Greetings from the Bayou City, where if possible the weather has gotten even stranger since our last report. I felt it in my head, but was not surprised to hear that in 2016 Houston has had more persistent rain than any time since the 1950's. Which is like when I was born. At least (knocking on wood) no tropical storms involved. It's probably all my fault; I bought a new car in January and got a car wash contract to baby it. A nice ride, and it leaves the garage only on sunny days. Which means that it has 500 miles on it. A sorry state of affairs.
Speaking of age, it came to me that I have finally gotten old. I know this because I frequently go to Florida to be with my own kind. One has to admit that this is not totally painful.
This is the exact spot on my morning walk at Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada when I decided to retire. For good. And headed to the Tiki Bar to confirm the decision.
Ruminations
In all seriousness, I am lucky that I live in a building that is 6' above grade and can run away when I like. The flooding in Texas has been no picnic and our friends in Louisiana for whom I feel a great deal of kinship got absolutely hammered over the summer. Thanks to social media we all share photos, and I've never seen so many scenes of washed out communities in the most unlikely places. It's not like any sensible person builds in a flood plain. But when the Addicks dam in Houston gets to within 2' of flood stage, the approaches to the Sabine River bridge become impassable and Denham Springs near Baton Rouge floods, that's not normal. No one can control the weather, but you can control the aftermath. So do the right thing and give in whatever way that you can. A lot of people out there are hurting, and not just due to the lousy conditions in the oil and gas business (more on that below). Think of what you would do if your house had four feet of water in it.
So on the to oil and gas bust. As described in our last News, our friends in Saudi Arabia have been turning the screws on the US energy boom. But it's not all the same as it was. Production in Iran is turning out not nearly to be the big thing that it was expected to be. Venezuela is in absolute chaos and production is falling fast. Russia can't keep up and their infrastructure is failing fast as they face a cash crisis. Nigerian production is declining due to sabotage and infrastructure problems. In the US, weaker shale players have had to declare bankruptcy, but the rigs are returning to the hot spot: the Permian basin. That capacity can push back against all but the most serious players. And the US has the largest refining and petrochemical processing capacity in the world, most of which sits right by the San Jacinto Monument. Take a drive out to Mont Belvieu and observe the gigantic construction projects that are going on at Chevron and Conoco. It hurts me to say, but the near future does not lie with the offshore drilling industry. They are dumping rigs and people like there is no tomorrow. It lies in land drilling and the downstream that transforms cheap oil and gas into products, and all of the mechanics needed to do that. Long term, this may change. But who has time to wait?
The point of this is that if you need a job, or want a better job, look to downstream.
Next to politics. Isn't this interesting? Without commenting on the candidates, a historic election in which neither major candidate has an approval rating of greater than 40% of registered voters. This hasn't happened ever. Not going to the issues at the presidential level, but I'm concentrating on my senators and my congressman. No other way to defend ourselves.
Finally, another snipe at Transocean for kicking its retirees off the back of the boat regarding health insurance. The Affordable Care Act which we have been forced into is no longer funny as mainstream insurers are leaving the ACA exchanges in droves, and average health insurance costs for retirees are three times what they were under company sponsored plans and it will probably go to five times by the end of the year. If we can get suitable coverage at all. I look at it like this: if the US military were to cut retiree benefits, how many people would be willing to volunteer to risk their necks when young knowing that they would be cast aside in retirement?
Finally, another snipe at Transocean for kicking its retirees off the back of the boat regarding health insurance. The Affordable Care Act which we have been forced into is no longer funny as mainstream insurers are leaving the ACA exchanges in droves, and average health insurance costs for retirees are three times what they were under company sponsored plans and it will probably go to five times by the end of the year. If we can get suitable coverage at all. I look at it like this: if the US military were to cut retiree benefits, how many people would be willing to volunteer to risk their necks when young knowing that they would be cast aside in retirement?
History
Aimee Dobbs, who has retired to care for her mother (and boy, that's another issue that we all will face sooner or later), provided the attachments to this blog which are most instructive as to how Global Marine came to be and documenting the history of Global Marine and Santa Fe International up to their merger. I sure wish we had more history like this floating around. I'm still working on finding a home for the the memorabilia that is in the hands of the alumni and soon to end up in attics, basements or dust bins. Who will care about those things after we are gone? Here are links to Aimee's work.
History of Global Marine and Offshore Drilling
History of Global Marine and Offshore Drilling
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwidhKSgJo8WWkl4Y3JsYUNISUU
History of Global Marine and Santa Fe International
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwidhKSgJo8Wb21FY2IxdmUzWTg
The Business of the Tribe
It's been a busy summer for the tribe, primarily attempting to keep jobs or get new jobs or retiring. So rather than focus on the obvious troubles, we're going to turn to personal matters; but if you know any member who is in need, help them out. This is no time to stint.
In a serious matter, our co-worker Kevin Coffman was injured in a household fall and suffered severe head injuries. James Stegall has been keeping up with Kevin and reports that he is making good progress to a recovery, which is hopeful as falls are often fatal. Kevin is proceeding with therapy but is still in assisted care. He's been in there for 96 days. For those of you who know Kevin (or who don't for that matter), you know that every measure of support is a good one. Contact James or myself if you want to reach out.
On happier notes, we have members doing what they always planned to do (and succeeded).
Jeff Shepard is conspicuously happy except for the usual routine of house repairs. He refers to himself as the "quartermaster", although I think he is really the general. The fishing and golfing seem to outweigh the mundane duties. I would say happy enough. Alaska seems to be a primary destination. Been there, done that, but only in high summer. If you feel like a cruise, pick one of the smaller ships that can sneak into the fjords. Don't go for the standard Alaska gold rush tours, which are pretty much like going to Knott's Berry Farm.
Keith Shuffler reports that while still employed he has acquired a ranch capable of handling 18 longhorns. There's a funny reference to Texas football available, but we're not going there (especially since UT thumped Notre Dame last night, although I'm not sure that I like the new Bevo). You've got to have built-in persistence to run a ranch. Keith says, and I quote with a little adaption, "I should encourage Pharaoh to free the slaves before the flies and frogs besiege us".
Khaled el-Barkouki forwarded the following envious photo. Question is, who's driving? A James Bond shot. Everyone's in the back of the boat! Martinis anyone?
James Stegall was able to undertake a visit to Yellowstone with his kids. Very cute kids. This takes me back to when my parents carted me off to the Parks. I think I was a little troublesome. Ergo summer camps, the Indian Guides, the Boy Scouts, and any other reason to get me out of house for the summer. It was a wise maneuver, and still is. America is amazing. I still remember camping in the wild under the Sequoias and catching trout for breakfast. You feel a little small under an 800' tree. Which is the point.
Speaking of the National Parks, August 25th was the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. So to commemorate these great servants of our heritage, a few photos from The National Parks Photography Project, which I was happy to support as a board member.
All 59 photos, one each of the 59 parks, are exhibiting; at the Houston Museum of Natural Science through September 7, The GW Bush Library at SMU and the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library next, I think. Go see them.
Honor of Family
More than one of our members have taken time from work to raise their children. This is not of necessity, but because they wanted to. I cannot think of a greater purpose and sacrifice. After all, the next generation is not us, it's what we can help the children to be.
Necrology
We lost several members of the tribe in the interval, which is never happy news to report.
Andy Anderson - May 2, 2016
Andy was one of the best liked people at Global Marine and later ADTI. Fellow member Dan Hansen summed it up best. "You could always count on Andy. All the time and every time. Always willing and able." For myself I might add that Andy was one of the most humorous and even handed persons that I ever met. We were in offices next to each other at ADTI, and when I needed a lift I would go next door. More than one tear in my eyes.
George Rowe - May 7, 2016
George was one of our more colorful characters. He was forceful and direct; in other words a born rig manager. When you were on his good side he was cordial; if not you would get the business. He was a soldier, as said by more than one. But like any good soldier, when you needed help George was right there and would stand by you.
Bill Hamby - June 19, 2015
Somehow we missed Bill's passing, with great regret. Bill was a great comrade, good humored and always willing to listen, but also very good at his job. He was also very private whilst being outgoing. An interesting, highly intellectual individual who we shall miss very much. With a laugh, which Bill would probably appreciate. He loved to laugh.
The Last Word
The glory days of the offshore drilling business are over for a time - bearing in mind that our business is cyclical and always will be. I also note as I run though the Directory that we are experiencing a generational change. Many retirements and more than a few departures, all heartfelt losses. But a new generation coming to the fore, as it should be.
So look after each other. The new generation needs to be brought along as our elders brought us along. The Tribe is a living thing, and never forget that.
History of Global Marine and Santa Fe International
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwidhKSgJo8Wb21FY2IxdmUzWTg
The Business of the Tribe
It's been a busy summer for the tribe, primarily attempting to keep jobs or get new jobs or retiring. So rather than focus on the obvious troubles, we're going to turn to personal matters; but if you know any member who is in need, help them out. This is no time to stint.
In a serious matter, our co-worker Kevin Coffman was injured in a household fall and suffered severe head injuries. James Stegall has been keeping up with Kevin and reports that he is making good progress to a recovery, which is hopeful as falls are often fatal. Kevin is proceeding with therapy but is still in assisted care. He's been in there for 96 days. For those of you who know Kevin (or who don't for that matter), you know that every measure of support is a good one. Contact James or myself if you want to reach out.
On happier notes, we have members doing what they always planned to do (and succeeded).
Jeff Shepard is conspicuously happy except for the usual routine of house repairs. He refers to himself as the "quartermaster", although I think he is really the general. The fishing and golfing seem to outweigh the mundane duties. I would say happy enough. Alaska seems to be a primary destination. Been there, done that, but only in high summer. If you feel like a cruise, pick one of the smaller ships that can sneak into the fjords. Don't go for the standard Alaska gold rush tours, which are pretty much like going to Knott's Berry Farm.
Keith Shuffler reports that while still employed he has acquired a ranch capable of handling 18 longhorns. There's a funny reference to Texas football available, but we're not going there (especially since UT thumped Notre Dame last night, although I'm not sure that I like the new Bevo). You've got to have built-in persistence to run a ranch. Keith says, and I quote with a little adaption, "I should encourage Pharaoh to free the slaves before the flies and frogs besiege us".
Khaled el-Barkouki forwarded the following envious photo. Question is, who's driving? A James Bond shot. Everyone's in the back of the boat! Martinis anyone?
James Stegall was able to undertake a visit to Yellowstone with his kids. Very cute kids. This takes me back to when my parents carted me off to the Parks. I think I was a little troublesome. Ergo summer camps, the Indian Guides, the Boy Scouts, and any other reason to get me out of house for the summer. It was a wise maneuver, and still is. America is amazing. I still remember camping in the wild under the Sequoias and catching trout for breakfast. You feel a little small under an 800' tree. Which is the point.
Speaking of the National Parks, August 25th was the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. So to commemorate these great servants of our heritage, a few photos from The National Parks Photography Project, which I was happy to support as a board member.
 |
| Half Dome Yosemite |
 |
| Great Sand Dunes |
Honor of Family
More than one of our members have taken time from work to raise their children. This is not of necessity, but because they wanted to. I cannot think of a greater purpose and sacrifice. After all, the next generation is not us, it's what we can help the children to be.
Necrology
We lost several members of the tribe in the interval, which is never happy news to report.
Andy Anderson - May 2, 2016
Andy was one of the best liked people at Global Marine and later ADTI. Fellow member Dan Hansen summed it up best. "You could always count on Andy. All the time and every time. Always willing and able." For myself I might add that Andy was one of the most humorous and even handed persons that I ever met. We were in offices next to each other at ADTI, and when I needed a lift I would go next door. More than one tear in my eyes.
George Rowe - May 7, 2016
George was one of our more colorful characters. He was forceful and direct; in other words a born rig manager. When you were on his good side he was cordial; if not you would get the business. He was a soldier, as said by more than one. But like any good soldier, when you needed help George was right there and would stand by you.
Bill Hamby - June 19, 2015
Somehow we missed Bill's passing, with great regret. Bill was a great comrade, good humored and always willing to listen, but also very good at his job. He was also very private whilst being outgoing. An interesting, highly intellectual individual who we shall miss very much. With a laugh, which Bill would probably appreciate. He loved to laugh.
The Last Word
The glory days of the offshore drilling business are over for a time - bearing in mind that our business is cyclical and always will be. I also note as I run though the Directory that we are experiencing a generational change. Many retirements and more than a few departures, all heartfelt losses. But a new generation coming to the fore, as it should be.
So look after each other. The new generation needs to be brought along as our elders brought us along. The Tribe is a living thing, and never forget that.
