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.