Courtney Pulitzer's Cyber Scene

3 Startup's New Offices

2011-10-27T11:58:00.000-04:00

The same night was the opening of the new shared offices of three startups: Codage, which makes customized cosmetics; UrbanLinker, a recruiting agency specialized in the Web and whose CEO Jonathan Azoulay came to the April CWC; and Green Republic.fr., a startup marketplace for bio and eco green products.

The Vitrine's Pop-up Shop

2011-10-27T11:57:00.000-04:00

Online shop The Vitrine had it's pop-up shop opening at Storie (20 rue delambre) on Thursday, October 27th. (http://www.storieblog.com/?p=486) The Vitrine presents selections of American-based artists and designers featured on the website but who have not shown their work in Paris before.

Cocktails with Courtney ~ October 26

2011-10-26T11:55:00.000-04:00

The magic of Cocktails with Courtney is working in Paris as witnessed at the October 26th event at the Tuileries Bar. It was reported this night that two guests from September's event chatted, one gave the other a contact and now this contact is in talks financially advantageous for the other! I have to be a little vague because of the sensitive nature, and unlike most reporters I won't break confidential news until it's ready to be released. It's just who I am.

You may notice in the U.S., putting an "i" in front of a word seems to "internet-ize" it. Well, here in France, the key words seem to be "Myeasy." I've written about Romain Lehz of Myeasypet.com and this month's Cocktails with Courtney welcomed Edouard Maitre and his partner Augustin de Beaurepaire of Myeasygolf.com. Myeasygolf.com aims to be the one-stop-shop for anyone planning a golf vacation. With links to courses, spas, hotels and restaurants, it is easy to plan a golf trip for yourself or with friends. If you're going solo, Myeasygolf.com helps you partner up with other golfers to play with for the trip. Edouard and Augustine were such nice, bright, young gentlemen with the classic French background it was a pleasure to meet them and chat about their business, the e-commerce aspect (selling American golf products to Europeans) and our new iPhone 4S's.

Nina Andronikof told us about her developments with the International Freeride Film Festival that will take place in St Lary in the Pyrenees: http://www.festival-freeride.com/home-en.php. Sounds fun indeed! She and long-time friend Nathalie Ohana (OMGmother.com) were catching up just before we did a little musical chairs for guests to meet other people. Financial and insurance advisor Dominic Jerome came by after meeting me at the AMEX Soiree where I presented my business in June. He and Stanley Gehry (klgates.com/) enjoyed the conviviality typical of Cocktails with Courtney. Afterwards, Irene Toporkoff-Mayer (Worldcrunch.com), Nathalie Ohana and I went out for some delicious Japanese noodle soups at Higuma restaurant.

Réseau Entreprendre

2011-10-19T11:58:00.000-04:00

Earlier the following week, on Wednesday, October 19th, I met with Hugues Franc, Directeur of Réseau Entreprendre, a network of over 200 business leaders who help entrepreneurs start their business, or help bring them back to life. Each year the association selects from a large pool of candidates and nurtures them to success. The track record is impressive and was born from an idea of Andre Mulliez (CEO of Groupe Phildar). Andre and several members of his family felt the following principal "To create jobs, you need to create the employers" was essential for business and the economy. Today, Réseau Entreprendre is comprised of 42 associations in France and was identified as a national non-profit by decree of the Council of State January 15, 2003. Réseau Entreprendre®Paris was created June 4, 2004 at the initiative of Hugues Franc and Gonzagues de Blignieres (Président of Barclays Private Equity). To learn more about this wonderful organization and all the many ways it offers invaluable services to entrepreneurs, visit: http://www.reseau-entreprendre-paris.fr/

Cocktails with Courtney ~ September

2011-09-28T15:49:00.000-04:00

Cocktails with Courtney, held on the 28th of September at the Tuileries bar in the Westin Hotel, was another intimate affair. Kigo.net's Shawn Convroy and I caught up since last meeting at the Harvard Angels France presentation and dinner in June. He and Emmanuel Cassimatis, who also attended the Harvard Angels June evening, had an opportunity to delve more into their businesses. Tim Eustis, an old college friend came by for a respite and chatted with antique professional Alain Cartier. Karine Maj popped over after just starting three days with her latest venture working in web development and brought along friend Susana Herrera-Masias, who's the Director of Business Development at Sofitel. Groupon's Eva Lane sparkled in her tales of Groupon, Google and Apple. Between sips of refreshing "boissons" and bites of some salty snacks everyone mingled amidst the lovely garden setting on the balmy September night.

Why the Vistaprint.fr website sucks

2011-09-01T06:33:00.000-04:00

I have had the unpleasant experience of having to work with Vistaprint on two occasions and both times were painful. The first time I was placing an order for an association's business cards. After going through several iterations of uploading the cards, and having to reselect the model we wanted, we are forced to go through at least five screens of promotional items that Vistaprint is pushing. We check out and pay. The cards never arrive. (Okay, this was a problem of the French postal system, which decided that since I wasn't available when the cards were delivered they wouldn't bother to put a notice or attempt other deliveries.)

After calling Vistaprint and complaining, I finally head over to the Post Office to see if they perchance have these cards. They do. They are ALL WRONG. Each card is off center but just a little bit, but obvious enough to be disconcerting. We must call customer service, explain the problem and have each order redone. They arrive, two days after the day we needed them--for an event.

Nearly nine months later I need to order one more set. I decide to go ahead with the dreaded Vistaprint (who's president is an alumni of the association I am doing the cards for) and take my chances. We upload the business card. It's exactly the same as the others (different name and email) and once again, the card is slightly off-center in the Proof. Our file is dead-center correct. We fudge our file so it's on-center for Vistaprint. (A risk, I know).

Next. Payment time! We once again go through the five or seven screens of forced promotional items they are pushing on us. (Is this where they make their money?) First problem is we cannot find the screen where we can add our "store credit." We call customer service. It's back at the beginning somewhere. We find it. We go through the eight or nine forced screens before we get to the shopping cart. We see the order. The discount is not reflected. We are hesitant to push "Place the order" in fear of not getting this precious discount. We call customer service again. The agent walks us through all the same steps again. He assures us it's okay to push "Place the order" button. We do. It's placing the order but the discount wasn't credited!

We get to the confirmation screen. We must click on "My orders" and then the most recent order to see, voila! the discount applied at the very last minute, behind closed doors, to the order.

Very disconcerting. Not very user-friendly at all. Never again, Vistaprint. Mark my words, "never again!"

June - July Tempo

2011-07-16T05:45:00.000-04:00

June is a busy month in Paris. There are "end of the year" parties almost every week as people begin to prepare for the summer, which is serious business here in France. Many people leave Paris in July, and August is a literal ghost-town. (For proof, see my photo-essay on "Closed for the Summer.") Thus, the next Cocktails with Courtney will not be until September! Have a great summer everyone!

OpenCoffeeClub klatch - July

2011-07-10T11:59:00.000-04:00

While most of Paris (nay, France) shuts down in the summer, the weekly OpenCoffee Club Paris stayed open for business each week. Like usual, there was mingling and sipping of coffee till about 10:30 am when Laurent Tatford (the event organizer) opened a discussion around "What's Your Business Model?" Several attendees brought up Spotify and the crowd-sourcing option like People for Cinema (http://www.peopleforcinema.com/). Others mentioned LaFraise (http://www.lafraise.com/) and Archiduchesse (http://www.archiduchesse.com/) (which is a play on words in French for chaussettes). Just before leaving two young chaps overheard me speaking English and introduced themselves. Julian Ezenwa and Aman Brar are two interns with Le Bridge (http://lebridge.org/), an association focused on building connections between Paris and London (and other European cities) for startups.

Club Amex soiree/presentation

2011-07-07T05:43:00.001-04:00

Yann Emilian and Courtney Pulitzer

There are certain large corporations that create a real community among their workers. And sometimes these corporations even have networks for former employees. Such is the case for American Express. Here in Paris, an enterprising Yann Emilian (now General Director France & Benelux for Affinion International) helped found the Club Amex, which brings together former Amex employees for monthly cocktails. Sometimes they have a presentation by a company or individual.

This month, on July 7th, they asked lil' ol' me to present. It was quite an honor and quite an impressive turnout. Over 60 people came to catch up with former colleagues and friends and to savor good wine and hearty hors d'oeuvres. I met Dominic Jerome, who works in travel and insurance; InterContinental Hotels Group's Director of Development (France & North Africa) Brice Marguet who said he might have some nice hotels for my next soiree (great!); and Oasys Consultant's Elodie Warnod. La Banque Postal's Director of Marketing, Card Offers and Daily Money (hmmm, interesting division) Béatrice Delanau brought several colleagues, including the friendly Rémi Desert.

Starting around 7:30 PM, there was plenty of time for networking before Carrefour's Strategy Director Corinne Moulin introduced me and I gave my brief presentation (in French!) to these friendly and welcoming folks. There were a few questions and many smiles as I invited them all to the next Cocktails with Courtney.

June "Cocktails with Courtney"

2011-06-29T05:41:00.000-04:00

The June "Cocktails with Courtney" was a notable affair on Wednesday, June 29th, at the Westin Hotel's Tuileries Bar, as we were able to feature special guest Kevin Werbach. The Parisian entrepreneurs were fascinated, and I think mutually interesting to Werbach. Kevin was in town for an invite-only conference held at the OECD on the Internet and Economy. "Internet Economy: OECD high-level meeting on generating innovation and growth." [Many topics were discussed, among them: "Business: Unequal Opportunities - why entrepreneurs thrive in some countries more than in others."]

Taking advantage of being in Paris, Kevin came over with the family for some touring. His wife, attorney Joanne Werbach is working at yorn.com (Yes-or-No), which is a real-time survey service as general counsel and VP of Operations. I think it's such a neat, instant-gratification service I will try it out myself! (http://yorn.com/cocktailswithcourtney)

Considering Kevin teaches a course at Wharton on "Gamification," Kobojo's Karen Hunt and Youssef Faury, partner of CAPPTAIN.com, had a lot to chat about. Youssef's business helps web and mobile apps publishers and developers with acquisition, retention, monetization and offers real-time analytics applied to constant customer engagement and touchpoint. (whew!) I met him through his partner, Laurent Lathieyre, who's been to CWC in New York years ago. Youssef was in NYC from July 3 - 9th meeting companies for partnerships.

MyEasyPet.com's Romain Lhez stopped by and brought along Florent Tardivel whose site (Mayoz.fr) allows amateur and professional photographers have their photographs voted on, then the winner's image is available for purchase, printed on beautiful hardwood. He brought a sample, which we felt would be a good addition to the existing artwork.

This month's cocktail, as the previous three others, was hosted by Recursion Ventures, which creates secure solutions for the world's most critical systems. If you haven't noticed before, Recursion's team has long-time heavy hitters like Henry Bar-Levav, Bobby Mbom and Michael Tiffany. We all know a secure system is a valuable system, so if you want more value--give them a call!

A long-time friend of mine, Victor Le Broussois, stopped by for a quick hello. Victor used to own a company called Stock on Web, but now is in charge of his family's business Country Corner and Interiors. If you crave gorgeous French Country style furniture, you must check them out.

Victor also happens to be the initial reason why I am now living in France. It was thanks to him that I met my husband! Cocktails with Courtney always strives to be personal, and this month was very personal-nay--familial! My Parisian cousin Hillary Goidell stopped by (chic as ever and flawless in her French) and got to hang out with one of my Dallas cousin's who was in town visiting: Randy Pulitzer. Randy's family business prints all kinds of promotional products, including my Cocktails with Courtney napkins. As his business card says, "the fine art of sticking your logo on cool stuff," if you need quality products and excellent service, check them out: pulitzerpromos.com. Randy came with his Paris-based girlfriend, Karen Lowett who has one of the coolest jobs: a middle-school Science teacher at the American School in Paris.

Fellow newish-parents (like me) Angela Peterson Newton and Andrew Newton stopped by for a respite from toddler-dom. Angela and Andrew have been working on several projects around corporate responsibility, the impact of the financial crisis and raising a 2-year old daughter in Paris.

Worldcrunch.com's Irene Toporkoff-Mayer stopped by for a drink, made new friends and reconnected with friends-of-friends. Worldcrunch offers English-language translations of articles from leading newspapers like Le Monde and Die Welt. It's recently gotten a write-up in the New York Times and is gaining momentum. OMGmother.com's founder Nathalie Ohana also popped by with Jean-Marc Larhantec to mix and mingle. Jean-Marc brought his own liquor--it's his own brand he's promoting: Hedonist. Ooh la la!

[Here are some pics from the fete.]

Harvard Business Angels presentation

2011-06-23T05:42:00.001-04:00

Earlier in the month, on Thursday, June 23rd, Nathalie Ohana of OMGmother.com invited me to accompany her to a Harvard Business Angels event at the Restaurant Misia. This evening included cocktails and networking, short presentations, longer presentations, and then dinner. Among the quick presenters were Nathalie's OMGmother.com (of which I'm on her Board of Advisors) and Worldcrunch.com.

The longer presentations, which included financials were: Yoopies.fr which offers various services to parents; Kigo.net offers complete web solutions for companies (and individuals) in the vacation rental business. Distribution of digital books for children was the service offered and presented by Paul Van Den Bossche, who has 5 children so he knows a thing-or-two about kids and books. For the finale, we each got to inspect a gorgeous handmade leather handbag, created by Ragazze Ornamentali.

Over dinner I had a good trip down memory lane with Julien Ulrich, who was in NYC during the big boom with his former company Upoc and is now the Digital Marketing Consultant at Juan. I'm not too sure how many actual Angels were at this dinner, but all the entrepreneurs had a good time meeting each other and comparing notes.

Cocktails with Courtney ~ May

2011-05-25T21:51:00.000-04:00

Imagine the scene: it's rush hour in New York City. Fifth Avenue (or Sixth Avenue if you like). You're between 34th and 42nd Streets and the sidewalks are separated from the street by Police barriers. You've called for a cab (you have to because there are none available). He can't stop because there are police everywhere and there's no where to stop.

This was my circumstance as I headed out of the e-G8 conference towards my "Cocktails with Courtney" event on Wednesday, May 25th, evening. My cab found me though, and after traversing the City of Light we ambled our way up the hill towards the Pantheon. Just below was the little Corsican epicerie (grocery store) that specializes in wines, cheeses and charcuterie from Corsica. The owners also own a trendy cafe around the corner; this one (A Loghja) is opened just when they want or for their friends. Thankfully, one of their friends is a friend of mine--Ms. Nathalie Ohana of OMGmother.com. Sponsored again by Recursion Ventures, we settled in some chairs on the cafe sidewalk, sipped our refreshments and nibbled on some delicious cured hams and cheeses while the other guests arrived. First up was Romain Lhez of MyEastPet.com. Next was Alain Cartier and his friend from Stockholm. Alain was introduced to me via Elizabet Swenson, a long-time friend of CWC. Sarah Besnard of Western Union came after hearing about the event from the Club Amex and Karen Lovitt of the American School came after hearing about it from one of my Dallas cousins! Small world. And it all comes together face-to-face in a simple cocktail party. Some things never change.

Stay tuned for next month's CWC where we'll be featuring * exciting * guest * Kevin Werbach!

e-not-so-Gr8?

2011-05-25T17:56:00.003-04:00

The second day, May 25th, the e-G8 seemed to have lost much momentum. I headed back in the afternoon to catch Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's "conversation" with Publicis's Maurice Levy. It wasn't so much a conversation as a halting question and answer session. Poor little Zuckerberg was baffled a few times by Levy's attempts at banter and his thick French accent left several questions and comments falling flat. Zuckerberg was bravely sweating it out, literally, though. Poor guy was just in a t-shirt and jeans but kept sipping his Gatorade the entire grueling 90 minutes. Wait a minute! Poor guy--he's got millions--never-mind! He can sweat it out for a few minutes. Which he did, while we hung breathlessly on every word.

ZUCKERBERG'S "CONVERSATION"
Some of those words were:
* "The best thing about the Internet is it gives everyone a voice."
* "The basis of being grounded in reality makes Facebook Facebook."
* "The Internet lets the best things rise to the top" (People will select what they like and the services that aren't useful fall by the wayside. Zuckerberg is a true Darwinian.)
* "Location is getting bigger and bigger." (My father always told me, "Location, location, location." Oh wait--that's for Real Estate!)
* "The Internet is competitive and the users make The Best win."
* Zuckerberg thinks there are only 1 or 2 things that companies can do well. He gave Gaming companies as an example. Doesn't think companies should try to be all things to all people. Focus on what you do best and just do that.
* "Social design" - a principal for designing something - is something Zuckerberg takes seriously for Facebook. He "bakes" this concept into all apps going forward. An example was the Friend Request. Initially you had to respond "yes" or "no" to a Friend Request. Through his studies of psychology he knew it made people uncomfortable and that there were real-world consequences for a denial. Changing the "yes/no" to "accept/not now" made it easier for people to politely decline a friend request.
* Advice for entrepreneurs: "Believe in what you're doing."

The first question from the audience came from a Frenchman asking a typically French-styled question, which baffled Zuckerberg, even after Levy tried to translate it. It was about the "transparency" of Facebook and could you trust people's sincerity. After several attempts at understanding this question, once even eliciting a huge laugh from the audience Zuckerberg was even more determined to understand it and answer it. He finally was able to frame it, and responded with, "one of the things I've noticed as the company is being built up is how similar people are and not how different they are."

He said they are "really gearing up for mobile development and have some exciting things coming out." "Most of the world will be accessing the web via Mobile and not computers."

Zuckerberg really kept downplaying Facebook's influence over the Jasmine Revolution. In a final comment, he summed up it all with, "[he] really cares about people being sure they can share their lives with each other." I guess that really does say it all of what the Internet can do for us.

FINAL NETWORKING

The big hype was over and the final "recap" panel had no less than 11 people on it! I stepped out for some air, and to meet some new people before there was total dispersion. Chatting with Qwerly's Max Niederhofer was Linkedin's EMEA Marketing Director Laurence Bret. I also met Advocate-Hypermedia.com's Stanislas De Livonniere and Whoog's founder Geurric Faure who described (in French) his company's service utilizing mobile phones for emergency communications. Back over by the water/juice/soda bar I met Vincent Barbey, Adminium's Director General, who also was celebrating his birthday this day. Adminium's stores all your appliance and utility invoices online. Its real use comes into play when you're at Darty (http://www.darty.com/) (or BestBuy for example) and you have a broken stereo tuner but not your receipt. No problem, log into your Adminium account, find the doc, and have it emailed or faxed to the store from your online account. Pretty nifty, huh?

On my way out I met New York-based ScrollMotion founder Josh Koppel and Scoop.it!'s CEO Guillaume Decugis who described this service as a publishing platform between Blogger and Twitter, helping people find content, and thus users, by locating pertinent items for your site.

Locating content for my site wasn't a problem this week. Thanks e-G8!

e-Gr8 NETWORKING

2011-05-24T17:34:00.004-04:00

Immediately after the opening speeches on Tuesday, May 24th, I ran smack dab into John Perry Barlow and Juliette Powell. They were bubbly and while cynical about Sarkozy's speech, I think we all had Hope for what the rest of the conference could bring.

Shortly after, I ran into the famous Colette Ballou (Ballou PR) who graciously let me stand with her and watch the parade of fans come by to connect with this ultimate connector. She introduced me to Vincent Picou of SquareClock who explained his 3D realtime platform for personal and professional uses and Victoria Ransom, Wildfire Founder and CEO who's grown her business from 7 to 110 people in record time. Some gents gathered round our table for lunch were Ari Wegter of Mogul Associates, Andrew Scott of Urban Horizon, Frank Kelcz, VC/entrepreneur, Richard Titus of Octavian Ventures in the UK and Sokaratis Papfloraratos whose company TrustedPlaces just got acquired. I met Toussaint Roze of Notrefamille.com (which has now grown to 70 people) and has the enviable domain name of genealogie.com (take that geneology.com!) TechHub's Co-founder and CEO Elizabeth Varley was friendly while TechCrunch's Mike Butcher was busy looking at his phone the whole time we chatted.

Other folks spotted in our Internet Celebrity Bingo game were: LeWeb's Geraldine & Loïc Le Meur (who had their own group of fans), Personal Democracy Forum's Andrew Rasiej and the legendary Esther Dyson of EDventure. Gathered in their own little cluster were Ann Winblad (Hummer Winblad), Timothy Draper (Draper Fisher Juvertson) and the other money-holders.

Some new folks were:

Gilles Babinet who is the president of the Conseil Nationale Numerique, a new council (created by Sarkozy on April 27, 2011) to advise the government on digital subjects. This group does not have much support from the press and it seems it isn't destined to be an effective representation of actual digital enterprises and their needs.
Paddy Cogrove, a spritely modest wunderkin has created his buzz by creating a forum for just 150 founders of the companies like Skype, YouTube, Twitter, Wordpress and other leading influencers: F.ounders based in Dublin.

It was a whirlwind once again that I was used to, so I was sad to leave before the big party at Arc...but motherhood demands are more essential than even a hyped-up networking soiree...

e-G8: Opening Speeches by Levy and Sarkozy

2011-05-24T12:05:00.002-04:00

Well. You've read the rest, now read the...Cyber Scene! :)

I can't compete with instant twitterers and bloggers, but I do have the scoop that others don't present. I find my position, of living here in France after having run a successful enterprise in the States, offers a unique perspective. For instance, while many reviews of the e-G8 were negative, I found it extremely useful. I suppose in large part this is because for me this was an over-the-top reunion where I got to see old friends from New York and San Francisco and meet new ones from Paris.

It was an the impressive setup (massive fully-furnished, wired and outfitted tents) in the Tuileries Garden. The an entire section of the sidewalk on rue de Rivoli was blocked off just for e-G8 participants. (Imagine blocking the West side of 5th Avenue's sidewalk from 34th Street to 42nd Street.) Then there was the fact that, according to Philippe Le Corre, Publicis Consultants Partner, who lead the organization of the conference, just 3 days before there was nothing--well, nothing save a gorgeous, historic garden created by a famed landscape architect (Le Notre).

SARKOZY'S SPEECH
The first morning, Tuesday, May 24th, there was a steady flow of reporters, press agents, CEO handlers and catering staff running to and fro. Eventually, everyone settled into the grand hall for Publicis Groupe Chairman & CEO and e-G8 Chairman Maurice Levy's welcoming remarks. Both Levy and Sarkozy spoke in French, which would seem to exclude a large number of attendees. However, French law dictates that for all official public speeches, French representatives must speak in French. Such is the love and respect for their language.

Comments about Sarkozy's speech ranged from "passionnante" (the French woman sitting next to me) to "pure rhetoric" (most everyone else). Some commented it seemed like they were hosting this conference so they can understand the Internet, so they can dominate and control it. I thought Sarko's speech was great. What kind of a statesman would a statesman be if he didn't lead off a conference that he created as his own personal marketing vehicle to demonstrate his interest and knowledge on a subject, days before another massive power mash-up, if he didn't have a speech full of passionate ideals?

I thought it was fascinating to watch Sarkozy speak. But perhaps that's because I can sit and listen to the French language, mesmerized, even if I'm not fully understanding it. Among the tidbits I gleaned, before getting the printed version to follow, were:

* This is a new form of civilization
* You've changed how the world looks at itself
* You've changed the relationship to space (not only by abolishing distance that separates man but it works a virtual world which is, by definition, without limits)
* You've changed the notion of time
* You've changed the the perception of History
* In several years you have shaken up the foundation of the economic world of which you are becoming the major actors
* You've changed the world.
* Something unique in History--this total revolution is immediate and irreparably global.
(Of course a French politician has to talk about REVOLUTION! :))
* Something unique in History--this revolution isn't attached to a person; there is not a flag or slogan; it is for the common good.
* Something unique in History--this revolution was made without violence.
* The discovery of the New World had lead to the annihilation of the American Indians.
* The world revolution that you have embodied, it is peaceful. It was not born on the fields of battle but on the university campuses.

He went on to talk about how this revolution has played a determinate role in other revolutions--from Tunisia to Egypt. Sarkozy continued with passion. Perhaps it was a speech related to a world in his own mind, or one that he's afraid of and wants to ultimately learn how to control, but either way--it was great entertainment.

Questions ranged from the Jasmine Revolution, Arab Spring, "internauts" (someone who knows how to use the internet) in Iran and privacy issues. My favorite was the (now famous) final comment from Jeff Jarvis of the City University of New York: "some say the Internet is the 8th continent; this discussion is wonderful; but I would like to ask the Government to take a Hippocratic Oath: 'Do No Harm!'" to which there was resounding applause by those who understood him.

OpenCoffeeClub klatch

2011-05-19T15:23:00.000-04:00

On May 19th, for just the second time in three years, I made my way over to the OpenCoffeeClub at Cafe Elgi on rue St. Marc. Every Thursday morning a group of technology entrepreneurs meet to unwind, catch up and listen to a member present their business or website.

I arrived just in time to chat with Alain Cavel, Founder & CEO of SocialMetry before the presentations began at 10:40 am. Then, Romain Lhez, Associate Director of MyEasyPet.com presented his website and recent developments, followed by Godefroy de Compreignac, co-founder & developer of Eklablog.com who brought us up to speed on his site.

Afterwards I met Paul Zuliani of Open Media Strategies, who slipped right into French with a Texas accent when he heard me introduce myself. (I guess my accent tipped him off.) English was Iva Pavlovicova (Inexence Group's General Director) first foreign language, in which she explained her luxury custom-made furniture business and other services she provides for Slovak businesses. We all chatted in a combination of French and English for a bit before we each went on to our next adventure of the day.

Each Thursday there is a different theme, and lots of interesting people. It's a nice change from the usual cocktail party--I will be heading back most definitely.

Cocktails with Courtney ~ Paris Debut : April 25

2011-05-11T14:51:00.000-04:00

It was a classic temperate Spring evening on Wednesday, April 25th for the “Cocktails with Courtney” ~ Paris debut. And, classically for this part of the world, the sun was still out when people began arriving at the Flute Bar and Lounge near the Arch de Triompe. As I prepared the room and ordered some pink champagne for guests, several had already arrived: Erzsi Deak, a writer, literary scout & editorial consultant whom I met through Josh Freeman (Director of Interactive Services at Columbia University) and her friends author & illustrator Jeanne de Sainte Marie and Sarah Towle (Time Traveler Tours).

Upstairs in the open lounge (with a large space for the chandelier) was Rozenn Milin who is the director of Sorosoro, an affiliate of the Chirac Foundation, which works to preserve disappearing languages by filming and recording remaining speakers around the world and her friend Aline Rutily.

Next to arrive was the dashing Francois Mouclier (Canal-Luxe.org VP) and his lovely wife Catherine Le Yaouanc who is the GM of the Franco-British Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Francois has a history of being in the fashion world—his father is Jacques Mouclier who was President of Chambre Syndical D'Haute Couture. Catherine is apparently the only woman head of a Chamber of Commerce at this level making this power couple gracious and engaging as we began introducing ourselves.

My cousin (and photographer) Hillary Goidell popped in looking as lithe as ever (she also had a baby shortly after I did) and we spoke with attorney Stanley Gehy (who also has a recycling business in Haiti) about children’s bi-lingual language acquisition.

The dynamic Nathalie Ohana (OMGmother.com) arrived with a great gaggle of good-looking geeks—all entrepreneurs who are working in the web and developing cool sites. These were: Margaux Derhy (La Petit Etoile.net) who writes business plans and business development for companies and Hélène Duthilleul and Karine Sabolovic (MadamePopandKids.com) which transforms your child’s drawings into real art (on a canvas, a pillow and more! Nathalie facilitated many introductions, easy for her as her whole business is about creating a network—that is a trusted network of friends for your child. These trusted friends become OMGparents...so your child can have more than just one set of God-parents. They can have “OMGParents” for all those “oh my God” moments in your child’s life!

Then the dudes arrived with their classic French casual charm-- Raphael Vannier and Ygal Sananes of (seventyone-percent.com) who’ve created a line of super slick sunscreen for surfers after seeing a gap in the market for this demographic. Emmanuel Cassimatis could be considered a “vrai” serial entrepreneur already—he’s founded Goodwizz, a global social meeting network that helps people go beyond that first contact and previously co-founded an energy company, EGG-energy and founded an NGO Paper for All. And Mr. Urban Linker himself, that's Jonathan Azoulay, stopped by--he's the one to know if you want to recruit someone in Information Technology.

I had a chance to chat with Philip Yook, a lawyer who’s spending some time traveling and enjoying what life has to offer around the world and Karen Hunt, who just started with Kobojo which creates social games for Facebook or iPhone (and just raised $7.7 million).

Flutes of pink champagne were sipped, tea sandwiches were nibbled on as this nice mix of young entrepreneurs, artists and business-minded creators had a chance to meet each other in this first intimate, convivial and special “Cocktails with Courtney.” Sponsored by Recursion Ventures, which develops solutions for the world’s most critical systems, making them more secure and valuable as a result, I can say the buzz from this first event will build. I can feel it. And this month (May 25th) we’re smack dab in the middle of the eG8 forum. Stay tuned for some titillating exposure of the Parisian Cyber Scene!

Doubleclick's "The Gallery of the Alley"

2011-04-27T09:58:00.000-04:00

Just before you fall into the river, there's a loft space that has lots of

parties. It's very far west and on Tuesday, April 27th Doubleclick

took advantage of the stunning views and vastland for their latest

themed party "The Gallery of the Alley." All the striking photographs

that were on display were taken by Paul Hunter, who works in

Doubleclick's mailroom. Mark Stahlman and Debbie Newman

(DejaNews), Jeff Heron (SCIO-Ltd.) and Manos Megagianis

(Teknowledge) were milling about the suspended photographs. And

Scott Heiferman was beaming as he announced he was going to

confiscate the "American Gothic" imitation of Kevin O'Connor. The

Ecom guys were there (we'd all been following each other around

since breakfast), Brand Dialogue's David Israel and Kit Cody and

Amy Shapiro were enjoying some of the yummy hot hors d'oeuvres

and desserts that were getting passed around. Dynamic duo team

Roger (CEO, LIFilm.com) and Marissa Raderman (Doubleclick and

LIFilm) were there. These two are so hip and trendy I think someone

should write into the Sony studios and tell Donny & Marie to watch

out! Before I left I chatted a bit with Chip Austin and Bradford Farkas

(Lazard Partners). Each photograph had a Silicon Alley professional

attribute a quote to it and naturally, on eof the best quotes came from

Doubleclick's CEO Kevin O'Connor -- "It's not about working harder,

it's about dreaming bigger."

Art Directors Club panel "The Latest vs. The Greatest"

2011-04-27T09:57:00.000-04:00

It wasn't totally a mosh pit, but the Art Directors Club panel on "The

Latest vs. The Greatest" on Tuesday, April 27th was a showdown

between seasoned advertising design industry shapers and scrappy

young revolutionaries. Anthony Vagnoni, editor-at-large "Advertising

Age" kept the light and pointed conversations between Jerry Della

Femina, Allan Beaver, Ed McCabe, Paul Thayer, and Steven Grasse.

Jeff Weiss definitely was on the progressive front, but paid homage to

the wizened greats who had lots of laughs and stories about how they

started. Before the panel started I met Donna Belej, an account

exec/researcher with Image Bank and SVA students Dave Arnold and

Jason Rogers. Bill Oberlander, exec. creative director of Kirshenbaum,

Bond & Partners was there along with Jonann Tansman (VP,

associate Creative director, BBDO) and bubbly Amanda Angotti

(BBDO) and an FIT and Tuoro college professor (name escaped me).

I took the serious look on Tyme Gadson's face for real when he said

he is from Monsoon, a rival design shop in Philadelphia to Grasse's

shop. Even people from Brazil -- Fabricio Branco -- and London --

Adam Helliwell -- came for the panel. Well, actually Fabrico is

studying and living here, and Adam moved here to work in the

super-uber cool design shop The Attik (with super hip plastic credit

card business cards).

Tenagra Awards for Internet Marketing Excellence

2011-04-27T09:56:00.000-04:00

The Tenagra Awards for Internet Marketing Excellence on Tuesday,

April 27th, drew a glittery digerati crowd. These awards are the

Internet marketing industry's oldest peer-review awards program

where a panel of leading Internet marketing experts recognize

achievements each year that have made a fundamental impact on the

way marketing, public relations, and advertising are done on the

Internet. K2 Design won but Tom Hespos only had the box with him

(at the Doubleclick party later that night) as the creative director ran

off with it -- most likely to show friends and family. Steve Nesle,

executive creative director at Modem Media.PoppeTyson said the

"design is elegant and works because it keeps the focus on the

message." I had a chance to speak with Steve Roth, co-founder

Thunder Lizard, and more than 500 attendees also got to witness the

ClickZ challenge, where K2, Beyond Interactive, Lot 21 and BBDO

developed campaigns to generate online contributions for the Doug

Flutie Jr. Foundation, which benefits autism awareness and research,

and names for the Flutie Foundation mailing list. The agency that

produces the best results, as measured by the AdKnowledge System,

will win the grand prize. Lee Wright's panel revealed results from their

1999 national benchmark study on Client Satisfaction with Interactive

Services Firms. It's due out May 17th and you can find out more.

Thunder Lizard Productions' Web Advertising '99

2011-04-27T09:55:00.001-04:00

Meanwhile, down the Alley a bit, at the Marriott World Trade Center,

Thunder Lizard Productions' Web Advertising '99 was filling the

grand ballroom. I had a chance to speak with Steve Roth, co-founder

of Thunder Lizard, and his vision of creating a conference that's

content rich -- and not just a bunch of CEOs pontificating -- is clearly

indicated by the panel topics and list of speakers. From Sunday, April

25th through Wednesday, April 28th, people came from around the

world to hear successful web ad/marketing related professionals like

Thom Forbes, conference chair, Mara Lipacas (ChannelSeven) and

Tom Hespos (K2 Design) speak. Hespos (who also publishes the

On-line Advertising Forum) doled out practical advice on what web ad

tricks really work with Brad Aronson (I-frontier) and Jeremy Haft

(consultant).

Sweater Magazine, SoundScan, and Concrete Marketing's celebration

2011-02-10T09:23:00.000-05:00

The swank red velvet curtained-encased room oozed with Music and Magazine industry folks at Sweater Magazine, SoundScan, and Concrete Marketing's celebration of launching of their first issue with the new Electronic Soundscan Chart that will be running in "Sweater" at Spy Bar in Soho on Tuesday, 2/10 at the Spy Bar Soho. Lounging in old chaises and chairs, leaning 'gainst velvet wallpapered walls, and exuding an excitable energy the young hip crowd coolly waited for the special guests Novamute Records' Luke Slater (UK) and DJ X-Rae to show up. Free Smirnoff drinks calmed some, others were mellow on their own-like Dan Deming (proofreader at "Forbes") and his girlfriend Liz Koch (college radio promotions, Ignition Records). They came 'cause they knew John Davis (sen. acct. rep, Concrete Marketing). Concrete Marketing President Bob Chiappard said, "The underground electronic music scene has been gaining more and more notoriety...and driven by the recent music festivals and burgeoning electronic club scene." I'll say-it doesn't stop!

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

Startup Ranking

2010-06-17T08:11:00.001-04:00

While I am sure this site is worthwhile (have to still investigate it), their domain name is a bit unfortunate. I understand the rationale for having the domain name the same as their site, but, I'm sorry, startupranking.com looks like Start U Pranking.com to me!

Red Herring's European Vacation

2010-06-17T04:06:00.002-04:00

The second-to-last week in May was an event-full one in Paris, France. Guy Kawasaki was in town to host the 6th Microsoft BizSpark European Summit on growth and entrepreneurship on May 25th and the Red Herring hosted its ''Top 100'' Awards event from May 25 - 27. [Spoiler-alert: Everyone who attended received an award!]

I only got a few email exchanges in with Guy--he was also vacationing with his wife--but based on tweets and blog posts his seminar was a hit. (When isn't Guy a hit?!)

Alex Vieux, the publisher and CEO of Red Herring, on the other hand, may have had a ''hit'' put out on him! The Red Herring conference, recognizing the leading private companies in Europe, had all the potential to be a meaningful and worthy event, but left participants frustrated and angry.

I was there representing the incredibly successful social media marketing company, Social Radius. During the cocktails and dinners I had a chance to meet some of the participants.

Unfortunately, the first cocktail party, on May 25th, was not very well attended. They had a gorgeous room at the Hotel Luticia, where the conference took place, and enough food for 200 people. Sadly only about 40 people were there. As a sponsor, it was disappointing they didn't provide a table for our brochures and cards.

I met Squace.com's John Graham, which does bookmarking for mobile applications; Clean Mobile AG's CEO Werner Gruber, which does clean technology for all motorized “vehicles” smaller than a car (meaning scooters, e-bikes, etc.); ogone.com's head of marketing Bruno Brusselmans (payment systems for online clients) and Datanomic's Chief Strategy Officer Steve Tuck. On the other side of the room I chatted with Canatu's David Brown and the Sports Alliance's Anthony Khan, who unfortunately left all his business cards on the Eurostar. Hate it when that happens!

Wednesday night, May 26, gave me the opportunity to chat more with Atos Origin's SVP Global Innovation Bruno VAFFIER, who is doing the IT for the Olympics. They're interested in meeting and buying young new companies that are innovative, and Flimmit Advisory Board member Ronald Lintner, who presented today. Avast CEO Vincent Steckler generated some interesting discussions over dinner as he was from Santa Monica AND has a Las Vegas phone number. He lived in Singapore and is now in Prague. Actually, almost all the Americans I met at this conference live in Europe now. Another ''squace(.com)-er'', Frank Verschoor worked as a VC when he lived in the states and now is in Holland.

The general feeling of disappointment at the low turn-out and poor organization grew from the first night. Apparently the opening speech by Alex Vieux was 45 minutes of depressing material. There was a low turnout and not as many VCs nor new companies. That said, many also recognized that this is the new reality it’s 2010 after a world financial crisis and not the heady days of 2007 or 2000!

The final night, Thursday May 27, felt like a scene from the ''Lord of the Flies.'' The evening dinner started late, like everything. And while on the first night there was food for 100 with only 40 who showed, tonight there were about 90 people and tables set only for 40! WHOOPS. Also, Alex Vieux left the conference and there were rumors that he “took his own advice: take the money and go.” At my table, some guys did a search on their phones and found this article, which fueled and fanned the hot and bothered (not in a good way) fires.

Between heckles throughout our dinner, my dining companions were EnQii Group CEO Ajay Chowdhurt, who also made some interesting points during Anthony Khan's roundtable on ''Monetizing the Social Network,'' Batley Capital Ltd's managing director Nasser Batley, Reform Tech's VP M&S and Founder Daniel Hagstrom, Red Solution's CEO Jayden Khakurel and Bizk.it Co-founder Eugene Kouumdjieff. Copernica sales marketer Walter Van Der Scheer was just one of this very lively bunch, who all arrived late, occupied their own table and all wore something red (Converse, a tie, a belt), as part of their brand-extension.

To my right was AttracTV founder & CEO Tzahi Sofer. We had a great chat about NY and about the difficulties marketing a startup when funds are restricted. This very energetic fellow from Tel-Aviv was telling me about the burgeoning technology scene and other advantages of Tel-Aviv. A solid entrepreneur, AttracTV is a neat product in its early stages. If you're looking to take on a young but hot company to help take them to the next level--contact them!

After a long day and dinner, the awards weren't presented until 9:30, well past the attention span for these already-unhappy attendees. Everyone in the room got an award. The atmosphere was like kids from a summer camp. At each announcement everyone would cheer and applaud. They were giddy with the ridiculousness of having to sit and wait for this dinner, the bad taste in their mouths from the poorly organized and not-well-attended conference and then sit through 100 awards.

The spirit of “this-conference-was-so-badly-organized-let’s-band-together-and-laugh-about-it” was a thin veil for the disgust people felt--they paid a lot of money and had high hopes. This conference could've been organized so easily--I wish I'd know they needed help so I could've perhaps assisted.

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2010-04-30T15:47:00.001-04:00

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Newsletter "push" versus Facebook "push-n-pull"

2009-05-01T09:41:00.003-04:00

Over the last few years I've been becoming increasingly aware of my pulling back from expressing myself online. A large part of it is related to the fact that when the industry quieted down, I got busy offline, and thus didn't have as many events to report. But then, there always were some things going on. And when the industry in New York, and other towns began heating up again...I just wasn't as compelled. Perhaps it's a bit of the "been there, done that." Perhaps it's a bit of the fact that I just needed to move on in some way.

Well, I have moved on for sure. In certain ways. For example, I moved to France to live with my boyfriend. And then we got married. That was a big move emotionally and physically!

And now--well, I guess I could say my next "move" is a move inside me. Literally. That is to say that by the end of the summer there will be a Courtney 2.0 wandering the globe. Well, of course, "Courtney 2.0" will be wandering the globe in a carrier or carriage with me for the first few years! Yes folks, my big exciting "cyber" news is that I'm pregnant. 5 months. Wow. I know. Even for me, it's major.

Perhaps all this "retreating" from my online identity was to help me solidify my offline one. Of course, I've always felt my offline identity was just as strong as the online one. But perhaps it was more of just giving me a chance to focus on my offline life, and let the online world go on without me for a few years.

Either way, I certainly have had equally significant results!

The other aspect of my "online identity" that's been bugging me is Facebook. I'm not sure why I feel like I can write confessionals here and not worry so much about what people think and yet putting a status update on Facebook (or Twitter) is just so nervewracking for me. Is it because of the instant feedback? Is it because I am more comfortable with the form I've been using for 11 years (a newsletter)(push medium). Is it because after everything that's gone on since the early 2000s (market crash, business crash, 9/11, divorce) has left me a still a bit burned and less interested in being "out there."

Well, whatever the reasons (thank you for indulging me in this inner monologue, those of you who have bothered to continue reading this far), I took a daring leap and updated Facebook with my new news.

I guess what motivates me is doing things that terrify me. I am sure there are articles (I've read a few) on the social implications people struggle with when using new, more immediate formats of social interacting. The homepages of old and formats like this newsletter seem pretty dated. And yet, blogs aren't compelling to me so much. Is it because I'm not interested in what people say? No. Is it because I am afraid of what people think about me? Not really. Is it because sometimes I just feel like there's so much drivel out there anyway, why bother adding to it? Or is it because I'm an artist-at-heart and I need a change to my canvas? Perhaps it's a bit of all of these.

Either way, safely ensconced here in Paris (with something safely ensconced in me), I am feeling a bit braver. I can't promise more frequent updates still (unless you want to read about baby's poop and spittle). But I can tell you, after years of talking about it and promising to do it--I have done it. I am working on my book. And I'm not asking for comments and input from people because I'm not ready yet. Perhaps I will contact some of you for specific recollections. But more honestly I will be plugging away, one day at a time, till I'm ready to make the next announcement.

Thank you for your time and attention. You may now return to your regularly scheduled distractions.

Dial-By-Numbers

2009-02-16T07:05:00.002-05:00

The line between viewer participation in contemporary art has melded completely in the Seville Biennial. For its Biennial, the city of Seville has created a link between the internet and real-world by allowing people all over the world to change the colors on a tower. The project, "Colour By Numbers" is a light installation in the citys Tower of Perdigones.

Like the earliest Web-TV show I recall (YORB), you affect change elsewhere via the keypad on your phone. Calling the listed number, you control the color of the lights on each floor of the tower through a code on the website. You can watch the result via a live web feed.

Check it out: http://colourbynumbers.org/

Pays Basque - France Profonde

2009-01-31T14:22:00.005-05:00

I woke up a bit under the weather today--probably too much sun and wind yesterday contrasting with cold, damp wetness from the days before. Either way, it was back to grey, misty, overcast weather so we drove up and into the Basque countryside, getting a glimpse into what is sometimes famously referred to as "France Profonde."

Driving through a number of small towns, many of which were not even on our "Map of France," I was able to see for myself a significant aspect of life in this part of France. The Frontons. Each little town featured it's own main hotel, of which one side was a fronton. "Fronton" was usually part of the name.

My favorite town was Esplette, which was mostly closed because it was a Saturday at lunchtime in January, but charmed me nonetheless. Little towns in the mountainsides are my favorites, I've decided. Sure I love being by the seaside and all the saltiness that goes with that, but give me fresh mountain air anytime! Here is another charming report on Esplette by a new New York-Parisian friend Dorie Greenspan.

Walking through town I purchased two pimento sauces (one spicy and one sweet), sampled some delicious chocolate with peppers and purchased some pretty pottery.

A couple stopped us on the street (there was no one else there) and asked what we were doing there and where we were from. He explained that the road was destroyed by the hurricane and the woman said, "it's nice weather, isn't it?" Well, it's nice weather if your from Esplette, perhaps. At least it wasn't raining, which is what prompted her remark.

Since they looked close by, I wanted to check out the "grottos." Forty-five minutes later through windy roads, mountain passes and long stretches of countryside we turned off to the Grotto parking, only to see the sign, "Closed till March 15." Well, I got lots of pictures along the way!

After a quick lunch back at home, we headed into Biarritz to check out the Mediatheque. It's immense and a modern multiplex -- incredible right in the center of town. Heading further into the town, closer to the beaches, we did a little shopping and then enjoyed a delicious chocolate at the famous Dodin*, watching thunderous waves crashing into the beach over stormy skies.

* I could not find any decent links to Dodin so I am going to post my comments on the existing sites so there is at least SOME info!

Bidart - Day Four (into Spain)

2009-01-30T15:32:00.007-05:00

The sun peeked out this morning and graced us with her sunny, warm presence all day.

After another relaxing morning, I made a delicious lunch of Salmon and Salad with some soy sauce concoction I created. E had "yellow food:" chicken with cheddar and a sweet potato.

In the late afternoon we drove for an half-hour to San Sebastian, Spain. We wandered around the "plages" (beaches) and the old town before heading back via an alternate route.

-= View the Sites of San Sebastian =-

I was ready for some more yummy seafood and we went to the popular Tantina de la Playa, which, although dark outside, still had spectacular ocean-side viewing.

And here are some photos of my melt-in-your-mouth sole, polished off by the famous Basque cake of Bidart!

Bidart - Third Night

2009-01-29T23:00:00.001-05:00

For dinner this night we headed into St. Jean de Luz for dinner at Emmanuel's friends apartment. Over some roasted chicken and potatoes we watched an episode of "Section de Recherches" on TF1, which both Emmanuel and his friend, the actor Jean-Pascal Lascoste work on.

Bidart Day Three: Sun and Surf

2009-01-29T11:23:00.005-05:00

Whoo! The sun was out this morning, and, after being covered by the clouds and rain till about noon, came out increasingly for a long afternoon of blue skies and (fluffier) clouds.

This morning we had a nice breakfast by the double-doors to enjoy the view of the little houses dotting the hills and far-off mountains. All the houses (and commercial buildings) are painted one of four colors. They are all about the same range of white or cream for the base and the shutters and trim are either maroon, brown, forest green or a marine blue (with some variations). It can alternate between charming and annoying.

There are also lots of large courts for a sport called pelota and cesta, which I had mistaken for racquetball the first night. (I know, I know, the provincialism is astounding...) More info on Buber and on Wiki.

More photos from the day...

We mobilized with the pup to one of the beaches where Teddy ran and ran and ran and we walked around, finding a large stream that runs from the town into the ocean. Neat! Then we drove to Guerthary and I snacked on a pasteurized Goat's milk cheese, a baguette and an apple for a picnic as we watched a handful of surfers wait for a good wave. Yum! Then we walked down to another beach where the rocks were amazing and we saw more surfers.

Tonight we're having dinner over at our friend's house in St. Jean de Luz.

Bidart: Day Two: Lounging and groceries

2009-01-28T08:33:00.001-05:00

Today was a lazy day. We woke up around 9am and after walking down to the little fake Casino (grocery chain), we came back home and I cooked up a big breakfast of eggs and toast with orange juice. It was a "fake" Casino because the store was called Casino, everything inside was a Casino brand but they wouldn't let us use our Casino fidelity card. "We're not associated with them." Huh.

After breakfast Emmanuel played around with Wii fitness and I worked online. Around 4pm we got into the car and headed to St. Jean de Luz. We drove around the town a bit and on our way back stopped at Casa and Carrfour for household items and groceries. Carrfour is like a Kmart with groceries.

When we came home I cooked a dinner of lamb steaks, rice and peas, and, after a little bath went to sleep by 11.

Super exciting, non?

Bidart - First Night

2009-01-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

Our trip to Bidart started off in the typical French way. Because of Hurricanes the week before, roads and rails were closed. That was a week ago and there's been time to clear the way (see below). Our train to Bidart was confirmed on the web the night before and this morning. However, when we showed up at the train station, trains to Bidart were only going to Bordeaux, about 2 hours away. All the rental cars at the Bordeaux train station were already reserved. Our train was direct so we couldn't get out one stop before Bordeaux to get a car there. We canceled our train tickets and rented a car from Paris and drove 8.5 hours to get here.

The house we're staying in felt a little creepy--the door was blown open and a light was on. But fortunately no one had entered since our friends (who are renting it) left it a week ago.

We took a little drive around town, basically one big city block and had dinner at the only open restaurant--Elissaldia--a hotel in town that looks like it serves as the main gathering point for everyone. There is a large square in front and a large racquetball court in back. Men come in to play and then take a beer at the bar afterwards. I enjoyed a delicious Hake (merlu en francais) and salad. Emmanuel enjoyed fresh fois and duck. For dessert-- a traditional Basque cake and an apple tart.

After all that, I was in bed by 9:30 and ready for a long night's sleep.

Inauguration Events ~ around Paris

2009-01-20T13:39:00.001-05:00

Ex-pats, and citizens, around the world stood shoulder-to-shoulder to watch the historic day of Barack Obama's Presidential inauguration.

Events lived up to their promise to be the largest in history, with record numbers in Washington. More than 100 Democrats Abroad inaugural celebrations were planned worldwide, even in places as remote as Zambia. Large events and formal balls were held in cities from London to Hong Kong, from Berlin to Sydney and most celebrations featured live coverage of President Obama's Inaugural Address (or recorded versions replayed due to time differences).

International Chair, Democrats Abroad, Christine Schon Marques wrote in a DA email, "As an organization, we know that Democrats Abroad made significant differences in elections across the country. Our vote mattered and our efforts paid off. We plan to celebrate President Obama's inauguration in every corner of the world and join in renewing America's promise."

I was lucky enough to get a "golden" ticket to the Hotel de Ville in Paris and seep in history as history was being made.

Here are all the spectacular pictures!

------------------------------------------------------------
And these were some of the other events that went on around town:
In Marseille
Cocktail party starts at 5:00 pm on La Boate 35 rue de la Paix, 13001 Marseille to watch the inauguration ceremony LIVE at 6:00 pm on a big screen. In association with Conseil Représentatif des Associations Noires PACA and Media Euroméditerranéen des Diversités à Marseille.

In Toulouse
A special event being organized by the American Consulate in cooperation with the City of Toulouse and an NGO, le Conseil Representif des Associations Noires (CRAN). Speech by Dominique Nitoumbi, Président of CRAN Midi-Pyrénées and David Brown, U.S. Consul. The festivities will include live television coverage of the inauguration as well as a talk by Fulbright Distinguished Professor Lorenzo Morris of Howard University and the University of Paris. Salle municipale Osète: Immeuble Duranti 6, rue du Lt-Colonel Pelissier 31000 (Métro Capitole, parking St George).

In Strasbourg
Starting at 5pm at the Dubliners Pub, Rue du VIeux Marché aux Vinx. Live streaming on Big Screen TV CNN.

In Avignon
Starting at 5pm at the "Restaurant 75", 78 Rue Guillaume Puy. Large screen viewing of ceremonies, parade, etc, with Champagne. Followed by cocktail dinatoire and dancing with live music.

In Paris

The American Library
Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States soon. At the Library we'll be marking this historic moment with a special book display, a live broadcast of the inaugural address, and an evening discussion focused on the promise of change on the international stage.
17h30: Live broadcast of the swearing-in ceremonies and inaugural address.
19h30: Political analyst Thierry Leterre on ‘The 2008 election viewed from Europe: A world ballot?’ A Current Events Forum in cooperation with WICE.
Tel: 01 53 59 12 60
10, rue du Général Camou, 75007
http://www.americanlibraryinparis.org/

The American Church in Paris
The American Church in Paris will have an Inauguration Prayer Service at 7:30 P.M. It will be a 30 minute service featuring a gospel choir, followed by the viewing of the speech. Afterwards they will have a reception with music, snacks and wine. All are welcome. This is a free event. 65 Quai D'orsay, 75007. www.acparis.org

BIZZ’ ART (ex OPUS)
OBAMA DAY “Yes, We Can!!”
From 6pm to 2am, free entry
Rebroadcast of Inauguration on a big screen, Expo-Sale of Obama clothing (silkscreened by XULY BET) , Photo exhibition, and Concert of and soul music featuring several groups including Chicago musician Sean Haefeli.
OPUS 167 quai de Valmy 75010 Paris - M° Louis Blanc - Tel 01 40 34 70 00
http://opusclub.free.fr/

The Highlander
“THE Scottish Pub in Paris”
Special American Inauguration 2009 Party, also sponsored by POLITICAL PUB, bar opens at 5:00pm
8 rue Nevers 75006, across from Pont Neuf.
http://www.the-highlander.fr/index.php

The Moose (Canadian Bar)
They have 11 big screens and at least one will be showing the Inauguration! Tuesdays are Ladies’ Nights AND it will be Happy Hour until 8pm.
16, rue de Quatre Vents, 75006
Tel: 01 46 33 77 00
http://www.canadianbarsparis.com/themoose/swf/index.htm

Breakfast in America
We will be tuning in live @ 4pm (16H00) Paris time to see who Obama's guests will be before he gives his big acceptance speech! So come and join us for this historic event!
17, rue des Ecoles
75005 Paris, France
Métro: Cardinal LeMoine or Jussieu
Tel: 01 43 54 50 28

Queenie and Queen
Get the party started at Le Queenie, starting at 8:00 pm. Then move on to Queen, opening its doors at 10:00 pm, with the Inauguration playing on the big screen and dancing until dawn. RSVP to obama.obamaparisinauguration.p@gmail.com so they know how many to expect. This is not a ticketed event, but Queen has a €15 cover charge after midnight. Visit their website for more info: www.queen.fr Le Queenie, 5 rue des Berri, 75008 Paris and Queen, 102 Avenue Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris

Carr’s Irish Restaurant & Bar
will show the Inauguration on Tuesday next, 20th January.
Watch the swearing-in and acceptance speech on CNN on large screens,
with television coverage starting at 4.30pm.
Congratulations to Americans everywhere, and our very best wishes for 2009
Carr’s Irish Restaurant and Bar, 1 rue du Mont Thabor, 75001 Paris

Joe Allen
will show the Inauguration on Tuesday next, 20th January.
Watch the swearing-in and acceptance speech on CNN on large screens,
with television coverage starting at 4.30pm.
Joe Allen, 30 Rue Pierre Lescot, Paris, 75001, 014236 7013
------------------------------------------------------------

Technological Gifts

2008-12-18T13:10:00.000-05:00

Technorati Profile

Bloggers Have a Voice

2008-11-28T05:57:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving was especially potent for me yesterday as I celebrated with new friends and my fiance here in Paris. I was thankful I was able to prepare some delicious side dishes from my mother's cookbook to share, but mostly thankful that God's given me this enviable life today. I say enviable because many people envy it. And while it is "God given," I worked hard for the life I have today. And when I say "worked hard," I worked hard on myself, on improving areas of my life that weren't working so well anymore and becoming a better person (to myself and to others). I have some projects I'm slowly commencing on, and I am able to let myself be "in process" and not feel rushed to be the first to market, so to speak.

I was also brutally aware of my gifts in life as I watched, on the various news channels, the horrible events unfolding in India. Grateful I was safe (for today) and not in a terrorist situation. And my heart going out to everyone - but everyone - involved.

What was also an amusing--and very revealing--statement to me was on CNN. Bloggers were criticizing security in India. This in itself is not shocking. The events and security issues could be shocking. What was so amazing to me was that CNN is giving credibility/a voice to bloggers and their opinions. Of course, this isn't shocking in today's times. I'll be the first to admit that bloggers have changed the world. When more people blog, and more voices are heard, global changes begin because it's a global consciousness being raised. Bloggers are doing that. What's amazing to me is the near-futuristic reality of it all.

When was it when we said, "one day bloggers will be an important voice in media today." When was it when we said, "bloggers opinions will be so important they are cast on mainstream, network television."

Well, that day has come.

And for that, I, too, am thankful.

L'amour d'Obama

2008-11-05T13:54:00.003-05:00

Even before the elections I knew, by practically every French person I spoke to, that the French love Obama. He was spoken about favorably by the media and spoken about frequently. What was even more amazing to witness was that these feelings were given an opportunity for expression, which the French normally do only reluctantly (other than at dinner parties and with close friends). As soon as I stepped out of my apartment, I saw two girls, one with OBAMA on her right cheek in black ink, scurrying down the sidewalk. On the metro, a wizzened old "hipster" wore an ObamaElection08 T-shirt and had pins on his jacket. People were reading the free "Metro" papers given out on the subway that had all the up-to-date analysis and numbers. Back at home, each channel (this morning too) was covering all the angles of the election. Most channels also showed coverage from around the world. People all around the world are jumping up, hootin' and hollerin' with joy at Obama's victory. Once again, I heard that "Obama is the President of the world" because for many, the man who is president of the United States carries power to affect the world. Everyone is caught up in the wave of enthusiasm and hope that Obama's message carries.

The World Transfixed

2008-11-04T17:56:00.002-05:00

The parties have started and most expat bars have their satellite TVs tuned to "France 24" or "CNN" as they host all-night election events. I'm home sick, unfortunately, but have our 50" flat-screen TV tuned to CNBC. Many in Paris consider this election for the "President of the World," as the President of the United States has so much influence and power on world events. It's fascinating to observe foreign attitudes towards "my country." I've never felt more patriotic till I moved abroad, no matter for how little time it might be.

Obama and Palin Dancing With The Stars

2008-11-03T02:57:00.002-05:00

Obama and Palin Dancing With The Stars
Originally uploaded by Photo Giddy

This is scary. And funny. Meanwhile, it is very interesting to observe how the French love Obama. There are 1/2 page ads/promotions that I saw in the Sunday paper, and the journalists love talking about him. There are at least four major Election Night parties (ranging from 10 to 160 euros) going on for Democrats and Republicans together. This could be dangerous normally but they're united by the fact that they're also American at the base. And there are parties for each party individually, not to mention that for each of these, Americans (and other expats), throughout the City of Light are hosting parties in their homes. Of course, unlike Election Night parties in the States, these all BEGIN at midnight and go on through the night till 6:00 am (yes, all of them). One will be serving Barack Obagels beginning at 3:00 am. The French/English TV news channel "France 24" is hosting a free party beginning at 7:00 am, also serving coffee.

Networks

2008-11-02T13:19:00.000-05:00

On LinkedIn at: http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/1152297
and my own personal network: http://www.cocktailswithcourtney.com

Merci!

Madonna was a bust

2008-09-21T23:30:00.000-04:00

We saw the Madonna concert on 9/21/08 at the Stade de France and it was a bust. The best part about our seats was that they were in the section called the "Vomitoire." If that doesn't say it all, what does? I love it because "vomir" in french means "to throw," as in throw things from your seats (back in the coliseum days) when you didn't like the show.

I also like how the "no smoking" rule for Parisians seems to be voided just because they are sitting outdoors. Um, it's a tightly packed place with winds and non-smokers get whiffs of all that toxic tobacco just the same.

Reverbs with sound, and sitting so far away that even the video screens were smaller than Emmanuel's TV made the experience complete. I actually don't know if I saw Madonna. I saw a blond puff hopping around from about a football-field's lenght up and away!

Oh well. Viva la difference (between Bercy (where we saw Coldplay) and the Stade)!

Waiting for Madonna

2008-09-21T13:00:00.000-04:00

Sunday morning, the 21st of September, I was strolling past the Hotel de Crillon after church (yes, I go to church) and I noticed a crowd. I found out they were all waiting for Madonna. Okay, why not? I'll see* her later that same night, but what the heck?! Pretty quickly I got bored so I decided to film the other "more interesting" people coming in and out of the Crillon. That made it much more interesting! ;) Et, voila!

*See: See the next post, where I was up in the Vomitoire and didn't really even "see" madonna.

OpenID vs. ClaimID

2008-08-27T08:25:00.001-04:00

Another question on my mind: what's the real value of using ClaimID? It seems like just another application I have to use to add to sites, log-ins, etc...

The beginning of the freeing of Courtney!

2008-08-27T08:23:00.001-04:00

So I am finally getting in front of a computer, looking at "new" technology (some of which is old hat to all you cyber-savvy folks... and I know saying "cyber savvy" is old!)... What's the best way to display/show off photographic galleries on the web? Flock? I can't use Flickr out of loyalty to my friends at Fotki... working on getting the Courtney voice out there in as many new ways as I feel comfortable... so, as usual, "stay tuned."

Summer Holidays

2008-08-14T02:37:00.002-04:00

Welcome cyber-surfers!
Summer's lazy days are seen everywhere as people drop off like flies heading into their well-deserved vacations. I'm doing more personal reflecting and a change in direction of my writing and creative output. More on this soon, I hope.
Until the Fall,
Courtney

No Dogs Allowed!

2008-04-28T10:41:00.003-04:00

Contrary to popular opinion, dogs are not allowed everywhere in France. Dogs are not only not allowed in parks, but also any establishment that sells food (including restaurants). Health codes in restaurants don't bother me, but parks?! Come on! Furthermore, it wouldn't be so upsetting if I wasn't misled to believe that "the French love dogs" and "you can take them everywhere.

Nada Online

2008-04-28T10:41:00.002-04:00

I haven't had internet or home phone service in about a week. And I won't have it perhaps until after May 5th. Welcome to the Digital Age in France! Oh my! It's really quite a shock, coming from digitally-equipped-to-the-rafters NYC and USA to find out that in France, well, technology (and the corresponding customer-service) are still a bit in the "Moyen Age." Even more amazing is to find out that the reason why my entire "arrondisement" (neighborhood) was without service for the weekend was because people are still stealing the copper wires inside the cables because the copper is worth more (than the need for connectivity apparently). http://jeanmarcmorandini.tele7.fr/article-14810.html

Cocktails With Courtney

2008-04-28T10:40:00.000-04:00

Cocktails with Courtney on March 26th at Café Bennett was an illustrious event with a wide range of professionals in attendance. Jewelry designer Shauna Giesbrecht brought Career Transitions coach Kim Sumner. Pediatrician Andrea Andrea McCullough-Hlobik and her husband (ground-breaking) surgeon Kyle and their friend from Argentina stopped in for a prolonged stay and encouraged me to order dinner too! Journalist Amy Kraft stopped by before flying off to make New York City her new home. The next one is tomorrow so, once again, stay tuned for a quick recap!

Cocktails With Courtney

2008-03-19T15:25:00.002-04:00

Cocktails with Courtney

DATE: March 26th
PLACE: Bennett
RSVP: cocktails@pulitzer.com

InterNation-ally Yours

2008-03-19T15:24:00.002-04:00

Last night was Paris's largest international Meetup. I didn't get to that one (next time!). I did, however, get to Paris's first InterNations, soiree on March 13th at Carr's Irish Pub. I met many interesting expats: Gary from Berkeley, who's been here 17 years; Melissa from New York, who's here 10 months and working for Nestle; and Andy Coyne, who I suspect you will hear much more about in the coming months. He's a major organizer of expat events here in Paris, and generates a big event each time. There were many other interesting artists and business-folks, some who'd come from the group Kunveno, which also holds artistic-type soirees. Here are two pictures from the InterNations blog, courtesy of Andy's friend James Kigin: one, two

Thoroughly Unintelligibly Interesting!

2008-03-19T15:23:00.002-04:00

On March 8th Nina Andronikof invited me to a fascinating but utterly unintelligible speech on "Chahuts et canulars" presented by the amazing Michel Serres at the Theatre du Rond-Point. It was only unintelligible because my "francais" is not up to par for that kind of word-play and deep intellectual dialogue. I did manage to ask him, afterwards, (in French) if he had any books in translation. Okay... my French intellectualism is rising... Afterwards Nina, Saya Films Francois-Charles LeGoff, Emmanuel Joubeaud and I headed over to the swanky, historic brasserie Boeuf Sur Le Toit for an excellent dinner!

Twittering

2008-03-19T15:19:00.001-04:00

Hi Folks, well, I've been posting more on twitter with updates. Follow me on Twitter.com

Super Tuesday

2008-02-05T13:52:00.000-05:00

So I got to have the unique experience of voting at the American Church in Paris today. A paper ballot. I don't know why I preferred (and trusted) this more than the online voting. I truly trust online voting more, but I think my curiosity of seeing the process live overtook my reasonable rational. I even got interviewed for the website Six 35.

TV Actor encounter

2008-02-04T14:09:00.000-05:00

Today I met Xavier Deluc at the Saya Film offices. He's between shooting episodes of the popular TV show "Section de Recherches."

la vie a Paris

2008-02-02T05:59:00.000-05:00

You can imagine my surprise when sitting in le Café Deauville, a fellow American who's lived in Paris for 18 years told me, "they look like Westerners, they dress like Westerners, but just imagine cows walking on the streets. It's that different. It's Calcutta." But when I heard it for the second time by a different American, who'd also lived here for an equally long amount of time, I began to get worried.

"What?" What can they mean, "cows on the streets." "You may as well be in China. Or India. It's that different."

I guess I am ignorant enough to not know the differences yet, but in the month since I arrived in Paris myself, for what may turn into my own long-term stay, I have had my share of shocks. For instance, the banks are closed on Mondays. And the ATMs won't give you money on Friday afternoons, or after closing hours on certain days (I have to check this out, but just hearing it was unsettling enough). And there really is nothing open on Sundays. It reminded me of growing up in the 80s in Upstate New York.

It's true that New Yorkers are really spoiled. And I guess I lived in the glorious metropolis for such a long time that I became one of those New Yorkers who was so far "in," I couldn't see my own stereotype that I had become. Actually, I was fully aware of my stereotypical "gotta have it now," "me first," "outta my way," attitude. I guess I was enjoying it too much.

There are other differences that make me realize I really am in a Foreign country. Like tonight (Thursday, January 10, 2008). I haven't had home phone or internet access since Christmas for a few reasons I'd rather not get into. The only internet cafes I have found are the ones where you pay to use the PCs in the fluorescent-lighted stool-seating coop. Wifi cafes have been hard for me to come by, but then again, I haven't been entirely too adventurous. (There's only so much walking around, lugging a laptop, getting lost that I can put up with. Actually, to my earlier point, I won't put up with it at all.) It's taken 1 ½ weeks for our new cable-phone-internet service to be operating. So, my boyfriend graciously SMSd me where I could find two Starbucks that have Wifi. Personally, I'm not a Starbucks fan only because I always prefer the smaller mom-and-pop shops over large corporations. But I was desperate. In an act totally uncharacteristic of me, I packed my laptop into my purse and made my way to the Metro. Two stops later, several paces later I came upon my Starbucks--with chairs stacked up and two guys mopping the floor. It was nine o'clock p.m.

Well, I had not done much exploring in my first month (more on this later), so I figured, I'm out. I may as well look around. I walked toward the Bastille. Observing café's, men lingering, girls flocking together smoking cigarettes and scooters scurrying by like the rats they resemble. I ambled down one street a few blocks. I'd found a petite section of cafes, Chinese, Japanese and Indian restaurants, lounges and one tchotchke shop. I didn't need to venture further so I turned around and retraced my steps. Upon arriving at my home metro, which has been under construction for a while, the India-analogy came full circle for me.

As I walked up the stairs I heard loud crashing and scraping sounds. Upon arriving on the plateau before the escalator, there were about 12 men--all dark skinned blacks, probably from Mozambique--breaking up the charcoal grey concrete floor. And then the promptly put three of the concrete slabs on top of a foam cushion on their head and proceeded up the escalator maintaining complete balance the whole time. Outside on the curb was an industrial container.

OTHER "CHOSES" (THINGS) THAT ARE DIFFERENT:
the Tuna-fish
Coca-Cola and Diet Coke
Pizza
Everything is served with a raw (or nearly raw) egg on it
Ham, turkey and chicken--depending on the store, restaurant and the quality

OTHER CHALLENGES:
Everytime I turn on the 2nd burner on my stove, I blow a fuse for the whole apartment.
I have no oven.
I have no toaster-oven (toaster).
The bathroom needs a complete renovation.
There is mold on the walls in the bedroom.
There's no pooper-scooper law… My first week I stepped in dog poop twice!
Dogs are not allowed everywhere or in restaurants, unlike popular belief.

Summertime and the living is easy....

2007-09-10T20:55:00.000-04:00

For the past two weeks I was able to luxuriate and learn the meaning of "slowing down" as I drove from the hub of Paris into the lush green countryside of Normandy and then along the jewel-like ocean water coastline of Brittany. While my cares slipped away with each kilometer, I settled into what would be a new experiment for me--relaxing. This was a new concept for me and I had no other choice as I was about to experience the true meaning of "French Holiday" in a foreign land, speaking a foreign language and meeting new people (all foreigners)! I realized that this New Yorker was so used to schedules and timetables and rushrushrush that I was going to have to learn how to live in unstructured time.

...And learn I did. Waking up with no agenda and meandering downstairs for breakfast of coffee and crepes, sometimes I'd get a walk into town to check out the little market or just sit in the sun in the hydrangea-infused garden before lunch at 1:00. Some days we'd ride bikes into town, down to the beach or drive to another spot along the coast to amble on the famous granite rose rocks.

Growing up for a part of my life in Skaneateles, the smallest Finger Lake in Central NY, I was used to chilly water for swimming, but nothing compares to the ice-cold waters in Brittany. Every day my friend's aunt and neighbors would "take a bath" in the frigid manche. And I'd never seen the tide go out such vast differences. Just like in picture postcards with little dingys sitting on their rudders, waiting for the end of the day when they'd finally get to rest again on buoyant waters.

Driving through little towns on little windy roads past hedges and hedges of hydrangeas, quaint little stone houses and churches in town squares, I was beginning to imagine myself in a different life altogether.

Clear flyin'

2007-08-13T11:03:00.001-04:00

Thursday, August 2nd I signed up for FlyClear.com, thanks to a discount I get as a Webby Awards Judge. WhooHoo!

Buzzing Business

2007-08-01T11:03:00.000-04:00

Starting August off with a kick I had another healthy lunch with WomensBiz (http://womensbiz.us/) president and publisher Elaine Taylor-Gordon. Ms. Taylor-Gordon regaled me with her fascinating professional career as we also chatted about collaborations and other strong business women--like Christine Comaford-Lynch (mightyventures.com)

A WWWACKy-type Reunion

2007-07-20T11:01:00.000-04:00

After some trekking, on July 20th, former New Yorker (now San Franciscan) Josh Masur, current New Jersey-er Howard Greenstein and (guess who?!) Tery Spataro and I, found ourselves at the quaint Penelope's Café on Lexington for some super yummy mac and cheese and snacks. Definitely check out the DailyEats video on this one! Cheesy topics included "the good ol' days," "global warming," "politics," "raising kids," "kids at camp," and "pita chips vs. real chips" with guacamole.

Almighty Days

2007-07-05T11:01:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, July 4th I saw Evan Almighty. I loved it! (Happy Independence Day too.)

Thursday, July 5th I got my hair trimmed at Bumble & Bumble. If you need a good colorist and stylist, see my peeps downtown: Sarah for hair and Joe for "colah."

Moving Over to Mac

2007-07-03T11:00:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, July 3rd I bought a white macbook. Now what should I do? Is it silly for a girl to buy a macbook just to have video chat with her boyfriend?

Family Style Fun

2007-06-30T10:57:00.000-04:00

Swinging out of June on some spaghetti at Sambucco's on June 30th, I dined on massive family-style dishes with Tery Spartaro (MindArrays.com), Brad Paley (http://didi.com/) Renee Edeleman (Edelman PR) and Mike Meyers (NowPublic.com). Not only were the conversations swirling around enlightening topics and the mundane, but the food was delicious! Check out the food write-ups and pics on DailyEats.com too!

Chillin' wit a cellist

2007-06-29T10:55:00.000-04:00

Sideways sprinkles didn't deter birthday revelers for cellist Kate Dillingham's (http://katedillingham.com/) birthday party on the former boat of former president William H. Taft at the 79th Street Boat Basin and the Hudson River on Thursday, June 29th. Not only did I get to catch up with the lovely Kate and her mother, meet her sister and her TV camera-man boyfriend, but I got to meet TV producer Peter Powell and famous actress Rita Gam. Rita and Peter enthusiastically told me about their "World Of Beauty" TV series on PBS and how they are seeking partners to continue the show in other countries. It was such a compelling idea, we met weeks later at a private club for lunch to discuss collaborating.

Social Networking For Real

2007-06-27T10:54:00.000-04:00

Global networking was the theme at the Regency Hotel on June 27th as I met PS Capital LLC Chairman (http://pscapital.net) Ron Posner other networking mavens through Liza Svenson (Liza Svenson Communications). Cocktail parties, beach parties, dinner parties here and abroad were the foundations for what turned into broad-based conversations.

A MORE fulfilling lunch

2007-06-14T10:53:00.000-04:00

What could be "more" interesting than a meeting with MORE magazine editor Peggy Noonan? LUNCH with MORE editor Peggy Noonan! On Thursday, June 14th, we dined on the classic Asian fusion fare at Pulse Café in Rockefeller Center while Peggy filled me in on what MORE is doing, their work with the CARE foundation and adventures to Peru for this cause.

Heartpounding Breakfasts

2007-06-12T10:50:00.000-04:00

My heart-beat was a'pumpin' as I pumped my bike up to Heartbeat restaurant in the Lexington Ave. W on Tuesday, June 12th. And then my heart was pumping extra hard as I snarfed down a big ol' breakfast of eggs and biscuits with some heart-pounding coffee with Ascend Worldwide Managing Director Gehan Talwatte. Catching up on mutual friends like HighBeam Research, Inc.'s CEO Patrick Spain and the cyber "scene" in general between gulps of coffee!

A Marvelous Makeeva Moment

2007-06-08T17:17:00.000-04:00

Product and furniture designer Alyona Makeeva has cause to celebrate, and did so in classic Alyona style on May 11th at Angelos's on Houston. She was recently featured as a visionary designer at the International Design Awards (http://www.idesignawards.com) for her famous sleeping-bag-for-two. Take a look at the running animation where the Adam & Eve Bag scrolls by near the beginning.

Problems with Paypal

2007-06-08T17:16:00.001-04:00

Recently I've also had a bout of miserable encounters with Paypal and their policies with transferring money into a bank account. I'm helping a friend set up her account and apparently if the bank account information is entered incorrectly more than twice, there's no way to get your money unless you accept getting it in small increments (like $50 a month till it runs out) or set up another bank account. Not only have the people I've had to deal with at Paypal been less-than-helpful in their "I can't think like a human and do anything outside of the written guidelines in my manual nor can I let you speak with a supervisor who will tell you the same thing," but the timeframes between activity is prehistoric.

Stop the Smoke!

2007-06-08T17:15:00.000-04:00

Living in cities challenges anyone to learn how to deal with difficult people and situations. I have been dealing with a cigarette and pot smoke situation that hasn't been resolved for over four years. I am learning how ineffective our city's 311 system for Citizen Complaints has been dealing with this addictive and rageaholic superintendent and an ineffective landlord. Smoke filtering from the basement of my building into my apartment forces me to run an industrial air filter continuously. It's proven that second-hand smoke can cause lung cancer in non-smokers and as an asthma sufferer it's doubly dangerous. Not only do I live with the constant annoyance of cigarette smoke from my super, his teenage son and their cronies also smoke pot at least twice daily. Incidentally, they also think they're in a band and practice their instruments, which is an entirely other annoyance. So, it was a great coincidence to get this link -- http://www.banish.com/ -- from my Austin, TX connection Michael Foster as I was also investigating Ash.org. While my goal is to get the smoking to stop in the basement (which is another building code violation), this product might help him smell better when I have to pass him in the hallway! If anyone else has any other suggestions, please let me know! Thanks!

Fotki's Top 100

2007-06-08T17:14:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Fotki! One of CNET's Top 100 finalist! Vote for them today!
http://www.webware.com/html/ww/100/2007/media.html

Woes at Woolworth

2007-06-05T10:50:00.000-04:00

Thursday, June 7th was an exciting day as I had my credit card cancelled due to an unauthorized purchase for $847.44 at Woolworth's in the UK. Well, *somebody's* got an awful lot of new tube socks! Harumph!

Happy 8 to Angelwish

2007-06-01T17:14:00.000-04:00

On June 1 Angelwish turned 8 years old. Learn more about this significant organization helping children with Aids.

Arts and Entertainment

2007-06-01T10:46:00.000-04:00

Happy Rainy Friday Cyber Scenesters!

Well, I have been remiss in writing and my last missive, on June 25th, was short of skimpy, so herewith I shall attempt to divulge in various and sundry topics.

It's very exciting when people in your path becoming increasingly (and deservedly) successful Case in point is James Sanders who's book "Celluloid Skyline" was the basis for a Time Warner Classic month-long showcase from May 25th - June 22nd. [http://www.tcm.com/2007/celluloidskyline/index.jsp] The unveiling of a grand multimedia exhibition in Grand Central Terminal was on Tuesday, June 5th and I attended after some tapas at Cinema Restaurant with dear ol' Dad and graphic artist Emmanuel Joubeaud. The soiree was swirling with fans of James'--some old familiar A-listers and some new people like mediabistro.com's Education, Events & Multimedia director Carmen Scheidel. After a swing around the exhibits we were off to Lincoln Center for the ballet. "Fin."

Cocktails with Courtney ~ Memorable May

2007-05-30T16:09:00.000-04:00

Well, as advertised, the May "Cocktails with Courtney" on May 30 was Memorable. There was an international mix of attendees ranging from Barcelona, Paris, Wall Street, France, Connecticut, Wiliamsburg, Jackson Heights and the East Village! Based on a stellar review of the incredible protein ice cream bars L'essence in my December 22nd issue (http://www.pulitzer.com/thecyberscene/2006/12/pulitzercomment-adieu-2006.html), L'essence CEO Richard Guida donated a box of these powerfully good-and-good-for-you treats to the event, hand-delivered by his charming representatives Kathryn Bollmann and Deirdre Samsel. Aleks Jakulin discussed social networking (face-to-face) opportunities in other European countries; Biba Pedron (Biba4Network.com) and Bernardo Joselevich (bernardoslist.com) discussed the tipping point of networking events and actor Christopher King (http://www.apologist-movie.com) entertained Cecilia Vernes. Artist Jillian Corbett (http://www.wingnyc.com/) amused graphic artist Emmanuel Joubeaud with her "shark" bag leading into a conversation about Moby Dick with artist Mark Bloch (http://panmodern.com/).

NYC's World Trade Week

2007-05-25T17:15:00.000-04:00

The plethora and variety of events during World Trade Week, May 21-25, kept those interested in international trade occupied as they traversed the city whilst dealing with business travel, tax and trends in other countries. The week was kicked off with an International Awards Breakfast on Monday, May 21 honoring New York companies that have been active in international trade.

Celluloid and

2007-05-25T10:46:00.000-04:00

Roundtable on Silicon Alley 2.0

2007-05-23T17:18:00.000-04:00

The Polytechnic University ITE, NYMIEG and Trylon/SMR/NY convergence Roundtable on Silicon Alley 2.0 on May 23rd drew a great crowd and conversation about the relationship between large and small companies in Silicon Alley. The panelists and breakout sessions added a lot to the event and enabled us to learn about different points of view and get a deeper understanding of some of the issues and challenges confronting the different constituents in the Silicon
Alley community. www.thenewnewmedia.squarespace.com

The Best use of Speed Dating

2007-05-23T17:16:00.000-04:00

I've heard of speed-networking, speed-dating and now Speed Dating Politique! (http://www.afrik.com/article11789.html and http://www.la-croix.com/article/index.jsp?docId=2303970&rubId=4076) This, I have to say, is the best use of the "speed" concepts. The concept, recently used prior to the French elections gave citizens a chance to hear soundbites from each candidate and then pose questions. Nice and efficient. Voila!

Cocktails with Courtney ~ and others! (event listings)

2007-05-18T16:22:00.000-04:00

* "Cocktails with Courtney"
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at MyBefana (116 West Houston St. btwn Thompson and Sullivan). 7:00 - 9:00 PM www.pulitzer.com
Rsvp

* Computers for Youth's 2nd annual Tech Leadership Awards ~
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM ~ www.cfy.org

* Social Media Workshop: NYC
When: June 19, 8:30am - 5:30pm
Where: BB King¹s, Times Square NYC
Hosted by Social Media Club
RSVP: http://www.socialmediaworkshop.com/newyorkcity-june-2007/
***Now through May 25th, use discount code ³COURTNEY² for an additional 5% off By clicking http://socialmediaworkshop3.eventbrite.com/?discount=COURTNEY before you register**

* World Trade Week takes place from May 21-25, 2007 -- "Small Business Success in the Global Marketplace: Strategies, Resources and Networks" -- starts next week! This week is a celebration of international trade and commerce in the greater New York City area. To register for the International Awards Breakfast and to view our calendar of events, please visit www.wtwnyc.org today! Dont miss this unique educational and networking opportunity.

Uli Schmid-Maybach: Maybach Foundation - Tamar Alexia Fleishman

2007-05-18T16:20:00.003-04:00

Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking to Uli Schmid-Maybach -- who called from Germany -- about all of his philanthropic and business ventures. Uli is the great-grandson of Dr. Wilhelm Maybach, who with business partner Gottlieb Daimler, developed the first Mercedes car. Wilhelm was orphaned at the age of 10. Drawing and making designs in a progressive orphanage, he was discovered and mentored by Daimler, which not only changed his life, but also the world. This is why the Maybach family is so in tune with the concept of mentoring: they know it works.

The very charming Uli described how he had just been a part of the Milliken Conference, piloting a unique medical component to the mentoring program. "We're scrambling to do the follow up!" he exclaims. They are involved in an AIDS project in Uganda, as well as finding medical leaders who are doing post-doctoral work. He is also starting a photography mentoring program that will bring together Israelis and Palestinians. Another program involves architecture to bring together Americans and Middle Easterners. Their main mentoring program seeks out young people - ages 15 to 24 - who are disadvantaged (orphaned like Wilhelm Maybach, handicapped, etc.) or from developing countries. "Somebody has to take an interest in that person. It's the luxury of connecting," Uli points out.

Uli has a chemistry background and an MBA from the prestigious Thunderbird School of Global Management. I wondered what type of family pressures he might have had in picking a career. "You know, my family's values are very strong... and modest. Even though there are Daimler-Chryslers that are $400,000, I am in the market for a Prius, myself. It's socially responsible. My parents were pro education. Out of the 4 kids -- 2 boys and 2 girls -- there's a sculptor, a photographer, artist, and me. My great-grandfather and grandfather never even owned an automobile."

Uli Maybach uses the latest technology in his efforts: "There's a lot of software! We're looking different software packages for outreach. It's hard to automate that, the personal touch is still needed. But we are training people to use Sales Force and Tapestry.

The Maybach family also owns a winery in the Napa Valley with the brand name, "Materium". "We just had our first production, very small, very premium. Less than 500 cases. It's half gone! My brother in involved, too. But I'm involved with the numbers and contracts."

The Maybach Family Foundation is has been working through Daimler-Chrysler in sponsoring the Cannes Film Fest. I asked Uli about that. "With our model, we look for where those people gather." The foundation will be working with Quincy Jones on some projects. Uli points out that The Maybach Family Foundation working in tandem with a corporation for philanthropic purposes may be the first partnership of its kind.

I asked Uli what type of business ventures he'd be involved with if not for the foundation. "Before getting into this project, I was into real estate - sustainable, green projects. I see that people are willing to pay a premium for smart design, environmentally conscious development. I get a great deal of satisfaction from that. I would probably start doing that in California, where we have rose-colored glasses on the coast!"

Wild Things (Rock) Center Stage

2007-05-18T16:20:00.001-04:00

There's always something new at Rockefeller Center and while they were in process of tearing down The Players golfing course expo, they carted in a giraffe, an ostrich and a baby zebra for a fashion segment on "Safari."
On Google Video: nbcsafari.wmv

Communing Reunion

2007-05-18T16:19:00.001-04:00

While I didn't see many ITPers or fellow Tischers that I knew, for that matter at the NYU Reunion on Saturday, May 12th, I had a fabulous time dancing with Gallatin grad (and actor) Christopher King (http://www.apologist-movie.com/) and Tisch alum (teacher/actor) Christine Drayer. The food wasn't too bad and I even got up close and personal with Bobcat! My first time! Whew! Of course, the 6 degrees of separation connections are always at work -- Christopher's mom (Jeanne King) happens to be the president to the Newswomen's Club of New York! (http://newswomensclubnewyork.com/) Listen up all literary ladies of the Net--join up! They have an Internet division for their Front Page Awards dinner too!

A Stella Opening

2007-05-18T16:17:00.001-04:00

If you haven't seen the Frank Stella exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (including his sculptures on the rooftop garden), I recommend a visit. The large and often colorful pieces are intermingled with large natural wood and metal sculptures and challenge our ideas of houses and places to reflect. Having to wander through the new Greek and Roman Galleries to the opening night event, on Monday, April 30th, was a treat as well. Of course, as you'll see from my photos, I was a little more fascinated by the very serious French busts!

A Bike, A Bell and A Buddha

2007-05-18T16:15:00.000-04:00

Heading Westward (from the Lower East Side) to NYC's Meat Market District, entrepreneur-turned-VC Marc Bell (http://www.marcbell.com/) was hosting a *fab*ulous dinner party at the chichi Buddha Bar, also on Tuesday, May 15th. Ever the efficient New Yorker I rode my trusty bike over, but can you believe the lock wouldn't work so I had to turn around. Life always presents challenges and I think this night it was important for me to realize not to fight it!

Supernova's Networking

2007-05-18T16:14:00.000-04:00

Supernova's tagline is a good call to all tech-dot-com-Internet-emerging businesses: "Be challenged. Be provocative. Be productive." It's over 10 years since our world was challenged, provocative and productive. I think we're heading into a new phase of that, as does Mark Stalhman who was expounding on the 7-year cycle of things at the Supernova NYC cocktail reception on Tuesday, May 15th at the Gallery Bar on Orchard Street. Whilst talking with Tristan Louis, he explained how many cycles he's actually been a part of; let's just say he's seen it all and probably done it all! As we chatted, Social Media Club's Howard Greenstein snapped a photo and behind us were Connie Connors, Daphne Kis and Isabel Walcott Hillborn.

Greeting guests as they arrived were Supernova's Kevin Werbach who I immediately got a pic with. As I ventured forth for what was a quick round I passed Stephanie Agresta, Right Media's Jodie Kahn and MediaKat/Journalist Katherine Heires. There are a lot more snaps online so check out all the other fabulous people (like Innonate.com's Nate Westheimer). Oh. And you can find out more about Supernova at: http://www.supernova2007.com/

"Cocktails with Courtney"

2007-05-11T17:20:00.001-04:00

"Cocktails with Courtney"
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at MyBefana (116 West Houston St. btwn Thompson and Sullivan). 7:00 - 9:00 PM www.pulitzer.com
Rsvp: cocktails@pulitzer.com?subject="Yes, Rsvping"

JOBS JOBS JOBS JOBS

2007-05-11T17:19:00.003-04:00

Occasionally I tap into my network to help qualified people find a job. Today I've got several compelling opportunities for the right person. I'm looking for a great web designer who can support the marketing department at a major media company and create ads and marketing materials. Furthermore, I have some interesting interactive sales opportunities lately - an Eastern Sales Director, a Strategic Sales Director and a Regional Sales Manager. More details on all of these jobs can be found at http://www.hartnicksearch.com/MediaSearch.html. If you are interested in any of the positions, please email kelliott at hartnickconsulting.com and put "referred by Courtney Pulitzer" in the subject line. Thanks and good luck to you!

NY Business Networking! On Espresso!

2007-05-11T17:19:00.001-04:00

Thursday, May 10th was a bevy of networking opportunities and it started off early at the New York Business Connection networking event at the New York Bar Association. I met some savvy networkers and based on the level of professionalism I definitely would attend their events again. First, appropriately, I met Beth Phillips who has her own firm consulting others on career transitions and development. Appropriate in that yes, I am looking for some new digs to hang my hat during the days. (If you hear of anything--let me know!) New York Commercial Collections, Inc. president Manny Kyriannis, New England Financial representative Gerald Silberman and KLEAR Electrical Corp's Ira Ketive were all pleasant and friendly as we worked the room. Invited by David Leffler, fellow seasoned networker Bernardo Joselevich and I laughed as I tried to get to one of the desirable croissants in as graceful way possible. David also introduced us to Hit Show Club president Eric Rock. Before heading out I had the fortune of also meeting Sun Communications Group's Paramjit Mahli who was certainly in her element as she organizes networking events for lawyers!

An Expedia-itious Morning!

2007-05-11T17:18:00.002-04:00

Well you never know what's going to happen in a day and just after I finished parking my bike Wednesday morning, May 9th, my eye caught the snazzy and jazzy sights and sounds of the Expedia suitcase team. There before my big blue eyes were nearly a bakers dozen of slim attractive men in bright yellow and blue uniforms, sporting Aviators and slicked back hair. And then their dance routine began! Oh my! What a breakfast treat! And then, to add to my amusement and amazement they were looking for volunteers to help sing the jingle. Well, dear readers, you know me--never one to shy away from helping another promote a worthy cause! (And I do love traveling!), so perhaps you'll see me chiming in on expedia.com one of these days. If you do--let me know!

Grimm Tales in the Marines

2007-05-11T17:18:00.001-04:00

Lawyers David Leffler and Jennifer Rose recently blogged about a Chicago legal case where a high school boy, Allen Lee, was brought up on criminal charges for writing a paper in his creative writing class that contained a number of violent references. This had repercussions beyond school as well, as the Marine Corps has discharged Allen from his contract, ending his career with the Marines before it ever began.

To kick off their campaign to highlight the absurdity of it all they're asking people to quote what would today likely be controversial language from a classic piece of literature, and post it on their blogs, or if you don't have a blog, leave a comment. For his first contribution, David included a quote from Grimm's Fairy Tales!

For Dogs Only

2007-05-11T17:17:00.001-04:00

Unfortunately my dog is fixed, but for anyone who hasn't yet, this item was brought to my attention, and might come in use. Just remember it's "dogs only!"

Calling all WildCats! NYU Reunion

2007-05-11T17:15:00.000-04:00

Calling all NYUers!!! It's that time again. Graduations and reunions and this weekend is NYU's reunion. And I know there are a lot of ITPers on this list, so dust off your suit coat (or not) and come to the festivities. Here's the site with all the information: http://alumni.nyu.edu/weekend2007/index.html

Among the many exciting events, you can join fellow NYU alumni and members of the Entertainment, Media and Technology industries for a panel discussion on the trend towards digital media and its effect on the music industry. Panelists for the event include: Chris Barron, Recording Artist and Lead Singer of The Spin Doctors; Steve Masur, Esq., Managing Partner for MasurLaw; Rob Weitzner, VP, Business Development, IODA (Independent Online Distribution Alliance) and Adam Zelinka (BMUS '01), Founder, Fanatical Marketing - a boutique entertainment consulting agency. Catherine Moore, Director of the Music Business Graduate Program, NYU Steinhardt School, will moderate. Hosted by the EMT Committee of the NYU Stern Alumni Council. Schimmel Auditorium, Tisch Hall, Lower Level. 40 West 4th Street. 11:15 AM-1:15 PM

And then I'll see you at the Saturday night gala at the Grand Hyatt Grand Central Empire Ballroom Start the evening at a cocktail reception with alumni from your decade, follow it with a scrumptious gourmet dinner, and then dance to the lively music of The Stingers. This year we're celebrating the reunion classes of '02, '97, '92, '87, '82, '77, '72, '67, '62, '57, '52, and '47! Cost: $100 per person ($65 per person for classes of 1996-2006)

Hope you can make it. It would be great to see some folks there!

Venture Architect's ToggleToolbar

2007-04-27T16:46:00.002-04:00

Venture Architects Labs, a new division of Venture Architects released their first product -- ToolbarToggle. Venture Architects LLC managing director Melissa E. Krinzman writes that "Office 2007 has replaced the toolbar and menu system for Word, Excel and PowerPoint with a new user interface called the Ribbon. While there are many benefits to the Ribbon, there are also some drawbacks - namely that Office 2007 users must learn a new navigational system for all the functions performed in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. ToolbarToggle is a utility for Microsoft Office 2007 that enables users to insert the Office 2003 toolbar and menu system into the Ribbon environment and toggle between the two navigation systems. Visit www.toolbartoggle.com to learn more.

RiverWired

2007-04-27T16:46:00.001-04:00

dawn-productions.com's Cris Popenoe has launched RiverWired.com, their new website for green and eco living. This online community is exclusively for people interested in living green and helping the environment. Don't forget to set up a profile with an About Me page, start a blog or your upload photos and videos. You can also create a group around a topic you're passionate about. It can be for family and friends only, or you can make it public for everyone to join and share.

Wucker A World Class "Fellow"

2007-04-27T16:45:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to World Policy Institute Senior Fellow Michele Wucker (http://www.wucker.com/), who has been named a 2007 Guggenheim Fellow and will be pursuing further research and writing on "Evolving views of citizenship, belonging, and exclusion." http://www.gf.org/newfellow.html

Cocktails at the Hotel du Louvre (Laisser Le Lasso...)

2007-04-27T16:44:00.000-04:00

The swanky Hotel du Louvre was the spot to be on Saturday, April 7th as Emmanuel Joubeaud and I joined our good mutual friend Victor Le Broussois for a delicious rack-of-lamb dinner. Victor was the original Cyber Scene Parisian correspondent and host of the Cannes "Cocktails with Courtney" in February 2001. Victor's now running development for Country Corner.
We were joined by Plazastyle's Asumi Ando and her friend who were scouting out "all-things Paris" for their next window displays and catalog. Last month was "New York!" as they sipped Louis Roederer Cristal (http://www.champagne-roederer.com/) Victor generously provided some useful phrases for the girls to throw around during their week-long sojourn.

LA Sneaker Signing in Paris

2007-04-27T16:43:00.002-04:00

From the opposite end of the spectrum (and opposite end of the other coast) was a poster and sneaker signing party with an LA-based skateboarding superstar on Thursday, April 12th at the Sneaker Shop near the Chatelet Metro. In addition to hanging out at the café next door with graphic artist extraordinaire Emmanuel Joubeaud and his two friends I got a glimpse into Parisian life. Friends and friends-of-friends and boyfriends and more friends from other far-flung places (like Australia) as they went from sipping sodas to sipping complimentary champagne at the soiree in the store next door.

Red Herring à Paris

2007-04-27T16:43:00.001-04:00

You know the saying about bees and honey, well, I have a knack to snoodle out networking events wherever I seem to be and while indulging in an entirely relaxing week in Paris I managed to work in two events. At opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of content and audience they were a great peek into the Parisian scene.

Red Herring held a networking event that brought out venture capitalists and entrepreneurs to mix and mingle, munch on fine Asian seafood hors d'oeuvres and imbibe in a full(bodied) red-wine open bar on Wednesday, April 11th. I got to practice mon Français avec Eyeka ceo co-founder Franck Perrier and Atlas Ventures Fred Destin. Ballou PR president Colette Ballou Lamotte worked her magical PR and networking skills and introduced me to co- Digicompanion co-founder & CEO Jean-Marc Holder and Red Herring VP-EMEA Farley Duvall. I also got to chat with many members of her company including Ballou PR Director of Biotechnology Christina Aplington and LD&A Directeur General Marc Deschamps. Ballou PR co-gereant Lucie-Anne Radimsky chatted with me and newly transplanted Microsoft's Aaron Painter about our favorite places and things to do in Paris. Les Photos

Twittering Away

2007-04-27T16:42:00.001-04:00

Sadly I have been twittering away my days here --> http://twitter.com/cpulitzer. If you're bored at work, you can twitter too.

Working Mother walks for America

2007-04-27T16:41:00.001-04:00

If you're free this Sunday, come out and join Working Mother Media CEO and Founder Carol Evans and her team for WalkAmerica. She'll be there all decked out in her new Dr. Scholl's shoes (they donate for every pair sold) and ready to walk the whole route to protect babies from the dangerous, life threatening effects of premature birth. If you haven't yet, please take a minute to click on www.walkamerica.org/carolevans and send any amount. Every Dime counts! It is your collective generosity that will save babies, and help all pre-moms to get their Nine Months.