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Art of the OopsLos Angeles businessman Stephen...

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Art of the Oops

Los Angeles businessman Stephen J. Murphy recently changed the title of his investment advice book from “One Up on Trump” to “Formerly One Up on Trump” to appease his hero, New York real estate mogul Donald J. Trump.

In doing so, Murphy gushed that Trump--who didn’t like the original title--had roared back from his financial troubles, so the title needed an updating.

For his part, Trump responded with a glowing endorsement letter of Murphy that he authorized for use in selling the book: “Watch out for Stephen Murphy, because he’s certainly been watching me. And now, I’ll be watching him. Steve’s a winner.”

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission was watching Murphy as well, accusing him this month of securities fraud and using money raised from investors in a “Ponzi-like scheme,” where new investment money pays off old investors.

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Murphy denies any wrongdoing. A court hearing on an order freezing Murphy’s assets is scheduled today.

What does Trump have to say about all this? A spokeswoman for the real estate tycoon said Trump’s office is aware of the allegations against Murphy. She promised to check with Trump for comment but has not yet called back.

Let’s Hope They Work Now

If the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office can make a buck selling souvenirs such as beach towels and coffee mugs to the public, why can’t transportation officials?

It’s something the state transportation authorities might want to consider, given that a Mission Viejo firm is now marketing original call boxes that once adorned the shoulder of Southern California’s freeways before being replaced by new solar-powered systems.

The company, Scott Squires and Ron Gray Collectibles, claims to have bought 2,548 call boxes that it is reselling for $399 each. The boxes include a 30-inch stand and new telephone. (For discriminating collectors, each call box is numbered and has a letter of authenticity.)

“These call boxes are great for your pool, patio, office, home game room and as corporate gifts,” one ad says.

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Call It a Turnover

In a not-so-synergistic development, New York Knicks (and former Lakers) basketball coach Pat Riley has written a book called “The Winner Within: A Life Plan for Team Players.”

The Knicks are owned by Paramount Communications, whose chairman, Martin S. Davis, endorses the book in ads.

So who is publishing the book? Not Paramount Publishing, one of the largest book publishers around. Rather, Riley’s book is being published by G.P. Putnam Sons, owned by Paramount rival MCA.

Neither publisher could say why. Riley’s agent could not be reached.

Briefly . . .

Handle your money and social life: Chase Manhattan has “relationship managers.” . . . A Chula Vista company sells $395 planters made from used jeans and boots that it calls “Potted Pants.” . . . Most unusual sports auction item: an autographed pair of goggles worn by basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar when he played for the Lakers.

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