Emptying the arts notebook

October 24, 2008
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Today, some random notes from around the arts world:

--Chris Jones at the Chicago Tribune has an interesting item today about customer service in theaters. See it here. Have you had any overwhelming negative or positive experiences from the front-of-the-house staff of Indy theaters?

(And let me use that topic as an opportunity here to belatedly note, with sadness, the passing of Agnes Fonseca, who made intermission cookies a mandatory element of an trip to the Phoenix Theatre. Now that was customer service.)

--The L.A. Times reports on the Presidential candidates' positions on the arts. The story can be found here.

--Speaking of elections, the Bad Idea Bears--two of my favorite characters from the just-left-Indy musical "Avenue Q"--have some thoughts on voting. Find them here.

--Finally, if you happen to be in Broad Ripple this Saturday, stop by Big Hat Books, where my co-author, Todd Tobias, and I will be hosting a launch event for our latest book "Kid Culture" (Cider Mill Press). The book is a fun guide to getting you up to speed on kid-focused books, movies, TV, etc.  

The family-friendly event will feature live magic, trivia contests and fun, dramatic readings of some of your favorite children's book. Plus plenty of time to chat. We'll be there from 5-8 p.m. More info here.

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  1. Steak and Shake USED to be a good place to eat, but the now empty parking spaces tell the story of Poor Service, Declining quality of food and just more gimmicks and rear cooking....I used to be a customer, but no more...won't be back...to many other Good Places to eat in INDY...

  2. This man has continued to destroy the Steak and Shake brand. Did he not learn from the sins of owners past. The SNS logo and Brand are strong, I cant understand why he wants to destroy the brand other than to satisfy his big ego.This will turn out to be a big mistake. Sleek new look for a traditional product..makes no logical sense

  3. I mean REALLY!!! What's next taking away the Burger King's crown, turn the golden arches into silver columns? No I know let's get Wendy a pink mohawk.

  4. A couple of thoughts on some of the information presented here from someone with a bit of experience in this area: First, Does anyone remember a time in the past 35 years when insurance premiums DIDN'T increase? They increase every year. The more rigorous rate review requirements of the Affordable Care Act (effective in 2011) have likely caused those increases to moderate as they have averaged below 10% for the past few years, down from much higer averages in prior years. Second, Oregon will operate a state-based Exchange. Recently, they were one of the first states to release their proposed (not yet reviewed by regulators)premium rates -- our first view of Exchange rates. After 2 insurers saw their competitors' rates, they pulled theirs back and re-submitted LOWER rates. In my nearly 10 years as a state insurance regulator, and two years as a federal regulator, I don't ever recall an insurer voluntarily lowering its rates. THAT'S the kind of transparency and competition the online marketplaces (Exchanges) will bring about. 3) ...and this is just a random thought: A big concern among health policy experts is the capacity of the primary care provider community to handle the happy fact that a large number of individuals will be newly-insured under the Affordable Care Act. With the system being stretched so thin for INSURED individuals, It seems highly doubtful that more than a very few "cash-and-carry" physicians will be able to survive in the new, improved healthcare system. Sally McCarty Center on Health Insurance Reform Georgetown University Health Policy Institute

  5. liek the rest of America

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