Captain Richard's Musings and Other Things

OK, a little adult content here.   If you bring this up on the work computer you might want to wait until the boss goes out for a smoke break.  Some interesting photos from Fantasy Fest 2012, Key West.  Notice that these people don't mind at all getting their picture taken and these are pretty mild.

You Say You're a Moderate Voter Thinking of Voting GOP? You Must Be Kidding... (The PCTC Blog )

Inquirer Editorial: Obama will do a better job

Air Force Mystery Space Plane Set for Next Secret Mission - ABC News

Right now this is my guess but it is too close for comfort.  We need to do better.  

Here are some numbers to mull over. Republicans at risk of losing the House

So Romney comes out with his 2011 taxes.  He uses less charitable deductions then he is allowed so he pays 14%, otherwise he would have paid 9%.  By the way most of his charitable deductions are tiths to the LDS church, which is basically a political organization IMHO.  It would look pretty bad if he only paid 9%.  But in December all he has to do is file an amended return. Is there a problem there or am I just looking for something.

I had to put this quote here from an article by Michael Tomasky. "As I’ve said many times, the ongoing debate about whether Romney is really conservative or really moderate has wasted lots of airtime and killed many innocent trees. He’s neither. He’s nothing. He’ll say or do whatever he needs to do, whatever the Koch brothers or whoever tell him to do. He’s been dreaming of the presidency since 1968, and as he sees it slipping through his fingers, he’ll be capable of anything. It’s going to be a nasty seven weeks."

This a question I received from my friend Jeff on Facebook today. "Hey Richard, Why is it you get to rant and rave about the republiican party but if anyone says anything against Obama and his staff you go off the deep in???????? Why is all his records still sealed?" Where do I start?  How about the first day of the Obama presidency.  On the inauguration day of the Obama presidency the Congressional leaders of the Republican Party, including Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell and about 20 others had a meeting to agree on methods and processes to sabotage the Obama Presidency.  McConnell said afterwards that their number one priority was the defeat of Obama.  That month we lost over 700,000 jobs and the economy was on the verge of collapse.  So they didn't have a meeting to try to see how they could save the economy.  They had a meeting to see how they could screw up the Government even more to make Obama look bad so they could defeat him in 2012. ...

The Five Reasons Why Romney/Ryan Must be Defeated in 2012 – And Why Conservatives Should Hope They Are.

Former Ranger stumps for Obama at DNC - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

Just a shot of the marina. Laid back day, not accomplishing much of anything.

I grew up in the South and am a product of my environment.  In the Greensboro, North Carolina of 1960, when I was just entering high school, we had legalized segregation of our schools, movies, swimming pools, our restaurants, water fountains and even our toilets.  I remember as a child, before I was even able to read, trying to drink from a water fountain with a sign above it saying "COLORED".  It was either my mother, my aunt or my grandmother (can't remember which) who rushed over and pulled me away.  It was like I was going to get a fatal disease and turn "colored" if I drank from that fountain.  For a 5 year old that made an impression on me that stayed with me for a lifetime.   During my high school years Greensboro was the scene of some significant civil rights activity. In February 1960 four black students, later known as the  Greensboro Four , from Greensboro's black AT&T University sat down at the lunch counter of the Woolworth stor...

Jennifer Granholm’s response to Mitt Romney’s birther remark is a doozy

Funny, I have not seen one photo of Paul Ryan where he is smilling or laughing showing his teeth.  Just an interesting observation.   

Mitt Romney's Response when asked why he did not serve in the military during Vietnam. “That’s a good question, young man, and I would be happy to answer it. The Vietnam War came at a time in my life when I had other plans. I knew in my heart of hearts that I would one day serve my nation. That I would one day hold an office that would help not only our nation, but also the world. So I did what I could to make sure that I would be around to serve my nation, as well as serving God by teaching very important religious principles to a broader audience overseas. My father did not want me serving, and he convinced me that yes, I was too important to go to Vietnam. I had a greater purpose in life. I wasn’t neglecting my nation, but rather preparing myself for a future of service.” As a person who served during that period I find this remark highly arrogant and offensive.

Watching a young sailor retiring from the Navy after 20 years of service. This kid didn't join until 10 years after I retired. Really brings it home. Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

The Obama administration uses this money to help Medicare beneificiaries pay for prescription drugs and enable more seniors to get preventative care like cancer screenings. Romney/Ryan uses this money to cover the loss in federal revenue from tax cuts they want to give the rich. Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Ok, I have a confession to make.  I am living entirely on your tax dollars.  Does that piss you off? Yes, I am living in Key West on my boat taking pics of sunsets every night on you.  I get my SS check and my military retirement check every month without fail.  I have my medicare and my tricare which pays 100% of my medical.  That's right no co-pays. I love my medicare and SS and I hope it is there for my children when they get my age.  My concern is that it will not be.  There are two philosophies being presented in this upcoming election. With Obama it will remain much the same.  There may be some adjustments such as raising the FICA limit or deleting it all together.  That would mean everyone would pay on all their wages. Currently people who make over $106,800 do not pay FICA for anything over that.  So someone making say $1,000,000 per year would exceed that after the first month of the year and would not have to pay more. If...

I had not read Ayn Rand in the past but since the selection of Paul Ryan, a devout follower of Rand’s, I figured it was time to see for myself a little of her work.  Initially I was going to read the novel but found that the library held a copy of the 1949 movie, starring Gary Cooper and Patricia Neal, on DVD format.  Sometimes movies don’t follow the book but since Ayn Rand also wrote the screen play, I figured it to be pretty accurate.  Many of the comments I have read have been critical of Ryan as a follower of Rand’s “Individualism” as portrayed in the novel and some of her other work, ie. “Atlas Shrugged”.  Somehow this Individualism was taken by the modern Republican Party and or Tea Party to espouse less Government and more emphasis on the individual accomplishments of people.  Words and phrases that come to mind as I watched the movie were the mob, the masses, compromise is bad, don’t give in to mediocrity, standing up for your principles against all odds.  Used in the cont...

Great Cloud distribution Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

As a kid I recall seeing huge signs on the hi way (yes I'm am old fart) calling for the impeachment of Earl Warren. The signs were sponsored by the John Birch Society. I really thought that organization had faded away, but alas, now I find out that not only has it not faded away but it has embedded itself deeply in GOP politics. Interestingly one if the 12 founding members was the elder Koch founder also of Koch Industries. Also of note is the fact that the JBS is headquartered in Wisconsin. http://www.jbs.org/news/congressman-ryan-as-vice-president

Paul Ryan, Ayn Rand Fan, Brings Writer's Philosophy To the Presidential Stage "“What are your masses but mud to be ground underfoot, fuel to be burned for those who deserve it? What is the people but millions of puny, shrivelled, helpless souls that have no thoughts of their own, no dreams of their own, no will of their own, who eat and sleep and chew helplessly the words others put into their mildewed brains?…I know no worse injustice than justice for all.” – Ayn Rand, first edition of the semi-autobiographical novel, We The Living" Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

"Obamacare? It's true: I do care" wp.me/pUgO9-lSF via @TheObamaDiary Read it online: http://twitter.com/carrieinco/status/235161535712993280 Sent via TweetDeck ( http://tweetdeck.com ) Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Been payin Medicare tax since I was 16- now Romney wants 2 give me a FUCKING COUPON in exchange, while HE PAYS NO FEDERAL INCOME TAXES #p2 Read it online: http://twitter.com/ginsengity/status/235161392699822081 Sent via TweetDeck ( http://tweetdeck.com ) Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

This comes from a friend's post on Facebook that lives in Georgetown, SC. Unfortunately I can't paste the comments in but they they were all in support of Romney. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5glPz-4Rf98G7zuRdHA5taYgSaQq... Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

I kept hearing Ayn Rand associated with Paul Ryan so I did some research. It seems she was a Russian American philosopher that espoused a philosophy of life called Objectivism. It seems Paul Ryan is a big proponent of this philosophy, so much so he makes all his staffers read it.  Here is a synopsis of the concept as comes from Wikipedia.  " Objectivism  is a  philosophy  created by Russian-American philosopher and novelist  Ayn Rand  (1905–1982). Objectivism's central tenets are that reality exists independent of  consciousness , that human beings have direct contact with reality through sense perception, that one can attain objective knowledge from perception through the process of  concept formation and  inductive logic , that the proper  moral  purpose of one's life is the pursuit of one's own  happiness  (or  rational self-interest ), that the only social system  consistent with this morality is full re...

"It's a big exciting experience for my husband. I have to tell you, this is Mitt's vocation. I'm not even sure which day the election goes on. He'll get a chance to participate, I will not be voting in the event. I hope he does well." Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

pic.twitter.com/duOBmxE1 Sent from Richard's  iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Mitt Romney has been pretty adapt up until now in masking his real identity. It's kind of like he is going to a costume party and calling it a presidential campaign. Fortunately for him the American Press has been reluctant to pull at that mask. Unfortunately for him the British press has no qualms. They were able to see a phony when they find one and call it like they see it. Even the British conservative press jumped on him, to the consternation of the US Conservative press. Ie Fox News.

Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

I did my wash today and as I was pulling them out of the dryer I started looking at the labels, where they were made. For Tshirts I just did countries. For shorts I did the brand also. TShirts. USA - 3 El Salvador 3 Honduras 3 Haiti 3 China 1 Mexico 1 Nicaragua 1 Shorts. Columbia - Nicaragua Old Glory - Bangladesh Nautical - Bangladesh Bill Blass - Mexico Eddie Bauer - Mauritius Ralph Lauren - Singapore Weekender - Taiwan I actually found a couple of towels made in the Good ole USA. We all know this but we seem to just ignore it while complaining about all the jobs going overseas. Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

No enhancement needed on this photo. Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Really liked this purple sky tonight. Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Waiting for flight at Key West AP. took this photo and did some adjustments on it. Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Unbelievable!! Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Going to be gone for a week starting tomorrow and will miss this. Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

This might be the best we can do tonight.  Image Watermarked with iWatermark on my iPhone. Sent from Richard's  iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Image Watermarked with iWatermark on my iPhone. Sent from Richard's  iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Image Watermarked with iWatermark on my iPhone. Sent from Richard's  iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

We had a dock visitor today Image Watermarked with iWatermark on my iPhone. Sent from Richard's  iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

First time in a couple of weeks. Hooray! Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Really unique sound. Like it. And the Saturday Night Special was good too. Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

pr rel raffle gardens 5 2012.doc Download this file

Breastcancer.pdf Download this file

At shrimp festival in McClelanville, SC Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

https://picasaweb.google.com/m/viewer#album/richard.bur10/5737240478102776241,authkey:Gv1sRgCKnr686Anq6d2gE Sent from Richard's  iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Last race of the series is tomorrow @ 1pm. Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Heavy rain on Saturday and high winds on Sunday gives way to a perfect beach day on Monday. Going to check out the Conch Republic reenactment of the secession this afternoon. Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Had read about quinoa but never tried it so I picked up a box the other day and decided to try a salad. It is kind of like tabbouleh but a little different in texture. I washed the quinoa and then drained, then added double the water to the quinoa. I made a 12oz box so about 2 cups. I brought it to a boil, then tuned down to a simmer for about 15min. It gets soft and the kernels become translucent. Drain the excess water and set aside to cool. I put a towel over the bowl. Prior to serving peel one large cucumber and dice. Dice a tomato, 1/2 onion, a few baby carrots. I also seeded and diced a jalapeño pepper for a little kick. I made the sauce using a little olive oil, white vinegar, and juice from 1/2 grapefruit, and a little sugar, along with some salt & pepper. Toss it all together with the previously cooked quinoa, sprinkle with some cilantro, fresh if you have it. Finally I garnished it with a sliced avocado (not pictured). Needless to say, most people really liked it, but yo...

I must really be bored. Sent from Richard's iPhone See my blog at www.riburton.posterous.com

Just checking to see if this post to Blogger and to Twitter --

Connecting at Micky D's today.  Pouring rain, will have to go back and bail the dinghy soon.