For almost a century now, Scrabble remained to be one of the most popular word games in existence. It’s not only a fun way to spend time with friends and family, but it’s also an effective way to strengthen your vocabulary, spelling, and grammar for whatever language you play it in, if not English. This is especially true if you take the time to learn new words while you play, rather than just playing the words and moving on. Even beginners who typically rely on outside word unscrambling tools like Unscrambled Words for them can learn from playing Scrabble because there’s always a chance to look up one word and discover five or ten more based on the definition, synonyms, and antonyms. Considering the puzzle features, it also boosts your mental performance, as well as your mood and happiness levels. However, these benefits are more pronounced if you’re actually great on the board and win some if not most of the games you play.
But even for a pro, it’s not unusual to go through a series of winless encounters from time to time. Especially if you’re trying to learn Scrabble or are used to winning or scoring high marks in competitions, this can be overly intimidating. If this sounds anything like you, this article is definitely written for you.
To help you out, here are 7 tips to learn and get better scores at Scrabble:
1. Use word unscrambler tools
One thing about Scrabble is that it looks virtually easy from an overall view. However, things get tougher when you’re in gameplay and find yourself with letter tiles that seem virtually impossible to come up with a word from, based on what’s already on the board. But if you’re tired of passing on rounds, there’s a way out of this frustration. According to the guys from Unscramblex, this helpful tool can help you unscramble letters and create words from tiles you’d never thought would be possible. A word unscrambler could be just the tool you need to improve your scores in games like Scrabble and Words with Friends. Moreover, it makes the game more fun for you as you shine over your opponents while helping you to learn new words.
2. Learn and stick to the rules
Just like any other game, Scrabble has a set of rules that players should abide by. Depending on whom you’re playing with, false moves and the lack of sticking to the guidelines can get you losing points. Everyone who’s ever mastered the game had to abide by the Scrabble rules and they’ll tell you for free, there’s no shortcut to it. It’s also part of the rules that one of the players should be the scorekeeper, tallying points for each player as they make their moves/turns throughout the game.
3. Stay keen
As will be discussed below, to score the highest points in Scrabble, you have to keep your eyes wide open on the board. You should also know when it’s your turn to play and when to replace tiles while keeping an eye on how your points are tallied.
4. Utilize the double/triple letter scores boxes
When playing Scrabble, it’s always important to approach every turn strategically. Remember, each tile/letter has a specific number of points attached to it, but this will also depend on the square you place it on the board. Some boxes on the board can earn you twice or three times the scores of that particular letter, so be keen when creating words and placing your tiles on the board.
5. Target the double word and triple word scores
Conversely, some squares on the Scrabble board also have the power to double or triple the total points scored from a word. Throughout the game, keep an eye on these squares as they can easily transform your status from losing to winning at any point in the game.
6. Fifty bonus points
A Scrabble tile rack normally holds 7 tiles maximum at any one time. If you get a chance to use the 7 tiles in one go, you’re entitled to a 50-points bonus, which is normally referred to as a Bingo. However, you’ll obviously need to have 7 tiles on your rack to pull this off. As you continue to play, you’ll discover that pulling this move off is one of the most satisfying turns in Scrabble. It’s also when you get to earn the most points, especially if your word lands on bonus squares such as double/triple letter or double/triple word score squares.
7. Be smart
In addition to gauging your word-power, Scrabble also gauges your mental sharpness and ability to play with words. As far as being smart goes, some tips you can use to score maximum points in Scrabble include:
•Score big with shorter words
•Release high-value tiles first
•Use prefixes and suffixes to your advantage
•Be strategic with your S
•Use Benjamins wisely
•Adopt defensive playing tactics
•Know when to pass for a better score
•Peruse the Scrabble dictionary regularly
Scrabble is exciting in every way. It provides friends and family members with an opportunity to bond while improving their grammar, spelling, and vocabulary, not forgetting the mental and emotional health benefits the game provides. With the above few tips, you can get better scores in your scrabble games, turning it into a regular enjoyment activity that you can’t seem to get enough of.
Posts made in March 2020
Fletcher – Forever
FLETCHER returns with her anthemic new single “Forever” and its accompanying video. “Forever” is more bass-driven than anything she’s released to date, but as bold and brutally honest as we’ve come to expect. Produced by Jason Evigan (Dua Lipa, Maroon 5) FLETCHER co-wrote the track with frequent collaborator Amy Allen (Halsey, Harry Styles) and Kinetics & One Love. Download/Stream “Forever” HERE.
“This song is about knowing who ‘the one’ might be but needing to find myself before I give that person my time forever,” says FLETCHER. “The relationships in my life are really important to me, but I’ve realized the one that I’ve been neglecting my entire life is the one I have with myself. Heading into this year and next project, I made a promise to focus my energy on getting to know myself and to date myself for the first time. I’m making mistakes, fucking up and learning lessons the hard way…I’m having fun, but definitely crying too. I’m learning who I am and who I want to be. It’s not easy and I have no idea what I’m doing, but does anyone really?
With head-ticking choreography and unstoppable female energy, FLETCHER shines a light on the desire to be young and carefree in her Ethan Lader-directed video. Watch it HERE.
Heading into her full-length debut (due out later this year), FLETCHER released her acclaimed debut EP you ruined new york city for me via Capitol Records last August. A highly personal story of first love and heartbreak, you ruined new york city for me features “Undrunk” — a breakthrough hit that spent several weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, earned the #1 spot on Spotify’s Viral Chart, and emerged as the fastest-rising song at Pop radio from a new artist in the past five years. The EP also includes follow-up tracks “If You’re Gonna Lie,” “All Love,” and “One Too Many.”
FLETCHER will soon join Lewis Capaldi on Niall Horan’s 2020 Nice To Meet Ya tour. The first leg of the North American run kicks off April 20 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, with the label-mates also playing Barclays Center in New York (April 29) and The Forum in Los Angeles (May 18). See below for full itinerary. Tickets are available HERE.
Last week, FLETCHER and Niall Horan released a Spotify Singles cover of Taylor Swift’s “Lover,” earning recognition from the pop superstar as well as praise from Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly and more. Listen HERE.
FLETCHER recently contributed the end-title track “Last Laugh” to the forthcoming soundtrack to Promising Young Woman, due out via Capitol Records on April 3. Set for release on April 17 via Focus Features, the widely anticipated film is a revenge drama/thriller written and directed by groundbreaking filmmaker Emerald Fennell (Killing Eve); it stars Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, Alison Brie, Connie Britton, Adam Brody, Jennifer Coolidge, and Laverne Cox.
Heralded as an Artist to Watch and praised by outlets like PAPER, TIME, Wonderland, V Magazine, Nylon, Harper’s Bazaar, Interview Magazine, GQ, and more, FLETCHER hails from a beach town in New Jersey, where she cultivated her verve for music and candid lexicon. The singer-songwriter, who graduated from NYU’s famed Clive Davis Institute for Recorded Music has already begun carving out a space for herself in pop music. FLETCHER has earned impressive slots on The iHeartRadio Music Festival, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Life is Beautiful, and other major festivals.
Photo credit: Kenneth Cappello
Lotus Chefs × COVID-19 Care
NEWS AND SUPPORT FROM LOTUS CHEFS AND RESTAURANTS
Andrew Wong and Kimberly Hernandez boxing up at home meals for elderly, vulnerable and in need hospitality workers in the community.
In these difficult times, our clients are working tirelessly to offer educational and practical initiatives, but also to bring some excitement to many who are struggling with the boredom and loneliness of isolation. At Lotus, we cannot express enough our pride in representing them and we believe they can help make this whole process a little easier. We will continue to support our restaurants and chefs and the industry through this time of adversity.
Andrew Wong, London
Michelin starred chef Andrew Wong is working to create at-home meals for elderly and vulnerable members of the local community with the help of his protégé Kimberly Hernandez, Head Chef at Kym’s. Using restaurant quality produce, meals will be packaged and hand delivered free of charge, ready to be heated up at home. The boxes will be left on the doorstep of those who are self isolating to minimise human contact for those who are at high risk. For the time being the initiative is being organised through his local parish church – St Peters in Eaton Square. Andrew will continue to work tirelessly to find opportunities to keep his staff busy and motivated whilst also giving back as much as he can to his surrounding community in SW1.
Brace, Copenhagen
The team at Brace have just launched an incredible take-away option at their Copenhagen restaurant with a huge selection of dishes that can be collected, heated and finished at home. The new take-away menu very much carries the soul of Brace and utilises all local, organic and wild produce with sustainability and seasonality at its core. Dishes can be ordered every day of the week, for both lunch and dinner online at www.restaurantbrace.dk.
WAGYUMAFIA, Japan & Hong Kong
Kobe beef specialists Wagyumafia have started their first-ever premium meat home delivery service. Supporting his farmers is Wagyumafia founder Hisato Hamada’s top priority, saying ’As we promised them, despite the current crazy crazy situation, we will never stop, but keep thinking and be more creative than yesterday.’ For people living in Japan please message @wagyumafia_butcher and in Hong Kong message @wagyumafiahk for details on how to order.
Aqua Crua, Barbarano Vicentino (VI)
In the initial weeks of the COVID 19 contagion, before the total lockdown of the country, Giuliano Baldessari from 1* Michelin Aqua Crua in Vicenza was the first chef in the country to offer his guests a “Comfort the Souls” – a bespoke 4 course menu for €30 that could be collected from the restaurant and enjoyed at home. Aqua Crua has since closed and will reopen in April. Baldessari has joined many Italian chefs in the initiative #iocucinoacasa (I cook at home) by Gambero Rosso, by showing a short and easy recipe for home cooking: watch here. He is going live daily on instagram at 3:30pm GMT with recipes and cooking techniques.
TURK Fatih Tutak, Istanbul
Istanbul’s critically acclaimed TURK Fatih Tutak has closed its doors until further notice, however, stay tuned for home-style recipes and tutorials on chef Fatih Tutak’s Instagram. His video tutorials will showcase Turkish dishes with soul that will be easy to produce, nourishing and inventive.
Marsan and Joia, Paris
Hélène Darroze has closed the doors of her Parisian restaurants; Marsan and Joia until further notice. The 2* Michelin chef and her teams are respecting French isolation instructions, and plan to come back stronger when they reopen their doors. For updates please follow @helenedarroze, @marsanparhelenedarroze, and @joiaparhelenedarroze.
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, London
Hélène’s two Michelin star restaurant at The Connaught has restricted it’s opening hours, and will now close on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. It remains open Wednesday to Saturday, and the team looks forward to welcoming guests, with restricted reservations, spacing between tables and increased hygiene practices. For news please follow @helenedarrozeattheconnaught.
Ikoyi, London
Jeremy Chan and Iré Hassan-Okdukale have taken the sad decision to temporarily close Ikoyi in St James’s Market. They will continue to support the entire Ikoyi team, and once things have settled, start cooking again. For updates please follow @jeremychanikoyi and @ikoyi_london.
Mirazur, Menton
Mirazur has temporarily closed in Menton, on the Cote D’Azur. Mauro, Julia and the whole Mirazur family look forward to welcoming guests again soon. For news and recipe inspiration please follow @maurocolagreco and @restaurantmirazur.
Il Pagliaccio, Rome
Anthony Genovese and the team of 2* Michelin Il Pagliaccio in Rome have also joined the movement started in Italy earlier this month for a stronger and safer future, by closing the restaurant until the 4th April.
Lux Lucis, Forte dei Marmi
Lux Lucis in the Hotel Principe Forte dei Marmi in Tuscany, home to the Michelin starred cuisine of Valentino Cassanelli, has postponed its seasonal reopening from March until May this year.
Duomo & I Banchi, Ragusa
A ‘see you soon’ has been sent from Sicily from Ciccio Sultano, as he closes I Banchi and 2*Michelin Duomo in Ragusa until the 6th April. Sultano, though, has joined many Italian chefs in the initiative #iocucinoacasa (I cook at home) by Gambero Rosso, by showing a short and easy recipe for home cooking: watch here.
Farzi Cafe, London
Modern Indian Restaurant Farzi Cafe have closed their doors until further notice, but look forward to receiving guests as soon as they can. For updates please follow @farzilondon.
Tate McCrae × “That Way”
TATE MCRAE RELEASES PERFORMANCE VIDEO FOR “THAT WAY” TODAY
WATCH HERE
NAMED ONE OF YOUTUBE MUSIC’S ARTIST ON THE RISE
Rising star Tate McRae releases a performance video for her track “that way” via RCA Records today. Set in an open room, the video sees Tate dancing emotionally through the song to compelling and cutting edge choreography which was created by Tate and Michelle Dawley. “that way” is from her 5 song debut ep all the things I never said which also features music videos for standout track “stupid,” “tear myself apart,” and “all my friends are fake“.
Tate says of the video, “I have multiple sides to me; a lot of layers that people have not yet seen. My dancing is a huge part of my life, so I’m so glad I finally get to create movement to a song that’s really personal to me.”
Just last month, Tate was announced as one of YouTube Music’s Artist on the Rise, YouTube’s emerging artist program that champions breaking talent and rising stars. As part of the campaign, McRae is set to collaborate with YouTube Music on a unique content series that will live on her Official Artist Channel and invite fans to get to know Tate on a deeper level.
Tate has received praise from a variety of publications with TheInterns.net claiming she is, “going to be one of the hottest names in music” while Idolator voted her one of 40 artists to watch in 2020. Just this weekend, E! included her as one of 15 newcomers you need to know.
She has also garnered early from from i-D, Wonderland, NME, Ones To Watch, The Sunday Times Culture, 1883, tmrw magazine, Billboard, & more.
Stay tuned for more information on Tate’s rescheduled tour dates for her all the things i never said pt. 2 tour at tatemcrae.com
Tate launched her YouTube channel and her “Create with Tate” music series where she has been consistently releasing original music (check out some here). In just over a year, she has over 2 million subscribers and over 180 million video views on YouTube and has over 325 million combined on demand streams to date.
Tate McRae hails from Calgary, Canada after living in Oman until she was 6 years old. She made a name for herself as a competitive dancer placing second runner up on Season 13 of the FOX series So You Think You Can Dance, achieved the “The Best Dancer” honor three times at the prestigious Dance Awards, and hit the stage for performances on Ellen, The Teen Choice Awards, and beyond. Not to mention, she lent her voice to NETFLIX’s animated Lalaloopsy in the role of Spot Splatter Splash.
For More Information On Tate McRae
website / youtube / instagram / twitter / facebook
The Avalanches – Running Red Lights
Astralwerks released The Avalanches’ soaring new single, “Running Red Lights.” Featuring the unmistakable voice of Rivers Cuomo, the track finds the Weezer front man in a single-minded mood, emotional – “I’m a thundercloud, ready to burst like Schrödinger” – and running red lights to reach his lover. Set against The Avalanches’ ghostly dreamscape, Cuomo sounds as though he’s speeding along a cosmic highway, while synths, harps and tambourines swell, sparkle and cascade all around. Enter Pink Siifu, incantating the words of the late, great David Berman (lifted from the Purple Mountains’ tune “Darkness And Cold”) and clairvoyance seems to hang in the ether.
Protected: 5 Excellent Reasons to Visit New Jersey
Protected: The 3 Best Summer Vacation Ideas for 2020
The New Wave of Digital Working Nomads
As of late, tons of youthful business people have commenced to take the path less taken – entrepreneurship. With an insurgence of virtual office spaces, this demographic, primarily generations X, Y as well as Z, has found a means to make money while on the go. These digital nomads run businesses which heavily impact society and provide an array of services which are unparalleled by most industry giants like Google, Amazon and Apple. In this piece of prose literature, you will find that a virtual office for digital nomads is the way to go.
Virtual office spaces offer an incubator-like environment where small to medium size businesses as well as independent contractors can freely roam the world, embarking on adventure while creating personal connections which last a lifetime. Subsequently, personal contact and the ability to be able to share an intimate exchange is what successful business owners constantly recite in tons of authoritative magazines like Entrepreneur, Inc. and Fast Company.
Being in a high powered independent contractor position has its share of ups and downs. The number one downfall of not receiving a solid location has always been the inability to having packages securely delivered to a location. The problem has been easily worked with virtual offices as a receptionist can answer the phone, take messages and store packages on behalf of your emerging brand. Some virtual offices can store packages (small or large) for up to 30+ days without having to return to sender. Storage fees may apply. And, if all else fails, you can grant them the ability to have the package forwarded to another address so that you can have access to your mail sooner than expected.
Not to cite, a ton of these virtual facilities have a network throughout the world and with a monthly subscription package you will have access to many of their locations. In addition, if you are in penury of a quiet meeting area, you can book the venue’s conference room for a few hours. Many of them are well-fitted with wifi and video conferencing as well.
Another pro of having a rotating office is that most of them come with office managers as well. Having someone to restock the printer with ink/paper, order supplies and execute events is almost ideal for someone seeking additional ways to connect with and accost new business. Just imagine if you’re a freelance journalist, graphic designer and/or advisor, you could attend a virtual office promotion and potentially meet a new client. In the past, many virtual offices have implemented office gatherings to increase office morale. Some of the best office gatherings have included spirit/wine tastings, game nights and office ice breakers. Moreover, traveling chefs and restaurants can also set up food tastings on the premise in hopes that you visit their establishments while on lunch breaks or dinner meetings.
Instead of orchestrating a webinar on smart business practices, many virtual office spaces have started to arrange roundtables. A roundtable is an opportunity to have a group of notable community leaders and business owners come into the facility to hold panels on ways you can reestablish your brand, redesign your website, effectively conduct public relations and marketing strategies as well as lower customer retention.
These type of group discussions can strike up meaning conversations while helping you increase revenue. Being in the presence of other individuals whom are having difficulty with maintaining their business while on the go, can help those in need of assistance find solutions to fix issues right away.
In short, people who work while on the go can finally be at rest knowing that their phones are being answered and packages are being received/stored and in some cases forwarded to another secure location. All this can materialize for a nominal monthly subscription fee while you enjoy all that your destination has to offer – outdoor adventure, food and nightlife.
RICH THE KID – Red
Multiplatinum rapper Rich The Kid releases his new video “Red” today.
Watch “Red”: HERE
The song appears on his recently released album BOSS MAN. The 19-track album has features from Lil Baby, DaBaby, Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, Lil Tjay, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, London On Da Track and Quavo.
Rich The Kid is returning with his new release with his new partner label Republic Records and is looking toward 2020 with his greatest music yet. In 2017, Rich The Kid delivered his intoxicating “New Freezer” with Kendrick Lamar. The RIAA double Platinum track was followed by the triple Platinum colossal single “Plug Walk” in 2018. At this point, Rich The Kid had merely hit his stride after years of grinding, making records and breaking other acts like the world famous Migos and Famous Dex. Rich’s fame was growing as both a star rapper and label entrepreneur. The World Is Yours debuted in 2018, fueled by the aforementioned “New Freezer” and “Plug Walk.” Titled as a clear nod to Nas, the project showcased how Rich The Kid navigated seamlessly through crafting bangers that not only could live in a club, but also through car radios and AirPods. In 2019 he followed with The World Is Yours 2, led by its platinum single “Splashin,” and is now ready for the world to hear his new music.
COVID-19 × Technological Change
COVID-19 Pandemic Will Force Companies Around the World to Radically Rethink How They Operate and Embrace Technological Investment
ABI Research Analysts share their thoughts on the likely short-and long-term impacts the global pandemic will have on technology and end markets
The Coronovirus outbreak and the worldwide reaction to the pandemic will force companies to radically rethink how they operate and embrace technological investment, states global tech market advisory firm, ABI Research.
In its new white paper, Taking Stock of COVID-19: The Short- and Long-Term Ramifications on Technology and End Markets, ABI Research Analysts look at the current and future ramifications of COVID-19 across technologies and verticals. Analysts also offer recommendations to weather the storm and strategies to help companies rebound and prosper after the pandemic has slowed.
“To effect change, there must be a stimulation of a magnitude that means companies cannot do anything but make bold decisions to survive. COVID-19 is that magnitude,” explains Stuart Carlaw, Chief Research Officer at ABI Research.
Bold decisions and technological investments could lead to outcomes such as:
-A more concerted and widespread move to lights-out manufacturing
-Increased usage of autonomous materials handling and goods vehicles
-A more integrated, diverse, and coordinated supply chain
-Investment in smart cities to support community resilience
-A move to virtual workspaces and practices…
…And so much more
“Before we feel this potential long-term impact, there will be some serious short-term implications. Contractions in consumer spending, disruptions to supply chains, and reduced availability of components will create a rough sea for all boats,” Carlaw says. “In the short-term, there will be a retrenchment in outlooks a reduced investment in modernization, as survival instincts trump the drive to prosperity.”
For a clearer picture of the short- and long-term global impacts of COVID-19, download the whitepaper Taking Stock of COVID-19: The Short- and Long-Term Ramifications on Technology and End Markets.
About ABI Research
ABI Research provides strategic guidance to visionaries, delivering actionable intelligence on the transformative technologies that are dramatically reshaping industries, economies, and workforces across the world. ABI Research’s global team of analysts publish groundbreaking studies often years ahead of other technology advisory firms, empowering our clients to stay ahead of their markets and their competitors.
For more information about ABI Research’s services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific or visit www.abiresearch.com