I look forward each month to browsing the compilation of "slice of life" images from around the world. They offer us a visual break, if you will, from the tragedies, disasters, wars and violence seemingly so pervasive in our world. Through these images, we can immerse ourselves in the simplicity of everyday life. Daily Life: April 2013 takes us to North and South Korea, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Spain, Indonesia, China, Russia; and around the United States to California, Texas, Maine, Florida, Kansas, Washington state, and more. Enjoy [49 photos total]

While investigators work to discover who placed the bombs near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, people in Boston and around the world are paying tribute to the victims. Mourners have come together for candlelight vigils, running groups have staged memorial runs, and individuals have spent time in prayer or reflection. Collected here are images of some of these memorials, from Boston to Belgrade to Beijing. [26 photos total]

As part of an ongoing experiment, I solicited reader requests for news photos, asking people on Twitter, Facebook and email, "Would you like to see a good photo of a particular subject? A high-res version of a photo you've already seen somewhere else? A photo from a particular photographer or event? If I have access and can find it, I'll try to post it." The response was even better than the last time we did this, the subject matter was varied, and the task of finding the images and composing the entry was great fun. Requests this time ranged from Vladimir Putin in the snow to the beaches of Zanzibar, to the skyline of Chicago. If you like this experiment, let me know in the comments. I've decided to make it a more regular feature now. To all those who made requests, thanks so much. [36 photos total]

Guns. That single word evokes a strong reaction, no matter what side of the debate you fall on. Certainly, the massacre of innocents at Sandy Hook Elementary School was a national tipping point, but one that seems only to have brought back into the public consciousness, a long-simmering debate. A debate for which there is no resolution at the moment. Congress is still proposing and voting, states are taking independent action. Individuals rally and protest and fight, expressing their beliefs. This post is a collection of images - supporters of gun control, those against; victims and families of victims, gun enthusiasts. [53 photos total]

Aerial photo tour across countries and continents with a French photographer Yan Arthus-Bertrand [21 photos total]

Bangkok, home to over 9 million people, is both one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia and the capital of a country with one of Asia’s widest rich-poor disparities. The chaotic and vibrant city is a mishmash of dizzying skyscrapers and colossal shopping malls jammed up against residential apartment buildings and homes. Crowded streets bustle with sidewalk vendors and motorbikes, and 7.5 million registered cars overwhelm roads designed for just 1.4 million. [22 photos total]

While the official first day of spring was three weeks ago, many in the northern hemisphere are only just starting to experience warmer weather. People, plants, and animals are beginning to emerge from their winter modes to step outside, bloom, and otherwise welcome the sunshine. These photos show glimpses of the new season from around the world, as we shake off the winter and greet the spring. [33 photos total]

For this edition of our look at daily life we share images from India, Nigeria, Spain, Venezuela, Italy, Nepal, South Africa and a few others from around the world. [39 photos total]

For this edition of our look at daily life we share images from Iraq, Israel, Burma, Germany, China, Pakistan, Serbia and a few others from around the world. [37 photos total]

Over twenty years ago the United Nations recognized March 22 as the first World Water Day. This year's theme is water cooperation. As the following photographs show, the need for cooperation on this precious resource is great, as some enjoy plenty while others suffer drought. Collected here are images of water and its many uses as we approach the annual World Water Day. [36 photos total]