UNFORTUNATE CHOICE? In its January issue, Fortune...

UNFORTUNATE CHOICE? In its January issue, Fortune magazine includes its “Smartest and Dumbest Managerial Moves of 1994.” Guess on which side of the ledger it put Orange County? . . . Fortune says there’s plenty of blame to spread around for the county’s investment debacle, but adds: “Don’t expect anybody to take responsibility and apologize.” . . . Its advice: “Before you get into the market, make sure you’ll be able to get out.”

STILL HAPPY: With the county in bankruptcy, the Rams threatening to depart, and Disneyland expansion plans still in the air, NBC’s “Today Show” wondered if Anaheim still has that happiest-place-on-earth attitude. Mayor Tom Daly and City Manager James D. Ruth appeared before its cameras Friday--for a piece expected to air early this week--insisting that all is well. . . . Says city spokesman Brett Colson: “This was an opportunity to reassure millions of tourists that services aren’t going to be impacted whatsoever.”

LOYAL ASSISTANT: John Taylor served as assistant to Richard Nixon for 15 years after he left the White House. Taylor, director of the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace, also accompanied Nixon on his last trip to Russia shortly before his death last April. . . . On Jan. 9, as part of library ceremonies honoring Nixon’s birthday, Taylor will speak about those post-presidential years. . . . Edward Nixon, the former President’s brother, will lay wreaths at Richard and Pat Nixon’s burial sites there that day.

ONE MORE NIXON BOOK: The latest of the books on Richard Nixon is from the husband-wife team of Gerald and Deborah Strober: “Nixon, an Oral History.” It’s based on interviews with key players from the Nixon presidency. . . . The Strobers are so convinced that Nixon fans will find it objective they took a copy to Taylor at the Nixon library and asked if he’d consider selling the book in its gift shop. The books sold in the gift shop are generally favorable to Nixon, but another criteria: Will it sell?