Leaking Fuel Oil Tanks - Avoiding Costly Problems With Oil Spills and Leakage

By Gil Strachan

The Dangers
A leaking fuel oil tank can become a serious fire and environmental hazard. Whether the tank is located inside or outside the home, a spill can contaminate groundwater affecting private wells or other nearby drinking water supplies.
One cup of fuel oil can contaminate enough water to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool, and in many cases hundreds of litres of oil seep into the ground before a spill is discovered.
Fuel oil that has spilled into a residential basement can also pose a serious health hazard, threatening indoor air quality.
Anyone who owns a fuel oil tank has a legal responsibility to properly maintain it and to clean up any spills or leaks that may occur. Homeowners are also responsible under the Environmental Protection Act for reporting any leak or spill from a tank that could cause property damage or health, safety or environmental problems.
Cleaning up a spill from a home heating oil tank is an expensive exercise. The removal of oil from a basement, or the cleanup of contaminated soil and water can often cost more than the property is worth, and damage may not be fully covered by the homeowner’s insurance.
Avoiding Problems
Having a tank installed only by a registered contractor and inspecting it regularly can help avoid the problems associated with oil spills and leakage.
Homeowners are required to ensure their tanks are CSA or ULC approved, properly installed and accessible for inspection.
Taking the following steps can help avoid problems and ensure safe usage of a fuel oil tank.
* Inspect tank at least once a year.
* Replace tank periodically.
* Empty any unused tanks
Inspecting an oil tank Typical 1000 litre fuel oil tank
1. Are the tank legs unstable or on a shaky foundation?
2. Are there any signs of rust, weeping, wet spots or dents on the tank?
3. Is the tank blackened at the low end, around the drain? (This may be an indication of water in the tank, and resultant corrosion inside the tank.
4. Are there any drips or signs of leakage around the fuel line, filter or valves?
5. Is there danger of snow or ice falling on the tank?
6. Is the vent clogged or restricted because of snow, ice or insect nests? (Screened vents can help prevent insect nest problems.)
7. Is the vent whistle silent when the tank is being filled? (Ask the fuel delivery person.)
8. Are there signs of leakage or spills around the fill pipe or vent pipe?
9. Is the fuel-level gauge cracked, stuck or frozen? Are there signs of oil around it?
10. If mounted outdoors, is the tank rated for outdoor use?
11. What is the age of the tank? (Not usually indicated until after 1998.)
REMEMBER THESE FUEL OIL FACTS

• More than 40% of all oil spills reported annually are from domestic oil tanks at private homes.
• One cup of fuel oil can contaminate enough water to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool.
• Homeowner insurance may not cover all costs of a cleanup.
• Cleanup of contaminated soil and water can often cost more than a property is worth.

Handling spills and leaks
Homeowners should take the following steps as soon as a spill or leak is discovered.
a.) Eliminate all sources of ignition.
b.) Stop the leak, if it can be done without risk.
c.) Contact fuel oil supplier or heating contractor for assistance.
d.) Contain spilled oil using whatever materials are available (pails, rags, newspapers, peat moss, kitty litter, absorbant pads, sheets of plastic, etc.) Do not flush spilled oil or contaminated materials down the floor drain or sewer, nor into a septic system.
e.) Notify the Ontario Ministry of the Environment Spills Action Centre (SAC) if the spill causes or is likely to cause, adverse effects such as ground or surface water contamination, or damage to a neighbor's property. SAC provides 24-hour assistance for spill situations.
f.) Transfer any remaining oil from the leaking tank to a sound tank or other approved container, made of leak-proof material, such as a 45 gallon drum.
g.) Clean up spilled oil and any contaminated soild or materials and place in appropriate containers such as plastic pails and sturdy garbage bags. For large spills, a professional cleanup contractor may be required.
h.) Properly dispose of any recovered oil, contaminated soil and other contaminated materials and containers. Municipal works departments and the Ministry of the Environment can provide information on acceptable waste management practices.
i.) Homeowners should contact their insurance agent as soon as possible.
New regulations
When fully implemented, newly amended provincial regulations will ensure that fuel oil tanks are installed and inspected by licensed persons and tanks are replaced periodicall depending upon tank design.
Containment systems
Affordable and effective secondary containment to protect against leaking fuel oil tanks is available in the form of ULC approved geo-membrane bags, such as the S.Bag - a sort of oil tank diaper that will contain any spills during tank re-fuelling or from leaks.
Visit [http://www.sbag.web.com] to learn more about secondary containment retrofits.
Visit http://www.roth-canada.com to learn about double-wall heating oil storage tanks.
Visit http://www.tanktub.com to view decorative double-wall containment tubs.
For more information on residential fuel oil tanks and Ontario laws governing them, please contact:
Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)
Fuels Safety Division
3300 Bloor St. W.
4th Floor, West Tower
Toronto, ON M8X 2X4
(416) 325-1615
http://www.tssa.org
To report spills or to obtain more information on spill cleanup procedures, please contact:
Ministry of the Environment
Spills Action Centre (SAC)
1-800-268-6060 (24-hours)
or (416) 325-3500
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca
In other provinces, check the government listings in the local telephone directory to locate the appropriate department. To obtain immediate assistance, contact your fuel supplier or heating contractor, or a licensed professional cleanup service.

Copyright Gil Strachan - All rights reserved.Gil Strachan is a professional home inspector, representing Electrospec Home Inspection Services in east-central Ontario, Canada since 1994. Visit http://www.allaroundthehouse.com to learn more about home inspections.
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Pros and Cons of Oil Spill Dispersants

By Ruth Caldon

Oil spills cause a lot of harm to the underwater communities affected by the oil. The utilization of oil spill dispersants is sometimes controversial because of misunderstanding about the principle of dispersing oil and the lack of knowledge of the limitations of alternatives response techniques. These dispersants are the chemical products especially designed for marine clean up. They are exclusively developed to deal with problems associated with marine related oil spills and the professional clean-up operations that follow the spill. The advanced marine technology has made it easy to tackle the marine oil spill problems with the help of advanced oil spill dispersants.
The main purpose of oil spill dispersants is to remove the spilled oil from the surface of the sea and transfer it into the water column where it is rapidly diluted to below harmful concentrations and is then degraded. The dispersants reduces the damage caused by floating oil to some resources like the sea birds, and minimizes the damage that could be done to susceptible coastline by spraying the dispersants on the oil before it reaches the shore. However, the use of the dispersants has the potential to present a small risk of temporary and local exposure to dispersed oil for some marine organisms.
The oil spill dispersants do not function to remove oil from the water. Instead, they break down great oil areas into much lesser pieces that make it simpler for all the sea creatures to deal with it. The down side is that dispersants also facilitates the spreading of the spilled oil more extensively into the atmosphere. While the center of everyone's attention is to do everything possible to prevent the oil from reaching the shoreline, often it is often overlooked that there is a large effect on sea floor organisms caused by the oil. These days, robots are being used undersea to spray the oil-spill dispersants directly on the oil since it spreads on the ocean floor.
Using oil-spill dispersants is a controversial topic, as many people feel that they add to the harms caused by the pollution. However, there are other groups of people who support its use because it is the most quick and effectual means of reducing the harm that is likely to be caused by the spill. All the evidence that has been gathered during thirty years of research indicates that there is only small risk to marine life when the dispersants are used, when compared to the direct effects of the spill. It has been scientifically proven that the utilization of dispersants can be an effective oil-spill response method and there is little likelihood of oil-spill dispersants causing negative effects unless they are used in shallow water or very close to particularly sensitive species.
Even in cases when oil spill dispersants might cause negative effects, the positive benefit obtained by their use might outweigh this to produce a Net Environmental Benefit. Nevertheless, any use of dispersants must be carefully planned and explained to all those who might be affected by an oil spill.

Oil Spill Clean-Up in Gulf Takes Lessons From Valdez

The BP Oil Spill Blame Game and a Call For United Action

By Douglas Boyd-Robinson

Recent news reports describe an escalating blame game involving oil industry officials, government representatives and politicians over responsibility for the massive BP oil spill and its developing aftermath. The touted "top kill" failed to work and experts are now struggling for another option to solve the BP oil spill crisis. President Obama is "angry," trying to reflect public mood and maintain a semblance of control. A growing rift, already beginning to show last week, now seems to widen as immediate success at staunching the oil flow becomes more doubtful. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal fumes over resistance to dredging sand barriers, accusing federal agencies of neglect and inaction. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has all the answers, somehow knowing from his great distance just where the president and BP went wrong. No one seems to remember how little regard those formerly crying "Drill, baby, drill!" had for the safeguards they now accuse the government and oil industry of willfully neglecting.
The widening Gulf of Mexico oil disaster provides a study into how we behave in crisis, showing that we all have a lot to learn about working together. Some of us who feel not so immediately involved try to turn away: change the channel. The daily resume of formerly crystal clear waters now murky with oil overwhelms us. Day after day we experience heart wrenching sadness as rescuers try to save scores of seabirds soaked in oil, reminding us of Exxon Valdez and other offshore spills. Our minds struggle to comprehend the choking effects of raw crude embedded in already dwindling Louisiana marshlands and we find it impossible to imagine how this seemingly fragile environment might ever recover.
People immediately affected cannot turn away. Their lives are directly affected in a way impossible to escape. States all around the Gulf rim now suffer financial loss as tourists stay away. Those in the fishing industry and related industries face not only immediate financial disaster but also the loss of generational occupation through no fault of their own. An entire region, already slammed by Hurricane Katrina, now seems doomed with the loss of abundant fresh seafood, so essential to a vibrant culture and cuisine.
Even though oil contamination may be hundreds of miles from still pristine beaches, many would-be travelers are repulsed at the thought of swimming in a now polluted Gulf. And the menace moves ever closer to areas still untouched. Aerial sensors record a spreading mass of what may be sub-surface oil, while other accounts describe a glaring surface sheen in areas where water still appears clear. Oil from the massive spill is now reported entering the "loop current," and commentators speak of oil as spreading "everywhere."
As in so many fictional accounts of alien infestation, the horror insidiously spreads to consume us all. Another containment attempt, expected within the next seven days, holds limited promise of success, especially as "some" oil may continue to escape. The only real hope now depends on successful completion of relief wells that may finally ease pressure, diverting escaping oil and gas toward controlled capture. But this cannot occur before mid-August. Our minds now struggle to conceive of a once seemingly pristine Gulf filling with noxious crude, with little hope of containment for three months to come.
But we can waste no time in the "blame game" and effectively confront this crisis. Wiser heads among us know that our best successes will come when we put aside political differences, rivalries and fears to work together in every way we can. There will be plenty of time in months and years ahead to consider blame. Now is not the time to squabble over blame, as acrimony only saps our energies, splintering groups that might otherwise work successfully together in response to unfolding developments. There is sufficient responsibility to go around for now. In fact, we would all do well to take whatever responsibility we can to confront this spreading menace together.
Pursuing scapegoats only decreases our ability to work collectively in the face of crisis. Who in the oil industry or in government regulatory agencies could possibly say they were without at least some responsibility in developments leading to this disaster? Even the Obama administration, born in such tremendous hope for clean energy and renewed environmental protection, will remain tarnished by this greatest American environmental disaster well into a possible second term.
None of us watching as rusty brown fingers weave across formerly clear water can avoid feeling touched by the cloying oil. Blaming government or industry may seem temporarily satisfying, but it provides no solution for now: the oil still flows and spreads. We can only effectively meet this environmental and economic disaster by uniting our energies to work together toward containment and solution. And we can remember that, in our finest hours, we have faced crisis together before.
We can at least show support for those directly involved. We can send money to aid those facing financial disaster. We can send money to help with cleanup and containment efforts. We can send money to support volunteers who would help to protect and clear marshes and beaches, while being lodged in motels usually crowded with tourists. We can also buy seafood as long as it remains on shelves. This will at least do a little to save a threatened industry. Just by doing these simple things we can all join together in every possible way to maintain an already struggling economy while providing a volunteer army to keep oil from our shores.
Finally, we can call on President Obama and Governor Jindal to ask for volunteers and for contributions from us all to cover their expenses. While BP remains responsible for costs, their payment may come too late for either people or pelicans. We can act most effectively if we take up responsibility now, together.
(c) Copyright - Douglas Boyd Robinson. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

BP Oil Spill: Where Did All The Crude Go? Mother Nature Breaks

Gulf Oil Spill Legislation on Hold

By Jason F. Nelson

On July 1, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation responding to a 1920 law known as the "Death on the High Seas Act" that caps monetary damages at $75 million for an oil spill. As a result of this law, the families of the eleven workers who died in the Deepwater Horizon explosion off of Louisiana's gulf coast are only entitled to receive payment for funeral expenses and a portion of future lost wages. The explosion occurred in the early moments of what has since become the worst oil spill in U.S. history.
Unfortunately, partisan divide in the Senate and the August recess has delayed passage of the legislation until at least September. To get Senate approval, the bill would need 60 votes and it faces stiff opposition from Senate Republicans. Until Senate approval and the reconciliation of differences between the bills, the Death on the High Seas Act will remain in effect preventing the families from seeking larger damages for the loss of their loved ones.
The families of the deceased Deepwater Horizon workers have traveled to Washington, D.C. on several occasions to lobby and give testimony supporting changes to the law. In addition to more just financial compensation, the families want to change the antiquated law to prevent companies from taking risks and putting workers in danger.
Business groups including the oil industry, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and cruise companies oppose changes to the Death on the High Seas Act. They argue that lifting the $75 million cap would put maritime industries at risk to higher costs and legal burdens. The Cruise Lines International Association said that the bill would allow "foreign nationals to seek damages in American courts for incidents that occur outside our boundaries and have no connection to the U.S."

It will be interesting to see how the Senate handles the proposed bill after they return from recess in September. To learn more about workers compensation claims and workers compensation settlements, go to HowStuffWorks "How do you clean up an oil spill?"

Common Uses and Storage Areas for Oil Spill Response Kits

By Robert MacLaren

There are a variety of spill kits available on the market today which soak up many different types of liquids. Some only absorb specific liquids, whereas others soak up various types of liquids. If you work with oils on a daily basis being prepared with oil spill kits specifically for soaking up this liquid will be your best form of defence against dangerous spills in or outside your facility. They help to contain and clean up leaks and spills and include a variety of absorbents that can be used in common spill situations. Find out below how these kits are commonly used and stored to help you get the most out of them.
Common uses
Oil Spill Response kits absorb oil and oil based liquids without absorbing any water so they are ideal to use when you this is the only liquid you need to absorb. These types of kits are therefore commonly used to soak up oil from water and in outdoor areas where spills are likely to happen and wet weather conditions are unpreventable. However, they can also be used indoors to absorb leaks and drips from machinery and equipment.
In an oil spill kit there are a variety of absorbents such as mats, socks and pillows to effectively contain and clean up oil spills enabling them to be used in a variety of leak and spill situations. Absorbent mat pads are commonly used for quick cleanup of leaks and spills. Absorbent socks are flexible and mould easily to surfaces so common applications are around machine bases to capture leaks, drips and overspray from machinery. One sock can be used to contain a small spill or multiple socks can be used to surround larger ones and stop them from spreading. Pillows are commonly used for cleaning up large spills once they have been contained with absorbent socks as they have a large surface area and the filler is fast-wicking to absorb large amounts of liquid fast.
In situations like the oil spill in the gulf of Mexico recently oil kits can be used to help contain and absorb dangerous spills and prevent further environmental damage. In these types of situations other kits such as universal ones will not suffice, as although these absorb oils they also soak up coolants solvents and water. For oil spills on water these types of kits simply will not give you as much oil absorbent capacity as an oil spill kit.
Common storage areas
Oil spill kits are commonly stored near areas where oil is transferred, stored or used to operate machinery and vehicles. Therefore some ideal areas to place these kits throughout your facility are near oil collection areas, liquid transfer stations, delivery points and loading docks. They are also commonly carried in vehicles that are transporting oil in case any spills occur during transport.
In some facilities response supplies are kept in a designated area so that responders know where to locate them in an emergency situation. Oil spill kits are commonly colour coded with an aqua coloured label on the container and the absorbents inside are coloured white for easy identification in designated areas.

Additional Information
Need more information on Spill Kits? New Pig Ltd offer more than 2600 solutions and products for leaks and spills in the workplace. Contact them on 0800 919 900 or visit their website at

 How do you clean up an oil spill?

Never-Ending Need for BP Gulf Oil Spill Cleanup HAZWOPER Courses

By Bobby Malhotra

Anyone that believes that the worst is over concerning the BP Gulf oil spill in the SE area of the United States of America only has to recall the past. In what natural or man-made or better said as man-created with natural materials disaster has a corporation been truthful about the amount and term of the disaster at hand? From the lies and tribulations concerning the Exxon Valdez spill all the way back to the cause of the Chicago Fire we have been treated as if we were children when it comes to the facts about any disaster.
On the Bottom of the Gulf of Mexico
The most important factor that still remains and needs to be addressed now is that there are still thousands of gallons of oil from the leak still poisoning the Gulf Coast region. With that said it is also of great importance that any of the dedicated and patriotic oil spill cleanup workers/volunteers that still wish and have the undying desire to pitch in and help clean up the nations most dramatic and costly environmental catastrophe need to have OSHA compliant safety training courses under their belt. We still need you ALL!
Bottom to Top Oil Hazards
The hazards that BP Gulf oil spill response teams as well as cleanup workers face on a daily basis is nothing short of mind-boggling. If you can imagine standing waist-deep in what is normally a picture-perfect postcard type day in the Gulf Coast but instead being outfitted from head to toe in sweltering hot PPE equipment while picking up tarballs and other unmentionables then you can almost realize what it's like in the day of a BP Gulf oil spill cleanup crew worker/volunteer. Add to this the health factors of just being in in the near vicinity of so much crude oil and you have a job to beat all jobs.
OSHA Requires Everyone to Satisfactorily Complete HAZWOPER Safety Training Courses
The Department of Labor and OSHA mandate that anyone who is involved in the actual cleanup must receive at the minimum four hours of OSHA compliant safety training that will cover in detail the hazards at the BP Gulf oil spill site as well as any other hazards that will be involved in future environmental cleanup efforts. The Department of Labor and OSHA are very good at check in OSHA compliant cards for accuracy and go directly to the supervisor of the BP Gulf oil spill cleanup crew who is in charge of collecting and verifying each and every OSHA compliance card.

Online OSHA safety training.com was created in 2006. Bobby Malhotra saw the need for an organized and highly-efficient method to not only list but offer all the OSHA required work and worker safety regulatory courses and tests.

Oil Spill Control A comprehensive resource for Oil Spill Control

Who Has Profited From The Oil Spill In Florida?

By Jack Wogan

The oil spill in Florida represented both a disaster and a starting point for several companies. First of all, the damage it produced affected many businesses and also the life on the Gulf coast shores. The tourism in the affected area recorded a downfall as hotel reservations were canceled. Restaurants lacked fresh seafood and local people could no longer earn money from the fishing industry.
The tragedy produced by the oil spill almost destroyed the economy in the area and also had a disastrous impact on the life in the sea. Corpses of turtles, birds, dolphins and fish were brought on shore, threatening to give birth to a general epidemic disease.
But whenever there's a crisis, there's always someone to profit from it. The oil spill disaster represented a gold mine for those who could seize the moment. Many of them came up with various ideas about how to fight the oil spilled in the Gulf.
Miraculous cleaning products that could make the stains of oil disappear and the clean-up gears were among the most common things to bring money to ingenious people. Others found it profitable to rent boats used in cleaning the waters or to rent shelters for the ones who were willing to give a hand.
The oil spill in Florida represented a weak point for the company which produced it and a strong point for the competitors who could turn the disaster into their advantage. Lots of machineries were also invented, such as turbines to separate the oil from the water or chemical dispersant to break up oil slicks.
Recruiting companies had to gain good money as many people were needed to help clean the waters. Suing the company responsible for the oil spill was a profitable action for lawyers, too. They made lots of money fighting in the court of law for the people who were affected by the unpleasant incident.
It will be never known if the oil spill was a sabotage action or a pure negligence. Nevertheless, it helped some people become rich and others become aware they could gain easy money. Property and environmental damage, health problems, lost business and personal income, they could all become a profitable affair, only if exploited appropriately.

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Gulf Coast Oil Spill Gulf Marine Mammal Research and Rescue Mission

Avoid Letting the BP Oil Spill Place a Downer on Summertime

 By Grubb Young

Has all the news about the BP oil spill placed a downer on summertime and a sour face about the garage door? Believe positive! Discover little things around the home to offset any carbon footprint. Everyone has seen the spiral bulbs, but if spiral statements do not fit, try one of the disguised bulbs. A home does not have to shout from each and every fixture that it's eco-friendly. Interestingly, an individual can clean up their hard drives and save a lot of power. Storing all those ones and zeros has started adding up and the less data stored and restored, the less energy computers guzzle. Turning off unused computers can go a long way toward cutting the energy bills. It may be the unneeded heat produced by them and also may be the ghostly power supply you will find pulling. You will find smart energy power strips that recognize the ghost pull of some brick transformers and cut off the electricity supply.
If just gazing at the garage door causes concern over gas usage, think about cleaning out the vehicle. Not only does every additional trip use gasoline, every additional pound will impact the gas mileage. Why else did fiberglass replace steel within the modern automobile? The vehicle manufactures know that every ounce matters when they have to get the lowest mileage for the EPA.
Perhaps the garage door itself is really an issue. If the door between the garage and house is constantly opening and closing, and also the garage door itself is unsealed, a whole lot of heat and humidity could be flowing in. A garage door service can inspect the door and make required changes rapidly and inexpensively. Sealing around the garage door can save a bundle in energy bills.
President Obama spoke concerning the advantages of insulation, and no matter which side of the political spectrum, an individual can appreciate how well sealed doors and attics can greatly enhance the freedom of an individual to feel comfortable in their own house. Keeping the natural elements on their side of the walls can make any room much more comfortable.
If little steps do not seem to be sufficient to combat environmental angst, think about setting out for an outdoor working holiday. Numerous national parks have additional chores that could be done, like clearing brush or trash. An individual does not need to go to the gulf to discover contaminated water. Occasionally, investigative work is required to discover the source of pollution and then reverse the effects. Pulling a particularly invasive weed that has entered an ecosystem can restore a balance. Make these ecological adventures a part of any holiday plan. Merely not sitting about the house watching TV can assist in preventing some excess energy consumption. Televisions use a lot of power, and leaving it off can save a lot on the energy bill. Hot summertime days can seem daunting for outdoor work, but just remember winter and shoveling snow will be here soon. Discover the balance and seize the day.

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The Controversial Costume for Halloween 2010 - Oil Spill Costume

By Sara VanDrie

The well that gushed an estimated 185 million gallons of oil has been declared killed as of September, but the effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill are far from over. And, if you're the sort of person who likes to be involved in controversy, or likes to raise eyebrows or attract notice, then the most controversial costume you could wear this year would be an oil spill costume.
There are two ways to go about getting an oil spill costume: buy one premade, or make one yourself. If you have the money and don't feel like making one yourself, premade costumes are great. There's a popular costume out there now, called the Bad Planning BP Costume. It's a set of green coveralls, covered in splatters of oil, with a Bad Planning logo emulating the BP logo. Pair it with a wrench or a plastic fish, either covered in 'oil' and a set of work boots, and you'll be set up in no time.
Making your own costume can be a great affordable way to dress up this year. Just be prepared for whatever clothing you wear to be ruined. If you're not willing to do that to your own clothes, hit up a second hand store. While you're there, purchase a t shirt or sweatshirt and jeans. If you can get your hands on a cheap hard hat,safety vest, and work gloves, even better.
The 'oil' if your oil spill costume is the biggest hurdle. Real oil is, well, oily, and you don't want it all over your clothes, soaking into your skin. Plus, imagine sitting down covered in oil, on someone's sofa. I don't imagine they'd be too pleased. So, you need an oil alternative to splatter on your clothes. There are a couple options that you can use in place of actual oil: Paint, and liquid latex.
Paint is a simple, accessible option for oil stains. Find a black paint that will dry shiny, thin it down a bit, and using a paintbrush, squeeze bottle, or by simply pouring it on your clothing. Using a brush, or even a stick or straw dipped in paint, you can shake it over the clothing, getting the drips and splatters associated with liquids splashing all over. Some paint can be applied to the skin, although I would never advise putting it on your face or in your hair. Read the label of whatever paint you purchase thoroughly to make sure it's safe for skin contact.
Liquid latex is another option for splatters. If you're allergic to latex, skip this option and stick with paint. Liquid latex has the advantage of drying shiny, and being able to be applied to skin and hair without side affects. Near Halloween it's easier to get ahold of it because many people like to use it to paint faces and bodies. The rest of the year you might need to purchase it online, at a theatrical or year round costume shop, or at an adult store. You can apply it to your clothes the same way you would the paint above, you just don't need to water it down first.
In both cases, you should apply your 'oil' well in advance, and let it dry. If you don't, you'll be smearing paint or latex all over your house, car, or friend's sofa if you're not careful.

Looking for a premade oil spill costume? Check out this BP Bad Planning Costume, and get ideas on how to create a costume and accessories to surprise, or annoy, your friends and trick or treaters! Help fund relief & recovery for animals in the Gulf Oil Spill.

Top Industries Affected by Oil Spills

By Oneil Wilson

The Top industries which will be affected by any oil spills will largely be dependent upon where in the world that the it takes place, as well as whether or not it makes landfall. Generally the fishing industries will take some of the first hits to their livelihood, while the cleanup crews will gain ground in their own. The fish processing areas and industries will also take a hit, while the tourist industry will likely suffer if there is any chance that the oil will come close to land or touch it.
The oil companies themselves will be deeply affected by the spill, having lost a large percentage of the funding that the oil should have brought in, as well as many millions of dollars to sustain the cleanup efforts and pay for damages. Other oil companies as well as the responsible parties will also see some effect from the oil spills as a sort of backlash effect, and in part because some have made contributions to the clean-up efforts.
In all likelihood, the monetary losses will be in the billions of dollars before a large oil spill has been cleaned effectively enough to halt the efforts. In past oil spills, tourist areas, fishing, canning and other industries which depended on the fish for their own livelihood have suffered devastating losses. The placement of this oil spill makes it uncertain whether or not it will touch land in any areas that are prone to large tourist populations. In many such large oil spills, the damages that the oil causes to the marine life, the fishing industry and many others have lasted for several years.

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MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) is ... and responding to spills of oil and other deleterious materials

Why It's OK to Make Money From the BP Oil Spill

By Gordon Bryan

As we enter June 2010, the BP oil spill on the gulf coast shows no signs of getting better, in fact it currently seems it will get worse before it gets better. Bearing this in mind, it's a reasonable question to ask whether it's a suitable subject to make money from. I say that it is, and here's why...
As someone who uses current events as the basis of my earning potential, the oil spill is a huge event, but it had seemed inappropriate to use the story for profit - yes, the media effectively uses stories like this to operate for profit, but I prefer to keep to less damaging stories. The damage to the eco system in the area, and businesses there is huge, and still unknown, but I do now feel it's something I can write about, and it's due to the share price of BP.
The cost to the company has been growing as the crisis evolves, with the Obama administration publicly insisting that the costs will be met in full by BP.
The failures of attempts to stop the leak has led to worries over how long it will last, and the failure of the latest 'top kill' operation means that it's possible the leak will go on until August.
This has spooked the stock market, and the share price fell 13% in one day. BP is one of the biggest companies in the UK share index, being one of the biggest dividend payers.
This makes it a staple of many, if not most pension schemes. So, the fall in the value of BP is having an effect on the value of most private pensions. My own pension will have investments in BP, so since the value of my pension is being impacted by the fortunes of BP, it now seems appropriate for me to use the spill as a subject for me to write about for profit.
This does not reduce any impact on the area concerned with the leak, but it's a subject being talked about every day around the water coolers, and it's how it fits into my business model.

Gordon Bryan is a writer and marketer from the UK, who enjoys making money just by writing about current events. Find out the exact system he uses with his free report 'Water Cooler Profits':

Oil Spill Prevention and Response Program - Texas General Land Office

Gulf Oil Spill Animals - Where Are They Now?

By Robert M. Haskell

Having been removed from the endangered species list just six months before the spill, brown pelicans continue to face a challenging new environment. Heavily oiled herons, egrets, pelicans and other water fowl can't fly, easily become hypothermic and run the risk of organ failure. Although Sunday prayers may sooth our consciences, without proper funding, the future for many Gulf species looks questionable.
On Nat Geo Wild's documentary, "Saved from the Spill", Dr. Mireya Mayor follows the Gulf spill legacy. While oil disbursements reduce the chance of oil sticking to animals, environmentalist fear contamination as bottom dwellers such as crabs, lobsters, other crustaceans, rays and more feed where oil and chemical disbursements settle.
Without intervention to capture, clean and rehabilitate sea turtles, water fowl and other native/migratory species, it is unlikely they can survive. Although public support has been great, as with any catastrophe, people forget fast. Once the issue is no longer in the news, funding quickly dries up.
Sea turtles are particularly vulnerable with the Kemp's ridley turtle down to less than 5,000 members. Despite a massive effort to relocate 70,000 loggerhead eggs, once oil is ingested, these animals quickly fall into distress. Unfortunately for them, residual oil slicks look almost identical to one of their most common food sources.
The effects of the Gulf disaster stretch beyond what we normally see. Although the oceans may look cleaner, settling debris, habitat loss in nesting grounds and a less successful spawning have depleted the next generation of aquatic and semi-aquatic life in the area. With an estimated 31 whale and dolphin species surviving in or migrating throughout this zone, some of the most spectacular and threatened animals on the planet including whale sharks, orcas, sperm whales and bluefin tuna depend on this area for survival. Once spawned, newborns stand far less chance of surviving to adulthood in these contaminated waters.
At an average cost of $600 to $1,000 just to rescue, clean and rehabilitate a single bird, insufficient funding and logistical problems make it impossible to save every distressed animal. In some cases, it is simply not practical to capture, clean and nurse an animal back to health. Trying to rescue distressed birds in nesting grounds can disrupt fledglings, contaminate other bird nests and possibly even cause some nests to be abandoned completely.
In a race against time, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA, state and local authorities, concerned volunteers and privately sponsored groups continue to do what they can. But they need help. While some may use the excuse that they are "just animals", what goes around comes around and that includes what ends up on our plates, vitamins we intake, shampoos, cosmetics and most of all, the collective consciences that supposedly make us better as humans.

Robert Haskell is a contributing author and manager of consumer affairs for http://www.officesalesusa.com which offers a great selection of Earth-friendly products that are safer for the environment including biodegradable trash bags, corn starch utensils, recycled products and more.

Oil spill prevention. ExxonMobil takes a proactive approach to avoid contamination of the environment. Whether unloading diesel from supply vessels

The Best Oil Spill Absorbents

By John F Smith

Working in factories would mean that you work with a lot of heavy machinery. This usually equates to a lot of oil spills and leaks as these machines require a lot of maintenance to work smoothly everyday. This is why you will need an effective oil spill absorbent to prevent spills from causing accidents or creating a lot of mess. One such product line that would cater to your needs is the Spilfyter absorbents as they have universal products that can effectively absorb spills of any type and oil-only products that are made for absorbing oil and hydrocarbons only.
Going back to factories that usually need to clean oil and lubricant spills, the Spilfyter products have several products that can help prevent and clean such messes with great efficiency. Oil-only absorbent pads and rolls can be used to prevent leaks from spreading by placing them on the bases of heavy machines or leaky containers. They can also double up as rags to clean spills incurred during normal working procedures. Another product that can be used to prevent leaks from spreading is the oil-only socks. Using socks is useful for larger scale leaks due to its increased absorbing capacity. Aside from this, it can also be placed firmly attached to machines and containers due to its elastic nature. It acts as a barrier to prevent leaks from escaping, while also absorbing oil that it comes in contact with. Absorbent granules can be used to absorb stray spills as well while their absorbent drum tops can be used to ensure clean drums even with leaky faucets.
So if you usually encounter any type of oil spills of leaks in your workplace, look for the Spilfyter product that will best help you in preventing or cleaning up the mess. This way, can spend less time and effort in cleaning while ensuring a cleaner and safer workplace for the workers.

For more information on using oil spill absorbent, go to TheJanitorialSupply.com. TheJanitorialSupply is the one-stop shop for industrial and home-use cleaning and janitorial supplies.

If new oil wells are to be sunk at huge depths under the sea, it should be a requirement that a second bore, or relief well,

Learn From the Oil Spill Disaster

By Davis Goss

The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a classic example of what can happen when over confident people think they can take shortcuts when dealing with natural laws and principles. Had engineers respected the irrevocable nature of these laws and principles the present catastrophe would not have happened.
This universe and all it contains is infinite. It is self controlled and self maintained in perpetuity by irrevocable natural laws and principles. Webster defines these natural laws and principles as: "The creative and controlling forces of the universe."
With uncompromising effort adhered to the implementation of these laws and principles, conclusions are inevitable and predictable. Similarly, to compromise these laws and principles will assure failure.
Because BP engineers and management have not succeeded in stopping the oil leak tells me that, either through conscious intent or through ignorance, they have not adhered one or more of these laws. This is tantamount to implementing efforts to stop the sunrise. Natural laws and principles will not be denied!
Dr. Einstein and other thinkers throughout history have reminded us, "You cannot solve a problem from within the same consciousness that created it." BP doesn't need more of the technological "expertise" that caused the problem, they need to reject their "expertise" and be responsive to new IDEAS.
There is a creative process that will meet any need, solve any problem and meet any goal or objective. There is virtually no adverse situation or circumstance that cannot be resolved by the proper application of natural laws and principles; "the creative and controlling forces of the universe." (Webster)
In all recorded history nothing was ever accomplished, no need was ever met and no problem was ever solved that didn't begin with an IDEA. Ideas do not originate in a finite world of technology and limitation. Ideas are infinite and already available in the one and only, all inclusive Consciousness; YOUR consciousness. We can access this infinite Consciousness by opening our thought to a listening attitude. This is providing the necessary mental environment in which the right idea can reveal itself to you.
Perhaps we can all learn a lesson from a company that had a vat of liquid filled with a lot of loose material suspended in it on the first floor of their building. They needed to transfer just the liquid into a vat on the second floor.
No problem. All they had to do was to pump it up, right? Wrong! The solid debris fouled up the pump. Pump experts were consulted and new pumps were installed with similar clogging results. It was then decided that what they needed was a better filtering system to remove the debris before it got to the pumps. Various filter designs were tested but they, too, became clogged. The company's management was convinced they had a serious filter/pump problem that was not only insurmountable but costly.
The solution to their "impossible" situation lay, not in addressing it as a filter/pump problem, but in looking away from it and seeing it as a need to transfer clean liquid from point A to point B. What they really needed was to reject the usual engineering approach (that didn't work!) and find a new IDEA that would. They needed a new creative approach.
"Creativity" is defined by Webster as, "The ability to be productive through imaginative skills". (notice he makes no reference to technology or skilled training, just the imagination) and "productive", "to establish results, benefits and profits."
A new, unorthodox system was developed and implemented that involve neither pumps nor filters. A conveyor belt affixed with sponges was cycled through the lower vat, absorbing just the liquid, and conveyed to the second floor where the clean liquid was simply wrung out. "Mickey Mouse" simple? Yes! But the objective was achieved!
Two axioms come into play:
1. The longer a person (technician) works in a given field the less likely he will come up with a creative idea. Familiarity can thwart expansive thinking.
2. History proves that the greatest creative contributions are made through a mind not too fully packed with existing knowledge or the awareness of past failure. New ideas usually come from sources outside the organization.
There are lots of ways to plug up a pipe. To date, all the "obvious" technological approaches have failed. As in the case of our pump / filter scenario, the solution will come through innovation, defined by Webster as " the introduction of something new; a new idea or method."
There are thousands of people with ideas on how to solve the problem (myself included). It has been my experience that trying to get an objective evaluation of any new idea is tantamount to pushing a rope.
Traditionally, organization is the enemy of innovation and tends to retreat into an "N. I. H. (Not Invented Here) mode" to defend themselves against anything that might challenge their technological mindset.
Be alert to not make the same mistake BP made. When confronted with a problem, personal, professional, corporate or national, look away from it, resist the temptation to force a solution with the puny human intellect and its "knee jerk" reaction to what it appears to be. With a LISTENING attitude, lift your consciousness to embrace the fact that the solution already exists and is ready and willing to reveal itself to you. Problems are negative and cannot exist without there being a positive answer or solution to be negative about. Knowing this, the right ideas and / or the proper procedures will become apparent.
I am not a trained engineer or technician, but for more than 50 years as a creative consultant this approach has allowed me to resolve complex technical problems through innovation that have not yielded through mainstream technology.
When all else fails, INNOVATE!

Over the past 50+ years working as a creative consultant, with focus on problem solving, Davis Goss has developed, tested and proven a singularly unique approach to resolving "impossible" problems to the benefit of a widely diverse client base.
The logical continuity of these natural laws and principles are explained in detail in his book, "The Science of LIVING BETTER FOREVER" available in print form from Amazon or in an expanded E-book version through his website http://www.livingbetterforever.com

Oil Spill Prevention and Response 

Miami Tourism: Plain Sailing or Troubled Water Since the BP Oil Spill?

By Mike Leverency

Miami beach is one of the most recognisable locations in the world, after the BP Oil Spill will the beach be a white heaven or a black hell? Here's a quick timeline of the oil spill to put some of it into perspective:
20th April: The Oil Rig, Deep Water Horizon reports an explosion and fire, eleven people are missing and 17 injured
22nd April: The Deep water Horizon sinks in 5,000ft of water. There are reports of a five mile ling oil slick
25th April: The underwater well is leaking at 1,000 barrels of oil a day.
28th April: The Coastguard announces that the flow of oil is at 5,000 barrels per day, five times larger than first estimated. Controlled burns begin.
29th April: President Obama gives his first public speech about the spill, pledging that he will spare no resource to stop the spill.
1st May: The coastguard announce that the spill will affect the coast.
13th May: A researcher from Purdue University puts the amount of oil leaking at 70,000 barrels per day.
15th June: President Obama says that the Oil Spill is the worst environmental disaster America has ever faced
19th September: BP finally stops the ruptured well from leaking.
It's been a tragic summer for the Gulf of Mexico, with the President saying that the Oil Spill is the worst environmental disaster in U.S history.
As you can see from the timeline above, the Oil Spill did hit the coast of the US, and our TV screens were filled with reports of tar and oil balls washing up onto the shores. The big question is whether this disaster is going to affect tourism? We know that it affected the fishing trade as the fishing boats were banned from the spill sight. It has also had some lasting environmental damage, with a species of seahorse almost going extinct as a result.
After the spill had stopped the reports of the little black tar balls disappeared from our TV's but the question still remains that whether this disaster will affect tourism to one of America's tourism hotspots.
We have already seen political representative's promoting Florida's and Alabama's beaches. Barrack Obama was photographed swimming with his daughter, and more recently Governor Charlie Crist has been photographed promoting Miami's South Beach.
Tourism figures are looking healthy, but only time will tell. The Tourism board can do nothing apart from parade officials along beaches to try and transmit a positive image. It is hard to tell which way the tourists will swing on this one, keep an eye out because there may be very cheap flights to Miami in the coming months.
But Florida isn't just about the beaches, there are plenty of activities and things to see and do around the Gulf. By all accounts the beach is fine, but, if the beaches aren't fine, will that affect Tourism in a negative way? Or will tourists just avoid the beach?

I'm Mike, I want to educate, help and inspire people to think about travel.
Oil Spills | Emergency Management | US EPA

Oil Spill Equipment - Protecting the Environment by Containing Oil Spills Effectively

By Travis Zdrazil

Oil spills pose a great threat to the environment.  That's especially true if a spill occurs in a body of water.  Read on to find out how the spills can be contained to minimize the damage.
When prevention has failed and a spill has happened, it's time to bring out the oil spill equipment.  And there are a number of options.
The first task is to contain the damage.  Oil can spread very quickly, and so the key is to keep it confined to a small or controllable area. This way, it can be removed by absorbents later.
They key tools for containing oil spills are Containment Booms of various types, specifically non-absorbent booms.
Why various types?  Depending on where the spill occurred, the conditions will vary, and not every containment boom is suited to every type of watery environment.
For calm and protected waters
The most popular oil containment boom is the EconoMax, a non-absorbent boom that is especially suited to calm and protected waters.  You can use it to contain oil and debris in marinas, harbors, and on inland waterways. It is very compact and light in weight, which means that it floats on water.  The fact that it is also quite inexpensive no doubt contributes to its popularity.
It's closed cell foam panels can be folded, which makes it easy to transport.  In fact, you can keep it handy in boats, trucks, or even cars so that it's handy when there's a spill.
For smaller waterways and shallow areas
If you want something for smaller waterways, including roadside ditches, shallow ater areas, and small streams and canals, you may want to opt for the Super Swamp Containment Boom, which is very lightweight and can be transported and deployed even more easily.
For rougher waters, including shorelines
On the other hand, you may have to deal with rougher water, which calls for more heavy duty oil spill equipment.  One that fits the bill is a marine grade, heavy duty oil containment boom, for example the Simplex Oil Boom.
It is perfectly suited to protect shorelines and coasts from oil spills.  While it has high buoyancy and is also light in weight, it has a much sturdier construction.  It is also designed in a way that allows it to be moved easily in order to let boats pass.
With its handles and anchor points as well as its heavy duty connectors, it can withstand even rough waters.
And those are just a few of the possibilities. When it comes to protecting the environment from spilled oil, there's oil spill equipment available to meet the challenge, no matter what the exact nature of the body of water.

Want to know more about oil spill equipment? Get valuable tips and the latest news about absorbents and other environmental safety products on Travis Zdrazil's Safety Maintenance News blog and get his free newsletter too. Travis is an expert on environmental safety products and has supplied businesses with products to aid in meeting EPA and OSHA requirements for more than 10 years.
You may publish this article, but must keep the resource box ©2009 PCI Products Company. All rights reserved.

More than 99.997 percent of oil delivered by tankers to the U.S. over the last decade reached its destination without incident. Spill Prevention Response

Cleaning Up Oil Spills and Other Other Hydrocarbon Liquid Spills With Eco-Friendly Absorbent Pads

By Thomas Bourne

For years, the options were limited to clay-based adsorbents that do little more than pool the liquids but don't really absorb the spill. These products are heavy, non-renewable, and pose certain health risks. In recent years, oil and other liquid absorbent pads have entered the market making it easier to clean up spills, but with varying degrees of effectiveness and cost-efficiency. There are numerous products out there but to make a fair comparison, you should look carefully at the following factors:
1. Price to Absorbency Ratio
2. Durability of Product
3. Material Size Flexibility
Simply put, you're better off spending a bit more for a highly absorbent roll or set of oil spill pads that you can keep around for a while and have on hand in case a spill occurs. Also, if the pads don't absorb much relative to their size, then you'll have to use a lot of material even for the most minor spill and that will end up costing you more. Finding the right balance of price, absorbency and flexible pad sizes should be key factors in your decision making.
But there's one more very important factor that should enter your decision making: How environmentally friendly are the oil absorbent pads and products that you are using. In this day and age of greater environmental controls, regulations and restrictions, the more eco-friendly you can make your operation, the better off you'll be. Using eco-friendly oil absorbent pads is an "easy" and "cost-effective" way to get more value for your buck.
Eco-friendly oil-only and universal absorbent pads are becoming easier to find. A growing number of environmentally friendly oil absorbent and other hydrocarbon liquid absorbent pads are available with various ranges of price and absorbency. These eco-friendly oil products should be made from renewable sources and/or waste products. Some of these products are also recyclable which gives them added value. We tend to equate, environmentally friendly with less effective or cost-efficient, however, when it comes to cleaning up oil spills with eco-friendly pads this is no longer the case. Oftentimes, the environmentally friendly oil absorbent product options have much higher price/absorbency ratios than competing non-renewable versions and are available in various options that can absorb different types of liquids such as oil, gasoline, paint, hydraulic fluid and the like. Look for products that have been proven in the market and that clearly demonstrate their effectiveness and commitment to environmental responsibility.
To learn more search the web for eco-friendly oil absorbent pad options or talk to your oil and gas products distributor or oil spill cleanup professional about eco-friendly oil spill options to get better oil spill and general spill clean up results with an environmentally-friendly checkmark on top.

Thomas Bourne, CEO, Terrenew LLC. Terrenew, in affiliation with Cornell University, manufactures and sells OilMaster Eco-Friendly Oil Absorbent Products are available in Granular Oil Absorbent and Oil Absorbent Pad versions. To learn more, please visit http://www.terrenew.com

The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating reports of a potentially massive oil sheen about 20 miles north of the site of last April's Deepwater  

Is the Oil Spill Disaster Judgment From God?

By P Maillet

For years I have spoken and written about the Arab-Israeli conflict and have tried to make clear the basis for it, that it is the "everlasting hatred" of Ishmael against the descendants of Isaac. That is, of course, true. But I came to see that it's far more than that.
The true basis for the conflict is the hatred of Satan for God. And until people understand this, they will not be able to understand what's really going on in the world and in the Middle East.
Satan knows the "signs of the times" as well as we do, he knows the Scriptures. And he knows that the re-establishment of the nation of Israel after having been desolate for 2,000 years, signals the approaching end of his career. For those who understand this it will be obvious, as he does everything in his power to destroy Israel in order to prevent or delay the coming of the Messiah, because it is written that it is the Messiah of Israel who will bring Satan's career to an end. Satan's master-plan was perpetrated in the Holocaust. His intent was to destroy all the Jews. He managed to destroy 6 million of them, and was enraged when that very effort was what brought in the rebirth of Israel shortly afterwards. His hatred knows no bounds and the world will see that hatred manifested in all that he will do, especially against Israel, as this story comes to its conclusion.
* * Don't ever lose sight of this one thing: it is the opposition of Satan against God which is the basis for all the hatred against Israel. This is a story that started in Genesis, and is reaching its culmination in our days, right before our eyes. If you truly understand this, it will make you rethink everything you know about these days. * *
I've said for years that in order for "the Antichrist" to take over, America has to go down. And for years I wondered how that would or could happen. I never suspected that America would become so corrupt that it would invoke the wrath of God upon her. It's still hard to believe that the America we knew and loved as young people has become so reprobate. The bottom line as far as America goes: using as a pretext the total twisting and misapplication of the first amendment to our Constitution, the American people have kicked God out of every public place, and God is not going to stay in a place where he is rejected and where he is insulted daily. And when God leaves, America will find out what the ramifications are. I don't know if "natural" disasters will destroy this country, or whether it might be nuclear, chemical, and/or biological attacks. Maybe all the above. All we know is that America is not referred to in the "last days" passages which identify the nations who WILL be involved. The greatest nation that has EVER been on the earth not even mentioned? That says it all. America won't be here, at least not as a super-power. Consider this too: if all the Christians were removed, the restraining power of the believers would no longer be an obstacle to the spread of evil, and evil would take over totally and quickly.
There are a lot of things working together to create the one-world global government which the Scriptures tell us will be headed by "the Antichrist." In times past, we wondered how a global government could possibly come into being, because the ideologies of the countries of the world differ so much. But it seems clear that disasters, plus the failing monetary systems, are going to be powerful players in the rise of global government. Just days ago, president Obama was speaking at West Point and he used the buzz-words "new world order." It's this "new world order," spoken of for centuries, that will progress into the global government over which the Antichrist will rule. The Antichrist will be empowered by Satan himself and will persuade the world with supernatural signs and wonders, leading them to believe HE is the Messiah.
America-Israel
Take note that as US pressure upon Israel creates a great threat to her borders, we have had noticeable threats to OUR borders. "The powers that be" in America are allowing foreigners to come into this country and use up our resources, creating a great strain on our financial and also our health systems. It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever that this country is willing to allow foreigners to break our immigration laws and saturate our resources, getting free health care, free housing, free education, etc, etc, etc. There is no explanation in the natural for something as insane as this. It has to be the hand of God. As the United States government has caused Israel to be stressed to the max with its "Palestinian" population creating havoc within and around its borders, so there are foreigners now creating havoc within OUR borders. So clear you can hardly miss it, yet the eyes of our officials have been blinded.
Israel becoming isolated
Zephaniah 2:1 calls her the "nation not desired." And it's obvious that most of the world, including the UN, is against Israel. Until this administration, America was the one and only major nation in the world who stood with Israel. Note, too, that America has been the most blessed nation on the earth. But there's been a change, a change you can feel everywhere. And this change has brought Israel into isolation. Just remember that God is ultimately in control. He is going to bring Israel to the point where they have NO ONE to turn to and the entire world is against them. But that's where Israel needs to be, because when there's no way out, they will finally realize that only God can save them. Israel is stubborn. They have to get to a point of helplessness. So yes, Satan is enacting this, but in doing so he's moving them right into the isolation they need to be in, where they will finally cry out to their God.
Oil
There are principles or laws that God has established which are as sure as the "laws" of nature. Throw a ball up, you can be sure it will come down. Oppose Israel, and you can be sure judgment will come upon you. Notice the context in which the oil spill disaster hit America: Obama is bowing before the Muslim nations. Why? There are several reasons but one is the oil wealth of those nations. So as America rejects Israel and bows to the oil-rich Muslim nations, America is harshly judged with an unprecedented oil disaster. Not only that, but it happens just when Israel discovers a very, very large resource of oil and natural gas right off the coast of Haifa, deposits so huge that they will make Israel non-dependent on anyone else for energy resources. Incredible coincidence? Of course not. It's the ongoing story in which all the factors are moving into place just before the great Tribulation comes upon the world.
I don't write so much on these subjects anymore, because I find that believers already know these things, and as for unbelievers - they do not "see" no matter how clear you make it. I have the sense that it's too late. People's minds are made up and it's too late to change them. When Jesus walked this earth, he got to the point where he stated that he would no longer speak to the people except through parables that they wouldn't understand, and it was basically for the same reason: by that point, people had made up their minds. He expounded and clarified things to his disciples, but no longer to the people. (Matthew 13:10-16)
Yes, people have made up their minds already. I used to quote Joel 3:14, "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision..." But I suspect the time has come or is near when it's too late, they've made their decisions.
So:
"He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still." (Revelation 22:11)

Having several blogs now, the following is the link to the Home Page from which all the other blogs can be accessed. http://pmailletblogs.blogspot.com/

End of Days - Was Gulf Oil Spill a Message From God?

By Jer Bosky

Some people believe we have entered the End of Days and that the disasters we are witnessing, both natural and man-made, are the work of God.
Most often it is Bible believers who speak using this terminology, but increasingly you also hear well-known non-believers express the same idea.
Recently, media mogul Ted Turner spoke out with his opinion on the BP oil rig explosion and the ensuing oil leak, the biggest in history. Turner told a CNN interviewer that the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico could be God's work, saying, "He's sending us a message."
The comment came in the course of an interview on energy policy in the United States. Turner elaborated that even though is "not a real religious person" he does wonder if God is telling us that we shouldn't be doing offshore drilling. He also brought in the West Virginia coal mine disaster, in which 29 miners were killed, as another sign that someone may be displeased with us.
It is common for preachers such as Pat Robertson to quickly blame disasters on the wrath of God. Robertson himself, for instance, stirred up a storm when he said the calamitous earthquake in Haiti was the result of that country making a pact with the devil during the revolt against the French two centuries ago.
It is much less common to hear someone such as Ted Turner bring God into a discussion of the latest news events. The fact that this is happening now could be another sign we really are in the End of Days.
Messages from God or not, many signs are pointing to something momentous on the horizon. The world is due for some big changes, particularly as they relate to the prophetic year of 2012. And 2012 is not far off. Will you be ready for it?

Want to learn more about what's coming for 2012?
Don't believe everything you hear about 2012 and what it will mean to you personally -- but don't dismiss it all, either. The truth is out there and can be known. See the 2012 Predictions site at http://www.2012alarm.com.

Why Oil Spills Are Good For Us

By Grant Gerver

Why are oil spills good for us? Jobs, silly. It takes a lot of people to clean off birds and a whole lotta other tainted stuff. Plus, there are already way too many birds and sea life in general. A few less birds and plankton never hurt anybody. And all that other underwater life: Who cares about something that doesn't impact you directly? And, like we don't already have beaucoup fish and plants down there where we really can't see 'em anyway. Out of sight, out of mind. Nothing wrong with that.
Some call it an environmental disaster, but I prefer to call it a gigantic environmental opportunity. We get to see if the aquatic ecosystem ever comes back to life, not worrying all that much if it doesn't because of the amazing research possibilities that will come from it, resulting in yes, even more jobs. I won't go so far as to say oceanographic calamity is a good thing, but it's not that far off.
Also, if you view this titanic oil spill from a glass half-full perspective, we may find that this watershed event will force birds, and all the other aquatic life it has brought to the edge of extinction, to become more hearty. Evolution just may make all these species oil-resistant to future spills. No one talks about this possibility. While you can't say that noxious and gooey Armageddon is a good thing, it still may result in big benefits.
And, the oil companies who bear the responsibility have accepted their share of it to such an extent that I believe they are entitled to a nice government bailout for all the lost revenue that this epic spill has caused them. BP and their Big Oil family never get cut any slack. They didn't plan for this to happen. To prove their innocence, they weren't even prepared for such a disastrous environmental and economic calamity. It wasn't even on their radar. So, you can't blame them. Rather, I'd like to think we should blame the ocean for causing such difficult conditions for extracting that bubblin' crude in the first place. Without it, you can kiss your cars goodbye while we become doomed to riding bicycles, or worse, mass transit. Ouch, may aching seat!
You know the oil companies will take full advantage of their mega disaster with TV advertising, too. They'll stage teary-eyed oil execs cleaning off a couple a' slimy tarred-&-feathered birds and blackened seals which will ultimately tug at the heartstrings of the American public. If BP and Big Oil know what they're doing, and how could they not, they will reap huge rewards from their titanic poisoning of the ocean's waters by apologizing often and sincerely, while re-framing it all as an act of God that not even the most pious of religious figures would dare question. They are so very cagey, it's a thing of wondrous beauty to behold. When life gives you lemons...
While I don't believe in Global Warming any more than I believe in President Obama's US Citizenship, this Gulf Coast Gusher could end up having many more positives than negatives, if spun cleverly enough. It's a win-win media event all the way even though some skeptics might call it a lose-lose.
Thanks for the spill of a lifetime, everybody! Count your blessings, get a bus pass, and tune up the Schwinn.

About the Author:
Grant "Brad" Gerver is an entrepreneur and co-owner of Filibi.com: Quite simply one of the most generous businesses online. "Gerv" is also a performing blues artist-songwriter [http://www.youtube.com/gbgerver] with The Buzzard Brothers and on YouTube. He is a retired elementary school teacher who currently works in the mental health care field.

Spill report rekindles Democratic push for reform - Yahoo! News