What’s Inside Counts

It never ceases to amaze us how often the publishing industry can come up with the inside story on virtually any subject.

We found 82 books published by major houses since 1989 that purport to tell the inside story about something, including 20 published so far this year.

Business books in particular seem to be subjected to the inside story syndrome.

There is the inside story of Art Buchwald’s battle with Eddie Murphy and Paramount, the inside story of the collapse of Executive Life, the inside story on deal-making that goes on at the Cannes Film Festival, the inside story on Donald Trump and the inside story on Drexel Burnham Lambert’s collapse.

And in case one isn’t enough, there are two separate inside stories on the scandal involving the Bank of Credit & Commerce International.

Glum Alums

It doesn’t take a college degree to figure out that Southern California’s lifeless economy is pummeling even its best and brightest.

Take the 600-member University Club of Los Angeles, an 94-year old private club on 6th Street where it actually does take a college degree to get admitted.

Stung by the soft economy, the elite club’s membership is off 10% to 15% this year.

To attract members, the club is waiving $500 off its membership through the end of the year and chopping 20% off of the monthly fees when two people join together.

“People are strapped. Downtown is in a depression,” complains Lee Huey, the club’s general manager.

Knotty Problem

Sticking its neck out is The Trends Journal, a New York publication that tracks and predicts marketing patterns.

In its latest report, Dr. Mitchell Skolnick predicts that neckties are on the outs because men find them uncomfortable, tight collars and ties can inhibit breathing or blood flow and because ties are simply a nuisance in the morning.

“Time-stretched male entrepreneurs are becoming disgusted with the time it takes to tie a necktie properly (getting the knot just right and the tip of the tie’s apron to touch the belt buckle.) Ties will become obligatory only during formal business occasions,” he predicts.

Briefly. . .

Bet you didn’t know: Kansas City boosters are trying to lure business there by noting that the city’s Marion Trozzolo invented the Teflon-coated frying pan. . . . A tax-free bond fund is being touted as California’s “first socially responsible muni bond fund.” . . . A $30 “executive” Etch a Sketch is being sold that includes a gold-colored frame.