Ancient Backgammon History A Game With A Rich Past

Backgammon is the oldest known board game in the world. It has a history dating back nearly 5,000 years into the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia, where the original concept of the Backgammon game was established. Throughout the millennium, Backgammon has not only survived, but thrived. Today, Backgammon remains one of the most popular games in the world, played by fans from all corners of the Earth. Through the power of the internet, online Backgammon has allowed anyone with an internet connection to learn how to play Backgammon. To understand how Backgammon evolved from its early roots as an upper-class game of ancient civilizations to the commonly played Backgammon software we are familiar with today, let's take a look at the ancient history of this legendary game.

The first of what is generally considered the family of Backgammon archetypes is known as the Royal Game of Ur. The game originated in ancient Mesopotamia, which is today the area of Iraq and Iran, as early as 3,000 BC. In the tombs of Ur al Chaldees, several wooden playing boards and dice were discovered. They are believed to be the oldest remnants of a game that would eventually produce today's Backgammon. Similar to the Royal Game of Ur is the ancient Egyptian game Senat.

After these civilizations collapsed, an even closer ancestor of today's Backgammon called Ludus Duodicem Scriptorum (The Game with 12 Lines) arose in the Roman Empire. Like Egyptian Senat, this game also used 30 markers, 15 carved from ebony and 15 from ivory. Originally, this game was played on a board of three rows of 12 points each; by the 1st century AD, the board had been modified to two rows of 12 points each, bringing it closer to the Backgammon board game in use today.

Tabula is the next known version of the game, supposedly played by Rome's Emperor Claudius, who wrote a now lost guide to the game in 50 AD. The game was extremely popular before being prohibited by the Empire in an attempt to control widespread Backgammon gambling. Tabula play is recorded in the annals of the Byzantine Emperor Zeno as being a game that included the present-day Backgammon strategy of bearing off checkers.

From here, Backgammon spread to Asia, including India, China and Japan, as the Persian game Nard, which is how Persian Backgammon is still known in Persia today. It is believed that the Nard version of the game is responsible for inspiring a symbolic and poetic explanation of the Backgammon set up which reveals that the game is designed to represent the natural cycle of time where the Backgammon board stands for one year. The 12 points on each side of the board represents the 12 months of the year; the 30 checkers are the 30 days in the month. The total number of points is 24, symbolizing the hours of the day, and the 15 light and 15 dark checkers are day and night.

Gene Marshall specializes in articles about online backgammon and backgammon board set up. Supplementary readings and articles that were written by Gene Marshall on the topic of backgammon can be accessed online. Internet backgammon authority Gene Marshall writes for a few different distinguished backgammon web sites.

By Gene Marshall

Children's Books How to Add More Style to Your Writing Part 2

Baby Stroller Reviews

One way of deciding if a particular stroller is right for you
and your baby is to test it out. Another way is to look at
reviews of the baby stroller to see how it stands with those
who have already used the same model you are looking
at. The reviews of four different stroller types will address
the pros and cons of each particular stroller.

The Graco Duo-glider - Metropolitan Standard Stroller is a
multiple stroller and definitely has more pros than cons
however, the decision is strictly yours to make. The seat of
this stroller lies flat, it has a great price and great
accessories, and it folds small for its size. The extras are
nice, there is a five-point harness, and it strolls nicely.
There is a huge storage basket under the seat, it is easy to
open and easy to get in the car.

The cons of the Graco Duo-Glider is that the basket cannot
be reached when the seat is lying flat. The seat sides
need more support. The cup holder on the front seat must
be removed to shut the trunk of the car.

The Per Prego Duette MT - Black Sable Twin Seat
Standard Stroller is durable, has full suspension, and
reclining seats. This is an easy to push stroller and it has a
smooth ride. The seats can face each other and they both
recline. It is narrow for shopping. It??s design is high quality
with lots of leg room and a five-point harness. There is a
roomy seat area.

The complaints about the Per Prego Duette MT are that it
is large and heavy. It is expensive. it is hard to fold. It takes
up a lot of room. There is no storage basket and this
stroller does not collapse all the way.

The Evenflo Cititour Silver Star Twin Seat Standard Stroller
has a comfortable rear seat. This stroller can handle up to
forty pounds in each seat. It has soft and padded material.
There is a toddler drink and snack tray. This stroller steers
rather easily and there is easy access to the basket.

Complaints about this stroller include the fact that the
parent tray falls down. The front wheels squeak and
wobble after about two weeks of usage The front canopy is
too small for a toddler. It is difficult to open and close. The
fabric has a tendency to catch in the joints of the frame.

Let??s take a look at the Graco Quattro Tour 7411 LV -
Travel System Stroller is said to be sturdy. It is easy to
clean and use. It has great features. This is a very safe
stroller. It is a complete traveling system which includes a
stay in the car base. The car safety seat detaches from the
base and is attached to the stroller frame. The car safety
seat also can be an infant carrier. It is an excellent snug-
ride infant seat with a useful base. It has a large storage
basket. It requires only one hand to fold it.

The complaints about this particular stroller are that the
company needs to produce more girl colors. This stroller is
very bulky and heavy. It is a pricey model. It is oversized
and again very heavy.

The only positive statement about the Combi Tetra TS
Crimson Standard Stroller is that it has cool colors. The
wheels don??t turn properly and the basket is inaccessible
when the seat is recline. There are three reclining
positions only two of which work. It unfolds but doesn??t lock
which poses a serious risk to you and your baby and the
frame is made of cheap plastic.

About the Author

Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of baby cribs, His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information. http://www.1st-babies.com

London Is Gearing Up For Land Prices Boom

London land for sale prices are set for quantum leap on the back of rising demand due to upcoming London Olympics.

Many land agents have suggested that the price of land in London could rise soon. According to Dan McLeod of estate agency Atkinson McLeod Almost overnight any land that can be developed will go. This is the best news for the property market in this area for years, he added.

This price rise in consonance with rise in land for sale prices during Olympics in cities which have hosted this game earlier.

According to BBC Barcelona, Sydney and Athens all saw house prices rise by more than 50% in the five years before the games but as UK property market is already suffering from severe housing shortage thus trend is expected to be more marked in London.

Investment in land for sale market in and around London is thus becoming an increasingly lucrative option for common investors.

Following types of plots of land for sale are available across London -

Brownfield Land: Brownfield Land is the common term used for previously developed land i.e. land that is or was occupied by a permanent structure. This land is often smaller, resulting in High Rise Development e.g. old petrol station and factories.

Greenfield Land: Greenfield Land simply refers to land that has never been used for development eg Farmland.

Greenbelt Land: Greenbelt Land is largely undeveloped or sparsely occupied land, which historically has been set aside to contain development, prevent towns merging and provide open space. Greenbelt boundaries can change in response to the requirements for additional housing in a controlled manner.

There are a number of companies serving smaller investors select plots of land to buy, and investments typically start at about $10,000.

While there is some opposition against moves to grant planning permission to builders on greenbelt and greenfield land but keeping in view the acute mismatch between expected demand for housing and the amount of land available for planned development these moves are unlikely to succeed. Government is implementing housing development programs which will effectively force local authorities to meet strict new housing targets.

Thus it is high time for any enterprising investors to start thinking about investing in property in and around London.

Stephen Brewood
Land For Sale in the UK

Choosing the Right San Diego Realtor for YOU!

Whether buying or selling a home, it is one of the largest financial events that happens only a few times within your life. That makes choosing a realtor just as important and a crucial decision that can add to the stressful event or make it smoother and easier. So, choose your realtor as carefully as you would choose your doctor or attorney.

The first step in choosing the RIGHT realtor is to ask your friends, neighbors, acquaintances and business associates for recommendations. Ask them why they liked the realtor, what kind of service he/she provided, and would they use him/her again? Do not consider recommendations of their relatives ? it is doubtful that you are getting an accurate perspective on the realtor.

If you did not get several truly exemplary recommendations, then drive throughout your neighborhood and check the ?for sale? signs, especially those with ?Sold? stuck across them. Note the realtor names. Also, check out real estate, display and classified advertising in your newspaper and local neighborhood paper. Which realtors have the most listings? Which have the largest or most display ads with photos of the homes? Note the realtor names.

By now, you should have a good list of potential realtors. It is time to check them out. Attend at least one open house for each realtor you are considering. Observe them in action and judge their expertise. Are they professional ? or do they come across as a ?used car salesman?? How familiar is the realtor with the property he/she is selling? After you leave, make detailed notes of your observations and how you felt about the realtor.

If you only used the recommendations of others, now check the advertising in the newspaper and neighborhood media for the realtors in which you are interested. Do the drive through of your neighborhood to see how many sold signs these realtors have. Make notes of how visible these realtors are and their marketing efforts.

Next, choose your top three realtor selections. It is better if they are from different companies, ensuring they will work harder for your business. Call all three and set appointments. For sellers, make the appointment in your home and let them know you would like an estimate of your home?s market value. For buyers, let them know you would like them to determine how much you can afford to pay for a home. Be sure they know that you are meeting with two other realtors and will not make your decision until you have met with all three.

During each interview, take detailed notes on the realtors? presentations. Note any thoughts you have. Ask the following questions, along with any you may have:

?For sellers

oHow will they sell your home? What are their marketing plans? Are they customized to your listing?

oHow many years have they been a full-time realtor? In your area? You want someone with experience, who will be giving your listing his/her full attention.

oWhat is their sales record? This includes their production level, rating, closed rate, expired rate on listings, and average time listings have been on the market before selling within the last year.

oAre they single-proprietorship realtors, work as a team, or part of a company? What prominent company are they associated with, and what resources does the firm provide the realtor that helps him/her do a better job for you?

oWhat level of technology will they use to promote your listing ? web sites, virtual tours, online photo galleries, and so on?

oWhat services do they provide from the time of listing your home to the end of the closing?

oWhat are their communication procedures with you from listing through closing?

oDo they provide working relationships with local inspectors, appraisers, and real estate attorneys?

oWill they help you ?stage? you home for showing. This is a walk-through of the property, suggesting things that should be repaired, renovated or changed to improve your pricing for the home. It also includes things that would ?show? the home better. For example, too much furniture adds a clutter affect, making rooms look smaller. The realtor may suggest storing some of your furniture until after the sale.

oHow did they arrive at the results of their marketing analysis? Ask for the actual addresses of any homes they used for comparison.

?For buyers

oWhat services do they provide from the time you contract with them through the closing?

oHow many years have they been a full-time agent? In your area? You want someone with experience, who will give his/her full attention to finding you a home.

oAre they single-proprietorship realtors, work as a team, or part of a company? What prominent company are they associated with, and what resources does the firm provide the realtor that helps him/her do a better job for you?

oWhat are their communication procedures with you during your search for a home through closing?

oWhat level of technology and research methods will they use to locate potential homes for you to view?

oWhat is their production level and rating? How many satisfied buyers in the past 12 months?

oDo they provide working relationships with inspectors, appraisers, title search companies/attorneys, and real estate attorneys for contracting and the closing? Can they suggest mortgage lenders, if you need one?

oDo they network with other realtors in the area? Sometimes, such relationships may afford you a viewing before a property is ?officially? listed, giving your first view.

Tell the realtors that you will make a decision and contact them in the next day or two.

After all interviews are completed, note the following:

?Who gave you the most usable information?

?For sellers, the market value for your home should be in similar ranges for all three realtors Note if someone is unusually high. They may be only trying to get your listing with the idea of talking your price down later. Also, drive by the homes they used for market value comparison. Which realtors compared apples to apples, and which compared apples to oranges?

?For buyers, your buying potential (what you can afford to pay for a new home) should be in the same range for all three realtors. If a realtor is much higher or lower than the others, note this. You may even call him/her to inquire about the difference and how they arrived at the amount?

?Who answered your questions with genuine sincerity?

?Who genuinely appeared most excited about your home and its sale?

?Who truly listened, and who did not?

?Which realtor seemed to be the best fit for you?

Choosing a poor realtor can turn an already stressful event into a nightmare with ramifications that you must live with for years to come. Choosing the right realtor can make the experience a dream come true and a totally satisfying event. Selling or buying a home is stressful enough. Be sure you do not choose a realtor that is going to add to that stress.

John Harris is an expert researcher and writer on real estate topics such as economics, credit improvement tips, home selling advice and home buying preparations. For more on San Diego Homes for Sale visit http://www.twtrealestate.com

Iowa Mortgage What to Expect When Buying a Home in Iowa

Maybe you?re buying your first home in Iowa, or perhaps you?re relocating to Iowa from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on Iowa home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you?ll need to know before buying a home in Iowa:

The median home value in the state of Iowa is $82,500. Current interest rates in Iowa are above the national average, and job growth rates are below the national average.

In the state of Iowa, purchase transactions on sub-prime loans are subject to a $30,000 minimum. Additionally, if you live in Iowa and file bankruptcy, you do not necessarily have to forfeit your home. If you have been current on your payments and continue to be, state law does not require you to surrender your home.

If you?re buying a home in southern Iowa, you qualify for state FHA loans through the Southern Iowa Home Ownership Program. First-time home buyers qualify for loans with below-market interest rates and down payment assistance. Borrowers must meet certain income requirements and specific guidelines, and must purchase a home in a southern Iowa county: Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Van Buren Wapello, or Wayne.

These loans are revolving, so there are only a specific number that can be given out at any period of time. When a person with a FHA loan through this program sells their home or refinances it, then their loan is made available to another qualified applicant.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about Iowa Mortgage Rates and Loans .

Consumer Reports Baby Swings

Designed for indoor use, baby swings typically consist of a seat suspended by a pair of arms attached to a frame with wide-standing, tubular-metal legs. Swings come in windup and battery-operated models. To make a windup model swing, you crank a handle at the top or side of the frame, which provides 20 to 30 minutes of movement. Battery-operated swings are driven by a motor that generally uses four D batteries. Such models emit a low churning noise with each passage of the swing. Most of the swings on the market today are battery-operated.

With either a windup or battery-powered mechanism, swings are lightweight and can be easily moved from room to room, although some are more maneuverable than others. Standard-size swings eat up a fair amount of room, so they may not be for you if floor space is scarce.

Some parents of colicky babies swear by swings. Other parents say they get by just fine without one. You may find that a swing comes in handy if your baby needs to sleep in a semi-upright position due to a cold or stuffy nose (although a bouncer seat may do the trick as well).

SHOPPING SECRETS

Decide whether you want a windup or battery-operated swing.
A windup model may be perfectly adequate as long as it's stable and has a well-padded, reclining seat that affords easy access. Battery-operated models usually have a sleeker design plus more features, such as speed controls, baby-sound activation, and toys attached to a front play tray. However, many parents find the motors noisy. If possible, try display models in the store (with batteries) or double-check the store's return policy. Then, test the swing as soon as you get home so you'll have the option of taking it back within the time allowed.

Try your baby out in a friend's swing or bring baby to the store with you for test runs when you're shopping. Keep in mind that your baby may not like the motion of a swing at first, although that could change after a few tries. Your baby's reactions may help you decide on one brand over another, or whether you're even a candidate for a swing in the first place.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

The major brands of baby swings are, in alphabetical order: Fisher-Price, Graco, J. Mason, and Kolcraft. Prices for windup swings range from $40 to $65. The price range for battery-operated swings is $70 to $100.

FEATURES TO CONSIDER

Crotch post. A built-in crotch post prevents a baby from sliding out of the seat--an extra safety measure. There should also be a safety belt, which most models have.

Frames. Swings without a top crossbar make it easier to put your baby in and take him or her out again. At the very least, look for a swing that has a wide, sturdy stance and folds or dismantles for storage.

Seat cover. Look for plush padding that's machine-washable.

Seat settings. Multiple reclining positions can help you find the most soothing posture for your baby, which is especially important if baby likes to nap while swinging (a common combo).

Speeds. Some battery-operated swings give you up to eight speeds, but more than four is overkill. The faster speeds may annoy rather than relax your baby.

Swinging motion. Some swings have two swinging motions: side to side and front to back. That's nice but not essential.

Timer. Some models feature a time-remaining indicator that can help you keep tabs on the action.

Toys. Many swings come equipped with toy bars or trays, which is an option your baby may enjoy. But make sure they're within reach so your baby can actually touch them. Also check that they're safely attached and have no small parts that might cause choking.

Nice but not necessary extras include a front tray, with or without attached toys; sound (classical music and lullabies), which may or may not be soothing to little ones and grown-ups; a light display; storage baskets on the side to hold toys and accessories; and a remote control to activate the swinging action, music, or both. Some swings try to sense when baby needs comforting and respond automatically. A built-in sound sensor hears baby's sounds and responds by swinging and/or playing music.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Look for a swing that has a sturdy, stable frame with strong posts and legs as well as a wide stance to prevent tipping. The bottom of the legs or frame should not protrude so far that you're likely to trip over them, however. Examine the seat. It should be well padded and have a crotch post (if it's not a travel version) to prevent your baby from sliding out. It should also offer a partially reclined position for snoozing. You'll also want a secure safety belt.

If you buy a model with a cradle or bassinet attachment, make sure it's well mounted underneath, with no potential for breaking loose. If you opt for a battery-operated swing, come equipped with four C or D cell batteries to test products in the store and hear the sound of the motor (a deal-killer for many parents). As a rule, swings don't come with batteries included.

Copyright ? 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org.

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