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?
Two lanes of asphalt stretched out before me. The sound of the rubber against the road. The gentle vibration of the car beneath me.
Peace. Tranquility. I am not sure you can describe it any better than that.
For years, writers and musicians have expressed their sentiments about the open road and our cultural fascination with the automobile and all that it represents. There is something tantalizing and adventurous about being out on the road. Maybe it is the freedom that it evokes within us. Maybe all roads lead to somewhere – and nowhere – at the same time. Maybe it reminds us that it is all about the journey, and not the destination.
For me, it is about the insight that springs forth when faced with a blue highway and nothing but time on my hands.
Look around you any day of the week and you will probably find someone in an uproar over their rights. “I have the right to do such and such in this country”, they will say. And yes, Virginia, rights do come with the Constitution and citizenship.
But with those rights come responsibilities. You really can’t have one without the other – at least if you want the system to work effectively.
Episode 37 of the Rhubarb Report delves into the right to stand your ground – depending on the state, of course - along with a discussion of unalienable rights. Should you peruse Episode 37 a little further, you’ll even find a rather intriguing Top 10 list that might just get you thinking, just in time for November’s election.
The University of Texas men’s basketball program seems to be stuck in a bit of a rut these days. There seems to be a bit of an identity crisis. Is this a program that promotes the “one and done”, NBA farm club mentality? Or does it truly desire to be one of the elite programs in the NCAA?
The problem has existed in earnest over the past decade, but the impact has been felt dramatically over the past 4 years. Sure, there are 14 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. Numbers like that are reflective of a developing national program. But look a little deeper. Since the Final Four appearance in 2003, what has happened? Worse yet, over the past 4 years they have advanced to just the First Round twice (2010 and 2012) and the Second Round twice (2009 and 2011).
Maybe this is the question that needs to be asked of coach Rick Barnes before the 2012 – 2013 season. Is the goal to be a fertile ground for wannabe NBA players? Or is the goal to truly develop players and build a program?
The first Formula One race of 2012 – the Australian Grand Prix – was held this past Sunday. It was the first stop in the 20 race world championship that concludes in November in Brazil. On November 18, one week before the championship finale in Brazil, teams will compete in the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
I am looking forward to that day in November when we will hear the wail of Formula One engines emanating from metropolitan Elroy, Texas. The first day of practice will be a special day indeed.
As I look forward with great excitement, I look back with fondness as well. When I was growing up in Canada, Formula One was an integral part of my world – and my youth.
The University of Texas Longhorns’ appearance in this year’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament was a microcosm of their season. It was as if someone had reduced their season – highlights and lowlights – to one 40 minute first round matchup against Cincinnati.
You didn’t need to watch the rest of the season, because lo and behold, it was all there in one game. The whole ugly roller coaster 2011-2012 season was on display.
Once again, the Longhorn Nation were left hanging in the balance, with far too many questions and very few answers.
March is, without question, the best month of the year. March Madness, the promised land of college hoops, is upon us again. The annual basketball madness is now in full swing, but it isn’t just a basketball phenomenon this year. We have plenty of other madness taking place in the world of politics, sport and music.
There is plenty of rhubarb for everyone. Dig into to another healthy dose – and keep the television remote close by for all those basketball games!
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.