I probably could have made it 3 miles today. I stopped because I did not want to be too worn out tonight. The run felt pretty good. The sauna seemed hotter than usual and I did not stay in it too long. I don't know if it was just because of the run or if it really was too hot.

I watched the second episode of "Studio 60 On the Sunset Strip" last night. It's by Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme, the same duo who did "Sports Night" and "The West Wing." It's pretty good so far. The writing is smart and the dialogue is good as I expected. The show for those unfamiliar is a behind the scenes look at a sketch comedy show a la "Saturday Night Live." It is very similar in feel to "Sports Night." I am not sure if I will really invest much time in it though because I think it might fall into the same issues that "Sports Night" had, i.e., how long can the show remain interesting. "Sports Night" also had the misfortune of being completely ignored by the media and the critics so almost no one even knows about the show.

There is an interesting thing that I thought about the show yesterday too. The show is currently focusing on the revamping and revitalization of the fictional show. I wonder if between this show and Tina Fey's "30 Rock" people will begin to feel let down by "Saturday Night Live." Even more, it could hurt "SNL." People will be watching the show and thinking to themselves; "Man, I wish Brad Whitford and Matthew Perry were writers on this show." If "Studio 60" and "30 Rock" provide a look at a sketch show that is funny, relevant, and "hip" then the expectations for "SNL" will be almost insurmountable. Which is kind of interesting because if "SNL" fails to deliver it will be getting beat by fictional shows that are really never actually aired. That would have to hurt.

With "The West Wing" Sorkin and Schlamme presented a look at politics that had appeal to most people in that it showed the process, both the good and the bad, in a way that most people really would like it to be. Even if it was not completely realistic, the people in the government appeared intelligent and capable, had ethical and moral values, and projected the civics textbook world of politics. That had appeal to people while allowing for the wonkish side of what really goes on in politics. It made the political process real and accessible to many Americans and I think that kept people tuning in. Even if the people in charge were more liberal than many of the viewers cared for. I don't know if this show can tap into something like that.

Wow, I guess the running really let's the mind churn!