Summary

Well obviously oil has been a massive factor in the development of our blog, the BP oil spill was a massive event that occurred in the middle of our coverage. This environmental disaster was unprecedented so it was interesting to witness how the media had to conform to an undefined set of standards to report such an event. Of course being so close to the oil sands we have been bombarded with stories advising us of the degrading to environment, yet it was interesting to see how the view of the oil sands had developed in the states. The only time that the oil sands were relevant in the states, with the exception of James Cameron's tour, was when there was some sort of development deal or merger that included the United States. The fact that there was a second oil spill in the Philippines which only got about a days attention from news outlets really made an impression as how news had to conform to a standard implied by the audience. Overall because we covered mainly one story (the BP oil spill) we were able to see how trends in news was formed, which will impress upon our own stories in the future.

BP Sued by Ecuadorian Environmentalists

Environmentalists filed a lawsuit in Ecuador against BP. The suit filed is for “violating the rights of Nature” and "harming the ocean." Much of the 4 million barrels spilled during the Gulf of Mexico oil spill remains at the bottom of the gulf

Erika Recarro - News
Washington Post Article Over BP Suit  

An (un)finished project

A NY Times article that focuses on those responsible for the gulf oil spill. It outlines that safety was traded for profit as the rig was unfinished, over budget, and 38 days behind schedule. The article aims to inform the reader that the event was a result of bad decisions by BP, Halliburton and Transocean. More investigations will need to be completed to determine individuals responsible

Vern McGill - Opinion
NY Times Article of Oil Profit 

Compenstating the long term losses

This NY Times article discusses the compensation program instated by Kenneth Feinberg of BP Oil for the victims of the gulf oil spill. The article claims Feinberg's new operation is an improvement over the previous compensatory program. Criticism from Alabama is outlined in this article, praising Feinberg's history in compensation, having lead the 9/11 compensation fund

Vern McGill - Opinion
NY Times of BP Victims

Coral Indicates a Catastrophic Event

Deep sea coral found near the site of the Gulf Oil Spill has been found to be either dead or dying. Researchers found the coral to be covered in a "black, fluffy-like substance" which fell off as samples were taken. Scientists continue to speculate that the oil is not degrading, and is having unseen effects on marine life.
Arielle Berze - News
National Geographic's Biological Findings

Health of the Gulf

As winter approaches, birds are beginning their migratory routes south - to the Gulf of Mexico. Researchers have been concerned with the overall health of the ecosystem, including populations of resident and migratory bird populations. Volunteers are helping researchers to count the incoming birds in the Gulf.
Arielle Berze - News
National Geographic Video Profile of Gulf

BP Out of the Red

An article from BBC online discussed BP's announcement that they had begun to make a profit again, despite their record losses from April to June. The article discusses the replacement chief executive and the transition to his takeover. This article provides numbers and figures regarding BP's monetary losses and gains, and provides validity of their sources.
Vern McGill - Opinion
BBC Article on BP Profits