Folk dance performance in front of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, Yunnan, China (@ Bob Krist/Corbis)

Folk dance performance in front of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, Yunnan, China (@ Bob Krist/Corbis)

comments,

• The best seats in this theater face an outdoor stage with a backdrop like no other.""Take a closer look to see if you can spot the jade dragon lying on its side
• With a cast of over 500, including horses, the story line for this performance can be a little hard to follow.""But you be the critic
• After watching this show, you might want to head to the concession stand for a local refreshment.""One popular drink comes courtesy of this long-haired bovine
• The ancient trade route called Tea Horse Road passes through this stunning canal town of stone and wooden bridges.""It\s easy to see why it\s become such a popular world destination

Aerial view of turquoise waters and sandbars in Oahu, Hawaii (@ Lynn Gail/Lonely Planet Images)

Aerial view of turquoise waters and sandbars in Oahu, Hawaii (@ Lynn Gail/Lonely Planet Images)

comments,

• If you were a giant frog, you might be tempted to hop onto one of these “lily pads.”""But look who you\d have to share them with
• What\s a great way to enjoy the calm waters of a bay like this?""Try the local homegrown pastime
• Coastal beaches are constantly changing across this archipelago, but it\s been especially dramatic on these shores.""What\s happening around here?
• After a day spent cruising through these sleepy sandbars...""Steer your boat toward the action of the big city nearby

Atlantic spotted dolphin pod swimming near the Azores, Atlantic Ocean (@ Wil Meinderts/Corbis)

Atlantic spotted dolphin pod swimming near the Azores, Atlantic Ocean (@ Wil Meinderts/Corbis)

comments,

• Look! Just off the port bow!""Who are these ocean travelers?
• Not everyone gets to see a pod in person.""Let us bring the sea life to your screen
• Forty years ago, populations of dolphins and other marine mammals were shrinking at an alarming rate.""Something had to be done
• These dolphins are racing past islands that were unknown to Europeans until the 14th century.""Luckily, the map no longer reads: “Here be monsters”

Indian saris drying in the sun (@ Grant Faint / Getty Images)

Indian saris drying in the sun (@ Grant Faint / Getty Images)

comments,

• It looks like a crowded day at the beach, but these aren\t beach towels.""Women have worn them for centuries
• You might need a friend\s help the first time you try to don this brightly colored fabric.""Some women make it look easy
• When the clothing tag reads “dry flat,” some people follow the instructions to the letter.""So what do all those symbols mean?
• Sure, you could buy some fabric locally and craft your own.""But it\s a lot more fun to go directly to the source

A hummingbird feeds on the nectar of flowers (@ Kennan Ward / Footage Search)

A hummingbird feeds on the nectar of flowers (@ Kennan Ward / Footage Search)

comments,

• Many hummingbird species will eat more than their weight in nectar each day.""How do they survive on a diet of nectar?
• The hummingbird has moves like no other bird.""Watch its aerial skills in action
• Just how small is a hummingbird\s nest?""Prepare your brain for maximum tininess
• Planting the right flowers can help attract these amazing creatures to your yard.""The wee fliers are almost sure to visit if you roll out a hummingbird snack bar

Whitewater rafting trip on the Colorado River in Marble Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (@ Blaine Harrington III/Alamy)

Whitewater rafting trip on the Colorado River in Marble Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (@ Blaine Harrington III/Alamy)

comments,

• These colorful rock walls act as a gateway to a more famous location downriver.""But this canyon has a charm all its own
• If you want to cross whitewater rafting off your bucket list, this location is legendary.""Let\s go for a quick ride
• Water, water everywhere, but you probably don\t want to just dip your cup into any water source in the wilderness.""So how do you quench your thirst in the great outdoors?
• Sure, you might pull the car over and snap a few photos of the canyon below.""But the view from the water is so nice

Soccer players (@ Chris Crisman/Corbis)

Soccer players (@ Chris Crisman/Corbis)

comments,

• In 1972, President Nixon leveled playing fields after he signed an education statute into law.""Today, good sports around the country are celebrating its 40th anniversary
• Most people think of Title IX as a law affecting the way athletic programs are funded in the U.S.""And yet, it was intended to focus on something broader
• Is there really such a thing as a “weaker sex”? A year after the passage of Title IX…""One woman slammed that misconception in a legendary court date
• These athletes are playing the beautiful game.""And the Americans who\ve made it to the top have this to look forward to

Crab Nebula (@ STScI/NASA/Corbis)

Crab Nebula (@ STScI/NASA/Corbis)

comments,

• After a massive star explodes into a supernova, the result is an expanding cloud of swirling gas and matter.""Take a look at some remnants you won\t find in a carpet store
• This outer-space wonder gave a stellar show when it first appeared in the sky.""Let\s find out why
• What type of person goes through life always seeing stars?""Meet these space cadets
• So, this nebula walks into a bar when a distant galaxy approaches her and says, “Hey baby, what\s your sign?”""She says…

Boardwalk in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (@ Thomas Kokta/Masterfile)

Boardwalk in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (@ Thomas Kokta/Masterfile)

comments,

• Don\t walk off the path here or you might get stewed.""What flower is bubbling behind this steam?
• What\s on Mother Nature\s menu today?""Thick brown pots of the stuff you used to make pies with when you were a kid
• Think twice about leaving your pic-a-nic basket alone around here. You run the risk of attracting bears.""And there\s one around here who\s smarter than the average bear
• Take a walk in this park and it\s bound to get a little smelly.""When you\re on one of the world\s six known “supervolcanos,” smelliness just comes with the territory

Sunrise during the summer solstice at Stonehenge, England (@ Alan Copson/Corbis)

Sunrise during the summer solstice at Stonehenge, England (@ Alan Copson/Corbis)

comments,

• What\s blazing a parabolic path back to our hemisphere?""Let\s ask the revelers on yonder hill
• People first started creating this monument as much as 5,000 years ago, and many questions about its construction remain unanswered.""We\ve found a charming host to take you on a prehistoric mystery tour
• Even if you didn\t stay up all night to witness the sunrise today...""You\ve got plenty of daylight to celebrate this sunny occasion
• Normally, people aren\t allowed to walk amongst the 80 rocks that make up this circle, but today is a special exception.""Around which prehistoric site are thousands cavorting today?

Indiana Dunes State Park, Dunes National Lakeshore in Porter, Indiana (@ Johnny Stockshooter/Aurora Photos)

Indiana Dunes State Park, Dunes National Lakeshore in Porter, Indiana (@ Johnny Stockshooter/Aurora Photos)

comments,

• It\s time to take off your shoes and wiggle your toes in the sand.""You\ll find plenty of sand here for everyone
• These dunes have been known to move surprisingly long distances over time.""But did you know they sing while they do it?
• At the southern base of this lake is the hometown of a talented musical family.""One of them eventually became the “King of Pop”
• Some say this state got its moniker from people saying “Who\s there?” when a visitor knocked on the door.""Where is this friendly state?

Metropolitan Opera House, New York City, New York, U.S.A. (@ Richard Cummins/Corbis)

Metropolitan Opera House, New York City, New York, U.S.A. (@ Richard Cummins/Corbis)

comments,

• Grab your opera glasses, some tickets, and your most cosmopolitan friends…""This is where you go to see and be seen
• The walls beyond this glass facade are covered by two massive murals that were commissioned for the opening of this theater.""Who created these iconic paintings?
• Opera enthusiasts aren\t the only ones clamoring to get inside here.""Come spring, this venue makes way for tutus and toe shoes
• Enjoy performing on a big stage? If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.""This building is part of an arts complex that\s home to some of the finest performers in the world

An adult male Asian paradise flycatcher feeding a chick (@ mcb bank bhalwal/Getty Images)

An adult male Asian paradise flycatcher feeding a chick (@ mcb bank bhalwal/Getty Images)

comments,

• In this case, the early bird gets the bug.""And then he shares it with his baby
• You might take your own dad to lunch on this special day.""If you have a typical dad, we suggest leaving bugs off the menu
• Both males and females of this species share equally in the nest-building, incubation, brooding, and chick-feeding duties.""They\re a modern family
• You\ll find these long-tailed birds flying in skies throughout Asia.""But if you don\t have time to fly there yourself, here\s a window into their world

School children exercising in Beijing, China (@ Christian Kober/Corbis)

School children exercising in Beijing, China (@ Christian Kober/Corbis)

comments,

• Daily morning exercises at school are one of the ways this country is combatting a rise in childhood obesity rates.""Perhaps they should consider this option
• Many locals enjoy exercising together in large groups, but you won\t necessarily find them in a gym.""Wake up early to spot the morning workouts at this heavenly outdoor spot
• In a city of millions, it can be challenging to locate a little bit of sanctuary where you can spread out.""But there is a forbidden place with vast, open courtyards
• These children attend school in the same city that hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics.""Where is this sprawling, vibrant city?

Aquarium in the Oceanografic Park of Valencia, Spain (@ Rudi Sebastian/plainpicture)

Aquarium in the Oceanografic Park of Valencia, Spain (@ Rudi Sebastian/plainpicture)

comments,

• If fish dreamed about displaying a tank of hominids in all their weird, air-breathing exoticism…""This terrarium inside an aquarium might be just the ticket
• You\ll find this underwater path in a city within a city.""But get there soon, it looks like the building\s slipping into the sea
• For experiencing amazing sea creatures up close, it\s hard to beat this azure grotto.""But it has some strong competition in these incredible aquariums
• This blue tunnel is one of the newest additions to a city where El Cid battled the Moors nearly 1,000 years ago.""What city is this: Madrid or Valencia?

Rockefeller Center with U.S. flags, New York City, New York (@ LOOK Die Bildagentur der Fotografen GmbH/Alamy)

Rockefeller Center with U.S. flags, New York City, New York (@ LOOK Die Bildagentur der Fotografen GmbH/Alamy)

comments,

• This vast building complex is famous for its performing arts venues, golden “Prometheus,” and, in winter, an outdoor ice rink.""Where are these flags flying?
• After the United States gained independence, it took nearly one whole year to decide on the first design for our country\s flag.""It\s changed over the years, but don\t you think we ended up with a grand one?
• Climb to the “Top of the Rock” here for a superlative sky-high view.""Step out on the deck and take a look around
• When philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. first envisioned this interurban cultural center, little did he know…""The street address of one of the buildings would inspire so many prime-time laughs

Gentoo penguins in Gerlache Strait, Antarctica (@ Momatiuk–Eastcott/Corbis)

Gentoo penguins in Gerlache Strait, Antarctica (@ Momatiuk–Eastcott/Corbis)

comments,

• “Holy frozen flippers, that\s some cold water!”""Is this why birds flock together in subzero weather?
• These birds live in what some consider the world\s newest ocean.""Where do you find “new” oceans on our planet?
• What happens when a whale-watching tour finds itself in the middle of an orca snack fest?""They get an unexpected passenger
• Down here, a “growler” is the nickname for chunks of floating ice, and a small iceberg is called a “bergy bit.”""But these birds don\t really care, as long as they can hop on and rest a while

Spinning carnival rides at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, Kansas (@ Joel Sartore/Corbis)

Spinning carnival rides at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, Kansas (@ Joel Sartore/Corbis)

comments,

• C\mon kids, let\s pile into the station wagon.""We\re going to the…
• What\s the best way to experience the sights of the fair and, er, digest all that carnival food in your gut?""Jump on one of these
• “Mmm, nom, nom…” What\s so deliciously decadent about the food here?""The secret\s in the fryer
• Come back in September and this place will be hopping with thousands of people and animals.""Where will you find the largest annual event in the state?

Rider on a theme-park water slide (@ Peter Essick/Aurora Photos)

Rider on a theme-park water slide (@ Peter Essick/Aurora Photos)

comments,

• If it gets too hot this summer, just go with the flow…""On a big piece of outdoor plumbing
• Lots of places have slides like this. But here\s an extreme theme park that requires you to say its name very carefully…""Or you might get into trouble
• Maps? Check. Suitcases and snacks? Double check.""It\s time for a summer tradition
• Do you really like experiences that make you feel like you\re being ripped out of your seat and flung into the air?""Well then, here are 11 new toe-curling destinations

Kayakers on Eagle Creek in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon (@ Ty Milford/Aurora Photos)

Kayakers on Eagle Creek in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon (@ Ty Milford/Aurora Photos)

comments,

• How do you navigate a river in one of these slim vessels? Practice, practice, practice.""Plus a little advice wouldn\t hurt
• Some kayakers like to get all fancy with their paddling, in the same way freestyle skiers mimic ballet on the slopes.""Here\s one paddler with no shame in his game
• If Class V rapids and a one-way trip aren\t your idea of kicking back and enjoying this scenery, there is an alternate route nearby.""Buckle up and cruise along the first scenic byway in the U.S.
• The white water of this creek eventually joins the region\s mightiest river…""Coursing through a canyon gorge that separates two states

Timothy grass pollen (@ Bob Sacha/Corbis)

Timothy grass pollen (@ Bob Sacha/Corbis)

comments,

• How could something that appears so soft and cuddly make so many people so…""Miserable
• Do you suffer from hay fever?""Then you should know what one of your blooming enemies looks like
• Alas, the season for sneezin\ is upon us. Either climb into a hermetically sealed plastic bubble, or...""Get some expert advice
• Say your yard is teeming with pollen-laden grass and you need something to mow it down. Here\s a possible solution.""Warning: It burps and has a nasty bite

Aerial view of boats in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the coast of Capri, Italy (@ Glowimages/Getty Images)

Aerial view of boats in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the coast of Capri, Italy (@ Glowimages/Getty Images)

comments,

• Say you\re here on a boat with your friends, when it gets hot. Really hot!""Where can you get a break from the sun?
• When these boaters set off to tool around the island…""What do they see from the water?
• You can visit the glitzy tourist traps here, or head to the less-traveled areas in search of local charm and character.""Take a free tour. It won\t cost you a thing
• For 10 years, a hedonistic emperor oversaw his empire from this rocky enclave after falling in love with its seclusion.""Today, it\s still a party town for celebs and the über rich

The Goosenecks of the San Juan River, Goosenecks State Park near Mexican Hat, Utah (@ Universal Images Group/SuperStock)

The Goosenecks of the San Juan River, Goosenecks State Park near Mexican Hat, Utah (@ Universal Images Group/SuperStock)

comments,

• Easy math quiz: How do you stretch one-and-a-half miles into six?""The answer is just around the bend
• Just upstream from this lazy meander, you\ll find a rollercoaster for rafts.""Take a look — there\s nothing lazy about it
• Oh no, did you forget your hat? Here\s one that\s extra-large…""And it\s only a few miles away
• This isn\t the only wild formation around these parts.""Where else will you find a salt lake, stone sombrero, and dinosaur cemeteries?

The Palm Islands artificial archipelago in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (@ Jochem Wijnands/age fotostock)

The Palm Islands artificial archipelago in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (@ Jochem Wijnands/age fotostock)

comments,

• What happens here when a kid kicks the ball out of the yard?""They may well have to go for a swim
• If this neighborhood floats your boat, trade your wheels for oars and move to a city where…""Water in the “basement” may not be so bad
• The goal here is to become the #1 luxury destination in the world.""But take a look: Extreme luxury calls for extreme measures
• Seems this project was so successful, there are other islands in the works just a few miles away. And that\s not sci-fi.""Want to see a New World at its nexus?

Meerkats in Namibia (@ Gerard Lacz/age fotostock)

Meerkats in Namibia (@ Gerard Lacz/age fotostock)

comments,

• Members of this sociable clan are often seen hugging, cuddling, and grooming each other.""So what\s with the mobbing?
• Nothing\s getting past this gang. Not on their watch. But with the right introduction…""You may get a warmer welcome than you bargained for
• Locals call these affable animals “sun angels,” saying they protect the villages from moon devils and werewolves.""That\s a tall order for a ‘kat who sleeps when the sun goes down
• Our foursome stand guard in a country named after one of the oldest deserts on Earth.""What\s your guess: Namibia or Angola?