Anatidaephobia — the fear that somewhere, somehow, a duck is watching you

Hands up if you had duck instead of the traditional turkey for Christmas this year. Well, it's payback time now. The ducks are out to get you. The discussion board consists mostly of the type of fun threads this type of group usually attracts, ranging from 'Ducks WILL take over the world!!!' to 'Duck Jokes' to 'Scariest Species of Duck?' to the classic 'the last person to comment this topic wins!!!' In the gallery you will find over 500 images, some totally irrelevant to the theme, while there are plenty of pictures of real ducks, photoshopped pictures of imaginary ducks and duck jokes, including the Far Side cartoon that inspired the group's creation in the first place. There are also links to a few duck videos.

What's great about this group: it's still the silly season - don't hesitate to join in.

Click here to go directly to 'Anatidaephobia — the fear that somewhere, somehow, a duck is watching you'.

ATLANTIS

Atlantis - the lost continent, was it myth or reality? Where was it? When was it? If puzzling over these mysteries intrigue you, you might want to take a closer look at this group. Threads on the discussion board include 'Why we belive in Atlantis?', 'Descriptions of Life in Atlantis', 'Atlantis Myth or Fiction' and 'What about Lemuria or Mu?' Links to online books in the discussions seem to be out-dated, although there are plenty of links to websites that do function on the group wall. There are also posts from members sharing memories of past lives in Atlantis. The gallery includes underwater photographs of the Yonaguni site, off Japan, one alleged location and well as beautiful artist's impressions and also general mystical art.

What's great about this group: read more about an ancient mystery.

Click here to go directly to 'ATLANTIS'.

Left-handed People Society

What does Angelina Jolie, Barack Obama, Bart Simpson and David Bowie have in common? The answer is that they are all left-handed. A large part of the purpose of the group seems to be to showcase how many well-known left-handers there have been, and the information section lists over 200 famous and infamous lefthanders - although some of these are questioned by members in the discussion board. Other topics dealt with, include 'Bad Handwriting', “Conveniences of Being Left handed”, “Inconveniences of Being Left handed”, '70% of U.S. presidents were left-handed!', 'What makes a person Left Handed?', 'left handedness in families' and 'What annoys you in a right handed society'. There are also two separate threads asking for **Left-handed People Additions**.

What's great about this group: share in the struggles of left-handed people.

While there is still a group with this name here, they have only 7 members and seems to have been long inactive. 

I LIT A CANDLE FOR A LOVED ONE.............

Since Christmas is a time for family and loved ones, it is also the time when absences are most acutely felt. While the sadness associated with the death of a husband, wife, parent or child can never be diminished except by time's slow healing, we should always remember that their time with us was a gift to cherish and that by keeping their memory alive, they will never be truly gone. This facebook group has over 200,000 members and a very active wall. On the discussion board, you will find threads such as 'losin your mother', 'loss of a child', 'suicide nothing to play with', 'How does one overcome grief?' and ' If u have a baby that passed away click here'. While the subject of this group might seem morbid, we would not feel the pain of a death, if the departed soul had not touched our hearts in life.

What's great about this group: remember your loved ones here.

Click here to 'I LIT A CANDLE FOR A LOVED ONE.............'

i get distracted cleaning my room because i find awesome things

I had wanted to feature this group on a previous occasion, but one thing withheld me. While the discussion board did feature a few interestic threads, such as 'Things found in your room', 'you made new species in your room' and 'I JUST GOT DESTRACTED COS I FOUND AN AWESOME CD I DIDNT NO I HAD (now im playin it and singing)', some sort of Facebook glitch prevented you from actually taking a closer look at any of the topics. The glitch is still in place, but taking a closer look at the wall, which features plenty of activity, I decided that they deserved a mention anyway. Partly because, well, I've been there, told myself I'm clearing up, only to find myself three hours later sitting amidst a bigger mess than I started out with, happily excavating the treasures of my past. It is comforting to know I'm not alone. Over a 100,000 members share my sentiments and share their experiences too.

What's great about this group: The wall is a treasure trove of, well, tales of treasure found.

Click here to go directly to 'i get distracted cleaning my room because i find awesome things'.

Fighting Against Workplace Prejudice for Alternative People

This is serious. Some of my best friends have tattoos, piercings and/or hair a tint or two brighter than nature granted them, but these body modifications do nothing to impede the beauty of their souls or the kindness in their hearts. Unfortunately, it does from time to time earn them strange looks or make them targets of the prejudice of people who are, shall we say, less visually adventurous. Some of the threads on the discussion board include 'A little bit about why I started this group...', 'what about schools?', 'Your stories / experiences of workplace prejudice' and 'Alternative Work Threads'. The gallery includes some images of members' body art.

What's great about this group: support the human rights of alternatives.

Click here to go directly to 'Fighting Against Workplace Prejudice for Alternative People'.

I LOVE CHRISTMAS

It's that time of year again, and if you want to get right into the spirit of things, one way is to spend lots of time exploring today's group. There's a big, chubby-cheeked image of Santa Clause on the cover and more photos of Christmas decorations in the gallery. The wall is full of messages of goodwill and Christmas cheer. On the discussion board, you will find threads such as 'Best Christmas songs ever!', 'Favorite Christmas Tradition?', 'Do you guys have snow on usually christmas?', 'My Xmas List', 'Favorite Christmas movies and shows', 'When do you start your christmas shopping?', 'Favorite Christmas Candy', 'Tree', 'Christmas Film Quotes' and 'Funniest or weirdest christmas moment'.

What's great about this group: Talk and share about Christmas to your heart's content.

Click here to go directly to 'I LOVE CHRISTMAS'.

Bad Translations Make Me Laugh

I share this group with a lot of joy and pleasure, because the description alone - which features translations from around the world - made me laugh and laugh, as I have not laughed all day. Threads on the discussion board include 'Strapless bras made needlessly more complicated', 'Beware of Safety', 'Spanglish', 'Funny Court Quotes' and 'Funny menus' to name a few. The gallery contains over 250 images, ranging from risque product names to nameboards you would not want your kids to see to hilarious notices.

What's great about this group: It shares a lot of fun.

A word of caution: Some translations may be considered downright rude.

Click here to go directly to 'Bad Translations Make Me Laugh'.

NO MONEY REQUIRED - Adin's Experiment in Abundance

We are in the festive season and Chistmas is supposed to be about giving. Sadly, though, for many that translates to the spending of large amounts of money on overpriced commodities that advertisers convince us that our loved ones want? A con? Maybe. So are there alternatives to our capitalist society. One brave South African male has committed a five year period to exploring just that. Adin van Ryneveldt has vowed to live a completely cash-free existence and chronicles his progress and activities through his blog and his Facebook group. He can be persuaded to all sorts of exchanges in order to meet his need, as long as money stays out of the picture. Visit the group regularly to share in the adventure.

What's great about this group: Explore an alternative to the rat race.

Click here to go directly to 'NO MONEY REQUIRED - Adin's Experiment in Abundance'.

I listen to music you've never heard of

Go on, admit it - the majority of us join a Facebook Group because one of our cool friends did, or because we liked the sentiments expressed in the name. Then, once we have publically declared an 'interest', we lose interest and move on to the Next Big Thing without any further involvement. That, however, will get you nowhere with today's featured group. They have a rule. Post four unknown bands you listen to, with links or get kicked out. Threads on the discussion board include 'REQUIREMENT FOR NEW MEMBERS (READ', 'Band list suggestions', 'Does anyone actually try the bands other people post?' and 'Where do you get your music?' In my opinion, this group embodies exactly what the cyberculture should be about, the sharing of obscure information and opportunities and I am seriously pleased to give them my humble badge of approval.

What's great about this group: If you're not afraid to be musically adventurous, this group is for you.

A word of caution: Avoid, if your musical preferences is limited to Top 40 stuff.

Update (29 October 2023)

This Facebook group does not seem to exist anymore. 

Philosophy Is Sexy

Occasionally, in my search for a group to feature within this space, I actually stumble upon a group that makes me thankful for having started this blog which gives me the perfect excuse to continue exploring. Today's group absorbed me for the better part of an hour, and I feel that I have still only scratched the surface. The topics tackled on within this space are so varied, the views so eloquent, yet clear, that you really emerge thoroughly enriched from the experience. A good example of what I am talking about, is a thread entitled 'Gallery of Broken Dolls', which explores, with intimate and unflinching honestly, some of the darker motivations behind helping others. Other threads on the discussion board include 'Free Choice: Is It Always Present?', 'ART', 'FREEDOM ...', 'What Makes One Sexy!', 'Schools of Philosophy', 'Homosexuality, rights and practices', 'Thoughts on Intelligence', 'Legal vs. Moral' and 'Most destructive idea awards!'

What's great about this group: Give your mind a thorough work-out here. You won't regret it.

Click here to go directly to 'Philosophy Is Sexy'.

Primary Teachers - Resources, ideas, stress relief!

In articles floating around the internet, prospective job applicants are often warned to watch what they do, say and join on social media websites, as many would-be employers use data on sites such as Facebook to screen employees. While some groups might bad in a work-related context, others could perhaps boost your credibility with a boss-to-be. Today's featured group would definitely count among the latter and the woman who created it probably deserves a medal or at least a badge. Threads on the discussion board include 'Interactive Advent Calenders', 'mental maths games for year 5 please guys!!!!', 'AUSTRALIA TOPIC!', 'Research Project for Year 4', 'Y4 Stories set in imaginary settings', 'Letters and Sounds' and 'Inspiration for Year 3/4 Class', to name but a few. The gallery showcases plenty of creative examples from the classroom and there are also links to videos.

What's great about this group: It's a brilliant forum for teachers around the world to interact and share ideas.

Click here to go directly to 'Primary Teachers - Resources, ideas, stress relief!'

1,000,000 to join, my dad john mellencamp will quit smoking

This Facebook group, founded by the 14-year old son of rock singer John Mellencamp, has attracted quite a bit of media attention and already has well over 100,000 members. There are plenty of wishes of good luck to the singer and plenty of pledges from members who promise to quit with John or have already quit, but unfortunately, there are those who also express judgements against the singer. Some threads on the discussion board include '1,000,000 people, really John Mellencamp?', 'Time for us fans to help John kick butt ;-) and give back some of the good vibes he's been giving us for decades.', 'The EASYWAY to Quit Smoking' 'john should Quit', 'Two days so far without a cig' and 'For My Buddy JM'. The gallery includes pictures of John Mellencamp.

What's great about this group: Help a celebrity change his lifestyle.

Click here to go directly to '1,000,000 to join, my dad john mellencamp will quit smoking'.

People Make Lame Jokes About My Last Name

I know I have tackled the name thing before, but this is subtly different. Imagine having the type of surname that draws every joker to make the same wisecrack over and over again. Possibly, hundreds of years ago, your ancestors were not quite aware of comedy potential of the family name, but whether it was oversight or accident, you are doing the suffering now. In the thread 'those of you that should leave this group...', one member outlines just who should not join, while some of the surnames that do get you a welcome can be found in 'Most Unique Names!', 'One of the worst surnames?', 'First Names My Parents Couldn't Give Me (or my sister)', 'The game is: New Jokes for my name!' and 'Worse than mine?'. Also check the wall for more posts about embarrassing surnames.

What's great about this group: Share with others about the lunacy of suggestive surnames.

Click here to go directly to 'People Make Lame Jokes About My Last Name'.

An Arbitrary Number of People Demanding That Some Sort Of Action Be Taken

The title of this group, I presume, makes fun of the numerous groups on Facebook whose only identity seems tied to a certain number of people, usually a million or a 100,000, being in favor of something or other. Closer inspection, though, reveals that the 150,000 or so members of the group are a fun and creative mix, who keep the group very active and stimulating. In the tradition of 'When I was your age, Pluto was a planet', there is usually several very happening threads at any given time, and the posts are highly interactive, witty and fun. Some topics on the discussion board include ' A war on war!', 'The most disgusting food you have eaten, but had to act like you liked it.', 'what the hell is up with Canada???', 'Gender as a Continuum' and ' I Propose the world surrender to Kuwait', to name but a few. The thread ' The Committee for Inspirational Mixed Metaphors' has a number of true gems in it. Of the images in the gallery - there are over a thousand - some are humorous, some are punchy and some are just plain unusual.

What's great about this group: It's a fun community.

Click here to go directly to 'An Arbitrary Number of People Demanding That Some Sort Of Action Be Taken'.

Art - The Love Of Tattoo`s

Love them or loathe them, tattoos, well-placed and well-executed are a form of art and in this group, much of its potential is explored. Popular topics include 'how old were u when u got ur first tatoo???' and 'The most painful place', while other threads include 'Who is YOUR favorite artist?', 'What was you first, and why?', 'Do you ever forget you're inked till you look in the mirror?', 'Family acceptance of tattoos', 'GUYS - what do you think of girls with tats? hot or not?' and 'what will your next tatt be?' The gallery has 10,000 images of tattoos, ranging from initials, fairies, hearts, skeletons, tribal designs and many more.

What's great about this group: It's a good resource for anyone who is considering a tattoo and a great place to share, if you are already an enthusiast.

Click here to go directly to 'Art - The Love Of Tattoo`s'.

The Faery Ring

Do fairies exist? Are they a hidden part of our world or just a flight of fantasy? This group is dedicated to exploring the wonder and magic of fairies, specifically their significance to the world we inhabit. The discussion board is not that active. There are threads such as 'Faerie Healing' and 'What do you find most interesting about faeries?' as well as a link to a downloadable fairy meditation. On the wall, you will find more links, to fairy related resources and fan sites. There are over 50 images in the gallery, mostly of fairy art.

What's great about this group: Fairies appeal to the eternal child in us.

Click here to go directly to 'The Faery Ring'.

Paranormal

Do you believe in ghosts and other supernatural phenomena? If so, check out this group, which is dedicated to exploring all sorts of paranormal phenomena. Threads on the discussion board include 'demon or spirit???', 'Animal ghosts', 'Experiences', 'Cursed places', 'Do you believe in Aliens?', ' Ancient mysteries' and 'My Son is Starting to Scare Me.' Those looking for opportunities in the field, should glance at 'Paranormal show casting and 'make money from paranormal photos and video'. One topic even covers 'Parablocker - We believe...', sharing information for a device to limit paranormal activity in your environment. Although the gallery features some horror art and other obviously manipulated images, there are also photos that appear to be of genuine ghosts and other energy forms. The wall includes more posts on the supernatural and links to other internet resources.

What's great about this group: Who doesn't like to share real life ghost stories?

A word of caution: Avoid if you are a sceptic or scare easily.

Click here to go directly to 'Paranormal'.