Latest news with #tiles
New York Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
My Family Loves Rummikub and Miraculously So Do I
The game consists of a bunch of numbered tiles. Could it really be that fun? Maria Adelmann/NYT Wirecutter But Rummikub? It's almost aggressively anti-narrative. The rules are shockingly simple. If you know your numbers, you can play. I didn't see this as a selling point. Hate to brag, but I've known my numbers since preschool. I thought of Uno, of the interminable games I played with young children, of the boredom of luck as a primary game mechanic, of your brain turning to mush as you awaited your fate. But mid-Rummikub, I was surprised to find that the brain power required to get rid of a single tile made me feel like the woman in the Confused Math Lady meme. I was impressed. Easy to learn and play at different strategic levels, Rummikub is a surprisingly engaging game best for three to four players. This version is lightweight and comes with a travel case. At its core, Rummikub is basically a card game, with numbered tiles in four different colors in lieu of suits. (Apparently, it was invented in 1940s communist Romania, when playing cards was outlawed.) The rules are, indeed, Rummy-esque. The goal is to get rid of all the tiles on your tray by collecting sets of at least three tiles, which you lay in front of you on the table. A set can either be a group, at least three tiles of the same number in different colors; or a run, at least three tiles with consecutive numbers in the same color. Two joker tiles, emblazoned with an iconic, mischievous face, also spice things up. At its simplest level, Rummikub involves putting together groups (tiles with the same number but in different colors) and runs (tiles with consecutive numbers of the same color). There are also two iconic jokers. Maria Adelmann/NYT Wirecutter Once sets have begun to accumulate on the table, you can get rid of as many tiles on your tray as you possibly can during your turn by creating new sets and/or adding to existing sets on the table. If you can't lay down any tiles, you have to pick up a new one. The real fun is that you can also break apart and reform sets on the table, as long as you still create groups or runs of at least three tiles. Whoever lays all of their tiles on the table first, wins. I love the thrill, the chugging brain power required, to orchestrate a cascade of changes just to get rid of a single tile, altering the entire tablescape in the process. This also means that even when it's not your turn, you have reason to pay attention. It's also one of the joys of the game for editorial director Lauren Sullivan. 'I get horribly obnoxious playing,' she says. She often moves dozens of tiles on her turn before realizing the play won't actually work, then she has to 'unwind the entire play.' The game really gets going when you start breaking apart and reforming sets to get rid of tiles. Maria Adelmann/NYT Wirecutter The game is easy to play with other people not just because it's quick to learn, but because it can be played at different strategic levels at the same time, and no one feels too left behind. You can play the simplest version and never break apart a set on the table, and you will still get rid of tiles, even if another player seems to be playing three-dimensional chess and is getting rid of tiles slightly faster. Adults, teenagers, seniors, and kids as young as 8 can all play together. You can go hard, but you don't have to. Lauren says the game emerged for her family during the pandemic as an intergenerational delight. She's played it with her 9-year-old, her neighbors, and her mother-in-law, who is in her 80s. Making a cascade of changes on a single turn takes a surprising amount of brain power. Maria Adelmann/NYT Wirecutter Rounds are also relatively short — about 20 or 30 minutes. Play one round, and you've got a coffee break. Play three, and you've got a game night. The game is generally best played with three or four players, but it is possible to play with two. (There's also a version for six players, though I haven't tried it.) Rummikub is also a somewhat social game. While my go-to board games involve gathering wheat and playing animal husbandry with meeples, such complex games don't leave much time for conversation. (My partner sometimes notes I might as well be playing such a game by myself.) Like a game of cards or Scrabble, you can have snacks, talk some light smack, complain endlessly about your bad luck, and generally hang out while still focusing on the game. Another boon for my family: We get a constant influx of international relatives and are always on the hunt for games that don't rely on language. Rummikub is on track to replace Qwirkle, our previous go-to. The only problem we've found with the game is that some colorblind players have had a hard time telling the difference between similarly colored tiles, an issue that could be solved by adding dots in Sharpie to differentiate the colors. The tactile pleasure of the tiles is another unexpected delight of Rummikub, because having something solid you can hold in your hand is a bit of a novelty in the digital age. Plus, moving tiles around on a tray is easier than wrangling an increasingly large hand of cards — a boon, also, for those with limited dexterity. The version my mom gave me for Christmas comes with a travel bag. It's a little large if you're packing just a carry-on, but you can easily take it in a checked bag or on a road trip. I also like that the tiles are lightweight and have a little indent where you can put your fingers, and I like that the tray is properly designed so the tiles don't fall off. My set comes with four trays, lightweight tiles, a two-page rule book, and a carrying case for travel. Maria Adelmann/NYT Wirecutter Rummikub's general appeal also makes it a great hostess gift. When my mom was staying with a friend for several weeks, she shipped the game ahead of time, then taught her friend how to play when she arrived. It's useful to introduce people to the game in person because it looks, well, kind of dated and boring from the box. One relative I stayed with was surprised to find she already had the game in her closet and had never played it. Much to my surprise, I've discovered this three-quarter-century-old game is also having a moment beyond my family circle. Cool kids in LA and Gen Z and millennials on the quest for analog fun play it, not to mention my co-worker Lauren and her family and neighbors. Perhaps the reason I like Rummikub best is that it brings people together (incidentally, this has become the game's tagline). Will it replace Fields of Arle and Wingspan in my game closet? Not a chance. But with those games, it can be hard to find a willing victim. Rummikub is an easier sell. People young, old, and in-between can play, no matter their first language. But the game's universality doesn't make it boring. It still scratches several gaming itches: It requires strategy, it challenges my brain, and perhaps most importantly, it takes me away from my phone and into the world where I can talk to real people and touch real things. This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Maxine Builder.
Android Authority
30-06-2025
- Android Authority
One UI 8 Watch beta completely overhauls tiles on Galaxy Watch
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority TL;DR The One UI 8 Watch beta has released, and it brings new tile shapes. Many apps also support smaller tiles which can be stacked in pairs on a single screen. Most of these newly shaped tiles belong to Samsung apps, while other developers, including Google, continue to have circular ones. The Galaxy Watch 8 series has already leaked ahead of its expected arrival, and it has a divisive design change. But with changes to its hardware, Samsung is also planning changes to the interface that runs on the Galaxy Watch. With the freshly released One UI 8 Watch beta for the Galaxy Watch 7, Samsung has brought a major shift to the interface that includes a new set of tiles. Unlike circular ones in the previous versions of One UI Watch, the latest beta brings tiles shaped like rectangles with rounded corners (aka stadium shape). The change aligns with the rumored shift towards a squircle dial for the upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic. Full screen circular tiles in One UI 7 Watch. Stadium-shaped tiles in One UI 8 Watch beta. Multiple tiles on one page in One UI 8 Watch beta. Confirming previous leaks, the One UI 8 Watch beta also adds support for two tiles on a single page. In such an arrangement, two slimmer pill-shaped tiles can be added to a single screen. A tipster, who goes by the alias 'That Josh Guy,' shared a slew of videos highlighting the change in a Telegram group. The tipster also shows certain tiles with a scrollable interface, suggesting we might be able to add more than two tiles, though we couldn't confirm the change ourselves. As demonstrated in the videos, the majority of the newly shaped tiles can be used in both sizes. However, the new shapes seemingly only apply to Samsung apps, while those by other developers, including Google, are still circular. It remains to be seen whether Samsung takes a gentler approach or forces third parties to adopt these design tweaks. Along with this, One UI 8 Watch will display 'Featured apps' at the top of the app drawer, based on your usage. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 Kitchen Tile Trends On Their Way Out This Year (and What to Do Instead), According to Interior Designers
It may sound like a platitude, but 2025 kitchen design trends — when it comes to tiles, at least — are all about embracing imperfections. Several designers and decorators say that tiles like the hand-cut zellige ones, which are glossy, textured, and rebel when it comes to uniformity, are becoming favored — even over the straight-edge, perfectly symmetrical subway tiles that have reigned supreme in kitchens for years. 'Zellige tiles are so popular because of the beautiful texture, subtle color variation, and handmade look that they bring to a space,' says interior decorator Vivianne Chow of Viv and Tim Home. Similarly, Floss Kelly, the co-founder of TileCloud, says ultra-polished, high-gloss finishes are losing popularity in favor of matte and natural finishes. 'The design world is gravitating towards authenticity and materials that evoke warmth and organic charm,' Kelly says. Whether you're planning a kitchen renovation or just want the inside scoop on the design world's forecasts, here's more on what tile trends are in for 2025 when it comes to tiles, floors, and backsplashes, and which ones are on their way out, according to experts. Kelly says she's seeing a significant shift this year towards natural stone materials and earthy tones in kitchen tiles, floors, and backsplashes. 'This trend is all about bringing the outside in, creating a connection with nature right in your kitchen,' she says. The earthy tones range from soft beiges to rich browns and complement a natural aesthetic, she says, contributing to a warm, inviting kitchen. Materials like marble, slate, and terracotta, with their inherent textures and colors, are becoming increasingly popular. 'These natural stone options not only add a timeless elegance to the kitchen, but also offer durability and uniqueness, as no two pieces are exactly alike,' she says. It's early, but zellige is looking to be the darling tile of 2025. 'We are so obsessed with the hand-crafted artisan quality of zellige tile,' says Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors. 'Made from a clay mix found in Morocco and hand-crafted, glazed, and fired, each tile has its own unique quality.'Varying thickness, shape, and glaze only adds to the perfectly imperfect vibe of this tile, she says. One thing Verruto notes: Because these tiles aren't uniform, it makes for a tough DIY makeover and typically requires expert installation. Verruto notes that heavily textured tiles are a simple way to add organic movement to a room. '3D tiles easily become a conversation piece and bring character,' she says. Specifically, using them on a dining room wall or an entry wall can pack a big punch. Subway tile will likely always be around — but that doesn't mean it's got to be the same old white brick-lay pattern (more on that below!), Verruto says. 'We're seeing a creative influx of hand-pressed looks in varying sizes, colors, and shapes of the classic tile, and people are getting more playful with layouts,' she says. Whether it be a vertical stack offset, a double herringbone, or basketweave, subway tiles can be classic, yet elevated with a fresh arrangement. White, monochromatic, and minimal designs were all the rage a few years ago, and understandably so as we entered the pandemic and were craving peaceful and visually calming spaces, Verutto says. Now, bolder tiles are coming back. Color-drenching, rich textures, and invigorating patterns on bold tiles, she says, are taking center stage. 'While bold design choices are being made, they're still being balanced with simplicity and a dose of minimalism that creates harmonious and exciting spaces,' she says. Those shiny, busy backsplashes such as metallics and glass that have long been popular in new builds are officially on their way out, says Kelly Marohl, interior designer at Neutral Home Design. More homeowners, she says, are choosing to use marble slabs as a backsplash instead. It's softer on the eye, and you can get the look in your kitchen by extending the marble halfway up to the ledge or all the way up to the ceiling, she says. (Or, you could even use marble contact paper for a budget- and rental-friendly solution.) Subway tile backsplashes, known for their classic and versatile appeal, are becoming less popular as homeowners seek more distinctive and personalized design elements for their kitchens, says Mariya Snisar, the head of interior design at Renowell. Hexagonal tiles or larger-format tiles feel more contemporary, she says. Although some people are loving variations of subway tiles, like colored or gradient tile trends of 2025 are you most (and least) excited about? Let us know in the comments below! This post originally ran on The Kitchn. See it there: Move Over, Subway Tiles: These Kitchen Tile Trends Are on Their Way in (and Out) for 2024 I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered I Just Discovered the Smartest Way to Store Paper Towels in Your Kitchen (It's a Game-Changer!) We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
South China Morning Post
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
This week in PostMag: the art of tiles, getting lost in translation, and a marathon star
This week's main feature is a lesson in how almost every quotidian – might I say, boring – detail actually holds a fascinating story. You've been to many a cha chaan teng, but how often have you given any thought to the mismatched tiles plastering the walls? For artist Adrian Wong Ho-yin, Hong Kong's off-kilter tiles became the inspiration for his current show at Oil Street Art Space in North Point. He describes how these ceramic pieces evoked the feeling of 'looking through a wormhole into the past' to Christopher DeWolf, who then dives headfirst into the design element's history. 'Tiles, really?' you might still be saying. I promise it's a good one. One detail from the story I found intriguing is how builders often layer new tiles on top of old to save time and money, creating the 'wormhole into the past' Wong mentions. I also loved his line, 'Laziness plus a couple of generations becomes charm.' Truly, so much of Hong Kong's undeniable charm is in the remnants of the past, all plain to see if you just look. Equally layered is the art of translation. Karen Cheung finds there's a new generation of eager literary translators tackling the monumental quest of Chinese-to-English translation, particularly for works by Hong Kong authors. I've dabbled in translation from Mandarin to English, with nothing so ambitious as fiction or poetry, and it's no joke. It's a terribly hard task that one young translator notes is especially difficult because Chinese and English are further apart in so many ways, grammatically or otherwise, than other languages might be. I'm impressed by their tenacity, determination and passion. Ultra-marathoner Sunmaya Budha brings those same qualities to the trail. The Nepalese native speaks to Bibek Bhandari about her unlikely journey from the mountainous countryside to running (and winning) international races around the world. As someone who deeply despises running, it's inspirational to say the least. Let me know if you feel moved to lace up your trainers after reading it. Writer and photographer Daniel Allen heads to the American West where he learns about the rewilding of Yellowstone National Park, a programme that has led to a flourishing of the park's animal population. It sounds majestic to behold, though as ever, take care and respect nature – I did also read this week that a bison gored a tourist who got too close there.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘Why is no-one talking about this?' woman says about B&M buy to transform her bathroom for ‘less than a Domino's'
IT might not be the first place you think of when it comes to flooring. But one woman has insisted B&M is the place to go if you want to get decent quality tiles at a budget price. 6 6 6 6 "Why have I not seen one person on this app talk about B&M flooring?" Keeley said in a video on her TikTok page. "I'm not even kidding, this stuff looks like designer flooring and it's costing me less than a Domino's!" Keeley added that they had been quoted over £2,000 to have vinyl laid in their bathroom. But when she hit B&M, she couldn't believe when she spotted the flooring on sale - with her biggest struggle being whether she should go for the slate or greystone effect. "I think I do have a B&M addiction at this point," she laughed. She was unsure whether or not she could rely on the B&M flooring in the bathroom considering how much water gets onto the floor. As for the kitchen, Keeley is going for laminate flooring, but questioned why it's "so expensive". She got what she needed from B&Q, loading it all onto a massive trolley. But the shopping trip didn't end too well, as they misjudged the size of Keeley's car and had to call in backup to get it all home. Despite Keeley's concerns about the life capacity of B&M tiles, the comments section was quickly filled with people reassuring her that she's got nothing to worry about. B&M shoppers are giving their gardens a summer glow up with £12 bargain "I have B&M flooring in my bedroom and living room and it's such good quality and easy to put down and keep clean," one wrote, adding that they "highly recommend". "I have b&m floor tiles in my kitchen," another added. "I've had them down for years now and never had a problem with them!" "My Grampy owns a b&m," a third said. "He has the second one you showed and it looks lovely." "I had the first ones in my kitchen, the sink leaked and flooded but these tiles still stood!" someone else wrote. How to save money at B&M Shoppers have saved hundreds of pounds a year by using B&M's scanner app. The scanner lets you see if an item's price is cheaper than advertised on the shop floor label. Products that are typically discounted are seasonal items and old stock that B&M is trying to shift. The app is free to download off the B&M Stores mobile app via Google Play or the Apple App Store. According to one ex-B&M manager, you'll want to visit your local branch at 10am on a Wednesday too. Here's how you can join the B&M bargain hunt: Download the B&M app for free on any smartphone with an App Store or Google Play. Once you've installed it on your device, click on the option labelled "more" on the bottom, right-hand side of the app home page. You'll then find an option that says "barcode scanner". Click on this and you'll open a camera screen. Use the camera to hover over the barcode of the product you wish to check. If the price comes up as lower, take it to the cash desk and it will automatically scan at the lower price. You don't need to sign up to the B&M app to use the barcode scanner. "And taking them up eventually was SO hard! They're solid!" "I've made a tiktok doing my bathroom in this," another commented. "I had it in my old house too for 4 years." "I have this flooring in my bathroom," someone else wrote. "It's been down for 12 months and 0 issues!" "It's in my hallway. Laid some years ago and never moved," another added. "My advice is make sure you stick it to something like old laminate and use more spray glue." While someone else called it "amazing", another commented: "My mum got these in her bathroom and they're still the same as the day she laid them!! "Just seal them to make sure no water gets under them." 6 6
