Whilst football and ice hockey might have their crazy moments, they are massively popular, mainstream sports that are loved by millions.

If you’re wanting something a little different, you don’t have to stray too far and the following information details seven of the strangest and most unusual sports from around the world.

1. Chess Boxing

A sport which does exactly as it says on the tin, two participants take to a boxing ring and compete in a standard boxing fight until the round is over.

Once the bell sounds for the end of the round, both fighters exit the ring to participate in a game of chess until the next round begins.

A winner is declared if an opponent is knocked out or check mate is declared in the round breaks.

2. Extreme Ironing

Once the desired number of entrants has been reached, which can vary around the world, the entrants are taken to a somewhat daring location and are given the same number of clothing items to iron, with a winner is declared once an individual completes their stack of clothing.

3. World Nettle Eating Championship

Contestants from around the world gather to participate in this strange stomach turning event, with all participants are placed at tables and giving an exact weight of nettles to consume.

Simple and straightforward, a winner is declared when a participant has devoured the required amount of nettles.

4. Rock-Paper-Scissors

No longer just a game played amongst children, there is now an official World Championship which is held every year.

Hundreds of contestants gather together to play for the coveted Rock-Paper-Scissors crown and a respectable (for the competition) sum of money.

5.  World Boomerang Throwing

Originally started by the Australians in 1988, the sport has rocketed in popularity over the last two decades and is now held annual in different locations around the world.

Contestants are awarded points for the accuracy of their throw, as well as distance and in certain circumstances, the time it takes for the Boomerang returns.

6. Octopush

Also known as underwater hockey, two teams are assembled, each with six players and – wearing snorkels – aim to effectively play an underwater game of hockey, albeit with a heavier puck that doesn’t float.

Unheard of in many countries, Octopush is a particularly popular sport in some parts of the world and it’s oddness mixed with its similarities to regular hockey are said to be responsible for its popularity.

7. Shin Kicking

Although many people are unaware of this sport, it’s in fact a particularly popular event in southern England, featuring in the annual Cotswold Olimpicks and with roots in numerous ancient sports.

Somewhat painfully, the aim of the game is to kick your opponent as hard as you can in the shins, causing them to fall to the floor. Each time this happens, you are awarded a point and the contest – which is held over three rounds – sees the person with the most points gained throughout the bout being declared the winner.

No matter which county you may live in there are laws or the road which must be taken seriously.

Most of the time, these laws are perfectly normal but on the odd occasion certain laws come to light which leave people asking the question “really?” .

1. Night time snacks

In Arkansas, it is illegal to use your horn in an area where cold drinks and sandwiches are sold after 9pm, whilst in Boomfield, Connecticut, it’s simply against the law to eat in your car.

2. Getting rid of bodily fluids

In Dublin, Georgia, it is illegal to spit out of the window from a car or a bus – if you’re driving a truck, though, feel free to.

3. Turn up the music! (or not)

If you’re a taxi driver in Finland, remember not to play music in your cab if you have a passenger present, otherwise you’ll have to pay royalty fees to the Finnish copyright society.

4. Do you drive on the left or right? Or both?

One of the weirdest rules of the road is in Bangkok, as when you’re driving down a one way road, you have make sure that you’re driving in the right direction.

Seems easy, right?

Not when the direction of the road changes at certain hours of the day!

5. I did not have sexual relations with that motor vehicle

Truthfully, no-one actually knows the full, in-depth description on the following law, so just be sure not to molest a car if you’re a resident of Clinton, Okla.

6. There’s a spot! Oh, wait…

In Japan, it is illegal to park at the side of the road almost everywhere.

7. ‘Ello, ‘ello, ‘ello

In France, it is illegal to take a picture of a policeman or a police car, even if either one is just slightly visible in the background.

8. Emmeline Pankhurst will be turning in her grave

Think women have equal rights?  Think again, as in Saudi Arabia, women aren’t allowed to drive a car.

9. Dressing up for driving

And just to make sure there’s a little decorum added to the car driving process, in Thailand, all drivers must wear a shirt when in control of a vehicle.

For the most part, the cars that have been manufactured throughout history have looked just fine and worked just as they should.  They may not have been the most aesthetically pleasing of cars and they may not have functioned properly 100% of the time, but generally speaking, they’ve been suited to the era that they were built in and they were generally reliable.

There have been some cars, however, that have been nothing short of ugly and in terms of functionality, disastrous and the following five cars fit into one – or both – of these categories.

1.  Reliant Robin

A small, three wheeled car (which was one of the car’s only plusses, as it made it ineligible for car tax), the Robin first entered the UK market in 1973.

Boasting a four speed gearbox, it was considered by many to be a death trap due to its poor handling and difficulty – or danger – of turning corners in anything other than first gear.

Plus, make any sharp movements in it and you’d find yourself with a paint repair bill – for the side panels and roof.

2.  Fiat Multipla

Manufactured by Italian car giants Fiat and released initially in Italy in 1998, the saw respectable sales in its home country.

As soon as it became available in other countries, however, sales and positive reviews weren’t as good.

This wasn’t because the car didn’t have a sufficient amount of features or that it was poorly built, but it was more often than not simply because it is arguably one of the ugliest cars ever to be built.

Sporting what can only be described as a ‘roll of fat’ under the windscreen, after several years of attempting to sell the car, Fiat decided to revamp the design in 2004 to remove this detrimental design factor.

3.  Smart ForTwo

One of the first micro cars to be built and dominate the market in recent years, made for European city driving, with its length measuring a mere 250cm,  it’s hard to understand how one occupant is meant to fit in, never mind a passenger.

Whilst the small design is practical in some respects, it’s tiny engine – which ranges between a 0.6 litre and 0.8 litre – makes it almost impossible to travel for any long distances at a speed above 30 miles per hour without the car sounding like it’s going to blow.

In several countries around the world, the Fortwo is not only annoying to other motorists but the authorities as well, with some making it illegal to do what’s only possible in a ForTwo – parking sideways in a standard parking bay.

4.  Subaru Baja

The Baja was manufactured between 2003 and 2006 and was designed to look like a car / truck combination, but the whole concept never really took off, largely because it was capable of holding a fraction of a standard pickup truck.

The aesthetics of the Baja were not particularly pretty, with many enthusiasts claiming it resembled the more popular – if not still slightly ugly – Ipreza, fused with a mini truck.

Although available in both automatic and manual transmissions and with the same 2.4 litre engine in both, sales were expected to be 24,000 a year, but after just 30,000 were sold in four years, the car was deemed a flop and took out of production.

5.  Cadillac Cimarron

A household name and a brand that have been producing much loved cars for decades, it’s surprising that when you look at the Cimarron that was produced for six years until 1988, it’s hard to believe that the dent in the brand’s image that the Cimarron created wasn’t bigger.

Straying away from traditional Cadillac styling, the Cimarron looks very much like a child’s perception of a car – and this lack of Cadillac styling, whether surprisingly or not, is said to have been what put people off.

With only 132,499 being produced – and just a tiny 6,454 being manufactured in the last year – Cadillac achieved their goal of selling cars to non-Cadillac drivers, but this is about the extent of the achievements related to the Cimarron.

World’s Worst Airports

What is the biggest frustration when it comes to traveling? “Everything was wonderful, except the delays, extra airline fees, and the airport!”

You’ve heard those sentiments from travelers, and likely spoken the very words yourself. To truly enjoy your travel, it’s best to be informed, prepared, and well-equipped.

There are things you can do to increase you rate for success. Know which amenities are available at the airports you will be arriving and departing from. Pack a nutritious snack in your carryon.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. And bring something for entertainment; a deck of cards, iPod, laptop, or a good book. If you can, avoid troublesome airports. This list of World’s Worst Airports is based on the lack of service, safety, comfort, and/or cleanliness.

Runners Up

One Place you WON’T Mind Getting Stranded

Share your travel horror story below.

By: Terra L. Fletcher, Fletcher Freelance

If you are planning to get married shortly, are 200% sure of your love, and are ready to overcome hardships together with your partner, this post is for you. We’re going to show you 13 of the most extreme and romantic places to get married! What makes them even more attractive is the fact that most likely your relatives won’t even want to join you on your special occasion. Besides, the cool and unforgettable honeymoon is guaranteed — well, of course if you manage to survive.

1. Inside a cage on a shark reef

Photo by StJenna

Photo by g-na

Photo by WIlly Volk

2. Jumping with a parachute

Photo by alwaysmnky


Photo by Luke Miles

Photo by soundingblue

3. On the top of some high mountain

Photo by Dean_In_SF

Photo by Mendhak [민다ᄏ]

Photo by Stuck in Customs

Photo by alles-schlumpf

4. At the South Pole

Photo by Beverly & Pack

Photo by sandwichgirl

Photo by Eye 4 It

5. Deep in a cave under the ground

Photo by Stuck in Customs

Photo by Erik K Veland

Photo by elmas156

6. In outer space

Photo by feastoffun.com

Photo by Stefan Söderström

Photo by Ha-Wee

7. Floating on a rough river

Photo by Zevotron

Photo by Charlie Brewer

Photo by QuiteLucid

8. In a jungle

Photo by www.bluewaikiki.com

Photo by mckaysavage

Photo by Grizzly Anderson

9. In a military submarine

Photo by MATEUS_27:24&25

Photo by Analog Weapon

Photo by akabilk

10. In the middle of the desert

Photo by CairoCarol

Photo by Hussain Isa

Photo by John-Morgan

11. In a labyrinth

Photo by vgm8383

Photo by greekadman

Photo by Howard▼Gees

12. On an alligator farm

Photo by DeusXFlorida

Photo by DeusXFlorida

Photo by DeusXFlorida

13. At a long-awaited premiere of a film

Photo by TheeErin

Photo by christopherharte

Photo by David.R.Carroll

Browse these wedding categories.

You might also enjoy In the Mood for Love.

Credit: skeggy (via Flickr)

Politicians do some downright stupid things. Sure, we all do. But these are the people who draft our laws — the ones who decide how the rest of us should live and behave. Maybe you consider wars you disagree with to be “stupid” decisions. Perhaps it’s the latest report of infidelity from politicians that’s getting under your skin. But today let’s have some fun and look at the lighter side of government gaffs by exploring some incredibly stupid laws that may still be on the books.

Please note that I am not saying all of these dumb laws are still in effect (or even were). But they’re examples reported for various states in the U.S. and some international laws as well. Maybe they’ll make more sense to you than to me. Or perhaps you’ll also find them good for a laugh.

1. In Pennsylvania it’s illegal to have more than 16 women live in the same house — doing so makes it a brothel.

I wanted to kick things off with an example of a dumb law from my own home state. I’m not sure if the specifics reported are right, or if it’s still the case (as opposed to an old law). But I do remember the topic coming up periodically when I was in college. It was a concern for sororities where groups of “sisters” would share a sorority house.

[source]

2. In Sweden it’s claimed that it’s illegal to paint a house without a painting license from the government.

Well, if that’s the case I’m glad I don’t live in Sweden. I just painted my place this spring, and am planning to do some more paint touch-ups soon. While this sounds like a pretty stupid law, I could maybe understand it if it’s outdated and became law out of concerns over lead-based paint or something.

[source]

3. It’s reported that in San Antonio, Texas it’s illegal to use your eyes or hands while flirting.

Why not just ban flirting altogether? Outdated, still on the books — I don’t know. But this is one where I can’t even begin to understand the logic if it’s true… not even in a historical context. You?

[source]

Credit: love♡janine (via Flickr)

4. Don’t send the kiddies trick-or-treating on Halloween in Virginia.

It’s reported that doing so is illegal. Again, I’m not sure if this is legit or current. But the idea doesn’t really surprise me. I know where I live Halloween trick-or-treating is very different than it was when I was a kid. They’ve put strict limits on the time kids can go out, and I seem to remember them deciding trick-or-treating should be a different day at some point — maybe if Halloween was on a school night. So no, if this is true, it wouldn’t really surprise me. Just for curiosity’s sake, have you seen changes in trick-or-treating since you were a kid too? Or do I just live in a dud of a town?

[source]

5. In Singapore, oral sex is illegal (unless it leads to the real deal).

Let’s be honest here. Sex laws can sometimes be the funniest. It’s usually a case of them being outdated, based in times when public opinion was quite different. And when it comes to international sex laws, I’m pretty “forgiving,” because I certainly don’t understand every culture out there. What sounds crazy to me might be perfectly normal there. But this one? I really hope it’s just a joke or at least off the books now. Oral sex is illegal, unless you use it as foreplay. Why do I suspect only a man could come up with that idea?

[source]

6. While we’re talking about Singapore, tourists take note: it’s also illegal to pee in an elevator.

Because apparently we need a reminder….

[source]

7. Way to go Fairbanks, Alaska! (They cleaned up filthy moose sex on city streets!)

Credit: gainesp2003 (via Flickr)

This is one of those reported laws that’s so incredibly stupid I can’t help but hope it’s true (because that makes it all the funnier). As if animals give a moose’s behind what our laws say. If it works, maybe my local officials can write a law that would stop those damned birds from crapping on my car.

[source]

8. In Canada, it’s reported that it’s illegal for clear and non-dark sodas to be caffeinated.

Ironically, just this morning I was talking to someone about caffeinated beverages (yes, my life is so relevant to my work!). I never actually knew that Mountain Dew had caffeine (haven’t had it in years either). It was pointed out to me that it’s indeed one of the most caffeinated sodas here in the U.S. So when I saw this stupid law I immediately thought of Mountain Dew. And I just had to look it up — is Canadian Mountain Dew different from “real” Mountain Dew? And it seems that it is (or at least was)! I don’t understand why the law was created in the first place, but I found it to be one of the most interesting. Yes. I find soft drinks fascinating. Shut up.

[source]

9. In Washington State, it’s illegal to use x-ray machines to find the perfect shoe fit.

The hilarity of this dumb law is in its specificity. Sometimes when you read about stupid laws, they’re actually just taking general laws and twisting them to sound silly (like a ban on large animals such as big dogs on a beach being twisted to say you can’t take a polar bear to the beach). But this one isn’t one of those. The law specifically mentions shoe fittings, and you can see the actual text of the law in the source for this one. I could completely understand a law banning any non-medical use of x-ray equipment because of the radiation involved. But to specifically call out shoe fittings? What were they thinking? I just can’t imagine so many people in Washington State trying to do this that they felt it necessary to make it illegal.

[source]

10. In New Jersey, it’s illegal for a murderer to wear a bullet-proof vest while committing that crime.

Well, I guess if you can’t get him on the other charges….

[source]

Remember to take these dumb laws with a grain of salt. They’re meant for amusement more than anything. Do you know more about any of these reported stupid laws? Do you have a favorite silly law that’s still on the books where you live? Leave a comment and tell us about it!

 ~ Obama Results ~

 The new face of the nation.

 Obama Rushmore

  When you dream, dream big.

Photo By: Roberto

Obama and Lincoln cupcake art installation by Zilly Rosen at Smithsonian American Art Museum

  The best of all possible worlds: Obama, Lincoln, and yummy cupcakes!

Photo by Rachel from Cupcakes Take the Cake's photostream

 Super Obama

 It’s a bird! No, it’s a plane! No, it’s Obama Man!

  

Photo By: SFBNess

 I (heart) Obama

 You probably don’t want the president on your, uh,  backside.

Photo By: Craynol

 Real Obama – by Latuff

 Does this man want to get his claws into your pocketbook? 

Photo By: Mohammad A

 Although few of these pieces will go with what’s in your living room, but whether you love him or hate him, Barack Obama — and Obama’s image — will be a part of your life for a while.