So, with the economy tanking and so many people losing their jobs, the idea of amusements and spending frivolously like it’s fun times as usual is kind of scary… for some of us anyway. While many have changed their spending habits, many have not. Including the city. When do you say ‘no’ to the fun things? If everyone says ‘no’ how does it affect those industries? Part of Coney Island have already been murdered by Thor Equities, which recently added Astroland to the list of properties it hsa made vacant, but the future of the amusement industry in an era of semi-Depression is still an important one. Today, the Municipal Art Society will be hosting a discussion from 6:30-8pm, at 457 Madison Ave in Manhattan. It’s called “A Serious Business: The Future of Amusements in an Urban Economy,” a panel discussion of amusement professionals from Disney, Six Flags and Astroland, along with Seth Pinsky from NYCEDC. It’s part of MAS’s “ImagineConey” effort and exhibit. There’s a registration fee of $15. ($12 for MAS members and students.) For more information, check out MAS’s site or call 212.935.2075.
—Vaduzuvunt