Crude Oil Spill - Gallons or Barrels?

Has anyone noticed?

Ever since the crude oil began to spew forth from the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico the national press has reported the estimated amounts in gallons. That is until several days ago when BP began to recover some amount of the oil flowing out of the ruptured pipe, and now the national press is reporting the amounts of crude oil recovered in terms of barrels. In oil field terminology one barrel contains 42 gallons. I don't mean to minimize the seriousness of the situation. It is very serious. But, it does give cause to pause and ask: Why now barrels and not gallons? Is this the liberal main stream press again trying to shape public opinion? You make the call.