Kansas will be playing in Times Square.
That is a 30-second commercial promoting the state that will be on the CBS Super Screen right off 42nd Street in New York.
State tourism and business development officials said today they hope the ad will dispel some of the negative news that has come out of Kansas in recent months, citing coverage of the BTK serial murders, political fight over evolution and military funeral picketing by a Kansas church family.
The ad shows a woman working outside on her computer with a farmhouse in the background; a man riding a bicycle to work, musicians and a dancer in the prairie, and a family star-gazing the night sky.
"This commercial shows Kansas as having the best of both worlds," said Caleb Asher, the director of marketing and communications for the Kansas Department of Commerce. The ad, put together by Gizmo Pictures of Topeka, starts running Thursday. It will run three times an hour, 18 hours per day for 18 days on the 26-foot-tall CBS Super Screen in Times Square during the network's coverage of the World Cup Soccer Tournament.
Asher said the total cost for production of the ad and placement was approximately $40,000.
Comments
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cutny (anonymous) says…
I will go by it this week and let you know how it looks, or possibly try to take some pics if someone knows where I can post them to, let me know.
gerbilsniper (anonymous) says…
That's great news, Times Square doesn't even have any new yorkers, they're all tourists. And if they're visiting New York i doubt they're gonna come to KS for the "culture"
Nice waste of 40 grand
OldEnuf2BYurDad (anonymous) says…
I've seen the crowds in Time's Square. Forgive the cynicism, but I fear they will mostly laugh. "What?! No pavement?! No off-track betting?!"
NYC is the only place I've ever had a cabbie use a string of profanity in the car over and over again. He wasn't angry, it was just how he made conversation. And they think WE are backward.
ben_ness (anonymous) says…
What a rediculous advertising campaign.
OldEnuf: Typical backwater opinion of NYC. I am glad you have formed your opinions of New Yorkers based on a cabbie. My experiences with New Yorkers, which happens to be almost every day, is that they are some of the kindest, most open-minded, well grounded people I have ever met. As a Kansan by birth and as a well traveled East Coaster by choice, in the grand scheme of things, Kansas IS backwards.
OldEnuf2BYurDad (anonymous) says…
I'm just surprised at the whole "we have emenities, so this is a great place to live" attitude you get in some large cities. Time's Square. Big deal. A million rude people all bumping into each other on their way to look at what a million dollar a month electric bill looks like in lights, buying crap so that they can prove to everyone back home that they saw the million dollars in electricity while getting bumped into.
As a lifestyle, consumerism is empty. We save up all year so we can go somewhere LOUD and BRIGHT and stand in line to buy an $11 hamburger, then buy a t-shirt to prove we were there. Hey, some say it's great. Me? You couldn't pay me to go to places like Las Vegas.
I'd be a fool to say that NYC has nothing to offer. It has a lot to offer, but if I ever go back, we'll visit Central Park and hit some shows and restaurants... but we won't be going to Time's Square again.
I just don't get it when people say "I can't wait to leave Kansas so I can move to [name of some uncaring expensive city]. I've known people who have lived in Kansas and lived in NY, PA or MA; and every one of them said that Kansas ruined them for those other places. Even those FROM those places said that they missed the midwest.
wesmith1970 (Bill Smith) says…
I am originally from the east coast and was just in NYC a couple weeks ago for a week long conference. What a great city New York is - so much culture to enjoy (food, art, people). I agree with ben-ness, KS is so much more backwards than NYC!
Jamesaust (anonymous) says…
Wow. You just can't make this stuff up.
First, who exactly is the target audience here? Tourists from Japan? Why would Kansas particularly care what the average stroller in Times Square thinks of Kansas? How does this target anyone that might actually have an opinion that would have a consequence for the state? (Hint: the New York Times no longer has offices there. Try a block west toward the theatre district between 44th & 43rd.)
Perhaps Kansas should just stop doing things that gain national (international) negative attention. That course of action is free. The world is attracted to places that are dynamic, open minded, and well-educated. Which of these characteristics does "a man riding a bicycle to work" uniquely capture?
Want to create a better image for Kansas among the people of NYC? How about declining the moneypot from Homeland Security so there's enough for a place terrorists have actually heard of before. I assure you THAT would get favorable images into New Yorkers' minds of Kansas.
DaREEKKU (anonymous) says…
The ad is incorrect, they forgot to put the Phelps, the backwards Abstinence only-anti evolution school board, the "moral christians", and the hords of apathetic kansans in the backround who are the demise of our state image. Yee Haw!
Jayhawk226 (anonymous) says…
Wow....$40,000????!!!!?????
I can buy a newspaper for .50 cents, or log onto the WWW for free, and read the Kansas headlines.
It's provided endless entertainment for family and friends.
OldEnuf2BYurDad (anonymous) says…
Actually, it wasn't just a cabbie, it was a car service, so I was expecting a "little more" than that. Maybe that was me being naive.
And, I'd have to say that he wasn't the only one who left me with that impression in NYC. It was a very "me, me, get out of my way" experience, on both of my trips. And, I get a lot of the same when I call NY on business.
But hey, if it works for you, great. Me? A beach in Florida is a much, much better vacation.
Jayhawk226 (anonymous) says…
If you can make it there...
...you'll make it anywhere.
It's up to you, New York. New York.
-'Ol Blue Eyes
ben_ness (anonymous) says…
OldEnuf: It is much faster paced than Kansas. I think the rush of the city can be misconstrued for a "me, me..." mentality. You are certainly right, it is for some and not for others.
Jayhawk226 (anonymous) says…
In Chicago....after we dig our cars out of the snow, we "save" our spots with unused chairs. I worked hard to park there, worked hard to unshovel the spot and I expect it to be there when I return.
Not so much..."me me me." But definitely, "gotta look out for your own self," because nobody else is going to.
editor (Site editor) says…
"I will go by it this week and let you know how it looks, or possibly try to take some pics if someone knows where I can post them to, let me know."
cutny (and anyone else in NY): if you take photos, send them to editor@ljworld.com. We'd love to see them. Send them as hi-res as you can.
optimist (anonymous) says…
As a native of New York State, who avoided going to the city whenever possible, I suggest the perceptions of New York are not far off even in the upstate area. I for one think it is New York that is backwards.
Culture. That has become a code word for silly little liberals behaving badly and shaming the rest of us so they aren't held accountable for their choices.
It was always the joke back home that if you are quiet enough real late at night you could hear the giant sucking sound that is New York. This was because the city with the help of their influential contingent in the state house is forever draining the resources and the economic life out of the rest of the rest of the state to support its "culture".
Thankfully now I live in Kansas, the best of both worlds.
kmat (anonymous) says…
"I just don't get it when people say "I can't wait to leave Kansas so I can move to [name of some uncaring expensive city]. I've known people who have lived in Kansas and lived in NY, PA or MA; and every one of them said that Kansas ruined them for those other places. Even those FROM those places said that they missed the midwest."
I grew up in Kansas, moved to LA with my husband (where he's from), then had to move back to take care of my sister with cancer and aging parents. I would give my front teeth to be able to leave again and go back to civilization. KS is backwards! I deal with people from all continents at my job, and even people in Asia, Europe, Africa, etc... have heard of the evolution b.s. and think Kansan's are backwards. It's pretty sad when I get emails from contacts in China mocking us.
Those that think KS is the best place on earth - enjoy it. Those of us that have traveled the country and the world know better. Crappy weather, religious zealots, flat boring views and little culture (outside of KC) - that'll definately bring the tourists to KS. Total waste of money.
I'll take a sunny beach, beautiful views and open-minded people in Cali anyday over KS.
Jayhawk226 (anonymous) says…
Culture=
varieties of music, books, newspapers, opinions, fashions, religions, museums, fine arts, radio stations, tv stations, languages, sports, architecture.....and on, and on, and on, and on.
I see why you are so happy Optimist, the aforementioned is quite contrary to what can be found Kansas.
ben_ness (anonymous) says…
Optimist: Just out of curiosity, besides a few ski resorts that pepper the Adirondacks is there really anything else in New York state that supports "the economic life" other than NYC?
I have been upstate and it is about as backwards as Kansas.
I also find your use of the word "culture" a bit troubling, especially as you relate it to liberalism. As Webster defines it, and as it best pertains to NYC, the definition reads like this: the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group.
There are many cultures in NYC, this is a wonderful thing if you are open-minded, but not neccessarily liberal. We must not forget that the conservative "culture" exists there as well.
reginafliangie (anonymous) says…
I think it really depends on the person. Some like the ways of midwest living, while others "crave" for a more hurried, busy life style. To each there own. Some will find the campain interesting and worth checking out and some won't. I think Kansas has the best of both worlds.
Suavity (anonymous) says…
If this is how Kansas spends 40 grand, how else are tax dollars being wasted? DaREEKKU pretty much nailed it.
Laura (anonymous) says…
I've lived, not just visited, in some really great places all over the world and if Kansas is backwards, then I prefer backwards. I'm constantly having friends from both coasts asking me about the Konza Prairie, whether or not cowboys really exist and if I've seen buffalo. Okay, yes...there's nothing more annoying than being associated with the Wizard of Oz, but the point is, it's Kansas! It's plain. It's sweet. It's real. Spare me the evolution refrain. As least we didn't have a Confederate flag atop our statehouse recently. Kansas is a great place to live.
Laura (anonymous) says…
I understand that there are those people who desire more people, more cultural events, and more swing to their Saturday nights. Kansas is not the place to be if you're looking for hot spots. It's quiet and I'd like to see it stay that way. Too bad about the advertising in NYC. Who needs tourists?
ben_ness (anonymous) says…
Laura: Sounds like Kansas does. Must be why they shelled out 40k.
kmat (anonymous) says…
"Spare me the evolution refrain." As an ex-teacher, kind of hard to do. Unfortunately, it was a story that got worldwide coverage, and Kansas is now judged by it.
We may not have a confederate flag atop our statehouse, but I see them on trucks in KS all the time. There is a lot of bigotry in KS! I dated a man from Ghana while I was at KU. It didn't matter where we went, people always stared and commented under their breath about the little white girl with the big black man. He was always so uncomfortable here. When he came to school here, he thought that since this was America he would be accepted. He's still in the US, but moved to NY where he isn't judged by his dark skin.
I guess if you like plain old vanilla KS, ok. I consider life to short to waste in a plain sweet place. KS is a great place to live if you've given up.
OldEnuf2BYurDad (anonymous) says…
"cutny (and anyone else in NY): if you take photos, send them to editor@ljworld.com. We'd love to see them. Send them as hi-res as you can."
Did the Wizard just come out from behind the curtain?
ben_ness (anonymous) says…
lol OldEnuf....
reginafliangie (anonymous) says…
MMMmmm, kmat. I haven't "given up". This is the place that I chose to live. Don't make it sound like people in Kansas have moved here to die. Sheesh.
Laura (anonymous) says…
Try being a part of an interracial couple in London, England and see how cosmopolitan and accepting people are. It always amazes me when I hear people talk about racism as if the midwest embodies it. I've lived in the Deep South and believe me, Kansas is comparable to NYC if you've spent time in Mississippi or Alabama. Even better, go to Asia and see how accepting folks are of your race, no matter what it is if it's not that particular country in Asia. It's been my experience that places are as "plain vanilla" as the person believes them to be. I'm sorry your experience was so dull and I'm glad to say mine has been nothing like yours. I'm not afraid of those bizarre deptartment of education people. I have kids and I have no intention of letting school teachers be the last word in their education (but do understand your reticence).
Jayhawk226 (anonymous) says…
Laura--
The "bizarre dept. of education people" are 6 members on a religious crusade.
Should you wish not to have us teachers, using data-driven results-based methods "have the last word" in their education...at least have the logic/reasoning to know better that fanaticals make no better decisions based upon faith alone.
ben_ness (anonymous) says…
Laura: Being a Lawrence native, I can safely say KS is a very racist state.
Just out of curiosity, were you in an interracial relationship in London?
kmat (anonymous) says…
Not saying anyone moved here to die. I just don't understand people that are content to live day by day with the same 'ol boring lifestyle. I'm not one to sit on my porch and watch life go by. I want to live life, and there's not much to do in KS. After watching my sister pass away from a long illness, I'm not content to pass my time idly. I don't enjoy watching wheat grow, irrigation systems wasting water or govt bickering over why KS should become a Christian state. After living in Cali and waking up on the weekend and having to decide what to do (whether it was visiting cultural areas, just watching dolphins playing in the surf, etc...), it made me realize how much KS sucks. Life is too short to waste and KS doesn't offer much.
Laura (anonymous) says…
I've been in interracial relationships in the U.S. and in the U.K. It was much scarier in the U.K., probably because I wasn't sure people were just verbally harassing or were going to get physical. When I was in London, skinheads were everywhere.
J-226, I hope I didn't offend you. I was a teacher and my mom was a teacher. I have lots of respect for teachers, but there are good and bad employees as there are in any profession. (Not speaking to the evolution issue. I'm sorry, I just won't go there.)
Kmat, isn't it nice that you can have your lifestyle and I can have mine? Also, I have to laugh at your reference to "Cali." Only people who aren't from Cali call it Cali!
reginafliangie (anonymous) says…
You must of lived way out west. Lawrence is so close to MANY activities. Most are less than a days drive away. But alot are down the road. I guess I'm thats why there are so many places to live in the world for all the different types of people. It would be really boring if we all liked the same stuff.
kmat (anonymous) says…
"Even better, go to Asia and see how accepting folks are of your race, no matter what it is if it's not that particular country in Asia."
Laura - I travel to China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Germany, the UK and Canada multiple times each year for business. I am treated great in all of those country's, especially in Asia. How you are treated in a foreign country depends on if you actually learn their culture and respect them while you are there. If you act like the typical American that thinks the world revolves around them, then yes they won't treat you very well. If you try to understand, accept and follow their lifestyle while visiting, they treat you wonderfully. It may mean you eat things you'd never image yourself even looking at, wearing their traditional clothing, learning to speak some of their language, etc... You only stand out in Asia if you make yourself different. Asians (especially Chinese) are some of the most accepting people I've met. They are usually facinated by Americans, not bigoted towards us. In Asia you are judged by how you act, not how you look.
Laura (anonymous) says…
Yes, tourists are treated very well in Asia. I'm talking about living in Asia. There's a big difference.
Jayhawk226 (anonymous) says…
Laura-- No offense taken at all. I guess, as you can probably tell, I have a little grudge with a few members on the State Board of Education. Different topic, different day.
Nonetheless, I do value your opinions and hope to have not offended you either.
>
; )
ben_ness (anonymous) says…
kmat: Couldn't agree with you more. I didn't realize how interesting life could be until I moved away from Lawrence, KS. If you enjoy a slow paced lifestyle, it is a great place. Otherwise, it pretty much blows.
One of my neighbors is an executive for Oracle Corp. He has been very successful both professionally and with his investments. He is in his late thirties, single, and completely focused on his career. I explained to him that he could buy an enormous house on a golf course in KC for a few hundred thousand less than the value of the condo he owns now. His knee jerk reaction was, "gosh I ought to move there". I then explained to him as a single man in his late 30's he would most likely be ostracized from the community because his lifestyle was not normal regardless of what his lifestyle may actually be. In my experience, KS is chalked full of cookie-cutter neighborhoods inhabited largely by WASP families that have the collective mentality of "there goes the neighborhood" anytime somebody different moves in. While one may see this as normal in KS it is deemed quite backwards most places.
My recommendation to him was based on my own experiences growing up in Kansas.
kmat (anonymous) says…
If you actually read my post earlier, I said I was born and raised in KS, not Cali. I moved there with my husband in the early '90's and lived there until a few years ago. In order to save typing time, it's easier to type Cali than California. Or maybe you would prefer CA. Sorry I didn't chose what you would like the state to be called. Any other critics of my wording?
MY husband is a native Californian and he calls it Cali, as do his parents who were born and raised there. But I guess you know all about California since you say no one from there says Cali. If you were part of the surf culture, many of them refer to it as Cali. It's nickname for christ's sake.
"Going back to Cali, Cali, Cali," - Oh I wish.
ben_ness (anonymous) says…
kmat: run away....as fast as you can....
Laura (anonymous) says…
Nope, I totally got it that you were born & raised in Kansas. And I apologize for the cheap shot on "Cali." I have heard the state called Cali on a Tupac CD.
I say this with a heavy sigh: can't you simply sit back and enjoy Cali and let those of us who enjoy a slow, boring life just enjoy it? Why are you so intent on putting us down? Why do you care? I feel compelled to defend Kansas since it's been such a great place to live. BTW, I live in a really pretty small town that's full of huge old trees and big houses. No one house on my block looks the same. But I have seen those horrible suburbs of which you speak. Now, if I had to live THERE, I might get a plane ticket to Cali. :-)
kmat (anonymous) says…
ben_ness - glad there's someone out there not out to attack because I have seen the world and realize KS isn't all that great. Yes, real estate is cheap here, but you give up so much for cheap land. I'd much rather have a small yard and small condo, but walk to the beach any day. I've always been more about living, not possessions. I guess KS is a good place if you want to accumulate cheap posessions. Everything's cheap here, but it does come at a price. Boredom!
Laura - I don't go to Asia as a tourist. I go for a month or two at a time and do actually live there. My company has apartments for me and other employees in Shanghai, Bejing, Fuzhou and Hong Kong. I live there temporarily, not visit as a tourist.
You seem like a very judgemental person. KS is a good place for you.
kmat (anonymous) says…
I'm not attacking Kansan's, just stating the point that it's not that great here for many. You may love a slow lifestyle. Good for you. Someone has to populate this boring place. How am I keeping you from enjoying your life? You're happy here, great. I'm not allowed to express that I think it sucks here? Once again, closed-minded KS. Differing opinions not allowed. Forgive me for trying to express myself.
I wish I could run away!
To see why I say KS is boring, visit the attached link. That was my home until I had to come back here. Now doesn't KS seem boring? Wake up to that, or to the Kaw?
http://www.walknet.net/mylife.shtml
ben_ness (anonymous) says…
Laura: How many minorities live in your neighborhood? Just curious.
Are any of your neighbors openly homosexual or do any of your neighbors wear their hijab when they go out for a walk? Now, after you have answered that question try to recall how many times in the last week you have seen a rebel flag in the back window of a pick-up truck or on a front bumper and try to tie the two answers together.
Everybody is entitled to their opinion as are you. However, KS has alot of progress to make. The problems, concerns - whatever you want to call them, go way beyond just the suburbs.
ben_ness (anonymous) says…
Kmat: Certain members of my family, who should have moved out of KS long ago, call it the K-mart mentality.
Laura (anonymous) says…
Okay, Kmat...that was pretty mean. And if you don't see the irony in you calling me judgmental, that's a shame. My original, and continuing, intent was to simply point out that there are people who have lived around the world who are more than satisfied with Kansas. You are not and you left and that is good because now you are happy. What leaves me puzzled is why you continue to harass me about what an awful place this is. In short, why do you care where I live? I agree that California is a very beautiful state. The beach is awesome. The people are truly fun-loving and interesting. I don't judge your choice of California. I'm glad you've found a place you like.
Laura (anonymous) says…
Ben: both my daughters are minorities as are the girls who live across the street. My homosexual uncle and his partner live nearby.
ben_ness (anonymous) says…
Then I stand corrected.
Laura (anonymous) says…
Kmat: thanks for sharing the pictures of your former home. It's lovely! As for the Kaw, let's just say the last time I went canoeing down the Kaw was in 2000 and I don't care if I ever go back. It's so polluted that there's an advisory out warning against eating too much catfish caught in its waters. Horrible. Just thought of this...there went one of the things I enjoy doing in Kansas (canoeing)!
bluedog (anonymous) says…
Does anyone know if this ad is part of the "Kansas...as BIG as you think" campaign?
Anyway, this ad is a BIG waste of money. They should be targeting people from the surrounding states (Nebraska, Missouri, other midwest states, etc.) People are more likely to take a short vacation in a visiting state with the gas prices the way they are. Plus, they could have gotten a better deal on advertising.
BTW...I've never been to Times Square, but isn't there more things to look at than the TV screen when you're there?
Laura (anonymous) says…
Bob: My point exactly. Racism is a worldwide problem. Anyone remember hearing about Richard Pryor's experience in Africa? He talked about going to embrace his heritage and finding out that people were judged by how black they were (or weren't).
ben_ness (anonymous) says…
But, as a followup, Laura, where you live is unusual for KS. Is it Lawrence?
ben_ness (anonymous) says…
bluedog: Depends on where your hotel room is.
Laura (anonymous) says…
Ben, no I don't live in Lawrence, although I think it's a nice place to visit. What I wouldn't give for even a La Familia in my town! You know, that's the thing...that's what we miss about living in a bigger city: the food!
I honestly don't know if my town is any different from others its size (pop. 4500). Maybe. My husband's hometown in northwest Kansas is the armpit of Kansas. All the stores on main street are boarded up and closed, the Wal-Mart in a nearby town has destroyed all semblance of commerce for a 90-mile radius. I can say with all certainty that if I had to live THERE, I would hang myself.
ben_ness (anonymous) says…
Laura: lol, I have been to some of those places in KS :)
I miss La Familia as well. Great sauce!
emu (anonymous) says…
I don't think a stray serial killer or two causes any negative judgements about Kansas. Serial killers, unfortunately, aren't that rare anymore.
What does make a huge impression is the way you let the looney-tunes right dominate your politics. It suggests that either most of you are that goofy or that most of you are as apathetic as slugs and just let it happen. Either way, you're projecting an image of a place full of ignorant and hostile people.
Hate-spewing preachers who harass grieving military families, the utterly bizarre evolution thing. That's what most people know about Kansas, if anything at all: mean screwballs and breathtakingly backward public policy.
Most outsiders who ever think about Kansas at all see the state as sort of an American Christian version of Afghanistan. First they just laugh, then they are horrified as they realize this stuff is for real and not a joke.
kmat (anonymous) says…
Laura - you have completely missed the point. I am stuck in KS and that's why I proclaim it sucks so much. I had to leave the beauty of CA to care for my ill sister and aging parents and can't leave because of that. I have the right to say what I think of KS because I am back here again. Growing up here, I didn't think poorly of KS, then I saw the world. I can't love a state that is as openly bigoted as KS.
Regarding the bigotry in Asia - yes Japanese don't like Chinese and vice versa. It all goes back to prior wars. If we had been invaded and attacked less than a century ago, we might still have harsh feelings towards those that invaded and slaughtered many of our people. I was referring to Asians not being bigoted towards Americans. Although, they are starting to have some bad opinions of us because of how our govt is acting.
Jayhawk226 (anonymous) says…
emu--I must admit, while agreeing with you will offend many....you summed it up precisely.
I have made Kansas home for the last 8 years. Family and friends, scattered throughout the US, are just amazed to hear the "goings-on" of Kansas. Sometimes I think they wait to ask, "so anything new in Topeka?"
While this faction of overly-zealous radicals may be a miniority (and should not represent the typical Kansan), they unfortunately do.
The typical Kansan seems ok with this. As you stated, this is either because of apathy or like-mindedness.
Regardless, it's an insult to, and of, each and every Kansan--native or transplant.
Laura (anonymous) says…
Oh, god, emu, that's the truth. I was just thinking about the Phelps clan today and wondering how in the hell I'm going to explain them to my kids (we see them occasionally). I have to consider that the whole lot of them are simply mental cases; there's no explaining it. And I definitely understand about how the world must view Kansas because of that. It's the same thing I thought during the Waco fiasco, and the Montana Militia, and the Manson clan, ad infinitum. It sucks that these people come to represent an entire state.
Laura (anonymous) says…
Kmat, please accept my apology. I do remember now that you mentioned being stuck here for the time being. What you said makes a bit of sense then. I'm also sorry about your sis and your parents. Sounds like you're suffering insult to injury!
kmat (anonymous) says…
Laura - no need to apologize. I think it is easy to get worked up when not speaking in person and typing on these darned message boards. I know there are some good things in KS (the few open minded people that still reside here, monarch butterflies and Free State beer). If only I could convince my parents to leave this state. My sister passed earlier this year, but I can't count on my other siblings taking care of the folks.
It gets easier to dislike KS the hotter it gets. I'm sure it's in the mid 70's at the beach. Ahhhhhh! Just think of the beach and all is well.
I think I get more frustrated when I see what Lawrence is turning into. It was such an open town before I left, but now it's like little Lenexa. Yuppies have moved here in droves and are trying to make it into a KC suburb instead of the cool college town it used to be. Pretty soon it will be all box stores and cookie cutter houses. I've chosen to live in an older, less desirable (to some) side of town just so I'm not part of the suburban sprawl of "new" Lawrence.
torinmia (anonymous) says…
la familia is gone!?! i love(d) their salsa!
Laura (anonymous) says…
Kmat: At the risk of getting massively flamed by others, I have to agree with what you said about Lawrence. I didn't grow up there, but remember it being the hot spot where my mom took my brother, sister and I for a weekend day of fun. Unless you're in an older neighborhood or on campus, the place does look like Johnson County now. Just look at the obvious: 23rd St., and Iowa, south of 23rd, it's what I imagine hell looks like. And yes, the weather is god-awful. I always said once my kids are raised, I'm off to North Beach where I'll live out my retirement days. How's that for a 180 on my part? It's true.
Good luck with your folks. I've been there--both mine are gone--and the feeling of accomplishment you'll have by doing this right will follow you forever. It's an amazing daughter that gives up a piece of her life to take care of her parents. That's about the most selfless thing a person can do.
Laura (anonymous) says…
Relax! La Familia is still there and they've even remodeled. Their salsa is still the best!
75x55 (anonymous) says…
Not sure if I would enjoy NYC, Chicago, SF, LA, similar megametro city - the giant cloud of smug over them would be oppressive.
Gootsie (anonymous) says…
Nice posts Laura! The voice of calmness and reason is refreshing!!
I've lived in Kansas all my life and I am just fine here. And TOB, 4500 is a BIG city, isn't it! ;)
xenophonschild (anonymous) says…
I love Kansas. Simply, cleanly - I love it. And, particularly, the northeastern part of the state - Douglas, Jefferson, Leavenworth counties.
I had to spend ten years in Minnesota and I hated it. The sun just didn't seem right in the sky. The people were nice enough, but it wasn't Kansas.
There is a quiet beauty in this land that fills me with joy I find no where else. I tell people: "A place this wonderful sure deserves better people," and I mean it.
However you conceive God, God bless Kansas.
lunacydetector (anonymous) says…
doesn't times square have a bunch of strip joints, porno shops, and hookers - or was that years ago?
i'm so glad they show someone on a porch of a farmhouse (i hope the farmhouse is old). i hope they have a silo and some cows and i hope the ad has some 1960's cars that everyone drives and they throw in some mennonites riding in their buggies and the western flat lands of desolation with tumble weeds blowing across the road - maybe some cowboys and indians chasing eachother, and of course the rural corn fed women. Ahhhhhhh, Kansas!
that should catch the attention of everyone in relation to all the other visual attractions what with the lights and signs competing for attention.
is this what someone would call it when the taxpayers are "being fleeced?"
xenophonschild (anonymous) says…
lunacydetector:
Like I've said, just look in the mirror.
Times Square was "cleaned up" years ago. The police, mayor's office, and local prosecutor went after the seedy elements with a vengeance. Times Square is now as safe and homogenized as Lenexa.
Anything that helps Kansas should be commended. We've got enough negatives to deal with as it is.
KS66612 (anonymous) says…
By reading some of the comments in this blog, it seems like some Kansans simply don't get it! The ad doesn't focus on eveloution, the Phelps', and some of the other negatives that we find ouselves in the news for. Instead, it spotlights the beauty of Kansas and other positives.
We have to start somewhere. I'm just glad to see that somebody is working on cleaning up our state's image. It's an up hill battle, but you have to start somewhere.
lunacydetector (anonymous) says…
xenochild,
perhaps you should look up the definition of sarcasm. the only non-sarcastic remark i made was regarding the 'fleecing' part of my sermon. times square has way too many visual images happening at once. just how many people does this $40 grand reach anyway?
i wonder who is making the trip to make sure this billboard is shown. surely the state is sending someone to check up on the reaction of the ad. i will be surprised if nobody goes.
KS66612 (anonymous) says…
$40 grand for advertising is actually pretty good. I read somewhere that it covers the cost of production and nearly1000 ad placements.
My guess is that somebody will be making sure the spots really gets placed...but maybe that's too much to assume - ha ha.
xenophonschild (anonymous) says…
lunacy:
Surely the sages who live off our tax dollars in the state tourism office checked with a marketing agency before they agreed to the Times Square ad.
A professional agency would be able to deliver the numbers inre people, effect, lasting image, etc.
At least I hope so.
braden_quinn (anonymous) says…
i like how it ends with "big thinkers". Cause thats definatly what the Kansas School Board has been doing with the education system in this state.