Paddler and ocean advocate Margo Pelligrino.© princeton.lib.nj.us
In 2007, Margo, partly inspired by my book "50 Ways to Save the Ocean," paddled an outrigger canoe from Miami, Florida to Camden, Maine to raise awareness of ocean issues and citizen groups fighting to make a difference.
In 2007, Snooki, a year out of high school, allegedly took some nude photos of herself on Valentine’s Day and now wishes she hadn"t.
In 2009, Margo paddled from Miami to New Orleans to raise awareness of oil, chemical, agricultural and industrial pollution in the Gulf of Mexico. Among her supporters was the Gulf Restoration Network, now one of the frontline citizen groups responding to the BP blowout disaster.
In 2009, Snooki scored huge when she was chosen for the opening season cast of "Shores" having earlier made an appearance on "Is She Really Going Out with Him?" the story of "sweet girls" and the "douchebags" they date.
ATTRIBUTES:
1. Challenges Faced and Overcome
Margo: Giant waves and wipeouts. Rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard while training off New Jersey last winter.
Sooki: Got punched in the face by a drunk guy in a New Jersey bar.
2. Statement of Commitment
Margo: "This coastal paddling journey is my way to call attention to the need for healthy oceans."
Sooki: "You feel more sexy when you’re tan."
3. How Others See You
Margo: "She’s a great example of someone with passion and drive and commitment, doing what she can do. She’s a small piece of the fabric of what needs to be done to save the ocean. She’s doing it for her children." —Husband Carl to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Snooki: "She’s a great girl and anyone would be happy to date her. I’m the lucky one." —New boyfriend Jeff Miranda to Radaronline.
(Miranda seems way better than her ex Emilio Masella who, according to TMZ, says he regrets they didn’t make a sex tape.)
DAVID HELVARG is the president of the Blue Frontier Campaign, online at www.bluefront.org.