LOU’S VIEWS: Rate expectations … reviewing without stars
This week, two community theater productions reinforce my decision not to give
"star" ratings.
Opinion
Articles
Community leaders grateful to Simons
Most of us were taught to give thanks to those who do well and make our lives better. Some of us would like to give our hearty
thanks to Mel and Herb Simon and their families for all they’ve done in our community and statewide.
DINING: Granite City is a chain champion
People will always make the case that Indianapolis doesn’t need any more chain or franchised restaurants. I understand the
big-picture argument. I understand the desire for a greater regional culinary identity and the wish for a more adventurous
restaurant clientele. To be honest, though, a good meal can temporarily dismantle my regional pride.
How IBJ is surviving the recession
This economy has been tough on just about everybody.
No matter what your choice of media, you can’t escape the news about companies and entire industries challenged by the recession. But what about the folks doing all that reporting?
Lawmakers think ‘gloomy’ in spite of rosy forecast
Sometimes the news is just so good you can’t believe it, and that is just what happened with the state revenue forecast this
month.
Central Indiana could lead economic recovery
Every day, we get more bad economic news. While I’m not smart enough to know when the global economy will rebound or how strong
the rebound will be, I do believe central Indiana and the Midwest are well-positioned to lead the recovery.
Redefining community in virtual and political reality
Last week, I made a presentation about social media to several hundred people at a Carmel Chamber of Commerce luncheon. We talked about Facebook and Twitter, YouTube and Flickr, LinkedIn, blogging and more. I didn’t answer the "how-to" question. I answered the "whether-to" question. With some important cautions, my answer was "yes."
Buy-and-hold evidence can be misleading
You’ve heard all the nonsense from the mainline advisers and brokers. They say a buy-and-hold approach is the answer, the
market always comes back, and diversified investing is the key to long-term success. You are starting to get the sense that it’s all bull. Here’s why.
‘Buy local’ offers no protection for bad businesses
These days, the "buy local" crowd seems to have a stronger voice. I am gleeful about this for a variety of reasons, but it
is helpful to view some of their claims with a bit of skepticism. At least that is what economists should do.
Is poor management Indiana’s problem?
Hoosiers identify many factors contributing to our state’s long-term economic difficulties. It is fashionable to blame our
workers. It is easy to decry a lack of natural amenities: no mountains, no coral reefs. Our public schools are inferior and
perhaps our higher education is overrated. Our taxes are too high but we have substandard government services. We ain’t got
no culture. Rarely do we hear anyone say that our problem is management.
President Daniels? Never say never
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels would make a remarkable president. Governor/ presidentâ??it’s the same game, just a different scale.
Complex bond schemes haunt Indy, other cities
The city is just beginning to digest the news that came out of left field regarding Indianapolis Water Co.’s bond transaction gone wild.
Competing interests to collide in final days of session
The two principal matters that all agree must be resolved are the biennial budget and a plan to return the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund to solvency.
Cap and trade could be double-edged sword
Cap and trade could lead us to a much cleaner, more prosperous future or it could devastate our economy.
De-manufacturing can save resources
An industrywide bar-code identification system should be developed so that component objects used in manufacturing can be easily devolved and reused.
Universal health care? Bring it on!
With American ingenuity, we can achieve universal health care coverage without the bloated administrative costs found in our
system of private insurance companies.
New cabaret theater is a different animal
I think it is a mistake to call this American Cabaret Theatre when it really is in the piano bar tradition of cabaret that is popular in New York and Las Vegas, and not the vision that Claude McNeal brought to his American Cabaret Theatre when he first came to Indianapolis in 1990.
LOU’S VIEWS: Two ambitious shows yield mixed results
This week, two ambitious shows—a new musical at Beef & Boards and magic realism at the Phoenix
Company in doubt? Don’t blame auditor
Keep in mind, the auditor doesnâ??t run the businessâ??the businessâ?? management does.
Restaurants step up despite hard times
Restaurants are so often asked to support non-profits and many times give very generously—their support means so much to local organizations.