WorldWide Drilling Resource

The “Idiots” Corner by “Billy Bob Smith” Did you do anything stupid in 2016? Well, you would be amazed at some of the stupid stuff people did last year. I will only share a few of the common ones as I’m sure you have more important things to do than read about other people’s dumb actions. Last year, a very large organization decided they wanted to be even bigger so they purchased one of their larger competitors to take them off the market and gain their revenue and market share. Guess what? It only took six months for them to realize it was a huge mistake. Yes they gained their revenue, but also their huge debt - HELLO!!! One of my favorite stories is when Sperry merged with Burroughs. Seven years after the so-called merger, management still couldn’t agree on whether Sperry bought Burroughs or Burroughs bought Sperry. I don’t care who you voted for - did you know Macy’s refused to carry Trump stuff? Guess what - now they are closing 60+ stores and laying off 10,000 people. The lesson - Don’t mix business with politics. How about the stupid restaurant owner who said, “If you voted for Trump, you are not welcome here.” My favorite stupid stuff from 2016 was the whole election chaos and dysfunction portrayed by the media and pundits. It’s a good thing they are losing relevance because it’s almost like predicting the weather. Even if they are wrong, they will find an excuse to justify their errors. Admit a mistake or stupidity - never. Here’s one more for the books. Since the internet seems to be taking over the world, this organization decided all their hiring would now be done online only. No more personal interviews. Can you believe it???? Well, it only took a few bad hires for them to realize, yes, technology is a valuable tool, but they couldn’t eliminate the human touch without making serious mis- takes. Been there? Billy Bob Contact him via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com Water Innovation from Israel to Nevada Adapted from Information Provided by WaterStart and the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development There are 7366 miles separating Jerusalem and Las Vegas; but while the two cities may be a world apart, their interests unite when it comes to water tech- nology. The Nevada Water Center of Excellence (COE), the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) are working together with Israel to create sustainable water solutions for the state. “Through our work with partners, we have struck two agreements that have the potential to bring new businesses and technologies to Las Vegas from Israel,” said Nathan Allen, executive director of the COE. “As we continue to do business in Israel, we are seeing progress within the water industry sector, and I’m optimistic that we’ll see even more deals in the future.” Israel has long positioned itself as a global water technology leader. Enhanced research and development efforts in the arid country have spurred a number of homegrown companies to create sustainable designs for the water sector. As the driest place in the United States, Nevada is in a unique position to collaborate with Israel on water technology. In 2014, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval went on a trade mission to Israel to work in partnership with the country toward water solutions for two similarly dry landscapes. It was also a time for experts in water resource technology from both locations to exchange ideas. On the final day of his trade mission, the governor addressed the Water Technology and Environment Control Exhibition and Conference (WATEC) in Tel Aviv. “Nevada and Israel are both challenged by our arid regions and as a result, we both recognize the opportunities our home- lands have given us,” said Governor Sandoval. “New technologies and smart solutions are essential for Israel to meet the water demands necessary for a growing and vibrant population and industrial sector; and the same can be said for Nevada. I look forward to continuing to work with Israel and WATEC to expand on the opportunities available to us.” Nevada officials hope to continue building connections through job growth and relocation between Nevada and Israel as they develop useful water technol- ogy for dry climates. “For nearly a decade, SNWA has maintained strong re- lationships with water agencies in Israel,” said David Johnson, SNWA deputy general manager. “This not only increases service reliability for all of our cus- tomers, but also advances the evolution of these cutting-edge technologies.” Desert in Israel, courtesy of Matthew Parker. Desert in Nevada. 26 MARCH 2017 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® “This is a takeover, not a merger of equals.” ~Adrian Pilz