Rhubarb Report: Episode 22

The time has finally come. It’s September 1, 2011 – the day that Rhubarb goes video. Ruminations on video may be Rudimentary at first, but I am sure that they will eventually be … Remarkable? Robust? Radical? Just plain Revolutionary?

First things first. I like to simplify my world. As much as possible at least. With that in mind, I am going to officially remove two syllables from my writing world. The Rhubarb Ruminations – in the spirit of simplicity – will now become the Rhubarb Report. I mean, how many people really have any idea what Ruminations really are? Sure, it sounds clever but let’s bring it back to basics. If a Report is good enough for Stephen Colbert, then I suspect it’s probably good enough for me. Just keep the hard “T” at the end. But it will always have that true Rhubarb flavor – you know, a little tart, with a hard “T”

So after 21 episodes of Rumination, let’s get this Report started. 

Transcription Of Episode 22

Hello - Allan Besselink here for the first official video episode of the Rhubarb Report, my biweekly look at current news, sports, politics, music and just about anything that supports the age old adage that truth is stranger than fiction.

On today's report, I bring to you:

Item 1: I recently read an interesting report that said that Americans die younger than Britons – and Canadians – and Aussies – and Japanese. The study indicated that the average American male lives to the age of 76, and the average American female lives to the age of  81. Britons live to the age of 77 and 82, Canadians to 78 and 83, Aussies to 79 and 84, and the Japanese to 79 and 86.

Compare that to the statistics from 2008 on health care spending per capita: United States – $7,538, UK $3,129,  Canada $4,079, Australia $3,353, and Japan $2,729.

Apparently, in the US we not only pay more for our health care, but we get less life expectancy out of the deal as well. Whatever happened to “more bang for the buck”?

I wonder if any of this, by any chance, is related to the politics in this country?

Item 2: Speaking of politics, let’s send out a big bon voyage to the Texas A&M Aggies, who yesterday decided that they would be leaving the Big 12 after this year. They are hoping to head to the SEC. Yes, hoping – nothing has been confirmed. I guess the potential exists for them to be conference-less. The Aggies are walking away from rivalries with Texas, Texas Tech, and Baylor for, what, money? An annual residence in the cellar of the SEC football conference? I know how they may have been a little upset about the Longhorn Network, but the harsh reality is that the University of Texas is the marquee name in the Big 12. So why doesn’t everyone just get down to playing football?

Item 3: Last, but not least, on this episode of the Rhubarb Report, I can’t help but repeat myself – the film “Senna” is  phenomenal. If you are a Formula One fan, you’ll love the visual and auditory extravaganza that this movie presents. If you have no clue what Formula One is all about, and are getting dragged into it just because someone wants you to go, well you are in luck. This film is an incredible story of a man’s self discovery, passion, will to win, and a drive to succeed – no pun intended. This could easily be the best documentary of 2011. Check your local listings, and prepare to be amazed.

Thanks for checking in to the Rhubarb Report. I hope you will share your thoughts in the comments. The next episode of the Rhubarb Report will be in two weeks. Until then, remember than truth is oftentimes stranger than fiction. Don’t just think outside the box, live and thrive there.

Photo credits: Wikipedia