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Hollywood star Kevin Costner debuted Friday in his supporting role as a Gulf oil-spill fighter.
News agencies reported on the actor's premiere staged at the docks in the oil industry supply port of Port Fourchon in southern Louisiana as BP began deploying 32 of his "dream" machines to separate oil from water. Costner's backdrop was an oil-finding barge with his machines mounted on the deck.
"At its core, my dream, this machine, was designed ... to give us a fighting chance to fight back the oil that's got us by the throat," Costner told reporters.
"When you are in a fight, anybody knows you go to confront it right where it is. You don't wait for it to come to your door," the actor said.
Costner's company, Ocean Therapy Solutions, signed a contract with BP to provide 32 units expected to work in the next 60 days.
BP Chief Operating Officer Doug Suttles would not disclose financial details.
Costner said each machine, called a V20, can separate 210,000 gallons of oily water a day.
Costner, best-known for such films as "Dances with Wolves" and "Waterworld," stressed he was no overnight oil spill sensation. He has been trying to employ the technology designed by his company for the past 17 years, and has invested more than $20 million of his own money in its development.
The technology was developed two decades ago by a researcher at the Idaho National Laboratory by scientist David Meikrantz, who initially sought to use the machines to separate the components of nuclear substances.
In 1993, INL licensed the technology to Ocean Therapy Solutions, a company owned by Costner.
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Go Costner, dive in head first. Any help is needed.
Beautiful P.R. by BP, and they might work!
How about giving Elon Musk and Tesla Motors money to take technology that has the power to strenghten our national security as well as provide clean energy to the masses of the world?
Any answers?
My hat is off to Kevin Costner!
Here is someone who really cares about making it a better world and is willing to step forward and put his own time and money into it and give some real hope to this situation.
Go Kevin Go!
This man and his machine can help rid us of the surface oil...what lies over 3,000 feet below?....What can be done there?
Anyone...Please help!
What has expelled from the depths so far will sink below the coast of Newfoundland by way of Florida in a few months.
Deep sea life will perish, vast quatities of ocean will soon be void of oxygen.
Without oxygen...fish cannot survive.
My heart cries for this beautiful home....
I am glad that Kevin Costner has put his own money and time into this and I hope his invention works. However, Mr. Costner is holding a plastic water bottle in this photo. Maybe he doesn't know that 1.5 million barrels of oil are used EVERY YEAR to produce plastic water bottles just for the U.S. market. And 2 gal. of water are required for every gal that is used.
Rethuglican reply: "Fish don't vote".
I think BP is sending Iran a message, something like this. The free world isn't worried about the cost of stopping Iran from building a nuke. Some people have said if we need to drop a bomb on Iran's nuclear facilty the war and all it's cost including the X37 will have been for nothing. Wake up before the USA does what it must to stop you.
These machines have their limits, and scientist expect the oil slick to show up on the shores of Great Britian within weeks.
I suspect both poles will have black rings around them before this cleanup is over and done. The environmental damage is small compared to what a nuke would do to the Gulf coast region. Those people remind me of Israel being forced from their homeland time after time. Give Gulf coast resisdents a place they can call home, stop Iran before they bomb New Orleans!
Who gave the order to shoot resisdents of New Orleans who tried crossing over the bridge? Who'll give the orders to nuke the 550 oil platforms along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline? It ain't over till it's over... Iran could sell it's oil for any price it demands.
paint it black!
this is the oil industries chernobyl
Hey Bellview Hospital... I think one of your patients has escaped. Either that or some small town somewhere is missing their idiot.
If it works great, if not Costner is a snake oil salesman, whoever paid him must get a full refund.
Kevin Costner has been trying to get this "proven technology" into the oil companies since the Exxon Valdez spill. The oil companies have rebuked him until he was needed and that took him going directly to BP, who obviously wants to protect their interst by recovering the oil. Our technology has met the same resistance but unlike Kevin Costners technology ours can clean the beaches for sure and we are working on a process for the marshlands. http://oilspill-biosciguy.blogspot.com/
I believe if you have technology or ideas on how to clean up the mess, you don't need BP's permission to do so--last I checked the gulf doesn't belong to BP. I'm guessing what is keeping people with these technologies from doing the right thing is purely down to whether or not BP is willing to pay them to do it.
From what I've heard and read, Obama, et al, turned down Costner's offer to help. At least BP is willing to try it!
Regarding Jeff-1902399 comment that "fish don't vote," I don't disagree with him, but I would have said "Fish don't pay legal bribes, in the form of 'contributions,' to politicians."
I commend Kostner - at least he's making the effort to do 'something' vs. providing lip service & most of that in the form of criticism.
Everyone is VERY concerned about the BP disaster which is causing a herendous impact on the eco system & the livihood of those who live in this gulf coast region. While we are ALL concerned about the spill I haven't seen or heard much sentiment or concern for the families of the 11 that lost their lives due to BP's negligence (greed always seems to be behind this word). Let's get back to reality & show some respect for these families who are still grieving over their loss.
kean stated,
<<How about giving Elon Musk and Tesla Motors money to take technology that has the power to strenghten our national security as well as provide clean energy to the masses of the world?>>
Fact is sir, Tesla technology has NOTHING to do with providing "CLEAN ENERGY". It (Tesla Technology) is in fact a perpetrator of, and instigator in, the propagation of dirty energy. As a devise to operate on electricity it contributes NOTHING to the energy pool nor does it provide any cleansing function. It merely SHIFTS the dirty byproducts of energy production from the ICE tailpipe to the smokestack of some coal fired electric generator...usually located in some poor and depressed cesspool industrial backwater.
The CONVERSION of electrical power (electricity is NOT a fuel, but rather an energy carrier) to mechanical power is FAR more efficient than the production and transmission losses associated with getting that electricity to the car. It may be nice to be seen in a 100mph carbon fiber, made in China, sportster but if the TRUTH be told about the real but hidden plume of pollution dragging behind it in the form of battery production waste, coal fired ash, air pollution, and potential disposal problems with depleted batteries, the siren song of "clean Air Technology" is just so much more "air pollution".
Darrow...for the Prosecution.
Kevin Costner is my new hero. I was wondering if there was machinery to filter the oil, but would have never suspected that Kevin Costner was working for the past 17 years to develop it. America feels so helpless in the face of this tragedy. What a wonderful surprise this is.
Chris Matthews suggested a jobs project to employ thousands to clean animals and clean up beaches. If they offered barracks and food, many young people and animal lovers would volunteer their services for free.
I don't disagree with him, but I would have said "Fish don't pay legal bribes, in the form of 'contributions,' to politicians."
Bribes are illegal and contributions are not so what you said does not make any sense. On the matter of BP contributions they have contributed money tao almost every politician who is involved in any legislation on the hill. Unless there was a bribe for a reason and you can prove that I go back to the first thing I said,
Darrow, I'm on YOUR side... I'm also in favor of prostitution. They provide the pressure release valve so many men could make use of , but don't.
Another self-centered Hollywood jagoff, that thinks because he once played a doctor, he IS a doctor. I guess that epic masterpiece ""Waterworld" made him an expert on all things related to water. I can't stand this kind of self-aggrandizing crap. Up yours, Costner.
Another self-centered Hollywood jagoff, that thinks because he once played a doctor, he IS a doctor. I guess that epic masterpiece ""Waterworld" made him an expert on all things related to water. I can't stand this kind of self-aggrandizing crap. Up yours, Costner.
Trevor ...You are an Idiot..... Go pick on the Dixie Chicks... What part of "working on this for 17 years" or "Invested 20 million dollars of his own money" did your little Tea Baggin' brain not understand?
Those of you who are doing nothing are criticizing a person who is doing something. Shame on you.
Let's really hope these things work as advertised. Now, we need the oil skimmig ships on the job. Let's get the show on the road.
Sorry Trevor the hater from Va. ,but Mr. Costner has put his money where his mouth is unlike so many celebrities who have a Prius or Tesla for photo ops but in reality drive a 12 cylinder Rolls or Bentley from their energy squandering mansion to the studio or da' clubs!! Mr. Costner deserves thanks for his involvement in trying to do some good for our planet and I wish him nothing but the best and hope that his company's machines are successful in minimizing the damage from BP's gusher!!!
Here's a novel idea - anyone who has technology that will contribute to any stage of solving this disaster should be allowed to use it - at their own expense. If the technology works, they gain the advantages of free worldwide publicity, not to mention hundreds of millions of dollars by people and companies willing to purchase a unique working product that solves an ongoing problem. Jonas Salk spent much of his life and fortune to create a vaccine for polio - then, rather than patenting it, gave it to the world for free. Any humanitarians out there who care enough about the Gulf oil disaster to contribute millions of dollars for free to solve the problem and help the world? ... Don't all speak up at once ... anyone? (- crickets chirping in the background to a dark silence -)
Let's get hundreds or perhaps thousands of these machines and make a real difference. Thanks Kevin! Keep up the good work.
The centrifuges will work. I have used them in power plants. they will remove a solid from a liquid, and a liquid from a liquid. Mr. Costner go for it. Big time. Urgency is needed to clean the gulf.
No one knows if they work under these conditions. Separators have been around for a long time but this is the first time they have been deployed on a spill this size. I hope along with others that they do so I will keep my fingers crossed so to speak.
I hope this works!! Great investment Kevin!
From what I've heard and read, Obama, et al, turned down Costner's offer to help. At least BP is willing to try it!
Thats a lie and you know it and thats why you used the I heard routine. BP is in charge of cleaning up the spill and makes all judgements on what and if anything is used. You are just another troll spreading lies.
Actually the President said he was in charge of the oil spill. Yes BP caused it but the pres said "Make no mistake, I am in charge."
Just incase you dont believe me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNOi04R8mCY
There is the video of him saying he is in charge. So I say to you... Thats a lie and you know it. Silly Obama supporter.
logdump.....I used the "That's what I heard routine" because.. THAT. IS. WHAT. I. HEARD.
I was very clear in stating that I only HEARD that. I wrote in black and white, that "I HEARD...." You go off ranting and accusing when obviously you have a problem with comprehension. THAT'S. WHAT. I. SEE.
I HEARD Elvis is alive and the sky is falling.
"Elvis is alive and the sky is falling". I can say "that's a lie and you know it". But if YOU say YOU HEARD it, I believe YOU that YOU heard it. Get it?
Enough with the symantics. Time to move on....
I can only wish that an approach of this type can have postive support throughout our contry. Here is a guy, willing to spend his own money, to fight a national disaster, after 17 years of work, involving an oil water seperater. I had never heard of anyone making an attempt much less listening to him. If the press is right he has attended multiple seminars for controlling oil spills and other oil disaster related issues. Seventeen years and no one has even attempted this appoach.
Mr. Costner, the positive people of this country are with you, and we know that, no matter what the outcome, you will be remembered as a person that tried, and will try again if necessary. You are right. let us take the fight to the oil spill.
Mark Simmons
Great job there Kevin. This is really remarkable.
I think it's grand to be hearing at least something other than lipservice is being given to this debacle. I truly wish Mr. Costner and his efforts the best of all possible outcomes. However, at the same time, I am curious if Mr. Costner's approach was given consideration by the BP brass based on it's merit and possible solution or we're they just wanting to rub elbows with a Hollywood celebrity of his stature? I am in no way attempting to impune Kevin Costner's involvement in this project. It is a well documented fact that he has had an active role in this field for some time. No one devotes that many years and financial backing on a meer whim. Kudos to him. My curiousity comes from the fact that many other people involved in the same field of research have been given the cold shoulder, if they were even given the courtesy of a review at all. This probably stems from my observation of the Obama administrations seemingly habitual desire to cloud issues of great importance with the inclusive involvement of celebrities in an effort to provide a bit of hocus-pocus and diversionary tactic to draw attentions away from the real issues. I'm voicing my opinion here, so there's no need for anyone to get all ruffled. Just stating one viewpoint on a topic that has many.
With that said, let us give credit where credit is due - The technology was developed two decades ago by a researcher at the Idaho National Laboratory by scientist David Meikrantz. Mr. Costner provided the funding and not the actual research.
Nice backhanded compliment ThunderProof. So sorry your life isn't what you'd hoped it would be. Your bitterness is showing.
Thunderproof; what an amazing job of finding the very worst possible, in a situation abounding with HOPE where there has been so little or none. It must really be Hell to be you, or probably even to be around you. Thanks for finding the most pessimistic viewpoint possible!!! My sympathies to all who may be acquainted!!!
Thunderproof and his kind are part of this country's problem. BP screwd up big time. Kevin Costner keeps pushing to get his invention to be given a chance. When Kevin succeeds (thank goodness), idiots come out of the woodwork to start claiming "CONSPIRICY THEORIES". Every great idea in history had to be "sold" before they are given a try. Give it a rest with all your fantasy conspiracy theories. Just be glad someone like Kevin and his brother kept pushing when the others, including you apparantly, did not.
And you are no bett GAYLEP. The CAPITALIST SYSTEM is why the machine was invented. Ocean Therapy is a BUSINESS. People invested their money in an idea that would have a RETURN on it. The capatilist system is the reason America can send money to starving children in africa and every where else. The Capatlist system is the reason YOU have a laptop to critcize our country. It was not a government that came up with all of our lifesaving medical equipment and drugs; it was the CAPITALIST system. It is easy for everyone to criticize the bus and the driver -- AFTER they get to where they are going. People who have to go around with HOPE on their shirts don't really have it. They are waiting for the government to GIVE it to them. You would never see Costner or RAMBO wear some crap like that.
GO COSTNER!
Also; Does Kevin still make movies?
Thunder- the entire slant of your post was negative- as well as he "just provided the money"- good heavens- thats a lot of money, and effort, and it sounds like you are putting him down,Shame, Shame
Geneneves - YOU are part of the problem because you can't read. The article clearly states that Costner BOUGHT this technology from the company that invented it.
"The technology was developed two decades ago by a researcher at the Idaho National Laboratory by scientist David Meikrantz, who initially sought to use the machines to separate the components of nuclear substances. In 1993, INL licensed the technology to Ocean Therapy Solutions, a company owned by Costner."
Costner didn't invent a thing. He is an investor, not a researcher. He's only looking to make a buck. BTW, centrifugation, the principle by which Costner's "invention" works, has been used since the mid-1400s. It isn't new or innovative technolgy by any means. And NO, Costner doesn't still make movies because he lost his box office appeal years ago after making more duds (including "Waterworld") than moneymakers.
The posts written in response to this article present a perfect example of why this once great country is doomed, which is that you morons worship anyone who is remotely associated with movies, TV, rock concerts, etc., or who has a great deal of money. Fame and money don't bestow intelligence. Do you really think that BP would have given David Meikrantz, the researcher who originally developed the machines that Costner bought, the time of day? It's really a sad, sad commentary on the state of our nation.
I bet you are a Republican???!
geneneves,
in addition to all the benefits capitalism provides, it also provided you with this tragic spill. what i don't get is why the upper management of bp didn't welcome the minerals management service with open arms as partners to reduce the risk of the catastrophic capitalist loss bp and it's stockholders are enduring.
oh yeah, go costner and associates!
ThunderProof, you made mention in your comments that "many other people involved in the same field of research have been given the cold shoulder". I'd like to learn more about that, perhaps I can do something to get those people some visibility. Who are they, what have they offered, and who gave them the cold shoulder? Thanks for your info.
hoganmeister, DaveCarroll4, Geneneves -
Contrary to your accusations, at no time did I employ a backhanded compliment, nor was there any malice intended at all by stating my personal viewpoint. It is what it is. A viewpoint based on facts. And speaking of facts...
FactChecker-2010,
I suppose one should feel honored to be your very first comment since joining Newsvine yesterday. Allow me to welcome you to Newsvine. One also might surmise that you are a fact checker but, in name only. Because if you were indeed a checker of facts, you would already know by other accounts and news sources that what I stated is true. This Deep Horizon debacle took place well over a month ago and you've had ample time to gather a plethora of facts since then. I'm not the least bit inclined, nor wish to waste my time bringing you up to date on this enviromental disaster.
Joan-1209741,
Clearly you did not read the news article in it's entirety. If you did, then you did not comprehend any of it. That's pretty much your approach on reading my post also. Nowhere in my posting will you find the comment you literally quote me as having written. I gave positive feedback for Kevin Costner and his most generous contribution of both time and finances. I also think David Meikrantz, the researcher who originally developed the machines deserves proudful recognition and made it a point to mention him also. I have absolutely nothing to do with how you interpret what you read, Joan. If it's shame you seek, perhaps it is in comprehension skills. None of us are perfect (including myself) but that's no reason for folks to get snarly with others.
When reading Newsvine posts, one should do so without having formed an opinion until after they have: First - Read the news story in it's entirety and have understood it. Secondly - When responding to a Newsvine posting, read it in it's entirety also without pre-conceived ideas of what the other person should have said to be more inline with your ideals. Not all postings are going to agree with you. When you come across one that doesn't, be mature enough to accept that fact and grown up enough not to revert to name calling and inserting childlike comments.
<<I am curious if Mr. Costner's approach was given consideration by the BP brass based on it's merit and possible solution or we're they just wanting to rub elbows with a Hollywood celebrity of his stature?>>
Costner? Wanting to rub sholders with him.....NAW. Now, Dolly Parton, I WOULD definitely want to rub shoulders or SOMETHING with her. Just me and her, out on those barges, a strong odor of benzene whifting over the helm competing with her ode du skunk cheap perfume, a little trashy talk in the moonlight while a brown pelican struggles in the brown goo. Ahh! Truly a night to remember.
Costner? NO!
Why would you even say do not get all ruffled then post that hyperbole? You sound like the righties who say dont talk about Bush then tell you its Carters fault or Clintons.
What hyperbole, Logdump? Didn't submit a hyperbole. I just stated an opinion based on facts and personal observations. The viewpoint expressed had nothing to do with Bush, Carter, Clinton, nor anyone else who was not mentioned in it. You may interpret what you read any way you wish. That's your choice. However, your pre-conceived idea's more like a logjam.
ThunderProof, the point all of these people are making is that we feel helpless as we watch the dying wildlife and devastation, and someone, Kevin Costner, has provided a glimmer of hope. Nobody thought that Kevin Costner has been working in a lab to invent the machine himself, he just believed that the product was needed and put his money into developing it. That's why everybody is ticked that you felt it was necessary to attempt to diminish his contribution. If he paid for it, he owns it. To the rest of us, he is like a knight in shining armor. I hope it is successful, and he makes all of his money back and more. I was going to say you were trying to steal his thunder....
Thunderproof.......
A rather interesting observation. However, perhaps if you were to examine your own perspective it would show that you are "optimistic"-- and at the same time pessimistic. As if you want the idea to work...but you don't. If you study the way that invention is (and always has been) accepted, you will find that it takes good measure of perseverance on the part of those engaged in it, especially these days. How many products in this current civilization do we all use (with trust) that have been promoted by "celebrities", or endorsed by those you envision to be on the up and up?
Mr. Costner's introduction of endorsement, for a technology to assist in the efforts of addressing an undefined never before seen situation, would seem to me to be welcomed. The adage that "necessity is the mother of invention", rings so true in this unfortunate event that has gleaned the attention of this country. The political ring of madness, which is in everything these days--not to mention the media--can be said for sure to slow the wheels of progress and cloud judgement with so much emotion. So much so, that it makes it difficult to proceed with solution. However, just because a celebrity, which is just as human as everyone else, wants to contribute a potential, viable solution, doesn't mean he needs to be beat down by everyone that has not a clue of what to do. Kevin Costner is not just a celebrity. He is also a concerned human being who happens to be in a position (and has for some time) to offer up a solution in part to an epidemic of this era. It is probably true that there are other people with similar technology, however, if it takes a celebrity to finally grab the attention of those who will listen, the better. As soon as he "opens the gates", other solutions shall probably follow. It seems to always be that way. One last thought......Kevin Costner is in this for humanitarian reasons. It really has nothing to do so much with returns, profits, or money at all. It has to do with the desire to provide a real working solution to a real problem. As an inventor myself, I know when you have something that WILL WORK, and trying to get it into action, it is like pulling teeth. Then later everyone accepts it like it has always been around.
Good for Kevin Costner!.....and everyone else that is helping to fix this problem!
Well... Clearly there are a number of readers who are somehow blinded by the light and cannot see past the glam and glitter of stardom to grasp the intent of my question with regard to why others involved in this very same field of research have been given the cold shoulder. As originally stated, it is NOT an attempt to impune Mr. Costner's involvement in the project. I honestly do wish Mr. Costner and the technological research of David Meikrantz total success. And yet, it staggers the imagination why everybody and their grandmother seems to be coming to the defense of Kevin Costner as if I personally attacked him. Is there a zero balance in the United Bank of Comprehension, or what!?
Glo25420 ... As the self appointed spokesperson and interpreter for "all these people", please allow me to reiterate that nowhere in my stated viewpoint did I attempt to "diminish his contribution." Get it? Got it? I surely hope so. Matter of factly... If you read my original comment again, without your pre-conceived ideas already in place, you will see I also applauded it.
Chapin West ... (Please forgive the subtle and momentary plagiarism) You also have provided a rather interesting observation. However, perhaps if you were to examine your own perspective it would show that you disagree with mine but only on a different level of cognizance. Again, it's all about semantics and the interpretation of the written word. The viewpoint I was trying to express was quite similar to your own, though admittedly I worded it differently. You are wrong and right at the same time. You are right when you say I am optomistic. Indeed I am. But you're dead wrong when you imply that I'm pessimistic "at the same time". You're entitled to your own opinion though and I respect that. Honestly, I hope the technology and idea work.
You say you are an inventor yourself. There is no cause or reason for me not to believe you. So perhaps you can understand why it mystifies me that you were unable to grasp that very point when I mentioned my natural curiousity as to why Mr. Costner's approach was given consideration over others who have also come forward with their own solutions and technology, only to have run into brick walls and gotten the cold shoulder. Or, to use your phrase - "It's like pulling teeth".
Not knowing Mr. Costner personally, I won't imply that I do. However, I will continue to hope and pray for him and Mr. Meikrantz's research to become a booming (no pun intended) success. This disaster has gone on for far too long.
To me, this is where we are as a country. The right wing have consistently ridiculed Hollywood elite. Meantime, no one else in this country is developing anything. Through his art, Costner knew this was coming. Through their simple will to get reelected, Congress have cow-towed to these corporate criminals who refuse to invest in research and innovation. We had better get off our ass. Costner, with what he has envisioned, should be the role model. That image...Doug Suttles-needing Kevin Costner. That is where we are. We need Hollywood to save my beach in Alabama. Wake up America!
Your partisan rhetoric is boring. The right wing ridicules, as you say, the Hollywood elite because of their tendancy to idolize socialism (look up how many celebrities wrongly admire Che Guevara), all the while becoming richer and richer as a result of the capitalist system (Yes, I'm talking about you, too, Michael Moore). This story about Costner has absolutely nothing to do with partisanship. He's being entrepreneurial, and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our country. I applaud him his ingenuity.
Right-wing? LOL WAIT! I know It's Bush's fault. Even Obama's incompetence is somehow Bush's fault. Most of Hollywood DESERVES ridicule. Can we forget Bab's instruction to us to hang our clothes outside to dry? She told her maid to do so, after all.
Mr. Costner made no mention of politics and his motives seem real. 17 years is an incredible amount of time to wait for a return on his investment. Clearly, profit was not his motive. Good on ya Kevin Costner!
I never heard Kevin say he was a liberal or right wing but i will always stand with God and Christians any time before i would stand with Hollywood.
Danny- believe not envisioned, but begun after the spill of the Exxon Valdez.No one sees this gesture as a truly wonderful one- wonders what is being paid- for heavens sake- he has the technology, and Obame is allowing him to work.If he can do the job no one else can, the money is well spent
"Through his art, Costner knew this was coming."
Danny, can you explain to us readers exactly how making movies makes one able to predict the future? A five-year-old can predict that when one does anything risky without using proper safety precautions, there WILL be accidents. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out, nor does it take some Hollywood actor whom you put on pedestal solely because he has made a movie.
Maybe all of you should do what I did and look at this story from a different perspective. Try this:
http://money.cnn.com/2010/06/17/smallbusiness/small_business_bp_hearing/index.htm
Kevin Costner blasts Big Oil 'bureaucratic maze'
Never let it be said that Hollywood people are for themselves only. There are movers and shakers in this world -- and then there are watchers. Kevin deserves every accolade that befalls him. He has been selfless and a staunch supporter of keeping the Earth clean and preserved in it's natural state. I don't mean to belittle all the rock concert efforts, but Kevin's ingenuity and investment to this invention and state-of-mind blows everyone else's idea out of the water. God Bless Kevin and his family. A Nation forever in your debt.
Deborah-844057 - Well said!
Kevin has houses he owns in foreclosure. Lets not make a saint out of the man. He has a business and an itch as an environmentalist as most of us do. hes stands to make a nice profit from this spill and future business if it works. I hope he succeeds and if it is an efficient process at a good cost then we anoint him.
I was very glad when I heard that Kevin was trying to get the equipment to the Gulf. The feeling was tainted a bit by the fact that he SOLD them rather than donating, but...I guess it's not his fault that we're a country all about the mighty dollar. At least he invested his millions in something that could help the environment rather than only selfish fodder.
SO...I'm right there with ya Deborah!! Rock on Kevin!!
And people laughed when the government brought Kevin Costner on to the panel of experts.
I'm glad to see that he delivered. Let's get this cleaned up.
What about James Cameron? He has far more real expertise and far more money and connections.
Costner's got a bench test device being thrown at the world's greatest environmental disaster.
Maybe it was his epic performance in Water World that clinched the deal?
@Peter - do the gene pool a favor and blow the dog sh1t passing for your brains out now.
Maybe it was his epic performance in Water World that clinched the deal?
This time he will have to do it without the webbed feet.
Even though that movie did not do well that part was the underlying theme of the movie. That man emerged from the sea and now was returning.
Costner's substantial cash support for this invention enabled more than bench top models, and is the kind of risky support for development that neither corporations, government programs, venture capitalists nor certainly banks are willing to fund. Remember, one of the changes the Obama administration is trying to make is investment in science which was given short shrift in recent administrations. I suspect that other technologies are not being supported by BP because they are in need of more development for this particular application. A glance at Microsorb technology's website (mentioned in an earlier message) shows no history in open ocean environments. Hopefully it will work on the beach soils of Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida,.... Who will pay for this? Not towns, not land owners, not BP. Oh yes, tax payers!
I've followed this for a while, ever since he first mentioned it a few years ago. Apparently, he has heavily invested in this much needed tehnology as a result of the Alaskian fiasco and subsequent abandoment by Big Oil of the environment and communities. He reognized the need and instead of bitching he put his money where his mouth was/is.
It works! I'm glad bp finally allowed this man the opportunity to put to work the technology in which he invested.
This is amazing. 20 Million of his own money. I hope he shows us all.
working with BP is certainly "Danceing with Wolves"
Nice job Kevin we're really proud of you.
It's about time! I actually tried to reach you through you CAA weeks ago - I would have paid to see these deployed and I am sure thousands of others would have as well. Better late than never, although the late part has certainly cost us dearly.
Costner is the real deal. He has committed himself to this worthy project for 17 years. Other than making empty, meaningless speeches, fingerpointing, and cynically and bitterly ranting about "diving down to plug the well", what has Obama done for anyone? Nothing! And now he wants to sue the State of Arizona because AZ is forced to take matters into its own hands about an immigration emergency and has the support of the vast majority of Americans. Obama is toast. If he doesn't resign, he should be impeached.
Obama and all the politcians are inept. Nothing new there. Havent sued AZ yet. Worse then that is the Govt and its Obamanation keep violating law after law. Somebody throw them in jail.
The amount of money that goes to waste to "Entitlement or BAilout programs" is a joke. Govt needs to get off their butts and clean the mess up with BP. Bill them later but get it cleaned up.
Atleast Kevin has been putting his money into something productive. Way to go Kev. We need some leadership that can really lead and has morals. True values. We know were most of their values are...$
Care less about the little people. BP said it but the govt trully means it. Say one thing but do another.
All Hypocrits. Dont have time to figure the geniune ones anymore. Theres a mess to clean up.
You and the OP seriously need to get back on your medications.
SPill still was preventable which is the best approach. Atleast Kevin gets a shot at putting some R&D to work. Hope it works. Cant imagine that this will be the last oil spill. Sometimes they just happen.
Tired of the blame game, its time to get Kevin to work and stop the problem.
Dont know why they havent used Kevlar. Use it on Rockets. Works like duck tape. Could have wrap that well and re-routed the oil. At this rate, the mess continues.
Gotta see Kevin stuff work.
While Kevin's efforts are nice and so is everyone's enthusiasm, this is grade five science. I'm not quite sure why this is getting any attention at all. Water and oil have different densities and when you spin them in a centrifuge, or even leave them in a verticle vessel, they seperate. This is definitely not rocket science. Every single oil well in existence has a simple verticle seperator of some sort as all reservoirs contain an oil/water emulsion. I doubt sucking up the entire Gulf of Mexico into a centrifuge and spinning the oil out and then pumping clean water back is practical at all. In fact, because this isn't an emulsion, the oil and the water are already seperated. It's just that the Gulf has been flooded with several bazillion gallons of it. This redonkulous "state-of-the-art" techonolgy isn't going to do squatch folks. I take back my earlier statement. It probably will require some sort of super extended skimming and vacuuming of the oil over several years.
It is getting attention because it is not a concept, it is a reality. And we need reality at this point. Wishing and hoping, (hope and change, remember that catch phrase?) isn't going to get us anywhere. We need action. And yes, at this point it may take years, as the oil may flow for a long, long time. It's too bad these, and the Dutch skimmers, and more, weren't implemented much earlier. Perhaps some of the shore could have been spared.
It meets the 'best available technology' scratch and sniff test, for when BP is sitting in the Defense seat,
they can say they're 'monitoring the situation' and 'using the best available technology', ...like BigO does.
Do the gene pool a favor and blow the dog sh1t passing for your brains out now.
Seriously, Mark, did you really go through all that trouble to write the comment that you did?
It looks to me that all the SMART PEOPLE are here typing out all the answers to this problem. Get you rear ends and brains down there and solve this problem. Then get to washington kill the capitalist system and get us on that european socialist system before all the other countries prove it sucks worse than those dutch skimmers.
32 of these machines will do nothing for this spill. Each separates 210,000 gallons a day if they work properly. this is a test to see if they perform as stated and if they break down. We had a prototype separator brought in and used it for a month on a problem we had. Worked ok for a week then the material it was separating fouled it so bad it was practically useless after the first week.
Ivanho75,
What Costner's company did wasn't science, true, but science never incinerated Hiroshima and Nagasaki; engineering did. Centrifuges have been in use commercially for quite some time. What did not exist was anything that might reasonably be expected to make an impact on the current mess. If this device is effective, then Kevin will have earned any profits, not to mention our gratitude and respect. (Of course, Obama needs to stop dithering and BE 'the Man'. The heads that he needs to knock together are in HIS bureaucracies, mostly. Specifically, and only for starters, he needs to suspend the federal law that forbids foreign-flagged ships from doing business in US waters when travelling BETWEEN US ports. We need supertankers--that SHOULD'VE been en route here 2 months ago, but aren't--to speed up the cleanup. He also needs to suspend the current regs that forbid (under penalty of prison) local action to keep the oil out of the most sensitive areas absent specific permission from the feds.)
New technology? Come on, farmers were using it on a small scale to separate cream from milk from about 1900 until the industrialization of milk production in the 1970s. The story that their "inventor" conceived this well-known technology for use in the nuclear industry is pure hokum. He made enough changes and improvements to be patentable - period.
Nevertheless, Costner deserves full marks for putting up the money to scale up the separators and manufacture them for the market. Capitalism at its best.
You're an imbecile. Kill yourself now.
It's TRUE Mark. There AIN'T nuttin' new under the sun. Even the idea of a "chain reaction" in nuclear physics which gave impetus to the atom bomb was synthesized in the mind of Niels Bohr. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niels_Bohr after having played a game of billiards.
The brilliance of discovery in not for the most part, in something completely new, but rather in something that has been improved upon a previous discovery. We see farther than our forefathers, not because we are smarter, but because we stand on their shoulders. We see for them as they saw for us.
Darrow...for the Prosecution
Darrow-fortheProsecution,
Mostly, although that doesn't in the least account for the out-of-whole-cloth inventions of Nikola Tesla (while sleeping exhaustedly after a long day of digging trenches, no less), nor the ever-increasing seeming likelihood that quantum physics will likely prove Plato (and Heinlein, more's the irony) entirely correct and Aristotle brilliantly wrong as regards the fundamental nature of existence.
The guy definitely knows a thing or two about disaster on the seas ("Waterworld")...way to go, Kev!!! A true glimpse of Americans stepping up to the plate for their country.
Awesome Job Kevin!
Yes, Obama is to blame insofar as he had not acted quickly enough to purge Dick Cheney's energy task force driven MMS. Yes, he has been in office a year and a half. No, we do not have the technology as a government to fix this and BP has lied from day one. There is plenty of blame to go around here. MAINLY big oil money to Texas and Oklahoma politicians. Ensures no energy bill and toothless regulations. Finally, $20 Billion guaranteed as a start without bankrupting the company. That is a pretty good start. Now, the right wing is attacking the 9/11 administrator that will run this fund. People need to be right down the middle on this one. Because, inaction is the result of the middle not doing what needs to be done.
"insofar" ? really?...
The 911 guy who will distribute the funds is a bush appointee.
C'mon everyone. Can't we get together on anything anymore? We all want the oil to stop leaking and the gulf to be livable to animals and workable for humans. Why all the pointless slamming one another. Calm it down guys. We're in this boat together and only together do we survive. cheers. Val
Great thoughts!! Too bad many would rather care about their profits in big oil than about the eco-system and people and their livelihoods!!
This earth was given to us to use for betterment in our lifetimes, not to rape!!! I'm sure that God is not very happy with what we've done to her!!
Apparently the "boat" has taken on bit more water then the knee-jerk reactionaries can tolerate. Unfortunately their din is NOT the sound of bailing water, rather the carping of the entitlement crowd. I say make 'em walk the plank.
Darrow...for the Prosecution
A good idea but what would we do for entertainment? Slamming these lying trolls is fun.
BTW as this broke the CEO of was on his yacht racing in Britain hiding under a hoodie.
He better hurry before the Dutch skimmers have taken everything: http://www.examiner.com/x-325-Global-Warming-Examiner~y2010m6d15-Dutch-Skimmers-now-working-in-Gulf
Surely you jest
I know what Kevin Costner looks like. I would have rather seen a pic of the machine.
My hero!!
If you build it - BP will come... [you know someone had to say it...]
( Narrator )
The future:
The polar ice caps have melted, and the Gulf oil fields have blown out
covering the Earth with oily water.
Those who survived have adapted...to a new world.
(SFX: Gargling )
(SFX: Metal Clangs )
(SFX: Whistles )
Bad luck, English!
Its nice that Costner is trying to help, but MSNBC does not further what little journalisitic credibility they have when the author is deliberately mis-reporting facts.
Coster's company did not develop the technology, they purchased the patent (privately held) back around 1994 and are still using the original blueprints. It is a matter of public record and easily verifiable.
Of course MSNBC will do anything to mislead the public when a Hollywood progressive is the news story.
Smit...Can you read? Are you using this article for your own political agenda?
We love to shoot the messenger.
Capitalism, socialism any "ism" will eventually take over our mind and disconnect us from our hearts, then subverts us from our true nature. We can argue all day long, but Until we SEE ourselves as" part of " the eco-system, not separate from it, we are all doomed.
We love to shoot the messenger.
Capitalism, socialism any "ism" will eventually take over our mind and disconnect us from our hearts, then subverts us from our true nature. We can argue all day long, but Until we SEE ourselves as" part of " the eco-system, not separate from it, we are all doomed.
"The technology was developed two decades ago by a researcher at the Idaho National Laboratory by scientist David Meikrantz, who initially sought to use the machines to separate the components of nuclear substances. In 1993, INL licensed the technology to Ocean Therapy Solutions, a company owned by Costner."
WalterPaul - perhaps you are the one who needs to learn to read. The statement given above is copied and pasted directly from the news article. Neither Costner nor his company invented the technology. They BOUGHT it.
This technology was developed a few HUNDRED years ago, I used to turn a hand cranked cream and milk separator that was just a simple centrifuge so my Mom could make cottage cheese on her clothesline.
Simple and it works, to do it in the gulf just means you need a BIG one....*EB
scales67 So you like the copy and paste, here it is from the article. Perhaps you should mind your own business unless you know what your talking about. Or maybe learn how to comprehend what you read.
"The technology was developed two decades ago by a researcher at the Idaho National Laboratory by scientist David Meikrantz, who initially sought to use the machines to separate the components of nuclear substances.
In 1993, INL licensed the technology to Ocean Therapy Solutions, a company owned by Costner."
The technology was developed two decades ago by a researcher at the Idaho National Laboratory by scientist David Meikrantz, who initially sought to use the machines to separate the components of nuclear substances.