Thursday, October 25, 2007

Planet In Peril -- Conclusion

Good afternoon, everyone. I just wanted to say that I was so impressed with Planet in Peril. The four-hour documentary was filled with stunning cinematography coupled with interesting and sometimes heart-breaking reports. Yesterday, two commenters mentioned that they were disappointed that the documentary didn't include the other point of view to make it the perfect 360. I thought the same thing. I was happy that PIP addressed the opposing views on global warming. Hopefully they will do more on that when they have their discussions with scientists as they answer our questions. Will that be tonight? I'm not exactly sure. The schedule says that Anderson will be covering the wildfires at 8 & 10pm ET.

I have to say that I enjoyed last night's installment even more than the first part. A couple of stories really tugged at my heart strings. Here were some of my observations

1. First, I'm so glad they kept Anderson's WTF moment in the documentary! Shoot Anderson, if I had to repel myself down a crevasse I'd be screaming more than WTF!

2. I cannot say enough about the lengths these scientists are willing to go to in order to study our planet. Imagine living at Swiss Camp even for a quick stay. We joke about the shigloo but I find it amazing that man can adapt to any setting giving the proper tools and some ingenuity. One team of scientists camp out at the top of the world and the whole planet benefits from their sacrifice and bravery. Isn't that amazing?

3. I have mixed feelings on Sanjay's piece on the Carteret Islands. It is heart breaking that these poor people are literally being washed away from their homes. And how terrible is it that the coral reefs are dying around the island. Here is my problem though. When speaking with the village woman, Sanjay says to the woman something like "It sounds pretty scary. It sounds like people are going to go hungry if not starve." The woman says, "Yes, I think so." And then Sanjay says, "It sounds like that upsets you."

Um, Sanjay, of course that tiny fact upsets her. She and her family and friends may starve to death or have to move to another island full of crime according to your report. That would kind of upset most people.

Don't get me wrong, I like Sanjay. I think he is a good medical correspondent. I'm just not sure why he would be tapped to do a report like this one. Here I would have preferred an ecologist or some sort of scientist reporting along side Sanjay to give an expert opinion. I think this is the only criticism I have of the whole documentary.

4. I liked the piece on opposing views on climate change. However, I'm not liking Senator Inhofe so much. I've seen him before and he's always reminded me of the man who, even presented with evidence to the contrary, insisted that the Earth was flat.

5. Oh, our Regal Bird! As I was watching Anderson sitting amongst the Kraho Indian tribe, I couldn't help but think what an awesome experience this must have been for him. What incredible people he gets to meet!

6. The part of Planet In Peril that affected me the most was Sister Dorothy's story. A 73 year old nun from Ohio moved to the Amazon to educate farmers on how to live off the land without using slash and burn techniques. She defended these people from big business trying to encroach on their land. For that she was shot to death. Two men were paid $25,000 by ranchers to do their dirty work. Apparently, these two men confessed to their crime.

We see this time and time again. How can human beings have such disrespect for each other? Killing a nun in order to illegally log? Well, that backfired on those ranchers. Unfortunately though, they have not done any jail time for their part in the senseless murder of Sister Dorothy.


7. I cannot say enough about Anderson's closing remarks. His writing truly touches my heart. How appropriate to end Planet In Peril in true Reporter's Notebook style. I simply loved it!

Planet In Peril was the culmination of almost one year of research and reporting on the environment. It was a stunning view of how climate change, deforestation, over-population and species loss have an effect on our planet. Kudos to Anderson, Jeff, Sanjay and their team for this awesome documentary!


Have a wonderful weeked everyone! ~Sheryn

7 comments:

ACAnderFan said...

I loved Planet In Peril. CNN did a fantastic job. Jeff was absolutely TERRIFIC. I really enjoyed his contribution. He brought alot to the documentary.

I like the piece on the Carteret Islands, but it seemed like Sanjay didn't quite understand why the women didn't want to leave. That isanld they said the people would have to go to looked scary. I can see why they don't want to leave yet.

OK the story about Sister Dorothy was very moving. However what I did not like about it was that the showed photos of her after she had been killed. I was very dissapointed in AC and CNN for aring that. I thought it was totally unecesssary and uncalled for. That is my biggest complaint about the documentary. Other than that I thought it wa simply FANTASTIC. CNN did a very good job :)

Sapphire said...

It is hard to believe that PIP has aired and it is done. It has been a year of waiting for us and it was well worth the wait.

Ms. Sheryn - you are starting to sound like Jeff.....it is amazing.

I truly enjoyed the whole 4 hours but last nights stories just broke me. I was saddened by so many parts of the show last night. Mostly the story of Sister Dorothy. Thanks for capping the shot of Anderson holding the Bible, I just liked that. The polar bear piece really made me sad as well. I have to agree Sheryn; I think Jeff and Sanjay should have gone to the Islands. That woman on the island is in such a horrible predicament. I wouldn't want to leave my home either...especially for that other island.

Great post Sheryn.....love all the pics.

oh a rerun of Anderson on Colbert is on SQUEEE!!!!!

Anonymous said...

An up to the minute update on Sister Dorothy's murder: Wednesday's Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio-Dorothy's and my hometown) reported that the repeat trial for her murderer ended yet again with a guilty verdict this week. How appropriate for PIP to cover the wonderful work she did. Planet in Peril was totally awesome, and totally worth the wait. Has anyone seen a price tag on what it cost CNN to produce? Just curious.

TigerTina said...

I loved PIP, was a little sad after the whole special was over. I hope he does another series soon and hopefully to report that the planet is on the mend.
@Sheryn, I agree Dr Sanjay didn't quite know what to say when the lady started crying but it probably threw him off-guard like most men do whenever a woman starts to cry !
@acanderfan, I must admit I was shocked when PIP showed photos of Sister Dorothy after she was gunned down, but I assume CNN ahd to air that to shock & shake people up to show the lengths that these poachers/illegal loggers will go through all in the name of greed.

Evelyn said...

All I can say about Planet in Peril is: phenomenal, stunning, dazzling, spectacular, marvelous, astonishing, striking, ravishing, impressive, terrific, superior, wonderful, fascinating, incredible, and all around amazing!

bluediamond (Jennifer) said...

I enjoy watching Planet In Peril it reminds me of a movie. My favorite stories of the Planet In Peril is about the "Yellowstone National Park". It's interesting of learning about the wolves.

My other story that I like is about the polar bears. I understand polar bears has to be tranquilized and have to be examine, I feel sorry for the polar bears some of them are having a hard time finding something to eat.

If I had to go into the jungle with Anderson and Jeff I would have a heart attack for real!

Quitty said...

I agree acanderfan. There was no need to show those photos of her.

I wonder whose Bible that was.