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

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

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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