Helinski+Communication+Source+3


 * 1. Full citation. **

Emami, Gazelle. "BP Oil Spill: 7 Secrets BP Doesn't Want You To Know (PHOTOS)." // Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post //. The Huffington Post, 5 May 2010. Web. 02 Mar. 2011. .
 * 2. Where does the author work, what else has s/he written about, and what are her/his credentials? **

Gazelle Emami is a wirter for the Huffington post who has written many articles revolving around environmental issues and efforts by communities in order to try to “green” themselves. Some of her writings have included environmental gems such as the Great Barrier Reef and the destruction that has been to it while she has also written articles entitled “9 of the Best Efforts to Green the Music Industry.” She has written several articles about the disaster in the Gulf and has touched upon oil in several other non-Gulf related articles.
 * 3. What is the main topic or argument of the text? **

This articles focuses on some of the information about BP that they would not like to have leaked out to the general pubic. These are things that the company has done I the past and would not help their current position in the Gulf of Mexico. Some of these things include it’s greenwashing history, its history of other accidents, human right violations, and how they handled the initial phases of the oil spill.
 * 4. Describe at least three ways that the main topic or argument is fleshed out. **

Much of the information is based upon statistics that can be accessed about the company including profits during particular years where some questionable moves were made internally. Other information is factual from previous accidents that BP has caused and how these accidents occur, showing the same common trend of ignorance. Some of the information is directly copied from documents that BP had submitted in the past from safety reports and emergency procedures.
 * 5. What three quotes capture the critical import of the text? **

1)  In the first quarter of 2010, they made  $73 billion in revenue, $72.3 billion of that came from the exploration, production, refining and marketing of oil and natural gas. Only $700 million came from solar and wind energy. 2)  BP CEO Tony Hayward said Monday they are dealing with the cleanup and compensation to those affected, and while they have been dealing with it, their initial efforts also highlight that they're ultimately looking out for themselves. The company offered settlements to coastal residents of no more than $5,000 if they give up their right to sue. This extends to out-of-work fisherman they've hired to help with the clean up. BP has since removed the language from the contract, once  they were criticized for the move. They also initially attempted to downplay the seriousness of the the spill, saying the rig was leaking 1,000 barrels a day when in fact it was leaking five times as much.  3)  f ought against an MMS proposal that would require operators to have their safety program audited at least once every three years, instead of the voluntary system that is currently in place. Morrison wrote: "We are not supportive of the extensive, prescriptive regulations as proposed in this rule. ... [the voluntary programs] have been and continue to be very successful." MMS has estimated that the proposed rules would cost operators about $4.59 million in startup costs and $8 million in annual recurring costs. 
 * 6. Explain how the argument and evidence in the text supports your research focus. **

All of this information is info which BP would not like the public to know which is the focus of my research in the shaping of communication. All of the information is valuable because it is something that was intended to keep from the public especially at a time like this when BP is under such scrutiny.
 * 7. List at least two details or references from the text that will be useful to other members of your research group **

1) A lot of the information criticizes BP and Tony Hayward for his choices of words when talking to the press or within written documents. This is most common place where parodies and comics find points to make fun of or joke about situations. This could definitely be used when talking about the new media.   2)