Jessica Crabtree

From National Geographic’s Weekly Wrapper.

National Geographic.

Take a moment to enjoy this aptly named gallery of breathtaking photography from the National Geographic archives. Each collection is organized by color, composition, lighting, and captivating content.

National Geographic: Simply Beautiful Photographs

The results are in!

The winners of this year’s National Geographic photography contest have been announced and, as usual, the selection is outstanding.

The submissions are divided into three groups – People, Places, and Nature (including the wildlife, my favorite). I can’t imagine having to judge from among them.

See them all and pick your favorites…
2010 National Geographic Photo Contest

National Geographic.

National Geographic: “How the Earth Changed History” tells the story of how the Earth has shaped human history from the dawn of civilization to the present day

Host, Prof. Iain Stewart

Yet again, National Geographic has come out with another winner. I love this series (although of course it doesn’t need my promotion)! I give it five-stars as one of the best all-around documentaries I’ve seen.

Originally released by the BBC, and presented by a very engaging and accomplished host – Scottish scientist Iain Stewart – the series showcases some stunning cinematography from all over the globe (a real plus for nature lovers) and some top-of-the-line CGI graphics.

But what fascinated me the most about this series, and Stewart’s research, is the approach of connecting human history directly with earth science. These days it’s becoming common knowledge to associate modern human activity with climate change; but he presents the geology and pivotal historical events – both globally and regionally – as a deeply intertwined continuum. Watching these episodes makes you wonder, “Why didn’t anybody think of it that way before?”

The series covers a lot of the better-known examples – such as how the over-exploitation of resources contributed to the Mayan collapse, and how the volcanic eruption at Santorini ended the Minoan civilization and ushered in the end of the Bronze Age. But some lesser-known connections are also addressed, and some astounding facts that I’d never heard before. Did you know that so much of the world’s fresh water has been dammed and contained within the industrialized nations in the Northern Hemisphere, that the displaced weight of it has slightly altered the earth’s axis?

(continue reading…)

From National Geographic. “Salmon? Who needs salmon?”

It’s that time of year again for passing around the best shots of nature’s most spectacular fall fireworks. Here are a few choice picks from National Geographic.

NatGeo Gallery – Fall Colors

…and a collection dedicated to fall scenes from across the US.
NatGeo Photo Gallery: Autumn in the United States

Above: Natagiri Pass in Japan, and maples in North Carolina.