man & nature # 8 ~ a "glossy picture" of sorts
Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 11:00AM 
Roadside nature • click to embiggenDid anyone watch the PBS program, THE ADIRONDACKS?
On a scale of 1-10, it gets a 7.0-7.5 in my opinion. That opinion is, of course, that of a "local" and was echoed by the wife about half way through the program at which point she stated/asked, "I'm not learning anything new, are you?", my answer to which was, "No."
The program touched on all the "standard" stuff about the Adirondacks, which, admittedly, most non-locals probably don't know about. From that standpoint, I would very interested to hear from any non-local who watched the program - did you learn anything new?
Where the program failed was in representing the real day-to-day life of the "average" Adirondack denizen. Sure, we have our share of poets, authors, artists / artisans, conservationists, environmental activists, etc. In fact, because the area is a magnet for such types, we probably have much more than our fair share. But, of the 100,000+ full-time residents of the Adirondacks, they nevertheless still constitute only a distinct minority of the population. By largely depending upon the "elites" to speak for the place, the producers almost totally missed the "true grit" of the place.
One thing they did get right was their choice of a photographer to highlight. Carl Heilman is a fairly accurate representation of the ubiquitous pretty-picture variety of picture makers who dot the region. I know Carl. I like him. He's a really nice guy. In fact, I featured him on one of my PBS Adirondack Outdoors episodes and, in my role as tourism marketing guy, I have purchased and used some of his work in various Adirondack tourism pieces. He has found a comfortable and somewhat unique - 360 degree panoramics - niche in the pretty-picture genre from which he makes at least part of his living and there's no knocking that. Although, like many locals, he has at least one other "job" - a snowshoe maker and instructor.
In any event and to repeat, I would be very interested in hearing from anyone who viwed the program.
gravitas et nugalis
Featured Comment: Gordon McGregor asked: "Are the PBS documentaries available for us non-TV subscribing people?"
my response: Yes. You can buy the DVD Here
Reader Comments (6)
Well I was able to watch it last night on the PBS station in Seattle. It was very informative on the history and that is what I enjoyed. I also liked the scenery and how the program divided the Adirondacks into areas. Showed the variety in different locations. But I have one question,"Does everyone that lives there have a gray beard and long hair? Everyone profiled fit that look.
Have you seen a picture of Gravitas?
You know, I have seen pictures of him, even with his ass hanging out hippie jeans. In fact it took awhile during the program, when the photographer steering the canoe, to realize that wasn't Mark. Then I had to wait to see who it actually was.
"You know, I have seen pictures of him, even with his ass hanging out hippie jeans."
I so hope those jeans have been caught on fire by accident. I was so embarrassed in grade school (a catholic school I might add) when he would pick me up wearing those or when he would wear them to public skating too!
Are the PBS documentaries available for us non-TV subscribing people ? Do they stream them or anything similar ?
I watched most of the show the other night and taped the remainder. I liked the show and it kept my interest, but my enjoyment was strongly influenced by reminiscing. I am by no means a local but I grew up in the Catskills and did take a number of trips to the Adirondacks. All I see where I live now in Indiana are corn and soy bean fields, so I miss the wilderness quite a bit.
My wife wasn't interested in watching it but ended up not wanting to turn it off to go to sleep. She has only been in the Adirondacks once, on our honeymoon at Lake Placid, so I guess that would be a positive endorsement for the show.