Well-traveled columns

Laura Bell
Statistics Editor

OGJ editors are assigned months in advance the task of writing this weekly column. For most editors, the column presents an opportunity to explore unconventional topics that might not otherwise fit so neatly into the publication's news or technology sections. At its core, this column is and always has been a chance for the writer to step back from the rigors of producing and editing technical papers and writing news stories and showcase a more imaginative, creative side.

Some editors thrive on this assignment and can't wait to write their next column. Others, myself included, can dread it. After all, I'm a numbers person. I'll take a spreadsheet over a writing assignment any day.

Red Beans, Rice & Tabouli-a book published in 1996 by OGJ's parent company PennWell Publishing Co.-showcases some of the best Journally Speaking columns published during 1970-95.

Topics for these columns vary widely, but some of the best highlight travel, which is a necessity for many OGJ editors to cover industry news and technology and bring such stories to readers. Editors-whether traveling afar or barely straying from their own backyards-usually have a good tale or two to tell. What follows are a few of my favorite Journally Speakings about travel.

'I'm still here'

Many good stories involve details about the indigenous people of the country to which an editor travels. OGJ staff member Alvaro Farco traveled to South America on vacation to translate for a local Tulsa independent producer. Writing in the Jan. 14, 1974, issue of OGJ, Farco highlighted his experience of locating a "ghost" drilling rig in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. After searching Bolivia's jungles he found the abandoned rig collecting dust and rusting in the scorching heat and rain of the jungle. He suddenly found an older Brazilian man wondering around the site. The old man explained to Farco that he worked for the drilling operator and had been told that the operation was shutting down but was asked to remain and watch over the rig. Many years went by, but he continued to get a monthly check from someone.

Farco wrote of the older man: "He eyed my camera and then suddenly said, 'Please take my picture and, if you ever run into them, show it to them. And tell them I'm still here.'" The older man was ready to return to Brazil for his final days. Later Franco tried to find the operator but suspected the old Brazilian man was still at the rig site.

Red beans and rice

Longtime Chief Technology Editor Leo Aalund had contributed many columns to the Red Beans, Rice & Tabouli book, the title of which was the namesake of one of his most poignant columns. Aalund often based his Journally Speakings on two pet subjects: travel and food.

In the May 8, 1995, issue of OGJ, Aalund wrote about the construction of a huge LNG complex and port at Ras Laffan, Qatar, and how it was a huge undertaking to feed more than 5,000 workers with various ethnic backgrounds.

But what do you feed the workers from various parts of the world? Sodexho, a French company who specialized in catering and food operations, had the task of feeding those thousands of workers and built an extensive menu to satisfy each of the ethnic backgrounds represented.

Sodexho said, "Ethnic food is a critical element in project productivity, first there is a culture shock when a foreign worker is placed in an alien environment. 'Home cooking' helps overcome the shock. Then there sometimes are religious restrictions that must be considered."

Sodexho was also supplying a workboat operating in the waters off Qatar. Guess what that boat was serving up for dinner? Red beans and rice.