Press Releases

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIGITAL MEDIA AND SCIENCEBLOGS.COM FORM STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

2009-12-04

WASHINGTON / NEW YORK (Dec. 3, 2009)--National Geographic Digital Media (NGDM) and ScienceBlogs.com today announced that they have formed a strategic partnership spanning technology, advertising, business and content development.

Through this partnership, Nationalgeographic.com and ScienceBlogs.com will create and exchange content through connected social media features, as well as work together to create new multimedia programming for both sites. ScienceBlogs.com will feature content from National Geographic bloggers and National Geographic explorers. The site also will have access to National Geographic's news resources and will significantly increase its exposure through NGDM's worldwide audience. NGDM in turn will feature content from ScienceBlogs.com and renowned SB bloggers on its award-winning site Nationalgeographic.com.

In addition, NGDM will lead advertising sales -- headed by Jim Hoos, VP of Digital Media Sales -- on ScienceBlogs.com, adding a vibrant social media platform to the portfolio and giving advertisers access to an audience of more than 2 million young, educated and digitally savvy readers. Under the terms of the agreement, NGDM will acquire a minority stake in ScienceBlogs, LLC, parent company of ScienceBlogs.com.

"ScienceBlogs.com shares our mission to create a fully comprehensive Web destination that allows users to explore, engage and exchange," said John Caldwell, NGDM president. "This partnership not only allows National Geographic to strengthen its leadership in the science and technology space, but it also allows NG.com to reach an extensive community of young and engaged users who are deeply immersed within it."

"We are thrilled to be teaming up with National Geographic, a brand we greatly admire and an organization that shares the values of the ScienceBlogs community. This partnership highlights SB's standing in social media and lays the foundation for growth and greater reach and recognition in the future," said Adam Bly, chairman of ScienceBlogs, LLC.

NGDM and ScienceBlogs.com's initial rollout will feature blog content and applications that highlight green, science and technology subject matter.

About ScienceBlogs
ScienceBlogs.com is the leading social media site in the science and technology category, with more than 130 acclaimed blogs, 11 content channels, a jobs platform and a fast-growing audience of 2.4 million unique visitors a month. ScienceBlogs.de, a German-language edition, launched in 2007 in partnership with Hubert Burda Media, and a Portuguese-language edition, ScienceBlogs.com.br, launched in 2008. ScienceBlogs, LLC, is a privately held company majority-owned by Seed Media Group (www.seedmediagroup.com).

About National Geographic Digital Media
National Geographic Digital Media is the multimedia division of National Geographic Ventures, the wholly owned, taxable subsidiary of the National Geographic Society, one of the world's largest educational and scientific nonprofit organizations, reaching more than
375 million people worldwide. At the forefront of the digital media revolution, NGDM publishes Nationalgeographic.com, delivering multimedia content to digital consumers. Nationalgeographic.com is the award-winning Web site of the National Geographic Society and attracts 13 million unique visitors a month. Nationalgeographic.com combines National Geographic's video, photography and maps with in-depth information and interactive features about animals, nature, destinations and cultures. Nationalgeographic.com's news service, National Geographic News, publishes daily stories about science and discoveries.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CALLS ON KIDS TO DESIGN OCEAN FLAG

2009-12-01

NEW YORK (Dec. 1, 2009)—National Geographic Kids and the National Geographic Society invite kids to create a flag to fly on a National Geographic research ship during the Ocean Now expedition in 2010. The Ocean Flag Contest aims to engage children in ocean exploration and conservation.

The online contest at http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/contests/Ocean-flag-contest is open to kids ages 8 to 14 and will be judged by renowned ocean researchers Robert Ballard, Sylvia Earle, Enric Sala, David de Rothschild and Nancy Knowlton. The judges will pick the top 10 designs, and kids will then vote online for the winning design. The winning flag will be hoisted above the National Geographic Ocean Now expedition ship in 2010. The winner will receive a patch bearing his/her flag design, as well as select National Geographic books and DVDs. The contest runs until Feb. 20, 2010, and the winner will be announced online in April 2010.

"As we continue our expeditions in 2010, we hope to engage children in the dialogue about conservation and inspire them to enjoy and care for the ocean," said Sala. "We need everyone's help, but children are especially important. The future of the ocean depends on their involvement now and throughout their lives."

For design inspiration, the National Geographic Kids Web site features amazing articles, photos and videos of the world under the sea, including a Q&A with Sala, a shark quiz and fun facts about leatherback turtles, jellyfish, coral reefs and underwater exploration.

The National Geographic's Ocean Now expeditions are an exploration, research and conservation project to find, survey and help protect the last healthy, undisturbed places in the ocean. By studying how marine ecosystems work without human interference, we can learn how to help healthy reefs thrive, help unhealthy reefs recover and better preserve the ocean, which covers more than two-thirds of our planet.

The Ocean Now team is working with local marine scientists and conservation organizations to document these aquatic ecosystems. The data, they hope, will help establish new scientific baselines for intact — and critically important — environments. Information about recent expeditions can be found at http://ocean.nationalgeographic.com/content/about-the-expedition/.

To enter the Ocean Flag Contest, kids must create a design for a flag on plain paper not exceeding 8 ½ x 11 inches in size. The design must represent ocean exploration and the protection of ocean ecosystems. Entrants also must write an essay, not exceeding 250 words, describing what inspired their design. The contest is open only to legal residents of the United States (excluding residents of Puerto Rico) who were 8 to14 years of age as of Nov. 1, 2009.
Entries must be postmarked by Feb. 20, 2010. Complete rules and details are online at http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/contests/Ocean-flag-contest.

Kids.nationalgeographic.com, the Web site of National Geographic Kids magazine, is the online destination for all the quality kids content produced by National Geographic and is tied to the mission of inspiring kids to care about the planet — and the people, places and animals on it. From a brand trusted by both parents and educators, kids.nationalgeographic.com and its companion Web site for younger kids, littlekids.nationalgeographic.com, feature high-quality videos, stunning photographs, animal profiles and interactive games.

Nationalgeographic.com is the award-winning Web site of the National Geographic Society and attracts 13 million unique visitors a month. Nationalgeographic.com combines National Geographic's video, photography and maps with in-depth information and interactive features about animals, science, nature, the environment, destinations and cultures. Nationalgeographic.com's news service, National Geographic News, publishes daily stories about science and discoveries around the globe.

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TO HOLD HUGE WAREHOUSE SALE AT WASHINGTON'S D.C. ARMORY

2009-11-23

WASHINGTON (Oct. 20, 2008)—National Geographic is bringing truckloads of books, maps, globes, toys, clothing, luggage and more to its warehouse sale in Washington, D.C., next month. The event will be held at the D.C. Armory from Friday, Nov. 14, to Sunday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Fourteen tractor trailers will be loaded with almost everything that National Geographic has offered for sale in the past five years. Many of the items seen in National Geographic gift catalogs as well as 300 book titles will be available. Prices will be discounted up to 90 percent.

"This year's sale is one of the largest ever. We have more than 600 different products — that's 250,000 of the best-quality books, maps, toys, puzzles, travel accessories and gifts from around the world," said National Geographic's Bill O'Donnell, director of operations.

New to the sale this year will be a display of framed prints of some of National Geographic's best photographs, which are also available at www.printsNGS.com.

"Our warehouse sales attract both devoted fans of National Geographic and serious bargain hunters. They are a perfect opportunity to get a jump on holiday shopping. There is something for everybody on your list, be they professional or amateur traveler, adventurer, scientist, gardener, history buff, photographer, animal lover, student or teacher. Our books alone will be 20 percent to 90 percent off list price. People shopping for schools often buy lots of materials. At our last sale, the showroom was virtually emptied of merchandise," O'Donnell said.

The sale is being promoted through mailings, newspaper ads and radio spots. National Geographic members and teachers have received postcards that they can bring to the sale to exchange for a free calendar.

National Geographic warehouse sales also will be held in San Diego at the San Diego Convention Center from Friday, Nov. 28, to Sunday, Nov. 30, and in Austin, Texas, at the Austin Convention Center from Friday, Dec. 12, to Sunday, Dec. 14. Sale hours are the same as for the Washington event.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 325 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE TO PRESENT RECORDING ARTISTS NAS AND DAMIAN 'JR. GONG' MARLEY FOR SPECIAL PROGRAM

2009-11-19

WASHINGTON (Nov. 18, 2009)—National Geographic Live will conclude its fall event series with a one-of-a-kind evening with some of hip-hop's most legendary figures. "Distant Relatives," sponsored by VTech, will feature hip-hop icon Nas and Grammy-winning artist Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, son of Bob Marley, in a discussion about the often under-appreciated evolution of and deep-rooted connections between reggae and hip-hop.

Joining them for this conversation, moderated by MTV VJ Sway, will be key players in the development of both musical genres, including Kool Herc, Rakim, Daddy U-Roy, King Jammy, Jeff Chang, Pat McKay, Waterflow and DJ Red Alert.

The event will take place at National Geographic's Grosvenor Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at www.nglive.org, via telephone at (202) 857-7700, or in person at the National Geographic ticket office between
9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Tickets purchased online can be picked up in the lobby prior to the event.

Hip-hop, now a multibillion-dollar industry, originated as a vital form of cultural expression in Africa that was translocated by the slave trade to the Caribbean and the American colonies. It blossomed a half century ago in the dance halls of Kingston, Jamaica, and soon migrated to the parks jams and recreational centers of New York City, where the culture became known as hip-hop.

This evolution forms the basis of the "Distant Relatives" music project, a collaborative effort by Marley and Nas, which will comprise an album set for release in early 2010, a documentary film, performances and a series of public discussions, the first of which is this event hosted by National Geographic.

An open-mic party will be hosted at popular Washington nightclub Zanzibar following the event. National Geographic ticket holders will receive free admission with proof of purchase. For more information on the Zanzibar event, visit www.zanzibar-otw.com.

This event also will be streamed live and broadcast online at www.natgeomusic.net.

About National Geographic Live
National Geographic Live is the performing arts division of the National Geographic Society, featuring live concerts, films and dynamic presentations by today's leading explorers, scientists, filmmakers and photographers, covering a wide range of topics, including exploration and adventure; wildlife and habitat conservation; natural phenomena; world cultures and ancient history; and relevant issues such as climate change and sustainability. Proceeds from speaker series help fund future National Geographic initiatives in field research, exploration and education. For more information, visit www.nglive.org.

About Nat Geo Music
Nat Geo Music, a division of National Geographic Entertainment, was established in 2007 to inspire people to care about the planet through the power of music. Content developed by Nat Geo Music is utilized across all National Geographic platforms, including online media, radio, print media, film and television. The Nat Geo Music label, launched in January 2009, records, releases and promotes modern music from around the globe from a variety of artists and genres. The Nat Geo Music Channel programs music from every corner of the planet and showcases global legends, local stars and up-and-coming artists. For more information, visit www.natgeomusic.net.

About VTech
VTech is one of the world's largest suppliers of corded and cordless telephones and a leading supplier of electronic learning products. It also provides highly sought-after contract manufacturing services. Founded in 1976, the Group's mission is to be the most cost-effective designer and manufacturer of innovative, high-quality consumer electronics products and to distribute them to markets worldwide in the most efficient manner. For further information on VTech's blogs and its array of products, please visit www.vtechphones.com.

About "Distant Relatives"
"Distant Relatives" is an album created by two great artists to explore and celebrate the correlations and deep-rooted connections between reggae and hip-hop, tracing both sounds back to the African motherland that is both the cradle of humanity and the wellspring of mankind's music. Unlike all previous collaborations between Jamaican and American artists, "Distant Relatives" is neither a remix nor a featured guest spot on a single track but a fully collaborative effort filling an entire album, opening new avenues of musical expression. Who better to fulfill this long-overdue mission? The youngest son of the legendary Bob Marley, and a hip-hop icon since 1991: Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and Nas, whose success as a duo was proved in 2006 with the double-Grammy-Award-winning "Road to Zion."

BoarCroc, RatCroc, DogCroc, DuckCroc and PancakeCroc

2009-11-19

WASHINGTON (Nov. 19, 2009)—A suite of five ancient crocs, including one with teeth like boar tusks and another with a snout like a duck's bill, have been discovered in the Sahara by National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Paul Sereno. The five fossil crocs, three of them newly named species, are remains of a bizarre world of crocs that inhabited the southern land mass known as Gondwana some 100 million years ago.

Sereno, a professor at the University of Chicago, and his team unearthed the strange crocs in a series of expeditions beginning in 2000 in the Sahara. Many of the fossils were found lying on the surface of a remote, windswept stretch of rock and dunes. The crocs galloped and swam across present-day Niger and Morocco when broad rivers coursed over lush plains and dinosaurs ruled.

"These species open a window on a croc world completely foreign to what was living on northern continents," Sereno said. The five crocs, along with a closely related sixth species, will be detailed in a paper published in the journal ZooKeys and appear in the November 2009 issue of National Geographic magazine. The crocs also will star in a documentary, "When Crocs Ate Dinosaurs," to premiere at 9 p.m. ET/PT Saturday, Nov. 21, on the National Geographic Channel.

At 40 feet in length and weighing 8 tons, Sarcosuchus imperator, popularly known as SuperCroc, was the first and largest of the crocs Sereno found in the Sahara, but it was not the strangest, Sereno said. He and his teams soon discovered key fossils of five previously unknown or poorly understood species, most of them walking "upright" with their arms and legs under the body like a land mammal instead of sprawled out to the sides, bellies touching the ground.

The crocs and their nicknames:

BoarCroc: New species, Kaprosuchus saharicus; fossils found in Niger. Twenty-foot-long upright meat eater with an armored snout for ramming and three sets of dagger-shaped fangs for slicing. Closest relative found in Madagascar.
RatCroc: New species, Araripesuchus rattoides; fossils found in Morocco. Three-foot-long, upright plant and grub eater. Pair of buckteeth in lower jaw used to dig for food. Closest relative in South America.
PancakeCroc: New species, Laganosuchus thaumastos; fossils found in Niger and Morocco. Twenty-foot-long, squat fish eater with a three-foot pancake-flat head. Spike-shaped teeth on slender jaws. Likely rested motionless for hours, its jaws open and waiting for prey. Closest relative from Egypt. The scientific paper also names a close relative discovered by the team in Morocco, Laganosuchus maghrebensis.
DuckCroc: New fossils of previously named species, Anatosuchus minor. Fossils found in Niger. Three-foot-long upright fish-, frog- and grub-eater. Broad, overhanging snout and Pinocchio-like nose. Special sensory areas on the snout end allowed it to root around on the shore and in shallow water for prey. Closest relative in Madagascar.
DogCroc: New fossils of named species, Araripesuchus wegeneri. Fossils found in Niger include five skeletons, all next to each other on a single block of rock. Three-foot-long upright plant and grub eater with a soft, doglike nose pointing forward. Likely an agile galloper, but also a capable swimmer. Closest relative in Argentina.

"We were surprised to find so many species from the same time in the same place," said paleontologist Hans Larsson, associate professor at McGill University in Montreal and a team member who discovered the bones of BoarCroc and PancakeCroc. "Each of the crocs apparently had different diets, different behaviors. It appears they had divided up the ecosystem, each species taking advantage of it in its own way."

To better understand how these ancient crocs — mostly upright and agile — might have moved and lived, Sereno traveled to northern Australia, where he observed and captured freshwater crocs. Realizing while there that he may have stumbled onto one of the keys to crocodilian success, Sereno saw freshwater crocs galloping at full speed on land and then, at water's edge, diving in and swimming away like fish. On land they moved much like running mammals, yet in a flash turned fishlike, their bodies and tails moving side to side, propelling them in water.

Based on interpretation of the fossils, Sereno and Larsson hypothesize that these early crocs were small, upright gallopers. In the scientific paper, they suggest that the more agile of their new croc menagerie could not only gallop on land but also evolved a swimming tail for agility and speed in water, two modes of locomotion suggested to be evolutionary hallmarks for the past 200 million years.

"My African crocs appeared to have had both upright, agile legs for bounding overland and a versatile tail for paddling in water," Sereno writes in the National Geographic magazine article. "Their amphibious talents in the past may be the key to understanding how they flourished in, and ultimately survived, the dinosaur era."

To study the crocs' brains, Sereno CT-scanned the skulls of DuckCroc and DogCroc and then created digital and physical casts of the brains. The result: Both DogCroc and DuckCroc had broad, spade-shaped forebrains that look different from those of living crocs. "They may have had slightly more sophisticated brain function than living crocs," Larsson said, "because active hunting on land usually requires more brain power than merely waiting for prey to show up."

To collect the croc fossils, Sereno and his teams endured temperatures topping 125 degrees F, living for months on dehydrated food. Logistics were challenging: For the 2000 expedition, they transported trucks, tools, tents, five tons of plaster, 600 pounds of water and four months' worth of other supplies.

Sereno's research and field expeditions were funded by the National Geographic Society and the Whitten-Newman Foundation.

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More information on the crocs is available at http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/11/091119-dinosaurs-crocodiles-missions.html.

The scientific paper can be accessed at:
http://pensoftonline.net/zookeys/index.php/journal/index

The NGC documentary "When Crocs Ate Dinosaurs" airs Nov. 21 as part of the Channel's second annual Expedition Week.

'TERRA COTTA WARRIORS: GUARDIANS OF CHINA'S FIRST EMPEROR' TO OPEN AT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MUSEUM ON NOV. 19

2009-11-17

WASHINGTON (Nov. 17, 2009)—"Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor," featuring the largest number of terra cotta figures ever to travel to the United States for a single exhibition, will open on Nov. 19, 2009, at the National Geographic Museum. The museum is the final venue of the exhibition's four-city U.S. tour. Open through March 31, 2010, the exhibition includes 15 terra cotta figures from the tomb of China's First Emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, who ruled from 221 B.C. to 210 B.C.

"The First Emperor's magnificent terra cotta army is one of the great wonders of the ancient world," said Terry Garcia, National Geographic's executive vice president for Mission Programs. "Visitors to the National Geographic Museum will have the rare opportunity to experience one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century as they stand face-to-face with the terra cotta warriors."

The ticketed exhibition offers an in-depth look at the First Emperor's enormous tomb complex that contained thousands of terra cotta warriors intended to protect him in the afterlife. The exhibition showcases 15 life-size terra cotta figures and 100 sets of objects, including 20 "Level 1" artifacts — China's highest possible ranking in terms of rarity and importance.

"Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor" is co-organized by the Bowers Museum, Houston Museum of Natural Science and the National Geographic Museum, and is guest curated by Dr. Albert E. Dien, professor emeritus, Stanford University.

"Terra Cotta Warriors" is supported by American Airlines; Amtrak; Washington, D.C.'s Loews Madison Hotel; P.F. Chang's China Bistro; The PIMCO Foundation; UPS; Viking River Cruises; and WTOP.

The exhibition is supported locally by Asia Nine; Cultural Tourism DC; Destination DC; D.C. United; Hong Kong Palace; Mie N Yu; TenPenh; Union Station; Washington National Opera; The Washington Nationals; and The Washington Post.

In support of the exhibition, National Geographic has published a companion book, "Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor," by Jane Portal, and exhibit-related merchandise is available online and in the National Geographic Museum store. A teacher's guide can be found online via the For Teachers page at www.warriorsdc.org. A touchable terra cotta warrior replica and two kiosks featuring an interactive game are available for museum visitors to access free.

Free screenings of the film "The Real Dragon Emperor," featuring the latest archaeological research and imaging techniques that take viewers inside the massive tomb of Qin Shihuangdi, will be shown in National Geographic's Grosvenor Auditorium at 12 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through the run of the exhibition. The hour-long film also will be screened on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and on the following Saturdays: Nov. 28, Dec. 26, Jan. 30, Feb. 27 and March 27, at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

In addition, National Geographic will host a Chinese New Year celebration on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010. P.F. Chang's China Bistro, presenting sponsor of the celebration, will provide complimentary tickets to the exhibition that day. Details on how to receive these tickets will be made available soon. Additional support of the Chinese New Year celebration is provided by The PIMCO Foundation.

Historian and guest curator Albert Dien will review the tumultuous era of Chinese history that saw the construction of the terra cotta army at a sold-out National Geographic Live event on Nov. 21.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Discovered after being buried for more than 2,000 years, the terra cotta warriors reveal secrets of the Qin dynasty. The warriors were found in 1974 by a group of farmers digging a well near Xi'an in China's Shaanxi province. When archaeologists began excavating the area, they uncovered a subterranean vault containing fragments of thousands of terra cotta figures in four pits. More than 1,000 life-size figures have been unearthed as part of the site's ongoing excavation, with estimates of 6,000 more remaining in the known underground pits.

Construction of Qin Shihuangdi's tomb took 36 years to complete, and the tomb complex is estimated to extend more than 19 square miles. The terra cotta figures were created in assembly-line fashion, and molds were used to mass-produce hands, heads and ears. Craftsmen sculpted individual armor details and facial features by hand. It is believed that no two faces are alike.

"Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor" features 15 terra cotta figures, consisting of nine warriors — two infantrymen, a chariot driver, two officers, an armored warrior, two archers and a cavalryman — as well as two musicians, a strongman, a court official, a stable attendant and a horse. The exhibition showcases 100 sets of artifacts, including weapons, stone armor, coins, jade ornaments, roof tiles and decorative bricks, and a bronze crane and swan. Two replica bronze chariots will also be on display.

The 12,000-square-foot exhibition is organized into four themes. The first, "Building the Empire," introduces visitors to Qin Shihuangdi and his formidable rule. This gallery also details the emperor's establishment of new standards, including dictated script, coinage, weights and measures.

The second theme, "Power and Paranoia," highlights the First Emperor's architectural projects as he sought to create physical proof of his power. He was preoccupied with keeping his location secret, and his many dwellings, including 300 extravagant palaces and 400 lodges, allowed him to stay in a different place each night.

The third theme, "The Afterlife," focuses on the construction of the massive underground tomb complex and the practice of burying objects with the dead to serve their spirits in an afterworld.

The final theme, "Armies Unearthed," showcases eight of the warriors and details how the terra cotta army was created. This section also highlights the work of excavators and conservators in reconstructing and preserving the artifacts.

The exhibition began its U.S. tour at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, Calif., in May 2008. The same collection of objects then visited the High Museum of Art in Atlanta from November 2008 through April 2009, under a different title and curatorial framework. "Terra Cotta Warriors" visited the Houston Museum of Natural Science from May through October 2009, before traveling to the National Geographic Museum.

The objects in the exhibition are drawn from 11 different collections in and near Xi'an, including the Museum of the First Emperor's Terra Cotta Army and Horses, Shaanxi Provincial Institute for Archaeological Research, the Zhouzhi Museum, Baoji Museum, Xianyang Museum, Lintong Museum, Fengxiang Museum, Chencang Museum, Xi'an Institute for Archaeological Research and Protection, Baoji Archaeological Excavation Team and Xianyang Institute for Archaeological Research.

TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are timed and dated and can be purchased online at the Buy Tickets page of the exhibition Web site www.warriorsdc.org, by phone at (202) 857-7700, and at the National Geographic Museum ticket booth located at the exhibition's entrance or at the National Geographic ticket office, 1600 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.

The exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays until 9 p.m. The National Geographic Museum will be closed on Dec. 25.

Ticket prices are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors, students, military personnel and National Geographic members; and $6 for children ages 2-12. Children under age 2 are admitted free. A companion audio tour, offered in English, Mandarin and Spanish, is available for $5.

Prices for groups of 10 or more are $8 per ticket, and K-12 school groups are $6 per person with one free adult ticket for each group of 10 students. For more information on group sales, call (202) 857-7281.

The PIMCO Foundation will provide 200 free, same-day tickets each Wednesday evening during the exhibition's run. These tickets will be distributed at the museum at 5:30 p.m. for the 6 p.m. viewing on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of two tickets per person.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro is offering $2 off a full-price exhibition ticket for guests at its nine D.C.-area restaurants. Guests will receive a special promotional code that can be used when purchasing tickets online, by phone or at the museum.

The National Geographic Museum's official hotel partner, the Loews Madison Hotel, is offering a package that includes one night deluxe accommodation, two premium anytime tickets to the exhibition and a 20 percent discount at the museum gift shop, available online at www.loewshotels.com/madison. Additional hotel packages, including premium tickets for anytime access to the exhibition, are being offered at several area hotels through Destination DC's Weekend Warriors promotion. Visit www.weekendwarriorsdc.com for details. Hotel packages are also available through AAA.

For additional ticketing information, visit www.warriorsdc.org.

The National Geographic Museum, located at 1145 17th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., features a variety of changing exhibitions as well as permanent and interactive displays that reflect the richness and diversity of our world.

ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. National Geographic reflects the world through its magazines, television programs, films, music and radio, books, DVDs, maps, exhibitions, live events, school publishing programs, interactive media and merchandise. National Geographic magazine, the Society's official journal, published in English and 32 local-language editions, is read by nearly 40 million people each month. The National Geographic Channel reaches 310 million households in 34 languages in 165 countries. National Geographic Digital Media receives more than 13 million visitors a month. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program combating geography illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

National Geographic Adventure —
December 2009/January 2010
The Best of Adventure 2010

2009-11-17

Adventurers of the Year — National Geographic Adventure's seventh annual "Best of Adventure" issue recognizes 16 individuals who went to extremes in 2009 — racking up amazing achievements in exploration, conservation, action sports and humanitarian work — earning them the coveted title of Adventurers of the Year. Honored for their exceptional accomplishments in a variety of fields, the class of 2009 are BASE jumper Dean Potter; military veterans Marc Hoffmeister, Jon Koniholm, Matt Nyman and David Shebib; adventurers Gayle Hoffmeister and Bob Haines; explorer Albert Yu-Min Lin; road trippers Stephen Bouey and Steven Shoppman; surfer Maya Gabeira; astronaut John Grunsfeld; ultra runner Diane Van Deren; humanitarian/educator Khadija Bahram; filmmaker Louie Psihoyos; and scientist Katey Walter Anthony. The Adventurer of the Year honorees were nominated by an advisory board of 30 explorers, scientists, journalists and luminaries in the world of adventure. Plus: This year, for the first time, readers can cast a vote online for the honoree they believe best embodies the spirit of adventure. The winner will receive the first-ever "Adventurer of the Year: Readers' Choice Award." Voting, at www.ngadventure.com, ends Jan. 15, 2010. The Readers' Choice winner will be announced online on Jan. 19, 2010. Page 55.

The Visionary — Medical pioneer Geoff Tabin wants to cure preventable blindness everywhere, especially in the developing world, where four out of five of the 150 million people who are blind don't need to be. Many have easily curable conditions like cataract disease. Tabin's task involves grueling travel, marathon field surgeries and very little downtime. For his vision — and for past accomplishments that include helping restore sight to more than 500,000 people in Nepal, Tibet, Pakistan, India, Bhutan, China, Thailand, Vietnam and North Korea through the Himalayan Cataract Project, as well as adventure exploits like attempting the first ascent of the last unclimbed face of Everest and becoming only the fourth person to scale the Seven Summits — National Geographic Adventure magazine recognizes Tabin with a Hall of Fame award. Award-winning author David Oliver Relin ("Three Cups of Tea") profiles Tabin and his mission. Page 48.

Must-Have Gear — Climb higher, camp lighter, bike faster — great equipment should do more than perform well and look good, it should inspire you to go harder than ever before. National Geographic Adventure honors the most groundbreaking gear for 2010 with Best of Adventure awards. The 26 must-have new products, selected by Adventure editors and an advisory board of the country's leading retailers, are: Black Diamond Fusion ice ax; Black Diamond Infinity 50 backpack; Columbia Bugathermo winter boots; Dagger Axis 12.0 kayak; Eddie Bauer First Ascent Downlight Sweater jacket; Firewire Dominator with Rapidfire Technology surfboard; Garmin Edge 500 cycling computer; Helly Hansen Barrier 3L jacket; HP Envy 13 laptop; inov-8 roclite 288 GTX light hiker; Mountain Hardwear Skyledge 2.1 tent; Nokia N900 phone; Oakley Jawbone sunglasses; Olympus E-P1 camera; Osprey Raptor 6 hydration pack; Pearl Izumi syncroFuel XC trail runner; Rossignol S7 skis; Santa Cruz Blur XC mountain bike; Smith Optics Vanguard sunglasses; Somnio Runaissance road runner; Therm-a-Rest Haven Top sleeping bag; Timex Ironman Sleek 150-Lap training watch; Trek District Carbon road bike; VAEL Project Apres boots; Victorinox Swiss Army Travel Alarm 1884 Limited Edition pocket watch; Wenger Mike Horn Ranger multi-tool. Page 67.

The Wayfinders — While European mariners were still hugging coastlines and puzzling out longitude, Polynesians were sailing the open ocean, guided by navigators who harnessed the sun and stars, the wind and waves. On a trip to the South Pacific, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Wade Davis investigates the ancient art of wayfinding. Page 76.

The Big Trip: Argentina — Glaciers, big peaks, balmy days and vino. And right now it's all on sale. Crusted in snow and ice, Cerro Aconcagua shoots up from the fertile plains of the Mendoza province to an altitude of 22,835 feet. It's a spectacular sight, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere towering over the finest wine-growing region in South America. And scenes like this are hardly out of the ordinary in Argentina. National Geographic Adventure writer Claire Martin uncorks a foodie experience high on adventure. Page 44.

Nat Geo in the Field: Relics Recovered — Scaling the crumbling cliffs of Mustang in north-central Nepal to explore mysterious man-made cave systems carved 700 feet high into the cliffsides, a pair of world-class climbers goes where archaeologists can't, for the benefit of science. Page 22.

* National Geographic Adventure experts are available for interviews. Contact Ethan Fried if you have questions, need additional information or would like to schedule an interview.

National Geographic Adventure, winner of four National Magazine Awards, is the fastest-growing magazine in the outdoor category and the ultimate guide to the adventure lifestyle. Published eight times a year, with a rate base of 625,000, National Geographic Adventure has 2.8 million readers. It is available by subscription (800-NGS-LINE) and on newsstands in the United States ($4.99) and Canada ($6.99). Its editorial mission supports National Geographic's mission to inspire people to care about the planet. The magazine's Web site is www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure.

National Geographic Magazine, December 2009

2009-11-17

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE, DECEMBER 2009

On newsstands Nov. 24

Features and additional Web content at ngm.nationalgeographic.com
ngm.nationalgeographic.com

Click on link on right to view the press release

NEW NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SPECIALS CLIMB INSIDE MYSTICAL, UNTOUCHED CAVES

2009-11-17

WASHINGTON (Nov. 16, 2009)—High in the Himalaya, in the most remote kingdom in the world, explorers have found thousands of mysterious caves. Their dark portals beckon with the promise of a glimpse into a lost world. Now, in two new riveting National Geographic Television SPECIALS, produced exclusively for public television and premiering on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, a team of climbers and scholars set out to reach them and give viewers a glimpse into the forbidden kingdom of Mustang and the unseen treasures these lost caves contain.

In April 2007, a team of climbers and scientists climbed inside the long-hidden chambers for the first time in modern history. In "Lost Cave Temples of the Himalayas," viewers follow the story, told by filmmaker Liesl Clark, of how her husband, seven-time Everest summiter Pete Athans, and big wall climber Renan Ozturk take on the dangerous job of climbing into the crumbling caves. Their goals are to get inside the inaccessible cave cities that humans have not entered for hundreds, if not thousands, of years to document what's inside and to search for nine legendary cave temples called "kabum." What they find goes far beyond their expectations, rocking the Himalayan world and rewriting the history of this remote and mystical region, previously off-limits to outsiders. The treasures include a 55-panel painted mural and piles of old Tibetan manuscript folios, some printed in silver and gold. It's an explorer's dream, where each vertical move into a cave opening is a step into the unknown.

A year later, Athans and a team of internationally renowned climbers and explorers returned to the kingdom of Mustang, and their journey continues in "Secrets of Shangri-La." With grants from the National Geographic Society, the team joins forces with archaeologists, anthropologists and art historians to rescue the texts from the crumbling landscape before looters get to them. The texts are adorned with beautiful "illuminations," small paintings worth tens of thousands of dollars on the international art market.

As they prepare to climb up into the caves, the Lo Manthang Youth Club, a political group from a nearby village, tries to stop them. What ensues is an intriguing set of events involving the King of Mustang, the highest lama of the land, and even the divinities that are believed to inhabit the area.

"These caves are probably the most reliable indicator of the continuous history of this area. The kinds of things we find in there, from the archaeological record to perhaps the richest literary repository we've found, means that these really are the places on which we need to focus if we want to establish as full as possible a picture of the history and culture of the Himalaya," said Oxford University anthropologist Charles Ramble, who has studied this culture for 28 years and has lived among the Mustang people.

Join PBS and National Geographic Television on a mystical journey through the most hidden regions of the Himalaya and tune in on Nov. 18 (check local listings for time) to watch "Lost Caves of the Himalayas" and "Secrets of Shangri-La." Both programs were underwritten by the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation and The North Face. National Geographic Adventure magazine will prominently feature the discoveries in Mustang in an article in its December/January issue, on newsstands Nov. 24.

Both "Lost Caves of the Himalayas" and "Secrets of Shangri-La" were written, produced and directed by Liesl Clark and edited by Jean Dunoyer. Senior executive producer was John Bredar.

National Geographic Television (NGT) is the documentary TV production arm of the National Geographic Society, known around the world for its remarkable visuals and compelling stories. The Society is one of the largest global scientific and educational organizations, supporting field science on every continent. In 1963 NGT broke ground by broadcasting on American network television the first moving pictures from the summit of Everest. Since then, NGT has continued to push technology to its limits to bring great stories to television audiences worldwide. With more than 130 Emmy Awards and nearly 1,000 other industry accolades, NGT programming can be seen globally on the National Geographic Channel, as well as terrestrial and other cable and satellite broadcasters worldwide through international sales by National Geographic Television International, and on U.S. public television stations. The National Geographic Channel is received by more than 310 million households in 34 languages in 165 countries.

PBS, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., is a private nonprofit media enterprise owned and operated by the nation's 349 public television stations. Serving nearly 100 million each week, PBS enriches the lives of all Americans through quality programs and education services on noncommercial television, the Internet and other media. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org.

The Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation is a private family foundation created in 1992 by Tom and Virginia Cabot. It was their wish that this foundation would be the instrument through which their descendants could actively participate in carrying on their tradition of trying to help make this a better world.

The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor Inc., was founded in 1968. Headquartered in San Leandro, Calif., the company offers the most technically advanced products in the market to accomplished climbers, mountaineers, snowsport athletes, endurance athletes and explorers. The company's products are sold in specialty mountaineering, backpacking, running and snowsport retailers, premium-sporting goods retailers and major outdoor specialty retail chains.

THE PIMCO FOUNDATION SPONSORS FREE WEDNESDAY EVENINGS AT 'TERRA COTTA WARRIORS: GUARDIANS OF CHINA'S FIRST EMPEROR' EXHIBITION

2009-11-17

WASHINGTON (Nov. 17, 2009)—The National Geographic Museum has partnered with The PIMCO Foundation to provide 200 free tickets to "Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First support Emperor" each Wednesday evening during the exhibition's run from Nov. 19, 2009, to March 31, 2010. The PIMCO Foundation, an official sponsor of the exhibition, will also host a student preview day on Nov. 18 for 250 Washington, D.C., students and teachers. The PIMCO Foundation will also be a sponsor of the Chinese New Year festival at National Geographic on Feb. 6, 2010. Details of the festival will be available soon.

"We are thrilled to have The PIMCO Foundation's support of 'Terra Cotta Warriors,'" said Susan Norton, director of the National Geographic Museum. "In addition to the Foundation providing nearly 4,000 free exhibition tickets to the public during our Wednesday evening extended hours, the student preview will give some lucky local D.C. students a first look at these incredible treasures."

"We are pleased to sponsor the terra cotta warriors' final stop in the United States," said Mohamed El-Erian, The PIMCO Foundation's president. "This is one of the world's most important exhibitions, and we are thrilled to enhance the public's opportunity to see it." The PIMCO Foundation also sponsored the warriors' first stop in the United States, in Santa Ana, Calif.

The exhibition will be open for extended viewing hours on Wednesday evenings until 9 p.m. On these evenings, 200 free, same-day tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Distribution will begin at 5:30 p.m. for the 6 p.m. viewing, with a maximum distribution of two tickets per person.

"Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor" provides an in-depth look at the enormous tomb complex of Emperor Qin Shihuangdi that contained thousands of terra cotta warriors
intended to protect him in the afterlife. The warriors were discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers digging a well near Xi'an in Shaanxi province. When archaeologists began excavating the area, they uncovered a subterranean vault containing fragments of thousands of terra cotta figures in three large pits. More than 1,000 life-size figures have been restored as part of the site's ongoing excavation.

The exhibition features including nine terra cotta warriors, two musicians, a strongman, a court official, a stable attendant and a horse. The exhibition features 100 sets of artifacts in all, including weapons, stone armor, coins, jade ornaments, roof tiles and decorative bricks, and a bronze crane and swan. The National Geographic Museum is the final venue on the exhibition's two-year U.S. tour.

Timed and dated tickets can be purchased online at the Buy Tickets page of the exhibition Web site www.warriorsdc.org, by phone at (202) 857-7700 or at the National Geographic Museum ticket office, 1600 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. Ticket prices are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors, students, military personnel and National Geographic members; and $6 for children ages 2-12. Prices for groups of 10 or more are $8 per ticket, and K-12 school groups are $6 per person with one free adult ticket for each group of 10 students. For more information on group sales, call (202) 857-7281. A companion audio tour will be available for $5.

On all days except Wednesdays, the exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Wednesdays, it will close at 9 p.m. The National Geographic Museum will be closed on Dec. 25. For more information, visit www.warriorsdc.org.

"Terra Cotta Warriors" is supported by American Airlines; Amtrak; Washington, D.C.'s Loews Madison Hotel; P.F. Chang's China Bistro; The PIMCO Foundation; UPS; Viking River Cruises; and WTOP.

The exhibition is co-organized by the Bowers Museum, Houston Museum of Natural Science and the National Geographic Museum and is guest curated by Dr. Albert E. Dien, professor emeritus, Stanford University.

The PIMCO Foundation is the corporate giving arm of PIMCO, one of the world's leading money management firms, headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., with offices in New York City, Amsterdam, London, Munich, Zurich, Tokyo, Toronto, Singapore, Hong Kong and Sydney. www.pimco.com.

The National Geographic Museum, located at 1145 17th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., features a variety of changing exhibitions as well as permanent and interactive displays that reflect the richness and diversity of our world. The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

THE PIMCO FOUNDATION SPONSORS FREE WEDNESDAY EVENINGS AT 'TERRA COTTA WARRIORS: GUARDIANS OF CHINA'S FIRST EMPEROR' EXHIBITION

2009-11-17

WASHINGTON (Nov. 17, 2009)—The National Geographic Museum has partnered with The PIMCO Foundation to provide 200 free tickets to "Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First support Emperor" each Wednesday evening during the exhibition's run from Nov. 19, 2009, to March 31, 2010. The PIMCO Foundation, an official sponsor of the exhibition, will also host a student preview day on Nov. 18 for 250 Washington, D.C., students and teachers. The PIMCO Foundation will also be a sponsor of the Chinese New Year festival at National Geographic on Feb. 6, 2010. Details of the festival will be available soon.

"We are thrilled to have The PIMCO Foundation's support of 'Terra Cotta Warriors,'" said Susan Norton, director of the National Geographic Museum. "In addition to the Foundation providing nearly 4,000 free exhibition tickets to the public during our Wednesday evening extended hours, the student preview will give some lucky local D.C. students a first look at these incredible treasures."

"We are pleased to sponsor the terra cotta warriors' final stop in the United States," said Mohamed El-Erian, The PIMCO Foundation's president. "This is one of the world's most important exhibitions, and we are thrilled to enhance the public's opportunity to see it." The PIMCO Foundation also sponsored the warriors' first stop in the United States, in Santa Ana, Calif.

The exhibition will be open for extended viewing hours on Wednesday evenings until 9 p.m. On these evenings, 200 free, same-day tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Distribution will begin at 5:30 p.m. for the 6 p.m. viewing, with a maximum distribution of two tickets per person.

"Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor" provides an in-depth look at the enormous tomb complex of Emperor Qin Shihuangdi that contained thousands of terra cotta warriors intended to protect him in the afterlife. The warriors were discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers digging a well near Xi'an in Shaanxi province. When archaeologists began excavating the area, they uncovered a subterranean vault containing fragments of thousands of terra cotta figures in three large pits. More than 1,000 life-size figures have been restored as part of the site's ongoing excavation.

The exhibition features including nine terra cotta warriors, two musicians, a strongman, a court official, a stable attendant and a horse. The exhibition features 100 sets of artifacts in all, including weapons, stone armor, coins, jade ornaments, roof tiles and decorative bricks, and a bronze crane and swan. The National Geographic Museum is the final venue on the exhibition's two-year U.S. tour.

Timed and dated tickets can be purchased online at the Buy Tickets page of the exhibition Web site www.warriorsdc.org, by phone at (202) 857-7700 or at the National Geographic Museum ticket office, 1600 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. Ticket prices are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors, students, military personnel and National Geographic members; and $6 for children ages 2-12. Prices for groups of 10 or more are $8 per ticket, and K-12 school groups are $6 per person with one free adult ticket for each group of 10 students. For more information on group sales, call (202) 857-7281. A companion audio tour will be available for $5.

On all days except Wednesdays, the exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Wednesdays, it will close at 9 p.m. The National Geographic Museum will be closed on Dec. 25. For more information, visit www.warriorsdc.org.

"Terra Cotta Warriors" is supported by American Airlines; Amtrak; Washington, D.C.'s Loews Madison Hotel; P.F. Chang's China Bistro; The PIMCO Foundation; UPS; Viking River Cruises; and WTOP.

The exhibition is co-organized by the Bowers Museum, Houston Museum of Natural Science and the National Geographic Museum and is guest curated by Dr. Albert E. Dien, professor emeritus, Stanford University.

The PIMCO Foundation is the corporate giving arm of PIMCO, one of the world's leading money management firms, headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., with offices in New York City, Amsterdam, London, Munich, Zurich, Tokyo, Toronto, Singapore, Hong Kong and Sydney. www.pimco.com.

The National Geographic Museum, located at 1145 17th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., features a variety of changing exhibitions as well as permanent and interactive displays that reflect the richness and diversity of our world. The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC STUDENT EXPEDITIONS INTRODUCES WASHINGTON, D.C., STUDENT SUMMIT

2009-11-16

WASHINGTON (Nov. 16, 2009)—National Geographic Student Expeditions is introducing National Geographic Student Summit, a series of weeklong programs in Washington, D.C., for middle and high school students and their teachers.

The Student Summit incorporates hands-on activities and dynamic educational content to help students better understand the world around them through inquiry, engagement and reporting — skills that have guided National Geographic explorers, photographers, writers and scientists over the years. Activities during the summit are organized into daily themes such as storytelling, conservation, geoliteracy, cultural heritage, exploration and stewardship. While activities are designed for all student groups, teachers may customize the program to meet the needs of their curriculum by choosing one of three areas of focus: science, social studies or journalism. The first Student Summit programs will take place from March through June 2010.

To make these programs possible, National Geographic has partnered with Putney Student Travel, a highly regarded organization that has offered quality educational travel experiences for high school students for more than 50 years.

"The National Geographic Student Summit is a unique, dynamic way to experience our nation's capital, while learning lifelong skills," said Lynn Cutter, National Geographic's senior vice president, travel and business development. "We're delighted to engage students from around the country in a program that exemplifies the spirit of exploration and discovery that has inspired National Geographic for more than a century."

During the Summit, students will step behind the scenes at National Geographic's headquarters and meet with editors, researchers, cartographers and explorers. They will explore Washington, D.C.'s many museums and monuments, as well as the centers of government, science centers, nonprofit foundations, news organizations and performance venues. Each trip also includes a community service component that allows students to put into practice the themes of stewardship and conservation that are central to National Geographic's mission. A sample itinerary can be viewed on the Student Summit Web site at www.ngstudentexpeditions.com/studentsummit.

In addition to the participation of National Geographic experts, highly trained expedition leaders will guide each field expedition and support every aspect of the experience — from providing stimulating on-site lessons and activities to managing logistics.

The Summits are only offered to school groups. Each of the weeklong programs begins on Sunday and ends the following Saturday. Teachers interested in organizing a student group to participate in spring 2010 should submit an application online at www.ngstudentexpeditions.com/studentsummit.

For more information on the National Geographic Student Summit, or to receive additional materials, call (877) 877-8759, email dcsummit@ngstudentexpeditions.com or visit www.ngstudentexpeditions.com/studentsummit.

In addition to the D.C. Student Summit, National Geographic's other travel programs include National Geographic Expeditions, National Geographic Student Expeditions and National Geographic Private Journeys, with expeditions to more than 60 destinations across all seven continents. These trips are accompanied by top National Geographic experts whose insider perspectives enrich each travel experience. All proceeds from National Geographic's travel programs support the Society's mission of increasing global understanding through exploration, geography, education and research. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

National Geographic Adventure Magazine Names 2009's Adventurers of the Year

2009-11-12

WASHINGTON (Nov. 12, 2009)--National Geographic Adventure magazine has selected 16 individuals as 2009's Adventurers of the Year, recognizing extraordinary achievements in exploration, conservation, action sports and humanitarian work. The honorees are featured in the December 2009/January 2010 "Best of Adventure" issue of the magazine (on newsstands Nov. 24). A robust and interactive Best of Adventure Web portal with more than 100 pages of content also highlights the 2009 Adventurer of the Year honorees with in-depth feature profiles, exhilarating videos and photo galleries. This year, for the first time, readers can cast a vote online for the honoree they believe best embodies the spirit of adventure. The winner will receive the first-ever "Adventurer of the Year: Readers' Choice Award." Voting, at www.ngadventure.com, begins today and ends Jan. 15, 2010. The Readers' Choice winner will be announced online on Jan. 19, 2010.

A group of 30 explorers, scientists, journalists and luminaries in the world of adventure served on an advisory board for the nomination of this year's top adventurers. The class of 2009 includes a BASE jumper, military veterans, an explorer, road trippers, a surfer, an astronaut, an ultra runner, an educator, a filmmaker and a scientist. They are:

-Khadija Bahram, supported by the aid organization International Rescue Committee, guided an educational program that stretches across five provinces in war-torn Afghanistan reaching more than 10,000 pupils, mostly girls, as well as disabled children.
-Stephen Bouey and Steven Shoppman crossed 69 countries and racked up more than 77,000 miles during a two-and-a-half-year road trip that circumnavigated the globe by road.
-Maya Gabeira, the only sponsored female big-wave surfer in the world, surfed the largest wave by a woman ever, landing a 45-footer at South Africa's Dungeons break.
-John Grunsfeld, known as NASA's "Hubble Repairman," braved hurtling space debris to pull off the repair to end all repairs: Working at zero gravity some 350 miles above the surface of the Earth, the astronaut restored sight to a half-blind Hubble.
-Marc Hoffmeister, an injured Iraq veteran, organized a team of climbers, including his wife, Gayle Hoffmeister, his friend, Bob Haines, and injured vets Jon Kuniholm, Matt Nyman and David Shebib, to attempt the dangerous West Buttress route of Denali in Alaska.
-Albert Yu-Min Lin organized a high-risk, high-stakes project into Mongolia's "Forbidden Zone" to search for the lost tomb of Genghis Kahn, using state-of-the art, cutting-edge mapping technologies.
-Dean Potter recorded the longest BASE jump ever -- 2 minutes and 50 seconds -- while wearing a wingsuit that allowed him to cover some 9,000 vertical feet and nearly four horizontal miles in distance.
-Louie Psihoyos assembled an "Ocean's 11"-esque crew to expose and end the annual slaughter of hundreds of dolphins for meat in Taiji, Japan, a story told in the award-winning film "The Cove."
-Diane Van Deren, survivor of a successful lobectomy, became the first and only woman to complete the Yukon Arctic Ultra, a 430-mile run across frozen tundra in the dead of winter.
-Katey Walter Anthony mounted an expedition to Siberia to seek out and measure beds of thawing permafrost -- a major source of methane gas, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than CO2, yet is not factored into most climate change models.

The National Geographic Adventure Adventurers of the Year feature is presented and sponsored by South African Tourism, South African Airways and Budweiser American Ale.

About National Geographic Adventure
National Geographic Adventure, winner of four National Magazine Awards, is the fastest-growing magazine in the outdoor category and the ultimate guide to the adventure lifestyle. Published eight times a year, with a rate base of 625,000, National Geographic Adventure has
2.8 million readers. It is available by subscription (800-NGS-LINE) and on newsstands in the United States ($4.99) and Canada ($6.99). Its editorial mission supports National Geographic's mission to inspire people to care about the planet. The magazine's Web site is www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC AND NDi MEDIA PARTNER TO DEVELOP AND DISTRIBUTE 'VIRTUAL WORLD OF MUSIC' GAME

2009-11-12

WASHINGTON (Nov. 12, 2009)--National Geographic Interactive Platforms Group and NDi Media announced that they have teamed up to develop and distribute "Virtual World of Music," a new multiplayer and online social and mobile virtual gaming experience and destination for music lovers. The announcement was made today by Paul Levine, executive vice president, National Geographic Interactive Platforms Group, and senior vice president, corporate strategy and development, National Geographic Global Media.

For "Virtual World of Music," National Geographic Games, a dynamic part of National Geographic's Interactive Platforms division, will take the lead in working with NDi Media to give players from around the world a fun, exciting and authentic experience using theme music from around the world to create and share music. The game will present a music-themed virtual world and interactive environment that enables users to create and share personal music compositions. National Geographic's Mobile and Music groups, among others, also will participate in the strategic partnership.

"National Geographic Games is committed to partnering with the most innovative and creative companies like NDi Media to create games that resonate with a broad audience," said Chris Mate, vice president and general manager, National Geographic Games. "Music is a very unifying and inspirational theme, and we expect the creative interactivity of 'Virtual World of Music' to find many fans among our core National Geographic audience and beyond."

Set to launch in early 2010, "Virtual World of Music" builds on NDi Media's Mixing Studio platform, which has been used by millions of players worldwide. Designed by composers and tested by kids, the mixing platform guarantees that pros and novices alike will mix great-sounding songs every time via the game.

"Music is in our DNA," said Neil Smolar, award-winning composer and president of NDi Media. "We've enjoyed great success with our Mixing Studio platform over the last few years and we're looking forward to extending that success through this exciting relationship with the National Geographic Games team."

NDi Media's creative team includes professional musicians with a deep understanding of mixing and scoring music to visuals, which led to the creation of NDi's proprietary Mixing Studio platform.

About NDi Media
NDi Media creates casual games and entertainment properties for children of all ages. Since 2001, it has produced a portfolio of multiplatform properties featuring original characters that are licensed to broadcasters, portals and game distributors. In addition, NDi Media has a demonstrated expertise in music games, with millions of players worldwide. NDi Media also creates games inspired by established brands for clients such as Warner Bros., PBS, National Geographic, Discovery and Hit Entertainment.

About National Geographic Interactive Platforms
National Geographic Interactive Platforms, a division of National Geographic Ventures, combines into one operating unit the world-renowned National Geographic Maps as well as National Geographic Games, National Geographic Mobile and National Geographic Digital Publishing, to deliver interactive experiences to a new generation of National Geographic consumers. For more information, go to nationalgeographic.com.

Young talent recognized in global photography competition

2009-11-12

Airbus rewards young talent with the announcement of the winners of its international biodiversity photography competition, "See the Bigger Picture." Eight youngsters were chosen from 2,597 entries from 99 countries and took inspiration from surrounding nature for their unique shots.

The international competition, launched in July through a partnership between Airbus, National Geographic and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), part of the United Nations Environment Program, encouraged young people to engage in nature and consider the global loss of biodiversity. The competition was developed as part of Airbus' support for The Green Wave, a youth engagement program of the CBD to encourage young people to learn about the complexity of life on earth and its role in their future.

The winning images were captured by budding photographers from countries as widespread as Canada, Pakistan, Kenya and Estonia, and though divided by geography, all entrants showed a common love of photography, a passion for their natural environment and concern for their futures. Children of Airbus employees were also encouraged to enter and three internal prize winners were selected alongside the five global winners. A further 20 young people were awarded honorable mentions for their entries.

The eight talented winners will receive a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Washington, D.C., headquarters of National Geographic in December. The winners are Anthony Avellano, 12, from La Crescenta, California., USA; Chad Nelson, 12, from Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic; Alex Marttunen, 11, from Vantaa, Finland; Clemence Bonnefous, 8, from Tournefeuille, France; Vinzent Raintung, 8, from Halstenbek, Germany; Julia Kresse, 15, from Jork, Germany; Patryk Majchrzak, 16, from Ostrow Wielkopolski, Poland; Prerona Kundu, 11, from Lawrence, Kansas, USA.

Commenting on the competition, Tom Enders, CEO and president, Airbus, said: "The standard of entries from every corner of the world has been extremely impressive and a great reminder of the variety of living species we have around us. At Airbus, we are working with the CBD and using our global outreach to raise awareness of the need to preserve the variety of life on earth. Acknowledging our responsibility for the world of tomorrow, we are relentlessly pursuing eco-efficiency through innovative technologies, processes and products."

Executive Secretary of the CBD, Ahmed Djoghlaf, said: "We are delighted Airbus and National Geographic are working with us to inspire the next generation about the importance of protecting the rich biodiversity of the world we live in. This competition is helping to deliver that commitment, engaging and educating today's children in the task of safeguarding the planet."

The world is losing biodiversity at an ever-increasing rate as a result of human activity. "This is a global problem that needs to be addressed today if we want to retain the diversity of the natural world for the generations of tomorrow. It is about the food that we eat and the air that we breathe," said See The Bigger Picture ambassador and world-renowned National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore.
Sartore was a member of a global panel of judges who were impressed by the range of subjects that engaged the entrants. Photographs featuring insects, animals, plants and landscapes were submitted by photographers as young as 6 years old.

To view the winning entries and learn more about how to get involved in The Green Wave, visit www.seethebiggerpicture.org. A gallery of the winning photographs can also be viewed at the ftp site http://ftp.nationalgeographic.com/pressroom/see_bigger_picture.

username: press | password: press

-- ends -

Notes to editors

"See The Bigger Picture" honorable mentions:
Afton Carpenter, 14, Gilbert, Arizona, USA
Julian Kiesel, 12, Nyack, New York, USA
Samantha Shapiro, 14, Chappaqua, New York, USA
Alex Sorensen, 14, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
Joshua Hartmann, 12, S. Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Chaitra Godbole, 14, Pune, India
Arjun Shankar, 16, Chennai, India
Sachin Vijayan, 13, Thodupuzha, India
Vince Ellison B. Leyeza, 11, Laguna, Philippines
Eleanor Bennett, 13, Stockport, United Kingdom
Malik Babi, 6, Beauzelle, France
Lénaїg Allain-Le Drogo, 12, Saint Luce Sur Loire, France
Richard Guerre, 9, Blagnac, France
Zoe Hamelin, 16, Paris, France
Diego Adrados, 13, Tarifa, Spain
Sara Cuenca Uñac, 13, Alicante, Spain
Mariló Moreno Ruz, 15, Cádiz, Spain
Jonas Harms, 16, Norderstedt, Germany
Marvin Pulter, 14, Germany
Tobias Abrahamsen, 16, Sarpsborg, Norway

Competition statistics:
Total of 2,597 entries from 99 countries. This includes 247 entries from children of Airbus employees in 6 countries.
Over half of the photographs taken were of land-dwelling animals, and the greatest proportion of these were insects.
Some children experimented with underwater shots requiring a high level of skill.
Just over 40% of entrants took photographs at home, showing awareness that biodiversity can be found in our own back yard.

The Green Wave:
The Green Wave is a global biodiversity campaign to educate children and youth about biodiversity.
The CBD is a United Nations treaty promoting the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity
2010 is the United Nations' International Year of Biodiversity. On May 22, 2010 (The International Day of Biodiversity), as part of The Green Wave initiative, young people are invited to plant a tree at 10 a.m. to celebrate biodiversity. This will create a wave of tree planting as the activity passes through each time zone across the world.
Photos and stories from the moment can then be uploaded to The Green Wave website to create a virtual wave on the Internet
Visit http://greenwave.cbd.int.

Airbus specific notes:
Airbus believes that growth in air travel is a global need and that the essential social and economic benefits derived from a more connected world can still be unlocked and deliver a greener world, if everybody plays their part
Airbus acknowledges the 2% that aviation contributes to global man-made CO2 emissions, but believes that it also has a responsibility to support others in tackling the remaining 98% of CO2 emissions. Deforestation alone, for example, generates nearly 20% of man-made CO2, so Airbus is working with the CBD, and using its global outreach to raise awareness of the importance of the need to preserve the variety of life on earth
This is why it has committed to support the CBD's The Green Wave initiative

'GET LOST IN MAPPING: FIND YOUR PLACE IN THE WORLD' IS THEME OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK: NOV. 15-21, 2009

2009-11-10

WASHINGTON (Nov. 10, 2009)—National Geographic invites students, teachers and parents to explore the world through mapping during Geography Awareness Week 2009, Nov. 15-21. Continuously celebrated since its founding in 1987 by Congress, this year's Geography Awareness Week features an online Blog-a-Thon, a series of local and national events and a new Web site (www.GeographyAwarenessWeek.org) that provides a broad range of opportunities for the public to get involved, including downloading a free National Geographic map of the world.

Geography Awareness Week 2009, with its theme of "Get Lost in Mapping: Find Your Place in the World," will kick off on Sunday, Nov. 15, with a national launch event at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and National Geographic President and CEO John Fahey will attend the third annual "World Ball Night" college basketball game that celebrates excellence in academics and athletics and spotlights the importance of geography and global knowledge.

This year's World Ball Night pits the men's basketball team of the Mason Patriots against Dartmouth's Big Green. Fans attending the event will view National Geographic's Giant Traveling Map of Asia, watch local kids play a half-time scrimmage with Mason's signature "world ball" basketballs (basketballs painted into globes), play global location quizzes based on spectacular satellite imagery from GeoEye and tour a map gallery showcasing maps made by local students.

The brainchild of Patriots head coach and geography enthusiast Jim Larranaga, World Ball Night is operated in collaboration with the George Mason geography department; it was awarded a bronze medal for single-day attendance by the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators in 2007 for attracting 8,000 fans.

"Education outreach is an important part of National Geographic's mission to inspire people to care about the planet," said Fahey. "Geography is a critical component of a 21st-century education, and the Society is committed to giving parents, educators and students the tools needed to help kids understand their world."

The Geography Awareness Week Web site offers students, teachers and the public access to games, activities and lessons about mapping. The site features contributions from National Geographic and partner organizations such as Google and ESRI. Visitors can learn about mapping at home and at school, as well as experiencing geospatial technologies and learning how to become "map activists." Visitors can explore maps of all sizes, from high-tech to low-tech, and can download a free poster-size National Geographic world map for the bedroom or living room wall. Google Earth tours offer virtual interactions with fascinating people and places, and engaging videos explain how today's geospatial revolution is changing everything from shipping to warfare.

The Web site also features opportunities to join nearly 100,000 geography supporters in becoming a "map activist." A new "GeoMentor" program pairs geospatial professionals with local teachers and students to support real-world learning in the classroom. Resources are also provided on how to host a local Geography Awareness Week event, including a list of the "Top 10 Ways to Celebrate Geography Awareness Week."

More than 35 bloggers from eight countries have joined a Geography Awareness Week Blog-a-Thon, which is updated multiple times daily with commentary and multimedia. The Blog-a-Thon also features a mystery location quiz, challenging visitors to identify satellite imagery for chances to win prizes.

The National Geographic Society, one of the sponsors of Geography Awareness Week, is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TO HOLD HUGE WAREHOUSE SALE IN HOUSTON IN DECEMBER

2009-11-09

WASHINGTON (Nov. 9, 2009)—National Geographic is bringing truckloads of books, maps, globes, toys, clothing, luggage and more to its warehouse sale in Houston next month. The event will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenidas de las Americas, from Friday, Dec. 4, to Sunday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Fourteen tractor trailers will be loaded with almost everything that National Geographic has offered for sale in the past five years. Many of the items seen in National Geographic gift catalogs as well as 300 book titles will be available. Prices will be discounted up to 90 percent.

"This year's sale is one of the largest ever. We have more than 600 different products — that's 200,000 of the best-quality books, maps, DVDs, toys, travel accessories and gifts from around the world," said Bill O'Donnell, director of sales, publishing.

New to the sale this year will be a display of rolled and framed prints of some of National Geographic's most iconic photographs, which are also available at www.printsNGS.com.

"Our warehouse sales attract both devoted fans of National Geographic and serious bargain hunters. They are a perfect opportunity to get a jump on holiday shopping. There is something for everybody on your list, be they professional or amateur traveler, adventurer, scientist, gardener, history buff, photographer, animal lover, student or teacher. Our books alone will be 20 percent to 90 percent off list price. People shopping for schools often buy lots of materials. At our last sale, the showroom was virtually emptied of merchandise," O'Donnell said.

The sale is being promoted through mailings, newspaper ads and radio spots. National Geographic members and teachers have received postcards that they can bring to the sale to exchange for a free calendar.

A National Geographic warehouse sale also will be held in Washington, D.C., from Friday, Nov. 20, to Sunday, Nov. 22. Sale hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; expeditions; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SCHOOL PUBLISHING RESPOND TO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IN ANTICIPATION OF H1N1 FLU CRISIS

2009-11-09

(Washington, D.C. - November 9, 2009) As the nation heeds the significance of President Obama's declaration of a national emergency to deal with the H1N1 flu, educators are bracing for the possibility of widespread impact on student learning as a result of the virus. National Geographic Channel (NGC) and National Geographic School Publishing (NGSP) are responding to the urgent call of U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to provide continuity of learning to keep students, sick or well, engaged in meaningful education activities if they are kept home during flu season. To help address the needs of students who will be impacted, NGC and NGSP today announced the launch of a special programming block and free education resources that will be made available during what is expected to be peak flu season.

Beginning November 16, NGC will air two-hour programming blocks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET, weekdays, over a six-week period, as well as provide select programs available anytime online at www.natgeotv.com/education. All programs in this educational block will be complemented with free Web-based activity guides and resources provided by NGSP via a special "continuity of learning" portal, National Geographic Home Zone (www.NGSP.com/homezone). The G-rated programming will be culled from the network's award-winning specials and ongoing series, including Explorer, Naked Science and Wild Spaces, while the educational materials will be suitable for elementary, middle school and high school students, applicable to science, social studies and other disciplines. The intent is to provide students who are absent from school with opportunities to engage in a relevant learning experience.

Commenting on this announcement, John Fahey, president and CEO of National Geographic, said, "This effort underscores the commitment of National Geographic to partner with educators and parents, and is totally consistent with our mission of inspiring people to care about the planet. The National Geographic Channel and our school publishing unit are in a unique position to bring relevant learning resources into homes during the flu season. We hope students of all ages will both enjoy and benefit from the wonderfully engaging programs and related materials being offered."

National Geographic Channel is the only media company stepping up to provide specific resources to support this education initiative. Commenting on the activities, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said, "The H1N1 flu and the flu season in general may well impact the health and learning experience of millions of students. We appreciate the extraordinary measures that National Geographic has set in place to support the continuity of learning initiative. Efforts like these will help ameliorate the intensity of a potential crisis, and help ensure that the learning process continues."

National Geographic Channel
Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channel (NGC) is a joint venture between National Geographic Ventures (NGV) and Fox Cable Networks (FCN). Since launching in January 2001, NGC initially earned some of the fastest distribution growth in the history of cable and more recently the fastest ratings growth in television. The network celebrated its fifth anniversary in January 2006 with the launch of NGC HD, which provides the spectacular imagery that National Geographic is known for in stunning high-definition. NGC has carriage with all of the nation's major cable and satellite television providers, making it currently available in nearly 70 million homes. For more information, please visit www.natgeotv.com.

National Geographic School Publishing
National Geographic School Publishing provides quality PreK-12 instructional materials, including resources for emergent and early literacy, reading/language arts, ESL/ELD, science, social studies and content literacy development. Our National Geographic and Hampton-Brown brands include award-winning educational programs that deliver the high-interest content that you've come to know and expect from National Geographic. For more information, please visit ngsp.com.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SIGNS ON AS SPONSOR OF 9TH WORLD WILDERNESS CONGRESS AND WiLD SPEAK

2009-11-05

WASHINGTON (Nov. 5, 2009)--National Geographic announced today its sponsorship of WILD9, the 9th World Wilderness Congress, and the accompanying four-day conservation communications symposium, WiLD SPEAK. WiLD SPEAK, organized by the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP), provides a forum for media professionals to discuss environmental issues and themes, share strategies and technologies, and explore how their work can raise awareness and realize conservation objectives. WiLD SPEAK will take place Nov. 9-12, 2009, during WILD9, which will run from Nov. 6-13 in Mérida, Mexico.

Throughout its 121-year history, National Geographic has encouraged conservation of natural resources and raised public awareness of the importance of natural places, the plants and wildlife that inhabit them and the environmental problems that threaten them. In the past four years, 54 articles in National Geographic magazine have been photographed by iLCP members. Photographers whose work has appeared in the magazine and who are scheduled to present at WiLD SPEAK include Michael Nichols, Brian Skerry, Paul Nicklen, Steve Winters, Tim Laman, Christian Ziegler, Frans Lanting, Jack Dykinga, Tom Peschak, Klaus Nigge and James Balog.

Tim Kelly, president of National Geographic Global Media and president/CEO of National Geographic Ventures, and Frank Biasi, director, conservation and special projects, National Geographic Maps, will speak at WILD9.

"We are excited to be part of WILD9 -- a vital forum that is closely aligned to our own mission to inspire people to care about the planet," said Kelly. "It speaks to our ongoing commitment to environmental storytelling across all of our media platforms. We constantly challenge ourselves to take these kinds of stories and find fresh ways to share them with our many audiences. It's an honor to have supported some of the conservation photography showcased at WILD9 and WiLD SPEAK, and we look forward to future collaborations with iLCP."

"This year's congress greatly expands our focus on the visual and written media professions as catalysts and influencers to raise awareness of environmental issues and on their role in achieving conservation outcomes," said WILD Foundation President Vance Martin. "National Geographic is an ideal sponsor of WILD9 by virtue of its commitment to conserving nature and traditional communities, and success in bringing issues, emotion and information to audiences regarding the beauty and fragility of our planet."

WILD9's principal theme is the key role that wilderness conservation plays in mitigating climate change and conserving biodiversity and other ecosystem services critical to human well-being.

Please send requests for images to media contacts below.

WILD9 is a partnership between The WILD Foundation and Unidos para la Conservación and relies on the support and participation of many partner organizations.

The National Geographic Society (www.nationalgeographic.com) The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. National Geographic reflects the world through its magazines, television programs, films, music and radio, books, DVDs, maps, exhibitions, live events, school publishing programs, interactive media and merchandise. National Geographic magazine, the Society's official journal, published in English and 32 local-language editions, is read by more than 35 million people each month. The National Geographic Channel reaches 310 million households in 34 languages in 165 countries. National Geographic Digital Media receives more than 13 million visitors a month. National Geographic has funded more than 9,200 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geography literacy.

iLCP (www.ilcp.com) Its mission is to further environmental and cultural conservation through ethical photography. iLCP is a project-driven organization, with a vision to translate conservation science into compelling visual messages targeted to specific audiences. iLCP works with leading scientists, policy makers, government leaders and conservation groups to produce the highest-quality documentary images of both the beauty and wonder of the natural world and the challenges facing it. From poaching to global warming, from habitat loss to cultural erosion, from sustainability to biological corridors, the work of conservation photographers covers the range of threats to biodiversity and is a critical component in the conservation toolbox.

The WILD Foundation (www.wild.org) Founded in 1974, WILD is the only international organization dedicated entirely and explicitly to wilderness protection around the world. WILD works to protect the planet's last wild places and the wildlife and people who depend upon them, because wilderness areas provide essential social, spiritual, biological and economic benefits. We believe that intact wilderness areas are an essential core element of a healthy modern society.

Unidos para la Conservación (www.unidosparalaconservacion.org) Founded in 1992, Unidos is a nonprofit Mexican conservation organization that has actively promoted the concept of wilderness conservation in Mexico. Its working strategy combines the establishment of alliances with government, nonprofit and corporate partners with the promotion of a conservation culture through publications and films in a search of conservation solutions through specific action.

National Geographic Kids — November 2009

2009-11-03

Amazing Animal Friends — National Geographic Kids proves that any two creatures can be best friends. Six heartwarming stories of companionship, including between a dog and a goat in England, a cat and an orangutan in Florida and a rabbit and a deer in Germany, prove that friendship comes in all shapes and sizes. Page 20.

World's Coolest Skyscraper — Humans have built some unbelievable structures, including the pyramids in Egypt, the Great Wall of China and the Roman Coliseum. National Geographic Kids travels to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, where engineers are planning a first-of-its-kind super-structure: the Dynamic Tower, a shape-shifting mega-skyscraper that is in constant motion. Each floor will rotate independently at different speeds, resulting in an amazing building that will always look different. Plus: Learn remarkable facts about six of the world's skyscrapers. Page 14.

Wacky America — National Geographic Kids takes a road trip around the United States to see six of the wackiest roadside attractions, from a giant penguin statue in Montana to an entire alley covered in wads of chewed gum in California. Plus: Go online to kids.nationalgeographic.com to see more wacky roadside attractions. Page 24.

Guardians of the Tomb — For thousands of years a massive army of mysterious clay soldiers lay hidden underground near Xi'an, China. It is believed that China's first emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, had these life-size terra cotta warriors built to protect him in the afterlife. But you don't have to go to China to see these ancient wonders. A new National Geographic Museum exhibit, "Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor," will display a collection of the figures in Washington, D.C., from Nov. 19, 2009, to March 31, 2010. Page 26.

"Fantastic Mr. Fox" — National Geographic Kids goes behind the scenes of the new movie "Fantastic Mr. Fox," based on the book by Roald Dahl, to find out if the characters in the film act anything like the real animals they depict. Do rabbits really prepare delicious food? Would a fox and rat wrestle in real life? Get the scoop on every character. Page 16.

Rhino Rescue — National Geographic Kids heads to Kenya to meet Maalim, a baby rhinoceros abandoned by his mother. Saved by a group of government rangers and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Maalim one day may be released back into the wild. Learn the precautions Maalim's keepers must take in order to not disrupt his natural development and what the keepers must do to ensure Maalim's survival in the wild. Page 28.

National Geographic Kids, a multitopic, photo-driven magazine for 6- to 14-year-olds, empowers its readers by making it fun to learn about the world. Its numerous industry awards include Periodical of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from the Association of Educational Publishers. Published 10 times a year, National Geographic Kids has a circulation of 1.2 million and is available by subscription for $19.95 a year and on newsstands for $4.99 a copy. Its Web site is at kids.nationalgeographic.com.

Press Releases

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIGITAL MEDIA AND SCIENCEBLOGS.COM FORM STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CALLS ON KIDS TO DESIGN OCEAN FLAG

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TO HOLD HUGE WAREHOUSE SALE AT WASHINGTON'S D.C. ARMORY

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE TO PRESENT RECORDING ARTISTS NAS AND DAMIAN 'JR. GONG' MARLEY FOR SPECIAL PROGRAM

BoarCroc, RatCroc, DogCroc, DuckCroc and PancakeCroc

'TERRA COTTA WARRIORS: GUARDIANS OF CHINA'S FIRST EMPEROR' TO OPEN AT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MUSEUM ON NOV. 19

National Geographic Adventure — December 2009/January 2010 The Best of Adventure 2010

National Geographic Magazine, December 2009

NEW NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SPECIALS CLIMB INSIDE MYSTICAL, UNTOUCHED CAVES

THE PIMCO FOUNDATION SPONSORS FREE WEDNESDAY EVENINGS AT 'TERRA COTTA WARRIORS: GUARDIANS OF CHINA'S FIRST EMPEROR' EXHIBITION

THE PIMCO FOUNDATION SPONSORS FREE WEDNESDAY EVENINGS AT 'TERRA COTTA WARRIORS: GUARDIANS OF CHINA'S FIRST EMPEROR' EXHIBITION

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC STUDENT EXPEDITIONS INTRODUCES WASHINGTON, D.C., STUDENT SUMMIT

National Geographic Adventure Magazine Names 2009's Adventurers of the Year

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC AND NDi MEDIA PARTNER TO DEVELOP AND DISTRIBUTE 'VIRTUAL WORLD OF MUSIC' GAME

Young talent recognized in global photography competition

'GET LOST IN MAPPING: FIND YOUR PLACE IN THE WORLD' IS THEME OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK: NOV. 15-21, 2009

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TO HOLD HUGE WAREHOUSE SALE IN HOUSTON IN DECEMBER

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SCHOOL PUBLISHING RESPOND TO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IN ANTICIPATION OF H1N1 FLU CRISIS

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SIGNS ON AS SPONSOR OF 9TH WORLD WILDERNESS CONGRESS AND WiLD SPEAK

National Geographic Kids — November 2009

National Geographic Adventure —
December 2009/January 2010
The Best of Adventure 2010