Here is a great 'infograph' that visualizes the past 50 years of space exploration.  It was created by Sean McNaughton (National Geographic) and Samuel Velasco (5W Infographics).  It's obviously not to scale but it's a great way to visualize where we have explored in the past 50 years.  

The caption on the image from the National Geographic Site reads:
"The first attempts to reach Mars (1960) and Venus (1961) failed, yet triumph followed quickly.  Of the nearly 200 solar, lunar, and interplanetary missions depicted on this map, most have been Earth's closest neighbours.  As rocketry, navigation, and imaging have become ever more capable and reliable, the planets and many of their moons have become examined in detail.  The New Horizons mission to Pluto is under way, as is the MESSENGER mission to Mercury.  Others not yet launched, perhaps not yet dreamed, await."

Be sure to click on the image to see a larger version.  If that still isn't big enough - you can see the full-resolution version here on flickr.

Just a quick post to share an amazing photo I came across taken by Tyler Stableford of an ice climber on/in the Langjokull glacier in Iceland.  Check out his website for some other incredible shots. 

Here is a wonderful short film created for TMG Health by Kipany Pictures about a pioneer travelling across Iceland.  The scenery is gorgeous cinematography is extremely well done.  There are so many interesting angles, perspectives and it has a great 'mood' to it.  Makes me want to go explore!  

I know I've already posted several time-lapse videos but I just can't resist.  They are just so spectacular - and spectacular is the perfect word to describe this one.  It was originally created to promote tourism in Finland and was shot with DSLR cameras.  Enjoy!

Source: PhotoWeeklyOnline

Boston.com's 'The Big Picture' has compiled yet another great collection of photographs; this time, a rare peek inside North Korea.  Here are a few of the photos I found most interesting but the rest can be seen here.

(Click on the photos for a larger view)

Here are three short films made by Rick Mereki, Tim White, and Andrew Lees documenting an incredible trip.  Here is their description of the films:

"3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage... all to turn 3 ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food ....into 3 beautiful and hopefully compelling short films.....  = a trip of a lifetime."

Though all three videos are great, the one focused on 'movement' has to be my favourite.  Take a look, it's pretty unique!

- Jonathan M.

Source: Reddit

So apparently there is a new attraction in Toronto where people can walk outside the CN Tower along the circumference of the roof.  I have a hard enough time stepping on to the glass floor let alone climbing outside and hanging off the edge!  Not my cup of tea but to each his own.

More here

-Jonathan M

(Photo credit: Laurent Cipriani/AP)

Boston.com has added another great set of photos - this time of the Tour de France.  Take a moment to check it out!

- Jonathan M