Rhubarb Report 081

There is nothing more amusing than a cold front barreling into Austin in December. It can certainly be an ominous proposition as freezing rain can shut the city down in the blink of an eye. Although I grew up shoveling snow from my doorstep, removing a half inch slab of ice from your car in the morning can be a daunting task indeed.

A week prior to the impending front, meteorologists were projecting the end of the world - or the winter wonderland equivalent of it. As it turned out, it was all much ado over almost nothing - again. The fear and paranoia of the impending doom made the whole experience far worse than it really needed to be.

Please, oh please, could we have a voice of climatological reason in the deep south?

In the meantime, grab a cup of hot cocoa and get ready for the next episode of the Rhubarb Report.

1. December 7 was the 72nd anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This year also brought with it the 12th anniversary of the World Trade Center attack. Although these two tragic moments in US history are far removed in context and time line, they serve to remind us of the importance of our values and freedoms.

Sadly, it is in these moments - when our collective consciousness is shaken and our foundations are torn asunder - that we are given a reality check and kick-in-the-butt reminder of our own mortality and fragility. Freedom is a daily struggle of which we should never lose sight. I just wish we didn't have to experience these things to make us realize it and to embrace it, only to become complacent and ambivalent when we are comfortable once again.

2. This week also brought us another sad moment: the passing of Nelson Mandela. He became the first black president of South Africa in 1994, ending apartheid in his country. Even after being imprisoned for 27 years, he exchanged hatred for reconciliation and peace in order to do what he felt was right for his country.

Mandela gave us many inspiring words, but one quote that I find particularly memorable is

"The greatest glory of living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time you fall."

As we reflect on Mandela's passing, let us also not forget the 20th anniversary of Human Rights Day - Tuesday December 10.

3. Finally, as a Longhorn football fan, I can say that I am actually pleased that the regular season is now officially over. I have found it almost offensive to think that this team was projected as a potential national championship contender back in August. However, it requires a lot of spin to see any improvement: an 8-4 record an Alamo Bowl appearance against a school from Oregon. All for the low, low price of $5 million a season for a head coach.

Now, another reality check. Mack Brown (158-47 at Texas) is within 9 wins of tying Darrell Royal's record for number of wins at Texas (167-47-5), and don't think he doesn't realize that. A bowl win this year (unlikely against the high-flying Ducks) and a solid season in 2014 could put him level with the Texas coaching legend.

But can Texas really consider the potential for yet another 8 or 9 win season acceptable?

Photo credits: Wikipedia

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