Saturday, December 31, 2005

Welcome to the New Year, Midland!

Oh my... what a year this has been:

Personally, my wife and I purchused our first house, have a baby on the way, we have a mutt named Chet who is funny as all get-out, family life has had it's ups and downs... and there are no signs of things slowing down for 2006, because BABY is on the WAY!

Work-wise, changes are in the air. Real estate is booming unlike anything Midland has EVER seen. The number of builders in Midland has doubled since last year and now all the sub-contractors need more help. Hell! We need more sub-contractors! Employment in Midland is at an all time high and that is with more and more people moving into Midland. The rent market is maxed out and shows no signs of slowing down at all.

As for Midland itself, check this out. A big push was made to get petroleum engineers to move to Houston or Dallas... instead, they formed their own business and stayed right here in Midland, stronger than ever! The gulf coast was hit not by one but two huge hurricanes? Midland boxed up truckload after truckload of food and water and shipped it down to the people in need. And the owner of the Hilton downtown? He took in 17 FAMILIES from the coast and put them up until they could find aid and get life going again. Well done!

And development? Kohl's opened, Acadamy opened, Buffalo Wild Wings, Wal-Mart on I-20, another Starbucks and shopping center right next door. Roads have been improved: Rankin Hwy., Midland Drive (North and South), Andrews Hwy... all over really. The old safeway on Midkiff and Andrews Hwy that was an Advanced Auto Parts store was torn down and re-built so that Hollywood Video could come in along with Complex Community FCU and a Quiznos' is due to arrive there soon as well. Across the street Hollander Chiro opened a newly remodeled/rebuilt building as well.

Now if we could only get Albertsons OUT and HEB or another grocery store IN... Midland will be set.

Progress was made on other fronts. An effort is being made to bring the George W. Bush Library to west Texas; FutureGen (a CO2 energy plant hybrid) is seriously considering Midland/Odessa as a home; Andrews, TX may become the home of a new breed of nuclear reactor that is safer and more efficent than old reactors have been; the oil patch is booming like never before and people from across the nation are moving to Midland to join in the work... with oil sitting at record levels... with no sign of slowing down; Texas Health departments are establishing new "Call Centers" across the state with one of the largest ones coming to Midland at the old Texas Instruments building on I-20. La Enterada el Pacifico is making serious enough progress in Texas, that a new Rail Yard is going to be built so that trains can off-load cargo here in Midland... making Midland/Odessa a MEGA shipping hub in the future! (Mark my words on this. This alone is going to change the face of Midland/Odessa!

Folks, the list goes on and on. If you know people looking for a new life, it's right here in Midland, TX. Business is booming, jobs are here to be had, residences are being built faster than the mind can fathom, schools are being updated and renovated... life is GREAT in Midland !!!

So... here's wishing you and yours a VERY Happy and Safe New Year! And if you want to buy a house, call me. ;) hehehe

Monday, November 28, 2005

Thanksgiving in the Hill Country

As much as I love the "Big Sky Country" of the Permian Basin, it is nice to get out once in a while and see how the rest of Texas enjoys the holiday season. And so, with our bags packed and our dog tucked in to the backseat of the car, my wife Leslie and I hit the road for Comfort, Texas!

A little over four hours driving, depending on what road you take, speed limit, who's driving, weather conditions, etc... you can leave Midland and arrive at Interstate Exit #520 - Cypress Creek Road. Follow directions properly and you'll find yourself in the heart of the hill country!

From the rolling hills, red, yellow and green leafed oak trees all around, fresh air and the peace and quiet... you can't help but be swept away by your surroundings.

We stayed three nights at the "Feathered Horse Ranch, Bed & Breakfast" http://www.featheredhorseranch.com/ courtesy of my brother Tom. (Thanks, TOM!) The first morning there, you can't help but wake up at the crack of dawn... and for a person like me, that's a miracle. But thank God for miracles because the sunrise was breath... taking! Gone! I literally hurried my wife out the door so she wouldn't miss a moment of this sunrise. (hope that picture comes out, too!)

Thanksgiving dinner was GREAT! Turkey, ham, squash, green beans, mash potatos, stuffing, cranberry dressing, fresh rolls, pumkin pie, pumkin bread, pecan pie (which I assume is good, though I'm no fan of pecans)... not to mention all the stuff I couldn't eat, there was just so much. All our families were there: parents, grandparents, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters... the whole clan. We even brought our dogs! (But that is another story. ;)

The weather was pretty nice. The last night we were there, we got four inches of rain, which was badly needed. The hill country has been needing rain lately and they got a good dose. It also made for a wonderful day in the city of Comfort itself!

For those of you who haven't been there, the city of Comfort is well worth a trip itself. Every year, they have a christmas parade on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Arts & Crafts vendors from all over make the trip and share their goods with the people... everything you can imagine. Antique stores line High Street with beautiful works that are years old and worth seeing. "High's Cafe" is now open there and has the best coffee, tea, sandwiches, cookies, muffins you'll find for miles.

All in all it was definitly a holiday for the books! Not to mention the FACT that the Texas Longhorns beat the pants off of A&M this year... but that is yet another story for another time.

Here's hoping you and your families had a wonderful holiday! May the blessings of the season see you through into another year and have a very Merry Christmas!

Monday, November 07, 2005

Aikido of Midland goes to Houston!

Over the past weekend, John Riggs Sensei, John Couch, Lan Powers, Corey Madrid, Brandon and myself all went to Houston, Texas to visit Jorge Garcia at his dojo and to see and work with Hiroshi Kato, Shihan. A "Shihan" is a master instructor in the martial arts, and boy... is he ever!

At the ripe young age of 72, Kato Shihan is well known for climbing Mt. Fuji twice every year, traveling the globe teaching aikido and for picking up and throwing people around like ragdolls. It's incredible! Very much unlike anything I have ever seen, this man will very calmly and in a relaxed manner re-direct an attacker in such a way as to throw them upwards of six to eight feet away.

For those of you unfamiliar with aikido, I'm sure this is all boring as hell and unbelievable. But then again, that is the purpose of my little bullhorn (blog): to make you aware!

Aikido is the Way of Harmony. Harmony with many different things and on various different levels. It is something that needs to be seen and experienced in order for it to be understood.

Aikido is self defense. Aikido is problem solving. Aikido is a means to resolve conflict, both physical and psychological. Once you have delved into the finer points of the philosophy behind aikido, it can really open your eyes to the world around you and give you a confidence unlike anything you've known before. I've been training in this art for almost four years now and it never ceases to amaze me.

Check out www.aikiweb.com or my instructor's website at: http://members.cox.net/aikidoc1/home.htm

Men, women and children of all age groups stand to learn a lot about something that is more than "self defense." It truly is a way of life.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Busy in Midland, Texas!

I gotta be honest with you: it wasn't just the spammers that kept me away from my blog here: I've been down right busy!

In the past two months, Williams and Associates has been building, selling and renting like never before. We can't keep up! The demand for rentals in Midland is through the roof right now and buyers are coming out of the woodwork.

So much has been going on, that my wife and I bought our very first home together! As if that wasn't enough, the move... UGH! Never doing that again. Next time, we pack a weeks worth of clothes, hold an estate sale, sell everything and start all over! (I should be so lucky!) But it's been great, we love the new house, our dog loves his new big yard and things are slowly getting back to normal.

In the meantime: Buyers for new duplex properties are lining up! We literally have clients and agents on a waiting list, hoping Mr. Williams won't slow down. So much for "retirement," J.W.! HA! Get back to work! ;)

Also in the meantime: Midland is STILL growing! Our second Wal-mart Super Center opens TOMORROW! Many people frown on Wal-mart, and that's fine. They aren't exactlly on my "christmas list" either, but hey! It's growth for Midland, and that's key.

What else? Midland is the proud home of a drive-in theater! Two screens out at Hwy. 80 and Loop 250 West. More details to follow.

I really have so much more to discuss, but no time right now! I'll try to do better tomorrow. But, before I leave you, I have to mention one more thing: Aikido of Mildand is doing great! Riggs Sensei has an average of 8 students a night these days with the hope of starting a CHILDREN's classes by Novermber 1st. Now THAT is going to be something! The renovations are moving along at a good rate, much has been done and it's looking very nice. Before you know it, all the work will be done, the new mat will be in and we'll be throwing each other around like ragdolls... which is also a good thing, believe it or not. ;)

Take care and I'll be back tomorrow with a little more details on Midland and the "haps" about what is going on around here.

Ciao !

Back on the air !

Greetings and salutations!

My apologies for being gone so long, but I have a good excuse: spam.

For those wonderful fans of mine who so enjoy my little blog, and want me to come "visit" their website... the answer is NO. I don't want to know about your "credit refinance" solutions and how to date (because I'm married, happily, thank you) or any of the other funky things I've been invited to go "check out" when I have time.

Due to spammers, I will no longer allow comments on my blog. People are invited to contact me via e-mail, and spammers will be labeled and discarded more easily.

Otherwise, there is MUCH to talk about so... I'll be back later today to post about: West Texas Writers new website, Jobs coming to Midland and the new businesses already here, Real Estate in Midland, Texas, Aikido of Midland's new location and the progress made on the renovations, a new Brazilian JuJitsu group in Midland and so much more...

DO STAY TUNED! I'M BACK !!

Monday, August 29, 2005

Alternative Chiropractic: New office and Dojo !

Months ago, I had talked about my martial arts instructor, John Riggs, being a chiropractor by day and teacher by night. Well, after months of hard labor and stress... his new office and martial arts studio are now up and running.

ALTERNATIVE CHIROPRACTIC SOLUTIONS has a new location, 2608 Loma Drive, at the corner of Loma and Pine. Located next door to John Williams L.M.T., Dr. John Riggs' new facility has been customized by himself personally to bring to life a new, functional and beautiful environment for his clients, patients and friends.

The new office features a warm, welcoming lobby with his wonderful wife and associate, Marti Riggs on hand to assist you with your needs. They have a large therapy bay on site and two treatment rooms with state-of-the-art computer technology on hand to bring you the best care possible. Dr. Riggs is a certified chiropractor and has been practicing in Midland for over five years. You can learn more about Dr. Riggs at his website: http://aikidocriggs.chiroweb.com/

In addition to the new office space downstairs, Dr. Riggs is a 4th degree black belt in the art of Aikido. Though work is still in progress, classes will be starting at the new studio today! Monday through Thursday, from 7pm to 9pm and Friday nights from 7pm to 8:30pm, Riggs Sensei will be teaching the "art of harmony" or Aikido. He is a direct student of 8th degree black belt master Hiroshi Kato, Shihan. Kato Shihan is a direct student of the founder of aikido, and it is Midland's great honor to associated directly with Japan through such a well respected martial arts master.

Classes will be starting tonight. For those interested in coming by and seeing some aikido in action, you are invited to come by and watch. You can also go to Riggs Sensei's aikido website at http://members.cox.net/aikidoc1/ to learn more about the art and the values we teach and learn from this art.

Congratulations Dr. Riggs! And may your new office and studio serve you and all Midlanders well for many years to come!

Monday, August 15, 2005

What's all this wet stuff?

Ya know... the other day, I was outside mowing the yard and all of the sudden... this "wet stuff" started falling down and getting on me, the grass... everywhere! What is that stuff?

Listen, we live in a desert. A desert doesn't get rain, so it must be something else. Any thoughts? Anyways, glad I got the grass mowed. It was getting why the hell up there and my wife woulda killeded me if I hadn't mowed it before this wet stuff started to fall.

PS: Make it stop now! It was fun while it lasted... but I don't want to have to take a boat home tonight or anything... sheesh!

Saturday, August 13, 2005

YOU FLATTER ME !!

Hey Gang!

Sorry I've been away... again! Work has been crazy! I've been busier than a one-armed paper hanger here lately, but I'm getting caught up, slowly but surely.

Now listen, here lately, I've been plastered with posts from people who are definitely not fans of George W. Bush... and that's okay! I'm all for feedback. Feedback is a good thing. I especially love the attention of monocelled individuals who buy into every editorial cartoon and liberally biased mass media production on the planet. You guys are my favorite! It's All Good

Just for the record: if you think by gratuitously spamming my little blog here with quasi-humorous anonymous postings about what a "tool" I am and what a stooge our President is, well... you'd be barking up the wrong tree.

Guess what? I don't like everything Bush has done as President. I think he's made mistakes and has taken steps that I would advise against. But hey... we're all entitled to opinions. And I for one am of the opinion that he's better than Bill "Tubby" Clinton any day of the week.

So come on down! Give me your worst, I can take it! You got any more names for me? Any more sarcastic remarks? I'm a BIG fan of Sarcasm! Sarcasm is great fun!





Monday, July 25, 2005

George W. Bush Presidential Museum: Did you know?

Greetings, friends!

I'm coming to you today to let you in on the "worst kept secret" going around Midland today:

the possibility of Midland College being the future site of the George W. Bush Presidential Museum.

Big news, right? Well, now you tell me... have YOU heard about this? There is a good chance you might have heard the "rumor" of it, but the sad thing is... it really hasn't become much more than that!

What I'm asking is for people to write in to the Midland Reporter Telegram at 201 E. Illinois Ave., Midland, TX. 79701 and tell them that YOU WANT TO KNOW!

According to the Dallas Morning News last week, there are six (6) sites on the short list for the museum: Southern Methodist University, Yale, Texas A & M, University of Texas at Austin, Baylor University and... Midland College. How cool is that? BUT... we have GOT to get people on board!

1) Letters to the Editor: these are effective. Write in!
2) City Council meetings: speak up to the Mayor and other members
3) County Commissioners: very effective and influential Midlanders, we need them on-board!
4) Tell everyone you know! The more people behind this the better
5) Lay politics aside: People in Austin have written in to their editors saying they don't want the museum for political reasons. Hey! That's fine! But, did you know that the William Jefferson Clinton Museum was the catalyst for hundreds of millions of dollars in development and diversification in Arkansas? Sources I have read have speculated the numbers in the billions, but I don't want to DARE hope on that! But who knows?

Now, Midland has been in sore need of a fine arts facility for things such as ballet, symphony orchestra, traveling shows such as musicals, dance presentations, etc. Therefore, I think we should further strengthen our proposal by also building the "Laura Welch Bush Center for the Arts and Education." This could be a secondary facility for the fine arts as well as further education such as school "field trips" on various subjects near and dear to the First Lady. Classrooms, Theaters for documentary films, a vast stage for performances such as musicals, ballet, "Lord of the Dance" that recently came to the Permian Basin and others could have a fine home. Granted this is only my idea, but I think it is a good one and one that both the First Lady and the President both would appreciate and enjoy.

PLEASE... spread the word, get talking, send ideas to the MRT... do anything and everything you can think of to help this along. Midland has NEVER looked a better "gift horse" in the mouth and the thought of passing on this because 'we're not a university and don't have a chance' blah, blah, blah... is just nonsense. We would NOT have been named if there was no chance.

... PLEASE HELP!

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Midland: Growing like never before

Greetings friends!

My apologies for not posting as much as I used to, but boy... have I been busy! The real estate market is growing in ways I never even dreamed of in the world of Midland, Texas! The housing market is absolutely maxed out right now, with builders putting up houses as fast as humanly possible. Contractors are hiring personnel as fast as possible and putting them to work. People are moving to Midland in droves from as far away as California, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Georgia... and these are just the people that "I" know about!

To compound this situation, the State of Texas is going through some consolidation and will be creating a new Call Center in Midland for the state health department. 700 jobs will be either transferring to Midland or be newly created. Additionally, the Texas Land Office is planning on setting up shop in Midland. Originally there was talk of transferring up to 16 families to Midland, but rumor has it the idea of a transfer may not be appealing? I guess life in Austin is just that good!

Well, life in Midland is too! "Rock the Desert" is getting ready to kick of with some big name Christian rock bands... it is always a big event. Music festivals have been taking place downtown and at the Museum of the Southwest, a country artist just held a concert at the local Grande Communications Stadium and that was a huge success!

Now to toot my own horn, or better yet... the horn of Aikido: Sensei John Riggs will be opening up his new chiropractic office on Loma Street next door to John Williams, LMT. That is set to happen Sept. 1st. At that time, the aikido studio for Aikido of Midland will be open and is going to be HUGE! Plans for over 1,000 sq.ft. of mat space are happening right now! If you don't know what aikido is, you really should look into it. It is the best, safest, beautiful and creative martial art I have ever seen or had the pleasure to participate in. I'm due to be testing for 1st kyu (one step away from black belt) in September, so I will one of the very first students to test in the new studio. Very exciting!

What else? Well, Wal-Mart is moving along quickly on their I-20 location. That store is due to open early next year. Across the street from them and right along the interstate is going to be a Starbucks Coffee, a new sandwich shop and others. ALSO... Midland is getting not one but a TWO SCREEN DRIVE-IN THEATER! Right on BI-20 and Loop 250. Can't miss it! How many cities do you know that can claim that?

ClearW're wireless internet just set up shop in Midland. They are set up for wireless service at Midland International Airport and now also Downtown Midland. Friends who have already signed up for it are raving over the speed of the service it provides for them: as fast as cable! (so they say, I'll keep you posted.)

UGH! I can't breath! I can't breath! So much is happening in Midland... are you in on it? Call me! E-mail me! What can I do for you? A lot. Just try me.

Have a good one!

Thursday, July 07, 2005

Freedom under attack? RE: London terrorist bombing

Well, every other blogger in the world is throwing their 2 bits into the ring regarding the terrorist bombing in London... so why should I be any different?

I remember on 9/11 when the towers were hit. I saw it. Live. On t.v.

It was sickening.

And now today, normal, average and easy going people are going about their lives, coming to and from work or shopping, what have you. They were on their way to continue to live their lives in peace. That is... until a radical terrorist thought he could change the world in his favor by blowing him/her self up and everyone around them in the process.

How much more WRONG could they be? And they just don't see it.

In the process of thinking of what to say at this moment, I turned to my trusty, rusty google search and came up with a GEM of a quote for all this:

People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use. Soren Kierkegaard (1813 - 1855)

Such is the case today. "Islamic" fundamentalists are speaking out through violence when they have neither educated themselves or "infidels" on just what it is they are trying to achieve. Sure we "know" but the mere thought of talking to us, debating us, negotiating with us is just no good in their minds. They are right, we are wrong... end of discussion.

Seldom using thought? Try NO thought going on at all. Whoever said "ignorance is bliss" was only kidding himself.

Kierkegaard must be an interesting person. I've heard good and bad about this author, perhaps it's time to think a little harder on his words.

Friday, July 01, 2005

Sandra Day O'Connor: Supreme Court Justice

Justice O'Connor announced her resignation from the Supreme Court this morning. It is a sad day for America that this is the case. Though she has been labeled by some as a "swing vote," I would rather remember her as the "common sense" vote. She speaks her mind, says what she means and means what she says. I had the distinct pleasure of hearing her speak at Midland College one night, along with hundreds of others. My wife and I attended and we couldn't help but enjoy ourselves.

She was nominated by President Reagan and was the first woman ever to serve on the high court. She has done an outstanding job as Supreme Court Justice and finding someone to fill her shoes will be a daunting task. Well, they can find SOMEONE to fill that spot, but as for living up to her legacy? I doubt it highly.

One of her more famous quotes is the follow, and most profound:

"The more education a woman has, the wider the gap between men's and
women's earnings for the same work."

Ouch! Sad thing is that it's true. Women have come a long way since the late 1800's. Hell! They've come a long way in the last 50 years! And yet, even today, women are still paid less, treated differently, etc. It is one thing to act as a "gentleman" and such, but to condescend in the process is wrong, and believe it or not such things still take place.

Anyhow, I for one am sorry to see Justice O'Connor go. I do hope she enjoys what retirement time she has coming and I thank her for her service to the United States. I firmly believe we are a better country for having had her service and am grateful.

Monday, June 27, 2005

Thoughts worth thinking about: John F. Kennedy

America is seeing some troubling times these days: Oil is reaching unheard of prices, crime is previalent on network television, along with smut and cheesy "reality" shows. One can't help but be a cynic these days with so much lying and betrail... and all that is from our Peers and Elected officials!

Well, as much terrible change there is in the world, there is also good change. I have seen friends with cancer, SERIOUS cancer, come out the other side alive and kicking. I have seen nephews grow up from babies to become true Thinkers and Doers for themselves.

Change of all kind is happening all around us, and yet... we could stand a little more. And that, my friends, is what brings me to todays quote from former President John F. Kennedy.

So... ponder this: burning the flag is against the Constitution, according to congress. Also, government entities can seize your home if it is to the benefit of all in the community. And then there is the subdivision in Lubbock that is building a "child molestor" free zone. When do the walls go up? When do the attack dogs start roaming the streets? When do we start implanting computer chips in peoples hands for "true" identification checks?

Ponder these things... and then think about this, that JFK had to say:

Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.


Thursday, June 23, 2005

Greetings to friends far and wide!

For those of you who have not formed up a "blog" or "web log" where the term actually came from, I just thought I would post on how you are missing out!

Since forming up this blog, I have had the pleasure of meeting an editor form the local paper, the Executive Directors of Keep Midland Beautiful http://www.keepmidlandbeautiful.org/ and of Downtown Midland, Inc. I have attended meetings, given feedback, and I have even been written of in the local paper! And not just that letter to the editor either, though I was particularly proud of that piece.

Yes, since I started blogging for Midland, my life has changed and I've met many good people. Just the other day, I met Miriam Parker http://www.miriamparker.com/ (Hi Miriam!) who I found to be a far superior and entertaining writer than... well, even me! (It's not easy to admit that, people. After all, I'm darn good! Admit it!) *grin*

Anyway, through the internet and this journal-like medium which has seen hundreds of visitors and thousands of visits, I have met wonderful people and I'm learning a lot about the world. I have seen how much an impact my words can have on others. I have gotten a good perspective and seen just how small of an ant I am, even in a little place like Midland. And I have learned the importance of communication, and the bonds communication creates.

So... Greetings to my friends both near and far. Thank you for coming around and know that I think of you all often and more importantly... wonder who you are? (Those of you who are reading and don't write back, that is. ;)

Have a great day and tomorrow, I hope to resume my series on thoughts to think about... or whatever I called it.

...I promise to be more literary tomorrow. I'm just enjoying a day with no phone ringing off the wall! *sigh*

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Cleaning up Downtown: The Reality

Hello again everyone! How's things? You know, you could talk to me if you wanted to.
Drop a line anytime: snowshadower33@yahoo.com
Thanks!

So! I had the pleasure of meeting Doreen Richardson, Executive Director of Keep Midland Beautiful. She is a wonderfully upbeat and energized person working harder than any of us know at getting and keeping Midland looking as good as it possibly can.

Doreen and I discussed the possibility of getting a volunteer rally of sorts together and working on downtown Midland: cleaning, sweeping, painting, etc. She is, thankfully, familiar with downtown Fort Worth and knows where I am coming from when I explain my ideas. We were in complete agreement that simple "cleaning house" is the place to begin and that we could then move on from there. But, (and you knew this was coming, didn't you?) the reality of getting something like this to happen is contingent upon getting the downtown business owners involved.

The Midland Municiple Management District (MMMD) is an entity composed of all the business owners downtown, and they have been and are taking steps to market their territory. The bad news is, while looking at the big picture, downtown is falling apart on a "Right Now" basis. Basic upkeep needs to be done, but wouldn't it be great to kick that off in a big way? Yes.

SO... if any of you reading this are members of the MMMD or know someone that is, or has a business in downtown Midland, CONTACT ME! My e-mail is up above and I check it multiple times a day. We have a lot of really easy work that needs to be done, but it is going to take some coordination and TEAMWORK. I don't have all the contacts in the world, but we all know someone. With a little help, we can coordinate a clean-up effort that will make Midlanders realize that Yes: We can ALL have an impact and improve out city!

And in the end, isn't that what Midland is all about? Doing better. Making an impact.
Drop me a line... TODAY!

Thank you!
John A.E. Boswell
Midlander since 1973

Thursday, June 09, 2005

It's time to clean up this town!

Greetings everyone! Just a quick note here... wanted to "drop a bug" in your ear and see what you thought about this idea.

Talking to people on the Midland Forum (link is to the left), I came up with the idea of getting volunteers together to do genuine and actual CLEANING of downtown Midland. Novel idea, huh?

Anyhow, I have a meeting set up next week with Doreen Richardson of Keep Midland Beautiful to share with her my ideas and examples and ... well, thought I'd toss the idea out on this here blog and look for feedback.

Is this something that might interest you?
Are you concerned with downtown Midland and would like to help clean it up?
Are you capable of washing windows? picking up trash? painting curbs? telling someone else to do all that?

Well, put down that darn mouse and drop me a line! Okay, you can pick up the mouse now, but click on "Comments" and tell me who you are or e-mail me and let me know if you'd be interested in this or have ideas on it. snowshadower33@yahoo.com

It's time to Clean Up This Town! Grab a rag, broom or paint brush and follow me...

Monday, June 06, 2005

This just in... LAN POWERS PASSED HIS BLACK BELT EXAM !!

..... FLASH.... .....FLASH....
.............URGENT BULLETIN................


Dateline: June 6, 2005
Midland, Texas


Regional Rapscallion Reaps Rewards In Martial Arts Exam!
While partaking in a martial arts seminar in Houston, Texas, local businessman and entrepreneur, LAN POWERS, under went testing for the rank of Shodan (1st degree black belt). Multiple sources have confirmed this story, and now your faithful reporter has exclusive statements from Mr. Powers "brothers-in-arms."
"I see what it is." says Sensei John Couch. "Lan's been sandbaggin'! We all knew he was 'okay,' but he's been holding back and wanting to show off in front of his buddy Robert down there in Houston! See, now the pressure is on Robert to kick it into gear and get promoted." John Couch, Shodan Midland, TX
"Sure he passed his test, but can he park backward?" asks Sensei Michael Cervantes. "See, if he can do that AND listen to Carlos Santana without rockin' out and wrecking his truck... then we'll really know he's black belt material" Michael says with a wink and a grin.
"You have to look at testing with a Zen attitude" says Lan's instructor, Sensei John H. Riggs III, Esquire, Yondan, D.C., D.A.B.D.A. "One is either ready for a test or one is not ready for a test. In this case, it was a simple matter of catching Lan before he had a chance to run out the door, toss him into oyowaza highfall and pin him to the mat by extending my Ki... until Kato Shihan was ready to call him up to take the test. Piece of cake really... throwing Lan around, that is. Lan? Oh... he was a nervous wreak!"
Friends back in Midland cheered at the news of Mr. Powers announcement of passing the test. Said one fellow," yeah ." And there was much rejoicing.
.....STAY TUNED FOR MORE.......

Wednesday, June 01, 2005

On Excellence

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
-Aristotle


Of all the habits people develop in the world, wouldn't it be nice if we could instill this one first?

I have always been a "jack of all trades, master of none." Not sure who came up with that idea, but when I find the sorry sonuvab... I'm going to give him a piece of my mind. What a curse it is, to know "something" about everything and have no true skill to use it, desire to peruse it, willingness to stick to it or persistence to follow it through.

Over the weekend, I saw my nephew graduate from St. Stephens in Austin. He is going on to Embry-Riddle in Arizona... a school that only accepts the best. Afterwards, I went to visit my eldest brother in Comfort, TX and stay at his home, a landmark for excellence: groomed flowerbeds, trees, everything. You can't help but be inspired there. He truly is what he repeatedly does.

Well, about 3 years ago, I started a martial art with the intention of seeing something through. Starting it and never letting it go. So far, I'm doing good at that. Times are getting tough, but I'm sticking with it. However, my wife and I learned yesterday after testing for the third time... that she is "with child." The shock of it all is still sinking in, but a blessing it truly will be.

But right now... all I can think about, all I can hope for, all I can pray and wish and beg of God... is that this child be NOT like me. Instead, I hope that our future child develop the habit of Excellence: never settle for second best, never start something and walk away, never take "no" for an answer and never resolve to accept something... when everyone knows better.

I'm still working on my habit of excellence. I hope to have it somewhat "down" when baby shows up on the scene. Time will be my judge... and my wife of course! ;)

Thursday, May 26, 2005

On "doing your best"

On a similar topic as the last, but with a much more Non-Fictional Character:

It is no use saying, 'We are doing our best.' You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary. Winston Churchill

How is that for profound?

I'll be going to see my Nephew, Patrick B Ray, graduate high school in Austin, TX. For those of you who want to know more about this rising young star, just keep an eye on the papers... and maybe the sky. (Hint: He's going to go to Embry-Riddle and plans to become a pilot! Go Patrick!)

See you all in a couple days... ;)

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

"Do... or do not. There is no 'Try.'" Master Yoda

In honor of Star Wars finishing up with the release of the final movie: Star Wars - Revenge of the Sith, I have decided the first masterful thought to contemplate is the ever remembered one of Yoda.

For those who do not know about Yoda and Star Wars, Yoda was a little green guy, built like a slug, but had quasi-magical power that enabled him to do great things: sense feelings, read thoughts, move objects through telekinesis and more. One day, while training someone to use these powers, he gave the command to lift an object, to which the student replied,"Okay... I guess I'll try."

Needless to say, this upset Yoda. "No! Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try."

I know, you think this is silly. But stop for just one pickin' minute and think about it! How many times have you said,"I'll try" ... and then, what was the result?

Here are some possible results of "Try" :

1) "You gave it your best shot." Or did you? A person can set themselves up to fail, and have a justification for failure. You "tried" but didn't succeed? Now go back and be honest about the effort you put forth. You either DID put forth some effort, in which case if you fail you need more work. OR... you did NOT put forth good enough effort, and now you can lie to yourself and/or others. Why not set your mind to actually DOING something? Then, if it doesn't come about, you know without a doubt you need more practice, work, experience, etc.

2) People will often give in to Peer Pressure, giving something a "Try" knowing full well that the results lead to disaster. Teenagers will 'try' drugs' and become addicted or get killed. Or they will 'try' sex and end up with an unexpected pregnancy. Trying something for the sake of being able to say you did that 'something' is never excuse enough. Why not try putting a single bullet into a 6 chamber gun, spin the cylinder and put the gun to your head. Want to try pulling the trigger? How stupid is that?! And by they way: that was NOT a suggestion, so don't take me serious.

The point is: too many problems in this world are the result of people "trying" to do something. They like the thought of giving something a shot, but no desire to actually make it happen or follow through.

"To Try" is to set yourself up for a Trap. "Try" to save money, and you won't. "Try" to get a raise, and you won't. "Try" not to get caught... doing something you know is wrong? Huh!

So the next time you feel the urge to "try" something, ask yourself (and be honest) why you want to give that something a shot? It may not be something serious. Perhaps you want to try pistachio ice cream? Hey, fine. No worries. Just know FIRST why you are going down that road... and then be ready to accept what you find when you get there...

Monday, May 23, 2005

Thoughts worth thinking about: The Series

Greetings! Hope you all had a chance to make it out to the Celebration of the Arts last Saturday. If not, well, that's okay. My wife took a ton of pictures there, and I hope to post some on the web soon. If I knew more about computers, I would do that here. BUT... I'm stupid or something. eep!

Anyhow, moving right along...

Lately, this blog has become more of bullhorn against the negative I see in the world, and honestly, that wasn't my original intention. I have found that the more you focus on the negative, the more the negative becomes focused... and soon that is all you see.

In order to dig my way out of the mire of "the Truth" that I have found so scary, I decided to take on a more inspirational agenda.

Starting tomorrow, I intend to post a quote at least every other day. From books, from people, from songs... I've found over the years that there are certain phrases that just "stick." Thoughts such as these should be sipped, swirled, tasted, thought about and then swallowed... to make room to do it again. In the movie "Conan the Barbarian," James Earl Jones plays a character who thinks he's found the meaning of life or something... and tells it to Conan. He then commands Conan to," Ponder this... on the Tree of Woe." He then sentences Conan to tied up on a tree in the middle of nowhere to be left to die. Of course, he doesn't.

Anyhow, such profound thoughts such as Conan's "Riddle of Steel" are thoughts that need further review.

THESE are such thoughts that I will be posting in the future. Every other day, I will come here and post a thought, tell where it comes from, perhaps give a little backstory if needed and then briefly explain why I felt it was worthy of OUR time: the time that I take to write it here and the time you take to come here to read.

Some will agree that the things I bring attention to are worthy of further consideration. Others will think I'm being melodramatic. Well, I don't care either way. Some will always learn... some never will. It is my hope that everyone does learn something everyday. I know I try.

Anyhow, return again tomorrow and I'll kick this party off. And by all means... feel free to comment and join in on the discussion! I'm always open to hearing what others have to say.

Thanks!

Friday, May 20, 2005

On a lighter note: AIKIDO !!

On a lighter note than usual... Aikido of Midland will be putting on a demonstration this weekend at the Celebration of the Arts in Downtown Midland, Texas!

Beginning at 2:30pm on Saturday, May 21st, and running for 20 to 30 minutes, John Riggs Sensei and 4 or 5 of us students will be putting on a show demonstrating some of what Aikido is all about: locking and pinning of attackers, throwing opponents, weapons take-aways, weapons katas (learning forms) and much more.

We have a lot to pack in and a limited time to demonstrate, so be sure to be there! 2:30pm on Saturday, May 21st, 2005. We will either be on the tent stage just to the east of the courthouse, or on the grassy area between the courthouse and the civic center.

"Celebration of the Arts" is a fundraising event put on by the Arts Assembly of Midland every year and is jam-packed with fun things to see and do... for the whole family!

http://www.artsassemblyofmidland.org/coa.htm

And for info on just what Aikido is and why everyone in the world should join in the fun:

http://members.cox.net/aikidoc1/home.htm

See you Saturday!

Saturday, May 14, 2005

Big Brother IS Watching You

Have you read the newspaper lately? Heard about the new "driver's license" that you'll be getting in 2008? Eh... Probably not. Not a big deal, really, except for a few things:

Current driver's licenses are run and overseen by the states.
The new one will be Federal.

Current requirements for obtaining a license are established by the states.
The new ones will be Federal.

Current driver's licenses are "State only" so only the state you live in will have your information.
The new ones, being Federal, will give all 50 states access to your information.

Current driver's licenses are considered your identification.
The news ones WILL be your NATIONAL I.D. card.

Here's a few other things you need to know about this subject:

1) Over 600 organizations were in opposition to the "Real ID" card, as it is called. Only 2 organizations ever endorsed it.

2) This "bill" passed the House of Representatives by being attached to a military funding bill that HAD to pass due to the urgent need in Iraq. The margin it won by was fairly large.

3) This "bill" passed the Senate... by 100%. Yes, all 100 Senators, our duly elected "representatives" all agreed on passing this bill.

4) This "bill" passed the Senate WITHOUT debate.

5) This "bill" passed the Senate WITHOUT going to committee.

6) This "bill" passed the Senate WITHOUT even being read out loud into the record.

Since when do Republicans, Democrats and Indepenedents all vote unanimously?

Never...

until now.

So what? Who cares? It's supposed to help protect us, right?

Well...

whenever you buy a gun and show your I.D., Uncle Sam will know everything

whenever you buy alcohol, tobacco, medication, airline tickets, Uncle Sam will know everything

whenever you bank in town, out of town, write a check, use your credit card, Uncle Sam will know everything

whenever you shop on-line, apply for credit, apply for a mortgage, Uncle Sam will know everything

whenever you test drive a car, go fishing, go hunting, attend a professional sports game, go to the store, go to the mall, eat out, hit the ATM, use your cell phone, Blackberry, laptop computer, watch t.v., and on... and on... and on... Uncle Sam KNOWS!

Think it's just a card? "Don't leave home without it," has just become CAN'T leave home without it.

Ever hear the newspaper tell you any of this? Think that's just a coincidence? Think again.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

For further information:

http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2005/05/real_id.html

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Paying the Price for the Internet

"Unlimited Access to the Internet for only $40 a month!"

I used to think that was a deal. Cable internet, unlimited access to high-speed surfing of the world wide web. But the BILL for all of this new found "Freedom" has just come in and guess what? I don't think anyone can afford it.

FIRST: Internet Piracy

Whether it be "phishing," where they trick you out of your vital information, or "hacking" where crooks just break into your computer via the net and TAKE your information... the point is that your information is there and ripe for the picking. Social Security Number, Credit Information, Bank Information, PERSONAL Information... all of it is subject to the whimsy of unscrupulous people around the world. They could at least have the decency to show up with crow bar in hand to break in through a window, but nooooo... In the middle of the night, while we sleep, your money is wired through an ATM in "Solvania" or some such place... never to be seen again.

How do you prosecute that? You can't. Kiss it good-bye.

SECOND: Internet Espionage

Through spy-ware and viruses and God only knows whatelse, companies around the world watch, wait and listen to your every key-stroke to see what products you are interested in, why and work on ways to manipulate that into a profit. Surf on Amazon.com much? "They" want to know why, what do you buy, look for, need... then get out there and market it straight to you via Spam or other means. And this is the tip of the iceberg. Who's to say that someone can't hack in to your computer and check out your room via that dinky little camera on your monitor? of listen in on your conversations that you have via a headset and internet game?

Spying on US isn't the half of it. I'm barely cracking the book on things people haven't even thought of yet... things to take advantage of Joe Public: Me and You.

THIRD: FREEDOM SUBJUGATION

According to the New York Times, May 3, 2005:

Congress is moving quickly toward setting strict rules on how states issue driver's licenses, requiring them to verify whether each applicant for a new license or a renewal is in this country legally.

A House and Senate conference now taking place has included the requirements, which apply to all 50 states and other jurisdictions that issue licenses, in a supplemental appropriations bill for Iraq, aides involved in the process said on Monday. The draft legislation will be completed in the next few days and is all but certain to pass.


In plain english,"National Driver's License." States would no longer have a choice on how testing for driver's licenses would be done; the federal government would decide. "So, what's the big deal?" Thanks for asking. The big deal is: National Archive on every man, woman and child in the United States.

Through the implementation of a National Driver's License program, everyone that drives in the United States would be on record, accessible via any and every police organization in the nation. IF THIS IS NOT ABUSED, then it can be a good thing. Child molesters on the run can be more easily identified and found. Criminals will be easier to identify. Parents that "steal" their own kids and move to another state will be found easily. The list knows no end.

But see the problem? If this is NOT abused... but it would be very easy to. Journalists meeting with secret sources can be tracked easily and sources can be found out. Slip a little GPS chip into a National Driver's License, and you know exactly... EXACTLY where everyone in the U.S. is. Sure, you can leave your license at home, but if you get pulled over... you could become suspect of foul play and then investigated.

You think I'm joking?
You think this is too Orwellian?
You think this whole thing is a bit off the mark and over-exaggerated?

Well, I hope your right. And granted, I do have the flu and am taking about 6 to 10 different things for it (cough drops included). But... wouldn't you rather be on the look out for such ideas, and never see them come about, than to never suspect such things and become a victim???

Discuss.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Attention: Liquor Stores - You're on my list

Over the years, I have been witness to alcoholism the likes of which no one should ever have to see. Family, friends, associates... no one is safe from the world of alcohol as it is legal and all around us. However, when laws regarding alcohol are violated, you can bet your bottom dollar I'm coming after you.

Recently, I wrote the Speaker of the House Tom Craddick of Midland, Texas and told him of my experiences with alcoholics in my life. I have seen drunk people, get in their car, drive to the local liquor store, buy a bottle of booze and go home and drink it. The whole damn bottle. Recently, I was in a convince store and the man in front of me was clearly drunk. He could barely stand on two feet, and had a six pack of "tall boys" (16 oz. beers) and was waiting in line to pay. When he got there, the clerk made sure that he was not driving. "You're walking home? You live near here? Okay. Just making sure." And she sold him the beer, for the fourth time that day, and he went on home.

Did you know that that is against the law?

§ 463.001. CONTRIBUTING TO DELINQUENCY OF HABITUAL DRUNKARD; CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) In this section, "delinquency" means any act that tends to debase or injure the morals, health, or welfare of a habitual drunkard and includes: (1) drinking intoxicating liquor; (2) entering or remaining in any bawdy house, assignation house, disorderly house, roadhouse, hotel, or public dance hall where prostitutes, gamblers, or thieves are permitted to enter and ply their trade; (3) entering a place where intoxicating liquors are kept, drunk, used, or sold; (4) associating with thieves and immoral persons; (5) causing a habitual drunkard to leave home or to leave the custody of the drunkard's parents, guardian, or person acting for the drunkard's parents or guardian without first receiving their consent or against their will; or (6) causing the habitual drunkard, by undue influence, to unlawfully cohabit with a person known by the actor to be a habitual drunkard. (b) A person commits an offense if the person by any act or in any manner encourages, causes, acts in conjunction with, or contributes to the delinquency, dependency, or neglect of a habitual drunkard, regardless of the drunkard's previous convictions. (c) An offense under this section is punishable by a fine of not more than $500, confinement in jail for not more than one year, or both.Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, § 177, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.

Well, Mr. Craddick put me in touch with Deputy Chief Joel Moreno at the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Chief Moreno called me yesterday and let me know that he did infact receive my e-mail from Mr. Craddick and would be in touch in the near future for further details.

Among my many irons that I have in the fire at this time, I plan on making this one a particularly hot one. Alcoholism is bad enough. But alcoholics do not need to given any slack when they are 1) endangering their lives and those around them. 2) abusing their family and friends with their behavior 3) committing a prolonged and costly and destructive suicide through their behavior... and I for one have had enough.

Harsher penalties need to be made law and then enforced.
Co-dependent members of our society need to be put on notice that they to, will be held accountable for their actions.
Businesses that sell alcohol need to be prosecuted for contributing to the deliquency of the behavior of alcoholics.

If you want to have a drink, so be it. I have a beer and watch the Super Bowl too. But when people such as my former brother-in-law make a habit of downing a gallon of vodka on a daily basis for 10 to 20 years... by God, someone needs to get loud and do something about it.

I was a kid then. Now my brother-in-law is dead.
I'm an adult now... and by God, I will have an impact on this particular subject no matter what it takes.

Mr. Craddick knows my name.
Mr. Moreno knows my name.
And before everything is said and done, the whole state will know my name.

I'm John Boswell, and I'm shutting down the delinquent behavior of alcoholics as much as I possibly can.

And if you sell booze in Midland, Texas... know that I'm watching you. And this is NO idle threat.

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Black Belt Magazine: June 2005 Issue

I went to my local bookstore today and found the June issue of Black Belt magazine... talks about Aikido. Now ask me how I knew that! Go on... ask me! Okay, okay, I'll tell ya: John Riggs Sensei, my instructor... has an article published in there!

"Aikido: Striking and Pressure Points - Getting maximum efficiency from the gentle art."

For those not familiar with martial arts, there are nerve spots on the body generally called "pressure points." When pressure is applied, it can have good results or bad results, depending on who is doing the pushing and why. The usage of the points has many purposes and well worth knowing. In my three years of studying aikido, I've barely scratched the surface on the subject.

Many people steer clear of the idea of "martial arts" altogether because they immediately associate it with violence. Violence is the exact opposite goal when it comes to aikido. Aikido can be a way to achieve peace. Example:

Say you are a teacher or mother and two boys are fighting. If they are young enough, they may listen to you and stop when you tell them to. If they are older and afraid to back down, aikido could be the way to pull one off of the other. Through a proper grab of the opponents hand and squeezing on pressure points, the pain they feel will cause them to stop fighting and distract them enough to get them under control.

Or say you encounter a mugger that grabs your wrist; you don't have to shoot the guy or break his bones to get him off of you. Aikido teaches skills to throw that punk to the ground and give him reason to think twice about trying to come after you and your money.

Anyhow, my congratulations to Dr. Riggs and his publication of this article. Striking of pressure points is a controversial topic in the world of martial arts. People are either for it or against it and both make good cases. As for me, I'm a student and I WOULD like to learn for myself. Should I ever be place in a position of needing to know about these pressure points, it will become MY decision as whether or not to use them. And personally, I'd rather have a tool and not use it... than to never have a tool to use at all.

Domo arigato

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Pope Benedict XVI : Long Road Ahead...

Hello again! And allow me to thank each and every one of you that check out my little blog here. I have received e-mail from friends and family in addition to posts and e-mail from people as far as Dallas, Houston and a few from out of state! Incredible! And thank you!

Now then, today is an historic occasion. Two days of voting have occurred in Rome and already a new pontiff has been selected: Pope Benedict XVI (the 16th for anyone who don't know roman numerals). His given name is Josephus Ratzinger, former Cardinal and right-hand man of Pope John Paul II.

Much to my dismay, people have already started the jokes and taking slap shots at the new Pope. He is a man who grew up in lower Bavaria in Germany. As a teenager, he was "recruited" into the army and manned anti-aircraft guns toward the end of the war. He got out and soon became a priest. But of course, that hasn't stopped today's smaller minds from equating him with a Nazi or calling him the "Panzer Pope." He does have a reputation for holding a strict line on Catholic beliefs, but that is no reason to condemn him before he even spends one day in office.

Comments such as these, and I'm sure many more to come, only further delineate the depths of which Man has succumbed to. Why bother with logic, reasoning, researching facts and actually meeting someone... when you can just make generalized statements and stabs at an individuals character? Much easier that way and requires far less work.

Far be it for me to hold myself as an example of "good character." I have been known to jump to conclusions and have later regretted them. Other times, I may have been proven right, but it still doesn't justify lack of homework.

My point is: Pope John Paul II was an incredible man. He held church services in communist Cuba for crying out loud! He was a man true to his faith, true to all mankind and prayed daily for the good of all. How can anyone follow in the shadow of that? And given the state the world is in, Pope Benedict will have a lot of work ahead of him to progress from where John Paul left off.

If you are a believer of prophecy, St. Malachy speaks highly of this new pope and the good that he will do. If you don't know what I'm talking about, punch "St. Malachy" into a Google search engine and read for yourself.

Now, if you aren't into prophecy, then we have to at least let the man get started before we jump off and judge him for what he does. He showed up and said,"Thank you for this honor" and now we have to see if he is truly worthy of it... not that anyone can change it.

Anyhow, the choosing of a Pope is an historic event. Catholic or not, the whole world stops and listens to the Vatican at such a time as this. That is reason enough for everyone to pay attention themselves. I believe if we all knew more about what was happening in the world and cared enough to learn more and perhaps act on the facts, the world would be a better place.

I hope this little note has given everyone something to at least think about. And if not, feel free to move on! ;)

Have a good one! :)

Thursday, April 14, 2005

WARNING: Phishing in progress...

Take a look at this:

Phishing
Last modified: Friday, March 11, 2005

(fish´ing)
(n.) The act of sending an e-mail to a user falsely
claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the
user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft.
The e-mail directs the user to visit a Web site where they are
asked to update personal information, such as passwords and credit
card
, social security, and bank
account numbers, that the legitimate organization already has. The Web site, however, is bogus and
set up only to steal the user’s information.

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/P/phishing.html

This recently happened to someone close to me, though I'll not disclose whom. I've heard of "scams" and "identity theft," but this was the first time I had ever heard the term "phishing." Pretty evil, if you ask me.

For whatever reason, a local credit union appears to be the target of this scam. When confronted by a victim, the union employees seemed baffled, were very unhelpful and claim to be unable to determine WHERE the money was sent, once it is taken.

YOUR MONEY could easily be taken from your account, should you fall prey to this phishing scam, and be sent over-seas or anywhere... and leave you out in the cold. Now, the credit union is FDIC insured, but may claim you "gave your information (and thus your money) away."

VISA has a commercial out saying if your card is ever stolen, you'll get the money put back into your account. But what about victims of THIS crime?

So, all someone has to do is copy and paste your banks logo, type up a convincing e-mail requesting information from you... and you get taken for everything. Doesn't sound like much fun, does it?

Be on your guard. And when it comes to finances... be OFF of the net.

That's my 2 cents anyway...

Thursday, April 07, 2005

April 12th, Midland Civic Center: 7:30pm BE THERE!

Yes ladies and gents, the smoking ban is going before the City Council on April 12th at 7:30pm. The place is the Civic Center in downtown Midland. They are expecting enough people to show up that City Hall will be too small and soon over-run.

They're right.

Listen, like the ban or not, the end result is that it would be big brother put in charge of telling us... ALL of us, how to live our lives. I think that in and of itself is just wrong.

But get this! Dr. Vogel is quoted as saying that if the City Council does not vote themselves to pass the ban, that they will not push for a vote. However, they will continue to pursue the ban itself in the future and believe it is inevitable.

IN OTHER WORDS: Vote for it Now... or Vote for it Later... but you will Vote FOR it.

How's that for democracy in action?

Forget about teenagers running around with shot guns in town...
Forget about teens and alcohol and D.W.I.'s and all that...
Forget about child predators driving around the schools asking little girls if they "need a ride"...

NO! LET'S STOP SECOND HAND SMOKE!! Yeah... that's the real danger out there, hmm?

Okay, hoping down off my soap box. Have a nice day!

Wednesday, April 06, 2005

What is: Busy?

Busy is not getting home until 9:00pm or later any given week night after being at work, then shopping, then running more errands, etc.

Busy is answering e-mails from people you've never met in real life, in-between phone calls, collecting rent and handling faxes.

Busy is walking your poor dog at 10 o'clock at night because that's when you finally got a chance to, and the poor critter has been busily tearing down the back door because... he's gotta GO!

Yes, I've been a bit busy lately. Real estate in Midland is going bananas! I have people coming in out of the blue wanting us to build homes for them, wanting to sign contracts now... before we've even broken ground! Two years ago, we would have laughed at the prospect of things being like this. I'm not laughing anymore. In fact, it's getting down right serious.

Last time I reported in, there were some 380 properties active on the market in Midland. Today: less than 320. Yesturday, I checked the numbers in Odessa and you are not going to believe this: less than 120 !! IN ALL OF ECTOR COUNTY!!

Builders are doing their best to keep up with demand, but boy we could use a little help. And now we have the prospect of new business opening up along I-20 at Rankin Hwy. due to the second Wal-Mart Supercenter coming in over there. There is also talk of not just one, but TWO screens for a Drive-in theater going up out on Hwy 80?

Things are hoppin' in Midland. Oil is going up, people are making money and things are simply hoppin...

Busy is going to become an understatement before too long. So much for this year's resolution: Chill out!

That's shot all to hell... !

OH YEAH! Did I mention I've been too busy to post on my blog? But you probably figured that one out. Sorry.... 8(

Monday, March 28, 2005

Bring in the Texas Casinos!

On the "Anderson Analysis" last night on Big 2 News, Mr. Anderson interviewed the two men wanting to bring in casinos to the Permian Basin: either Stanton or Odessa. He also asked questions of the city manager of Stanton, but I'll get into that later.

I think a very important part of the casino idea as far as Texas is concerned is the Tax issue. Currently, taxes in this state are relatively high. Property taxes are up and are continuing on that trend. Texas has seen a number of businesses come in over the last 10 to 15 years, but despite that new business, funds are not available for such things as schools and education, health care cost (though that is mostly federal) and growth of the state. Anyone in the San Antonio area can look around and see how Austin and Houston are practically merging into San Antonio.

The growth in Texas is literally explosive and will only create more problems without better transportation in the future. Governor Perry wants to create a "transportation corridor" with mono-rail type trains along with easier lanes for trucks to take, making room for the cars going back and forth up I-35. The cost of such a project is reaching into the billions if not pushing a trillion dollars. How does Gov. Perry intend to pay for such a beast? Need? Yes. Affordable? I don't see how.

But along comes Robert Cox, et. al. Businessmen who have the willingness and ability to create casinos, bone fide quality and nice resorts, are finding a debate on their hands. Five years ago, casinos would most likely have found total resistance in the state. But now, being surrounded by other states that allow casino gambling, Texas is watching money leave the state that could really be put to use right here at home. Not only at home in "Texas" generally, but... in the Permian Basin?

Imagine it: a casino resort within an hours drive at the most, bringing in over 3,000 people off the interstate right now to spend money in our area! Job would be created in the thousands, not just the casino alone, but with residual businesses around the casino. Construction would escalate beyond what we are seeing today, which is at an all time high... the Sky really IS the Limit!!

Now, many people worry about Midland loosing that "small town" feeling that we have enjoyed for years. I seriously doubt that Midland will ever loose that. I lived in Ft. Worth for two years and truly enjoyed it. Ft. Worth is what, five times the size of Midland? But I was able to get almost anywhere in town within 20 minutes, had many wonderful places to shop, dine, visit, etc. I really do see a tremendous correlation between Midland and Ft. Worth and see nothing but good times ahead for the wonderful city of Midland in all of this. People currently live in Midland and work all around the surrounding area. Management for all the Permian Basin is often times based right here in Midland. Though Midland may still be a bit too conservative for a casino of their very own, there is no reason why we cannot have families living here and working in Stanton or Odessa.

As for the "city manager" of Stanton, I gotta tell ya... showing up with a baseball cap, tinted glasses and windbreaker jacket didn't make for a good impression when you are sitting next to men in dress shirts and ties. I had to ask myself: "was that baseball cap an endorsement?" as it had the name of a local bank on it. Mr. Cox was literally giggling and laughing as that city manager was speaking about the prospect of Stanton getting a casino. Well... he was! If Stanton is relying on this man to bring in their casino, I say: power to 'em.

But for the record: I think a far better, smarter, more profitable choice for a casino location would be Odessa or at least Ector County as near F.M. 1788 as they can get. F.M. 1788 is the crossroad for La Enterada and Ports to Plains corridors and will have tremendous traffic in the future. Midland/Odessa will profit from unparalleled growth for years to come, gambling taxes coming in and the residual money spent by travelers coming to local museums, sporting events, shows and more.

A vote for having casinos in Texas isn't a vote for future corruption. That is a thing of the past, and best left to the movies. Texas needs to not only hold on this potential money source, but needs to support it. Write your local Congressman and get behind this. We can all benefit from this, and can do so sooner than you think!

Monday, March 21, 2005

Terri Schiavo: Questions on euthanasia

Gonna hit you with a heavy topic here, folks. Across the nation, eyes are focused on Terri Schiavo and whether her husband should "keep her alive" via a feeding tube or "let her go" and pass on from this world.

There is hardly any middle ground on this subject: people are either for the right be let go or totally for the right to life no matter what that may bring.

In this particular case, we have a husband who claims to be sure his wife would not want to be kept alive like this. Her body functions, but her mind isn't totally functioning and she requires a feeding tube to be inserted, pumping "nutrition" into her to keep her alive.

Terri has been like this, in this state, for 15 years now... roughly since 1990. For fifteen years, she has had nursing care to bath and clean her, maintain her food and liquid intake, change her cloths, sheets, turn her often so as to prevent bed sores, brush her teeth, do her nails, keep her warm and/or cool and comfortable. For fifteen years, her husband has been strung along by the doctors: maybe she'll come out of it? maybe she won't? No real way to know for sure either way. For fifteen years, her parents have been torn, wanting to care for their daughter but would they be going against the will of their daughter or their daughter's spouse? For fifteen years, life has gone on: Iraq has gone to war twice, once by invading Kuwait, and once by being invaded. President Bush (41st) finished out his one and only term and was followed up by President Clinton who served two terms, was impeached and still finished out his office only to be succeeded by President Bush (43rd) who is now in his second term. The World Trade Towers fell. The Boston Red Sox won the world series. The New England Patriots won the Superbowl (twice)... all since Terri went into her dibilitated state.

For fifteen years... life has gone on. For fifteen years... Terri has been like this. For fifteen years... there has been little if any change.

How long should this go on for? Does her husband Michael have the right to decide on her behalf to pull the feeding tube and end it all? Does Congress or the President have the right to say that the sanctity of life superceeds the husband's right for his wifes quality of life? Do Terri's parents have any right, having given their daughter away in marriage, to come back now and say they will accept the burden of Terri's care, despite the husband saying Terri wouldn't want to live like this? And what if Terri DID have a living will saying that a feeding tube was "extream measures?" Would that give permission to the doctor's to let her go and pass or would the government call that murder?

None of these are easy questions. If they are easy questions, then you're either speaking from experience or you're speaking from ignorance. This is a subject NOT to be taken lightly. Do not think you can speak for God because you are not God. Do not think you can think for Terri or any other in her situation, because you are not that person.

You are alive.
You are living and breathing and reading this note.
You are capable of independent thought and I challenge you to consider every single aspect of this subject. Volunteer some time at a Hospice House or to help visit people in nursing homes. Take time out of your day to go and be with people who are literally BEGGING for attention and care... and barring that, begging to be let go.

It isn't easy. "No one said Life was easy," right? Well, they never said it was this damn hard either.

This is a very important subject, worthy of plenty more thought on it.

ANYHOW... sorry for not being around this weekend. My "idea" for a topic from You didn't exactly work out and... it was a busy weekend. I'll leave the offer open-ended though. Send me ideas. I'm here and will listen.

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Common Sense is Dead.

I'm sure many of you have heard something about the teenagers hanging out at the doughnut shop on Wadley Ave. and that one kid was recently shot... "accidentally" there. Well, I feel this is a subject that deserves further discussion, but before I begin:

I do hereby disclaim that NO, I am not yet a parent.
I have the desire to be, and my wife and I plan to be.
Despite my not being a parent at this time does not in anyway
make my opinion any less valid on this subject.
I was once a teenager, as we all were. That gives me the right.
Now then, let's begin.
Teenagers... are stupid. They are selfish, self-centered, egotistical and self absorbed. The world revolves around them. Yes, there will be exceptions to the rule, but they are just that, the exceptions.
When a person is growing into adulthood, they are finding they have to make decisions for themselves. They want to know who and what they are; how to be liked or why they are not liked enough; what they need to be liked more, what is right and wrong and why things are considered such. Teenage years are all about exploring yourself and your bounds... and it can be very frightening.
As a sophomore at MHS, I looked up to my peers because they seemed to know who they were. They had values and convictions and seemed to stick by them. As I grew older and became a senior, I learned it was all a show. That confidence that I had such envy of was little more than graffiti on a wall, placed there as armor to defend oneself from the glaring eye of your peers. Some were better at it than others, but we all had some more growing up to do.
The other night at a doughnut shop here in Midland, a boy pointed a shot gun at a friend and shot him in the back. The story of "I thought it wasn't loaded" are out, but that doesn't make it any better. The truth of the matter is: a teenage boy took a shotgun ... pointed it at a friend ... and pulled the trigger. Thankfully the boy who was shot is not dead, but that's just plain luck.
So NOW the questions are going around: Where were the parents? Where did he get the gun? What were they doing hanging out that late at night? What the hell could he have possibly been thinking?
When I was 16, my father gave me my first gun, it was HIS first gun... a shotgun. I still have it today. We have birds and deer and even an elk mounted on my parent's walls, so I know very well what a gun can do. We took the gun out shooting and then hunting. I held a 'not yet dead' bird in my hand and pondered the effects of my actions. I've had fun with guns and I've peppered my Dad's friends company car from 100 yards away. (Sorry about that Dad... Guys!) But one thing I learned long before even that: you NEVER point a gun... not even a bb gun... at ANYONE! If you're going to point a gun at someone, you better be ready to accept that that life is in your hands, and live with the consequences of that action.
So then, why would an 18 year old boy point a gun at someone and pull the trigger? Because a parent didn't drive home the point of safety enough? Because he was being macho and thought he knew better? Because he was being a stupid teenager?
I think it was a combination of many things. No one has the answer, especially that teenager that pulled the trigger... and now he has questions that he'll be asking himself for the rest of his life.
My original intention was to come here and start pointing fingers. But the more I write and re-read, the more I realize that so much of it is falling back on something I've seen and known for years: Common Sense is anything but common. Logic... doesn't matter anymore. Opinions rule the day. Anyone can say anything they like. And so long as they argue it loud and clear, it doesn't even have to make sense!
I've studied Logic for years. Lack of the knowledge of it... is killing us as a society. It should be taught in the schools: starting at junior high and mandatory by high school. Perhaps then some of our young adults can formulate for themselves that Guns + Minors + Late night hanging out = Trouble.
Anyhow, guess I'll get off my soap box now.
PS: My best wishes and prayers go out to both families. This is a rough time, but things will get better. Take care.

Monday, March 14, 2005

Let's talk about YOU !!

Greetings weary web wanderer! Welcome back to Blogging for Midland. I am your host, John Boswell, your ever humble and charming reporter... coming to you almost LIVE from sunny Midland, Texas!

Well, I've had a rather busy weekend here. My wife and I celebrated our very First Anniversary yesturday! (Thank you, thank you!) We had an action packed weekend full of "color pin bowling" with the nephew and family, followed up by an anniversary breakfast Sunday morning. Last night, we went to the wedding (believe it or not) of my brother-in-law's mother and her new hubby, Bill Brindle. Congratulations to Patsy and Bill! Couldn't have picked a better day to be married on. ;)

Anyhow, this long weekend has left me a little tired. Between life and work, and they are two separate things, I'm feeling a little out of sorts and fresh out of ideas to write about today! SO... here is where YOU come in!

Let's talk about YOU! What do YOU want to talk about? What do you want to know? What do you want OTHER'S to know? I'd like to receive e-mails from my viewers on your idea's that you'd like to see talked about. It can be anything... let's talk! Just e-mail me at: snowshadower33@yahoo.com and let's start a dialogue. If it is something PG and you'd like to get it out on the web for all the world to know, then I'm game!

Here lately, my little web log thingy here has been seeing roughly 50-75 hits per day. That's not too bad! (I think?) Well, I think it's pretty good, but what do I know? I DO know I've been mentioned in the MRT at least twice in the last week (/wave to my friends at the MRT: Tammy, Pamala, Yvonne, Stewart and everyone!) SO... if we get something put up here, chances are that it will get read. Who knows... someone might end up famous!

Got a story to tell?
Working on a book or song?
Are you a hero or do you know one?

Send me your ideas at: snowshadower33@yahoo.com and let's talk! We'll get your story posted and on the net and who knows where it will take you?

All submissions must be received by midnight, Thursday March 17th. The winner get's posted on the blog and gets their story, commercial, idea left up for all the world to see all this coming weekend (till Sunday night).

Talk to me... tell me somethin'! Let's here all about YOU!!

Friday, March 11, 2005

Finding a home in Midland: A serious concern

I mentioned this once before, my growing conern for people looking for a place to live in Midland, but my concern is begining to grow.

Last Wednesday, I got several calls from people looking for a rent house. People moving to Midland, or even returning, coming from Amarillo, Ruidoso, Hobbs and parts unknown... all moving to Midland.

In just the last week, I had 3 vacancies come up. In less than a week, I have them rented back out again... just that quick. I hardly have to advertise, properties move so fast.

With all the work that the MDC is doing to bring in new busineses, not to mention the natural growth taking place in Midland, jobs are being created right and left. The Midland Reporter-Telegram posted an article today mentioning the fact that Midland has reached an all-time record for Midland's population. And despite all the new construction going on for new homes, demand is still high!

People need a place to live!

The number of houses avaliable on the multiple listing service for Realtors is continuing to drop... and we're at the cusp of our peak sales season! And if you think Midland has it bad, Odessa is even worse. They have fewer homes on the market right now than Midland does, and they are running out of places to build.

A lot of attention is being place on Gardendale right now as a new place to build. Development along F.M. 1788 is taking place, a North/South Road between Midland and Odessa has been on the rise and is seeing continued growth. With a new municiple water district going in sometime later this year (early next year at the latest) even more development will be taking place.

But the demand is Now! The need for new homes and rental properties is high and... just like the price of oil, I don't expect to see it drop for many years to come.

It would be a GREAT interest story for the MRT to look deep into this situation and put more attention on it. Builder's are needed right now to get busy and keep up with the demand. And not just for the $200,000 houses in Grasslands, but also for neighborhood improvement in the East side and South Midland. Development can take place in North Midland just East of Holiday Hill Road. East Midland, near the loop is another possibility but it would take developement.

There are many opportunities for areas of Midland to be developed, but we need to strike now before the new businesses show up, find nowhere to live and then move on to another city due to... SIMPLE lack of support!

This is a serious issue. I hope people look into the matter, consult a Realtor on what they can do and how they can help. Midland needs this assistance like never before!

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

Fit For Life: A Midland sanctuary

As many of you know from previous posts, Aikido has been seeing some changes in Midland. Sensei Riggs has recently changed locations on where he is teaching the martial art of Aikido, made famous by Action Superstar Steven Seagal, and now I can tell you where we are at.

"Fit For Life" is a fitness and training center in the "B" building of the ABC Building near ClayDesta. Just south of the Post Office on Air Park, is a tucked-away little spot that looks simply like offices at first, as they used to be only that. But now, space has been transformed into a wonderful workout center for Midlander's of all walks of life.

Yvonne, owner and operator of Fit For Life, has agreed to let Sensei Riggs teach his aikido classes there in her aerobics studio while Sensei's NEW office is being remodeled, all in preparation of an August ribbon cutting. While we are training here, Sensei Riggs has agreed to allow Yvonne's clients, all members of Fit For Life who are interested, train in aikido with the rest of us! And let me tell you, it is something to see!

Last night was our first class in this location. There were four of us "regular students", two first time students and Sensei Riggs, all flying through the air just as before. Funny thing though, this time we had an audience! As the night went on, more and more FFL alumni gathered outside the room, looking through the glass doors and windows, all laughing and enjoying us as we threw each other to the ground. Aikido really is a blast!

Already, we've had several more inquiries about our practice and anticipate having many more students. Before too long, we will have twice the size of matting we used last night (30'x10') and soon find even THAT won't be enough!

For more information on Aikido of Midland, please contact Dr. John H. Riggs III at his office:

Alternative Chiropractic Solutions
Aikido of Midland
John Riggs, Sensei 4th degree black belt
Phone (432) 770-3155 or (432) 570-8792
Class: Tues., Wed. & Thur. 7 to 9 pm;
Specializing in traditional Hombu style Aikido. Please call for our new location address and details on training.

Being a Chiropractor, he may not be able to take your call right away, but he will return your call. For even more information, you can find us on the web at:

http://members.cox.net/aikidoc1/

Saturday, March 05, 2005

Open House in Gardendale! (well... almost)

Good afternoon, friends! I'm back from another long day at work, but it's a job that I enjoy so... what can I say?

Today's events took me out to the cozy burb of Gardendale. John Williams, my broker at Williams & Assoc., is nearing completion on a spectacular new home on Goldenrod. We ran an advertisement in the Midland Reporter-Telegram in the "Gallery of Homes" section, which also announced today's Open House. Well... the weather just wasn't on our side. /sigh

Whatcha gonna do? It rained.

But, needless to say... we were open! Mr. Williams and I took the opportunity to put up some of the blinds in the house, survey the status of the construction and see what work is left to be done.

This really is one of John's BEST homes that he has ever built. A beautiful new four bedroom house with two and one half baths, it has a two car side entry garage... and beautiful country! Sitting on one acre, this home is warm and inviting, with many details of craftsmanship: custom hickory cabinets, keystone rock-work that is inner-twinned with the brick to create an eye catching display of simple elegance. Cliche'? Nah. It looks good!

During the coming week, we will repair and improve upon the roads and landscaping around the house. Due to the rain, it was almost impossible to actually get TO the house... thus shutting down the "open" house. But, it's nothing that can't be fixed; and it will be very soon.

Keep your eyes open for Gardendale in the coming year. There is a water utility due to go in very shortly and will take apx. six months to complete. Once completed, the shortage of water feeding Gardendale will come to an end and the town will bloom and prosper. Thankfully, we don't have that problem with this current endeavor... water wells are a good thing! However, soon it will no longer be needed and simply a matter of choice.

Call me at my office: (432) 694-9663 if you have any questions or would like to learn more about the "open house" that almost was! ;) Have a good one!

Friday, March 04, 2005

Coming this Sunday to a newspaper near you!

In the past few days, I have been speaking with Mr. Stewart Doreen, Managing Editor of the Midland Reporter-Telegram. It would seem "Blogging for Midland" has caught his eye, as have many other "blogs" of people in the Midland area.

This coming Sunday, March the 6th, an article will be coming out discussing blogs, the writers behind them and the "nature of the beast" so to speak. I'm anxious to read what he will have to say, especially about yours truly.

But more importantly, I'm learning here. By speaking up and making a few waves, I have managed to get attention of very important and influential people in Midland. The more I get to meet them, the more I learn and the greater my ability will become to get Midlanders informed on changes taking place all around us. VERY exciting stuff.

Mr. Doreen has told me of some upcoming meetings of the MDC and the MMMD, and I already intend to make these meetings a part of my regular schedule. Stay tuned as things develop! After all... I'm just getting started. ;)

Thursday, March 03, 2005

Downtown Midland: Committee's everywhere and "not a drop to drink..."

Tuesday, March 2nd, I had the priviledge of lunching with Ms. Shawn Ellison, Executive Director of Downtown Midland, Inc. She is a pleasant and very insightful person in charge of helping coordinate activities going on downtown, while at the same time trying to create more life via other entities such as Midland Development Corp. and the MMMD (Midland Municipal Management District).

We spoke at length about the immediate actions happening downtown. I was interested to hear that the razing of the old Midland Savings Bank at the corner of Colorado and Wall St. has been delayed. An article had come out not too long ago in the Midland Reporter-Telegram stating that the MMMD were taking title to the building and would have it down by late February or early March. Have you checked a calendar lately? They're behind schedule, but why? Upon further explanation, it would seem that the MRT had not reported the story very well. Important information had been left out and some things included that should not have been. The current owner of the building was understandably upset by what he read and had the somewhat reasonable reaction of... putting the brakes on things.

As I understand it now, progress is being made and the de-construction of the building is going to move forward, but closer to July or August. This is fortuitous as the work that is due to begin on Wall Street should be starting about that time! Yes, TXDoT and the City of Midland are indeed teaming up to completely revamp Wall St. from Big Spring to Weatherford? Maybe from "A" Street, I need to double check that. Regardless, the two projects will coincide so as to not double up on bringing traffic to a halt near the courthouse.

Now then, so we're finally going to get a nicer downtown: new sidewalks, benches, trees and the removal of eye sore property. What next? Well, some committees in town are concerned about parking. Other's are trying to raise funds to work with. Still other committees are working on bringing new businesses to downtown office spaces. And I have NO doubt that the list goes on!

If it is one thing I can't stand, its committees. Committees are groups of individuals that come together, argue, discuss and debate the issues, formulate a plan and goals and objectives... and feel that something has been accomplished. However, unless those "goals" are indeed a producible thing or service, unless the "goals" are specific and finite enough to be accomplished, nothing will ever come of it.

Since becoming interested in downtown Midland, I have learned of no less than 6 entities that have an interest in revitalizing downtown. I joked with my wife last night on forming a committee to do away with all the committees! After rolling her eyes at me, she politely informed me that there were such things as "Action Committees" that ensure everyone is on the same page and are making steady progress and not just talking about what needs to be done.

Interesting idea.

But first, I need to educate myself even more.

With all due respect to the committees and their members, I can not honestly say I know what they are all doing, nor do I know what they HAVE accomplished. The MDC for example doesn't say much about what they do until they've done it. For instance, the ground breaking for the new Enterada Industiral Park should be this week... but nothing in the paper yet. Maybe it's happening right now? Let's see... 10am on the 3rd? That does ring a bell. Regardless, I need to find out specifics on each committee and their actions in order to make a fair judgment and determine what should happen next.

Not that anyone cares what "I" have to say, but I can change that as well. I have a strong interest in the revitalization of downtown Midland. I have an even stronger interest in the diversification of Midland. We should ALL take an interest and get educated on what is happening in our fair city. Hopefully, if you just stick with me here on this blog, what I learn will become common knowledge for you and others... and we can all learn and move on together.

Or maybe I'm just yakkin'!!! Yak yak yak... yakitty yak yak! ;)

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

Residential real estate: a rare commodity?

Across the nation, home sales have been seeing record numbers. From the east coast to the west, new home sales, resales and investments have seen staggering growth leaving many people wondering just how long this can go on. With lowered interest rates stretching into another year, the demand for homes is still on the move up. Rates can not remain at this level forever, but they have generated an unprecedented boom for the nations economy and have help bring to fruition the American Dream: the ability to own your own home.

Midland itself is in the middle of a housing flux that is a growing concern for Realtors such as myself. "We're running out of property to sell!" You can see it in their faces as you walk in the door. Your kindly real estate agent greets you, welcomes you to their office, sits down for an interview to find out just what you are looking for: 2 bedrooms or 3? garage? square footage? price range? The list goes on and on. But the sad thing is, at the end of this interview the odds are that you'll end up looking over a list of properties about 20 to 30 long. That's about it!

"Huh?" That's correct. In almost any price range in Midland, the inventory of houses is rather limited. Homes under the price of $100,000 are especially low in quantity. "But how can this be?" Glad you asked. I asked myself and others the same question. Here is what we found.

Throughout Midland, people are moving up! With interest rates so low, people who bought a house 10 years ago for apx. $100,000 can now afford a $200,000 house and still have the same monthly payment! Hey... that's a lot more house! So this then created an inventory of homes in the $100,000 range that were now affordable to people that could only afford less. Thus, they are taking a step up. People that were heretofore "renters" are now finding that they can afford to buy and are finding it easier to do so than ever before. On top of all this, with Midland's new bout of growth... people are moving to Midland in droves and are becoming our new renters.

Demand is up for residential property across the boards: rent property, new homes, resales, you name it! Prices have been going up recently despite it all, finding a vacancy in this town is a hard thing to do! On a daily basis, I can personally find myself taking ten calls each day from people looking for a place to live... and I just don't have it right now! I have great tenants! All my properties are filled up and the chances of someone moving are slim and none!

What does this mean for you? Well, let me tell you. For anyone in Midland with a home, apartment, guest house or money to invest... you are sitting on the opportunity of a lifetime! We can find a way to create rental property for you that can do many things: 1) Make your mortgage payment for you. Instead of being foreclosed on, rent a place for yourself and rent your home for a profit! 2) Build equity. If you own your home, or have inherited a property in Midland, you can hold on to it and turn it into a monthly payment that goes directly to you! 3) Save for the future! Property you own now can pay for itself now... but as you near retirement, if you don't want to worry about taxes on an extra house... sell it! That investment will now become liquid assets: Money.

Currently, my office Williams & Assoc. is building townhomes all over Midland. These properties are selling around the $80,000 range and are beautiful, new, easy to take care of and best of all: affordable! Couples are living in one side and renting out the other for spare income. Single mothers are getting a nice, new, secure home for themselves and their children. Retirees are finding a low maintenance estate that cares for itself and is comfortable and easy to relax in.

I'm not ususally one to toot my own horn, but I gotta tell you, there are so many ways to not just save yourself some money in today's Midland market, but ways to make money as well! If you had any idea what your property was worth... think again! I'll bet you dollars to doughnuts its worth more than you think.

Give me a call and let's see what we can find that is best suited for you! Call (432) 694-9663 and ask for John Boswell. Mr. Williams is "John" too, so you need to ask for me. Just ask for the "good looking guy," or humble. Either one works. ;)

Have a great day!