21 JAN 09: Curtain Down, Curtain Up

A co-worker told me Comedy Central was presenting special "Change-Fest" coverage Tuesday night. But I was more interested to see if Fox followed the lead of so many people across the country - and named Barack Obama the 2009 American Idol.

While you may have focused on what some have dubbed "Obama-nation," a couple of major local changes were noteworthy Tuesday. The big surprise came from Carmike Cinemas, which announced Michael Patrick no longer is President and Chief Executive Officer. But he'll remain on the board of directors, to advise against putting movie theatres downtown.

A statement from Carmike Cinemas did not say why Michael Patrick is giving up the President and C.E.O. titles. And curiously, the statement calls it a "departure" and not a resignation -- as if he's taking a job with Columbus Metro Airport.

The show business journal "Variety" declared Mike Patrick was "removed" by the Carmike Board of Directors, effective last Monday. You don't think he suggested showing inaugural balls in theatres, with people wearing 3-D glasses and tuxedos?!

Mike Patrick has spent more than 25 years in leadership positions at Carmike Cinemas. He was there in 2000, through the bankruptcy filing. He was there last year, as the stock price dropped to around three dollars a share. He was - well, uhhhh - maybe the other two explain why he's not there anymore.

Revenue apparently has dropped so much for Carmike Cinemas that some theatres lowered their ticket price to one dollar. Maybe that price was too low, because a theatre in North Carolina needed extra police officers this past weekend to stop rock-throwing by young people. You're near Greensboro, not Gaza City....

Two Patricks remain on the Carmike Cinemas board - Michael and Carl Jr. But this "departure" clearly raises questions about the company's future. Billionaire pro basketball owner Mark Cuban recently bought more than nine percent of Carmike's stock. Maybe he can set up hoops inside theatres, so bored youngsters can throw things through them.

Despite this change of title, Michael Patrick probably won't be lacking for income. He's on the staff of speakers with Xcel Leadership, the mentoring program run by Cascade Hills Church Pastor Bill Purvis. Is it only coincidence that the current featured lesson on Xcel's web site is titled, "How to Know When It's Time to Go"?

Another change of power quietly is underway about two miles from the Carmike offices. Susan Andrews says she was at the Muscogee County School District office Monday, preparing to become Superintendent. Yes, she was there on Martin Luther King Junior Day - but I haven't heard whether she helped John Phillips load a moving truck.

Dr. Susan Andrews told WDAK radio's "Viewpoint" Tuesday she went to the Muscogee County School District office on a holiday, so she can be ready to start 2 February. With an attitude like that, no one can call her a "Lazy Susan."

In the most extensive interview I've heard since Susan Andrews accepted the Muscogee County Superintendent's job, she admitted it was risky to have public forums for the finalists. But Andrews said the Harris County School Board trusted her. Wow - can the Muscogee County board bring those members in, too?

Susan Andrews noted local schools are often a "perfect mirror of the community." So when a kindergarten teacher can't spell simple words correctly, her neighborhood may need emergency intervention by the Literacy Alliance.

Susan Andrews agreed with Viewpoint host Mike Gaymon that it's important to put the right teachers in the right schools within a district. She put it in terms of "not only getting on the bus, but knowing where to sit on the bus." On the day that Barack Obama became President, I'm not sure busing was the best analogy to use.

Susan Andrews realizes Muscogee County will need a lot of money to build new schools, because of base realignment. She said the challenge will be to think "outside the box" to find that money. So much for selling boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts door to door....

(The Muscogee County School Board tried one idea Tuesday night. It approved a resolution asking for an exemption from state budget cuts. But I think alternative plans already are underway. Is that why the city bought out a mobile home park recently - to use the trailers for classrooms?)

Susan Andrews revealed the Muscogee County School Board will hold a retreat at the Cunningham Center 31 January, on the weekend before she becomes Superintendent. If she can persuade this board to hold hands and sing "Kum Ba Yah," I want to see the pictures.

Education tops our review of other Tuesday news:

+ The Growing Room opened a new "Christian Academy" for school-age children near Northside High School. This has to be a difficult time to open a new private school. After all, the big giveaways of pens and notebooks took place five months ago.

+ State Senator Ed Harbison was honored by Fort Middle School at an inauguration day program. A giant drawing of Harbison was displayed, which appeared to be done in pencil. But on one wall of the assembly room I saw the word "FIRED" - so a few of Josh McKoon's friends must be there as well.

+ WRBL reported Phenix City Police Chief Brian McGarr will retire in March. If this doesn't earn him the Grand Marshal title at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church parade, I don't know what will.

+ The touring company of "Ain't Misbehavin'" opened a two-night stand at the RiverCenter. The musical stars "American Idol" champion Ruben Studdard - and after seeing him on TV, I concluded the tour is NOT sponsored by Weight Watchers.

+ Richard Hyatt's web site speculated Sam Mitchell might replace Dennis Felton as Georgia men's basketball coach. Now this doesn't seem fair! For one thing, Georgia Tech is now 0-5 in conference play.

+ Instant Message to Columbus Cottonmouths captain Craig Stahl: What do you mean, the hockey season is "a marathon, not a race"? From what I've seen, marathons ARE races. They're a little longer than those Olympic speed-skating contests, but still....

COMING SOON: An expensive question about the RiverCenter....

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