-13 March 2K10 - The United States of China

In the 1960's, 1970's, and into the 80's. The Unites States had always looked at China as a Communist Country and we heard thier One Child Policy and stories of baby girls that were cast aside or worse so that a couple could gain a son.

Over the last two decades we have seen so many changes. Some that make me scared for the future of our country. We as US citizens need to keep aware of what our govenment is doing with China as well as companies that do major businees under the the flag that still wears the same communist colors that one of our cold war foes changed in the early 1990's.

We watched and turned a blind eye as the Chinese began a manufacturing crusade that to this day can produce a cheaper garment than many other countries. When we go to our local shopping stores most shoppers will buy a lower cost item than a higher cost item that may have been fabricated in the USA. We do not even wonder if the companies that fabricate these products are any better than the best conditions in a Mexico Sweatshop. A US made Garment under union conditions may cost over $25 to produce. That same garment would cost $10 to make in Mexico and to make it worse. Could be made in China for around four dollars. What do you think that folks are going to buy?

More and more China "influences" how the US does Business, and I wonder how long it will take before we lower the flag that many of us have fought, defended, and died for changes to reflect the true owners of our nation.

As stated in our first paragrah, China has a "one child per family policy" that began in 1979 under Chinese leader Xiaoping. As of 2009, the "Males" outnumber the female population by 10 to 1. Just think, these young men are gonna be in the hunt for females and thier map may point to the US. So buck up Dad, your daughter may end up a Ming, or Ping........

-28 May 07 - Mefloquine and the US Forces

When a friend of mine returned from a tour of duty from Afganistan he received more from the trip that he did not ask for.

He was given a prescription for a medicine to help against Malaria he never thought twice about side effects. He took his pills as required for the entire time he was there. When he got back we took a trip to Arizona to hook up with friends and family. As we drove I noticed his arm shaking and asked him if he was okay. He said it started 6 months ago when he was doing his duty. He also told me he had problems controlling his anger. I asked him if he was seeing a doctor, his answer was "No" and we kept on going. On the way back to New Mexico, his hand still shook along with his arm. Agian I asked him to get the problem checked out when we got back. He talked to his wife and learned more info as to the medicine he took.

The product Mefloquine has been given to many military members to prevent Malaria. However, are the possible side effects worth the risk? If your spouse is currently serving in the gulf region. Ask them what they are taking to treat possible diseases.

To see what Mefloquine has click here

-21 January 07- Over A Quarter Billion Hits

Wow, hard to believe that we have been tagged that many times. Most Sites never see that many unless they spam the hell out of internet users. We have just shown our images, thoughts, hopes and dreams. As we contiune to grow I hope to add more useful info as well as some new images from myself and Diane Hay. Thanks to all who have stopped by and checked us out.

 

-7 December 06- Pearl Harbour

-6 December 06 - Iraq Study Group Adds Thier 2 Cents

When the ISG chaired by James Baker came out with thier report I did not know what to expect. I thought they had a defined way to fix the current situation in the Middle East. I think we all know that the US is in a big mess and we need to do something. Now I may not be on the study group, but I have a few thoughts of my own.

First, can we pull out all our troops and just call it good. The answer is of course "no". Many have compared "Iraq Mess" to the Viet Nam Conflict. The one thing that bothers me most is "who" learned "what" from that moment. If you are an enemy of the United States you learned that if you just "hold out" . You will eventually wear down the resources (manpower and finances). The US public will grow tired of human losses, high costs and will want to put a stop to it. Ho Chi Mihn showed the world our"Achilles Heel" and more enemies are taking notes.

Second should we send more troops to train the local forces. This should also be a"no". We have been training the local forces since we claimed "Victory" in 2003. But the civil war that "is" happening will not allow a strong force to defend the new democracy. (Or the oil resourses that certain US corporations want to cling on to)

At a time when we should be driving electric cars that have zero emissions. We are still pushed to drive fossil burning machines to fill some greedy oil tycoons wallet.

Who will really win when Iraq is left to clean up it's own country.....

-12 October 06 Remebering Leo "Najo" Alaniz

For those that don't know, Leo, is in Organized Baseball History as the First American Mexican Player. A centerfielder with a batting average of .323 also was noticed by the Chcago White Sox in 1926. In the Texas league he played approximately 463 games, which were highlighted by numerous feats, such as twice stealing second base, third base, and home in succession and recording 12 outfield putouts in one game. Had an injury by a teammate not occured. He would of been the first minority to step on the field of the Major Leagues.

-29 Sept, "Redlining" is Alive and Well , Just Ask Your insurance Agent

I just got off the phone with my dad, we started jabbering about the car he just bought. As we continued talking, our conversation went to Car Insurance.

He said his rates were higher now that he had to fully cover a vehicle. As he kept talking, he mentioned that when he spoke to his insurance (not to be named yet) and asked if there were any discounts based on his driving record.

The agent asked him where he lived , my dad asked why. The reponse was that location would make a difference. My Dad looked at him and said "That's Redlining, and it's illegal." The Agent looked at him and said that it is still in practice. For those that have never heard of "Redlining" I looked up the definition as you can read below.......

Redlining

The unethical practice whereby financial institutions our Insurance Companies either flat out deny or make it extremely difficult for residents of poor inner-city neighborhoods to borrow money, gain approval for a mortgage, take out insurance or gain access to other financial services because of high default rates. In this case, the rejection does not take the individual's qualifications and creditworthiness into account.

The federal Community Reinvestment Act was passed in 1977 to put an end to all redlining practices, but critics say the discrimination still occurs.

Investopedia Says: The term refers to the fact that financial institutions would literally draw a red line on maps around the neighborhoods in which they did not want to offer financial services.

Now "Redlining" began with the Housing Act of 1934. It affected not only insurance but banking as well.

In 2004 companies fought to weaken the CRA and were able to make changes. These Changes Included all institutions with more than US$250 million in assets were subject to periodic review. However, as of September of 2005, only those institutions with more than $1 billion in assets will be subject to review.

Hopefully your bank our or insurance company does not Redline. But check other areas near you and see if the rates are different. If they are, what makes the areas unique.

If you see a pattern you know what the insurance company (or bank) is doing.

-4 Sept, America 101

For years I have been exposed to the Vanity that some US citizens hold as the Only Americans. Even now the news reporters say that "America" is at War. For most of those that feel they are the sole "Americans". We must look at the history of the continent that expands father than the Borders of the United States. (recently a Famers said that no "Americans" would pick his fruit, guess he needs a lesson as well)

Let's start with the Continent itself, some say that Amerigo Vespucci had the whole lot named after him by his buddy mapmakers. Other theories have different ideas as to how the land got it's name.

This piece of earth spans upwards to the most Northern tip of Greenland. Going all the way to the Southern Tip of the Magellan Straight. All humanity living on this Terra Firma has the right to call themselves "Americans". (When I looked at a British newpaper on the internet. It did not have America and show the USA, it had Americas and showed the entire continent. )

When a reporter says "America is at war " is it? Is Cental and Southern American right next to the US Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq? When a farmer can't find Illegal Aliens to pick his fruit. Does he know that they are Mexcian Americans? (and the migrant workers are said to get paid over $9.00 an hour. That's more than minimum wage!)

So coun't the Silly US Citizens that say "America need to keep it's borders closed". Or the college educated that say "America is at war" Look at them straight in the Eye and ask "When did Peru join the fight" or "Why would Venezuela want to join when they have issues with US?"

So first I am a US citizen, with Aboriginal ties to the lands that are called America..

Below is a map of the continent and it will send you to a page that explains more on the Americas

-3 Sept 06, A Soapy Soloution to a Common "Bugging" Problem

Well the rain has been falling for a few days making, the high desert of New Mexico into a green, mesquito, nightmare. Not just the mesquitos mind you, but any bug that feels they have had enough and are looking for dryer climate. Which means they are looking at houses for cover. Now for years, chemical companies have given us many pesticides that can have an effect on the bug but also on other living species ( Humans, Pets, Etc.)

We have spent many dollars on these chemicals with thier smells and possible dangers. Is it worth it? What does the chemical spray do that causes death? In most cases, it stop the bug from breathing there by dying for lack of oxygen. Now I have looked on the web and found some insight as to how an insect breaths. To see this info click Here.

Now a friend of mine, in Hawaii used a simple solution to reduce the bug problems in his house and it has proved to be an easy (and cheap) solution to a continual issue. In a clear spray bottle he filled it with dish soap and water. (I tried a 70% water and 30% soap) This mix has proved it's weight by doing what most pesticides do. Stops the bug from breathing thus causing death. The soap and water mixture sticks to the bugs outer surface and does not allow the needed oxygen into the the insects system. So fai I have tried this solution on the most common pests such as Flies, Ants, Spiders, and Cockroaches. The results have been positive in most cases. (larger bugs require a stronger mix)

So take a chance and try the above, it can save you a few dollars and reduce toxic chemicals in the house.

 

-27 July, And Now We Can Afford A Full Tank Of Gas

For those that live in parts of New Mexico (and of course other states) The federal minimum wage has been the worst. It doesn't allow for a decent way of life. Now read below and let me know what your thoughts.

House GOP leaders pressing vote on minimum wageBy ANDREW TAYLOR Associated Press Writer2006-07-27

WASHINGTON (AP) - House Republican leaders, giving in to political reality, plan a vote to raise the $5.15 minimum wage before leaving Washington this weekend for a five-week recess

"Whether people like it or not, we need to go ahead with it," said Rep. Mike Castle, R-Del., who supports the idea. "There's a general agreement among Republicans (opposing the raise) that `maybe we don't like it much, but we need to move forward with it just for political reasons.'"
The No. 3 House GOP leader, Majority Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri, said the plan was to have a vote before week's end. But Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said Republicans leaders were working to pass the increase but that "no decisions have been made."
It was a decade ago, during the hotly contested campaign year of 1996, that Congress voted to increase the minimum wage. A person working 40 hours per week at minimum wage makes $10,700, which is below the poverty line for workers with families
Democrats have made increasing the wage a pillar of their campaign platform and are pushing to raise the wage to $7.25 per hour over two years. In June, the Republican-controlled Senate refused to raise the minimum wage, rejecting a proposal from Democrats.
The chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee said the GOP would embrace the increase to $7.25 per hour and probably attach a proposal passed last year that would make it easier for small business to band together and buy health insurance plans for employees at a lower cost. Rep. Howard McKeon, R-Calif., said the minimum wage bill probably will not include tax cuts such as a repeal of the estate tax.
It was not clear what other potential add-ons might soothe unhappy lawmakers and GOP opponents of a wage increase such as the small business lobby
House Democrats cried foul on Thursday, saying Republicans planned to add "poison pills" for their business allies. Many Democrats oppose the small business health insurance legislation because it would overrule state laws requiring coverage for procedures such as diabetes care and cancer screenings.
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California demanded a vote on a bill that would just increase the minimum wage. She spoke out against "the usual Republican poison pills of attaching tax cuts for the wealthy or other so-called sweeteners for the Republican special interests."
Inflation has eroded the minimum wage's buying power to the lowest level in about 50 years. Yet lawmakers have won cost-of-living wage increases totaling about $35,000 over that time. So House GOP leaders are bowing to the inevitable on the increase.<br><br>
Forty-eight Republicans, many of them moderates or representing districts with large working-class populations, wrote Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., requesting a vote this week on an increase.
"It is time for Congress to take responsible action to raise the minimum wage and ensure our hardworking constituents can provide for their families," said the letter, drafted by Reps. Steven LaTourette, R-Ohio, and Frank LoBiondo, R-N.J.
Conservatives responded with a letter signed by 31 Republicans asking that no vote be held
"Quickly increased labor costs unrelated to business conditions will encourage or force employers to fire employees, reduce working hours for existing employees, and/or postpone plans to hire additional employees," they wrote.
After a private meeting Thursday morning of House Republicans, many lawmakers said they believed the wage increase would advance when Congress returns in September.
"There seems to be a consensus that we'll do it after the break," said Rep. Tim Johnson, R-Ill.
But GOP leaders such as Boehner believe that if the vote is to happen, it makes political sense to do it now, otherwise Democrats could hammer Republicans on the issue during the summer break

-30 May, From The Set of Transformers The Movie

Below is lines from the site of Michael Bay. Who is directing the upcoming Transformers Movie that has used some military bases and members for the shoots. After Reading it look below for a few questions I have....

We finished our first week. One of the best first weeks on a movie I've ever experienced. We shot over 250 set ups.

I'm working on the military aspects of the film right now in New Mexico at Hollaman Air Force base and the Army's White Sands missile base. The military has been stellar with us. This is the largest military cooperation since Pearl Harbor and Black Hawk Down.

Friday we shot two CV-22's (Ospreys). They fly like aliens dropping out of the sky. We also shot stealth fighters and low attack missile runs (50 feet off the deck) A10 Warthogs. They look so deadly and mean.

We also shot in an army tank grave yard, that has more tanks in it then all of Iraq. The military cast Josh and Tyrese are surrounded with top notch Seal Team members.

I almost dropped from heat stroke on Wednesday in the 118 degree heat. Several crew went down in the heat on these dunes. It is amazing how quickly it can come on - I now see how some of those football players drop dead from heat stroke.

Now this project has been going on for well over a month. And I hav e been asking a few people what does the Military members really get out of this. I've heard many things but not anything that directly benifets the Armed Forces.
Now The Movie get a load of Goodies from tax incentives from the state, use of military personnel and equiment. The pay for extras is only $59 bucks per day. (the guards for the set get $10.00)

This is supposed to be a $100+ million dollar production (so those stars must be getting payed real well)<br>
I don't know it justs seems off ..

 

4 May 2006 , And now the News......

For those that don't get a chance to read thier local paper from a favorite state. I found a site that has many newspaper links. Just Click Here

-For Those On Medicare

I just heard about the changes happening to Medicare, I looked in some New Papers but didn't see too much about it. For those of you who have a family member this is a very big deal. I have added some questions from the website along with a direct link. .....

Do I have to Join A Medicare Drug Plan?

No. Joining a Medicare drug plan is your choice. However, if you dont join a plan by May 15, 2006, and you dont currently have a drug plan that, on average, covers at least as much as standard Medicare prescription drug coverage, you will have to wait until November 15, 2006 to join. When you do join, your premium cost will go up at least 1% per month for every month that you wait to join. Like other insurance, you will have to pay this penalty as long as you have Medicare prescription drug coverage.

What Happens If I don't Join By May 15,2006?

If you dont join a plan by May 15, 2006, and you dont currently have a drug plan that, on average, covers at least as much as standard Medicare prescription drug coverage, you will have to wait until November 15, 2006 to join. When you do join, your premium cost will go up at least 1% per month for every month that you wait to join. Like other insurance, you will have to pay this penalty as long as you have Medicare prescription drug coverage.

If you join after May 15, 2006, the next open enrollment period is November 15, 2006 to December 31, 2006. However, coverage for people who enroll during this period will not take effect until January 1, 2007.

For More info Click Here

- 25 Mar 2K6 Laws And Codes

It's has been awhile since I added a few lines to this area but things are getting ineresting in the US. Over the last two months I have been hit up with legal issues from credit card companies garnishing wages to wrongful termination. With the help of Cornell Law School and thier website, I have been able to look up various codes and laws that we as US Citizens should know. I have added thier links to a new page called Laws and Codes. From The US Constituion to Uniform Comercial Codes and so much more. I hope this Area will help you as it has me.

- 30 Dec 2K5 Looking For Advertisers

Over the last Few Months MadMexGear. com has gained a respectable audience averaging 1.1 million requests per day. For a company wishing to be seen it may be a good place to park a spot. Prices vary and in some cases can be tax deductable as a portion of the procedes got to our non-profit organization. (Which could land you more advertisement and a promo to support a good cause) For more information send an email Here!

7 May 2K5 Wedding Gowns Everywhere

When I was first asked to do some Wedding Gown shoots for an upcoming business I thought "What the hey" I would like to see what I could do. At first I was asked just to shoot the dresses on a flat surface. I thought that we needed a little more to make a better aid to make these sell. I asked some of my freinds and associates if they could spare some time and help me give this a boost. After finding a litte Church in Alamogordo and working with them on thier May Pole ceremony we had a place to shoot. With four ladies and 2 helpers we gave the gowns a presence that brings out thier best.

 

-30 April 2K5 - A " May Pole " Fosters Unity in a Small Neighborhood

If you have ever been in the military, you know the chances for traveling are there. Some moving from US to Europe to the Pacific and Back. In locations where families are allowed sometime bonds are built that support each other during troubled times.

Now the United States also host military members and thier families from other countries. In Alamogordo, servicemen from the German Air Force brought some of thier coulture to thier temporary home. As April comes to an end, members of this Geman Church get ready for Spring by raising thier May Pole. An Ancient Celebration welcoming renewel.

For this, local townsfolk would gather together and find a large straight tree branch. It is stripped of its smaller branhes and decorated with different symbols. (Some Add the use of coloful ribbons) the branch or pole is raised by the members of the community. Once Raised, the town would celebrate.

 

-28 April 2K5 - Thanks for the Quick Lube

Most of the time when we take our cars over to a Quick oil change station we never think twice about what was done.Taking for granted that the workers know what they're doing. Now..... we may have to re-check the work done. In one case, the client took in his car. After a few minutes the car was out with a fresh oil change. He drove off with the satisfaction a job was well done. Not checking up on the work, he drove around for a few weeks when he started having problems with his car overheating. He contacted a friend and asked him to take a look. What he found blew us all away, it seemed that oil had been put in the radiator drain tank. Having gone though the the radiator and mixing with the Anti-freeze made for quite a lovely brown Gravy.

 

-21 Mar 2K5 - Remembering Alamo

When I travel to Las Vegas, I often get a rental car for the time I'm there. I've never had any problems until last February when Alamo Car Rental Agency Employees stole my digital cemera instead of turning it to lost and found like they should have. When I contacted the Coporate office. The answer was the lamest excuse you could give to any customer. (WE are not responsible) Well let's look at the facts. The employee that took the camera worked for well..... Alamo. The Car that I rented could not be found for over five hours in the compound of Alamo. The company that allows it's employees to take the customers items is.....Alamo. So I guess with the backing of your thieves I hope you get a decent percentage of the take. I know I'll never use you again.

-13 March 2K5 - Is your State "Powerball" Lucky?

If your State is one of the many in the Powerball lottery you may want to look at the States having the best luck of drawing those six magic numbers and getting the grand prize. Since 2003, Pennsylvania has led the Pack with over 7 wins. Indiana is second with 5 winners, Minnesota and South Carolina follow with three apiece. Now 11 states have still not seen a Jackpot winner over the last three years. Did someone spill the salt shaker?

-8 March 2005 - Is Sears Fleecing The USA?

A few years back Sears was in a legal battle for wrongful billing practices I thought the matter was over but have you looked at your bill lately? Look at the Total Minimum due and then look at the Periodic Finance charge. In some cases The finance charge is higher than the Minimum due. By paying the minimum balance you are actually not even covering all the charges and owing more. That shows how much Sears Cares About You.

-15 February 05 - "TracFone"

Like a growing number of you I wanted A cel phone plan I could control. Being very intrigued by a "Pay as you go" plan and decided on the company TracFone as who I would deal with. Buying the Phone was easy as well as getting the minutes but in December I was given a double minute card that was good for one year. Now according to the card when ever I purchace a card for more time I get equal amount of time at no cost. Sounds pretty good. Well now it's almost March and I am still fighting this company for these "extra" minutes. Each time calling them and telling to them the same story which has become truly tiresome. When I call, I don't even feel the company is in the USA. Each attendent has broken english, according to them they are based in Florida but wow each time I ask for a Manager and go through the same song and Dance I feel I might be better off with a company that I can talk to across the street.

-7 February 05- If There Was an Award Show That Didn't Have Celebrities...Would They Watch?

How many award shows can celebrities give themselves and think we want to watch? Golden Globe, Emmy, Oscar, and SAG just to name a few. What does this do for us other than waste our time and give some body another vanity boost. Give me "The American Helping Hand Award'. To be given to any Fire Fighter, Police Officer, Emergency Medical Technician, or other who has contributed to thier city, state or nation in an outstandong manner. Now that is what I would watch, why would I want to support someone who has to be pampered for doing thier job? "What do you mean I don't have a Table? Do you know who I am"

-14 October 04 - Paying For Music Downloads?

I remember along time ago when MP3's were non-existant and "music downloading" consisted of taping your favorite tunes off the radio. I don't recall any body knocking on my door and trying to have me pay for this type of piracy. Musicians would of been happy just to know that thier music was being heard. Guess they are more interested in how much they can get. What if nobody bought from that band anymore. With the current software avaailable, anybody can create thier own music style.

-10 October 04 - Albuquerque, New Mexico

I had a chance to check out the last day of the Balloon Fiesta, it was a sight that was nothing less than spectacular. All the colors raising from the ground to become the visual specticals that everybody came to see. Each rising in the air filling the sky with colors. It was Pretty Impressive for someone who just found out about this only a year ago. I took a good amount of pictures which are are on the web. When I was getting ready to leave is when I watched "Smokey the Bear" smack into the Radio Antenna. I saw a few balloonists having some landing problems due to the weather. (One almost landed on some vehicles) Then I watched as dear old Smokey was heading for the tower the gondola hit pretty hard but no one fell out a good thing when they was just the pilot and two young boys. Kinda blows when your first ride ends up with a long ladder walk down. The good thing was every body was safe.

-9 October 04- Balloon Fiesta

Took the four hour drive from Alamogordo to Albuquerque to see the fiesta, took off at 0530 and got there to see that the balloons had already took off and landed. Walked around to see the many venders and munchies being offered. Every thing from German Brats (Bratswurst) to Texas chips was sampled by the crowds.

-31 October 2K3 - Dead Battery

Started Having Problems getting the CPU up, (the time and date were no longer stable). Seems that My Internal battery was going before it's time. Hard to believe that Computers still need the Energizer Bunny to keep our modern machines running. I remember in the 80's some IBM clones needed double A's to keep the internal clocks and BIOS. Now the size of a quarter they continue to hold our places when we pull the plug. The average CPU battery can remain good for a few years. Replacing them is not very hard, as long as you remember to ground yourself to reduce any static charges which could damage the electronic circuits. If it is a new machine under warranty, take it back and let the selling company make the needed repairs.

- 24 October 2K3 - Finally Making Changes

Finally moved to the new location, finally updating website Moving Our Images Section to it's own Area. Taking More Pictures of our nes Surroundings.

- 8 September 2K3 - Moving

Mad Mex Graphics has left Hawaii, relocating to New Mexico ( Plenty Of Sand but little salt water)

- 8 August 2K3 - "Step Into Liquid " Movie Review

Dana Brown (Son Of Bruce Brown) Gives us a glance of men and women like ourselves that some way or another look for that one moment that we enjoy most... Wave riding. Taking us all over the world he shows us that even it the most unique spots people will find a way to surf. From the Great Lakes, to Ireland, and of Course the Shores of Hawaii we see many different people with the same thought, to catch the next wave. The high points to me was the awsome spectacle that is the Cortes Banks. To see these mammoth waves on th big screen was just mind blowing. To even challenge these Thunderous Monsters is hard to imagine. Great Movie

- 6 August 2k3 - "Whale Rider" Movie Review

This is one of the few times I had the chance to see a movie that contained nothing more than good characters and a well written story. Set on the Island of New Zealand, it shows us a view of the "Maori" and thier history that has been handed down. Will one "person" in thier lives, forever change thier traditions.

From what I was told it did differ from the book of the same name but they tried to keep as close as possible. Without giving the entire plot away, it deals with the one thing we as humans know all to well.... " belief " . Our lives are filled with this one word and with out it ....there would be such loss. For when we can no longer "Believe" , we can no longer "Hope". From Start to finish this was a well made production.

-3 August 2K3 - A Dolphins Tale

R.S. Gill has had the honor of giving many people the chance to find out what it is to glide across "Glass Walls" this day was by far the worst wave Day but the best Surf Day. With a trainee in tow we paddled out to the line up (location secret) the waves were small and far between. A good place to learn some of the basics. After a few attempts on some rougue 2 footers I noticed a fin in the water. My First Words were "Oh Sh@t!" my student looked at me asked "what?" ......"Wait" I replied as I watched the area again ... then the fin rose again, and another , and another, and another. Five in all, one blew air out and I knew it was dolphins. I tapped the water a few times.... the dolphins swam over to some divers 20 yards away from us. I tapped again, they turned around and headed our way. More fins rose out of the water, some with pieces of dorsal bitten off, all in all we counted 30 fins . First, they swam in front of us in some kind of formation. I tapped the water again .... then they went directly for us. As they got with in eight feet they all dove down under our boards. the water was crystal clear and you could see them as the swam below. As they past us, a baby dolphin shot out of the water spinning in the air til it landed, then another flew out trying to beat it's pod brother with a few extra spins. As they got Farther away I tapped on the water one last time. One Dolphin came with in five feet of my board. He turned hi back and with his tail fin he slammed the surface of the water "bam, bam, bam" and swam off. I looked at my pupil and said " I think I just cursed at in dolphin"

-2August 2K3 - Mad Mex, New Mexico?

Yes it's true the new location for our company is Alamagordo, New Mexico. For a surfer it's quite a change, allot of sand and no waves to surf but still we are looking at the challenges ahead. What will this mean for the U.S. Military Surfing Invitational? we will wait and see.

-1 August 2K3 - Moving to new Location

R.S. Gill and Mad Mex Graphics has had the priviledge of living, workng and helping the Hawaiian community for over 8 years. Under the current policy of the Pacific Armed Forces it is time to go.

June 2K3 - Getting Back to Business

-With over 150 Contestants this year the U.S. Military Surfing Invitational exceeded all expectations for this year. Giving away over $7,500 in prizes to our contestants put smiles on many faces. The big question was were the MAD MEX GRAPHIC LOGOS? Hidden from public eye due to Rich Gill running the Contest. Special Thanks to all of our voulenteers for thier support. THEY made the program happen, from Administration to Tabulating to Judging and Beach Marshalling.

-June 6th 2K3 - Making The Shirts for the USMSI

-With 1 day till contest start, Rich Gill creates the design for this years contest shirt. Going all out by doing a Four Color Process Logo Back giving more colors than other shirts of the past. The center wave alone shows various shades of Greens and Blues tones.

20 Dec, 2002 - U.S. Military Surfing Invitational Gets Legs

- Talked with Dino on the contest, as it stands we are looking at an early June time frame. To be Held at Kalaeloa Beach Park (area still under Pearl Harbor) . Divisions to be added this year will include ...ROTC / Jr. ROTC, DOD Personnel / Navy League, and Dependants. Will be looking for Representatives from all divisions to help make this program a success.

15 Dec, 2002 - Tiare Girl Party @ Grumpy's

- Loaded with food, fun and more the Lovely Ladies from the local Wahini Surf Mag did a great job of putting this night together. Never had been to this club across from Comp USA. Very nice place to stop in for a few ........? The dance floor was empty early, started to fill around 11:00 P.M.

11 Dec, 2002 - Okinawa and Other Things

- Traveled to Okinawa for Business, most of the days worked ....weather was nice. Days off ... wet, cold, and miserable. Talked to a few places on the U.S. Military Surfing Invitational. Jerry from MCCS Sunami Gear is ready for the program. Justin from Torii Beach was also interested in helping. Due to some problems on the Hawaiian coast, I was unable to see as much of the area as I had hoped. Still was a good trip.

17 Nov, 2002 - Website Updates

- Making changes to hopefully make it a little better for new upcoming projects. Looking at shirts for the womens line to include "Spagetti Tops" and "Baby Doll" shirts as well as other shirts on the market.

- Also working on the U.S. Military Surfing Invitational Pages as I get ready for next year. Looking at giving away more surf boards to the winners. Last year we gave out close to $2500 in prizes and hope to double that next contest.

15 Nov, 2002 - Four Color Logo

- Mad Mex Graphics has made the first step in four color process screening, Our own logo was the "Lab Rat" and it came out better than we hoped. Second test on the way this weekend with a added "Hot Rod" design. (The Mad Mex Mobile)

- Triple Crown has completed two days of competition, Randy is hoping to start again with a swell coming in this Wednesday. The "Crew" is ready to start setting up the next Jewel at Sunset. Hopefully we will not have to break down the Haleiwa venue on the very last day. Contest finished close to noon and we had one night to clear before the permit expired. The team "rocked" and had everything down and gone by 7:00 p.m. that night. "Wow"

10 Nov, 2002 - TRIPLE CROWN AREA ALMOST READY

- The Jugdes Tower is ready for use, and the VIP Area is set up. The 11th will bring the last of the tents and final look over to see if anything is missing. The start window ( Randy as 14 days to run both the Women's Roxy Pro and the Van's Hawaiian Pro ) is set for the 12th, with some decent waves on the way. Only Randy knows which contest will go first. For more info go to Triple Crown Website

09 Nov, 2002 - Triple Crown Taking Shape

- Well the Triple Crown of Surfing is almost off and running, over the last two days The "Crew" has been hard at it, I stopped at Haliewa on Thursday and the trailers were already there. I had to run a print for the Kapolei Middle School Surf Team on Friday and that took alittle longer than expected.

-When I arrived on Saturday almost all of the frame work had been done! Wow! Myself and Paul worked though most of the day. Bobby (North Shore Productions) was still heading the gang, "Skil" and Brian were still there getting everything together for the program to start on the 12th. Randy Rarick stopped by later in th day, I asked him about the The " Hawaiian Long Board Invitational " he shook his head and said " Because of permit issues this year was a "No Go" .