Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

Bursting with Potato Flavor

Is it just me? I mean, I like potatoes...but, isn't it what we do to them that make them fun to eat? On their own...they really don't taste like, errr, anything. Do they?

Which is why I cracked up when I saw this bag of chips in Maryland last week:

"Bursting with Potato Flavor," indeed.

Yum Yum ;)

Does Protecting Our Children from Themselves Threaten Civilization?

Just completed a fascinating book on how music has been an integral component of the evolution of Humankind, potentially advancing those most suited to survival to share information with other like creatures. While at times somewhat academic, Daniel Levitin's "The World in Six Songs" packs enough rock reality to keep any music aficionado attentive to the real gems he unearths.

But, it is the concept that those creatures that dwell in the shallow end of the intelligence and common sense pool are the ones that don't (and shouldn't) inevitably make it, has me considering the longevity of civilization. For, as the slower members of a species don't survive, it enables the fastest members to become even faster. Natural Selection makes a lot of sense.

By protecting our offspring in ways that our parents didn't and, thus, preventing natural selection to occur...are we to blame for a future in which we are weaker...not stronger?

Just a thought...

And thanks to my daughter Jennifer for hipping me to this book :)

It's Not Just the Airlines

Car Rental firms are just as notorious for the added fees that magically occur on bills as are airlines and OTAs. A number of years ago, one of the reasons that I frequented National was that they would refill the gas tank for me upon my return without adding a jacked up fee. They'd simply estimate the cost of refilling the gallons that I had burned through during my trip and add it to the bill. Sadly, that cool idea didn't last long.

So now, we have become accustomed to the choice of refilling the tank before returning the vehicle...or paying an additional fee if the rental car company has to do it. Usually, it's a buck or two on top of the per gallon charge (i.e., if gas is $2.59, it's not unusual to pay $3.99 or $4.50 a gallon).

Seen earlier this week at two airports: $8.49 if they refill the tank. That's a SIX DOLLAR per gallon service fee!

Thus, that's not a service fee. That's robbery.

The Stupidity of the Script

OK...I know that not everyone that becomes a flight attendant is a gifted speaker. That’s why the pre-flight and in-flight instructions are scripted by somebody up the chain at corporate. Indeed, flight attendants that don’t need a script usually find their way to Southwest.

During the recent mash-up between Northwest and Delta, the script has changed subtly (though it might just be the Delta script of old, as I rarely flew them). My favorites (with my response, under my breath, every time):

“Working together, we’ll be able to achieve an on-time departure.”

Oh, puleeze. Don’t try to drag us into your job. And, have you ever seen a larger group of self-absorbed assholes than people boarding a plane? Like we’re going to work as a group? Yeah...good luck with that.


And, “In preparation for landing, it is now time to power down all approved electronic devices.”


So...what? I can leave my unapproved electronic devices on?

And then, I shake my head again.

Pass Me a Fatty, Dude

Fascinating story in USA Today a few weeks ago on cafes and lounges springing up in Portland, Oregon in which patrons that are approved to use marijuana for medical purposes can light up with like friends.

The Cannabis Cafe and Highway 420 are featured in the story (and picked up a few weeks ago by Tim Manners’ Reveries) that highlights Portland because of the agreement between the Mayor and Police Chief that prohibits police from investigating or prosecuting people covered under the state’s medical marijuana act.

Best line in the story is from one of the patrons of the Cannabis Cafe who said, “It’s really a nice place to hang out. It’s real mellow.”

I’ll bet...

But, Do We Want to Admit That Reality Isn't?

Kinda like Pro Wrestling...we know, in our hearts, that something isn't right. But we go on watching Reality TV, knowing that the only reality at play is the reality that we're wasting our lives watching processed meat being produced.

As always, Bob Lefsetz nails the whole "Pants on the Ground" phenomenon in another well constructed rant. And Jimmy Fallon channeling Neil Young is just too funny.

Striking Fear Into the Hearts of Criminals

As I noted yesterday, the Madison Police Department has purchased ten Dodge Chargers to replace some of the Crown Vics in its fleet. Ford has discontinued production of its iconic cop car as it develops its successor, so Police Departments around the country are being forced to look at other options.

As is the neighboring Monona Police Department...except, they are opting for the Honda Element.

Not that they have a lot of crime in Monona...but, I'd think having a Charger bearing down on an escaping criminal would put a tad more fear into the bad guy (or girl) than, ummm, an Element.

Just a thought...

A New Market for Muscle Cars

My friend Harvey Briggs blogged the other day about Chrysler's decision to feature its Dodge Charger in its Super Bowl ad next month.

Yeah...a car that sold only 54,000 units last year. Trying to jump start the line...or does Chrysler really have nothing more interesting to say?

But, there apparently is a new market for the Charger...Police Departments. The ubiquitous Crown Victoria (i.e., cop car) is no longer in production. So, the Madison Police Department has ordered 10 new Chargers to add to their fleet.

Maybe Chrysler research shows that a high number of Police Department Purchasing Officers watch the big game.

When a Personal Brand Goes Global

Hey, while we know that guys like Alice Cooper are a world-wide brand, it still surprises us to see them in international commercials...speaking German!

The amazing impact that American Rock has had around the world comes to this...and it cracks me up.

As Alice does every night on his syndicated radio show. Check those local listings, kiddies!

Don't Forget the Boomers

A lot of marketers are, understandably, scrambling to attract Millennials to their products, services and destinations. And, that makes a lot of sense...for their lifetime value (if reached and converted) is likely greater than someone in their 50s.

But the chance of reaching them? Far tougher than reaching Boomers.

In an interesting article in MediaPost by The Boomer Project's Matt Thornhill on why Boomers should be a key part of your marketing plan, he offers 10 reasons. My favorite is Number 4:

They are easy to reach. They read newspapers. They watch TV. They listen to the radio. They are easier to target than younger generations.

Yeah...and they are all over the internet and Facebook.

Easy works...