Rhubarb Report: Episode 38

It would appear that the Republican Party has kinda-sorted agreed that Mitt Romney kinda-should maybe be their presidential candidate in the 2012 election. Maybe. Well maybe not. Today, definitely. Maybe.

But as I have always maintained, truth is stranger than fiction. It appears that the lead-up to the election is going to get more and more bizarre, which is more and more disconcerting for the well-being of this country.

In the meantime, there is more fresh rhubarb to discuss. This episode of the Rhubarb Report deals with cars, sports, and politics. How insanely original is that?

1. There was some sad news from Stuttgart last week. Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the man who designed the Porsche 911, died at the age of 76.

I suspect that this didn’t register on the radar of most people. Unless you are a car aficionado, it probably wasn’t that important. But the Porsche 911 isn’t just a car – it is a work of art. It is perhaps one of the most simple yet elegant designs ever. It was first released in 1963, and the exterior design has remained virtually untouched for 49 years. The design has stood the test of time – always a sign of great art and design.

It was not only a road car, but a world-beater on the track as well. I had the opportunity to watch the 911 evolve into the 935 on the race track. It was stunning to behold.

In remembrance, please take a moment to pronounce the name correctly – it is not “Porsh”, it is “Por-sheh”.

2. Sport is a great metaphor for life. Every so often, there will be a great sports movie where you can watch all the drama of life play out between the lines or between the goals. “Undefeated” is one of those movies. This is a movie about the Manassas Tigers of North Memphis, Tennessee, a football team that has not won a playoff game in the school’s 110 year history.

“Undefeated” won an Academy Award this year. And rightfully so. Little did the film makers realize that they would have so much real life drama unfold in front of the lens. It is a must-see, without a doubt.

3. In the “returning to the middle ages” column, we have Republican Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. He recently repealed the Equal Pay Enforcement Act. Seriously? Susan B. Anthony must be rolling in her grave right now. Is the goal to get as many controversial bills through as possible before voters recall him from office?

Photo credits: Wikipedia