For Castellers, “painfully good” is an understatement. These Catalonians have been playing human jenga for centuries, starting with the strongest of men at the base and the lightest — and oftentimes youngest — fearless at the top. Forget Running with the Bulls — the intricacy and teamwork required to pull this stunt off is mind blowing. I found myself gasping each time…well, you just watch and be awed for yourself.
For more information about the art of Castel, visit: kuriositas.com
Earlier this month, World Press Photo announced this year’s photojournalism contest winners. Photojournalists documenting major events of the year — good and bad, happy and sad — were recognized in several categories, including: news, portraits, sports, contemporary issues, arts and entertainment, and nature. Below are a few winners highlighted by The Atlantic. Click here for the full list of winners.
Daniel Berehulak's (Getty Images) image of a man and a boy making their way through flood waters in Punjab, Pakistan, took first place in the category People in the News. An estimated 2,000 people have died since monsoons submerged much of the state last July.
At the age of 24, photojournalist Ed Ou's (AP Photo/Getty Images) photo of Somali refugees in Yemen received first place in Contemporary Issues Stories. Separated by the Gulf of Aden, the Yemni government grants Somalis political asylum as refugees continue to flee their wartorn country. Somalia, situated along the Horn of Africa, has been without a central government since 1991.
Photojournalist Jodi Bieber (Time Magazine) took first place for this portrait of 18-year-old Bibi Aisha, in Afghanistan. Following Taliban orders, her husband carved out her nose and sliced off her ears as punishment for running away from home. After undergoing reconstructive surgery and counseling, Aisha now resides in the US.
Painfully Good 