Issue Date: June 27, 2004
Say it with star power
Candy. flowers. Balloons. A sing-o-gram. ... What is the best way to congratulate someone or send birthday wishes? When the options all seem trite, consider asking a small-time celeb to call and do the wishing for you.
Say your boss closes a big deal. She'd probably be thrilled to pick up the phone and hear: "Hey, boss. It's Lou Ferrigno from 'The Incredible Hulk.' I just wanted to tell you I'm really impressed with that deal you finagled. Way to go!"
It's memorable, surreal -- perfect for so many occasions. And now it's within your reach. Go to HollywoodIsCalling.com, ante up $19.95 ($29.95 to have the star read a message of your creation), and the celebrity of your choice will call and make someone's day.
Take Brian "Kato" Kaelin. Says O.J. Simpson's famous houseguest: "Every time I greet a crowd, someone hands me a cellphone and says, 'Tell my buddy he's talking to Kato Kaelin!' I'm happy to do it, because I love how excited people are to hear from me. It's brilliant that someone saw the business idea in that."
Of course, Ferrigno and Kaelin are not the only options. How about Alex Michel ("The Bachelor"), Cindy Margolis (one of the fembots from "Austin Powers"), former heavyweight champ Leon Spinks or astronaut Rick Searfoss? You might have to read the bios and study the (often not-too-recent) credits and promo shots to remember who the celebrities are. But that and the low-tech text-heavy design are all part of the site's cheesy charm.
Still, use your judgment. I'm not sure asking the Barbi Twins (a couple of '90s "Playboy" Playmates) to call and tell your wife you love her is the best idea.
-- Christina Wood
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