pastimes people enjoy. When you have some spare time after work and responsibilities, there’s nothing quite like smashing opponents in a sports game, fragging noobs like Arnie in an 80s action movie, or taking turns like Lewis Hamilton!
Learning and Personal Development
Believe it or not, video games are being used as educational tools. In fact, in US schools, 78% of K-Year 8 educators use video games in classrooms (Takeuchi and Vaala). Whether you are a child or an adult, there are many ways video games can help you learn more effectively:
Various studies have found that video games contribute to improved cognitive function.
3D games that involve moving objects are known to aid spatial awareness development.
Educational content is absorbed easier through the medium of interactive entertainment.
In children and adults, playing games can assist in the development of brain function, and delay the onset of dementia-related illnesses. Spatial awareness is needed for everyday activities and SEN children and adults can benefit from games in 3D environments while learning and playing.
Finding Someone to Love
There are many ways in which video games can provide social benefits. Just having an online friend to play Call of Duty with is a major advantage, as you get to socialize with someone who respects you. Of course, it can also go deeper than this. The friendships found through gaming, whether online or off, can develop into something more meaningful, and many gamers have indeed found that special someone through a beloved medium they both enjoy together.
Summary
Nostalgia and indulging your inner child is just one reason why adults need games just as much as kids. There are, of course, many major social and educational benefits to gaming. Indeed, there are also gamers all over the world who have found love through their favorite titles.
Video games are a major part of society today, with billions of gamers worldwide. As an adult, the benefits of this popular medium can help with some of the biggest challenges we face in life.
Seasons change, and jewellery trends always seem to follow behind. It’s the way of the fashion world – what we consider ‘in’ tends to be transient and short-lived. However, being fashionistas, we know you need to keep up. So, whether you’re hoping to set trends, understand their trajectory, or just looking for some seasonal inspo – look no further!
This guide will help you discover spring’s must-have jewellery essentials, giving you all you need to refresh and renew your collection.
Colourful accents
As the flowers bloom, look out for a revival of vibrant enamel rings, beaded necklaces, and gemstones in vibrant colours, with tangerine, lavender, and turquoise leading the way. These bright accessories are an effective way to add personality to your look without revamping your whole wardrobe.
Pearls? Well, Of Course!
Although pearls are never really ‘out of style’, they are slightly different this spring. Instead of traditional polished, perfect spheres, expect to see irregularly shaped pearls, mixed materials, and designs that combine classic and contemporary styles.
Nature-Inspired Styles
No springtime look would be complete without a reference to nature. Spring trends feature botanical motifs in floral patterns (yes, even for men), leafy shapes or designs inspired by seashells and rays of sunlight.
Silver’s Comeback
Gold will always be classic, but silver is returning this spring. Cool-toned metals are perfect for our lighter seasonal hues – white, stone, grey, and classic washed denim. Silver is chic and gives a fresh modernity to streetwear, tailoring, and everything in between.
Personalisation
Personalisation is key to this spring’s styling trends. Pendants, nameplate necklaces, zodiac symbols, and birthstones are already everywhere. Personal jewellery can be meaningful, a heartfelt gift, or bundled as a layering piece to complement other jewellery.
Mixed Metals
The traditional advice of ‘matching your metals’ is out the window. This spring, we’re going bold by mixing golds, silvers, and even matte black metals. Layering different metals is a great way to add dimension and keep your look fresh.
Sculptural Forms
Do you want to wear something more artistic? Sculptural jewellery is undoubtedly trending at the moment. Expect flowing, abstract shapes and lines inspired by modern art. These architectural pieces look especially impressive in polished metals and add visual appeal to simple looks.
Coordinated Sets
Coordination is an understated strength. For example, matching sets, including bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings in the same finish, can achieve a tidy and purposeful look. While it may be subtle, it shows you’re intentional about your styling.
Chunky Chains
Heavy chains remain contenders in men’s jewellery, now arriving in new chunky-to-heavy designs with bolder twists. You can consider polished Cuban links, oversized curb chains in brushed silver with a dense groove, or even a rope chain with a twisted texture. Whether worn over a T-shirt or layered under a half-zip knit, a chunky necklace is going to get attention.
These styles are not just statement pieces but also deceptively adaptable. Dress them up with tailored jackets or go super casual with joggers, a T-shirt, and a lightweight bomber – Chef’s Kiss.
Natural Materials
Spring calls for texture – leather, beads, and natural stones bring an earthy contrast to jewellery collections. Think thin braided bracelets. These materials feel grounded and relaxed, perfect for daywear or weekends away.
Mix these natural materials with metal cuffs or pair them with your watch to add variation and texture. If your style leans towards bohemian ruggedness or a surfer-boy aesthetic, these pieces are essential.
Watch Game
Just wearing one watch? That’s so last season. This spring, the trend’s all about stacking watches with other bracelets to add a little personality to the mix. Think of the watch as an anchor – it lays the foundation for whatever you add to it.
Your wrist is real estate, and cohesion is the most important thing. For instance, if you wear a stainless-steel (or silver-toned) watch, pair it with a silver bracelet. Or, if your watch is two-toned, go for the mixed metals look. Either way, you’ll be winning.
Renewing Your Jewellery Collection
Spring jewellery trends for 2025 are all about self-expression, whether given life through sculptural shapes or highlighted through bright accents. No matter your preference, styling and curating authentic men’s jewellery collections is all about adopting a light-hearted sense of joy for the season. Spring is in the air, and your jewellery should reflect this.
Pronounced “Nice,” Niis is a Los Angeles punk band made up of vocalist Mimi SanDoe, guitarist Ryan McGuffin, drummer Monte Najera, and bassist Izabell. After introducing themselves with 2020’s noisy, politically charged Not Niis EP, they significantly expanded their repertoire – and the runtime of their songs – with 2022’s Must Be… EP. “I want off this fucking planet,” SanDoe declared on ‘Utopia’, so now, three years later, they bring us Niis World. Clocking in at just 26 minutes, Niis’ debut full-length superchargers their virulent, uncompromising sound while embracing the band’s melodic ear as well as a heightened vulnerability in SanDoe’s lyrics. “I’ll cut you out, I’ll burn you down,” she sings on ‘The Bow’; on the next track, she’s suddenly self-lacerating: “I only bring you down/ Whenever I come around.” The group’s style, ranging wider without running low on hooks, deftly responds to the power dynamics shifting from song to song. By the end, you’re under no illusion that we’ve reached some kind of utopia, yet this world feels a little nicer for letting you be a part of it.
We caught up with Niis’ Mimi SanDoe and Ryan McGuffin for the latest edition of our Artist Spotlight series to talk about how they came together, the process behind Niis World, catharsis, and more.
Most people will see your band name and spend at least a little bit of time thinking about how to pronounce it. How did it come up?
Ryan McGuffin: I hadn’t been playing in bands for some time, and I had been writing a lot of music and just labeling it as “nice,” spelled grammatically correct. And then finally, when this band formed and it clicked with all the right people, that name was just thrown into the pot, and it clicked. Obviously, there were a lot of conflicts with that name, even outside of other bands having that same name. Just Googling the word “nice,” you’re not really gonna get much. Great. We got to this point where things were feeling more serious, so we’re like, “Okay, we need to figure out our name. There were ideas to change the name entirely, but this idea of spelling the name differently came into play. Honestly, at first, I was like, “Let’s just change the name to something else entirely.” But I think over time, it’s really sunk in as the name for us, especially with what you were saying. People stop, they look at the name, they have to think about it, and I think it ingrains the name in you visually, in a way. With something like that, you really have to be like, “Wait, what am I looking at? What is this word?”
You started putting out music as a group in 2020. How long had you all known each other by that point?
Mimi SanDoe: We had known each other for a couple of years at that point. We’ve known each other for a long time now, and then our newest members have been people we’ve met recently who just really clicked with the band.
Do you mind sharing your first impressions of each other?
MS: Oh, yeah. Our old bands played a show together at this little venue, I think that’s the first time we met. I was super young and crazy at that time, so I don’t really remember too much. [laughs] It was a pretty wild time back then.
RM: We were just kind of in the same scene. I think bands just kind of form out of that. I was trying to start this new project, and Mimi chimed in, like, “Yo, can I come try and sing?” I’m like, “Fuck yeah.”
What felt different to you about this band coming out of the scene?
RM: At that point, I had played music with so many different people. I don’t think I was necessarily trying to start a band; I was just playing music with people and friends, and I’d transitioned out of touring and trying to play shows all the time. But when Mimi came into the room, it just kind of clicked. I think people try to do stuff together all the time, and it’s hard to explain, but it’s like when it clicks, it clicks.
MS: It felt very much like a movie at practice the first time. It was scary and a little intimidating, but when we first jammed, it just felt natural and it was just really easy from the beginning to write together. There was not a lot of pressure to fake it till you make it. It just bloomed really easily into what it was.
What was it like trying to figure out your sound or identity as a punk band when touring wasn’t an option?
RM: I don’t think it affected me. I feel pretty neutral about it. I just kept doing what I do, which is play music I love, being in the practice space and just playing music, whether we’re writing or not. I just like that space. And then it’s just about having a good time and exploring ideas with these friends that you’ve found that help you to express what you’re trying to express. Whether that’s happening in a practice space or on stage – that’s what being a band is. When I go see a band and I can still tell that it’s about what’s happening between them – sometimes bands are really disjointed, and you can tell they don’t even talk to each other. They’re just performing. No, I think when you go see a band, it’s about getting to be a part of their world – their communication and their expression that happens when they’re together. So the pandemic didn’t really change anything for me – be in a room and play music all the time? That’s what I already do.
MS: For me, it definitely influenced a lot of my lyrics. When we were writing during the pandemic, the state of the world was really crazy, and it was kind of all I was inspired by at the time. We recorded our first EP shortly after lockdown, and I was feeling hyper-political and like hyper – I don’t know – upset. And scared, as a lot of people were. So yeah, I got a lot of yeah, writing inspiration from that. And before, when we were writing the EP, I was watching shows Chernobyl and writing lyrics about that because I’m really inspired, unfortunately, by how the government and the systems continuously let the people down. That’s kind of all I wanted to write about at that time, and it’s changed a little bit as we’ve matured as a band. But I’m still writing about some of that.
One might look at the album title and see the irony of it, the political implications of it, but once you actually listen to the music, it’s clear you’re sincerely bringing the listener into your own world. You’re diving into more personal themes like heartbreak and betrayal. Transitioning from the EPs to this record, were there conversations or reservations about those lyrical shifts?
MS: I feel like most of the time the band doesn’t know what I’m saying till like the record zines are done or unless I like— I’m very precious and personal with my lyrics; it’s poetry to me. I’ve always written poetry. I get a little embarrassed sometimes, and honestly, putting out a record is a very vulnerable experience, because it’s like putting your diary out into the world. At least for me, that’s how I feel. But the band will always let me do what I want with the lyrics, and then Ryan will come up with a riff, and then we’ll build around it, and then I’ll try to sing in the studio. But most of the time I come home and sit with the song and do homework on it right there. Because I like to really focus and think very hard about what I’m writing about.
Can you talk more about your dynamic when you’re bouncing ideas off each other? Is it something you feel has solidified by now, or is it still fluid as you work on new music?
RM: Very fluid. I think we’re both very careful to not express exactly what we want to do. It happens in really subtle ways of, like, just sharing a song, or knowing what’s going on in each other’s lives. It’s just about keeping the openness to that collaboration, and that happens own magic organic way. I feel like just leaving room for everyone to have their own creative process is really important, because I think that’s what makes so many bands great: a melting pot of a bunch of people bringing inspiration and style and their own flair to the song.
Mimi, do you feel like there’s a bit of a dichotomy between your private songwriting and the public side of being in a band?
MS: I don’t know. I think so. At least my best girlfriends, when I write a song, I will show them and they know exactly who it’s about, exactly why I felt inspired to write it and it’s really relatable. I try to write from my perspective – I don’t know, as a woman, my feminine perspective. I feel like a lot of music is written from a man’s perspective. When I’m hurt by something is when I write what I consider like my best work, so I try to use heartbreak and the pain for something positive. Sometimes my lyrics can be really poignant and less than metaphorical, but I can’t imagine really writing from a super obscure perspective. I think it’s cool when people do that; I wish I had that.
I was wondering if you could talk about the you in ‘Scatter’, because it sounds blurry enough that it could include the listener and not some distant enemy, someone affected by nihilism or loneliness.
MS: Yeah, a hundred percent. I really ‘Scatter’ to be a song someone could listen to and be really introspective about – when I was writing that song, a friend of mine was really going through something, and I was going through something with them, and it really made me stop and think a lot. That song is kind of scattered in itself – there’s so much different inspiration and pain and questioning that I personally was going through. One of the main things is being a follower and not listening to yourself, and I hope people listen to that and think for themselves. I mean, I’m sure people already do. They don’t need me to tell them, obviously. It’s about exploring ways to not be so lonely – I think I was reading some statistic. We’re all so separated and so confused by the media, and angry because of the media at each other. That song is all over the place, but I really love it.
Both Niis World and Must Be Nice kick off with their longest songs. This record’s ‘Low Life’ makes for an incredibly dynamic opener, but I wonder if there was a specific intention behind that.
RM: I don’t think I even realized that!
MS: I didn’t either. [laughs]
RM: It makes sense though, because we do have songs where we talk about having a build-up into a song. Some of our songs just start – actually a lot of them. So when formulating the instrumental side of things, we’ll kind of be like, “Well, let’s build this one up in the beginning.” We’ve done that a few times, and those become great songs for us to start live sets with. I think those songs naturally feel good at the beginning of something. So it makes sense that we’d put ‘Big Zoo’ at the beginning of the EP, because it does have that drawn-out beginning. And honestly, ‘Low Life’ becoming the first track on the record was a very late call in making the record. I never thought of it as an opening track, but there was a moment where it just clicked, and I was like, “Oh shit! This is the first song.” There was no question to that – it just made sense. The other option for a first song would have been something like ‘Spite’, which is also on the longer side. These are songs that have that “We’re going to give you a second to take your seat” vibe.
On the next song, ‘The Bow’, you all sound so locked in – just insane performances all around. What are your memories of recording it?
RM: Our songwriting is definitely changing and evolving, and the first two songs on the record were the last songs that really came together. I’ll be perfectly honest – a lot of people don’t finish a record when they start listening to it. I think that’s why we chose them as singles. A lot of people will just listen to a few songs by a band they like and be like, “Yeah, I like that band,” and only like that band because of a couple songs. So we wanted to put at the forefront what we feel we’re growing into and what we’re becoming as a band.
MS: When we were writing ‘The Bow’, when we first played it in the practice space, we definitely were all like, “Okay, this is our favorite song on the record.” It was really special to us, and definitely had to be a single. When we were writing it, for me personally, I was in the peak of heartbreak. So it’s very emotional for me – to sing even. But were like, “This is the direction we want to be moving in.” It was a very big moment.
Does that catharsis feel different when you’re writing a song like that versus playing it in a room full of people?
MS: Yeah. The catharsis honestly sets me free from the situation I’m writing about. I was in so much pain and heartbroken, and then to have an avenue where I could use that pain for something productive – maybe someone else feeling it and listening would also feel that catharsis. There’s nothing more… I can’t recommend writing music enough. If you’re really going through something, you write it, you record it, which is honestly a hard process – it’s tough to stay in that emotional space, singing over and over about what hurt you so much. But when you’re done and you have it, and can listen to it and it’s real… There’s nothing more cathartic.
And then I got to play those songs for the person who caused me that pain. It was pretty poetic justice, especially because this person was front row, bobbing their head along, smiling, no idea what I’m singing about. But to me, this was a huge moment that completely helped set me free. Now I look back at this heartbreak and I’m like, “Oh wow, I’m so glad I got these songs out of it.” I don’t feel anything for this person anymore except gratitude. I’m so grateful for every heartbreak and pain because I got so much out of it – it was worth it, even though it sucked.
Could you share one thing that inspires you about being in this band with these people?
MS: Ryan, you wanna go first?
RM: I’m having a hard time with this question. I feel really grateful and fortunate to do something where I get to express something creatively with other people and have it not be my own thing. I went to school for painting and painted for years – another creative expression, but I found it incredibly isolating. I always grew up messing around with guitar and playing music with people, but I think I needed that experience and an isolating creative process to realize the magic of music, and more so the magic of being in a band – when you collaborate that way and stay open to the song belonging to everyone, instead of just “I wrote this song, here’s what you’re singing, here’s what you’re playing.” I’m in it to have an experience that I’m not capable of doing on my own – relinquishing that control and letting the magic happen, because anything you do with other people is going to be greater than what you can do by yourself. If anyone is walking through this world thinking what they do on their own is better than what they can do with other people, that seems pretty sad to me. I’m grateful that being in a band and collaborating with these people affords me the opportunity to not fall into that mind trap.
MS: I just really love the connection that this band has afforded me – connecting with the people I write music with, but also every time we play a show, connecting with the people who come to see us play, connecting with other musicians we’re playing with. I struggle a lot with feeling alone. I think that’s just part of the human experience. But especially in a world where our lives are ruled by social media and phones, it’s so easy to get stuck in the virtual world and not have connection in the physical world. When we go on tour, I get to meet all these people I would never know, and people come up to me and say the music we write means something to them, and that is a form of connection, even if we’ve never met before. That is probably the most special aspect of this band to me.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
MJ Lenderman has shared the music video for ‘Wristwatch’, a standout from his 2024 album Manning Fireworks. Directed by filmmaker Lance Bangs, the clip sees Lenderman driving a pickup truck filled with basketballs and inflatable pool rafts as he keeps crashing into an overpass. Watch it below.
“I had been drawn to make things with Jake for a while, and spent the late summer listening to the songs that would make up Manning Fireworks,” Bangs said in a press release. “The imagery of characters caught in persistence without progress that has recurred in his writing was there in “Wristwatch” and that song was the one I went back to the most while listening to the batch of recordings. I had seen low clearance bridges in this part of North Carolina in my past travels, a mismatch between the train trestles that were built in the first half of the 20th Century and the modern 13ft height of most tractor trailers. Durham has a notorious one called the ‘Canopener’ that is featured on a website and Youtube channel ‘11foot8.com‘ by Jurgen Henn, who has captured 186 crashes since April of 2008. I took measurements and designed plans to add a few more crashes to Jurgen’s tally.”
MJ Lenderman and The Wind are set to embark on the first leg of their 2025 EU/UK tour this spring, wrapping up with a performance at Primavera Sound in Barcelona. Last month, Lenderman shared a cover of This Is Lorelei’s ‘Dancing in the Club’, which made our best songs of March list.
