Rhubarb Ruminations: Episode 13

A lot of folks might get a little superstitious about the number 13. Many would consider it an unlucky number. Sure, there are plenty of examples of 13 being a little unlucky. Apollo 13 had its problems - launching on April 11, 1970 at 13:13 CST and having an explosion of an oxygen tank on April 13, 1970.  Some buildings don’t even have a 13th floor.

But to this writer, 13 has always been a good number. Why, I am not sure – but sometimes, you don’t ask.

The topic of speed and efficiency seems to be on my mind these days. Maybe it’s because I spent the better part of 18 hours last week waiting to make a 3 minute testimony in a committee meeting. Hurry up – and wait. Dedication to the cause, or insanity personified? You make the call. The Ruminations will head down that road and see where it ends.

1. Let’s start with something that does not move fast, and seems to be losing efficiency left and right – the US Postal Service. The postage rates keep climbing because they are losing money. Ever wonder why?

How about “customer service” – something that is sorely lacking. At prime times during the day, there may be one person at the wicket. Going to the pick-up window for a parcel may actually be worse than standing in line. It doesn’t seem to matter which location you go to either. I am not an expert in efficiency, by any stretch, but I know inefficiency when I see it.

2. Now, how about someone that IS fast. Geoffrey Mutai won the Boston Marathon in a time of 2:03:02 – breaking Haile Gebrselassie’s world record by 57 seconds. Wow. That is one fast marathon. But it won’t be eligible for an official world record because the course does not meet IAAF rules – nor has it ever met these rules. The race directors at Boston have always known this. I do understand the point of having very specific rules in terms of a course being point-to-point, changes in elevation, etc. I do see the value in having rules like this so that you can compare performances on one course to performances on any other course. I get it. But I also think that running 26.2 miles at that pace, on any course, needs to be considered. Mutai certainly didn’t drop the record by 57 seconds because the course was to his favor – especially when he ran negative splits.

3. And my favorite “lack of efficiency” goes to – government. Again. Government has to be one of the best places to find fresh Rhubarb upon which to ruminate.

I am so glad to hear that our lawmakers are now looking out for our best interests in the food industry. The latest brilliant concept to suck time and money out of the system? How about a tax on junk food! Yes, you heard that correctly. This is apparently going to help diminish the problem with obesity.

Keep it simple. Eat less. Move more. Presto. No legislation required.

As I once heard someone state – at a legislative meeting, of all places - “you can’t legislate common sense”. But you sure can try hard.

Photo credits: Wikipedia