These kids are just having fun — it’s the new year

Seeing The News: We've been seeing lots of fireworks, elaborate costumes and dancing for the Lunar New Year. And, while there's some debate about whether it's the year of the goat, sheep or ram, my guess is that these kids probably don't care. It looks like they're just having fun with a toy gun (I hope).

Not having fun

File this next one under pretty bad. While there is supposed to be a ceasefire in place, the conflict in eastern Ukraine is tense. One additional reason why the situation is tough — the cold of winter.

At least there is a cat

Not to diminish the seriousness of the situation in Ukraine, it's always nice to see a little humanity shine through.

The desert snow

Yes, places like Antarctica are technically considered a desert. But, when it comes to deserts, Saudi Arabia is pretty high on the list of places that spring to mind. Now for a twist, how about some snow.

Maps say different things

The graphics team at the Washington Post created a nice map to help illustrate Erin Cunningham's recent story about a pretty serious supply route problem that ISIS might have on their hands. The reporting is top notch, as is always the case from Cunningham. Now put that WashPo map next to another one created by CNN and you can see two very different ways to make an ISIS map.

Can you spot a Russian aircraft?

This is the question that some are asking in Cornwall, England — and perhaps elsewhere in the UK. Our partners over at the BBC report that the British Ministry of Defense recently ordered the escort of two Russian bomber aircraft out of UK terrority. Is this Putin sabre rattling? Who knows. While the aircraft might have flown a little too close for comfort, it takes a real trained eye to spot one of Russia's planes.

Seeing The News is a periodic selection of arresting visual topics around the world. What have we missed? Let us know in the comments, or tweet @sdavy with your tips.