I know I have some mathematically inclined LJ friends, and I was wondering if you would be willing to check my math. I've received an email containing a story about someone in the UK who drew JANITOR to begin a game at age 19, and then at age 59 did the exact same thing again. It didn't specify whether there were any blanks involved. He was ( Read more... )

I hadn't played a Scrabble tournament in about a year and a half before this year's Nationals. In fact, I hadn't studied a single word during most of that time, and I only really studied, reviewing all 4s and 5s and some 7s and 8s, for about two weeks before the NSC. So I'm totally thrilled to have gone 15-16 with a big positive spread. I honestly ( Read more... )

I have a small package of Zyzzyva goodies that I've been asked to get to Karen Richards at Causeway in November. It's an envelope, about 14" x 11" weighing a little more than a pound. Is there anyone going to both the NSC and Causeway, who would be willing to deliver the package for me? If so, let me know and we can make arrangements for me to give ( Read more... )

Anyone out there who will be going to the NSC but hasn't finalized lodging plans yet? I'll be registering for the NSC today (last minute, natch) but don't have a reservation at the hotel yet. If any of you are interested, I'd love to split the cost of a room. (Males only or my wife would be quite unhappy.) I know about the rides/roommates list, but ( Read more... )

One of the things I find most frustrating in life is feeling like I have not been heard. I try very hard to listen for orders of magnitude as much as I speak, and when I speak I hope I have something useful to say. After I take the time to compose my thoughts and express them, I cannot think of anything more frustrating than a response that ( Read more... )

I renewed my personal NASPA membership today. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback. However, I was also taken by surprise when I was informed that in order to renew our club's membership (of which I am the director), the club's listing needs to be removed from the WGPO list of clubs. The club's presence on the WGPO list is apparently a ( Read more... )

As far as I've had an opinion in the NASPA v. WGPO situation, and I've generally tried to avoid having much of one, I've always considered myself a NASPA supporter. But I'm finding it really difficult to say that anymore. I wish NASPA would realize the negative effect they're having not only on dissenters, but on their own directors and moderate ( Read more... )

What's the old saying... the more insignificant the difference of opinion, the more fiercely people will fight over it? I'll tell you what, there's only one thing an all-out political war makes me want to do: stay far away from the Scrabble scene entirely. Call me when the post-apocalyptic fallout has started to settle.

Each of the past three weeks has featured some crisis or another, so I hadn't been to the Scrabble club in almost a month before last night. I also haven't studied a single word in at least six months. People still ask me all the time, "Is this word good?" or "Is there a seven in these letters?" My response these days is almost always, "Hm, I think ( Read more... )

Here's a link to one of my favorite Scrabble games ever - played last week at the club. Not only did I make almost no mistakes (10ish equity points lost), but I played the coolest bingo on turn 5. This game was amazing, a real high point for me.http://www.cross-tables.com/