5 Amazing Facts from the History of Gambling

5 Amazing Facts from the History of Gambling

The Birth of the Dice

Although it is difficult to highlight the precise origin of gambling and betting, we do know that lowly dice – in the form we know it today – has been used in some form for betting since around 1,300 BC.

That’s why a dice uses dots to signify amounts, rather than numerals: amazingly the dice actually predate numbers by around 2000 years.

Cricket Matches

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Anorak

Posted: 9th, July 2012 | In: Sponsored posts | Comment | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed:RSS 2.0

What are the benefits of skin peel treatment?

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What are the benefits of skin peel treatment?

Concentrating on tackling the wear and tear that occurs over the years, skin peel treatment is a fantastic way of turning back the years, rejuvenating the skin and leaving you feeling fresh, relaxed and happy with your appearance. This type of treatment has become really popular in recent years, so what are the benefits?

Skin peel treatment is far less invasive than other forms of skin repair, such as surgery, which means that it is a less complicated process and achieves the desired results without radical alterations to your appearance. Using a refined and adaptable chemical solution, skin peel treatment targets the dead or unhealthy skin cells that accumulate on the outer-most layer of skin, encouraging new cell growth and leaving only healthy skin cells to help you feel younger and healthier.

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Anorak

Posted: 29th, June 2012 | In: Sponsored posts | Comment | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed:RSS 2.0

Why choose UPVC front doors?

Why choose UPVC front doors?

A feature which has overtaken household designs, UPVS windows and doors are now intrinsic features of most if not all modern homes. Even older properties have upgraded to this material of the years, recognising the numerous benefits which it offers to homeowners looking strong style features on a budget.

Firms such as Safestyle UK stock a range of these items at very affordable prices. If you need a new door, or simply think it’s time for a change, then a UPVC door is a more ideal choice than you might realise.

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Anorak

Posted: 3rd, May 2012 | In: Sponsored posts | Comments (12) | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed:RSS 2.0

Best Euro 2012 Bets: Greece to qualify, France to win Group D, Huntelaar to top goal charts

Best Euro 2012 Bets: Greece to qualify, France to win Group D, Huntelaar to top goal charts

THERE are still five months yet to go before Euro 2012 gets underway in Poland and Ukraine, but itís never too early to look ahead to what should be an exciting tournament, especially if you’re a betting man.

When it comes to Euro 2012 betting, there wonít be a shortage of options for punters to choose from, but which tournament bets look most worthy of backing?

Greece to Qualify from Group A (2.4)

Group A is the least glamorous of the four groups, as it contains co-hosts Poland, Greece, Russia, and the Czech Republic, but it bears watching because itës almost as wide as Group B. Itís tough to see Poland making it out of the group stage, but any of the other three teams could realistically win the group.

And in a group where grinding it out is likely to win out over glamour, you have to like Greeceís chances to at least qualify. They went unbeaten in Euro 2012 qualifying, and their defensive efforts are a big reason why, as they allowed only five goals in ten matches. Their 3-1 defeat to Romania in November was their first defeat in 18 games under coach Fernando Santos, and it was also the first time in his tenure that Greece had surrendered multiple goals in a match.

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Anorak

Posted: 21st, January 2012 | In: Sponsored posts | Comment | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed:RSS 2.0

Premier League Weekend Preview: Super Sunday set as Arsenal face United and City host Spurs

EVERY round of Premier League fixtures from now to the end of the season is significant, but this weekend shapes up to be an extremely pivotal one, as it features multiple showdowns between sides contending for the title and/or Champions League places. But while Sunday will garner the most attention and anticipation, Saturday’s slate certainly can’t be overlooked, as one of the Premier League’s big boys could be in for a difficult day away from home.

Arsenal v. Manchester United

If one could pick any match that they could get a football tickets to, Arsenal v. Manchester United is sure to be near the top of the list, as the two sides have had many memorable matches. And if you want to see the rivalry up close on Sunday, TicketBis has Arsenal v. Manchester United tickets starting from £220.00.

One of English football’s top rivalries will be renewed this weekend, as Arsenal host Manchester United in Sundayís late kickoff.

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Anorak

Posted: 19th, January 2012 | In: Sponsored posts | Comment | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed:RSS 2.0

2011/12 UEFA Champions League Betting Tips – Week 1

Tuesday 13th September 2011

Borussia Dortmund v Arsenal

This looks like a tough start for the Gunners, especially on the back of their heavy defeat
at the hands of Manchester United in the Premier League. Current Bundesliga Champions
Borussia Dortmund are quietly fancied to do well in this season’s Champions League
following some excellent performances in their domestic league last season.

The group would appear to be between these two teams but Marseille may have something to
say about that and Olympiakos will not be an easy place for any of the teams to go.

Best Bet – Home win at Evens with bet365

Chelsea v Bayer Leverkusen

It is Roman Abramovich’s dream for Chelsea to win the Champions League but the dream is
yet to be fulfilled. They have come relatively close on a few occasions but are yet to capture
Europe’s biggest prize. On the evidence of what we have seen so far this season, it is likely
they will come up short again.

They could improve throughout the season under new manager André Villas-Boas but they
will need to do something about the shaky defence. Bayer Leverkusen are no mugs and will
present a tough challenge for the Blues, but I fancy Chelsea to win by the odd goal.

Best Bet – Chelsea to win 2-1 at 15/2 with William Hill

Click here to read UEFA Champions League – Week 1, Match Day 1 Betting Tips and Previews

Wednesday 14th September 2011

Benfica v Manchester United

Beaten finalists in the 2010/11 season, Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United side will
be desperate to go one better this time around. Although Barcelona look head and shoulder
above everyone else and are the worthy favourites to make it back to back titles, Manchester
Utd are improving all the time and last season’s Premier League Champions will once again
give any side in the competition a serious headache.

Benfica are the second favourites behind Manchester Utd to qualify from Group C and should
make it to the knockout stage, but they may have to wait a little longer before claiming their
first points of the campaign.

Best Bet – Away win at 21/20 with William Hill

Manchester City v Napoli

It will be very interesting to see how big spending Manchester City perform in their first
season in the Champions League. They were kept out the competition by Spurs the previous
year, but their sheer number of signings have taken them to the next level and they managed
to finish third in last season’s Premier League. Roberto Mancini’s men have begun the 2011-
12 campaign in very impressive fashion and there is no reason why they won’t challenge for
the Champions League at the first time of asking. Napoli find themselves in a very difficult
group with Man City and Bayern Munich likely to take the top two positions. I can’t really
see them taking any points away from the City of Manchester Stadium.

Best Bet – Manchester City to win 3-1 at 11/1 with bet365

Click here to read UEFA Champions League – Week 1, Match Day 2 Betting Tips and Previews

Anorak

Posted: 2nd, September 2011 | In: Sponsored posts | Comment | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed:RSS 2.0

Horses for courses – what’s your hobby?

It’s perhaps that point in the year where New Year resolutions are likely to be ancient history for many of us. It could be you vowed to get fit, put your smart digital camera to good use, or dust off the guitar you never seemed to get round to learning.

The simple truth is that taking up a new hobby usually requires a bit of dedication, and though intentions were good, many were probably unlikely to stand the test of time. But you can start a new sport, cultural pursuit or craft at any time – you just need a little motivation.

Build on what you already enjoy

A good place to start if you are wondering what hobby to take up could be to look at what you already love. For example, if you’re an avid reader, you might want to consider going on a reading retreat holiday to enjoy relaxation and contemplation while you indulge your passion. The School of Life offers specially tailored holidays in unique contemporary houses, with a bespoke ‘reading prescription’ based on your lifestyle, goals and reading habits, produced by a bibliotherapist. However, if you’re looking for something a little more local, which also has a bit more of a sociable aspect, then perhaps a book group would be more suited. You could look online for any already established groups in your area, or even just set up your own with friends.

If you love watching Wimbledon and enjoy a game of tennis in the summer, how about going on a tennis course? Not only could it help to improve your game, but it could also help your fitness levels – perhaps incorporating two New Year’s resolutions in one! Once you’ve improved your skills, you could even take it a step further and join a local tennis club. If you are a more experienced player, then another option could be to enroll on a tennis coaching course, allowing you to put your skills and knowledge to good use and maybe even earn some extra money.

Outside your comfort zone?

Of course, it’s one thing to enjoy something as a detached observer, but how about putting yourself in the mix by trying something which really pushes you?

You may harbour a secret appreciation of landscape painting, but have never considered picking up a brush yourself. Many small studios offer painting courses, and if you stretched yourself, you might just discover a new talent. While there are step-by-step internet courses which would allow you to learn in the comfort of your own home, there are also residential courses which allow you to immerse yourself in your subject – and potentially meet a host of like-minded friends too.

And how about taking up a new instrument? You could possibly pick up that guitar from your teenage years which you never really got to grips with, or go in a totally different direction – perhaps learning a classical instrument such as the violin. There are generally music courses available for complete beginners of all ages, with many teachers advertising online or in your local paper. With any new skill, it could perhaps be a good idea to take some initial classes from a professional teacher, with the option of then continuing your learning through online guides or tutorials.

Practically speaking

There are lots of hobbies which are both fun and practical, and could mean that you save a bit of money if you master them – or at least if you just produce something by your own hand.

Dress making is something that has come back into fashion in recent years. There are courses and workshops available which allow you to be creative while producing an end product that you can actually wear. In addition to producing your own garments, there are courses teaching you to make bags, or pattern drafting – allowing you to come up with your own designs.

Or if you fancy making something that you can hang on your wall, or stand in a corner of your room, you could consider a woodworking course. Absolute beginners can learn the basics of the craft, producing finished pieces of furniture in an intensive few days, or can try weekly adult education classes through local authority colleges.

Once you’ve decided where your interests lie, you may find that a credit card is an easy way to help pay for the initial course fee, if the cost isn’t too high – or help manage the cost of any supplies you might need to get you started. However, if you’re looking at something more expensive, that could perhaps grow into something more than a hobby, you may want to consider a loan.

Issued by Sainsbury’s Finance

Anorak

Posted: 12th, August 2011 | In: Sponsored posts | Comment | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed:RSS 2.0

5 Gaming Stories That Dominated The Headlines: What We Learnt

PLAYING online games, such as slots, card games, bingo and lotto games, can be fantastic fun. Online casinos are a convenient way to enjoy placing bets and playing games from the comfort of home.
Many people play casino games online for fun, or for the sociable aspect of the chat rooms. However, many also have dreams of hitting that elusive jackpot.

A big jackpot win always makes a good story but, as the following examples show, gaming stories can sometimes have surprising endings.

Ronan Parke (Favourite To Win Britain’s Got Talent)

The little lad with the big voice, Ronan Parke was hailed as a mini Justin Beiber and considered the safe bet to win Britain’s Got Talent this year. The judges also seemed to think that Ronan was the sure-fire winner of the show, however, the cute singer was pipped to the post by Scottish powerhouse Jai McDowell, proving that there really is no such thing as a safe bet.

£11m Lotto Loser

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Anorak

Posted: 23rd, June 2011 | In: Sponsored posts | Comment | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed:RSS 2.0

Police Arrest Men For Fighting In Liverpool Police Station

FROM Australia, news of a masterclass in how to get arrested.

TWO men have been charged after a fight at a police station in Sydney’s south-west yesterday. About 4pm Monday 30 May 2011, two men were waiting in the foyer of Liverpool Police Station when three men entered the station.

All the police need do is wait:

A verbal argument developed between three of the men before developing into a physical altercation. A number of police officers have intervened and stopped the fight. A 25-year-old Bonnyrigg Heights man suffered minor facial injuries.

The incident was recorded by CCTV and Liverpool Police Station was closed to the public for about an hour while the incident was investigated.

A 30-year-old Sadleir man and a 28-year-old Lurnea man were arrested and taken to Green Valley Police Station. They have both been charged with assault and affray. They have conditional bail, preventing victim contact and are due to re-appear in Liverpool Local Court on 17 June 2011.

Build the police stations and they will come…

Anorak

Posted: 2nd, June 2011 | In: Sponsored posts | Comment | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed:RSS 2.0

Book Amsterdam Hotels for a Refreshing Change

Guest post

Everyone gets bored of the same old routine from time to time. If this sounds like you, then why not book a break in lively Amsterdam and enjoy a taste of something different? There are many good Amsterdam hotels to choose from, and with a flight time from the UK of as little as 45 minutes, you could be living it up in the Dutch capital this very weekend.

Amsterdam has many wonderful hotels to choose from, and with its wealth of traditional canal-side town houses it is able to offer alternatives to the large hotel chains. The Tulipa bed and breakfast is a tiny guesthouse with just two well-appointed rooms. It offers the kind of personal service that is very difficult to find in a large hotel and is perfect if you like your accommodation to be a real home from home.

One of the most famous boutique hotels in Amsterdam is The Dylan. Offering luxurious rooms with a contemporary yet classic design, The Dylan has an exclusive feel and is the place to stay if you appreciate real quality.

Trendy young things should take a look at the citizenM hotel in Amsterdam. A high concept hotel with a reasonable price tag, this hotel has won TripAdvisor’s Travellers Choice Award for Trendiest Hotel in the World for the past two years running. It is a modern, innovative hotel, just a 10 minute tram ride into the city centre, so if you like to be in the thick of the action then bear the location of this hotel in mind.

There’s several action hot spots in Amsterdam if lively is what you are looking for. The Leidseplein is a hub of action, no matter what the time. By day, the square is full of street musicians, fire-eaters, henna tattooists, jugglers and other street artists hopeful of encouraging a few Euros out of you. By night you can sit out on the square under a trusty patio heater, with a drink from any of the lively cafes or bars.

The Leidseplein is also the place to have a flutter as it is home to the Holland Casino. Or why not laugh the night away at the Boom Chicago comedy club? The nightly shows at Boom Chicago are in English and generally hilarious.

Other notable places on the Leidseplein include Café Americain, the American Hotel’s grand and ornately decorated café, the Stadsschouwburg theatre and the Multiplex City cinema. So, whether you fancy taking in a movie, a show, having a flutter or just a drink, the Leidseplein is the place to find what you are looking for.

For those who fancy watching a movie in style while in Amsterdam, the Tuschinski cinema is the place to go. This huge, stunning, art deco building was built in 1920 by Polish immigrant Abraham Icek Tuschinski and is one of the most cherished pieces of architecture in all of Amsterdam. Still used for its original purpose, as a cinema, the Tuschinski shows many of the latest movie releases. The stunningly ornate main auditorium has 740 seats, including some love seats and private boxes. Those in a private box can order wine and small meals to be served to their seat.

After the movie, you’ll be ready to hit the bars and clubs of Amsterdam, and the nearby Rembrandtplein is a great place to head to. With some quality nightclubs and gay venues, as well as cafes with terraces spilling out onto the square, Rembrandtplein is a great place to people watch while having a great time yourself.

The morning after the night before, you may well be nursing a hangover so why not try one of Amsterdam’s many pancake shops for a hearty breakfast? Or head up to Winkel on the Noordermarkt for a slice of its famous apple pie and a latte. Any visitor to Amsterdam should make it their mission to taste this divine apple pie as it is quite simply something else!

On Saturdays there is a farmer’s market on the Noordermarkt square so why not sit on the terrace outside of Winkel and enjoy watching the hustle and bustle while you relax after your hectic time enjoying the Amsterdam nightlife?

Amsterdam is a great pick me up tonic for those times when you feel that life is becoming a little too predictable and samey. So, book that hotel, hop on that plane and go enjoy Amsterdam’s unique mix of laidback and lively. As the saying goes, a change is as good as a rest.

Anorak

Posted: 24th, February 2011 | In: Sponsored posts | Comment | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed:RSS 2.0

Don’t be a Wilbert!

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Anorak

Posted: 2nd, December 2010 | In: Sponsored posts | Comment | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed:RSS 2.0