WaterWired

'60 Minutes' Tackles California Water: Videos and Print Story

Last night 60 Minutes had a piece ( c. 13 minutes) on California's water problems, focusing on the San Joaquin Valley and the Bay Delta.

The Governator himself had a fair bit of face time, and was upbeat about finding a solution. Here he is expounding upon a water diet in a brief (one minute) video.

Here is a print version of Lesley Stahl's story.

Here is Emily Green's take, Hasta la Vista, 60 Minutes.

"People have died over water. You know, movies have been made about the wars of water in California."--  Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, quoted in the story

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Jon Stewart on Climategate

Well, why not? Everyone else has weighed in.

How did Memogate get a "gate"? How did Nipplegate get a "gate"? We invaded a country with the wrong information, and Janet Jackson's tit got a "gate". Who gives out the "gates"? Is there a "Gate"-gate? Is there a, a... I mean, it's absolute... We're living in insanity!" -- Jon Stewart, 2004

Act Now! Free DVD Based on PBS Documentary 'Poisoned Waters'

Just received this email from a reliable source:

A Maryland production company has created an educational DVD from a two-hour PBS documentary called "Poisoned Waters"   that aired on  FRONTLINE in April. The educational piece pairs five-minute clips from "Poisoned Waters" with brief essays and questions that illuminate key issues about water such as stormwater and agriculture runoff. The video and 26-page booklet fit into a DVD case and are FREE for teachers, nonprofits, activists, and anyone else interested in protecting the nation's waters.
 
Orders for the FREE resource will be taken until THURSDAY, 18 JUNE. Please e-mail or phone orders in with your name, organization, and address to hsmithprod@aol.com or 301-654-9848.  

Questions? Please contact
Catherine Rentz
Hedrick Smith Productions/PBS
301-654-8584 (work)
301-654-9856 (fax)
cdrentz@gmail.com
6935 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 208
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Nevada's Water Grab: KSL-TV Editorial; SNWA Seeks Delay

This editorial was broadcast on KSL-TV, Salt Lake City, on 30 March 2009, 5:30 AM (!)

Nevada's Water Grab

It is impossible to ignore the concerns expressed recently by a coalition of scientists about a proposed plan to pipe precious water from aquifers along the Utah-Nevada border to Las Vegas.

The warnings came in the form of a letter signed by 147 scientists and addressed to the Governors of Utah and Nevada. They concluded the controversial project would almost certainly "adversely impact rural livelihoods, substantially lower groundwater aquifers, reduce biodiversity, and will not be sustainable."

KSL appreciates their studied warning about the potential impact of the 300 mile pipeline. Ultimately, any decision regarding the project should indeed be based on sound science. In our view, though, common sense, as often expressed by farmers and ranchers in Utah's desolate west desert is equally persuasive. "You don't empty the water jar until the rain falls, and in the Snake Valley area, the rain doesn't fall very often."

In KSL's view, not a drop of water stored naturally beneath Utah, or Nevada for that matter, should be pumped to the surface and diverted to Las Vegas unless it can be absolutely proven the pipeline project won't adversely affect the fragile west desert ecosystem. Making that case, it would seem, will be extremely difficult.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority has asked the Nevada State Engineer for a one-year delay in the Snake Valley groundwater pumping hearings. The SNWA wants more time to complete a groundwater model.

 "Trouble is only opportunity in work clothes." -- Henry J. Kaiser

WaterWonks: National Geographic Wants TV Host

WaterWonks! Are you an Indiana Jones wannabe?

No, this is not a belated April Fools' stunt - it is legitimate. I just called Lindsey Clark at NGS (202-857-7656; lclark@ngs.org) to verify its authenticity and she confirmed it.

Here is the pdf:

Download ngs_casting_call.pdf

CASTING CALL FOR SCIENTISTS AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURERS

National Geographic Television is looking for a science-savvy, outdoor adventurer to host a new television series. Our host will travel to remote and dangerous places to help scientists gather data in order to find answers to some of the world’s most puzzling questions.

You don’t have to have a science degree.  Just prove that you are charismatic, adventurous, and have a broad knowledge of various branches of science.  You’ll be talking with teams of scientists in the field, and translating what’s going on to our viewers.

The ideal candidate will have a diverse range of experience in fields such as animal tagging, scuba diving, cave exploring, and rock climbing.  Our host will be able to combine adventure with cutting edge science. Experience with high-tech equipment is also a plus.

Deadline: ASAP

The sooner it’s in, the more likely we are to consider you!

Send resumes, informal photos and/or headshots, video of yourself, and inquiries to:

hardscience@ngs.org (electronic submissions preferred)

Send hard copies to:

Coordinator, Series Production

Attn: Science Series Host

National Geographic Television

1145 17^th St. NW
Washington, DC 20036