Spaeth Communications

ABOUT SPAETH

SERVICES

STRATEGIC RESOURCES

SIGNUP FOR BIMBO LETTER

OPT OUT OF BIMBO LETTER

Bimbo NOMINEES for January 2007

January	February	March	April	May	June
July	August	September	October	November	December

BIMBO OF THE MONTH…AND THE WINNER
“There is no immediate threat to consumers today,” said Taco Bell Vice President Tim Jerzyk, the first comment from company officials weeks into an E. coli bacteria outbreak which sickened scores of customers.
(Taco Bell waited much too long to respond, and posted no information on their own website until early December, weeks into the outbreak. He should have said, “We are committed to providing high quality food in a clean and safe environment.” By using words like “immediate threat” and qualifiers like “today,” he raised more questions.)
USA Today, “Most Taco Bells linked to outbreak reopen doors,” Dec. 6, 2006

AND THE REST
“I wouldn’t say that I’m an alcoholic,” wept Miss USA Tara Conner, as Donald Trump announced he would give her “a second chance” and she could keep her crown despite being photographed at wild parties and drinking alcohol while underage.
(No, she’s addicted to air headed fame. But “The Donald” certainly turned the episode into a publicity bonanza for himself.)
The New York Daily News, “Teary Tara to keep her Tiara,” Dec. 20, 2006

“I am guilty of nothing,” retorted New York State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, about being investigated by the FBI for public corruption, adding that he “Had nothing to hide.”
(Look for a forthcoming indictment.)
The New York Times, “New York Senate Leader Says F.B.I. Investigating His Business Activities,”
Dec. 20, 2006

“I got nothing to say about nothing,” yelled Atlantic City Mayor Robert Levy, after four prostitutes were found dead and news coverage revealed that the gambling resort had become a drug haven where law enforcement largely looked the other way.
(This is an upsetting story revealing callous attitude and behavior. The Mayor could have said anything about what the city was going to do to investigate the deaths and environment leading to them, but perhaps his comment was best. He really did have nothing to say.)
The New York Times, “In Glittery Atlantic City, 4 Walked Deadly Path,” Dec. 5, 2006

“I have done nothing wrong,” insisted Tennessee State Senator John Ford about indictments that he improperly steered financially rewarding contracts from TennCare, Tennessee’s government health care provider, to his clients.
(Senator Ford added, “As a citizen-legislator, you have a right to work, to earn a living.” Ford has been in the BIMBO before, saying “I am not a villain.” The most telling aspect of this is that Senator Ford clearly believes that it was perfectly fine to take financial advantage of his public position. He follows the philosophy of a New York State Senator who became rich, despite a small salary, in the late 1800s, and explained how it happened by saying, “I seen my opportunities and I took ‘em.”)
The Commercial Appeal, “Ford denies charges,” Dec. 20, 2006

STUPID ACTION / GREAT RESPONSE
In Tempe, Ariz., a restaurant called the Heart Attack Grill imitates Hooters with scantily clad waitresses serving things like a “Quadruple Bypass Burger.” But the Grill’s waitresses are dressed in skimpy nurse uniforms, and the Center for Nursing Advocacy wrote to the restaurant and the state Attorney General saying, “Nurses are the most sexually fantasized-about profession. We’re asking people, if they’re going to have these fantasies, please don’t make it so public. Move these sexual fantasies to other professions.” The Center also got the Attorney General to cite the Grill for illegally using the word “nurse."

The Grill’s owner, Jon Basso, did exactly the right thing. He didn’t change the uniforms, but posted asterisks next to the word “nurse” on their website with the disclaimer “The use of the word ‘nurse’ is only intended as a parody. None of the women pictured on our website actually have any medical training, nor do they attempt to provide any real medical services. It should be made clear that the Heart Attack Grill and its employees do NOT offer any therapeutic treatments (aside from laughter) whatsoever.”
(The Center itself raised the profile of “sexual fantasies” and getting the Attorney General involved only ensured lots of publicity. Mr. Basso turned it into a positive promotion for the Grill.)
AP, “Waitresses dressed as naughty nurses rile RN’s,” Dec. 9, 2006

WRONG THING TO SAY
Rachael Ray has become a celebrity food guru and is known for unthinkable recommendations like using canned ingredients. Martha Stewart felt a need to tell the media that she hadn’t learned a thing from Ray’s show.
BusinessWeek, “Disciples of the Simpler Life,” Dec. 18, 2006

STATISTICS
Would it make you feel better knowing that “only five percent” of iPods’ batteries fail? That was the claim of an Apple spokesman at Christmas when people began to hear about batteries which failed to hold a charge. Experts pointed out that even if “only” five percent are a problem, Apple has sold more than 70 million iPods, so even five percent means millions of devices aren’t working.
The Wall Street Journal, “When iPods Die,” Dec. 6, 2006

GOOD EXAMPLE
Shooting star Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) was discovered to have purchased a sliver of land from a neighbor, Antoin Rezko, who had been indicted on influence peddling charges. Rezko had also donated and raised significant funds for Obama’s campaign. It wasn’t Obama’s actions that were questionable but his judgment for getting involved with a deal maker accused of frequent ethical lapses. When the Chicago Tribune broke the story, Obama quickly said, “There’s no doubt this was a mistake on my part. ‘Boneheaded’ would be accurate.”
(This was the right thing to say because he admitted a mistake, took a potshot at himself and did it quickly.)
The Washington Post, “Obama Says He Regrets Land Deal With Fundraiser,” Dec. 17, 2006