Board Game Revolution Community

There is something about the timeless appeal of board-games, especially over the holiday season, when many people have more time on their hands (and often, more potential players underfoot). And this is a great and welcoming space for sharing finds and favorites with other boardroom enthusiasts, sharing your experiences or asking for recommendations. This is a great space to share your love for old favorites, such as Incan Gold and Power Grid or your views on upcoming projects, such as Explorers of Navoria and Paw Duty. It's great for new discoveries or rekindling your love for old favorites. This Facebook group is a must for all board game enthusiasts. 

Members: 75k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

Gelli Printing for Newbies! Proects, Ideas, Suggestions

Gelli printing is a new-ish mono-printing technique that uses flexible printing plates to create a textured and multi-colored effect. It's lots of fun, and if you're about to get your fingers wet, this facebook group is a great space to look for support, encouragement and handy tips for first timers. There's also plenty of shared work, to take inspiration from. You can ask for advice, or discuss techniques or materials. Go through the media to look for ideas on how to utilize your creations into functional items, such as greeting cards. There are also links and posts about available resources. 

Members: 5.4k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

Birds with Threatening Auras

As any Hitchcock fan might tell you, it's at your own peril that you ignore the potential threat of Birds and their ilk. In this Facebook group, you will meet a colorful cast of feathered fiends, ranging from birds who turn their beaks to kleptomaniac pursuits, and waterfowl that don't tolerate intruders in their ponds. There are memes and cartoons. Footage of birds that use photo-bombing to intimidate. Real life angry birds. And speculation about the true intelligence of crows, of course.  

Members: 461,7k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: Not for persons with ornithophobia.

Go here to visit or join.

Rivendell: The Last Homely House of the Noldor

To anyone who's ever read The Hobbit for the first time (as I did in 8th grade), you will remember that special moment of magic when Bilbo Baggins first arrives in Rivendell. The moment is echoed later in The Fellowship of the Ring, when a desperately wounded Frodo finds refuge from the Black Riders in the Last Homely House and is healed by Elrond, its master. Rivendell occupies such a central place in the world of Middle Earth and that's why this has to be one of the most welcoming names any Facebook group for Tolkien fans can have. There are many, many gorgeous images of elven beauty, most of this in fan or fantasy art, rather than images from the Peter Jackson movies. There are also quotes and tales of elven lore and I detected one serious discussion concerning the shape of elven ears. As it should be, elves are at the heart of this beautiful community. 

Members: 8.7k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None. 

Go here to visit or join.

BANKSY

 Banksy is the world's most iconic street artist. With his distinctive stenciled images, his often canny use of environmental elements and relentless social commentary on culture, society, politics, and the behavior of authority figures, he has remained relevant over a career spanning more than 20 years. His work aptly documents the zeitgeist of this era and part of his allure is caught up in the continued mystery surrounding his identity. This Facebook group shares not only the numerous works he created, but also explores Banksy-related events and news. There are discussions about the verification process and even here and there, works by related artists. It is a great space for discovering new Banksy works or revisiting old ones. 

Members: 1.7 million, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: Political commentary

Go here to visit or join. 

Image credit: Wiki Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Banksy_-_Sweep_at_Hoxton.jpg)

The Wheel of Time

 The first Wheel of Time novel (The Eye of the World) by Robert Jordan was originally published in 1990 and the series ultimately expanded to 14 novels. The author died in 2007 and the last novels were completed by another author, Brandon Sanderson. Following the trope of a chosen one who must defeat a dark lord, the series sold over 90 million units and inspired a fantasy series that premiered on Amazon Prime in 2021. If you count yourself among its many fans, this Facebook group offers you plenty to sink your teeth into. Much of the discussion and analysis revolves around comparing the cinematic adaptation to the original source material. There are also examples of artwork and tattoos. Share the love and celebrate favorite moments come to life.

Members: 21.8k at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: Spoilers

Go here to visit or join.

A CELEBRATION OF FEMALE ARTISTS

 According to one of the founding members, this group was created to offer a platform to showcase rare and forgotten art by pioneering female creatives and the spectrum of styles and disciplines shown includes sculpture, ceramics, digital art, photography, textile art, and mixed media, as well as more traditional paintings. Featured artists include historic painters such as Artemisia Gentileschi, and well known names such as Dora Maas and Freda Kahlo. I particularly enjoyed the jaw-droppingly realistic portraits by contemporary British artist Isabelle Watling.

Members: 137.5k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: Nudes.

Go here to visit or join. 

Sounds and Shadows

Music is the thread that runs through so many social connections. It divides us into tribal identities and provides the soundtrack to our secret and deeply meaningful nightlife adventures. Whether it's Goth, shoegaze, hauntwave or whatever that provides the soundtrack to your soul, if a certain type of music makes your world go round,  check out Sounds and Shadows. What's great, is that this connects superfans with the musicians and DJs who create the experience. It also offers event promoters, venues, musicians and DJs the opportunity to network. Share your music, new videos, gigs and other upcoming events. Hit potential fans up with streaming links. Ask questions about music or gear. Discuss new releases with fellow fans. Network with interested parties.

Members: 6.2k, at the time of writing. 

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join. 

Reliving Arabian Horse History

For many horse enthusiasts, Arabian horses are in a class of their own. They are highly prized for their incredible endurance and natural grace. Their breed characteristics have been passed on to many other horse breeds to whom they are related. All three foundation stallions of the thoroughbred -  Darley Arabian, Byerly Turk, and the Goldolphin Arabian - were Arabians. Other breeds with with Arab ancestry include the Trakehner, the Andalusian, the Lipizzaner, the Morgan horse and the Mustang. Additionally, the story of the Arabians themselves is steeped in legend. This Facebook group will be of particular interests to breeders, owners and other Arab horse enthusiasts interested in the history of Arab breeding in the west as it shares many historic photos of breed champions, interesting news clips and other media.

Members: 10k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

Andrew Newell Wyeth

The Pennsylvania based American visual artist Andrew Newell Wyeth came from a family of talented artists. His father was the prolific artist and illustrator Newell Convers Wyeth and two of his sisters also painted. Andrew began to draw almost before he could write and saw his first one-man exhibition at the tender age of only 20. In a career that spanned many decades, his dedication to his craft won him much popular support, culminating in being awarded the National Medal of Arts by George W Bush in 2007. One painting, Day Dream, went on to sell for over $23 million at Christies. He died in 2009. This Facebook Group dedicated to the art of Andrew Newell Wyeth, showcases the honest simplicity and quiet charm of his work. 

Members 8.6k, at the time of writing. 

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join. 

Weird, Strange and Interesting Things

After the initial wonder of re-connecting with friends and kin wore off, the enduring magic of Facebook became its ability to spit up random thoughts and facts that linger - too good not to share. And that's what makes this Facebook group - a gallery for exactly those kinds of treasures - so compelling. It curates an eclectic mix of life hacks  and reality checks; unusual architecture and jaw-dropping professions; unique communities and glitch in the matrix video clips; actor memes and hilarious animal videos; and fun facts of everything from Antarctica to bananas. Share or post your own additions. 

Members: 251.5k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

The Sean Bean Club

 He was in not one, but two of the most iconic fantasy series of the past 25 years. As Boromir, he is also the face of a meme that refuses to go away. In Game of Thrones, he played the embattled Ned Stark. But he is also Richard Sharpe, from the series of TV films. More recently, he appeared in Snowpiercer as the morally ambiguous billionaire Wilford, builder of the eternal engine. And this versatile actor has appeared in over 70 different roles in a career spanning forty years. So, it's hardly surprising that there should be a Facebook Group dedicated to the awesomeness of Sean Bean. And even despite the fact that this group seems to be plagued by fake Sean Bean Facebook accounts, it is still well worth a visit. 

Members: 4k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: Spoilers

Gen X

If you can remember eighties big hair and teen movies, record stores that sold vinyl, banana hair clips and add-a-bead necklaces, you probably belong to the Generation X demographic. Gen X is generally defined as those born between 1965 and 1980, so it's not really a surprise that the Facebook group is jam-packed with pop culture references and memories. See and share personal snapshots from your youth, eighties lifestyle memes, forgotten snacks from the past and remember your hard rock/hair metal heroes. Nostalgia is integral to connecting with this group. Remember the world that made you what you are today. 

Members: 497.3k members, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join. 

The Council of Cattos

16 October is Global Cat day and as any cat lover has to know already, you hardly need an excuse to post and share one more cat picture. Cats are almost supernaturally photogenic and often accidentally quirky as well. Or they can be cute and diabolical at the same time. If you had any doubts about whether cats are running the world already, this Facebook group dispenses plenty of casual evidence to support the argument in favor, as yu will see cats twisting grumpy dads around their tiny paw pads, cats ingeniously subverting human machinations and any number of other expressions of cat worship. You may also see cats on the job, cats complaining about human roommates and the various impossible group formations adopted by cats in multiple-feline households. 

Members: 228,2k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

From Ukraine with Art

Since the Russian invasion of 24th February 2022, there has been a lot of attention on the Ukraine, its people and its culture. This Facebook group provides a diverse Showcase of the visual diversity of Ukrainian art. There are numerous expressions of the traditional Petrykivka style folk art that is native to the Petrykivka village in the Dnipropetrovsk province. But there are also landscapes, vividly rendered still lives, colorful floral studies and even examples of wearable and edible art. A few paintings use the theme of traditional dress and there is also a striking image featuring a section of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor.

Members: 121.3k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

Star Trek Memes

 There has to be a lot of Star Trek Memes floating around social media. After all Captain Picard (or was it Commander Riker?) practically invented the facepalm. But there's so much more to the Star Trek memes group than just that famous duo. Beloved characters from the franchise give their take on 21st century situations, but there are also mash-ups and cross-overs that poke fun at other intellectual properties, such as Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and even Barbie. In between there are posts about toys and fan cosplays. Other posts give new takes on well-known plot-holes or cliches or pay tribute to iconic character actors, or supporting technicians such as prop designers. Two really fun memes I enjoyed was Car Talk with Martok, which poked fun at a certain Voyager episode, as well as the Voyager Bingo display, which made me laugh out loud. 

Members: 298.2k, at time of writing. 

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join. 

Medieval Mirth & Jollity

 Hollywood often paints the Middle Ages as a grubby, depressing time of religious conservatism and superstition. But even a quick glance at surviving media from the period will cure you of that misbelief. The medieval era was gaudy, ribald, naughty and funny. They enjoyed feasts and jousting, mischievous monks and naughty nuns. And this Facebook group is a great space for sharing the lighter side of life in the Middle Ages or expressing a yearning for simpler times. Enjoy knightly humor, kings and queens, fair maidens and hilarious re-interpretations. 

Members: 166.5k at time of writing

Trigger Warnings: Gruesome medieval depictions.

Go here to visit or join. 

Urban Street Photography

 

Street photographers have the wonderful ability to freeze moments and capture slices of life. Famous street photographers such as William Klein, Helen Levitt, Vivian Maiar, Dorothea Lange and Eugène Atget offered us tantalizing glimpses of bygone worlds and characters, as seen through their lenses and provided social commentary with their images. While the internet era has brought new concerns regarding ethics and how people can be portrayed, it is good to know that street photography has not quite gone away just yet. The photographs posted show urban settings and city dwellers from around the world, frozen in moments of solitude or connection. It is both fascinating and thought-provoking.

Members: 586.9k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: None

Go here to visit or join. 

New Cranky Old Women

Aging isn't what it used to be. These days, for good or for ill, seniors have social media and that has to count for some kind of empowerment. This lovely group shares the whole package. The down-to-earth normalcy of aging celebs who are comfortable in their own wrinkled skin. The incredibly swift passage of time when you are trying to savour it like a good vintage of fermented grape juice. Old age humor and old school common sense. Hilarious T-shirt slogans. The beauty of female solidarity. The frustrations of parenting and the magic of grand-parenting. You may wonder who that bemused old lady in the mirror is, but you'll recognize yourself and your world in many of the posts.

Members: 442.4k, at the time of writing

Trigger warnings: None

Go here to visit or join. 

HARDCORE SCI-FI AND HORROR ART AND ARTISTS GROUP

If you still think fondly of the days of pulp fiction, when barbarian heroes (and sometimes heroines) took on fearsome monsters and then enjoyed trysts with sexy alien princesses with unworldly pets, you will certainly enjoy the vivid images that fill the news feed of this Facebook group. But that comprises only an inkling of the visual feast that awakes you. There are also robots, supernatural apparitions, vampires, Lovecraftian horrors, vintage black and white media, as well as gothic noire and psychedelic visions. I particularly enjoyed the jaw-dropping futuristic architecture of the German artist Thomas Thiemeyer.

Members 11k, at time of writing

Trigger Warnings: Monsters

Go here to visit or join. 

Music Humor

 Music is universal and the appreciation of music transcends boundaries. But it should be remembered that it is also a coded language with its own inherent puns and plays on, well playing. To get some of the jokes it will help if you can read music, but there are cartoons that allude to inside jokes about bands - the uncanny longevity of Keith Richard, for example - or offers play on song names. And then there are sentiments to which only a musician can relate. There's even a meme that speculates on what happens to missing guitar picks. Your appreciation of this Facebook group for musicians will probably be directly proportional to the depth of your musical knowledge.

Members: 434.2k, at time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

Birding, Nature & Wildlife Diaries of World

For World Animal Day, this awesome community shares the wonder of birds animals and nature.

What makes this Facebook group different? It's in the details. The main focus is on birdwatching, which is why you will see spoonbills, kites, ibis, heron, bunting, water hens, egret, cormorant, stork, hawk, crows and shrike (amongst others) captured in London, Portugal, USA, India, Italy, Brazil, Bangladesh and the Netherlands. There is a directive to share at least some information about the location and the species captured, but some posters are even more generous than that, chronicling details of the encounter and sometimes even the equipment used to capture. Besides avians, there are also rabbits, red deer, black bears, chipmunks, elephant and wolves. Some images capture the subject matter in exquisite detail (there's that word again) while others show unique moments. 

Members: 17.8k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

(Photo credit: Alexas Fotos on Pixabay)

Dogspotting

Still thinking of World Animal Day, which is tomorrow, let's meet some dogs. 

Meet all the dogs of Facebook and the big wide world. Meet dogs on trains and in pubs. Meet dogs in cars, on balconies and on park benches. Meet dogs in bags, in trucks and wearing bow ties. Meet dogs at the farmer's market. Meet dogs in Japan, in Manhattan and the Cotswolds. Meet dogs at concerts and fundraisers. Meet dogs on campus. Meet dogs on the beach and in bistros. Meet dogs in departure lounges and dogs with their own golf carts. Meet dogs on roof tops or on bicycles. Meet dogs everywhere you go. Snap and share. That's what this popular Facebook group is for. 

Members: 1.9 million, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

(Photo credit: Seadog on Pixabay)

THE BLACK CAT APPRECIATION GROUP

Continuing our special focus on animal friendly communities for World Animal day on October 4th, here's a very timely Facebook group, since October is also the month of Halloween. 

According to statistics, black cats are often last to be adopted from shelters. Whether this is due to superstition or because of a witchy reputation, it's really heartening to know that black gets get plenty of love in this welcoming Facebook group for cats and their owners. If you have an appreciation for the mystique and composure of black cats, this is the perfect space for a daily fix of black cat images. You will see black cats chilling, black cats all spruced up and shiny, black cats showing off (toys, furniture, bow-ties, Halloween costumes, birthday treats) and black cat GIFs. There are also tributes to departed black cats and appeals for prayers, advice and good vibes to benefit black cats in need. Tuxedos are honorary members, and there will be the occasional non-black cat making an appearance.

Members: 170.7k at time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: sad cat stories. 

Go here to visit or join. 

(Photo credit: Lolame on Pixabay)

Animal Lovers Society

With World Animal Day upcoming on October 4th, we  will be featuring a few animal friendly communities this week.

Animal Lovers Society is one of those Facebook groups that will surely tug at your heartstrings, especially if you are a pet parent yourself. Dogs and the magic of dog ownership is definitely at the heart of many of the posts. There's plenty of love for dearly departed doggy angels and also everyday moments that define life with dogs. Here and there a feline inevitably pops up as well, and there are some posts featuring other animals - rare albinos and barnyard newborns for example. 

Members: 239.2k, at time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join.

(Photo credit: Pexels on Pixabay)

Melkor and Sauron

 It is interesting to see a Lord of the Rings group that is named for two of the bad guys of Middle Earth. The group is more focussed around the tales of the Second Age, as collected within works such as The Silmarillion, and Tolkien's literary legacy, rather than the cinematic interpretation thereof. Another great feature here, is the inclusion of fan art, mostly of Melkor and Sauron, who were described at beautiful and elf-like in their appearance. So, expect a decidely dark art and elf-noire aesthetic. There are occasionally posts about Lord of the Rings and the Third Age, but not that much. It's a great space for Tolkien superfans. 

Members: 45.6k members at time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join.

Animals in Art through History

Is it my imagination or are cats and cat art disproportionately well represented in this space? Not that I'm complaining. Quite the opposite in fact. The featured art ranges from ancient history to works just completed, and shows birds, snakes, dogs, horses, rabbits, otters, oxen, camels, lobsters and even dragons amongst its subject matter. While most of it is traditional media, I also found a gorgeous mural of a giraffe mural from Utrecht in the Netherlands. Posts are predominantly visual and shows a staggering variety of styles. It's a great Facebook group for discovering animal themed art, whether old or new. 

Members: 68.7k, at time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

The Darker Side of Science

If you've ever wondered what plutonium tastes like, whether atoms have colors or how long it's taken our planet to travel from the other side of the galaxy, look no further. You have found your tribe. This Facebook group is all about the wonder of science, and covers a wide range of fields, such as biology, astronomy, physics, mathematics, archaeology and loads more. There are cartoons too. And memes. And jokes. Even a passing Monty Python reference. The content is mainly for people who don't mind letting their grey bits do a daily workout. 

Members: 753.6k at time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

Cat Memes

Any cat owner will recognize the wonderfully ironic contradiction that is inherent in their pets. They are adorable, yet aloof. Intelligent, and silly. Dignified, yet playful. Independent, yet uncannily symbiotic with their humans. Any cat owner will find many of the cat memes instantly recognizable, as it expresses both the love and exasperation that many feel towards their cats. Cuteness overload may happen, especially when there are kittens involved. Many memes will make you laugh out loud or chuckle quietly. This Facebook group for cat lovers is the perfect cure for a rainy day and one of the best things to add to your news feed. 

Members: 1.1 million, at time of writing

Trigger Warnings: none

Go here to visit or join.

Forever Fall and Halloween

 If you love the smell of pumpkin spice and the sound of anything that goes bang or boo in the dark, then this Facebook Group is most definitely for you. There are many posts about horror movies to get you into the mood for Halloween. I also enjoyed several spooky art interpretations. Get ideas for porch decorations, costume design and other assorted accessories. Pay a virtual visit to some spooky places. For anyone who believes that Halloween should not be limited to one day or even one season. 

Members: 1.9 million at time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: Horror and all things witchy. Avoid if you are overly religious.

Go here to visit or join.

Rome and Constantinople (New Rome). The Roman (and Byzantine) Empire

How often do you think of the Roman Empire? Daily? Weekly? Whatever your answer to this TikTok trending question, the Roman Empire remains relevant for the role it played in shaping the world we live in. Our current calendar is based on one devised by Julius Caesar and our legal system contains numerous concepts that have their roots in Rome. For a daily dose of Roman history posts, you could do worse than including this Facebook group in your social media news-feed. What's interesting is that it focuses not only on ancient city of Rome, but also the later divided kingdom, and the eastern empire that was centered in Constantinople. You will see glorious Byzantine churches, ruins in Tunisia, coins, forts and much, much more. There are also numerous posts that analyze the legacy of important figures from Rome and the Byzantium. 

Members: 30.4k at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: Non-English posts (which can be translated)

Go here to visit or join. 

A Gathering of Crones... Reoccupying archetypes of the mature feminine

As a mature woman well on the way to cronedom (or is it cronehood?), I am already enthralled by this Facebook group's name. So naturally, I had to investigate. And I was not disappointed. One of the very first posts, contained a ode to the wonders of feminine solidarity. The community celebrates creativity and wisdom. It's a wonderful, wonderful space. Recognize those little flints of yourself in snapshots, cats, woods and hedges, quotes, artwork and so much more that puts women of a certain age at the heart of the universe, where they undoubtedly belong. Discover the magic that hides inside everyday things. By random chance, my visit coincided with the Wednesday Crones Bazaar Day event.

Members: 16.6k, at time of writing. 

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join.

Raypunk

The term Raypunk was coined to describe stories and images that hark back to the ideals and plots of classic era science fiction. Think back to the pulp publications of the 1950s and 1960s, to rayguns, little green men and tentacled monsters. It's all there in lurid detail, ranging from classic cover art to high drama among the stars and on distant planets. There are also cartoons featuring Raypunk humor, little digs at Lovecraftian images and thought-provoking fan art that takes its inspiration from Raypunk's retro-futuristic aesthetic. Some of the art is really good and what I liked about this Facebook group that there is a strong tradition of crediting featured artists. 

Members: 166.2k at time of writing

Trigger Warnings: Scantily clad young women; sexist humor

Go here to visit or join. 

Phucked Up and Filosophical

 So, how about a title that goes with Friday. Well, sort of. What I liked about this online community, is its willingness to assess the human race honesty - warts and all - and, let's be honest, as a species, we do have many short-comings. It's a great place for finding that snarky come-back to almost any situation or taking pot-shots at normality - from a safe distance, of course. There are somewhat more text-only posts than I see in many Facebook groups, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Hang out with the filosophers for mental gymnastics, sometimes chilling sentiments and reality checks, as well as quotes by anyone from Carl Jung to Hunter S. Thompson. 

Members: 242.1k, at time of writing

Trigger Warnings: Cuss words

Go here to visit or join. 

Castles in the World

Castles make some of the most intriguing tourist attractions in the world. But one thing you'll notice very quickly when browsing through the images posted on this Facebook Group is the fact that not all castles are created equal. From humble, dark age fortifications to the opulence of Versailles and jaw-dropping towers that perch precariously from steep cliffs, the sheer variety in historical architecture is astounding. Some castles are citadels that once housed vibrant communities. Others are now little more than ruins. There are castles that fit perfectly into their surroundings, be it hilltop or port-side. Example are the beautiful Mont St Michel in Normandy, Artana Castle in Kosovo, and Cochem Castle in Germany. Feed your appetite for fairy-tales and fantasy. 

Members: 301.6k at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join. 

Episcopal Cats with Problems

 What on earth is an episcopal cat? That was the first question that came up with me upon discovering this group. But I was not alone. Being helpful as always, one group member made a post about this very question. Which (naturally) evoked a fascinating discussion on the nature of cats and their religious affiliations and persuasions. The nature of the problems covered here touches on a wide spectrum of problems, ranging from the frivolous to the very serious. As such, the community also offers support, reassurance and condolences to cat parents or cat fosters with questions, tips or sadness to share. There are snapshots posting "evidence" of felines behaving badly or just living by their own moral code. There are also stories of cats caught in heart-warming moments. If you are looking for a place to share all of your cat's awesomeness, you will be preaching to the converted on this space. For more suggestions on awesome Facebook groups for cat lovers, check out the following article. 

Members: 74.1k, at time of writing.

Trigger warnings: the sad stories.

Go here to visit or join.

Kruger Sightings

If you're unable to get away for a game drive sighting Africa's Big Five, the next best thing has to be adding the Kruger Sightings Facebook Group to your social media news-feed. It is the perfect platform for sharing and viewing photos and video clips taken of different types of wildlife in the Kruger National Park. As the king of the jungle and a favorite topic, lions pictures take prominence here. You will see cubs, family groups and occasionally a beloved individual, such as Casper the white lion. There are also leopards, elephants bringing traffic to a stop, hyena, zebra, bucks and antelope, kingfishers, fish eagles, horn-bills, guinea fowl, ostriches hyena and even the elusive cheetah and a rare black rhino. There are also photos of typically African scenery, water holes, base camps and golden sunsets. Enjoy the beauty of South Africa's largest national park. 

Members: 201.9k, at time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: Occasional images and footage of carnivores feeding.

Go here to visit or join.

Podcast Recommendations

 Here's a fun fact. Did you know that the term podcast was coined by Ben Hammersley of The Guardian in the same year that Mark Zuckerman first launched Facebook? Incredible, isn't it? Now, nineteen years later, you can connect with an online Facebook community of podcasting enthusiasts to find out what to stream next. Podcasts are great for listening to something while you're engaged in some monotonous or mundane activity and there are so many options to choose from. From football, wrestling and formula one for sports-fans to entrepreneurship, environmental issues and educator support. There are also podcasts on music, monstrous cryptids, religion, mysteries, petty crime and serious crime. If you are a pod-caster yourself, this is a great platform for promoting your programs - whether it's specific upcoming episodes or just a shout out to let everyone know what you're doing. You can also post calls for interviews on any niche topics you might be tackling. If you are a listener looking for your next podcast, ask for recommendations in your favorite genres. 

Members: 38.6k at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

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I AM AN ARTIST

 I really enjoyed visiting the I AM AN ARTIST Facebook group, and many of the images made me even happier. While there are a few works in more unusual media (such as machine embroidery), the majority of the posted art can be described as either drawings or paintings. I found that the standard of work was quite high and there are tips in the comments. Some pieces obviously represents many hours of work, as well as a lifelong dedication to the improvement of the craft and I felt honored to be able to see it. A few works featured personal themes or subjects - such as portraits of pets or family members. When you post, you can reach out to other members to critique your work, but there is a strong emphasis on keeping this a safe space to share art. The group excels at being nurturing and supportive. It's proof positive that art and talent transcends all boundaries. Kudos to creator Liam Constable for fostering such an awesome community. 

Members: 1.2 million at the time of my visit. 

Trigger Warnings: None. 

Go here to visit or join. 

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

 The launching of the James Webb Space Telescope on Christmas day, 2021 represents an important milestone in the history of space exploration. It has already played a huge role in expanding our knowledge and understanding of the universe. If you want to see new discoveries in your online feed and celebrate older ones, The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will fill you with a sense of awe and wonder. Image comparisons between Hubble and James Webb are an important component of this group, but there are also links to articles and lectures, as well as facts on the solar system, video clips, individuals who played an important role in the space race, and details about current and ongoing space missions.

Members: 1.6 million at time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join. 

Between The Ears

 For a generous dose of Armchair equestrianism at its finest, visit  this charming Facebook group that offers equestrian postcards from anywhere and everywhere. The mission statement is simple. if you have a horse, ride, snap and post your photos and video clips. See an amazing diversity of local scenery from horseback. Read the stories of trials and triumphs shared equine partners. Occasionally, dogs and cats are featured too, but it's mainly about hacking and horses. Look in on the occasional horseback safari in Africa. Enjoy the tranquility of British bridle paths. Pause beside the timeless mystery of Stonehenge. Experience fall in New Brunswick or quaint waterscapes in Italy. Unspoiled nature in Finland or Sweden. A Beach in New Zealand. Wild bush-land in Tasmania. Wyoming. California. Oregon. Serbia. Bulgaria. The Czech Republic. Burkina Faso. See all the places where a horse can take you. 

Members: 264.4k at time of writing

Trigger warnings: None. 

Go here to visit or join. 

Knitting for Beginners

If you are new to knitting and you don't know anyone to help you through the tough bits, Knitting for Beginners looks like an awesome Facebook group to turn to for support, encouragement or inspiration. Share your work. Share your progress. Demystify the pattern jargon or techniques you don't understand. Ask advice, if you can't figure out what you did wrong. Find out how to tweak your socks to make them fit. There's usually someone available who knows something you don't. Expect to admire plenty of socks, beanies, baby jackets, scarves, sweaters and even the odd knitted toy.

Members: 315.5k at time of writing. 

Trigger warnings: None.

Click here to visit or join. 

History for the Witty 2.0

 At its best, this Facebook group is a fusion of pop culture and historical media. You see historical photos with an up-to-date spin on it. There are jokes that may have taken centuries or even millennia to be set up. There may be bathroom humor and sexual innuendo with more history thrown into the mix. See ignorance cleverly trolled. Let vintage media surprise you. Enjoy media, memes and assorted thoughts that mix up today with any number of yesterdays. A sense of humor will be mandatory for maximum enjoyment. 

Members: 279.7k at time of writing. 

Trigger warnings: nudity and inappropriate/adult humor. 

Click here to visit or join.

The Magic Continues...

It's been almost fourteen years since I started the Facebook Group of the Day blog and twelve years since the last post. This was the first themed blog I created and I loved everything about it... until Facebook began tinkering with things and searching for new groups became increasingly challenging difficult.

I revisited this blog as I was updating my writing portfolio and realized that the awesome Facebook Groups had not quite vanished. In fact, the Covid-19 pandemic gave their popularity a considerable boost. What surprised me, was how little other material was written on the nature of Facebook Groups.

This article estimates that there might be as many as 100 million Facebook Groups and claims that they began around October 2020. But that's not quite the whole story. As my blog chronicled, Facebook already had a wide and diverse selection of groups around 2009 and this post on Quora puts the date as far back as at least August 2005. The early groups were closer the subreddits on Reddit - mostly verbal and unbashfully eccentric with lots of fun threads.

Today's groups are completely different in formatting and depends far more on image-based media, but the zany humor is still there. Which is why I'm reviving the mission. More soon.