Polar Bear rolling on the frozen Beaufort Sea, near Point Barrow, Alaska, USA (@ Patrick J. Endres/Visuals Unlimited)

Polar Bear rolling on the frozen Beaufort Sea, near Point Barrow, Alaska, USA (@ Patrick J. Endres/Visuals Unlimited)

comments,

• Feeling a little burnt-out like this baby bear?""Maybe you should try this New Year tradition to recover?
• New Year\s Day is always on the 1st of January, right? Actually, it\s not always been that way.""What day was it on before we adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752?
• Insulated by 10cm of blubber, polar bears are perfectly suited to swimming in icy cold water - but humans are not.""So why on Earth are these crazy people doing it?
• What do a hyperactive penguin and a lazy polar bear have in common?""Maybe they remind you of last night and this morning?

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

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

comments,

• There are six different nations that have held sovereignty over this famous US State.""It joined its current nation on this day in 1845
• One of the largest collections of art deco buildings in the US was built here in the 1930s.""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 stands more than three metres tall
• Peel back the gilded exterior of this park to see its fairground origins and you\ll see visitors positively squealing with delight.""What unusual sporting event happens here?

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
• Plunging down 400m makes this lake one of the deepest in Europe.""Its bottom is 200m below sea level!
• This unusually shaped lake has long been a holiday spot for aristocrats and celebs.""And “Y” not?

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 as well
• Sleeping outside is more challenging for those who were born without fur coats.""But you can make your own ‘burrow\
• While the local polar bear hunts for dinner, this scampering opportunist gobbles up any delicious leftovers.""Find out more about this cunning fox
• There is no doubting that this furry little fox is fantastic…""But this one might just trump him

Central Arcade shopping area, Newcastle-upon-Tyne (@ John Freeman/Corbis)

Central Arcade shopping area, Newcastle-upon-Tyne (@ John Freeman/Corbis)

comments,

• Built in 1837, this building has been a corn exchange, newsroom and an art gallery.""What does it do these days?
• This shopping arcade is in the heart of a city once known as Monkchester.""What is it better known as these days?
• It\s the day after Christmas and that can mean only one thing.""Time to hit the sales!
• No one knows the real reason for today being known as Boxing Day, but we\re pretty certain it has nothing to do with pugilism.""Find out some of the theories

Fire in fireplace (@ Tetra Images/SuperStock)

Fire in fireplace (@ Tetra Images/SuperStock)

comments,

• What will fireplaces around the world be surrounded by today?""…assuming Father Christmas doesn\t burn his bottom
• Yule need something to put on a lovely fire like this one.""This should do nicely
• If you think Christmas is all about presents and mince pies then maybe it\s time you had a lesson in the real meaning.""And what better way than bringing back those painful primary school memories?
• It is said that Henry VIII was the first king to tuck into a turkey for Christmas dinner.""Gobble gobble!

House with Christmas lights (@ Artbeats/Rubberball)

House with Christmas lights (@ Artbeats/Rubberball)

comments,

• Do you think these Christmas lights would make an excellent landing beacon?""This jolly man may well think so tonight
• Scientists have deployed sophisticated technology to track a critical mission tonight.""See if everything is going as planned
• To some, gaudy Christmas lights come around once a year too many.""But what do you think they\d make of nature\s winter extravaganza?
• ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.""That is unless he is being relentlessly chased by a cat called Tom

Romanesco broccoli (@ Martha Lazar/Getty)

Romanesco broccoli (@ Martha Lazar/Getty)

comments,

• Eat your vegetables.""Even if they look kind of funny
• How do you explain a shape this lovely?""Let\s have a little maths lesson shall we?
• 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, it\s what you do with it that counts
• People have been singing the praises of this vegetable for years.""Quite literally…

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

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

comments,

• A hike through this lush forest takes you to, and sometimes behind, a whopping 10 waterfalls.""Where is this watery walkway?
• “The long nights are over” we hear you cry!""Well not exactly, but they do start getting shorter from here on in
• Nature lovers find plenty to adore here in this state\s largest park.""Even in winter!
• There\s nothing more vertical, colder or more slippery than climbing a frozen waterfall.""Watch some truly chilling ascents

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-coloured caps are sometimes called kappels or kippahs.""They are traditionally worn at this time of year
• The Festival of Lights starts from sunset and continues for eight days.""Happy Hanukkah
• If you are unaware of the significance of this holiday then you could watch a boring history documentary about it.""Or you could watch a rather entertaining pop rendition
• Feeling peckish?""One of these traditional treats are perfect for the occasion

Airplanes inside the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington, USA (@ Ron Koeberer /Getty Images)

Airplanes inside the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington, USA (@ Ron Koeberer /Getty Images)

comments,

• On a blustery day in 1903 two, almost, high-flying brothers made this scene possible..""They definitely had the ‘Wright\ idea
• It took only 12 seconds of flying time to enter the record books as the first controlled flight.""Where did they attain this special achievement?
• Just because a contraption is supposed to fly doesn\t mean it will.""Check out some of these funny flying failures
• Classic flights have included the Flight of the Valkyries, Flight of the Navigator…""And these flighty New Zealanders

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,

• This covered bridge has been carrying people from one side of the river to the other for nearly 700 years.""It is famed for the triangular paintings housed under its roof
• Visit a limestone lion, sample the famous fondue and amble across one of the world\s longest covered bridges.""You can do it all in one day here
• In 2010 this beautiful lakeside city was voted the fifth most popular tourist destination in the world.""Take a quick tour of this picturesque place
• The illumination artist who designed this display likes using unusually large canvases.""Recognise any of these?

Christmas tree farm (@ Ocean/Corbis)

Christmas tree farm (@ Ocean/Corbis)

comments,

• In the UK we manage to get through eight million Christmas trees every year.""Do you think they look better on their own or in a big bunch?
• Every year the city of Oslo in Norway donates a 20-metre tree to the British for helping during WWII.""What a nice thing ‘fir\ them to do
• Christmas trees were made popular in this country 170 years ago, when Prince Albert put one up in Windsor Castle.""See how Christmas was celebrated in the Victorian era
• A popular form of Christmas tree is the Norway spruce, one example of which, Old Tjikko, is 9,550 years old.""But that\s nothing compared with these ancient organisms

Killer whales spy hopping near Antarctica (@ Norbert Wu/Getty Images)

Killer whales spy hopping near Antarctica (@ Norbert Wu/Getty Images)

comments,

• One of the driest, coldest and most extreme places on earth was successfully reached 100 years ago today.""Who was the man that completed this chilling adventure?
• During the early 20th century this region welcomed some of the bravest and most determined explorers ever.""It was known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration
• Travellers to this icy extreme must remember to wrap up.""After all, look where they\re heading
• If you think all dolphins are cute and friendly then you are wildly mistaken.""The largest of the family has a suitably sinister name

Chestnuts in the Forest of Cressy, France (@ Stephane Bouilland/Peter Arnold/Photolibrary)

Chestnuts in the Forest of Cressy, France (@ Stephane Bouilland/Peter Arnold/Photolibrary)

comments,

• Until this winter treat falls to the ground it\s one tough nut to crack.""What is lurking within this prickly pouch?
• This spiky morsel was found in the same forest where classic chivalry is said to have made its last stand.""After this battle, war became a lot less civil
• The next best thing to roasting and eating these festive delights is singing about them.""Here\s a rendition from the ‘King\ of the crooners
• If the sight of these tasty morsels brings back the memory of the smell of burning, maybe it\s time to try something new.""Here are some charcoal-free chestnut recipes

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

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

comments,

• Would you decorate your Christmas tree with a bunch of these?""“Just hang another Spirobranchus giganteus over there dear”
• These tinsel-like spirals put on such a dazzling display it\s almost insulting to call them worms.""See more of these seasonal sea-creatures
• You won\t find presents under the “boughs” of these trees.""But what on Earth are they rooted to?
• This coral is strewn with enough colour to make it seem like the season to be jolly all year round.""Is it too early to say “happy Christmas”?

Astronomical clock on the Zytglogge tower in Bern, Switzerland (@ Blaine Harrington/age fotostock)

Astronomical clock on the Zytglogge tower in Bern, Switzerland (@ Blaine Harrington/age fotostock)

comments,

• This clock has been chiming here since 1530 and is a cause for great national pride.""And that\s coming from a country famous for watches!
• Legend has it that this city\s founder named the town in honour of the first animal he saw on a hunt.""Fortunately for the city he saw a bear rather than a squirrel
• This centuries-old timepiece will tell you not only the hour, but the relative positions of the sun, moon and zodiacal constellations.""Despite all these snazzy extras, its name means ‘time bell\
• On the hour, every hour these little figurines do a little dance and find themselves in a spin.""But there\s no need to hang around waiting, watch them do it now

Two collared lories (@ Gary Vestal/Getty Images)

Two collared lories (@ Gary Vestal/Getty Images)

comments,

• These playful parrots have special tongues for eating nectar.""They also ruffle their feathers into a fancy collar
• Nests? Pfft, these birds like to hang out in the fruits of a particular tree.""Do you think it is crazy to live here?
• Locals use the parrot\s plumage in their traditional decorations.""Where do these fancifully feathered folk live?
• Despite these two cuddling up together, this bird is often known as a solitary lory.""One solitary picture of this beautiful bird isn\t enough – here\s more

Pine Tree and Mountain Range, White Cloud Scenic Area, Huangshan, Anhui, China (@ Radius Images)

Pine Tree and Mountain Range, White Cloud Scenic Area, Huangshan, Anhui, China (@ Radius Images)

comments,

• There are some 60,000 steps around this mountain, which are thought to be as much as 1,500 years old.""Obviously whoever built them knew the view was worth it
• The mysterious, low-hanging clouds in this area make it a better view from above than below.""Where is this superb spot?
• Legend tells us that this spot was where the great Yellow Emperor ascended into heaven.""Who is the man said to be the founder of Chinese civilisation?
• The renowned sunrises from this mountain top are famed for the optical effect known as Buddha\s Light.""What does that look like?

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.""Take a look on the inside
• More than 340 bridges span this city\s network of rivers and canals.""Where is the ‘Venice of the North\?
• Nearly three million items are housed within the wall of this great gallery, but then greatness is all part of its heritage.""It was founded in 1764 by someone with an equally impressive moniker
• This is but one of the six main buildings of this extraordinarily opulent complex.""Here\s the sort of view the statue might be getting

Maunsell Forts in the Thames Estuary (@ Howard Kingsnorth/Corbis)

Maunsell Forts in the Thames Estuary (@ Howard Kingsnorth/Corbis)

comments,

• These strange looking objects aren\t mechanical overlords invading from the sea, in fact they\re quite the opposite.""So what were they used for?
• London was once one of the world\s busiest ports but the onset of WWII meant the waters needed defending.""The only shooting around these now are the incredible photos
• What does one do with an abandoned seafort?""Create an entirely new nation of course
• With the cold winds, driving rain and distant neighbours, what can you do to cheer yourself up a bit?""How about a spot of extreme skateboarding?

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

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

comments,

• You might normally associate this US state with sun, sand and surfing but it actually held the 1960 Winter Olympic Games here on this lake.""Where is it?
• Isn\t the largest alpine lake in all North America divine?""See more photos of this amazing place
• Do you prefer absorbing the beautiful wilderness, taking it to the extreme on the slopes or hitting the roulette table?""You can do all this and more around these parts
• If you fancy taking on the freezing 12-mile swim then you could start in one state and finish in another.""Don\t forget your swimwear!

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

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

comments,

• This odd-looking land form is actually a 40-mile-wide river that is covered in grass.""Where is this watery wilderness?
• From this height you might be expecting this place to be on the receiving end of an alien invasion.""But what animal has beaten them to the punch?
• An unusual animal that can be found floating around these waters is often associated with the myth of mermaids.""Although, given that association you\d think they would be easier on the eye…
• It is thought that there were as few as 20 of this US state\s animal left in the wild in the 70s and today they still number no more than 160.""What is this beautiful beast?

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 the males and females of this species are blessed with an awesome appendage.""See more pictures of this horny beast
• Photographers visiting this area appreciate the unique rock formations and Mediterranean light.""Here\s a local\s perspective
• A close relative of this beast is extinct but through cloning scientists managed to bring it back - for only seven minutes.""Now where have we seen that done before?
• This sure-footed fawn-like creature lives in a rocky reserve.""So where do the people live?

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

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

comments,

• This country\s centuries-old monarchy was forced from power 36 years ago today.""Which republic is celebrating its national day?
• Thousands of these extraordinary megalithic stone structures scatter the landscape in this region.""See more of these beautiful bowls
• Local legend says that these stone jars are where giants brewed rice wine with which to celebrate victory over their adversaries.""Find out some of the less potty ideas about their origins
• Sadly, this region is still littered with unexploded landmines from a war that was kept well under wraps.""Find out more about the Secret War in Laos