Topic: Oil Spill

A major section of the Keystone oil pipeline resumed operations between Western Canada and Illinois following a temporary shutdown caused by an oil spill in Kansas. Investigators are still determining the cause of the leak while cleanup efforts continue. The restart clarifies that the operational line is distinct from the cancelled Keystone XL project.

Dutch engineers from the Netherlands have been called in to lead the salvage operation for the ship blocking the Suez Canal, utilizing their world-renowned expertise in dredging and hydraulic engineering. The vessel was originally destined for the Port of Rotterdam, highlighting the critical role Dutch maritime infrastructure plays in global trade.

The hosts reflect on the challenges of maintaining an accurate intelligence network, citing past instances of being fed misinformation regarding the BP oil rig fire and military uniform regulations. They emphasize the importance of the network's self-correcting nature when "bullshitters" attempt to influence the show.

A critique of the HBO series "The Newsroom" suggests the show serves as a vehicle for Aaron Sorkin to rewrite recent history, such as the BP oil spill, to favor a liberal perspective. The hosts argue the show portrays news producers in an unrealistic, idealized light that does not reflect the industry's actual ratings-driven nature.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is conducting a 10-year health study on workers and volunteers exposed to the BP oil spill cleanup, offering $50 gift cards for participation. Local residents report that the oil seemingly disappeared within 24 hours after C-130 aircraft sprayed Corexit dispersants, leading to concerns about long-term environmental and respiratory effects.

A "deadpool" list circulating on Facebook tracks the deaths of scientists and whistleblowers associated with the BP oil disaster. The hosts review the cases of Matthew Simmons, Senator Ted Stevens, and several LSU researchers who died under mysterious circumstances. They question whether these deaths are coincidental or part of a larger cover-up regarding the environmental impact of the spill.

Kenneth Feinberg and his law firm are reportedly receiving $850,000 per month from BP to administer the $20 billion Gulf Coast Claims Facility. The hosts highlight a conflict of interest, noting that the individual responsible for doles out compensation is being paid directly by the company liable for the damages, with no written jurisdictional oversight from the administration.

The BBC reported on oil industry drills off the coast of Southampton designed to prepare for a disaster on the scale of the BP Deepwater Horizon spill. The hosts predict that a major oil event may soon occur in the North Sea, potentially targeting Norway due to its independent stance outside the European Union and its significant oil wealth.

Representative Ron Paul stood as the lone vote against HR 5481, arguing that subpoena power for the investigation into the British Petroleum Deepwater Horizon oil spill should belong to a Congressional committee rather than a Presidential commission. Critics suggest the current structure allows for a lack of transparency similar to the 9/11 Commission.

Energy analyst Matthew Simmons was found dead in his hot tub shortly after making aggressive criticisms of BP's handling of the Gulf oil spill. The hosts note conflicting reports regarding the cause of death, which shifted from a heart attack to drowning. They speculate on the suspicious timing given Simmons' prediction of a BP bankruptcy.

Discrepancies in the video footage of the BP oil spill cap are identified using Lamber XY coordinates. The hosts claim that video showing a successful cap actually displays coordinates for "Well A" rather than the exploded "Well B," suggesting the public is being misled about the status of the leak.

BP's second-quarter financial results show a 34% increase in revenue despite the Gulf oil spill. The hosts explain how a $33 billion write-off for the spill response resulted in a $10 billion tax break for the company. They also discuss the $20 billion escrow fund managed by Kenneth Feinberg, noting that the funds are likely to be deposited in major banks like Goldman Sachs rather than local institutions.

The hosts discuss further evidence of BP photoshopping official images, including a helicopter cockpit photo. They also examine a CNN video of the oil leak where a door appears to open in the background, suggesting the "underwater" footage might be filmed in a studio or involve video trickery.

BP admitted to posting a photoshopped image of its Houston command center to exaggerate the level of activity during the Gulf oil spill. The hosts expand on this, suggesting that the underwater video feeds of the well capping might also be fabricated or staged. They question the high quality of the video in deep, oily water and suggest a media hoax is underway.

Driller Doug, a correspondent working on the relief well ships, reports that industry experts fear the new containment cap may cause a leak thousands of feet below the seafloor. If the well's casing integrity fails, the result could be an unstoppable "volcano" of oil. While BP is testing the pressure of the well, drilling on the primary relief well has been temporarily halted to monitor the capping stack's performance.

Farmers along the Mississippi River border in Tennessee and Mississippi are reporting mysterious white spots and holes in their crops and trees. The damage has affected organic and conventional farms alike, leading to speculation that evaporated oil and Corexit dispersants are returning to earth as toxic rain. Local reports also mention dead birds and concerns for livestock grazing on affected grass.

The hosts lament the lack of a high-profile, articulate spokesperson to represent the victims of the Gulf oil spill. They argue that the media intentionally highlights unpolished protesters to make the movement look "crazy," and they note that celebrities are often discouraged by their handlers from taking a stand on such controversial issues.

Reports from the Gulf of Mexico suggest that BP is restricting medical access for workers exposed to toxins from the oil spill. While President Obama claims there are no significant elevations in toxins, critics compare the situation to the long-term health effects seen after the Exxon Valdez disaster and question the administration's transparency.

CNN's Anderson Cooper has criticized new Coast Guard rules that prohibit media from coming within 65 feet of oil spill response vessels or booms. While Cooper frames this as a violation of First Amendment rights, the hosts suggest the 20-yard restriction is reasonable for safety and that the media's outrage is part of a broader shift against the Obama administration.

Bill Clinton appeared on CNN to discuss the BP oil spill, suggesting that the leak should be plugged using rocks and debris if necessary, similar to Russian methods. Clinton's comments regarding the "geological monster" in the Gulf are interpreted as a subtle critique of the Obama administration's handling of the crisis and the Jones Act.