Swimming is, by far, one of the most popular pastimes in the world. It is also one of the oldest. As an organized activity, swimming dates back to around 2500 BC. Swimming was immensely popular in ancient Egypt, and there are a number of relics from the period which depict the act of swimming in vivid and awe-inspiring detail. In ancient Greece and Rome, swimming was taught to boys as part of their elementary school curriculum. Furthermore, the first known public swimming pools were built in Rome. full story »

Doesn’t the idea of a lovely three day sail in wonderful old boat sound nice? Here are a few things to think about before you sail away.

1. Do check the price. It may be possible to take an actual, fairly luxurious cruise instead of sailing on one of the oldest boats in America. full story »

Stamps may be 39 cents a piece these days, but are you aware that a stamp sold for $935,000 back in 1980?

Of course, that stamp was not the kind of stamp you lick and stick on an envelope. This was a one-cent stamp, circa 1856, from British Guiana—one of the rarest stamps in the world. It is these rare stamps that millions of people collect and then sell to other stamp collectors for what proves to be a happy day for buyers and a lucrative day for sellers. full story »

Millions of people throughout the world take great joy in the hobby of collecting figurines. If you are thinking of starting your own collectible figurine collection, you can purchase your first figurine through various channels, such as buying it online or going to a wholesale figurine market.

Nowadays, figurine collection has become an interesting and fascinating hobby. In fact, with the use of the internet, starting your own figurine collection has become even easier. No matter what type of figurine you are looking for, you will find a wide range of collectible figurines available on the internet, which you can buy from the comfort of your own home and at a reasonable price too. You can also purchase figurines by bidding on online auctions. However, take care not to bid too much on figurines as you would not want your figurine collection to become a financial burden on you. full story »

Coin collecting or numismatics is probably one of the most popular hobbies in the world and also one of the oldest. Many individuals at some point in time have collected coins. If you want to start a coin collection, a lot of research and study should be devoted to the hobby of coin collecting.

Coins have often been regarded as ‘mirrors of history’. Other than the monetary value and worth of antique coins, they also possess historical value. Coins belonging to different ages have different stories to tell of empires and emperors. full story »

The history of the pocket watch is often overlooked in significance because of the many other inventions that were taking place. However, the pocket watch provided us with the first portable clocks giving us the power to know what time it was wherever we were. The pocket watch was a device that was very rich in the 16th century and only the high class could possess.

In the 16th century clocks were produced using springs instead of weights, signifying the transfer from clocks to watches. These old pocket watches were the first timepieces that could be owned by the public. Owning a pocket watch signified the status, wealth and power of an individual. full story »

Anytime an individual decides to learn how to protect themselves, learn self defense, or become a better person, one thing comes to mind - martial arts. Martial arts are very common these days, being practiced all over the world. full story »

1. In 1949, following the Communists’ victory in the civil war between Communists and Nationalists, the Common Program establishes the right of all citizens to education and the responsibility of the state to provide it. In which country did this take place? full story »

It’s a fresh spring morning in Belgrave, a bustling little township nestled within the beautiful and mysterious Dandenong Ranges, just to the east of Melbourne, Australia. full story »

Talented but feared is how would be hopefuls in search of fame feel about entering a show like the X Factor.

Contestants know what to expect and are prepared to listen to comments on their performance, but what do they get an ear bashing of abuse. You can not blame the next Whitney Houston and Marvin Gaye’s holding back from entering the show all because they need to visit weight watchers. full story »