Go to Wal-Mart!

There is something inherently wrong with a place that sells giant American flags next to a display of hostess cupcakes and swiss cake rolls, next to a display of infant car seats, next to a display of get-well-soon cards -- on and on, it's maddening. Buy a grill, get some snacks, and don't forget to peruse the giant obstruction of a discount DVD cart in the middle of the isle.

I can't go to this place (though I just got back from a wonderful visit) without wanting to jump out of my own skin and miraculously float past all of the people and crap in my way to get what I need and get the hell out. With isles that typically span three feet in width, one finds themselves practically wrestling with others just to get a view of the shaving cream. And TV's -- everywhere. I remember when the war in Iraq started and it was impossible to escape the sound of "shock and awe" as it could be heard in all corners and all dimensions of the place, blaring from various tubes mounted high to spread sounds of explosions and mortar fire to the ends of the children's clothing section -- what a wonderful shopping experience.

On top of this, Wal-Mart is one of the first major retailers to introduce RFID technology into their distribution centers. RFID is something that I feel has become inevitable in terms of mainstream dissemination -- but there is something about it that is, well, revolutionary. Before we even have time to ask ourselves whether there's a sale on chicken wings at Sam's club, we will find that everything we buy is infested with these little critters (RFID chips). I can understand why companies would want to use this technology to save costs on inventory -- what I'm having trouble imagining is how this will affect marketing and law-enforcement. This is something to be considered since legislation recently passed (unsuspectingly slipped into a military spending bill -- whaaaa?) for something called 'Real ID', a national and federally controlled ID system to be implemented within 3 years. RFID will almost definitely be on the ID. What this means is that all of us will have a number that contains access to virtually everything we do. From what we buy to where we go, marketing and law-enforcement will take on a whole new sphere of technique and motive. Here's a few articles and some audio about Real ID.

The Real "Real ID" Issue.
'Real ID Act becomes law'
FAQ: How Real ID will affect you
A Defense of the 'Real ID' Measure (audio interview, via NPR)

It's open 24 hours! I'm sure there's one within 30 miles of wherever you are -- the ho-hos are waiting...