From Denny: Kevin Costner, of Ocean Therapy Solutions, is as frustrated as the Louisiana residents he is trying to help on the Gulf Coast. What it amounts to is that several companies with the technology to clean up this BP oil spill are unable to get through to the one BP exec who can green light a project, shelling out the money to get the job going. Clearly, BP is still playing games with people's lives, the government and the environment.
The EPA, BP and the Coast Guard have collected 1,900 proposals for how to clean up the Gulf. Only one proposal has made it through to even be considered - after all this big talk the past month of setting up and getting organized as to how to process it all. NOTHING has been deployed into the Gulf for clean up. The EPA doesn't even know if any of their proposals have been deployed or not. Just what is Browner doing all day? What a mess. They are like the Keystone Cops. No one knows what to do and even if they did they could not get their proverbial act together to organize properly and get the work done. This is sheer lunacy.
Microsorb Environmental Products is a Massachusetts company that has also tried to find its way through the bureaucratic BP maze. They use non-toxic, oil-eating microbes to clean up oil spills like in the Gulf. Yet BP has not acknowledged their usefulness nor shown any interest in deploying this easy technology for the clean up.
One small bit of good news from Citibank, that Big Bank that holds a lot of America's mortgages. Turns out if you live within 25 miles of the Gulf coast they will relent and not start foreclosure on you for another 90 days. Such big hearts, yeah, right. If these Big Banks had an ounce of sense they would restructure these loans so people could pay at reduced rates while the economy is in a slump. No one said the banking sector was nimble in their policies or constructively creative in problem-solving difficult economic issues.
GOP Outraged By 'Shakedown' BP Escrow Account, Apologizes To CEO
Feds bust 485 mortgage fraudsters
Kevin Costner blasts Big Oil 'bureaucratic maze'
Costner: "The whole world is watching as America fumbles its way through the greatest environmental disaster in history," Costner told the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship at a hearing Thursday in Washington. "I believe there are other small companies out there in the private sector just like us. You should know that negotiating your way through the bureaucratic maze that currently exists is like trying to play a video game that nobody can master."
Oil spill victims get a break on mortgage payments
Opinion: How Wall Street reform falls short
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Showing posts with label environment news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label environment news. Show all posts
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
BP Nightmare Well, Congress Ready to Nail BP, Kennedy FBI Docs, Obama Gets Oil Spill Help - News Headlines 14 June 2010
*** Assassination attempts on Ted Kennedy recorded by the FBI. Congress gets ready to nail BP to the wall this week in hearings. Get a front row seat as it will be rich political theatre.
From Denny: Well it took long enough, finally President Obama decided to accept help from other countries who had the equipment for oil spill clean up. He waited over a month before finally admitting he needed help. If it had not been for the outcry of rage from Gulf Coast residents it does make me wonder if he would still be dithering about that decision while BP slithered off to avoid responsibility.
To date here is what has been accepted from other countries who offered their help:
Mexico - skimmers
Canada - boom
The Netherlands - three sets of Koseq sweeping arms, which attach to the sides of ships and gather oil
Norway - eight skimming systems
Meanwhile, Obama, ever the detail guy, has finished his picks for the Oil Spill Panel Commission. They will probably be much like other political commissions of the past: not shed much light, waste taxpayers' money needed elsewhere and arrive at a split decision, split down political party lines.
Congress is getting ready for some political grand-standing this week as they prepare to roast, toast and bottle for next century's vintage one BP CEO by the name of Tony Hayward who has commandeered this oil spill liar's mess. Maybe it will even be entertaining. The real question is, "So, what do they hope to accomplish?" They will nail his lying weasel hide to the wall. That's nice if you are the retribution type but meanwhile, the Gulf is literally cooking in oil.
The point of truth here is that BP rammed the drilling of the well, hoping to make it in only 51 days. Remember they were drilling on the ocean floor and went beyond the legal depth of 18,000 feet they were allowed. They did it anyway. They also spent $98 million doing it. It cost $1 million every two days to lease the rig. Because the BP rig was 43 days late for their next job, they rushed up this one. One of their risks that did not play out well was choosing "a cheaper well casing over a safer option that would have cost $7 to $10 million more."
Greed. Not much ever changes. Speaking of greed and immense wealth, apparently, Afghanistan has been found to be rich in minerals to the tune of $1 trillion. The good news is maybe America can find a way to connect the country for trade and help spur economic development. How nice it would be to rid the world of the heroin trade and the Taliban terrorists. Keep your fingers crossed for good things in this part of the world so destitute and miserable. This country's residents could use a break.
Obama Names 5 to Oil Spill Panel Commission
Dems Get Ready to Hammer BP - let's hope this week's Congressional hearings where BP CEO Tony Hayward testifies is more than just empty political rhetoric and wrist-slapping for Big Business.
"The committee will ask BP about five crucial decisions it made:
* the decision to use a well design with few barriers to gas flow;
* the failure to use a sufficient number of "centralizers" to prevent channeling during the cement process;
* the failure to run a cement bond log to evaluate the effectiveness of the cement job;
* the failure to circulate potentially gas-bearing drilling muds out of the well;
* and the failure to secure the wellhead with a lock down sleeve before allowing pressure on the seal from below.
U.S. Turns to World for Help on Gulf Oil Spill
Washington Post: After Weeks of Delays, White House Begins to Turn to Foreign Countries for Additional Equipment to Fight Spill
Locals: We Need More Government Help with Spill - Leaders Tell Katie Couric that Cleanup Effort is Disorganized and No One is Clearly In Charge
BP E-mail: Doomed Rig a "Nightmare Well" - BP May HaveTaken Risks with Deepwater Horizon in Order to Save Money, Ignored Advice from Halliburton
Breaking Down the FBI Kennedy Documents - records revealed of those who tried to assassinate Ted Kennedy after the assassinations of his brothers John and Bobby.
What Can the U.S. Gain from Afghanistan's Mineral Wealth? - from iron to lithium the $1 trillion worth of minerals could be a fast track to economic development to repel the Taliban in Afghanistan.
*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!
From Denny: Well it took long enough, finally President Obama decided to accept help from other countries who had the equipment for oil spill clean up. He waited over a month before finally admitting he needed help. If it had not been for the outcry of rage from Gulf Coast residents it does make me wonder if he would still be dithering about that decision while BP slithered off to avoid responsibility.
To date here is what has been accepted from other countries who offered their help:
Mexico - skimmers
Canada - boom
The Netherlands - three sets of Koseq sweeping arms, which attach to the sides of ships and gather oil
Norway - eight skimming systems
Meanwhile, Obama, ever the detail guy, has finished his picks for the Oil Spill Panel Commission. They will probably be much like other political commissions of the past: not shed much light, waste taxpayers' money needed elsewhere and arrive at a split decision, split down political party lines.
Congress is getting ready for some political grand-standing this week as they prepare to roast, toast and bottle for next century's vintage one BP CEO by the name of Tony Hayward who has commandeered this oil spill liar's mess. Maybe it will even be entertaining. The real question is, "So, what do they hope to accomplish?" They will nail his lying weasel hide to the wall. That's nice if you are the retribution type but meanwhile, the Gulf is literally cooking in oil.
The point of truth here is that BP rammed the drilling of the well, hoping to make it in only 51 days. Remember they were drilling on the ocean floor and went beyond the legal depth of 18,000 feet they were allowed. They did it anyway. They also spent $98 million doing it. It cost $1 million every two days to lease the rig. Because the BP rig was 43 days late for their next job, they rushed up this one. One of their risks that did not play out well was choosing "a cheaper well casing over a safer option that would have cost $7 to $10 million more."
Greed. Not much ever changes. Speaking of greed and immense wealth, apparently, Afghanistan has been found to be rich in minerals to the tune of $1 trillion. The good news is maybe America can find a way to connect the country for trade and help spur economic development. How nice it would be to rid the world of the heroin trade and the Taliban terrorists. Keep your fingers crossed for good things in this part of the world so destitute and miserable. This country's residents could use a break.
Obama Names 5 to Oil Spill Panel Commission
Dems Get Ready to Hammer BP - let's hope this week's Congressional hearings where BP CEO Tony Hayward testifies is more than just empty political rhetoric and wrist-slapping for Big Business.
"The committee will ask BP about five crucial decisions it made:
* the decision to use a well design with few barriers to gas flow;
* the failure to use a sufficient number of "centralizers" to prevent channeling during the cement process;
* the failure to run a cement bond log to evaluate the effectiveness of the cement job;
* the failure to circulate potentially gas-bearing drilling muds out of the well;
* and the failure to secure the wellhead with a lock down sleeve before allowing pressure on the seal from below.
U.S. Turns to World for Help on Gulf Oil Spill
Washington Post: After Weeks of Delays, White House Begins to Turn to Foreign Countries for Additional Equipment to Fight Spill
Locals: We Need More Government Help with Spill - Leaders Tell Katie Couric that Cleanup Effort is Disorganized and No One is Clearly In Charge
BP E-mail: Doomed Rig a "Nightmare Well" - BP May HaveTaken Risks with Deepwater Horizon in Order to Save Money, Ignored Advice from Halliburton
Breaking Down the FBI Kennedy Documents - records revealed of those who tried to assassinate Ted Kennedy after the assassinations of his brothers John and Bobby.
What Can the U.S. Gain from Afghanistan's Mineral Wealth? - from iron to lithium the $1 trillion worth of minerals could be a fast track to economic development to repel the Taliban in Afghanistan.
*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Why Not to Nuke the Oil Spill, Israels International Mess - News Headlines 2 June 2010
*** Read why not to nuke the Gulf oil spill and the many sides of the Israeli raid issue.
*** ALSO: BP Oil Spill News Updates - 2 June 2010
From Denny: This Israeli raid on the Gaza relief supplies boat ramming the Israeli blockade is an international mess like the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger.
First of all, ramming a blockade isn't exactly the smartest move as they had to know it would bring a militaristic response. That's the usual way things happen in those situations.
According to Israel's defenders, even here in America, there are several things to consider. One is that Israel has the right to defend itself against the importation of weapons and bombs. Fair enough.
Another defense is claimed that the Palestinians actually killed their own people, claiming it was the Israelis. Looking at the massive amounts of video footage issued from both sides this claim looks murky at best; it's inconclusive.
What is evident is that Israel used excessive force even if it was a move to smuggle weapons and bombs into Israel. Forget rubber bullets. Why not use tasers? You can subdue aid workers and terrorists alike, especially in such close quarters as a boat. There would be no loss of life and an international incident avoided.
It really does make you wonder where Israel's head really is these days with the extremists running the show. They are ultra conservative, don't give a damn about respecting anyone else besides their yes crowd and they are not wise in their international dealings. In short, these conservatives will end up blowing up the Middle East at the rate they are going. Repairing international relations with countries like Turkey could take decades.
Check out this strange commentary about the Israeli raid: The Gaza Flotilla Is Not What It Seemed
As to the much talked about nuke option to seal off the ocean floor well in the Gulf, the Pentagon claims there is no serious consideration of the idea at this time. There also is no proof it would actually work and accomplish sealing off the well by imploding it. We all recognize it is a huge risk to the environment and our health on the Gulf Coast. Just think of all the thousands of new cancers that would overwhelm the health insurance industry to cover if nuclear radiation exposed millions of people.
The biggest reason the nuke option for capping the well is not considered is because it would be a violation of the treaty banning all nuclear explosions. Let's hope Obama sticks to that treaty. The people of the Gulf, and their health, is dependent upon the President's commitment to that treaty.
*** ALSO: BP Oil Spill News Updates - 2 June 2010
U.S. Officials: Al Qaeda No. 3 Killed
Is the Limitation of Liability for Oil Spills the Poster Boy Against Tort Reform?
The Iraq and Afghanistan Wars Mutilated Our Economy
Rand Paul Remarks Lead Kentucky Legislature To Pass Civil Rights Legislation
Turkish PM: Israeli Raid A 'Bloody Massacre'
The Gaza Flotilla Is Not What It Seemed
Is Obama's 'cool' too cold for ravaged Gulf?
*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!
*** ALSO: BP Oil Spill News Updates - 2 June 2010
From Denny: This Israeli raid on the Gaza relief supplies boat ramming the Israeli blockade is an international mess like the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger.
First of all, ramming a blockade isn't exactly the smartest move as they had to know it would bring a militaristic response. That's the usual way things happen in those situations.
According to Israel's defenders, even here in America, there are several things to consider. One is that Israel has the right to defend itself against the importation of weapons and bombs. Fair enough.
Another defense is claimed that the Palestinians actually killed their own people, claiming it was the Israelis. Looking at the massive amounts of video footage issued from both sides this claim looks murky at best; it's inconclusive.
What is evident is that Israel used excessive force even if it was a move to smuggle weapons and bombs into Israel. Forget rubber bullets. Why not use tasers? You can subdue aid workers and terrorists alike, especially in such close quarters as a boat. There would be no loss of life and an international incident avoided.
It really does make you wonder where Israel's head really is these days with the extremists running the show. They are ultra conservative, don't give a damn about respecting anyone else besides their yes crowd and they are not wise in their international dealings. In short, these conservatives will end up blowing up the Middle East at the rate they are going. Repairing international relations with countries like Turkey could take decades.
Check out this strange commentary about the Israeli raid: The Gaza Flotilla Is Not What It Seemed
As to the much talked about nuke option to seal off the ocean floor well in the Gulf, the Pentagon claims there is no serious consideration of the idea at this time. There also is no proof it would actually work and accomplish sealing off the well by imploding it. We all recognize it is a huge risk to the environment and our health on the Gulf Coast. Just think of all the thousands of new cancers that would overwhelm the health insurance industry to cover if nuclear radiation exposed millions of people.
The biggest reason the nuke option for capping the well is not considered is because it would be a violation of the treaty banning all nuclear explosions. Let's hope Obama sticks to that treaty. The people of the Gulf, and their health, is dependent upon the President's commitment to that treaty.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
*** ALSO: BP Oil Spill News Updates - 2 June 2010
U.S. Officials: Al Qaeda No. 3 Killed
Is the Limitation of Liability for Oil Spills the Poster Boy Against Tort Reform?
The Iraq and Afghanistan Wars Mutilated Our Economy
Rand Paul Remarks Lead Kentucky Legislature To Pass Civil Rights Legislation
Turkish PM: Israeli Raid A 'Bloody Massacre'
The Gaza Flotilla Is Not What It Seemed
Is Obama's 'cool' too cold for ravaged Gulf?
*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Cool Earth Day Links, Message From Our Prez
From Denny: Since I've been getting bombarded with email about Earth Day - a lot of it worthy to visit - it deserved a post to pass along what people are doing to appreciate their planet.
There are news articles, children's activities and suggestions of how you can help in small ways every day. Make every day your Earth Day! :)
Earth Day, 40 Years Later: How Far Have We Come? - 20 Million Americans Joined in First Earth Day; Organizers Say 1 Billion Worldwide Taking Part Today
Letter from Vice President Joe Biden
Good afternoon,
We’ve been celebrating Earth Day for 40 years now, but the truth is that tomorrow may be the first one when we are truly able to say that we have started down the road to a real clean energy economy -- and a better world for our kids.
Today I am kicking off the Administration’s celebration of Earth Day in advance by announcing $452 million in Recovery Act “Retrofit Ramp-Up” awards. These awards will help make energy efficiency affordable for hundreds of thousands of homeowners and businesses, and are expected to create tens of thousands of jobs in the process.
And this is just a tiny sliver of what we’ve done. As the President’s point man on the Recovery Act, which included America’s biggest investment ever in clean energy, I’ve visited countless communities that have seen jobs come back through these kinds of initiatives.
You can learn more about all our efforts at WhiteHouse.gov/EarthDay, and also join Carol Browner, Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change, for a special online video chat tomorrow at 12:00PM EDT at WhiteHouse.gov.
Of course Earth Day is about more than just government action to protect our air, water and environment. Since the first Earth Day forty years ago countless Americans have taken action to make their local communities cleaner and healthier and to have a positive impact on our planet.
This year, President Obama is calling on all of us to pitch in and participate in the Earth Day of Service. On Serve.gov/EarthDay you can find thousands of Earth Day Service events in communities across the country.
Whether you pick up trash at a local park, plant trees, or clean up the river or stream in your hometown, there are plenty of ways to get involved. I hope you’ll join President Obama and me in celebrating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.
Sincerely,
Joe Biden
Vice President of the United States
"As we continue to tackle our environmental challenges, it’s clear that change won’t come from Washington alone. It will come from Americans across the country who take steps in their own homes and their own communities to make that change happen."
- President Barack Obama
From Rebellious Roots, Earth Day Now Mainstream
Earth Day: No More Burning Rivers, But New Threats
Finding Ways To Mark Earth Day's 40th
Cabinet Secretary Discusses U.S. Dependence On Foreign Oil
Mars Mission Could Pay Dividends On Earth
10 Green Giants That Could Change the World - how some big business and governments are attempting to be more green. They left out BMW, the German car company that is environmentally sensitive at their American plant.
A Brief History of Earth Day - The enduring appeal of Earth Day resonated far beyond its origins
Five Ways to Help Save the Planet in 30 Minutes or Less - Invest half an hour to protect the environment by changing how you live each day
8 Great Earth Day Activities for Kids - Games, art projects, crafts, music and other ideas for children this Earth Day
Go Green With Your Morning Coffee - short video, If you start every morning with a fresh cuppa joe in your hand, then these tips are for you. Find out some simple ways you can buy, prepare, and order coffee so that it's brewed or served in an environmentally friendly way.
Celebrate Earth Day 2010 in Your Community - Just one green act this Earth Day can make a big difference
Documentary Films About the Environment and Ecology - These Documentaries Can Spark You To Become An Environmental Activist.
A Brief Chat About Climate Change - What you need to know about global warming and other disasters
Earth Day Network site
Blog post from 10000 memories of the life as a caterpillar:
Altar of the Planet - A somewhat extraterrestrial and somewhat very terrestrial view on the climate change, Earth hour and human species in general.
From Dennys Funny Quotes: Funny Earth Day Cartoons
The Smallest Earth Day Poem - Libations Friday 16 Apr 2010
*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!
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