Printed on August 27, 2007 National Geographic Channel

June 2009 Archives

Best of Nat Geo in HD Week is Coming Back Better than Ever!

By Greg Chapman

June 30, 2009 5:11 PM

Allison Gaffney

Digital Media Intern

Best of Nat Geo in HD begins July 6 at 8p

On an average day, it is difficult to beat monster fish and crystal caves, but in high definition, how could you go wrong? The size of the fish will be that much larger than life and the glow of the stalagmites will fill the whole room.

Starting July 6, Nat Geo will broadcast 15 hours over five nights the best in HD programming. High definition is currently the optimal form for viewing so what better way to treat yourself during vacation than to tune in! During Best of Nat Geo in HD week you'll be able to learn how tsunamis really come from outer space, learn the secret history of gold, go back in time to ancient civilizations, get inside the world's toughest prisons, and have a marathon evening of Dog Whisperer.

Consider this week of programming a celebration of America's achievements. 13 years ago in July, WRAL+HD Raleigh became the first HDTV station ever to broadcast in the U.S. Since then, the technology's popularity has grown rapidly and as of last month, all stations had to have switched from analog to digital, allowing the possibility for high definition programming.

We've come a long way from when Bruce Springsteen sang, "57 Channels (and Nothin' On)." Who knows what's next? Maybe next year (or soon enough), it'll be "Best of Nat Geo in 3-D week!"

For now though, give yourself a thrill with image clarity 4.5 times greater than standard definition and an enhanced surround sound experience that come with HD. You can preview the difference here. If you don't already have HD (get out of the dark ages! - Kidding!), call your local cable provider to maximize your Nat Geo viewing.

Voices from the Channel's Interns

By Greg Chapman

June 30, 2009 4:57 PM

Oh, to be young.

Youth brings so much to the table: enthusiasm, fresh perspective...attitude.

This summer, NatGeo welcomes a whole clan of young interns to our DC headquarters. Some have traveled the world, others have led college organizations, and most have thumbed through the Magazine since before they could spell "Ge-o-gra-phic." But for every one of them, working with us is a whole new experience.

NGC Interns Talk Back

Check out their blog for a unique perspective into the world of National Geographic and their DC escapades...

A Favorite Holiday

June 29, 2009 5:49 PM

We've got Friday off--whoohoo! Who doesn't love a holiday? I've yet to meet the person who didn't enjoy have a break from work. However, July 4th is my favorite holiday, and I don't know how many people would say that. I look forward to it every year.

I think what I love most about it is very simple--nothing is really expected of you! You don't have to prepare special foods, you don't have to buy people presents, you don't have to war with your spouse on which family you're spending it with. All that is required is for you to eat (and sometimes make) some good grub--ideally cooking out, hopefully spend some time near some form of water with the heat of the summer, hang out with friends or family in a relaxed and casual atmosphere (versus a stressful one), and celebrate our freedom by watching things blow up beautifully in the sky!

I don't mean to belittle the meaning of this holiday or to belittle the importance of other holidays. I recognize they all stand for very important moments. I'm just talking about the pure and selfish, enjoyment-level of the holiday. This probably reflects a lot on me as a person as well though. I just prefer the laid back, take things slow and enjoy the outdoors ambience of our nations' Independence Day.

Maybe all Americans will find as they slow down for this day and take a breath, how much they really do have to be thankful for in a time when we all seem to be rushing around all the time.

As we approach this holiday, if you want to learn more about what is fact and what is fiction with July 4th, watch online the full episode of "July 4: Exploding the Myths".

And if you're a fireworks junkie like me (Yes I love New Year's too), then also catch the all-new episode of Naked Science on National Geographic Channel this Thursday night at 10P et/pt: "Secret World of Fireworks".

Happy Independence Day!

WTF Behind the Scenes: Sean Riley Talks Mississippi Barge Danger

By Greg Chapman

June 29, 2009 12:44 PM

For more check out the episode page for photos and more video.
Worlds Toughest Fixes: Mississippi River Barge premieres this Thursday at 9p et/pt.

Friend us! Watch us! Poke us!

By Greg Chapman

June 27, 2009 7:48 PM

Like millions of others, you're likely watching videos on YouTube, reuniting with old friends on Facebook, and maybe even delving into the sometimes overwhelming world of Twitter.

As you're spending time in these social areas of the web, be sure to seek out National Geographic Channel. Here's where you'll find us:

Follow us on Twitter. Get inside info on our latest shows, fun facts you can share with friends and the occasional giveaway. Who knows, tweet about us and you might find yourself featured in a commercial.
Be our friend on Facebook. Get daily updates on the latest programming and links to our best video content.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel. New videos available each week from National Geographic, including behind-the-scenes pieces and clips of upcoming premieres. Subscribe so that you're sure not to miss our latest videos.
Come meet us on Myspace. Subscribe to the MySpace channel and be sure to leave your comments, we love to read them!
Catch up on your favorite Nat Geo shows on Hulu. Here you'll find full length shows of your favorite series, such as Dog Whisperer, Locked Up Abroad and Naked Science.

As you're following us on these sites, send us feedback and comments. What would you like to see more of? What do you like that we're posting? We'd love to hear from you.

Must See Video: Body Invaders

June 27, 2009 11:56 AM

In short, this is undoubtedly the most fascinating/disgusting/holy-cow-did-that-just-really-happen/shocking video clip you will ever see. National Geographic footage meets zombie/alien invader plot line. This is the story of the sweet little innocent caterpillar whose body gets taken over by parasitic wasps. But as if his body wasn't enough, they take over his brain too...and he becomes the pawn and protector of his own murderers. Like I said, this is some crazy stuff.

I see my fair share of amazing videos around here, but this is just one of those clips that is so bizarre that you have to share with (read: force upon) everyone you know. Plus, it's not every day you get an inside view of the innards of a little caterpillar who doesn't know what he has coming...

For more inside access (in its most literal sense), visit NGC's In The Womb site >>

What is on the other end of these fangs?

By Greg Chapman

June 26, 2009 8:01 PM

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT...

Stealth Fighter or Starfighter?

By Laura Peterson

June 26, 2009 3:58 PM

One reason the Star Wars series of films are so adept at suspending disbelief is because their production designers rely heavily on real aircraft designs and sounds when creating science fiction flying machines. Doug Chiang, Lucasfilm Limited's Design Director of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, was inspired by the design of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber when he created the "Naboo Royal Cruiser". However, the same comparison can be made in reverse to illustrate just how modern "Hitler's Stealth Fighter" looked compared to other World War II-era planes. National Geographic News noticed this, too: "The all-wing Ho 229 looked more like today's U.S. B-2 bomber (B-2 bomber picture)--or something from a Star Wars prequel--than like any other World War II aircraft."

Naboo Royal Cruiser

Tune in this Sunday to see how this real-life aircraft from the dawn of modern design was re-created by Northrop Grumman from the World War II-era blueprints, and whether it lived up to its radar-resisting claims.

The Nazi Stealth Plane that Never Was

By Greg Chapman

June 25, 2009 5:21 PM

Oliver Atlas

Digital Marketing

Hitler's Stealth Fighter Premieres Sunday June 28 2009 at 9p

After seeing Hitler's Stealth Fighter, it brings to mind all the what-ifs associated with the war. The scary thing about World War Two is how many close calls there were, and how these could have swung the war in a drastically different way. The Germans nearly captured most of the British Army in France, but delayed their pursuit and allowed them to escape through Dunkirk. The Battle of Britain hung on a razor's edge until the Germans abandoned their campaign when perhaps victory could have been had. And pivotal battles like Stalingrad were practically coin flips. With this in mind, the Horten-229 stealth fighter is an example of a technology that, if available earlier in the war, might have made a major difference, especially in the Battle of Britain. Even more scary is the potential combination of the stealth plane with atomic weapons, which the Nazis planned to have completed by 1946. It's a really good thing that many physicists who were influential in the creation of America's atomic bomb, including Albert Einstein, were able to escape to America in the 1930s under fear of Nazi oppression.

Blueprints of Hitlers' Stealth Fighter

With that said, I wonder whether the Horten 229 would have been available en-masse in time for it to make a difference (say, 1942) because it was the progress of the war itself that created the necessity for risky new technologies. The Germans entered the war using conventional aircraft and still nearly captured all of Europe, but had to adapt their strategy when Britain weathered the blitz and the US joined the war. It was no longer an option to out-muscle their enemies, they needed to get creative. Thus, they developed the world's first stealth aircraft (Ho-229), rocket-powered interceptor (Me-163), and jet fighter (Me-262). The Me-262 was actually remarkably effective - the most dominant fighter of the war - but by the time it saw action, it was too little, too late. One can only wonder what would have happened if the Germans had perfected the jet engine a few years earlier, but then again, it was the war's course that dictated the need for it and accelerated its development.

The war itself also kicked weapons production into high gear. One must realize that, even though Germany was on the path to war in the 1930s, it wasn't producing anything near the number of weapons in 1939 that it was in 1944. Its industrial production was at its highest late in the conflict, even when Germany's war machine was being bombed round-the-clock. In order to have stealth/jet technologies in place prior to the pivotal Battle of Britain in 1940, Germany would have needed to have accelerated R&D by many years and put them into full-scale production during peacetime. Which, even despite Germany's militarization, would be a tall order.

But who knows, it's all speculation. Hitler's Stealth Fighter does a great job of posing hypotheticals. What if the Nazis had operational stealths and the a-bomb? It's a good thing we never found out.

WTF Behind the Scenes: Sean Riley Talks Rudder Repair in Brazil

By Greg Chapman

June 22, 2009 10:14 AM

This week the Worlds Toughest Fixes crew heads down to South America to take on a 50-Ton fix that you'll have to see to believe. Take a listen to what Sean has to say...

For more check out the episode page for photos and more video.

Worlds Toughest Fixes: 50-Ton Rudder premieres this Thursday at 9p et/pt.

Iran and the West

By Greg Chapman

June 15, 2009 8:47 AM

In times of elections or foreign policy discussion, the West often times juxtaposes itself and its achievements with what Iran doesn't have. On the other side, Iran often times demonizes, unjustly, the way of western life.

For years there has been very little middle ground that both sides have used to move towards a relationship of peace, or mere cohabitation. Scholars and reporters have always acknowledged that for one reason or another that Iran is the lynchpin in Middle East peace. The Iranian elections - followed by protest of opposition parties to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad - this past weekend surely won't help the situation.

Hat tip to Andrew Sullivan at the Daily Dish that has had extensive coverage, with some video and correspondences may have been missed this weekend.

These two particular caught my eye:
- A BBC reporter being protected by protestors from being shut down.

- Supporters of pro-reformer candidates Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi take to the rooftops to show a sign of protest.

A week from today, Nat Geo will be doing its part to help you understand the dynamic and give you a history of the unpredictable relationship between Iran and the West. Preview a clip below and don't forget to tune in next Monday, June 22 at 9p et/pt.

A Decade Behind Bars

By Greg Chapman

June 12, 2009 9:27 AM

For as long as I've written in this space, I've expressed my fandom for the channel's execution on profiling life inside the nations penitentiary system. I would say across any cable network that produce and give airtime to what people call "prison docs", Nat Geo's production and execution cannot be challenged. I have seen the competitors and know for the most part how execute. The channel [full disclosure - I've been with the channel almost three years now] has a way of getting access and crafting these shows to give more insight and connection with the people inside the prison walls. They don't glorify a maximum security prison or show how "gangstas" life in some cinematic way. They have been executed to show the arc of prison life for a specific set of prisoners. Don't get it twisted, I am not at all saying that there are huge lessons to be learned from these shows or that they are life altering, I just think that each one that Nat Geo has aired represents a different perspective of the countries justice system, from women behind bars to gang life to even a glimpse of life at international prisons.

That said, I had the chance to watch the sequel to the academy-award nominated film "The Farm" called "A Decade Behind Bars: Return to the Farm" this week. This film goes back to the same prison and visits a number of the same prisoners that were profiled in the original film. The film brings answers to what most viewers want to know - What happened to these people? Not all the follow ups are heart warming, but some of the stories in the film show what happens when these reformed convicts return home. For Instance take the case of former prisoner Ashanti. He returns home after 28 years of incarceration and reunites with his family, some members he hasn't seen in decades. It shows his renewed appreciation for a simple life.This is just one instance in the film among many. It is a fascinating story.

All in all the biggest takeaway for me from this film is that it renewed my appreciation for the little things in life and makes me realize how we all tend to forget this in the hustle of our everyday lives.

What do you think? If you were locked up for 28 years, what would you miss doing, seeing, or being a part of?

For more go to A Decade Behind Bars: Return to the Farm official site.

A Decade Behind Bars: Return to the Farm premieres Tuesday June 16 at 8p.

An Easter Island Lesson

By Greg Chapman

June 12, 2009 8:42 AM

Melissa Harward

Intern, Digital Media

Easter Island Underworld encores Saturday June 13 2009 at 7p

The world revolves around scarcity. There's simply not enough fresh water, nutritious food, or arable land to go around. Especially on an island the size of Washington, D.C.
Easter Island, located some miles off the coast of South America, was once a paradise. Enormous nut-bearing palm trees and other flora covered this island, making it a sort of Eden for its early inhabitants. These people, originally from Polynesia, settled the island, building massive moai statues, tributes to their ancestors.

After many years of slash and burn agriculture and deforestation however, this island paradise was quickly turned into a barren land. Once-friendly tribes turned against each other in the struggle to survive on limited resources. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and when the island was stripped of it's food sources, cannibalism emerged. People turned into savages.

Although the demise of Easter Island cannot be entirely blamed on its people, their seemingly careless use of limited resources began the spiral downwards. After watching Home, which even alluded to the struggles of Easter Island, I wonder what the world would be like if we were all in their situation. If Earth is an island, how long can our own resources last if we continue to use them carelessly? Would the world revert to economic cannibalism, each nation struggling to scrape every tiny crumb into its own hands?

Journalists Imprisoned In North Korea

June 8, 2009 5:51 PM

Laura Ling, one of the two journalists being held in North Korea, is the sister of journalist and National Geographic Channel's Explorer host, Lisa Ling. The families of the two journalists have just released the following statement in response to the outcome of their loved ones' trial in a North Korean court.

The families of Laura Ling and Euna Lee are shocked and devastated by the outcome their trial.

Laura and Euna are journalists who went to the China-North Korea border to do a job. We don't know what really happened on March 17, but if they wandered across the border without permission, we apologize on their behalf and we are certain that they have also apologized.

We are very concerned about their mental state and wellbeing. Laura has a serious medical condition that is sure to be exacerbated by the drastic sentence. Euna has a 4-year-old daughter who is displaying signs of anguish over the absence of her mother. We believe that the three months they have already spent under arrest with little communication with their families is long enough.

We ask the Government of North Korea to show compassion and grant Laura and Euna clemency and allow them to return home to their families.

We remain hopeful that the governments of the United States and North Korea can come to an agreement that will result in the release of the girls.

UPDATE: HUANG RECOVERING AND AWAITING NEXT SURGERY

By Greg Chapman

June 8, 2009 1:59 PM

Here is an update from Sheldon Lazarus from September films...

Huang Chuncais is healing very well from his last surgery. Doctors hope that he will be ready for his next operation within the next six months.

There are two main risks that accompany the next operation: the position of the tumor and blood loss. The tumor is currently positioned against his brain, making it difficult for doctors to perform the surgery. Due to the nature of neurofibromatosis, the tumor is clustered in several locations, like bundle of grapes, throughout his flesh.

The risk of rapid blood loss also poses a complicated problem. Because neurofibromatosis grows in clusters, the area where it is concentrated needs a lot of blood, and the veins correspondingly expand to serve it. These can become enormous-several inches thick-and if accidentally cut, would result in rapid blood loss.

Continue reading here...

Also viewer Daisy writes -

"i wish there was a fund or something that people could donate money. I would send some money to Huang. i don't have much but i could send a little. Please set something up nat geo."

While there may not be a dedicated fund to this case, further information regarding NF and ways you can help can be found at the following sites:
Neurofibromatosis, Inc
Children's Tumor Foundation
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

China's Elephant Man

By Greg Chapman

June 5, 2009 3:49 PM

Huang Chuncai, known as Elephant Man, suffers from large tumors that have stunted his growth, and left much of his body handicapped. Now, Huang undergoes a risky surgery to relieve some of the pressure put on his body...

China's Elephant Man Premieres Sunday June 7 at 9p e/p Continue here to see what he and his family are thinking before he heads in for surgery.

World's Toughest Fixes' Sean Riley Hanging with Jimmy Fallon

By Greg Chapman

June 4, 2009 10:25 AM

In case you missed it last night, World's Toughest Fixes' Sean Riley was on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last night to show the host how easy it is for him to tackle the things that he does on a daily basis. Although Jimmy Fallon willing to participate, it seems there were some comical growing pains to get him up in the air...

Take a look at the hilarious clip below.
Take a look at the behind the scenes rehearsal of the show by clicking here.

WTF: The Episode that Almost Didn't Happen

By Greg Chapman

June 3, 2009 6:48 PM

Kelly Phipps

Producer

The new season of Worlds Toughest Fixes starts Thursday June 3 2009 at 9p

There are times when I feel incredibly lucky to be a TV producer. The access, the adventure, and the incredible stories you witness and tell. And then there are the other times. Like traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday.

When I got the call to shoot a rocket launch in French Guiana who would have thought we'd have to endure carrying hundreds of lbs of gear on to 8 flights thru 6 countries in 4 days without shooting one second of footage.

Our shoot-less shoot began smoothly enough. The entire crew landed on time in Miami without a bag lost or damaged. First dinner then back to the hotel to make sure we had everything needed for our 3 week shoot. Shooting script... check! Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetnus shots...check, Malaria medication....Check! 22 heavy pelican cases of equipment... check, check and check. Now we just need to touch base with our contact in French Guiana and we're off.

Click here to continue reading WTF: The Episode that Almost Didn't Happen

New season, Even Tougher Fixes

By Greg Chapman

June 3, 2009 6:28 PM

Sean Riley and the World's Toughest Fixes crew returns tomorrow night for the new season of Worlds Toughest Fixes. In the fall, the WTF crew brought you to a sinking cruise liner and to the inner workings of a nuclear facility. This season they go even farther. Take a listen to what Sean Riley has to say about the season premiere by clicking below.

From the Families of Laura Ling and Euna Lee

By Greg Chapman

June 3, 2009 5:31 PM

We, the families of Laura Ling and Euna Lee - the two American journalists currently detained in North Korea - are gravely concerned about their well-being. It has been nearly three months since their arrest. We have been holding our breath everyday as we've watched the political situation on the Korean Peninsula grow increasingly tense. Our loved ones sit in the midst of it. We desperately urge the governments of the United States and North Korea to keep our issue separate from the larger geopolitical stand-off. We hope that our two countries can come together to secure the expeditious release of Laura and Euna on humanitarian grounds.

Euna Lee is the mother of a four-year old daughter. And Laura was being treated for an ulcer prior to her departure, and in our limited communication with her we fear it has become more serious since her detainment and requires immediate medical attention.

Furthermore, Laura and Euna are journalists who were simply doing their job. They have been charged with "illegal entry," and "hostility to the Korean nation." We aren't certain of the details of what happened on March 17, but we can say with absolute certainty that when the girls left U.S. soil, they never intended to set foot onto North Korean territory. If at any point a transgression occurred, we sincerely apologize on their behalf.

We desperately hope that at the conclusion of the June 4 trial, the government of North Korea will show clemency and allow the girls to return home to their families.

Our families have been comforted by the unexpected and overwhelming support for Laura and Euna. We would like to thank all of those individuals who are organizing to secure the release of the girls. We are humbled and deeply touched by your well-wishes and efforts.

-The families of Laura Ling and Euna Lee