Oil platform from NASA JPL

Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida are in a state of emergency regarding the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. If the oil isn’t contained fast, the impact and devastation may have long term effects. Throughout the gulf states, reports of injured wildlife are surfacing, now there’s a lot of finger pointing going on. People are passing the blame as to why the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded, and people want to know who’s to blame. Was it BP, a lack of supervision on the government’s part or both?

Slideshow: Oil Spill affecting Wildlife

A class action lawsuit has been filed against BP and President Obama announced that they will be held responsible and accountable. Early reports suggest that BP may end up paying up to 3 billion dollars. Though it seems clear that BP will be held responsible for the explosion, there is another controversy brewing: how long it took to respond to the crisis. Reports have surfaced stating that BP told first responders that they had the oil spill under control; when clearly they hadn’t. The massive amount of oil, the number of leaks in the oil rig, and the increase in oil spilling into the Gulf of Mexico evidenced this.

Other reports say that the explosion was caused by a faulty ‘blowout preventer’ that didn’t work. While other questions are being asked as to why the Deepwater Horizon didn’t have an acoustic valve. The acoustic valve would have prevented the oil spill and kept it contained by shutting down the rig.

Why didn’t BP have one? Why weren’t there tougher regulations? Most importantly, who’s to blame?

Commentary

This article is rife with opinion- it is commentary.

Photo credit: United States Senate

Rielle Hunter sat down with Oprah Winfrey on Thursday, April 29, 2010 for an interview that would appear anyone in their right mind would have known not to do. The entire interview has sparked great controversy, debate, and even outrage with many who sympathize with the plight of Elizabeth Edwards and John Edwards children.

Slideshow: Rielle Hunter on Loving John Edwards

From the beginning, it is clear to see that Rielle Hunter is not playing with a full deck. Rielle Hunter would do well to get a ‘Reality’ Check. The first comment that she made in the interview with Oprah was as if some secret force from beyond led her to John Edwards, confirmed by her calling him ‘Johnny’ instead of ‘John.’

She says, “When I first met him, I couldn’t get the word “John” out, you know? He didn’t seem like John to me. So I said, “This may sound weird, but can I call you Johnny?” And he said: “Well, that’s my name. So, yes.”

Oh, freaky, yes, the stars must have been in alignment!

The best part of the interview, however, comes when Oprah Winfrey asked Rielle (Get Real) Hunter how she met and connected with John Edwards.

Rielle Hunter explained, “We were walking out of the Regency to go get dinner, and then he came around the corner and saw me standing on the street. And he lit up. He was just so excited. I mean, just lit up like a Christmas tree. White lights, just like bright as can be. I just turned to him and said, “You’re so hot.” And he practically jumped in my arms, and I said to him, “I can help you.” And he said: “I want your help. I need your help.”

Wow! Does John Edwards ever look back at that moment and think to himself, “Did I really ask this woman for help?”

“I want your help. I need your help,” Rielle quotes John Edwards as saying. She then asks him, “Do you have e-mail?” And he said, “No. Here. I’m staying here. Call me. This is the name I’m staying under. Call me.” I said, “How long are you staying?” He said, “Until tomorrow morning. Call me.”

We have a feeling that John Edwards may have thought she meant ‘help in the bedroom,’ but after listening to Rielle espouse her new age beliefs, it’s clear that Rielle thinks she is in the ‘truth’ while the rest of the world is in some darkened place, waiting for her to enlighten us all.

Oprah asked Rielle to explain what she meant by ‘help’ John Edwards. She replied, “See his authentic self. Be more his authentic self so people could see who he really was.”

Maybe it’s time for Rielle Hunter to take a good long look at herself and to truly ask whether or not she has the answers, and if she really believed that she was in position to ‘help’ John Edwards find the truth.

Does anyone need a guru who can’t keep her pants on during a photo shoot, gets pregnant and agrees to cover up the pregnancy with another man, and takes part in deception, adultery, and continually lies all in her quest to help others find the truth?

Rielle Hunter needs a wakeup call and she could start by opening a dictionary and looking up the meaning of the word truth. Judging by Rielle Hunter’s actions and statements, she clearly has a different understanding of the word.

Haleigh Cummings

When it comes to the Haleigh Cummings case it can be hard separating fact from fiction. With so many stories surfacing detailing what happened the night of February 9th, 2009 until 3:00 a.m., February 10, 2009, there is only one certainty: Something sinister happened to Haleigh Cummings!

Haleigh Cummings latest news: Hope Sykes gets 15 years, what does it mean for Misty Croslin?

We’ve heard so many stories, many from Misty and Tommy Croslin’s own family members. Coverage from shows like Nancy Grace has led many to draw their own suspicions. The media has blown the facts out of proportion, so much so, that the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office has issued several releases trying to separate fact from fiction.

Haleigh Cummings news: Tommy Croslin gave tip, knows who murdered Haleigh (video)

The night of April 30, 2010 was no exception. Nancy Grace, who has covered the Haleigh Cummings’ case diligently, had investigative journalist Art Harris on her program. Art Harris had another breaking news report in the case. This time, it centered on statements Tommy Croslin has made. Now, Art Harris states that an unnamed source close to the case confided that Tommy Croslin lied to authorities regarding the time he arrived at the Cummings’ trailer. Art said that Tommy lied and said he was at the trailer at 10:00 p.m., in order to get his bond reduced.

Not only does one need to question this report due to its ‘unnamed sources’ but one must also ask why someone would lie and place themselves at a possible murder scene?

Tommy Croslin’s attorney, James Werter, spoke to HLN news last week and stated that Tommy Croslin has taken a polygraph test. He also stated that it was the results of that polygraph test that led authorities to search the St. Johns River. Could it be possible that Tommy Croslin was asked questions regarding the time frame of events that transpired on Feb. 9, 2009 during the polygraph?

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said that they will hold a press conference when they have something substantial to report.

(see video links below)

Casey Anthony

Casey Anthony attended her first court hearing before Judge Perry this morning. The hearing was live on Tru TV’s In Session. Judge Perry discussed the soon coming trial for Casey and determined that the trial date would not be changed, but would remain set for May 9, 2011. Judge Perry also spoke about the jury pool and discussed a change of venue.

Casey Anthony has been charged with the first degree murder of her daughter, Caylee Anthony and is currently set for trial in Orlando, Florida (Orange County). The defense has filed a change of venue motion, but by gauging Judge Perry’s reaction today, it seems possible that the trial will not be moved. It was determined that the expected length of the trial will be 4-6 weeks, and that the jury would need to be sequestered throughout the duration.

Though the defense may argue that Casey cannot get a fair trial in Orlando, it is possible the case has become so high profile that finding someone who hasn’t heard of the case against Casey Anthony is slim to none.

It seems more likely that the jury will be selected and then brought to Orlando where they will be sequestered.

“It is no secret that this case has received widespread publicity,” Perry said. “The only way … to make sure that they are no infected or polluted during this proceeding is to sequester them,” Judge Perry said.

Casey Anthony hearing part 1

Casey Anthony hearing part 2

George and Cindy Anthony leave courthouse

Jose Baez Interview after Casey Anthony hearing

John Gardner

There is breaking news in the case of two murdered teens: Chelsea King and Amber Dubois. The man charged with their murders, John Gardener, granted an interview with CBS 8 and confessed to the murders. John Gardner had agreed to a plea deal on April 16, 2010. The plea deal saves Gardner from the death penalty.

Slideshow: Amber Dubois’ body found after police receive tip, press conference (video, photos)

The families of Chelsea King and Amber Dubois agreed to the plea deal to avoid the lengthy and grueling emotional battle of a trial. In the interview with CBS News 8, John Gardner not only confessed to the murders but stated, “I could not stop myself.”

Slideshow: Body of Chelsea King found

Channel 8 conducted the interview via telephone and stated that they did contact the families of both Chelsea King and Amber Dubois before airing the story publicly. What might be most startling about the interview is that John Gardner explains why he committed the murders. He said, “I was aware of what I was doing, and I could not stop myself. I was in a major rage and pissed off at my whole life and everyone who had hurt me and blew up and hurt the wrong people.”

“I hate myself, I really do. There is no taking back what I did, and if I could, yes I would, are you kidding me? But I was out of control. If I was able to stop myself in the middle of it, I would have, and I could not. I was out of control.”

John Gardner also offered to relay the horrifying details of how he murdered both Chelsea King and Amber Dubois to their families. Amber Dubois’ mother told Channel 8 that she will meet with John Gardner, as she still has unanswered questions.

Casey Anthony

Casey Anthony arrived in court on April 30, 2010 for what would be her first court appearance before new judge Belvin Perry. The court proceedings pertained to a case management hearing where Judge Perry discussed motions that both the defense and state have filed and also discussed the upcoming trial.

Casey Anthony case: Slideshows, evidence, photos, jailhouse letters, videos

Casey Anthony’s trial date remains unchanged and is scheduled to being on May 9, 2011. Casey Anthony wore a pink blouse and appeared more sedate than she has in other court appearances. The court hearing was broadcast live on Tru TV’s In Session and was followed by lengthy discourse as well as interviews with Jose Baez, Dave ‘Marinade’ Dave, and others involved in the case.

George and Cindy Anthony were in court today and showed support for their daughter. George Anthony seemed as if he were holding his emotions inside while Cindy could be seen at one point waving to Casey. It appeared that she mouthed the words ‘I love you’ as Casey was led out of the courtroom.

Judge Perry discussed the future jury pool and indicated that it might be troublesome to have jurors commute from Miami to Orlando. The expense would be great as it was also determined that the case could last between 4-6 weeks.

Maybe the jury will end up holed up in one of Orlando’s prestigious hotels.

You may watch the full court hearing in the video links below.

Casey Anthony hearing part 1

Casey Anthony hearing part 2

George and Cindy Anthony leave courthouse

Jose Baez Interview after Casey Anthony hearing

Oil platform from NASA JPL

Just one day after announcing his decision to run for the U.S. Senate as an Independent, Florida Governor Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency in the Florida Panhandle due to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The counties affected by the state of emergency order include Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay and Gulf Counties.

Slideshow: Oil Spill in Gulf of Mexico impacts the environment

According to the state of emergency order, the order will last for at least 60 days and may be extended if necessary. Charlie Crist said in the state of emergency order, “The resulting oil slick is generally moving in a northerly direction and threatens Florida’s coast.”

Watch: Charlie Crist announce he’ll run as an Independent

The Gulf of Mexico is one of the world’s leaders for seafood exports; the massive oils spill threatens wetlands, wildlife, and the livelihoods of commercial fishermen in multiple states.

More than 217,000 feet of boom have been laid to contain the oil spill. Earlier today, President Obama held a press conference and announced that BP will be held accountable for the oil spill and its impact on the environment as well as the financial cost of the clean up.

Attorney General Eric Holder dispatched a team of attorneys for the Justice Department to the Gulf Coast. They will meet with federal prosecutors.

The Justice Department released a statement that says, “The Justice Department stands ready to make available every resource at our disposal to vigorously enforce the laws that protect the people who work and reside near the Gulf, the wildlife, the environment and the American taxpayers.”

Oil platform from NASA JPL

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is holding a live press conference updating the public on steps taken to ensure the safety of Louisiana coasts after an enormous oil spill that is threatening the Gulf of Mexico coasts.

Slideshow: Oil Spill in Gulf of Mexico impacts the environment

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano spoke about steps that the federal government is taking to protect wetlands and the livelihood of fisherman.  On Thursday, April 29, 2010, Janet Napolitano declared the oil spill to be of national significance and paved the way for federal resources to be used to ensure that they can address the severity of the situation.  Secretary Napolitano stated that they have planned for the worst case scenarios.

She also spoke about response activities conducted by the Coast Guard, and BP.  President Obama stated that BP will be responsible for the financial expense of the oil spill.

Janet Napolitano stated that skimming and booming efforts are under way and that the Navy has assisted by providing boom to help clean up the spilled oil and to protect wildlife.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar stated that BP is repsonsible for the massive oil spill that is threatening the coastline of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida.    He will also conduct a month long inspection of other oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico to determine their safety.  He also stated that this weekend’s weather will present a challenge for clean up efforts.

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President Obama Statement on Oil Spill Gulf of Mexico 2010

President Obama referred to the growing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico as a situation that is growing worse. The federal government has intervened and five states are on guard, preparing for the oil to hit their coasts and devastate wildlife and impact the economy. President Obama issued a statement this morning regarding the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and provided an update on the situation that has been deemed a national disaster.

Slideshow: Oil Spill in Gulf of Mexico impacts the environment

“I have dispatched the Secretaries of Interior and Homeland Security, as well as the Administrator of the EPA, my Assistant for Energy and Climate Change Policy, and the NOAA Administrator to the Gulf Coast to ensure that we continue to do everything necessary to respond to this event. And I expect their reports from the ground today,” President Obama said.

President Obama reiterated that BP will be held financially accountable for the full costs of the response and cleanup. He said, “BP is ultimately responsible under the law for paying the costs of response and cleanup operations, but we are fully prepared to meet our responsibilities to any and all affected communities. And that’s why we’ve been working closely with state and local authorities since the day of the explosion.

There are now five staging areas to protect sensitive shorelines; approximately 1,900 federal response personnel are in the area; and more than 300 response vessels and aircraft on the scene 24/7. We’ve also laid approximately 217,000 feet of protective boom, and there are more on the way.”

President Obama also announced that Interior Secretary Ken Salazar will conduct a review on the additional 30 offshore drilling rigs and the 47 production platforms that are currently operating in the Gulf of Mexico. The President said that Secretary Salazar will report back to him in 30 days with the results from his inspection.

I’ve order Secretary Salazar to conduct a thorough review of this incident and report back to me in 30 days on what, if any, additional precautions and technologies should be required to prevent accidents like this from happening again. And we’re going to make sure that any leases going forward have those safeguards. We’ve also dispatched teams to the Gulf to inspect all deepwater rigs and platforms to address safety concerns.

So, let me be clear. I continue to believe that domestic oil production is an important part of our overall strategy for energy security, but I’ve always said it must be done responsibly, for the safety of our workers and our environment. The local economies and livelihoods of the people of the Gulf Coast as well as the ecology of the region are at stake. And we’re going to continue to update the American people on the situation in the Gulf going forward.

Joslyn James

There’s a strange coincidence between Tiger Woods’ mistress Joslyn James and the disgraced golfer: she seems to show up in the same city where he plays golf. Tiger Woods is currently in Charlotte, North Carolina playing the Quail Hollow Championship, and lo and behold, who should show up to strip in one of Charlotte’s strip clubs? Why, it’s none other than ‘sext me so I can build a website’ Joslyn James.

Photos: Tiger Woods Mistresses

The once retired, now returned to adult film actress is stripping at the Uptown Cabaret on April 30th and May 1st as part of her traveling strip club tour. Joslyn recently unveiled the results of her new plastic surgery and continues to be one of Tiger’s most vocal mistresses. Joslyn states that Tiger Woods impregnated her twice and that she had been in love with him.

Slideshows and Videos from the Tiger Woods Scandal

According to the Uptown Cabaret, which bills itself as Charlotte’s premiere gentlemen’s club, ‘Tiger’s Mistress #15” will perform live on stage. The poster for the show depicts a topless Joslyn James holding a stuffed Tiger cub and says that she will answer questions.

Now that Elin Woods has left the country and returned to Sweden with the couple’s children for a vacation will Tiger hold fast to the mantras learned during his recent ‘treatment’ for sex therapy or will he succumb to the temptations and call Joslyn James? It makes some wonder if Joslyn isn’t trying to set Tiger up so that she can snap photos, contact her attorney Gloria Allred, and hold another press conference.