I’ve recently had an addition to my family that has virtually flipped my life completely upside down. My former life of reckless abandonment love on the run has come to a screeching halt with the birth of my daughter. The lifestyle change has also grounded me more at home and consequently more time than I care to admit in front of the boob tube. What I learned is television for the most part is the same format, just repackaged with different scenarios. I have watched more reiterations of the same concept than I knew existed. One thing is for sure, motorsport programing is the “in” thing right now. It seems like everyone is out scouring the barns and backyards for the diamond in the ruff waiting to make them millions. The “reality” of these shows is prices of motorcycles and cars have been driven up of what would normally be considered crap into astronomical prices. The opposite has happened to the motorcycles that were all the rage on the chopper shows from just a few years back. Check your local Craigslist and undoubtedly you can find a raked out special construction with more motor than miles, for pennies on the dollar. The new shows are still making bikes, always under a deadline and always down to the last minute. For the most part, I try and view these reality shows in the context of scripted reality. Both you and I know that to do a job right takes time, patience, and more talented individuals than look good on screen. Another show has also been a source of great discussion in the V-twin industry. I’ll admit it with my hand up in the air, I watch _Sons of Anarchy_ on a regular basis. This show has single-handedly brought the “club” style bikes to the masses. The Mayan bikes fit the exact description of lowrider bikes that _Revolucion_ (the other magazine I’m editor of) showcase. The cast of the show can be found at nearly every motorcycle event as celebrities signing autographs. Sure, the show has had its share of backlash and mockery amongst the purest. It seems like in a 24-hour period the story line starts off trafficking guns in the morning, followed by a shootout at noon with the Irish mafia, then a afternoon car chase with rival gangs ending in a potluck dinner amongst family and friends. So that could be considered far-fetched, no? Stepping back, I try and watch the show as pure entertainment. In that realm there is more than enough explosions, bike chases, and scantly clad women pushing the boundaries of cable censorship to keep me glued for an hour a week. After all, it’s just a TV show. It’s also nice to see actual production value with real actors on real sets with real story lines and not just another “War,” “Hunter,” or “Life With,” thrown together with hand held cameras. I would also love to see what affect the show has had on the sales of motorcycles. I’m sure it’s had a huge impact of bringing new riders into the V-twin lifestyle. And without growth in any industry, things get stale, boring, and monotonous. While I should be out riding, working on my bikes and attending events more in my spare time, for now my little anchor is keeping me homebound while enjoying watching her grow up with less time out on the open road. Damn. Where’s mom? Dad needs to go for a quick ride. JZ Editor