Discovery Channel Song

Magical 'Shark Week' Returns

It’s that magical time of year again.

Shark Week. What began as a cable channel’s annual week-long run of documentaries about large fish has become an iconic Non-Holiday. It’s one of those over-the-top things that defines modern awesomeness, like Chuck Norris-isms, or using the word “Epic” to describe the things you marginally enjoy. (Last nights’ leftover meatloaf was EPIC!)

Most of the fun in Shark Week is in exploiting that over-the-topness. While I do enjoy the programs, the real fun is in the hype. Discovery Channel has done a brilliant job of marketing for what is actually just seven straight days of scientific research documentaries.

The Facebook status possibilities are endless. Far too much time is spent rearranging Christmas songs into Shark Week carols. There are only so many words that rhyme with chumbucket and some of them aren’t fit for print. There are Shark Week parties, complete with Shark Week trees decorated with fishheads and scuba gear.

I love Shark Week. Shoot, its fun just saying Shark Week . I wish every week was Shark Week. Think about it for a moment. Things still get done, everybody still goes to work. Kids either start going to school, or at least are preparing to return. Nobody really pauses their life for Shark Week. But for anyone with a slightly clever wit about them, Shark Week reminds us that it’s possible to take something mundane and turn it into something fun and exciting. Sit down and enjoy the documentaries and you might even learn something.

My point? Sometimes life can seem routine and dull, more documentary than action flick. Mortgages, traffic and work pressure become barnacles that keep us from swimming as smoothly as we want. Everyday responsibilities can start to move in like a Great White hunting a baby seal.

The trick it in the balance. Fact is most of our lives aren’t action thrillers. But who says documentaries have to be boring? Why not live everyday like it's Shark Week? While we can’t just stop doing what we are supposed to do, we can have some fun with it. Take it over the top once in a while. Who knows, you might just learn something new while we’re at it. Just like Shark Week.

Live everyday like it’s Shark Week.

The Great White Shark Song | Arlo Hemphill

.  It’s been around for years now, but I never tire of this cool tune and the important message it gives for this vulnerable apex predator.  The song was written and is sung by Andy Brandy Casagrande IV (ABC4) - a National Geographic filmmaker and passionate ocean champion.  The first video here is a more recent version that’s been made “kid-friendly” by Nat Geo and features fantastic footage of ABC4 swimming out of the cage (and playing his guitar!) with great white sharks in ever clear waters off Mexico.

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