In most settings calling any dog 'ugly' is considered rude and cruel. However, at California's Sonoma-Marin Fair, it is encouraged and even applauded - Because that's what it takes to win the title of the 'World's Ugliest Dog'....

On June 23rd 2012, thousands of tourists and locals lined up along Hong Kong's various harbors to celebrate Tueg Ng or Dragon Boat Festival. Though host to some of the country's biggest celebrations, has been organizing the events only since 1976, it is a significant Chinese holiday, one with a long history that dates back 2,000 years....

On Sunday June 25th, 2012, Ecuador's Galapagos Islands, best known for its giant tortoises had some sad news to report - its most famous bachelor, a tortoise nicknamed 'Lonesome George' was found dead by its keeper of 40 years. What makes the death even more poignant is the fact that he was the last known living member of the Pinta Island giant tortoise subspecies....

Researchers had always believed that Neanderthals, the predecessors to modern humans, had not been very smart. However, recent evidence has led them to think otherwise - Not only did the stocky hunters build complex tools, but also, spoke a language and even, buried their dead. Now it turns out, they may also be responsible for some of Europe's oldest cave art....

On Friday June 15th, 2012, hundreds of thousands of people watched with abated breath as 33-year old stuntman Nik Wallenda, fulfilled a dream he has harbored since he was two years old - Traverse 1,800 feet across one of the world's mightiest waterfalls, balanced on a two-inch wire that had been strung 180 feet in the air....

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, today, June 20th, may seem never-ending - one where the sun just does not wish to set. Depending on your location that may actually be the case, because today happens to be the first day of summer and also, the longest day of the year!...

Every year around this time, dogs of all breeds, sizes and shapes make their way to San Diego's Imperial Beach to showcase their surfing skills at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surfing Competition. This year's event which took place on June 16th, was no exception - Over 50 canine dudes and dudettes along with their proud owners, came to strut their stuff at this fun event, that also doubles up as a fundraiser....

The carnivorous pitcher plants are known for enticing their prey by secreting sweet nectar from their rims. Once the unsuspecting insect is trapped inside the plant's unique pitcher-shaped leaves, the slippery inner surfaces ensure that it slides straight down into the digestive juices that lie at the bottom. Now, scientists have discovered that one crafty species has conjured up an additional trick up its lid....

Earlier this month, a team of NASA scientists revealed the presence of a robust bloom of phytoplankton underneath three feet of ice in the Arctic - A phenomenon that researchers say is as astonishing as finding a rainforest, in the middle of a desert....

While the idea of harnessing the sun's energy for fuel has been around since the 1830's the impetus to use this free and clean source of power for commercial transportation seems to have accelerated lately. Just a month ago, the MS Turanor Planet Solar, became the first solar-powered boat to circumvent the globe and now, a single-passenger airplane has taken the green energy to the skies with a successful Intercontinental flight....

Polar bears may appear to be all soft and cuddly, but they are the largest of their species, not to mention the world's largest terrestrial carnivore and therefore, extremely dangerous. But don't mention that to Canadian animal trainer Mark Dumas, whose best pal just happens to be, a big cuddly snow white polar bear!...

This week, the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth Realm, a sovereign state within the Commonwealth of Nations comprising of 16 countries including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Jamaica are celebrating an important milestone - Sixty years of the continuous reign of their beloved monarch, Queen Elizabeth II....

Less than two weeks ago, some lucky earthlings were able to witness a rare event - A 'Ring of Fire' Solar eclipse. Now, there is another event heading our way - A glimpse of Venus as it orbits in front of the sun, something that will not be visible again until at least 2117. The good news is that people all over the world will be able to see it, just at different times....

Anybody that has ever been subjected to a school cafeteria lunch can attest that they range from totally awesome and nutritious, to completely gross and unhealthy. When they tend to be more the latter, some of us grin and eat it because we are starving, while others just put it in the trash and move on. One young girl however decided that she needed to take action. And in this Internet era, what better way to do it, than starting a blog?...

As with everything else, competitive sports in schools and colleges are constantly evolving. While mainstays like track, football and soccer remain the most popular, some unusual ones like and sand volleyball are slowly gaining ground. However, all of them still require some physical exertion. It is therefore no wonder that the decision to add bass fishing to the roster of high school 'sports' is raising some eyebrows....

If you are like most Americans, chances are you are spending the three-day weekend hanging out with friends around a swimming pool, dreaming of the long lazy summer that lies ahead. It is therefore not surprising that most of us tend to forget that Memorial Day is not just a celebration of the beginning of summer, but also, a day to honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives whilst serving in our armed forces....

Super-heroes are strong, fearless and don't wear hearing aids right? Wrong! That's what 4-year old Anthony Smith from Salem, New Hampshire has discovered thanks to Marvel Comics sketch artist Manny Mederos....

On Tuesday May 22nd, at 3.44 am Eastern Standard Time scientists at Florida's Kennedy Space Center celebrated five decades of Space adventure with an unprecedented event - The launch of the first privately built spacecraft....

On Sunday, May 20th, over 40,000 official competitors and thousands of unofficial ones, took to the streets of San Francisco to participate in 101st Bay to Breakers, the city's most famous road race. Started in 1912 to bring some cheer to the residents following the devastating 1906 earthquake, the unique event celebrates not only athleticism, but also, the fun-loving spirit of the people of San Francisco....

When one thinks of cool smart technology, it is usually associated with companies like Apple Inc. or Microsoft. However, the latest revolution seems to be emanating from a rather unusual company - Entertainment giant Disney. Touché, a new technology unveiled recently by the company's Pittsburgh based research laboratory, is powerful enough to turn any object and even the human body, into a touch screen. Intrigued? Read on . . ....

Just thinking of sharks evokes images of those razor-like, serrated teeth that decimate fish and crustaceans in seconds. It is therefore not surprising that one shark's refusal to eat its normal diet and instead opt to nosh on healthier fare like cucumber and celery is making headlines, all over the world....

The speed-related events at the Olympics are so competitive that even a hundredth of a second can make a difference between the gold and silver medal. It is therefore no wonder that everything - From the food the athletes eat to the clothes and shoes they wear, are geared for optimal performance....

Over 150 years ago, thousands of people flocked to California to try make their fortune panning for gold. Now, the hunt is on again. However, this time around its not for sparkly flecks of the precious metal, but fragments of a meteor that made a fiery entry to earth on April 22nd, 2012....

Piko-chan, a two year old parakeet that resides in Sagamihara city in Japan's Kanagawa Prefecture was looking for an adventure. So, a few weeks ago, when his 64-year-old owner Furnie Takahashi accidently left its cage door open, the beautiful bird took off, to explore the big wide world....