tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68958331311625654352009-07-10T15:27:47.673-07:00Welcome to my blog. I've created this site to answer questions regarding my book and to share my thoughts about career, family, and friends.Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-41854086625925650112009-07-10T15:21:00.001-07:002009-07-10T15:24:02.038-07:00

This is the third video of Vanity Fair's superlative Madoff coverage. See all of them here.

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-73869303887689704402009-07-10T15:00:00.000-07:002009-07-10T15:27:41.684-07:00

Ruth Madoff, the wife of Ponzi-schemer Bernard Madoff, must have been stunned when she heard Judge Chin sentence her husband to 150-years in the pokey. In many ways, this has sealed her fate as a widow—a married woman without a husband. From what I’ve read, her sons and she have not met since the patriarch confessed his scheme to his sons. I’m not quite sure how to explain the estrangement

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-17378887488077992812009-07-02T16:35:00.000-07:002009-07-02T16:43:55.321-07:00

The past two weeks have been filled with tragedy. We have the death of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, and most recently, Karl Malden. On a personal level, my assistant, Wilma Winer passed away last week, which has left me in a state of mourning mixed with a daily dose of anguish every time I pass her desk. Victoria, my other assistant, Wilma, and I shared the same room in the Beverly Hills

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-55841797330191547152009-07-02T16:25:00.001-07:002009-07-06T15:15:07.098-07:00

Vanity Fair has provided outstanding coverage of the heist, and I encourage you to watch this compelling series of videos. To see the other six, click here. I'll forewarn you, most are heartbreaking.

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-35906458607801863652009-06-30T23:20:00.000-07:002009-07-06T16:05:19.978-07:00

It's been a rough week. Last Wednesday, my trusted assistant, Wilma Winer passed away. Victoria, my other assistant, and I could barely make it through the rest of last week. In fact, it took all of us in the office by surprise. Today, we celebrated her life and her service to Nourmand & Associates that started in 1976, the same year that my husband, Saeed, opened the Brentwood office. Last

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-80403211207667862332009-06-25T14:45:00.000-07:002009-06-26T15:24:11.548-07:00

UB, or University at Buffalo, recently profiled me in their Alumni Association website, and I was delighted to reconnect with the school that I have to thank for not only my B.A. but my marriage to Saeed as well. For my kids, native Angelenos, the thought of Buffalo, New York is as distant as its location. They’ll never know what it’s like to grow up where the seasons really change, the winters

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-32799180426296385032009-06-17T23:32:00.000-07:002009-06-17T23:50:17.646-07:00

The housing collapse in the United States has made life tough for homeowners and real estate professionals across the country. But for many in the disputed settlements in Israel, real estate collapse takes on an entirely literal meaning. I read a Slate article titled, “Beautiful Two Bedroom on One Disputed Acre." The story describes an Israeli trend to move to the suburbs. Thousands are

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-69260565869149729072009-06-12T17:00:00.000-07:002009-06-12T17:10:13.627-07:00

Another sign of our economic slump has hit close to home for me. The St. Regis Monarch Beach, is only miles away from my office in Beverly Hills. It’s located in a cluster of super-luxury hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel and the Montage Laguna Beach. The hotel’s claim to fame is that despite the renown of surrounding resorts, it’s the only one to earn Mobile’s Five-Star rating.

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-73786145117608718712009-06-03T23:16:00.001-07:002009-06-03T23:39:40.949-07:00

It’s a good thing for Bernard Madoff’s kids that he never sought my parenting advice. If he did, they’d for certain be sharing government issued garments with him in Manhattan’s Correctional Center. July’s Vanity Fair Magazine will publish an article making the case that Madoff’s two sons, Mark and Andrew, new nothing of the heist. That’s a cover-up of, as the magazine puts it “of biblical

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-32500479859139093142009-05-20T14:52:00.000-07:002009-05-20T14:57:45.037-07:00

Fascinating, how consumer food tastes change during an economic slump. Some companies are actually earning major profits, and it’s thought provoking to see which ones. For example, Hershey’s Co. saw a 20% spike in revenue. Has bad news driven us to chocolate coat our economic woes? And Barrons reported that Kraft posted a 10% increase in profits for the first quarter of 2009. The company even

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-46516851074256976842009-05-13T21:26:00.000-07:002009-05-13T23:04:35.148-07:00

Picture it: April 1, 1979, Tehran, Iran. Ayatollah Khomeini announces himself as the leader of the Islamic Republic. Mobs of young Iranians march the streets carrying their garbage wrapped in US Flags. They burn life sized models of President Jimmy Carter. Then in November, a group of 500 activists swarm the US Embassy in Tehran, and for 444 days they take 52 US citizens hostage. Shift Forward:

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-16360204182884720402009-05-06T14:05:00.000-07:002009-05-06T14:16:50.163-07:00

Watch CBS Videos OnlineWith Mother's Day only a few days away, I can't help but gush about my kids. Nikki, my daughter, who practices at one of the best hospitals in the US, provided her insights regarding the Swine Flu. She's a pediatrician, and she focused on how parents are reacting to the flu. If you can't see the video above, click on this link.

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-63688821965658092522009-04-30T17:16:00.000-07:002009-04-30T17:27:53.013-07:00

First we have the global market collapse. Now we have the swine flu. Well, as my daughter pointed out in the speech I posted in the entry before this, it’s my positive attitude that has earned me both success and love in my community.And I have positive news to report regarding both the global economic crisis and the flu epidemic. AP reported that in April, consumer confidence reached its highest

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-24203368387348165022009-04-29T23:30:00.000-07:002009-04-29T23:51:15.889-07:00

As I shared with you a couple weeks ago, I was honored by Hadassah, which is the largest volunteer organization in the US. The celebration was held at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills. Before I approached the podium to accept the award, my daughter, Nicole, provided the audience with an introduction. Her words brought me to tears. What mother wouldn't be proud of a daughter who is a wife,

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-83889754865256704762009-04-22T23:11:00.000-07:002009-04-24T15:23:57.726-07:00

This week, I attended a memorial service at my temple. The evening recognized the estimated 6 million victims of the Holocaust and was one of countless events across the globe marking Yom Hashoah, or Holocaust Remembrance.My mom and dad were both survivors of the Concentration Camps. When I was 22 months old, they immigrated to the United States. My father died when I was six years old. And when

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-11668265633428193022009-04-16T16:52:00.000-07:002009-04-24T13:06:42.015-07:00

I’ve been continuing to read good news regarding our nation’s economy. As far as my business is concerned, I really can’t complain. Inventory is higher than I’d like, but properties are still selling. I can only hope that the continued reports of upward movement in of our economy will instill confidence in consumers. Here are some top stories that I think are encouraging signs. According to an AP

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-11980323308738690442009-04-10T13:04:00.000-07:002009-04-10T13:32:20.131-07:00

Even though its Passover and Easter, the high holidays are taking a back seat to the financial shake-up as far as headline news is concerned. Here are what I’ve observed as this week’s financial winners and losers. Let’s start with the losers. So far, the only one to go to jail from the Madoff fallout, is Bernard Madoff himself. If you haven’t seen the list of those who invested in his wealth

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-7905764908394472412009-04-01T23:13:00.000-07:002009-04-03T14:56:52.888-07:00

Lately, during the interviews I’ve had, I’ve been somewhat surprised by the questions the hosts have asked me. They aren’t seeking my opinions about real estate, how to sell a homes in a tough market, or technical matters related to foreclosures. Instead, they’re asking me to provide suggestions to couples who are facing tough economic times. For instance, how do the bills get paid when one

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-50118285001326708142009-03-26T16:31:00.001-07:002009-03-26T16:43:33.939-07:00

Below appear photos from the award luncheon at the Montage Hotel, Beverly Hills. I was recognized by Hadassah, one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the US. It was an an honor, and a celebration that I'll always remember.

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-42035017745319787252009-03-26T16:30:00.001-07:002009-03-26T16:30:24.121-07:00

CenterpieceOriginally uploaded by myranourmandA spectacular floral arrangement at the guest table.

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-15900371446904351892009-03-26T16:27:00.001-07:002009-03-26T16:27:03.494-07:00

Myra SpeaksOriginally uploaded by myranourmandMy acceptance speech for the Hadassah award.

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-51756525971782350982009-03-26T16:25:00.001-07:002009-03-26T16:25:02.212-07:00

Proud Parents Watch NicoleOriginally uploaded by myranourmandSaeed and I watch our daughter deliver her speech.

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-82046864918169414482009-03-26T16:23:00.003-07:002009-03-26T16:23:46.287-07:00

Nicole SpeaksOriginally uploaded by myranourmandMy daughter delivers a presentation and introduces me at the Hadassah event.

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-38666048815033256712009-03-26T16:22:00.001-07:002009-03-26T16:22:23.215-07:00

Hadassah Group PhotoOriginally uploaded by myranourmandMontage Hotel, Beverly Hills

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895833131162565435.post-14961399647850154982009-03-25T16:46:00.000-07:002009-03-25T17:04:17.024-07:00

Today I spent most of the day at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills. I was honored by Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America. Hadassah is the largest volunteer organization and the largest women’s organization in the United States. It was a true honor. The event was a spring luncheon and boutique benefitting Hadassah Youth Programs. It was amazing to see the room filled to capacity

Myra Nourmandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296238896356590532noreply@blogger.com0