NGC Blogs Home

The Top Tens of 2009

2009-12-30T22:55:04Z

It's been quite a year here at Nat Geo, and to sum it all up, we've compiled our most popular games, interactives, and videos of 2009 -- all in one place! Read on to experience the best of the best from the great year that was.

TOP 10 GAMES AND INTERACTIVES
10. The Human Family Tree Interactive
9. Dino Death Trap's Fossil Hunt
8. Hitler's Stealth Fighter
7. The Headshrinker
6. Baby Mammoth Lab
5. Flying Aircraft Carrier
4. Explore Air Force One
3. Hooked Reel 'Em In Game
2. Expedition Week: The Game
1. Tag and Track a Blue Whale

TOP 10 VIDEOS
10. Istanbul Super Tunnel
9. The Genographic Project
8. Crop Circle Creation
7. Dog Surgery
6. Behemoth Black Marlin
5. The Orangutan and the Hound
4. Cruise Entertainment
3. Nazi Stealth Aircraft
2. Obama On Board
1. A Town Full of Twins

Big Mouth

2009-12-29T00:55:55Z

Name: Jack
Breed: Dogue de Bordeaux
Age: 17 months old

ABOUT THE DOG:
Owner Joanna Kelly got Jack from a breeder in Adelaide, Australia, when he was about 3 months old and the size of a pug. Now at 17 months, this full-sized French Mastiff weighs a whopping 150 pounds.

Joanna works long hours and hopes to enjoy her time at home with Jack, but the big dog will constantly mouth her and bite at her clothes leaving her exasperated. Jack's behavior is even worse when her friends or family come to visit. While Jack has never drawn blood, he has bruised Joanna quite badly.

ABOUT THE OWNER:
Joanna Kelly is a corporate lawyer who lives near downtown Sydney. She grew up with dogs, a Cocker Spaniel and a longhaired Dachshund named Hurricane who lived to be 22-years-old!

BEHIND THE SCENES:
Field Producer Nicholas Bunker took a trip down under to sort through videos and help choose who would appear on the show.

In this instance, he actually had to help Joanna make her video. Because of Jack's large size and high jumping, Nicholas was left shaking after playing "dog bait" for the video.

Snarls in Charge

2009-12-29T00:52:12Z

Name: Bonnie
Breed: Bearded Collie
Age: 4 years old

ABOUT THE DOG:
When the Lewis family was living in the UK, they adopted Bonnie from a farm there. The owner bred bearded collies and would often pick one puppy from each litter for use around the farm and then sell off the others.

Even after the move to Australia, Bonnie was fine -- until she was bowled over by a couple of dogs at the local dog park. After that, she became aggressive toward other dogs, so much so that the Lewis's can only go to the dog park when no one else is there!

ABOUT THE OWNER:
Adrian and Andrea Lewis are a happily married couple and the proud parents of fifteen-year-old Katie and fourteen-year-old Andrew.

BEHIND THE SCENES:
In the US, the Dog Whisperer crew usually takes an hour lunch, but on this particular day, the crew had a 2 ½ hour lunch. They definitely had to adjust to the slower pace of Australia's cuisine!

Willow in the Sand

2009-12-29T00:45:01Z

Name: Willow
Breed: Harlequin Great Dane
Age: 2 ½ years old

ABOUT THE DOG:
Willow came to owner Paul Watson about 2 years ago. Paul had been working with an Australian rugby team when he went up to Newcastle to visit a breeder and pick out Willow.

Willow often joins Paul, his fellow athletes, and their dogs on runs through the sand dunes outside Sydney, Australia. It's there that Willow's relentless jumping on and mouthing Paul, and tugging on the lead gets out of hand.

ABOUT THE OWNER:
Paul Watson is a highly respected strength and conditioning coach. He has looked after his Sand Hills running club for nearly 20 years now and continues to provide opportunities for dog owners to bond with their pets through strenuous, but fun, exercise.

He has worked with Australian rugby teams for 13 years and even spent a year in India training cricket players. He also runs an innovative training company called Jock Athletic.

BEHIND THE SCENES:
Paul also has two Dalmatians named Rainbow and Buffy and an Egyptian Pharaoh Hound named Cleo. All of Paul's dogs are in phenomenal shape. Willow can run 20k races with Paul, and even Rainbow, his 12 year old Dalmatian, still runs 16k races.

Lisa Ling Online Tonight!

2009-12-13T17:37:15Z

Join us tonight on the Explorer blog at 8P et. Lisa Ling will be online answering your questions during the premiere of Explorer: Narco State.

Join the Conversation >>

Ask Lisa Ling Your Questions

2009-12-13T17:22:20Z

Starting at 8P et, during the premiere of Explorer: Narco State, Lisa Ling is with us online answering your questions. Post your question now on the blog.

NOTE: The live blog with Lisa Ling is now over. Read viewer questions and Lisa's responses below!

Watch a preview of Explorer: Narco State

BORDER WARS PREMIERES JANUARY 10 9P et/pt. Border Wars follows the agents that protect the 2,000 mile long U.S./Mexico border against smuggling, terrorism, and illegal immigration.

Earlier I asked Lisa a few questions about filming Explorer: Narco State and what she thought about the situation.

Question: Was there ever a time when you were scared for your safety during production of the show?
Lisa: Anytime you work on an assignment with active law enforcement officers investigating crimes there is risk. There was one incident in Phoenix when a kidnapping suspect ran at me, but fortunately he was taken down by the police officer who was with me.

Question: What took you by surprise? What shocked you?
Lisa: That the drug war has spread to the U.S. I was also shocked by the gruesomeness of it all. The lack of regard for human life is tragic.

Question: In your opinion, how do you think the citizens of Phoenix are reacting to the increase in the drug trade?
Lisa: The kidnappings do not affect average citizens who are not involved, but no one likes that the city has been affected.

Question: Do you see any changes in US policy to improve the situation in Arizona?
Lisa: No changes as yet. Hopefully, this show will open the eyes of those in Washington.

Question: Were there any individuals (a smuggler or regular citizen) that stood out to you or that you could sympathize with?
Lisa: I sympathize with the family members of kidnapping victims, they are innocent people who never asked for this.

Question: What would you do if you lived in Phoenix / Juarez?
Lisa: If I lived in phoenix I would campaign for more support for law enforcement. If I were in Juarez, I would move if I could.

Question: Do you think the situation will get worse before it gets better?
Lisa: Worse... until consumption is stemmed. But since we're not even discussing consumption, I would say that we're a long way away.

Question: What were your thoughts on the day to day routine? Was there anything they were doing that you didn't agree with, or anything that you would have done differently?
Lisa: We need to focus on consumption.

Question: What was the most interesting thing that you had access to?
Lisa: We were lucky to have been allowed to embed with the hike team, they do extraordinary work.

And now the viewer questions start coming in... Please continue to refresh your browser as Lisa answers as many questions as she can.

Viewer Question: Would you be willing to go back to Juarez in the future?
Lisa: Yes, I would go to Juarez. I have hope that things will get better one day.

Viewer Question: Have you embedded yourself with a law enforcement agency before? If so, how was Phoenix's police department different/similar?
Lisa: Yes, I have embedded before. The HIKE team is first rate, they solve so many of their investigations.

Viewer Question: How long were you with the Phoenix police?
Lisa: I made several trips throughout the course of a month.

Viewer Question: What can the average citizen do to help prevent this increasing problem of drug-related kidnappings in the U.S. ?
Lisa: Work on stemming consumption. It's the only way.

Viewer Question: When the Natgeo team was in Mexico did they get a feel as to how the population felt about drug or at least Cannabis Legalization to help eliminate the violence? (Since this is a parallel situation to Americas Alcohol prohibition it may have similar effects.)
Lisa: We at least should start opening up the dialogue. Our drug wars on multiple continents doesn't seem to be working.

Viewer Question: Please tell me how to verify your statement that the guns involved in this tragic documentary are coming from the United States. I'm not a nut but I want to verify what I hear because this is such a volatile topic in my community.
Lisa: The majority of weapons seized from drug traffickers by Mexican authorities indicate they are from the U.S.

Viewer Question: How can a citizen of Phoenix (and elsewhere) prevent falling victim to a drug-related kidnapping?
Lisa: The kidnappings in phoenix are targeted; almost all of the victims are involved somehow. Ordinary citizens should not be afraid, Phoenix is otherwise a very safe city.

Viewer Question: Are there other cities that have this kidnapping issue? Or is it mostly Phoenix?
Lisa: Some border towns in the U.S are having problems, but Phoenix has been dealt the severest blow as far as targeted kidnappings are concerned.

Viewer Question: During the filming of "Narco State," did you train and/or carry a weapon due to the possible dangers?
Lisa: No, never.

Viewer Question: I've heard Cartels target minors many times to be used as storefronts/distributors since the laws are less strict on them. Is this consistent with what you experienced down there?
Lisa: Minors are targeted for many reasons. Many don't have records yet and provide an inconspicuous front for drug operations.

Viewer Question: Do you think a fence or wall would help this situation at all? Something has to be done about this! No more Mr Nice Guy, U.S.!
Lisa: We can build a 200 foot wall and drugs will still get here as long as we maintain our insatiable appetite for drugs.

Viewer Question: Also is it true that many unwilling participants are forced into cartel service through Plata o Plomo (silver or lead) tactics used by the cartels?
Lisa: Cartels are downright unscrupulous and will do anything to get their product to the U.S.

Viewer Question: Lisa, how much cooperation is there between the US and Mexican governments? How would you characterize the relationship between the two countries when it comes to the issue of drug trafficking?
Lisa: The U.S. partially funds Mexico's war. Corruption is rampant in Mexico.

Viewer Question: What happens if the ransoms are not paid for drug-related kidnapping victims?
Lisa: The victim can be killed.

Viewer Question: You say consumption, I am a certified substance abuse counselor in Hawaii, With the recession on now, why do our politicians cut money from existing treatment programs?
Lisa: It makes no sense at all. As you know, providing treatment would cost a fraction of what it costs to fight these wars.

Viewer Question: So, I see earlier you made a comment about consumption needing to be stemmed to stop this all out drug war. What about legalized drug use in the USA ? Do you think that would stop the flow of illegal drugs for $$$ ?
Lisa: I can't offer an opinion about that, but I do think the dialogue needs to be opened up. What we're doing now is not working.

Viewer Question: Thanks for taking time to answer our questions. Does law enforcement you have spoken with have any "benchmarks" that they are trying to attain in order to let the American people know when they are making headway on this issue?
Lisa: Well the hike team is very successful at solving their investigations. But in terms of benchmarks, I don't know if they exist. Drugs are flowing into the U.S. as heavily as ever.

Viewer Question: What do our law enforcement officials do with all of the seized narcotics? Who oversees this process to ensure it is all accounted for and destroyed (hopefully)?
Lisa: It is meticulously warehoused and then destroyed.

Viewer Question: Lisa, I think the correct approach to stem consumption is a three pronged approach. Law enforcement, Substance Abuse treatment and lastly education of our children. How can you stress this more?
Lisa: I think we need to open the discussion about allocating monies toward stemming consumption and treatment over continuing to militarize the problem.

Viewer Question: Guns recovered by Mexican authorities - have the serial numbers been traced to the source of origin? And, of the guns captured, are serial numbers available? Millions of these guns were guns that were originally sold to the Mexican military (the Mexican government) and sold on the black market. Why did you not mention this in the special. You make it sound like American dealers are at fault when the large majority of guns used are black market guns bought & sold within Mexico.
Lisa: We can account for the weapons sold to the military. Somehow the ones that are seized from the narco traffickers made it to them in the first place.

Ask Simon Your Questions

2009-12-06T02:36:29Z

NOTE: The chat with Simon is now over. See what questions other viewers had and Simon's responses below!

Back in April 2009, Simon answered questions for us while he was still under house arrest in Peru. Read Q&A >>

Earlier this week I asked Simon a few questions about being home again:

Question: How did you feel when you got on the plane to go home?
Simon: I was very nervous beforehand and was worried that maybe something would happen at airport to delay me again. I even had someone from the Bristish embassy accompany me in case something happened. All went smoothly and when the plane took off I have to say there were a few tears.

Question: Did the plane ride go by quickly or slowly?
Simon: The flight was 12 hours and seemed to go very slowly and I could not sleep. But when I arrived at Amsterdam airport it all seemed to go very quickly.

Question: Who did you see first when you got off the plane?
Simon: My mum and dad.

Question: What was the first thing you did?
Simon: Hugged my mum followed by my dad and some friend who had turned up one of whom very kindly had a beer ready for me.

Question: What was it like seeing your friends and family after being away so long?
Simon: It was absolutely amazing and there was quite a few tears and it did not really sink in right away. I have had a few weekends meeting up with old friends which has been great.

Question: How long have you been home?
Simon: I arrived home on 11th of October so will be nearly two months by now.

Question: What does it feel like being home?
Simon: It has been great back with my family and now back at my old job getting back to a normal life again.

Question: Do you see your situation differently now that you are home? Or have your feelings about Sarah changed?
Simon: Now I do think of it as a life changing experience not something I ever could have believed would of happened to me but I think some good has come out of it valuing my family and friends even more than I did before. My feeling towards Sarah have not really changed from before.

Question: Do you have any trips planned?
Simon: Not at the moment but not ruling traveling out just will be more careful where and who with!!!

Question: What are your plans for the future?
Simon: I am back to work and getting used to a normal life. I am looking forward to Christmas with my family. A lot of people have asked if I will right a book which is something I would like to do just not sure how to go about it.

(10:10) Simon watching Locked Up Abroad Cuzco: Machu Picchu is just an amazing place so spiritual and a piece of history that I could not believe I was actually there.

(10:22) Simon watching Locked Up Abroad Cuzco: When I went back down and Sarah was not there I was little confused where she could be and then when police came up I got really concerned wondering what had happened.

Viewer question: What have you done since you arrived back home? What are your plans for the future?
Simon: I have got my old job back and been getting back to a normal life. Have also meet up with my friends and been out a few time. As for the future at moment I am just looking forward to a nice Christmas with my family. Other than that no plans really.

Viewer question: So you never had any gut instinct or indication that it was not right? Was it weird to be asked on this holiday with just the two of you?
Simon: Looking back yes there where somethings that where strange but at the time I really just did not notice them and no it was not really strange to go away. We were good friends.

(10:29) Simon watching Locked Up Abroad Cuzco: When I entered the police office in the airport and realised that was bad seeing the cases open and the fact Sarah would not look at me. The fact that the police where laughing and joking in such a serous situation for me and was really annoying because I wanted them to listen to me and not be joking about it.

(10:31) Simon watching Locked Up Abroad Cuzco: When they cut the suitcases apart was just stunned - could not believe it. How much was there and I did not believe this was happening.

(10:34) Simon watching Locked Up Abroad Cuzco: They obviously did not believe me and kept saying I would be in jail for 25 years and was just not able to get my head around the fact this might be happening and they seemed so sure about it. I wonder now if I had been able to get myself over more clearly and forcefully I might have had a chance of convincing them I was innocent but then again I do not think whatever I did would have changed anything.

Viewer question: Are you still angry at Sarah? Did you speak to her before you left Peru - or since you've been home?
Simon: I am not still angry with Sarah but cannot ever forgive her. I have not had any contact with her since the case was heard.

Viewer question: Do you have a hard time trusting people now that someone screwed you over or do you consider that a one time experience?
Simon: I think I am not as trusting as I once was and that also comes from having to stand up for myself in jail too so I think maybe I do have problems with people. I do not know being certain there motives for things.

Viewer question: Is there any evidence or do you think Sarah had anything to with your luggage being lost?
Simon: No I do not think she had anything to do with my luggage going missing.

(10:40) Simon watching Locked Up Abroad Cuzco: When Sarah apologises I really could not believe it and was just so angry that I could hardly control myself. But also realised I was going to have to rely on her to be found innocent.

(10:42) Simon watching Locked Up Abroad Cuzco: The phone call to my mum was easily the worst phone call I have ever had to make.

(10:43) Simon watching Locked Up Abroad Cuzco: 15 days is the Peruvian answer to everything as I learnt over time.

Viewer question: Would you say you've lost more or gained more from this experience?
Simon: I think I have gained a lot from this experience. I have learnt I am stronger than I thought possible. Learnt Spanish and met some amazing people.

Viewer question: If Sarah would have told you what was going on at the airport what would you have done?
Simon: If she had told me what was happening I would have made her stop and think and not let here go through with it because it was just such a stupid and bad thing to do and no good would come out of it is not worth it just for money.

(10:44) Simon watching Locked Up Abroad Cuzco: As I entered Sarita Colinia it seemed like 'Welcome to the Jungle' was playing with a crowd of shouting people and was just so scary and confusing.

NOTE: Thanks for your patience as Simon answers as many questions as he can. Continue to refresh your browser for the latest comments and answers.

Viewer question: Simon did you learn a grate deal about your self during all this?
Simon: I learnt that I was mentally stronger than I ever could have imagined and a lot more patient than I could have believed.

Viewer question: What do you want for Christmas?
Simon: I just want to enjoy Christmas with my family.

Viewer question: Was there one thing in particular while you were in jail that was the most disturbing? Or changed you as a person?
Simon: It was very disturbing the amount of people taking drugs and the general animal level of behavour. I just think the whole experience changed me... got tougher and maybe more selfish as well.

Viewer question: How did you get in touch with National Geographic to explain your story?
Simon: The tv people actually got in touch with me I think through fair trials abroad.

(10:53) Simon watching Locked Up Abroad Cuzco: I have to say that only problem with the program is that in my time in jail I never sat on a bed!!!!!

(10:54) Simon watching Locked Up Abroad Cuzco: Losing my faith in humanity the most commented part of this program and at the time I had been betrayed by someone I had trusted and in jail could not trust anyone and just felt as though may not be able to trust anyone again.

Viewer question: Do you think Sarah has experienced true remorse for altering the course of your life forever?
Simon: I hope so and I do think she has changed with this experience herself. The fact she never tried to implicate me shows she has some level of morals.

Viewer question: Has your criminal record been cleared?
Simon: Yes my criminal record has been completely cleared.

(10:57) Simon watching Locked Up Abroad Cuzco: From the time accepted responsibility it still took seven months before I was released from jail and when I got out I felt so happy and was sure would be heading home soon. Sadly this did not happen.

(10:58) Simon watching Locked Up Abroad Cuzco: Although I only had a small room when I got out it was paradise for me - so quiet and peaceful. For the first month I mostly slept all the time just because I could lie down rather than sleeping on the floor.

Viewer question: What steps did you take to protect your self while in prison?
Simon: To protect myself i just kept my head down . I was the quiet bloke who read and drank tea and just made sure it was clear never had an money.

Viewer question: What was the scariest thing about the prison?
Simon: The scariest thing was the fact that people could do just about anything they wanted. People had knives where taking drugs was often fighting and you just never really knew what was going to happen each day.

Viewer question: Simon, any plans to come to America?
Simon: I have no plans to visit America at the moment.

Viewer question: How did you feel filming this show and reliving the prison experience for the cameras?
Simon: I was just interviewed in a room for about 4 hours at times was quite difficult going back over what had happened and trying to get the story over. I did worry before the filming that it could go horribly wrong and would not come over very well but the people who made the progrm where great with me and very kind.

NOTE: In Simon's previous Q&A (April 2009, while he was still in Peru), he answered some questions that are being asked right now. Read Q&A >>

Viewer question: Simon-your friends Matt and James want to know if you ate Cuy. And, if so, what did you think of it? Was it gamey?
Simon: Yes i did eat cuy and it was ok but had a lot of bones in it.

Viewer question: Did Nat Geo help you get home?
Simon: Not directly but got my story a lot attention and I recieved a lot of help from people who had seen the program and wanted to help by writing to people raising money for me which was fantastic.

Viewer question: Were you able to contact the British Embassy or consulate and were they helpful?
Simon: The British embassy where not particularly helpful in my situation. They only really helped out near the end when I was able to head home but while in prison and once was out basically left to fend for myself.

Viewer question: How did you pay for your room and food?
Simon: My parents where paying for my room and food. Luckily Marylia, the woman I was living with, really did not want much money and paid her what we could.

Viewer question: Are you presumed innocent until proven guilty in Peru? Is Peru required to provide you with some sort of representative or legal counsel?
Simon: In Peru you actually have to prove your innocence which was why it was so long to get over with. They do supply you with a lawyer but it is just who ever is in the court on the day of the trial.

Viewer question: Did you work at all in Peru?
Simon: I was not allowed to work in Peru due to the fact I was under criminal investigation.

Viewer question: Did your government assist you in any way while you detained?
Simon: The embassy visited the jail every 3 months and gave us some money from a charity prisoners abroad. Some old newspapers and vitamins. Apart from that not really.

Viewer question: Do you know when Sarah is getting out of prison?
Simon: I have no idea when Sarah is out of prison.

Viewer question: How long did you have to stay in jail?
Simon: I was in jail for 10 months.

Viewer question: Do you have a facebook account? and could I add you?
Simon: Yes I do have facebook account. My profile photo is me in red tshirt with a beer.

Simon Is Freed!

2009-12-01T14:00:49Z

On October 11, 2009 Simon Burke was freed from house arrest in Peru.

Simon will be online to answer your questions at tonight at 10P et. While you're watching the episode on tv, Simon will be commenting about the show online while you watch!

In January 2007 Simon's friend Sarah invites him to take a vacation with her. Unknowingly to Simon, Sarah was actually traveling to Peru to smuggle cocaine back to England.

Watch more videos from Locked Up Abroad: Cuzco >>

While Simon was still in Peru, under house arrest, he updated us on what life was like for him. Read Q&A >>

Now Simon has finally been released after being trapped in Peru for nearly three years. What questions do you have for Simon? Post your comments and questions here on the blog and Simon will answer your questions during the Cuzco episode tonight December 5, starting at 10P et.

Heating a New Home

2009-11-19T15:58:47Z

The Earth's population keeps growing, but unfortunately for us, Earth itself is staying the same size. Seems like it might be a problem someday, doesn't it?

A possible future solution? Move to Mars!

There's no life on Mars today mainly because it's far too cold. To make it habitable, we'd have to warm it up.

But how?

Mars: Making the New Earth premieres tonight at 9P et/pt, part of Expedition Week.
Watch more videos from Mars: Making the New Earth >>

Help Dog Whisperer Win a 2010 People's Choice Award!!

2009-11-18T21:19:07Z

The nominees for the 2010 People's Choice Awards have been announced, and in the new category of FAVORITE ANIMAL SHOW we have 3 of the 5 nominees:

· Dog Whisperer
· DogTown
· Rescue Ink

Winners are determined by online voting - so vote now and vote often! The awards are January 6, 2010 on CBS!

http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/votenow.jsp

CONGRATS!

Trip: Update #5

2009-11-16T22:17:38Z

Getting Our Hands Dirty
by Trip Jennings
Expedition Granted Competitor

Wow, this contest has been lots of fun. I've gotten to tell lots of people about issues that I'm very passionate about, I've gotten to reconnect with old friends by asking them to vote for me on Facebook (woohoo!), and I've gotten to laugh at myself in some very silly videos. More than anything it has gotten me excited and inspired to go deep into the Congo jungle and into risky situations to protect elephants.

Now, however, the real work begins. Now that we know for sure we're going to collect elephant scat, it's time to get down to business. It's time to fundraise, get permits, and figure out the nitty-gritty of exporting elephant poop from a country like the DR Congo. It's time to get our hands dirty.

You can help! We'll be launching a preliminary project website on Thursday aimed to educate people about the devastating status of the ivory trade and about our project. You can get involved by going to our website and helping spread the word.

[Starting Thursday, Trip's website can be accessed here: www.StopIvoryPoaching.org]

Over the last month, I've gotten some interesting questions. One that I like lots is, "Are you more passionate about protecting elephants or the habitat they live in?" I'm not really sure of the answer to that question... certainly, you can't have forest elephants without forests, but can you have forests without elephants? Here's a great article that says, probably, but central African forests without elephants would be like Manhattan without any vehicles. Hard to imagine huh?
http://news.mongabay.com/2009/0409-hance_forestelephant.html

Catching a Great White

2009-11-16T18:02:16Z

Working at National Geographic, I get to see some really amazing photos.

But Expedition Great White really captured some unbelievable shots of a great white shark. It's astonishing to see these giants out of water.

Marine biologist Dr. Michael Domeier acquiring blood samples from a great white shark to test hormone levels and study their breeding patterns. The hydration hose keeps the shark's gills hydrated to keep it alive.

A shark being lifted onto the boat after it has taken a buoyed bait. The crew will take measurements and attach a tracking antenna to the dorsal fin before returning it to the water unharmed.

Expedition Great White premieres tonight at 9P et/pt, part of Expedition Week.
View more photos from Expedition Great White >>

Ben: Update #5

2009-11-16T17:35:11Z

Bringing Back the Ocean
by Ben Horton
Expedition Granted Competitor

For most of my life, the ocean has only been a few steps away, and for me it's always been a given that I could go exploring and see something beautiful on most days. Every day after school, my parents would pick me up and we'd head out in the boat to explore the reefs around my home in Bermuda.

What was once a given for me, has become rare. The fish are disappearing, the coral is bleaching, and the ocean is dying. I just spent two weeks on a remote island that should by all means have been swarming with sharks, grouper, snapper, and alive with coral. Instead, there were no sharks, the other predators were all but missing, and the coral was bleaching out, dying.

There is one thing I don't think people understand about the work that I'm doing. I'm not just trying to "save sharks," I'm trying to do my part to save the ocean that I remember from my childhood. Sharks are just the vehicle, the means to show what's happening to our planet.

At least in my opinion, they are the most important species we have in the ocean, and are one of the first species to be affected when we are doing something wrong. In a way, they represent the entire ocean. When sharks start disappearing, it won't be long until the ocean that I grew up in is no more.

Sadly, the sharks are disappearing, and the ocean that existed when I was a child is gone.

But it's not too late to bring things back to how they were. That's not to say it won't take time. Many of the species that we've all but obliterated reproduce very slowly, and continue to grow over many, many years. This is not something that we can just put money into and hope for the best. There is no debt to pay to nature that we can pay back in carbon offsets, or by signing petitions.

The changes we need to make start at home, and they grow to encompass our lives, and in the end, we hope that they will inspire others to take the same steps that we took.

Today, I started making plans to go back down to Costa Rica and meet with the scientists that I'll be working with when I do my Rio Sirena project, which has become a small part to a much larger project that I have in the works. There will be no grant for this one, most likely no credit either. But in the end, this is something that needs to happen, and I'm going to do my best to make it happen.

Chat With Cesar Friday, November, 13 on Washington Post.com

2009-11-13T03:03:36Z

Log on tomorrow and chat with the ultimate pack leader! Cesar will be taking questions on Washington Post.com Friday, November 13 at 1p ET. Learn about his upcoming PackPower Tour, featuring a state-of-the-art multimedia show, which lets audiences observe life from a dog's point of view!

Snapping Schnauzer

2009-11-12T18:23:39Z

NAME: Lorelei
BREED: Miniature Schnauzer
AGE: 5 years

ABOUT THE DOG:
Lorelei came from a breeder when she was 13 weeks old. Her owners Michael and Francine Markow were excited to share their new puppy with their three young grandchildren. But, over the course of three years, each of the grandchildren has had an incident with the dog that has left the kids in tears.

Now, it's been two years since the young trio has visited their grandparents in their home, and the Markows are hoping to reunite their family.

ABOUT THE OWNER:
Michael Markow is a semi-retired, financial executive. Francine is an actress.

BEHIND THE SCENES:
Lorelei has become an accomplished agility dog, competing at the Masters level and earning a Novice Rally Obedience title. The Markows have even befriended fellow agility enthusiast, trainer Pam Marks, the owner of Hootie from Season Two of Dog Whisperer.