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When Spencer West was just five years old, he was diagnosed with a rare spinal defect that resulted in the amputation of both his legs. However, the young Canadian has never let this minor disability get in his way. He has proved that he can do anything a person with two legs can do including, climb the world's highest free-standing snow covered equatorial mountain - Mt. Kilimanjaro!...

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....

Mention Space cuisine and images of freeze dried pre-packaged bland food come to mind. However, astronauts for most part don't seem to care - They have more exciting things to ponder over, than what's on the menu. But if scientists are planning to go on excursions to Mars and beyond, this shrink-wrapped cuisine will not be the ideal solution and, it has nothing to do with taste....

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....

Move over Boo, here comes Lucky Diamond, Manhattan's most pampered and famous pooch. The good news is that your pet has a chance of sharing some of her fame too. That's because the Maltese dog is getting married on July 12th, to a yet to be selected groom. Interested? Read on . . . ....

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....

Given that humans have inhabited the earth for thousands of years, it is always fascinating to hear that we are still constantly discovering new insects, animals and plants. What's even more surprising is that each year, scientists uncover not one or two, but thousands of never before seen species....

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 . . ....