a different kind of life

There are weeks that really feel like inflection points. Oh, the ocean's on fire? Fire clouds? Sure. Why not.

When I was in high school, I placed second in a public speaking competition (yes) on the basis of my prepared speech about the Exxon Valdez disaster and an improvised speech about triangles. I was an absolute riot in high school.

After Exxon came Deepwater. Before and after Deepwater - well, take your pick.

I come from an oil family in a country with an oil-based economy. I was raised in the company of mud men and directional drillers; of roughnecks and roustabouts. I grew up with a refinery in the background. Various of my friends and relatives work on rigs or in some capacity for oil companies. Various of my other friends became marine biologists and environmentalists. They agree on more than you might expect.