Start with Common Vowels and Consonants: When initiating your Wordle journey, begin by guessing common vowels and consonants. This strategy helps you quickly identify which letters are present in the hidden word, giving you a solid foundation for subsequent guesses.
Consider Letter Frequency: Take advantage of letter frequency in the English language. Letters like E, A, R, I, O, and N are commonly used, so incorporating them into your initial guesses increases your chances of hitting the mark early on.
Use Two-Letter Combinations: As you progress, experiment with common two-letter combinations like TH, ER, IN, and AN. This approach helps you uncover more information about the structure of the hidden word.
Explore Word Patterns: Analyze the patterns of correctly guessed letters to discern potential word structures. For instance, if you know the first and last letters, you can make educated guesses about the interior letters.
Eliminate Unlikely Letters: As you accumulate correct guesses, take note of which letters are not present in the hidden word. This process of elimination guides your subsequent guesses, increasing the efficiency of your attempts.
Focus on Word Families: Identify word families based on shared letters and positions. If a certain letter appears in one position in a correct guess, try placing it in a similar position in subsequent attempts to narrow down possibilities.
Experiment with Synonyms: When you're stuck, consider synonyms for words that fit the known criteria. This lateral thinking approach broadens your options and may lead you to the correct answer.
Mind the Word Length: Pay attention to the specified word length in Wordle. If you've identified a few correct letters but struggle with word length, experiment with different possibilities until you find the right combination.
Stay Calm Under Pressure: Wordle is a game of both skill and composure. Resist the urge to make hasty guesses and take your time to analyze the information you've gathered before each attempt.
Learn from Mistakes: Every incorrect guess is a learning opportunity. Analyze the feedback provided by Wordle, understand where you went wrong, and use this knowledge to refine your strategy in subsequent rounds.
Mastering Wordle is an addictive challenge that rewards strategic thinking and linguistic prowess. By incorporating these strategies into your gameplay, you'll increase your chances of solving the puzzle with fewer guesses. Remember, Wordle is as much about deduction as it is about linguistic intuition, so enjoy the journey of unraveling words and sharpening your word-guessing skills!
]]>Discovering the best deals at Costco is part of the fun, but there are a few items you might want to skip. Here's our list of five products you should think twice about before adding to your cart.
These croutons are hard as rocks and as sharp as razor blades. If you like cutting the roof of your mouth everytime you eat a salad then these are for you. If not, then stay away!
Coffee preferences vary, but this roast left us disappointed. Describing it as low-quality is an understatement. Although, it might be good to share with guests you're not keen on seeing again; but its bad taste might linger longer than the visit.
A seemingly great value, but sadly, it falls short on flavor. The sauce lacks any depth, reminiscent of a basic store-bought brand, and the crust disappoints. Even kids will hate this pizza.
These candies have graced the Costco shelves for years and look tempting. However, be cautious; their appearance doesn't match the taste. They lack any chocolate and caramel flavor, leaving a less-than-satisfying experience. However, if you like chewing on wax then these might be for you!
Stroopwafels, when done right, are a delight. Unfortunately, the ones at Costco miss the mark. They lack the genuine syrupy goodness and warmth of authentic stroopwafels, leaving a rather disappointing taste, even when paired with coffee.
That's our pick, let us know your worst picks in the comments.
You may repost this blog with credit.
]]>Raleigh Christmas Parade: Kicking off the season in grand style, the Raleigh Christmas Parade is a beloved tradition. Marvel at the enchanting floats, marching bands, and, of course, the arrival of Santa Claus. It's a spectacle that brings the community together in a vibrant celebration of the season.
Winterfest at Downtown Raleigh: Lace up your skates and glide into the spirit of the season at the Winterfest outdoor ice rink. Nestled in the heart of downtown, this charming ice-skating rink is surrounded by festive lights and the joyful buzz of holiday music, making it a perfect spot for friends and family to create lasting memories.
Holiday Market at the State Fairgrounds: For a shopping experience like no other, the Holiday Market at the State Fairgrounds is a treasure trove of unique gifts and seasonal delights. From handcrafted ornaments to locally made treats, this market is a haven for those seeking one-of-a-kind presents for their loved ones.
Pullen Park Holiday Express: All aboard the Holiday Express at Pullen Park! Hop on the train for a magical journey through dazzling light displays and festive decorations. With seasonal music and the park's joyful ambiance, it's an enchanting experience for all ages.
Lights on the Neuse: Just a short drive from Raleigh, Lights on the Neuse in Clayton offers an awe-inspiring display of twinkling lights along the serene Neuse River. Visitors can hop on a tractor-pulled hayride or stroll through the magical display to revel in the holiday enchantment.
Whether you're looking for family-friendly outings or romantic date night ideas, these festivities offer something special for everyone. Celebrate the magic of the season and have a blast with the best Raleigh has to offer!
This blog was originally posted on evanreid.com]]>
With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about the perfect gifts for the special men in your life. Whether you're shopping for your husband, father, brother, or a close friend, finding the ideal Christmas gift can be a rewarding experience. In this list, we've high and low to bring you the top 10 Christmas gifts for men in 2023,
Immerse the music lover or audiophile in your life in pure sound with the Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones 700. These headphones offer superior noise cancellation, crystal-clear audio, and a sleek design.
For the man who's always on the go, the Yeti Rambler 30 oz Tumbler is a perfect gift. It keeps beverages hot or cold for hours, making it an ideal companion for commutes, hikes, and more.
A custom-made leather wallet is a timeless and thoughtful gift. Choose one with his initials or a meaningful message to add a personal touch.
Elevate his home bar with a whiskey decanter set. These beautifully designed sets often include glasses and a decanter, making it a stylish addition to his space.
The Amazon Echo Show 15 is a versatile smart display that can assist with tasks, play music, display recipes, and much more. It's perfect for men who appreciate the convenience of a connected home.
Help him unwind and recover with the Theragun PRO, a high-quality percussive therapy device that soothes sore muscles and relieves tension. Yes it's very expensive, yes it's worth it!
A leather Dopp kit is a classic gift for men who travel frequently. It's the perfect accessory to keep toiletries organized and easily accessible.
A luxury watch is the epitome of timeless style and sophistication. Whether it's a classic Swiss timepiece or a modern, statement-making design, this gift will make him stand out.
With a thoughtful gift, you can make this holiday season extra special for the men in your life. Happy holidays and happy gifting!
]]>The idea of a battle between Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is one that has been explored in both comics and animation. But we are here to give the definitive answer to who would win! Batman and the Turtles are popular characters with unique strengths and weaknesses, making for an interesting matchup. In this analysis, we will break down each opponent's advantages and liabilities and ultimately determine who would come out on top.
Advantages of Batman:
Liabilities of Batman:
Advantages of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:
Liabilities of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:
Overall, a battle between Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would be a close one, with each opponent having their advantages and liabilities. In the end, it would likely come down to the situation and the specific circumstances of the fight. However, given Batman's superior intellect, access to advanced technology, and mastery of various martial arts styles, it's likely that he would come out on top.
]]>Sjobergs is a renowned Swedish brand that has been making woodworking benches for over 90 years. The Elite Workbench is their top-of-the-line model, featuring a solid European beech construction and a thick, durable worktop. It also comes with a range of accessories, including bench dogs, holdfasts, and a cabinet for storage.
The Grizzly Industrial G9912 is a sturdy and durable workbench made from solid maple. It has a large work surface, measuring 60 inches by 30 inches, and a weight capacity of up to 800 pounds. The bench also features four storage drawers and a bottom shelf, providing ample storage space for your tools and materials.
The Festool MFT/3 is a versatile workbench that can be used as a table saw, router table, and clamping station. It has a perforated worktop that allows for easy clamping and a range of accessories that can be attached to the bench for even more functionality. The bench is also lightweight and easy to transport, making it ideal for those who work in multiple locations.
The Kreg KWS1000 is a portable workbench that is perfect for those who work in small spaces or on the go. It has a compact design that folds up for easy storage and transportation, but still provides a large work surface when opened up. The bench also features built-in clamping and storage options, making it a convenient all-in-one solution.
The Roubo Workbench is a classic design that has been used by woodworkers for centuries. It features a thick, solid wood top and a sturdy base, providing a stable work surface for even the most demanding projects. While the Roubo Workbench is more of a DIY project than a pre-made bench, there are plenty of plans and kits available online for those who want to build their own.
Choosing the right workbench for woodworking can make all the difference in the quality of your projects and your overall experience in the workshop. The Sjobergs Elite Workbench, Grizzly Industrial G9912, Festool MFT/3, Kreg KWS1000, and Roubo Workbench are all excellent options that provide different features and benefits to suit a range of needs and preferences. Consider your budget, workspace, and specific woodworking requirements when selecting the best workbench for you.
]]>Cars have been an important part of human culture for over a century. From classic muscle cars to sleek sports cars, the automobile industry has produced some of the most iconic vehicles in history. Here are our picks for the 5 coolest cars ever made:
1967 Shelby GT500 Mustang: The GT500 was one of the most powerful and aggressive muscle cars ever made. With a 428 cubic inch V8 engine, this car could produce up to 355 horsepower. The GT500 was made famous by the movie "Gone in 60 Seconds" and is still sought after by collectors today.
Lamborghini Countach: The Countach was a revolutionary car when it was introduced in the 1970s. With its wedge-shaped design and scissor doors, it was unlike anything else on the road. The Countach was also one of the fastest cars of its time, with a top speed of over 180 miles per hour.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder: This car was made famous by the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and has since become one of the most sought-after classic cars in the world. With its sleek design and powerful V12 engine, the California Spyder is a true icon of the automobile industry.
Bugatti Veyron: The Veyron is one of the most powerful and expensive cars ever made. With a top speed of over 250 miles per hour and a price tag of over $1 million, this car is the ultimate status symbol for car enthusiasts.
McLaren F1: The F1 was one of the fastest and most advanced cars of its time. With a top speed of over 240 miles per hour and a unique three-seat design, this car was truly ahead of its time. The F1 was also the first production car to use a carbon fiber monocoque chassis.
Honorable Mentions: Ford GT, Lamborghini Miura, Pontiac Firebird
These 5 cars represent some of the coolest and most iconic vehicles in automotive history. While they may be out of reach for most people, they continue to inspire and captivate car enthusiasts around the world.
Skeet shooting isn't just shooting orange discs in the air... well actually it is. We took a day off last week to try it out and learned a lot so we thought we would share what we learned. Skeet/Trap shooting is a growing sport that is popping up not only in rural communities but also urban outlets aswell. Basically, skeet shooting is a sport in which participants use shotguns to shoot at clay targets that are flung into the air from two fixed positions on the ground. The targets are launched from a "high house" and a "low house" at different angles and elevations, simulating the flight of birds. The goal of skeet shooting is to hit as many targets as possible. The sport originated in the United States as a way for hunters to practice their shooting skills, but it has since become a popular recreational and competitive activity. Skeet shooting is often described as a "game of inches," because the targets are small and travel at high speeds, requiring precise aim and quick reflexes.
The rules of skeet shooting vary depending on the specific organization or competition, but there are some general principles that apply to most forms of the sport.
While not exactly mainstream chances are there's a skeet center near you and best of all most places will walk you through the basics and rent you a gun so you don't need any formal training to try it out. Happy shooting.
Image by freepic.diller on Freepik
We love cryptocurrency, the decentralized nature allows it to be a sensible hedge from inflation, unfounded government financial policies, and the general pitfalls associated with most fiat currencies. Over the past few years, crypto has become easier to use and seems to be gaining popularity every day. This isn't to say that crypto doesn't have its own set of issues; most crypto coins are volatile often rising and falling significantly in short periods of time. Moreover, some cryptocurrencies use a disproportional amount of electricity, although a new generation of coins are free from excessive consumption.
We are not experts, and this is only our opinion, but we are very involved in the crypto community, and here are some of the coins we like.
Cardano is open-source and decentralized, using proof of stake to mine coins so the power consumption is far less than traditional coins. It can facilitate peer-to-peer transactions with its internal cryptocurrency, Ada. Cardano was founded in 2015 by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson. ADA has a stellar team around it and they have taken a slow grown approach we feel will make it a winner.
Aave is an open-source and non-custodial liquidity protocol for earning interest on deposits and borrowing assets. This coin is very unique and is completely open-source, which allows anyone to interact with the user interface client, API, or directly with the smart contracts on the Ethereum network. AAVE is able to build any third-party service or application to interact with the protocol and enrich products and networks.
Amp is an Ethereum coin that aims to “collateralize payments on the Flexa Network, making them instant and secure.” If a BTC or ETH payment fails due to unconfirmed or long transaction times “the Amp collateral can instead be liquidated to cover losses” while the vendor receives payment in fiat, potentially providing greater assurances to both parties. This allows Amp to effectively decentralize some risks of asset transfer—especially for real-world applications.
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But you know what? We discovered something talking to a friend who happens to be a mastering engineer that has improved our listening experience when we're in front of that stereo a thousand fold, and you'd never really think of it. The addition of a speaker stands. "Why," you may ask?
Sound travels as a wave, just like ripples in a pond, and it reverberates through certain materials in not ideal ways. Speakers on your floor — unless it's concrete — reverberate and resonate at frequencies the engineer and artist didn't intend. So your record sounds different than it would if the speaker was — ideally — suspended in midair and only moving air with the sound it produces. But we sure aren't hanging our 2 and a half foot tall speakers from the ceiling and we doubt you are either. The gist is that you want to isolate the speaker from surfaces on which the sound can reflect and distort.
Because the sound in typical music is intended to be directed to you, not through the floor, your book shelf, or your entertainment center. Sure, Dolby 5.1, or 7.2 or 9 point whatever system is great for home theatre; it's not ideal for typical music. And while quadrophonic stereo systems exist and there are records out there that use it, it's rare and the same issues of the sound being directed into the floor are still a thing.
The sound coming out of your record and through your speakers was meant to be pointed in a particular direction. Here's a great primer that goes into much more detail than we will, but the basics are that sound reflects and reverberates. Doing the following will help you get the most out of your speakers:
A speaker stand with sound dampening material in the base of the stand will help you get the most out of your records without engineering the whole room around the speakers.
A common material for this is sand because it's cheap and it's not solid, so as it vibrates with the sound your speakers are producing, it's also absorbing what's coming out of the bottom of the speaker so it isn't transmitted through the stand and into the floor.
The stand also helps you elevate the speaker so it's closer to "ear level" for listening, and gets it away from the wall.
There are plenty of stands on the market — we happen to like Crutchfield for most of our audio visual needs, and they're on it for stands too — but we have an ancient set of tower speakers that typical modern stands won't fit as opposed to the modern bookshelf speakers you're used to seeing. So being into the whole woodworking thing we do with our razor handles, stands, etc, we took it upon ourselves to build a set that fits our needs.
We wanted a set that kind of matched our existing furniture, but was unique to the speakers, had sand in the base, and on the right-hand speaker had an open space to store the records we're listening to inside but also on display.
Our record player isn't in the same room where we store the bulk of our collection, but we wanted to make sure we stopped propping them up in front of the speaker while listening.
We measured the footprint of the speaker (15" by 11") and measured out a height that would accommodate a typical 12" LP (13"), and built our stands to match using reclaimed, sanded pallet wood we stained ebony, and then coated with a polyurethane protectant.
The base of the stand is literally a plywood box with a cavity inside that measures 14" by 10" by 1.5", then we filled that with play sand and sealed it with screws and silicone caulk to prevent the sand from leaking out. The top of the box is the base on which the records sit, and the sides are made of 14" cuts of pallet wood.
Even with pretty minimal woodworking experience, you can concept your own stand and wind up with a pretty cool, completely unique product. In our case, it improved the sound of our records, matched the furniture, AND helped us de-clutter our living room.
Give it a shot yourself, whether you buy stands or make them, and let us know how it turns out!
]]>Most men love watches and we're not sure why. Maybe it's the simple funcitionalioty of having the time on your wrist. Maybe it's for the fashion statement a nice timepiece makes. Or it could be the craft that goes into a nice mechanical watch. Whatever the reason we love 'em and with all the choices in the market there is a lot to keep track of. Luckily we've done the hard work for you with the top 5 watches (you can afford) for 2020.
$3,875, yes it's expensive but good value for the money
For our money Tudor offers a better value than a Rolex, while still reveling in the glow from it's more renowed older brother. And the Black Flag is a perfect example of Tudor at it's finest. The movement features a bidirectional self-winding system and is certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). But what makes this watch special is that the movement was done entirely in house. Not only is it stunning (although a tad chunky) with bold lines and colors but it is a giant leap in Tudors contining rise and heritage.
$1,900 This is the best value you can find in the watch world today
What can we say about this stunning watch to do it justice? We can tell you how the porcelain for the dial was made in a region of Japan renowned for their long history of craftsmanship. Or, we can tell you about the almost perfect movement inside this masterpeice that rivals movements from Swiss makers. But really, all we need to say is that this watch is near perfect. The value that Seiko has packed into this watch is amazing, every detail is meticulously designed and executed. From the elegant dial to the hair thin second hand, to the throw back red "12" they have done it right. People who want to show off wear Rolex but true watchheads know that Seiko is the real deal.
$25 If you can't afford this watch you are doing life wrong.
The Casio digital watch has been around for over 30 years and in that time it hasn't changed much. It was cool in the 1980's and it's cool in the 2020's. The World Timer version carries on the squared face and digital time but also offers a range of modes for telling, well, world time. We love the extremely bright illumination and bulletproof build. If you are a hipster or an extremely pragmatic type then this is your go to affordable watch.
$128 Great value for the money
If you don't know anything about watches and don't really care, you just want something that looks good and tells time this is your watch. The Orient Bambino actually has an automatic movement and beustiful details like rose gold hands and a retro look that goes well with any style. We love this watch for daily wear and think it's a deal considering all the deatils (like suede strap) pack into it. Plus it looks expensive, and will certainly fool most of your freinds into thinking you actually have some style.
$2,000 It's a bit too expensive, try looking on used sites for one around $1,400
We love this watch, but it's priced a little high. That said, we really like the boutique watches Bell and Ross are making and the V1 is one of our favorites. Not only is it made in our preferred 38mm size but it has a vintage colorway that looks amazing on the wrist. This watch is a head turner and if you can find a good used one below $1,500 it's well worth picking up.
]]>Let’s first put “retirement” in the right frame of mind. In her book, Too Young to Retire, Marika Stone quotes: “Retire the word ‘retirement’ from your vocabulary. Look it up: it means to ‘withdraw’ or ‘retreat.’ Words can shape reality, and it’s time for this one to go. Doesn’t ‘renaissance’ or ‘graduation’ or ‘transition’ better describe your post-career life?”
We agree. Retirement is about admiring the beauty of your family and the things you surround yourself with every day. That is why we believe so strongly that our handmade razors and stands make such great gifts. We guarantee that even though he may not shave as much as he did while at work, he’ll still think of you at least 3 days a week when picking up his Imperium Shaving razor. So, what are our best selling gifts for the man who has everything?
For the man that suffers for razor bumps or razor burn? Get him the Rio Double Edge Safety Razor. Safety razors don’t lift the hair from under the skin and require less passes than a disposable cartridge razor to get a clean shave. Plus – the double edge blades average around ten cents a blade so he’ll stretch his retirement dollars even more.
For the old school traditionalist? The Atlas Shave Set is beautiful and the sustainable Olive wood will make any bathroom just a bit brighter. Our synthetic badger brush hairs are the best ones on the market and will whip up a great lather. Choose from a double edge blade or a Gillette blade that you can pick up from any grocery store or pharmacy.
For the modernist – Definitely our aluminum razor. Modern hand turned brushed aluminum handles are sleek, and weighted perfectly for one of the most comfortable shaves you will get. He definitely does not own anything like this already!
Trust us! Let other people get the same old alcohol, cigar, or golf gifts. Be unique and pick up a unique gift for an old fashioned wet shaving gift. He will love it.
Feel free to use this blog post on your website but please give us credit and a link to our homepage
Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash
]]>We love bars and we love hanging with our friends at bars but its even better when you have a game to play. We aren't talking about beer pong or quarters but actual bar sanctioned entertainment. So, here is our ranking of the best bar games around today
#5 Shuffleboard was once a very popular bar game in America but as times changed and floor space became a more valuable it started to wane in the 1970's and 80's. Fortunately it has been making a comeback in recent years. We have a special connection with the game because the tables are a crafted piece of art. We like the boards from Hudson because they are made in the USA and look amazing. The rules are simple and the competition can be intense with the right mix of people.
#4 Darts can be great but we aren't talking about just throwing to see who can come closest to the bulls eye like a lot of people play. If you go by the actual rules the game takes on a technical aspect that makes it the perfect combination of strategy and skill.Its best played in small groups and even better if there is some money at stake.
#3 This is a new one to a lot of cities but some of us have been throwing axes for years. The rise of urban indoor ax ranges/ bars is one of the best ways to spend a rowdy Friday night. We know alcohol and hatchets don't sound like a good combination but try it and you will be an instant convert and its a lot easier than it seems.
#2 Pinball is getting harder to find in a lot of newer bars. Thankfully there are still a few places that have an old deck tucked away in the corner. Pinball is great when you need to focus on something and clear your mind at the same time. The simple play of paddles amid the complex electronic arrangements makes this a perfect way to zone out. Double points if you can find a machine from the late 70's.
#1 You thought it was going to be pool right? Nope, our top spot goes to Ms. PacMan. There is nothing better than sipping a cold beer and outrunning ghosts all while trying to get your name up in the credits. Its important to find one with the correct speed calibration, bonus if it only costs 25 cents to play, double bonus if its a sit down model!
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KEEP IT TIGHT
In a fast paced world where we still have to look our best we need to be ready to throw a concise, well groomed, fashionable look into a bag and go! It doesn't matter if it's men's fashion, women's fashion, or a something non-binary we all have to get our fashionable gear to our end point as efficiently as possible. For a light packing job to work density is the key. Folded is smaller than wadded. Folded and rolled: smaller still. If your clothes take up more than one-third of your bag, you are probably taking too much.
THE RULE OF THREE
Three pairs of socks. Three pairs of underwear. Three shirts. Wear one, wash one, dry one. You can get more miles out of leg wear, so two pairs of pants and one culturally appropriate pair of shorts or a skirt should suffice. Choose light, flowing, quick-dry cotton-poly blends in matching colors that handles wrinkles well. For all other accessories like ties, watches, belts only pick one that goes well with what you are bringing.
ROLL DON'T FOLD
To get the most space in your bag always roll. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space than folded ones. Plus, they're less prone to getting deep wrinkles from fold creases.
FABRICS MATTER
To get the most use from the least amount of clothes pick the right fabrics. Seek out material that resists wrinkling and stains, stays fresh after several wears and dries quickly. Lightweight merino wool for outerwear, quick-dry synthetics for underwear and SmartWool socks make life much easier on the road.
UPLOAD EVERYTHING
Books are bulky, but bytes don't weigh anything. If you're bringing a phone or other mobile device, consider downloading maps, translation apps, travel guides and reading material for your trip. One exception is travel documents, and yes a spare map is acceptable. And while it's a good idea to store digital copies of your passport and itinerary on your phone, you should pack a few printed versions as well. Still everything else should be on your phone or at the very least your tablet/kindle.
Thanks to www.lonelyplanet.com for the "rule of 3 tip"
Feel free to use this blog post on your website but please give us credit and a link to our homepage
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