July 2007 Archives

National Geographic's newest big screen feature Arctic Tale opens today in select theaters across the country.

Narrated by Academy Award winner Queen Latifah, the film compiles real video footage to craft a story of two young animals. Seala, a walrus pup, and Nanu, a polar bear cub face increasingly formidable challenges as they struggle to survive in a threatened arctic environment. You'll want to "bring tissues," one reviewer has cautioned.

Those of us lucky enough to catch a sneak preview at NGS headquarters last month were overwhelmingly impressed by the film. It has it all: action, drama, heartbreak, humor, and stunning imagery that is the hallmark of National Geographic. What's more, Arctic Tale presents a strong message on climate change, calling people of all ages to take action to protect the planet.  We think lots of people will be talking about this film.

If you live in one of the early-release cities, check it out and TELL US what you think!

Those who have to wait for Arctic Tale's nation-wide release next month (August 17th) can gear up with some global warming related reading, like the cover story from National Geographic magazine's June installment. "The Big Thaw", a powerful in-depth investigative piece, was recently cited as the "most read online article in the first half of 2007" in a survey of over 1,300 articles from 100 magazines! Even if you've already read the story, it's worth going online to check out a number of exclusive features including field notes from explorer Tim Appenzeller, maps, and "how to help" tips.

You can even cast a vote in an online poll. The question: Can humans slow the melting that's affecting the world's icy regions?
TELL US how you voted--and why!

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We are honored to have won another prestigious award this month. This time, the My Wonderful World public service announcement (PSA) received a CINE Gold Eagle  prize in the category of PSAs and commercials. A testament to the aesthetic quality and high production standards of the PSA, we are thrilled to join the ranks of former Golden Eagle winners like Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, Ken Burns, and Charles Guggenheim—and we get a cool trophy to boot!

 Haven’t seen our PSAs? See our ads here.

Look for the My Wonderful World PSA to appear on your local station soon if it’s not showing already. And watch out for our PSA contest coming this fall!

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Ever wonder why it's so hot in the summer? Do you know how beaches are formed? Or what elements are necessary to cause waves? Check out this short video from National Geographic's YouTube Channel and learn about the science of summer.

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Summer is a great time to tour the world through books and movies. As a child, I spent my summers in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, but my mind was exploring the Ozark Mountains, Prince Edward Island, South Africa, India, and Great Britain all thanks to books and movies. This summer, I'm excited to dive into the Arctic with the Arctic Tale movie and companion books; and, I have to admit, I'm on pins and needles waiting to delve back into J.K. Rowling's magical world with the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Tell us, what's your favorite movie set in a different country? What books about faraway places do you recommend?

Be the first to tell us what you learned about a continent's geography from a book or movie, and we'll send you a free My Wonderful World We Are Not Alone poster! (Seven posters will be given away, one for the first response about each continent.)

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Last week, National Geographic hosted 90 educators from around the United States at the 2007 Geography Outreach Institute. The participants, which included members of the DC Geographic Alliance and coordinators for the Geography Action! and My Wonderful World programs, took part in a full week of workshops and lectures at the National Conference Center in Landsdowne, VA, exploring ways to incorporate Geography Action! and My Wonderful World into their classrooms and communities.

This year's theme, "Asia--A Continent of Contrasts," introduced the participants to the geography of the continent, its environments, and cultures. As this article points out, giving students an international perspective is increasingly important so that they can navigate their lives with the knowledge required to tackle global issues.

Many of the participants have attended the Institute for years, some since the inaugural Institute in 1996, and, I must say, they are one of the most enthusiastic, motivated, and passionate groups of people I've ever met.

Despite the muggy DC weather, a rainy downpour, and a temperamental bus, this group maintained its positive energy. (And I heard tale they brought the house down at karaoke one night!) It was truly inspiring to watch them interact and weave ideas during sessions. Generous with their brains, their creativity, and their laughter, the participants inspired not just each other, but also the NG staff.

Here at My Wonderful World, we feel our message is in good hands with these ambassadors; and to the Geography Outreach Institute participants, thank you for your time and your passion!

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July 4th has always been one of my favorite holidays. What's not to love about sunny weather, backyard barbecues, parades, national spirit and--of course--fireworks?!

A brief history of fireworks

While fireworks have long been a hallmark of Independence Day celebrations in the United States, the explosive concoction is believed by most experts to have originated in China nearly 2000 years ago. Legend has it, a cook accidentally combined charcoal, sulphur, and saltpeter while experimenting one day in the kitchen. Stored in a bamboo tube, the volatile mixture exploded upon contact with flames.

Whether or not this account is accurate, it is evident that "black powder" was used in China for both military and entertainment purposes at least as early as the 13th century. The explorer Marco Polo is believed to have carried the mixture west to Arabia and England. From there, its use spread throughout Europe and eventually to the United States. Today, fireworks can be seen at celebrations around the world from Tokyo to India to South America.

Big city blowouts and island retreats

While there are a few lists of the best places to watch fireworks across the United States, we like this one of the "Top Ten Places to Celebrate July 4th" for its consideration of both fireworks displays and other fun activities, and its inclusion of famous and less well-known locales.

Making the cut are:

1. Boston 

2. Cape Cod & Islands 

3. Chicago 

4. Mount Rushmore               

5. Philadelphia 

6. Queen Mary 2 

7. San Diego 

8. San Juan Islands 

9. U.S. Virgin Islands                   

10. Washington, DC.

Tell Us: Where are your favorite places to celebrate the 4th?

Sparklers in Illinois? Rockets in Florida?

When I was a kid, I always wondered why I could play with sparklers while camping in New Hampshire and would see huge billboards for fireworks stores on the interstate, but I couldn't buy fireworks in any shops near me. While professionals put on magnificent shows around the nation, laws governing the amateur use of fireworks vary by state. Check out this map with a breakdown of state restrictions to find out where fireworks are allowed and where they're banned.

Have a safe, happy holiday!

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