[softwarecreator]

Funny, how some people think this is crippling, but those of us in the oil exploration industry are not only grateful for steady work, but for pay raises which were virtually nonexistent from 1982 to 1996.

Oh well, when you put it that way I feel much better.  I'm happy that you're happy.  After work today I'll go to the gas pump and make your day just that much brighter!!

[Smokin' Joe]

Actually, we are keeping tribes of lawyers from joining the ranks of the trial (tort) types by keeping them busy doing title searches for mineral rights at courthouses across the oil-producing states.

That alons should e worth something...

Fleets of commercial grade vehicles will be purchased and/or replaced, heavy equipment, tubular steel goods (drill pipe, casing, and pipeline), miles of wire rope, oceans of diesel fuel, and a lot of fairly good paying jobs created.

All so folks who live in the hinterlands on $80,000 a year can pay taxes and support the 'homeless' in Silicon Valley who only make $300K...