Alternative Chiropractic: New office and Dojo !

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

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

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

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

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

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

What's all this wet stuff?

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

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

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

YOU FLATTER ME !!

Hey Gang!

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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.