Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

Everything Old is New Again

In the mid-1970s (when smoking weed was illegal everywhere), Southern Illinois University in Carbondale was known throughout collegiate circles as the Pot Capital of the Midwest. Is the pendulum poised to swing back some 40 years later?

The Carbondale City Council appears ready to legalize recreational use of pot upon that opportunity becoming reality for cities in Illinois at the start of the new year. One Council member is beyond bullish on the concept to attract visitors to Carbondale.

According to a recent story in the Journal Gazette-Times Courier, "I think it puts heads in beds," Adam Loos said, adding that it would attract people between the age of 40 and 60 years old. "You'd be surprised how many people in that age smoke pot," he said. He also thinks it will help student recruitment at SIU.

It certainly encouraged a lot of visits in the '70s.

A Love Song to Milwaukee

My friend George Tzougros (Director of the Wisconsin Arts Board and an upcoming guest on the DMOU podcast next month) turned me on to Milwaukee artist Lex Allen earlier this week. Described as a Soul Pop singer/songwriter that connects all ages, genders, genres and races, his is a voice that we so need.

He just released a video for his song "Let Go," which he describes as his way of escaping some hurt and demons. All I know is that it makes me feel free.

On this Music Friday, meet Lex Allen. As Radio Milwaukee said, the video feels like it could have been commissioned by Visit Milwaukee. It wasn't...but they should start using it, stat.

And, here's the unplugged version. Both are sublime.

This is What Success Looks Like

This week, the Asheville City Council voted unanimously to impose a one-year moratorium on hotel development. That's what success looks like these days as citizens in popular destinations begin to push back, in their minds, to attempt to "reclaim" their communities.

This isn't, of course, a black and white issue. Those supporting the moratorium are not taking into consideration the long view of how this could stunt the growth of the local economy by limiting future investment in all industries, not just lodging. And, a one-year moratorium (while sounding "reasonable") will likely mean two to three years before new hotel product can come online because of the application, financing and construction windows that follow. And, how many remember when Asheville wasn't the hip darling of the travel consumer? Yeah...missing very few meals over the past decade causes a degree of social amnesia. 

That said, the optics of $25 million of Room Tax being invested each year to continue to increase the very visitation these people blame for ruining their lives has caused moratorium supporters to not consider such nuance...but just see red. Another reason that, for the long term benefit of our residents, we need better words and stories to convey the value of Destination Marketing.

Which is why DMO pros should strongly consider attending Destination International's Advocacy Summit in Madison, November 12-14. 

The Bali Bonk Ban

Indonesian politicians are suggesting a new law that would bar unmarried couples from having sex. One wonders what measures they will use to ascertain which unmarried couples actually do the dirty deed while sharing a bed.

But, good news for tourists. Apparently, they will be exempt.

Looks like foreign currency trumps ideology.

Broadening Our Sensitivity

Air Travel is a pain in the ass. One of the moments that lifts my spirits is the subterranean passage between concourses at DTW.  Especially when the light show is pumping Motown.

Recently, I noticed an option that has been added at the entrances to the passage (click image to enlarge). It had never dawned on me that the light show I so love could be so uncomfortable to those with sensory issues. The ability to shut down the cacophony for a few minutes is a wonderful add to making the DTW experience work for everyone.

And, for more on designing a sensory sensitive destination, check out our DMOU conversation with Julie Pingston from the Greater Lansing CVB.

 

Ric Ocasek

The Cars were an enigma. Part punk, part new wave and part smooth (the Benjamin Orr effect). But it was clearly Ric Ocasek's band.

A writer for Rolling Stone described the band as having "taken some important but disparate contemporary trends—punk minimalism, the labyrinthine synthesizer and guitar textures of art rock, the '50s rockabilly revival and the melodious terseness of power pop—and mixed them into a personal and appealing blend."

The band was inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame last year...and it was the last time Ric performed on stage.

On this Music Friday, as we say farewell, we're going with "My Best Friend's Girlfriend" from a 1978 concert in Paris.

RIP.

The Role of CEO

It's not to be the CEO of one's tenure at the helm.

That's what former Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi said at a recent international summit: “All CEOs should run the company for the duration of the company, not the duration of the CEO,” she said. “My success should be judged on how well my successor does, not just how well I did.”

Which is exactly what our friend Rick Antonson said a couple months ago on DMOU.

A powerful thought as we embark upon the day.

Eddie Money

You don't find a lot of musicians that join the Police Department in their 20s and then become superstars in their 30s...but that was one Edward Mahoney.

Sadly, Eddie Money departed terra firma earlier today. He had just released he first new album in 15 years this summer and his Reality TV show, "Real Money," just got picked up for a second season. Then, three weeks ago, he revealed he had been diagnosed, during a routine exam, with Stage 4 cancer.

On this Music Friday, we're going with a couple tracks you may not know (because everyone else will go with the hits, as we all say farewell). First, a track that should have broken Billy Satellite wide open...but that Eddie nailed: "I Wanna Go Back."

And then, if for no other reason than the wry intro, check out the title track of his new release, "Brand New Day."

And, it is. Godspeed, Eddie.

 

The Boys of Summer

I always cringe when I hear seasonal songs on the radio out of season. You know, Holiday songs in April and Summer songs in December.

Don Henley's "The Boys of Summer" has a short season for me: late August and September. That's it. Play it in January and I reach for the next station button.

Don recently shared a stripped-down, more contemplative version on the Howard Stern Show.

On this Music Friday, here's "Boys of Summer," as we wish them all farewell.

One of the Best Theatrical Reviews Ever

Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is on Broadway in a revival of  "Betrayal." He shed a tear on stage the other night...but, was it scripted?

Enjoy, if you will, one of the best theatrical reviews I've read in years.

And, an indictment of every single person so self-absorbed that they don't turn off their mobile devices during performances.