Random old Bing wallpapers

No, you’re not looking at a microscopic organism, but rather a great Australian landmark – the Great Barrier Reef. Known around the world for its natural beauty, the Reef contains more than 400 variations of coral, of which can be both hard and soft. Hard coral is more widely known, and are the building blocks for reefs thanks to their tougher calcium carbonate skeleton – helping provide support. Soft coral, like the ones you see today, lack a skeleton (making them much more flexible), and are supported by spike-like ‘spicules’ which act as a line of defence against predators. The more flexible nature also makes soft coral more visually akin to underwater flora.

While the exact timing and catalyst is still debated, many tourists travel to the reef in time to watch this homegrown wonder multiply each November. Over a handful of nights the Reef is said to ‘explode’ as corals spawn in a mysteriously coordinated event, however it only happens at night once the water temperature is above 26 degrees for the whole month prior.

As the last notes of Christmas carols linger in the air, Boxing Day arrives. This day is celebrated in Canada, the United Kingdom and several Commonwealth countries. In the past, it was customary for the wealthy to give boxes filled with gifts to their servants on the day after Christmas. The tradition evolved into a day for charitable giving to the less fortunate. Today, while the spirit of giving remains, it has transformed into a holiday centred around enjoying bustling sales and a lineup of football matches.

What's got steam, whistles and tourists pointing cameras? Yep, it's Vancouver's Gastown steam clock! Featured in today's image, this clock—built in 1977—is a clever blend of old-school vibe and modern steam power, imagined by horologist Raymond Saunders and metalwork specialist Doug Smith. It's a creative fix for an underground steam vent turned into a local legend. The clock uses steam power to drive its mechanisms, chugging out a puff of steam and a melodic whistle every quarter hour. Gastown itself is Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood, and the clock fits right into its cobblestone charm. Boxing Day crowds often pause to marvel at the steam clock's festive cheer, with its plumes of steam cutting through the winter chill.

This idyllic road is a path to one of Italy’s magnificent natural gifts. Just outside of the ancient city of Pisa in Tuscany is the Regional Park of Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli. This immense and diverse park contains numerous distinct environments. Seaside sand dunes, bird-filled marshlands, deep pine forests and vast deciduous forests of oak and elm all exist next to each other. A wide array of birds live in the park, and there are ample wild boar, rabbits, red foxes and fallow deer to be found. It has also been suggested that there are wolves living deep in the woods.

While the park is popular for its beaches, hikes and wildlife viewing, its attributes don’t end with its natural amenities. There are Roman ruins to be explored here, along with working farms, and environmental education opportunities. It is also home to the Villa del Gomba, once the presidential palace of Italy, and before that the palace of the House of Savoy, one of Europe’s oldest and most powerful dynasties. Today the facility hosts conferences and tourists.