Homeowners Richard and Richard, Jr. in their restored home

Is it really over?

We just wrapped up day three of Rebuilding Atlantic City yesterday, and I’m still in disbelief that so much has been accomplished in just three days. While each home started at different points – without a floor, without walls, without insulation – great progress was made in each one. More importantly, however, an impact was made both for the families we worked with and within ourselves.

Today, my team (Team Elizabeth!) met our homeowner for the first time, and within seconds, we knew all of our sore muscles, sweat and frustration was more than worth the sacrifice. Elizabeth shared with us her story: she has lived in her same home since 1967, and when the storm hit, she evacuated with her three cats. When she returned, little but a structure was left.

With insurance funds, Elizabeth hired a contractor to help rebuild her home, but just after he started work, he left town, leaving her with a nearly demolished home and little savings. Her son was able to begin the rebuilding process, and we continued his work throughout the past three days. Today, when Elizabeth visited, her deep gratitude and hope brought us all to tears. “You’ve given me hope for mankind and our future,” she told us. In seeing her home for the first time, Elizabeth’s face lit up as she shared her dreams for a pale yellow living room and a small cat door out back. While she kept expressing a desire to do more to thank us, we all felt so grateful to have the opportunity to help someone who had lost so much and to give this woman hope for a brighter future.

While all of the families had different backgrounds and stories, they all showed great resilience and instilled in each of us a deeper appreciation for our own homes and families. As we return to the office, I know each of us will feel more empowered to find ways to give back and support our own communities.

As always, I’ve included a few snapshots of today below, and for more images and stories from Rebuilding Atlantic City,  follow us on Twitter, Instagram (#ourimpact on both!) and Facebook. Stay tuned for a recap of the rebuild next week!

Discovery Volunteers

Team Elizabeth, with Elizabeth in Center

Leaving #OurImpact

Buddy Valastro of TLC’s Cake Boss, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Discovery Communications President & CEO David Zaslav

New Jersey: Where only the strong survive.

We’ve all seen the phrase plastered on shirts and stuck on bumpers, but today we all learned the true definition of “Jersey Strong.”

As we began Day Two, with sore arms and bits fiberglass in our hair, excitement brewed – all of the volunteers (including me) were motivated by Day One’s progress and ready to see our families’ houses continue to return to being homes. While most of us began construction, some members of the Discovery Education team traveled to Sovereign Elementary School, just down the street from our work sites, to meet many of the children affected by the storm and share with them a preview of Discovery Channel’s upcoming series, North America (premiering this Sunday). The children were also treated to a visit from Animal Planet’s Dave Salmoni, who brought along North American animals, and Jersey boy, Buddy Valastro, who brought sweet treats from Carlos’ Bakery for the students and staff to enjoy.

When we broke for lunch today, “Discovery Impact” came to life. In a special ceremony opened by a Habitat for Humanity leader and our own David Zaslav, volunteers heard from Jersey natives about the deep value of their work. Buddy Valastro shared his own passion for restoring the state he calls home and then welcomed New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. The Governor recounted the deep devastation experienced when Superstorm Sandy hit his state and shared hope for the future, as well as genuine appreciation for the volunteers who have joined his mission to restore all New Jersey families to their homes.

Nearly impossible to believe, tomorrow is our final day on site. We’re all excited to see what we’ve accomplished in three days and to bring home the stories of strength and hope we have experienced along the way.

I’ve included below a few photo highlights from the day, as well as an incredible video from two dedicated Habitat for Humanity volunteers – a true dose of inspiration! For more images and stories from today, follow us on Twitter, Instagram (#ourimpact on both!) and Facebook.

Richard and Richard Jr. Shared Their Story with Discovery Communications President & CEO David Zaslav

Team Drywall

What a day!

Today marked Day One of Discovery Impact: Rebuilding Atlantic City, and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. The day began with an orientation with Habitat for Humanity Atlantic County, where we learned more about Superstorm Sandy’s devastation, making this experience even more meaningful for all of us. After orientation, we met our Habitat team leaders, and the hard work began.

Each team faced different challenges at their homes – my family’s home had a strong structure but required insulation and dry walls, while other teams were tasked with replacing floors or clearing homes. While most volunteers had never nailed more than picture frame, our Habitat leaders patiently taught us the ropes, and we all left today feeling a bit more confident with a hammer and drill in hand.

Our employees were joined by some enthusiastic personalities from our networks, including the guys from TLC’s Honey Do and Animal Planet’s Dave Salmoni.

As we rest up for tomorrow, we’re excited for all to come. We announced today that we’ll be visited by TLC’s Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro, and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and we can’t wait to continue to connect with our families and make progress in their homes.

Take a look at a few of the photos from today below, as well as a video reflection from Jennifer, a Discovery volunteer on Team Elizabeth. Don’t forget to follow @DiscoveryComm on Twitter, DiscoveryComm on Instagram and #ourimpact on both for updates over the next few days!

The “Honey Do” Guys at Work

Discovery’s Insulation Angels

Team Rosemary in Front of Their House

Drywall in the Home

Today through Sunday, Discovery employees will join ten families in Ventnor, NJ to help repair the damage done to their homes during Superstorm Sandy with our friends at Habitat for Humanity. I’ll be joining the Discovery Impact rebuild team (125 strong!) and sharing the team’s experiences on our social channels – we hope you’ll join us! I’ll share recaps each night on the blog, and you can follow us live throughout the weekend at:

• Twitter: @DiscoveryComm and #ourimpact
• Instagram: DiscoveryComm and #ourimpact
• Facebook: facebook.com/DiscoveryComm

This week, we announced our first quarter earnings, celebrated Mama June’s wedding and enjoyed a new EP from Pit Boss star, Shorty Rossi (rock out with Shorty’s video below) and more:

• Discovery Communications 1st-Quarter Net Up 4.5% on Stronger International Revenue 
• Animal Planet’s ‘Pit Boss’ stars release EP for the Dogs (Video)
• Bill Goodwyn Recognized as Member of 2013 Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame 
• ‘Cat Daddy’ Jackson Galaxy Explains Tough Felines and Protective Cats on ‘Ellen’
• Honey Boo Boo’s Parents Get Married

And congrats to the team behind Felix Baumgartner’s 2012 Space Jump from Discovery Channel, Velocity, Red Bull and YouTube for winning a Sports Emmy for Outstanding New Approaches to Sports Event Coverage this week!

Last night, Discovery Channel brought an extra measure of magic to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City into with a special premiere event for the breathtaking natural history series, North America. This seven-part special turns the cameras on the continent we call home, showcasing North America’s diverse landscape, extreme weather and curious inhabitants.

The events’ 300 guests, including Founder and Chairman John Hendricks, board members of the National Forest Foundation, representatives from The Nature Conservancy and many more, were treated to a truly incredible experience in the museum’s Millstein Hall of Ocean Life. The premiere featured opening remarks by Discovery CEO David Zaslav and Executive Producer Andrew Jackson, and was followed by a reception of North American specialties, including New Orleans grilled shrimp, mini Maine-style lobster rolls, Alaskan salmon croquettes, Coney Island hot dogs and Texas jalapeño cornbread bites.

In Discovery fashion, guests left with fun mementos of the evening, including a plush bison and the series soundtrack, featuring a brand new song from Bon Jovi…not to mention a renewed love for the place we call home.

Check out a few more pictures from the evening below and mark your calendar for the debut on Discovery Channel on Sunday, May 19 at 9pm ET/PT!

Discovery Communications Founder and Chairman John Hendricks, Discovery and TLC Group President Eileen O’Neill and Discovery Communications President and CEO David Zaslav

The Feast for the Eyes, North America, Was Followed by a Feast for the Stomach

A Night at the Museum

Bison Keep Watch Over Guests’ Seats…Only at Discovery!

Military Channel’s new series Commander in Chief: Inside the Oval Office, however, invites viewers to take a seat in the West Wing and, with never-before-seen footage, newly released presidential documents and exclusive interviews, experience how the Commander in Chief makes a life or death decision.

The first two installments visited the White House’s of President Obama and George H.W. Bush and this Sunday, May 12, at 10pm ET/PT, Military Channel explores Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis — looking fifty years back to show how John F. Kennedy resisted war and ultimately saved America from nuclear war.

Ready to slip on your spy glasses and step into the Oval Office? Watch a clip from Sunday’s premiere below:

Almost everyone can credit at least one teacher who has served as inspiration to pave a new path, follow a dream or fight for the impossible. With incredible patience and compassion, teachers grow our next generation. As a daughter and granddaughter of teachers and superintendents, I’ve seen firsthand the patience, perseverance and love teachers bring to their classroom daily, and I’ve experienced the difference it makes in students’ lives.

Today marks the start of Teacher Appreciation Week, a time for communities to celebrate their own classroom heroes. Here at Discovery, we strive to celebrate our teachers throughout the year, but we’re excited to present “A Conversation with Sir Ken Robinson” , a webcast streaming tonight at 7pm ET with Discovery Education. Sir Ken Robinson, PhD is an internationally recognized leader in the development of creativity, innovation and human resources in education and in business. His 2006 TED Talk is the most viewed in Ted’s history, and in 2011, he was listed as “one of the world’s elite thinkers on creativity and innovation” by Fast Company magazine.

We hope you’ll join us for an inspiring conversation with Robinson, and after, get a few laughs with our Tanked and HowStuff Works stars, who share why they love their teachers in these videos. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro, celebrates the Grand Opening.

New York City was treated to a sweet surprise this week with the official Grand Opening of the Cake Boss Cafe last week in New York’s Times Square.

Throughout the week, Buddy Valastro, the Cake Boss himself, as well as family members, shared their passion for baking through events at the cafe. Our youngest Cake Boss fans enjoyed “How to fill a cannoli” and “How to decorate a cupcake” classes with Carlo’s Bakery’s Head Baker, Christina Nasso, while singing bakers serenaded street crowds and passed out special VIP passes.

The week culminated on Friday with the Grand Opening of the Cake Boss Cafe, a public party hosted by Buddy, featuring trivia, live entertainment, and of course, plenty of sweet treats! Check out some photos of the week’s fun below.

Buddy Valastro presents his cakes at Cake Boss Cafe’s Grand Opening.

Mini Cake Boss Cafe

“How to Fill a Cannoli” Demonstration at Cake Boss Cafe Grand Opening

I’m Anna Kowalczyk, the newest member of the Discovery Communications Digital Media Communications team and a new regular contributor to this blog. I fell in love with Discovery as an intern three summers ago, and I’m excited to be back on the team, just a few seats from my old spot. Looking forward to sharing my passion for Discovery with our community and hearing from all of you as well!

This week, we’re presenting a weekly feature on our blog, Discovery Buzz. With more than 155 worldwide television networks and subscribers spanning across the world, we’re creating news 24/7, and in this series, we’ll highlight some of the top stories over the past few days.

This week, we celebrated exciting news, with the launch of TLC UK, the grand opening of Cake Boss Cafe and the launch of Discovery’s latest STEM initiative, Connect the Dots:

President and CEO David Zaslav; Host of THE BIG BRAIN THEORY Kal Penn; Governor Martin O’Malley, Bill Goodwyn, President of Global Distribution and CEO of Discovery Education; Christopher Barclay, President of the Board of Education for Montgomery County  Public Schools; Ruschelle Reuben, Principal of Benjamin Banneker Middle School; Dr. Joshua Starr, Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools; and County Executive Ike Leggett stand with students from Benjamin Banneker Middle School to celebrate the announcement of Connect the Dots.

On The Big Brain Theory: Pure Genius, premiering tonight on Discovery Channel at 10pm ET/PT, host Kal Penn launches his search for the next great innovator that could change the future of our world.

In each episode, Penn will present contestants with a seemingly impossible engineering challenge that must be solved in just 30 minutes. The judges will then choose the best engineering concept and select two captains to lead a team in execution. The team with the best execution will receive immunity, and judges will choose one member of the losing team to be eliminated.

This season, contestants will be challenged to detonate explosive bombs on the back of speeding pick-up trucks, create a portable bunker that can be deployed in five minutes and is able to withstand fire, pressurized water and high-speed winds; and construct a robot capable of competing in three different athletic events.

The final winner of the competition will receive a one-year contract to work at WET, the industry leader behind some of the world’s most innovative water-based designed environments and experiences.

Still not convinced? We’ll turn it over to Kal. He has five reasons for you to tune in tonight.

The initiative was announced today by David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications at the Benjamin Banneker Middle School in Burtonsville, Maryland. “Our kids are the next generation of innovators, problem solvers and game changers, and we need them to take on the planet’s challenges and shape a bright, healthy future by embracing STEM careers,” Zaslav said. “Through its unique position as a company founded on igniting curiosity across generations, and with science, technology, engineering and math in our DNA, Discovery is proud to utilize its platforms to help connect the dots between learning and living, theory and practice, algebra and video game design – and inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders in STEM.”

To learn more about Connect the Dots, click here for the full press release. You can also check out some photos of the event below and a video shown at today’s announcement, giving more insight into the Connect the Dots initiative.

Students pose with Discovery Communications President & CEO David Zaslav, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and Discovery Channel’s Kal Penn

David Zaslav Speaking at Connect the Dots Event

Today we are raising our tea cups to the newest addition to the Discovery Communications family — TLC UK!

That’s right…the world’s biggest female entertainment channel will makes its debut in the United Kingdom and Ireland shortly at 8pm BST tonight with Your Style in His Hands, followed by Breaking Amish and Undercover Mums.

Our International colleagues are celebrating TLC’s latest launch in style, of course. Last Thursday, industry leaders and celebrities, as well as some of TLC’s most beloved personalities, gathered at cutting-edge venue Sketch for a launch party and, this week, Discovery UK employees enjoyed celebratory perks, including TLC sweets, themed themed menus, style competitions and spa treatments. Meanwhile, here in Silver Spring, we’re getting ready to head downstairs to channel the best of Britain and toast our colleagues.

The network’s programming slate includes 65 new series, including TLC U.S. hits Breaking Amish, Here Comes Honey Boo and Long Island Medium, as well as Disney’s Mistresses and Devious Maids. Additionally, two live continuity announcers, Matt Wilkinson and Hannah Peckham, will present shows and live Tweets on the channel from 6 to 11pm daily – a first for Discovery in Europe.

Ready for your Transatlantic trip to celebrate? Take a trip, sans flight, with a few photos below and make sure to follow @TLC_UK on Twitter.

TLC’s UK launch invades the Discovery Communications office in London!

Jody Marsh star of TLC’s Body Builder shines for the cameras at the launch party

Going Glitzy: Celebrity host Lisa Snowdon with a relative of the star of the advertising campaign, Glitzy the micro-pig

Stars of TLC UK, Buddy Valastro of Cake Boss with Ultimate Shopper judges Holly Valance (left), and Brix Smith-Start

Looking stunning in spots, is Dawn Porter of TLC show Undercover Mums

Kids explored scientific mysteries at Discovery’s Kids Day 2013.

In honor of Take Your Child to Work Day yesterday, Discovery invited the youngest in our ranks to come experience life at the office…or maybe just how we wish every day was!

Discovery’s Kids Day 2013 kicked off with mug decorating, face-painting and monster hair styling, and then the kids settled in for a morning of wild science shows, featuring interactive science experiments and lots of foam! After a lunch break and some time spent shadowing their parents, the kids returned for another round of wacky entertainment, spotlighting a few favorite HowStuffWorks podcasters visiting from the Atlanta office.

During  a presentation on “How Monsters Work,” Ben and Matt of Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know introduced the kids to a monkey named Gwyneth. Stuff You Should Know podcasters Josh and Chuck treated the kids to cotton candy creations with “How Clouds Work?” and “How Slime Works?” left kids with a gooey gift to bring home.

As the day came to a close, we said a final farewell to the kids, sending them off with a sweet treat from Georgetown Cupcakes. Although life at Discovery doesn’t always involve mad scientists, monkeys and cotton candy, it was such a fun day to have the kids of Discovery invade our office space for the day. For a peek into Discovery life, follow us and #InsideDiscovery on Instagram.

HowStuffWorks’ Ben and Matt explain “How Monsters Work”

Kids color between wacky science presentations

When I arrived at the White House, I was immediately blown away by the projects the students were exhibiting. We had Discovery Education and 3M’s Young Scientist Challenge winner Deepika Kurup exhibiting her innovative, cost effective and sustainable water-purification system. As well, the Pinelands Eco Scienteers, winners of the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, had the opportunity to exhibit their project to President Obama as he came into the briefing.

Another Discovery family member, Kal Penn, of Discovery Channel’s upcoming  Big Brain Theory: Pure Genius, was on site at the event, making the rounds with Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President, to learn more about the student’s projects. Also in attendance were Bill Nye the Science Guy, LeVar Burton, NASA’s Leland Melvin and, my personal favorite as a New York Giants fan, Victor Cruz.

I’ve included some photos of the event below and for more, check out our Facebook album.  And of course, for more science awesomeness, tune into Big Brain Theory: Pure Genius on May 1 at 10pm ET/PT on Discovery Channel. The event was an exciting example of the amazing  and we were honored to have been a part of the White House Science Fair 2013!

President Obama addresses the crowd at the White House Science Fair

Valerie Jarrett and Kal Penn Pose With a White House Science Fair Team

Deepika Kurup, Winner of Discovery Education and 3M’s Young Scientist Challenge

Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward changed the history of America with the Watergate Scandal.

Although Watergate occurred over 40 years ago, the political scandal remains an event forever etched in America’s history, and All the President’s Men, the iconic 1976 movie that authentically brought the Watergate story to the big screen, remains an American classic.

This Sunday at 8pm ET/PT, Discovery Channel will follow Award-winning actor/director Robert Redford as he dives deep into the Watergate scandal, sharing details and stories from the scandal that broke all rules of press and politics, brought down a president and forever changed our country. On All The President’s Men Revisited, Redford will be joined by a remarkable cast of historical legends and leading figures in the media, including Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein, Dustin Hoffman, Jon Stewart, Rachel Maddow and others.

Last night, the nation’s capitol fittingly caught the first look at the documentary at a screening and reception held at the Newseum, with Robert Redford, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein in attendance.

The rest of us will have to wait until Sunday, but if you’re a fellow news junkie itching to get a sneak peek, watch the preview below and check out the exclusive web videos here as well!

Bindi Irwin and Her Brother, Robert, Celebrate a New Tree in Bindi’s Honor at the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore

At only fourteen years old, Bindi Irwin exudes her father’s confidence, spirit and passion for the world and its creatures. And, while it seems like she was a young girl just days ago, Bindi kicked off an Asian tour to promote Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors, a new Discovery Kids program that features her family’s efforts to continue the legacy of her late father and wildlife conservationist, Steve Irwin.

Bindi, her mom, Terri, and her brother, Robert, also took time to stop by our Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore to share their message of conservation with employees. Highlights of the tour that had stops in Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila and Kuala Lumpur included:

• A tree planted in honor of Bindi’s achievements in wildlife conservation at the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore’s new Children’s Garden
• A hybrid orchid named after Bindi at the Singapore Botanic Gardens
• A visit to a Hong Kong school, where Bindi met with over 300 primary school students and shared her experiences as a teenage conservationist, inspiring many students to do their part to help the environment
• An invitation by the Ark Avilon Zoo for the Irwin siblings to name two animals. Bindi chose to name a crocodile “Warrior,” while Robert name a lizard “Bindi.”

Take a peek at some photos from our beloved Irwins and we hope they inspire you as much as they do us!

Bindi Shares Her Passion for Conservation and Wildlife with Discovery Employees in Singapore

Bindi Joins Australian High Commissioner to Singapore, Philip Green OAM, in Planting a New Australian Queensland Bottle Tree

Bindi, Terri and Robert Take in Gardens in Singapore

• HowStuffWorks.com (General Website – Radio & Podcasts)
• Kids React from Fine Brothers Productions/Revision 3 (Online Film & Video – Reality)

We also want to send a big congrats to Discovery Channel, TLC and our Digital teams for being named Honorees in three categories:

• Discovery Channel’s Chopper Live (Online Film & Video – Events & Live Webcasts)
• Discovery Channel (Social – Overall Social Presence)
• TLC’s Long Island Medium: Behind the Read (Online Film & Video – Reality)

Click on the Image to Build Your Crew!

The seas are charted, the crew is prepped – are you ready to head out for a new season of Deadliest Catch?

Premiering tonight at 9pm ET/PT on Discovery Channel, the ninth season of Deadliest Catch promises a whole new level of adventure, with higher stakes, greater danger and all-new ways for fans to join the crew.

This season, the seven skippers and their crew are fighting through hell and back again in search of King and Opilio crab, but as they venture into the high seas, they begin to realize many of the most violent storms come from within. Facing 40-foot waves, hurricane force winds, heavy-machinery, the youngest members of the crew fight for fame and fortune, while the captains wage war for crab supremacy – who will come out on top?

Get ready for all the action with The Bait, a new pre-show featuring your favorite captains dishing on fishing, boat life and what to expect on that night’s episode of Deadliest Catch. During the 8pm ET premiere, Tweet along with the captains and crew tagging @DeadliestCatch and using #DeadliestCatch, and you may see your Tweet on TV (our own “crew” has settled in at our broadcast center to look for their favorites live tonight).

And, if you haven’t already, make sure to sign up for the new Deadliest Catch Fantasy Game, where you pick your captain, boat and crew each week and could win a Discovery Adventures trip of a lifetime.

Our Catch countdown has begun..has yours? Watch a sneak peek below, and we’ll see you on the seas tonight!

At the event, Discovery Education’s Scott Kinney announced that educators across the country will be offered exclusive access to Discovery Education’s Techbook series through the end of June at no cost, along with more than 40 virtual professional development sessions to support them in effectively implementing digital tools in their classrooms. Participants also were treated to a unique look inside a digital classroom, when Discovery Education brought students and teachers from Collier County Public Schools in Naples, FL into the conference through a live, interactive session.

If you weren’t able to attend the event, catch up with the archived live stream, read this recent USA Today Op-Ed on digital education and keep an eye out for Techbooks coming to your classrooms and communities!

Sara Schapiro, Director of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools; Zach Leverenz, CEO of Connect2Compete; Holly Jobe, President of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE); and Scott Kinney, Senior Vice President of Discovery Education Announce Free Availability of Techbooks Through June

Third-Grade Student Mary Moss Wirt Shares Her Experiences with Digital Learning

Discovery Founder and Chairman John Hendricks Discusses the Importance of Digital Resources in Our Schools

OWN’s La Toya Jackson

La Toya Jackson, the wild card of one of showbiz’s most famous families, is ready to open up her life to viewers with Life with LaToya on OWN, premiering Saturday, April 13, at 10:30pm ET/9:30pm CT. In the new series, La Toya invites the cameras along as she searches for a new house, builds new business ventures, contemplates parenthood – and jumps into the dating pool for the first time, ever.

La Toya shares all on the show, opening up about her tumultuous past, darkened by an abusive ex-husband, the death of her brother, Michael, and family feuds. Looking for new beginnings, though, La Toya also seeks the fun in life – in the first episode, she brings glam accents to redecorate her hotel room and then enjoys girl time with her best friend, Kathy Hilton (yes, Paris’ mom).

Watch a sneak peek from the first episode and join La Toya for the adventure of a lifetime this Saturday on Twitter using #LifeWithLaToya and by following her at @LaToyaJackson.

Today, Discovery Education and Digital Promise, a nonprofit organization chartered by Congress to spur innovation in education, in conjunction with many other leading education organizations, will launch this new conference at Discovery’s Headquarters in Silver Spring, MD to discuss one of the most important issues in education today: the state of digital learning and its impact on college and workforce readiness.

The conference, launched one year after the FCC and DOE’s Digital Textbook Playbook initiative, will raise awareness about the benefits of digital learning and celebrate the successes of districts that have already deployed digital textbooks in meaningful ways in their classrooms. Additionally, Discovery will announce a new national initiative to provide free trial access to digital textbooks for educators across the country.

Educational leaders from across the country, including Congressman and Senior Democratic Member of the House Education and Workforce Committee George Miller, AASA Superintendent of the Year Dr. Mark Edwards, and superintendent of the nation’s 4th largest school system, Alberto Cavalho, will discuss the challenges of transitioning to digital learning, the impact of digital resources on students and teachers, and opportunities to advance the adoption of innovative digital tools in order to prepare today’s students for careers of tomorrow. Further, we’re excited to announce that Discovery’s Founder and Chairman, John Hendricks, will speak at the event.

If you’d like to learn more about techbooks and Discovery Education’s role in education innovation, we invite you to visit discoveryeducation.com and join us for the live streaming of today’s conference. We’ll also be sharing photos and details from the event in a new post, so be sure to check back for the inside scoop!

]]> http://corporate.discovery.com/blog/2013/04/11/discovery-education-to-host-inaugural-futurenow-transition-to-digital-classrooms/feed/ 1 http://corporate.discovery.com/blog/2013/04/10/inside-story-honored-with-three-awards-by-new-york-festival/ http://corporate.discovery.com/blog/2013/04/10/inside-story-honored-with-three-awards-by-new-york-festival/#comments Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:14:56 +0000 aharris http://corporate.discovery.com/blog/?p=10353 Over the past two years, I’ve blogged several times about Inside Story, a breakthrough film initiative from our nonprofit Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership. The pan-African project, created to entertain millions and revolutionize HIV/AIDS education for millions across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond, has been screened on several continents, been broadcast across Africa and will continue to reach millions more.

‘Inside Story’ Makes Its North American Premiere

On Tuesday, the winners of the New York Festival’s World’s Best Television & Films competition were announced at NAB, honoring programming from more than 50 countries that reflect today’s global trends and encourage the next generation of storytellers and talent, and we’re happy to report that Inside Story was honored with awards in three categories:

• United Nations Public Information Award (Gold)
• Feature Film (Silver)
• Society and Social Issues (Silver)

Congratulations to the DCGEP, Quizzical Pictures, Director Rolie Nikiwe and the talented cast of Inside Story, and thank you to all of the partners who helped make the film a reality. To experience a bit of the film, watch the trailer below and visit InsideStorytheMovie.org to learn more!

Today, it was announced that Discovery Communications has completed the acquisition of SBS Nordic from ProSiebenSat.1 Group, adding 12 television networks, leading radio stations and several digital brands to the Discovery family. Combined with our existing eight brands in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, today marks the formation of a new regional business, SBS Discovery Media.

You can read more about it in the official announcement and, to our friends at SBS Nordic, we say: Velkommen! Tervetuloa! Välkommen! Velkomnir!

On April 4, hundreds gathered at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City to get the first glimpse into the future of Discovery Communications programming. The show kicked off with daredevil Nik Wallenda’s tightrope walk over the audience – a small feat compared to his upcoming walk across the Grand Canyon, to be televised live on Discovery Channel on June 23– and concluded with a sweet performance by Colbie Caillat.

A few of the highlights from the presentation included:

• Kal Penn’s announcement of his new Discovery Channel series, The Big Brain Theory: Pure Genius, a show that seeks the next great innovators
• A “Baby Got Back” remake, performed by Destination America‘s BBQ Pitmasters
• A scandalous discussion with OWN’s The Golden Sisters
• Dynamic duo Oprah and Tyler Perry’s excitement about the future of OWN
• A spirited appearance by the lovable star of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, Alana Thompson and Mama June

Join us backstage and on stage for a few pictures below and visit our Facebook album for more!

Colbie Caillat Brings the Show to a Sweet Finish

“Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” Stars Lori and Monte Bring Classic Style to the Upfront

Discovery Channel’s “Fast N’ Loud” Duo Rocked It

Wade

He’s back! Extreme angler Jeremy Wade returns to Animal Planet this Sunday for the season premiere of River Monsters, at 9pm ET/PT.

In the new season, Jeremy takes his search for underwater killers to new heights with the most dangerous adventures we’ve seen yet, including a journey to Chernobyl’s nuclear wastelands in search of a mutant fish, a trip to Nicaragua to capture an elusive killer torpedo and a quest to find a prehistoric underwater vampire.

On Sunday’s season premiere, Wade begins a treacherous investigation into a horrific death in a Bolivian river, where one man lost his face to a true river monster. The season will build to a special Memorial Day two-hour season finale, when Wade will tackle the most legendary creature yet — the Loch Ness Monster.

Want to test the waters? Check out a sneak peek of the upcoming season of River Monsters below:

You can read more about what’s coming up on our networks below, and we’ll have photo highlights on Discovery Blog on Friday. In the meantime, make sure to follow @DiscoveryComm and #DiscoveryUpfront for updates from backstage today!

Discovery Channel

• Discovery Channel Unveils 2013-14 Upfront Slate

TLC

• TLC’s Slate of 2013-14 Programming Opens Doors to the Remarkable and Relatable

Animal Planet

• Animal Planet’s Best Year Ever Propels Network Toward Its Wildest Entertainment Slate

Science

• Science Channel Unveils Its 2013-14 Upfront Slate Featuring Scripted Drama, Live Science Events and Blue Chip Series

Military Channel

• The Military Channel Marches Into the 2013-14 Upfront Season

Destination America

• Destination America Presents 2013-14 Programming Slate Capturing All Things Americana

In partnership with Audubon Nature Institute, explore.org, the National Aquarium, South Mountain Creamery and the Washington Animal Rescue League, Animal Planet L!VE will bring viewers into 11 different animal communities through live, 24/7 HD cams. Animal lovers can take a break with snoozing kittens, hardworking ants and even majestic beluga whales, immersing themselves in these animal habitats through strategically placed eye-level cameras. Although I am personally pre-disposed to favor the puppy cam (as an avid dog-lover), the calf cam has also turned out to be a surprise favorite of mine – though it’s admittedly tough to pick just one!

The full list of animals currently featured include:

• Ant Cam: A childhood ant farm has nothing on this colony of leafcutter ants from Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium in New Orleans.
• Beluga Cam: In one of several cams from explore.org’s Pearls of the Planet collection, the sleek Beluga whales from Vancouver Aquarium are put in the spotlight, entrancing audiences.
• Calf Cam: Joining the chicks online from the South Mountain Creamery in Middletown, Maryland, watch baby calves find their legs and explore a whole new world.
• Chick Cam: Spring has sprung early with these adorable chicks that call the South Mountain Creamery home.
• Cockroach Cam: While feelings may be mixed on these creatures that have inhabited our planet since the Cretaceous period, viewers will be mesmerized by their activity and surprise setting inspired by the southern home of Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium.
• Kitten Cam: Launched in November 2012, the adoptable kittens from the Washington Animal Rescue League have pawed their way into the hearts of online audiences.
• Pacific Reef Cam: In partnership with the National Aquarium, this cam lets ocean lovers visit a pacific reef habitat without the scuba gear or getting wet.
• Penguin Cam: The best-dressed of Animal Planet L!VE, explore.org’s underwater cam captures the Magellanic penguins, man of which were rescued in Brazilian waters from the Aquarium of the Pacific.
• Puppy Cam: Debuting earlier this year in conjunction with PUPPY BOWL, the puppies featured from Washington Animal Rescue League (as with the kittens) are all available for adoption through Petfinder.com.
• Sea Nettle Cam: A living meditation for people who need a break in the day, this explore.org cam features the hypnotic Japanese sea nettles from the Vancouver Aquarium hypnotize.
• Wild Bird Cam: Who will come visit the Animal Planet L!VE birdhouse? Take your perch and see!

NY Ink’s Tommy Montoya is ready to take on Season Three.

Tattoo greats meet tattoo mistakes this Thursday on TLC with the series premiere of America’s Worst Tattoos and season premiere of  NY Ink.

The madness begins at 9pm ET/PT with the premiere of America’s Worst Tattoos, a new show that challenges famous tattoo artists, including Tim Pangburn, Jeremy Swan and NY Ink‘s Megan Massacre, to turn America’s most awful, shocking and weird tattoos into great masterpieces. TLC will show you the entire process — from unfortunate brainstorm to creative coverup to the final reveal.

Later, TLC invites you to experience NY Ink‘s season three premiere at 10pm ET/PT. Join SoHo’s Wooster Street Social Club, featuring the famed tattoo king Ami James and his team, as they welcome new artists from all over the world into their world of the tattoo elite. Emotions will run high as the artists fight to pursue their passions among internal team tensions.

Ready to tattoo TLC Thursdays into your weekly routine? Follow NY Ink‘s Facebook page to dive in!

Beyond Textbooks Attendees

On the heels of announcing the exciting news that Discovery Education will be developing a mathematics book for its award-winning Techbook, Discovery Education hosted its second ‘think tank’ style event last week with influencers in the education technology space. The event, Beyond the Textbook, was designed to be an open dialogue about the state of education and how future iterations of technology like Discovery Education’s Techbook can be improved to even better serve teachers and students.

Seventeen education influencers attended the two-day event, sifting through some of the crucial questions of content delivery in education, especially as it pertains to mathematics. The event resulted in learnings on all sides, and eventually some great, thought-provoking blog posts from some of the attendees. Rafranz Davis left with high hopes for the Techbook, writing ”I will say that if Discovery [Education] can do what we envisioned, even pieces of it, along with what they are already doing…the math techbooks will be astronomically outstanding.” Christopher Danielson, still had some questions, given his understanding of the difficulties in writing math curriculum, but ultimately felt that if Discovery Education ‘gets’ some of the concerns and challenges raised at Beyond Textbooks, “the sky is the limit”.

Discovery Employees Will Be Greeted with Information About “Light It Up Blue” on April 2 and Pins to Support the Cause

To start, One Discovery Place in Silver Spring, MD will turn blue tonight and tomorrow (joining the likes of the Empire State Building) to show our support. Additionally, viewers tuning into Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery, Discovery Fit & Health, Military Channel and Velocity will see PSAs supporting the cause in addition to special blue versions of the network logos. Meanwhile, online, you’ll see digital banners shining a light on World Autism Awareness Day on our websites and we’ll be spreading the word across social platforms.

If you’d like to join in, visit LightItUpBlue.org to learn more and pledge your support!

If you’re looking for a relaxing and rewarding way to spend your Friday night, you’ll want to curl up on the couch with TLC tonight. The BrideDay lineup that has everyone wanting an invitation starts at 8pm ET/PT with Four Weddings — as four brides show off their personal style and judge each other’s weddings, hoping to win a five-star dream honeymoon.

During tonight’s premiere, TLC will be featuring viewer Tweets that will be curated LIVE into the 8pm ET hour. To join in on the action, follow @TLC and use the #FourWeddings hashtag. You can also chime in on who you’re rooting for during the show:

• Rachele: #BallroomBeats
• Nicolle: #PepRallyParty
• Travia: #BlingtasticDiva
• Alexandria: #RetroBookworm

And, while the brides compete for a new honeymoon, fans that aim to have their Tweet featured on TV will also be entered to win a year’s worth of cupcakes from TLC. The most creative Tweet will win the @TLC follower a dozen cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake each month for a year! Sweet.

Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta‘s Monte Durham helps local high school girls create a prom night to remember.

On Tuesday, Discovery Communications’ headquarters was transformed into the ultimate prom preparation station to help make local high school girls’ prom dreams come true.

For the second annual Say Yes to the Prom, Discovery Communications invited 40 local high school girls to One Discovery Place for a star-studded day of mentoring, prom dress shopping and makeovers. The girls, each paired with a Discovery employee who served as a personal assistant, explored more than 800 dresses donated by Discovery employees and Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) members. In the end, each girl said “Yes!” to her dream prom dress, choosing one with the help of the day’s host, Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta‘s Monte Durham. The girls then finished their looks with head-to-toe makeovers and their choice of accessories.

Dressed to the nines, the girls completed the special day with a red carpet reveal, hosted by Monte. Take a look at a few of the girls’ prom looks below, and visit our visit our Facebook page page to see more! Trés chic!

Discovery gentlemen join the prom fun.

One girl and her personal assistant for the day reveal a new look.

Gorgeous in gold

Optimus Prime battles new villains, The Predacons, in the final season of “Transformers Beast Prime Hunters.”

In the final battle against evil, will Optimus Prime triumph?

Join the battle on The Hub tonight at 7:30/4:30pm ET/PT for the season premiere of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters. Introducing a new pack of villains, the Predacons, season three will follow Optimus Prime and his team on an epic battle to save Planet Earth, and one day, restore his home planet of Cybertron.

Excited to join the action? Prior to the season premiere, The Hub will share a special four-hour marathon of back-to-back episodes from the second season, and Hubworld.com  invites fans to explore the all-new show-page design for Transformers Prime Beast Hunters. The new site features exclusive images and video clips, two new games and a countdown clock for the season three premiere. Additionally, fans can follow along with The Hub on Facebook and Twitter to get sneak peeks and exclusive content from the new season.

So, suit up, sharpen your superpowers and join us tonight for an evening of epic battles and triumphs!

Discovery Channel reveals the lives of modern day Ku Klux Klan (KKK) members.

The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) represents a dark and mysterious part of American culture, filled with clandestine meetings and frightening rituals that, until now, have been largely under wraps.

Tonight, Discovery Channel joins photojournalist Anthony Karen for a rare glimpse into modern day KKK members’s lives with KKK: Beneath The Hood. Karen, who has chronicled the KKK for numerous years, takes viewers through the lives and secret rituals of the Klan. Traditionalist American Knights member Richard Bondira also opens his archives of KKK artifacts for his first televised interview.

Additionally, viewers will meet current Klan family of Rev. Thomas Robb as well as leaders from the Imperial Wizard of the Traditionalist American Knights of the KKK, one of the largest groups in the country. Take a look at the preview below, and join us tonight at 8pm ET/PT to learn more about the lives of modern day KKK members.

Dr. Lewis Dartnell explores life beyond Earth at Ano Nuevo.

When you look up to the stars tonight, who is looking back at you?

Tonight at 10pm ET/PT, Science Channel invites you to explore life beyond planet Earth with the premiere of Aliens: The Definitive Guide — a part of Are We Alone? Month?. Join a team of scientists as they travel to remote locations, both on Earth and throughout the universe, in an adventure to answer your most pressing extraterrestrial questions, including: What will they look like? How will they sound?; How do they communicate?; and of course, will they come in peace?

The second installment premieres March 26 at 10pm ET/PT and is preceded by Transit of Venus (at 9pm ET/PT) — an exploration of the rare astronomical event that occurred on June 5, 2012, when Venus passed directly between the Earth and the Sun.

Whether you believe or not, get your geek on with Science!

Monte Durham joins a Discovery employee and prom-ready girl before the runway show in 2012.

After a successful Say Yes to the Prom event in 2012, Discovery Communications has announced that, in conjunction with Magruder High School and KidsPeace, we will help local students Say Yes to the Prom again. On March 26, we will welcome 40 high school girls from the local community for an unforgettable day of beauty, fashion and fun.

Monte Durham of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta will again host the special day, ensuring each of the girls are prom-ready. Each girl will be matched with a Discovery employee, serving as her coach, personal shopper and style assistant throughout the day.

One Discovery Place will be transformed into prom central — with hair and beauty stations, alteration areas, shopping tables and, of course, a red-carpet runway. Girls will have the opportunity to choose from over 700 dresses and accessories donated by Discovery employees and Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) members. After a makeover and additional “personal touches” from Monte, the girls will take center stage on the catwalk as the day’s true stars.

You can join in on the prom fun with us on Tuesday, March 26 by following @DiscoveryCommon Twitter and #SYTTP  on Twitter and Instagram!

Discovery Education announced today that it will be expanding its line of award-winning interactive Techbooks to include Mathematics. Working with educators, students and technology experts across the country, Discovery Education will be developing a line of middle and high school level Math Techbooks to be released in 2014.

The innovative line of Techbooks are revolutionizing education by removing barriers to learning and utilizing new technology to adapt lesson plans to student’s different styles of learning. Empowering students with rich, engaging media, the Techbooks serve a deep need within our education system to offer students opportunities to engage with real-time subject matter updates and current events as they fit into the context of classroom curriculum.

 “Mooresville students have been using the Discovery Education Techbook series and have seen great results. It has brought instruction alive for our teachers and increased students’ engagement and interest,” said Mooresville Graded School District’s Superintendent and the American Association of School Administrators Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Mark Edwards. “We are excited that Discovery Education continues to expand its Techbook series to additional subjects and look forward to the opportunity to use these tools to transform teaching and learning in Mooresville’s classrooms.”

In Kruger National Park, an area full of such natural beauty, nearly 700 rhinos fall prey to poachers every year — driven by the commercial demand for rhino horns (more valuable than gold). In Rhino Wars,  cameras reveal the violence and carnage as park rangers are murdered trying to protect the wildlife that’s indigenous to their homeland. However, four current and former members of the U.S. Special Ops have joined the fight to train the anti-poaching corps, exchange tactical information and go on the front lines in the battle protect the wildlife indigenous to South Africa.

Meat the team taking the poachers on and preview the show below (warning: it is graphic and heartwrenching), and tune into Animal Planet Thursday, March 7, at 9pm ET/PT to learn more about the fight and help us educate others about the plight of the rhino.

Every Tuesday in March, Science Channel will examine the probability of the existence of extraterrestrial life forms as well as their potential impact on our lives on Earth with the following programs:

• Alien Encounters: The Invasion on March 5 at 10pm ET/PT
• Alien Encounters: The Offspring on March 12 at 1opm ET/PT
• NASA’s Mission to Mars on March 19 at 9pm ET/PT
• Aliens: The Definitive Guide on March 19 at 10pm ET/PT
• Transit of Venus on March 26 at 9pm ET/PT

Check out a sneak peek of Are We Alone? month below:

On Friday, Discovery Education is teaming up with Google to present the Doodle 4 Google virtual field trip, free to teachers and their students across the US. Teachers can register their class to get the behind-the-scenes scoop from the illustrators and engineers behind the curiously re-imagined Google logos, live from the Googleplex itself.

After learning all about the magic behind Google’s doodles, students will have the chance to harness their creativity and enter their own doodle in the Doodle 4 Google competition. The annual program invites U.S. students in grades K-12 to submit their best designs for the Google Doodle – and one creative student’s doodle will be chosen for millions to see on the Google homepage, receive a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for his or her school.

Want to get your students inspired? To take the “Doodle 4 Google” virtual field trip with Google and Discovery Education, register your class and tune in at 1PM ET on Friday March 1st – happy doodling!

I have a feeling that Austin is the Captains’ type of town, and I hope you’ll join us for two special Catch events:

Deadliest Catch‘s Twitter for Tough Guys
Ever wonder what Sig, Johnathan and Keith really think about social media and how Discovery Channel has woven social into the show? This panel will feature the three Captains talking with our own Josh Weinberg about just that. Think CatchCon meets SXSW.
Saturday, March 9 | 12:30-1:30pm |Hyatt Regency Austin | Texas Ballroom 1-4
Add it to your SXSWi schedule!

Deadliest Catch Presents: The Captains’ Concert
Cap off your Saturday night at SXSW Interactive with a night of music, mingling and indie rock at this special, FREE concert featuring Black Pistol Fire, Quiet Company and The Tontons — hosted by your favorite Captains!
Saturday, March 9 | 8pm | Stubb’s
RSVP on Eventbrite

If you’ll be at SXSW, make sure to say hi on Twitter (@TheNuwanda) and perhaps in person!

1. Watch, enjoy, share and move on.
2. Roll your eyes and proclaim “what has this world come to when this is news.”
3. Join in on the fun. (Exhibit A)

At Discovery, a few of our colleagues in our Silver Spring headquarters chose #3…and we’re supportive of that. If only Todd Hoffman, Buddy Valastro or Jeremy Wade had been in town to join in. Who or what do you think that would add to the Discovery version of the Harlem Shake?

Tonight, on Investigation Discovery’s  Injustice Files: Hood of Suspicion, award-winning filmmaker Keith Beauchamp will delve into the case of Trayvon Martin, as well as other cases that Beauchamp investigated as cases of racial profiling.

Beauchamp will also cover the case of Robbie Tolan, whose story I got to hear first hand at our Winter TCA tour in January. I won’t ruin the story for you but his is one that is not to be missed and you can see a sneak peek below. Investigation Discovery’s Hood of Suspicion premieres tonight at 8pm ET/PT.

Backstage At Lackawanna

Next Great Baker fans: tonight is the night! In just a few hours, the finale begins, with the final three contestants competing for the coveted Carlo’s bakery spot.  Buddy will be broadcasting live from Lackawanna tonight, with some special guests, so tune into TLC at 8pm ET/PT to find out who will be the Next Great Baker!

In the meantime, we want to know who you think will grab the ultimate title! Tweet with the hashtags #AshleyNGB, #JenNGB or #GretelAnnNGB to show whose team you’re on and don’t forget to follow @TLC tonight for backstage updates live from Lackawanna.

Check out a sneak peek of tonight’s show below – you won’t want to miss the epic finale to this season of Next Great Baker.

Henry Schleiff, Kerry Kennedy and Keith Beauchamp

On Tuesday, Investigation Discovery debuted documentary film, ID Films: March to Justice, reflecting on our nation’s ongoing pursuit of racial equality. The event, held at The Newseum in Washington, D.C., also featured a panel discussion following the film’s premiere, with Kerry Kennedy, president of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights and daughter of former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, John Seigenthaler, First Amendment Center founder and former administrative assistant to Robert F. Kennedy and Carolyn McKinstry, witness to the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, AL in 1963.

Award-winning filmmaker Keith Beauchamp will host another ID event next week, this time in New York on Tuesday, February 12 at the Paley Center. The event will feature highlights of Beauchamp’s upcoming The Injustice Files: Hood of Suspicion, an in-depth look at racial-profiling practices still occurring today, brought to national attention in 2008 with the shooting of Robbie Tolan in Texas and, more recently, by the killing of Trayvon Martin in Florida. Beauchamp will also be joined by Henry Schleiff, President & General Manager of Investigation Discovery, Kerry Kennedy, John Seigenthaler, Carolyn McKinstry, and Robbie Tolan for a panel discussion. For more information or to attend the Paley Center event, click here.

The Newseum, Washington, D.C.

Carolyn McKinstry, Birmingham Bombing Survivor

As it turns out, I was not alone. Not only was Sunday’s Puppy Bowl IX Animal Planet’s most watched iteration of the annual furry tradition, reaching a record number of 12.4 million gross viewers, fans also tuned in in droves during the power outage at the Superdome. Fans were voting with their devices, too, with a 40% increase in Tweets and web traffic generating 1.6 million video streams. Can’t argue with cute!

Four seasons later, the Oddities crew is back – only this time, they are relocating to a larger store and going on a cross-country Oddities adventure, in search of all of the greatest weird findings across this great nation. Look out for celebrity guest appearances along the way, including a visit from Dita Von Teese.

Ever wonder how the clientele at Obscura Oddities & Antiques use their findings in their homes? Stick around after Oddities for the series premiere of Odd Folks Home, which follows home the country’s weirdest and most obsessed collector for a look at their unimaginable treasures and bizarre lifestyles.

Check out a sneak peek from Odd Folks Home below and don’t miss Strange Saturdays on Science, starting February 9 at 9pm ET/PT.