Scatty.com

Month: January 2023

5 Key Qwirkle Strategy Tips

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Qwirkle is always a great choice when you want to enjoy a chill game night with friends and family. Gameplay is simple. Just take turns putting tiles down on the table to match shapes and colors while trying to get the highest score possible.

If you want to take your gaming experience to the next level, though, you must think strategically through every play. Wondering just how that works? Here are several Qwirkle strategy tips to help you start your winning streak.

Try to Score on Two Rows

Scoring on a single axis will never get you the lead. You need to go for a twofer by scoring on two rows each play. To do that effectively, scan the board for opportunities for parallel plays. Then, choose the play that will net you the highest score on every turn. If you cannot do that, consider exchanging your tiles to open up your play possibilities even more. Otherwise, you’ll only get a score of four max, limiting your ability to come out ahead.

Count Tiles as You Go

In addition to bolstering your score, you need to play tiles that limit the other players’ ability to get points. You can do that by simply counting tiles as you go. There are only three of each color and shape combo in the bag. So, if you see them all on the board already, you know they’re played out and can strategize accordingly. By the 10th round, you’ll likely see plenty of threesomes on the table, allowing you to make your plays without the risk of setting your opponents up for a high score.

Get Rid of Identical Tiles

Since you cannot play the same tiles in a row, having identical tiles in your hand greatly works against you. Avoid holding onto those matching tiles for any length of time by playing one or doing an exchange. Even playing one for a low score is better than keeping the pair in your hand round after round. Aim to keep mixed combos in your hand instead. If you have several colors with matching shapes, you’ll have a better chance of going for a perfect 12-point score.

Block High Score Plays

Ideally, you want to score at least seven points per turn. But when the other players seem like they’re gearing up to make a big move, you have to scrap that goal in favor of blocking. Find when to block by watching where your opponents might score next. Then, use two tiles to fill out the space next to the high score row, effectively preventing them from making their move. You may not be able to maximize your score that round, but your efforts will still keep you ahead of the pack.

Prioritize Shapes

Unless they know this trick, many players check colors over shapes when looking for great plays. By prioritizing shapes as your go-to scoring method, you can easily zero in on scoring opportunities missed by your opponents. This is especially valuable when trying to find near-Qwirkles just waiting for completion. To put this strategy to work, just take your time in looking for four tiles in the same shape. Then, make your move to nab the Qwirkle and get a great score.

With these strategies on your side, you’ll soon become a Qwirkle master. You can then share your secrets with your closest friends or leave them mystified about just how you’re always winning. The choice is yours! Just know that if you play together often enough, your strategies will rub off on the other players anyway, making nabbing the high score more challenging than ever before.

10 Netflix India Series Streaming Now

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If you’re looking for something new to watch on Netflix, look no further than these 10 great Netflix India shows and movies. From crime thrillers and lighthearted comedy to heart-wrenching dramas and addicting reality shows, there’s something for everyone on this list! 

1. Indian Matchmaking 

Indian Matchmaking is a drama-filled reality dating show featuring the wild shenanigans of matched (and mismatched!) men and women, from attorneys and veterinarians to jewelers, teachers, business professionals, single parents, and more. Despite receiving some criticism for allegedly depicting religious and caste segregation, Netflix has renewed the popular show for a third season. 

2. Delhi Crime

Delhi Crime is a thrilling crime drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat, from the first episode to the last. The series is based on the terrifying true story of the Delhi gang rape in 2012 and depicts the devastating aftermath of the victim’s gruesome murder.

3. Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives

Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives follows a handful of women married to Bollywood actors as they navigate finding work in the cutthroat entertainment industry. The show’s recent renewal for its second season opens the doors to new titillating arguments, exciting celebrations, and nerve-wracking interactions that can only be found in Bollywood.

4. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

While Glass Onion is an American show, it has gained significant popularity on Indian Netflix for its original plot and all-star cast, including Kate Hudson, Kathryn Hahn, Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy), Madeline Cline, and many more. The show centers around a group attending a murder mystery dinner that ultimately becomes reality in a number of thrilling twists and turns.   

5. Doctor G 

While not a series, Doctor G is a critically-acclaimed medical comedy-drama about a would-be orthopedic physician whose low test scores leave him with few options. Hilarity and drama ensue as the doctor attends a gynecology course, delivers a baby, faces disciplinary action, is involved in an abortion gone wrong, and finally learns his responsibility towards his patients. 

6. Sacred Games

Sacred Games is a thrilling neo-noir crime series about a burdened Mumbai police officer who has only 25 days to save the entire city, according to a harrowing phone call from a key player in the local gang. The series is massively popular, having been subtitled in more than 20 languages. 

7. Mumbai Mafia: Police vs the Underworld

Mumbai Mafia is another film that makes this list for its originality and popularity. This riveting political documentary exposes the decades-long war between the Indian mafia and the Mumbai police. Viewers of this gritty, revealing film come away with a new look at the credibility and morality of law enforcement in India, particularly in regards to the heinous extrajudicial murders perpetrated by uniformed officers. 

8.  Decoupled

Decoupled is a quirky Indian comedy about a man in the midst of a divorce who can’t help but ruffle feathers with his uncontroversial opinions. Viewers join him as he navigates couples therapy, divorce, work, and more with his unconventional and often troublesome viewpoints. 

9.  She 

The crime drama She follows a young policewoman who goes undercover as a prostitute in Mumbai in an effort to take down the city’s largest drug dealer. At home, she faces domestic abuse and learns to use her appearance to control the world around her. 

10.  The Fame Game 

The Fame Game is a series thriller that follows the story of a young woman who, after spending a lifetime embroiled in violence and drama, suddenly goes missing. Viewers join the cast as they begin to unravel the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, which only serves to bring up more questions and uncertainty.

5 Couriers With The Best Customer Service

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Having an efficient, dependable, and reliable courier is one of the most important aspects of any successful business.

Even more so, finding one that offers an extraordinary customer service experience can make all the difference in providing customers with a quality product and a satisfying overall experience with your company.

We’ve compiled a list of five couriers with the best customer service available today. From fast response times to accommodating customer requests at any hour of the day, each of these companies prides itself on customer service and certainly won’t disappoint.

With a focus on convenience, reliability, and customer satisfaction, finding couriers that pride themselves in keeping customers happy is almost guaranteed to provide you with a smooth delivery process from start to finish.

Let’s dive right in and learn more about what makes these couriers stand out from the competition!

The Importance of Superior Customer Service

Having superior customer service is one of the core foundations of success for courier services worldwide. At its core, it’s all about leaving an impression on customers that exceeds their expectations and encourages them to come back time and time again.

Going above and beyond is a must, whether by offering individualized assistance to clientele or actively engaging customers throughout the delivery process. Delivering outstanding customer service can make a strong statement about the level of quality service provided and could result in excellent word-of-mouth marketing. 

Listing the Top 5 Couriers with the Best Customer Service Experiences

Here are some of the best courier services available today when it comes to superior customer service, attention to detail, and maintaining a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

While this isn’t an exhaustive list, these couriers have some of the most sophisticated logistics networks on the market and have a proven track record of answering customer questions and support requests promptly and on time.

1. FedEx

FedEx is renowned for its world-class customer service, providing customers with a variety of convenient features and support options. 

From the FedEx Virtual Assistant that allows quick and easy responses to customer questions to the ability to manage deliveries through the FedEx Deliver Manager, there’s always a way to get the assistance you need. Plus, if you ever find yourself in need of extra help, FedEx also provides Chat Support, Phone Support, and In-Person Locations so that customers can get personalized attention when they need it most.

With these excellent customer service options on offer, it’s no wonder why so many people choose FedEx for their courier needs.

2. UPS

UPS knows that customers are their lifeblood, which is why they provide some of the best customer service around. Whether you’re looking to ship domestically or internationally, UPS has got you covered 24/7 with world-class technical and customer support while also offering convenient tools such as a virtual assistant for quick answers and live chat so you can connect in real time.

Their personalized experience means you can trust them to be there for you, even on weekdays and weekends. With UPS, it’s all about getting what you need quickly and efficiently, backed by superior customer service every step of the way.

3. DHL Express

For your express courier needs, you can’t do better than DHL Express. Their customer service goes above and beyond – providing a wealth of options to help you get what you need in no time.

From their easy-to-use email support system to an incredibly helpful web portal and phone line with knowledgeable advisors to direct you to the closest local contact, they have everything you could possibly want from a courier. With DHL Express, you’ll never be left without answers or feel like you’re not getting the best possible service.

4. Aramex

At Aramex, providing superior customer service is at the core of its offerings. From physical offices to virtual phone lines and email support options, they are always ready to assist. 

They ensure every client is taken care of seamlessly, from handling customs clearances to offering detailed answers to questions in a timely manner. With Aramex, you can trust that your packages will arrive safely and on time and that their team of friendly professionals will be there to provide the outstanding support and service you deserve.

5. LaserShip

From online help centers and chat functions to text message and phone services, LaserShip is ready to answer any questions or queries and address any concerns at any time.

With their round-the-clock availability, it’s easy to see why LaserShip has some of the best customer service in the courier industry, especially when it comes to e-commerce and online order fulfillment. 

Concluding Thoughts

At the end of the day, couriers with the best customer service are those that recognize the importance of making an impression.

These companies understand that a happy customer is much more likely to stay loyal, and so they take great care in crafting an outstanding experience for each and every one.

By utilizing these tactics, FedEx, UPS, DHL Express, Aramex, and LaserShip have created an excellent foundation for delivering quality customer service for their customers worldwide.

How to make it in CGI

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CGI is rising in popularity year after year. This exciting technology is used in movies, video games, art, and more. Still, it can be challenging to figure out how to get your start in the CGI industry. This article will offer tips and tricks for those interested in becoming professional CGI artists.

Master foundational CGI skills

Several CGI skills are likely to always be in demand. Lighting, for example, is a CGI skill you’ll want to master to ensure your work is appealing to potential hiring managers. You’ll also need excellent attention to detail. Nowadays, movie studios and game developers want their artists to pay close attention to textures, such as threads on clothes, reflections on particular objects, and each hair on a character’s head.

Consider a specialty

There is a lot that goes into CGI between characters, environments, lighting, and movement. Luckily, you don’t have to master every element to become a professional CGI artist. It can be beneficial to decide whether you want to specialize in character creation, environments and backgrounds, rigging and animation, or lighting. In most cases, you’ll be part of a larger team that works together to create the final project.

Develop a keen eye for human behavior and anatomy

If you decide to work with character modeling or rigging, you’ll need an expert understanding of human anatomy. Your characters must have realistic proportions. If their arms or legs are unusually long, it will make them appear less realistic. Of course, your artistic style may involve unrealistic proportions. In this case, you’ll still need to understand human behavior to ensure your characters’ facial expressions and mannerisms are believable.

Consider getting a related degree

Due to the complex nature of CGI art, many jobs require a bachelor’s degree. Those looking to enter the field should consider getting a degree in art, computer graphics, animation, or computer science. Earning a degree takes time, and it’s easier said than done. Still, it can set you up for success as you begin your journey to become a professional CGI artist.

Practice time management

CGI artists must imagine intricate scenes and bring them to life. You’ll often face tight deadlines, so you must know how to make the most of your time. Planning tools, like the Eisenhower Decision Matrix, can be a lifesaver when you begin your first professional CGI job.

The Eisenhower Decision Matrix breaks your tasks into urgent, not urgent, important, and not important. This method helps you determine which tasks should take priority, which should be delegated, and which should be ignored. If structured planning methods aren’t for you, it can still be beneficial to break your tasks down into smaller subtasks and write them down in order of importance.

Begin networking

Some say, “it’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” This is true in many industries, but in the CGI industry, it’s what you know and who you know. It never hurts to begin making connections. Sites like Linkedin can connect you with professional CGI artists and others who work alongside them. You may not find a job immediately, but you can get your foot in the door.

Connecting with those in the industry can put you in touch with people that can teach you the ins and outs of how they landed their job. Sometimes, they may need to delegate simple tasks to you, which can be a great learning experience. More importantly, you can make friends that can further your career down the line.

Is Mastodon Better Than Twitter?

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Mastodon has emerged as one of the top Twitter alternatives, leaving many to wonder if it’s time to set up an account. The up-and-coming social media site was formed in 2016 but saw a massive user boost after Elon Musk took over Twitter. If you’re considering making the switch, it’s worth comparing the two sites first.

What is Mastodon?

Mastodon is a decentralized social media site broken up into servers operated by various entities. Each server has its own themes, rules, and moderators. Still, you can communicate with users from other servers as well as those on your server. This concept may sound complicated, but it’s easy to understand once you get your account up and running.

Mastodon vs. Twitter

Twitter is a social media and micro-blogging site owned by Elon Musk. It was previously publicly traded but has been a private company since October 27, 2022. On the other hand, Mastodon is decentralized, meaning it isn’t owned by a singular entity. According to Mastodon’s founder, Eugen Rochko, “The code is free, open-source software, and nobody can change the license or take it back retroactively, and all of the different servers are owned by other people.”

Mastodon’s decentralized approach makes it an attractive option for those who disagree with Twitter’s new direction. Twitter provides a more robust user base, meaning you’ll see more posts and get more engagement. Still, Mastodon’s growing user base already includes notable figures like George Takei, Neil Gaiman, and Stephen Fry.

Both sites let you follow others, write short posts, and like posts from other users. Additionally, both can be accessed on your web browser or via their smartphone apps.

Mastodon pros and cons

Pros

  • Character limit: Mastodon posts are limited to 500 characters instead of the 280 you’re allowed on Twitter.
  • Enhanced security: In April 2022, Mastodon tweeted, “We’ve been planning on adding end-to-end encrypted messages to the platform for a while now. It’s coming.” Although direct messages aren’t yet encrypted, the site gives you plenty of control over who can see your posts.
  • Decentralization: The decentralized nature of Mastodon means large corporations can’t purchase it. Additionally, it makes it less likely that a single point of failure could shut the site down.

Cons

  • Fewer users: As it stands, Mastodon has around 2 million active users, compared to about 206 million active Twitter users.
  • Less user-friendly at first: Although the various servers become easier to understand over time, they can be intimidating when you first start.
  • No monetization: This can be a good thing, but it may cause issues down the line. People and organizations are paying to operate the servers used to host Mastodon accounts, but they have no financial incentive to do so. Over time, we’ll see if Mastodon’s community-funded model works or if servers begin to shut down when people are tired of paying for them.

Is Mastodon better than Twitter?

Mastodon offers an exciting alternative to those who don’t support Twitter’s new direction. It’s better than Twitter in many ways, but ultimately, it boils down to your preferences. If you care more about decentralization and security, Mastodon is the site for you. On the other hand, Twitter is still the best choice if you want exposure to as much content as possible.

How Does Mastodon Work? All You Need To Know To Use Mastodon

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Twitter has been one of the most popular social media sites for years, but after the company switched hands, many began looking for alternatives. Mastodon seems to be the go-to choice, as it has doubled its user base in just a few months. Those looking for a Twitter alternative should consider hopping on the Mastodon bandwagon. Still, before you do, it’s worth gaining a better understanding of what sets it apart from other social media sites.

What is Mastodon?

Mastodon is a decentralized social media site based in Germany. In many ways, it’s similar to Twitter, but several things make it unique. The site lets you follow users and like and share posts, similar to any other social media site. However, Mastodon is broken up into various servers, operated by different organizations and individuals, each with its own themes and rules. 

This site is one of the few social media options that is both free to use and ad-free. It’s operated by a non-profit organization and markets itself as “social networking that’s not for sale.”

Does it matter which Mastodon server you use?

When choosing a Mastodon server, you’re choosing which node will host and moderate your account. Users from various servers can interact with each other, so you aren’t limited to those on the same node as you. There are thousands of independent servers, known as the “Fediverse.”

For many, the main consideration is how the server is moderated. Luckily, you can switch servers anytime, meaning you can leave the node you initially chose if you disagree with their decisions.

According to fedi.tips, anyone can run their own server for around $8 a month. Generally speaking, joining someone else’s server is easier, and there isn’t really a financial incentive to create your own. Still, creating and joining your own server is an option if you’re up for the challenge.

Is Mastodon associated with the blockchain?

Blockchain and Web3 technologies generally market themselves as “decentralized,” so it’s natural to wonder whether Mastodon is a blockchain-based social media site. As it stands, Mastodon isn’t associated with any type of blockchain technology or cryptocurrencies.

The main reason Mastodon utilizes a decentralized approach is to give users the power to support the servers they like most. Because it’s decentralized, you’ll never have to worry about it getting bought by corporate entities. Additionally, since the site is spread among various servers, a technical issue is unlikely to prevent it from working. If something were to happen to one server, it wouldn’t impact the other servers in the network.

How to sign up for Mastodon

First, you’ll need to choose which server you’d like to join on Mastodon’s server directory. Most are open for anyone to join, but some require an application process. Regardless of your choice, you’ll need to read their rules to ensure it’s right for you. 

Next, input your preferred display name, username, email address, and password. Finally, you can confirm your email address and begin using the site. Like Twitter, you can start by adding a profile picture, following a few accounts, and making your first post.

Why Are There So Many Streaming Services Now?

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Streaming has gone through a multitude of changes over the past five to ten years. Netflix was the first to establish itself as a streaming giant. The company that started as a DVD rental business transitioned into an on-demand streaming company in 2007. The success of Netflix made countless media companies want to replicate it and launch their exclusive streaming divisions. Worldwide, there are currently more than 200 streaming services available. The expansion of the streaming marketplace has many left wondering why there are so many current offerings.

Netflix Duplication

One of the many reasons that there are numerous streaming services is that companies are attempting to achieve the level of success of Netflix. Not only was Netflix the first major on-demand streaming platform, but the company has also retained a large percentage of market shares. Netflix makes up 21 percent of the streaming market share and has an estimated annual revenue of $30 million.

Despite its substantial hold on the market, popular TV shows from other streaming platforms have diminished the number of Netflix subscribers. For instance, the streaming service Paramount Plus has an 8 percent hold on the market, a substantial leap compared to its launch numbers. Streaming services have focused energies on developing exclusive content to attract subscribers. For Paramount Plus, they increased viewership through the show “Yellowstone,” while Apple TV experienced growth because of “Ted Lasso.”

No Unified Streaming Service

Each streaming service has its own lineup of exclusive shows and original planning. Consumers may fear missing out by only using one or two streaming subscription services. For instance, Disney Plus has the rights to top intellectual properties such as “Star Wars” and “Marvel.” Customers are paying multiple streamers to access shows and movies only available on specific platforms.

With the growing number of streaming offerings, consumers have grown weary of paying multiple fees for access. According to a November 2022 survey, 69 percent of respondents feel that there are too many streamers on the market. Furthermore, 58 percent felt overwhelmed by how much content was being offered. The monthly cost is typically a strong deciding factor in choosing a streaming service. Yet, almost half of those surveyed also stated that specific shows would also determine whether they subscribe.

Rising Costs of Too Many Streaming Services

Streaming services rose in popularity as households worldwide started to participate in the trend of “cord-cutting.” Cord-cutting was a move away from traditional cable and satellite TV subscriptions. Instead of paying a high monthly cable bill, households aimed to save money by paying a low streaming service fee. However, at least 20 percent of all consumers feel they are subscribed to too many services. After adding up four or more services, users may pay more per month than a cable subscription.

During the pandemic, TV viewership numbers rose to unprecedented amounts. However, with TV viewership on the decline, there will likely be fewer streaming services on the market. Instead of large streaming service platforms, the market could see more niche options.   

How Should You Optimize Your PC For Gaming?

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Optimizing your PC will allow you to get more out of your games. Even if you don’t own a gaming PC, you can still perform some basic tasks to boost performance. Changing a few settings could help games run smoothly on a budget or older PC model. Perform optimization tasks regularly since the longer you use the PC, the more clutter will accumulate.

Preparing for Gaming Optimization


Before performing any optimization tasks, confirm that your computer has the latest Windows update installed. Check for updates under the “Settings” menu by choosing the “Update & Security” tab. They will appear under the “Windows Update” menu if any updates are available. Select the update and reboot the PC once installed. You may also want to create a restore point before proceeding with any other setting changes. A restore point allows you to easily reset any settings that may have interfered with how well your PC is working.

Enable Gaming Mode


Windows has conveniently built-in gaming optimization settings for users. Instead of making manual changes, you can type in “Game” through the search bar in the “Start” menu. Select “Game Mode Settings” when it appears as an option. Toggle to turn on “Gaming Mode.”

You will also want to turn off notifications after enabling Gaming Mode. Under the “System” menu, you will see a “Notifications” menu. Choose “Turn on Do Not Disturb Automatically” and mark the checkbox for “When Playing a Game.” With the setting, you won’t receive annoying popups during gameplay.

Fix Mouse Settings


Microsoft’s Enhance Pointer Precision can cause significant issues while gaming. The setting aims to change the speed of your cursor based on how fast you’re moving the mouse. To turn off the option, visit the “Control Panel” from your “Start” menu. Under “Hardware and Sound,” you’ll find “Devices and Printers.” Once you click on “Mouse,” go to the “Pointer Options” tab. From there, you can uncheck the box for “Enhance Printer Precision.”

Closing Background Programs


Too many programs in your PC’s background can substantially slow gaming performance. If too many processes are running, older PCs and budget models will have difficulty keeping up with your games. Open the “Task Manager” to see the apps running and close the appropriate ones before launching any games.

Update Drivers


Updating drivers is especially important when it comes to graphics cards. The latest drivers confirm your cards have the updates needed to work correctly. Well-known manufacturers such as Nvidia and AMD will routinely offer graphic card driver updates to support the latest game releases. Visit the manufacturer page to check for driver downloads. Select manufacturers are now offering the chance for customers to opt into automatic updates.

Remove Overlays


Overlays can cause significant performance issues, the most common culprit being the Microsoft Xbox Game Bar. Start by visiting the “Settings” menu on your PC. Navigate to “Gaming” and choose “Xbox Game Bar.” Toggle the option to off as a way to stop the overlay from appearing.  

How To Use Video Games For Stress-Relief

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People may experience stress in different ways, such as from work, in their daily lives, from relationships, and other factors. This stress can lead to physical, emotional, and mental distress. Researchers from the National Institute of Health, the Royal Society Open Science, and other institutions have been studying how video games could lead to a more stress-free lifestyle, according to Wired.

These conducted studies looked at how some video games could reduce depression symptoms, can provide positive social experiences, and be used as coping tools after being exposed to a stressful situation. Of course, keep in mind that every person reacts differently when playing a video game, and may experience in-game stress depending on the situation. Check out these following methods on how to relief stress using a video game.

Play Casual Games for Quick Mental Breaks

Casual games with short matches and simple challenges can temporarily distract you from your stressful situation. This method is great when you feel that your stress is building over a situation, as it allows you to decompress your mind and take a short mental break. You can play the game for a few minutes, complete challenges that help bolster your confidence and bring a positive feeling, and then put the game down and continue on with your day.

Use Cooperative Games for Empowerment and Camaraderie

Cooperative games are designed to perform a task or complete a challenge with other players. Sometimes a person who isolates themselves for social interaction can experience stress symptoms, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

Engaging in cooperative games can help people connect with fellow gamers and friends which can feel comforting. When players help one another to win, they are gaining support and feeling empowered by overcoming these challenges together. This method can relieve stress.

Play Skill-Building Games to Develop Problem-Solving Abilities

A person may experience stress because they are in a situation that they cannot solve. They don’t understand how to fix the issue to move past this movement, which causes the stress to build. Skill-building games are designed to challenge the mind in fun ways so that you can enhance your quick thinking and problem-solving skills. They help you evaluate puzzles in new and engaging ways as this same mindset can be used when facing challenges in the real world.

Focus on Games That You Enjoy

The one thing to always keep in mind is that if you enjoy the game, it can help you relax and find comfort. If the game can help you further understand your stressful feelings and develop ways to cope and overcome the anxiety, then you can find yourself able to use what you learned in real-life situations.

However, not all games can be used as a stress reliever. Try to avoid games that are addictive or seem to contribute to your stress even after you turn the game off. Instead, focus on those that bring a more positive mental and emotional factor to your life.

Uncovering Our Forebears: 5 Celebrities With Surprising Ancestors

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It’s not uncommon for celebrities to take a fictional name for their professional careers. After all, they want to make it on their own and not rely on their parents or more distant relatives. For that reason, you may be surprised to learn about some popular actors, musicians and other celebrities that are descended from some pretty famous people.

Celebrities with surprising ancestors

1. Tom Hanks is related to Abraham Lincoln

Tom Hanks revealed to the “Daily Mail” in 2012 that he counts Abraham Lincoln among his ancestors. Lincoln’s mother’s name was Nancy Hanks and Tom Hanks told the “Mail” that “members of (his) branch of the family are either cousins or in-laws or poor relations”. Ancestry.com confirmed that Hanks is Lincoln’s third cousin, four times removed.

By the way, Hanks isn’t the only celebrity who can trace his ancestry back to Lincoln. Actor George Clooney is descended from Lucy Hanks, Lincoln’s maternal grandmother.

2. Harry Lloyd is descended from Charles Dickens

British actor, Harry Lloyd, best known for his work in “Game of Thrones” and “Doctor Who” is a distant relative of the 19th-century British writer Charles Dickens. His mother’s maiden name is Dickens and, through her, Lloyd is the great-great-great-grandson of Dickens. Lloyd’s mother is descended from the seventh of Dickens’ 10 children, Henry Fielding Dickens.

3. Edward Norton can trace his lineage back to Pocahantas

American actor Edward Norton discovered in 2022 that his 12th great-grandmother was Pocahantas, the 17th-century Native American woman who has been romanticized in the story of the Jamestown colony. Genealogist Henry Louis Gates Jr told Norton on the television program “Finding Your Roots,” “You have a direct paper trail, no doubt about it, connection to your 12th great-grandmother and great-grandfather, John Rolfe and Pocahontas.”

4. Marilyn Monroe and the Bush family

You wouldn’t naturally see a connection between iconic actress Marilyn Monroe and the political family that gave the United States two presidents and a Florida governor. However, the Bushes and Monroe have ancestors in common. The Bush family and Monroe are all descended from the same English immigrant who came to North America in 1620. Monroe is the ninth cousin, once removed, to our 41st president, George H.W. Bush, and the ninth cousin, twice removed, to the 43rd US president, George W. Bush.

5. Anna Chancellor and Jane Austen

British actress Anna Chancellor has appeared in dozens of movies and television series, including the British series “Pride and Prejudice”. That’s fitting since Austen is the eight times great aunt of Chancellor. Chancellor can trace her lineage on her mother’s side back to Edward Austen Knight, Jane Austen’s third eldest brother.

With such impressive lineages, it’s easy to see why these five celebrities have risen to the top of their professions. Perhaps you have an illustrious ancestor hidden in your family tree.