I spend my mornings reading the internet looking for tasty tidbits to tempt Rachel Maddow's news appetite. Check back here throughout the morning to see what I find. Got a story you want her to see? Tell me about it in the comments.
There is no nuclear option for sealing the wellhead in the Gulf of Mexico.
California is on its way to banning plastic grocery bags.
BP's CEO is sorry he complained about wanting his life back.
A fun geeky one: 150-year-old meteor mystery solved.
LA Gov. Bobby Jindal wants more deep-water drilling.
NYC to offer wedding-like domestic-partner "ceremonies" starting today.
I get chills just thinking about this.
Leave a Comment:
President Barack Obama on Wednesday expanded benefits for same-sex partners of federal employees http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6516WD20100602
Jury selection starts for Blagojevich corruption trial http://www.wgntv.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-blagojevich-trial,0,4972036.story
I live in Georgia and just heard that Georgia gave tax incentives to get a company to relocate to Atlanta, then the company refused to even give applications to anyone who was unemployed, let alone interview them for jobs. What gives? Don't states usually give tax incentives to get companies to hire the unemployed???? Can you check this out? I don't want my tax money to go to a company that won't hire anyone who is unemployed!
From a November 8, 2006 article in the New York Times/NYTIMES.COM entitled 'Drilling Deep in the Gulf of Mexico' (page 2)
“When you’re living in that place where you’re constantly on the edge, occasionally you’re going to stub your toe,” Mr. Lang of BP said.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/08/business/worldbusiness/08gulf.html
Hello,
It took me forever to get here and I do not know if I would be able to get back! I am fine emailing and that is it! Could you all please post blog twitter face book or whatever what follows- it is unreal at how disgusting this story gets by the minute –thank you all! I have given source material at the end for validity purposes – make it go viral guys! Ha!
Re: The dispersants being used:
Corexit has been tested and approved by EPA, but is just one of the 18 dispersants approved by the environmental agency. Twelve are considered are more effective on southern Louisiana crude oil than Corexit, and some up to 20 times less toxic, EPA data shows. The product being used is sold under the brand name Corexit and manufactured by Nalco Co., whose current roster of board members includes one man who is formerly a veteran BP executive and another formerly with Exxon.
Environment News Service
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/may2010/2010-05-19-02.html
The Guardian (UK) published the 30th of may this article that I think is worth noting:
Nigeria's agony dwarfs the Gulf oil spill. The US and Europe ignore it
The Deepwater Horizon disaster caused headlines around the world, yet the people who live in the Niger delta have had to live with environmental catastrophes for decades
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/may/30/oil-spills-nigeria-niger-delta-shell
I am not good at blogging need help Can you guys try and get this tidbit out there I put Anderson's link here in the hopes that you would do it on his site too! http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/blog/
Here is another repulsive angle (re: dispersants) to the mess in the Gulf:
Corexit has been tested and approved by EPA, but is just one of the 18 dispersants approved by the environmental agency. Twelve are considered are more effective on southern Louisiana crude oil than Corexit, and some up to 20 times less toxic, EPA data shows. The product being used is sold under the brand name Corexit and manufactured by Nalco Co., whose current roster of board members includes one man who is formerly a veteran BP executive and another formerly with Exxon.
Environment News Service 5/19/10
Bruce Orlando, Fl
it needs to be reported on -- disgusting! Thanx:
NYT editorial identifies that Representatives want to gut the recently created independent Office of Congressional Ethics http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/03/opinion/03thu3.html?th&emc=th
Form related comments on the BP Facebook page - what other people are saying about BP on Facebook
"Kit Murrell Via FB Paul Jewell: "Louisiana isn't the only place that has shrimp," said British Petroleum rep Randy Prescott. His officephonenumber is (713) 323-4093, email is randy.prescott@bp.com. Give himacall or send an email! You can tell him and BP they aren't the only place that has fuel for my car! Please repost!"
I think this should be verified and the whole country give him a call.
I am sending this to a couple of you --don't really know what I am doing (and somehow found this page after about 30 minutes of trying!) and want news media to clobber BP on it!
Hello,
It took me forever to get here and I do not know if I would be able to get back! I am fine emailing and that is it! Could you all please post blog twitter face book or whatever what follows- it is unreal at how disgusting this story gets by the minute –thank you all! I have given source material at the end for validity purposes – make it go viral guys! Ha!
Re: The dispersants being used:
Corexit has been tested and approved by EPA, but is just one of the 18 dispersants approved by the environmental agency. Twelve are considered are more effective on southern Louisiana crude oil than Corexit, and some up to 20 times less toxic, EPA data shows. The product being used is sold under the brand name Corexit and manufactured by Nalco Co., whose current roster of board members includes one man who is formerly a veteran BP executive and another formerly with Exxon.
Environment News Service
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/may2010/2010-05-19-02.html
About 10 minutes old. From "related comments" on the BP Facebook page - what other people are saying about BP on Facebook
"Kit Murrell Via FB Paul Jewell: "Louisiana isn't the only place that has shrimp," said British Petroleum rep Randy Prescott. His officephonenumber is (713) 323-4093, email is randy.prescott@bp.com. Give himacall or send an email! You can tell him and BP they aren't the only place that has fuel for my car! Please repost!"
I verified the post and contact info for Kit Murrell who lives in Louisiana is available,
I think this should be verified and the whole country should asked to give BP a call.
you need to boycott..bp and any that are in the same corporation! you can switch gasoline..we shouldn't be worshiping cars..that is why the oil companies hold us hostage to begin with...write your state and federal elected officials!
Producers are forced to drill in deep water. The government won't let them drill close into the coast. The blowout could be managed in swallow water.
Bubba
They drill in deep water because that's where the really large deposits of oil are period. The huge amounts of oil spewing out of the Horizon well bare this to be true.
Maria, federa law requires producers to stay a number of miles offshore.
Sarah Palin, is that you???
Bubba
That may be part of the excuse they use to be out there that deep. But the real reason is because that where the largest pool of oil on the planet is. I think Maddowblog has something on it today.
Bubba do you really think BP or anyone other oil company is out there to help the planet? They're just greedy for oil and don't care who or what gets hurt in the process. Shameful.
Do you realize that there are over 3000 rigs! The shores need to be clear for boats..freighters. There is proof that oil companies do not even bother to think about where they might spill oil..they have made messes on land as well.
It is disgraceful that the Giant USA..supposed leader in the World, has some high technology in everything..but we drive vehicles that have internal gas combustion engines that were invented before 1900..that is nuts. We shouldn't even use oil or coal. We went through all this energy crisis in the 1970s..everything go green, autos got smaller..cheaper made..but economy did not..now everyone worships their cars..and their ancient technology that gets it to move!
"but we drive vehicles that have internal gas combustion engines that were invented before 1900..that is nuts"
Hey Tina, we got some common ground here. Now you're thinking. Same technology invented so many years ago. Every President since Carter promised to reduce our dependency on oil. New technology engines could very well be the answer. I believe the technology is here. Why is development and marketing so slow? Tax incentives for new technology??
Bubba
I think it's in the vestige interests of the oil companies to delay as long as possible any new non gasoline powered technology. Awhile back on a show called Top Gear (BBC America) they showed a a car from Honda called Clarity. An electric car powered by hydrogen. One of the hosts was driving it all around the L.A. area. Even refueled it at what looked like a Shell station. He talked to Jay Leno about the car. It was a cool looking car. I love to have one. After that show I haven't heard anything about it. So I know the technology is out there.
The other companies that operate rigs in the Gulf and elsewhere... I wonder if they have a plan for this kind of event? Has BP asked them for help? Have they volunteered to help? Shell, Exxon, Etc. seem conspicuously silent.
I wonder how many are operating in exactly the same manner, cutting the same corners, using the same contractors and techniques?
This kind of disaster couldn't happen twice, could it? Maybe someone should look into this.
My first guess would be, "It's all about the money" and "What's in it for them?" and "If BP goes down, can I have their oil wells?"
This Daily Show segment compares the number of violations between companies:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-june-1-2010/cenac---the-spilling-fields---oil-leak-containment-ideas
I'm looking for the actual GMA interview, but can't find it.
http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/news/content/view/full/91000
The other BP spill.
What BP did to the Gulf is nothing campare to what the energy corporations want to do to the Delaware River which supplies 17 million people with fresh drinking water.
Green group says gas drilling threatens Delaware River
74-mile stretch is called most threatened U.S. river
Blames regulator oversights for threats
By Jon Hurdle
Reuters
PHILADELPHIA, June 2 (Reuters) - The rapid growth of drilling for natural gas threatens the health of the Upper Delaware River, the source of drinking water for some 17 million people, an environmental group said on Wednesday
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0216282520100602
Upper Delaware River most endangered in U.S.: report
Jon Hurdle
Reuters
PHILADELPHIA
Wed Jun 2, 2010 11:38am EDT
(Reuters Life!) - The Upper Delaware River in New York State, the source of drinking water for 17 million people, is the most endangered river in the United States, according to a new report.
http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE65140F20100602
A documentary film entitled "Gasland" is making the rounds at independent screenings on its way to HBO June 21. This film, which shows the environmental impacts from natural gas drilling, won the Special Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.
http://www.delawareriverkeeper.org/Documents/Gasland_is_Coming.pdf
http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/
I am a member of National Sierra Club..I will see if they are doing anything about it..In North Dallas..they are suing the State for totally ignoring EPA..we have Air Hazard Alerts..high ozone for more than 30-40 days consecutively..this causes more UV through..it is total global warming. I found a bunch of companies that have been inspected..and are supposed to do EPA action plan to correct..still have not..many of these, their initial assessments were done over 10-22yrs ago..and they keep getting by not doing anything.
Email..your elected officials..check out National Sierra Club..lots of times, they have take actions..and all you do is put in your name..and the email goes to the elected officials and the President.
Re: Bag Ban. DC has had awesome results with their 5 cent charge institute in January http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/29/AR2010032903336.html?sub=AR
Are there really some safe spill clean up options out there? http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=131582&catid=8
Banker fired for being too sexy to male co-workers. This story is insane and that bank should be ashamed http://jezebel.com/5553376/banker-deemed-too-sexy-for-her-job?skyline=true&s=i
Drunk lorekeets falling out of trees in Australia. http://news.discovery.com/animals/birds-drunk-hangover-mystery.html
And look at that. Giraffes can swim afterall http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/06/think-giraffes-cant-swim-science-proves-they-can.php?campaign=th_rss
Before it leaks all over the news, .@barackobama offered me the job of official White House dog. I declined, so Bo is now doing it. And I did not serve as a bomb-sniffing dog in any foreign wars, though I may have mentioned it to a cute poodle from time to time at a dog park because, you know.. I'm a dog. But that is it... well ok, maybe I might have stretched the truth about my service with FEMA in NYC and New Orleans, but poodles are really cute.
I figured I would come clean before you nosey reporters started digging around my past.
Due to the benefits of internet anonymity, I suspect you're actually a cat!
HA! I am really a dog! I write a blog and everything and I am openly Google-able http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=dogwalkblog&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
Umm.. but you didn't ask and I went and told :-)
Sierra Club News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2010
Contact: Kristina Johnson
(415) 977-5619
New Gulf Offshore Drilling Project to Move Forward
Today, the Minerals Management Service approved a new drilling permit for an offshore well in the Gulf of Mexico. Last week, the president extended his ban on deepwater drilling for an additional 6 months, but lifted the ban on shallow water drilling, allowing this project to move forward.
http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=179890.0
Posted by The Guardian on its Facebook wall : Inside the violent world of Britain's new far right
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.guardian.co.uk%2Fuk%2F2010%2Fmay%2F28%2Fenglish-defence-league-guardian-investigation%3FCMP%3DNECNETTXT766&h=a2153
Sister Margaret’s Choice
By Nicholas D. Kristof
Op-Ed Columnist
The New York Times
Published: May 26, 2010
We finally have a case where the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy is responding forcefully and speedily to allegations of wrongdoing.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/27/opinion/27kristof.html?src=me&ref=general
We are hearing about the dangers of toxic VOCs traveling inland from the BP spill and sickening people, perhaps permanently. Can you find out more about this?
http://gizmodo.com/5553765/are-cameras-the-new-guns#
"In response to a flood of Facebook and YouTube videos that depict police abuse, a new trend in law enforcement is gaining popularity. In at least three states, it is now illegal to record any on-duty police officer."
This is deplorable.
The war on women continues:
Opponents of Abortion Advance Cause at State Level
"At least 11 states have passed laws this year regulating or restricting abortion..."
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/03/health/policy/03abortion.html?ref=us
With an ad campaign, to boot:
Pro-Life Movement Goes "Green":
For some perspective:
Hump Smarter: Endangered Species are Watching
Condoms In Short Supply
http://motherjones.com/blue-marble/2010/02/hump-smarter-endangered-species-are-watching
http://www.welovedc.com/2010/02/09/condoms-in-short-supply/
I thought this blog entry: http://charlotteclairedass.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!4C5D2E12D08F37D6!5540.entry was the best discussion I have heard to date on the Israeli Aid Flotilla Attack.
Here's something different: DoD is now confronting the problem of paying for weapons or paying for people - the ultimate guns vs. butter question. The latest report on this is by Todd Harrison at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments:
http://www.csbaonline.org/4Publications/PubLibrary/B.20100524.The_New_Guns_Versu/B.20100524.The_New_Guns_Versu.pdf
Meanwhile in New Zealand we want our old Prime Minister back. Or at the least one who doesn't want to bleach our mental images:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/3759801/I-ve-had-a-vasectomy-John-Key-blurts-out
So Ken Cuccinelli will sue about health care, and he'll sue about climate change. What won't he sue about? Here's your answer: http://www.military.com/news/article/efforts-grow-to-stop-gi-funeral-protests.html?ESRC=eb.nl
TPM has an article by Robert Reich that is about a petroleum engineer who says:
"BP is doing the minimum to clean up the oil and everything it can to protect its bottom line." and explains how and why.
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/06/02/closing_the_hole_in_the_gulf_a_petroleum_engineer/?ref=fpblg
It is a very informative article with some great comments. excluding the trolls.
Today, in anticipation of the CA primary next week, I got a very official looking mailer that said "VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE FOR DEMOCRATS." It lists Democratic candidates for Governor, Senator, etc. (all of which are not being voted on for another 5 months) in order to give the appearance of legitimacy, but then endorses the corporate monopoly propositions which are officially opposed by the Democratic party (16 and 17).
The very fine print reads "Not an official political party organization. Appearance in this mailer does not necessarily imply endorsement by others appearing in this mailer, nor does it imply endorsement or opposition to any issues set forth in this mailer."
It DOES imply exactly that - the intention is to link Democrats to these corporate sponsored initiatives with the express purpose of misleading rank and file voters who have not researched the fine print of these horrendous proposals.
A friend in Florida tells me that she gets mailers that masquerade as the official voter guides, but supply the wrong polling address to registered Democrats. And, of course, we've all heard about the phony census mailers that are combination push polls and republican fundraising letters.
I can find a lot of fault with the modern day Democratic party, but you'll never find them stooping to this kind of nonsense. This is a fundamental difference between the Democratic and Republican parties. The Republican party has a complete absence of integrity, and doesn't even feel the need to keep up appearances.
If a position is so shameful that, in order to get it passed, it has to be misrepresented and falsely linked to those who oppose it, then it shouldn't even be on the ballot in the first place. If the best you can do to defend your position is to prevent people from finding their poling place, then you shouldn't be running for elected office in a democracy.
The only fault I find in your comment ....you used the word "never" to the Dems never stooping to the nonsense the Repubs use... I find that using that word only insures that it WILL happen.
Otherwise I agree. I am so sick and tired of people trying to scare people into doing what they want, I am so sick of people saying they are one thing and do the exact opposite in private, I am so sick of people lying. Power must be even more addicting then alcohol, tobacco and any other known addictive drug that people would sell their souls for it. I am so sick of the religious right loving on Glenn Beck and the like...I am sure when I go to hell for my non right wing views, George W Bush and Dick Cheney will be my "cabana boys"...and there I go judging them....maybe I aint the liberal I think I am...
Especially since the Supreme court ruled that Corporations have freedom of speech..they can literally put millions into false flyers and commercials.
I do not believe ANYTHING regarding candidates on TV commercials or handouts..just research online..check out all angles..from different groups.
I really got the point that the powers of corruption can really screw up news..and avoid the subject..was when Dan Rather was doing story on GW Bush military service..they got the corporate mass to crucify him! With all the Spin..the basis of the story was correct..it is reported that during Vietnam..a good way to avoid combat at the time, would be sign up for military reserves. Well, there were thousands in waiting list for the Texas Air National Guard..as per a documentary I watched who were stationed at that unit..' a Congressman made sure that GW got in front of the long line for Air National Guard..and then leap frogged to Pilot training. These Vietnam guardsmen stated they did not ever see him after he took pilot training'. The Texas guardsman stationed at the same place said that 'he got a Million dollar training in being a pilot..and the only time he used it was to fly on the aircraft carrier' when Mission Impossible was held..during Iraq war.
John Kerry..got media blitz during that same time..for voicing his concerns about the Vietnam war..he served and was in Combat unit..somehow..the media..the public, just took it in or something..but since that smearing on both sides..it was obvious to me that we do not know the truth from political commercials..or most 24 hr cable news!