Fireworks over Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong (@ Chan Yat Nin/Corbis)

Fireworks over Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong (@ Chan Yat Nin/Corbis)

comments,

• If this is how folks around here celebrated last year…""Wonder what they\ll do tonight
• Should we be concerned about all these incendiary sparks? Naw…""If any fires break out, there\s plenty of water nearby
• You can cook up your own noisemakers tonight.""All you need are these…
• Should old songs be forgot, particularly those with foreign lyrics and only heard once a year?""(Would it help if we showed you the words?)

Close-up of bumper cars in Stuttgart, Germany (@ Panoramic Images/Getty Images)

Close-up of bumper cars in Stuttgart, Germany (@ Panoramic Images/Getty Images)

comments,

• Step inside and get ready for…""Tussling, tossing, and T-boning
• Buckle up.""We\ll take you on a ride
• If you want to put the pedal to the metal on das autobahn…""Ditch the “bumper” for this town\s high-speed ride
• For an auto town, there\s more parkland here than urban jungle.""And we\re not even counting amusement parks

Hall of State, Dallas, Texas (@ Matt Pasant/Getty Images)

Hall of State, Dallas, Texas (@ Matt Pasant/Getty Images)

comments,

• Even before this republic became the 28th U.S. state…""Folks around here were thinking big
• One of the country\s largest collections of Art Deco buildings was built here in the ‘30s.""It put a lot of people to work during the Great Depression
• Who is this warrior standing ready to fire his bronze and gold leaf arrow?""He\s taller than you\d think
• Peel back the gilded exterior of this park to see its fairground origins…""And you\ll see visitors positively squealing with delight

Lake Como, Italy (@ SIME/eStock Photo)

Lake Como, Italy (@ SIME/eStock Photo)

comments,

• This storied retreat is home to an idyllic alpine lake, charming villages, and elaborate gardens.""Just climb aboard to see it all
• If you lived here, you\d have to contend with loads of tourists.""But the stars provide a silver lining
• Jet-setters who come here flash passports from around the world. But not long ago…""One visitor carried a license to kill
• This “Y”-shaped lake has long been a vacation spot for aristocrats and celebs.""And why not?

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York (@ Lynn Saville/Getty Images)

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York (@ Lynn Saville/Getty Images)

comments,

• Step behind this glass wall…""To the sands of the Sahara
• No visit to New York is complete without spending a day here exploring the 1.5 million square feet of exhibition space.""On second thought, make it a week
• Once upon a time, there were two children who ran away from home…""To live here
• An ancient temple traveled across continents to this safe house.""But its first home was near the banks of this river

Arctic fox sleeping in snow (@ Richard Hamilton Smith/Corbis)

Arctic fox sleeping in snow (@ Richard Hamilton Smith/Corbis)

comments,

• Do you like this foxy lady\s winter wear?""She\s got a sophisticated summer look, too
• Sleeping outside is more challenging for folks who were born without fur coats.""But you can make your own “burrow”
• After a long, cold winter, even foxes can feel a touch of cabin fever.""Sometimes you just have to pick up and move
• Why is today Boxing Day?""Before you lead with your left…

Fire in fireplace (@ Tetra Images/SuperStock)

Fire in fireplace (@ Tetra Images/SuperStock)

comments,

• To thoroughly enjoy today\s homepage…""Simply drag your computer into the living room
• If you have a fireplace…""Yule want one of these
• Don\t have a fireplace for your yule log?""How about using the dining room table instead?
• For decades, millions tuned in to an annual, hours-long TV program that promised to deliver no plot, whatsoever.""You\re looking at it now

House with Christmas lights (@ Artbeats/Rubberball)

House with Christmas lights (@ Artbeats/Rubberball)

comments,

• Scientists have deployed sophisticated technology to track a critical mission tonight.""And it looks like everything is going as planned…
• Even if you missed some of the holiday light displays in your neighborhood...""See some of our favorites from around the world
• Neighborhood light shows can dazzle, but in some latitudes…""Nature features her own brilliant displays
• While you\re rocking around the Christmas tree tonight…""Catch some tiny bubbles and turn up this medley of classic tunes

Romanesco (@ Martha Lazar/Getty)

Romanesco (@ Martha Lazar/Getty)

comments,

• Eat your vegetables.""Even if they look kind of funny
• How do you explain a shape this lovely?""It\s simply frac-dilly-icious
• Some call this a cabbage, some say it\s a pyramid cauliflower, while still others claim it\s a Romanesco broccoli.""Whatever you call it, here\s what you can do with it
• People have been singing the praises of this vegetable for years.""Get ready for some choppin\

Waterfall in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon (@ Craig Tuttle/Corbis)

Waterfall in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon (@ Craig Tuttle/Corbis)

comments,

• A hike through this lush forest takes you to, and sometimes behind…""A whopping 10 waterfalls
• Hang in there.""The days start getting longer from here on out
• When the temperature drops into the freezer-pop range…""Some waterfalls strike a pose
• Nature-lovers find plenty to adore here in Oregon\s largest state park.""Even in winter

Holiday decorations inside Galeries Lafayette in Paris, France (@ WIN-Initiative/Getty Images)

Holiday decorations inside Galeries Lafayette in Paris, France (@ WIN-Initiative/Getty Images)

comments,

• One of the challenges you\ll encounter here during the holidays…""Is picking your jaw up from the ground after you see the window displays
• Dazzling as this setting may be, it faces stiff competition…""In the City of Light
• Holiday traditions in this travel hotspot range from the modern to the medieval.""Here\s how locals celebrate, from the city to the countryside
• This city is hard to beat for window shopping, trendy nightlife, and the hottest haute-couture.""“Oh to be in Pah-reee!”

Yarmulkes for sale in a market (@ John & Lisa Merrill/Danita Delimont)

Yarmulkes for sale in a market (@ John & Lisa Merrill/Danita Delimont)

comments,

• These brightly colored caps are sometimes called kapeles or kippahs...""But you might know them by this name
• The Festival of Lights begins tonight at sunset...""And continues for eight days
• Perhaps it\s inevitable that over the years, cultural traditions receive a modern twist.""Oh, those kids
• Potato pancakes and apple sauce...""How many recipes can there be?

Lucerne Town Hall illuminated with Christmas lights by artist Gerry Hofstetter, Lucerne, Switzerland (@ Stefan Huwiler/Photolibrary)

Lucerne Town Hall illuminated with Christmas lights by artist Gerry Hofstetter, Lucerne, Switzerland (@ Stefan Huwiler/Photolibrary)

comments,

• Before they flipped on the light switch here…""No one paid much attention to the electric bill
• The artist who designed this display likes using large “canvases.”""Recognize any of these?
• The local tongue is German…""But we found you an American guide for a tour through the Old Town
• Visit a limestone lion, sample the famous fondue, and traipse across one of the world\s longest covered bridges.""You can do it all in one day, here

Christmas tree farm (@ Ocean/Corbis)

Christmas tree farm (@ Ocean/Corbis)

comments,

• Farmers who cultivate fields like these...""Don\t have to wake up at 4 a.m. to milk the cows
• Some folks don\t get the whole synthetic tree thing.""But there\s nothing artificial about their potential
• There\s one tree so tall it has to stay out on the front lawn.""A 65-foot tree just doesn\t play well with front doors
• What evergreen wouldn\t benefit from...""A little Linus love

Orca whales spyhopping near Antarctica (@ Norbert Wu/Getty Images)

Orca whales spyhopping near Antarctica (@ Norbert Wu/Getty Images)

comments,

• Why do orcas pop their heads out of the water?""It\s top secret
• One of the driest, coldest, and most extreme places on earth was successfully reached…""100 years ago today
• After spending time down here, orcas head north to the tropics.""It\s their version of hitting the spa
• Travelers to this icy extreme must remember to bundle up.""After all, look where they\re headed

Chestnut in the Forest of Crécy, France (@ Stephane Bouilland/Peter Arnold/Photolibrary)

Chestnut in the Forest of Crécy, France (@ Stephane Bouilland/Peter Arnold/Photolibrary)

comments,

• Until this winter treat falls to the ground…""It\s one tough nut to crack
• This spiky morsel was found in the same forest where it\s said...""Classic chivalry made its last stand
• The next best thing to roasting and eating these delights...""Is singing about \em
• The French know a thing or two about crafting chestnut confections.""But there\s more than one way to cook a nut

Christmas tree worms growing on coral (@ Reinhard Dirscherl/Corbis)

Christmas tree worms growing on coral (@ Reinhard Dirscherl/Corbis)

comments,

• Would you decorate your tree with a bunch of these?""Ewwwww!
• These tinsel-like spirals put on such a dazzling display…""It\s almost insulting to call the critters worms
• Here in these reefs, the coral is strewn with enough color to make it seem like…""It\s Christmas year-round
• You won\t find presents under the “boughs” of these trees.""But you\ll find the trees themselves rooted in this

Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis, Indiana (@ Henryk Sadura/Corbis)

Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis, Indiana (@ Henryk Sadura/Corbis)

comments,

• Hoosiers love to brag about the construction of this building.""It\s entirely homegrown
• What exactly is a Hoosier? Hard to say, but apparently…""Some will endure hours of pain for some curls
• Nearby is another museum that\s especially for little Hoosiers.""Inside, it\s a real (miniature) circus
• This here\s a sports capital, home to some Colts, a Fever, NASCAR, and Indy cars.""Good thing there\s a humongous “Brickyard” and several stadiums to house ‘em all

Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway (@ Jon Hicks/Corbis)

Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway (@ Jon Hicks/Corbis)

comments,

• Past winners of the Nobel Peace Prize are referred to as Nobel laureates.""Maybe you\ll recognize a few…
• The architect of this center is known for his strong moral commitment to design structures for those less fortunate.""Some of his best works are found in gritty urban spaces
• Since 1901, only 40 women have been awarded Nobel prizes...""But three of them will be honored near here today
• The award presented today is the only Nobel prize ceremony…""Held somewhere other than Stockholm

Two collared lories (@ Gary Vestal/Getty Images)

Two collared lories (@ Gary Vestal/Getty Images)

comments,

• How do these birds decide who is the prettiest of all?""They put their heads together
• Polly wanted a cracker and a nice, cozy aviary…""But these two prefer a nuttier place to nest
• As far as bird brains go, this pair must have more gray matter than most.""Props for finding a habitat in paradise!
• The locals call these colorfully feathered friends “kula birds.”""And they fly home to roost here…

Palace Square atop the arch of the General Staff Building, Saint Petersburg, Russia (@ SIME/eStock Photo)

Palace Square atop the arch of the General Staff Building, Saint Petersburg, Russia (@ SIME/eStock Photo)

comments,

• This soldier and his steed stand guard atop a triumphal arch, overlooking a wintery palace…""And one of the world\s biggest museums
• More than 340 bridges span this city\s network of rivers and canals.""Welcome to “the Venice of the North”
• Within this museum, a collection of panels and decorative art depict a classical love story.""It\s a good thing it\s warmer indoors, because these characters aren\t wearing much
• The view from this rooftop only gets better…""The higher up you go

U.S.S. Arizona Memorial in Oahu, Hawaii (@ Reed Kaestner/Corbis)

U.S.S. Arizona Memorial in Oahu, Hawaii (@ Reed Kaestner/Corbis)

comments,

• Today is the 70th anniversary of…""“A date which will live in infamy”
• Memorials like this one provide opportunity…""For hearing new stories and sharing old memories
• Below this memorial are the remains of a ship and the people interred with her.""But all who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor are honored here
• After you spend time visiting this museum…""Take a tour through some of the area\s other attractions

Satellite image of the Everglades, Florida (@ Universal Images Group/SuperStock)

Satellite image of the Everglades, Florida (@ Universal Images Group/SuperStock)

comments,

• Ever hear of a 40-mile-wide river?""You\re looking at one, and it\s celebrating a birthday today
• From way up here in the atmosphere…""It\s hard to see the reptilian invasion below
• The curious lummoxes of these waters aren\t the fastest engines in the pond…if you get our drift.""But that makes it easier to get a close-up
• Drive south from this “River of Grass” and you\ll open the door to an archipelago highway connecting more than 30 islands.""Where is this place that ends in a “Conch Republic”?

Early morning light over Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California (@ Don Smith/Getty Images)

Early morning light over Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California (@ Don Smith/Getty Images)

comments,

• In 1960, the Olympic Winter Games were held in this mountain paradise…""Drawing athletes from all around the world
• After Michael Corleone moved from Little Italy to this lakeside ‘hood…""One of his brothers went swimming with the fishes
• Snowcapped mountains and rocky cliffs on one end, gambling on the other.""There\s a bonanza of activities to choose from around here
• How often can you swim from one state to another?""Try dipping your toes in here

International Space Station over the Pacific Ocean (@ StockTrek/White/Photolibrary)

International Space Station over the Pacific Ocean (@ StockTrek/White/Photolibrary)

comments,

• Daily life looks a little bit different…""When you call this place home
• Thirteen years ago today, NASA launched Endeavour on the first space shuttle mission to this international home in space.""Endeavour\s next stop? Los Angeles
• Now that the U.S. has ended its space shuttle program, NASA\s astronauts will have to hitch rides to the space station.""Or maybe they\ll get another kind of lift
• The most profound thing about going off into space …""May be the new perspective on life back home

Miami, Florida (@ Radius Images/Corbis)

Miami, Florida (@ Radius Images/Corbis)

comments,

• Galleries here are hosting one heck of a show this week.""What\s taking the art world by storm?
• Not far away, the neighborhoods are bright, cheery, and colorful.""Deco sure goes well with sand and surf
• It\s unlikely that the famously wild attire seen here this week will have as much influence…""As these two styling dudes from the ‘80s
• A sun-kissed skyline meets the ocean in this sublime southern city.""Is it the natural aesthetics that draws collectors, creative types, and art aficionados here?

Plain of Jars, Phonsavan region, Laos (@ Colin Brynn/Corbis)

Plain of Jars, Phonsavan region, Laos (@ Colin Brynn/Corbis)

comments,

• Thirty-six years ago today, this country\s centuries-old monarchy was forced from power…""And a new republic was born
• The origin of these megalithic jars is shrouded in mystery.""Two travelers set out to get some answers
• These ancient containers may very well have been associated with burial practices...""But look around to see how life and courtship continues here
• Thousands of these prehistoric stone jars are scattered across this landscape…""They mark the ancient origins of this young nation

Bran castle (Dracula castle) in Bran, Transylvania, Romania (@ Marco Cristofori /Corbis)

Bran castle (Dracula castle) in Bran, Transylvania, Romania (@ Marco Cristofori /Corbis)

comments,

• Today, locals are celebrating more than just a holiday.""They\re commemorating a great union, too
• This was the hillside home of a much-feared prince named Vlad the Impaler.""Wait a second… wasn\t he called something else?
• It\s creepy and it\s spooky.""And an altogether perfect palace to visit
• Through the years, this country has experienced political tumult and times of great struggle, and yet…""The beauty of her people and their traditions are enduring

A young ibex in El Torcal Nature Reserve near Antequera, Andalucia, Spain (@ SIME/eStock Photo)

A young ibex in El Torcal Nature Reserve near Antequera, Andalucia, Spain (@ SIME/eStock Photo)

comments,

• Both males and females of this species have horns.""But what about the babies?
• Visiting photographers to this area appreciate the unique rock formations and Mediterranean light.""Here\s a local\s perspective (complete with English subtitles)
• The relatives of this young ‘un are dwindling around the world.""It\s a good thing this neighborhood is protected
• This sure-footed fella lives in a rocky reserve.""So where do the people live?

Great Glacier Provincial Park, Lower Stikine, British Columbia, Canada (@ Gary Fiegehen/Corbis)

Great Glacier Provincial Park, Lower Stikine, British Columbia, Canada (@ Gary Fiegehen/Corbis)

comments,

• If you want to put something on ice…""It\s available here, year-round
• Thirsty? There\s a solid store of freshwater in glaciers like this around the world.""And how much exactly is in that store?
• Nearby is a river basin that millions of wild salmon call their first and last home.""The indigenous people here have a more reverent name
• You can hike into this wilderness, canoe, or fly in on a seaplane.""But those are all just cop-outs for this guy

Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona (@ Stephen Matera)

Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona (@ Stephen Matera)

comments,

• In a narrow place like this…""Sunlight makes a dramatic entrance
• This canyon gets its name from…""The fastest land mammal in North America
• These beautiful geological formations often start as crevices that grow into deep, narrow ravines.""So what is it that makes them so dangerous?
• Access to this slot canyon requires that you join a guided tour. And the canyon walls are narrow enough…""You may need a very large shoe horn, too

Elephants on Stone Statue Road at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Zijin Shan, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (@ Ian Trower/Corbis)

Elephants on Stone Statue Road at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Zijin Shan, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (@ Ian Trower/Corbis)

comments,

• Twelve pairs of animals guard this road, followed by four pairs of warriors.""So why the elaborate security system?
• Construction of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum began in the late 14th century…""For a leader who claimed the Mandate of Heaven
• These well-ordered grounds would be the perfect place…""For a certain aristocratic pachyderm we know
• Visitors who walk this row of stone sentries…""Have a bit of a hike before they reach their destination

Kogelberg Mountains, South Africa (@ Martin Harvey/Corbis)

Kogelberg Mountains, South Africa (@ Martin Harvey/Corbis)

comments,

• Sea and sky meet sandstone peaks in this rugged shoreline scene.""Welcome to one of the most biologically diverse spots on the planet
• There\s a kingdom nearby.""But it\s not your usual fiefdom
• A winding road just inland from here is one of the world\s longest winery routes.""If you go, leave the keys at home and take a bus
• There\s another breathtaking site down here, but if you take the plunge...""You might want to bring an extra pair of pants

Tube anemone (@ Stuart Westmorland/Corbis)

Tube anemone (@ Stuart Westmorland/Corbis)

comments,

• It\s hard to make friends…""When you live in a mucky, dank tube
• Long, tentacled creatures like this make an underwater rainbow of colors.""They\re totally tubular!
• There\s no need for a flashlight...""If you\ve got the cheapest neon in town
• So you say you\re not keen on diving into the depths to see this luminous show?""Then try some drier views from higher ground

Cranberries floating on the water's surface in Harwich, Massachusetts (@ Kerry Sherck/Aurora/Getty Images)

Cranberries floating on the water's surface in Harwich, Massachusetts (@ Kerry Sherck/Aurora/Getty Images)

comments,

• Today, ovens are baking, stoves are frying, mixers are mixing, folks are napping, and tables are filled with grace and good will.""Happy Thanksgiving to all!
• Fall fruit plays well in sauces, jellies, and stuffing…""There\s even one that makes a sweet, lyrical sound
• These tart little juicers are chock-full of healthy goodness.""In fact, they\re not just for Thanksgiving anymore
• Seems this is a capital cape for cranberry cultivation because...""Bountiful bogs of berries abound all \round

Tent and prayer flags, Tagong Grasslands, Sichuan, China (@ Robert Harding Picture Library/Superstock)

Tent and prayer flags, Tagong Grasslands, Sichuan, China (@ Robert Harding Picture Library/Superstock)

comments,

• You may want to pitch your own tent here…""Once you get a look at the surrounding landscape
• Why do people spin the large brass wheels…""In the courtyard of the local Buddhist monastery?
• Tibetans call this the “favorite place of the enlightened.”""Simply visiting can feel enlightening
• To get here, travelers spend hours, sometimes days, navigating over bumpy roads and mountain passes.""Just be sure to take a map

Reflection of an old tree with fog in Jusanji Lake/Cheongsonggun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea (@ Multi-bits/Getty Images)

Reflection of an old tree with fog in Jusanji Lake/Cheongsonggun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea (@ Multi-bits/Getty Images)

comments,

• This lake is famous for reflecting the beauty that surrounds it.""It really pulls out all the stops in autumn
• A Buddhist temple, floating in these still waters, became the setting...""For one of this country\s most beloved films
• Although this park may be small…""When you visit, the payoff is big
• To visit this tranquil lake, you\ll need to travel…""To one of the most remote national parks in this land

Curly kale with raindrops (@ Gap Photos/Visuals Unlimited, Inc.)

Curly kale with raindrops (@ Gap Photos/Visuals Unlimited, Inc.)

comments,

• Before year-round shipments of fresh produce to grocery stores became the norm, folks had to rely…""On hearty plants like this to get them through the cold months
• If you pop these pretty dandies into your garden…""You\ll enjoy color through the doldrums of winter
• Some of us tend gardens for the good, cheap food, or even for the exercise.""But guess who\s doing it for schoolwork?
• Sure it\s lovely, but what\s it good for?""It\s time to experiment in the kitchen

Buildings in Nice, France (@ Bharat Ranjan, FragmentOne Studios)

Buildings in Nice, France (@ Bharat Ranjan, FragmentOne Studios)

comments,

• These buildings really show their colors…""When you get the bird\s-eye view
• Let your eyes travel down to street level and allow your nose to lead the way.""What are the locals cooking that smells so good?
• This time of year, most folks around here are searching for cozy cafés, but in the summer they escape the city streets for the beach.""And with views this nice, it\s easy to see why
• For centuries, travelers have flocked to this seaside hot spot.""Grab a croissant and tour the Azure Coast

Aspens and snow on the red cliffs of Redstone, Colorado (@ Terry Eggers/Danita Delimont)

Aspens and snow on the red cliffs of Redstone, Colorado (@ Terry Eggers/Danita Delimont)

comments,

• This frosty mountain scene is near a resort town…""Known for its bubbling “big medicine”
• A cigar-smoking industrialist built an exquisite castle not far from here at the turn of the last century.""Some folks claim they can still smell the smoke of his stogie in the halls
• Nearby, there are people strapping sticks to their feet and launching themselves off powder-covered rocks.""Perhaps they find it therapeutic…
• If you don\t like snow and long winters…""Life could get rocky here

Bird's-eye view of Riga, Latvia (@ Top Photo Corporation/Photolibrary)

Bird's-eye view of Riga, Latvia (@ Top Photo Corporation/Photolibrary)

comments,

• This small European nation first declared its independence 93 years ago today.""Unfortunately, they had to regain their freedom all over again after the Soviet invasion of World War II
• If you visit this country today…""You\ll likely hear this song
• In some cultures, a young woman might give the object of her affection a peck on the cheek.""But around here, it may be a pair of these
• Fairy-tale architecture, cobblestone streets, and snow-dusted steeples in a thriving Baltic metropolis…""Where will you find this UNESCO World Heritage site?

Close-up of a ring-tailed lemur with its offspring (@ SuperStock)

Close-up of a ring-tailed lemur with its offspring (@ SuperStock)

comments,

• Yo, little guy…""Was somebody up all night?
• Why would two males try to outstink each other?""Oh, there must be a lady involved
• Up for some real-life action? Then meet “The Wilmas.”""They\re a modern primate family
• You\ll find more of these masked fur balls on their island nation home.""It\s that big spot on the map next to the mainland

White-lined leaf frog walking on branch at Manu National Park, Cruz de Mayo, Madre de Dios, Peru (@ Frans Lemmens/Getty Images)

White-lined leaf frog walking on branch at Manu National Park, Cruz de Mayo, Madre de Dios, Peru (@ Frans Lemmens/Getty Images)

comments,

• Not far from here is the capital of an ancient empire.""Locals called it “the navel of the world”
• This little green guy stays safe in trees with feet that grasp like hands…""And sticky toes that act like super sucker saucer sneakers
• A rock star was just named honorary tourism ambassador of this soggy rainforest.""What is it they say about rolling stones gathering no moss?
• If you flew over our amphibian friend\s habitat…""You\d see a swath of green for miles and miles

City wall and watch tower in San Juan, Puerto Rico (@ Zhang Jun/Xinhua Press/Corbis)

City wall and watch tower in San Juan, Puerto Rico (@ Zhang Jun/Xinhua Press/Corbis)

comments,

• This fortress used to provide protection against pirates and invaders.""But it\s since been remodeled for the governor
• During carnival, clowns here wear “fright masks” and whack bystanders with painted cow bladders.""What\s up with that?
• When Christopher Columbus first landed on these shores…""He found a large group of locals already here
• Tourists from all over the world come to this colonial city on the “Island of Enchantment” to vacation.""The view from here is just one of its many charms

Sheepdog guards a flock of sheep in the Tatra Mountains, Poland (@ Henryk T. Kaiser/Age Fotostock/Photolibrary)

Sheepdog guards a flock of sheep in the Tatra Mountains, Poland (@ Henryk T. Kaiser/Age Fotostock/Photolibrary)

comments,

• In the dictionary, next to “soft, fluffy cuteness…”""Is a pic of this pooch
• Hey, why\s this dog lying around on the job?""Maybe she\s dreaming of the catwalk…
• When sheep here are shorn, they look forlorn…""But what if their wool is traditionally worn?
• This alpine setting in Poland is near a transboundary biosphere reserve.""You need two nations to get a fancy name like that

Yellow Mound Overlook area of Badlands National Park, South Dakota (@ Carol Barrington/Aurora Photos)

Yellow Mound Overlook area of Badlands National Park, South Dakota (@ Carol Barrington/Aurora Photos)

comments,

• The Sioux call this area “mako sica.”""You probably know it by the English translation
• The delicately hued beauty of this landscape is best appreciated on foot.""But the drive is awfully nice, too
• One of the most endangered mammals in North America…""May get a second chance here
• If you show up at the gate today for this park\s 33rd anniversary…""Admission is free

Interior of the Sydney Opera House, Australia (@ Hervé Hughes/Corbis)

Interior of the Sydney Opera House, Australia (@ Hervé Hughes/Corbis)

comments,

• Don\t recognize this interior?""You\ve probably seen its shell
• Almost every evening, this hall presents world-class performances.""But during the day, the beach is the stage in this sun-kissed city
• This boffo building was short-listed for the “new seven wonders of the world” a few years ago.""Take a tour of other world wonders
• Going for a pre-show stroll in the nearby botanical gardens?""Keep your eyes open for some of the local residents sporting giant wings

Icelandic horses running through a lagoon in Iceland (@ Tim Flach/Getty Images)

Icelandic horses running through a lagoon in Iceland (@ Tim Flach/Getty Images)

comments,

• Even in icy glacial waters, their thick coats and robust constitutions mean…""These fillies don\t get chilly
• Though they\re called horses, this breed is small enough to be categorized as a pony.""They\re wee, but mighty sure-footed
• These horses romp on an island nation that\s also home to many active volcanoes, one of which erupted last year and disrupted air travel in Northern Europe for weeks.""What country is this?
• Their ancestors first came here more than 1,000 years ago, courtesy of Scandinavians who venerated horses.""Notably, one eight-legged equine

Freshwater ectoproct bryozoan (@ Wim van Egmond/Corbis)

Freshwater ectoproct bryozoan (@ Wim van Egmond/Corbis)

comments,

• Until the mid-18th century, these animals were considered plants.""Which helps to explain how they got their common name
• Victorian naturalist George Allman said of these minuscule organisms, “A more interesting and beautiful animal... can scarcely be imagined.”""Of course, they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder
• Each of these little critters is only half a millimeter long.""How long is that in inches?
• On their own, these teeny creatures are helpless. But, like another organism that comes to mind, they find power in numbers.""Resistance is futile

Close-up of watch cogwheel (@ Clip Canvas)

Close-up of watch cogwheel (@ Clip Canvas)

comments,

• Shhhh… Go back to bed, sleepyhead.""This morning you may redeem one extra hour of shut-eye
• If you built a time machine, would you want to change the past?""Consider the gravity of this far-out notion
• Should your clocks be set one hour earlier or one hour later today?""Maybe you should make sure
• Nowadays, cell phones and other gadgets automatically update the time for us.""But what did folks do in the olden days?