It was another example of truth being stranger than fiction: rain, in Austin, in July. As I looked out the window, I had a double-take. I had to pause to realize that no, Chicken Little, the sky was not falling, and yes, it was actually real, honest-to-goodness rain. And buckets of it.
While the northeastern part of the country bakes, we have actually experienced the wet stuff and a (fingers crossed) only-modestly-blazing summer thus far. I am not sure what you call all of these strange weather patterns, although some might actually call it "global warming" - but I digress.
So while the sky is falling, grab an umbrella, enjoy the rain, and dive right in to the next episode of the Rhubarb Report.
1. The Austin American-Statesman has ranked the Texas Longhorns at #15 in their pre-season college football poll. As much as I would like to believe it, I am having a hard time with this one. With games against New Mexico State, BYU, Ole Miss, Kansas State, and Iowa State - all before heading to Dallas to play OU - the Horns have their hands full. The Horns could easily be 3 - 2 before they play OU.
Oh, and then there is that OU game. If Mack Brown can't beat the Sooners this year, then I suspect his coaching days at Texas may be numbered. As much as the Longhorn Nation seem to support Brown, they will always want to beat OU even more than their love of any coach. In Austin, a coach might be able to lose to KSU a few times (allow me to clear my throat on that one) and still survive. But string a number of consecutive losses against OU together, and life changes quickly.
2. Big news from the state capitol - Rick Perry is not running for re-election as our Governor. But wait, before you start rejoicing, consider this: Greg Abbott might just step into his shoes. Abbott is considered by many to be the odds-on (and money-on) favorite to become Governor. Abbott has a Perry-esque platform without the "oops" on national TV. After what seems like an eternity with Perry at the helm, the thought of Perry Two is just downright depressing.
I guess there is always the possibility that Texas could, hypothetically, become a blue state. It has certainly been blue plenty of times throughout history. Unfortunately, I think that a vote for the tooth fairy might have greater success these days - unless, of course, that "other" party in Texas can find someone that can make some hay with a growing number of discontented voters in Texas.
Everything, as they say, is bigger in Texas - and campaign contributions tend to define the election results. He/she who has the most money, wins. Ugh. I will say it again - abolish campaign contributions to clean up our political system, please ...
3. Sad news emerged this week from the Austin music scene with the passing of drummer Lamondo "Tiny" Watkins. Many may associate Tiny with the hip-hop community, but I will always link him to the groove (with bassist Yogi Musgrove) behind singer Malford Milligan. Now THAT was a groove. My thoughts go out to his family and to his fellow band members who I am sure are struggling with his loss both personally and musically.
Photo credits: Wikipedia
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