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Video Game Genres – A Deep Dive into Digital Worlds

Far beyond mere entertainment, these digital adventures open doorways to realms beyond our wildest imaginations. From the heart-racing firefights of FPS games to the intricate strategies of MOBAs, each category offers its brand of exhilarating escapades. As we explore digital realms, we’re set to discover how each genre crafts not just a game but a narrative, a challenge, and a sense of community. Let’s embark on this journey and uncover the beautiful world of gaming.

First-Person Shooters (FPS)

Want to experience the action through the eyes of the protagonist? In First-Person Shooters (FPS) like Doom and Call of Duty, you’re right in the action, seeing everything through the eyes of the protagonist. These games whisk you to varied settings, from historical battlegrounds to futuristic wars, blending fast-paced gameplay with compelling stories. More than just testing your reflexes, FPS games engage you with their strategy and narrative depth, perfect for those who crave an exhilarating, action-packed adventure

Casual Betting Games

These diverse sets of games offer a laid-back yet exciting experience, perfect for those moments when you want fun without the complexity. Imagine games like online slots or bingo, where simplicity meets the thrill of chance. These games don’t require extensive strategies or hours of commitment. Instead, they provide a quick escape, filled with the possibility of winning and the charm of easy-to-understand gameplay. Whether spinning the reels or marking off numbers, casual betting games are about the joy of gaming in its most straightforward form. It’s gaming at your pace, on your terms.

Real Money Games

For those looking to spice things up, this genre offers a spectrum of experiences beyond traditional casino games. Picture competitive gaming platforms where skills in popular video games can translate into real-world earnings. Here, the thrill of victory carries an added reward. Transitioning from these skill-based arenas, the world of online casino gaming beckons. It’s a world where classic games like blackjack and roulette are digitally reimagined. They merge traditional casino excitement with the convenience of online play. Players keen on playing can join us to play online roulette for real money rewards.

Role-Playing Games (RPGs)

Have you heard of games like Skyrim and The Witcher? These games give you the perfect RPG experience. These worlds are more than games. They’re expansive stories shaped by in-game choices. It’s like stepping into a novel where you’re both the writer and the hero of your own epic adventure.

In RPGs, you start with humble beginnings and become a triumphant hero. These games are full of adventures and big, open places to explore. They’re perfect for anyone who loves stories and making choices. Whether you prefer fighting dragons or solving old riddles, RPGs let your imagination run wild.

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs):

A classic example here is World of Warcraft. In this kind of game, players are part of an expansive world where they form relationships and embark on quests with others globally. These games blend social interaction and fantasy, allowing characters to grow in skills, gear, and connections with other players. MMORPGs provide an immersive experience where gaming and community intertwine, offering diverse and life-like experiences

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)

Games like League of Legends and Dota 2 are perfect examples of this. MOBA games are about the perfect mix of strategy, skill, and teamwork. Picture yourself as a unique hero, each with their own special powers. The key? Quick thinking, getting the hang of your hero’s skills, and syncing up with your team. It’s a world where every move counts and strategy is everything. Imagine the thrill of a high-stakes chess match but with the pulse-pounding excitement of a video game battle.

Stealth Games

These are games where every step is calculated, and silence is your ally. Players must be strategic, patient, and precise in Stealth games like Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell. These games focus on outsmarting enemies through stealth rather than direct combat. Each level presents unique challenges, offering various ways to avoid detection and complete objectives. Stealth games are ideal for those who prefer strategy and cunning over direct combat.

Embark on Your Own Gaming Odyssey

So there you have it, some of the most common game genres available. Each genre’s unique challenges and stories invite you to enter new worlds. We recommend you try out games apart from your usual genre – who knows, your new favorite could be a title you never expected. For more insights and the latest in gaming, try scanning through online forums and community platforms. You can also check out IGN and Gamespot for updates on your favorite games. Whether strategizing in MOBAs or engaging in betting games, there’s a universe in each genre waiting for you. So, grab your controller, choose your adventure, and explore the rich tapestry of video games. Your next great gaming experience is just a play button away!

Bingo top tips: Ensuring you get the most out of playing

Whether you’re a total newbie or a regular face at the local bingo hall, it’s never a bad idea to get a few new bingo strategies under your belt. If you want to improve your bingo game and give yourself more of a chance of a full house, we’ve put together everything you need to know about bingo below.

How to get the most out of online bingo

  1. Manage your bankroll

No, we’re not talking about your salary! In bingo, your bankroll is the total amount available in your account to play with. To stay on top of your finances, take the time to assess your finances and set a budget. That way, you can figure out what you can afford to spend on stakes and won’t lose more money than you can afford to.

As a rule, you should aim to limit the amount you spend during each session and make sure you don’t go over this limit. Most reputable online bingo sites have safer gambling tools that help you enforce your spending limits.

  1. Understand the rules of specific games

It goes without saying. But to truly succeed in playing online bingo, it’s important to understand the rules of each game. While it’s still bingo, each game will have slightly different rules. Just because you’re an expert at 90-ball bingo doesn’t mean you’ll have the same success across the board!

To avoid being caught out, thoroughly read the rules (and T&Cs, while you’re at it!) to get a handle on the game in question. You can also use the live chat feature to ask others for help should you need it.

  1. Look for games with fewer players

According to official statistics by the Gambling Commission, 44% of adults gamble each month. That’s a lot of competition!

To improve your chances of winning the jackpot, consider joining games with fewer players to reduce the number of people you’re competing with. While the prize will likely be lower, you increase your chances of success.

  1. Interact with other players

Particularly if you are new to online bingo, interacting with fellow players in chat rooms can lead to useful information and tips on how to play. You may get a better understanding of the different games and their rules, including strategies for ways to be safer when playing.

Now it’s time to put all your new-found knowledge into action. Let’s hope it’s your lucky day!

O. Release New Single ‘ATM’

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O. – the London-based duo of baritone saxophonist Joseph Henwood and drummer Tash Keary – have dropped a new song, ‘ATM’. It’s taken from the Speedy Wunderground signees’ upcoming SLICE EP, which is out this Friday (November 24) and follows last year’s debut single ‘OGO’. Give it a listen below.

“‘ATM’ is us getting angry and frustrated about some of the injustices and crazy bewildering things in the world,” the band said in a statement. “It’s a tune to celebrate fury, going on a journey releasing your anger then coming to a place of peace. We love seeing people getting their anger out to it live.”

Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy Releases Video for New Song ‘Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You’

Earlier this year, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy released an album called Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You. Now, he’s put out a new song that shares its name, which, “for royal reasons, and no concern of ours, wasn’t included in the album,” per a press release. On the track, Will Oldham is joined by Shahzad Ismaily, Blake Mills, Emmett Kelly, Jim Keltner, as well as vocalists Lacey Guthrie, Katie Peabody, and Heather Summers. Check out Adam Laity‘s video for it below.

“Will sent me the demo for ‘Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You’ about a year ago,” Laity shared in a statement. “I found the song so romantic – the idea of chucking a suitcase in car and heading off on a journey with a lover. And also the humility in the idea of being unable to grow old if we don’t come to terms with our faults, in the way that only someone you’re in love with can reveal to you. Agnes Varda said ‘If we opened people up, we’d find landscapes.’ The video is really about the affective resonance that landscapes can have for us, that sometimes last our whole lives. It started with the idea of clouds passing over Will’s face, and really it just grew from there. I wasn’t particularly interested in the video ‘making sense’, but rather it was about trying to visualize the energy and flow of the song.”

Watch Spotlight: Tank Louis Cartier (Large Model)

Having been launched over a century ago, Cartier’s Tank is a watch that always stays in style. It’s a beloved classic that withstands the passage of trends, remaining eternally stylish despite its definitive design elements. In this Watch Spotlight, we’ll be looking at Tank Louis Cartier, a timepiece for him and her that is a superb introductory watch in the world of Luxury timepieces.

Design

In 1917, Louis François Cartier designed the first Cartier Tank, inspired by Renault tanks used on the Western Front, hoping to create a timepiece that captured their usefulness and grace. To this day, this design remains relevant and is a staple of any fashionista’s watch collection.

In terms of this specific large model, the Tank Louis Cartier has a case in yellow gold 750/1000 with beaded crown set with a sapphire, black lacquer dial, golden-finish steel sword-shaped hands, a mineral crystal, and a deep semi-matte black alligator-skin strap to accentuate the look. Yes, there is nothing more you’d want from a Tank.

Movement

Like other Cartier timepieces, this watch shares the 1917 MC movement with 19 jewels, a beat rate of 21,600 vph, and a power reserve of 38 hours, making it suitable for true watch enthusiasts who appreciate manual-wind mechanical movements.

 Jewels 19
 Power Reserve 38 Hours
 Beat Rate  21,600 vph
 In-house  Yes
 Shape  Tonneau
 Regulator  Etachron

Conclusion

Tank Louis Cartier delivers on every note regarding style for a unisex timepiece. It doesn’t shout but blends tastefully with the outfit while remaining a significant detail that conveys class. Priced at £12,500, it will be one for thought, but if you are craving a timeless timepiece, this is an obvious choice.

Top 13 Weekend Roadtrips for Music Lovers!

Ready to turn up the volume on your weekends? Well, it is something that only a music lover can relate to the most.

That’s why, to help you with the hunt, we have put together a list of the top thirteen weekend road trips for music lovers. So, you don’t have anything to worry about.

From a jazz aficionado to a country soul, there is a road trip for everyone. They are as follows:

1. A Musical Mystery Tour

First off, we have the musical mystery tour. And why not?

Whether it be the indie gigs in hidden venues or the city corners echoing with the notes of the historic jazz, soul, and opera – they are a place where you will feel the ultimate thrill with each of the stops offering a unique auditory experience.

And for the best part, you will not need any sort of directions here, instead, the music will be there to guide you through every path. It may be anything from a local band playing in a quirky roadside cafe or an underground vinyl store.

In other words, it is a place every music lover will be on their peak level. So, make sure to grab your tickets for live events whenever they are available.

2. Preservation Hall

Are you a jazz lover?

If so, then this place is something you cannot miss at all.

Located in the center of the city’s French Quarter, this hall began in the 50s as an art gallery where the jazz performers initially played for tips. Afterward, in the 1960s, it took a new turn and music became the main attraction of the hall. Since then, this place has won people’s hearts with fine tunes.

You can somehow compare this hall to one of the sacred places where the spirit of jazz music literally comes to life. All credit goes to the worn wooden floors and dimly lit ambiance that just sets the mood for joining in the dance of the music.

3. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Situated on the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio, this iconic place was created in the year 1983.

It is a six level hall with a beautiful series of displays that offer tribute to each genre in such a classic and elegant way that you will automatically pay homage. Doesn’t matter whether you are a true music geek or not.
Plus, they regularly host live events of various musicians and also have a library and archives where you can visit, read, and listen to music, according to your preference.

So, if you are a music lover, make sure to put the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at the top of your weekend road trip list. After all, sometimes, the best way to hear and feel the vibes of the music is to see it.

A dream come true, indeed!

4. Café Wha

Situated in the heart of the Greenwich Village, this place is like a pilgrimage for music lovers.

In fact, you will be surprised to know that it is the birthplace of various legends, namely Bob Dylan, who strummed his very first notes while Jimi Hendrix set his guitar ablaze.

And once you put your foot inside, you will be instantly blown away by the eclectic melodies of folk, jazz, and rock swirl altogether. In other words, it has an ambiance that instantly connects with the soul.

5. The Grand Ole Opry

Moving on, we have the Grand Ole Opry. The number one thing about this place is the hundred-year-old country and Western Cred.

It is so good that the moment you enter, it will feel like you are living in a dream. And, since the year 1974, it was relocated from its previous place, the famed “circle” has proudly held some pretty good country music stars, paving the way for many aspiring musicians.

One of the beauties of this place is the air in this place is full of nostalgia that will surely take you back. After all, you will sit in the same wooden peas that once welcomed the legends.

So, whether you are a die-hard country fan or maybe a causal listener, this place is something you cannot bear to miss.

6. Motown Museum

Motown Museum?

Well, it is more than just a museum. You can say it is more like a celebration of the rhythm and soul that is shaping generation after generation with its magic.

And as you stand in Studio A, you will hear the echoes of “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. Much like an adventure, right?

Plus, you will also find the artifacts of the living legends like Micheal Jackson’s initials dotted white glove and black fedora and, of course, the heroic Motown piano. This place also has guided tours from Wednesday to Sunday.

7. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

If you are looking for an open air theater, then the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is the ultimate place to be.

From being surrounded by lush greenery to an acoustic experience, they set the bar to a new level. And for the ultimate showdown, once you settle into your seat under the open sky, you will experience the vibrations of the iconic performance from the past echoing through the air.

You can also explore the prize-winning display on “Woodstock and the Sixties,” which relives the magical moments of the 1960s era.

8. Buddy Guy’s Legends

Buddy Guy!nWell, who doesn’t know about this legend?

Located in the heart of Chicago, this place is a living testament to the soulful heartbeat of the city. And, if you have not guessed it yet, this iconic venue was founded by the legendary Buddy Guy himself.

So, while you step in, you will feel you are a part of the living – taking you all the way back to the roots of the blues music.

All the dim lights, the rustic environment, and the raw, unfiltered talent on stage certainly make every visit worthwhile. In fact, if you don’t visit this place, you will miss out on a very important place that just promises to offer an unforgettable and soulful experience.

9. The Fillmore

Ever heard walls can talk?

Well, that is what you will feel when you visit the Fillmore. From hosting the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Grateful Dead, this venue is one of the iconic places that holds American music history in the most unique way possible.

And as you walk through the door, you will feel like you are on a roller coaster ride of time travel. From the psychedelic posters to the vintage vibes and the creaky wooden floors, the list goes on!

10. Graceland

Graceland is a place that must be on every music lover’s bucket list. In fact, your adventure is incomplete without visiting this iconic place.

This place was once the house of the king. And is widely advertised as “the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll destination.”

From having an exhibition entry to a dining space, a shopping mall, and the incredible Chapel in the Woods – they literally have everything. So, if you think it is maybe just a theme park, you are getting it wrong.

And, in case you are a proud member of the Elvis Presley Fan Club, you will have a chance to tour the mansion along with being a part of the live events. Doesn’t matter whether you are certified or not!

11. La Scala

La Scala is one of the iconic opera houses in the heart of Milan, with the estimated inauguration in 1778.

In fact, you will be surprised to know that, they are considered one of the leading opera and ballet houses throughout the globe.

After the World War II bombings, this place was renovated to its ancient grandeur. It has a holding capacity of nearly 2000 seats and continues hosting several kinds of ballets, operas, orchestras, and cultural programs.

12. Red Rocks Amphitheater

Red Rocks Amphitheater is an outdoor site that is constructed into a rock formation about twenty minutes southwest of Denver. This place is certainly one of the most delightful venues to enjoy a live event.

However, one thing to note is that it is about 6,500 feet high above sea level. Meaning, you will have to climb almost hundreds of stairs to relish the entire place.

13. Country Music Hall of Fame

Lastly, we have the Country Music Hall of Fame.

It is definitely one of the sacred places where you will see the twang meeting the timeless tales, where the essence of country music is preserved in every possible note and artifact. And while you have a walk through the hallowed halls, you are sure to get captivated by the artifacts of the legends.

From Hank Willaims’s cowboy boots to the echoes of Folsom Prison Blues, the list goes on!

Besides, for the special attraction, the multiple entry choices allow the tourist to participate in everything from gathering knowledge about letterpress printing to famous studio expeditions and strolling the hall with an audio guide. There are also composer sites and various activity events for the children.

Wrapping Up

There, you have it – the top thirteen weekend road trips for music lovers.

From offering a scenic drive to a symphony of sounds, each of the places mentioned above is bound to make your heart sing along with creating some unforgettable memories.

In other words, it is something you probably would not want to miss in your lifetime, especially as a music lover.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, cue up the playlist, and hit the road as your next musical adventure begins – where every mile is a melody waiting to be discovered!

This Week’s Best New Songs: The Smile, Madi Diaz, Emily Yacina, and More

Throughout the week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with the new releases that caught our attention the most, be it a single leading up to the release of an album or a newly unveiled deep cut. And each Monday, we round up the best new songs released over the past week (the eligibility period begins on Monday and ends Sunday night) in this best new music segment.

On this week’s list, we have the Smile’s dreamy, subtly stirring new song ‘Wall of Eyes’; Shygirl’s latest club banger, ‘thicc’, featuring London singer Cosha; A. G. Cook and EASYFUN’s soaring new single as Thy Slaughter, ‘Lost Everything’, which was co-written by SOPHIE and features Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell; Wishy’s radiant, evocative indie rock tune ‘Too True’; Mannequin Pussy’s ‘Sometimes’, another blistering preview their forthcoming LP; Madi Diaz’s heart-rending duet with Kacey Musgraves, ‘Don’t Do Me Good’; ’22’ a stunning track from Julie Byrne’s collaborative EP with Laugh Cry Laugh; Emily Yacina’s ‘Nothing Lasts’, which sees her approaching perennial themes with more expansive production aided by Rostam; and boygenius’ beautifully gentle rendition of the traditional ballad ’The Parting Glass’, released in tribute to the late Sinead O’Connor.

Best New Songs: November 20, 2023

The Smile, ‘Wall of Eyes’

Shygirl feat. Cosha, ‘thicc’

Thy Slaughter, ‘Lost Everything’

Wishy, ‘Too True’

Mannequin Pussy, ‘Sometimes’

Song of the Week: Madi Diaz feat. Kacey Musgraves, ‘Don’t Do Me Good’

Emily Yacina, ‘Nothing Lasts’

boygenius and Ye Vagabonds, ’The Parting Glass’

A Curated List of Online Games for Adults You Will Probably Enjoy Playing

In the past, gaming was relegated to kid’s play…playing Sonic the Hedgehog or any number of games that were available in the halcyon days of the 90s. However, then came a considerable jump in technological capabilities, and many of those 90s kids grew up with a continuing love of gaming. Now firmly in adulthood and with spare cash to burn, this enthusiasm for gaming certainly hasn’t abated and, in some cases, has even morphed into the realm of more…adult titles that titillate the deepest parts of the human psyche even further! This post is dedicated to providing you with a range of games that might border on the risque to those that are a little more conventional.

“Adult” games!

As alluded to in the introduction, some games firmly cross the border between kind of OK for everyone to definitely not let the kids check your Steam account! Because of the proliferation of these games and the fact that they are pretty much an unknown entity to most, it pays to use adult gaming guides to help assist you in determining where to look and what categories are available. Nevertheless, most should be able to find something that matches their predilections and is sure to turn a dull Sunday on your own into something a tad more exciting…

Live Poker

This heading specifies poker, but in reality, you can choose any casino game that takes your fancy, with the idea being that you play a live tournament. Why live, you might ask? Well, it adds an extra layer of excitement and involves pitting your wits against other players who also relish the opportunity to beat a random person on the other side of the world! Being able to watch the action unfold live rather than on predetermined animations taps into our innate desire to witness the unpredictable unfold before our eyes. Moreover, combining it with the final option on this list can make the entire experience even more immersive.

Brain Puzzles

Who doesn’t love a good puzzle? Well, I suppose some may take every chance to avoid them when reasonably possible, but the vast majority of humans enjoy putting their mental faculties to good use, finding patterns, and solving puzzles. The term “brain games” is pretty ambiguous but can include anything from the usual chess, scrabble, and sudoku to the more modern options like Wordles et al. These games really get you thinking far more than the average FPS ever could, and there are some indications that they are relatively good for your brain health.

Anything With VR

VR isn’t new, but it has taken off massively in the past 5-10 years, partly thanks to Meta’s insatiable desire to get as many folks into the metaverse as possible. While that particular dream may have backfired and caused them some short-term stock-related pain, the fact is that VR headsets are ubiquitous, able to connect to a variety of platforms, and are more affordable than you think. When you play a game in virtual reality, you are transported to new worlds and feel far more immersed than you might staring at your PC screen.

Gaming means many things to many people, but the one thing that connects the thread is that anyone who plays games usually enjoys them. From games on the riskier side of life to exploring exciting locations using VR, the possibilities are endless and you can see just how far VR has come in the adult gaming space with games like virt-a-mate.

Chris over at cammiesonthefloor did a full breakdown of virt-a-mate, and you can see for yourself just how far adult gaming has come on over the years.

Interview: Jerry McLaughlin

Amid the cultural hub of San Miguel de Allende, Jerry McLaughlin’s abstract paintings, rooted in natural materials, offer a glimpse of his journey as an artist. Beyond traditional creation, McLaughlin embraces destruction, burning his canvases to create ash for new works, creating a cycle of renewal.

McLaughlin’s art intimately explores personal loss, human touch, and intertextual inspirations like Federico García Lorca’s poetry. Throughout this interview, we explore the layers of McLaughlin’s work, a blend of personal narrative and broader reflections on humanity and the environment.

Hi, how are you, and how did your journey into art start?

Hi! I’m doing really well, thank you. This is an exciting time for me. I have two big projects I’m working on, I’m feeling more connected to the art world of Mexico, and I have two residencies there next year. I’m also excited about this interview.

I started into the art world as a photographer. After I finished my medical training, I realized I had a deep creative desire I had been ignoring. Since childhood I had taken pictures, so I dove into photography. I ended up having exhibitions and teaching classes, but I never really felt the connection I was looking for, so I abandoned it. 

What I really wanted was to be a painter, but I had been scared to admit it, let alone pursue it. After leaving photography, I knew I had to do it. I didn’t have a choice. I always loved process and materiality, even with photography, so I started with encaustics. The wax and the heating and the scraping initially appealed to me, but after a while they started to feel limiting. I tried some cold wax, just as an experiment, and fell in love. From there my journey really started to grow and led me to where I am now.

The physicality of your paintings, with their layers of beeswax, pigment, and ash, is a defining characteristic. Can you describe the process of building these layers and how you achieve such a balance on the canvas?

I have two main ways of working.

When I’m painting with oil paint, wax, and ash, it is a slow layering process building up anywhere from 20-60 layers of material. I press in textures as well as manipulate and develop textures using my tools. Because of the physicality of the process, the surface has to firm up between layers. Paintings can take a couple of weeks to a couple of months to complete. In these works, the medium creates the textures and covers the whole surface. 

When I’m working without paint, with just wax and ash, the process is quicker, more gestural. I allow the physicality of the ash and cinder to do more of the work of creating textures. There are fewer layers, no more than six or seven. In these works I allow areas of bare substrate to show through.

I think of texture the way many artists think of color. They work with hue, value, and saturation. They choose complementary or analogous colors. They think about color relationships and color contrast. In texture, I think of character, scale, and intensity. I also think about complementary and analogous textures, texture relationships, and texture contrast. When I’m working with paint and the surface is covered, I create those relationships and the range of contrasts. When I’m working with just ash and wax, I allow the texture of the substrate to play a strong role in the relationships and contrast. In the end, the balance comes from those relationships and those contrasts. 

Viewers are attracted to the tactile nature of your works, feeling drawn to touch them. How do you view this interaction between the viewer and your art? Is it something you intentionally cultivate?

I love this interaction between the viewer and my work, and it is very deliberate. Texture is different from the other elements of painting. Color, shape, value, and line require our eyes, but texture is about touch. We don’t even need our eyes. We can perceive it with our hands, our mouths, every square inch of our bodies, and that is special. Connecting to the world through touch is an intimacy very different from merely seeing something. Textures create desire. We want to feel the bark of a tree, feel our lover’s body against ours. When you make a painting that people don’t just want to look at but want to touch, you have formed a deeper connection with them, an intimacy. You’ve elicited their desire. 

Some artists identify themselves as ‘colorists’ and rely strongly on color to elicit the emotional responses to their work. I don’t make colorful paintings. Using texture is a powerful way for me to make my work evocative. Perhaps I am a ‘texturist’. 

How do you decide when a piece has achieved this delicate balance between beauty and darkness? Are there specific moments or feelings you are trying to convey?

It’s an interesting question. For me, shapes and surfaces, lines and edges—they all have moods and personalities. Those moods and personalities can vary depending on their circumstances, on the conversations they have with each other. Those circumstances and conversations are essentially the compositions of my paintings. Of course the colors, my palette, contribute to this as well. As I paint, I am constantly watching the moods and conversations happening on the surface. I’m asking myself, ‘Is the conversation about melancholy, about longing, about loneliness or loss, about want or desire?’ If not, then I have to change things. If so, then I keep those circumstances, that conversation going until it’s there, captured all at once in a lasting moment that has taken days or weeks or months to arrive at.

Poetry, especially from poets like Federico Garcia Lorca, Edna St Vincent Millay, and Constantine Cavafy, plays a significant role in your work. How do you translate the emotions and themes from their poetry into the visual language of your paintings? When did your relationship with poetry begin?

I love this question, but it’s a tough one. I don’t know if translation is the right word, but I also don’t know if there is a better one. When I read the poetry that is important to my work, the feelings and moods I want in my paintings become focused. I can feel them very specifically. And it changes how I see. Poetry helps reframe my mind, and I suppose my heart, so that I understand how my colors, shapes, and surfaces work together. The way a song might make your body want to move a certain way, reading poetry helps me paint in a certain way. It creates a space inside me where I can see and feel how to paint what I paint. 

My relationship with poetry began about 15 years ago. A friend gifted me a book of Millay’s sonnets. I was hooked. I then read her biography and her collected works. I found Cavafy through my favorite photographer, Duane Michals. He did a small photo book dedicated to Cavafy. I had two exhibitions inspired by Millay and Cavafy, and after seeing those exhibitions, an artist friend gifted me a book of Lorca’s work. It’s been a beautiful and synchronistic journey. Next on my list is Octavio Paz. I love his work, and now that I live in Mexico, it’s a perfect match.

Could you share a poem or line that has deeply influenced a recent piece of yours and how it guided your creative process?

It’s not quite so direct as that. Specific poems or lines don’t usually influence individual pieces but rather a series or group of work, and multiple poems might influence the same pieces over time. But here’s a stanza from Lorca’s soneto ‘El poeta dice la verdad’ [‘The poet tells the truth’] that I’ve been thinking about lately:

Quiero matar al único testigo / I want to kill the only witness
para el asesinato de mis flores / to the murder of my flowers
y convertir mi llanto y mis sudores / and turn my weeping and my sweat
en eterno montón de duro trigo. /  into an eternal pile of hard wheat.

I’ve been thinking about what humans do with deep hurt and loss. In this poem the poet simply cannot bear the pain. It is so great he wants ‘to kill the only witness’ to it, a profound denial that it ever happened. No one will be able to testify to it. And the ‘weeping and sweat’ are too much. They cannot go on. Instead, he wants to transform them into something pragmatic, useful, enduring (and endurable), something that will always be there but that he can live with and work with, an ‘eternal pile of hard wheat’.

So, a stanza like this helps me live in and explore human interaction with suffering and loss, and that, in turn, allows me to see how I want my paintings to feel. 

Being represented by galleries in London and New York, major art centers, how do you navigate the differences in the art scenes of these cities, and how do they influence your work and its reception?

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be part of an art ‘scene’, as I try to deepen my connection to the art world of Mexico, particularly Mexico City. It’s interesting, challenging, and not always pleasant. The truth is I don’t really feel a part of either London’s or New York’s art scene. I have only visited New York and London, never lived there. So when I do go, I always feel more of an observer rather than belonging to those worlds. I think I’ve always felt an outsider in the art world, like maybe I don’t really belong there, don’t really fit in, and that’s tough to say out loud. 

As for how they influence my work, I would say they don’t influence what or how I paint. That comes from inside me. But there has definitely been better reception of my work in larger, more urban centers. I think pure abstraction, my neutral palette, my minimalist aesthetic, my focus on darker themes have a larger audience in big cities. Perhaps there is more experience, more familiarity with that style of work. Perhaps it’s simply that there are more people. I’m not sure.

Everything You Need To Know About Teen Patti Online

Indians love to play card games, and one popular card game known to have originated in the country is Teen Patti. It’s a traditional card game that’s played in a lot of gatherings and even cultural celebrations.

While many have enjoyed playing it with friends and family, the digital age has ushered in a new era for this classic game. Teen Patti has now taken its place at online gambling sites. So thanks to online casinos, you can now enjoy real money Teen Patti anytime, anywhere.

Whether you’ve played this card game before or you’d like to give it a try at your favorite online gaming sites, we’ve got everything you need to know about it.

What is Teen Patti and How Do You Play It?

Teen Patti, which translates to “three cards” in English, is a traditional Indian card game that shares similarities with poker. So, this is a game that doesn’t heavily rely on luck as you can also strategize to improve your chances of winning.

This Indian card game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, and it’s typically played by 3 to 6 players. However, there are some Teen Patti variations that can accommodate players.

Each player will be dealt with three cards, and the objective is to create the best possible hand. Take a look at the hands in Teen Patti which we ranked from highest to lowest:

  • Trail or Set: A set of three cards with the same rank. For example, three kings or three 4s.
  • Pure Sequence: Three consecutive cards of the same suit, such as 7, 8, and 9 of hearts.
  • Sequence (Run): Three consecutive cards of different suits, like 5 of hearts, 6 of clubs, and 7 of diamonds.
  • Color: Three cards in the same suit (usually red or black), but not in sequence.
  • Pair: Two cards of the same rank, accompanied by a third card of a different rank.
  • High Card: When none of the above combinations are achieved, the player’s hand is determined by the highest card.

It’s a straightforward and simple card game that anyone can easily enjoy. That said, even if you don’t have much experience in online gambling or playing other card games, it shouldn’t take you long to learn how to play it.

Playing Teen Patti Online

If you’re new to Teen Patti online, don’t worry because it’s easy to get started. You need to find a website where you can play Teen Patti live like 10CRIC. You can either go to the website or download the mobile app to join the casino.

The sign up process usually only takes a few minutes. You’ll just need to fill out their requested information, make a deposit, and you’re good to go. You might also want to check if an online casino has any bonus to offer to get the most out of your gaming budget.

Tips on Playing Teen Patti Online

We’re sure you’re excited to play Teen Patti live online, but before you do that, here are some great tips to keep in mind:

  • Choose a Reputable Platform: Begin by selecting a trusted online Teen Patti platform. Look for sites or apps with positive reviews, secure payment options, and a strong track record for fair play. Your gaming experience largely depends on the platform you choose, so do your research.
  • Understand the Rules: Before diving into a game, take the time to familiarize yourself with the rules of Teen Patti online. While it shares similarities with its offline counterpart, there may be slight differences or additional features in the online version as they come in different varieties.
  • Practice with Free Games: Many online Teen Patti platforms offer the option to play with virtual currency or “play money.” This is a great way for beginners to practice without risking real funds. Use this opportunity to hone your skills, learn the ropes, and gain confidence in your gameplay.
  • Start with Low Stakes: When you’re ready to play with real money, it’s ideal to start with low-stakes tables or rooms. This allows you to experience the thrill of real-money gaming without the pressure of high bets. As you gain experience and build your confidence, you can gradually increase your stakes.
  • Observe and Learn: Learning from experienced players can be incredibly valuable. While playing, observe the strategies and tactics used by more seasoned competitors. Pay attention to how they bet, bluff, and respond to different situations. You can pick up valuable insights by watching and learning from others.

Conclusion

Overall, Teen Patti is a classic that many Indian players love. But thanks to online casinos, anyone from around the world can now enjoy this game. You won’t even have to easily get tired of this because it now comes in different varieties you can explore.

Hope this one helped and good luck on your games!