Almost a year has gone by since the death of the legendary Michael Jackson. As we approach the anniversary, it seems as if we have been much more eager to enjoy to Michael's talents after his death rather than during his life. According to Billboard, Michael Jackson's estate has managed to earn $1 billion in the past year, and his estate is showing no signs of slowing down.

At the time of his death, Jackson was estimated to be worth between $500 million and $2 billion. This great disparity is due to the varying valuation of his 50 percent stake in Sony/ATV Music Publishing, the company that owns the publishing rights to music by the Beatles and other artists (including Eminem, Elvis Presley and Destiny's Child). The copyright catalog itself generates $80 million annually, with the Beatles' hits accounting for at least one-third of that income. We can certainly assume that these monies will continue to contribute to the billion-dollar fortunes of the Jackson estate for years to come.

The BP oil disaster highlights the issue of corporate responsibility, which saw itself eroded as a critical social concept under the term of President Bush. Corporate responsibility is integrated into a company's business through self-regulation and the acknowledgment of the public's interest in corporate decision making. Businesses benefit from developing business plans that focus on the long-term, broader vision, rather than only short-term profits, because it creates public support and positive community outcomes. However, BP's Gulf oil spill has provided an excellent example of why more businesses need better corporate responsibility standards, and to abide by the rules -- both written and socially implied -- already in place.

BP's share value has steadily fallen since the April 20th rig explosion and continues to slide with every failed maneuver to stop the oil leak. In fact, the company acknowledges that a permanent solution for containment of the oil will not be available until August. While there is no guarantee that the relief wells being dug will contain the spill, the damage to BP's value and reputation has already been done -- by a failure to take every responsible precaution in the first place.