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

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

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

comments,

• Not only will locals be celebrating their national day today, they\ll also be commemorating a great union.""What\s the special occasion?
• This fearsome fortress is said to be the home of one of literature\s most spine-tingling villains.""He was a real pain in the neck
• This castle was once the guardian of one of the most important passageways through the Carpathian mountains.""Now it is more suited to guarding treasures and tourists
• The story of the Transylvanian vampire Dracula was inspired by one of Europe\s most infamous rulers.""His victims got the wrong end of the stick

Thistle, Island of Iona, Scotland (@ John Short/Age Fotostock)

Thistle, Island of Iona, Scotland (@ John Short/Age Fotostock)

comments,

• Don your kilt, boil your haggis and raise the Saltire.""It\s Scotland\s special day today
• It is said that Viking raiders in their bare feet stood on this prickly plant and their cries alerted the sleeping Scottish army to the impending danger.""That\s why it has become Scotland\s beautiful floral emblem
• A prophecy tells that seven years before judgment day the ocean will sweep over Ireland and Islay but the place where these thistles grow will swim above the waters.""Where is this Scottish sanctuary?
• Some of the ailments that this flower was believed to cure include headaches, plague, canker sores, vertigo and jaundice.""Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder said that it also cured this hairy problem…

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 you have a permanent stock of the stuff here.""It\s available all year round
• You can hike into this wilderness, canoe, or fly in on a seaplane.""But those are all just cop-outs for our Bear!
• Indefatigable salmon make a 400km journey upstream from the Pacific to spawn in this region.""Where is this divine spot?
• Glaciers are awesome spectacles to behold.""See more of the world\s largest stores of delicious freshwater

Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona, USA (@ Stephen Matera)

Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona, USA (@ Stephen Matera)

comments,

• The strong contrast between light and dark make this spot a challenge for photographers but when they crack it the results are amazing.""See more stunning photos
• Antelope Canyon gets its name from the fastest land mammal in all North America.""Which is curious as, despite its name, the animal isn\t an antelope at all
• To access this canyon you\ll need some strong boots, plenty of water and a tour guide.""You may also want to practise holding your tummy in
• These beautiful geological formations often start as crevices that grow into deep, narrow ravines.""What weather extreme formed this one?

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

Stone Statue Road elephants 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 this mausoleum began in the late 14th century in honour of the first of the Ming Emperors.""Who is the man whose name means ‘vastly martial\?
• These well-ordered grounds would be a perfect place for another aristocratic elephant.""He\s one of the world\s most popular pachyderms
• Visitors who run the gauntlet of passing these stone sentries had better be fit.""There\s an 1,800m uphill climb to the top.

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
• This region is home to the smallest of the world\s six floral kingdoms but contains more than 9,600 plant species.""That\s more than the whole northern hemisphere
• If you think wine is divine here will suit you fine – it has one of the world\s longest winery routes.""Taxi!
• These docile looking waters are popular with scuba divers but beware…""It is also home to one of the planet\s most feared creatures

Tube anemone (@ Stuart Westmorland/Corbis)

Tube anemone (@ Stuart Westmorland/Corbis)

comments,

• It may look like a funky stocking-filler but you wouldn\t want to grab one of these on Christmas morning.""What is this stinging sea thing?
• Down in the deepest, darkest sea extraordinary animals put on amazing, otherworldly light shows.""Watch their lovely illuminations
• These interesting anemones get their name from the tubes that they live in, sometimes more than two metres long.""Delve in deeper with more pics
• You might be more used to seeing crazy colours in long glass tubes bent to make unusual pictures or sign posts.""Here are some more of these attention-seeking signs

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

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

comments,

• One name for this veg is borecole, a name most likely derived from the Dutch word borenkool, meaning farmer\s cabbage.""What else is it known as?
• During World War II this vegetable became a popular crop because it is nutritious and easy to grow.""What would you put in your Victory Garden?
• How can something so green be so delicious?""See more mouthwatering pics
• You may be surprised to know that a celestial object shares its name with this humble vegetable.""It is one of the 64 moons of the solar system\s largest planet

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

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

comments,

• Been up all night have we?""You\d be forgiven for thinking that with these wide-eyed creatures
• Why would two males try to out-stink each other?""There must be a lady involved!
• What has a group of lemurs got to do with Monty Python funny man John Cleese?""Well it turns out he is rather fond of them – find out why
• More than 80% of the animals on this island can be found nowhere else on Earth (bar the odd zoo, of course).""Where is it?

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

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

comments,

• With nearly 50 million people in such a small country, much of the country\s natural habitat is in its 20 national parks.""See what exquisite scenes can be found in them
• This region of South Korea is most famous for cultivating apples that grow to the size of a baby\s head!""Here\s what they do with them
• The autumn scenery, the mountain views and the mysterious lakes are just some of the spectacular views here.""Where is it?
• Idyllic and peaceful scenes like this are a million miles away from the country\s bustling capital.""Where is the so-called tech capital of the world?

Cutty Sark, Greenwich, London 2004 (@ Paul Springett/Aurora Photos)

Cutty Sark, Greenwich, London 2004 (@ Paul Springett/Aurora Photos)

comments,

• It was 142 years ago this week that this sumptuous ship was launched from its docks in Dumbarton.""She is now one of the most famous boats ever built
• The fine lines and ornate decorations make the last of the extreme clippers a sight to behold.""What are you waiting for? Behold more pictures
• It took just 67 days for this vessel to travel from Australia to Britain using only the power of the wind.""And what delicious cargo was it specialised in carrying?
• Sadly in 2007 this vessel caught fire and was extensively damaged, but fear not...""It should to be restored to its former glory in 2012 – here\s where to see it

Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Snowdonia National Park, Wales

comments,

• On this day 60 years ago the UK began enjoying its third national park.""Which one is it?
• It is said that on a clear day you can see as far as Ireland from these heights.""Here\s what it looks like when the cloud lifts
• There are 1,479 miles of public footpath snaking around this beautiful landscape.""Here are some top tips if you want to take them on
• This park is home to the largest mountain in Wales standing 1,085m above sea level.""Where is it?

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,

• Pitching your tent this far in the wilderness might seem like a challenge but it\s worth it.""Just look at the expansive view you\ll wake up to!
• Why do locals spin wheels in the local Buddhist monastery?""It\s all about getting your karma in order
• Tibetans call this the “favourite place of the enlightened.”""You are welcome to have a look around
• It takes hours and even days travelling across bumpy roads and almost unnavigable terrain to get to this beauty spot.""A map should help speed up the journey though

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

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

comments,

• This historical spot is a Unesco World Heritage site famed for its German Art Nouveau architecture.""See what the fuss is about
• This small nation first declared independence from Russia 93 years ago today but it had to do it all over again after the Soviet invasion.""Where is it?
• If you find yourself roaming these snowy streets today you\re likely to hear a special song.""Here it is for those who can\t make the party
• In some cultures, a young woman might give the object of her affection a peck on the cheek.""But around here, it\s likely to be a pair of these

Butterfly on Flowers, Cithaerias merolina the Glass Wing Butterfly (@ Darrell Gulin/DanitaDelimont.com)

Butterfly on Flowers, Cithaerias merolina the Glass Wing Butterfly (@ Darrell Gulin/DanitaDelimont.com)

comments,

• The Spanish name for these butterflies is espejitos, which translates delightfully as ‘little mirrors\.""What is its similarly shiny English name?
• This is one of 5,000 species known as brush-footed butterflies because of their tiny front feet.""Find out more about them
• Imagine coming face-to-face with a fanciful flapper boasting a wingspan of a whopping 30cm!""Meet the world\s largest moth
• Who would win a race between a penguin and a butterfly?""Ok, that might not be a fair match-up but it certainly is a cute one

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,

• The prettiest frogs are often the deadliest.""Look but don\t touch!
• Unlike British frogs, which must stay near water at all times, these ones can leap through the trees due to the humidity of the rainforests.""Discover more about them
• If these frogs live up in the trees then where do they lay their frogspawn?""Watch and find out
• What is diamagnetism and what extraordinary effect does it have on frogs?""It gives the game leapfrog a whole new meaning

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 keep pirates and plunderers out of the city.""Now it has been transformed into the governor\s house
• During the carnival here, clowns wear ‘fright masks\ and whack bystanders with painted cow bladders.""If you see one of these, it\s probably time to run
• When Columbus arrived here he said of the locals “in all the world there can be no better people.”""Who were they?
• It\s no wonder holiday makers find themselves bewitched by the beauty of this place.""Where is the Island of Enchantment?

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,

• One quarter of this mountain range lies here in Poland and the rest belongs to somewhere else.""Can you guess where it is?
• When sheep here are shorn, they look forlorn but what if their wool is traditionally worn?""See what the locals make of them
• This cuddly sheepdog is clearly not doing his job properly.""You wouldn\t catch any of these dogs lying down on the job!
• More than one-third of all European plant species can be found in this extensive mountain system.""Where can you see such a range of creatures?

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

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

comments,

• You\ll probably recognise this place from the outside but the inside is something to sing about as well.""Where is it?
• This building took 16 years to go from design to finished article and was delivered a whopping £65million over budget.""But to get this icon, it was worth every penny!
• What more fitting way to celebrate one of your national treasures by dancing to another in front of it.""You should be so lucky!
• With its strong economy, low population density and high quality of life, this city is frequently ranked among the most livable in the world.""Not bad for a city that, when formed, was two-thirds convicts!

Aerial view of Tamul waterfall in the Huasteca Potosina region, Mexico (@ Patricio Robles Gil/Getty Images)

Aerial view of Tamul waterfall in the Huasteca Potosina region, Mexico (@ Patricio Robles Gil/Getty Images)

comments,

• You\ll find this waterfall in a state known for its eye-catching natural resources.""The local capital is the silver-mining centre of Mexico
• Only a fortunate few make the journey to this remote waterfall.""Lucky for us they took some fantastic photos
• In local towns you\ll hear not the splashing of water, but violins playing huapango music.""See the dance that goes by the same name
• Not far from this towering waterfall is a hole more than 300 metres deep.""What is this site that regularly swallows up base jumpers?

Fox Fur Nebula in the Monoceros constellation (@ Tony Hallas/Corbis)

Fox Fur Nebula in the Monoceros constellation (@ Tony Hallas/Corbis)

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• If you happen to be cruising through the Monoceros constellation you can pop into this nebula.""It\s only 15,000,000,000,000,000 miles away
• Clouds of dust and ionised gases like this put on some of the most dazzling displays in the universe.""Discover more about these clouds in space
• First seen in 1993, what other fox are you likely to see flying through space?""He\s a bit of a gaming star!
• This nebula was so named because it resembled a popular fashion accessory at the time of discovery.""What is it?

The twin peaks of Mount Ushba in the Greater Caucasus mountain range (@ Brooks Kraft/Corbis)

The twin peaks of Mount Ushba in the Greater Caucasus mountain range (@ Brooks Kraft/Corbis)

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• Though not the highest of the mountains in this range, this peak is celebrated as the “Matterhorn of the Caucasus.”""Where is it?
• This nation shares a saint with England and their flag looks incredibly familiar.""Which country is it?
• This massive mountain range acts as a mighty border between Europe and Asia.""See more photos of this amazing collision of continents
• The polyphonic singing from this region sounds as though it could almost be echoing off the sides of the surrounding mountains.""Listen to some local songs

South Street Bonfire Society watching the Nevill Junior Bonfire display, Lewes, East Sussex (@ Ian Cumming/Axiom Photographic Agency)

South Street Bonfire Society watching the Nevill Junior Bonfire display, Lewes, East Sussex (@ Ian Cumming/Axiom Photographic Agency)

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• “Remember remember the fifth of November,""Do you know what we\re celebrating today?
• This town, known locally as the bonfire capital of the world, is famed for its events on ‘the Fifth.\""See some of the celebrations
• Nobody wants to see a firework cannonballing towards their home, or anywhere worse for that matter, so remember to stay safe.""Brush up on your firework code
• The types of effect that fireworks make have some great names: peony, fish, kamuro, time rain and of course roman candle.""Watch some extraordinary explosions

Daisies reflected in dewdrops -- Craig Tuttle/Corbis

Daisies reflected in dewdrops -- Craig Tuttle/Corbis

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• Dew has that marvellous property which gives early mornings a magical and mysterious feel.""But how does it form?
• You may recognise this as a regular day-to-day daisy but did you know they are part of a family with 22,750 species?""See more pictures of this colourful family gathering
• Is there anything more satisfying than the sound of a drop of water falling majestically into a glass of water?""Probably watching it in super slow-motion tops that!
• “Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do…”""Now what do you suppose the lovely lady would look sweet upon?

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

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

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• There is nothing chilly about these fillies – they\ve been bred to withstand the cold, harsh Icelandic air.""Discover more about them
• Although they\re called horses, this breed is small enough to be categorised as a pony.""Maybe their low centre of gravity helps them run on ice?
• This country is about a third larger than Scotland but has a third fewer people than the Scottish capital.""Where is this 300,000 person-strong island?
• These horses\ ancestors first came here more than 1,000 years ago, courtesy of Scandinavians who venerated horses.""Especially this eight-legged stallion!