“This site is undergoing maintenance.”
How about getting to work on the state legislature next?
It’s Earth Day, and I plan to celebrate by staying on top of it, where I can keep an eye on things.
This ain’t always easy.
There is, of course, The Bug®. And I’ve had a couple close calls while riding trails this past week. No harm, no foul, but still, I think I might give that pasatiempo a rest for a while. A skinny trail can only handle so many remote “workers” before something gives. Our dirt arteries are dangerously clogged. That’s my diagnosis, anyway.
Speaking of keeping an eye on things, and dirt, here’s some bad news: My man Brook Watts has stepped down as organizer of the 2022 UCI Cyclocross World Championships in Fayetteville, Ark. Nor will he have any involvement in the UCI World Cup race there.
Says Brook:
“The situation in Arkansas remains problematic and unfortunately, I don’t see any satisfactory resolution. I have sincerely, but unsuccessfully, attempted to work out my concerns and differences with constituents. However, regrettably, we were not successful. I remain dedicated to continuing to use my position of influence in the cyclo-cross community to fight for equity in racing, and to ensure that the sport is accepting and welcoming to all.”
This is a goddamn shame, frankly. Brook is a righteous dude, a fine racer, and a top-shelf organizer. This can’t have been an easy call for him to make.
I haven’t tugged on his sleeve for more details because he asked for privacy after making his announcement. He deserves that and much, much more.
Some people build things. Other people, eh, not so much.
Tags: 2022 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, Arkansas, Brook Watts, Earth Day
Mad Blog Media 
April 22, 2021 at 8:38 am |
Happy Earth Day. Now, human race, stop reproducing.
April 22, 2021 at 10:58 am |
Good day! Do you suspect the UCI was shitting on female racers again? As far as Earth Day goes, and the earth, that site is also in undergoing maintenance.
April 22, 2021 at 12:52 pm |
No, it’s more to do with the latest political football: the “small government” crowd getting into everyone’s pants again.
“That site is also undergoing maintenance.” Heh. Well said, sir. Kevin Drum fears that we are headed for geoengineering. He is not a fan.
April 22, 2021 at 1:42 pm |
Kevin is kidding, right? We’ve been doing unintentional geoengineering for the last century. Raising atmospheric CO2 by 50% and dissolving a shitload more in the oceans is “blind” geoengineering. Putting up dams all over our major river systems is geoengineering and, with the dredging shipping channels, the reason New Orleans is sinking into the Gulf. So we have no choice but to geoengineer our way out of this. Especially since China and the developing world is showing no sign of ending its emissions even as we throttle ours back somewhat.
I don’t think we will have a choice. Whether it is carbon sequestration or putting up an atmospheric cooling system (and hoping we get it right) sooner or later we have to start doing deliberate geoengineering if we are to survive.
As far as transgendered kids? I have not idea…..
April 22, 2021 at 1:47 pm |
Speaking of emissions, look at these charts of US, EU, India, and China.
April 22, 2021 at 1:59 pm |
I can’t say for sure, but I think Kevin’s main concern is that Earthlings will wait until the very last minute and then throw a whole bunch of the usual ill-considered geoengineering at the wall and hope something sticks.
By then we should have sizable suburbs on Mars and the moon, so, no worries, amirite?
April 22, 2021 at 2:25 pm
I am sure he is right. Or, we will wait to the last minute and bicker about it until it is far too late.
Paul Kantner had an answer to that.
April 22, 2021 at 2:59 pm
Bob Dylan and R.L. Burnside have some thoughts on the matter as well.