Welcome to My Pond

Just when I think every subject imaginable has been covered in a video along comes something like this. I never thought I would be able to receive a comprehensive explanation of what constitutes ‘pond scum', but here it is and even though the thought of creating my own pond is remote, there are many parts of the country where this video (and its sibling, Fishing Facts & Lore, shameless­ly hawked by the producer at the introduction) will be welcome. It must be my California mentality, but I never thought there was much anyone could do about ponds; they were just standing collec­tions of water that seemed to maintain themselves somehow. Not so! A midwestern pond authority gives advice on how to control the weeds and other plant life in a pond, how to stock it with the right combination of fish, how to deal with other animals who may be attracted to the pond, and much more. The dialogue between the interviewer and the ‘pond authority' is stilted and obviously scripted, but when the action moves outdoors, it becomes much more spontaneous and interesting. This video will be welcome in public libraries serving patrons who may be interested in constructing their own ponds or in maintaining an already existing one. Don't forget the previously mentioned bonus of receiving a once-in-a-lifetime definition of ‘pond scum.' Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Carlson)