License ordeal no fun for Mr. FUN

**Rick** · 01-30-2006, 09:36 AM

Dennis Wagner
The Arizona Republic
Jan. 30, 2006 12:00 AM

A Valley man who legally changed his name to a single word - "FUN" - ran into a bureaucratic buzz saw last week when he discovered that his driver's license had been revoked, ostensibly in the interest of homeland security.

The 28-year-old Arizona native, formerly known as Courtney Blair Schwebel, had his name legally changed in Texas six years ago and has been licensed to drive as FUN in that state and Louisiana ever since. He obtained an Arizona license when he returned to Scottsdale last year, but officials at the state Motor Vehicle Division immediately canceled it and sent the notification to a former address.

FUN said he learned about the revocation Tuesday when he applied for a job delivering pizzas.
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"I'm having some serious issues," he said. "You only have one life to live, and you should be able to choose your own name."

Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, more scrutiny is being paid to driver's licenses, Social Security numbers and identity verification. FUN said he understands all that but had good reason to change his name.

Although his mom liked the sound of Courtney Blair, bullies picked on him all through childhood.

"They saw me as a victim, and they victimized me. Usually it was three or four guys just basically kicking me while I was balled up on the ground . . . People were always insulting me for most of my life."

So, around age 15, FUN began thinking about shedding his birth name. One day he drove past a costume shop and noticed the business sign: "Fun Services."

Presto!

And because he was not keen on his last name, either, FUN decided to start over entirely. As a prospective screenwriter, he saw the singular appellation as the perfect way to establish an identity.

His new one-syllable name transformed his life, FUN said.

"It helps me cheer up and gives me something to look forward to. I get treated totally different now because your name does matter. People are very happy to see me."

FUN made the name-change official on March 9, 2000, while living in Austin. He went to the Travis County Courthouse, filled out an application, got it approved by a judge, then went down the street to obtain a new driver's license.

"It took like 30 minutes," he recalled.

FUN said he filed tax returns, registered for college, got jobs and rented apartments under his new name.

Things went smoothly until after the terrorist attacks.

While applying to rent an apartment in New Orleans, he learned that the Social Security Administration had changed his name. FUN contacted the agency and got a terse letter back explaining that, because the federal computer requires a first and last name, he had been given a new moniker on the database: "Unknown FUN."

From that point on, he began carrying around court documents and other paperwork verifying his legal name. He ran into occasional hassles and confusion, but always managed to clear things up.

In November, after moving back to Arizona, FUN got a driver's license. He assumed it was valid until he applied for a job last week at Papa John's Pizza and was told otherwise.

FUN went to the MVD and confirmed that his driving privileges were canceled one day after the license was issued; a notice had been mailed to his old residence in New Orleans.

At the Scottsdale MVD office, a supervisor explained that FUN's name did not match with Social Security records, so the license was revoked, he said, "because I was a possible homeland security risk."

Cydney DeModica, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation, said states are required to verify applicant names and birth dates under a federal regulation enacted to track deadbeat dads. She said it does not matter in Arizona what name a person uses, so long as it matches the Social Security database. After 9/11, she said, that verification became doubly important.

DeModica said FUN was able to get his Arizona license because the MVD link to Social Security databases wasn't working the day he applied. As soon as the connection was re-established, the computer advised: "Name did not verify. Date of birth is valid."

Lowell Kepke, a spokesman for the Social Security Administration, said the government recognizes one-name people, but its computer doesn't, which is why FUN received a letter of explanation.

"We would hope that would be sufficient for the motor vehicle bureau or whoever else needs verification," he added.

It was. DeModica said FUN's license to drive has been reinstated. She also noted that he's not alone: 118 other Arizona motorists have only one name.

*Charlie's_93EB* · 01-30-2006, 02:09 PM

Fun is still a lame name

410Fortune · 01-30-2006, 02:14 PM

I wonder what Prince did during those years of the "symbol"? How do you file taxes or anything with a symbol for your name.

This guy sounds like a dweeb, I mean he was kinda askin for it don't you think?
maybe Lotsa Fun or something like that would have saved lotsa hassle.

*Charlie's_93EB* · 01-30-2006, 02:52 PM

i still laugh at "unknowen fun"

**Rick** · 01-30-2006, 05:01 PM

I like Unknown Fun too. I would have stuck with that

I can see why they used to beat the crap out of the geek!

**mrboyle** · 01-30-2006, 06:28 PM

I would have beat up Courtney, just for the Fun of it! :p

*Stang Girl* · 01-31-2006, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

FUN made the name-change official on March 9, 2000, while living in Austin. He went to the Travis County Courthouse, filled out an application, got it approved by a judge, then went down the street to obtain a new driver's license.

Yeah, there is a slogan here "Keep Austin Weird". He should come back...he fits right in with all the weirdos running around

SVO · 01-31-2006, 03:16 PM

No Fun

No pun

I guess that's why it's in:

"Everything Under the Sun"

Google seach "Unknown Fun" turned up:

*Mbrooks420* · 01-31-2006, 04:02 PM

Homeland security strikes again. I would make my first name Mr. Then he'd be Mr Fun. Prince wasn't legally that symbol, he just had to use it because the name Prince was still under contract, and he wanted out of it.

*Stang Girl* · 01-31-2006, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVO

No Fun

No pun

I guess that's why it's in:

"Everything Under the Sun"

Google seach "Unknown Fun" turned up:

Is he Leslie's brother?

See, I told you...he belongs in Austin.

**Rick** · 01-31-2006, 09:20 PM

Photo of "Mr. Fun".

99stocksport · 01-31-2006, 09:27 PM

wow...just wow

*Stang Girl* · 02-01-2006, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Photo of "Mr. Fun".

He looks like a skinny, long-haired "Ernest".

Or some type of relation to Marilyn Manson.

*Mbrooks420* · 02-01-2006, 03:54 PM

Damn dirty hippies.

*Charlie's_93EB* · 02-01-2006, 06:51 PM

i hope he does not have 6 now, and after seeing him i can see why he needs an ass kicking

01-30-2006, 09:36 AM	#1
Rick Admin Pumpkin Pilot Wayoutin, Aridzona '93 XL Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 27,243 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	License ordeal no fun for Mr. FUN Dennis Wagner The Arizona Republic Jan. 30, 2006 12:00 AM A Valley man who legally changed his name to a single word - "FUN" - ran into a bureaucratic buzz saw last week when he discovered that his driver's license had been revoked, ostensibly in the interest of homeland security. The 28-year-old Arizona native, formerly known as Courtney Blair Schwebel, had his name legally changed in Texas six years ago and has been licensed to drive as FUN in that state and Louisiana ever since. He obtained an Arizona license when he returned to Scottsdale last year, but officials at the state Motor Vehicle Division immediately canceled it and sent the notification to a former address. FUN said he learned about the revocation Tuesday when he applied for a job delivering pizzas. advertisement "I'm having some serious issues," he said. "You only have one life to live, and you should be able to choose your own name." Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, more scrutiny is being paid to driver's licenses, Social Security numbers and identity verification. FUN said he understands all that but had good reason to change his name. Although his mom liked the sound of Courtney Blair, bullies picked on him all through childhood. "They saw me as a victim, and they victimized me. Usually it was three or four guys just basically kicking me while I was balled up on the ground . . . People were always insulting me for most of my life." So, around age 15, FUN began thinking about shedding his birth name. One day he drove past a costume shop and noticed the business sign: "Fun Services." Presto! And because he was not keen on his last name, either, FUN decided to start over entirely. As a prospective screenwriter, he saw the singular appellation as the perfect way to establish an identity. His new one-syllable name transformed his life, FUN said. "It helps me cheer up and gives me something to look forward to. I get treated totally different now because your name does matter. People are very happy to see me." FUN made the name-change official on March 9, 2000, while living in Austin. He went to the Travis County Courthouse, filled out an application, got it approved by a judge, then went down the street to obtain a new driver's license. "It took like 30 minutes," he recalled. FUN said he filed tax returns, registered for college, got jobs and rented apartments under his new name. Things went smoothly until after the terrorist attacks. While applying to rent an apartment in New Orleans, he learned that the Social Security Administration had changed his name. FUN contacted the agency and got a terse letter back explaining that, because the federal computer requires a first and last name, he had been given a new moniker on the database: "Unknown FUN." From that point on, he began carrying around court documents and other paperwork verifying his legal name. He ran into occasional hassles and confusion, but always managed to clear things up. In November, after moving back to Arizona, FUN got a driver's license. He assumed it was valid until he applied for a job last week at Papa John's Pizza and was told otherwise. FUN went to the MVD and confirmed that his driving privileges were canceled one day after the license was issued; a notice had been mailed to his old residence in New Orleans. At the Scottsdale MVD office, a supervisor explained that FUN's name did not match with Social Security records, so the license was revoked, he said, "because I was a possible homeland security risk." Cydney DeModica, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation, said states are required to verify applicant names and birth dates under a federal regulation enacted to track deadbeat dads. She said it does not matter in Arizona what name a person uses, so long as it matches the Social Security database. After 9/11, she said, that verification became doubly important. DeModica said FUN was able to get his Arizona license because the MVD link to Social Security databases wasn't working the day he applied. As soon as the connection was re-established, the computer advised: "Name did not verify. Date of birth is valid." Lowell Kepke, a spokesman for the Social Security Administration, said the government recognizes one-name people, but its computer doesn't, which is why FUN received a letter of explanation. "We would hope that would be sufficient for the motor vehicle bureau or whoever else needs verification," he added. It was. DeModica said FUN's license to drive has been reinstated. She also noted that he's not alone: 118 other Arizona motorists have only one name. __________________ Rick Horwitz, AB7FH "Serious Exploration's" Admin Rick's '93/'98 Explorer "The Great Pumpkin" Dodge Dart 512 Resto/Race 10.29 @ 129 2004 Mustang Mach 1 2003 Dodge Ram/Cummins Dually

01-30-2006, 02:09 PM	#2
Charlie's_93EB Cat 3 Hurricane Rated Venice florida 1993 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 3,142 Vehicle Specs	Fun is still a lame name __________________ 1993 Eddie Bauer Member of Ranger roll over posse Fix your 4x4 herehttp://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...ansfer+rebuild

01-30-2006, 02:14 PM	#3
410Fortune ELITE BRONCO2ERER Crawlorado B2 Mod Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 22,099 Vehicle Specs	I wonder what Prince did during those years of the "symbol"? How do you file taxes or anything with a symbol for your name. This guy sounds like a dweeb, I mean he was kinda askin for it don't you think? maybe Lotsa Fun or something like that would have saved lotsa hassle. __________________ 96 Explorer daily driver build-1996 XLT 5.0L AWD to 4x4 conversion complete on 33's 88 BII 5.0L conversion - BII 5.0l drivetrain thread My Bronco II - 1988 Bronco II 4x4 V8 on 35's - registry and updates Wifes 07 FJ build - 2007 FJ cruiser locked and lifted

01-30-2006, 02:52 PM	#4
Charlie's_93EB Cat 3 Hurricane Rated Venice florida 1993 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 3,142 Vehicle Specs	i still laugh at "unknowen fun" __________________ 1993 Eddie Bauer Member of Ranger roll over posse Fix your 4x4 herehttp://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...ansfer+rebuild

01-30-2006, 05:01 PM	#5
Rick Admin Pumpkin Pilot Wayoutin, Aridzona '93 XL Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 27,243 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	I like Unknown Fun too. I would have stuck with that I can see why they used to beat the crap out of the geek! __________________ Rick Horwitz, AB7FH "Serious Exploration's" Admin Rick's '93/'98 Explorer "The Great Pumpkin" Dodge Dart 512 Resto/Race 10.29 @ 129 2004 Mustang Mach 1 2003 Dodge Ram/Cummins Dually

01-31-2006, 03:16 PM	#8
SVO Moderator Emeritus/Doctor Bastrop/Austin, Tx Turbocharged Navajo LX Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 9,675 Vehicle Specs	No Fun No pun I guess that's why it's in: "Everything Under the Sun" Google seach "Unknown Fun" turned up: __________________ The problem with America is stupidity. I'm not saying there should be a capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself?

01-31-2006, 04:02 PM	#9
Mbrooks420 High Voltage. Erie, Pennsylvania 1998 Mountaineer Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5,090 Vehicle Specs	Homeland security strikes again. I would make my first name Mr. Then he'd be Mr Fun. Prince wasn't legally that symbol, he just had to use it because the name Prince was still under contract, and he wanted out of it. __________________ 1998 Mounty 5.0 AWD TT/Shackles/rear AirLift springs 31x10.5 Kelly TSR's 1995 Subaru Legacy AWD Sedan RIP---Killed by an suicidal deer 1972 El Camino---Project Dirty Old Chevy---Fresh Marine Longblock .060 over, Forged crank RV Cam 454/th400 swap, Hooker Headers, fresh coat of white 1999 KTM 300exc RaceTech Suspension, Rekluse Slipper Clutch, single track killer

01-31-2006, 09:20 PM	#11
Rick Admin Pumpkin Pilot Wayoutin, Aridzona '93 XL Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 27,243 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Photo of "Mr. Fun". Attached Images __________________ Rick Horwitz, AB7FH "Serious Exploration's" Admin Rick's '93/'98 Explorer "The Great Pumpkin" Dodge Dart 512 Resto/Race 10.29 @ 129 2004 Mustang Mach 1 2003 Dodge Ram/Cummins Dually

01-31-2006, 09:27 PM	#12
99stocksport Wannabe Elite Explorer Clemson, South Carolina '99 Sport 4x4 Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 742 Vehicle Specs	wow...just wow __________________ ExpoSport 4x4 4.0L SOHC K&N FIPK 2, 4-door leaf springs+a-a-l , rebuilt trans , flowsound muffler(knock off flowmaster 40 series)

02-01-2006, 03:54 PM	#14
Mbrooks420 High Voltage. Erie, Pennsylvania 1998 Mountaineer Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5,090 Vehicle Specs	Damn dirty hippies. __________________ 1998 Mounty 5.0 AWD TT/Shackles/rear AirLift springs 31x10.5 Kelly TSR's 1995 Subaru Legacy AWD Sedan RIP---Killed by an suicidal deer 1972 El Camino---Project Dirty Old Chevy---Fresh Marine Longblock .060 over, Forged crank RV Cam 454/th400 swap, Hooker Headers, fresh coat of white 1999 KTM 300exc RaceTech Suspension, Rekluse Slipper Clutch, single track killer

02-01-2006, 06:51 PM	#15
Charlie's_93EB Cat 3 Hurricane Rated Venice florida 1993 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 3,142 Vehicle Specs	i hope he does not have 6 now, and after seeing him i can see why he needs an ass kicking __________________ 1993 Eddie Bauer Member of Ranger roll over posse Fix your 4x4 herehttp://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...ansfer+rebuild