Create A Buzz

‘It was at least change, and it came with a rush.’--Henry James, THE TURN OF THE SCREW, a short story written in 1898 

Flew back from Oakland to LAX, arriving around noon.  I called Linda Rubin (prospective client) to arrange lunch.  She loves to talk, so I barely have to say anything.  Linda got us involved with LAFTA-LA Film Teacher’s Assn, so we get invited to movie screenings for free. It’s pretty fun when we get an invitation to see things before it’s released.  

At 8pm Alan and I were at the MARK TAPER THEATER in Downtown LA to see Donald Sutherland and Jamey Sheridan perform live on-stage in a two-hand psychological thriller called ENIGMA VARIATIONS.  Gloria and Jack accompanied us.  If it weren’t for Gloria who keeps tabs on what is going on in the Arts World we would miss out on these wonderful experiences.   

The following day was my brother Tony’s 41st Birthday.  I wished him a Happy one.  My former staff clerk co-worker at Charles Schwab & Co., Carmen finally got her wish.  She had three boys and now she gave birth to a baby girl, Kailei Theresa. 

Alan and I received a last-minute invitation to the MGM Screening Room to see TEA WITH MUSSOLINI.  It’s a movie that will be released soon (May 14th) but they want to create a buzz.  So, we jumped on it because the stars in it include Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Joan Plowright, Lily Tomlin and CHER!   So, how can it NOT be good?  

I wrote to Paloma...a YOU KNOW YOU WANT IT postcard: 

5-12-99 

Dear Paloma, 

I got the letter this time.  Thanks!  I will write back a longer response to it.  I just wanted to write you a quick note to let you know I got it.  You’re too sweet. So, how does it feel to be the “New 30” (40)?  Since you’re already there and I’m not.  Only kidding... 

We loved the Relais & Chateau Guide.  WE do use that!  And thanks for noting your recommendations.  We want to go to France by the end of 1999.   

Oh...the best rates for BELLAGIO Hotel in Las Vegs are on Sunday and Monday. 

More Later,

Love, Michael 

Lauren gets a break from NYU and arrived Thursday, May 13 at 3:30-ish.   

I’m in contact with Ferne Theis.  She is a former regular client at Charles Schwab & Co. And misses me, so she could become a new Verona client.  We shall see.  She loves to hold her stock certificates though (very old school).   

I called Birda on Friday the 14th at 510-522-1534.  It’s always great to hear her voice.  She always sounds so young on the phone.  It’s like a voice that remains twenty-one for life.  Also on Friday, Alan and I scheduled facials with a nice gal that Gloria turned us on to who is near our gym on Ocean Park Boulevard.  We felt good after the facials.  It was perfect as we were invited to another screening at the Paramount Pictures lot to see GENERAL’S DAUGHTER. This one includes the following actors:   John Travolta, Madeline Stowe, James Cromwell, James Woods and Clarence Williams III (wow—from the MOD SQUAD).  It’s about the murder of the daughter of a well-respected base commander; whereby, an undercover detective is summoned to look into the matter.  A good political thriller/drama/mystery.  We enjoyed it and it was fun to see it at the Paramount Studios. 

On Saturday, May 15th I went to the hospital to see Carmen who had just had her baby girl.  She was happy.   

Gloria has a pal named MUMSEY who organizes trips and we joined the group on Sunday at the CENTER FOR JAPANESE ART.  It was a different activity for us—but quite enjoyable.  When I see ART, I feel like being more creative myself.  

The Charles Schwab & Co. Annual meeting is on May 17th in San Francisco.  We couldn’t go but Alan and I listened to it.  It was worthwhile as it keeps us abreast of the company.  

I made more appointments next week with a couple of clients that adored me while at Charles Schwab & Co. -- Maxine Myers and Robin/Eric Dolgin.  It remains to be seen if anything will come of it; however, nothing ventured nothing gained. 

Alan submitted our forms to THE GOLDEN DOOR.  It’s in Escondido (near San Diego).  It’s a high-end spa.  We stay for a week doing workout activities like hikes, gym, etc.  We also get beauty treatments daily.  By the end of the week will be transformed.  We also look at it as a way to meet new prospective clients because it is definitely not a cheap all-week experience. Those who can afford to go there are definitely pre-qualified.   

‘A play or film can carry levels of meaning that the author never dreamt of.’--Douglas Hofstadter, I AM A STRANGE LOOP