Hobbies & Interests
How to Use -- Contents
Slightly Creaky does extensive research to find the links you would most likely need and provides them for you in an easy-to-find format. You can access the various categories from any of our web pages using the top or side menus. Each category has generalized headings, followed by more specific ones.
Categories
Updated July 5, 2008
There are many ways to categorize hobbies and activities. The simplify things, this page contains four lists of activities. You will find several items in more than one group. Please scroll down, use the index link, or use your browser's "find" or "search" feature to get the the area you are seeking. Please remember these are not links for children but rather for those who are slightly creaky.
(On This Page. See below for more categories on new pages)
- Finding a Hobby
- Card Games Quick Link: Bridge
- Board Games Quick Link: Mahjong
- Electronics & Computing Quick Link: Radio
- History Quick Link: Genealogy
- Magic
- Photography
- Other Indoor
Quick Link: Model Railroading
- Other Outdoors
- Education & Self-Improvement
(New Pages)
- Gardening, Plants & Landscaping
- Collecting ("how to" information; we avoid commercial links)
- Arts and Crafts Page One
Includes: History, Organizations, Reference, Plant Crafts,
Art & Painting, Sewing, Knitting, Weaving, & Embroidery
Quilting & Rug Making, Pottery, Clay & Ceramics, Dolls
Arts and Crafts Page Two
Includes: Woodworking, Paper Crafts, Glass, Jewelry & Beads
Candle & Soap Crafts, Other Crafts
- Sports
- Online Games and Activities
- Web Site Building
- Also see: Our Pet Page Recreation
Updates
We need your help
Although this list was complete on the date listed, many web sites change names or even close terminate their services. New ones start weekly. Should you discover a bad link or wish to suggest that we add one, please contact suggestions@slightlycreaky.com.
This listing is the result of more than 500 hours of research. It is the property of Slightly Creaky and may not be reproduced in any form. Every attempt has been made to provide an accurate description of each organization.
Caution - Proceed with care
We do not endorse any of the games or activities on this page, nor will Slightly Creaky be responsible for the content of such web sites or the actions taken by the people owning, managing, or playing.
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Finding a Hobby
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Use Link to go directly to the Web site. In cases where there are many activities in a category the link will take you to a supplemental Slightly Creaky page.
Finding a Hobby
If you do not have a hobby, you might consider starting here:
| Discover a Hobby | Welcome to the Internet's ultimate directory for finding and starting a new hobby! Here you can find out how to start any hobby, where to find free online lessons or regular lessons in your area, free online instructional videos, and the best beginners equipment, books, and videos. We recommend you try new and different things to find what you really like. Click on any hobby below to get started! |
| How to Find a Hobby | " Having a hobby helps to make you a more interesting person and gives you something fascinating to talk about with others. It can also help you to avoid feeling bored and often provides the opportunity to meet new people with similar interests. Learning something new is always good for keeping the mind alert and active, as is maintaining a long-term interest in something that enthralls you. This will also make your more of an interesting person than a person who is addicted to MySpace, watching TV, or doing other time wasting and unhealthy tasks, such as stuffing your gut." |
| I Am Always Trying to Find New Hobbies | "Join people who share your experiences and beliefs-- and understand you perfectly. Share your story, get feedback and comments, chat in the discussion forum, help others, meet new friends, and so much more-- all free and anonymous. Sign up takes just a moment, so would you join us today?" |
| Hobbies and Interests in later life | "This page provides a useful list of Hobbies and Interests, covering both popular and more unusual hobbies. To find out more simply click on the links that interest you. We've also selected books and magazines that may be of interest - click on the image to see more details." |
| Find Me a Hobby | "FindMeAHobby.com is your internet home for discovering new and exciting hobbies available both on and off the net. A hobby is an activity that you do for fun. Many times a hobby is a self-directed process where you can carve out your own approach based on your own interests and desires. Basically, there is no right or wrong way to approach a hobby. Just do it the way you like." |
| First Steps in Finding a Hobby | "A satisfying hobby is one that fits both your personality and your lifestyle. If you're a consummate gardener, for example, expanding your repertoire to include elegant topiaries would likely be a good fit. To determine what hobby -- or hobbies -- best suit your characteristics and situation, ask yourself the four following questions: How much time do I have? How much money do I want to invest in my hobby? Do I like spending time indoors or outdoors?Do I want a hobby that I can enjoy by myself or with others?" |
| Finding a Hobby: Questions to Ask Before and During Your Search | "No doubt you've heard quite a few people admonish you to find a hobby. A hobby is a great way to relax, expand your horizons, and discover a hidden talent or two. The question remains though, exactly what type of hobby would you enjoy?" |
| Finding Your Hobby Online | From AARP. "Finding a hobby is a great way to spend time, be creative, exercise your brain and perhaps meet new friends. Plus some hobbies are a great way to relax after a hectic day. The Web is a useful resource either to find a new hobby or expand your knowledge with a current one. My escape from the computer and technology is sewing and quilting; here are several sites that might inspire you to find a hobby also." |
| List of Hobbies | A listing of 70 hobbies. |
| Listing of Hobbies & Interests | "Hobbies not only provide us the oasis like experience in the deserts of our life but also provide us nourishing facts of knowledge along with an escape from monotonous life. Here are few Lists of Hobbies and Interests you would certainly love to look…" |
| In search of a hobby? | "A great way to pick up a fun pastime is to learn a hobby online. Many different hobbies are available incorporating many different themes and interests. Depending upon what one likes to do, this article should assist any interested party in learning about the options and hobbies that fit their liking. Besides offering descriptions and details about the many hobby options available, this article will provide a list of hobbies. For anyone interested in expanding their horizons and exploring new options for hobbies, this guide will prove a helpful source." |
| Craft Site Directory | "Use the links in the right hand margin of this page to get started. Search or browse over 100 categories and sub-categories and many quality arts and crafts related listings." |
| Hobby Ideas | "We have compiled this list of hobby ideas. We hope that you enjoy it. If you have any more ideas please drop us a line and we will add it in." |
Use Link to go directly to the Web site. In cases where there are many activities in a category the link will take you to a supplemental Slightly Creaky page.
We do not link to gambling or commercial sites
| Alphabetical Index of Card Games | "Traditional multi-player card games for which rules are available from this site are listed below in alphabetical order, together with the number of players needed. Alternative numbers of players are given in brackets, so "4 [5] players" means that the game is basically for 4 players, but it is possible for 5 to play." |
| ACBL | "the American Contract Bridge League, the world’s greatest bridge club for the world’s greatest game. Our mission is to promote the fun and challenge of bridge and support educational and playing opportunities for bridge enthusiasts throughout North America." |
| Great Bridge Links | "This page is intended to be a resource for bridge writers, editors, journalists, publishers and illustrators. " |
| Play Bridge Online | A Pay Site. "When you play bridge online with us, the friendly club atmosphere will be in your home, you will play real bridge with real people and see real Bridge Cards on your screen. You can Play online bridge with us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, when you like, for as long as you like and we provide a real Bridge card game that you will enjoy." |
| Learn To Play Bridge! | "Bridge is by far the greatest card game of all, and it can provide immense challenge and enjoyment for the rest of your life. This is intended for the complete beginner, one who knows nothing, or almost nothing, about bridge." |
| The Bridge World | "The Bridge World is the world's oldest continuously-published bridge magazine. For over seventy years, the world's brightest bridge minds have gathered each month to share their winning secrets in its pages. Every monthly issue of The Bridge World is packed with reports, articles, stories, tips, examples, quizzes, and more to help advancing bridge players improve their understanding and appreciation of the game. Virtually every important bridge analyst in the history of the game has contributed to The Bridge World" |
| Bridge Rules | "Rubber Bridge is the basic form of Contract Bridge, played by four players. Informal social bridge games are often played this way, and rubber bridge is also played in clubs for money. Duplicate Bridge is the game normally played in clubs, tournaments and matches. The game is basically the same but the luck element is reduced by having the same deals replayed by different sets of players. At least eight players are required for this. There are some significant differences in the scoring. Two types of duplicate bridge will be covered; teams of four and pairs. Chicago Bridge is played by four people (like rubber bridge), but a game is complete in four deals. " |
| House of Cards | From A to Z (and numbers as well) the "How to Play" and rules for over a hundred card games. |
| Choosing Which Games To Play | "In selecting the game or games to play at a card party, there are several important considerations to be addressed: how many guests will be playing? How many know the games that are being considered? How difficult will it be to teach the rules to novices? Do the prospective guests want to play seriously or do they want to play casually, as an accompaniment to small talk?" |
| Solitaire Games | "Solitaire is one of the most pleasurable pastimes for one person. Often called, "Patience," more than 150 Solitaire games have been devised. A few of the most popular are presented here, as well as some new ones." |
| Poker | "Poker is truly an international game, enjoyed in virtually every country where card games are played. There are hundreds of versions of Poker, and the game is played not only in private homes, but also in countless Poker rooms at famous casinos. Poker can be played socially for pennies or matchsticks, or professionally for thousands of dollars. There is plenty of luck in Poker, but the game requires incredibly great skill as well, and each player is the master of his own fate." |
| Poker Rules | "There are many variations to the game of Poker. It is a truly American game enjoyed by many people. Here are some of the rules to some of the games of Poker. This is not a complete list of Poker Rules, but has some of the more popular poker variations." |
| Blackjack | "The blackjack table in a casino is generally set up with seven seats or betting stations, although some games have as few as five. " |
| Spades | Number of Players: 4 playing as two partnerships Object: To score 500 points. Many varieties included. |
| Hearts | Four varieties of this game explained. |
| Hearts | "The object of the game of Hearts is not to pick up tricks that contain hearts in them. " |
| Pinochle | "Pinochle is a classic two-player game developed in the United States, and it is still one of the country's most popular games. The basic game of Pinochle is Two-Hand Pinochle, which derives from the European game Bezique. It is explained first .Enthusiastic players have since created many interesting variations of Pinochle, including good versions for three players, four players (with partners, some including bidding subtleties incorporated from Bridge), and more." |
| Four Handed Pinochle | "Number of Players: 4 playing as partners Object of game: To score 150 points." |
| Bizique | "Bezique is unusual among card games in that it has a life cycle. Your hand matures through the course of the game. If you start with poor cards, for example, you will likely build your hand through the game and still score. Conversely, if you are dealt lucky cards, after a blitz of melding you may find yourself struggling to reconstitute your hand. The lyrical feel of the life cycle underlies Bezique’s enduring appeal." |
| Gin Rummy Rules | "Gin Rummy, sometimes referred to simply as "Gin" is one of the most popular forms of rummy. The game is usually played by two players, each receiving ten cards. " |
| Rummy Games | "Gin is a modern classic that has superseded all other rummy games in popularity. The game suddenly hit its stride in the 1930s when Hollywood celebrities took it up. They realized that Gin Rummy was not only simple and fast, but made an excellent wagering game, too. Although much luck is involved, the skill required far outweighs the chance factor, and Gin ranks as one of the most demanding of all card games." |
| 500 Rummy | Rules and variations from around the world. |
| Canasta - Official Rules | "Canasta ("basket" in Spanish) became a big hit with millions of Americans in the 1950's when it arrived from South America along with other cultural imports like the Samba and the Bossa Nova. Today the game is enjoying a resurgence. It's fun to play, and high-scoring" |
| Crazy Canasta | "Crazy Canasta is an exciting Canasta variation that seems to have originated in the Southern USA, probably Texas, but possibly Arkansas or Arizona. After spreading to Florida, where many people commune during winter, Crazy Canasta made its way across the United States throughout the 1990s and 2000s." |
| Cribbage | "Cribbage is one of the best two-hand games - and one of the most enduring, for the game was entertaining card players as far back as the seventeenth century. It evolved from an earlier English game called "Noddy," and the man credited with inventing it is Sir John Suckling, a wealthy English poet. Cribbage affords players both the anticipation of the luck of the deal as well as ample opportunity to exercise their skills in discarding and play" |
| Cribbage Rules (old) | "This page explains the old version of Cribbage known as 5 card cribbage." |
| Six-Card Cribbage | "Six Card Cribbage is basically a game for two players, but adapts easily for three players, and for four players in fixed partnerships - a very useful feature. It is now the standard form of Cribbage and widely played in English speaking parts of the world. " |
| Euchre | "The Euchre deck is a twenty-four card deck consisting of a 9, 10, J, Q, K, and A of each of the four suits. " |
| Euchre | Rules for the basic game and many variations |
| Golf | "May be played with two and as many more as practical.Two regular decks, with two jokers or more, each deck.(at least 108 cards.) You may want to use an extra deck with more players. " |
| Push | "Push is for four players, two against two in fixed partnerships; as usual, partners sit facing each other. Two standard packs of cards are used, including 4 jokers, making 108 cards in all. The jokers and twos are wild cards." |
| Queens | "May be played with two and as many as six, but with four or six, you can play partners, (two and two or three and three). Cards: Two regular decks, with two jokers each deck.(108 cards), You may want to use an extra deck with six players. " |
| Baccarat | Baccarat is the game often seen in movies when swanky Europeans, like James Bond are playing in a posh casino like Monte Carlo. But it is found in many casinos in the United States and all over the world. It is one of the simplest games to play. All you do is decide if you want to bet on Banker or Player and how much you want to bet. |
| Egyptian Ratscrew | Egyptian Ratscrew is an unusual, extremely fast-paced game vaguely reminiscent of slapjack, spit, speed, stress, nurse, etc. for two or more players. It can get pretty hot. Anyone can play, but to be good requires quick thinking, fast reflexes, and tough hands. |
Use Link to go directly to the Web site. In cases where there are many activities in a category the link will take you to a supplemental Slightly Creaky page.
| The Rules of Chess | "Chess is a game, played by two players. One player plays with the white pieces, and the other player plays with the black pieces. Each player has sixteen pieces in the beginning of the game: one king, one queen, two rooks, two bishops, two knights, and eight pawns." |
| Let's Play Chess | US Chess Federation. "Chess is a game for two players, one with the "White" pieces and one with the "Black" pieces. At the beginning of the game, the pieces are set up as pictured at right. (See diagrams below to identify pieces.) These hints will help you to remember the proper board setup:" |
| How to play checkers | "Checkers is a game so easy that even a child can play it, yet so fascinating that both American and international tournaments exist. Sporting a few simple rules and an endless variety of strategies, Checkers lives up to the old saying, "takes minutes to learn, but a lifetime to master!" |
| Backgammon Rules | "Backgammon is a game for two players, played on a board consisting of twenty-four narrow triangles called points. The triangles alternate in color and are grouped into four quadrants of six triangles each. The quadrants are referred to as a player's home board and outer board, and the opponent's home board and outer board. The home and outer boards are separated from each other by a ridge down the center of the board called the bar." |
| Gammoned.com | "Backgammon is an exciting game , which blends luck and skill together. A wonderful game, which has been played for many centuries and will be played for many more years all around the world. So how do you play backgammon? What are the basic needs of Backgammon game? And what are the main rules of this great game? Read on to learn about backgammon rules and the game secrets and basic moves. In addition, if you are unsure of any of the terms used here on this page check out the Backgammon Dictionary that explains everything." |
| Mexican Train Dominoes | "Mexican Train is a domino game, played mainly in the USA. and Canada It is best played with four or more players. A double twelve set of dominoes is used. This contains all possible pairs of numbers from 0 (blank) to 12, giving 91 pieces in all. In addition some markers: one penny or poker ship for each player and one special marker, nickel or a different colored poker chip for the "Mexican Train"." |
| Domino Games | More than a dozen types of dominoes including Mexican Train and Chickenfoot. |
| Free Dominoes Online | Two versions. |
| Domino Rules | " Dominoes or variants of it are played in almost all countries of the world but it is most popular in Latin America. " |
| Domino Euchre | "You can play domino Euchre as two or three individuals, but the game is by far best as a four-player partnership game. Use a standard 6-6 set of dominoes. " |
| "You Blew It" Dice | "This is a dice game, played with six dice and just about any amount of players, depending on how slow or fast you wish to play." |
| Farkle Dice | "When a player’s accumulated score is 10,000 or more, each player has one last turn to beat that total. The player with the highest score wins." |
| Mahjong Rules | "The purpose of the game is to be the first to complete a hand. A completed hand consists of four sets of three (or four) tiles in a suit plus an identical pair of any suit. " |
| Mah Jong Rules Traditional Chinese Style | "The object is to collect a set of fourteen tiles grouped into four melds of three tiles each and a matched pair. The melds can be either three identical tiles, known as a Pung, or a straight of three tiles of one suit marked with consecutive numbers, known as a Chow." |
| The Rules of Mah Jong (Chinese & British versions) | "Like many other traditional games, there are a wide variety of forms and rules of Mah Jong which makes things somewhat difficult for anyone trying to find the definitive set of rules. The first rules given here are based on the original Chinese game which is the simplest and probably the most skillful form. Also given are additional rules for the British game. This version differs slightly to the typical Chinese game because only one chow is allowed per hand and the Chinese game has fewer "special hands". Some will find the British game more interesting than the Chinese game but the Chinese game is more elegant and traditional." |
| Board Game Central | " This site is a central resource for board game information, rules, software, and links, focused on the traditional and family board games that many people know and love, as well as new games you might not yet be familiar with, but which we think you'll enjoy." |
| Wikipedia's Board Games | "A board game is a game played with counters or pieces that are placed on, removed from, or moved across a "board" (a premarked surface, usually specific to that game). Simple board games often make ideal "family entertainment" since they are often appropriate for all ages. Some board games, such as chess, go/weiqi, xiangqi, shogi, or oware, have intense strategic value and have been classics for centuries." |
Use Link to go directly to the Web site. In cases where there are many activities in a category the link will take you to a supplemental Slightly Creaky page.
| eHam (HamRadio) | Just about everything you need to know to get started or to get information about ham radio. |
| Ham Radio Resource Guide | Resources and supplies. |
| List of Q-Codes | "The Q-code was originally instituted at the Radiotelegraph Convention held in London, 1912. The Q-codes then grew over the years and decades." |
| International Amateur Radio Union | "Amateur Radio must organize nationally and internationally for better mutual use of the radio spectrum among radio amateurs throughout the world, to develop Amateur Radio worldwide, and to successfully interact with the agencies responsible for regulating and allocating radio frequencies. The American Radio Relay League is an example of this organization on a national scale." |
| Hello Radio | "There's challenges - testing for the license, contests, and awards. There's fun - events, clubs, and friends in all parts of the world. There's satisfaction - communications for public events, emergency communications for disasters and delivering a radiogram that says "Happy Mother's Day." There's life-long learning - new equipment, new kinds of radio transmissions, geography, and electronics. There's your unique name - your amateur radio call sign. There's something for everyone. " |
| Amateur Radio News | "Today ARRL, with approximately 152,000 members, is the largest organization of radio amateurs in the United States. The ARRL is a not-for-profit organization that:
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| Scanning USA | Magazine for scanner hobbyists. |
| Scanner Way | Informational links for those who use scanning radios. |
| REACT | "We will provide public service communications to individuals, organizations, and government agencies to save lives, prevent injuries, and give assistance wherever and whenever needed. We will strive to establish a monitoring network of trained volunteer citizen-based communicators using any and all available means to deliver the message." |
| CB Radio "Ten Codes" | "10-18 = Anything for us?" "Ten Codes are abbreviations of common questions and answers used on all types of radio. Profession CB'ers use Ten Codes to send their message quickly and easily. Additionally, Ten Codes can be readily understood by stations which may be receiving you poorly or when a language barrier is present. Learning Ten Codes is most often done by their use. Copy this list of some of the most common Ten Codes and keep them near your radio." |
| Australian Association Of Citizens And Band Radio Operators | "ACBRO is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of unity among citizens using Australia's airwaves." |
| Electronic Tutorials | "Extremely comprehensive with over 120 individual electronics tutorials topics covering a very wide range of electronics." |
| FCC & FAA Exam Practice | "This site is designed to allow you practice for the following FCC Radio and FAA Aviation licensing exams." |
History
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History
| The History of the Universe | It's as good a place as any to begin... A brief history with significant links. "We are not sure how or why the Universe began. Soon afterwards there was a big bang which released radiation, particles and clouds of atoms...." |
| History of the English Language | From prehistory to modern lingo, how the English language evolved. |
| A Walk Through Time | The history of clocks |
| Ancestory.com | "Already familiar with historical records? Simply enter what you know about one of your ancestors and we'll search billions of historical records for more information. Even a guess can help." |
| MyHeritage | "MyHeritage.com was founded by a team of people with a passion for genealogy and a strong grasp of Internet technology. Our vision has been to make it easier for people around the world to use the power of the Internet to discover their heritage and strengthen their bonds with family and friends. " |
| The Genealogy Home Page | Genealogy help, list, links, and information. |
| Family Search | "We have designed our site to give everyone, from beginner to expert, the training and tools they need to do family history research. To begin, just click one of the tabs (Home, Search, Share, or Library) across the top of the screen to go to corresponding sections. " |
| Access Genealogy | A collection of records to make tracing ancestors easier. |
| Beginning Genealogy | In outline form, a starters guide to tracing family history. |
| History of First Names | Almost everything you need to know about "given names" including those from many different languages. Traces names through history and from one language to another. |
| Free Dictionary of Surname Origins & Last Name Meanings |
"What does my last name mean? If you have ever wondered about the meaning of your last name, where your family lived, what they did, or how they looked, you may find your surname may answer some of these questions about your ancestors from many hundreds of years ago. " |
| UK BMD | "Since 1837 all births, marriages and deaths in England and Wales have had to be registered at the register office in the district where the event took place. In Scotland such registration became compulsory for all in 1855 and for Ireland it was 1864 for births & deaths and 1845 for marriages. Genealogists and Family Historians can make use of these registrations to help create their family tree, working backwards from the present day to the start of civil registration." |
| FamilyHistory.com | Access information about your family by last name, state, US census records, or through birth, marriage, and death records. |
| African American Family History Resources |
"We believe that every person is important and that families are meant to be both sacred and eternal. We encourage all people to find their ancestors and preserve their family histories. " |
| Genealogy Reference Desk | (As of February, 2008) - 89 Internet resources for genealogical study. |
| Free Genealogy Forms and Charts | Toolkits, charts, forms, and "trees" all free for downloading. |
| Ten Basic Steps to Researching Your Family Tree | "It has been said that one should study the past in order to understand the present and anticipate the future. Serious genealogical research takes time, patience, and persistence. No one ever said that genealogy would be easy but it can be enjoyable and rewarding. You may discover more about where your ancestors came from, what adventures they may have had as pioneers, what businesses or trades they may have been involved in - many more interesting things about them and, at the same time, learn more about history. " |
| Why Do People Collect Old Magazines? | "People collect old back issue magazines for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons old magazines are collected are for their value over time. Special events, significant historical features, fashion and art during a specific time period. Articles that were written by friends and loved ones, old recipes, vintage ads, and many other reasons including gift giving for special occasions." |
| Old Catalogs | "Sears figured out a way to reach the many rural Americans by offering them a mail order catalog. It was in this book that all members of the household could find those hard to find items that had to be forgone in the past. This changed the life of many Americans. " |
| Collecting Old Yearbooks | " Fascination with one's own past is easy to understand, and a yearbook is a testament to all the hard work we did at school, friendships won and lost, dreams still to be realized. But why would anyone want to collect yearbooks - other people's old yearbooks? Perhaps the greatest motivation is the cult of celebrity that's rampant though our culture. " |
Magic
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Magic
| Card Trick Central | "The #1 Site for Card Tricks on the Internet" |
| Conjuror Magic Archives | "The 22 pages of The Discoveries that deal with the practice of legerdemain, in the original Elizabethan english and formatting." |
| Psychic Stunts | A free educational site, featuring: online ESP and PK tests, psychic magic and mentalism, paranormal demonstrations, other oddities and games. It is meant to be a little bit of fun. |
| LearningMagic | "Learning magic tricks is something that many people would like to do, but they often don't know where to begin. Well, if you would like to learn magic, this is just the website for you!" |
| Cool Card Tricks | 20 easy to learn magic card tricks |
| Card Trick Type Index | "The #1 Site for Card Tricks on the Internet" |
| Professional Magic Secrets | " If you came here to learn the magic secrets of tricks and illusions, then try a different site. You will find only information and help on how to learn to do great magic tricks. The first secret of magic is for you to get a professional attitude. " |
| Eye Magic | "There are many tricks that can be played on the eye without having the need of a conjurer! Try these out for yourself, read the physical explanation, then try them out on your friends! " |
Use Link to go directly to the Web site. In cases where there are many activities in a category the link will take you to a supplemental Slightly Creaky page.
Photography
| American Museum of Photography | Celebrating 100 Years of Color Photography 1907--2007 |
| Photography Tips | From Kodak. Tips, projects, and general photographic information. |
| Photography Tips.com | "PhotographyTips.com is for everyone with an interest in photography. It is intended to help beginners get started in photography, and become so good at it that they turn into advanced amateurs. But, accomplished photographers will also find useful tips and hints here. Our primary objective is to help people like you to take better photographs." |
| Collect Vintage, Classic, Antique Cameras | A detailed listing of valuable Internet links |
| North Star Classic Camera Collection | "We have been collecting Cameras for quite some time. Our Camera's range from Box Camera's to SLR of the 1970's. Click on the Links below to view some of our cameras and a description of them. Most of our cameras are in full working order. About a Third came to us inoperable and I was able to restore them. A couple of them don't operate because a major part is broken and a replacement can not be found." |
| Collecting and Fixing Old Cameras | "Anyone who collects cameras knows how they seem to accumulate faster that rabbits reproduce. Before you know it, you have cameras stuck in every little nook and cranny you can find. I don't just like to collect older mechanical cameras. I also enjoy shooting pictures with them. After all, that's what cameras are for -- to take pictures. Although collecting is interesting in itself, and you can learn a lot about the history of photography just by collecting, I think you get a better appreciation of the development of cameras and photography by actually taking pictures with the older cameras." |
| Camera History Links | Collecting, history, societies |
| Camera Collecting Webring | "Sizes, shapes, makes, and ages. You can join free -- all you need is a camera collection." |
| Collecting Antique Photographs | "It is often difficult to understand why someone would give away, or sell, their family photographs, and at times, harder yet to understand why someone else would buy old photos of people they never knew. The people who collect nineteenth century photographs are as diverse as the images themselves. “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure” is an adage that surfaces in all fields of collectibles, and antique photography is not immune." |
| Old Photograph Collecting | "Collecting old photographs is rapidly becoming a popular pastime. It is a fascinating hobby that can be pursued at relatively low cost. Many quite old photographs can be obtained a little cost. " |
| Collectors and Friends of the Magic Lantern | A listing that just lists collectors in The Netherlands |
Use Link to go directly to the Web site. In cases where there are many activities in a category the link will take you to a supplemental Slightly Creaky page.
Other Hobbies & Activities
Indoors
Quick Link: Model Railroading
| Games Directory | "We specialize in the traditional and contemporary playground and group games. No matter what the situation or occasion you'll probably find a game or two to suit. Lots of the games listed here are 'stock' or basic games and lend themselves well to variation and adaptation to make them suitable for the situation (e.g. number, age and mix of children or youth). All games have some educational value, but any game particularly of note or been designed to specifically demonstrate something have been labeled as (Educational) and can also be found in the Educational Games section. " |
| Bingo Rules | Huge site for Bingo fans. "Bingo is played in halls. Bingo rules and payouts and play variations vary from place to place. Bingo brochures detailing particular games, rules and payouts are usually available at each respective location" |
| Easy Pool Tutor | "The only website that freely offers comprehensive information about learning and playing pocket billiards. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced pool player, you can find plenty of good instructional articles here. Lessons are broken down into different topics from basic lessons (Aiming, Basic Shot Making, Advanced Shot Making, Basic Fundamentals) to more advanced topics " |
| Tennis Table Rules | In PDA format. |
| Most Complete Collection Of Dart Games On The Web | "Here you'll find useful darting information for everyone from people thinking about taking up darts right through to experts! My main attraction, of course, are rules to more dart games than you'll find anywhere else. All of them are unique, not just variations on the same old games. Some were discovered on my travels around the world, some in local bars, some in books, and a few on the web but you'll never find a bigger collection anywhere else! " |
| National Model Railroad Association | "The NMRA has developed the "Introduction To Model Railroading" to introduce people to model railroading. Our goal is to help those who are interested in building a model railroad but who have never done it before or to assist those who may have a simple track plan and now want to learn more." |
| World's Greatest Hobby | "Initiated in 2001, the World's Greatest Hobby is an advertising and public relations effort to promote the hobby of model railroading. With the primary goal of building awareness about the hobby, the campaign educates the public about the joys of model railroading." |
| RAIL modeling | "Everything about model railroading. The information hub for the collectors & operators of model trains. Model railroaders will find this site useful for locating hobby shops/dealers, products, & train shows. Our modeling resource section offers lots of articles, tips & tricks on layout design. You can also place a classified ad for free related to model railroad product & services. Whether you are building a small table-top layout or a large scale layout in your backyard, we have everything here that is needed to build your layout." |
| Quoits | "Quoits can be played with two people, four people, or, if you want to practice, individually. Below is a list of all of the standard rules." |
Other Activities Outdoors
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Other Hobbies & Activities
Outdoors
| Bocce | "Bocce originated in Italy and is one of the oldest of all lawn bowling games. It is now gaining popularity in the United States and Canada since it can be played by people of all ages and on a great variety of surfaces. Bocce is played between two players or two teams of up to four players on a team. It is played with 8 large balls, 4 of one color, 4 of another color and one small target ball called the Jack." |
| Kites | From NASA. "Kites have been around for thousands of years and they are a part of many different cultures around the world. There is a lot of information available on the web concerning the history of kites, so we will not duplicate that information here." |
| Let's Go Fly a Kite! | "If you are looking for basic information on how to get your kite off the ground, you've come to the right place! " |
| Make Your Own Kite | "Have ever wanted to build a kite? Well, here is a simple kite you can make your self!' |
| Horseshoes | "If you are interested in learning the horseshoe rules for playing in a tournament, or even in your own backyard, you have come to the right place. Here is a video clip of people playing horseshoes in their backyard. A picture is worth a thousands words, a video is worth a million." |
| Croquet Rules & Regulations | "There are a number of variations of the game including competitive and social forms. The more competitive variations are those for the North American Rules as developed by the U.S. Croquet Association and adopted by Croquet Canada and the International Association rules as adopted by Croquet Canada, which vary significantly in many aspects while using the same croquet equipment and court set up." |
| The Rules of Shuffleboard | "The old English game of Shovelboard used to be played by the English upper classes on long tables residing in country houses. Shovelboard is no longer played but the derivative game of Sjoelbak is popular in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany while a second descendant called Shuffleboard is popular in North America. An outdoor and an indoor version of Shuffleboard exist and both rules are given together with the ancestor of both of these - Deck Shuffleboard. " |
| Rounders | "Rounders is the sixteenth century British version of a bat and ball game that dates back to "the dawn of time". In theory, it is a descendant of the bat and ball games played by our "cavemen" ancestors. This theory is a result of the observation that there is no culture in the world that does not have some form of a bat and ball game." |
| Getting Started With Radio Controlled Vehicles | Cars, planes, boats... "You'll learn how easy it is to get started in RC." |
| Radio Control Modeling | A Commercial site with much information. "Radio Control (R/C) is piloting your own Air Force, commanding your own fleet, or 4-wheeling in your own monster truck! It's being totally in control of a fully functional scale model that is just waiting for your next command! If you're interested in mechanical or electronic devices, you'll be fascinated with the advanced components and design of these models — not like the R/C toys you see in department stores. These are life-like, "to scale" models with high-quality, mechanical working parts. Whether you want a relaxing afternoon getting away from it all or a hot race, there is an R/C land, sea, or air model for you." |
| RC Web Directory | "The Ultimate Guide to Radio-Control Modeling on the Web." |
| Radio Controlled and Remote Controlled Toys | From About.com. "From blinking lights to racing on tabletops and performing stunts, this class of RC entertains and fascinates youngsters and beginners of all ages. Find toy-grade RCs from Tyco, Nikko, and other prolific toy manufacturers. Look for toddler toys and RC cars, trucks, planes, helicopters, and boats for big boys and girls. Explore the world of radio controlled and remote controlled toy vehicles." |
Education & Self-Improvement
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Education & Self-Improvement
| Elderhostel | "Discover more than 8,000 learning adventures in all 50 states and more than 90 countries abroad. Elderhostel offers in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning experiences for almost every interest and ability. History, culture, nature, music, outdoor activities such as walking and biking, individual skills, crafts, study cruises: Enjoy these and many more with the not-for-profit leader in educational travel." |
| Peace Corps | "Older Americans contribute tremendously to Peace Corps programs all over the globe. No single group has more to offer in terms of experience, maturity, and demonstrated ability." |
| Senior Corps | " Americans over 55 have a lifetime of experience to share, and the desire to make a real difference in their world. They’ve managed households, been business owners and nurses, farmers and salespeople, artists and executives. Now they are ready to put their unique talents and expertise to work in their communities, and enrich their own lives in the process .Senior Corps connects today’s over 55s with the people and organizations that need them most. We help them become mentors, coaches or companions to people in need, or contribute their job skills and expertise to community projects and organizations. Conceived during John F. Kennedy's presidency, Senior Corps currently links more than 500,000 Americans to service opportunities. Their contributions of skills, knowledge, and experience make a real difference to individuals, nonprofits, and faith-based and other community organizations throughout the United States. " |
| Senior Service America | "SCSEP participants are paid minimum wage while they gain marketable job skills working part-time in non-profit and public organizations, including senior centers, schools, and libraries. The program provides a win-win for participants and their communities: Participants help community organizations extend their reach and capabilities, while developing their own job skills, self-confidence, and a restored sense of self-worth." |
| Smithsonian Institution | "Welcome to the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex and research organization composed of 19 museums and 9 research centers. Visit the Smithsonian in person or online and you will see why it represents for so many the treasured icons of our past, the vibrant art of the present, and the scientific promise of the future." |
| Self Growth | "Our company’s mission is to provide informative, quality Self Improvement and Natural Health information to help people improve their lives. We provide information ranging from Goal Setting and Stress Management to Natural Health and Alternative Medicine." |
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