Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

Serendipity

There are a number of songs that reference that day, 22 years ago, that the twin towers fell. If I had a playlist that included those songs, the Eagles "Hole in the World" and Yellowcard's "Believe" would be at the top of that list.

Last night, with iTunes on shuffle on the porch, Alan Jackson's evocative "Where Were You" filled the room. His reference to his not knowing the difference between Iraq and Iran instantly reminded me of another track that revealed a similar sentiment.

On this Music Friday, we go back to the '70s and Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry Bout a Thing."

Iraq. Iran...

So Long, X

Over the past few months, I've simply ghosted my presence on X (formerly known as Twitter). I didn't proclaim my extraction. I just walked away...so far from its origin had it strayed.

But, as I was reminded on my recent trip to Jackson MS to keynote the STS Connections conference, to be silent is to be complicit.

Industry icon Corbin Ball carries the ball for so many of us with his final post before departing the arena.

Or, should we stay and fight?

Another Set of Air Laws

Longtime fans of this blog know that we developed a set of Air Laws in a (vain) attempt to bring civility back to the skies.

A new video making the rounds has doubled down on this concept in an absolutely hilarious fashion. And, their number 2 Rule is our AirLaw 9. And their Number 3 is our Air Law 2. We couldn't be more thrilled.

Treat yourself to this sensational lesson on airline etiquette. And, check out our Air Laws.

New on DMOU: Rick Antonson

If there is a short list of thought leaders in the DMO world, Rick Antonson is always on that list. He was our first guest 20 years ago on the DMOU Teleseminar and our first guest on the the resurrected DMOU Podcast (and that says a lot). On this episode, he’s back to talk Destination Marketing…but also to share thoughts about his latest book, Train Beyond the Mountains: Journeys on the Rocky Mountaineer. Rick and I go deep into the meaning behind travel, the connections made and the life lessons learned. It’s a wide-ranging conversation that I believe you’ll love with one of the most eloquently expressive voices of our era.

Gary Wright

The Dreamweaver has entered his eternal sleep...at least on terra firma. I'm guessing Heaven's House Band just got a bit more ethereal.

Gary Wright left us earlier this month...and while best known for "Dreamweaver" and "Love is Alive," he played over the years with a veritable who's who that included George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Harry Nilsson (that's him on Piano in "Without You"), B.B. King and scores more.

With the exception of a searing guitar solo by Ronnie Montrose and drums, the Dreamweaver album was one of (if not) the first that was completely keyboard and voice. I remember my friend and fellow WKCO-FM DJ Jeff Jurca rushing to my college dorm room saying, "you gotta hear this."

I loved the hits and the album tracks to follow...but, on this Music Friday, the song I dug most was "Can't Find the Judge" off that seminal album. And that's the song Gary closed with when he played the Taste of Madison in 2005.

Sleep sweetly, dreamer.

 

On Board Leadership

As the host of the DMOU Podcast, it's a little surreal when I'm on the other end of the microphone. But, here's a shout out to The Tourism Teacher, which recently had me on as a guest to talk about DMO Boards.

Tourism Teacher is a podcast that aims to engage and inform those new to the Destination Marketing space and it was an absolute joy to talk with host Andi Jaspersen on this episode.

Thanks for the opportunity to share our thoughts...and we hope you enjoy the show.

Richard Davis

After over 650 Music Friday posts, I know that unknown musicians get very few likes...some are even ignored.

But, when it comes to Richard Davis...I really just don't care.

I had the opportunity to meet and interact with one of the most accomplished jazz musicians in the world when I led what is today know as Destination Madison. He was one of the most genuine, grounded and empowering men I have ever known.

And I didn't play. So many of the individuals you will see if you click on the links below are musicians, with whom he imparted his unbelievable gift and effervescent encouragement. But, for me...it was the essence of confidence, compassion and empowerment, regardless of whether you played or not. I loved the all too short moments in his presence.

I get that you likely don't know the man who left us this week; the man who played with Sinatra, Van Morrison and Springsteen, to name just a few. But, I ask that you honor this rare talent by clicking on a few of these links:

His TV Obit on WISC-TV.

A feature on the NEA Masters Series.

And, if you only have time for one, this is the one.

Rest Sweet Prince...you have had such an impact on so many. And I was blessed to have known you.

More Rewarding My Butt

I've absolutely loved my relationship with Delta over the past decade since they absorbed Northwest Airlines. Their customer service has been sensational...and their misses have been few and far between.

But, when I got the e-mail today that said "A Simpler and More Rewarding SkyMiles," I slowly shook my head, knowing that the perks of airline loyalty were about to unravel. And honestly, do marketing departments really believe that their most loyal customers will believe such spin?

In the interests of brevity, I'll only suggest that limiting access to the SkyClubs to 10 times a year unless one spends $75,000 on the Delta AmEx credit card isn't more rewarding. And M&C has its own take.

Maybe Tom Brady can talk some sense into the brainiacs that have now caused a Million Miler to reconsider their future loyalty.

New on the DMOU Podcast: Brook Kaufman

As Destination International’s Advocacy Summit is just around the corner, there’s no better time to talk with Visit Rapid City’s Brook Kaufman who, when she was with Visit Casper, ran and won a seat on her County Board. On this episode, you’ll hear why Brook thinks that more DMO pros should run for office…as well as her experiences during the last Total Eclipse of the Sun and how, as the first non-resident to helm Visit Rapid City in 40 years, she built a culture of trust with both stakeholders and staff. And, oh yeah…how she developed 40,000 Social Media followers during her quest for her first Marathon. 

It's just one of over 120 episodes with some of the best and brightest minds in Destination Marketing.

Owning Your Space

You show me a record store in any town...and I'm there.

But I've never seen a record store own their brand essence like Black Hills Vinyl in Downtown Rapid City.

Most record stores use standard dividers between artist collections. Black Hills uses old LPs (click image to enlarge).

Yeah, I know. It may be a little thing. But we absolutely loved it.

Well played, Black Hills. Well played.