General Interest Articles, Photos and Submissions - Articles and Photographs

Cultivating Flowers in the Garden - Useful Information
Outdoor plants and flowers can be divided into four groups: Hardy Perennials which live for a good many years and include those suitable for the herbaceous border, Biennials which are usually grown from seed one year and flower the next, Annuals are plants and flowers that grow from seed, flower, set seed and die all in the same year, and Flowering Shrubs and Trees that seem more permanent than Perennials and continue growing and flowering for a great many years. MORE

The Bridge of Sighs, Venice, Italy
The Bridge of Sighs in Venice received its name in the 17th century, because the prisoners who passed through it's two passages inside on their way to the prison cells on the other side would more than likely see the beautiful sight of the lagoon and the island of S.Giorgio and freedom for the last time. MORE

Dr Barnardo and Homeless Children
Dr Thomas John Barnardo (1845-1905) spent his life working to help homeless children in London's East End. The founder of Dr. Barnardo Homes, he helped and rescued thousands of destitute boys and girls by providing shelter and food, and by teaching them to help and support themselves in later life. MORE

About Malta and the Maltese Islands
In Malta, the British legacy lives on in many aspects of daily life and English is an official language of the Maltese Islands. There are still strong mutual trade and tourism links to Britain, and you can still see the old-fashioned British letter boxes and British phone boxes on the islands. MORE

Malta and The British Period in Malta
The British Period is a very significant era in Maltese history. World Wars and Maltese Independence are the most historic dates of the period. The British legacy lives on in many aspects of daily life: English is an official language of the Islands. MORE

Les Invalides in Paris
Until the reign of King Louis XIV there was no specific place or building for housing disabled soldiers from the various French Army campaigns. In 1671 the king decided to create the Hotel des Invalides in Paris to accommodate the disabled and injured French soldiers. MORE

Wild Rabbits and the Rabbit Community
Wild rabbits live as a social community in burrows or underground passages which they excavate with their strong back legs and feet. These underground burrows are called rabbit warrens and have several openings for easy access to the outside world, and a quick means of retreat back inside when threatened or alarmed. MORE

About Rooks (Crows) in The Wild
Rooks, who are often called crows, are large birds with the distinctive habit of living in large, organised communities, and are strong fliers with long pointed wings and a stout bill. The rook society can easily be compared with the pack-life of wild dogs as it depends entirely upon the observance of basic rules of conduct from its members. MORE

About The Blue Grotto in Malta
The Blue Grotto on the southern coast of Malta consists of a number of caves about 8 metres deep in the water and all worn gradually by the sea and weather over thousands of years. The Blue Grotto is a beautiful natural wonder and should be on every tourist and visitor 'must see' list when holidaying or visiting Malta. Local people in Malta know The Blue Grotto as 'The Arch' and some will even tell you of the old legends and tales of old seafarers and the 'sirens' who bewitched them many years ago. MORE

Recent History of Malta and WW2
It is Malta's central, strategic location in the Mediterranean that has made it centre stage in many theatres of war throughout history. Along with the Great Siege of 1565, the second world war is the most documented period of Malta's recent history. MORE

William Tell, Switzerland
William Tell was a huntsman who lived in Uri, Switzerland. He was so skilful with his bow and arrow (crossbow) that he could shoot an apple off a tree 100 yards away. MORE