Ups & Downs

UPS & Downs

ROUNDUP

UP: To the BMW logo, for sticking around for 90 years. Make that “roundel,” the familiar circle that has adorned all Beemers since 1917. Contrary to popular myth (and more than a few book authors), the logo is not a representation of a spinning propeller borrowed from BMW’s aircraft-engine division. Instead, the blue-and-white comes from the Bavarian state colors.

DOWN: To Wataug, Texas, police officer William Allen, for intentionally driving into oncoming traffic and swerving into a motorcyclist that allegedly ran a red light. Twenty-five-year-oldrider Derek Muzquiz and passenger Cynthia Arredondo were both thrown from their 2006 Suzuki. Muzquiz spent a week in the hospital, while Arredondo suffered severe head trauma and remains in rehab months after the August 25, 2007, collision. Officer Allen was suspended for 60 days for “violating company policy” after his on-board-camera record of the incident was made public.

UP: To Academy Award-nominee Naomi Watts, for adding motorcycling to her repertoire. For her role as an innocent London midwife trying to right a wrong in David Cronenberg’s 2007 film, Eastern Promises, Watts had to learn to ride a motorcycle-a Russian Ural belonging to her character’s father. “There I was, riding through the streets of London; I couldn’t believe it,” said the British-born actress. “But I came to like it, and, I’m pleased to say, can now put it on my list of skills.”