Rhubarb Report: Episode 42

I no longer have any doubts whatsoever: as long as there are people on the planet living and creating news, there will always be plenty of rhubarb for countless episodes to come. Truth will always find a way to be stranger than even the best fiction.

Why? Take, for example, a news report from Miami last week. A man chewing off the face of another? Seriously? Is the zombie apocalypse upon us? Or is it yet another example of “there’s just no way you can make this stuff up”?

With news stories like that, there is certainly no shortage of rhubarb in the world.

On a (generally) brighter note, Episode 42 of the Rhubarb Report focuses on focus on royalty – the new King of Canadian cycling, King James, and Queen Elizabeth II.

1. If you are a fan of cycling (pre- or post-Armstrong era), you probably have a deep appreciation for the grand tours – most notably, the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. Growing up in Canada, Steve Bauer was one of my heroes. Not only did I have a poster of him, but I also had a replica of his matching Canadian Olympic team cycling jersey from the 1984 Summer Olympics. That was the year that Bauer won the silver medal in the road race. He went on to finish fourth in the 1988 Tour de France and became a Canadian cycling legend.

Now, Canadians can welcome Ryder Hesjedal to the ranks of Canadian cycling legend. Hesjedal won the Giro d’Italia – the first Canadian to win a Grand Tour. Going into the final day, a 28.2 km time trial, Hesjedal was in second, a mere 31 seconds back. After the time trial was complete, Hesjedal came out on top with a 16 second overall victory. Congratulations to Ryder on a great victory, a place in Canadian sports history, and for having what has to be the greatest cycling name ever!

2. This year, I have found myself watching more of the NBA playoffs. Although I typically watch a fair bit of college hoops, especially during March Madness, I tend to not watch a lot of pro hoops. After watching more this playoff season, I am reminded of why it offends my sensibilities at times.

The calling of fouls – or not, as the case may be – has become highly arbitrary, more often decided by your “star power” more so than the degree to which you pounded your opponent in the paint. Take game 1 of the Heat v. Celtics series as an example. There was a 30 second span in which LeBron James committed both an offensive and a defensive foul, neither of which was called. The referees need to call the fouls consistently and not hold back because of the player’s contract size. This “diva” mentality and inconsistency in refereeing now has us watching players flopping left and right, much like the best that international soccer can provide.

I’ll keep watching – because it’s time for the Finals – but I have to say, it gets rather tiresome.

3. Finally, let’ talk about real royalty: Queen Elizabeth II. The royal family celebrated her Diamond Jubilee this week. She has served for 60 years now, an incredible span of time to be doing anything. Even if it is sitting on the throne. In a manner of speaking, of course.

Congratulations, and best wishes for many more years to come.

Photo credits: Wikipedia