On a recent visit to SBG, Morgan and Mari Jackson shared a soup recipe from Haiti which calls for one fresh torn page from a bible.  They explained that some Haitians who lack the ability to read but still want to obey the ancient scripture "man shall not live by bread alone but by the word of God" take matters into their own hands and soup pots.  Fortunately for the collective digestive systems of these innovative chefs the Jacksons have been able to offer an improved (although reduced fiber) solution for millions of reading-impaired peoples:  scriptures they can ingest by simply listening to them in their native language.  Even after hearing this, SBG insisted on providing the snacks for all future meetings.

Chris Gill returned from Scotland recently to report that in spite of dubious beginnings (see previous post), his picture survey will soon be taken to the next level when it becomes an app for the iPad later this year.  Unfortunately, his newly-acquired church building in Bathgate was also taken to a new level - by a recent windstorm.  Chris continues to have high expectations for both prospects although he secretly hopes the building repair will indefinitely postpone the Annual Haggis Potluck dinner.

Focused on fortifying the family unit, Steve Partlow paid us a visit and told us stories of how piped-in parenting advice in Indonesian grocery stores causes shoppers to linger in the aisles and ultimately bring more than bags of food back to their families.  Motivated by the discussion, SBG insisted on eating lunch immediately after the meeting and made sure Steve's earnest efforts to nurture families were rounded out with a few manly rounds of destroying clay pigeons with shotguns.

Helping communities reduce teen violence, STI's and gang activity is the focus of Jim and Carol Wunder's work these days.  During their visit they informed us how the nation of Guatemala is slowly being transformed through special character-building curriculum taught in schools there.  In spite of the inspiring message, they were able to do little to reduce the violence that typically erupts during the Office Depot freebee giveaway events at SBG.

Before returning to their home in Kolkata, India, this family of six visited West Texas in July during the Great Drought of 2011.  The conversation was win-win as SBG was pleased to learn that their manufacturing business, which frees women from the 'business' they have been trafficked into, was thriving.  In turn, the Pounds were pleased to develop a better appreciation for the weather they experience daily in India.  

In spite of all efforts to glue her to her chair, Mallory has officially resigned.  During her tenure at SBG Mallory's career ambitions wandered off from the field of infant to geriatric care.  We believe this is no coincidence and are honored to have been her inspiration.  With Mallory's exit comes Chelsea Young's entrance to the office.  She, like her predecessor, plans to pursue an occupation serving children someday.  Our work has already begun.

Chris Gill, formerly of Hungary, told us he is spending much of his time in his new home in Edinburgh hanging out in city parks, showing pictures to complete strangers and asking them what they are thinking about as they view them.  We advised he should stay in Scotland as people get arrested in the States for doing things like that.  After Chris assured us his pictures were appropriate and his questions had purpose (to help people explore the meaning of life and their role in it), we were more comfortable viewing his Powerpoint presentation.

Cliff Hale's life work is about reaching out to and restoring prisoners.  We were held captive one afternoon by his tales of Storybook Dads, a unique way incarcerated fathers can connect with their children.  While Cliff refused to tell us 'just one more story' we were grateful that he did let us get a drink of water before we returned to our offices.

Today SBG announces the formation of three new companies which will eventually house the majority of our oil and gas interests:  Realeza Del Spear LP (for our royalty interests), Trabajo Del Spear LP (for our working interests), and Tierra Del Spear LP (for our surface interests).  Like feeder rivers empty into a larger body of water, our existing bevy of companies will eventurally pour into these three new companies.  We anticipate this change will not only increase the efficiency of our processes and further secure our assets, but also satisfy our nearly insatiable need to create new companies.  Please bear with us as we dive in to this new adventure and let us know if you have any pressing questions (or discrete referrals).

After participating in an intervention with our accountants and attorneys, SBG is pleased to announce some long-awaited rehabilitation plans.  The good news:  we plan to consolidate companies to reduce the overhead associated with managing so many entities (currently 13 and counting).  The bad news:  In order to do it, we are creating more companies.  While the year ahead looks daunting, we are confident that the streamlined operations and increased letterhead space will have been well worth the effort.  If you have any questions about our consolidation plans and how that might affect doing business with us, please contact us.