Original Mad Man: Mediocracy Rules

A 7/25/10 NYT interview with Ed McCabe, a mega advertising star ("It takes a tough man to make a tender chicken") dispelled some myths about the era depicted in the "Mad Men" TV series.  Yes, they drank at lunch, and maybe dinner, too.  But not in the office.  Most everybody did smoke in the office, however, and he seemed surprised so many of them survived.  Asked about today's commercials, he remarked "Mostly I notice how bad so much is.  But then it always has been, hasn't it?  When has 90% of everything not been mediocre?"  McCabe also commented that he thinks people today may work harder, trying to do more, but are lazier.  "Quality takes longer than quantity."  Likely a truism for any era.