As those of us who follow AC360° on a regular basis know – the four-hour documentary “Planet in Peril” will air tonight and tomorrow night – right in the midst of the worst California wildfires on record. This is Mother Nature at some of her worst ...
There have been many times that I've been much closer to a wildfire, but I've never been in the midst of so many fires that are so large and so widespread. It's affecting everyone, if only because you just can't away from the heavy smoke-filled air and the soot that's everywhere ...
I feel so bad for the evacuees - just imagine being told that you have five minutes (if you're lucky) to pack your car and leave your home - that you may not see again ... it's terrifying ... :-(
We have what's called "red-flag" warnings out here, when the Santa Ana winds pick up and there's very low humidity. Combine that with two years of drought, and a firestorm of this magnitude is what you end up with.
It's very difficult to effectively fight these wildfires in high winds, not only because of the flying embers that light other fires, but because the planes and helicopters that are equipped to drop water can't fly low enough to get at the flames in those conditions.
Just as a couple of minor examples of what it's like here, even if you're not in imminent danger - on Sunday morning, I was driving around in - literally - a dust storm with about 1/4 mile visibility, and on Monday morning, I woke up to find everything on the patio completely covered in soot. And for that alone, I'm a very lucky person.
I do hope that there are additional resources (firefighters, C-130 planes, etc.) that can be spared from neighboring states. I won't hold my breath for FEMA to arrive. And the forecast is for the winds to start subsiding, but maybe not measurably until Thursday. Rain is still on vacation and nowhere to be found. ;-)
Anderson better bring extra breathing masks and a sturdy set of eye goggles, especially if he's staying anywhere in San Diego County.
CNN has a good live feed of the coverage, but if you want the real up-to-date info, the local coverage from KNBC, KABC and KCBS is where to check – if only because the local reporters have better knowledge of the area!
The other main topic from last night’s AC360° was the Planet in Peril preview and panel discussion with Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Jeff Corwin. I do think that this topic takes on a whole new life with the current events – not only in CA, but the additional reports last night about the Atlanta (i.e. – Southeast) droughts and New Orleans flooding also highlight the problems we’re facing.
- Other news from the day:
Anderson did appear on "Live with Regis & Kelly" this morning (before heading to San Diego), and I was lucky enough to catch the East Coast feed, because the local ABC affiliate went to breaking news after GMA and didn't even air "Live".
I turned on the TV in the middle of the Halle Berry interview and must say that
I was startled to see Regis - it took me a minute to realize the interview was pre-taped, since Jimmy Kimmel is co-hosting this week!
Anderson got a little squirmy (perhaps defensive?) at Jimmy's characterization of Larry King being part of the "undead" - it was all in fun (I'm assuming ...)
Wasn't it a little strange to see AC in the guest chair? We're so used to seeing him now in the co-host seat - but it was a good interview nonetheless!
PIP reviews are published:
A number of Planet in Peril reviews have been published - some reviews are positive, some are less-than-positive ... they can be found in Variety, The Hollywood Reporter (via Reuters), The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, The Washington Post and The New York Times.
Christiane Amanpour receives CBE honor ...
Earlier today, Christiane received a CBE, or Commander in the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, "for services to journalism." She received this honor from Queen Elizabeth at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace. The CBE is a high honor for a British citizen and ranks just below receiving a knighthood.
Many congratulations to Christiane - she is definitely deserving of this level of recognition! You can read more about the event here.
Well, hopefully the power will stay on and I'll be able to add some “post-PIP” comments tonight. It’ll be interesting to see during Anderson’s live broadcasts tonight from San Diego – if he’s able to interview anyone who can explain that there is, at the very least, a strong correlation between climate change and what is happening in Southern California! It’s truly ironic that Planet in Peril (Part 1) is airing tonight - perhaps as a symbol of what’s happening to our planet – maybe it'll make the message even MORE imperative ... :-)
Thanks for visiting - have a terrific evening and enjoy "Planet in Peril"!!
