A Letter A Day

One year, 365 letters. A letter a day. My resolution for 2006. I’ve always enjoyed writing letters and I want to get back in the habit. I'm not limiting myself to a letter a day. 365 is just the minimum. My goal is to get a 20% response rate. This is the official chronicle of my “year of writing letters.” Thanks for reading! - Chris Lucas

Name:
Location: Meadowlands, New Jersey, United States

Thursday, November 30, 2006

And now a commercial ...

The folks from "St. Elsewhere" were kind enough to read my blog about their show (see September 10th post) and compliment me on it, so I've decided to return the favor and promote the release of one of my favorite TV shows (with a very young Denzel Washington and Howie Mandel) on DVD. It's a great idea for a holiday gift for those who remember the show from the 1980's, or are fans of the many shows (E.R., Gray's Anatomy, etc.) that are derivations of this groundbreaking medical dramedy (a term that was pioneered by St. Elsewhere.) The DVD is available in most stores or online.

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St. Elsewhere on DVD

Buy it now!

November 30th

1979 - Pink Floyd's classic album "The Wall" is released. It's stirring anti establishment anthem (Hey teacher, leave those kids alone!) resonated well with young people (myself included) at the time. I'm writing to the lead singer of Pink Floyd.

Roger Waters

November 29th

I watched a marathon of "Dinner for Five" on IMC tonight. It's a great talk show featuring four guests from the film industry. Im writing to the very talented actor/director/producer who hosts the show.

Jon Favreau

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

November 28th

2005 - A legendary TV newsman and host retires.

Ted Koppel

November 27th

1842 - Notre Dame University, in South Bend, Indiana is founded. I'm writing to some of its most famous graduates.

Rev. Theodore Hesburgh

Phil Donahue

Mike Golic

Regis Philbin

George Wendt

Joe Montana

Carl Yastrzemski

November 26th

1988 - "Mystery Science Theater 3000" a very funny cable TV show debuts.

Joel Hogdson

Kevin Murphy

Michael Nelson

November 25th

1935 - The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is formed out of the U.S. Bureau of Investigation, making them the de facto law enforcement organization in this country, and one of the most famous in the world. I'm writing to the current FBI director.

Robert Mueller

November 24th

Today is "Black Friday" the uniquely American retail phenomenon of shoppers rushing out the day after Thanksgiving to flood the malls and big retailers looking for discounts. I'm writing to the heads of the major U. S. department stores.

Myron E. Ullman - CEO, J.C. Penney

Larry Montgomery - CEO, Kohl's

Aylwin B. Lewis - CEO, KMart/Sears

Blake W. Nordstrom - President, Nordstrom

Stephen I. Sadove - CEO, Saks 5th Avenue

Robert Ulrich - CEO, Target

November 23rd

Today is Thanksgiving Day in the U.S., the unofficial start to the holiday season. (Though the store displays and music are creeping up more and more, beginning the day after Halloween.) The tradition most closely associated with Thanksgiving is the Macy's Parade in NYC. I have been to the parade the last 5 years, and am writing today to the CEO of Macy's parent company, and to one of the stars of the classic film "Miracle on 34th Street" which took place during the Thanksgiving Day parade.

Terry J. Lundgren

Maureen O'Hara

November 22nd

1999 - One of the greatest hockey players (and certainly the greatest in my lifetime) retires. I was lucky enough to see him play in person during the final stage of his career as a NY Ranger.

Wayne Gretzky

November 21st

I saw the new James Bond film, "Casino Royale" which was the 20th in the series. I have always been a big Bond fan, and I think the newest incarnation (and first blonde) Daniel Craig - who I wrote to earlier this year for his role in "Munich" - ranks right up there with the best of them. I'm looking forward to seeing him in future movies as 007. In honor of the occasion, I'm writing to the men who played James Bond prior to Mr. Craig.

Sean Connery

George Lazenbee

Roger Moore

Timothy Dalton

Pirce Brosnan

November 20th

I saw a documentary today on the making of one of my all-time favorite comedies, 1981's "The Cannonball Run." It may not be the most highbrow film ever made, but it's a lot of fun. I'm writing to some of the cast and crew.

Hal Needham

Burt Reynolds

Dom Deluise

Farrah Fawcett

Jackie Chan

Terry Bradshaw

Mel Tillis

Adrienne Barbeau

Sunday, November 19, 2006

A U.S. Supreme Court Justice replies





Justice Samuel Alito

Reference date: March 20th





Back in March, when I had to make an appearance in court, I wrote to a few of my favorite jurists, including the gentleman from my home state (New Jersey)who was just appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, Samuel Alito. I was happy to get a letter from him on official Supreme Court stationery today, but was surprised that Justice Alito mentioned my father in his reply, because I didn't bring dad up,at all in my letter to him. (My father's reputation and shadow follows me everyhwere, something I'm extremely proud of.) This is what Justice Alito wrote:

Dear Mr. Lucas:

Thank you for your letter and for your kind words.

Your father is a truly remarkable man, and you have every reason to be extremely proud of him. He is certainly an inspiration to many parents who seek the very best for their children.

Regarding your request for motivational advice or words of encouragement, I can only offer the following thought that everyone with dreams should realize that with determination it is often possible to achieve great things (as your father did) in our wonderful country.

Sincerely,

Samuel A. Alito, Jr.



I sent him a thank you the next day.

A great magician/comedian replies





Penn Jillette

Reference date: April 1st





I first took notice of Penn Jillette in the early 1980's when he and his magic partner, the silent Teller, appeared repeatedly on Saturday Night Live.

What I liked about them was the fact that they shattered the old magician's code of not spilling secrets or revealing how tricks were done. Using humor, they puled back the curtain on this side of show business.

Later, Jillette became one of the most recognizable voice-over artists in the field, and is currently the host of his own radio show and a debunker of urban legends and myths. I was happy to have gotten an email reply from him. This is what it said:

Chris,

I never really got one piece of advice, or even a collection, that have aided in the success of my career.

The one thing that has been constant is my unwavering commitment to my principles and beliefs.

Penn & Teller developed our unique act that pissed lots of magicians off and was viewed as out of the mainstream of popular comedy. We stuck with what we believed was right and original...and 30 years later, we're still going strong.

So...practice, write, be original and creative and take chances...

Best of luck.

Penn



I sent him a thank you email the next day

November 19th

1493 - Christopher Columbus arrives on the island of Borinquien, so named by the native Taino tribe, and colonizes it for the Spanish, eatablishing the nation of Puerto Rico. I'm writing to the current Governor of Puerto Rico, which is now a U.S. Commonwealth.

Aníbal Acevedo Vilá

November 18th

1977 - "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" is released.

Steven Speilberg - director

Richard Dreyfus

Teri Garr

Melinda Dillon

John Williams - composer

November 17th

1950 - The fourteenth, and current, Dalai Lama, titular leader of the Buddhist faith, is proclaimed. Though often referred to as just "The Dalai Lama" I am writing to him by his given name.

Tenzin Gyatso

November 16th

Twenty five years ago today, I was in my seventh grade classroom when my teacher wheeled in a televison set so that we could watch a momentous occasion. Was this a space shuttle launch or Presidential address? Nope, it was an episode of a soap opera.

No ordinary episode, however. This was the wedding of Luke and Laura on ABC's "General Hospital." The whole country was hooked on the storyline and these vows were highly anticipated. It is still the highest rated daytime TV show ever on American TV.

I'm writing to the two actors who played Luke and Laura and also to the Hollywood legnd who made an appearance on the show as their nemesis.

Anthony Geary

Genie Francis

Elizabeth Taylor

November 15th

1889 - The Republic of Brazil is founded.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

November 14th

The current head of the Coptic Orthodox Church is installed in 1971

Pope Shenouda III

November 13th

1991 - The Disney classic "Beauty and the Beast", still the only animated film to be nominated for Best Picture, is released. I'm writing to the two stars who played the title roles.

Paige O' Hara

Robby Benson

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

An Academy Award winning director replies





Peter Jackson

Reference date: March 2nd






When the Hollywood trade papers announced that a live action trilogy version of JRR Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" was being produced, I was skeptical about its success. Boy was I proven wrong! Thanks to the singular vision and dedication of director Peter Jackson, Middle Earth was brought to life like few ever expected. Mr. Jackson's efforts were rewarded with the Academy Award for Best Director when the last of the three films was released. He followed up this phenomenal accomplishment with a reimagining of the 1933 classic "King Kong." I wrote to him to commend him on his artisitic achievements, and got a very nice reply, mailed all the way from his offices in New Zealand. This is what he had to say:

Dear Chris,

Thank you for your letter.

I'm so pleased to hear that you enjoy my work. All of my films are the result of many hours of long, hard work but they are made worthwhile when I receive letters like yours.

I think that if one has a dream, as you do, then you must never give up.

My advice to you would be simply to get out there, and although I never had any formal training, you should approach local schools and find out about the courses they have available. From there you will be able to make contacts with regards to finding further work.

Chris, if you are as passionate about what you are doing as you seem, then you'll surely go far.

I wish you the very best of luck.

Kind Regards,

Peter Jackson


I sent him a thank you the next day.

An NBA Coaching legend replies




Pat Riley

Reference date: June 21st







When the Miami heat won the NBA Championship this past summer, I sent a note to the head coach, Pat Riley, to congratulate him on winning his seventh championship (see picture with rings above.) It took a while (he was probably enjoying a well deserved vacation) but Coach Riley sent me back a very nice letter on his personal note card embossed with the NBA logo. This is what it said:

Dear Chris,

Thanks for your recent letter and for sending along your congratulations to the Miami Heat for winning the 2006 NBA Championship.

As for your questions about motivational advice, I wish there were tried and true answers, but there are none. I can tell you, though, that we won the championship by putting our hearts and souls into it. We never gave up. We believed in ourselves.

My father always said to plant your feet, stand firm, and make a point about who you are and what you believe in. When that time comes, you simply have to do it.

- Pat Riley


I sent him a thank you the next day.

A reply from the French President (In French!)




Jacques Chirac

Reference date: July 14th







To my great regret, I speak only one language, my native English. I should have paid more attention while taking language classes in high school. It would have especially come in handy today, when a letter arrived in my mailbox addressed to "Monsieur" Chris Lucas. It was a personal letter from the President of France himself, which is fantastic, except that it was written entirely in French. (What did I expect?) It looked like a nice letter, hand signed on his personal stationery, but I had no idea what it said. Twenty years ago this would have been a problem, requiring me to search high and low for a translator. Not today. Thanks to the internet, I was able to find a program which instantly translated the letter from French to English. It sounds awkward in spots, but I'm sure that's the "lost in translation" part. Here is what the letter said:

My Dear Monsieur Lucas,

As the President of the Republic of France, I have read well your letter to me and am pleased to answer you.

I appreciate your expression of interest in our country and our culture and I sincerely thank you for it.

While I cannot answer directly your query about my favorite places to visit in France (there are just too many) I can tell you that if you wish to satisfy your curiosity about France, you can always visit the Consulate-general France 934, Fifth Avenue in New­York (www.consulfrance.newyork.org), or the House of France, 444 Madison Avenue (www.franceguide.com) since you live so close.

I thank you again, My Dear Mr. Lucas, for the considerate words of kindness about me and my country.

Sincerely,

Jacques Chirac
President, Republic of France


I sent him a thank you (in English) the next day.

Monday, November 13, 2006

November 12th

The classic Dr. Seuss TV cartoon, "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas", directed by Chuck Jones and narrated by Boris Karloff debuts in 1966. Since none of those men are still alive, I'm writing to the men who have played the role of the Grinch in the film version and current Broadway version.

Jim Carrey

Patrick Page

November 11th

Today marks Veteran's Day in the United States, when we honor all of those who have served in our armed forces. The date is significant because the end of World War I (the supposed "war to end all wars") came at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month. (Most Veteran's day parades, including NYC's will begin at exactly 11AM.)

I'm writing to some notable U.S. military veterans.

Senator Bob Dole

George Kennedy - actor

Kurt Vonnegut - author

Mort Walker - cartoonist, creator "Beetle Bailey"

Rocky Bleier - athlete

Dale Dye - businessman

November 10th

I saw the movie "Borat!: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan" (whew, that's a mouthful!) tonight. It was, by far, one of the funniest movies I have ever seen! the reviews have been excellent for this film, but I think the biggest testament to it's greatness is the fact that I had to go to three seperate theaters before I could find a showing that wasn't sold out. And this is the second week it's been in release! I saw it with a packed house, and the laughs came so often, that some of the dialogue was missed. (The only other time I can remember that happening was when I saw "There's Something About Mary" in the theater.) If you haven't yet seen "Borat" go see it now. You'll love it.

I'm writing to the comic genius star and creator of this hilarious and controversial character.

Sacha Baron Cohen

November 9th

What a momentous night! Good old Rutgers U. beat the #3 ranked college football team in the country, Louisville, in a 28-25 upset. Undefeated Rutgers then moved up in the national rankings to #6, putting them in good standing for a national championship game. Though Rutgers University played in the very first college football game ever,versus Princeton back in 1866, they have had a losing tradition in football. Last year, they made their first bowl game in three decades, and their head coach, Greg Schiano has them on the road to repsectability and prominence.

Rutgers University is the state University of New Jersey. It was founded in 1766, originally called Queens College, later named for Revolutionary War hero Colonel Henry Rutgers.

The very first college football game I ever attended was back in the 70's, when Rutgers played Army at Giants Stadium. Lest I be accused of bandwagon hopping (as happens quite often to me) I am rooting for Rutgers to go all the way because I am a New Jersey native, but also because of personal connections to the school. One of my closest friends, and a fellow tour guide, Andy S. is a proud Rutgers grad. My youngest brother, Artie, and his bride Jennifer are both Rutgers graduates and had their wedding on campus at an historic Revolutionary war era chapel last year. Their wedding reception was one of the best I've ever been to, for many reasons, not the least of which being the fact that they served the famous "Fat Darrell" Rutgers grease truck sandwiches - which were ranked #1 one in the nation - as appetizers.

To mark the greatest win in Rutgers sports history, I am writing to some famous and distinguished Rutgers alumni. (James "Tony Soprano" Gandolfini is the most famous, but I already wrote a letter to him when the "Sopranos" debuted this year.)

Bernard Marcus - Home Depot founder

Barry Schuler - fomer AOL CEO

Chef Mario Batali

Avery Brooks - actor

Bill Bellamy - actor

Calista Flockhart - actor

Kristin Davis - actor

Roger Bart - actor

Janet Evanovich - author

Mark Ecko - designer

Judy Gold - comedian

Jeff Torborg - baseball player/manager

November 8th

The legendary and groundbreaking children's TV show "Sesame Street" debuts on this day in 1969. I'm writing to some of the original cast members, who I grew up watching.

Carroll Spinney - Big Bird/Oscar the Grouch

Emilio Delgado - Luis

Loretta Long - Susan

Bob McGrath - Bob

Sonia Manzano - Maria

Roscoe Orman - Gordon

Replies from the former and current U.S. Secretary of State

Back in March, to mark the 216th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. State Department by Thomas Jefferson, I wrote to some of the most recent Secretaries of State. I already recieved a reply from the office of Warren Christopher a few weeks ago saying he was too busy to answer directly, so I was expecting the same from the rest. Imagine my surprise when I got a personal letter from one of the most famous people to hold the office, and a note from the assitant to the current head of the State Department. Here are their replies:





General Alexander Haig

Reference date: March 22nd






When a list is made of notable American military heroes and distinguished veterans, it always includes former General Alexander Haig. Not only did this man graduate from West Point, he served honorably in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, rising to the rank of four star General in the process. He later spent time in high office during the Nixon administration, then as Supreme Commander of NATO Allied Forces, before becoming Secretary of State during Ronald Reagan's first term in the 1980's. Despite his many accomplishments, General Haig will probably always be best known for his mistaken interperetation of the constitutional order of Presidential succession when he famously stated "I'm in control here" after President Reagan was shot in march 1981, and Vice President Bush was in transit. (The Secretary of State is actually fourth in line of succession after the VP, Speaker of the House and President of the Senate.) Haig also ran for President in 1988. He is currently retired, but often advises the White House and State Department on military affairs. Here is the very nice letter he wrote in response to mine:


Dear Chris,

Thank you for your letter which was forwarded this week from Palm Beach to my summer home in Virginia, where I will be until Thanksgiving.

You were very thoughtful to write and I am most grateful for your generous observations.

The advice given to you by your father on social activism, service to our country, and contributions to charity simply constitute sound anchors for a lifetime of productivity and assistance to fellow man.

With respect to motivational advice I might pass on to you -- reaching out far beyond the boundaries of one's assigned responsibilities has always been a part of my life's work. By this I mean taking prudent action to correct or even to contribute to what one considers needed efforts to improve situations which require remedy, even though they may be outside the assigned duties that one's profession entails. The stretching of one's contributions beyond the routine, on occasion, constitutes important contributions to success in life.

Incidentally, I share your conviction that show business works just like any other business or political hierarchy. You might be interested to know that I have worked with Metro-Golden-Mayer studios for two extended periods in my life as a corporate director, and I am a close friend of Kirk Kerkorian who controlled the studio on two occasions in recent years before selling it to Sony last year.

Beyond that, of course, entertainers can and have traditionally been extremely influential in influencing audiences worldwide. Their talents on numerous occasions constituted the creation of role models whose influence reached far beyond the entertainment business. For this reason I urge you to continue abiding by the good counsel of your father.

Best Wishes,

Alexander M. Haig, Jr.
General, USA (Retired)
59th Secretary of State



I sent him a thank you the next day.







Dr. Condoleezza Rice

Reference date: March 22nd





Since the U.S. is currently involved in a major military operation in two countries, and diplomatic problems are popping up all over the world, I wasn't sure whether the current Secretary of State would have the time to respond. I sent her a letter nonetheless, and was delighted to have recieved a reply from her assistant, which included a personalized autographed photo of Dr. Rice. Here are the contents of the letter( which was written on official State Department stationery.)

Dear Mr. Lucas,

On behalf of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, thank you for your kind letter.

Secretary Rice and President Bush are committed to making the world a better place for all Americans and all people.

Please visit our website at http://www.state.gov for information on the Secretary and Department publications.

Enclosed please find an autographed photograph of Secretary Rice. Thank you for your words of encouragement and support.

Sincerely,

Portia P.

Director
Office of Public Liaison
U.S. State Department


I sent her a thank you the next day.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

November 7th

I saw "Mary Poppins" on Broadway tonight. It was amazing! We had nosebleed seats (literally the last row at the very top of the balcony) but they were great because we saw the whole scope of the stage.The sets, costumes, choreography and music were fantastic, and the special effects are something to be seen. I'm sure it's going to be a smash hit and run a long, long time. I'm writing to the stars of the Broadway show, and to their counterparts in the 1964 classic Disney film.

Ashley Brown

Gavin Lee

Julie Andrews

Dick Van Dyke

November 6th

I was cast in a movie called "The Bronx is Burning" which deals with the tumultuous 1977 New York Yankees team. With headstrong attention seekers like manager Billy Martin, owner George Steinbrenner, and star players Reggie Jackson and Thurman Munson, sparks were bound to fly. I shot my portions of the film today (I have a small role as a reporter interviewing Reggie.) I had a blast, and can't wait until it airs in july 2007. I'm writing to the stars of the film, and to the director.

Oliver Platt

John Turturro

Kevin Conway

Alan Ruck

Daniel Sunjata

Jeremiah Chechik

Novmber 5th

We celebrated my son's 4th birthday today with a big party at my house. Instead of cooking lots of food or calling a caterer, my wife suggested a fun idea of gettting cases of White Castle mini hamburgers. I was opposed to the idea, thinking that nobody would want to eat them, but eventually gave in. She was right and I was wrong. The party guests loved the "slider" burgers, and they were gone almost instantly. White Castle is an institution in New Jersey, and I can recall many late night trips to the jersey City White Castle after cravings took hold. I'm writing to the CEO and founder of this unique restaurant chain to thank him.

Edgar W. "Bill" Ingram

November 4th

1928 - One of my favorite science fiction characters of all-time debuts. "Buck Rogers" appeared in radio, movie serials and early TV shows, but I got to know him best through the 1979 NBC Tv series, "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century." I spent countless hours playing with my "Buck Rogers" official acton figures and rocketships. I'm writing to the stars of that seminal piece of late 70's pop culture.

Gil Gerard

Erin Gray

Tim O' Connor

November 3rd

1872 - Susan B. Anthony becomes the first woman to vote in the United States, becoming a pioneer in the suffragete/feminist movement (and later a household name due to her ill fated dollar coins.) I'm writing to the most prominent feminist of my generation, who is still carrying the torch passed to her by Ms. Anthony and other trailblazing heroes.

Gloria Steinem

November 2nd

1951- "I Love Lucy", one of the most beloved TV shows of all time debuts. Unfortunately all of the key cast members are deceased, so I am writing to Lucy's son, who was played on TV by another actor (and called "Little Ricky")

Desi Arnaz, Jr.

November 1st

1929 - The Rockefeller family donates artwork and funds the opening of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

David Rockefeller, Jr.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

An American business legend responds (via his assistant)




Lee Iacocca

Reference Date: March 24th







One of the biggest business icons of the latter part of the Twentieth Century was Lee Iacocca, the son of Italian Immigrants who rose to the postion of CEO of the Chrysler Automotive Corporation. His folksy stle and series of commercials helped to pull the auto industry out of its economic doldrums in the 1980's. In addition to his work as CEO, Mr. Iacocca also raised millions to refurbish and restore the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island national monuments so that the public could fuly appreciate them. He retired in the late 1990's and is now head of his charitable foundation, which raises money for diabetes reasarch.

Since Mr. Iacocca is very busy, I got a nice response from his personal assistant. this is what she had to say:


Dear Mr. Lucas:

Your very kind letter to Mr. Iacocca was forwarded here as I am Mr. Iacocca's personal assistant. He did read your letter and requested I respond on his behalf.

Mr. Iacocca' s belief system is stated through out the two books he has written; his autobiography and Talking Straight. Additionally, Mr. lacocca is working on a third book, due for publication in the Spring of 2007.

Knowing Mr. lacocca as I do, I would say the advice your own father gave you (as stated in your letter) is the same advice he would give, adding family first to that list.

As for Mr. Iacocca's daily habits, he does the New York Times Crossword everyday in ink. I once asked him how many times he was a clue and he blushed and said "3 times." In my estimation it is the combination of Mr. Iacocca's remarkable intellect, coupled with his humility that makes him a beloved American icon.

Wishing you well,

Cordially,

Norma S.

Personal Assistant to Lee Iacocca


I sent him a thank you the next day.

A "Rat Pack"-er replies






Joey Bishop

Reference Date: May 15th







For the anniversary of the founding of Las Vegas, I wrote to the only surviving member of the "Rat Pack", which was the group of ultra cool entertainers who ruled that town in the 1960's. They were led by The "Chairman of the Board" Frank Sinatra, and his buddies Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. Together, they played sold out engagements at the Sands Hotel. People still talk about the witty repartee and banter that flew from the mouths of these giants. What hasn't been documented very well was the fact that Joey Bishop, a successful standup comedian and host of the Rat Pack shows, was the genius who wrote most of those classic lines. Mr. Bishop, who had two TV shows of his own and guest hosted the "Tonight Show" more than anyone else in history, is retired in California, but was kind enough to reply (by autographed photo) to my letter. This is what Mr Bishop said (short but sweet:)

To Chris:

I owe it all to honesty!

Joey Bishop


I sent him a thank you the next day.