The days would start getting a little longer. It would get a little warmer outside. The streets would dry off. Summer time was upon us, and it was just a matter of time before the sidewalk surfing would resume.
My adventures in skateboarding started with a bright neon orange piece of plywood. My father had attached some clay wheels which were, unbeknownst to me at first, scavenged from my old-style roller skates. Add a few strips of white bathroom shower grip tape, and this old-school skateboard was ready for its maiden voyage along Water Street.
Welcome to the 1970s. I remember that first skating experience like it was yesterday. The sound of those wheels on the concrete was grating at best. But it offered a new-found freedom. And man, was it cool.
I no longer have any doubts whatsoever: as long as there are people on the planet living and creating news, there will always be plenty of rhubarb for countless episodes to come. Truth will always find a way to be stranger than even the best fiction.
Why? Take, for example, a news report from Miami last week. A man chewing off the face of another? Seriously? Is the zombie apocalypse upon us? Or is it yet another example of “there’s just no way you can make this stuff up”?
With news stories like that, there is certainly no shortage of rhubarb in the world.
On a (generally) brighter note, Episode 42 of the Rhubarb Report focuses on focus on royalty – the new King of Canadian cycling, King James, and Queen Elizabeth II.
I know that you are as surprised as I am. Today is officially National Doughnut Day!
Hey, everything in moderation, right? Is this just another Hallmark nightmare? A day conjured up by Homer Simpson?
I tell you – it is for real. Seriously. It actually serves a valuable purpose.
The story of National Doughnut Day goes all the way back to 1917. Salvation Army volunteers went to the front lines to serve home-cooked foods and to, yes, make doughnuts for the infantrymen – otherwise known as “doughboys”.
In 1938, National Doughnut Day was established by the Chicago Salvation Army. The goal was to raise money during the Great Depression, and to honor the work of World War I Salvation Army volunteers.
But how can National Doughnut Day not have me thinking about a Tim Horton’s famous doughnut? And a double-double coffee to go along with it?
Today is Memorial Day, the day on which we remember those men and women that have died while serving in the US Armed Forces. It is a day to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
We are reminded, once again, that these men and women lost their lives while defending our freedoms. Of that, I am grateful. These people were actively supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States of America, supporting the Bill Of Rights and all that it entails.
But there is something else that I think should be remembered on a day when we honor those that have died. The passing of these brave men and women is to support our freedom, yes, but this day should also serve as a stark reminder to all Americans of their own personal responsibility to maintain our freedom. It is not just the troops on the front lines that are doing so.
I can say without hesitation that this week may go down on record as one of the most surreal weeks I have ever experienced. I can remember the feeling when I moved to Austin in 1990, getting off the train and stepping into a brave new world. That was surreal. But when you stand up and take the oath of allegiance to become the citizen of a new country? Now that is truly surreal.
It is hard for most to comprehend what that does to your psyche, your mindset, and your self perception. The best descriptor? It is just … different … now. Suffice it to say that it was a great experience that made for an interesting week that I will certainly never forget.
Besides, now I have an excuse to celebrate May 21 annually!
While that was going on, rumor has it that the world was still turning on its axis. Apparently, truth was still stranger than fiction, and the land of rhubarb was alive and well. I bring to you, hot off the presses, Episode 41.Enjoy!
The United States of America has a rich tapestry of cultures. The country’s heritage and history is firmly rooted in the influx of immigrants who have come to the United States and helped to make this country what it is today. Some have come here seeking solace from religious oppression. Some have come here seeking freedom. And some have come here with a simple desire to live a better life.
Today, May 21, is Victoria Day in Canada. It is the date on which Canadians celebrate the beginning of summer. Victoria Day has been celebrated since long before Confederation in 1867.
Today, May 21, is also Naturalization Day in the United States, or, perhaps more accurately, Allan’s Naturalization Day. Today, I officially became a naturalized US citizen. I don’t have a tale of religious persecution, nor am I running away from political oppression. My tale isn’t dramatic like that, but with that said, it is a tale of naturalization nonetheless.
It started off as just a pristine black and white photocopy, but over time it has slowly become a faded yellow piece of paper. It isn’t very big, with just a few words printed on it. This piece of paper has occupied a place on my refrigerator for many years now. It has been with me on my journey from Brockville to Austin.
On it are the words to a wonderful piece of writing by none other than Robert Frost. It is entitled “The Road Not Taken”.
It is a constant reminder of what happens when we make that first step forward and dare to do so. It could be in life, in love, in the pursuit of happiness, in growth, in self discovery.
Allan Besselink, PT, DPT, Ph.D., Dip.MDT has a unique voice in the world of sports, education, and health care. Read more about Allan here.