Parker in Memphis

 

Parker and his band performed at a the Overton Park Shell in Memphis on Friday Night May 30, 2025 as part of a FREE concert series. He was amazing, thoughtful and fun as he performed an incredible selection of his songs for an enthusiastic audience that included a variety of kids who found a reason to move and grove to the music. (The future of the Parker Millsap Franchise is assured if this is any indication).

I made the drive from Saint Louis and was treated like royalty by Ryan, Papa Doc and Sizzle. I ordered perfect weather and a crystal clear night to view the Crescent Moon on an absolutely perfect night to enjoy music outdoors at the Overton Park Shell in Memphis.

Fortune Favors the Bold! Thank you Parker Millsap.

 

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Tom Farrar (Papa Doc), Sizzle (Elizabeth Kenworthy Farrar), Ryan Farrar and Wesley A Morgan enjoyed a meal. Just a short walk from the home ofg Tom and Elizabeth we ate at Ciao Bella. Tom reserved a table for four for June twenty-something (by mistake) but they allowed us to dine nevertheless. I have a delicious Sauvlaki with the "other white meat" on a skewer. Tom brought a bottle of French red Chateau something from his personal wine cellar.

Your Waters - At the Pageant in Saint Louis my Brother (in town in March 2022) has his oldest, Meg on the phone. Is this song Parker performed about you Meg? "They're all about me", she replied matter of factly. 

Heaven Sent - Such a beautiful tribute and not to LGBTQ.

Truckstop Gospel - Glad to hear this classic Parker song.

Front Porch-ing - Dave Shogren and BCS band like this and and when Parker was in St. Louis opening for Poe Larkin I told him they must owe him royalty money.

Hades Pleads - Not sure the kids in the audienc jumping and jiving on the stage understood the reference to Dante's Inferno.

F*king around - Diplomatic self censorship.

Dammit - ...smoke em if ya got em...damn it you don't.

Before the Curtain Closes - stunning solo on-core.

A trip to the top of Outdoor World Pyramid and a quick peak at Bass Pro Shop and a cool tour of Sun Studio where my friends Jerry Lee Lewis, Karl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley once played (1957). 

    

Reviewing the Situation

 

A Man's got s heart, hasn't he? 

Joking apart, hasn't he?
And tho' I'd be the first one to say that I wasn't a saint

I'm finding it hard to be really as black as they paint

I'm reviewing the situation
Can a fellow be a villain all his life?
All the trials and tribulations!
Better settle down and get myself a wife.
And a wife would cook and sew for me,
And come for me, and go for me,
And go for me, and nag at me,
The fingers, she will wag at me.
The money she will take me.
A misery, she'll make from me...

I think I'd better thing it out again!

A wife you can keep, anyway
I'd rather sleep, anyway.
Left without anyone in the world,
And I'm starting from now
So "how to win friends and to influence people"
So how?

I'm reviewing the situation,
I must quickly look up ev'ryone I know.
Titled people -- with a station
Who can help me make a real impressive show!
I will own a suite at Claridges,
And run a fleet of carriages,
And wave at all the duchesses
With friendliness, as much as is
Befitting of my new estate...

"Good morrow to you, magistrate!" Oh gawd!

I think I'd better think it out again.

So where shall I go -- somebody?
Who do I know? Nobody!
All my dearest companions
Have always been villains and thieves...
So at my time of life
I should start turning over new leaves?

I'm reviewing the situation.
If you want to eat -- you've got to earn a bob!
Is it such a humiliation
For a robber to perform an honest job?
So a job I'm getting, possibly,
I wonder who my boss'll be?
I wonder if he'll take to me...?
What bonuses he'll make to me...?
I'll start at eight and finish late,
At normal rate, and all.but wait!

I think I'd better think it out again.

What happens when I'm seventy?
Must come a time... seventy.
When you're old, and it's cold
And who cares if you live or you die,
Your one consolation's the money
You may have put by...

I'm reviewing the situation.
I'm a bad 'un and a bad 'un I shall stay!
You'll be seeing no transformation,
But it's wrong to be a rogue in ev'ry way.

I don't want nobody hurt for me,
Or made to do the dirt for me.
This rotten life is not for me.
It's getting far too hot for me.
There is no in between for me
But who will change the scene for me?
Don't want no one to rob for me.
But who will find a job for me,

I think I'd better think it out again!

Hey!

This number from The character of Fagin in the play Oliver has always impressed me as a great illustration of a personal dilemma. My parents has the soundtrack album and played it often. They enjoyed the scene at the orphanage when Oliver asks for MORE! On the occasion of my own 70th birthday, it makes me smile thinking about this number.

Oliver! is a stage musical, with book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. The musical is based upon the 1838 novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

It premiered at the Wimbledon Theatre, southwest London in 1960 before opening in the West End, where it enjoyed a record-breaking long run. Oliver! ran on Broadway, after being brought to the U.S. by producer David Merrick in 1963. Major London revivals played from 1977 to 1980, 1994 to 1998, 2008 to 2011 and on tour in the UK from 2011 to 2013. Additionally, its 1968 film adaptation, directed by Carol Reed, won six Academy Awards including Best Picture.

Oliver! received thousands of performances in British schools, becoming one of the most popular school musicals.^[1] In 1963 Lionel Bart received the Tony Award for Best Original Score. Many songs are well known to the public, such as "Food, Glorious Food", "Consider Yourself" and "I'd Do Anything".^[2]

MDMC 2025

 

May 13 and 14, 2025 - I agree to again be a part of the Midwest Digital Marketing Conference at The University of Missouri, Saint Louis. Dr. Perry Drake has done it again. He has managed this annual event for 13 years running. (I think I have been to most, it not all). 

This year, I am more painfully aware than ever that the impact of technology on the profession of Marketing is leaving me ever so much in the proverbial dust when it comes to being on top of trends. There is a lot of buzz about AI and its use as a "tool" in bridging the gap between Sales and Marketing, writing better communication and efficient facilitation of strategies. (I continue to be a sceptic.)

The 2025 Midwest Digital Marketing Conference will be held Tuesday, May 13th and Wednesday, May 14th in St. Louis, MO.  Two days of unparalleled learning and networking at the the largest digital marketing conference in the Midwest.

Day 1 - Dive deep with 12 immersive Masterclasses and engage in thought-provoking discussions during 6 interactive Roundtables on the latest trends and strategies. Day 2 - Choose from 27 breakout sessions led by top industry experts, covering everything from digital marketing and social media strategy to email marketing, data & analytics, and so much more!

 

Our Town

 

Our Town explores the relationship between two young Grover’s Corners neighbors, George Gibbs and Emily Webb, whose childhood friendship blossoms into romance, and then culminates in marriage. When Emily looses her life in childbirth, the circle of life portrayed in each of the three acts of Our Town–growing up, adulthood, and death–is fully realized.

Wilder offers a couple of chairs on a bare stage as the backdrop for an exploration of the universal human experience. The simple story of a love affair is constantly rediscovered because it asks timeless questions about the meaning of love, life and death. In the final moments of the play, the recently deceased Emily is granted the opportunity to revisit one day in her life, only to discover that she never fully appreciated all she possessed until she lost it. “Oh, earth, you’re too wonderful for anybody to realize you,” she says as she takes her place among the dead.

“It’s like one of those Middlewestern poets said, ‘You’ve got to love life to have life, and you’ve got to have life to love life.”

These words were spoken by Lucinda Matlock in Spoon River Anthology. She was based on poet Edgar Lee Masters’ grandmother.

I've seen the Thorton Wilder Play Our Town on stage more than once and recently viewed the 1940 movie version on the Turner Classic Movie (TCM) channel. 

The story of a small town and it's community becomes more poignant as we age and become even more in touch with the reality as we learn (sometimes painfully) just how short and precious life is.   

St Louis Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis

 

Easter Sunday (4/20/25) is a mostly rainy day with grey skies in Saint Louis. The television broadcasts from the Vatican show Pope Francis showing up among the flock. He looks to be recovering from pneumonia but he looks weak as he gestures to the crowd. Overnight the world changed. 

Monday morning news announces that the Pope died. Amid the highlights of the story, the local broadcasts advises that there will be a Mass at 12:00 noon at the Saint Louis Cathedral Basilica in his honor. I feel compelled to be among the faithful. I arrived early enough to secure a parting space in the lot on the block on Lindell. Approaching the steps I notice a camera crew and a reporter from channel 4. (Alexis Zotos introduces herself and asks if I would mind talking.) I agreed and this is what channel 4 captured from my remarks at 6:00 p.m.,"It's a critical time for the world. It's a very sad thing seeing the pope passing away. It's gonna be a turning point for the Catholic Church and, you know, religious people everywhere."

The pews were almost at capacity as Archbishop Mitchel Roznaski and an entourage that included priests and seminarians filed toward the alter. 

 

 

So the world mourns the pope's passing on Monday April 21, 2025. The Catholic Church prepares for the Conclave that will facilitate the selection of his successor.  

I saw the movie Conclave in 2024. It gave me a perspective on the process of selection of a new pope. The real life Conclave met and a decision was made relatively quickly as Pope Leo IVX take on the role. (American ties: Novice in St. Louis, Villanova University in Philly and time in Chicago. Spanish speaker with time spent in Peru)  

AMA Conference 2025

The American Marketing Association, Saint Louis Chapter has a long history of presenting programs featuring innovation, best practices and leadership in the profession of marketing goods and services. This year, under the leadership of Chapter President Eric Rhiney from Webster University we, again, produced an incredible forum for Marketers.

Blues, Shoes, Beauty, Spices, Dance, Diversity, A.I., Q&A, Networking, Community, Old and New.  

It was indeed an inspiring and educational day featuring speakers from leading organizations like Caleres (Dr. Amy Hunter, Eduardo Nieuwenhuyzen), PURINA-Nestlé (Carla Patterson, Angie Minges), Andy’s Seasoning (Dan Keao), and The St. Louis Blues (Eric Stisser, Kelva Emerson), Ryze (Solohna Bell), The Last Splash (Ryan Green) alongside business owners. digital marketing experts and social media influencers. 

Marisa Lather is our incoming chapter co-president along with Hanna Frisch. Marissa stepped in as moderator of a panel discussion featuring three experts on AI:

Sean Jordan from Research & Planning Group

Tom Harness of Harness Digital

Jeff Staats from Forest City Digital of Cleveland 

Through engaging sessions and expert-led discussions those in attendance gained:

• Insights into the Transformation Process: How to embrace and lead change effectively.
• Actionable Strategies for Future Success: Discover proven tactics to navigate today’s dynamic marketplace.
• Real-World Examples of Resilience and Growth: Inspiring stories of overcoming challenges to achieve sustained success.

Schedule Highlights:

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Registration & Networking
8:15 AM – 11:15 AM: Top marketing leaders
11:45 AM – 12:25 PM: AI Panel Discussion
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Recognitions & Awards
12:45 PM – 3:30 PM: Lunch & Networking

It was a rainy day with flood warnings but I was able to make it to a movie viewing (Oh Brother Where Art Thou?) on Friday Night at the Saint Louis Art Museum at 6 p.m.

About AMA

The American Marketing Association is the essential community for marketers. 

In 1953, Neil Borden transformed the business world when he articulated the strategy of “Marketing Mix” in his AMA presidential address. Borden was just one of many AMA leaders who were not satisfied with existing best practices. These thought leaders sought answers for the future that would propel business growth and elevate the role of marketing.

Today, the AMA leads an unparalleled discussion on marketing excellence. Continuing in the tradition of Borden and so many others, the AMA offers differentiated content that focuses on the tension between Best Versus Next Practices™. 

With content coming from unrivaled scholarly journals, like the Journal of Marketing, and award-winning publications, like Marketing News, the AMA offers a robust perspective that understands marketers are expected to provide both solutions for today and solutions for tomorrow.

No other organization provides more ways for marketers and academics to connect with the people and resources they need to be successful.

Learn more about AMA’s work in the Annual Report.

Our Mission

The American Marketing Association strives to be the most relevant force and voice shaping marketing around the world, an essential community for marketers.

In 2015, the “Next AMA” launched four transformational strategies for its North American operations:

1. Committing to Service Leadership to customers, members and stakeholders.

2. Providing a proactive, differentiated and modern voice for a single unified, One AMA brand, One AMA Community.

3. Establishing an Intellectual Agenda that is harmonized across all platforms and channels based on an editorial strategy to feature the tension between Best Versus Next Practices™.

4. Building a personalized and connected Marketplace of knowledge that engages the AMA in a single community—always on, always connected … One AMA Community.

Learn About Membership

Members of the American Marketing Association are dedicated professionals who work, teach and study in the field and have a passion for advancing our industry. As a member, you’ll gain access to exclusive AMA content and discounts on products and events that will help you boost your knowledge and advance your career. Plus, you can connect with marketers in your area through one of our more than 70 local professional chapters across North America.

For more information on AMA membership benefits, visit our membership page.

AMA Leadership

The AMA Board of Directors is a group of volunteer leaders who are impactful visionaries in marketing. They provide insight and guidance to our executive team as we work to build an organization that helps you put Answers in Action™.

Click here to meet our executive team and AMA Board of Directors.

AMA Volunteers

For those looking to deepen their involvement with the American Marketing Association, there are an array of volunteer opportunities throughout the organization.

Click here to learn more about our primary volunteer groups and their leadership.

AMA Code of Ethics

The American Marketing Association commits itself to promoting the highest standard of professional ethical norms and values for its members (practitioners, academics and students). Click here to read our full code of ethics.

AMA Job Opportunities

Learn more about joining our team by visiting the AMA Jobs page, home to our online employment application system. Here you can search for open positions, create an account to apply and manage your application(s), as well as set “job alerts” so that you are among the first to know if a new position opens that matches your requirements. We are pleased to bring these opportunities to the marketplace and hope that you take a moment to explore the possibilities!

Wes Morgan Art 2025

Wesley A Morgan is a graduate of Lakewood High School and former student of Phyllis Fannin and Dominick Battaglia (Lakewood High School 1974). He earned a double major in Art (Graphic Design) and English (Creative Writing) from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 1978. His uncle Andrew (Chairman of the Art Department at UM) was a mentor. He studied at UM with artists Gene Massin and author Lester Goran among others. 

He was a graduate assistant working with the University of Miami admissions office, and traveled 12 states in the Midwest and New England representing the U. He earned an MBA from the University of Miami in 1982 with an emphasis on Marketing before launching a career in Advertising in New York City. 

Morgan worked in full service advertising agencies on well known brands such as Heineken, Matchbox Toys, JVC Consumer Electronics, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Campbell Soup and Rich SeaPak.

He became "a client" in chief marketing officer roles until he shifted career focus again and became an educator - special education and art certifications (with a Master of Arts in Teaching - Fontebonne University, MAT 2018. 

Currently living in Saint Louis, MO. His recent work utilizes recycled packaging and reclaimed cardboard. 

 

WAM Blog

 

Pinochio sculpture in City Garden downtown St. Louis by artist Jim Dine

I studied creative writing and graphic design in college (The University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, a double major in English and Art). I completed my MBA in 1982 at the University of Miami and MAT, a Master of Arts in Teaching in 2018 at Fontbonne University in Saint Louis (suggesting that I know something about Business Administration and Teaching). I feel like writing is the constant. Nothing is possible without being able to articulate ideas. 

I got interested in BLOGGING when I first started to understand that the very term BLOG comes from Web Log as the Internet started to take control of all kinds of communication. (I might argue that it has too much control, but that is a subject for another day.)

Around 2010 I was invited to contribute to a Blog online. It seemed an opportunity to share some stories from my episodic life. I got a little recognition for my contributions. And a friend of mine at the St. Louis office of Optimist International, a year or so later, invited me to be a regular contributor to their blog. 

Then I found BLOGGER and started three separate blogs: 

Good Brands Better, New Brands Known - was a blog that I hoped would clarify my business positioning. 

Morgan Studio/East - This blog, ostensibly was to be a vehicle to promote my business as a marketing consultant. I got side-tracked (as I often do) and pursued several other avenues from Special Education to Teaching Art. So the Morgan Studio/East blog became a sort of place for my high ground philosophies about marketing (including advertising and communications). 

Bunker Mentality - was born as I started to write accounts and stories about my pass time as "an excellent golfer". I like the play on words. I remind myself that some say the definition of insanity is doing the same this over and over expecting a different result. (That pretty much describes my golf game too.)

My blogging mostly records my take on things. Mostly a record of events. Mostly, not as purposeful as I might have though at the onset. Still I feel compelled to write things down to remember things. Which I have come to realize is a nice by-product of my blogging habit. People sometimes mistake my playback as an incredible memory. The truth is, I remember things as I remember writing them in a blog - just as I note that writing anything down enhances your memory better than any over the counter product - like the heavily advertised Prevagen. (This product advertises heavily and claims results documented by research. It used testimonials from users claiming to notice the improved brain health.)

Yahrzeit - 3 years

 

Even when it brings tears to my eyes,

memory of you is a blessing, Bing.

You left us three years ago (February 3, 2022). It was cold outside and schools were closed mostly. You heard from your employers at the Garbanzo Mediterranean Restaurant and the Colleen's Cookies that they would be closed. I was up early and fumbling with the challenges of trying to teach remotely. I was not surprised that you did not get up early too as I knew you could use the rest. I checked on you a couple of times, glancing into our bedroom. 

Finally, upon closer inspection I found you were ice cold and not breathing. I called 911 and the operator tried to coach me into doing CPR. I found myself quickly racing through the stages of grief. Anger (Come on Lynn!); Denial (This cannot be happening!); Bargaining (Dear God please...). They told me what I already knew "She's gone." Depression (I miss you and what was.)  The EMT and the Cantor from Shaare Emeth did what they do in a professional and efficient way. I was able to turn off the stove in time as the water boiling on the stove awaited pasta. The Cantor Seth Warner (Shaare Emeth) was comforting and stated matter of factly, "I'm here and I'm not leaving until you sit down." That final stage of Acceptance was surreal. 

The first call I made was to the Matriarch. Toby Stevens was about to receive Mandel bread, also known as mandelbrot via UPS. Lynn asked me to ship the baked goods via the UPS store in Creve Coeur (and reminding me to stamp the frequency reward card) just a day or so ago so they would arrive in time for Toby's 91st birthday on Valentine's Day. (Last year she baked 90 heart-shaped cookies). 

Toby lost her husband Dr. Samuel Stevens in 1993 (He was just 69). Sam and Toby were married in 1952. I felt compelled to mention that 1952 was the same year in which the British Queen Elizabeth became the Matriarch in the U.K. Years ago, She and Sam got a burial plot reserved in Neptune, NJ. Lynn would be buried next to her dad. (Poetic since I remember her Dad's funeral and the emotion she showed even years later visiting that site.) 

My brother Dan and his wife Netti drove from Cleveland to St. Louis (650 miles) in an amazing show of  support. We were able to linger at the Cheshire Inn next to the fireplace. On the wall, adjacent to the elevator in the Cheshire Inn there were two Andy Warhol screen prints of Queen Elizabeth. The setting was reminiscent of Christmas on Edgewater Drive (where we grew up). 

The funeral services were extraordinary as The Matriarch handled all of the details. Ben and Allison were most gracious in opening their home. Ben had a touching moment with his boy James, who at age six was trying to process the loss of his grandmother. Lawton, just six months older than his cousin, was enjoying his grandmother's mandlebrot as was the Rabbi prior to the service. Lindsey and Chris were graveside and Chris's father Rob (Robo) was able to make a much appreciated appearance.

Toby was stoic and businesslike. Lindsey was amazing in a eulogy that articulated the essence of who Lynn was in life. Fortified by Morgans in the first two rows at the synagogue Greg and his two boys Wes and Matt in from Tampa and Rob in from Northern California, I was able to say a few words. Catching David Drimer in the in audience at a glance I shared what he used to say about Lynn. He lived one Summer, while at the University of Miami, in a rented house in South Miami with Lynn and Ricky Rose from the Jersey Shore. Dave would say about the girl that would become my wife. "When Lynnie's happy, I'm happy. When Lynnie's mad...I'm scared!" That brought a few smiles of recognition as part of my brief remarks. 

     

 

 

 

So it goes. Miss you Bing. But the memory of you is indeed a blessing.

At Ben & Allison's house on Dorset in Ocean, N.J. I offered this toast "This is the day that G-d has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it" 

January Janie 2025 (part 9)

 

January 17-20, 2025 is a window of time in which I can plan a trip to Cleveland. Southwest Airlines has a tolerable "Wanna Get Away" price on a round trip that has me back in Saint Louis in time for the 1/21/25 Trump Presidential Inauguration in Washington DC celebrations and the College Playoff in Atlanta, Georgia final between Ohio State and Notre Dame. 

The Cleveland trip is full of quality memories in spite of frigid temps and ice and snow that threatens to ruin things. Nevertheless The Cleveland Museum of Art is presenting a wonderful exhibit Picasso and Paper that provides insights into his art life from ages 9 to 90. 

Dan again arranges for me to crash at the Winton Place 19th floor and shuttles me to the museum in time for a 12:00 viewing of the exhibition and Janie agrees to connect for another viewing at 2:00. The show is a fantastic walk through Picasso's lifetime including early years and work of and with his muses: 

Fernande Olivier (1881-1966)

Olga Khakhova (1891-1955) - mother of Paulo (b. 1921)

 

Marie Therese Walter (1909-1977) - mother of Maya (b. 1935)

Dora Maar (1907-1997)

Françoise Gilot (1921 – 2023)

 

- mother of Claude (1947-1923) and Paloma (b. 1949)

Jacqueline Rogue (1927-1987)  

 

The art junky in me is thrilled to get double exposure to the GOAT (Pablo Picasso) with Dan and Janie followed by the Wine Bar on Friday Night with Janie. 

Saturday brings an awesome caucus at Angelo's Pizza in Lakewood with Janie and with Dave and Dianne Brunner, Dave Haas, Mike Blake. (Photo above orchestrated by Dan Morgan). A truly unforgettable reunion with friends going back more than half a century.

An afternoon watching football (KC Chiefs vs Houston Texans) at 22 Brandon Place in Rocky River (Janie's place) allowed me to get acquainted with cats (Frankie and Malbec), "Why don't they cover Travis Kelce better?" Janie wants to know. In spite of her coaching tips from the couch, KC won 23-14. (KC went on to the Super Bowl vs the Philadelphia Eagles and lost. I'm not sure if Philly contacted Janie but they did managed to bring DEFENCE).   

Sunday I join Dan and Netti at Mass at the Polish Church in Tremont neighborhood followed by a quick treat of coffee and take out from a famously refurbished restaurant in town. Dan treats me to a basketball game at the Public Auditorium between Detroit Motor City and Cleveland Charge at 2:00. (Darius Brown is player of the game as he helps lead The Charge to victory). 

Janie meets me for diner at the Pier W at 6pm and we linger with a wonderful conversation as we continue to gain insights into each other. I just love that woman. We said goodnight in the parking lot with temperatures outside in the single digits. 

Note: Janie was not impressed with Picasso's history involving his "Muses" as the exhibit was loaded with evidence of their influences and partnerships. I guess I need to be a better story teller. 

Janie's Birthday is January 27. 

Thanks to Dan and Cottage of Flowers 

Brushes with Fame

I don't like to disturb people who are famous. I especially don't want to annoy people I admire. That said, I do like to remember fondly those few times I have had special and unique opportunities to see and/or interact with significant figures.    

Perhaps my favorite brush is a time when I found myself in mid-town Manhattan (NYC) with my uncle David on an elevator with Mother Teresa (1910-1997). We exchanged no words but my uncle and I shared a good laugh at being in such a small space with the sister and a couple of her colleagues in an elevator in what was then called the Pan Am Building. Around that time I was working for J. Walter Thompson. Mid to Late 80s maybe. 

In college as a student at the University of Miami I caught Gloria Steinem (b. 1934) speaking at a luncheon. Scheduling had here doubling the bill with Ralph Nader. My fond memory of this encounter was an easy joke as I was leaving. I said something like "I enjoyed having lunch with you Gloria." She responded with ease saying. "Yes, we should do it more often." This photo was taken in 1978 which was around the time of that appearance at UM. (Nader was okay too but Gloria...)

Philip Kotler (b. 1931) is a kind of legend among marketing people. His textbooks on marketing often serve as required reading for students. I managed to hear him talk at an event for marketing leaders near TPC Sawgrass in Florida. I was working as director of global communications at Thermadyne at the time, So it was somewhere around 2006 or 2007. I got him to sign a note that said "Wes is doing a great job." Kotler added "I think" to the quote and signed the note.

Arthur Ashe (1943-1993) was a guest at a celebration at Madison Square Garden. Knowing what a fan of tennis my wife was I could not resist passing him a note to sign as if an autograph. The note said "Your husband is a great guy." He added "He put me up to this along with his signature. 

 

I was hanging around downtown at the Toy Building near the famous Flat Iron Building not far from 23rd street. A friend suggested getting a bit to eat at a trendy NYC restaurant nearby, I don't recall the name of the place but I got a smile when I saw inside a group of maybe 7-8 people dining at a long table (or tables pushed together). Andy Warhol (1928 -1987) was there at one end. I didn't want to bother him as he was clearly entertaining or being entertained by this group. I could not resist getting close to the other end of the table and making a clever comment. I said to a guy at the end of the table, "That guy at the other end has been famous for more than 15 minutes." The man smiles and said something along the lines of "I should say so." That little interchange became so much more poignant when years later I noted that Andy died at age 58 fewer than two weeks after that sighting. (Warhol went to the hospital for a routine gall bladder operation and ended up dying from something not related to that surgery.)

Robert Rauchenberg (1925-2008)  has a showing at a gallery somewhere near Key Largo when I was in Miami in graduate school. My aunt Dahlia (married to my uncle Andrew) was keen on checking it out. I don't remember the details other than it was an easy drive to this low key gathering, a sort of wine and cheese art event. I recall with a smile that my aunt (an art scholar) managed to catch up with Rauchenberg with a question. Her carefully worded question was something like. "Can you comment on influence Marcel Duchamp has had on your work?" Rauchenberg just smile and said something like "...awww come on" suggesting that he was not in the mood for heavy art history talk. This would have been  circa 1979.

Kurt Vonnegut (1922-2007) is shown in photo above around 1983 which would have been about the time I spotted my hero (and author of Slaughterhous Five). I didn't bother to talk to him but I just love the fact that I caught him midtown around 47th or 48th street studying a chess match which was posted on a wall with a flag on the side that read "white move." It's a memory I hold dear. Just an ordinary event in the life of a writer living in New York City. (He and Jill did live nearby). Vonnegut died in 2007 as a result of Traumatic Brain Injury he suffered as a result of a fall at his Brownstone Apartment in Manhattan.   

Jimmy Carter (1924-2024) spoke to a small group of fellow students at the University of Miami  before being elected 39th president of the United States. I was among those students and I'm pretty sure I wasn't along in wondering about this humble "peanut farmer" from Plains Georgia. It was a rare privilege to catch him.