An overview of the evolution of puzzles

Puzzles are different types of games or problems which are presented to people, to test their ability to solve them. Puzzles challenge a person to think logically and find solutions, to put random pieces of the puzzle together to complete the intended objective. People who are good at working backwards to figure out the solution will be generally good at solving puzzles since the main idea is to put back together, what’s in pieces.

These are games which have been developed since the early 1700’s, called jigsaw puzzles. An image or a pattern is formed when you try and put together all the individual pieces. Some are time trial wherein the puzzle has to be solved within the stipulated time. others are simply leisure ones which are played over a long weekend to relax and bond with the person you are playing with.

Puzzles generally boost analytical thinking and logical reasons to understand different shapes, sizes and how to make them all fit together. The ability to recognize patterns and put them all together to match the image which normally acts as a guide.

The evolution started when a British engraver named John Spilsbury had created an innovative method to use puzzles as a mean to teach geography. He used a map to outline individual states and countries, then sawed around the edges to create a pattern so that each state could be removed separately. Thus, he created the first puzzle which then gained popularity amongst the public.

Puzzles were first devised for educational purposes, just like John’s puzzle to teach geography. These puzzles then evolved to forms of entertainment, but are also serious competitions with mathematical and logistical reasoning skills needed.

From a simple crossword puzzle to complex Rubik’s cubes, puzzles have both evolved in shape and formats. There are now international competitions which features the worlds best Rubik’s cube solvers, with prizes and attractive awards to be won.

Puzzles are now no longer your simple leisurely fund games to unwind after a long day, puzzle solver are very competitive and dedicated a significant amount of time and resources to prepare for these competitions.

Featured Products

Featured Blogs

  • Top 4 online education platforms
  • Natural dietary options for quick weight loss
  • How to Get Cheap Greyhound Bus Tickets

Recent Blogs

  • Reverse mortgage eligibility and its criteria

    As you approach retirement, most of your money has been invested in your home. A reverse mortgage is an excellent way to tap into your home’s equity. If you have paid off a home loan or have only a small amount to be paid, it is a good option to meet various financial goals.

    Here are the criteria for reverse mortgage eligibility:

    Personal criteria

    • Age
      You must be 62 years or older, to apply for a reverse mortgage. Generally, as you grow older the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) amount increases.
    • Property
      The home should be your primary residence, and you need to live there for the entire duration of the reverse mortgage. Rental properties and vacation homes do not qualify for such mortgages.
    • Home equity
      You should be the owner of your home outright or possess a minimum of 50% home equity. There is a possibility that you may qualify for a reverse mortgage despite having some outstanding balance on your existing home loan. However, the criterion is that you must first pay off the remaining mortgage from the sanctioned amount and meet other liens. The balance funds may be used for any other purpose. Using a reverse mortgage to refinance existing debt is beneficial in reducing your monthly cash outflows.

    The home equity requirement varies from one borrower to another and is based on your individual situation. If you are younger and the only titleholder to the property, the home equity required may be more than 50%. We recommend using a reverse mortgage calculator to understand the requirement.

    • Counseling
      Meeting with a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Department-approved counselor is mandatory. The counselor will help you understand all about a reverse mortgage and all the associated expenses. This is to ensure you completely understand the terms and conditions and are familiar prior to applying for the mortgage.

    HECM Property Criteria

    • All types of single-family homes qualify for a reverse mortgage. Two to four-unit properties with one unit that you occupy are also eligible
    • Homes built after June 1976, meeting HUD requirements
    • Federal Housing Association (FHA)-approved condos
    • Townhomes

    Mobile and manufactured homes and multi-tenanted properties with more than four units are not eligible for a reverse mortgage

    Financial criteria

    To qualify for a reverse mortgage, you need to prove your financial ability to pay your loans and other expenses, such as insurance, taxes, and homeowners’ association fees. Moreover, you need to be financially stable to pay for regular repairs and maintenance of the property.

    Non-payment of any of the aforementioned expenses violates the terms of the reverse mortgage and is considered a default. Therefore, considering the income criterion while contemplating a reverse mortgage is important.

    Here are the types of income that are considered to determine your reverse mortgage eligibility:

    • Income from employment
    • Non-borrower spouse or other family members’ incomes
    • Earnings through part-time employment
    • Overtime and bonus income
    • Seasonal employment earnings
    • Other factors, such as social security, interest, dividend, and trust income, self-employment income, VA benefits, commissions, disability benefits, rental income, income from employment in a family-owned business, workman’s compensation, annuity, retirement and pension benefits, and public assistance are also taken into consideration.
  • Be a winner with Jordan Shoes!

    Jordon shoes are sold by Nike through Nike.com and the company’s retail stores. There is a breathtaking range of this footwear brand spanning several styles, price points and features.

    Jordon Future Men’s Boot – This product is used to walk through snow, water, and debris. Its waterproof upper helps the wearer to walk absolutely dry through mud, slime, and snow. That’s not all; its Nike WaterShield tech keeps the precipitation from seeping inside your footwear and making you damp. If you have the tendency to sweat too much, then be prepared for a pleasant surprise; the sweat-wicking soft fabric keeps you comfortable. Its phylon carrier houses a full-length Lunarion core that gives you a smooth ride. The Jordon Future Men’s Boot has a rugged sole that will help you grip the ground securely without any risk of slip-ups.

    Jordan Son of Mars – The Jordon Son of Mars is inspired by the lineup of Jordan III, IV, V, V1 and VIII. Its elephant print and other iconic Jordan elements come together to convey a sleek look that does not take the focus away from its performance.

    The Jordan Son of Mars is made of leather and synthetic materials and is intended to deliver you superior comfort. Comfort is amplified by the thoughtfully provided perforated side panels. Your traction is magnified by translucent outsoles. A midfoot strap well integrated with the body of the Jordon Son of Mars keeps you strapped on during your exercise. To prevent abrasions to your ankle, a padded collar has been thoughtfully provided in this product.

    Jordan Super. Fly 5 PO – This basketball shoe is ideal for a range of movements and helps in stabilizing lockdown. The Jordan Super. Fly 5PO is flexible, light in weight and is equipped with a webbed lacing system. Since this gear has a meshed body, it helps your foot to breathe while you are exercising. The mid-foot strap with a hook and closure mechanism is meant for ultimate lockdown. The TPU shank helps the wearer with a range of movements. The Zoom Air unit is designed to give responsive cushioning to the player. The rubber outsole provides efficient traction to the wearer.

    Air Jordan Trainer 1 Low Men’s Training Shoe – This product is light in weight and is amazingly versatile. This shoe is stable, has responsive cushioning and is flexible for multi-sport training. The Air Jordan Trainer gives you complete freedom of natural movement, thanks to its excellent design. Whether you are sprinting or training, this footwear will always be your wonderful companion. People use this product primarily for gym activities and cross-training.

    There are other products in the Jordan inventory and it would be worthwhile to check the Nike.com website.

    Return policy
    Nike.com return policy enables you to return your product within 30 days of its shipment. You can simply set up your return now. If you are guest on Nike.com, then you will be charged a small shipping fee. Please do not send your returns to Nike retail stores.

  • All you need to know about front load washers

    Front load washers are washing machine models, which are relatively cheaper and are way faster in action than top loading washing machines. These appliances are known to be more efficient, better for cleansing purposes with massive capacities and also use limited water.

    Here are some of the characteristics found in the front load washers that you need to know about:

    • They require only one-third of the amount of water, detergent, and energy, as compared to a top loading machine, thus saving some valuable resources.
    • They come with child-lock facilities that will prevent access to children, thereby avoiding any unfortunate accidents.
    • There is also a provision of steam wash along with sanitizing cycles. The benefit of steam wash is it involves a mixture of both water and steam in the washing process and therefore, helps in a better cleaning. The steam increases the temperature inside the drum of the machine, causing the fabric of the clothes to relax. This leads to an easy elimination of grime from the clothes.
    • Most of the front load washers available today come with some of the most attractive features like well-designed electronic panels and a brilliant LED display.
    • There are some advanced technologies used in the washing machines such as noise reducing technology that ensures that the washer does not disturb anyone during its course of work.

    Before purchasing front load washers, make sure you consider certain key aspects:

    • Size up your space as per convenience: Before buying a machine, ensure that you have sufficient space at your home for the same.
    • Type of washer you are opting for: There can be different types of front load washers and you need to select the right one, based on your budget and performance expectations.
    • Intrinsic features of the washer: Look at the different features that a washer can offer you and choose the one that can give you the maximum output.

    So get set, gift yourself a good front load machine, and enjoy happy and stress-free washing sessions.