The Rogovoy Report 9.23.24

From around the corner to around the globe...

Sep 22, 2024

The Art of Taking It Slow

(New Yorker) - In the past forty years, cycling has increasingly been branded as a form of exercise, one that emphasizes speed, optimization, and competition. On any given morning, in Central, Prospect, and Golden Gate Parks, gangs of white-collar workers—wearing curve-hugging performance apparel and tethered to the cloud by G.P.S.—whiz in circles, cheating the wind. Indoor fitness companies, such as SoulCycle and Peloton, have reinforced the image of cycling as a high-octane cardio workout. Most new, high-end bikes are compact, lightweight, and hyper-responsive, with carbon-fibre frames, drop handlebars, and disk brakes, some of which are hydraulic. One of the bikes recommended by Bicycling magazine last year has a matte-black colorway with “a stealthy aesthetic”: the cables and wires are tucked inside the frame. The bike is advertised as “race bred, built for speed.” Grant Petersen, the bicycle designer, believes that the bike industry’s focus on racing—along with “competition and a pervasive addiction to technology”—has had a poisonous influence on cycling culture. He dislikes the widespread marketing to recreational riders of spandex kits, squirty energy gels, and workout apps such as Strava. He thinks that low, curved handlebars contort riders into an unnatural position; that bicycles made of carbon fibre and aluminum have safety issues; and that stretchy synthetics have nothing on seersucker and wool. “The whole purpose of pro riding now is to create a demand at the retail level for the really expensive bicycles,” he said. He sees the glorification of speed — personal bests, constant quantification, metrics, leaderboards — as discouraging to entry-level riders who might otherwise enjoy life with a bike.

Neo-Nazi and far right groups seize on Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric (The Guardian)

Trump threatens to jail adversaries for ‘unscrupulous behavior’ if he wins (AP)

Trump and Vance are using one of America’s oldest racist playbooks (The Nation)

Trump and Vance’s political theory: Fantasy-Impotence-Fascism. (Timothy Snyder)

Albany literary festival cancels event after two authors protest ‘Zionist’ speaker (JI)

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Norman Rockwell Museum Uses the Power of Illustration to Inspire Voting

(RI) STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. - “Every country used poster art historically to motivate engagement in one way or another,” says Laurie Norton-Moffat, CEO/executive director of the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge. As get-out-the-vote activity is reaching fever pitch, the Norman Rockwell Museum has launched the Unity Project 2024, a digital campaign using the power of illustration to foster civic engagement and participation through art.

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Suzanne Vega on songwriting, finding inspiration and “Tom's Diner” (Berkshire Eagle)

Jennifer Egan thinks of her novels as concept albums (B Eagle)

Liana Toscanini honored as Southern Berkshire Chamber Person of the Year (RI)

Susan Wissler talks about The Mount’s transformation from a traditional house museum to a year-round cultural center (B Eagle)

‘The Housatonic at Stockbridge’: Charles Ives’s Sonic Painting of Nature (WSJ)

In “When My Sleeping Dragon Woke,” actor/playwright Sharon Washington documents her creative process (RI)

Todd Rundgren to receive key to the town of Woodstock, N.Y. (ATU)

NEWS FROM THE BERKSHIRES

Forbes Names the 6 Best Hotels in the Berkshires

(Forbes) - The Berkshires is one of New England’s most versatile destinations, offering vibrant fall foliage in autumn, snowscapes in winter, wildflowers in spring and a lively arts scene in summer. Whether you’re drawn to world-class cultural events or outdoor adventures such as hikes along the Appalachian Trail, the best hotels in the Berkshires are perfectly positioned to enhance your experience year-round. For travelers seeking an upscale retreat with a touch of Gilded Age glamour, we recommend Canyon Ranch Lenox or Miraval Berkshires — both of which have outstanding spa and wellness offerings. For those looking to explore the area’s rich cultural scene, The Porches Inn and Tourists in trendy North Adams offer easy access to world-class art galleries and museums.

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EPA pushes GE to provide more details for Rest of River remediation (Berkshire Edge)

‘Gender Queer’ incident inspires film ‘A Book By Their Cover’ (B Edge)

Attorney representing Great Barrington files motion to dismiss former teacher’s lawsuit over ‘Gender Queer’ investigation (B Edge)

Proposal could sight condo development on Shakespeare & Company property in Lenox (Berkshire Eagle)

The Foundry’s saga to update its special permit has finally come to an end (B Edge)

Lenox's Purple Plume closing while still at the top of its game (B Edge)

Pittsfield to offer vaccinations to homebound residents as COVID numbers again tick up (WAMC)

Clarksburg, Mass., shutters police department; state police will pick up coverage of town (WAMC)

NEWS FROM THE HUDSON VALLEY

Hudson Hall Withdraws Support of Annual Winter Walk Celebration

(HV360) HUDSON, N.Y. - After 27 consecutive years of Winter Walk, the city’s annual holiday event will not take place this year, Hudson Hall announced Friday. The event was attended by thousands in 2023, but despite the growth of the event, Hudson Hall could not continue supporting the event's growing deficit. Hudson Hall, the city of Hudson, the Hudson Business Coalition, Hudson Development Corporation, and the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce partnered together to produce Winter Walk. “However, despite everyone’s best efforts, it became clear Winter Walk requires resources beyond what is available by all involved to carry it forward,” Hudson Hall said in its press release. Read also, Rhinebeck’s annual winter festival canceled for 2024, leaving its future in limbo (Hudson Valley Pilot)

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Hudson Valley health officials concerned about Eastern Equine Encephalitis (The River)

Ulster County resident hospitalized with Eastern equine encephalitis; first human case confirmed in New York state since 2015 (ATU)

Columbia County board approves animal abuse registry (HV360)

Health care workers picket outside of Columbia Memorial hospital in Hudson (HV360)

Why some cities -- including Hudson and Kingston -- are dropping their speed limits to 25 mph (ATU)

Neverstill Wines opens tasting Room in Hudson (Chronogram)

8 craft breweries to visit in Hudson and Catskill (Chronogram)

Riverkeeper prepares new captain to lead patrol boat program (WAMC)

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