Thoughts worth thinking about: John F. Kennedy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greetings to friends far and wide!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cleaning up Downtown: The Reality

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's time to clean up this town!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

..... FLASH.... .....FLASH....

.............URGENT BULLETIN................

Dateline: June 6, 2005
Midland, Texas

Regional Rapscallion Reaps Rewards In Martial Arts Exam!

While partaking in a martial arts seminar in Houston, Texas, local businessman and entrepreneur, LAN POWERS, under went testing for the rank of Shodan (1st degree black belt). Multiple sources have confirmed this story, and now your faithful reporter has exclusive statements from Mr. Powers "brothers-in-arms."

"I see what it is." says Sensei John Couch. "Lan's been sandbaggin'! We all knew he was 'okay,' but he's been holding back and wanting to show off in front of his buddy Robert down there in Houston! See, now the pressure is on Robert to kick it into gear and get promoted." John Couch, Shodan Midland, TX

"Sure he passed his test, but can he park backward?" asks Sensei Michael Cervantes. "See, if he can do that AND listen to Carlos Santana without rockin' out and wrecking his truck... then we'll really know he's black belt material" Michael says with a wink and a grin.

"You have to look at testing with a Zen attitude" says Lan's instructor, Sensei John H. Riggs III, Esquire, Yondan, D.C., D.A.B.D.A. "One is either ready for a test or one is not ready for a test. In this case, it was a simple matter of catching Lan before he had a chance to run out the door, toss him into oyowaza highfall and pin him to the mat by extending my Ki... until Kato Shihan was ready to call him up to take the test. Piece of cake really... throwing Lan around, that is. Lan? Oh... he was a nervous wreak!"

Friends back in Midland cheered at the news of Mr. Powers announcement of passing the test. Said one fellow," yeah ." And there was much rejoicing.

.....STAY TUNED FOR MORE.......

On Excellence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On "doing your best"

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

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

How is that for profound?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some possible results of "Try" :

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

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

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

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

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

Thoughts worth thinking about: The Series

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

Anyhow, moving right along...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks!

On a lighter note: AIKIDO !!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you Saturday!

Big Brother IS Watching You

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Never...

until now.

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

Well...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

For further information:

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

Paying the Price for the Internet

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

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

FIRST: Internet Piracy

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

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

SECOND: Internet Espionage

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

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

THIRD: FREEDOM SUBJUGATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discuss.

Attention: Liquor Stores - You're on my list

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

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

Did you know that that is against the law?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Black Belt Magazine: June 2005 Issue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Domo arigato

Pope Benedict XVI : Long Road Ahead...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a good one! :)

WARNING: Phishing in progress...

Take a look at this:

Phishing
Last modified: Friday, March 11, 2005

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's my 2 cents anyway...

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

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

They're right.

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

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

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

How's that for democracy in action?

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

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

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

What is: Busy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's shot all to hell... !

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

Bring in the Texas Casinos!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Terri Schiavo: Questions on euthanasia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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