Check It. National Geographic Photo Contest [The Monday Download].

Forgive me, but I actually can't recall ever actually reading an article or piece from National Geographic. But I have a good excuse! -- those photographs. Those strikingly gorgeous photographs of places and people that make you feel so grateful for living in this world. Sometimes it doesn't even feel like this world.

But Nat Geo photographers aren't the only ones who can work this magic, apparently. The magazine has been putting on a contest for anyone in the world to submit their photos, and they've been posting the best results on the website. And wow -- to say in the least. The photographs are simply breathtaking. And some of wonderful caption stories to go with them too, which are fun. So when you're ready to get distracted by pure beauty for a couple hours -- great way to get back on track after a holiday! -- click here and check them out.

And if you happen to think you've got the photographic chops to hang with the best here, you can still submit your work -- the deadline is tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. (presumably EST, so think 6 a.m., or earlier even). You could win $10,000 and get your photo in the mag! Good luck. And for us voyeurs out there, enjoy the world.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Freddy Cerdeira/National Geographic