We convened down at the Rig #8 this past Friday for our weekly alcohol-fueled sojourn down memory lane. This time the subject came up concerning some of the more wealthy members of our little oil patch fraternity and how they got that way. There were the usual yarns about old so-and-so and how he drilled […]
Born on a Prayer
Although completion of the Santa Rita #1 well in Reagan County in 1923 was preceded by the Mitchell County Abrams #1 (1920) and the Loving County Russell #1 (1921), firsts do not necessarily denote the most important. The Santa Rita well, which was in the same 100-barrel production range as those which preceded it, received […]
Permian Basin #1
Just one hundred years ago this year, some 19 years following the Spindletop discovery on the Gulf Coast that made Texas the leading oil producing state in the nation, the first successful oil well in what was to become known as the Permian Basin was drilled. At the time the region was viewed as a […]
In a Philanthropic Spirit
MIDLAND, TEXAS—In a special event hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals / Permian Basin chapter, a select group of philanthropic-minded folks were feted at the Petroleum Club in this city on Nov. 19. This “National Philanthropy Day” celebration recognized deserving individuals and groups who have generously bettered their communities and their fellow human beings. […]
Ziglo & Friends
My family moved to Odessa in 1949, just a year after George Bush moved his family there. George went to work peddling “rope, soap and dope” for one of the oilfield supply houses while my dad began building tanks for the National Tank Company. The Bushes left for Midland shortly after we arrived in town. […]
Homelessness the Theme of New Midland-based Film
“Finding Home in Boomtown” chronicles a family’s journey from six-figure oilfield job to living with and helping the homeless. “And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” Matthew 4:18-20, NASB “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep […]
Drilling Deeper
It’s a New World In this month’s roundup of news and views, we share some headlines that, five years ago, few would have expected to see. But that is how much things have changed since the previous boom cycle. These are the full versions of the “Drilling Deeper” news items that appeared as abbreviated versions […]
What Sells, and Why: An Auction Primer
Via email, Ben Beasley, Director, Strategic Accounts (Ritchie Bros.) provided PB Oil and Gas Magazine with feedback, as follows. PB Oil and Gas: What are the top items, count-wise, being put up for auction in the Permian over the last six months, or since January, whichever way you have recent time frames calculated? How has […]
Keeping Memories Alive
The history of any 100-year-old oilfield can be told from various perspectives. Ginger Birdwell Beisch’s book about the KMA Field uses several, including her own voice. The idea to write the book came from her little brother, Michael Bruce Birdwell. He’s pictured at age four in the oilfield scene on the cover of the book. […]
Oil Patch Tales: The Doodlebugger
By Bobby Weaver I was late getting down to the Rig #8 last Thursday but as soon I got there and my eyes adjusted to the dim interior I spotted all the regulars gathered at a corner table in what appeared to be a somewhat somber mood. I got my usual long neck and joined […]
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