Here is some more video of the devastating oil spill in the Gulf Of Mexico.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Gulf Oil Spill Frustration! A Few Minutes of Focused Intent May Actually Make a Difference
Oil spills are devastating. Not only do they cost millions of dollars in lost resources and time, but they take a heavy toll on the environment. Most people don't realize the extent of the damage that even a small oil slick can do to a fragile ecosystem. An ecosystem works on balance, and when something as destructive as oil enters into the equation, balance becomes a daunting task.
Here are some examples of the harm that an oil spill can cause:
Of importance to note is not only the short-term effects of an oil spill, but the long-term effects as well. The Exxon Valdez oil spill happened almost 20 years ago, and damage from that spill can still be witnessed today. 1,200 miles of shoreline was affected, killing hundreds of thousands of birds and other marine animals, many whose populations have yet to recover. Fish populations were also reduced, which cut into the livelihood of fisherman relying on the bounty of the sea for their livelihood.
As long as humans have been drilling for oil, there have been oils spills. The 10 most infamous oils spills are:
Here are some examples of the harm that an oil spill can cause:
- Oil penetrates through the structure of the plumage of birds, reducing their insulating ability, thus making the birds more susceptible to temperature fluctuations and much less buoyant.
- When birds are exposed to oil during preening, they suffer kidney damage, changed liver function, and digestive tract irritation.
- Oil coats the fur of sea otters and seals, having much the same effect that it has on birds.
- Oil floats on water, and provides a barrier to light, reducing photosynthesis of marine plants and phytoplankton.
Of importance to note is not only the short-term effects of an oil spill, but the long-term effects as well. The Exxon Valdez oil spill happened almost 20 years ago, and damage from that spill can still be witnessed today. 1,200 miles of shoreline was affected, killing hundreds of thousands of birds and other marine animals, many whose populations have yet to recover. Fish populations were also reduced, which cut into the livelihood of fisherman relying on the bounty of the sea for their livelihood.
As long as humans have been drilling for oil, there have been oils spills. The 10 most infamous oils spills are:
- Amoco Cadiz in France on March 16, 1978
- Arabian Gulf Spills cased by destroyed tankers during the Gulf War in 1991
- Argo Merchant off Nantucket Island, Massachusetts on December 15, 1976
- Barge Bouchard 155 on August 10, 1993 in Tampa Bay, Florida
- Barge Cibro Savannah at the pier of Citgo facility in Linden, New Jersey on March 6, 1990
- Burmah Agate on November 1, 1979 in the Gulf of Mexico
- Exxon Valdez in Alaska on March 24, 1989
- Ixtox I, a deep exploratory well, blew out on June 3, 1979 in the Bay of Campeche.
- Jupiter near Bay City, Michigan on the Saginaw River on September 16, 1990
- Megaborg southeast of Galveston, Texas on June 8, 1990
Lincoln Wilder loves all things entertainment. His weekly music blog is a compilation of celebrity madness, album reviews, concert news, & sleezy celebrity drama; always written with absolute honesty and irresistible hints of sarcasm. Armed with only a laptop and satellite deals, Wilder surfs the streams for the latest and not always greatest of the music world. If it involves music and is notable, it's on his blog. While some call it madness, he calls it living, (not "a living," as that would suggest compensation of some kind). Wilder does what he does purely for the joy of it, and is always open to the suggestions of his followers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lincoln_Wilder
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is predicted to have a dramatic effect on seafood prices throughout the United States for the remainder of this year. It is evident that the oil spill is devastatingly large, much more so that originally reported. It is clear that it will impact both the coast of Florida, as well as the entire Gulf of Mexico.
It's uncertain at this point how long lasting the effects will be on the water and the environment, but clearly it will be substantial. It will be very difficult for fisherman to approach the areas in question, and even if they do manage to find pockets of traditional fishing grounds without oil on top of the water, it is possible that the underlying vegetation and seabed could be affected throughout the entire region.
Initially, seafood that will be directly affected includes surface fish that feed near the top of the ocean. There are a number of species that fall into this category, probably the most popular being Tilapia and bone fish. However, all species including bottom feeding seafood will eventually come into contact with some form of the spill and will be negatively affected as a food source.
Even if certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico are not directly affected by the pollution, it is possible that government scientists will restrict the use of any seafood from this area for years to come. Carcinogens and various pathogens of related origin could prove harmful for even the smallest human consumption.
As a result, new sources of seafood will have to be found. This will not be cheap, and in some cases the available supply of certain species will be very difficult to acquire. The addition of higher shipping costs, as well as the increased market demand will certainly result in significantly higher seafood costs throughout North America in the months to come.
It's uncertain at this point how long lasting the effects will be on the water and the environment, but clearly it will be substantial. It will be very difficult for fisherman to approach the areas in question, and even if they do manage to find pockets of traditional fishing grounds without oil on top of the water, it is possible that the underlying vegetation and seabed could be affected throughout the entire region.
Initially, seafood that will be directly affected includes surface fish that feed near the top of the ocean. There are a number of species that fall into this category, probably the most popular being Tilapia and bone fish. However, all species including bottom feeding seafood will eventually come into contact with some form of the spill and will be negatively affected as a food source.
Even if certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico are not directly affected by the pollution, it is possible that government scientists will restrict the use of any seafood from this area for years to come. Carcinogens and various pathogens of related origin could prove harmful for even the smallest human consumption.
As a result, new sources of seafood will have to be found. This will not be cheap, and in some cases the available supply of certain species will be very difficult to acquire. The addition of higher shipping costs, as well as the increased market demand will certainly result in significantly higher seafood costs throughout North America in the months to come.
| G Loghl is CEO and executive chef at Sault Ste Marie restaurants. He is also responsible for economic buying patterns for Wacky Wings and all seafood in the region. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=G_Loghl | |
The Gulf oil spill has affected people everywhere, not just those living in close proximity. Everywhere, concerned citizens of the planet are not only questioning what the owners of the exploded rig can now do to stop the ever increasing spillage, but also how such a thing could happen and at what cost to the ecology and life of a vast area.
What follows is a message for our time, specifically about the need to form a new relationship with the Earth.
There is a vast and unknown terrain that falls between the human level of understanding and that of the Divine Oneness. From the spiritual realms comes the understanding that the message of life out of balance is being forcefully conveyed through this event to planetary consciousness, and it is this message more than any other that is coming forth.
The message of the Gulf Oil spill is one of endangerment - endangerment and the need to set things right. The planetary sensibility concerning things proceeding as usual is upset by the unforeseen and ongoing destruction to the ecology of a large and sacred portion of the oceanic area which will not be able to recuperate any time soon. Mankind's consciousness is deeply affected by this 'mishap'. They feel it is wrong without knowing how or why. Out of this sense of wrongness and endangerment shall come a new push toward rectifying past errors which have created other similar catastrophes, but not before more damage is done to the exquisitely balanced planetary ecology that applies to all habitats, both oceanic, coastal, and land-based.
This mishap was not intentional as we commonly understand intention. And yet it grew out of the relative indifference to the motivation of care for the potential upset to an ecological system, when weighed against the need for petrol dollars and the need to maintain company finances.
One cannot hold just the owners or managers of the rig to blame, however. One must hold the entire cultural context in which the Earths' needs have not been given the highest priority to blame. Such an imbalance has set man's own possessiveness and acquisitory impulses as well as fear of deprivation as the highest priority, and the needs of the Earth as a much lower level priority.
While it is true that this balance has been shifting over recent decades, it is no where near the level of equality and conscious intentionality that would make out of corporate policy and practice a new being. This is yet to come. Out of the pain that this tragedy is causing to the Earth, out of the questions that it is evoking within human consciousness, shall grow a steadier movement toward balance and respect for the Earth that has not yet taken place.
When the Earth becomes part of one's self, then, and only then, will the correct balance be achieved that will ensure that all shall take place with the respect and care that it must, and not with the present idea of 'having' and 'getting' being uppermost in people's minds. This transition is taking place through pain and loss and shall continue to do so until the shift in perception toward Unity is more established, and one cannot harm the Earth without harming oneself at the same time.
What follows is a message for our time, specifically about the need to form a new relationship with the Earth.
There is a vast and unknown terrain that falls between the human level of understanding and that of the Divine Oneness. From the spiritual realms comes the understanding that the message of life out of balance is being forcefully conveyed through this event to planetary consciousness, and it is this message more than any other that is coming forth.
The message of the Gulf Oil spill is one of endangerment - endangerment and the need to set things right. The planetary sensibility concerning things proceeding as usual is upset by the unforeseen and ongoing destruction to the ecology of a large and sacred portion of the oceanic area which will not be able to recuperate any time soon. Mankind's consciousness is deeply affected by this 'mishap'. They feel it is wrong without knowing how or why. Out of this sense of wrongness and endangerment shall come a new push toward rectifying past errors which have created other similar catastrophes, but not before more damage is done to the exquisitely balanced planetary ecology that applies to all habitats, both oceanic, coastal, and land-based.
This mishap was not intentional as we commonly understand intention. And yet it grew out of the relative indifference to the motivation of care for the potential upset to an ecological system, when weighed against the need for petrol dollars and the need to maintain company finances.
One cannot hold just the owners or managers of the rig to blame, however. One must hold the entire cultural context in which the Earths' needs have not been given the highest priority to blame. Such an imbalance has set man's own possessiveness and acquisitory impulses as well as fear of deprivation as the highest priority, and the needs of the Earth as a much lower level priority.
While it is true that this balance has been shifting over recent decades, it is no where near the level of equality and conscious intentionality that would make out of corporate policy and practice a new being. This is yet to come. Out of the pain that this tragedy is causing to the Earth, out of the questions that it is evoking within human consciousness, shall grow a steadier movement toward balance and respect for the Earth that has not yet taken place.
When the Earth becomes part of one's self, then, and only then, will the correct balance be achieved that will ensure that all shall take place with the respect and care that it must, and not with the present idea of 'having' and 'getting' being uppermost in people's minds. This transition is taking place through pain and loss and shall continue to do so until the shift in perception toward Unity is more established, and one cannot harm the Earth without harming oneself at the same time.
To help move consciousness further toward the end of greater balance and unity, see One World Meditations and other spiritual resources available at Pathways of Light. Julie Redstone is a teacher, writer, and founder of Light Omega, a center for spiritual teaching and healing in Western Massachusetts. The purpose of Light Omega is to create an understanding of the sacred transition into light that the Earth is presently going through.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Redstone
The Gulf Oil Spill
There are many things that occur in this world that can change our perspective or way of looking at situations. The Gulf oil spill is just one of them.
Many people have knee jerk reactions when something of this nature happens. Right away they assume that a so called disaster such as this would justify halting oil drilling. No doubt it is a bad scene and everything should be done to correct the problem, and help the people affected. However it doesn't warrant stopping oil drilling completely.
Oil drilling has been going on for years,with only a few spills. There is much more oil than this that seeps from the ocean floor every day,meaning that nature is polluting the environment more than us humans ever could. The problem is, this oil is all in one place.The thing to do is to discover what created the problem, fix it and make the industry safer and more productive.
If we Americans stop drilling, or any other project just because something might or has gone "wrong", pretty soon we will be doing nothing but sticking our heads in the sand waiting for the world to end. America was built on the idea of free enterprise and capitalism, we have created a world unparalleled in modern history. It wasn't accomplished by quitting every time a major problem arose. Thus we need to solve whatever difficulties arise, make lemonade from lemons and go on.
Government standing around and pointing fingers and taking over private business does nothing but make the problem worse, they have no solutions, only road blocks to success.
Alternative sources of energy need to be developed, however we will never out grow our need for oil, many,many products besides gasoline are derived from oil. Gasoline only consumes a small portion of the oil we use.
So far the oil spill hasn't effected much of our shore line, and it probably won't, the major thing affecting tourism along the gulf coast is fear, humans fear that something will happen, move past that and the problem will dissipate.
Already science has been working on ways to not only clean up the oil, but preventing the situation from happening again. No matter what we humans attempt to do, things will go "wrong", our job is to find ways to make the situation better, solve the problem and thus create a better world, not stick our heads in the sand and abandon the idea.
Gary has been a photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and event photography.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean, and having studied Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life, photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different cultures!
To view more of his articles visit http://www.travelnsnap.com.
To see some of the products available featuring some of his best photos http://www.tshirtsbumperstickers.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Wonning
Many people have knee jerk reactions when something of this nature happens. Right away they assume that a so called disaster such as this would justify halting oil drilling. No doubt it is a bad scene and everything should be done to correct the problem, and help the people affected. However it doesn't warrant stopping oil drilling completely.
Oil drilling has been going on for years,with only a few spills. There is much more oil than this that seeps from the ocean floor every day,meaning that nature is polluting the environment more than us humans ever could. The problem is, this oil is all in one place.The thing to do is to discover what created the problem, fix it and make the industry safer and more productive.
If we Americans stop drilling, or any other project just because something might or has gone "wrong", pretty soon we will be doing nothing but sticking our heads in the sand waiting for the world to end. America was built on the idea of free enterprise and capitalism, we have created a world unparalleled in modern history. It wasn't accomplished by quitting every time a major problem arose. Thus we need to solve whatever difficulties arise, make lemonade from lemons and go on.
Government standing around and pointing fingers and taking over private business does nothing but make the problem worse, they have no solutions, only road blocks to success.
Alternative sources of energy need to be developed, however we will never out grow our need for oil, many,many products besides gasoline are derived from oil. Gasoline only consumes a small portion of the oil we use.
So far the oil spill hasn't effected much of our shore line, and it probably won't, the major thing affecting tourism along the gulf coast is fear, humans fear that something will happen, move past that and the problem will dissipate.
Already science has been working on ways to not only clean up the oil, but preventing the situation from happening again. No matter what we humans attempt to do, things will go "wrong", our job is to find ways to make the situation better, solve the problem and thus create a better world, not stick our heads in the sand and abandon the idea.
Gary has been a photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and event photography.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean, and having studied Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life, photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different cultures!
To view more of his articles visit http://www.travelnsnap.com.
To see some of the products available featuring some of his best photos http://www.tshirtsbumperstickers.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Wonning
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