Baseless Predictions of the Future

What follows are my predictions for the future of Midland. They are simply educated guesses, based on bits and pieces of news and information I gather from day to day. It's all in fun, so put on your big girl panties and deal with it.

- Within 5 years, Midland will recognize it has a drug problem. But it will be too late, as Marijuana will have been legalized for consumption by federal and state authorities.

- Within 10 years, wind and solar technology will be considered just as important in this area as petroleum exploration.

- Within 15 years, the most valuable substance in Midland will be fresh water.

- Within 20 years, there will be scores of empty "revitalized" buildings downtown because the rise of alternative energy will cause another "bust" in the local economy.

- Within 30 years, Midland, Odessa, and surrounding communities will do away with City Councils and Mayors, etc. Instead, every city and town will be a ruled by a paramilitary junta consisting of the local high school football coaches.

- Within 40 years, scientists will discover that caliche (if you don't know what it is, ask a local) is a valuable substance in health and longevity products and the entire Permian Basin will become one large caliche pit scrambling to keep up with worldwide demand.

- Within 50 years, Mike Barker will stop coloring his hair, and admit that he actually qualifies for AARP benefits.

- Within 100 years, global warming will have caused the seas to inundate the giant caliche pits of the Permian Basin and west Texas will become a major holiday destination for deep sea fishing.