The twin fetes had all the glitz and hoopla of a Hollywood premiere. Champagne flowed freely, and soft jazz whispered in the background. Guests nibbled on caviar and smoked-salmon quiche. The big bashes, which took place on the same day this month in New York City and Los Angeles, were staged by Commodore Business Machines to kick off a $15 million advertising campaign, starring celebrities ranging from the Pointer Sisters to Tommy Lasorda, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. But instead of coming off as a preview, the event seemed more like a benefit for an aging star.
In this case...