SCRABBLE in the News

by Erica Moore, Editor

Each month we will feature a different SCRABBLE news story, plus include links to other news stories about SCRABBLE and/or SCRABBLE players. This month we feature Winter, who has seen much media attention recently for his effort to visit every Starbucks in the world—and the difficulty he is facing as Starbucks closes branches because of the rough economy. Please forward news stories and links to Cornelia Guest at CorneliaSGuest@gmail.com.

WINTER'S STARBUCKS QUEST MAKES NEWS IN RECESSION

By Cornelia Guest

In 1997, Winter, a top tournament SCRABBLE player, embarked on an ambitious quest to visit every Starbucks in the world. At the time, there were 1,400 Starbucks; however, within tens years there were about 16,000. Winter, a freelance computer programmer, spent much of his time between assignments traveling across the country, visiting sometimes 24 Starbucks a day and having a small sampling of caffeinated coffee at each. To save money on hotels when he was on the road, Winter would sleep in the back of his car.

This spring, as Winter chalked up wins at the Austin Open and Akron to reach a career-high rating of 1873, he was also fielding interviews and appearing on television and radio talk shows as he raced to visit the many Starbucks that were closing because of the weak economy. On May 23, Winter appeared on the front page of the Wall Street Journal; on May 15, the Financial Times; and on May 27 The Times of London. He was interviewed on The Today Show on May 24, and appeared on Fox & Friends on May 26. Winter's plight became a unique symbol of these recessionary times.

One challenge Winter has faced is that there is often little notice given before a Starbucks is closed. As he prepared to fly to Ireland this May, for example, he heard of a Starbucks in London that would be closing the next day. Although he would have liked to have visited the Irish Starbucks, the high costs involved in last-minute travel changes convinced Winter not to alter his plans.

As of June 26, Winter has visited over 9,300 Starbucks in the United States and abroad. Along the way he has visited Japan, Turkey, Lebanon and 13 other countries. He enjoys visiting new places and meeting new people. His favorite Starbucks is in Camden, London, located in a former lock keepers' cottage on the Regent Canal. Details of his exploits can be seen in the 2007 documentary "Starbucking" and on his web site: starbuckseverywhere.net. Winter, who chose this mission because he wanted "to do do something singularly unique," would be interested in appearing in a reality TV show or being chronicled in a book.

Starbucks does not finance Winter, though they undoubtedly have benefitted from the publicity he brings them. In the Wall Street Journal Deb Trevino, a Starbucks spokesperson, commented, "Winter demonstrates great enthusiasm for the Starbucks experience and we're flattered by his passion".

Headlines

Geoff Thevenot Wins the Austin Chronicle Adult Spelling Bee: http://www.austinchronicle.com

Annette Tedesco Awarded the title of Ambassador of Albany by the City:

The city of Albany, NY has bestowed upon Annette the title of Ambassador of Albany, due to her bringing 15 years of business to Albany hotels through her SCRABBLE tournaments. Every month from now on the SCRABBLE tourneys will be in the book that all business people read!

Billy Garver has played SCRABBLE Since the Game was Invented: http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/

Jim Geary wins $230,670 for 3rd Place Finish in 2009 World Series of Poker: www.jimgeary.com/poker/POKER.HTM