The Least of These - A Memoir by Bob Carnes

In this episode, Bob Carnes delves into the gritty and dangerous life of snubbing hands working offshore in Louisiana. He recounts his experiences, the physical toll of the job, and the camaraderie among his colleagues. The narrative paints vivid pictures of tough working conditions, high-stakes operations, and the larger-than-life characters like Lynn Boyd who played pivotal roles in this demanding environment. Bob also shares personal anecdotes about the toll the job took on his body, the brotherhood formed in adversity, and the unique world of offshore oil fields.

• 00:00 Introduction to Snubbing Hands
• 01:16 A Day in the Life of a Snubbing Helper
• 02:18 Challenges and Dangers of the Job
• 03:13 Life Offshore and Onshore
• 05:10 Meeting Lynn Boyd
• 06:41 Lynn Boyd's Reputation and Stories
• 09:41 Bar Fights and Brotherhood
• 15:41 Final Reflections and Anecdotes

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In this episode, Bob Carnes recounts his experiences working offshore in the 1960s, with a focus on the exceptional talents of Luke Metcalf, a wireline operator for an oilfield service company. Bob describes their challenging work environment, including dealing with paraffin-clogged wells and navigating dangerous conditions. Despite the hazards, Luke's remarkable skills and calm demeanor earned him widespread respect.

Bob also reflects on personal anecdotes and the nature of working in the oil fields, highlighting Luke's subsequent career achievements and the camaraderie among workers.

• 00:00 Introduction to Bob Carnes Memoir
• 01:13 Meeting Luke Metcalf
• 02:47 First Offshore Job with Luke
• 06:15 Challenges on the Platform
• 09:25 Luke's Exceptional Skills
• 10:47 Reflections and Personal Insights
• 11:35 The Oil Field Experience
• 14:34 The Satisfaction of Teamwork

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Journeys of a Wireline Worker: From Newsman to Engineer -

Bob Carnes delves into his adventurous journey from a newsman to a wireline engineer. Encouraged by his wife Sylvia amid initial skepticism, Bob recounts his work with Otis Engineering, moving to Homer, Louisiana, and navigating life offshore. Meet vibrant characters like the veteran operator Walt Reach, the aggressive Quinn Dugger, the tough ex-marine Herman Trehan, the charming Sam, and more. Through intriguing anecdotes, Bob reflects on the unique challenges and camaraderie of offshore life, balancing work, study, and family, and ultimately achieving his engineering dreams.

• 00:00 Introduction: Bob Carnes Memoir
• 00:28 A New Challenge: Becoming an Engineer
• 02:05 Starting at Otis Engineering
• 02:47 Life Offshore: Wireline Operations
• 04:18 Memorable Characters: Walt Reetz
• 07:39 Memorable Characters: Quinn Duggars
• 10:20 Memorable Characters: Herman Trahan
• 14:46 Memorable Characters: Sam O'Baugh
• 17:08 Offshore Life: Challenges and Stories
• 23:57 Weathering the Storms: Offshore Dangers
• 28:05 Conclusion: Reflections

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In this heartfelt session, Bob Carnes recounts the deep love story he shared and still shares with his wife, Sylvia Thorn Carnes. From their divine union sealed under a full moon in 1957 to the highs and lows of life, Bob details their journey together through decades of marriage, family, and personal growth.

A poignant tribute to a wife, mother, and dedicated educator, this episode captures the essence of unwavering love and support.

• 00:00 A Fateful Meeting Under the Moon
• 01:42 Sylvia's Early Life and Family
• 03:35 High School and College Adventures
• 06:18 Love and Marriage
• 09:46 Early Married Life and Career Struggles
• 12:36 Raising a Family and Career Changes
• 13:27 Challenges and Triumphs in Austin
• 14:49 A New Beginning in Oregon
• 15:56 Reflections on a Life Together

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In this episode, Bob Carnes delves into his memoirs, detailing his early career as a reporter/photographer for WBAP-TV in Fort Worth, Texas. Hired by Russ Thornton, Carnes recounts his initial interactions with the gruff newsroom leader Doyle Heon, his experiences covering breaking stories like a brush fire and a plane crash, and his adventures with colorful colleagues. From lacking typing skills to capturing dramatic footage, Carne's journey provides an insider's look at the world of television news in the 1960s, filled with memorable characters and significant events.

• 00:00 Introduction to Bob Car's Memoir
• 00:33 Joining WBAP-TV: A Rocky Start
• 01:40 Early Experiences and Challenges
• 02:59 Transition to WBAP: New Beginnings
• 04:23 Life at WBAP: Colleagues and Mentors
• 09:36 Memorable Stories and Scoops
• 18:33 Reflections on a Newsman's Life
• 20:58 The Importance of People in Our Lives

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A First-Hand Account of the Charles Whitman Sniping:

Bob Carnes recounts his unexpected role as a part-time newsman during the infamous Charles Whitman sniper attack at the University of Texas in 1966. Drawing from his vivid memoir 'The Least of These', Carnes details the harrowing events of that day, including filming the chaos with a Bell and Howell camera. He shares his internal conflict between documenting the tragedy and the urge to help victims, ultimately providing a raw and first-hand perspective on one of the earliest mass shootings in modern U.S. history. Learn about the bravery, the errors, and the heavy toll of witnessing such an event up close.

• 00:00 Introduction to Bob Carnes' Memoir
• 00:16 The Day of the Sniper Attack
• 00:44 On the Scene: Filming the Chaos
• 02:19 Moments of Heroism and Fear
• 06:33 The Aftermath and Reflection
• 07:46 Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned

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In this first episode, Bob Carnes reflects on his journey as a mechanical engineer in the oil industry, describing his numerous projects, including an offshore semi-submersible rig and two land rigs for Wyoming. This is a story of professional triumphs, missed opportunities, and the relentless pursuit of a career in oil drilling.

• 00:00 Introduction to Bob Carnes and Mazah Margolin
• 00:28 Meeting at Midland Airport
• 01:55 The Texas Oil Field and Company Dynamics
• 02:32 Offshore Rig Project in Trinidad
• 04:14 Challenges and Innovations in Rig Building
• 12:13 Family Life and Travels
• 15:21 Visit to Israel
• 23:01 Career Reflections and Missed Opportunities
• 28:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts with Baron Wiley

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