Tuesday, October 31, 2000

HALLOWEEN: 2000

Boo.com, as we all know, isn't related to Halloween, but there are a few scary, ghostly and morbid quips that come to mind about the site's life. Anyway, NYC and festive towns around the world celebrated the night of ghouls in style with parades and parties. The NYC Village Halloween Parade (http://halloween-nyc.com/) was the biggest and most publicized ever (seen on Sci-Fi.com). The parties were grand and extravagant.

Yahoo! Internet Life hosted a Web-O-Ween Contest in the Ziff-Davis offices during the day, and hosted a celebration at Hush that night. Characters on hand included Bruce Cohen (The Bruce Cohen Group) as Napster (pirate hat, big ears and a stereo-headset), The Conference Board's Andra Moss as the Bride of Frankenstein and Margot Finley was elegantly attired with a bird mask. Chatting it up and enjoying the festive ceiling decorations – skulls with breasts and cardboard cutouts of shoes and lips – were Gaijin.com's Mark Frieser, Mercury Interactive's James O'Connor (as an LLBean model), DutyFreeGuide's Bernardo Joselevich in a simple black t-shirt, and HipGuide's Syl Tang in a festive pink and red ensemble. Before heading out to the next scary club, I chatted with Billboard's special correspondent Jim Bessman and "Weekend Joy" reporter Sumi Shirai.

Mr. O'Connor escorted me to the Stuff Magazine party at Centro-fly, where we re-encountered Mark Frieser and Jared Carney of RealtyIQ. We opted out of the noisy nightmare to a quiet drink at Cals.

Redwood Partners Marcelo Wainberg hosted a gathering in his spooky apartment, not far from the parade, and eRsvp threw a huge, hairy 70s party for dot-com zombies at Studio 54.

Converge With Zefer ~ By Joanna Fabozzi

On Tuesday my colleague Nikki Epstein and I ventured to Broadway and the ZEFER event.  We were graciously greeted by Melissa Grossman, managing director who introduced us to Imran Shah, Managing partner and Tony Tjan, co-founder and EVP.  ZEFER's Media & Telecommunications (M&T) Practice celebrated its launch and a very successful quarter in ZEFER's beautiful New York office on Wednesday night in an evening titled "Converge".  The event was attended by a number of ZEFER clients, Silicon Alley executives, as well as executives from New York's Media and Telecommunications community.  With invigorating music from a SoHo jazz band and captivating photos and animation from ZEFER's creative designers in the backdrop, guests hobnobbed over cocktails and Asian-fusion fare. After a few words from Imran Shah, Managing Partner of ZEFER's M&T Practice and Tony Tjan, ZEFER co-founder and EVP, the evening's culminated in a performance by a twelve-year old violinist from National Public Radio's "From the Top" program.

Monday, October 30, 2000

The Yanks Did It Again

Not a technology story per se, but lots of Dot-Coms were enjoying the view of the World Series Championship parade from their new downtown locations. Kids, parents and friends of Organic.com-ers got to paper the hallways with confetti. Vice President of Communications Strategy Cathy Taylor told me they "were successful at throwing [the paper] out the windows, but it was so windy out that a fair amount of it blew back in." Rumor has it that their Organic banner made it onto New York 1, so they may have gotten some free advertising out of the deal. And apparently people took the opportunity to throw business cards from their windows on West 23rd Street. Yahoo! Broadcast streamed the final game, so if you wanted to know what all the hoopla was about, you could check it out at www.yankees.com.

Playboy.com’s soiree


On a scintillating note I headed uptown to Playboy.com’s soiree to welcome Baywatch actress Carmen Electra, who is featured in the December issue and chatted online with members at cyber.playboy.com. In the 23rd floor penthouse, I mingled with guests (mostly men who mostly gawked) at Ms. Electra. Notable gawker was Fox 5 News weatherman Dave Price. I met Ladenburg Thalmann senior VP equity research Robert Routh and VP institutional equity sales Joseph Riccardo. SAR reporters David Alm and CJ Hughes were checking out Ms. Electra and the scene and Therese Kopin was snapping shots for AdWeek’s spread. Director of event marketing Sue Igoe introduced me to marketing VP Lisa Natale, sales VP Jeff Kimmel and special events manager Carrie Gross. Public Relations manager Laura Sigman, corporate communications director Leah Karliner and e-commerce SVP Eliot Russman were all on hand to great the heavy attendance of press. Playboy.com president Larry Lux seemed to be doing well at the helm of this budding site as it bursts forward with babes, stories and interactivity all healthy men lust for!

Earthpledge's Night of Mischief


The night before Halloween is the Night of Mischief but I wasn’t at anything too scary, thankfully. Earthpledge Foundation, which promotes the practical benefits of sustainable development , held a soiree in their stunning lofty modern carriage house for friends, advisors and sponsors. In thanks of all their time, guests were treated to a bountiful harvest dinner by Peter Berley, who teaches the Sustainable Cuisine cooking class series, and sampled fine wines. I got to chat with Joel Bluestein, a musician, record producer, VC, owner of and executive producer at Dreamland Recording Studio and member of the HarmonicWorld.com singing group. We chatted with Timon Malloy, president of Fred F. French Investing LLC about politics, Israel and SavvyVoter.org.

Being on the advisory board for SavvyVoter, a nonpartisan election forum and information resource for New York City voters, it was interesting to meet SavvyVoter project director Joshua Schaff and outreach expert Anthony Borelli. We chatted about this site and its aims to become one of the standard methods of communication for voters. Before dashing off to sample some of that yummy harvest dinner, I met director of programs on Governance and PublicPolicy at the Open Society Institute, Mark Schmitt. After checking out George Soros’ Web site and all the initiatives and efforts, I can see that Mark and many of his colleagues must be busy! (www.soros.org)  Before leaving I met Monte Bartlett and Wild Kind Productions Richie Williamsen who does streaming media for EarthPledge and other clients.

Friday, October 27, 2000

Courtney Pulitzer's Cyber Scene Calendar of Events


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New York

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October 27, 2000
Midnight Safari, ExcitePR, eRSVP.com and IN 2 IT Media presents "Flux"....the first weekly Alley event with a charitable cause! Join us and, NYCares & City Harvest, with your most creative Halloween costumes on Friday: October 27th - 9:30pm, @ The Tunnel's Mezzanine, 220 12th Avenue (27th Street). Indulge in drink specials till 12am, a scrumptious buffet and progressive house/techno music! Every donation(canned food and coat drive) will be distributed to those in need this winter!! Admission is complimentary for VIP Flux attendees (normally $25), but admission will be based on the donations you actually bring! To register, please go to http://www.ersvp.com/reply/flux Questions, please contact JoAnn Soo-Leung jsoo@excitepr.com
October 28-29, 2000
New York's finest Halloween Bashes
* * Studio 54 Halloween Bash, the upstairs VIP room. Time: 11:00 PM to 4:00AM. Place: Studio 54, 254 W 54th St.(bet. B'way & 8th Ave) With DJ Mark Ronson. Trendy, somehow dot-commish crowd. Cost: $20. 
* * The World: Halloween Bash.  Time: Doors open 10pm - 5am. Get there early. Place:  The World, 1501 W 43rd St (Times Square). Cost: $25  at http://www.ersvp.com/reply/theworld
* * Tatiana Byron's Halloween Party.  Time:  10:30pm to 3:00AM.  Place:  Candela, 116 E 16th St (bet. Park & Irving). Cost: $20. Rsvp: Ask for Tatiana.
October 30, 2000
* * Asian Women In Business.   Gala Awards Dinner and Fifth Anniversary Celebration. "Celebrating Women Leaders in the New Economy".  Time:  6:00 PM.  Place: Tavern on the Green. Live chamber music, sit-down dinner. Cost: $200 ($175 members). RSVP: mailto:info@awib.org or  http://www.awib.org/awib.html
October 31, 2000
* Happy Halloween *
* * Halloween Party at Studio 54 sponsored by alltherageonlin.com, eRSVP.com, in 2 it media, and Club Planet. Portion of the proceeds will go towards benefiting the ChairScholars Foundation.  Time: 9:00 PM to ?.  Place: Studio 54, 254 West 54th Street Rsvp: http://www.ersvp.com/reply/halloweenparty and answer invited by eRSVP.com --you will get a reduced admission of $15.00

* * Village Halloween Parade. With giant papier-mache puppets and arguably the best people watching of the year, the Village Halloween Parade is the perfect way to kick off Halloween celebrations. For die-hard fans who wish to plan their costumes accordingly, this year's parade theme is "Evolution: Body, Mind, Spirit."  Time:  6:45 p.m. Place: the parade begins at Washington Square Park and travels up 6th Ave to 23rd street.  For more information call 212.475.3333 ext 4044
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November 1, 2000
* * NYNMA: “Networking & Presenting the Business Plan.  Time:  6:15PM to 9:15PM.  Place: Globix, 139 Centre St.  Cost: Part of a series. Individual talk: $150/$200. Rsvp:  http://www.nynma.org
November 2, 2000
* * The Net World Order: eBusiness and the Global Digital Divide The Business Council for the United Nations presents an exclusive conference for CEOs, chairpersons and founders. Date:  Nov. 2 to Friday, Nov. 3.  Place: U.N. headquarters (1st Ave. at 46th St.). Rsvp: http://www.unausa.org/bcun/world2000.htm.

* * Startups.com: "The Art of the Start-Up".  Time:  7:00PM to 11:00PM. Place:  Altman Bldg. Only for Startups.com's own guests.
November 6, 2000
* * Harvard Business School Club of Greater NY Internet Conference. Time:   Noon-9pm.  Place: NY Sheraton, 7th Ave at 53rd St. Speaker: Gerry Levin , CEO Time Warner Inc. Cost: $400/$250. RSVP: www.hbscny.org
November 7, 2000
* * TECHEXPO. Time: 10:00AM to 6:00PM.  Place: Sheraton New York, 7th Avenue @ 53rd St. New York, NY.  Rsvp: 212-655-4505  http://www.techexpoUSA.com
Future New York
November 14, 2000
* * The Internet and Securities Law current issues and trends. Sponsored by Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP. Location:  Roosevelt Hotel, 45th Street and Madison Avenue.  Time: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Cost:  Free. Advance Registration is required.  Register online at:
http://www.srz.com/registration.html.  
November 15, 2000
* * Ad Club of New York "Plain Talk About Technology" The Internet
Marketing Mix. Event Info: Internet advertising has evolved, marketers now have a variety of on-line media choices, including Rich Media, E-mail (list rental or newsletter sponsorship), Text Links, Site Sponsorship, Interstitials, Paid Search Results, and even Wireless adverting.  How do clients and their agencies decide how to allocate on-line budgets efficiently?  Are some kinds of media more effective than others?  Are new media types on the horizon? Time: 6:00 PM
Place: MSN/Microsoft, Worldwide Plaza 825 8th Ave 18th Floor. Cost: $30 Ad Club Members $35 non-members. Rsvp: Ad Club of New York 212-533-8080
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Boston
* * Corporate Venturing hosted by Strategic Research Institute. Date: October 30-Tuesday, October 31. Place: Boston, MA. Cost: $1,595. Rsvp: www.srinstitute.com/divisions/cx/cx336.html

California

November 1, 2000
* * VIC Presents...VIC@Movies. A Digital Short Film Fest VIC is pleased to present the first-ever VIC digital short film fest, with special guest appearance by Corbin Bernsen. The digital short film fest will feature shorts by Honkworm, Green Dog Films, Publicfilmworks.com, iFilm, Icebox, Lineup, Movieflicks and Romp among others. You will have a chance to speak with these companies during a Q&A session following the various film shorts. Don’t miss out on  a great evening of networking, cocktails, appetizers and entertaining short films. Time: 6:30PM to 9:00PM. Place: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049.  Cost: VIC Members: Free, Non-Members: $20.00. Rsvp: Please RSVP by noon, Wednesday, October 31, 2000, at www.theVIC.org/events.
November 6, 2000
* * VIC Summit Kids & Teens -Clicking with Kids & Teens: Developing &
Marketing Content In The Digital Age. This program is designed to create a dialogue between industry professionals in television and new media who need to be on the cutting edge of trends in the creation, marketing and distribution of cross platform content for kids and teens. Time: 9:00AM to 6:30PM. Place: Skirball Cultural Center,2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049 Cost:VIC Members: $250, Non-Members: $300 Students: $75. RSVP: Please RSVP by Friday, November 3, 2000 at www.theVIC.org/events.
November 9, 2000
* * VIC Mix@Orange County.  Want to meet people who are involved in digital media technologies? VIC@Orange County is a monthly forum that provides digital professionals in and around Orange County a great opportunity to network with other high-level multi-disciplinary industry professionals.  There will be appetizers, a no-host bar and sponsor tabletop demos. Be a part of VIC and instantly connect to a membership-based community that reaches over 9,500 digital media professionals in Southern California and beyond. We look forward to seeing you and your friends. Time: 6:00PM to 9:00PM. Place: Aysia 101
2901 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 722-4128
For more information or directions, please go to www.aysia101.com. Cost: Free.  RSVP: Please RSVP by noon, Wednesday, November 8, 2000 www.theVIC.org/events.

Camden

* * The Fourth Annual Camden Technology Conference. Date: October 27-29 Place: Camden Opera House, Camden, Maine
Rsvp: http://www.poptech.org/register-set.htm
Chicago
* * In celebration of the regional diversity of American music, Heineken USA presents first-ever Ampt Music Series at Double Door on November 3, 2000. Time: 10PM.  Place: Double Door, 1573 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL. Rsvp: Meredith Cammaker For Heineken USA. (212) 686-5300 ext. 327 (917) 554-5921 (cell) meredith@dunwoodie.com
San Jose
* * Global Strategies Summit. Date: October 18-20, 2000. Place: San Jose, CA Doubletree Hotel. Rsvp: Please visit the event's website for more information at http://www.usa-lisa.org/global-strategies/ or contact Clifford Rohde at lisa@robertbrandon.com or (202) 331-1550 or Alison Rowles at rowles@lisa.unige.ch or +41-21-821-3210.
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Event Space Available
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* * Event Space Available: Technology/Incubator Building on Houston Street between Sullivan & Thompson seeks strategic partners/investors to create state-of-the-art storefront event space/technology gallery.  Fantastic location, incredible details/ambiance. 5,000 sq ft storefront, 5,000 sq ft usable basement space. Send inquiries to: jdm@jdm.com
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* * Our weekly select Calendar of Events. It is sent every Friday so you can prepare for the coming week's events. As we want to provide as much value as possible, please send us your suggestions to help us improve the format, delivery and scheduling.

Joanna Fabozzi, Editor

* * To List Your Event Here
Send an email with the following information completed:
Date:
Title:
Event Info:
Time:
Place:
Cost:
Rsvp:

* * We are accepting advertisements
If you are interested in advertising, please send an email to ads@thecyberscene.com?subject=Advertise:Calendar






Bits & Bytes -and- Shakers & Stirrers 10/27/00

Shakers and Stirrers
Send your announcements to: shakers@TheCyberScene.com
Check out the site for the latest in who's movin' and who's shakin'!
* For the whole scoop, go to: http://www.thecyberscene.com/ss/newyork/index.shtml
Arc Shuts Down Proxicom Promotes Pappas IBS Interactive Names New President Richard Core Named Editor of latimes.com

News Bits And Bytes
Send your announcements to: news@TheCyberScene.com * For the whole story, go to: http://www.thecyberscene.com
Razorfish Tops Forbes 200 Razorfish, Inc., is in good company. The global digital solutions provider was named to Forbes Magazine's "200 Best Small Companies." According to Forbes' October 2000 issue, Razorfish ranked number one in sales growth among the 200 other companies included in the ranking. Razorfish's sales increased 412% annually during the past five years versus an average gain of 41%. The Forbes 200 Best Small Companies list is comprised of companies with annual sales between $5 and $350 million. Companies selected for the list had to undergone a comprehensive financial evaluation, and demonstrate five years of consistent sales and earnings-per-share growth and four consecutive quarters of net income surpassing $1 million

Karetsu Expands into Empire State Building In the next step toward expanding its reach, Gorann's Irish incubator Karetsu has taken space in the southwest corner of the Empire State Building's 58th floor. The ESB 2000 square-foot location will allow Gorann's Irish companies immediately gain a U.S. base, U.S. prospects and U.S. partners. This is essential in a country that considers local businesses to be he only serious companies out there. Furthermore, Gorann business developers will act on the clients' behalf by opening up new opportunities in the U.S. Some U.S. high-tech companies will also occupy the Karetsu, providing all the aspects of shared experiences so important to a successful environment. The view from the 58th floor is amazing, spanning down to the Twin Towers and across into New Jersey. Imagine this: the windows actually open to fresh air and fresh ideas.

Designing the Web Tom Klinkowstein, president of Media A, LLC, and professor of Digital Design at Pratt Institute, spoke on September 18th at the Prix Italia TV / Web conference in Bologna, Italy. Mr. Klinkowstein spoke on, "Principles of Web Architecture," with Dr. Derrick de Kerckhove, director of the McLuhan Program in Culture and Technology at the University of Toronto. Other presenters included the author Umberto Eco and film director David Lynch.

OpenTable Secures $42 Million in Financing The tab is on OpenTable, thanks to $42 million in mezzanine financing. The provider of Internet-enabled customer relationship management (CRM), marketing, yield management and reservations solutions to the $500 billion global foodservice industry, has aggressive plans to extend its offering of networked applications for the hospitality industry. It will deliver a full suite of Internet and software solutions to connect restaurants, hotels and consumers. OpenTable's technology solutions bring restaurants the applications they need to drive revenue and profitability, simplify operations, enhance guest relationships and effectively compete in today's marketplace. Investors in the company's financing round include Worldspan and leading venture capital firms Benchmark Capital, Adam Dell's Impact Venture Partners, Integral Capital, Epoch Partners, Comdisco Ventures and Upstart Capital.

New Restaurant Solutions Look for OpenTable to release OTRestaurant - a web-based solution that enables restaurateurs to remotely access reservation data and reports, and dynamically update Dining Rewards in order to effectively and quickly manage yields. Other OpenTable products currently in development include centralized database solutions to enable restaurant groups to efficiently manage reservations and customer databases for multiple locations, executive-level reporting applications, Internet marketing tools, anywhere/anytime access to OpenTable's electronic reservation book (ERB), and ERB integration with point-of-sale (POS) systems for improved operational forecasting. The company is also working on International versions of its ERB and plans to launch its service in France within the next few weeks.

Bloomberg Launches Investor Relations Channel Bloomberg has launched the Investor Relations Channel, a unique communications tool that allows direct distribution of information to the institutional and retail community. The Investor Relations Channel is designed to help corporations meet their new responsibilities under Regulation FD the Securities and Exchange Commission's mandate on full and fair disclosure to all investors by publicly traded companies. Regulation FD requires public companies to avoid making selective disclosure to analysts and others of material company information and to make full public release of any information that is being disclosed on a non-confidential basis to those outside the company.

MSNBC.com Namd #1 MSNBC.com is the #1 news site for the month of September, according to the most recentdata compiled by Nielsen/NetRatings and Media Metrix. Traffic to MSNBC Sports during the Olympics set new audience records. MSNBC.com maintained its standing as the primary source for news on the Internet with a significant lead over the competition in the combined Home/Work audience. September Nielsen/Netratings show MSNBC.com had 10.4 million Home/Work users versus CNN.com's 7.6 million Home/Work users. According to Media Metrix, MSNBC.com remains at the top of the General News category with 8.9 million unique users in September, ahead of CNN.com.
SavvyVoter.org Goes for the Best Savvyvoter.org, New York's only nonpartisan election site, named eight prominent Silicon Alley leaders to its Advisory Board. The newly created Advisory Board represents a diverse cross-section of Silicon Alley movers and shakers. Members of the board include: Monte Bartlett, brand strategist, Method; J.P. Frenza, worldwide marketing director, IBM; Josh Isay, director of public policy, Doubleclick; Alice O'Rourke, executive director, New York New Media Association; Courtney Pulitzer, publisher, The Cyber Scene; Andrew Rasiej, founder, Making Opportunities for Upgrading Schools and Education (MOUSE); Omar Wasow, executive director, BlackPlanet.com; and Jeff Yang, CEO and President, aMedia. David Birdsell professor and executive director of academic programs, School of Public Affairs, Baruch College and Marvin Rosen, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, are also Advisory Board members. Hoffman and Mark Schmitt, senior advisor to Savvyvoter.org and a program officer at The Open Society Institute, serve as co-chairs.

Screaming at Javits ScreamingMedia has decided to take advantage of having Fall Internet World
in our backyard. The first of ScreamingMedia's "March on Javits" began at the show. Hundreds of Screamers, all dressed in the signature ScreamingMedia red logo t-shirt, walked the 10 blocks from the company's offices to the Javits center, handing out pins, business cards, and brochures to people passing by and inside the show. It was a sight to behold.

ScreamingMedia Hits the Stands ScreamingMedia plans to dramatically expand its popular News!Stand service. ScreamingMedia News!Stand is an affordable, easy-to-implement content solution that provides websites, enterprises and wireless networks with packages of news stories, organized by subject-category, and updated continuously and automatically. The expanded service will debuted during Fall Internet World at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, October 25-27. Then starting in November, ScreamingMedia News!Stand will feature a wide range of special-interest and industry-specific categories of news. Highly targeted categories like Nuclear Power News, Electronic News, Telecommunications Services News, Biotechnology News, and many others, will be offered, in addition to the general-interest news
categories already available through News!Stand.

Razorfish Takes Home M&M Grand Prix Awards Razorfish, Inc., the global digital solutions provider, was recognized at the M&M Grand Prix Awards of Finland in both the best design and best customer relationship marketing categories. Razorfish received the best design award for TheFeature.com, a mobility community service portal created for Nokia, a world leader in communications. Razorfish received the best customer relationship marketing award for its work on muuttaja.com, a relocation portal created in conjunction with Fortum, one of the leading energy companies in the Nordic countries. Both projects were recognized for their intuitive usability and strategic excellence.

CYBER SCENE SOCIAL NOTES ~ 10/27/00

In an attempt to help facilitate better networking for new media professionals and "Scenesters," here are some points that will be added during the weeks. They will be archived here.
 
* In moments of distress, take a deep breathe and think before you speak. You and the person you're dealing with will be better off for it.

The Cyber Scene in Stockholm ~ by Karl Palmas


Sympathy for the scorned

I have just come back to my desk feeling mentally drained, having witnessed a grueling display of public humiliation. The Global Internet Summit is in town, and with it the standing feature ‘Meet the Money’. Never heard of it? Well, seven hopeful e-entrepreneurs line up to present their business plans to a panel of four Venture Capitalists, hosted by a moderator. Seems cozy enough, right? Actually, it is a slaughter - think of it as a mixture of ‘Who wants to be a millionaire?’, ‘The Jerry Springer Show’ and the French revolution.

The nervous entrepreneur has to stand up in front of the gaze of two hundred new media professionals, and give a two-minute account of themselves and their business in order to convince the VCs to – on the basis of those two minutes of ramble – invest in the idea. The fab four then scrutinizes every aspect of the idea, usually shaking their heads in disapproval. The battered is finally finished off by the almighty moderator, who consistently slashes every case by the knuckles. After that, another visionary is brought out for public slaughter.

As you can probably tell, I couldn’t help but feeling sorry for the poor hopefuls: All I know is that my fragile ego would never be able to take the kind of beating that they had to experience. Maybe the battering was unusually relentless at this event, bearing the recent dot.com death and the frosty VC market in mind. Let’s hope so; for the sake of mankind.

The interesting thing though, is the fact that the seven Swedes, although not accustomed to insolence and the in-your-face format of the gathering, seemed to cope well with the ridicule. According to the moderator, the Swedish edition of ‘Meet the Money’ was the first one during which none of the entrepreneurs backed out when seeing what was in store for him/her.

Still, I feel they deserve some sympathy, so the URLs are listed below. I’m sure any contributions are welcome, however small they may be.
http://www.globalinternetsummit.com
http://www.Integral.se
http://www.Frontville.se
http://Vitrado.de
http://www.Picofun.com
http://www.NetLight.com
http://www.Goyada.com
http://www.Intermezzon.com

Thursday, October 26, 2000

Cocktails with Courtney ~ San Francisco ~ October 2000

CondeNet
cordially invites you and a guest
to celebrate our 5th Anniversary at
Cocktails with Courtney

Enjoy complimentary martinis with
cyber hostess Courtney Pulitzer
and mix and mingle with industry peers.

Thursday, October 26
5:30 to 8:00 PM
The British Motors Showroom
901 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco

Please RSVP to condenet-sf@cocktailswithcourtney.com by Wednesday,
October 25. This is the last of a special three-part event series
held in Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

*

In 1995, CondÈNet set out to create online brands unlike any other
company. The mission was to build upon the heritage of the acclaimed
CondÈ Nast Publications, yet build brands that capitalized on the
power of the medium, blending authority with interactivity and utility.
As a result, CondÈNet has become the leading creator of award-winning
upscale lifestyle brands and owns the deepest online brands in the
vertical categories of food(Epicurious.com), travel (Concierge.com),
relationships (Swoon.com), fitness (Phys.com) and fashion (Style.com)
which have captivated millions of devoted users and prestigious
advertisers.

*

Cocktails with Courtney began as NY-based cocktail parties for
professionals in the new media community interested in networking
and socializing. As the industry grew, and the multiple offices
in cities around the world became more common for the new economy
"dot-coms," events fostering the national and international aspect
of relationships (business and personal) gained importance.
Cocktails with Courtney are invitation only events for Internet
industry-related professional for a fine evening of witty and
thought-provoking conversations, cocktails to heighten the mood
and hors d'oeuvres to satiate networking hungers.

*

CondÈNet
http://www.condenet.com

Cocktails with Courtney
http://www.CocktailsWithCourtney.com

San Franciscans party through the night

The jazz quartet softly played in the corner, adding to the refined feeling at CondeNet's third 5th-year anniversary party in San Fransico. In the opulent and elegant British Motor Cars showroom over 150 northern California's marched in to mingle amidst Bentley's and Jaguars sipping Bombay martinis and sampling herb pancake hors d'oeuvres. This party was a bit livelier than others since we had protestors outside. Ironically they weren't protesting Cocktails with Courtney nor CondeNet, but Conde Nast the publication, which is entirely separate from either entity. San Francisco-based illustrators had a beef with the publisher over rights and payment terms, but they felt making a statement in front of our soiree would be a good chance at publicity nonetheless. And publicity they got-Inside.com wrote about it before the event and there were photographers capturing the precious moments.

Meanwhile, once our guests safely passed the guest list inquiry, we had a terrific turnout of SF-networkers. Craig's List Craig Newmark, Conrad Asper and Steve Scheer came by to check it out and Stockholm-NY-based Liza Svenson, SocialDomain.com's founder and CEO John Colletti, eConstructors Felix Kramer and Heller Ehrman attorney Josh Masur came out for our SF event. SFGirl.com Patty and friends were there. Social-gals about town Lisa Jouris and The A-List's Valerie were a stylish set. Credit Lyonnais Hazel Chin, Attorney.com Hal Winter, M4Internet's Steven Faulkner and Intraware's Eric Kondo all had a chance to meet the CondeNet crew and socialize. Cygaia producer Kevin George and Insider Publications Michael McColl met and Ditto.com's Saul Orbach told me about his very VC-backed ($19 million) visual search engine. Not related to the cars, but very well-heeled nonetheless, Joe Hiross of Bentleys and his charming wife stopped by to check out the scene. RealTime Media is making the scene again in this town with Lizzie Hill and Michael Rosenblatt as reps. HAWK Media EVP Scott Schuman told me how his firm measures broadcasting in more refined manners than any other method out there and Comedy World cartoonist Brian Cano told me how his office is filled with so many toys it resembles a dot-com space! Touche!

Just a week-in of her move to SF from Denver, Fleishman Hillard's Nicole Koebrich and her roommate were intent on meeting some locals. Arthur Anderson's Kirsten Gross, NorthPoint's Dan Fineman and Rapt Inc's Myron Lo were among those in the mix. Before leaving I got to chat with CloudPop's president and CEO Kenneth Goldberg and COO Bryan Kane. And Iconocast's Michael Tchong in a fab blue sport coat and glasses and I jetted around afterwards in his new Kompressor convertible! Woohoo! San Francisco's CondeNet soiree was a smashing end to the month-long six-party in six cities whirlwind!

Tuesday, October 24, 2000

Style, Attitude and Glamour-at CondeNet's LA affair

The call of the West was too strong and Los Angeles' lure too great. Submitting to my weakening will, I went willingly and arrived in Tinsletown for my 2nd Cocktails with Courtney. Ah, Hollywood! Beverly Hills! Brentwood! Century City! Los Angeles! The second in our trio, CondeNet's 5th Annivesary party was now making it's presence known in LA at Lounge 217, in Santa Monica. The party was a wonderful mix of interactive advertisers, creatives and solid dot-com types. Among the digerati VIC's Brad Nye, RampRate's Tony Greenberg and Ross Sonnabend, LawNMower's executive director Molly Lavik and 1hope.com's COO Chat Knowles were lounging. The Substitute Producer Steven Bakalar, Hillary Branchflower, Menus.com's Deron Quon, and Hype House's Mark Sejvar were enjoying the salmon hors d'oeuvres as they chatted it up. Internet.com's managing editor for LA Arthur Gordon and advertising director Susan O'Neill were there and I made sure to introduce them to The Cyber Scene writer for LA, Krysten Johnson.

Making sure none of their top-secret conversations leave the room, Suissa Miller's director of interactive marketing David Shaw and director of direct and Internet marketing Michael Tankel handed me a napkin NDA stating "to never disclose the discussed ideas of the evening no matter how much alcohol you give me." V-Span's Patrick McMichael, management consultant Stephen Graham and HLR Associates Howard Rudzki came out to meet new folks and see old friends. NY-based Comet Systems' Luke Haseloff was in town and introduced me to his friend, who worked at one of the big studios. Fox Interactive's director of operations Luke Letizia and 24/7's Jean Marie Whitaker sampled the fine hors d'oeuvres comin' round the room. Goldman Sachs' Cherie Alcoff brought along her friend Rustic Canyon analyst Pam Wasserstein. E-Media's new LA office showed up and I met LA manager Jennifer Hurley and Johnathan Gibbs. JetSetTv.com's Robert Burnside, who recently moved from NY to LA was doin' his best schmoozin' and JumpCut's Beth Howard told me about their stunning new LA and NY offices. Mouse Jockey CEO Dave Conlan and I chatted about his software that can track email forwards. Ole!

CondeNet's Jennifer Cole, Barbara Knight, Wendy Mure and Emily Smith were all dressed to the nines and mingled with their guests, advertisers and LA new media folks. We made sure people knew about their newest property-Style.com and all the other great CondeNet properties: phys.com, epicurious.com, swoon.com and concierge.com. The guests got to learn about them as they sipped complementary Bombay cocktails. ClickZ's Jim Kelley, eTeamz SVP Kelly Perdew, BeamX's president and CEO Manel Sweetmore and Tanya Sowden were having a good time till the very end and then rounded some late-night treats next door with me at Voda. LA didn't disappoint in its trendy uber cool group of networkers and style-makers at this soiree and we hope to see them at the next one!

Cocktails with Courtney & CondENet invite ~ 10/24/00

CondÈNet
cordially invites you and a guest
to celebrate our 5th Anniversary at
Cocktails with Courtney

Enjoy complimentary martinis with
cyber hostess Courtney Pulitzer
and mix and mingle with industry peers.

Tuesday, October 24
6:30 to 8:30 PM
Lounge 217
225 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 910
Santa Monica, CA 90401-2221 Phone: (310) 394-6336

Please RSVP to condenet-la@cocktailswithcourtney.com by Friday, October 20.

This special three-part event series will be held in Chicago,
Los Angeles and San Francisco.


*

In 1995, CondÈNet set out to create online brands unlike any
other company the mission was to build upon the heritage of the
acclaimed CondÈ Nast Publications, yet build brands that
capitalized on the power of the medium, blending authority with
interactivity and utility. As a result, CondÈNet has become the
leading creator of award-winning upscale lifestyle brands and
owns the deepest online brands in the vertical categories of
food (Epicurious.com), travel (Concierge.com), relationships
(Swoon.com), fitness (Phys.com) and fashion (Style.com) which
have captivated millions of devoted users and prestigious
advertisers.

*
Cocktails with Courtney began as NY-based cocktail parties for
professionals in the new media community interested in networking
and socializing. As the industry grew, and the multiple offices
in cities around the world became more common for the new economy
"dot-coms," events fostering the national and international aspect
of relationships (business and personal) gained importance.
Cocktails with Courtney are invitation only events for Internet
industry-related professionals for a fine evening of witty and
thought-provoking conversations, cocktails to heighten the mood
and hors d'oeuvres to satiate networking hungers.

CondÈNet
http://www.condenet.com

Cocktails with Courtney
http://www.CocktailsWithCourtney.com

Cocktails with Courtney at Lounge 217


I was pleased to finally meet Ms. Pulitzer herself at the October Cocktails with Courtney in Santa Monica. Lounge 217 was the location, and it was a very mysterious, dimly-lighted bar with a lot of atmosphere. With the dark-paneled walls, the grey stone decorations and candle-light only back lighting, the bar had a very underground, European feel. 

Because I was early to arrive, I got to speak with Courtney and be introduced by her to other early arrivals. I chatted at length with Tim Hand, an Advertising Manager for Salon.com. He told me about other event listings I could find regarding the LA area, and then he introduced me to a pleasant woman from TeamOne (who didn't have her business cards handy!). They asked me questions about my Dallas activities and how I was enjoying the LA area, and we talked for a while but soon enough the event got into full swing and the bar quickly got crowded, to say the least! But the squeezed staff prevailed, passing around with delicious trays of fine delicacies, and compliments of CWC, I sipped on a gin spritzer before switching to water -- I had to leave early to try and visit another event that night in Pasadena. 

One of the nicest things about the evening for me was recognizing some of the attendees from other networking events, and I spoke with David Edwards and Charles Adams (both executive consultants with their own firms) and even more folks I know by face only, until Courtney walked up to introduce me to Arlene Wzsalek. Courtney thought we'd be a good match -- Arlene runs her own consulting firm (SW14Group), and as we chatted, she also told me about a social event she started long ago called "Ladies Who Dinner." She asked if I'd like to attend an upcoming dinner in November, and I agreed wholeheartedly. The dinners she organizes are opportunities for other empowered, strong-willed women who like to get together socially and who easily could end up doing business together. 

While we were still talking, other friends of Arlene came by and I was able to meet Irene Tchaikovsky. Surprise surprise, Irene also recently started her own consulting firm, Euclid Consulting, and we all talked about what our major business interests were and how we were all doing in the marketplace. Soon after, I had to make my exit to try and make my next meeting. (It was over by the time I got there, but at least I tried!) I look forward to the next LA CWC event, and hope to stay late, no matter how many people are squeezed in!

Interactive TV Development ~ by Mary Dawne Arden

The Roosevelt Hotel hosted Myers Forum for Interactive TV Development on October 24th. Jack Myers chief economist and CEO of the Myers Reports, Inc., brought together a diverse group of major companies, advertisers, producers and Internet companies to look at this quickly emerging part of the ever-changing media world. Included were exhibits and demos from Microsoft TV, WebTV, ReplayTV, Worldgate, Game Show Network, Canal+ US Technologies, ClickRadio, TiVo, Gamut and many more.

Jonathan Leess, SVP, GM and executive producer of the Enhanced Television division of the Walt Disney Internet Group made an outstanding presentation about Disney and ABC Interactive. He talked about how early live TV in the 1950s featured live commercials and lots of interaction between the viewers and the sponsors in concepts and execution. Some examples he gave were the dancing cigarette box, which was actually a dancer with great legs dressed up in a box. Dinah Shore was also noteworthy for her singing the famous jingle "See the USA in your Chevrolet." Leess said that creativity and new ways of involving viewers in interactive TV will push the medium's growth very quickly in the next few years.

Decker Anstrom, CEO of The Weather Channel, talked about all the things The WC is doing with interactive TV. Seventy-seven million viewers prove that weather is a natural for this kind of information. Bruce Goerlich and Tim Hanlon of Starcom Worldwide, a new advertising media giant, talked about a whole new approach to integrated marketing using all forms of media, including ITV. They stressed the importance of utilizing new approaches to advertising as the future of media.

All in all, this is an industry destined for explosive growth in the very near future! How near? Nobody knows!

Interactive TV Development ~ by Mary Dawne Arden

The Roosevelt Hotel hosted Myers Forum for Interactive TV Development on October 24th. Jack Myers chief economist and CEO of the Myers Reports, Inc., brought together a diverse group of major companies, advertisers, producers and Internet companies to look at this quickly emerging part of the ever-changing media world. Included were exhibits and demos from Microsoft TV, WebTV, ReplayTV, Worldgate, Game Show Network, Canal+ US Technologies, ClickRadio, TiVo, Gamut and many more.

Jonathan Leess, SVP, GM and executive producer of the Enhanced Television division of the Walt Disney Internet Group made an outstanding presentation about Disney and ABC Interactive. He talked about how early live TV in the 1950s featured live commercials and lots of interaction between the viewers and the sponsors in concepts and execution. Some examples he gave were the dancing cigarette box, which was actually a dancer with great legs dressed up in a box. Dinah Shore was also noteworthy for her singing the famous jingle "See the USA in your Chevrolet." Leess said that creativity and new ways of involving viewers in interactive TV will push the medium's growth very quickly in the next few years.

Decker Anstrom, CEO of The Weather Channel, talked about all the things The WC is doing with interactive TV. Seventy-seven million viewers prove that weather is a natural for this kind of information. Bruce Goerlich and Tim Hanlon of Starcom Worldwide, a new advertising media giant, talked about a whole new approach to integrated marketing using all forms of media, including ITV. They stressed the importance of utilizing new approaches to advertising as the future of media.

All in all, this is an industry destined for explosive growth in the very near future! How near? Nobody knows!

Monday, October 23, 2000

New York Social Scene reported by ~ Joanna Fabozzi

* Another E-Bellion
Moving forward to the Revolution Bar located uptown, I was greeted at the door by David Boorstin. I managed to make my way through the hungry crowd of networkers, check my coat and find myself between Christian Fiorello, COO OF Hireplanet and Michael Den Blaker, president and CEO of Hireplanet. HirePlanet is the largest ECN (Employment Communications Network). With recruiting and technical expertise, HirePlanet created a recruiting system called R.O.E.S (Recruitment Order Execution System). HirePlanet harnessed the power of R.O.E.S and created a way for Corporate Recruiters, Employment Agencies and Jobseekers to communicate in a more effective manner. R.O.E.S allows companies to receive Free Job Postings and Free Resume Database Access. It also allows us to manage that data at NO CHARGE! R.O.E.S absorbs recruiting costs and allows employers and agencies to create their very own database for resumes and Job Postings. It also provides an execution system that allows them to communicate with a potential applicant (jobseeker) at the click of a button. We began chatting endlessly about networking, fruity drinks and scuba diving in Hawaii and The Keys. I then recognized Barbara Close from Startups.com, and she soon introduced me to Mandy Moore from Digital Impact. Jumpcut Gilad Block was with Jason Parrish CEO of Kurion, and then I was off to another event.

* Your exclusive invitation
Brings you to Internet Press at the Manhattan Center Studios grand ballroom. The room was full of companies exhibiting their niche offerings with laptops spread around the room. I was pleasantly surprised to notice the large-screen TV in the back corner broadcasting the World Series. And the Yankees were ahead! Go yanks! While watching the game and eating the sinful hors d'oeuvres being passed around, I began speaking with Jay Pillai from Fat Pipe. I also met Ted Dixon from Flonetwork and Ted Ladd from Websense. The event ended soon, with all attendees piling into the elevators to continue networking on their way home.

* Women on the Web
Monday brought me to the Japan Society building on the Upper East Side and the panel discussion "The Power of Women on the Web." Rosemary Brisco, founder and CEO of WomenAsia.com; Grace Fromm, COO of WomenJapan.com; and Lisa Gersh Hall, COO of Oxygen Media, discussed the importance of content on the Web and the un-penetrated women's market. The Web has created a new revolution for women. We have the opportunity now more than ever to run our careers, rather than an organization choosing a path for us. Despite the technical difficulties, the interaction with the panel and crowd was dynamic and inspiring. Closing the discussion with a chance to network and sip a glass of wine, I met Mark Frieser from Gajin.com and Catherine Dovan from I>path.

The City That Loves You Back Parties High-Tech Style

After a short night's rest, I left the Doubletree Hotel (where the Steelers and Browns were staying) and hopped aboard another plane to Philadelphia. I landed in the City That Loves You Back and toured the streets of historical monuments en route to my next home-on-the-road, the Lowes Philadelphia. Set in the historical PSFS (Philadelphia Saving Fund Society) building, the world's first modern skyscraper was also the nation's first savings bank and the second skyscraper with central air conditioning. Marble, polished granite and rare woods lent the impression of an elegant fortress. Cartier art deco clocks, sweeping mezzanine floors and impressive ballrooms add to the Hotel's grandeur. I stayed in a room on the well-appointed Club floors (30-33), which used to be the exclusive board rooms (so exclusive the elevator operators don't even take passengers up there).

Our Philadelphia Cocktails with Courtney (our 2nd) wasn't on the upper floors, but rather in the Commonwealth ballroom on the 2nd floor. The Commonwealth was once again exceptional in facilitating the night's event. Barbara Chafee introduced me to Tim McNulty, the Executive Deputy Secretary of Community and Economic Development. Ben Franklin Technology Partners is another PA initiative, and VP of Marketing and Communications Richard Miller was on hand to talk to me a bit about what they're up to. Center City District Director of Marketing Michelle Shannon came to see the great ballroom filled with technoites. The press came out to check it out too, and was well represented by had Peter Key, staff writer for the Philadelphia Business Journal and Patricia Hartel, Associate editor of the Main Line Times.

I got to meet Greg Garnick, CEO of Port of Technology, Philadelphia's biggest incubator. It opened last Thursday, October 19th, to more than 1000 guests. Earle Palmer Brown Interactive's Director of Business Development Dave Brown and Senior Web Designer Cassie Guillen came out to mingle and chat with Internet Strategy Consultant Andrew Sternthal (formerly of CDNow). CN2 Technology President and CEO Jody Winningham, Director of Testing Solutions Dave Ruess and Marianne Pendleton chatted about techno-life in Manhattan and about their town. In a town known for its pharmaceuticals, it only made sense that PharaBioSource.com's EVP William Hunter and William Wiederseim were out networking with other new economy professionals.

Maura Johnston (of CitySearch.com, Maura.com and SXSW speaker fame) came with a fellow CitySearcher to say "hi." Intellimetric's Gregory Gray and Vantage Technologies' Jeff Thomas told me they were excited about our next Black Tie Affair in early December. I chatted with Teresa Boffo, James Altland, QuinTech Resources William Fisher, Atlantech Solutions' Stephanie Mendoza (who brought her own nametag) and Barron Communications' Patricia Barron. Nikken's Elizabeth Donaghy told me how she's consulting with Silicon Philly, another online publication about town. RISA's (Reinvest in South Africa) Myriah Conroy told me her beau, Denver-based GoGaGa founder Joe Pezzillo, mentioned this party to her. Before leaving, I spent some time talking with IA/Interspace's Sarah Litwak (who's company designed the space at Port of Technology), I-Frontier Public Relations Manager Aparna Mukherjee and PriceContainer.com CEO Jatin Bains. The evening ended with a quick drink in the bar with Pittsburgh sponsor Ripple Effects CEO Louis Malafarina and David Heidenreich (Ripple Effects Interactive), Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation's Public Relations Manager Cara Schneider and Bozell Kamstra's Mark Horner in the posh and lofty PSFS restaurant bar.

Sunday, October 22, 2000

Steeltown's new calling (Pittsburgh Cocktails with Courtney)

While Internet World kept New Yorkers busy, I was intent on creating a buzz in all sorts of other top wired towns around the country. We started off with a soiree in Pittsburgh on Sunday and then one in Philadelphia on Monday. Tuesday I flew to Los Angeles, and San Francisco rounded out this week of parties on Thursday.

It was a bright, sunny, crisp and warm fall day on Sunday when I boarded a tiny turbo prop and headed out to Pittsburgh. While the Yanks and Mets battled in their second World Series game at Yankees Stadium, the Steelers were running victoriously over the Cleveland Browns in Steel-town. However, all this game enthusiasm didn't deter a good number of new media netizens from converging at the tres artsy and eclectic Mattress Factory on the North Side of town. This research-and-development lab for artists commissions new site- specific works. The artist also lives there while creating their permanent piece. While its name comes from its former purpose, the Mattress Factory's new mission is educating viewers on the relevance of art in their own lives.

Two major players -- Ripple Effects Interactive and FreeMarkets -- sponsored our first affair in town, and the guest list was peppered with leaders in the Pittsburgh area. In addition to the stunning space and stellar sponsors, one of the major elements of our events was the support and facilitation by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Traveling around the world affords me the opportunity to witness first-hand how our techno-world is developing.

Among the Steel Town digerati who came out Sunday night were Donald Smith, Carnegie Mellon's director of the Center for Economic Development and Steve Bland (who wasn't bland at all!), the City of Pittsburgh's economic development coordinator for the Mayor's Office. Peoplesmith's Brenda Smith, outfitted in a stunning outfit of Chinese motifs, introduced me to Neuroguide.com's Neil Busis. We chatted about the importance of people, networking and the development of the industry for a bit. Then I met Hayley Jameson, who runs her own professional search firm and who was adorned in a smashing silver and black gown. Paris Lundis, Internet technologies guru for Body Media, was also smashing in his silver and denim ensemble. (Pittsburgh's version of Razorfish's Craig Kanarick!) Paris and Web-Spinners President Michael Davis and VP Steven Crandall came to check out this cocktail soiree -- a new thing for their town. Early on I met Ripple Effects' charming crew, including CEO Louis Malafarina and Paul Magnani. David Charles Ptak, Ripple Effects' chief information officer, and I chatted about his hometown (NY) and about how he's watched the company grow from a one-person staff (him) to 35 in just two years. Ripple Effects' Robert Braughler will be moonlighting as our Cyber Scene reporter for Pittsburgh, so stay tuned for hot stuff about this cool town!

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary of Tourism and Marketing Barbara Chaffee mingled with the evening's guests and said a few words about the developments in Pittsburgh over the last several years. Unbeknownst to many (but not for long!), this Steel Town is turning into a Technology Town. With significant initiatives in place, like the Pittsburgh Digital Greenhouse, Pittsburgh Tech Council, Technology 21 and CyberStart, this town in making major inroads into changing the perception and reality of the city. Significant efforts from the government -- paired with Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science and Engineering's strong programs and uber talented graduates -- increase the impact for change and growth. As Governor Ridge says, Pennyslvania will be (and is) the place where you can "Come Invent the Future."

Louis Malafarina spoke about the talent he gets from Pittsburgh schools and about how local firms could ensure their longevity in the industry by hiring interns. He also told us about world-renowned Advocacy.net and other global initiatives. FreeMarkets' Director, Public Sector Global Markets Theodore Carter drove up from DC (where his flight was canceled) in time to let the gathered guests know about the importance of their activities and efforts in town.

Reporting on all this change is Frank Gottleib, news director from KQV AM, who was on hand at the party, along with a reporter from WPGH TV (the local Fox affiliate) and Tim Fitzpatrick of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Attorney Annary Aytch of UltimatePersonalAssistant.com and her beau, Stanley King Construction Co. president Kenneth Cheatham told me about their Web site and about the interest they're developing in the dot-com realm. I was also introduced to Director of the Governor's Action Team Steven Kohler, who together with his team have more interaction and a direct role in the actual development of Pennsylvania town's cyber development. They are out and about luring people into their bustling towns. KPMG's New York office made sure partner James Bartolomucci and Federal Tax partner Thomas Bone knew about the party and brought some friends along.

Between witty conversations throughout the night and plates refilled with the sumptuous sustenance by The Fluted Mushroom, guests expanded their networks with contacts and expanded their minds with the thought-provoking dramatic exhibit-space of the Mattress Factory. I don't think one person went home unfulfilled. And we hope to come back soon and to continue being a part of the Pittsburgh Cyber Scene!

Bites bytes and bye

After a day planning networking events around the world I found
myself in a long line of anxious networkers in the World Trade
Center waiting patiently for the elevator to ascend to the 107th
floor. This time, Lisa Novitt threw a great Bites Bytes and Bar
bash at Windows on the World.  This was her final BB&B and it was
fantastic. Essentially, Silicon Alley is becoming a microcosm of
this internet world.  As I was greeted in the ballroom by a waiter
carrying glasses of champagne, I was pleasantly surprised to meet
Howard "Howie" Seasonwien of 3 Seasons Marketing. When I asked Howie
about his company, he began with a story. "Remember when you were a
kid and you heard the ice cream truck a mile down the road?" As a
result, Howie bought an ice cream truck and headed to college. Soon
he became known at "the ice cream man" on campus and decided to start
his business, 3 Seasons Marketing.  Howie introduced me to a friend of
his, Francis (Mickey) Keegan and Gil Bindelglas from Cortel Business
Systems. Cortel Business systems, Inc., is a regional full-service
communications company providing reliable voice, data and Internet
solutions to the business and institutional community.  As an
Internet/Application Service Provider and systems integrator, Cortel
designs, installs, maintains and project manages customized
telecommunications solutions for its clients.  Soon the room was full
of hungry networkers and this one had to vacate the premise onto
another event finishing at the gym.

CYBER SCENE SOCIAL NOTES ~ 10/22/99

In an attempt to help facilitate better networking for new media
professionals and "Scenesters," here are some points that will be
added during the weeks. They will be archived at:
http://www.liv4now.com/cgi-bin/hosted/cyberscene_cgi/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro&BypassCookie=true

* When leaving a restaurant with colleagues, you can turn your
cell phone on again, but check your calls when it's a convienent
time, not during their conversation.

Friday, October 20, 2000

Bits & Bytes -and- Shakers & Stirrers 10/20/00


B&B

Jiffy Lube Goes Interactive
Jiffy Lube may be getting a rush of customers soon - and not necessarily for
an oil change. The quick oil-change franchise is installing CD listening
stations, plus leather furniture and satellite televisions. And get this - they're serving Starbuck's coffee to boot! ; Now you can browse the Internet, check important emails and find important car
maintenance information at Web kiosks in the newly renovated waiting rooms.

e-Book Conference in the Works
e-Book World Conference & Exhibition will take place
on Monday and Tuesday, November 6 & 7, 2000 at the New York Marriott Marquis
in New York City, will feature an all-star speaker roster, including
Conference Chairman and Moderator, Michael Wolff, New York Magazine columnist
and best-selling author of BURN RATE. The e-Book World speaker list easily
makes this event the premier  e-book/e-publishing event this year and offers
attendees an exceptional opportunity to discuss, debate, and interact with
the industry thought  leaders. Speakers will include Kurt Andersen, author
and co-chairman, Inside.com; Dick Brass, vice president of technology at
Microsoft; David Granger, Editor-in-Chief of Esquire; Steven Johnson, author
and editor of Feed; Rob Kaufman, president and CEO of NetLibrary; and Chris
MacAskill, president and CEO, MightyWords. On line registration, session
descriptions and more can be found at http://www.e-book-world.com. Exhibits
registration free online until November 3.

Enikia and Oneline Expand Partnership
Enikia and ONELINE AG, a subsidiary of the German utility E.ON Energie, are
embarking on the next level of their strategic plan to deploy end-to-end
broadband services to consumers. These new developments comprise the second
phase of an agreement that includes joint technology development and
deployment of in-home powerline communications. ONELINE will take a 3.3 percent minority
stake in Enikia and a seat on the Enikia Board of Directors. Together the two
companies will deliver the industry's first end-to-end broadband solution
that links consumer electronics, telephones, and home office products to the
public Internet and the telecommunications network over electrical power
lines.


DoTellNow Goes to Europe
Net Technologies, Inc., a market-leading provider of streaming audio products
and services, is joining up with Rivercast AB, a leading European Internet
streaming company to make Net Technologies' innovative phone-to-Internet
technology, DoTellTM Interactive, available to European companies. DoTell
Interactive is the premier platform for voice-content creation, management
and distribution available on the market today, allowing any user with
touch-tone phone service to instantly create an Internet broadcast from
anywhere in the world. DoTell messages can be streamed directly to the Web in
real time, fed into voice mail systems, sent via e-mail, or listened to
through the phone. 


CultureFinder.com and Fodors.com Team Up
CultureFinder.com, the Internet's leading arts guide and ticketing service,
and Fodors.com, the premier online travel information planning site, are
bringing CultureFinder.com's national arts content and ticketing services to
the Fodors.com site. Fodors.com users can now search and purchase tickets for
arts and cultural events in 1,500 travel destinations throughout the U.S. and
Canada. Fodors.com's customized Miniguides will feature CultureFinder's local
event information and ticketing service. Fodors.com visitors can also enhance
their online travel planning and search from over 350,000 arts listings in
more than 1,500 North American cities.

ORB Mates With CheetahMail
ORB, Inc., provider of ROI driven marketing and technology solutions, ORB,
Inc., is joining up with CheetahMail to pair ORB's ROI focus with
CheetahMail's opt-in e-mail marketing solutions. The marriage will provide a
new level of CRM to ORB clients and provide another platform for the B2B
marketing of the ORB brand. There are also plans to ramp-up ORB's own brand marketing efforts to reflect the rapid growth of the company. The choice of CheetahMail as a partner is
consistent with ORB's cornerstone policy of opt-in marketing as the key to
high, sustainable ROI.


S&S
Vertical Alliance Names DiFrancesco CEO
Vertical Alliance, Inc., a leader in delivering integrated customer
acquisition, retention, and optimization tools for vertical eBusiness
markets, has named Jeffrey J. DiFrancesco has been appointed Chief Executive
Officer and President of the firm. DiFrancesco, 37, was most recently chief
financial and operating officer of Savera Systems Inc., and an executive
officer of Lenfest Communications, Inc. He brings in-depth experience in
international and domestic B2B and B2C product development, marketing and
sales, finance, and operations to Vertical Alliance. Prior to joining Savera, DiFrancesco was an executive officer and vice president of strategic planning and business development for
Lenfest Communications (Oaks, PA), a diversified entertainment and
communications company. Together with his family, DiFrancesco has actively
engaged in numerous community and social organizations, including adult
literacy programs, Boy Scouts, neighborhood watch, and emergency foster care.


Disabled in the Net Economy
More than 300 decision makers from industry, government and the
research community are expected to gather in Wall Street on Wednesday,November 1, to share perspectives on how people with disabilities represent major new sources of greater productivity – and profits – in the rapidly evolving global Net Economy. The 3rd Annual Expanding CyberSociety conference focuses on ho making information and communications products and services more accessible for people with disabilities -- and how that makes good business sense in today’s global economy. Global Community Digital Sandbox at the New York Information Technology Center, 55 Broad Street,  from 9 A.M. to 6:00

AvidLearn Teams up with Concentrics
AvidLearn, Inc., a leading provider of online seminars, customized
training solutions, and continuing education for individuals and
corporations, has formed a strategic alliance with Concentrics, Inc., a
management consulting firm that is a leader in creating e-learning t
raining solutions for the internet, internal networks and hosted  solutions.
With Concentrics' help, AvidLearn will create an interactive c
lassroom without geographic boundaries.

Yack Dominates Broadband Guidance With Newly Expanded Road Runner
Partnership
YackSM, the Internet Program GuideSM, must be satisfied
with its longstanding distribution partnership with Road Runner. YackSM  is extending its contract
with the broadband service provider another two years. Under the new deal, Yack will have a far greater presence on the service, giving Road Runner's more than one million broadband users
an extensive guide to Web events and programs. Not only that, but the
broadband version of the complete Yack guide, Fast Yack, will now be
fully integrated into various contextualized areas of Road Runner. Fast
Yack will be prominently featured on the Primary Channel, each Primary
Channel Highlights screen and each Category Welcome screen.

Muji Caters to North American Fans
After successful 1999 holiday season, MujiOnline.com plans to reopen
for North American shoppers. The Japanese retailer will re-open for
year-round business later this month, exclusively for customers in the
U.S. and Canada. The site will open for permanent business at the end
of October, just in time for the 2000 holiday season. Once a well-kept
secret of jet setters and global fashion hounds, the no-frills Muji has
steadily gained a worldwide following thanks to word of mouth and
high-profile devotees like Catherine Deneuve, Johnny Depp, and Vanessa
Paradis. The online branch store is Muji's only North American presence at this time.