Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

A Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Works Every Time

I had to chuckle when I saw the DIY signage in a downtown storefront, encouraging Sioux Falls residents to save community holiday decorations and festivities. The hand made signs are perfect.

But the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree says it all.

Well played...and good luck!

Too Freaking Funny

OK...I live in Wisconsin. Thus, I bleed green and gold. The Brett Soap Opera? Yeah...we're pretty much over it.

I was in Minnesota last week when the whole Vikings thing went down. People there asked how I felt that our guy was now wearing purple. "We're over it," I said. We dealt with it last year.

And then, this Sears ad breaks...and I am laughing my ass off.

He knows he's a drama queen...and this is just too perfect.

The Free Press Gets It

I'm not about to say that I haven't seen editorials supporting tourism promotion and development before. But, just as the "Pure Michigan" television ads are about the most evocative I've ever seen, yesterday's editorial in the Detroit Free Press is about as good as they get.

Ron Dzwonkowski hits the nail on the head when he calls out the State for dropping Travel Michigan's budget from $30 million to $5 million next year. Best lines:

"It's good to have people bring money here and leave it here. Travel Michigan can even show how every dollar spent advertising in other states turns into...$2.86 in state tax revenue.

To squeeze the spigot now is just not smart, for Michigan's economy or image, which go hand in hand."

But, are State officials in Michigan smart enough to listen?

Hey Brian...Stop While You're Ahead

When you put a foot in your mouth, one would hope that the taste causes you to think twice three times before doing it again.

Not NBC's Brian Williams. First he makes the wrong kind of headlines when he said he was planning to forgo a beach-centric Spring Break with his family because it "wouldn't look right" during these recessionary times. Realizing his gaffe, he now says they are thinking about a trip to New Orleans (is that an unintentional diss to Nawlins?).

And then he says he can't wait for his kids to grow up and leave home so he can travel more?

I'm sure they love you too, Brian.

All kidding aside, the subsequent interview on Erik Hastings' The Travel Show showcases Brian's new-found understanding of the absolutely critical need for Americans to travel. Click on the mp3 link...it's a fun glimpse inside the man (and what he really meant with his original comment).

Here's hoping he now arches that skeptical eyebrow (as only he can) when he reports on John Kerry's bonehead bill to ban corporate meetings for TARP recipients.

Travel = Guilt & Fear

The President takes a swipe at Vegas. John Kerry is targeting meetings and conventions. NBC's Brian Williams says he's skipping his summer vacation because it wouldn't look right.

And the media is complicit in the witch-hunt to paint anything that isn't an absolutely necessity of life as a frivolous extravagance.

Which doesn't make sense, because 70% of our national economy is based upon consumption. If the media succeeds in scaring us out of buying, business will stop buying ads. If business stops buying ads, media folds.

At least it will be a whole lot quieter...

Thanks to my buddy Mike Foster for the catch...

Thanks, MacGyver

The prosecution in the terrorist trials in London have offered some pretty damning evidence against the 8 Britons charged with conspiring to blow up American and Canadian jetliners over the Atlantic in 2006.

Evidence points to the alleged bombers planning to use Tang and hydrogen peroxide, hollowed out batteries and a digital camera to do the deed, while slipping through security loaded up with condoms and porn to convince screeners that they weren't radical nutjobs.

I think it's time to stop MacGyver reruns now. And just show MacGruber ones.

Thanks to Tripso for the catch.

Nina is Alive!

In keeping with the 24 thread from yesterday...

First, Tony comes back from the dead. And now, Nina Myers.

Of course, unlike Tony, it's on another show. She's sleeping with Will (of Will and Grace) on the new TNT show Trust Me. Only, he's not Will. But he looks like Will.

Looking like Monday may be the night where I don't get much done.

House > 24 > Trust Me

Save Us, Jack!

When last we checked in with 24, a sinister plot to sabotage a chemical plant in Kidron OH was being launched by the insidious Col. Dubaku.

Last week, the local CVB converted their traveling billboard into a plea for help from Jack Bauer.

Now, the writers of 24 have never had too much trouble bending the time-space continuum. But, uh, Jack's in DC right now. The previews showed plant workers succumbing to toxic gases within the hour.

He's. Not. Coming.

I feel real bad for the plant workers. I do. And, I'm guessing we're gonna lose some Amish folk along the way (Kidron's real claim to fame)...and some monster potatoes.

And, I hope that CVB chief Marty Starkey still has a destination to promote tomorrow.

Our Leaders Need Us to Watch Them

With all the critical issues facing this country, the Senate yesterday took time out to delay the implementation of the switch to Digital TV. Apparently, over 6.5 million households haven't made the necessary upgrades and, thus, won't be able to watch TV after February 17.

Is the delay necessary to insure that their constituents won't miss their precious episodes of Lost, CSI or American Idol?

Naw...Congress just doesn't want us to miss all the wonderful things they are doing in Washington on our behalf.

An American Idol does Greensboro

I can't believe that I'm blogging on American Idol.

But, then again, Season 2 winner Rubin Stoddard is starring in Ain't Misbehavin' in Greensboro NC this weekend.

We tend to remember mega-stars Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood...and the most recent winner David Cook. But, in seven seasons...the majority of these idols have struggled. Not to mention the runners up that had all that fan support.

I mean really...who remembers Fantasia Barrino or Taylor Hicks?

Hey, they're all working somewhere...but one wonders what would have happened to these incredible talents if their debut albums were available on iTunes the NEXT DAY...rather than months later.

It's not my idea...but that of Bob Lefsetz (who else).