***Come visit Annie this weekend at Booth #130 at Our World Underwater in Chicago! Cubs. Bears. Bulls. Blackhawks. Was I in a zoo?

Nope, I was in Sweet Home Chicago and simply reading the t-shirts and sweatshirts of all the people in my audience. You would think that sports were the favorite past time, but after my motivational talks, I know that sports (and Pretty Kitty) have nothing compared to their new found love for our Ocean. The 5th and 6th graders in Downers Grove were more Ocean Literate than the marine biology students at Columbia College and The Art Institute.

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I am humbled every time I return to Chicago to speak as I wonder how this girl from the city has become a mermaid and continues to explore the underwater world. I had to take a photograph with one young boy. He came up after the presentation to ask me all about dolphins as he was doing a special project and had just shy of a dozen questions on dolphin communication. I had a hard time keeping my laughter in because he wore this t-shirt, Chicks Dig Pink. I could not help but wonder if his mom or dad bought him that t-shirt. I could not believe how complete and self-assured he was at 12 not only because of his shirt, but because he was not asking about 'sharks,' he was enquiring about dolphins! During the past week I have found boundless amounts of energy, as everything just seems to be falling into place. When you feel like you are fighting and driving uphill in life, there is something wrong! Read More.
barracuda
Bat rays are elasmobranches and in the same family as sharks and other rays. Usually seen gliding through the water column, they settle in the sand to feed. In the sand flats off the coast of California you can often sneak up on the bat rays as they are feeding. Watch the video to check out these Bat Ray's!

camera coachThe rain was a big part of our experience. Looking back years from now, no one would have remembered the rain without capturing this little bit of footage. How did we do it? Learn How to maximize your shooting.

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Laura Francis combines education with research. Her job at the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary involves teaching others about our oceans. She has worked there for 15 years and has started a number of exciting programs to help protect the beauty of the Santa Barbara channel. Read More.

Do you know a cool scientist? Let us know!
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Have a look at our award winning DVD collections as well as our beautiful and inspiring poster and print collections. Be sure to send the Ocean to all your friends and family today!
Come take a look through our store.

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Oil rig? We're diving at an oil rig? An oil rig? No I could not believe I was going to do this. It was the last stop on our dive trip and so it was kinda like the final level of a video game to me, the greatest challenge. Especially since I found out that the bottom was over 300 feet below. I have to admit I was a bit nervous, but thinking about it wasn't going to help me any, so I suited up and got in line to jump. I had to clear my mind, otherwise I would really mess up my breathing. Read More
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Stay tuned as we are traveling and interviewing 'cool kids' the world should know. We are looking for kids that are an inspiration to others, doing something great for our environment, their family, school, community, or our society. You can nominate a child by filling out our CONTACT form and adding Cool Kid in the Message subject line!

celebrate posterOrder anything from our store and get a Free PASSION Limited Edition Print! Enter the promo code IMAGINATION in the NOTE window when you confirm your order.