The Bulletin -- Aug 4, 2010 (#1051)

Brian Mann (R) discusses the Deep Water Hoizon Oil Spill that has plagued the Gulf of Mexico. Mann is a frequent contributor to NPR and also writes regularly for regional magazines, including Adirondack Life and the Adirondack Explorer.

Program: Brian Mann, North Country Public Radio; The Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill

Brian Mann spent two horrifying weeks reporting on the growing mess in the Gulf of Mexico. The Deep Water Horizon spill left Mann with a very clear picture of the consequences the country faces in the months ahead.

Mann compared modern day drilling to white water kayaking. He said, “When you make plans to paddle a river, there are two things you consider: risk and consequences. You can have flat water (low risk) that ends in a deadly waterfall (high consequences) or you can have class 5 rapids (high risk) but lots of easy places to get to shore if you take a spill (low consequences),” said Mann. Assessing risks and consequences are as critical in this situation as in deciding where and how to drill for oil when lives and livelihoods are at stake.

The general American lifestyle has created an enormous demand for oil. As such, oil companies have had to push further into treacherous and inhospitable lands to get it. As Mann explained, BP, like other oil companies, has ventured into high risk operations that have very high consequences when something goes wrong. With 200 million gallons of crude now coating the Gulf of Mexico and another 3 million gallons of chemical dispersants mixed in to try to fix it, the extent of the consequences remains to be seen.

What does all of this mean? According to Mann, the spill will become an economic driver that will bring swift change. Drilling for oil is increasingly expensive and very dangerous. There is no doubt that the costs of such high risk/high consequence business will be passed along to the consumers. This is the heart of where true change begins: The American Pocketbook.

“If America changes the way they consume energy it wont be because Al Gore guilted them,” said Mann. “It wont be because they feel bad about the dolphins. It will be because they simply cannot afford to live the way they are living.”

CLUB MEMBERS POSE FOR A PHOTO. TEAMS OF FIVE WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE UPCOMING BED RACE ON SATURDAY, SEPT 11. JOIN THE FUN AND PUT IN A TEAM TODAY!

At the end of the day Mann expects to see an increase in venture capital markets that are seeking low risk, low consequence projects. He believes the market will push for alternative energy when the demand is there. With regard to energy conservation in general Mann said, “We will be fighting this fight in our pocketbooks, not in Albany.”

Guests: Patrick Cronin (Ellen Bouchard)

Announcements:

• Paul Harris nominations will be accepted until Sept. 11th.
  
• Ellen Bouchard passed around a sign up sheet for the Roducky Derby on Sept. 11th. There are several ways to volunteer that day: track set up, parade marshal, duck sales, clean up. Please find time for one or more activities.
  Become a corporate sponsor and create a duck pond for your office. Find a creative and fun way for your office to participate in the Roducky derby.
• Wal-Mart duck sales will take place on 8/27.
• Please take a look at the member information sheet that lists member details such as email/phone etc.
• First Thursday is tomorrow (Aug. 5) at Irises.

Auction Item: Battle of Plattsburgh buttons were sold for $8 to Tony Searing, Kevin Killeen. 48 rolls of toilet paper went to Rod Giltz for $26 and 32 rolls of paper towels went to Bill Rowe for $27.

Colin’s Cash:

• Doug Kashorek announced the birth of his niece Lydia.
• John Seiden gave kudos to Solid Foundations who helped make the beds for the Bed Race. They have offered to paint or stain the beds if needed. Great work!!
• John Seiden also announced a benefit for Roy Hurd on 8/29 at the Crazy Horse from noon-8pm ($10).
• Don’t forget the YMCA’s golf tourney coming up on 8/13. There is still room for a few teams.
• Cathy Forget is happy that there are no more construction signs on the overpass by the United Way. Also, AAA is offering a free seat belt check on Saturday 8/7.
• Elle Berger had $23 for each year that she has been in the Rotary Club. She was one of the first women inducted into the club.

50/50: The pot is worth $655 and Terrianne Pavone did not draw the queen of hearts.

Another Candle Burning For: Paul Sands (8/12)