WorldWide Drilling Resource

Through the Front Door! by Jim Kuebelbeck As the readers of WorldWide prob- ably know, I wasn’t always a water dows- er. Our experiences in life make us who we are, and everything that happens along the way contributes in some way to what we ultimately become as a per- son. I believe we are all born with differ- ent talents and abilities, and it is solely up to us to discover and develop these unique inborn talents to a level whereby they can be of benefit to ourselves or others. Some years ago, I was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Brunswick, Georgia. Besides enjoying some of the local beaches, many of the airmen played a lot of pool in the establishments around town. Shooting pool was quite popular in the area at the time, and some of us had actually become quite good at it (me included, if I say so myself) and I often somehow managed to beat some of the other airmen in the squadron. At the time, Willie Mosconi, one of the best-known “pool sharks” in the United States, agreed to put on an exhibition in one of the local pool halls. The event was widely publicized, and many of us on the base looked forward to his exhibition. To us, it was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a true professional, and many of us airmen came into town to witness the event. Before Willie began his “show” he asked if anyone wanted to volunteer playing with him. No one raised their hands. Then, in an effort to embarrass me, some of the other airmen in the audience (whom I had beaten in the past), pointed to me and loudly said, “He will!” More than a bit red-faced, I reluctantly agreed, and walked over to the pool table. Willie told me he’d play a little “rotation” (where we’d each have to shoot all the numbered balls in sequence; one through fifteen). He told me I could break. I really slammed the cue ball, and the balls went all over the table - but none went in. Then Willie unceremoniously pro- ceeded to clean the table from 1 through 15. I vividly remember the cheers and jeers and laughter from my so-called friends. Willie then suggested we play a game of “8 ball”. I didn’t manage to get any balls in the pockets in that game either, but I did get a smile and a handshake from Willie, which was reward enough I guess. In retrospect, I believe some of the guys were jealous of me, after the fact, but at least I can always say I shot pool with one of the greatest pool players of all time, and it remains forever in my mem- ory! The statements and comments in this article are based on information and references believed to be true and factual. If you have any questions or comments, please forward them to me in care of WWDR . Jim Jim Kuebelbeck may be contacted via e-mail to michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com 44 MAY 2019 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Congratulations to: g Carol Jansons a s ns Lakewood, CO o , Winner for April! r Time for a Little Fun! April Puzzle Solution: Vanair Manufacturing, Inc. Eijkelkamp/SonicSampDrill Win a prize! Send your completed puzzle to: WWDR PO Box 660 Bonifay, FL 32425 or fax to: 850-547-0329 Can you identify which ads in this issue these two photos came from? September 26-27, 2019 Hyatt Regency Dulles Herndon, Virginia For more information call 877-632-4748 or visit www.nda4u.com Save the Date 2019 NDA Convention Exhibitor & Sponsor Opportunities are Available! Golf Outing - President’s Dinner with Awards & Entertainment - Presentations for CE Credits - Outdoor Rig Displays - and More...