John L. Smith blog: GOP convention has the stuff of reality TV

Good news, Nevada. It's early, but I think we might have a hit on our hands.

As you know, the state has been struggling to find ways to promote itself during rough economic times. It's so hard to put a happy face on a place with high unemployment, a ramshackle housing market, underperforming public schools, and an over-hyped casino culture.

In Carson City, Gov. Brian Sandoval has gone to the trouble of calling for an overhaul of the way the state positions itself to attract business. The result has been the creation of the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development with its mission "to promote a robust, diversified and prosperous economy."

While its goals are admirable, let's be frank: Nevada needs another economic development board like Joan Rivers needs another facelift. No matter how you package the product, the reflection in the mirror remains frightening.

What this state really needs is big-time reality television show, something that dominates the airwaves and reminds all the viewing public that we are a unique place to live. Alaska has "The Deadliest Catch" and Sarah Palin. New Jersey has "Jersey Shore."

Read the rest of John L. Smith's blog.