Wednesday, May 21, 1997

A Gritty Evening


ON MAY 21 GOULD Resources & Internet Telecommunications--that's GRIT for short, partner--held an inaugural broadcast from The Museum of Television & Radio (http://www.mtr.org). This event honored GRIT's donation of interviews, news, and talk format programming to the Museum's permanent collection. The show's content archived and discussed radio and television broadcasting from early years to present Internet transmissions. Some guests were: Tom Bergeron, host of "Fox After Breakfast," veteran broadcaster Edwin Newman, and Rabbi Ronald B. Sobel of Congregation Emanu-El. I got to speak with GRIT's president Robert Gould during the private reception following. He bubbled, "It's great. I can't believe it!" Host of "Media MADness" Aaron Cohen was equally exuberant. He introduced me to show host Jason Ojalvo who commented, "It's nice the museum has recognized this media while its still fresh and not waiting till it is a relic." Marketing director Jodie Kahn admitted, "it's an honor to be accepted to broadcast from the museum and it'll be interesting to see what Internet broadcast becomes."

GRIT's inaugural broadcast

ON MAY 21 GOULD Resources & Internet Telecommunications--that's GRIT for short, partner--held an inaugural broadcast from The Museum of Television & Radio. This event honored GRIT's donation of interviews, news, and talk format programming to the Museum's permanent collection. The show's content archived and discussed radio and television broadcasting from early yearss to present Internet transmissions. Some guests were: Tom Bergeron, host of "Fox After Breakfast," veteran broadcaster Edwin Newman, and Rabbi Ronald B. Sobel of Congregation Emanu-El. I got to speak with GRIT's president Robert Gould during the private reception following. He bubbled, "It's great. I can't believe it!" Host of "Media MADness" Aaron Cohen was equally exuberant. He introduced me to show host Jason Ojalvo who commented, "It's nice the museum has recognized this media while its still fresh and not waiting till it is a relic." Marketing director Jodie Kahn admitted, "it's an honor to be accepted to broadcast from the museum and it'll be interesting to see what Internet broadcast becomes."

(Appeared originally in @The Scene in the @NY newsletter)

Friday, May 16, 1997

ServerCast Communication's Quiet Soiree

A QUIET SOIREE away from the bustle of New York was held at ServerCast Communication's (http://www.servercast.net) offices overlooking the calming Hudson on May 16. Executive Vice President Peter Kirwan and I convened over "The Tub of Technology." Usually filled with AOL disks (please send donations so they can fill it) this night the porcelain-lion-footed bathtub was filled with iced beers and sodas. As the name may imply, ServerCast specializes in heavy server side management. Depending on the project, they use programs like Firefly, Ichat or NetGravity. Their clients are either typical Internet savvy new media companies (SiteSpecific, Yoyodyne) not happy with their current server, or traditional companies who want them to manage a whole project. For some
projects, ServerCast will partner with an outside design firm to handle those aspects. As I prepared to leave I admired the essential-office-accessory-lava-lamp and the 3-D picture of Dean Martin and
Jerry Lewis sitting with a pile of money.

(Appeared originally in @The Scene in the @NY newsletter)

Shakers and Stirrers - published 5/16/97

Hearty heart-felt Congratulations go out to Shelly and Joshua Masur on their newborn baby girl Julia Astrid Masur. All 7 lbs and 21 1/2 inches of her arrived last Sunday, June 1, at 7:36 a.m. You can check for yourself at her website, but Josh--the former WWWAC list mom--rightfully boasts, "She is simply the most beautiful child ever."

Jon Kalish does a monthly column called "Jews In Cyberspace" for Jewish Week Newspaper. He has reported on the new media scene for the Daily News, Newsday, Reuters and National Public Radio. He is interested in hearing about web sites or other new media subjects of interest to the Jewish community. So send in your spiel with chutzpah.

John Therkelsen has moved from North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority to new media at Computer Shopper. Now you know where to go to find out about the latest deals.

US INTERACTIVE announces nine new staff members. Joining US Interactive's New York office are Trey Albers, Lance Hollander, Joyce Pavlica and Neil Bar-or. In Malvern, PA, US Interactive has added Andrew McGrath, Peter Schwenk, Michael Hancock, Kate Urzillo and Jeffrey Workman. Founded in 1992, USI has gained a national reputation for the creation and implementation of digital marketing services for interactive brand management. Clients include: American Express, IBM, AT&T, Comedy Central, Comcast Corporation, Microsoft and Royal Caribbean International.

After winning a Broadcast Designer's Association Award for art directing Lifetime Television's "The Place," Joanne Borek moves over to iVillage to be the new art director for Parent Soup. Joanne is also currently a Professor of Digital Photography at the School of Visual Arts in NYC.

 Jim Peake has resigned from K2 Design. Stay tuned to find out where he'll grace his presence next. . . . Check out the "Midnight in Chelsea" music video by Jon BonJovi. Netcast's Danielle Chocron Gontier and Freelance designer Fred Gontier are seen kissing in their window. Oh. Demi Moore
also makes an appearance.

Calendar of Events - published 5/16/97

UPCOMING EVENTS
May 19
The newly formed WWWAC WebcastingSIG will have its first meeting on May 19, 6-8 p.m., at the Global Community Digital Sandbox/55 Broad St., 4th Floor. More info.

May 29
Virtual Growth Incorporated in association with our neighbors Daedalus Technology Group is inviting clients and friends to The 1st Annual Spring Party. An evening of live jazz, libations and victuals under the warm glow of the Empire State Building is planned for May 29th from 6- 9 pm. RSVP required to party@vgrowth.com. Email Stephen King at for more details.

May 31, This month Echo's Alt.Film event is a sponsored screening and party at the New York Women's Film Festival, 9 p.m. for this special screening of Clockwatchers, a film by first time director Jill Sprecher, written by Jill and her sister, Karen Sprecher. Location: The Screening Room (Varick St. @ Canal).

June 2-3, NYNMA (http://www.nynma.org), "24 hours in CyberHell," 212-785-7898, eileen@nynma.org.

June 3-5, The Developers Career Network (www.sigs.com/dcn) will host a career fair for programmers/developers at the New York Coliseum. The career fair, sponsored by SIGS Conferences, @NY, Object Magazine, will be part of Object/Java Expo '97. If you are interested in career opportunities at this event, please contact Mike Peck (mpeck@sigs.com) or 212-242-7447 ext 151. It is Free and open to the public!

June 9, Webgrrls, 600 Broadway, 5th Floor. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Non-members: $5. Members: No admission fee. Bring food or drink to share (potluck). 212-642-8012.

June 12 is Cyberchill 20 at alt.coffee. Stop by for some community real and
virtual. 7pm. 139 Avenue A (btwn 8th - 9th Strs)

New Jerson Online

IT'S SUMMERTIME and the livin' is easy . . . Ruben Perez writes that all the information you need to have a great summer at the Jersey Shore is now available at the New Jersey Online's official Shore '97 web site (http://www.nj.com/shore)

(Appeared originally in @The Scene in the @NY newsletter)

Requesting Submissions for the 1st CP White Glove Design Contest

IN THE SPIRIT of Emily Post... Submit your company to participate in the First  "Courtney J. Pulitzer White Glove Interior Design Contest." Over the next  month I will be visiting select web shops to compare their interior not WEB  design of the office space. Is your office up to the scrutiny? Results feature in a future @NY special report.

(Appeared originally in @The Scene in the @NY newsletter)

Russian Webgirls 2nd Issue and Site design

SOBODNA AND THE DYEVUSKIIS were out! Klasna! The Russian Web Girls (http://www.russianwebgirls.com) party was definitely a "heady" experience. In commemoration of their second issue and site design, Vodka Boys were running rampant, pouring nice clear cold Stoli into many a paper cup. Creative producer Vica Vinogradova, art director Alona Makeeva, and editor Marina Lakhman were among the stars of the show, modelling liquid slip dresses with smokey patterns by Anna Elia. Heather Champ graced the party with her appearance and Alex Chaffee, creator of Gamelan, donned a tux. Chucking back Stolis were CyberTimes editor Rob Fixmer and writer Lisa Napoli. Notable inventor Ken Schaffer (http://www.nutcom.com) was busy with the camera as his wife, award-winning actress, Alla Kliouka and bonded once we realized we were both part of the same
NYU Circle in the Square--Shepkin Theater School exchange program. Imagine that.

(Appeared originally in @The Scene in the @NY newsletter)

Thursday, May 15, 1997

National Cristina Foundation @ Hansen's Brewery

The party continued at the National Cristina Foundation (http://www.cristina.org) event at Hansen's Brewery in mid-town. Seth Goldstein and Nicole Ferber of SiteSpecific (http://www.sitespecific.com) filled me in on this wonderful organization and their efforts to aid disabled people with computers and technology. Our new media gurus are getting quite classy as I spotted Howard Greenstein of Microsoft (http://www.microsoft.com) in a Fab tie, his charming wife Pam in a beautiful lavendar suit, David Blumenstein looking quite sharp, and Ryan Nelson (http://www.psychicfriends.net) in a cool U of Iowa Fencing jacket. Steve Mintz, Geo Geller, Clay Shirky and Mark Jeffrey of The Palace (http://www.thepalace.com) and I all marveled at the new Dilbert pen Robin Udcoff (Barnes & Noble) gave me to better aid me in my note keeping. The night went into the wee hours of the morning as Jim Butterworth, president and CEO of NetCast Communications, corralled a posse of us down to El Teddy's for margaritas. Ole!

(Appeared originally in @The Scene in the @NY newsletter)

Virtual Growth party

IT ALL HAPPENS the same night for some reason, but I managed to get to two of Silicon Alley's top new media events last night. (It was GR8T getting to see everyone).

Starting out at Stephen King's Virtual Growth Inc. (http://www.virtualgrowth.com) party was a revitalizing remix. "The Man" himself (my favorite virtual accountant Steve) says there's music going on all the time. It's true, and obviously works 'cause I've heard nothing but raves from various client firms--an impressive list to say the least. Steve echos this by saying, "If you want to see the hottest stuff going on in the industry, check out our client list." Their second annual spring party was held in conjuction with Daedulus (http://www.npsa.com) at their offices, peppered with lush plants and fabulous food. I also liked the inline skates nestled next to the BNA tax payroll guide on the bookshelf, and the WebTV demo by Rich Santalesa. I got to catch up with Druce Vertes of StreetEye (http://www.streeteye.com), Ted Werth of Primary Group (http://www.primarygroup.com) and Andrew Gelman, counsel at NBC. I tried on Greg Ellin's rockin' padded Silicon Alley-to-Silicon Valley motorcycle jacket by FirstGear. Listening to great jazz by the Rob Garcia Trio, there was a mini Skidmore Theater Department alum reunion between myself, Craig Zolan, and Mike Winston.

The party was still going strong when I left after an impromptu card trick performed by Michale Chaut.


EDITED:
IT'S THE SOCIAL SEASON in Silicon Alley. E-mail boxes stuffed to the gills with invitations. Racing from loft to brewery in the same night. Ah, to be young and wired (or wireless, as the case may be). Out intrepid social diva Courtney Pulitzer is run ragged these days by the party circuit, but we know you enjoy her @The Scene reports. This week, the column picks up its first sponsor, and it's a perfect tie-in for those of us sick of the stale Cheetohs and flat seltzer that masquerades as finger food at too many new media bashes: Neuman & Bogdonoff Caterers aim to be Silicon Alley's top caterer and we're happy to help them through @The Scene. On a more serious note, we examine the future of the World-Wide Web Artists Consortium as its works on its first formal bylaws. Anyway you slice it, there's plenty happening in this week's issue:

IT ALL HAPPENS the same night for some reason, but I managed to get to two of Silicon Alley's top new media events last night. (It was GR8T getting to see everyone).

Starting out at Stephen King's Virtual Growth Inc. (http://www.virtualgrowth.com) party was a revitalizing remix. "The Man" himself (my favorite virtual accountant Steve) says there's music going on all the time. It's true, and obviously works 'cause I've heard nothing but raves from various client firms--an impressive list to say the least. Steve echoes this by saying, "If you want to see the hottest stuff going on in the industry, check out our client list." Their second annual spring party was held in conjunction with Daedulus (http://www.npsa.com) at their offices, peppered with lush plants and fabulous food. I also liked the inline skates nestled next to the BNA tax payroll guide on the bookshelf, and the WebTV demo by Rich Santalesa. I got to catch up with Druce Vertes of StreetEye (http://www.streeteye.com), Ted Werth of Primary Group (http://www.primarygroup.com) and Andrew Gelman, counsel at NBC. I tried on Greg Ellin's rockin' padded Silicon Alley-to-Silicon Valley motorcycle jacket by FirstGear. Listening to great jazz by the Rob Garcia Trio, there was a mini Skidmore Theater Department alum reunion between myself, Craig Zolan, and Mike Winston.

The party was still going strong when I left after an impromptu card trick performed by Michale Chaut.

(Appeared originally in @The Scene in the @NY newsletter)

Mining Company, Cyberchill

BUZZBUZZBUZZ! IT SEEMS everywhere you turn The Mining Company is in your face.  Their "spam wear" (T-shirts), posters, and billboard trucks are everywhere. My most recent sighting was at the 19th Cyberchill meeting at alt.coffee on May 15.  This free-form meeting was initially created in reaction to the "boring" Cybersuds. Hmm, yet another happy go-er of early Cybersuds events ... Anyway, people began getting together to show off cool stuff. The group was so successful that another stemmed off from it as well--the WWWAC VRML sig. While folks shouldn't come to these meetings to get jobs, founder DJ Hacker notes that the contacts are valuable. The meeting is very informal: one Bill Gates look-alike was examining a paper airplane fashioned from one of TMC's posters (haha) with such intensity he could've burned a hole in it. Most of the crowd was very Lower East Side-ish (flannel, doc martens, dreds, multiple piercings), there were a large handful of computer looking types (jeans, T-shirts, also in flannel), and one man dressed in a tan suit looking very Clark Kent-ish, tapping away on his laptop. It was mellow and relaxed and coffee coffee everywhere. These events are a cool, low-key, informative alternative for learning about new technologies and meeting people away from the frenzied party scene in our Alley.

(Appeared originally in @The Scene in the @NY newsletter)

Monday, May 12, 1997

Barnes & Noble finally launches into the web

April Showers bring Web Flowers and boy what a beavy of parties and events!

What's Happened:

Well! It's about time! Barnes & Noble finally launched their website, giving Amazon dot com a run for their money. Of course we all love Amazon, but come on - B&N has become a mainstay of NYC life like Starbucks. (scary, isn't it?!) The eventwas held at the NYPL branch on Madison and 34th  (Science, Industry and Business Library Branch) on Monday 5/12. I spoke briefly with good friend Tery Spataro who commented, "The event was elegantly done."

(Appeared originally in @The Scene in the @NY newsletter)

Calendar of Events - published 5/12/97

May 19
The World Wide Web Artists Consortium WebcastingSIG was formed with the intention to educate developers, marketers, technologists and the content producing community, by discussing various issues facing the emerging webcasting/push industry. The first meeting will feature: Microsoft - Netshow, BackWeb, VXtreme - Web Theater,  6-8:00pm, The Global Community Digital Sandbox/55 Broad St., 4th Floor RSVP: Visit to reserve your seat. More info: info@wcsig.org

May 22
If you happened to fall from the Apple Tree (and aren't in NYC for some odd reason), stop by Prosoft I-Net Solutions will be holding a complimentary Executive Seminar entitled "Strategies for an effective Corporate Intranet Solution" at 5:00 p.m. at their new state-of-the-art training facility located in Vienna, VA. Find out how Intranet technologies will extend your existing systems for increased revenues, heightened productivity, efficiencies, and competitive advantages. Hors d' oeuvres and drinks will be served, with a  ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6:00 p.m. RSVP, Seating is limited. Please call or e-mail Lance Wilson for reservations, Lancewil@888prosoft.com, (888)401-4100 Ext.121

May 29
Virtual Growth Incorporated in association with our neighbors Daedalus Technology Group is proud to invite our clients and friends to The 1st Annual Spring Party. An evening of live jazz, libations and victuals under the warm glow of the Empire State Building to thank you for another year of growth and celebrate the beginnings of more. The party changed to May 29th from 6- 9 pm. RSVP required to party@vgrowth.com. Email Stephen King at steve@vgrowth.com for more details. More info: http://virtualgrowth.com/party

Saturday, May 10, 1997

MetroHome, Inc. Launch Party

That "homing" instinct has apparently been affecting a flock of us New Yorkers (original and transplants). Luckily, MetroHome, Inc. has come to the rescue. This group, headed up by Brigid Kelly, has created a site that provides up-to-date apartment listings and comprehensive city related housing information. The site has seen a lot of traffic from .edu domains, and large corporate companies who typically hire many students for the summer. Toni Wang, Site Logistics Manager, John D'addario, Site Designer, and Amanda Biers-Melcher, Advertising Rep were all present and had an abundance of enthusiasm about the site and its potential. The launch party on Saturday 5/10 brought out one of the most eclectic mixes I've been present in: a gaggle of recently graduated medical students soon to go into various residencies, intrepid netnauts such as Emily Davidow, Sherry Riesner, and Alexander Stikich, photographer, clad in a hip navy blue nylon 70's style jacket with a cute bug-like alien decal on the breast pocket. I also had a chance to speak with two appropriately invited gentlemen who have started up a moving company. Although they were slightly dazed and confused about the whole web party scene, (I over heard them commenting to each other, "there's a party going on here, right?"), let me tell you girls, these men could move your hearts and furniture! ;) M&A (Mark and Alfred) Moving Company. Based in our own "BK" (brooklyn), insured, and ONLINE! Email M @ salameh@tfn.com for more info.

(Appeared originally in @The Scene in the @NY newsletter)

Wednesday, May 07, 1997

Myriad Agency lunch

Wednesday, 5/7
I was the lucky guest of Myriad Agency and got a bird's-eye view of what's going on at this highly interesting company's shop. Ciran Bossom, EVP, and I lunched on a yummy gourmet lunch from Olive's in Soho as we discussed where Myriad is going (far!). I had a chance to hear an in-depth overview of Myriad's philosophy on website development and some of their current and upcoming projects. Having been in a few different shops myself, I really was happily impressed with their thoughtful approach. They keep the client in mind, and focus on either context or content sites beginning with developing a "click-through" site architecture for the client to grasp the future site's navigation. Once this is agreed upon, then Myriad develops a few "look and feel" pages for the client to decide on how they would like to present themselves graphically on the web. Myriad's offices are in the former Prodigy headquarters, large robitron sculpture "I Sore" (?), zig-zaggy carpeting, cylindrical paper floor-to-ceiling lamps, earth-toned, spacious Noho loft. And even Ed Bennet still has an office up front to conduct business in!

(Appeared originally in @The Scene in the @NY newsletter)

Saturday, May 03, 1997

WebCinema


[Calendar notice: Take in Jonathan Sarno's "The New York Filmmakers and Webmasters Spring Ball" (http://www.webcinema.org/) on May 3. The Ball is going to be on the "Frying Pan," an old hull of a ship, moored on Pier 63, one block North of Chelsea Pier. Room for 400 people and next door is a pier with a tent for live bands, Samba dancers, and another 400 people! Views of the Statue of Liberty, the crystal waters of the Hudson and New Jersey! Admission is free with cash bar.]

The balmy air, the murky seductive waters of the Hudson, the aromatic fish smells of the docks, the stars in the sky, the great salsa band - what could make a night out on the town better?! Kudos to Jonathan Sarno and his WebCinema group for putting on a quite impressive party at the Frying Pan (old ship) docked off the Chelsea Piers. Once you get over the slightly disorienting location, this event, presented in conjuntion with Troma Films included performances from a band, and special appearance from Sargeant Kabuki NYPD. I got to speak with Sargent Kabuki and his charitable self showed through the theatrical make up. He has spend the last 25 years helpping others do independent films, as well as keeping our streets safe! Other happy revelers included Bonnie Halper of sendresume.com, Sam Huxley of Y& R New Tech, Sherry Reisner, Chan Suh of Agency.com, Martin Kane and Bill Carmody. We even were privy to an impromptu display of fireworks, compliments of some other event downriver!

(Appeared originally in @The Scene in the @NY newsletter)

Webcinema's Frying Pan Party

THE BALMY AIR, the murky waters of the Hudson, the aromatic fish smells of the docks, the stars in the sky, the great salsa band - what could make a night out on the town better?! Kudos to Jonathan Sarno and his WebCinema group in conjunction with Troma Films, for putting on a nice party at the Frying Pan docked off the Chelsea Piers on May 3. Despite slightly inclement weather, about 300 people showed up. There was a special appearance from Sergeant Kabuki, NYPD, who I got to speak with about his charitable works. Donned in theatrical make up and costume, Sgt. Kabuki told me how he has spent the last 25 years helping others do independent films, as well as keeping our streets safe! Other happy revelers included Chan Suh of Agency.com, Martin Kane and Bill Carmody. We even were privy to an impromptu display of fireworks, compliments of some other event down river!

(Appeared originally in @The Scene in the @NY newsletter)

Friday, May 02, 1997

Shakers and Stirrers - published 5/2/97

CONGRATULATIONS were pealed out for the engagement of Jerry Michalski of EdVenture and Jennifer Weissman. The event was hosted by the gracious Emily Davidow at the lovely headquarters for Behome. Tery Spataro looked positively stunning in a black dress with big green flowers, Heather Champ graced the party with her cool sophisticated presence and Omar Wasow of New York Online led the men (including Alec Pollack, Samir Arora, Greg Elin, and David Blumenstein) in a debate over the 4 or 3 button suit coat.

Vladimir Lubel has just moved to Showtime from a long stint at Chapman Advertising . . . Contrary to the rumors, Buoyant has not merged with Spiral Media. What did happen though, was that Mitch Golden, (director of technology), Brad Justus (executive vice president) and Pall Walton (chief of production) left Buoyant and joined Spiral Media. There are also a number of Spiral Media employees who worked at Buoyant. However, Buoyant still exists as an independent entity . . . After several years at Citibank, Deb Schultz has made the move to independence with her new company, DRS Solutions specializing in Internet marketing, strategy, and development . . . Digital Pulp, agency of record to DoubleClickand BizTravel, has recently established an advanced technology division and moved to larger offices with a rooftop patio on 23rd street. Founder Steve Sacks is planning to hold weekly happy hours for the New York digerati on the roof beginning in early May. Look for Digital Pulp to make an announcement in the upcoming months.

(Appeared originally in @The Scene in the @NY newsletter)

Thursday, May 01, 1997

May Day! Razorfish party!

May Day! May Day! Naked Dancing Ladies seen at the Razorfish party! Actually, it was a gold-lame clad butterfly winged belly dancer... But that was only one small part of this wild extravaganza that had so many Silicon Alley folks chatting over the week. The vast loft was divided by huge expanses of saran-wrap and steel barriers with cartoon faces drawn on them and montages of old avant-guard 20's films with crazy experimental dancers projected on the walls. Mr. Tanguery was highly apparent in buttons, large cardboard cutouts, and plastic martini glasses for party-goers. A KILLER band with amazing drum beat helped us cut loose - two great dancers I spied were Loryn Locklin of the Cassandra Group and Dylan Christy of Airmedia. I also spied and got to catch up with Brad Paley, of DID, who created the Digital Monkey. I also ran into former NYU Tisch Experimental Theater Workshop classmate of mine, Conchetta Kirshner, who's looking very Courtney Love and stars in her own band now. "Superstar Princess" is touring in Canada and has an album out already. wow. Other hipsters present were: Bonnie Halper, Heather Champ and Veronique Christensen freelance web producer.

(Appeared originally in @The Scene in the @NY newsletter)

Super Women's Group

A SOMEWHAT mysterious group of super minds and super women have something brewing. It includes some of New York's top media minds and the initial meeting at Vintage for red wine and cupcakes! More to be uncovered later!

(Appeared originally in @The Scene in the @NY newsletter)