Commercials...New Meanings?

Have you seen the most recent Tennessee Lottery Commercials? The first one has the two country "sangers" male and female twanging out a song. I guess this is a parody on what is perceived to be the typical country music performers.The other commercial is a female who recites a bit of verbiage with a lone guitarist in the background and breaks into a clogging dance. Both commercials end with an announcer who promotes the Tennessee Lottery.

These two spots have had the reverse effect most notably on me..not that I am going to go out and buy a lottery ticket anyway. It probably keeps me from buying a ticket for sure.

I would really like to slap all parties who participate in these spots...especially knowing that they are getting paid for doing that. Some people have no shame. Hey did you know the Lottery director makes nearly $900,000 a year? Also, did you know that Governor Bredesen took around $90 Million dollars out of the lottery fund to pay for his Pre-K program? One of my campaign points...was to quit funding this Pre-K program and put the money back into College Education where it belongs. Guess how many HS graduates we could help send to College with $90 Million Dollars. Our quickest and best return on our Education dollars would be on the College Students and not those Pre-kindergartners. The State's own reports indicate that it is a program that does not get the results that it hoped to have. Hope newly elected Governor Haslam will truely become a good steward of the Tennessee Dollar and see the error.

And then there was Carnival Kia's New Spot
I know most of you folks who live in the Middle Tennessee area have seen the Carnival Kia commercials. Many of the spots have included owner/operator Chris Bostick and his wife Dessie and their kids. Their two sons have appeared in many of these promotions. Some of which would consider hokey but yet entertaining. It gets you to remember the name of the dealership.
You might also recall that Chris ends each spot with " Please don't leave until you see me." The most recent commercial spot just features him and his wife. It is very apparent that Dessie will draw lots of attention to her participation in the ad. If I was in the market for a new car and considered a Kia...I would rather see her instead. He might have to change his slogan to.."Don't you leave until you see _ _ _ _ _!" Bravo to Chris and his Ad team! Wonder what market segment they are looking to attract?

With the economy the way it is...I'm wondering how all the dealerships are doing? Out my way, I don't know anyone who has recently bought a new vehicle. My family is driving vehicles that were purchased in 2004-2005 and we hope they are going to last a bit longer.

Bucket List Update

I am working on the next item on my Bucket List. I am preparing the way. Letter has been written and currently waiting on a response and hopeful meeting. Having to take a bold and proactive approach to this one. Will let you know if that opportunity comes around. You never know until you try.

Campaign Memory and Fopahs

I am hoping thru the Dedeacon's Tale that I will be able to share some of the more interesting things that took place on my state-wide campaign trail. The first is a fopah I made on KWAM radio in Memphis this past summer on John Hester's The Average American Show. John had asked me a question about my stance on K-12 Education. I went on to describe a point that I would like to have a contract between the schools, the students and their parents...indicating what was expected from all parties. Also noting the school's decorum on dress and punishment. I indicated that if the student did not follow the rules and had signed the contract with the a school that he or she would be subject to "capital" punishment. John quickly went to a commercial break. The studio went deafly quiet. No word from the board operator and my wife. Everyone had a puzzled look. After a minute passed..John meekly asked, "Don't you think Capital Punishment would be somewhat cruel?" I responded with a NO! I don't think so. Patricia reaches over to whisper in my ear, I think you should have used the word "corporal" instead of capital punishment. I was a bit embarrassed by the comment and we had to do a clarification when we came back on. I will say that I got more votes in Shelby County than I did in Williamson County. Guess some folks in Shelby County agreed with me.

Sharing Campaign Thoughts and Lessons Learned

I have developed a little talk on my experiences while on the campaign trail and have incorporated them into a presentation or speech per se. If you know of a school group (class), church group or a civic group that might be interested in me speaking to them please contact me. You can reach me initially thru my email at bayron.binkley@gmail.com. I spoke to 5 different high school classes while on the campaign trail. I come cheap.

I welcome your thoughts and comments to this blog. Until next time...I am The Dedeacon.