This (should be) the final installment in a series about one man's attempt to be compensated for damages resulting from British Petroleum's Deep Water Horizon oil spill.
Now that summer is in full swing, I'm sure you've seen the BP TV commercials urging you to C'MON DOWN to the Gulf Coast!!
How it was
Boomers, I see these spots through a different set of eyes. We've had a place in Alabama since Hurricane Ivan (that's how time is measured on the Gulf Coast) and Charlotte and I are frequent guests at many of the places featured in these spots - Belingrath Gardens...Lulu's...The Oyster House...and others.
The commercials make it appear like - in spite of the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history -- everything's back to normal. Clean beaches. Crystal-clear water. Great deep sea fishing. Restaurants overflowing with fresh gulf shrimp and oysters. Free unicorn rides for everyone 6 and older (Ok, I made that one up).
You can't believe anything you see on TV, right?
Well...for once in your life, you actually CAN believe something you see on TV. Ok, you can call bullshit on the unicorn, but the rest is absolutely TRUE.
The beaches are spotless. The water really is crystal-clear. My friends who fish, say the deep sea fishing is good. And I can personally tell you the fresh seafood is over-the-top delicious.
The Gulf Coast's taken more nut shots than you'll see in a year's worth of America's Funniest Home Videos
Yeah, I know you're saying, Geez, when did Bob get a job with Gulf Coast tourism? Didn't happen. I'm giving you the 411 on a part of the country that's taken more nut shots than you'll see in a year's worth of America's Funniest Home Videos.
It's back, baby.
I'll admit I've bashed BP repeatedly. Like here and here and here and well yeah, here.
BP screwed up. Of course, screwed up doesn't do justice to the damage they caused. But, they accepted blame and in spite of a lot of mistakes, they've maintained the attitude of, Dude, just give us a chance and we'll make it right.
In a lot of cases, they haven't made it right.
They've made it better.
Hell, they even made good (sort of) on our damages claim. The payment fund has been through three (that's right, 3) different administrators in two years. They tossed us around like an open bag of Doritos at a Grateful Dead concert. We came out the other end a little dizzy, but with a check in our hands and the promise that there might be a little more.
Will their compensation get us back to even? We're close now, but only time will really tell.
What I CAN tell you is that if Gulf Coast time really IS measured in storms. This one's been a bitch. But you know what?
They rode it out like Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump.
Welcome back, y'all.
Here are a couple of Southern girls that'll put you in a Gulf Coast frame of mind.
The Coast
Court Yard Hounds
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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