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Michael Eisner reads the WDW Trivia Book!!!!
WOW!!!! http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/for...lies/yahoo.gifhttp://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/for...ies/hurray.gifThat's all I can say atthis point... I received an email last night from a DWT Member and friend that made me forget about the fact that I closed on my new home earlier in the day.
Before I share this email, let me tell you a little bit about how this got started....
I received an email from Disneydame2004 (Pat) that Michael Eisner was going to be doing a book signing at the Borders in NYC on June 15. I was immediately excited, as NYC isn't that far away, and this was my one and only chance to get the "Big Cheese" to see a copy of my book.
I had even considered paying some High School kid like $10 and hour to get there arealy and stand on line for me... I'd sneak out of work at lunch, shoot into the City, meet the man, and be back in no time. Unfortunatley, my house closing was resceduled for that day, putting the big kibosh on my master plan.
I didn't give it a second though, as my closing, work, book, site, etc has been so hectic lately.
Then I got this:
Hi, Lou!
Hope all went well with the house closing today! I'm sure you're tired and stressed and have a million and one things to do, but you will really want to hear about my day.
First I made a stop at my local Borders and bought their last copy of The Walt Disney World Trivia Book by we-know-who, as well as a copy of Michael Eisner's book, Camp.
Then drove to Staten Island (have I ever told you how much I hate the Belt Parkway??), narrowly avoided getting a ticket for parking in the wrong lot at the ferry terminal, and missed the 10:30 ferry.
Waited for the 11:00 ferry and figured my chances were getting slim, but I'd still try to get on line for Michael Eisner's book signing.
I made it to NYC and waked up the 8 or 10 blocks to Borders. Found the info desk, and then where the signing would be held - its now 5 minutes to 12.
There was no one there. Just a Borders employee setting up the table & books. No line!!!!
There was much rejoicing.
I asked if they would allow signing of more than one copy - they said yes!
I asked if I could take pictures - yes again!
I ran back downstairs and bought another copy of Camp, then grabbed some sort of protein shake at the cafe, and found a chair near the signing location to wait.
The line started forming at about 10 minutes to 1:00. I was fourth.
A Borders employee came down the line and asked if we wanted the books personalized, and the name. He put a sticky-note with the name in each book.
By 1:05 there were maybe 20 -25 people on line.
Mr. Eisner showed up at 1:10. He smiled and greeted people on the line, including me, as he walked past. He is quite tall! Looked good, wearing a Mickey tie.
First guy on line has 3 copies signed. Next lady just had one, and the woman in front of me used to live down the street from him.
Now it's my turn.
I choke.
I'm shaking like a leaf, but I did shake his hand and smile.
Totally forgot what I wanted to ask.
Totally forgot what I wanted to say.
Totally forgot my own name.
I know I said something about being a huge fan (ugh - lame) and thanks for all he had done for Disney (even lamer). He smiled and said something polite and almost friendly sounding.
He signed the first book to me - thank goodness for the sticky-note!
I ask if I may take his picture. He says "Sure!" I snap a single shot, which amazingly is not shaken to a complete blur.
Then he's signing the second copy and asks me to clarify the name:
I tell him "Lou Mongello"
He starts writing Lou Mu...and asks is this right?
I shake my head and pull out your book. No, it's M-o-g-e-l-l-o omg, I realized what I had just done! But there it was in black sharpie. And I'm still holding The Walt Disney World Trivia Book!
I say, "he's a friend and also an author and a really big fan. May I give you his book?"
He says "Sure!" and even sounds pleased, not just humoring.
I wish I could see your face right now!
Lou, at 1:12 this afternoon, MICHAEL EISNER WAS HOLDING A COPY OF THE WALT DISNEY WORLD TRIVIA BOOK!!!!
He did a quick leaf through the pages, looked at the cover again, said "hmm!" in a way I wish I could repeat - not dismissive at all, almost I would say slightly impressed and curious. He thanked me for it and put it down on the table by his right hand. I babbled something else, backed away from the table and almost fell down the steps.
Before I could make a complete fool of myself, I bolted for the ladies room.
I went back to the signing area again after a few minutes, and his line was completely gone. It's only 1:20, and the most powerful man in the entertainment business is chatting with Borders employees and his security (looked like 2 body guards and possibly a personal assistant).
The Walt Disney World Trivia Book was still next to him on the table, and it looked like someone else must have given him something that he had stuck inside the front cover (piece of paper).
Without doing an exact count, I would say you had more people at YOUR book signings than he did.
I made two attempts at trying to compose myself enough to try to say something intelligent, but security started to notice me hanging around and was giving me nasty looks, and I still couldn't remember my name, so I left. Made the 1:30 ferry, got back to Staten Island, and drove home (have I told you how much I really hate the Belt Parkway?).
Of course, I should have gotten your name spelled correctly. And a photo of Eisner with the book would have been a good idea, but I wasn't exactly coherent at that moment. I'm sorry!
I hope your day just got a whole lot better! :)
-Pat
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Well, needless to say, I was speechless, other than an ear-to-ear grin. Yes, Pat... you SHOULD have seen my face! I called up to Deanna and had her run down to read this. I emailed pat back and asked for her number - I had to hear the story for myself and say thanks!!
Well, let me just say, WOW again. I cannot believe that someone would do something like this for me. I was and am absolutely speechless. I have never met Pat, but she has always been thoughtful, by sending my daughter birthday presents, etc. (Sorry if I'm embarrasing you, but this really blew me away). To take a day to travel to the City from Long Island, inconvenience other family members, etc.... well, I'm really jsut so thankful. Even if nothing at all ever comes of it, just to know that Michael Eisner was possibly reading my book on the plane (or bathroom, I admit it), really gave me such a great feeling.
Who knows... maybe he'll even join the forums!! If so, "HI Mr. EISNER!!" http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/for...mated_wave.gif
This was the perfect end to an amazing day, and I cannot say enough about what Pat did for me.
http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/for...lies/grin3.gif
