Blogging for Midland

Midland, Texas : the "Boom" times

2011-09-22T12:01:00.001-05:00

With the doom and gloom of the news media, and troubled times in various places across the nation, it becomes a common practice to people new to Texas (especially Midland/Odessa) to think all that applies to us. The truth of the matter is, things here have almost always been the exact opposite of the nation itself.If you are new to Midland, or have plans to coming this way, I thought it might be a good idea to give a brief and general discription of things as they are now. This will be very general, there are always exceptions to the rule. But for the most part, you will find these things to be true.1) Many jobs available, Low unemployment. With the price of oil hovering just under $90/barrel, oil companies are drilling as fast as they can. But it is not only because of the price. "Frac-ing," a new technique for extracting oil from shale rock, is a fairly recent technology that has enabled us to go back into areas previously thought "drained," and actually extract a lot more oil. With the advent of fracing, fracturing the shale, entire vast pools of oil are now accessable. So much, in fact, that it almost eliminates the need for foriegn oil itself. The downside is it requires quite a bit of water to do. But that's another story.2) Growth and Opportunity. With the influx of people, all industries are growing here. Retail, Resturants & Fast Food, construction, support vendors such as electricians, hvac, carpenters, truck drivers, etc. Also, the oil industry is coming into the 21st centruy! I have a friend who quit IBM to go to work for an oil company for a very specific, very computer-knowlege-needed job. Not just anybody can do such a thing, but Geeks can! All this equals population growth, which means growth in all industries across the board. To compound all this, the Permian Basin has been chosen as the first area to create a "Clean Coal Plant." Skeptics have painted this idea as pure science fiction. Well, that bit of science fiction is literally breaking ground in the next 3-4 months! Summit Energy, a coal company based in Colorado, are moving forward with their plans to build such a plant just west of Odessa. Talk about Growth and Opportunity, this will create apx. 2,000 construction jobs and 100 to 300 permenant jobs at the plant for the long haul! One of the by-products of this plant will be liquid CO2. This can be used by the oil industry to inject into the ground in order to force oil up! That's a new technology that can change the world.3) Housing Shortage! Yes, it is sad but true. With all the good the economy is experiencing locally, it also means we have filled up quickly and are staying that way. Hotels/Motels, rental houses, apartments, mobile home parks, all of it and more are pretty well maxed out. Houses for sale is also hovering around a 3 month inventory, for a city our size: roughly 300 - 400 properties in the MLS at any one time. This means prices are high, supply is low, and with the housing market like it is around the nation, lenders are more dificult to work with to get home loans at all! It's making for interesting times. Some investors are doing to do very well right now. Others could, if they buy smart. What we need to be on the lookout for is the investor who does not know what they are doing. If they buy property to turn into rentals, and do not know what they are doing, they run the risk of being caught unawares down the road should the oil industry ever drop. Law of Averages says it will someday... 5 years? 10? 30? Whenever it goes, if you have not planned for this contengency... you will surely pay the price.4) TIME. More people means more traffic, lines at the stores, resturants, more calls on things, more people from various areas not familiar with our customs (poor driving skills and road rage. ;) any number or combination of these factors will slow your commute across town from 15 minutes to... OH NO... 20 to 30 minutes! YIKES! Seriously, Midland is a great town. Why people drive crazy and in such a hurry is beyond me. Slow Down! Take Your Time! The world isn't going to end if you get home at 6pm instead of 5:45pm or whatever. Now, the one time factor that is most dreadful is the movies! We only have one movie theater, so if you are going there, count on a wait. Anyone wanting to invest in a new company for Midland? We need to break the strangle-hold Hollywood Theaters has on us. ...I'm just sayin. ;)

www.AttackWatch.com - Turn Yourself In

2011-09-14T16:26:00.002-05:00

Today, well I assume it was today, I found it today...
Today, the website www.AttackWatch.com launched into Internet history books.

By the title, you would think this is a terrorist watch group, or perhaps a whistle-blower site of somekind. Well, you'd be half-right there.

You see, the Obama campaign for re-election is in full swing. President Obama is going to run for re-election in 2012. He wants to be President for four more years, just in case you were wondering.

But it seems the nasty "media" and Tea Party "terrorists" are spreading vicious "lies" and terrible rumors about poor, defenseless, President of the United States: Barrack Hussain Obama! THE NERVE! How dare ANYONE spread vicious lies about such an upstanding, salt of the earth, wholesome person as Barry???

People are going to spread rumors such as,"he's a narcisistic hypocrite." Oh wait, I said that. Or people might say he has done nothing to help this ecoonomy, and only hurt it. Err... wait. I said that, too. Or perhaps you think his Obama-care plan is designed to get employers to drop their employees and send everyone to Medicare for insurance! Wait... that's happening to. Well, unless you asked for and got exempted from the program like GE, McDonalds, Wal-Mart, just to name a few. Even though his health care reform is so WONDERFUL... even though you are asked to pay into it now, but it won't pick you up for 3 or more years down the road. Not to mention the fact, FACT, that it is unconstitutional. But that's just a minor detail.

So, if you are a sorry "sons of bitches" like me, then I encourage you to do what I did:

Turn Yourself In.

Yes, folks. As of 2:00pm CST, I had turned in this blog, this author (me), and a rather nasty photo someone had e-mailed me (the jockstrap with Obama's logo on it, and below in quotes "Obama Supporters: Their Nuts!") Yup... turned it all in.

I must confess and come out of the closet: I just don't like the man. I'm sure he's okay to have a beer with, shoot some hoops, maybe organize a community or something. But as for being President? I'd sooner vote for Hillary than this guy. PLEASE let me vote for Hillary over him.

When you, as President, refer to yourself more than 6 times... talking about shooting and killing Osama Bin Laden... and you, the President, were not there when the deed is done? Ya got issues, bub. Take credit for saying "Go." Otherwise, give credit to the Special Forces and move on! SHEESH!

So... there it is. I expect all good, God-fearing, America-loving, Right-wing son of a bitch conservitive (daughters of bitches is okay to, I'm not excluding here, just quoting.) to TURN YOURSELVES IN!!

You're President has called on you.
Do the right thing.

This message brought to you by: that smart-ass in Midland.
My name is John and I approve of this bit of humor... laced with a lot of seriously pissed-off-ness.

Dear Mr. President:

2011-09-06T09:12:00.002-05:00

An open letter to the President of the United States, Barack Obama.

Dear Mr. President:

I contacted your office this morning via an e-mail, but wanted to share my thoughts out-loud as well.

Prior to your election, Pres. Bush asked for and passed the TARP bill, which was intended to give you funds to help an dwindling economy and avert a depression. Hundreds of billions of dollars were set aside for his and your use. Despite these funds, because the majority of it was not used, the economy sank and has stumbled since. And now that we approach re-election time, you are coming back to America asking for more money for "shovel ready" jobs, to repair roads and bridges, to put people back to work on an immediate basis.

The timing could not be more obvious.

You ask for calm and workable retoric, yet your Vice-President calls our protest of your policies "acts of terrorism." Since when is the 1st Amendment being exercised... an act of terror? Mr. Hoffa calls the Tea Party members and republicans "sons of bitches," and yet is the Tea Party and republicans that need to tone down the retoric??

Bush is to blame. The hurricane is the blame. Wall Street is to blame. Fat cat lobbiests are to blame. "Rich" people making $250,000 a year and flying "corperate jets" are to blame. Tea Party terrorism is to blame. It seems everyone in the whole, entire world is to blame for something.

At what point do you accept ANY responsibility for ANYTHING?

Big Corperations, Big Oil, Big Money is all bad... unless they are feeding your campaign. How many auto dealerships were put out of business immediately following your election? And every one of them donated to the republican.

You play Chicago politics: the other guy brings a knife, you bring a gun.
How long are you going to keep playing this game, driving our country into the ground, before you finally see the light that you are driving ALL OF US into the ground? You're people (democrats, liberals, left-wingers, etc.) are all sinking with this ship along with the rest of "Us."

Get over the politics.
Get over the "Us vs. Them" mentality.
Get over yourself!
For the love of all things you hold dear, wake the hell up and try LISTENING for once. No matter how many ideas are presented to you, you shot them all down and bring no ideas of your own.

A Leader leads by example.
So far... I can think of nothing you have done that has the makings of any example of leadership. Could you name one for me please?

Just one.

Washington D.C. being judged???

2011-08-26T10:46:00.002-05:00

Now, I'm no "bible thumper." I have never been one to read into superstition or give any credit to "signs" and the alleged supernatural events percieved around the world.

That being said... I do have to take pause lately.

An earthquake just outside Washington D.C. strikes, causing cracks in monuments that are hundreds of years old. Now a hurricane... a freaking HURRICANE is headed straight up the east coast, due to hit just south of D.C. What's coming next? Tornados? Alien invasion? The Second coming?

Like I said, seriously, I'm not over-reacting. Life is going on. Planning on buying a house soon. Making every effort to be here and in good standing for the next 40+ years. But every now and then... I see things going on, like what is happening on the east coast. And it makes me wonder, "Is God trying to tell us something?"

Take it for what you will. It's worth exactlly what you paid for it. ;)

Have a good one!

EntreLeadership : Dave Ramsey's latest book

2011-08-24T16:59:00.002-05:00

For those of you Dave Ramsey fans out there, I wanted to give ole' Dave a plug on his new book: EntreLeadership.

For a few years now, he's been hosting a conference for business owners, or those thinking of starting up a business, to teach the things any business owner should know... beyond the Financial Peace he already teaches through books, seminars and on the radio.

Personally, I'm a huge fan of "business." I have a passion for hearing stories of starting with nothing, working up to "something" and points beyond. I'm hoping to join that club some day!

If you are one of those people, like me, who is not yet "debt free" then I would invite you to pick up and read the book: Total Money Make-over.

If you ARE one who is debt free, then grab Dave's latest. It's sure to be another page-turner. TMM really was a page turner for me. I read it in two days, couldn't put it down. Can't imagine his next book being any less.

Good stuff!

Midland is growing, however...

2011-08-17T12:45:00.003-05:00

In Midland news: the City Council just passed zoning ordinances for Hwy 191 between Midland and Odessa. The thought is there to make as much of it "retail" as they can, so it doesn't end up a giant warehouse-looking district like Bus. 20 south of the airport.

Problem: 191 isn't ready to go retail.

There are no sewer or water utilities, no electric or gas, no nothing... really. It's raw land!! There are some buildings there now, couple churches, some homes scattered here and there. And of course, the new Fine Arts facility for UTPB is going up and looking good!

But tell me this, how would a retailer like Stripes, Gander Moutain, Marshalls, or anyone else build out there, when there is no water, elec., or sewer to tie into? A few landowners have voiced their opinion that the city is "putting the cart before the horse." And they are correct. The Mayor would like us all to believe that the council is "listening" to the public and citizens of Midland. Well, it is one thing to LISTEN. It is another thing to HEAR... and HEED.

The council did what they wanted when Midland Christian School expanded. They did what they wanted with the hospital expansion. They did what they wanted when Blue Ridge Apts. built COUNTER to passed P & Z plans. And yet all of this moved forward and left forgotten.

Same thing here with 191. People are allowed their say, voice their opinion, tell us your concerns... then we'll get involved, call public meetings, run around a few more months and then go ahead and do whatever the hell we want to anyway.

Diplomacy in action.

Now, granted, not everyone on the council is to blame. But the guilty parties know who they are. And you can NOT tell me I'm wrong in this. You can argue this and that, but the bottom-line is: this is all TRUE.

Still doubt me? Drive down Interstate 20 from Rankin Hwy heading east. See all the buildings? No? That's because this has all happened before. Utilites were planned for this area of the Interstate years ago. It never happend. There are no utilites... and the land is worthless to anyone that cannot afford the hundreds of thousands it would take to bring them in.

THIS... is the future of 191: nada.

Sorry... this really turned into a RANT! I'll try to be a little more positive next time around. Just had to get this off my chest.

THEY ARE ALL WRONG !!!

2011-07-28T09:14:00.002-05:00

I really encourage everyone, liberal, conservative, republican, democrat, socialist, none of the above.... if you call yourself an American, then PLEASE, for the love of everything you hold dear: Educate Yourself.

Right now in Washington D.C., we have a bunch of crooks fighting over one idea or another, or another... all of wlhich are doomed to fail. The United States of America is freaking BANKRUPT!

Yes. Right now. We are bankrupt.

Do you really think we can go on spending TRILLIONS of dollars without making SOME attempt to a) cut spending b) pay back the debt c) knock off giving money to people that produce nothing, and expect this behavior to go on forever? Really? REALLY?

Trillion = $ 1,000,000,000,000.00 Count 'em. That's 12 freakin' zeros. And you can add another one in there because we're actually in debt into the Teens.

If any one of us... say you make $100,000 a year. But you spent... SPENT $200,000 every year... if any one of us tried this, we'd be laughed out of the bank. We'd be considered insane because we were acting in a manner that was harmful to ourselves or others. But if CONGRESS does it, it's called "balancing the budget."

Must be nice to own the printing press that MAKES the money, huh?

STOP DEFENDING OBAMA! STOP DEFENDING REPBULICANS! DEMOCRATS! THE WHOLE DAMN BUNCH IS WRONG!!! You reading this, Conaway? That includes you. I haven't seen your name in the news coming out condemning what is going on. I haven't seen you in the news standing next to anyone saying anything! Guilt by Omission is Guilt all the same.

If I were named President tomorrow, I'd declare martial law, arrest everyone in Congress, call up all the governors and tell them to appoint and send me all new people. The first amendment we'd get passed is a Balanced Budget Amendment, followed by a balanced budget. Next up: TERM LIMITS! We've got one for the President, time Congress got it to. Next up: Congress shall pass no law that exempts the members of Congress! By God, if they want to do something to us, guess what? They're in the boat with us too.

I'm pissed! I'm seriously, unashamedly PISSED OFF. Remember Eddie? "I'm Mad To, Eddie!" Well, we're there again. And if you are NOT... then by God, take the time to learn about how this government is trying to RUIN YOUR LIFE!!! And the life of your CHILDREN! GRANDCHILDREN! GREAT GRANDCHILDREN! That's what Trillions means. It means Generational Indebtedness. And both sides saying they've got the solution and the other guy won't listen... is wrong.

NEITHER has a solution. BOTH sides are wrong. Rand Paul has the BEST idea out there, but I'm not sure how much we can trust him because he through his lot in with the rest of 'em when he won office.

But stop taking one side over the other. Tell them all to STFU and CUT SPENDING!
This nation is a laughing stock. There is no leadership. They're all a bunch of babies and I'm ready to send the whole damn bunch home.

Who's with me?

Midland, TX: Strength in Numbers!

2011-07-21T14:32:00.002-05:00

Fasking Oil Co. made a major announcement in the paper recently:

http://www.mywesttexas.com/top_stories/article_3dc9a0b1-d825-5e36-b3e4-8379a86bf80b.html

[img]http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/mywesttexas.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/7c/17ccf62f-cf5f-54af-acb2-a5f8757244c8/4e2718f3df7c6.image.jpg[/img]

Through a little effort, foresight, planning, ingenuity... and it doesn't hurt that they already owned the land, Faskin Oil Co. is going to produce a new office for themselves, grow Midland's retail, residential, schools and parks and more.

THIS is clever and exactlly what is needed to prove to everyone how City and Industry can work together as a Whole working unit, and not two conflicting entities.

Kudos and Very Well Done to Faskin Oil Company. I wish them the very best in this project and look forward to seeing it come to life!

Midland, Texas : 100% Occupancy ?

2011-07-14T10:29:00.003-05:00

I'm sure you've all heard about this housing problem: thousands in foreclosure, markets across the nation have crashed, people are being kicked out, etc. Well, welcome to Midland, TX.!

www.rentmidlandtexas.com

If you click on this link, you'll see a front page article from the Midland Reporter-Telegram. (Image of paper courtesy of the MRT) Back in April when this article came out, you couldn't hardly find a place to live in this town. Rents were at an all-time high, apartments were full, houses were full, mobile home parks were full, RV parks were full. It was a pretty sad state of affairs.

Well guess what? Still that way.

Yes, ladies and gents, if you want to rent a basic, 80's built 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 garage standard house with no updating really... you'll be paying in excess of $1,500/month easily. Nicer, newer homes are renting for $1,900 and up. Apartments have no come down. And the new ones recently built in both Midland and Odessa are all full with at least a 2 month waiting list.

Being a property manager, this is all job security for me. Being a caring human being, I'm almost sick over how the market has shot up! I've been encouraging investors to come to Midland to buy and lease, only we have less than 330 properties for sale on the MLS market!

Oil is up, and that is good for Midland. But if you are planning to move here for the work, PLEASE do a little planning ahead.

And for those of you checking Craig's List: BE WARY. I've heard more than one story of someone mailing/wiring their deposit money to someone to hold a property, only to find they were bogus, took the money and ran! If you are not dealing with a reputable REALTOR who's got your back, then it really is Buyer Beware!

By they way, if you are an investor: you still need to check us out. Midland is going nowhere but UP from this point, and continued into the future for minimally a year, potentially next 5 years ... straight up and vertical growth.

Future projects coming on-line in the Permian Basin:
UTPB Fine Arts building - 1,800 capactiy theater
Summit Energy clean coal plant in Penwell just outside Odessa
191 Development, including Sewell Village development
Completion of Loop 250 to I-20, fostering growth along the interstate and in Greenwood
Over a dozen subdivisions, many of which are on to phase 2 or 3 of their expansion
..and much, much more.

I'll be back!

@jaeboswell

2011-07-12T16:59:00.001-05:00

Yes, Twitter is up and running. Still don't know what I'm doing!!! But it's there:

@jaeboswell is my account on Twitter. Talk to me! Tweet me! or whatever might call it. ;) Getting ready for a closing on a sale tomorrow, followed up Friday with a long-needed trip outta TOWN! It's been almost two years since we've had a trip out of town that did't involve surgery or quick down-and-back trip.

Upcoming posts: update on Midland (development, zoning, business), update on work and real estate, update on kids (pretty darn cute!) and more rambling on about politics and how everyone is wrong and I'm right. ;)

Take care and

Twitter!

2011-07-12T16:33:00.000-05:00

Hi there!

In an effort to get back to my blog, I'm signing up for, and soon will be...
Tweeting! Twitter finally has an app on the iPhone that looks workable, for me, so I'm back to blogger as well!

Hope everyone is doing well! From my previous posts, you will derive many things: 1) I've been busy with the kids 2) Work has been kRaZy! 3) Obama was exactlly what I feared and 4) Midland is booming... thus work has been KrAzY!

I'm not exactlly par myself. ;)

Anyhow, Take care and look for me to be back and certainly more frequently than every 6 months!

Happy New Year, Midland, Texas!!

2010-12-31T11:26:00.002-06:00

Well, it's that time again!

2011 is upon us, and that means that 2010 is officially over with. Hope it was good for you! It was a busy one for me. The kids are growing way fast, work has been busy and growing as well. And if oil keeps going the way it appears, Midland is heading into another boom!

Booms can be good and bad. The good is a bustling economy, lots of new faces and friends, everyone that wants to make a living will be, and the city will grow and prosper and become more of a great town.

The downside of a boom is things can often happen too fast. People show up and find searching for a place to live is harder than expected. Yes, many will be getting a bigger paycheck, but sometimes in a boom the cost of living goes up as well. Gas prices being tops on that list.

Things to remember if you live in Midland in 2011:

1) Drive safe. The local paper made it one of their major stories about how many accidents there were, how many people were hurt, etc. Think before you drive. Always look both ways, and you might even consider doing that several times! Always assume the other guy can't see you, and keep your guard up.

2) Help out your neighbor! One thing I've always enjoyed reading about was how people came to Midland and found it to be one of the best, most pleasant places they've ever been. People here hold doors for each other. We like to smile and say "Howdy" or "Hi" whether you know the person or not. Drivers will nod or wave to each other as they pass on the highway. Courtesy is a good thing!

3) We live in a desert. "Huh?" you may be saying to yourself. Well, I just thought I'd remind everyone, we do indeed live in a desert. Midland is not friendly to those of us who have allergies. Change your air filters in the house monthly, or more often. Use the better 3M filters when you can. Check the house out: caulk window and doors, replace weatherstripping when/where you can, keep your yard up so the grass will keep the dirt and dust down. And in general, brace yourself for weather! West Texas is not the easiest of places, but then again, I've never seen prettier sunsets either. :)

4) Last but not least, be safe! Midland is a great place, but we still have the small percentage who will do the wild, crazy and stupid things no matter what. That can be said for anywhere. But minor precautions will keep you safe. AWARENESS of your enviornment will keep you safe. And in the end, you'll be better for it, and make this a better place as well!

So take care, everyone! Enjoy your family, they're the only one you got. Enjoy and respect your friends, they are a gift. Be thankful, hopeful, helpful, honest, and above all else... be True To Yourself. If you can't trust you, why should anyone else? And if you ARE true to yourself, it will show.

Welcome 2011! Let's get after it!!!

Respect, itself, is dying.

2010-12-13T17:41:00.002-06:00

A slow and painful death occurred recently, http://www.npr.org/2010/12/10/131978052/famous-christian-landmark-tree-cut-down-in-u-k , when a landmark tree outside of London was vandalized and all of its limbs were cut from the body of the tree, and left to waste. Some may say,” It’s just a tree.” Others will pay no attention at all. Some will go seemingly too far and cry for the loss of a miracle that was yearly harvested for thistles to adorn the royal Christmas table in London, England.

What I morn is the respect such an entity is entitled to, and was so blatantly stolen away. Whether we are discussing the Christian aspect of the history of the tree, the idolatry of the Egyptian culture and the great Pyramids, the rock used for Muhammad’s ascension (Dome of the Rock), any of the thousands of Buddha’s throughout southeast Asia, all of these and more are icons, yes. But they deserve not necessarily worship, but most certainly Respect.

And why? Why should you, me, or anyone else show respect to “pagan” idols, farcical icons, faded and tattered images of the past?

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Beauty, something else dying away and lacking in respect.

When a monk, priest, cleric, pastor, rabbi, see the writings of their faith, it is gibberish to some and priceless to them. Who are any of us to judge a rock, a tree, a stone, a parchment, and place a value on it above or below any other thing? Why am I so special that if my car gets damaged at the mall shopping for gifts, that mine is more important than you and your endeavors?

One thing, “tis the season to be jolly.” This is Christmas, a Christian holiday, hugely shared the world over as a magical time of peace, joy and goodwill… for many reasons. Chopping up trees, landmarks, icons, symbols, is hardly the way spread anything good, much less goodwill.

Two, be respectful and considerate of others. It is a good tenet to live by, and is generally expected from us of others. We would expect consideration, we should grant such consideration. It is worth the time and energy required of us, and rewarded over and over again.

Lastly, this is not about me. This is about us. My car was not vandalized, nor was I disrespected in any way. This is Me talking to everyone including Myself to remind us all, no matter how much that nattery old church in Kansas might be evil for protesting funerals, of all things, they will have to live with themselves for that and are not worthy of our attention: positive or negative. Yes, “terrorism” might exist in the world, but Muhammad down the street has done nothing to you. You may not believe in God or Christ, but that has never been any excuse to trample on the rights of those who do. I’ve seen enough demeaning of Christians lately, from the “learned Scholars of Higher Education.” I’ve had my fill. They can no sooner convince me of their beliefs than I can convince them of mine, why try?

But, we can all be Respectful of one another, quite easily.

So, in the “spirit” of Common Sense, I would ask of you Reflection. Ponder the concept of Respect: what it means? What it is? How it exists in your life? And is there enough? Not only respect FOR you, but also FROM you. And do others have respect for each other? It is a very telling thing, Respect. How it is given and taken can convey a wealth of information to those who will only open their eyes.

Have yourself... a very Merry Christmas!

2010-11-30T12:17:00.002-06:00

Greetings, Friends!

Just popping in to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Life has been busy, fun, crazy, exciting, worrisome, mind-boggling, and down-right... usual. ;) I'll give ya a quick update on things and then I'm off again for a bit. Hopefully, next year will be much better:

1) Norah is doing great! She just turned 2 this past November, and is a walking-talking baby. Always happy, never made, but will throw a fit if she doesn't get her way. It's pretty cute. But don't laugh... only makes her more mad. ;)

2) Aiden is doing great too! Growing like a weed, that child can consume a pound of bacon for breakfast, throw a football is pinpoint precision, taller than boys a year older than he, skinny as a rail, loves to play, has a great sense of humor, and boy... does he like to talk!

3) Life is good! Leslie and I have been busy, working hard, visiting family at every opportunity, wrestling kiddos, and working hard. Did I mention work? We've been working!

4) MIDLAND is changing! I know the economy nationwide is kinda in the dumps, but Midland has been keeping its mouth shut, building and moving and remodeling all over town. There are four brand-new subdivisions that I know of going up, not to mention previous ones that are expanding. We have had some rocky points (Blue Ridge Apartments) but they'll get sued and that'll be that. (*hint* next time... don't build something other than the plan passed by city council!)

So, here is wishing You and Yours a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy this time, your family, rest and relalx when you can, look up at the stars and smile once in a while. Take care. And talk to you again soon.

~ John

Facebook: Work? What work?

2009-03-24T11:23:00.002-05:00

Yet again, I have managed to be absent from this blog for entirely too long, but hey! There's past stuff on here that's still a good read!

Anyhow, to anyone that finds me from Facebook, this is my blog. It is my bullhorn to the world, where I get to vent and brag and boast and yell and various other things because my opinion is just SOOOOOO important. ;)

One of these days I hope to return to work and actually accomplish something. Thank God duty pulls me out of the office so I can get off the stinkin' computer!

Anyhow, surf and enjoy... or not. I'll be back again soon to tell all the Obama voters "I told ya so." Peace!

Welcome to the world: Norah Raelyn Boswell !!

2008-11-24T11:29:00.002-06:00

Yes, baby is HERE! Norah Raelyn Boswell : Born Nov. 20, 2008 at 12:43pm. She was 6.5 lbs., 18" long, and has RED HAIR!! In lieu of flowers, prayers to St. Patrick for this red headed child to have mercy on her parents will be greatly appreciated. ;)

Pictures will soon be posted on Walgreens.com so you can view them, and if you want to, order them. We've found it to be a very easy and helpful website for photo taking. I'll keep you posted as this occures.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!!

Update on Midland, Texas

2008-11-18T14:46:00.005-06:00

Greetings and Salutations!

Well, time to take a fresh look at Midland again, been a while since I've taken time to do that. And yes, there is much to report: some good, some not so good. Or is it?

First off, let's get some of the obvious updates out of the way, for those who aren't in Midland:

1) Midland Savings Building finally came down. This was a 14 story impolosion that cut into the saturday morning TODAY show, so it must have been big news! Formerly owned by Leona Helmsly, the MSB has been a blue/green monster that was so outdated, there was no saving it. It just had to come down. And it did. Two more to go: Metro Building and First National on corner of Texas and Colorado. Google maps is soon to be very... out of date. ;)

2) Loop is booming! We have 3 new hotels out by the 2 newer stadiums. Another hotel is going up on Loop 250 just west of Midland Drive, next to the new Nissan of Midland dealership, which is down the road from the new West Texas National Bank. Maurices is next to Kohl's now, and that finished of that shopping center, though they have a little space to lease now. And we have a new place called "Massage Envy" just across from Kohl's. Very posh massage therapy center. Reasonable prices to, though I need to schedule a time to get in there.

3) Tons of houses still being built. One oil company has purchused land south of Midland with the intention of building houses for their employees. Now THAT's thinking out loud, eh? Go team! Despite oil taking a dip, there's still much going on around Midland's housing market.

4) The two new apartment complexes are filling up. The Palms is nearly full, with construction just completed. Vantage apartments on north Midkiff is making rapid progress, but I think they are still wrapping up construction... though they are leasing. They have been a big relief to the many people moving to Midland.

5) Price of oil is still dropping. :( Down at the bottom of this blog is a chart I found on line that keeps and up-to-the-minute accounting of the price of oil per barrell. If nothing else, it will get my "hit count" going up because I check it everyday for sure. (I'm sneeky like that.)

That's about it for now. I have many ideas of things I've wanted to talk about: journalism, the 2nd amendment, parenting, etc. I'll be trying to get consistant again... as if anyone cares what I have to say. BUT... if you do, keep coming back! OR if you have a question of me, or a topic you'd like to discuss, send me an e-mail: jaeboswell@yahoo.com I'd love to hear your thoughts. Comments are once again welcome on this blog, just no spam. I had to knock off comments for a while because of spam stuff, but I'm back up again.

Comment away...!
Thanks,
John

Welcome the 21st Century

2008-11-12T11:33:00.003-06:00

"The King is dead! Long live the King!"

The days of old have now passed, as will many other things of "old." Obama did indeed win the election of 2008. I am pleased that a black man in this nation has risen to the highest position of power. I'm happy for change, as I have no doubt change is coming. The only question now is, what will it be?

Economic change: Wall Street is currently on its ear. The dow jones industrial, a barometer for financial times around the world, has been in flux for months now, and is currently in a spiral from which no bottom is seen or heard. The major industries of yesterday are in cardiac arrest. Auto, Insurance, Airline, Investments, Banks, are all crying for help. Even the oil industry, which normally is the exact opposite of everyone else across the nation, is floundering about in doubt and disbelief of the worldwide crisis at hand. This is all going to change.

Domestic change: Gay marriage was voted down in California, but just today, Connecticut passed gay marriage into law. And don't get me wrong about California, even though the people voted it down, they are fighting in the courts to legalize it anyway. It'll pass eventually. It is California after all. Like the concept or not, this is a change that will alter the landscape of American domestic development for years to come. How? I have no idea. But I have no doubt that it will. This is all going to change.

International change: Money that was previously being invested in the United States is now going overseas. Dubai is booming like no one's business. Dubai, a desert nation that has nothing except central location to Europe, Africa & Asia ... and oil. The worlds eyes are no longer focused on the U.S. and companies that had grown lazy and fat are now in a panic. This is all going to change.

Political change: The GOP is G no more... Grand Old Party my foot! Sen. McCain, a fine man and decorated war hero had NO business being the republican candidate for president. He's 72 years old, part of the establishment that needs to go, uninspiring to listen to, and this is the best the GOP could do? Mitt Romney was shot down for his religion, being Mormon. Name me one other reason he was NOT selected as the candidate? Mitt could run circles and DID run circles around everyone during the primaries. This nation was FOUNDED on the freedom of religion. Shows how tolerant we truly are, doesn't it? This to is all going to change.

Change can be good, and change is needed in this country now more than ever. People have forgotten what is means to earn a salary, work a real job, get your hands dirty, appreciate the fruits of your labors. Too many of us grew content with the "status quo" and forgot to keep an eye on the people with the real power. And in the dead of night, they let loose the reigns of this great nation and look where it got us... hell.

So I say... let the 20th century die. Let the past be gone, and lets work on a better tomorrow. Lets only look back to learn the lessons of yesterday, and take none of it with us into the future that is upon us. And to the newly elected President Obama, as I have said before, I hope you are nothing like I believe you to be. But it doesn't matter any more. We are here... now. So change everything. It can hardly get much worse. And if it does get worse, we'll have learned one more thing to never repeat.

Talkin' bout a revolution

2008-10-16T14:52:00.002-05:00

“…a little rebellion now and then is a good thing,”
Thomas Jefferson ~ January 30, 1787

In the interest of full disclosure, it has been a philosophy of mine for a couple years now that the only way for us to make a change in Washington would be to vote out everyone. Well, I still believe that, no matter how painful it might be.

So, as much as it truly does pain me, I’ve got to tell you that my vote will most likely be going to Obama for 2008. I’m not doing this because I like the guy, quite the contrary. I’m doing this for many other reasons.

1) America deserves Obama. If the people of this once-great nation believe that he is the instrument of change in Washington, then we deserve whatever he gives us. Higher taxes, shoddy health care, fewer jobs, greater turmoil overseas, we deserve all of it. If the people that vote in this country can’t educate themselves beyond the talking points parroted back to us by the evening news, then by God we deserve the hell that comes with such a lack of knowledge.

2) Obama does equal change. He stands for change, and I don’t doubt that for a minute. But let’s look at the change he’ll bring us. Higher taxes, which will equate to more lay-offs, higher unemployment, less productivity, less exportation, and further recession. Healthcare for all, which will bring about fewer doctors (because they will quite before working for cheap or nothing), over-loaded hospitals, poorer quality of care, and huge delays in that care. The only ones who benefit from all this will be the insurance companies and the pharmaceuticals, so if you’re looking for a new profession… look there.

3) McCain is part of the “establishment.” As much of a maverick he likes to think he is, he’s just as guilty as the rest of the Keating Five who stood up for a crooked bookkeeper some years ago. Did McCain break any laws? None that I know of. But he’s shown his true colors when he brought pressure to bear on an investigation of someone he had financial ties to. Everyone in Congress who has accepted campaign funds is beholden to someone. They’re all dirty… it’s the nature of the business.

4) Time to accelerate the beginning of the end. Listen, America has had it good for a long time. We’ve got public education, the best hospitals in the world, strong universities that are the destination of students from around the world, home ownership, fast and varied transportation, we’ve got it made! We have so much going for us… and no one stops to appreciate the fact that we have it now. Oh no… it’s not good enough. We need cleaner cars and energy; we need better education for elementary and high schools. We need cheaper health care and EVERYONE HAS TO HAVE full coverage on health care. Damn the cost, 100% of the people are entitled to it … or so it is said.

“…a little rebellion now and then is a good thing,”
Thomas Jefferson ~ January 30, 1787

Time for change has indeed come, but it isn’t what anyone is thinking of or expecting. Congress has grown fat and lazy on the greed that is modern day politics. And “we the people” have grown ignorant and lazy, we do not learn nor do we try to learn about what is going on at the national level until it is too late. Coming up in the next two years will be the national I.D. card. Did you know that? Professions across this nation are being expected to produce fingerprints for identity purposes, so they say. Wire-tapping is done on regular citizens in the name of national defense. One by one, our freedoms and liberties are being stripped away by the very people we put in office to defend us… and no one seems to know about it, and when they do learn, they choose not to believe.

So do us all a favor, come next election day, go on out and vote for Barack Obama and lets put the ball in his court. Either he’s the “savior” that the media elite have built him up to be, or he is the catalyst for the even greater change that this country is so very long overdue for. It is time to close our eyes and step off into the void of Fate. Because I know with every fiber of my being… we sure aren’t on the path our forefathers set us upon.

IT'S TIME TO GET MAD!!

2008-09-26T13:12:00.000-05:00

I know it's been a while since I've been here, but hear me out on this:

It's time to get LOUD, MAD, and in the face of Capital Hill... RIGHT FREAKING NOW!

Politics is an ugly business. Anyone involved is automatically a liar because you are forced to vote for "bills" that have little hitches in them that you would NEVER vote for, except for the fact that it's in there and it ain't coming out. (ear marks, pork spending, etc.)

So here we are, about 50 days away from the presidential election, and the economy is taking a nose-dive into oblivion. Why is this? Well, let's follow the money. Less than 10 years ago, "regulations" were changed so that lending institutions and investment houses could keep less liquid capital (cash) on hand, and thereby invest more money into other things. However, the reason for keeping cash on hand is so that if the economy ever hits a snag, you can roll with the punches. Right? Well... enter the snag.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were lending money like crazy. Loans were made to people that should have never been given a loan, and just as soon as they cried "uncle" and foreclosures started to happen... guess what? Notes got called. Notes on loans that were not backed up with anything other than paper. Now look at what's happening: Merrill Lynch, Lehmann Bros., WaMu, and others we don't even know about yet are all screaming in fear of hell breaking loose.

The Dow Jones, nothing but an indicator of what is to come, is swinging drastically, hundreds of points in either direction, because no one knows what the hell is going on. ENTER: Congress.

Democrats: "We're gonna fix it!"
Republicans: "We're gonna fix it!"
Both of 'em secretly: "we're gonna fix it and pad our 'special interest' buddies pockets" wink wink

I sware, if we don't start getting out some of the old wood, and get in some new blood, we're going to see worse than a tanking economy in the next ten years. People like Reed, Pelosi, Kennedy, Frank, and the rest of them... are doing NOTHING but GETTING IN THE WAY!!!

Why else would congress have an "approval rating" of 9. Yes, NINE. On a scale of 1 to 100, 9% is all they get. You know what THAT means? In a democrat led congress, even the DEMOCRATS hate them!! BUSH, who all demorats hate, has a higher approval rating... and he's ticking me OFF right now!! "Let's bail out Fannie and Freddie." uh... excuse me? When a company goes under, they go UNDER. Bankrupt. Kaput. Dead. Then someone comes along, buys them out, and sells off the company for parts. But OH NO... not Uncle Sam! We're gonna buy this thing, and profit from it ourselves (the government) and leave things JUST LIKE THEY ALREADY ARE!!! Setting themselves up for yet ANOTHER LOSS!!!

Damn it people, get Mad! Remember Eddie Chiles, and all the bumper stickers that said, "I'm mad too, Eddie!"? He was mad over gas prices and how liberals were beating up on the oil companies. We'll, it's beyond that now. Not only is oil up, it's WAY up. Gas is up. Food costs are up. Demand in the world is up, and nothing can be done about that. However, congress is tying the hands of oil companies so we can't even refine the oil we have RIGHT HERE!! Do you realize, we literally export crude oil, and import the refined stuff? TRUE STORY! Yet one more reason for congress to get the hell outta the way!

As if the oil crisis weren't enough, the mortgage crisis is now upon us, this is already effecting the banks and investment industry, this will then domino into God only knows what... and we're left holding the bag. AND WHY? WHY ARE THINGS SO BAD???

Congress. It's high freaking time that we start OUSTING the damn people in congress. Impeach the President? The hell! Impeach Congress! They want to launch investigations into steroids, into pork spending (that they did themselves), into pictures on the internet of POW's being embaressed, HELL! Harry Reed tried to get an investigation going on Rush Freaking Limbaugh who did nothing more than point out the TRUTH about how REED has his hands into CORUPTION in Nevada real estate!!! And what did Rush do? He got his hands on the letter that Reed wrote, auctioned it off on e-bay, and raised millions for veterans and their families.

Take that, Harry!

I'm serious, people. If we don't CHECK congress in November, we're all going to hell in a handbasket. At the rate things are moving right now, I feel safe in predicting a second civil war in my lifetime. Washington D.C. is so outta whack, short of a civil war, I don't know what else can change it. I'd run for congress myself, if I weren't so scared of getting sucked into the b.s. too! Or being seen as politically impotent due to the powers that already "BE."

Get mad, people. Get loud, and get mad. And tell your rep's to do the same. Conaway! That means you, too! I want to see you on the news, red in the face for all the yelling I want to hear.

Get after it!

Midland, Texas makes National News!

2008-03-12T16:56:00.000-05:00

Okay, Midland didn't exactly make national news... today. But why haven't we??

RECORD UNEMPLOYMENT:
Midland has held the record for unemployment state-wide for over a year. As fast as we're building, getting new business, expanding existing businesses... people are finding jobs. And pick up the Sunday paper anytime and you'll find a dozen pages, front and back of "help wanted" ads. Everything from fast food, to medical, to executive, to oilfield related.

RECORD GROWTH:
Midland had over 500 housing permits sent out in 2007 and in 2008, we're going to dwarf that number. Basic Energy bought THREE different buildings downtown, tore one of those down and are planning on a huge retro-fit of the other two with parking and retail... and that's just one little corner of downtown! Seriously, if you haven't been downtown Midland lately, you have no idea.

RECORD EXPANSION:
Midland has annexed large tracts of land and have expanding the city limits greatly to the northwest. A water tower is under construction to help water pressure in the part of town because the growth has been beyond belief. Development of business districts, downtown and near the Midland International Airport is moving at an unbelievable pace. But no matter how many facts I give... who the hell's gonna believe me!

NO ONE... believes just how much Midland has grown. And we're just one city. Stanton, Big Spring, Andrews, Odessa... and God help "Penwell" when we finally do slam-dunk a futuregen project of some kind. Oh... it's coming. Do not doubt me. The oil industry needs the CO2, west Texas needs the electricity, this nation needs the technology up and running... the list goes on and on.

OIL... just hit $110 per barrel. As much as the New England states might dread that, for Midland it means growth, expansion, and money. And when do you see oil dropping? Five years? Ten? No. Twenty? doubtful. But with the population of Texas due to DOUBLE ... by 2030...???

I'm sorry folks, but we're on a roll and there's nothing gonna stop it. Question is: are you here getting in on it? or are you going to let this RECORD BREAKING time pass you by???

What is it going to take to get the national press coverage west Texas deserves... AND NEEDS... in order to help us launch off all the pinned up potential?

Anyone know Rupert Murdock? Better yet, get Mr. President to come down for a visit!! I think he needs to fly over Midland and give us his take on how things are changing here. ;)

Midlanders need a place to live! ...and go vote.

2008-03-04T09:12:00.000-06:00

Can someone explain to me why, when Midland is desperate for housing and places to live... the city council failed to vote on passing or not passing on a proposal to build a new apartment complex?

Here is yet another city council meeting I'll have to attend to make sure things get done. *sigh* I'd much rather be working.

Speaking of work, Midland is still on a boom. Met more people from Kansas, Arizona, and a couple more places. It really amazes me how people are flocking to Midland these days.

Today is "junior Super Tuesday" whatever the hell that means. The media is such a joke anymore. Reaching, stretching, grasping for anything and everything to come up with a "story." Anyways... GO VOTE! Don't make me tell you again. And don't do that silly "vote for Hillary" thing to beat Obama that so many people are talking about. After Barry's Canada snafu, he's just as bad as Hillary and neither deserve the time of day. I voted for Romney, personally.

What do you mean he's outta the race??? D'oh!

Have a nice day!

Integrity

2008-02-19T21:40:00.000-06:00

Courtesy of Merriam-Webster On-line Dictionary

integrity
Main Entry:
in·teg·ri·ty
Pronunciation:
\in-te-gr-tē\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
Middle English integrite, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French integrité, from Latin integritat-, integritas, from integr-, integer entire
Date:
14th century
1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility
2 : an unimpaired condition : soundness
3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness
synonyms see honesty

Firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values.

Question: What "code" of moral values do you look toward for guidence? The Bible? Koran? Torah? How about in your profession, do you uphold a professional code of ethics as a doctor? lawyer? business professional?

When I was in the Boy Scouts, many years ago, we had a candle lighting ceremony where we lit candles as we read about the Boy Scout pleadge: "A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty,brave, clean, and reverent." When we got to 'brave,' the candle decided to melt and drip on my hand. It was hot... damn hot. BUT, I bit my lip and was brave. I endured the moment's worth of pain in order to have a story to tell you now. I was once brave when it mattered a lot... to me.

I still think back on those values from time to time: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient. Let's stop there. Kind? I can admit I could do better there. Obedient? That depends on to whom, and why do I owe them my obedience. For the most part, I can think for myself and that can get me in trouble... when "obedience" might have served me better. Cheerful? eh... sometimes, though there is a synic alive and well in me. Thrifty? Work in progress. Brave? Yup. Covered that. Clean? Sure! Just don't look at my desk! Reverent? That's a matter of opinion. God and I know each other well enough to know where I stand, but other's might have an opinion on my "reverence."

So, getting back to Integrity, "where are you going with this, John?"

Good question, thanks for asking.

And while your at it, that is my point: Ask yourself what guide you use for a moral compass? A Scout pledge? Code of Ethics in your profession? Can you remember one line from that "code?"

I was just thinking, words have a meaning. Codes... have meaning. If there is a "code" in your life, whether it be the classic "Ten Commandments" or something else, why not go refresh yourself a bit? It never hurts to freshen up a bit.

This public service announcement brought to you by a busy-body with far too much on his mind than he can ever spill at one time. Remember? I'm still working on the obedience thing. And cheerful... and reverent.... and get outta here. But hurry back!

Presidential race? Vote : None of the Above

2008-02-15T11:33:00.000-06:00

I'm sorry, but I gotta tell ya... I'm just not happy with our (limited) choices this time around for President of the United States.

On the one hand, we have John McCain as the leading contender for the Republican party. However, he's for amnesty for immigrants, spends money like everyone else in D.C., fouled up the campaign contribution world of politics with his "fix" of it, and will make a deal with a Democrat, and stab his own party in the back... at the drop of a hat.

Then we have Hillary and Obama. Obama is inspirational. I kinda like the guy. His heart is in the right place but he has no experience, and what he DOES have experience in doesn't amount to a hill of beans. Hillary, on the other hand, has all KINDS of experience: cheating lying husband, dirty back-room law deals, takes money from anyone willing to hand it out... only to later deny knowing who they are or what they do when you KNOW she knows. And what has she "fought" for all her career? Status. The whole thing is just a game to her. She didn't want to be Senator Clinton from New York! She wanted to be Senator Clinton... candidate for President of the United States!

That was her one and only purpose from the word go, and you & I know it.

So what do we do?

Well, first of all, come March, I'm still voting for Romney. I think he KNOWS more than all 3 others will ever hope to know about business, finance, budgets, spending, etc. I think he is a moral man and will "do the right thing" no matter what that might mean. And then, come November, I'm strongly leaning toward taking my voter registration card to the nearest news camera... making sure they are filming me... and burning it.

Yes, that's right. Burn it.

To hell with the "system" because it's broken. Since when did "taking the lesser of two evils" become a good thing and not an evil thing to do? If you have to vote for Lucifer or Lord Sauron as the next President of the United States, why are we voting for Lucifer? Because we know our real guy will beat him in the end?

How's about we vote for neither? Better yet... don't vote! Let's all protest next November 4th, or whatever day it might be, and tell Washington D.C. we choose NONE OF YOU!!!

Choosing the lesser of two evils? Sounds evil to me. It is evil to choose... because either way, your choice was wrong. Damn wrong.

Just something to ponder. I welcome comments on this... any and all will be welcome and posted.

Welcome to Midland, everyone from North Dakota, Idaho, Michigan, California, Montana, Wyoming, Florida...

2008-02-14T15:21:00.000-06:00

Seriously, this is a quick "Howdy!" and a "Welcome to the party!" to everyone new to Midland from other states. I've seen nearly a dozen different state license plates in the last week. Yesterday, I even saw a car (jeep?) from Alaska. So welcome to you eskimos too!

On the downside, traffic is backing up and getting a little more crazy around here. So if anyone out there has issues with Midland growing? expanding? developing? Might I encourage you to drive from downtown Midland to ... oh, I dunno, the mall perhaps? or Loop 250 and Midland drive? Yeah, do that. Drive from downtown Midland to Loop 250 and Midland Drive... and see how long it takes you.

You can even take the loop if you want, but don't say I didn't warn ya. ;)

Welcome to one and all! Now grab a hammer, we got some building to do around here!

Basic Energy : Congratulations!

2008-02-10T16:53:00.001-06:00

Congrats to Basic Energy of Midland! After years of hard work, and the benefits thereof, they have made such progress as to warrant two new buildings and are laying the groundwork for development in downtown Midland.

Basic recently aquired the "Hightower Building" downtown on Illinois Street, as well as another office building and the old and infamous "Belt Buckle building" next door on Illinois. They had a ground-breaking ceremony this past Friday on their plans to level the old BBB and put up a new structure in its place. We know parking will be involved in their new plans, but dare we hope for a new resturant location? or perhaps some shops of some kind? Tons of potential... literally.

Work is still going forward on Big Spring St. and Texas where two builds were leveled. It is my understanding the Metro building and adjacent bank on the corner of Colorado and Texas will soon meet their maker and also be demolished. Now... if we can ever get the MMMD to make up their mind on tearing down the old Midland Savings on the corner of Wall and Colorado, then we'd have some serious prime real estate just ripe for development down there!

Still no word on the old Vaughn building becoming Midland Sky Tower. I haven't given up hope for it. With Midland making national news as frequently as we are, we're due for about 5 to 10 more good years of growth.

Did anyone ever doubt me? All my predictions about Midland and its future growth?

Of course not. Who would dare doubt me? ;)

Have a great week!

Happy Anniversery, Blogging for Midland!

2008-02-08T14:54:00.001-06:00

Yes indeed. Three years ago today, I started a blog that has been rather interesting to me. I've met people across the nation, found readers who are friends, neighbors, and even my "betters!" (notice I didn't say "elders?" *grin*)

I was thinking the other day how I need to change up the content a bit. Last few posts have seemed a little repetitious. But I've learned something over the years, something that aikido and real estate each have taught me very well: repeat, repeat, repeat.

You can't try something once and think you understand it. You can't attempt anything once, and "know" you know it...you're just kidding yourself. You can't advertise "here and there" and expect people to know who you are.

"Good things come to those who PERSIST."

Remember that. It's a truth that I came across years ago when I was the wandering philosopher I once was. I was pondering the thought of "good things come to those who wait," when it occured to me: the hell it does!

You can wait your whole life for Mr. (Ms.) Right to come along, and you'll never see them. You can wait your whole life for the perfect job, perfect house, perfect (fill in the blank here) and guess what? You'll miss it, not see it, let it get away, think it is something else all together... and you'd be wrong.

No, good things do NOT come to those who wait. It comes to those who persist. You have to work FOR something, TOWARDS something, in the general DIRECTION of something.

In this world, you can either be the Cause of your life, or the Effect of it. Ever heard the saying," God helps those who help themselves?" You have to give God something to work with in order for God to Work It!

There is another saying that drives me absolutely batty: "I guess it was just meant to be." You hear this all the time from reality t.v. people, and so many others. The DANGER in this particular thought is... you are placing yourself in the position to be the effect of any and every outcome situation there might be. How terrible is that?

Car breaks down? Meant to be.
Lose your job? Meant to be.
Go into bankruptcy? Meant to be.
Divorce? Meant to be.

Uh.... EEEHHH! Wrong. You could have budgeted and fixed your car. You could have come in early, stayed late, work through lunch or bring the boss lunch to save your job. You could have not charged up a dozen credit cards to AVOID bankruptcy. And you could have done a million different things to work on saving your marriage, but I'll grant you this... it takes two to make a marriage work, so sometimes it can be another's fault.

BUT... point is, don't just sit back and take it. Get out there and work for what you want. NAME the thing you want so you know, without a doubt, what it is you are going after. WANT what you just named. Do you REALLY want that? or are you just mentioning it because it is what someone else expects you to say? Ya gotta want it. Finally, ya gotta go for the gusto. GET what you want. Don't sit back and wait for it to happen along... go, go, go!

Okay, I'm getting preachy again.

Just think about it!

"Good things come to those who persist."

Start.

Anyone else feel the ground shaking...???

2008-02-07T14:18:00.000-06:00

Busy these days around Midland? Traffic getting a little more congested than usual? How about going out for a bite to eat, longer waiting time? And have you seen the classified section of the sunday paper lately? If you haven't answered "Yes" to at least one of those questions, then you are not in the Midland, Texas area. And that's just a shame.

Midland is booming right now, and I mean BOOM-ing. Well, for that matter, so is Odessa and Andrews, Texas! MSNBC recently did a segment on Andrews and all the work going on there: experimential nuclear facility that the University of Texas is building, the uranium enrichment plant between Andrews and Eunice, N.M., and also the nuclear waste storage facility the government is building. The next day, people were packing up and moving from California, Montana, Wyoming, and Michigan to move to Andrews. ANDREWS!! Okay, it's a good town, but what is their population? Maybe close to 10,000 people now? Multiply that by TWENTY and you've got Midland and Odessa with even more growth going on.

Yes my friends, we are booming. I feel like we're all sitting on a powder keg just waiting for it to go off.

This past monday, Montana Properties group from Alberta, Canada came before the planning and zoning commission of the city of Midland and announced their intentions to begin develpment of over 640+ acres of land in north Midland. In a time when the rest of the nation is slowing down to catch their breath, investors from coast-to-coast, literally, are coming here to BUILD! And we are building.

Right now, these are the facts:
Three (3) hotels are under construction out by the stadium, one is nearing completion.
Several new resturants have just opened, or are about to open in the next few months.
Midland and Odessa have collectively over 50 subdivisions building up, the majority of which are new within the last year! And those are just the ones that have broken ground. Still others are in the works to break ground this year!
Interstate 20 is undergoing a major renovation at Cottonflat Road which is in actuallity a continuation of Garfield Drive.
TXDoT is breaking ground right now on the "reliever route" north of Midland that is soon to become the next "loop" of Midland. (mark my words)
Opening in two months is the newest apartment complex boasting rentals from just under $1,000 per month to as high as $1650 per month for very nice, very spacious apartments with attached garages! Last one built was what... 20 years ago?
Midland Reporter-Telegram has a classified section that is over dozen pages or more (for jobs), and last I checked Saudi Aramco is hosting a job fair in Midland! Even OPEC is coming here looking for help!

Midland is about to see a lot of change. Now, I know a lot of people are not that comfortable with "change" but you just gotta get over that. People from around the nation are starting to notice Midland/Odessa in a big way, and that means we're going to see a lot of people come here. Now is the time to really buckle down and keep Midland running. People need to exercise patience on the roads and watch out for the other guy. Friends and family need to spread word of mouth when someone comes along needing a job, some place to live, somewhere to shop, or just looking for something to do.

But the one thing I would like everyone to do, more than anything, is: Get Involved! Right now, the city of Midland has dozens of committes and boards that need volunteers to help. Once or twice a month, you'll get together with others and help the city make plans and decisions that will guide our growth over the next 2 to 25 years... and beyond! There's a lot of change and Midland needs our help. We need workers to fill jobs, we need houses for those workers, and we need volunteers to help the city make sense of it all.

Get active.

Get involved.

But get with the program, because we're growing by leaps and bounds and there is literally nothing we can do but hold-on and help guide things when we can.

Welcome to the new "Wall Street" of Midland

2008-01-15T15:42:00.000-06:00

As many of you probably know, 2007 was the year Wall St. in Midland got a face lift downtown. Now, before all you ney-sayers start to chime in, listen up for a second... it looks cool!

For years now, I've listened to the skeptics tell me downtown "isn't worth saving," and that "it's a waste of tax payers dollars," and "there's nothing down there, so why bother?" Well, I've said it before and I'll say it again: "Midland is the 'Tall City.' Downtown isn't going anywhere and it is plain FOOLISH to think if we ignore it, it'll just go away!" No, downtown Midland is in all actuality an asset to Midland and is only just now getting the face lift it needs to breath life back into it.

TxDOT and the city of Midland just did a great overhaul last year to Wall St., a good chunk of downtown. And thanks to the foresight of the City and citizens working with the city, six blocks of Wall St. right next to downtown have been rezoned PDNS, or, Planned District Neighborhood Services. Now then, what does that mean?

From N Street to I street (I think that's correct) is a six block area that had previously been zoned strictly for offices. BOR...ING! Sure, some look good, but others need a little help! But now, with the change, shops of various kinds can open up along Wall St. and breath new life into the gateway to downtown Midland! Monument signs will be used instead of pole signs, meaning businesses will have signs no taller than four feet tall. This will allow for the oaks to remain and stay the nice feature that they are. Shops of all kinds can come in, pharmacies, various services, and there is even talk about a "collectible cars museum" coming in to the area! Being that it is just a couple blocks from the Museum of the Southwest, it's very fitting and can only prove to be a further asset to Midland.

Things are happening in Midland, and changes... good changes, are all around us. Through the participation of the citizens of Midland, bigger and better things will come as well!

Speaking of which, the new city council met recently and declared they would bring back a "ten minute" section of time at their council meetings for citizens of Midland to come and talk to the council about... get this.... ready??

ANYTHING!

Yes, you to can have 2 minutes of uninterrupted time to speak with the city council about anything and everything you feel you need to voice to them. Want a stop sign in your neighborhood? Tell them. Like what they are doing? Not? Tell them. Want something changed? Left alone? TELL THEM!

This blog is my bullhorn and by God, I'm gonna tell you right here and right now:
SPEAK UP! We elected people to listen to us and work for us. They can only do that if they know what the heck we're thinking! That can only happen if we talk to them.

Now is your chance. Get to a council meeting and make yourself heard. You'll never feel so free as getting out in the open, all the thoughts and ideas you've been bottling up for years. Be brief. Be concise. But be heard.

Okay, I'm done here. I'll be back next time with more news I think you should know. I'm cool like that. ;)

Happy New Year 2008 !

2008-01-04T15:52:00.001-06:00

Greetings and salutations!

Well, the calander has finally flipped and 2008 is well upon us now. FutureGen took the easy way out and went to Illinois. (*sigh*) Oh well. With as much work has been done on this already, I have no doubt that progress will now step forward to something even bigger and better than a government funded project anyway.

The Permian Basin has officially seen $100/barrell oil! History has been made. Sucks for us at the gas pump, but it foretells a productive year for Midland and the oil industry.

Other things to look forward to in Midland 2008:

Real Estate development.
"The Palms" apartment complex is very near completion and will be the first of many new apartment complexes for Midland in a long time. Nice too.
Shopping centers. Development around the new Wal-Mart on I-20 is still going like gangbusters. Holiday Inn Express, Complex Community FCU and many others are either out of the ground or getting ready to break ground. There is also a new shopping center going in north of ClayDesta along Big Spring. Looks good!
And how many new housing additions do we have now? A baker's dozen or so? I can't even keep up. Between new apartments and new housing developments going up, I think 2008 will be the year we can kiss our "housing shortage" goodbye.

Now where's all the people?
Unemployment in Midland keeps hitting record lows. I e-mailed MONEY magazine and told one their writers about Midland. I had read an article recently about "Prosperous Cities" despite the housing downturn around the nation and was surprised to see Midland was not mentioned. Well, I moved to correct that rather quickly. But will I get credit for turning that idea over to a national publication? NOOOOooooooooooo........... (Cue the Steve Martin impersonation) Ah well, maybe Midland will get a blurb or two. Who knows.

New Politicians. Joy?
OH... the drama! Midland has a new Mayor now, and new city council members. I'll be at the Midland Center Monday for their swaring in. It was a very dramatic election for many reasons, but we made it through and now... we have new people coming in. I wish them all well and hope for good things. We'll soon see if it was a good thing or not.

There's plenty more to talk about, but the clock is ticking.
Y'all have a good one and I'll be back again soon.

Ciao!

FutureGen on the way?

2007-12-14T09:54:00.000-06:00

Well, despite the wishes of the Department of Transportation, it seems the FutureGen Alliance is going ahead with their announcement on Dec. 18th to let the world know where they intend to build the first "clean coal burning" energy plant.

Hopes are high that the location chosen will be the Odessa/Penwell here in west Texas. Illinois locations are very hopeful that they will be the ones to become home to the 2 billion dollar plant, but it really is up in the air until the 18th.

If it does come to west Texas, hold on to something. You think we're in a "boom" time now? You ain't seen nothin' yet!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Austin Hill Visit 2007 - Realtor Style

2007-03-28T15:35:00.000-05:00

Greetings friends!

Yesterday proved to be a fun-filled and adventurous day for me and several of my peers, as we did a trek to the State Capital building in Austin.

The State Legislature named March 27, 2007: Texas Realtor Day, and I can assure you hundreds of Realtors showed up to show our support. A group of ten of us flew down to Austin, leaving Midland at 7:00am sharp. SouthWest Airlines got us to Austin ahead of schedule and we were on our way. Now, how we managed to fit nine people into a seven passenger van is beyond explaination, but quite funny! No, I can't post any photos of the event. Suffice to say we all know each other much better and the term "bonding" has taken on new meaning. (*Sardines anyone?*)

Seriously though, the event was a huge success and quite the learning experience. We met with Drew Darby of San Angelo, Kel Seliger of Amarillo, Buddy West of Odessa and Speaker of the House Tom Craddick and his beautiful and gracious wife, Nadine Craddick. Mrs. Craddick knew a couple members of our party personally, and was generous enough to invite us back for a tour of the newly renovated residential space of the Speaker. For those who do not know, millions of dollars were raised and spent for this renovation process, and I'm happy to report it was well worth the resources. The new space now has the Speaker's office, conference room, living room and dining area, all of which is used to welcome and accomidate delegates and dignitaries from near and far. Texas is a far more welcoming place with this new space at the ready.

The Texas Association of Realtors put together a very well organized and fruitful day. Every member, as far as I can tell, of the Texas Congress, has been met with and visited with on behalf of every home owner, as it is our highest priority to protect home owners and all real estate owners in the state of Texas. One photographer, whom I found myself following all day, said that she was indeed following the Midland group around. "You all are organized, you know where you are going. You're a good group! You can pretty much count on being in the next magazine." Awesome! Now if I had only asked her which magazine she worked for?? ;) I'll report back when I know for sure, but more than likely the Texas Realtor mag. We'll see.

Anyhow, it was a great time! Permian Basin Board of Realtors was well represented and I'm proud and glad I was able to join in with them, and everyone we had worked with yesterday. Thanks go out to Carolyn Arnold of PBBR, Laura Lyons President 2007 PBBR, and everyone else in attendence. Special shout-out to Skeet Doss and Kay Sutton for their close friendship with Mr. & Mrs. Craddick, and the opportunity to visit with them and get the extra guided tour. What a rare opportunity that was, and so much fun!

Take care,
John B.

Blogging for Midland? Oh yeah! I think I've heard of it...

2007-01-23T11:04:00.000-06:00

I know, late again. Go figure. :p

What can I say? Life has been a little busy, so I'll try to catch up.

First off, Baby's Birthday! Aiden turned 1 this past week and we had a party for him on Sunday. All Grandparents and adopted Grandparents were in attendence. He loves the attention. Good thing he's humble like his Daddy. (not!) No toys! Just send money! ;) haha!

Wife, Baby and I went to Ruiodoso after Christmas! LOVE the snow. Love it! Not enough at the time we were there, but we got our skiing "fix" in and had a good time. Aiden didn't know what to think of the snow. I put his hand in it and he looked at me like," what the hell is THIS stuff?!" Cute little bug!

Work at Darrell McDonald Realtors is going great. LOTS to do in Midland, these days. We have people moving in, Investors swooping in and buying up tons of houses. Other investors buying houses to "flip." And if that wasn't enough, new construction as far as the eye can SEE! Some examples:

Ashley Furniture is up and running now, big nice store.

Comet Cleaners and Jack & Jill Doughnuts are building a new store (building) on Briarwood in NW Midland. That should be up soon.

There is a new strip mall going up by my office on Midland Drive just west of the Town & Country (also on Biarwood).

The Marriott Courtyard is going up by Sam's Club and Clear Spring's Cafe. Also over there will be Permian BMW, if my sources are correct. They should be breaking ground this year.

Also to break ground: Gander Mountian. They are an Out Doors type store with hunting, fishing and boating equipment. I think they will be a welcomed addition to the Permian Basin.

Wall Street's reconstruction is more than half way through and with it, condominiums are planned for a building at the corner of Wall and Main, just west of the main post office. These are anxiously looked after by many people in Midland. I'm very interested in them myself!

I'm sure there is plenty I've left out. It's nothing personal, it is just busy around here!
Things to look forward to in 2007:
The New Engineering building on the UTPB campus.
The New Fine Arts building and Performance Center out at 1788 and 191 (C.E.E.D. Building)
Casino news in Texas? May be a possibility
La Enterada industrial park building being filled? More than likely
Condo's all over downtown and other buildingS (Plural) coming down!!
More residential construction
More commercial construction
More investors from California and elsewhere
More oil being pumped out of the ground
and more of John being late with updating his silly blog. ;)

Anyone interested in being my secretary? I'm cheap, but funny! :P HA!

Take care and stay warm!

Yes! We Do Property Management!

2006-08-21T14:07:00.000-05:00

Give me a second to... catch my breath!

"Welcome to Darrell McDonald Realtors! Now get to work!" Ladies and Gents, I have been on the run since day one! WOW! Calls, Renters, Owners, Buyers, Sellers... I knew I was a jack of all trades, but never did I know I could do so much, so fast in so little time! :P

I arrived in Don Byerly's office Monday morning, August 14th. I'll spare you the details, suffice to say I haven't made it home before 7:00PM YET! I have talked to 3 home owners considering renting their property, and one has signed. The other two have a little more work to do to get their home ready to go. Also, I have a couple very nice four bedroom homes coming on the market soon! Which is good, because there are what? A whole 20-25 houses on the market that are four bedroom in Midland?

Midland is growing by leaps and bounds. I think what amazes me is the number of areas where builders are putting up new homes, and the streets they build on are on NO MAPS! We're talking 2005 maps that are so out of date, 6 to 10 city blocks are built up and no where to be found! You just have know what is going on!

That's where I come in. ;)

Call me! Leave a message if I'm not here and I WILL call you back! If you need to buy, sell, rent or rent out a property, I can take care of it for you.

And by the way:
WE DO PROPERTY MANAGEMENT!! If you have a property (house or duplex or anything, really) and you don't want to manage it for whatever reason, CALL ME! Don and I can take care of it for you! What is better: owning a property and working it? or owning a property and collecting a check every month? And if you don't own property, for which you would like a check, call me... we can fix that problem too!

Gotta run! Stay in touch!!

Darrell McDonald Realtors: John is coming over!

2006-08-04T15:32:00.000-05:00

Greetings, friends!

Kindly John Boswell here, coming to you from Midland, Texas! You know, the land of bumper to bumper Escalades (if you listen to the bogus news on t.v. ;) !

(*True story: CBS did a story about the oil business and then focused on Midland and how "everyone" is getting rich. Huh! Some "investigative journalism" that was! Not.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/27/business/main1840054.shtml?CMP=ILC-SearchStories *)

TRUTH of the matter is, Midland is STILL hoppin', we are growing by leaps and bounds, and I did buy a newer vehicle, but it was a mini-van, not a luxury SUV. Sorry CBS... maybe next time.

In the midst of all this growth and development, my time has come to make a change. Though I have been with John Williams at Williams & Associates for over 7 years, I will be making a move over to Darrell McDonald Realtors of Midland: http://www.mcdonaldrealtors.com/

Kay McDonald was the President of the local board of Realtors when I first got my license. She was also the listing agent on the house my wife and I bought almost one year ago! She is one of the nicest people I have dealt with in real estate, and I'm really looking forward to teaming up with her in the future on many interesting real estate ideas we have been discussing.

Also in this move to Darrell McDonald Realtors, I will be working with Don Byerly, the property manager in their office. He manages over 160 properties and is expanding that inventory still! Between the two of us, we will have one of the largest (if not THE largest) inventories of privately owned houses and duplexes in all of Midland! SO, if you move to Midland and want to avoid "apartment" life, give us a call!

My official starting date isn't yet concrete, but it is looking more and more like August 14, 2006. I will be going back and forth in the meantime, to "learn the ropes" and get to know everyone there.

Many thanks need to go out to John M. Williams! I grew up with his kids here in Midland and has been as much of a father as he has been a mentor and broker. Through his guidance, I've learned so much about Midland, construction, remodeling, property management, and most importantly... I've made many clients and friends.

Time at Williams & Associates has been invaluable to me. But alas, change is on the wind and now... so am I. BUT LOOK ME UP!

Renting? Buying? Selling in Midland? Call me:

John A.E. Boswell
c/o Darrell McDonald Realtors
4801 N. Midland Drive
Midland, TX. 79707

(432) 689-0021 (as of Aug. 14th)
(432) 488-3223 pager (Punch in your number... I'll call you back!)

Downtown Midland is hoppin' !!

2006-06-14T11:14:00.000-05:00

Hello again!

Well, the auction has come and gone, and it went very well. All the buildings sold, bringing in far more than I ever thought they would. Something close to two and a half million for all four buildings! I look forward to seeing what happens with them next! I think all of Midland does.

Wall Street is now under construction. There are many nay-sayers on this one, though. Wall St. is to be narrowed to three lanes, sidewalks are to be torn out and re-done, trees will be planted, drainage will be corrected and many asthetic changes are to take place. I, for one, am looking forward to it. Many others area screaming,"Don't spend my tax dollars on that!" But, what do you do? When you have a downtown area in need of serious renovation and work, do you just let it sit there and rot? I'm mean, seriously. Come on! Downtown Midland is the home of county courts, District Courts and Federal Courts. We have lawyers, paralegals, secretaries, city officials, oil businessmen and women, accountants, bankers, and countless others down there everyday. Much of Midland's business takes place there... and we don't want to spend a little money to fix the place up? Granted, a couple million dollars isn't a "little money," but it is when you consider that compared to the overall picture of Midland.

Midland is not small town, and it is getting bigger and better every day.

Residential housing is booming in North and West Midland right now. Every contractor and sub-contractor are booked up with work well into the next year. Plans for a new class A apartment complex are in the works and should be breaking ground within a year. Not to mention all the other development coming to Midland:

Ashley Furniture is under construction next to Kohl's on Loop 250.
La Quinta Inn has broken ground two blocks away from that.
Holiday Inn Express is nearing completion near the Saturn dealership on the loop.
A christian book store is under construction next door to the Acadamy sporting goods,
as is another Rapid Lube oil change center. (I gotta admit, this one is a bit redundent in Midland.)

In the not-to-distant future, Midland is expecting a luxuary car dealership west of the loop on Hwy 191. Also, a new yet different sporting goods store is expected to be built in west Midland. Construction is due to begin soon on East Loop 250 to complete its extension to east Hwy. 80 and Intersate 20, which will be a huge imporvement for East Midland.

Midland recently had a "Ribbon Cutting" ceremony on a new bike trail in southwest Midland. This has been a much desired addition to the city and has finally been realized. Also, a new Dog Park has been completed out at Hogan Park to rave reviews.

So much is happening, and 2006 is going to be a big year for us.

Hopefully I'll be back soon with more news to keep everyone posted! Go check out the Midland Forums on-line for more information and to keep up with current events. I'm so busy, I'm lucky to be able to do so myself! ;)

Midland Auction : Four office buildings downtown

2006-05-10T14:13:00.000-05:00

Greetings again!

Well, as usual, too much is going on in Midland to report. However, there is ONE bit of very exciting news that I wanted to share about Downtown Midland: Real Estate Auction!

Myco Properties of Midland is selling off four office buildings in downtown: One Wall Plaza, the Vaughn Building, and the Permian Building and the Gihles Tower. One Wall Plaza is a great building, already home to numerous companies and offices. The others have been out of commission for a while, but with so much activity going on downtown, these properties will surely become a huge asset to someone!

More information can be found here: http://www.higgenbotham.com/index.asp

In addition to this auction, plans are already underway to narrow Wall Street to two lanes in order to widen the sidewalks and make them more pedestrian friendly! Plans are underway for shops, cafe's and various businesses to come in to the area, once the "face lift" has been done. More on that can be seen at the Master Plan for Midland 2025 here: http://www.ci.midland.tx.us/engineering/cp2025.pdf

SO MUCH IS HAPPENING! SO MUCH IS GOING ON! If you haven't been keeping up with Midland, then good luck... because you've got a lot of ground to cover. ;)

All Things In "Moderation"

2006-04-28T14:14:00.000-05:00

*click click*

"This thing on...?"

Hello everyone! Sorry for being gone so long. So much to talk about, so much going on. I would LOVE to tell you everything, but I'm going to try and pace myself a little bit. In the not-to-distant future, I will be going into detail on the enormous growth "boom" that Midland is experiencing at the moment, life with a new baby, more on real estate, the desire to return to martial arts training... and so much more.

BUT for now, I will start off by talking about one of my new hobbies: Forum Moderator.

If you look to the left, and down at the bottom of the list, you will see a link called "Midland Forums." These forums are the community bulletin on the web for people to come together, share information, relay stories and jokes and pictures. It really has been a fun place to socialize. In the "real world," many of us from the forum have gotten together to meet and talk and have fun. And it is fun!

But even more fun is the opportunity to be a moderator for these boards. As of now, I am the forum moderator for "Economic Development" and for the political forum "Moderate Forum." Both of these are very interesting as news regarding the development of Midland, new or expanding businesses and city expansion takes place... all discussed on the E.D. forum. "The Moderate Forum" is for people who want to discuss politics, but not get mired down in talk about only Republicans or Democrats and how one party is better than the other... or worse. ;)

My job as a "Moderator" is to keep things civil, keep things entertaining, keep things moving and to encourage conversation about the various subjects at hand. It isn't a paying job, nor is it hard, nor... is it even a really job! However, it does require one to be vigilant and aware. Things can quite down and soon you'd have no one talking. No fun there. Things can become heated and confrontational, which requires some tact to keep in line but not shut down abruptly.

I'm happy to say that the Economic Development forum has been highly productive. Very useful conversations take place, people thinking of new ideas for Midland, sharing news about businesses coming to the Permian Basin. It is also a sources for "links" to other websites relating to the Cities of Midland and Odessa and the economic development each city is working on. Please feel free to stop by and check it out sometime. ;)

http://www.myopenforum.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=4&sid=477cc2d382788d7a78b950a97fb0e44b

As for the Moderate Forum, well, that's a "Member's Only" forum due to policing the activity in there. Anyone interested has only to e-mail me and explain your intentions and reasons you'd like to join. In truth, I'd like to have everyone come participate. However, not everyone, I've found, can "play nice." So... e-mail me if you, too, would like to join us and discuss politics in a positive light with ideas on how to get things done!

snowshadower33@yahoo.com

Anyhow... I'm going to run, but I'll be back again soon. Hope to see you all on the forums! Just don't take everything too serious. If laughter is truly the best medicine, we'll have you're cure on the boards. (Might catch something else though! LOL)

REALTORS : Do you really need one?

2006-02-03T11:23:00.000-06:00

On a local internet forum, a conversation has been brought up about whether a REALTOR is necessary or not, and why wouldn't someone just sell their home For Sale By Owner (FSBO). It is an interesting question and one worthy of addressing, as I'm finding a lot of misconceptions about real estate.

First of all, let's consider what a real estate agent does.

Not all sales people in real estate are REALTORS. To be called a Realtor, with a capital "R," you need to not only be licensed in your state, you have to be a member of the National Associate of Realtors. As such, we pay dues and fees to be members of the local MLS (Multiple Listing Service) in order to provide immediate access to all properties listed in your area. This helps expedite the sale of your home or your future purchase. More on the MLS later.

Also with Realtor, you have a highly trained individual at your beckon call, ready to answer any questions that may come up from you or your buyer. Inspections, Surveys, Title Policies, Disclosure Statements are all items that should and will be discussed, but not everyone knows what these are or the value of them. A Realtor does.

Most importantly, a Realtor is an Agent. An Agent is a person who is authorized to represent you and your best interests. Buyers need agents just as much as Sellers do. For years, professionals in the field have seen every manner of problem come up in the sale of a property that many people would never give a second thought. Contracts are written in such a way as to leave no question about: what fixtures stay with a property after the sale, who is responsible for the taxes on the property and up until what time, does the buyer have the right to walk away from a contract even after it has been signed, and what happens if the Buyer can't get financing in time?

So many legal ramifications take place during the sale of any property. REALTORS are no attorneys and can not give legal advice. But we do have excellent advice on how, when and why you can sell your property and for how much.

In a fast-paced market, like we see across the United States today, houses are selling every day and often are going under contract the day they are listed for sale. One might think that in such a market, Joe Public could just list his own property in the local paper and sell it themselves. Well, that's easier said than done.

Today, loans can be gotten over the telephone, fax, internet or from a local bank, credit union or mortgage company. Companies are created and offering loans so quickly, Title Companies who help ensure the proper transfer of ownership, do not even know who is offering the money! And when they do receive the paperwork, they see high interest rates or closing fees that far surpass the norm. An agent can help advise on this subject, keeping their clients out of bad deals with scrupulous lenders.

Disclosure statements are also provided, among hundreds of other documents, to Realtors so their clients can let buyers know everything there is to know about a property. This protects both buyers and sellers alike, so that after the deal is done and the new buyers go to move in, they don't walk into a home with no light fixtures or find the satellite dish and stove have been taken out.

So much can be taken for granted in the world of Real Estate. I, and thousands of others, have taken courses, seminars, watch videos, have meetings and consult members of the legal profession all in order to protect YOU. We spend hundreds of dollars to become members of an elite association, an association that serves to set high standards in quality and integrity among its members.

How much are you willing to pay for a trained professional to take care of you? You would never consider paying a stranger to clean your teeth or hand you medication if they were not trained and licensed as a doctor, would you? If you ask your neighbor for legal advice, do you really think you could win in the court of law? It would be nice to think that you can sell your house, you HOME, on your own. But how well do you know the sales market in your area? Do you study it everyday? Do you negotiate deals and know what people are willing to pay or not pay for what your home has to offer?

It is not an insult to think to yourself," I don't know what to do " when it comes to buying and selling a home. It seems simple at first, but once you are in the deal, it really can get complicated. REALTORS take the complications out of it and make your life easier. Like the commercials say,"We let you live your life. Real Estate is our life."

I hope this answers a few questions. Should anyone have others, feel free to e-mail me anytime. I'm here to help. It's what I do.

FutureGen : Future home in West Texas?

2006-01-30T16:36:00.000-06:00

Getting back to the subject of economic development and Midland, let's talk about FutureGen.

http://www.beg.utexas.edu/futuregentexas/

What is FutureGen? It is a revolutionary "facility that is capable of producing hydrogen and sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2). " In laymans terms, it works like this:

Coal is burned to produce electricity. This is a common practice around the world, but the downside has always been pollution. However, with FutureGen, the CO2 that is created in the burning process is contained and redistributed for use in other ways. Oil companies, for example, can use that CO2 to push oil closer to the surface where oil wells can reach and thus, tap into oil supplies that heretofore were unreachable. Thus... we have more oil and gas.

Also produced through the burning of coal is Hydrogen. With automakers looking into automobiles that run on hydrogen, a cleaner energy source than gasoline, we now have a steady supply of hydrogen through such a plant.

So, in summary, FutureGen is an energy producing plant that has very little, if any, pollution, while at the same time is producing electricity, CO2 for resale purposes and further energy production, and hydrogen for even more energy.

Midland-Odessa are two cities that togetther are the home of over 200,000+ people. Though Odessa specifically is being considered as a sight for FutureGen, Midland would benefit in that we are the home of many oil companies and have been for generations. The building of such a plant as this would bring in billions of dollars through construction and operation, and create thousands of jobs for the Permian Basin. The ramifications of this plant are nearly unending.

In an article published by the Midland Reporter Telegram, delegates charged with selecting a possible location for the new FutureGen plant visited West Texas: http://www.mywesttexas.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16020995&BRD=2288&PAG=461&dept_id=475626&rfi=6 It is my hope that they will see the benefits of bringing this plant to West Texas. Midland-Odessa have been the oil capital of the U.S. for many years past. Now, with this and other initiatives taking place nearby, Midland-Odessa could soon become not just the Permian Basin, but could better be called the Energy Basin.

So many possiblities exist in our region. I encourage everyone to read up on FutureGen and similar prospects for energy. They will become a new way to the future... and I'm looking forward to seeing it all come to life!

Take care!

Baby Update

2006-01-23T10:33:00.000-06:00

Due to the diligent effort and love from Aunt Stephanie, we now have a website for little baby Aiden:

http://www.geocities.com/aiden11806/

If I were a little more computer literate, I'd post pictures myself. But, given the fact that I'm not... and I'm running on very little sleep like "Mommy" is, I think I'll just let y'all click this link instead. How about that!?

Enjoy!

Brand New Baby Boy !!

2006-01-19T15:06:00.000-06:00

As if things weren't busy enough... Aiden Boswell has come into the world of the living! Weighing in at 7 lbs., 4.5 ounces, he's the cutest bundle of joy you ever did see. (Not that I'm predjudice or anything. ;)

Wife and baby are both healthy and happy and doing very well. She will be coming home tomorrow or Saturday and will soon be off on the journey of a lifetime.

It really is one thing to see a pregnant woman grow with the life of a baby inside her. It is quite another for doctors and nurses to run around, doing what they do best, and then suddenly someone says,"Here you go, Daddy. Catch!" And there he is.

Leslie often jokingly says,"Did we really think about this before hand?" or some other derivation thereof. I would shake my head no and then laugh. But... I knew. I knew what any good uncle knows. But now I know what any good Dad knows.

Life is a good thing!

Our thanks go out to Dr. Charles Lively of Odessa, Texas! He and his staff are nothing short of the best and we never doubted a single moment in his care. Also, thanks go out to the staff of Odessa Regional Hospital for taking such good care of Mom and Baby. And of course, never the last and certainly not the least: our Family. Not plural, mind you. When Leslie and I got married, the Brewer family and Boswell family became one, for better or worse. And we would be nowhere with out the love and support of all our brothers and sisters, Moms and Dads and cousins, nephews, neices and all in between.

Thank you!!

Life IS a good thing!

Welcome to the New Year, Midland!

2005-12-31T09:47:00.000-06:00

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

Thanksgiving in the Hill Country

2005-11-28T11:15:00.000-06:00

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!

Aikido of Midland goes to Houston!

2005-11-07T13:53:00.000-06:00

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.

Busy in Midland, Texas!

2005-10-25T16:11:00.000-05:00

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 !

2005-10-25T09:21:00.000-05:00

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 !!

Alternative Chiropractic: New office and Dojo !

2005-08-29T09:53:00.000-05:00

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!

What's all this wet stuff?

2005-08-15T10:05:00.000-05:00

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!

YOU FLATTER ME !!

2005-08-13T09:30:00.000-05:00

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!

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!

George W. Bush Presidential Museum: Did you know?

2005-07-25T14:08:00.000-05:00

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!

Midland: Growing like never before

2005-07-13T11:00:00.000-05:00

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!

Freedom under attack? RE: London terrorist bombing

2005-07-07T10:53:00.000-05:00

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.

Sandra Day O'Connor: Supreme Court Justice

2005-07-01T10:42:00.000-05:00

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.

Thoughts worth thinking about: John F. Kennedy

2005-06-27T16:27:00.000-05:00

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.

Greetings to friends far and wide!

2005-06-23T11:30:00.000-05:00

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*

Cleaning up Downtown: The Reality

2005-06-16T11:08:00.000-05:00

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

It's time to clean up this town!

2005-06-09T11:05:00.000-05:00

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...

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

2005-06-06T09:35:00.000-05:00

..... 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.......

On Excellence

2005-06-01T11:29:00.000-05:00

"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! ;)

On "doing your best"

2005-05-26T16:53:00.000-05:00

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... ;)

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

2005-05-24T14:43:00.000-05:00

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...

Thoughts worth thinking about: The Series

2005-05-23T14:19:00.000-05:00

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!

On a lighter note: AIKIDO !!

2005-05-20T15:11:00.000-05:00

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!

Big Brother IS Watching You

2005-05-14T10:29:00.000-05:00

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

Paying the Price for the Internet

2005-05-03T10:36:00.000-05:00

"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.

Attention: Liquor Stores - You're on my list

2005-04-26T15:08:00.000-05:00

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.

Black Belt Magazine: June 2005 Issue

2005-04-20T14:21:00.000-05:00

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

Pope Benedict XVI : Long Road Ahead...

2005-04-19T15:42:00.000-05:00

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! :)

WARNING: Phishing in progress...

2005-04-14T11:18:00.000-05:00

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 users 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...

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

2005-04-07T14:45:00.000-05:00

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!

What is: Busy?

2005-04-06T16:03:00.000-05:00

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(

Bring in the Texas Casinos!

2005-03-28T10:27:00.000-06:00

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!

Terri Schiavo: Questions on euthanasia

2005-03-21T14:42:00.000-06:00

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.

Common Sense is Dead.

2005-03-16T10:19:00.000-06:00

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.

Let's talk about YOU !!

2005-03-14T14:33:00.000-06:00

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!!

Finding a home in Midland: A serious concern

2005-03-11T11:42:00.000-06:00

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!

Fit For Life: A Midland sanctuary

2005-03-09T10:17:00.000-06:00

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/

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

2005-03-05T20:26:00.000-06:00

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!

Coming this Sunday to a newspaper near you!

2005-03-04T16:49:00.000-06:00

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. ;)

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

2005-03-03T09:45:00.000-06:00

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! ;)

Residential real estate: a rare commodity?

2005-03-01T13:39:00.000-06:00

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!

Aikido of Midland: A new beginning

2005-02-28T14:55:00.000-06:00

Welcome weary web traveler! As this little virtual page of mine hasn't focused on myself much lately, I thought I'd pop on by with some interesting news regarding the world of Aikido.

As was mentioned before, Midland is lucky to have among its peers Dr. John Riggs. Sensei Riggs is a doctor of chiropractic and has been working in Midland as such for five years. Before that, he practiced in Waco & Austin, but is happy to call Midland his home. Aside from his work, he is an avid practitioner of the martial art, Aikido.

Unlike many other arts, the elevation of rank in aikido does not reach very much beyond 8th degree. Those who have reached such ranks have skill unparalleled in the world and were most likely awarded such rank by the founder and creator of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba himself. Sensei Riggs has been awarded the rank of Yondan, also known as 4th degree. This is a great achievement and one few can lay claim to.

With the ticking of time, comes change. None of us can avoid it, and such is the situation with Sensei Riggs. Just like Midland is growing and changing, so to has Sensei Riggs. His chiropractic practice is outgrowing his current office space and this has created a need to move into some place new. I don't feel I can release the future location at this time, but I can say that later this year, such a move will enable Dr. Riggs to have a space of his very own to teach martial arts as well. AIKIDO OF MIDLAND is a new name that will soon be seen far and wide. Much work is yet to be done, but if all goes according to plan, soon he will be right back at it... teaching the Art of Peace to many in Midland.

For more information, please contact Sensei Riggs at aikidoc1@cox.net or you can call (432) 570-8792. Sensei Riggs specializes in traditional Hombu style Aikido as was taught by the founder and is now being taught by Doshu and Shihan Kato of Japan. Sounds pretty interesting, huh? It is! But you have to call us up to learn more! Drop a line anytime... ;)

Midland Development Corp.: Today's Meeting

2005-02-25T15:27:00.000-06:00

Well, I went to my first meeting of the Midland Development Corporation today at City Hall.

It was... Interesting?

First of all, I was a bit perturbed by the fact that the meeting was held at 8:30am and no previous announcement was made on it. Nor have I seen a schedule anywhere on WHEN the meetings are supposed to be. Is it just me, or should this be an important part of Midland's development? And if it is important, why don't more people attend?

Okay, enough of that.

I was glad to finally put a face to the names. John James, Jerry Morales, Barry Horseman were there along with others. Couldn't see everyone's nameplate, but many were there.

Items discussed:
Ground breaking within the next month on the new building going out in the La Enterada Industrial Park. This is good.

Blake Wallace is in California speaking with prospective businesses that could potentially set up shop in Midland. Hey! That's good news!

New marketing is going on with the MDC. Flyers are being printed up and efforts are being made to make the people of Midland more aware of MDC and their efforts to promote economic development in the city. I wish I had heard more on this, but not much detail was gone into... though I did walk in on the meeting in progress. (Sorry about that.)

But about that: Yes, I got there late, but again... I only had an hour's notice. At 7:30am, I was drinking my coffee and waking up for the day. Finding out the meeting was about to happen didn't give me much time. ALSO, reporters for both MRT and Odessa American walked in at the same time I did (apx. 8:45am). Was the NEWS unaware of what was going on? Don't tell me reporters have to read their own paper to find out what is going on around here.

Moving right along... An item on the docket was approved to hire a law firm to lobby on behalf of Midland in Washington. It was mentioned that progress for Midland was always made right up to the steps of the Capitol, but then stopped there due to other lobbyists (sp?) pushing for their own interests. MDC will be spending $100,000 for the first year to work on pushing bills through Congress that have Midland's ED at stake. I think this is a smart idea, so long as they actually make progress. Only actually hiring them will tell if that is the case. Good luck, guys!

Overall, I'm looking forward to learning more about the MDC. I wish I could see more of what goes on behind the scenes. More importantly, I wish more of what they were doing was communicated to the public!! When I e-mailed Mr. Wallace a week ago, he told me that efforts were being made to do more and that they did have someone on stay in charge of public relations. Gee, wonder who that is? Seriously, I'd really like to know.

Not trying to be difficult or make their job hard, but so much more can be done.

I wish them well in 2005. It has the potential for being an absolutely HUGE YEAR for Midland! Now we just have to drive it on home.

I'll keep you posted as I learn more.

Have a nice day!

Help Wanted in Midland.

2005-02-23T10:49:00.000-06:00

People looking for work are often times checking the Sunday classifieds for help wanted postings, and who can blame them? That is the day most businesses will post an ad looking for help. Any given Sunday will always have ads searching for nurses, truck drivers, welders, administrative assistants, and much more.

lately though, help wanted ads in Midland are growing on an almost daily basis. Restaurants are looking for management personnel. Oil companies are looking for rig hands, mud loggers and salesmen of all kinds. Car dealers are experiencing a big demand for more sales personnel and Cingular has an almost constant ad running for more Customer Service people for their call center.

The growth in Midland is undeniable, and it will only continue to grow. Toyota has a truck manufacturing plant opening up in San Antonio next year and very soon, the supply companies that will feed that factory will be showing up in droves. New construction in Midland is at a level that has not been seen since the great boom of the 80's and shows no signs of slowing down. Retailers are arriving in Midland, along with new resturants and city/county development. Midland is really a great place to be right now!

Drop by the MRT Classifieds on-line at: http://midland.abracat.com/ There are various searches that can be done to find something just right for you... and believe me, it's out there!

Midland Keeps GROWING!

2005-02-21T14:49:00.000-06:00

Don't look now, there's more and more building going on every single day! A popular subject on the Midland Forums is the subject of new construction/businesses in Midland. Now, I may not know everything going on right now, but I know a lot of it and wanted to do a re-cap here for all my friends checking in:

Furniture Row Outlet - Being built on Loop 250 North across from Best Buy. Judging from the size of the area, I'd guess a 20,000+ sq.ft. building is going up for their new venture. A welcome sight to the loop.

Kohl's - Slated to open on March 3rd, 2005, Kohl's has beside it a small stripmall apx. 10,000 sq.ft. Unconfirmed speculation has mentioned a cell phone outlet going in there along with two different food chain places, but I'll not name names until I know for sure. But show up for the Kohl's Grand Opening on March 3rd!

Landrey's - Advertising in the Midland Reporter-Telegram is Landrey's Resturant. They are currently hiring managment staff for a new resturant in the near future. Based on an educated guess, the earliest we can see such a place opening up would be Sept./Oct. of this year... at the EARLIEST! So hang in there, I'm sure we'll hear more about this soon.

Wal-Mart Supercenter - The current Wal-Mart is under renovations on N. Midland Drive. The McDonald's is to be replaced by a new Subway sandwich shop placed right by the bakery in the front of the store. Their dairy section is being expanded and the floors are being redone. All this to finish by the end of April. ALSO, a whole NEW Wal-mart is under construction on Interstate 20 at Rankin Hwy (aka S. Big Spring St.). Rumor has it that a Cracker Barrell will be built very near this new location as well. But I'm not one to gossip, so you didn't hear that from me! ;)

Holiday Inn Express - Under construction is the latest new hotel in Midland! Going up next to Zeno's on Loop 250, it should be up in no time. When The Hampton came to Midland, the work went fast... I expect the same here.

Anyone watching Hollywood 10 Theaters on the loop? They appear to be adding on at least 2 more screens. Not too bad. Wish someone would renovate and open up the old UA Cine'4 on Cuthbert and Midkiff! Used to be nice... back in the day.

Other things happening: A new bank building is under construction on N. Midland Dr. behind the Town & Country; A dry cleaner company has a building under construction on Wadley next to Soft Suds; American State Bank has a new branch just opening also on Wadley near Midland Dr.; McDonald's on Andrew's Hwy. is going to close at the end of this month for a complete and total remodel; Flowerland on Andrews Hwy. is for sale, which remindes me...

How many of you remember "The Midlander"? The prestigious gym/club with the pool and racquette ball and tennis, etc.? Well... it is UP for sale, my friends! Yes, that's right! The current owner, who bought it at forclosure, has it on the market for sale and will consider financing it himself. Call me if you want more details. (432) 694-9663 Ofc.

Midland is hoppin'! For everything I've mentioned there are at least two more going on that I don't know anything about! E-mail me at: snowshadower33@yahoo.com if you'd like me to post something you know... or want US to know!

Have a nice day!

Ruffling some feathers: Shaking Up Midland

2005-02-19T11:18:00.000-06:00

When I originally set out to start a blog, it was my intention to talk about my poetry, my writing, my aikido experiences and my life.

"Blogging for Midland" has, it seems, taken on a life all its own.

I've been told by my wife that she is impressed that so many people are interested in what I have to say and that my work here and on the Midland Forums has gotten people thinking. Others have pat me on the back and have encouraged me to keep going. Still others... well, they're waiting and hoping I'll fall flat on my face! ;)

What is most important here is not objectivity. Anyone can be objective. Reporters are supposed to be, but rarely are it seems. What is most important here is not fairness. I am ONE PERSON and can not count on, nor rely on anyone to back me up. Whether you agree with me or not, I need to be able to stand alone. No. What is most important in all of this, in my opinion, is Courage of Conviction. I need to see everything I say... through to the very end.

Does this mean I will plant my feet and never change? No. Often times I have had debates with people and seen them win me over to their side. Should I ever slip down to name calling or making generalized attacks? I think everyone knows me better than that. I have my moments of "Foot-in-Mouth" disease, but thankfully it is recoverable.

So... I need to stand by my convictions? I can do that. I will promise to read, listen, think about and try to understand. But in exchange I will also ask the same. Those who see fit to just blindly attack me will be met with disinterest. They have no power over me that I don't give them already... and I won't give it up that easily. No, meet me on an even field and say what you've come to say. If you use logic and reason and facts, we'll talk. If not, I'll walk. It is as simple as that. I can and will respect anyone and everyone that can meet me with these terms. And I also look forward to such an opportunity.

Thanks!

To Smoke or to Not Smoke, what's the question?

2005-02-18T10:16:00.000-06:00

Currently on the battlefront of Midland Democracy is the subject of banning smoking from public establishments throughout the city of Midland. On the one hand, we have a very good doctor of Midland explaining the facts that smoking is bad for you, it isn't good for the people around you, it's bothersome and that it should be banned. On the other hand, we have a very reputable business owner with a long established pub that has frequent and many smokers coming to his establishment. To ban smoking, is to tell his patrons,"You are welcome, but not your dirty, nasty little habit... take that home!"

Hmmm... Dilemma.

Where do the rights of patron's begin and the rights of the property owner end?

Seeing as we live in a capitalistic society, it should follow that the people will vote with their dollars as to whether to allow smoking or not. However, as a society, we have been moving more and more over toward a socialistic stance in that the government is constantly being asked to step in and tell US what is wrong from right and thereafter... enforce it!

One example of this is Political Correctness. In my personal opinion, this is a villain that is more evil than most. In the interest of being nice to everyone, kind to everyone, equal to everyone... terminology has been set up so as to not offend anybody for any reason. The result has been a tongue-tied tap dance the likes we have NEVER seen before. Black people are not black! They are "African American." Spanish people, whether from Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, or East L.A. are "Latin American." Old people are no longer "Senior Citizens," they are "Seasoned Citizens" and with so many "baby boomers" about to join their ranks, I'm sure their title will change again.

Whoopie Goldberg was once quoted as saying,"I'm not an african american! I... am a Black... Woman! I am a woman who happens to be black!" Great! Glad we got that straight because we don't want any confusion there. But see, if "I" were the one to call her a black woman, I'd be shunned as a racist pig. Especially because I'm white! And why am I not referred to as a Caucasian American, hmm? (* EDIT * Let me be EXTRA clear here: I am not a racist. I happen to LOVE Whoopie G. and have the utmost respect for her. I'm sure when we get down to it, we don't agree on everything, but on this particular point... people need to LISTEN and UNDERSTAND.)

"So what's the point, John?" Thanks for asking. My point is, we are all so busy trying to please all the people, all the time, we are only DIVIDING UP THE NATION! Look at Midland for example. Half the people are for the ban, half are against. One side gets louder to make their point, so the other side has to get louder. The more and more we fight over this, the more divided we become. Before you know it, you have a problem on your hands that is volatile and potentially Dangerous. You think I'm exaggerating? Ask Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His crusade began with a boycott of buses. Years later he is assassinated? All HE wanted was equality.

Non-smoker's in Midland aren't asking for equality. They are asking for a Ban. Cut the smoker's "nasty" habit out of public places. Who are they to tell the PROPERTY OWNER'S what to do?

Yes, there are health risks. Yes, they have a right to not breath second hand smoke. But don't they also have the right to go somewhere else? How often does the good doctor go to The Bar? The Ranch? Bennigen's? Now there is an interesting question.

Vote with your pocket books, not with your hatred or prejudice. And you have to admit, it IS discrimination to tell smoker's they are not welcome. "Oh no! Just their habit isn't welcome!" Call it what you will, it does not change things.

That's my two cents.

The People have to Know what is Going On!

2005-02-16T15:27:00.000-06:00

Hi there! Welcome back... and thanks for coming.

Well, it appears I've stirred the pot a bit and people in Midland are talking about things: economic development, revitalization downtown, what businesses are good for us and what we need to do next. This is good! But it is only a beginning...

Today, I shot a letter/e-mail over to the Vice President of Economic Development, Mr. Blake Wallace of the Midland Developement Corp. informing him that despite the varied opinions on MDC and what they have been up to, the one thing in common amongst everyone I have spoken to was: We want to know more.

Personally, I am of the opinion that a Public Relations Liaison for the MDC would be a great benefit to the MDC and could only strengthen their works. The M.I.S.D. has such a person in Melissa Hendricks, formerly of NewsWest 9, and she has been a pleasant person to have keeping Midland up-to-date on our schools. Now if we can only do the same with MDC.

I'll keep you posted when I hear back, what I hear and what, if anything, is going to change on this front. But in the meantime, have any of you written to President Bush about bringing his future library to Midland? You can reach him on the web or at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave! Drop him a line! He's good people. ;)

Midland! Making waves on the Web.

2005-02-15T13:52:00.000-06:00

Isn't life great? It is for me! Took my honey to a Valentine's dinner last night at the famous Venezia's Resturant here in Midland. Had steak, shrimp, vino... and the dessert was outstanding.

As if that weren't enough, I get to work and login to the City Forum (
http://www.westtexashosting.com/) only to find this:

"I have been reading around here in the boards and just wanted to ad my two cents.

We are currently in the process of opening a medium sized business downtown in the very near future.

We hope to employee up to 100 people in the first two years. I am sure that we will not receive any help from MDC much less support as we are a software and internet company.

But the prices of living here are the exact reason that I came back to open our business here.

Odessa has Telvista which is very simular to our situation, but the pricing for downtowm Midland is very reasonable.

We will see what happens here in the near future as we begin to lay out our final plans.
_________________
Shane Bell

www.westtexashosting.com
www.avast.us.com

Mr. Bell, here's wishing you nothing but the best in Midland! I hope all your plans work out and, should they... please keep us all apprised of what worked for you, what closed the deal to bring you to our fair city and any suggestion you might have to help other companies to follow suit in the future!

PS: Please visit Mr. Bell's website: www.westtexashosting.com

Revitalization of downtown Midland... Why?

2005-02-14T11:21:00.000-06:00

Midland has always been a oil town. From boom to bust, Midland has always been about the oil business. People around the world love to look down on oil as being "Big Business" and for "Corporate Big Wigs" and even have accused presidents of going to war over oil. Huh? What? I don't get it either.

BUT, Midland itself has always been a wonderful city for various reasons. It's a good place to raise children; good place to do business with low cost of living; good access to bigger cities and of course, we have our favorite backyard just down the road: Ruidoso!

Now there is talk about revitalization of downtown. The city council is currently implementing a plan to create an "Entertainment District." Speculation on the success of this project has many people shaking their heads. One person I've heard from has said, "I have lived in Midland all of my life (45+ years) and downtown Midland was NEVER a place for nightlife."

Well, times have changed. Midland is growing and it is undeniable that changes need to take place to roll with the growth. Downtown Midland has been in dire need of a "make over" for years, but the sheer magnitude of the job has always been a hindrance. Well, no longer.

Midland Development Corp. in conjunction with the Midland Chamber of Commerce and City of Midland, are currently underway with plans to breath new life into the Tall City. Avenues that were once commonplace and unremarkable will be torn out and remodeled after big city thoroughfares, friendly to pedestrians and vendors and future landmarks. Sidewalk cafe's will replace empty lobby windows. Trees will shadow bench seating and artistic works. Who could wish ill of such work? Who would not want such improvements?

For many years, the conservative elite of Midland have chosen not to make changes for fear of watching money be tossed aside toward unfruitful resources. Can you blame them? Who would want to see millions of dollars spent on something that will turn to nothing within a matter of a few years? Such is not the case today. It can not be the case and Midland can't let it be.

The time has come for the people of our fair city to pull together and make something better for ourselves and for our future. I don't want to live in a town where we all think ill of this section or that because no one wants to go and put the work into making it have value! "South of the tracks", "East side" and "Deadland, TX" should be phrases to be shunned when uttered or heard. Right now, Midland is growing to the North and West. Well we need to work on downtown and make it the catalyst for growth in Midland to spread South and East. ALL of Midland can prosper in our new found stage of growth and DOWNTOWN MIDLAND can be the answer.

"What we have found from other cities that have been successful with downtown redevelopment is that their success has been based on hundreds and hundreds of people doing hundreds and hundreds of things, both big and small," Chuck Swallow said.

Hundreds and hundreds... That's you and me.

Think about it.

George W. Bush Presidential Library in Midland

2005-02-11T16:19:00.000-06:00

Midland, Texas. Population 97,000 and growing slowly but surely. Surrounded by desert and tumbleweeds, a person could ask themselves: "Why would anyone want to live here?" Well, you have to KNOW Midland to understand.

Two very important people in all the world know the importance of Midland, President & Mrs. George W. Bush. The President is already off to a good start on his second term in office and hopes are high for a bright future. Iraq has gone from a war-torn dictatorship to free elections by the people. Education, medical, social and economic reforms are being worked on at this very moment in time.

President Bush has done great things for this country and one day soon, he will take his rightful place in history by means of a Museum/Library that will forever remember his good deeds.

Midland was once home to the President and First Lady both, long before they had ever met one another. Like two ships passing in the night, they would often times find themselves just around the corner from each other... without ever having known it. Close friends of George and Laura had them both over for dinner one night. Sparks flew over our beautiful Texas sky, and shortly thereafter they married.

So many memories, so many dreams, good times and bad were all had in Midland, TX. On a personal note, I remember seeing President Bush back when he was just "George," sitting by a tree on A Street with the twins by his side. We were all watching the Midland Senior High School Homecoming Parade. As I looked over and watched a dad enjoy time with his children, I wanted to go over and introduce myself. "Hello Mr. Bush! My name is John Boswell. You used to coach little league baseball with my father Ellsworth. My brother Mike was on your team!" You see, I knew he was going to be famous some day. I didn't want to interrupt his personal time with his kids, so I just sat back and enjoyed the day.

Now as I look back, I can't help but wonder how or if my life would have changed through meeting a future President. Well, my future can change now. Today.

Midland has been home to TWO Presidents, and it can be home to the Legacy of our current President. Keep your eyes open, Midland! Don't let the size of other cities make you feel Midland has no chance to win such an opportunity! We can be the caretakers of a President's Legacy. Isn't that worth sitting up and taking notice? I know I am.

"Author's Publishing House" in Midland, Texas

2005-02-11T14:29:00.000-06:00

Would you believe it? Midland, Texas, where the Sky is the Limit, has just seen the opening of a publishing house set up by two published authors looking to help other's break into the business!

For Release beginning February 5, 2005

New Publishing/Marketing Firm Announced in Midland, Texas

The Authors’ Publishing House (APH) formally opened its doors for business in Midland, Texas on February 5, 2005. During a local meeting of writers and authors, APH’s Chief Executive Officer Bill Meador (a Midland resident and also the current President of the West Texas Writers) briefly described the process that authors might need to go through, as well as what to expect to receive in APH’s services and products.

Among its initial business objectives, the Authors Publishing House plans to:

§ Contact previously published authors from around the nation with unsold books, and try to, “ . . . make these books more attractive to the buying public.”

§ Establish an ongoing relationship with all authors and, “ . . . help them get their written products in front of the people who want to buy them.”

For more information, contact:

http://www.texasauthors.org/Newsletter/APH_News_Release2-2005.doc

Marty Morris
2908 Shanks Drive
Midland, Texas 79705-9747

432.620.0282
arlo41@cox.net

Guess I need to get writing again!

Martial Arts in the Tall City

2005-02-10T16:03:00.000-06:00

When people think of martial arts, they have a tendency to immediately think of Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris and of course, Austin Powers! "Judo... CHOP!" But there really is a lot more to martial arts than just "kickin' butt."

Right here in our very own town is an instructor who teaches "the Way of Harmony." Dr. John Riggs is a chiropractor who has been studying the art of Aikido since 1973. Calm, cool and collected, Dr. Riggs is an easy going fellow. Confidence has a way of disarming people, and you get a good sense of what that means when you meet Riggs Sensei.

Sensei? Aikido? Huh???

Let's back up. Aikido, literally translated means," the way of harmony" or " the way of peace." The founder of aikido came to the conclusion that martial arts were a means to an end: peace for all of humanity. And having studied it for over three years now, I tend to agree. Instead of learning how to punch, kick, smash and break things, aikido teaches one how to use joint locks or throws in order to gain control of a situation and bring order.

I can hardly do aikido justice here. Check out: http://members.cox.net/aikidoc1/home.htm for all the answers to questions you might have. But before you go, let me say this:

Aikido is great exercise. Good for cardio workout as well as development of coordination and balance.

Aikido is for everybody! Ages 8 to 80 are able to step on the mat and pick it up along with the rest of us.

Aikido does not discriminate. Women learn and develop skills just as easily as the men do. Size is not a factor if you learn the basics behind the art.

Most importantly, it's fun! Where else can you go, throw someone around, be thrown around yourself, get up and do it all over again... all the while smiling and thanking your partner for throwing you and being thrown themselves? It's funny when you get right down to it.

So check out the website! Or better yet, e-mail me and ask all the questions you like. If you are truly serious, I'd be happy to take a call or give you one if you wish.

Aikido is growing in Midland, Texas! We have a 4th degree instructor who practices safe, effective and fun martial arts. Our class is filled with students of the finest character. Well, I'm in there too. But aside from that, I think you'd really enjoy aikido!

If you have ever been curious about martial arts, but were too embarrassed or shy to give it a shot? Well, now there are no more excuses. Aikido is just right for you!

What Midland needs to know.

2005-02-10T15:25:00.000-06:00

Seeing as you are already on the web, and found this website, your interest in Midland is already there. This is good! Midland, Texas is currently on the verge of various developments in growth and everyone here in Midland, or on the way, need to be made aware of them!

Economic Development is the phrase of the day! The City of Midland is THE SOURCE for all the upcoming changes, but let me highlight a few of them for you:

http://www.ci.midland.tx.us/index.html This site will take you directly to the City of Midland's website and home of a gargantuan amount of information.

http://www.midlandtexasedc.org/ Welcome to Midland Development Corp. Here you will find easy access to vital statistics, news on various works to improve the city, potential businesses headed our way and just what it is Midland has to offer for those businesses looking for a new home.

http://www.ci.midland.tx.us/engineering/cp2025.pdf Midland's Master Plan 2025 ! Got a minute? This 321 page strategic write-up is packed full of maps, diagrams and fairly detailed work-ups on the next 20 years of development in Midland. However, for those interested in the "cliff notes" version, you can scroll down to 308 for a table / summary and references to where you can learn more about what you might be interested in.

Of course, never rule out our good friend www.google.com ! 99% of what I have learned about my very own city, I found through a through search via Google. When you do a search, look down at the bottom right of each entry they give you. You will find a "cache" button... click on that! It will highlight the words from your search within the article it brought to your attention. Makes finding what you are looking for that much easier.

Good luck! Hope this was helpful. I am now going to turn a selfish eye upon myself and talk about some of the things in Midland that keep me "off the streets," so to speak.

Let's get this party started...

2005-02-08T16:33:00.000-06:00

Welcome weary web traveler! John Boswell here, kicking off the latest adventure in the World of Me.

I've never done a "blog" before so this is going to be different. Most likely you will find me deleting and starting this thing over multiple times. But eventually, I do hope to have something up with lots of information on what I am up to, current events on my interests, links to articles and items I deem important to you, the reader, and who knows what all I will come up with?

So, sit back and enjoy the ride. I'm sure the first few minutes will be bumpy as I learn to navigate this thing called "Blog." But in due time, we should find something fun, entertaining and of course... I will do my utmost to remain humble throughout this adventure.

Have a nice day! :)