Studio 60 and the 2007 Television Season

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip is likely the best writing on television today. Boston Legal is sensationalist crap. Lost is must-leave TV and relies on sensationalism to get the viewers. Fine, it works for them but lets get something relatively intelligent on the air and stick with it for a few seasons please.
West Wing did well in a narrowly defined demographic because it was about a subject that everyone could somehow relate to - politics and government. Studio 60 is, on the other hand, an inside look at an industry that is quite screwed up, over-hyped and frankly gets more coverage than it should every night on EXTRA and the like. People think they want to know how television production works. When they finally get to see the 'glamour' of hollywood they realize it really ain't that glamourous.
Having worked in TV and Film for a number of years (I have a friend who is directing episode 19 of S-60) I've been on the set when it's hurry-up-and-wait for the hours and hours of set up and lighting and rehearsal, etc, etc. Did I say it really ain't that glamourous? In reality, while Studio 60 is excellent writing, great character development and interesting relationships, it just doesn't hit home with most of the tv audiences. People want to be shocked and awed to death while they wonder what alien creature impregnated jessica on which island under the crime scene investigation during a blackout invaded by some foreign country. (OK, maybe I'd watch that) It all adds up to the same old category of 'sex sells' whether it's sex or sensationalism, dancing with the ex-stars or watching them get fired, the tv audience seems to need the over-the-top vicarious living that they don't get in their daily lives. It makes sense, but is also a sad statement of entertainment. I'll agree that the rooftop thing was kind weak, but at least it was interesting dialogue. Danny needs to scream less and make power plays more. Everyone else, keep doing what you are doing. (Yes, Harriet could be a bit less flakey). I have to say that Amanda Peet has been handed the best lines on television since the pregnancy thing started (yes I know she's really pregnant) Anyway, long story long, I'd like to see S-60 live on, but let's face it, television (ok, commercial television) has no place for intelligent, well written, non-sensationalistic content.
I'd write more but aliens just invaded my Tivo.
Bring it.

Mission Control

DSC_1074
Originally uploaded by mercury customs.

Excellent classic styling. They don't make them like this anymore. From an early Moto Guzzi. No clue what all the buttons do.

Who killed the Electric Car?

I don't have an answer, I'm simply quoting the title of the movie. Worth seeing, this one, due to the interesting nature of the business model that GM has undertaken. (there's an appropriate word...) This documentary made us question our existence in the fossil fuel powered world... ok, not really, but it did raise some interesting questions about gas, electric and hybrid vehicles. Would you ride an electric motorcycle if it looked, sounded and felt like a traditional motorcycle powered by gas? Let me know.

Two pointers for you:

Who killed the electric car?

Tesla motors - proof an electric car doesn't have to suck, er be ugly.

Go Rossi! er, I mean, Go Kenny!

Race #2 is over now, shame about the transmission Kenny, would have been nice to see you on the podium. Rossi did what Rossi does best - took the lead and kept it. Not much of a race though, except for the unbelievable traction for Elias. Nicky is going to have to find some love if he has any hopes of getting up with the front runners anytime soon. And interesting watching the Ducatis make a go of it. Didn't seem like the straightline performance of the Ducatis helped this weekend.
4 weeks to go til Turkey. can't wait.

Mercury Customs and MotoGP

Well, the new Kenny Roberts design is on track. By now he has completed the race in Jerez, Spain- hopefully with a big finish. It was a nice change of pace to make a contribution to an international platform where design has such a big effect. We put together the graphic design for Kenny Jr's bike a few weeks ago and it was definitely a conversation starter. The brash black with skull-n-crossbones look was very piratey, not intentionally designed for the Treasure Island boys, but had a nice tie-in nonetheless. We were going for something slightly counterculture, something that gave some hint of the underlying message of "not me too", in a world where everyone wants to step up and say "me too". It's all different now, we'll be trying some new things with the design and trying to step up the brashness. Next race is in Turkey and we may or may not change things at that race. Maybe some additions to the paint would help. In any case, here's a photo of the bike doing battle.