My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on July 14, 2013

I didn’t bother to check on the authenticity of this forwarded email, but I don’t think it matters.

You probably missed this in the rush of news, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper, an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American; any American.

So an Australian dentist wrote an editorial the following day to let everyone know what an American is. So they would know when they found one. (Good one, mate!!!!)

‘An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish , Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani or Afghan.

An American may also be a Comanche, Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.

An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan . The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses.

An American is also free to believe in no religion…… For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.

An American lives in the most prosperous land in the history of the world.

The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence , which recognizes the God-given right of each person to the pursuit of happiness.

An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need, never asking a thing in return………

When Afghanistan was over-run by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country!

As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan ..

The national symbol of America , The Statue of Liberty , welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed. These, in fact, are the people who built America .

Some of them were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September 11 , 2001 earning a better life for their families. It’s been told that the World Trade Center victims were from at least 30 different countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists.

So you can try to kill an American if you must.. Hitler did. So did General Tojo , and Stalin , and Mao Tse-Tung, and other blood-thirsty tyrants in the world. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself . Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.

— Written by an Australian Dentist

Category: Blogs, Misc | No Comments »
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Posted By RichC on July 13, 2013

I’m getting creative while addressing a few more rust spots while still keeping the dollar investment to acceptable levels in my 1982 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel. In most areas I’m a proponent of grinding and replacing metal with metal (TIG welding new material) … but I noticed some rust  on the inside of the doors (creases at the bottom) when replacing a couple faulty lock vacuum servos — these areas are not easily accessible.

So, I’m going to go the chemical treatment route and since the usual spraying, brushing and sponging technique won’t work in these tight confines, I’m trying an inkjet cartridge filler (syringe “thingy” – technical term) so my hand can squeeze the liquid into these difficult to access spaces. I’m using Skyco’s Ospho as the rust treating chemical since I have the sample from the Cleveland Ohio company (I call on them as a customer). So far, the results look better than ignoring the problem, but I still haven’t figure out how to get a tiny spray head in the door panel in order add some Miracle Paint.

On other rust areas, I have opted to buy aftermarket parts … ie. the “disappearing” battery tray. (photo on the left above, is prior to removal; the photo on the right is what was pulled out, with the new black tray in the background) Since there were no battery hold-downs, I fabricated a couple, painted them black and fastened them down with a couple stainless steel nuts coated with A&D Ointment (Vaseline). Should be good for another 30+ years?

Category: Automotive, Diesel, How-To, Mercedes | 1 Comment »
Tags: 300d, battery, mercedes, ospho, paint, rust, turbodiesel

Posted By RichC on July 12, 2013

“Don’t overlook doing something good just because you aspire to do something great.”

Category: Advice, Misc | No Comments »
Tags: inspirational, thought

Posted By RichC on July 11, 2013

As the trial of George Zimmerman in Florida nears deliberation this week as attorneys for the prosecution and defense wrap up their arguments regarding the use of a gun in the killing of 17 year old Trayvon Martin in February 2012. The media did a disservice to those paying attention to this case both before and during the trial when reporting on race or on citizens carrying firearms. Biases aside, the jury must study the evidence which will either be enough to convict or exonerate Zimmerman of 2nd degree murder or manslaughter him … both carry a significant prison sentence.

Unknown to the jury will be character components regarding Trayvon Martin, as Judge Debra Nelson, among other questionable decisions, has rejected photos taken from his cellphone which reflect negatively of his character. Along with keeping these photos from the jury, the defense will not be permitted to include text messages or witness testimony which paint Martin as confrontational.

Although the media originally excluded color photos of Zimmerman’s injuries (above), in my mind that purposeful fact makes me distrust news coverage. After seeing the color photos, I mentally have already exonerated him and those injuries reinforced his decision to used his conceal weapon in self-defense. Now, knowing the additional character information below has me wondering if the  confrontation would have been even escalated further if Martin was of legal age. Am I the only one wondering why the state is working so hard to prosecute George Zimmerman?

The ruling concerning Trayvon’s phone means the jury won’t see text messages that discussed fighting, purchasing a gun and a photo of a gun.

The text messages discuss Trayvon being sore after winning several rounds of a fight, Zimmerman’s attorney, Don West said. Trayvon also discussed buying a gun and took pictures of a hand holding a gun, West said.

Prosecutors said there’s no way of proving Trayvon sent the text messages or took the photos. [cough, cough – adding for emphasis] 

LINK

Category: News | No Comments »
Tags: florida, guns, law, legal, martin, trial, zimmerman

Posted By RichC on July 10, 2013

I’ve been paying attention to crowdfunding micro-venture capital websites like Kickstarter, Indiegogo and RocketHub this past year or so and watching innovative ideas raise money for their projects. Personally, I think there are too many entrepreneurs using their connected friends for less than innovative ideas, but there are other creative thinkers with unique dreams.

I’m regularly attracted to advancements in technology and enjoy watching innovators merge computers and code with aviation and other vehicles. One such idea (still risky) is the RYNO one-wheeled personal transporter … or what most envision as a one-wheeled motorcycle … is getting close to make an announcement next month, according to Chris Hoffmann, CEO. The RYNO Motors “full story” video (below) does a pretty good job of introducing the ride-on vehicle and the realistic designer does a good job of pointing to its strengths, but I still struggle with the hurdle of stopping quickly?

Category: Automotive, Innovation, Technology, Video | No Comments »
Tags: crowdfunding, motorcycle, ryno, transportation

Posted By RichC on July 9, 2013

EDIT: Once again a postie post that didn’t post when it was suppose to yesterday. Hmm??

Category: Archive, Misc | 1 Comment »
Tags: europe, map

Posted By RichC on July 8, 2013

It’s the perfect time to share a short shared video from Brittany, Scott and Isla, a couple Internet sailing friends, on their way south in order to be out of the track of most hurricanes this time of year. They are without a doubt one of the most envied young sailing families with a strong following and terrific blog.

After making a few adjustments to their routine (a one-plus year old baby, need anymore be said?), and acquiring a new larger boat – Asante, a Brewer 44 – they set off from Florida via the Bahamas in order be in Grenada by the time tropical storms and hurricanes normally make their through the Caribbean. This year has been weather-safe so far, but tropical weather doesn’t really heat up until late summer and early autumn after the waters are really warm. That said, June is the beginning of hurricane season and tropical storm Chantal is heading east, so Brittany and Scott are watching the projected path while in an anchorage a bit north of their destination. According to a recent post and tweets, they are preparing and setting a second hook, while hoping for a “fizzle” of a storm.

Category: Blogs, Friends, Sailing, Weather | 2 Comments »
Tags: blogs, chantal, family, hurricane, sailing, windtraveler

Posted By RichC on July 8, 2013

I’ve recently started to follow the product launch and shopping site called The Grommet as a few of the recent product introductions are intriguing. The One Log Fire and Sun Mullet were both interesting project ideas for the do-it-yourselfer and the Lazy Bunz for … well … just being lazy in the pool or while taking a swim off the boat!

Those items aside, I really liked learning about the  “earbud-like” product called the EarHero Pro since it might help me use a headphone like device in my “one good ear” yet be able to hear surrounding sounds. I’m not sure it is worth the $149, but have sent an inquiry explaining my Ménière’s disease induced deafness to see if it might be worth considering. Who knows, maybe they make a single ear mono model?

Category: Archive, Cellphone, Shopping, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: earhero, grommet, lazybunz, onelogfire, sunmullet

Posted By RichC on July 7, 2013

Having a recent college graduated living at home and looking to start his career gives me intimate insight on what young adults and their parents are facing. The frustration exacerbates the strong opinions regarding the new health care law and the economic policies put in place by the federal government under the leadership of President Obama. I don’t question big government proponents idealistically believe their policies are best for the country, but at the same time wonder just how stagnant and sluggish the economy will have to remain  before our citizens (particularly the idealistic younger voters) decide that centralized controls are inefficient and cost society in not just dollars, but in future growth. The lifeblood of our country is a strong economy and without policies that encourage expanding business (less regulation, tax planning certainty, global competitiveness), there isn’t a compelling reason for companies to hire fulltime U.S. employees or to increase compensation to those who are employed. I’ve watched as business managers ask more from their current employees and keep those willing to be more productive. If additional production is needed, squeeze more from those who are already receiving benefits or add part time employees perhaps even an unpaid intern that was once was an entry level position?

College graduates are almost happy to be offered an another no or underpaid internship seeing it better than part time work in retail or food service. Those with student loans are almost forced into continuing with college and borrowing even more money … otherwise they face the prospect of paying back their student debt while working part time and living at home. For those with college debt and degrees that do not prepare them for real-world careers (too many), I’m not sure what the answer is … but know that adding more bureaucracy is not the answer or a sustainable solution.

I heard an interesting 2+ minutes from the UMD business professor Peter Morici this morning discussing how businesses are dealing with the future … it is worth sharing.

Peter Morici(mp3) July 7, 2013

Category: Audio, Education, Politics | No Comments »
Tags: college, employment, government, graduate, jobs, morici, mp3, obama

Posted By RichC on July 6, 2013

Twitty photo stream

After seeing the photos from the air, the crash of Asiana Airlines Boeing 777 in San Francisco today looks to have touched down short of the runway 28L. Who knows why the impact was short, but the rock jetty looks to have been impacted by the landing gear and at least the tail of the 777. It will be interesting to know what caused the plane to touch down short?

Category: Aviation, News | No Comments »
Tags: accident, aviation