Friday, August 06, 2004

I got my new NJ driver's license a few weeks back (To be added soon). It really is an improvement over the last one. It's about friggin time, too. I mean, I think people could've made copies of our license on a xerox machine, let alone a computer. But, I think the improvement is in getting the license. Usually NJ DMVs are a nightmare, but this time around it took me about an hour and I was done with everything. For anyone still scared about the wait, what they do is they split up the facility so that there is an area for those who are strictly there for renewals or picking up auto licenses for the first time and another section for the other crap. Within that first section there is a subsection where roaming employees verify that you have your 6 points of ID. Some background to that. With heightened security measures they implemented an ID check system where you have to supply evidence of your existence, basically. A birth certificate will be a certain number of points, passport, old driver's license etc. So then once you're done with that, then they call you up for your picture and you're all set. Our very own precious Jim McGreevey announced all these initiatives last year. As of 2003, we were 1 of 2 states still using paper licenses. 1.5 mil out of 7 mil licensed drivers have a license w/out a photo. I think a couple of the suicide bombers had fake nj driver's licenses and the DC area sniper did too. So then they implemented these new digital ones. The DMV overhaul is costing us about $200 mil. so of course we have to make up for it in the form of higher registration fees. Now, if McGreevey could only get rid of our EZ-pass debt, then we'd be on the right track. What's cool about this is that the watermark is shown several times and there are two pictures and if you notice that blank spot in the upper right corner, your picture is there, too. And it can only be seen by a UV light. Also on top of the picture in the bottom left, your name and DOB is written and can only be seen in UV light. Which all means one thing, no more getting plastered, you underage f'ers. P.S. - Found an amazing clip. Check out some crazy And1 Soccer: http://www.ircuser.org/files/soccer.wmv