February 1987

February 1987

February 1987 Volume 12 Number 2 Features Death of a Salesman The state’s undisputed health insurance champion, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, has fallen on mighty hard times in recent months, botching payments and scrambling service to countless customers. The company’s explanation? The computer did it. By Stephen Filmanowkz and James Romenesko Big Deals Want to feather your nest for a “poultry” sum? Check out this compendium of well-priced delights. By Elizabeth Birkelund Oberbeck   Honor Thy Father Excerpts from a letter to Judge Terence Evans, in which Joseph Balistrieri tells of his life as the son of reputed Midwest mob…

February 1987

Volume 12

Number 2


Features

Death of a Salesman

The state’s undisputed health insurance champion, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, has fallen on mighty hard times in recent months, botching payments and scrambling service to countless customers. The company’s explanation? The computer did it.

By Stephen Filmanowkz and James Romenesko

Big Deals
Want to feather your nest for a “poultry” sum? Check out this compendium of well-priced delights.

By Elizabeth Birkelund Oberbeck

 

Honor Thy Father

Excerpts from a letter to Judge Terence Evans, in which Joseph Balistrieri tells of his life as the son of reputed Midwest mob leader Frank Balistrieri.

 

Interior Motives
Basic black’s showing up everywhere in interior design.

By Victoria Vaccarello and Leslie J. Ratay

 

A Fishy Story
There are hundreds of fishy tales in this city, and hundreds of places to find a fish fry on a Friday night. Here are some of our favorites.

By Willard Romantini

 

Departments

OutFront

By Charles J. Sykes

 

Letters

Rants and raves.

 

The Insider
The Conservatory of Music takes a few cues from Ozzy Osbourne; ideas for wooing your own Valentine; a guy who would love to have your business card: and plenty more.

Edited by Leslie J. Ratay

 

Special Advertising Section
The new face of hospitals.

By Michael Muckian

 

Misc.
Frills and frippery, flounces and frivolities for the 14th.

By Victoria Vaccarello

 

Metroscene

Fun in February.

Edited by Daivn M. Behr

 

Dining Guide
Cruisin’ for cuisine? Consult us first.


Columns

Business

Is your career headed for a crash? You could be suffering from job burnout.

By Mary Van de Kamp Nohl

 

Politics
In the race for the mayor’s office, Dennis Conta’s biggest adversary may be his own public image.

By Charles J. Sykes

 

Fine Arts

The man behind the scenes in the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s latest play. An American Journey.

By Bruce Murphy

 

Restaurants
Restaurateur Tony Harvey does France and Italy — Milwaukee-style.

By Willard Romantini

 

Endgame
Is the entire Democratic party of Wisconsin suffering from mid-life crisis?

By Charles J. Sykes

 

On The Cover: Photograph by John Nienhuis. Chick from Northern

Hatchery, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.