Showing posts with label Shark Week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shark Week. Show all posts

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Scared for Sharks

I hope you all enjoyed Shark Week as much as I did! First of all I want to take a moment and thank my friends, the Millers. These guys let me come over to their house every night and steal their TV in addition to stacking up shows on their DVR when I had to work. Thank you, thank you, thank you! This Shark Week wouldn't have been possible without you! It amazes me that no matter how much I already know about sharks, I always end up learning something new every year! So now it's time for what I like to call...

SHARK WEEK WRAP-UP 

I hope you all read that in a game show announcer voice. I did. :) Here are just a few things I have to say after watching Shark Week 2013.

1. What the what!? Megalodon may still be out there!? I love sharks, but I really don't want to go in the ocean, like ever, if I know there is a 60 foot "great white" out there! Seriously though, Megalodon: The Monster Shark Lives was a really interesting show. There is a lot of sketchy evidence to suggest that maybe the Megalodon didn't go extinct, but it's not really conclusive. I guess we'll all just have to wait and wonder until the Shark Week when someone rediscovers a living Megaladon...DUM DUM DUM!!!

2. Chris Fallows and Jeff Kurr are one big helping of awesomesauce. I'm so thankful for them. Otherwise I never would have seen this:


3. One day I am totally going to have a Shark Week party and we are all going to play the Shark Week drinking game! We will be drunk in seconds.


4. Cajuns have some pretty big fish tales. I don't believe in the Rookin one bit.

5. I love hearing stories of shark attack survivors who don't hold anything against the shark. These people are the best! AND many of them become huge advocates FOR sharks after their attacks. You guys rock my world!

6. Paul Walker is an advocate for sharks! And a really hot advocate at that. Hey, you can take me shark diving any day. ;)

7. FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY!!! In this years Top Ten Sharkdown episode, Discovery Channel FINALLY named the Bull Shark the deadliest shark over the Great White! You have no idea how happy this makes me! Bull Sharks are so much more deadly than Great Whites because A) they can swim in freshwater if they choose and B) Their testosterone levels are off the charts! These sharks are much more aggressive than Great Whites and they are also more frequent visitors to places humans like to hang out. Not many people think they are going to encounter a shark if they go for a dip in the Mississippi River.

8. Great Whites and serial killers have similar patterns? Well I guess that makes sense considering Great Whites are one of the most perfect predators in the world. I guess serial killers are trying to copy some of their moves.

9. Sharkpocalypse was one of THE coolest shark specials I've seen in years. I learned that the increase in shark attacks directly relates to the tremendous decrease of sharks due to shark finning. Did you know that when a shark dies it gives off these pheromones that basically tell other sharks to get the hell out while you still can! With all the shark finning going on in the world there are a lot of these pheromones running loose in the water and sharks are being forced to move and find new hunting/breeding grounds. Sometimes those grounds happen to be where we like to swim and surf. Basically every problem we have with sharks is our own fault. 

10. Goblin sharks are seriously creepy. I mean look at that thing!

11. They put the lamest of all the Shark Week specials last. That was dumb. They should have put Sharkpocalypse last. It was the best show of all this year.

12. Did you know Ted Danson is a huge ocean activist? Hey, me neither. Now we know!

13. I ran across this picture while I was googling. It comes in a CAN!? Lord have mercy on our souls.

Shark finning is a HUGE problem, but the good news is there are tons of groups out there fighting against it. With enough support we could put a complete ban on shark finning - everywhere. One organization that is fighting for sharks is Oceana. This is an amazing organization that is doing incredible work. Year after year I talk talk talk about the shark finning problem. Well this year I am putting my money where my mouth is and donating $100 to Oceana. I invite you to join me in my endeavor by visiting this link.

Scared for Sharks


My goal is to raise an additional $500. Let's save the world one shark at a time!

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Making a Difference, One Shark at a Time

Shark Photo of the Day


Stunning photo of a Tiger Shark in a state of tonic immobility.

Shark Week Schedule for the Day (Discovery Channel)


Bold indicates New Program for 2013
Times are Mountain Time

10:00 AM - Adrift: 47 Days with Sharks
11:00 AM - How Sharks Hunt
12:00 PM - Great White Gauntlet
1:00 PM - Alien Monster Sharks
2:00 PM - Top Ten Sharkdown
3:00 PM - I Escpaed Jaws
4:00 PM - Air Jaws: Countdown to Shark Week 2013
5:00 PM - Sharkzilla: Sharktweeto
6:00 PM - Return of Jaws: Sharktweeto
7:00 PM - Voodoo Sharks: Sharktweeto
8:00 PM - Spawn of Jaws: Sharktweeto
9:00 PM - Sharkpocalypse: Sharktweeto
10:00 PM - Megalodon: Monster Shark Lives: Sharktweeto


Shark Story of the Day


Two Shark Week's ago I made the decision to make a difference by doing something other than talking. I put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. I donated $40 to Oceana and in the mail I got my cute shark cookie cutter and my adoption certificate which you will see below. But more than that I received the satisfaction of knowing that I did my part, however small it may be, to help save the creatures I love. Recently I've saved up $100 to donate to whichever charity I choose and how could I choose anything but Oceana when sharks are still out there being slaughtered? Maybe one day I'll be able to donate thousands of dollars to this organization, but for now I will do what little I can. I would encourage you all to do the same.

Shark Shirt of the Day


From the Shark Reef Aquarium in Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Shark Object of the Day


This is very special to me. It is my certificate of adoption of a
Great White Shark and I couldn't be more proud!

Shark Fact of the Day


The frilled shark's circular mouth, 
filled with more than 300 spiny teeth, earns it the nickname of the modern Loch Ness Monster.


Shark Art of the Day


My makeup design to imitate Bruce from Finding Nemo.

Shark Meme of the Day


Perspective.

Shark Treat of the Day


Let's all raise a glass to another fantastic Shark Week!
These are called Fuzzy Sharks! I got the recipe from a friend 
for my 21st birthday and they are delicious!

Shark Want of the Day


The world's awesomest backpack ever created!

Friday, August 9, 2013

Vital to Our Survival

Shark Photo of the Day


The weird and fascinating Hammerhead Shark

Shark Week Schedule for the Day (Discovery Channel)


Bold indicates New Program for 2013
Times are Mountain Time

10:00 AM - Shark Tribe
11:00 AM - Aaron Perez: Shark Attack Survivor
12:00 PM - Summer of the Shark
1:00 PM - Shark Feeding Frenzy
2:00 PM - Shark After Dark Live
3:00 PM - Surviving Sharks
4:00 PM - Deadly Waters
5:00 PM - Shark Attack Survival Guide
6:00 PM - Great White Invasion
7:00 PM - Sharkpocalypse
8:00 PM - Alien Monster Sharks
9:00 PM - Great White Gauntlet
10:00 PM - Gold Rush (Non Shark-Related Programming)
11:00 PM - Saint Hoods (Non Shark-Related Programming)
12:00 AM - Gold Rush (Non Shark-Related Programming)

Shark Story of the Day


During my many years of loving sharks I have always tried to explain to others how vital sharks are to our environment. Without them, we very well could perish. I used sharks as the theme for many of my college presentations so I could help spread the word to others. In my Honors 2010 class our assignment was just speak about what you are passionate about. This is probably the best, most concise way for you to "get" why sharks are so important. So instead of watching 20 cat videos today (or in addition to watching 20 cat videos - not judging) I'd ask to you to take a few minutes out of your day to watch this video. THEN do the unthinkable! SHARE IT so others who I am not friends with on Facebook can see it! Let's start trending!


Shark Shirt of the Day

Another great shirt from another great friend. This is from Kyra!

Shark Object of the Day

Best picture ever! This hangs on my wall and I like to call it Happy Sharks!

Shark Fact of the Day

Sharks can heat their eyes using a special organ next to a muscle in their eye socket, allowing them to continue hunting in frigid waters.

Shark Art of the Day

Can we have a conversation about how freaking amazing this is!?
The details are incredible! Such a talented artist!

Shark Meme of the Day


I WILL LOVE YOU!!!

Shark Treat of the Day


I am totally stopping by Coldstone today to pick up one of these "sharky" treats! Yum!

Shark Want of the Day


Well, I was originally going to post this picture as my Shark Want of the Day:


But guess what?! My parents totally showed up with these bad boys last night! 
Happy Shark Week to MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Thursday, August 8, 2013

Here's the Skinny on Shark Fin Soup

Shark Photo of the Day


The beautiful and rarely seen Blue Shark.

Shark Week Schedule for the Day (Discovery Channel)


Bold indicates New Program for 2013
Times are Mountain Time

10:00 AM - Paradise for Predators: Sharks of Palau
11:00 AM - Future Shark
12:00 PM - Shark Rebellion
1:00 PM - Shark Fight
2:00 PM - Shark After Dark Live
3:00 PM - Rogue Sharks
4:00 PM - Great White Highway
5:00 PM - Into the Shark Bite
6:00 PM - Killer Sharks
7:00 PM - Top Ten Sharkdown
8:00 PM - Great White Serial Killer
9:00 PM - Spawn of Jaws: Sharktweeto
10:00 PM - Sharkpocalypse
11:00 PM - Alien Monster Sharks
12:00 AM - Shark After Dark

Shark Story of the Day


When I lived in Cedar City there was this fancy (at least for Cedar City) restaurant called the Garden House. I found out that they served shark fin soup during Shark Week and I boycotted the restaurant. I never ate there again. Now I realize I should have spoken to a manager and encourage them to take it off the menu, but I didn't. However, if I go into a Chinese restaurant I always look to see if it is served. If I run into one I will not hestiate to speak to a manager before leaving the establishment. I encourage you all to do the same. NEVER eat shark fin soup! DO NOT support restaurants that serve it! Speak to a manager before you leave.

If you are asking yourself what the big deal is, I will telll you. Shark fin soup is basically a broth with vegetables in it. The shark fin adds no flavor to the soup, only texture. Plus, sharks are known to have a high amount of mercury in their systems which could be deadly to humans. That's just the surface of the injustice. The big problem is that shark fin hunters are cutting the fins off the sharks and then throwing the LIVING creature back into the water to die. They don't even utilize the whole shark! If a small island or something didn't have access to a lot of protein and they killed a shark and ate the whole thing for meat, that one thing. But I don't think freaking CHINA is hurting for food! This is a barbaric practice that must be stopped! Type save the sharks into your search browser of choice and see what you can do. There are TONS of petitions you can sign, which could make a huge difference! Do what you can and God will surely bless you for it!

Shark Shirt of the Day


Since I couldn't find a cool handmade shark in Mexico like I did in 
Jamaica and Haiti, I settled for this really awesome looking T-shirt. :)

Shark Object of the Day


This is Sharkwater, the amazing documentary 
I've been telling you all about. It is seriously amazing. 
Go watch it on my shark page right now!

Shark Fact of the Day


Be glad you're not a shark, moms! The gestation period for a pregnant female shark can range from five months to two years! 



Shark Art of the Day


This is a costume design I did. It is based on a shark.
Check out the art page to find out more about it!

Shark Meme of the Day


Friendsies!

Shark Treat of the Day



Shark Cake Pops! This was my first time making cake pops and it's really hard,
but the sharks turned out really cute! Don't you think so?

Shark Want of the Day


Rawr! So cute!

Monday, August 5, 2013

A Magical Moment in Mexico

Shark Photo of the Day


A little boy in Indonesia riding his "pet" Nurse Shark. So cute!

Shark Week Schedule for the Day (Discovery Channel)


Bold indicates New Program for 2013
Times are Mountain Time

10:00 AM - Shark Attack Rescuers
11:00 AM - American Shark
12:00 PM - Ocean of Fear: Worst Shark Attack Ever
1:00 PM - Mythbusters: Shark Special 2
2:00 PM - Shark After Dark Live
3:00 PM - Mythbusters: Shark Special 2
4:00 PM - Sharkbite Summer
5:00 PM - Shark Bite Beach
6:00 PM - Rogue Sharks
7:00 PM - Megaladon: The Monster Shark Lives
9:00 PM - Sharkzilla: Sharktweeto
10:00 PM - Return of Jaws
11:00 PM - Voodoo Sharks
12:00 AM - Shark After Dark Live


Shark Story of the Day


In May 2012 I went on a cruise to Jamaica, Haiti, and Mexico. In Mexico I got the experience of a lifetime! I got to pet, feed, and swim with Nurse Sharks! It was such an incredible moment in my life! There was this one amazing moment when I dove down and was swimming along when all of a sudden one of the sharks came right underneath me and we began swimming in tandem. It was absolutely magical. I can't wait to swim with more sharks in the future!

I am one happy camper!

Shark Shirt of the Day


This shirt was a gift from my friend Laney. She knows me too well!

Shark Object of the Day


I got this shark in Jamaica! I had to haggle a bit, but I ended up getting a pretty good deal.
I even got it carved with my name on the bottom. This was hard to fit in my suitcase to get it home!

Shark Fact of the Day


Sharks aren't color blind. 
Divers have claimed that sharks are attracted to certain colors, such as the "yummy yellow" of some wet suits. 

Shark Art of the Day


This is how I feel about sharks. Hugs all around!


Shark Meme of the Day



Shark Treat of the Day


Happy Shark cookies! Thanks mom for frosting all of these! :)

Shark Want of the Day


Shark USB. AWESOME!!!

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Shark Hipster

HAPPY SHARK WEEK EVERYONE!!!


It's that time of year again. The time when all my friends send me a zillion shark memes on Facebook. The time when I am glued to the television and subsequently, the couch. The time of year when I, along with millions of others, celebrate my favorite animal of all time. That's right, it's Shark Week!

Each day of Shark Week 2013 I am going to share with you as much insight and love as I can so that you too will gain an understanding and hopefully an appreciation for these beautiful creatures. Every day is going to feature something new so be sure to check back each day! It's going to be an amazing week and I hope that by the end of it we will have saved a few more sharks from an untimely and barbaric death.

Shark Photo of the Day


The beautiful and majestic Whale Shark.
Check out more of these amazing photos here. I love art that supports a good cause!

Shark Week Schedule for the Day (Discovery Channel)


Bold indicates New Program for 2013
Times are Mountain Time

10:00 AM - Air Jaws: Sharks of South Africa
11:00 AM - Air Jaws II: Even Higher
12:00 PM - Ultimate Air Jaws
1:00 PM - Summer of the Shark
2:00 PM - Shark Week's 25 Best Bites
3:00 PM - Mythbusters
4:00 PM - Shark Fight
5:00 PM - How Jaws Changed the World
6:00 PM - World's Scariest Animal Attacks
7:00 PM - Shark Week's Impossible Shot
8:00 PM - Great White Highway
9:00 PM - Air Jaws: Countdown to Shark Week 2013
10:00 PM - Megaladon: The Monster Shark Lives
12:00 AM - Shark After Dark

Shark Story of the Day


I like to consider myself a shark hipster. Even though Shark Week has been around longer than I've been alive, I loved sharks long before I realized there was an entire week dedicated to them. People always ask me why I love sharks so much and I've always told them that I remember reading a book about them in sixth grade and being completely fascinated and it all took off from there. But recently I started thinking about it and I had to have liked sharks BEFORE that otherwise why would I have picked up the book from the library in the first place? I've loved sharks for a really long time. It's probably the mermaid gene in me. My love of the water and my love of sharks seem to compliment each other quite nicely!

In 2009 I saw a documentary called Sharkwater that completely changed my life. I was sitting in my dorm room and tears were flowing down my face. I remember running to my friend's room across the hall, while crying, and screaming, "They're killing sharks!" After that it became my mission to stop shark finning and save the sharks from that terrible fate. I do anything that's within my power, which unfortunately isn't much. Basically I do what I'm doing right now. I spread the word. I tell everyone I know to watch Sharkwater. I bring up the topic of shark finning and how killing sharks will eventually kill us too!

I encourage all of you to take an interest in the preservation of sharks. You can start by checking out my Shark page on this blog. You can even watch the entire documentary of Sharkwater there. There are so many simple things you can do to help. First and foremost - educate yourselves. Knowledge breaks the fear. Then spread the word. Let everyone know what's going on. You never know who might be the one to change the fate of sharks everywhere! You can also do something as simple as signing a petition or two. Oceana.org always has something you can sign to help out!

I hope you all enjoy Shark Week! Keep in mind the reason Shark Week exists is to raise awareness of the situation at hand, so be AWARE!

Shark Shirt of the Day



Shark Object of the Day


This is Meg, short for Megalodon! She is huge! Almost as tall as me! I sleep with Meg every night. I take her on vacations, camping, hotels, everywhere. After sleeping with her for over a year she got really dirty. I didn't want to throw her in the washer and have it ruin her, so my mom cut her open pulled out the stuffing and threw her in the washer! She stuffed her back up, sealed her with velcro, and now she looks good as new! I love her so much! <3


Shark Fact of the Day

Galeophobia is the excessive fear of sharks.
It comes from the Greek word "galeos", which was a particular type of shark.

Shark Art of the Day

Pretty!
Shark Girl

Shark Meme of the Day


Shark Treat of the Day


RAWR! This shark is enjoying a lovely meal of watermelon chum!
This was actually a lot easier to make than I thought it would be. :)

Shark Want of the Day

I cannot explain to you how much I desire this ring.
I am coveting so hard right now.