Rhubarb Report 067

They took me to the brink again. And once again, they left Leaf Nation hanging, uttering the phrase "maybe next season" one more time.

"They" would be the Toronto Maple Leafs, of course, who were officially eliminated from the NHL playoffs by the Boston Bruins in overtime of game 7. That wouldn't be a big deal, except that they had a two goal lead with 1:22 to play. But in fine Leafs fashion, they gave up two quick goals and went to overtime. The rest, as they say, is history.

As a Toronto newspaper so eloquently noted the next day, "The Choke's On Us". I just call them the Chicago Cubs of the NHL. 'Nuff said on that one.

There is never a lack of rhubarb upon which to report. So with that in mind, I bring you stories from the fringe - in Episode 067.

1. This may be one of the strangest stories I have ever seen in the news: a Brazilian woman survives an accidental harpoon shooting?

The first question you have to ask is this: what is a harpoon gun doing in the kitchen in the first place? Worse yet, a loaded harpoon gun? Am I missing something here?

2. It wouldn't be a Rhubarb Report without mentioning some Texas politics during the 140 days every two years that they are in session. While time ticks away, and real problems like Medicare and a population that has 25% uninsured remain unresolved, they have the time to pass HB 308.

For those unfamiliar with it, HB 308 is the Merry Christmas Bill.

Yes, you heard that correctly.

Sec. 29.920.  WINTER CELEBRATIONS.

(a) A school district  may educate students about the history of traditional winter celebrations, and allow students and district staff to offer traditional greetings regarding the celebrations, including:

(1)  "Merry Christmas";

(2)  "Happy Hanukkah"; and

(3)  "happy holidays."

(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), a school district may display on school property scenes or symbols associated with traditional winter celebrations, including a menorah or a Christmas image such as a nativity scene or Christmas tree, if the display includes a scene or symbol of:

(1)  more than one religion; or

(2)  one religion and at least one secular scene or symbol.

(c)  A display relating to a traditional winter celebration may not include a message that encourages adherence to a particular religious belief.

Really? The legislature is in session for 140 days every two years - and we have time for this?

And people wonder why I am a little critical of the legislative session ...

3. Finally, some news about my beloved home of Austin. It is now the 11th largest city in the United States with a population of 842,592.

What makes this a little problematic is that the outlying areas are growing at a tremendous rate as well. Of cities with a population less than 50,000, San Marcos was the fastest growing city in the US. Add to that Cedar Park (4th) and Georgetown (7th) and you have one big population shift going on in central Texas.

I still maintain that for a city of this size, you can't beat it. But I remember the days when the city limits sign showed 400,000-ish. I sound like an old-timer when I say that. I guess we’re just going to have to work a little harder to "Keep Austin Weird" with all those people.

Photo credits: Wikipedia

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