Wind shifts, scale of oil spill multiplied in Gulf tragedy

1465_overflightApr27-icon

The tragedy that modern technology had guaranteed could never happen again is taking a turn for the worse.  Estimates of oil leaking from the Deepwater Horizon rig in the Gulf of Mexico have risen from 1,000 barrels a day to 5,000 barrels a day, with some indications that the flow may even be much greater. It may takes months to seal the rig, meaning the total spill could easily exceed the total released in the infamous Exxon Valdez incident.

The weather, which had been keeping the growing slick offshore, is reversing course as well.

Here’s the latest update from NOAA, posted just last night:

– Winds are forecast to become strong (20+ kts) and blow from the southeast starting tomorrow and continuing through the weekend, which will continue to push surface oil towards shore
– NOAA oil-spill trajectory analyses indicate that oil continues to move towards shore.
– 100,000’ of oil-containment booms (or floating barriers) have been deployed as a precaution to protect sensitive areas in the Louisiana area.
– The effects of oil on sensitive habitats and shorelines in four states (LA, MS, AL, and FL) are being evaluated should oil from the incident make landfall in appreciable quantities
– NOAA’s Assessment and Restoration Division is evaluating concerns about potential injuries of oil and dispersants to fishes, human use of fisheries, marine mammals, turtles, and sensitive resources.

And inevitably, it seems, there’s the “for want a nail” angle. Most of you may remember, at least vaguely, the old sing-song reminder. It goes like this:

For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

Well, here’s the same song, rewritten for this occasion by the Wall Street Journal:

The oil well spewing crude into the Gulf of Mexico didn’t have a remote-control shut-off switch used in two other major oil-producing nations as last-resort protection against underwater spills.

The lack of the device, called an acoustic switch, could amplify concerns over the environmental impact of offshore drilling after the explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon rig, hired by oil giant BP PLC, last week…

U.S. regulators don’t mandate use of the remote-control device on offshore rigs, and the Deepwater Horizon didn’t have one. With a remote control, a crew can attempt to trigger an underwater valve that shuts down the well even if the oil rig itself is damaged or evacuated.

The efficacy of the devices is unclear. Major offshore oil-well blowouts are rare, and it remained unclear Wednesday evening whether acoustic switches have ever been put to the test in a real-world accident. When wells do surge out of control, the primary shut-off systems almost always work. Remote control systems such as the acoustic switch, which have been tested in simulations, are intended as a last resort.

Nevertheless, regulators in two major oil-producing countries, Norway and Brazil, in effect require them. Norway has had acoustic triggers on almost every offshore rig since 1993.

The U.S. considered requiring a remote-controlled shut-off mechanism several years ago, but drilling companies questioned its cost and effectiveness, according to the agency overseeing offshore drilling. The agency, the Interior Department’s Minerals Management Service, says it decided the remote device wasn’t needed because rigs had other back-up plans to cut off a well….

An acoustic trigger costs about $500,000, industry officials said. The Deepwater Horizon had a replacement cost of about $560 million, and BP says it is spending $6 million a day to battle the oil spill. On Wednesday, crews set fire to part of the oil spill in an attempt to limit environmental damage.

UPDATE: Here’s the latest NOAA map depicting both the size and location of the spill. It certainly looks ominous.

noaa spill map

217 comments Add your comment

TaxPayer

April 29th, 2010
10:47 am

I can see that I need to head off to the nursery and pick me up one of those Pell Grant trees. How old does it have to be before it starts bearing fruit.

Paul

April 29th, 2010
10:47 am

Kamchak

It’s rather interesting – people hear of a general tragedy, feel sympathy but also feel like it’s too bit go do anything about. But… make it an individual, or a small group, or a few highlighted from a larger tragedy and people will donate time and money and work like they can make a difference.

It’s the psychology of why politicians trot out “and in the gallery is Melvin K. Fonebone, who…”

It personalizes a larger issue.

Paul

April 29th, 2010
10:48 am

TaxPayer

18 years.

But the costs before that will eat your lunch -

Normal

April 29th, 2010
10:49 am

I’m surprised no one has said it’s Bush’s fault…so I will…

IT’S BUSH’S FAULT!!! There! I feel better now…where’s my prozac?

thomas

April 29th, 2010
10:49 am

jewcowboy

April 29th, 2010
10:41 am

Yes it is profit. But with new designs and development the oil companies would make more of a profit.

But I am more speaking of scientist not dependant upon the oil company. Mainly independant research and development types. Who would then sell their grant backed product to the OIL companies.

But i am sorry if there was confusion about who would recieve grants. If oil companies want to hire science types to develope rigs to recieve a grant whatis the harm? The goal is to make the drills more safe, for workers, oceans life and us.

Kamchak

April 29th, 2010
10:50 am

Paul

There were many stories of individuals denied coverage during the HC debate. Didn’t seem to matter.

getalife

April 29th, 2010
10:51 am

The libs attacked Gore on this issue but a con judge will lower BP’s fine again.

If it hit Florida white beaches, the cons would care.

TaxPayer

April 29th, 2010
10:52 am

Well, it is Bush’s fault but you know how sensitive the conservative Republicans on here can be when anyone brings that up. We would not want to hurt their feelings. In fact, If I were still working in corporate America, I’d probably already be signed up for sensitivity training by now. :roll:

Normal

April 29th, 2010
10:54 am

@@,

If the new rigs were equipped with the safety equipment they need, then I could go for more drilling. What this is, is a wake up call on corporations putting profit over safety and now we see what that got us.

BP should be made to absorb the complete cost of this folly. Then other owners of rigs might rethink the safety part…

Paul

April 29th, 2010
10:55 am

AmVet 10:44

Oh yeah…. I forgot….

jewcowboy 10:47

A new word in our lexicon?

The guy gave a gracious answer… right up to slore.

Paul

April 29th, 2010
10:57 am

Kamchak

Which was the point of the ‘personal case’ vs the ‘general disaster’ case.

I do know in Texas the state agencies did get involved and although the insurance companies mounted mighty legal defenses, eventually most of their resistance was broken.

Then, when it came time for the state to approve the insurance companies’ rates…. I don’t think the companies thought ahead to that little eventuality.

Smithfield Farmers Association

April 29th, 2010
10:57 am

If it hit Florida white beaches, the cons would care.

That depends more on whether you are referring to the “white sands” beaches or the “other white meat” beaches. Bunch of porkers. Some of them have laid around on the beach for so long, their skin even looks like fried pork rinds.

thomas

April 29th, 2010
11:01 am

TaxPayer

April 29th, 2010
10:47 am

well since you want to be a smart @ss let me educate you since you obviously don’t care to educate yourself.

PELL GRANT is at maximum rewarded for $2675 per semester and now summers are included as passed by President Obama. So thats 2675×3=8025

Now a person can recieve full PELL as long as they are enrolled in atleast 6 credit hours. Thats usually 2 classes. Which means a person would have to go to class either 2 days a week for 2 and 1/2 hours each day. Or they could go 3 days a week for an hour and 40 minutes a day. A semester is 18weeks, so thats over $29/hr for each semester.

So not exactly a money tree, but is a much higher paying job than the average. You can go look up the formula for Expected Family Contribution, but basicall you could make around 32,000-35,000 a year and be eligable for FULL PELL all 2675 per semester.

So if you want go enroll in your local community college and get that free 8k.

Anything else you need to know about financial aide let me know because it is obvious you are void of much informationin the area. But also feel free to continue with arrogant comments with poor attempts at humor.

Oh how i love the ignorant, especially those who don’t know they are.

Kamchak

April 29th, 2010
11:02 am

Which was the point of the ‘personal case’ vs the ‘general disaster’ case.

I guess that, now as then, it’s up to the insurance companies to convince us that this isn’t a disaster.

USinUK

April 29th, 2010
11:03 am

Kam – the rig suffered from a pre-existing condition

Kamchak

April 29th, 2010
11:04 am

Oh how i love the ignorant, especially those who don’t know they are.

Someone here is full of self-love.

Mick

April 29th, 2010
11:04 am

Where is the good news these days? Too bad we can’t just reboot the whole fam dam thing and install an upgrade – Earth 2.0

Paul

April 29th, 2010
11:05 am

Kamchak

And they get paid a lot for trying, don’t they?

thomas

What got me was, even though my kids were well into adulthood – well into it – MY income was considered in the formula. Even though they weren’t considered exemptions on my tax return.

Kamchak

April 29th, 2010
11:06 am

USinUK

Yes—of course.

jewcowboy

April 29th, 2010
11:06 am

thomas,

“PELL GRANT is at maximum rewarded for $2675 per semester and now summers are included as passed by President Obama. So thats 2675×3=8025″

If you have a link for this I would appreciate it? Every thing I look up says things similar to this:

“The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students who have not previously earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. The amount of the award is based on the students’ Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and their enrollment status. Students are eligible for a full-time award when they are enrolled in a minimum of twelve credit hours per semester; they receive a prorated award when they are enrolled in fewer than twelve credit hours per semester. To qualify, you must demonstrate exceptional need. The maximum annual award for 2009-2010 is $5,350.”

Paul

April 29th, 2010
11:06 am

USinUK

Dang, that was GOOD!

thomas

April 29th, 2010
11:07 am

Kamchak

April 29th, 2010
11:04 am

No, but I usually avoid comments like PELL Money tree when it is obvious that I do not understand the PELL system at all.

Has nothing to do with an appreciation of myself or not. I can love ignorant people and still be one myself. But If i need a translation of my stated words i will call you right on up to tell everyone what I really want to convey

Kamchak

April 29th, 2010
11:08 am

Kamchak

And they get paid a lot for trying, don’t they?

No–the insurance companies pay Frank Luntz.

Bosch

April 29th, 2010
11:08 am

thomas,

Curious about something. Are Pell Grant recipients able to get those more than 4 years? And 6 hours?

jewcowboy

April 29th, 2010
11:09 am

Mick,

“Too bad we can’t just reboot the whole fam dam thing and install an upgrade – Earth 2.0″

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojydNb3Lrrs

Doggone/GA

April 29th, 2010
11:09 am

“Rescuers work to reach 2 trapped miners in Kentucky”

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/04/29/kentucky.miners/index.html?hpt=T2

USinUK

April 29th, 2010
11:09 am

How’s my fellow baker-man, Paul doing??? this weekend I’m baking up a mess o’ scones for the MIL (complete with homemade lemon curd … mmmm) …

did you ever get around to making the oatmeal wheat bread recipe??

Kamchak

April 29th, 2010
11:14 am

But If i need a translation of my stated words i will call you right on up to tell everyone what I really want to convey

Well…if not me then you need to call someone.

Mr. Snarky

April 29th, 2010
11:15 am

So the cost benefit analysis regarding the remote-control shut-off switch said it wasn’t worth it eh?

Let’s rerun those numbers now, what do you say?

Soothsayer

April 29th, 2010
11:16 am

What a fustercluck!

pat

April 29th, 2010
11:16 am

Somebody should cork that hole and clean the spill….

thomas

April 29th, 2010
11:16 am

Jewcowboy,

PELL grant has been extended to also cover summers now! Go look that up, president obama did that this year. And exactly what would an additional 2675 added on top of your stated 5350 be? Ooooh I know 8025.

Also I cannot give you a site to show you Estimated Family contribution, as this is a government site that calculates the EFC. It uses factors, such as number of residents in home, income, tax status, and many other factors all filled out on ones FAFSA.

About your 12 hour comment. It must have been a while since you were in school because the students today have figured out how to con the system.

All one has to do is enroll in 12 hours a student can drop those hours during the drop/add period and not count as attmepted credit hours. As long as they are enrolled in 6 hours a check WILL be cut for them.

Go to a financial aide office and ask about this. Believe me if you want I don’t care, but as someone who deals with financial aide almost everyday (I’m a college basketball coach) and wife who works in a financial aide office (associate director) I assure you this inofrmation is accurate. It is the website you went to that needs to be updated.

USinUK

April 29th, 2010
11:18 am

gosh, pat … ya think?

Mr. Snarky

April 29th, 2010
11:19 am

“fustercluck”…apt…and I’ll have to steal that one.

Soothsayer

April 29th, 2010
11:20 am

thomas

April 29th, 2010
11:23 am

Bosch

April 29th, 2010
11:08 am

Tose who recieve PELL grant can get the grant up to a number of attempted credit hours. Once the number of attempted credit hours has been passed they do not recieve PELL any longer. So if the student didn’t exceed that number after 4 years they could continue to recieve the award. And yes a student can recieve PELL to cover more than 6 hours, they have $2675 per semester. With most stae colleges and universities (not the larger UGA’s UF’s of the college world) each credit hour will run anywhere from $80-$200. So for 6 the maximum cost wuld be 1200, leaving 1475 for spending money. With a FULL load 12 hours it would cost 2400, leaving the student with an excess of over 200 bucks.

Don’t get me wrong i am by no means an expert, but am a lil knowledgable in this area. Don’t have all the answers, but more than the average bear.

Bosch

April 29th, 2010
11:23 am

jewcowboy and thomas,

If they drop out of class, they have to repay depending on when they dropped out. And if they are enrolled more than 6 or less than 9 it’s half of the grant. Less than 6 its 25%, and they are only eligible for 16 full time semesters. So, if they don’t do full time (more than 12 hours) they won’t finish an undergrad in 4 years. For 2010-2011 school year it’s $2775/semester. So anywho……

thomas

April 29th, 2010
11:24 am

Kamchak

April 29th, 2010
11:14 am

Any suggestions of who to call, as you failed with your first attempt and i do not want to be misunderstood?

Paul

April 29th, 2010
11:25 am

UsinUK

The oatmeal bread’s tasty. Not heavy at all. (Just don’t try it with Scottish steel-cut oats…)

No worries, I didn’t.

You’re making your own lemon curd? Nice! My favorite so far is by Thursday Cottage, which I get at a British Emporium.

And, just for reference… I like my Cuisinart stand mixer MUCH better than the Kitchenaid.

StJ

April 29th, 2010
11:25 am

The sinking of the Titanic had to happen before ships were required to carry lifeboats for everyone aboard. Meaningful regulation is always reactive instead of proactive.

I suspect that this accident will finally prompt the government to require additional safety equipment aboard oil rigs. I would think some oil companies are seriously considering spending the money now just to avoid the future lawsuits that will be forthcoming.

Seriously, an estimated $1 billion cleanup for lack of a $500,000 valve?

Rightwing Troll

April 29th, 2010
11:26 am

Great! BP is losing billions on this and Jay is touting the need for more regulation and taxes… What about the poor shareholders at BP Jay, what about them?

jewcowboy

April 29th, 2010
11:27 am

thomas,

“Believe me if you want I don’t care, but as someone who deals with financial aide almost everyday (I’m a college basketball coach) and wife who works in a financial aide office (associate director) I assure you this inofrmation is accurate.”

It is not that I don’t believe you, but everything I’ve run across indicates something entirely different. This is from the Federal Gov’t site about pell grants:

“How much can I get?

The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2009-10 award year (July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010) is $5,350. For the 2010-11 award year (July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011), the maximum award is $5,550. The amount you get, though, will depend not only on your financial need, but also on your costs to attend school, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less. Note: The maximum award amount is given for any Pell Grant eligible student whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept.11, 2001. You must be under 24 years old or enrolled at least part-time in college at the time of your parent’s or guardian’s death.”

http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/PellGrants.jsp?tab=funding

USinUK

April 29th, 2010
11:28 am

thomas – “Don’t get me wrong i am by no means an expert”

I think the phrase you’re looking for is “I don’t work in a financial aide office … but I sleep with someone who does”

;-)

Rightwing Troll

April 29th, 2010
11:29 am

So, the choice is a bonus for the CEO or a $500,000.00 valve to prevent evironmental disaster? (and the inevitable economic disaster that will begin to play out when this is used as a reason to shoot gas prices to 3.50/ gal or better, resulting in “record” profits for the 2 and 3rd quarters for big oil…)

Well shoot, that’s a no-brainer, that CEO will trickle down on all the rest of us, so he, nay all of US, need him to get that bonus…

USinUK

April 29th, 2010
11:30 am

Paul – HA! I made that mistake one time, too!!! nope … good old Quaker Old Fashioned … works like a charm

as far as lemon curd – it is the easiest thing in the world to make! once you make your own, you’ll never go back to a jar

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/mar/07/nigel-slater-lemon-curd-recipes

Kamchak

April 29th, 2010
11:31 am

Any suggestions of who to call, as you failed with your first attempt and i do not want to be misunderstood?

Certainment!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2FT4FprxDg

USinUK

April 29th, 2010
11:31 am

StJ – the Titanic also led to the requirement that all boats have someone manning the radio at all times …

LeeH1

April 29th, 2010
11:33 am

I, too, am anxiously waiting to see what the Republican state governors will do if the oil comes ashore. Will the Tea Baggers call for the governor’s heads if they ask for federal government asisstance, or request higher state taxes to pay for the emergency clean-up, or to borrow against future taxes to clean their beaches?

If I were a Tea Bagger, I would insist that the only money used in any of the clean-up would come from a lawsuit against all the oil companies responible for the mess. And that the state join in the many individual suits to make sure they pay up on time. Excuse me, but if the oil companies have profits in excess of $4 Billion a quarter, they can pay for cleaning up all of Louisiana and Florida out of just a few weeks profit.

Or is that lawsuit and accountability off the table, since the oil companies are the incestuous friends of the Republicans.

Remember “Drill, Baby, Drill!” How’s that drilly thing workin’ out for ya?

Soothsayer

April 29th, 2010
11:34 am

Paul & USinUK: have you two ever thought about exchanging e-mail addresses? Just saying.

USinUK

April 29th, 2010
11:34 am

Paul – “And, just for reference… I like my Cuisinart stand mixer MUCH better than the Kitchenaid.”

i’m still reeling from this bit of culinary blasphemy …

but, when it comes to the oatmeal wheat bread, I always made it by hand – it’s such a soft dough, it was actually a treat to work with …

come to think of it, other than pizza dough, I usually do like to make all doughs by hand rather than the mixer – (especially my hot agnostic buns!)

Bosch

April 29th, 2010
11:34 am

USinUK,

@ 11:31

I watched this show on the Titanic the other night and I learned something new – the radio operator was so busy sending messages for all the first class passengers, that he didn’t get the warning signals, and kept sending messages after the ship hit the iceberg and didn’t send an SOS signal in time. Dang! Live with that karma – not sure if he lived or not, can’t remember.

thomas

April 29th, 2010
11:35 am

Bosch

April 29th, 2010
11:23 am

Bosch, you are not exactly correct in your assertion of repayment. If a student begins in 6-9 hours they will only recieve a portion. However if they drop below 9 as long as they remain in 6 hours the money does not have to be paid back.

Your 2775 is correct as well, just talked to the wife it goes up this year. So thats 8325.

But ya know what they say…….. you may think it sucks if you make too much money to qualify for pell, but….. do you really want to be in a position to qualify for pell?

USinUK

April 29th, 2010
11:35 am

Sooth – meh … it’s Thursday … too soon to talk about music, but just the right time to talk about food :-)

Bosch

April 29th, 2010
11:35 am

If that radio operator did survive, with that karma over his head, he probably came back as ocean sludge.

Paul

April 29th, 2010
11:38 am

Soothsayer

Nope. Interrupts the flow.

USinUK

With a name like “Nigel” you know it’s gotta be good.

And, you’ve provided the mystery thought of the day: how do you tell which parts of your body are religious, which parts are secular and which part are agnostic?

“(especially my hot agnostic buns!)”

Bosch

April 29th, 2010
11:38 am

thomas,

I checked my son’s school’s site. That’s pretty much what it said too. But if they only take 6-9 hours per semester they get half – and they won’t finish in four years – so it might be a good gig for a while, but if they don’t finish – it’s pretty much all for naught.

“do you really want to be in a position to qualify for pell?”

And what really sucks are those people who just barely OVER qualify for pell – it still sucks for them. Even more!

SOUTHERN ATL

April 29th, 2010
11:38 am

Hopefully a MIRACLE will happen and the winds will shift and blow the oil further away from the coast…

thomas

April 29th, 2010
11:39 am

USinUK

April 29th, 2010
11:28 am

Shes 38 weeks pregnant, so not these days. :(

But seriously you would be surprised how much I do end up working in financial aide when it comes to scholarships and getting walk-ons to join the team without having any scholarships left.

Wouldn’t think I have to go to a FA seminar each year huh?

jewcowboy

April 29th, 2010
11:39 am

thomas,

“ou may think it sucks if you make too much money to qualify for pell, but….. do you really want to be in a position to qualify for pell?”

Granted is was a while ago, but I was turned down for a Pell Grant b/c my parents made to much. Even though they were not supporting me or contributing to my education, I had to count their earnings. I had no contact with my father, so they told me I had to get copies of his tax returns from the IRS.

Paul

April 29th, 2010
11:39 am

Soothsayer

Some here have joined in such conversations, others have referenced them (in a good way). So if it’s not your cup of tea like some of the other off-topic conversations, well, sorry ’bout that.

USinUK

April 29th, 2010
11:42 am

thomas – way to go!!! good luck as you head towards the finish line … fingers crossed for all 3 of you :-)

you mean you guys don’t just hand out scholarships like they’re free phone cards – you actually have to do (gasp!!) paperwork???

Bosch

April 29th, 2010
11:43 am

thomas,

Does your school still give athletic scholarships? I know alot of smaller schools (not your NCAA Division 1 schools) are opting out of that. Just wondering how that affects recruitment.

USinUK

April 29th, 2010
11:44 am

Paul – “And, you’ve provided the mystery thought of the day: how do you tell which parts of your body are religious, which parts are secular and which part are agnostic?”

:lol:

religious: earlobes, cuz they’re hole-y!!

AmVet

April 29th, 2010
11:45 am

Fonebone?

Paul, I’ll thank you very much to leave your proclivities out of this conversation…

USinUK

April 29th, 2010
11:46 am

Bosch – 11:34 … wow … talk about misplaced priorities … (but, then, if you think you’re on an unskinkable ship … )

Bosch

April 29th, 2010
11:46 am

thomas,

Yeah, you are in the “Oh honey, I’m so sorry, what? What did I do? [ducks from flying shoe] – Oh, here, wha? Now, stop crying, come here, lay down and I’ll rub your feet [because they are the size of soccer balls and there's nothing more to do except brace yourself for a slap to the head]” mode. And congrats.

Paul

April 29th, 2010
11:47 am

thomas

Congrats! Your life is about to change in ways you cannot imagine.

Some free advice? Worth exactly what it costs? Tell your bride about the advantages of bre@st feeding for the baby’s immune system. Then, when little baby Fenmore wakes at 2 am, just tell your wife, “well, sure I’d get up to change him, but he’s hungry, too, which means you’d have to get up anyhow, and having two of us get up is just so darn inefficient….”

And, Walmart carries a real good line of soft, expandable ear plugs!

thomas

April 29th, 2010
11:48 am

Bosch

April 29th, 2010
11:38 am

from what i have been told the 6 to 9 rule is at the discretion of the college/university.

In times of budget crisis this is an area schools have tried to recoup money for the state, especially those reporting budget shortfalls for the previous fiscal year.

Do you think someone who is trying to con the system is really concerned with graduation. the wife gets cussed out daily for taking away FA of a student who has exceeded the attempted credit hours.

I know the cutt-off sucks, hell my wife works in FA and we are just above the cuttoff for any money. Its on a sliding scale so check you may be eligiable for SOME money. But again, be thankful that you make enough to not qualify……. think what the alternative is.

Exhaust all options though check into your son’s schools foundation scholarships these are usually not advertised and are given to those who ask. The one thing I have learned working in colleges and universities is that if a person truely wants to go to school money is not the impossible part. Hstle look and scrap and there are some odd scholarships available.

We have 1 for female students who are over 5′10″ and not an athlete. Thats the actual description. Was started and endowed by an alumni who was a tall female and i guess wanted to help other tall girls.

Bosch

April 29th, 2010
11:49 am

Paul @ 11:47,

That so doesn’t work. Plus, that just means more slaps to the head.

Paul

April 29th, 2010
11:50 am

AmVet

Proclivities?!!?

Didn’t you grow up reading MAD magazine?

thomas

April 29th, 2010
11:50 am

Bosch, and if they pass at least 1 class with the 6-9 rule they won’t request the money back either.

Its weird but we all know the gov’t has some issues with watse. But i guess the politicians all know it is money well wasted to keep them in office.

I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin....

April 29th, 2010
11:52 am

Well, well, and here I thought man and global warming had already wiped this out-

At midday Wednesday, the edge of the spill was 23 miles (37 km) off the Louisiana coast, near fragile estuaries and swamps teeming with birds and other wildlife.

You know, I do think it is safe to say the these goony little environmental terrorist liberals are praying today, just as hard as they possibly can without being too serious about it, haha, for the oil slick to hit land and kill anything everything within a thousand miles of it.

Know what I mean?

They are that sick in the head, just sayin….

jewcowboy

April 29th, 2010
11:53 am

I would say Elizabeth Warren is probably one of the best people for the SCOTUS, though I would rather have her as President:

“Every day that goes by without a clear set of rules in place to guide our economy into the future is a day that costs us money. Every credit card, payday loan, car loan and check overdraft that hides another fee or another bizarre interest calculation in the fine print costs American families. Every Too Big to Fail that takes on a little more risk, or leverages up just a little more, or that sucks capital away from another business that doesn’t have a government guarantee at no charge costs American families. Every lousy product sold to a family, to a retirement fund, or to a local township costs American families.

We cannot rebuild a strong and reliable economy without new rules. We need those rules now. Not next month, not in six months, not in a year. Now.” ~ Elizabeth Warren

USinUK

April 29th, 2010
11:53 am

Paul – 11:47 – and your wife let you live to tell the tale??? now, that’s love!

Paul

April 29th, 2010
11:54 am

Bosch

[[Plus, that just means more slaps to the head.]]

Well, yeah, I had an ulterior motive….

thomas!!

and…. when it’s time for diaper duty, just tell her that you have it on good authority that the hormones released during childbirth cause a reduction in the olfactory system’s effectiveness, and since she can’t smell dirty diapers nearly as much as you can, that the changing should be done by…. (now’s the time to duck) -

I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin....

April 29th, 2010
11:55 am

Um, let’s try that again…geez.

Well, well, and here I thought man and global warming had already wiped this out-

At midday Wednesday, the edge of the spill was 23 miles (37 km) off the Louisiana coast, near fragile estuaries and swamps teeming with birds and other wildlife.

You know, I do think it is safe to say that these goony little environmental terrorist liberals are praying today, just as hard as they possibly can without being too serious about it, haha, for the oil slick to hit land and kill anything and everything within a thousand miles.

Know what I mean?

They are that sick in the head, just sayin….

Bosch

April 29th, 2010
11:55 am

thomas,

But if they fail a class it counts towards their GPA which they have to maintain – but there are so many ifs and this that it’s pointless to debate. I know there is waste and there are those conning the system, but there are also alot of kids it helps. So, that’s the important thing.

That “tall girl” scholarship fund is pretty funny – you have a very creative Alumni Association – or Development Office.

Bosch

April 29th, 2010
11:57 am

Paul,

I think thomas has a kid already – but you are just giving him out right dangerous advice – she’ll smack him WITH the dirty diaper – in the face. Now, you behave!

Doggone/GA

April 29th, 2010
11:59 am

“which means you’d have to get up anyhow, and having two of us get up is just so darn inefficient”

Supposed to be true story (can’t remember where I heard it): Couple gets pregnant, and agrees that while the mother will obviously have to be the one to feed the baby, they can take turns getting up to get the baby and then take him back to his crib.

One night, baby’s hungry, husband is so sound asleep that even though it’s his night to get up, wife takes pity on him and goes to get the baby. After the baby is fed, she is now sleepy and figures he can at least take the baby back.

So she nudges him and says “Honey, take the baby back to bed” and the husband gets up, picks up the cat off the foot of the bed, throws him in the closet, shuts the door and goes back to bed.

thomas

April 29th, 2010
12:01 pm

Bosch

April 29th, 2010
11:43 am

About schoalrships, yes we do still have ours. Same amount of fulls as before. Fundraising and weekend meals is where the economy has hurt us. But we survive. We just have to recruit a couple of local (in state) kids each year as we recruit over the south east, and boosters like to see some local kids.

Paul/Bosch,

This is the 2nd and last. Both boys (I only produce y chromosomes) and yes i do get home now and cater to her and hope to not anger the belly beast. As you both know pride and dignity are powerless against the fear from an enragged pregnant woman.

AmVet

April 29th, 2010
12:04 pm

Paul, who my age didn’t love Mad Magazine?!!

And here’s a little surprise, for those of you who voted for the greatest anti-environmentalist in US history…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGD1S5vHVUs

Bosch

April 29th, 2010
12:05 pm

thomas,

“This is the 2nd and last. Both boys (I only produce y chromosomes)”

Don’t be so sure – we thought that too, but my daughter had way other plans.

“As you both know pride and dignity are powerless against the fear from an enragged pregnant woman.”

Truer words were never written. May the Force be with you (all).

Doggone,

Funny story!

And with that — I am OFF to eat something ’cause I’m starving. Starving!!

Kamchak

April 29th, 2010
12:06 pm

…fear from an enragged pregnant woman.

But that poor woman some clothes!

Kamchak

April 29th, 2010
12:07 pm

“Buy” that poor woman some clothes.

jefferson

April 29th, 2010
12:10 pm

It is 5000 barrels (42 gal/barrel) a day leak, not 5000 gallons,

Drill baby drill, don’t worry about a spill.

thomas

April 29th, 2010
12:11 pm

Bosch/Paul,

As much as i am gone recruiting I try to chang a diaper here and there. She has told me with this one my main job is to keep the other one occupied and safe when she is changing baby.

I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin....

April 29th, 2010
12:11 pm

PRESIDENT OBAMA: “Now, what we’re doing, I want to be clear, we’re not trying to push financial reform because we begrudge success that’s fairly earned. I mean, I do think at a certain point you’ve made enough money.”

Little socialist tinpot wannabe-

Obamas report $5.5 million in income on 2009 tax return

Damn, I didn’t beat Limbaugh….

USinUK

April 29th, 2010
12:12 pm

thomas – what’s the age difference?

getalife

April 29th, 2010
12:12 pm

I suggest BP to start hiring to clean up this mess.

Need thousands.

USinUK

April 29th, 2010
12:14 pm

so … let’s see … $5.5 million vs:

“in 2007, Blankfein earned a total compensation of $53,965,418, which included a base salary of $600,000, a cash bonus of $26,985,474, stocks granted of $15,542,756 and options granted of $10,453,031.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lloyd_Blankfein

theyeshaveit

April 29th, 2010
12:16 pm

thomas, I have worked with Financial Aid officers who were indeed expert in the regulations covering student loans and Pell grants. It has been a few a years, and I know that some things have changed this year, but I do recall that all schools had to report attendance, hence your suggestion that clever students have been gaming the system does not hold up. If your hours in the classroom have changed since you enrolled, the registrar report this to the financial aid officer and the financial aid officer is obligated to report t he change to the authorities.

And the information that jewcowboy reported regarding eligibility is correct. No person who previously earned a degree is eligible for a Pell Grant. The operant expression in the student financial aid world is, “Financial aid is available to those who qualify.” – no more no less.

USinUK

April 29th, 2010
12:17 pm

I’m off to go get covered in bees!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs-tl6GBOBo

have a good evening!!

jewcowboy

April 29th, 2010
12:18 pm

I was walking in Buckhead the other day along Peachtree, and there was a pregnant woman next to me walking in the same direction. I’m wearing a fedora and a bowtie, she’s wearing a bright pink shirt, is about 5’ 4” and has blonde hair and several Toys R’ Us bags. Kind of hard to miss us.

As we start walking in front of a driveway of one of the office towers, a big pickup truck with a guy on a cell phone blows past the stop sign and into the crosswalk to stop. Had we been in the crosswalk 2 seconds sooner, he would have hit both of us.

I’m pissed b/c I almost got hit and start walking to the driver’s side, I’m not even halfway there, and the pregnant woman is screaming at the guy. He gets out, and is about 6’ 2”, and starts yelling at her. She’s up in his face (or chest really) calling him all sorts of foul names…and he puts his hand on her to move her back. She backhands him across his face so hard I can hear it above the traffic.

She starts walking away screaming over her shoulder the whole time. The guy just looks at me, and says, “Jesus. Don’t mess with the preggers.” Then gets back in his truck and pulls into traffic.

Very wise advice.

Outhouse GoKart

April 29th, 2010
12:18 pm

I think they will have it all cleaned up in a few more days. A little patience please.

Rightwing Troll

April 29th, 2010
12:21 pm

First the tawdry fantasies about Barney Frank in leather, now you wish to beat Rush Limbaugh too???

sick…

AmVet

April 29th, 2010
12:22 pm

If this is the usual lie-filled corporate storyline, it will turn out that the guestimates of 200,000 (originally 40,000) gallons per day spilled will be WAY low.

Drill baby drill…

Outhouse GoKart

April 29th, 2010
12:24 pm

“PRESIDENT OBAMA: “Now, what we’re doing, I want to be clear, we’re not trying to push financial reform because we begrudge success that’s fairly earned. I mean, I do think at a certain point you’ve made enough money.”

And what point is that Mr Ahole. Tell us…when is enough, enough? Typical Dems thought patterns…”its ok for me to be rich but I will let you know when you have enough”.

KMA obama

Normal

April 29th, 2010
12:24 pm

Limbaugh? OOHHH! I thought he said Limp Bough…

I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin....

April 29th, 2010
12:25 pm

Eye thought so-

DETROIT (AP) – A federal judge challenged prosecutors Wednesday to show that nine members of a Michigan militia accused of plotting war against the government had done more than just talk and should remain locked up.

Liberals, they will persecute innocent free born white Americans but let millions of murderous savages run wild in Arizona, just sayin….

Normal

April 29th, 2010
12:33 pm

“millions of murderous savages run wild in Arizona”

…must be more Republicans there than I thought…