Crowfoot Mountain reflected in Bow Lake in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada (@ Daisy Gilardini/Getty Images)

Crowfoot Mountain reflected in Bow Lake in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada (@ Daisy Gilardini/Getty Images)

comments,

• Global prank precursors to today include the Roman festival of Hilaria and the Medieval Festival of Fools.""So how come the joke\s on you now?
• Did you hear about Burger King\s plans to launch a left-handed sandwich?""Step right this way for more absolute whoppers
• Shall we try to get a little perspective on what\s going on here?""Actually, that could be rather difficult
• Everything might not be as it seems but there\s nothing fake about this landmark.""Canada\s oldest national park is a serious proposition

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France (@ Jamie Beck and Kevin Burg. Courtesy of the City of Paris and the operator of the Eiffel Tower. @ Pierre Bideau for the lighting of the Eiffel Tower)

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France (@ Jamie Beck and Kevin Burg. Courtesy of the City of Paris and the operator of the Eiffel Tower. @ Pierre Bideau for the lighting of the Eiffel Tower)

comments,

• The 324-metre tall iron lady before you is the world\s most-visited paid monument.""She\s 115 today and looking great for her age!
• Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the landmark pictured here served as the grand entrance to 1889\s World Fair.""It was built to mark the 100th anniversary of which revolutionary flashpoint?
• From virtually everywhere in the French capital, this top tower can be seen stretching skywards.""Why not take a tour - legal highs don\t get much better
• There\s no doubt this building has captured the hearts of millions of people across the world.""One woman even married it!

Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance as part of Bing Help Your Britain

Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance as part of Bing Help Your Britain

comments,

• Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust\s two helicopters fly at speeds of up to 150mph.""Taking off from here, they can reach any part of this vast area in under 20 mins
• Did you know machines like this are on-call 365 days a year to race to the scene of an accident?""Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it\s a flying emergency department!
• On average, five serious accidents happen every day within this organisation\s catchment area.""Shall we find out more about their vital work?
• This charity is completely independent and funded almost entirely by voluntary donations.""It costs £5m a year to run but absolutely nothing to read about here

Rafflesia flower in West Sumatra, Indonesia (@ Fadil/Corbis)

Rafflesia flower in West Sumatra, Indonesia (@ Fadil/Corbis)

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• Wow! This looks like such a pretty plant.""It\s actually a parasitic species that stinks of rotting flesh
• Where\s the best place to get a proper look at the ‘corpse flower\?""Here (if you can get past the swarm of flies)
• Rafflesia arnoldii can weigh up to 10kg and are among Earth\s best botanical oddities.""Want to see more peculiar plants?
• These blooming stinkers are the official state flower across this region.""But you\ll find this particular example on the Island of Gold

Segovia Bridge at night in Madrid, Spain (@ María Galán/age fotostock)

Segovia Bridge at night in Madrid, Spain (@ María Galán/age fotostock)

comments,

• Locals take great pride in their oldest bridge, which was built in the 1580s.""It was actually named after the city of Segovia, which is more than 50 miles away
• The monument pictured spans the Manzanares river and was inducted into Spain\s official cultural canon in 1996.""Which artist is an even bigger part of the heritage here?
• This place plays host to one of the most successful football teams on the planet.""In 2009, they paid a world record £80 million for which extravagantly gifted star?
• Of all the cities that are part of the European Union, only London and Berlin are bigger than this one.""It truly is a capital destination

Ice cave on the north side of Mt Erebus, Ross Island, Antarctica (@ George Steinmetz/Corbis)

Ice cave on the north side of Mt Erebus, Ross Island, Antarctica (@ George Steinmetz/Corbis)

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• Discovered in 1841, this ice volcano was named after the Greek god of darkness, Erebus, the son of Chaos.""Images like these are testimony to its formidable moniker
• There are many hazards involved in studying volcanic craters like this.""When was the last time you got hit by a lava bomb?
• The cave pictured is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and located on Ross Island.""It\s one of three inactive volcanoes here, standing alongside Mount Terror
• Did you know a British explorer recently became the first person to ski solo across Antarctica?""Felicity Aston covered more than 1,000 miles, enduring 59 days of solitude

Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, Germany (@ E. Teister/Blickwinkel/age fotostock)

Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, Germany (@ E. Teister/Blickwinkel/age fotostock)

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• The soaring cathedral pictured here routinely attracts 20,000 people every day.""Did you know it\s Germany\s most visited landmark?
• Some claim this Gothic treasure stands so tall you can see it from 10 miles away.""It has the second-tallest spire and largest façade of any church in the world
• Ever wanted to live out your Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fantasies?""This could be your golden ticket…
• Work began on this monument in 1248 - but it wasn\t officially completed until 1880.""We should excuse the delay as it remains this city\s greatest attraction

Highland cow on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, United Kingdom (@ SIME/eStock Photo)

Highland cow on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, United Kingdom (@ SIME/eStock Photo)

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• This animal looks like it\s got a few questions that need answering.""You can find everything you need to know right here
• Every year, locals here get into the Highland spirit, aided by bagpipes, kilts and some very long cabers.""Let the games commence!
• This place is famed for wonderful wildlife, including the Golden eagle, Red deer and Atlantic salmon.""It\s hardly surprising - have you seen their amazing habitat?
• You\ll find many cows like this on the largest and most northerly island in Scotland\s Inner Hebrides.""Although it\s not the easiest place to get to, this guide\s easy to find

Thunderstorm over the prairie in Montana, USA (@ Artbeats)

Thunderstorm over the prairie in Montana, USA (@ Artbeats)

comments,

• Thunderbolt and lightning, it\s very very frightening.""We all know that - but what\s actually happening here?
• There\s a storm coming! Do you hide under a tree, jump in the bath or stand in the middle of a field?!""Probably best to follow this expert\s advice
• Given how much time we all spend discussing the weather, it surely deserves a place on the calendar.""It\s World Meteorological Day!
• What\s the closest you\ve ever come to being struck by a lightning bolt?""Stand clear! This video clip\s still smouldering…

Women carrying water jugs near the Taj Mahal in Agra, India (@ Peter Adams/Corbis)

Women carrying water jugs near the Taj Mahal in Agra, India (@ Peter Adams/Corbis)

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• Can you see one of the most famous buildings on Earth in the distance?""As enduring symbols of love go, this takes some beating
• As many as 57 million people get drinking water from the sacred river flowing just steps from here.""Even though 80 per cent of the city\s sewage ends up in it
• It\s World Water Day and people around the globe are working to provide this most basic essential for all.""Can you imagine what life would be like without a regular supply?
• Tourists flock to this region, drawn by the area\s three World Heritage sites.""The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpūr Sikrī are all nearby

Palizzi Superiore in the Province of Reggio Calabria, Italy (@ SIME/eStock Photo)

Palizzi Superiore in the Province of Reggio Calabria, Italy (@ SIME/eStock Photo)

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• Can you see what\s perched above the lights of this small hillside hamlet?""Let\s take a closer look to find out…
• Located on the toe of Italy, this super spot is dominated by mountains, fertile land and a cosy strip of coastline.""It is just three kilometres across water to Sicily
• The local sun-kissed trees produce Citrus bergamia, a fragrant fruit you may have tasted.""Where do you think Earl Grey tea comes from?
• Which internationally famous fashion designer was originally from here?""He was a great friend of the stars, including Madonna, Elton John and Princess Diana

Crocus blossoms in early spring (@ Don Johnston/age fotostock)

Crocus blossoms in early spring (@ Don Johnston/age fotostock)

comments,

• What\s gone and sprung today?""The vernal equinox, of course - and these flowers!
• Did you know the centre of the sun is directly above the Earth\s equator today?""The alignment of the planets can be confusing - but this video explains all
• The arrival of flowers like these is enough to spark celebrations across the world.""In fact, for some it signals the first day of their new year
• Botanical cousins of these flowers have a powerful part to play in the kitchen.""Spice up your life!

Panther chameleon tail, Madagascar (@ Joe McDonald/Corbis)

Panther chameleon tail, Madagascar (@ Joe McDonald/Corbis)

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• Relatives of this reptile hang out on branches in many places around the world.""But where\s the only place you can find this particular species?
• The predator attached to this spiral is a cold-blooded killer built for stealth attacks.""Surely 360° vision would be enough to protect its prey?
• Would you say the most surprising thing about these creatures is their ability to change colours?""They\ve also inspired singing and dancing on the big screen
• You\re looking at the terrific tail of Furcifer pardalis, more commonly known as the panther chameleon.""They have incredible tongues too, which extend at around 26 body lengths per second

Ho'okipa beach covered with windsurfer boards, Maui, Hawaii, USA -- Pacific Stock/Superstock

Ho'okipa beach covered with windsurfer boards, Maui, Hawaii, USA -- Pacific Stock/Superstock

comments,

• No surprises here but this place is one of the world\s best windsurfing spots.""It\s not hard to see why
• Along this archipelago, each island has its own nickname.""The locals call this one the “Valley Isle”
• It takes muscle and finesse to breathe life into this seacraft.""Add wind and waves and you\re flying
• Leave these waters to the surfers - strong currents and sharp coral reefs make swimming here dangerous.""There are, of course, plenty of other delightful spots along this amazing coastline

O’Connell Bridge over the River Liffey in Dublin, Ireland (@ Design Pics/Corbis)

O’Connell Bridge over the River Liffey in Dublin, Ireland (@ Design Pics/Corbis)

comments,

• More than 500,000 people descend on this capital each year to honour a man who wasn\t even born here.""You know what they say - we\re all Irish today!
• It\s not every year that St Patrick\s celebrations fall on a Saturday.""A huge party is assured - so what\s happening near you?
• Back in 1759, a local lad named Arthur signed a 9,000-year lease to brew his special brand of beer here.""It was a wise move - one billion pints are now produced locally
• This city boasts bridges commemorating the literary genius of locals James Joyce and Samuel Beckett.""Do you think there\s something in the water?

Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) near Ningaloo Reef, Indian Ocean, Australia (@ Franco Banfi/WaterFrame/Getty Images)

Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) near Ningaloo Reef, Indian Ocean, Australia (@ Franco Banfi/WaterFrame/Getty Images)

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• Jaws like these can be seen in these waters throughout March and June\s feeding season.""The Indian Ocean\s Ningaloo Reef is less than a kilometre offshore
• Rhincodon typus is a slow-moving filter-feeding shark and the largest extant fish species.""Maybe this 80s indie classic is their unofficial anthem?
• Do you think swimming with these beasts, which can grow to almost 13 metres, would be an amazing experience?""These guys ended up in the water with whale sharks - and their taxi driver!
• With a mouth this massive, does it feel like you\re next on the menu after this school of fish?""Keep your distance - reading this will be much safer

Ruby brittle star on coral off the shore of the Cayman Islands (@ Hal Beral/Corbis)

Ruby brittle star on coral off the shore of the Cayman Islands (@ Hal Beral/Corbis)

comments,

• Ruby stars like this often go to ridiculous lengths to escape their adoring fans.""Disappointingly, the paparazzi are even prepared to follow them underwater
• These echinoderms may be brittle but it\s amazing what they can do when combining forces.""Have you seen The Matrix?
• The species pictured here is capable of rebuilding itself in an emergency.""As superpowers go, regeneration seems particularly handy
• Thinking about getting a closer look at this colourful creature?""You could either get a magnifying glass out or catch the next flight here…

Traditional fishing craft drawn up on the sandy beach of Denpasar, Indonesia (@ Tim Mannakee/Corbis)

Traditional fishing craft drawn up on the sandy beach of Denpasar, Indonesia (@ Tim Mannakee/Corbis)

comments,

• The prow of this hand-made ship has been painted to bring good luck and banish evil spirits.""Can its cracking coat also see off the competition?
• It looks like this beautifully-fashioned boat has finished work for the day.""What else is there to do when you drop anchor around here?
• It\s not just fishing that locals here are passing on from generation to generation.""They are masters of another skill, pulling strings in the shadows
• Don\t just sit there admiring this vibrant vessel!""The more adventurous will surely want to explore the surrounding island

Market Square in Old Town, Warsaw, Poland (@ Keren Su/Corbis)

Market Square in Old Town, Warsaw, Poland (@ Keren Su/Corbis)

comments,

• In 1944, Adolf Hitler insisted this city “has to be pacified, that is, razed to the ground.”""Look at how it has risen from the ashes…
• The colourful market square before you is the perfect setting for an introduction to Poland\s capital.""Shall we take a stroll along the cobblestone streets?
• Which famous scientist studied at a clandestine university here in a bid to avoid the clutches of the occupying Russian Empire?""She later became the first person to receive two Nobel Prizes, in separate fields of science
• This place was virtually wiped out during World War II, when 80% of its buildings were destroyed.""Is it any wonder some people call it The Phoenix City?

Galápagos sea lions rest on Española Island in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador (@ Michio Hoshino/Getty Images)

Galápagos sea lions rest on Española Island in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador (@ Michio Hoshino/Getty Images)

comments,

• These animals are part of one of the planet\s most prized wildlife collections.""Want to know more about the inspiring island where they live?
• With so many sea lions squeezed into the same sleeping spot, it\s no wonder some of them can\t drop off.""Maybe looking at these photos would help them relax?
• It\s not all lazing about dreaming of the next fish supper around here, you know.""Sometimes these guys go surfing…
• Charles Darwin based much of his influential theory of natural selection on the endemic species found in these parts.""His voyage of discovery aboard the HMS Beagle landed here in 1835

The Avenue of the Baobabs in western Madagascar (@ Nigel Pavitt/Corbis)

The Avenue of the Baobabs in western Madagascar (@ Nigel Pavitt/Corbis)

comments,

• According to local legend, these trees were once uprooted and then turned upside-down.""That is why they appear to have roots where branches should be
• To help them survive the long dry seasons, Adansonia grandidieri store water in their trunks.""Thirsty for more information?
• Imagine being on the receiving end of falling fruit from one of these imperious plants.""Perhaps it would be safer to get a virtual view with these pretty pictures?
• These sacred trees grow to more than 30 metres high and are their island\s official national symbol.""Where will you find the Avenue du Baobab?

The Avenue of the Baobabs in western Madagascar (@ Nigel Pavitt/Corbis)

The Avenue of the Baobabs in western Madagascar (@ Nigel Pavitt/Corbis)

comments,

• According to local legend, these trees were once uprooted and then turned upside-down.""That is why they appear to have roots where branches should be
• To help them survive the long dry seasons, Adansonia grandidieri store water in their trunks.""Thirsty for more information?
• Imagine being on the receiving end of falling fruit from one of these imperious plants.""Perhaps it would be safer to get a virtual view with these pretty pictures?
• These sacred trees grow to more than 30 metres high and are their island\s official national symbol.""Where will you find the Avenue du Baobab?

Knysna Lourie in Knysna, South Africa (@ Hoberman Collection/SuperStock)

Knysna Lourie in Knysna, South Africa (@ Hoberman Collection/SuperStock)

comments,

• The Knysna Lourie is one of the African continent\s most unmistakable birds.""Have you ever seen a bird like it?
• Can you believe our feathered friend is actually a member of the European cuckoo family?""That\s where the similarities end
• This curious-looking creature would get a real shock if it looked in a mirror.""You\ll have to go a long way south to get right up close.
• These animals live in the forests of South Africa\s Western Cape Province.""Shall we also check out the big city that sails into view up the coast?

Mexican free-tailed bats in the sky above Austin, Texas, USA (@ imagebroker.net/SuperStock)

Mexican free-tailed bats in the sky above Austin, Texas, USA (@ imagebroker.net/SuperStock)

comments,

• Every year, around 1.5 million of these creatures take off from this bridge.""Where should you go to get a proper look at this batty sight?
• As you might expect, such a natural wonder draws people from far and wide.""Happily, you can watch it here instead of catching a plane
• In 1987, a tiny music bash was launched here, taking Alfred Hitchcock\s North by Northwest as its inspiration.""Due to start today, it\s become more like an urban take on the Glastonbury festival
• Welcome to the capital of Texas, founded on the banks of the Colorado River in the 1830s.""Did you know this area was originally called Waterloo?

Chinese lantern seeds (@ Skip Moody-Rainbow/Corbis)

Chinese lantern seeds (@ Skip Moody-Rainbow/Corbis)

comments,

• As the casing of physalis alkekengi dries out, ‘lights\ in the pods appear, making them look like lanterns.""Perhaps you\re more familiar with the ones that float in the sky?
• Shall we take a look at the true inner selves of these botanical beauties?""That way we can really get down to the core of this matter…
• This plant and its seeds have long been used by herbalists to treat a range of complaints, including coughs, fevers and sore throats.""It has a green relative which delivers a real kick in the kitchen
• The Japanese love these plants so much they\ve been throwing a festival to celebrate them for the past 500 years.""It\s held in Tokyo\s oldest temple

Tenby Harbour and North Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales (@ Chris Warren/Corbis)

Tenby Harbour and North Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales (@ Chris Warren/Corbis)

comments,

• This beach is one of the 140 served by the RNLI, which is currently celebrating the anniversary of its 1824 formation.""‘Train one, save many\ is their enduring motto
• Water safety is taken so seriously in these parts they\ve got two lifeboat stations, the most recent one operating since 2008.""The original launch can still be seen here and in this amazing footage from 1956
• The harbour pictured is snugly positioned on the coastline of the Bristol channel.""Did you know locals call this place Dinbych-y-Pysgod, meaning little town of the fishes?
• An ancient castle, medieval town walls and miles of sandy beaches dominate this region.""Is it any wonder tourists flock to see stunning settings like this?

Little Tahoma peak in the background with wildflowers in the Upper Paradise Valley of Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington (@ Stephen Matera)

Little Tahoma peak in the background with wildflowers in the Upper Paradise Valley of Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington (@ Stephen Matera)

comments,

• Where can you see Paradise, walk on Sunrise and behold the largest glacier in the continental United States?""In a national park that attracts nearly two million visitors every year
• In the late summer, high meadows on this mountainside explode into full bloom.""Does our glorious gallery do it justice?
• Ever wanted to watch the sun rise above the clouds while sitting on top of a mountain?""You\ve come to the right place
• The Nisqually, Puyallup, Muckleshoot, Yakama and Taidnapam used to be in charge around here.""Who on Earth are we talking about?

Historic Shot tower within glass dome, Melbourne Shopping Centre, Victoria, Australia (@ Andrew Watson/Axiom/Aurora Photos)

Historic Shot tower within glass dome, Melbourne Shopping Centre, Victoria, Australia (@ Andrew Watson/Axiom/Aurora Photos)

comments,

• Six tonnes of shot a week were made here until 1961, when firearms laws changed and demand dropped.""It\s more famous now for producing a charming hourly rendition of Waltzing Matilda
• This nine-storey structure was saved from demolition in 1973 and became part of a vast shopping complex in 1991.""What does it look like from the outside?
• Just a five-minute walk from here you\ll find the execution site of Ned Kelly.""It formally ceased operating as a prison in 1924
• Inside this building, freefalling molten lead used to drop through a copper sieve into a water basin, producing tiny spherical balls.""Sounds complicated - shall we check out some towering images now?

Forth Rail Bridge, Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland (@ Christopher Belsten/Getty)

Forth Rail Bridge, Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland (@ Christopher Belsten/Getty)

comments,

• This cantilever railway bridge is more than 2,500-metres long and took 5,000 workers seven years to build.""It was opened on this day in 1890 - happy birthday!
• A new coat for this epic landmark recently required 240,000 litres of paint across the course of a near 10-year job.""You know what they say - it\s like painting the Forth Bridge
• Most people travelling across the River Forth at this spot enjoy the relative comfort of a train.""This freerunner tried to get over on foot - is he mad?
• What does the man-made structure before you have in common with the Queen and David Beckham?""Here\s an answer we made earlier...

A variety of bacteria, yeast, and fungus on a kitchen sponge (@ Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc./Visuals Unlimited, Inc.)

A variety of bacteria, yeast, and fungus on a kitchen sponge (@ Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc./Visuals Unlimited, Inc.)

comments,

• Wow! What colourful, vibrant and beautiful creation have we discovered today?""Actually, what you\re looking at is rather disgusting
• This is essentially the dominant life form on Earth.""Apparently it can make bicycles dangerous, even when you\re not moving
• Ever wondered what would happen if you left some sandwiches to fester in a box for a week?""This man thinks the results are “actually quite beautiful”
• Be honest, does your kitchen sponge look like this?""Here are some handy tips to banish the evil bacteria, yeast and fungus

Hug Point on the coast of Oregon, USA (@ Tanmay Ganacharya)

Hug Point on the coast of Oregon, USA (@ Tanmay Ganacharya)

comments,

• Years ago, stagecoaches sneaked along this coastline past the sea at low tide.""Can we Point you to a map?
• A few miles north from this spot is a village that attracts tourists and sea birds, who nest in protected off-shore sites.""Where is this misty ocean haven?
• The sand can take on mind-blowing forms on the beach in these parts.""Grab your bucket and spade - we\ve got work to do!
• Not far from here is Haystack Rock, a 72-metre tall sea stack with a cinematic second life.""You might have spotted a chunk of it in a much-loved 80s movie?