Why do people climb Everest? The original answer to that question was, “Because it’s there.” True enough at the time. But so many people have climbed it at this point that they’ve worn steps all the way up it. There’s a Starbucks at the top. If you ask me, it’s not really “there” anymore. Legions of people in spangled Gore-Tex have worn the “there” right out of it.

So, I’ll admit it. Like most regular people, if you put a gun to my head and demanded, “Name the most annoying people on Earth,” I’d answer, “Skateboarders, with people who still climb Everest as a close second.” The true difference between the two groups is that skateboarders are sorta trying to be annoying. They’re not rolling coal or carrying boomboxes or anything, but they’re acting brash for attention, and guarding their turf. So are mountain climbers, but they refuse to admit it. The BSBFB is all about brash.

Climbing Everest has become the teacups ride at Disney. Put on a newsboy cap and skateboard in the rut in the trolley tracks if you need a thrill. Because it’s there.

[Many thanks to Gerard at American Digest for sending that one along]