Friday, June 24, 2005

SHAKERS & STIRRERS / BITS & BYTES ~ 6/24/05


Great websites of the week (as mentioned on the WWWAC-list):

Publisher's Note ~ A Roman Quote

** Publisher's Note ~ Quote for the day: Hundreds of years ago, Roman philosopher Seneca said “The great blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach.”

Here's This Week's Line-up:
* NYSIA’s Keeping It Real for NYC
* Cocktails with Courtney ~ Silicon Alley Reunion Soiree
* Cyber Scene Spotlight ~ by Tamar Alexia Fleishman, Esq.
* Shakers & Stirrers / Bits & Bytes
* Upcoming Events
* Cocktails with Courtney – July 26th

Courtney Pulitzer's Cyber Scene® ~ June 24, 2005


** Publisher's Note ~ Quote for the day: Hundreds of years ago, Roman philosopher Seneca said “The great blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach.”

Here's This Week's Line-up:
* NYSIA’s Keeping It Real for NYC
* Cocktails with Courtney ~ Silicon Alley Reunion Soiree
* Cyber Scene Spotlight ~ by Tamar Alexia Fleishman, Esq.
* Shakers & Stirrers / Bits & Bytes
* Upcoming Events
* Cocktails with Courtney – July 26th

Shakers & Stirrers and Bits & Bytes

Great websites of the week (as mentioned on the WWWAC-list):
http://www.dontclick.it/
http://www.ukuleledisco.com/jake
http://tinyurl.com/cvbl9

ADV ~ Jobs For You

High profile, high paying, technical jobs can be found
through contacting
Mr. Matthew Cummings [mattc@designstrategy.com]
212-370-0000

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

CYBER SCENE SPOTLIGHT ~ Kentucky Colonels’ Reunion BBQ


by - Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

I was extremely honored last year when Gov. Paul Patton of Kentucky named me a Kentucky Colonel, Kentucky’s highest honor. The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels is a philanthropic organization dedicated to aiding the welfare of Kentucky’s citizens. Aside from being a huge fan of all things Kentuckian, I am the agent for Night Train, the famous Southern Rock band from Mossy Jaw, Kentucky.

Most people think about Col. Sanders when they hear about Colonels, and yes, he was made a Kentucky Colonel for bringing acclaim to the Commonwealth with his famous chicken. Though Gov. Isaac Shelby declared his trusted Militia guards to be "Kentucky Colonels" back in 1813, the nonprofit group was founded in 1931. Some of the charities that have benefited from the Kentucky Colonels this year are the American Heart Association of Central Kentucky, Bellewood Presbyterian Home for Children, the Bardstown Community Theater and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Bluegrass.

Kentucky Colonels reside all over the world, so each year, on the day after the Kentucky Derby, we hold a reunion barbeque. In years past, the party was held at Wickland (Governor’s Mansion to 3 Governors), in Bardstown, KY. This year, it was held on the grounds of the St. Joseph’s Childrens’ Home in Louisville. Now, a minor controversy arose, because some of the Colonels want everything back in Bardstown. The charming town of Bardstown is in Nelson Co., where much of America’s bourbon is made and many of its fine racehorses are born. Indeed, it is the site of Federal Hill, the plantation that inspired Stephen Foster’s "My Old Kentucky Home". My guess is the barbeque will return to Bardstown someday, but I’m just a fledgling Colonel -- it’s not for me to say!

If you ever get to attend the Colonels’ barbeque, the dress is casually elegant. Most of the women (and men) wear fancy hats. Don’t wear heels, as I did, because they’ll just get lodged in the mud and you’ll end up stripping off your stockings behind a tree and running around barefooted. Our weather was in the upper 80’s and very sunny. With the warm outdoors, the first stop I made was to the mint julep tent. Ah, the famous drink of the Derby and a favorite cocktail of Colonels! I’ve had my fair share of mint julips before, and nobody, but NOBODY makes ‘em as good as the ones at Barbeque. The secret, I think, is having a big, tall glass of crushed ice, with plenty of fresh mint, simple sugar syrup and quality bourbon. Really, think of the proper julep as being a chunkier version of a bourbon snow cone -- now that’s refreshing!

Here’s an interesting point about the cocktail tent: they carried many brands of bourbon. You don’t see that at many catered functions! I strongly suspect the reason is, the different companies are still run by some of the old Kentucky families, and they all count many Colonels amongst their corporate officers. So that nobody’s feelings get hurt, each are represented at Barbeque. Thus, there was a choice of Jim Beam, Evan Williams, Makers Mark, Woodford Reserve and Heaven Hill.

Along with cocktails, you can’t forget the tasty food! First, I sampled Kentucky Burgoo. Since you’re probably wondering, Kentucky Burgoo is a traditional stew, now made with lamb, pork, chicken and sometimes beef. It has a tomato and spice base, with little vegetables thrown in. During Daniel Boone’s time (the founder of Kentucky), it most likely contained squirrel, venison, wild turkey and anything else he could lay his hands on. It’s supposed to be "gamy" and lamb definitely gives it that quality.

Then, I sampled the barbeque. The pulled pork or chicken sandwiches were topped with "Mark’s Feed Store BBQ Sauce", made in Middletown, KY. The Original sauce is thinner and more orange, while Tomato sauce came later, as a result of customers’ demands. The Tomato sauce is thicker with honey. Side dishes included green beans with bacon and homemade potato salad. If you’re going to make potato salad "Kentucky-style", you’ll use little new red potatoes, big chunks of hard-boiled eggs, poppy seeds, fresh chives, green onions and mayo. Dessert was homemade buttermilk pie, which is sort of a cross between pecan pie minus the nuts and a sugar cookie. Of course, I washed everything down with that favorite quencher of the South, sweet tea.

Besides eatin’ and drinkin’, there’s lots to do at the Colonels’ Barbeque. I met a delightful Colonel involved in the thoroughbred industry and the Robb Report, Robbie Switzer. He introduced me to many re-enactors of famous historical people that he knew. So, introductions went thusly: "This is George Rogers Clark, or also, Mel." Other re-enactors included Daniel Boone, "Grandpa" Jones (do you remember Hee-Haw?) and Colonel Sanders. We also listened to the live 50’s music of the Monarchs and bluegrass stylings of Kentucky Blue. The Emporium is where you do your souvenir shopping . . .but you’ll want to go early. They ran out of t-shirts in my size (which is a Top State Secret). I did get the special pin commemorating the Barbeque; it’s a point of pride for Colonels to wear all the pins of all the Barbeques they’ve attended over the years.

The Colonels’ Barbeque is one of the most famous parties of the South: if you ever have the chance to go as a Colonel or Colonel’s guest, I hope to see y’all there.

The*PARTY at The*SPACE


http://www.thegroop.net/yes/

The invite from Conn Fishburn, Senior Partner, BIG/Ogilvy, read: ... "a BIG/Ogilvy sponsored event bringing together professionals from the entertainment, technology, gaming and mobile industries. It is the first in what we hope to be many evenings bridging LA's diverse creative and technology communities." 

How could I pass up an invite like that? Especially an invite coming from Conn Fishburn, who has the most creative, passionate and business-like mind I've met in a long time. Considering this networking opportunity could result in highly creative products and/or ventures I quickly replied, 'Yes!' and made my reservations online of course for flight to Los Angles and stay at the Westin's Bonaventure.

I was greeted with a firm handshake from Conn. The room was just beginning to buzz and Conn proceeds to make introductions. My impressions of the evening: great space located in the down 'n out section of Downtown LA, any true New Yorker would appreciate the grittiness. There was a hint of new "old" media industry, but not the cache of the deal making late nineties, thank goodness. I did see several younger 20-something men roaming the event searching for some kind of deal with someone or anyone for that matter for something or anything.

One such incident I did witness up close. While Mark Jeffrey, author of the famous "The Pocket and The Pendant", dear friend and wonderful escort for the evening, and I chatted about life beyond the "new media industry", an old colleague from Mark's Super Sig days interrupted. He seemed to desperately want Mark to give his client, Michael consul on his new venture and fund raising. He cornered Mark pressing him to be nice to his client but give helpful suggestions. My first question to Michael was, "Do you have a patent?" you would have thought I cut his legs off at this knees. I thought the days of "Irrational exuberance" were over, but I was wrong. I get calls from investors on a regular basis telling me they will invest in businesses that have cash flow provided by real paying customers, products with patents, and intelligent business plans with a strategy for profitability. Who would have guessed investors finally sobered up, but it would seem some entrepreneurs are still drinking from the grandiose well.

As attractive as I am...to new ventures I hated to be the one to tell poor Michael that Columbus already discovered America. What he really needs to develop is a product that meets the needs of consumers not try to reinvent a wheel that already has huge market share. Perhaps before he spins his wheels further into spiral of the abyss, he should consider some old-fashioned market research.

After about a 20-minute conversation Mark was free to get back to our discussion over the good ole days. Mark Jeffrey is certainly the right person to ask for advice. He has a great track record for both stars and dogs. His most recent success is "The Pocket and The Pendant". He not only self published but he's also podcasting it, and rumors have it he's in the middle of a possible deal for a TV series. Bravo and well done, Mark! But you know what they say beyond every successful man there is a team of amazing women with deep rolodexes willing to champion him. Mark's success has been through the encouragement and word-of-mouth of Christine Harmel, Courtney Pulitzer, and me, Tery Spataro.

As the evening quickly passed on, I need some nosh. As I was digging into the vegetable platter, I met Bill Cameron, Sr. VP Strategic Alliance ExpoMarketing Group. Bill wasn't afraid to pitch me on his event marketing business and ask if I have any leverage with Madison Avenue. That's a business model I can digest and I did grow up on Madison Avenue. I gave Bill some of my valued C-level contacts. In exchange Bill promised to keep me in the loop and give me a 5% return for me efforts. That's not a bad return for an introduction. As I was milling around the food table I heard a rumor that famed Razorfish CEO Jeff Dachis was going to show up, to talk about his new project--the Producers Guild of America--but his new baby took priority. Too bad for me, I would have loved to ask him for a tour of the room in his home I furnished from the poor investment I made in Razorfish.

The*Party got into full swing after speeches by Jose Caballer, CEO and Creative Director of The_Groop, and Conn Fishburn, General Manager of BIG. This event promises score of business relationships. Over all the combination of energy and spark of new entrepreneurial blood will breathe life into new opportunities and this is the event to seek them out.

Other sponsors of The*PARTY included: amaula, The_Groop, Mobile Monday, Orange22, Producers Guild of America, The*SPACE, and Oshyn.

Photos: The *PARTY at the *SPACE http://public.fotki.com/tery/the_party_at_the_space

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Cocktails with Courtney ~ Silicon Alley Reunion Soiree


Tuesday, June 21st was the first of my revived series Cocktails with Courtney.  The event was a hit!  Sponsored by Zipcar, co-host Danielle Cyr and I greeted and introduced the forty-or-so guests who showed up to each other.  You’ll have to pardon me, but I’m a little distracted today so I’ll just give y’all the link to the pictures and the write up will come next week.

* Cocktails with Courtney ~ Silicon Alley Reunion Soiree

Tuesday, June 21st was the first of my revived series Cocktails with Courtney. The event was a hit! Sponsored by Zipcar, co-host Danielle Cyr and I greeted and introduced the forty-or-so guests who showed up to each other. You’ll have to pardon me, but I’m a little distracted today so I’ll just give y’all the link to the pictures and the write up will come next week.
http://courtney.fotki.com/2005/junecocktailsreunion/

Here’s the down and dirty recap:

Those who showed up:
* Long-time supporter insurance-man Richard Frazer
* Seasoned recruiter Bonnie Halper
* Michael Spitz and Phil Lam arrived in tandem, and showed off their boxers (well, the give-aways).
* Lee Huang
* MaryDawne Arden, in her classic-Hollywood glamour-style told me how she just had come from a Dress For Success benefit at Bobby Brown Cosmetics, celebrating five years of the Professional Women’s Group with special guest speaker CBS 2 News co-anchor Shon Gables. Her image and body-language consultancy is taking off—as is a recent renewed interest in an old film credit, “Blood and Black Lace.”
* Bruce Colwin
* James Taranto told me how his book, “Presidential Leadership: Rating the Best and the Worst in the White House” will be coming out in paperback soon. His “Best of the Web Today” Wall Street Journal column continues to remain popular.
* Jeffery Erb, Managing Partner of The ER Group, was his usual cavalier self, asking if he “won a date with Courtney” when he arrived to which I replied that wasn’t part of the raffle. As I handed him his “Cocktails with Courtney”-memorabilia boxer shorts, he stated, “oh good, now I can have Courtney between my legs.” Gee, I wonder what Mrs. Erb would say if she heard these quips?
* Philadelphia-based Rob Robinson told me, “Hollywood was calling, so we answered” as he rattled off a short-list of all of his company’s (http://www.outeredgeentertainment.com/) accomplishments.

Like any reunion, not only professional changes were the talk. For instance:
* Allison Tucker Keisman is now married, as are Pepper Roukas and Tristan Louis
* Larry Kesslin beamed about his two children, wife and home in Riverdale, as did Quentin English who showed me digital pictures of his little darlin’
* Paul Ellis
* Carell Cassey
* Antony Worsley
* Stella Alvo reported that she’s now doing interactive TV with Verizon.
* Annie Van Bebber, founder and Editor-in-Chief of FundRaisers.com came on the recommendation of LA-based Michael Terpin.

Monday, June 20, 2005

NYSIA’s Keeping It Real for NYC


As I gazed up at the awesome JPMorgan Chase signage in the historic Skidmore, Owings & Merrill 1960s Park Avenue office building, I knew I was in for an impressive evening.  NYSIA’s Monthly Meeting on Monday, June 20th capped off a beautifully temperate day in our fair city.

Upon arriving, Design Strategy (designstrategy.com) senior technical recruiter Matthew Cummings and I were greeted two of the Platinum Sponsors, Law Firm BrownRudnick and IBM (ibm.com/isv). BrownRudnick offered a very handy “Glossary of Venture Capital and IPO Terms” booklet for guests.  It’s already in its Fifth Edition!  But what really caught our attention were the white water rafting business cards on IBM’s table.  We’d just returned the previous day from a camping and rafting trip with friends.  Of course, Molly joked, IBM’s team took on the rocky waters of the East River’s Hell Gate, whereas Matthew and I just ambled down the Delaware Water Gap!

NYSIA president Bruce Bernstein worked the room with finesse as he introduced me to Umbanet’s (umbanet.com) technology head Dr. Ken D. Bolan, who then introduced me to Umbanet president Michelle Baker.  As one of the firms in NYSIA’s incubator at the famous 55 Broad Street, Michelle outlined how they offer automatic event registration for email newsletters.  Originally an educational software program made possible from a National Science Foundation grant for kids to make games, Umbanet has been branching out into corporate markets.

MSC Services president and consultant Michael Speaker was in town to hear the main presentation--IBM’s Rational Software GM speak on their software group.  ScribeStudio’s Manuela Rath and Marion Janic explained how this 1998-founded firm will be video capturing the seminar and displayed on their site. 

Two gentlemen who were really hot-to-trot were Karl O’Brien and Greg Rehbein who explained how they were there to scope out the competition.  Greg regaled me with the industries (aerospace, government, Wall St.) Telelogic.com is in and about the new developments for DOORS, their requirements management program and SYNERGY, their change and configuration management program.  Greg was nearly mid-sentence when he left me to rush over to a potential client, leaving me to finish up with Karl.  I moved on to meet amhCard Inc.’s Chiji Uzo, who explained his company’s wireless, micro and money transfer payment options.  “And what does your company do?” I inquired, to which Obiora LLC’s Obi Akubue promptly replied, “tech support.”  Ah, if only every tech support response could be so quick!

As the soda-hour was finishing up, I had a chance to catch up with Excite Media Group’s president Miranda Tan.  We marveled at the positive changes we saw in each other and then headed in for the presentations.

And what a presentation it was!  Bruce revealed the outline of his testimony for the NYC Council Technology Hearing on Tuesday, June 21.  Here are just a few of the many important details covered:

+ New York City outperformed the United States by fifteen percent in Software/IT job and company growth between 1992 – 2000.
+ Since 2000, the number of companies in New York City has decreased by 16.2%, whereas Chicago has only had a 5% decrease and Southern California had a 2.7% increase.
+ Many areas are offering major incentives to companies to develop in their locale.  For instance, Iowa’s Grow Iowa Fund has $500 million to spend over 10 years; Texas’s TBED has $100 million and the European Union has reserved $5.4 billion over seven years for assistance to IT companies, $1.03 billion of which specifically reserved for software companies.
+ NYSIA, founded in 1992, with 600 member companies, has been assisting companies in the technology sector.
+ One of Bruce’s big points, which Murray Alter of PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP, landed on in a steering committee, is to make New York City a true free trade zone and to normalize rates and prices, as is done in other industries.
+ For more—check out www.nysia.org

* NYSIA’s Keeping It Real for NYC

As I gazed up at the awesome JPMorgan Chase signage in the historic Skidmore, Owings & Merrill 1960s Park Avenue office building, I knew I was in for an impressive evening. NYSIA’s Monthly Meeting on Monday, June 20th capped off a beautifully temperate day in our fair city.

Upon arriving, Design Strategy (designstrategy.com) senior technical recruiter Matthew Cummings and I were greeted two of the Platinum Sponsors, Law Firm BrownRudnick and IBM (ibm.com/isv). BrownRudnick offered a very handy “Glossary of Venture Capital and IPO Terms” booklet for guests. It’s already in its Fifth Edition! But what really caught our attention were the white water rafting business cards on IBM’s table. We’d just returned the previous day from a camping and rafting trip with friends. Of course, Molly joked, IBM’s team took on the rocky waters of the East River’s Hell Gate, whereas Matthew and I just ambled down the Delaware Water Gap!

NYSIA president Bruce Bernstein worked the room with finesse as he introduced me to Umbanet’s (umbanet.com) technology head Dr. Ken D. Bolan, who then introduced me to Umbanet president Michelle Baker. As one of the firms in NYSIA’s incubator at the famous 55 Broad Street, Michelle outlined how they offer automatic event registration for email newsletters. Originally an educational software program made possible from a National Science Foundation grant for kids to make games, Umbanet has been branching out into corporate markets.

MSC Services president and consultant Michael Speaker was in town to hear the main presentation--IBM’s Rational Software GM speak on their software group. ScribeStudio’s Manuela Rath and Marion Janic explained how this 1998-founded firm will be video capturing the seminar and displayed on their site.

Two gentlemen who were really hot-to-trot were Karl O’Brien and Greg Rehbein who explained how they were there to scope out the competition. Greg regaled me with the industries (aerospace, government, Wall St.) Telelogic.com is in and about the new developments for DOORS, their requirements management program and SYNERGY, their change and configuration management program. Greg was nearly mid-sentence when he left me to rush over to a potential client, leaving me to finish up with Karl. I moved on to meet amhCard Inc.’s Chiji Uzo, who explained his company’s wireless, micro and money transfer payment options. “And what does your company do?” I inquired, to which Obiora LLC’s Obi Akubue promptly replied, “tech support.” Ah, if only every tech support response could be so quick!

As the soda-hour was finishing up, I had a chance to catch up with Excite Media Group’s president Miranda Tan. We marveled at the positive changes we saw in each other and then headed in for the presentations.

And what a presentation it was! Bruce revealed the outline of his testimony for the NYC Council Technology Hearing on Tuesday, June 21. Here are just a few of the many important details covered:

+ New York City outperformed the United States by fifteen percent in Software/IT job and company growth between 1992 – 2000.
+ Since 2000, the number of companies in New York City has decreased by 16.2%, whereas Chicago has only had a 5% decrease and Southern California had a 2.7% increase.
+ Many areas are offering major incentives to companies to develop in their locale. For instance, Iowa’s Grow Iowa Fund has $500 million to spend over 10 years; Texas’s TBED has $100 million and the European Union has reserved $5.4 billion over seven years for assistance to IT companies, $1.03 billion of which specifically reserved for software companies.
+ NYSIA, founded in 1992, with 600 member companies, has been assisting companies in the technology sector.
+ One of Bruce’s big points, which Murray Alter of PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP, landed on in a steering committee, is to make New York City a true free trade zone and to normalize rates and prices, as is done in other industries.
+ For more—check out www.nysia.org

Saturday, June 18, 2005

The*PARTY at The*SPACE ~ by Tery Spataro

The invite from Conn Fishburn, Senior Partner, BIG/Ogilvy, read: ... "a BIG/Ogilvy sponsored event bringing together professionals from the entertainment, technology, gaming and mobile industries. It is the first in what we hope to be many evenings bridging LA's diverse creative and technology communities."
How could I pass up an invite like that? Especially an invite coming from Conn Fishburn, who has the most creative, passionate and business-like mind I've met in a long time. Considering this networking opportunity could result in highly creative products and/or ventures I quickly replied, 'Yes!' and made my reservations online of course for flight to Los Angles and stay at the Westin's Bonaventure.

I was greeted with a firm handshake from Conn. The room was just beginning to buzz and Conn proceeds to make introductions. My impressions of the evening: great space located in the down 'n out section of Downtown LA, any true New Yorker would appreciate the grittiness. There was a hint of new "old" media industry, but not the cache of the deal making late nineties, thank goodness. I did see several younger 20-something men roaming the event searching for some kind of deal with someone or anyone for that matter for something or anything.

One such incident I did witness up close. While Mark Jeffrey, author of the famous "The Pocket and The Pendant", dear friend and wonderful escort for the evening, and I chatted about life beyond the "new media industry", an old colleague from Mark's Super Sig days interrupted. He seemed to desperately want Mark to give his client, Michael consul on his new venture and fund raising. He cornered Mark pressing him to be nice to his client but give helpful suggestions. My first question to Michael was, "Do you have a patent?" you would have thought I cut his legs off at this knees. I thought the days of "Irrational exuberance" were over, but I was wrong. I get calls from investors on a regular basis telling me they will invest in businesses that have cash flow provided by real paying customers, products with patents, and intelligent business plans with a strategy for profitability. Who would have guessed investors finally sobered up, but it would seem some entrepreneurs are still drinking from the grandiose well.

As attractive as I am...to new ventures I hated to be the one to tell poor Michael that Columbus already discovered America. What he really needs to develop is a product that meets the needs of consumers not try to reinvent a wheel that already has huge market share. Perhaps before he spins his wheels further into spiral of the abyss, he should consider some old-fashioned market research.

After about a 20-minute conversation Mark was free to get back to our discussion over the good ole days. Mark Jeffrey is certainly the right person to ask for advice. He has a great track record for both stars and dogs. His most recent success is "The Pocket and The Pendant". He not only self published but he's also podcasting it, and rumors have it he's in the middle of a possible deal for a TV series. Bravo and well done, Mark! But you know what they say beyond every successful man there is a team of amazing women with deep rolodexes willing to champion him. Mark's success has been through the encouragement and word-of-mouth of
Christine Harmel, Courtney Pulitzer, and me, Tery Spataro.

As the evening quickly passed on, I need some nosh. As I was digging into the vegetable platter, I met Bill Cameron, Sr. VP Strategic Alliance ExpoMarketing Group. Bill wasn't afraid to pitch me on his event marketing business and ask if I have any leverage with Madison Avenue. That's a business model I can digest and I did grow up on Madison Avenue. I gave Bill some of my valued C-level contacts. In exchange Bill promised to keep me in the loop and give me a 5% return for me efforts. That's not a bad return for an introduction. As I was milling around the food table I heard a rumor that famed Razorfish CEO Jeff Dachis was going to show up, to talk about his new project--the Producers Guild of America--but his new baby took priority. Too bad for me, I would have loved to ask him for a tour of the room in his home I furnished from the poor investment I made in Razorfish.

The*Party got into full swing after speeches by Jose Caballer, CEO and Creative Director of The_Groop, and Conn Fishburn, General Manager of BIG. This event promises score of business relationships. Over all the combination of energy and spark of new entrepreneurial blood will breathe life into new opportunities and this is the event to seek them out.

Other sponsors of The*PARTY included: amaula, The_Groop, Mobile Monday, Orange22, Producers Guild of America, The*SPACE, and Oshyn.

Photos: The *PARTY at the *SPACE

Friday, June 17, 2005

UPCOMING EVENTS ~ 6/17/05

FreshDirect talks about their brand and their site at:
http://www.nycupa.org/events.html
Mark Safire, President, NYC chapter of UPA/Director of User Experience
Research/Sachs Insights - the art of research

The fate of Governors Island was a popular topic for a while.  I remember some
discussions on the possibility of it being a potential technology incubator as
well as thoughts on it hosting a casino.  Either way, the public is able to
enjoy the park again and there is ferry service from lower Manhattan.  Now open
on Saturdays for the Summer.  Bring a picnic and muse on its history and future
yourself.  http://www.nps.gov/gois/

Like the Phoenix, Vic rises again as well!
http://www.vicnetwork.com/html/index.html
From their website: "Ten years after a local community helped give rise to a
multi-billion-dollar industry, Southern California's premier technology
networking community is re-mobilizing for its next phase of growth. The new VIC
Network will expand to include Northern California, connecting the west's two
major business centers, reconnecting old colleagues and fostering new
relationships that will last a lifetime. In addition to our famous networking
and educational events, the VIC Network will feature a host of online networking
tools for members to create connections with professionals across town and
around the globe."  Next event? One day after mine! Wed. June 22 VIC @ SF
ArtSFest Center 6-9pm

New Media Netizen Andrew Raisej is running for office!  Vote for our next Public
Advocate, who really understands Technology!  More info:
http://www.advocatesforrasiej.com/story.  Cocktails with Courtney will be
promoting and supporting Andrew.  We hope you will too.

SHAKERS & STIRRERS / BITS & BYTES ~ 6/17/05

* ABOUT.com: Scott Meyer will be joining About, Inc. as CEO & President!

* May 14th Michael Gellman of SpireMedia became a married man. That's right,
Denver's tech community's most notorious bachelor has gotten hitched! 
Furthermore, for a third year in a row, Spire was ranked #1 in The Denver
Business Journal's annual ranking of Denver-Area Web Developers/Designers. On
May 17th, Spire Creative Director John Barnard became the father of a baby boy,
Ethan Edward Barnard. Spire President Terry Logan and CTO Thad Batt recently
spoke at The Colorado Software and Internet Association and...any day now,
Spire's new web site will launch. Be on the lookout.

* Brett Forman writes: In honor of The Ex Caminos' 10th Anniversary, we've
redesigned our Web site: http://www.excaminos.com. We hope you'll enjoy the new
site. Also, The Ex Caminos featuring Inyang Bassey will perform tonight,
Thursday, June 16, at Makor in NYC. Doors open at 7:30, and the band goes on at
8pm.  http://www.excaminos.com

CYBER SCENE SPOTLIGHT ~ Joel Breen

* Interview with Magician and Businessman Joel Breen ~
by Tamar Alexia Fleishman, Esq.

Who knew that a parent's birthday gift could change someone's life? While a
college freshman in Connecticut studying commercial art, Joel Breen received a
week's training with a master magician. By his sophomore year, Breen was up and
running -- transferring to UNLV and putting himself in Las Vegas' limelight. One
might think that attending college in Sin City might be a tad, well,
distracting. But, no: Joel does everything with an intensity that's quite
unexpected, considering his boyish good looks. He switched majors to hotel
administration, graduating as one of the top 10 in the US. He turned down
management offers from Sheraton and Hyatt to pursue his dream of being a
magician. "On Wednesday nights, all the professional magicians would meet from
12 to 5 am. All the old timers, Jimmy Grippo, Sigfried and Roy. By 5 am, you'd
learn all their secrets. They'd be dropping cards all over the place and you
could look and see the trick. They were drunk out of their minds!" Joel
exclaims.

Soon, Joel Breen's dreams came true. A member of David Copperfield's team
approached him and asked if he'd join them. The hotel management courses did end
up paying off: Breen's skills at making subordinates show up on time and do what
they were supposed to do quickly lead to his promotion to Director of Illusions.
"At 2, you'd get into town and have a sound and light check. We'd have two shows
at 5 and then, at 8. Then, we'd have to get back on the road. I really honed my
people skills. You'd have to work with a brand new crew in another city, do it
all over again. We did 63 cities in 70 days."

Many people are surprised that David Copperfield has a team of people creating
his tricks; most folks imagine a magician's life to be a solitary one. "We had
secrecy agreements. Don't go home and tell your wife, who'll tell her friend.
Even backstage people, they would be privy. They signed agreements, too."
Copperfield's team consisted of 5 people from all walks of life; this helped him
design new illusions. Some had a stage background, others engineering, etc.
"David would say, here's what I want. Let's figure out how to do it. We'd come
up with 4 or 5 methods and eliminate it down to 1 or 2."

Today's shows demand a new expertise in computers and electronics. With the
advent of the Internet, performances have had to become more sophisticated. Joel
has learned how to program music on CD's, as well as using remote controls for
music around his ankles. Does he still have to practice? "Yes! Always. And, I'm
always thinking about how to do things."

Joel was there with Copperfield when he performed at the White House and also,
Ford's Theater. The historic venue presented some technical challenges. "Ford's
had a historical, raked stage. It was a stage at a slant, so everyone could see.
Nowadays, the audience is at a slant. But it made it so we had to build wedges
on everything, so the illusions wouldn't fall off the stage onto peoples' laps!"
One of Copperfield's biggest gigs was the CBS special to make the Statue of
Liberty disappear. But the biggest show presented the biggest headaches. "CBS
had requirements. Their Ethics Committee would always review our special." A
message would be scrolled across the screen: "Anything you see will be presented
as though you were seeing it live."

This meant that they could never cut away and had to show the illusion with a
single camera.

Before Copperfield was headlining, he opened for comedians such as Bill Cosby,
David Brenner and Shecky Green. And all the while, Joel was taking careful note
for his own future solo performances. "I differ from David in my presentation.
Mine is more comedy and magic, more improv. David is more rehearsed. After years
and years of study, I found out the root of what made someone funny. I studied
Johnny Carson, when we worked with him. I do a lot of MC work." How else does he
differ from Copperfield? "I'm changing in my car, driving around Wisconsin. I
don't think David Copperfield is doing that."

Joel Breen has a huge business, besides magic: he is the owner of JB's New and
Used Furniture in Milwaukee. He has taken his background of set design and
working with all kinds of people to become a retail powerhouse in the Midwest.

Whether you want to book a world-class magic show or need some furniture, you
can contact Joel at JBFurniture@sbcglobal.net

What's Up with those WWWACky people?

For me, sometimes the WWWAC list is a great indicator of what's going on in the
industry.  And a recent re-viewing of it revealed a lot!  People all over the US
are on this New York City originated and based mailing list for those-in-the-
trenches technology talents.  Here were among the more popular threads this
week:

Baby names? Yes, baby names.  The U.S. government has its own historical
database of popular names: http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/.  But the Baby
Name Wizard is the coolest app I've seen for this type of project:
http://babynamewizard.com/namevoyager/lnv0105.html.  Then, if you're just trying
to come up with character names for your next Great American Novel, you can find
one using Nameomatic:
http://www.nameomatic.com/nameomatic.php

Google's ranking secrets are out!  Discover the hidden secrets yourself at:
http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-
Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/search-
bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=20050071741&OS=20050071741&RS=200500717
41

Steve Jobs provided a speech at Stanford's Commencement exercises.  Some found
it inspirational, some felt like if they didn't take a Calligraphy course they
were screwed and some used it as a spring board to discuss career paths and
"jobs" versus "gigs."

Next up in the hot-lineup is how employers can do background searches and even
what you write in your blog can get you fired.  No kidding?!

And finally, a subject close to my heart ñ discussion on where we are in 2005
versus 2000 and earlier in terms of jobs, salaries and whatnot.  Contribute your
thoughts too at: www.SiliconAlleyReunion.com -- just sign up and post away!

Courtney Pulitzer's Cyber Scene ~ June 17, 2005

** Publisher's Note ~ Happy Days Are Here Again!

Well folks!  You'll be happy to know, the fever's broke, the tide has changed,
the tables are turned!  I'm back and I'm standin' tall.  Yup, it's a new and
improved Courtney.  Just like you remember her, but better! :)  I'm regaining my
interest in the world, technologically, creatively, socially and personally! 

So stay tuned for more content on what's happening around the world in the
technology sector; reports on events; contributions from other talented writers
and invitations to upcoming events.

Here's This Week's Line-up:
* What's Up with those WWWACky people?
* Cyber Scene Spotlight ~ by Tamar Alexia Fleishman, Esq.
* Shakers & Stirrers / Bits & Bytes
* Upcoming Events
* Cocktails with Courtney ñ June 21st
* Coming Soon: Fundraiser for Andrew Raisej ñ July 6

Publisher's Note ~ Happy Days Are Here Again

Well folks! You'll be happy to know, the fever's broke, the tide has changed, the tables are turned! I'm back and I'm standin' tall. Yup, it's a new and improved Courtney. Just like you remember her, but better! :) I'm regaining my interest in the world, technologically, creatively, socially and personally!

So stay tuned for more content on what's happening around the world in the technology sector; reports on events; contributions from other talented writers and invitations to upcoming events.

Here's This Week's Line-up:
* What's Up with those WWWACky people?
* Cyber Scene Spotlight ~ by Tamar Alexia Fleishman, Esq.
* Shakers & Stirrers / Bits & Bytes
* Upcoming Events
* Cocktails with Courtney - June 21st
* Coming Soon: Fundraiser for Andrew Raisej - July 6

What's Up with those WWWACky people?

For me, sometimes the WWWAC list is a great indicator of what's going on in the industry. And a recent re-viewing of it revealed a lot! People all over the US are on this New York City originated and based mailing list for those-in-the-trenches technology talents. Here were among the more popular threads this week:

Baby names? Yes, baby names. The U.S. government has its own historical database of popular names: http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/. But the Baby Name Wizard is the coolest app I've seen for this type of project: http://babynamewizard.com/namevoyager/lnv0105.html. Then, if you're just trying to come up with character names for your next Great American Novel, you can find one using Nameomatic: http://www.nameomatic.com/nameomatic.php

Google's ranking secrets are out! Discover the hidden secrets yourself at: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-
Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/search-
bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=20050071741&OS=20050071741&RS=200500717
41

Steve Jobs provided a speech at Stanford's Commencement exercises. Some found it inspirational, some felt like if they didn't take a Calligraphy course they were screwed and some used it as a spring board to discuss career paths and "jobs" versus "gigs."

Next up in the hot-lineup is how employers can do background searches and even what you write in your blog can get you fired. No kidding?!

And finally, a subject close to my heart - discussion on where we are in 2005 versus 2000 and earlier in terms of jobs, salaries and whatnot. Contribute your thoughts too at: www.SiliconAlleyReunion.com -- just sign up and post away!

Cyber Scene Celebrity Interview ~ by Tamar Alexia Fleishman

* Interview with Magician and Businessman Joel Breen ~
by Tamar Alexia Fleishman, Esq.

Who knew that a parent's birthday gift could change someone's life? While a college freshman in Connecticut studying commercial art, Joel Breen received a week's training with a master magician. By his sophomore year, Breen was up and running -- transferring to UNLV and putting himself in Las Vegas' limelight. One might think that attending college in Sin City might be a tad, well, distracting. But, no: Joel does everything with an intensity that's quite unexpected, considering his boyish good looks. He switched majors to hotel administration, graduating as one of the top 10 in the US. He turned down management offers from Sheraton and Hyatt to pursue his dream of being a magician. "On Wednesday nights, all the professional magicians would meet from 12 to 5 am. All the old timers, Jimmy Grippo, Sigfried and Roy. By 5 am, you'd learn all their secrets. They'd be dropping cards all over the place and you
could look and see the trick. They were drunk out of their minds!" Joel exclaims.

Soon, Joel Breen's dreams came true. A member of David Copperfield's team approached him and asked if he'd join them. The hotel management courses did end up paying off: Breen's skills at making subordinates show up on time and do what they were supposed to do quickly lead to his promotion to Director of Illusions. "At 2, you'd get into town and have a sound and light check. We'd have two shows at 5 and then, at 8. Then, we'd have to get back on the road. I really honed my people skills. You'd have to work with a brand new crew in another city, do it all over again. We did 63 cities in 70 days."

Many people are surprised that David Copperfield has a team of people creating his tricks; most folks imagine a magician's life to be a solitary one. "We had secrecy agreements. Don't go home and tell your wife, who'll tell her friend. Even backstage people, they would be privy. They signed agreements, too." Copperfield's team consisted of 5 people from all walks of life; this helped him design new illusions. Some had a stage background, others engineering, etc. "David would say, here's what I want. Let's figure out how to do it. We'd come up with 4 or 5 methods and eliminate it down to 1 or 2."

Today's shows demand a new expertise in computers and electronics. With the advent of the Internet, performances have had to become more sophisticated. Joel has learned how to program music on CD's, as well as using remote controls for music around his ankles. Does he still have to practice? "Yes! Always. And, I'm always thinking about how to do things."

Joel was there with Copperfield when he performed at the White House and also, Ford's Theater. The historic venue presented some technical challenges. "Ford's had a historical, raked stage. It was a stage at a slant, so everyone could see. Nowadays, the audience is at a slant. But it made it so we had to build wedges on everything, so the illusions wouldn't fall off the stage onto peoples' laps!"

One of Copperfield's biggest gigs was the CBS special to make the Statue of Liberty disappear. But the biggest show presented the biggest headaches. "CBS had requirements. Their Ethics Committee would always review our special." A message would be scrolled across the screen: "Anything you see will be presented as though you were seeing it live."

This meant that they could never cut away and had to show the illusion with a single camera.

Before Copperfield was headlining, he opened for comedians such as Bill Cosby, David Brenner and Shecky Green. And all the while, Joel was taking careful note for his own future solo performances. "I differ from David in my presentation. Mine is more comedy and magic, more improv. David is more rehearsed. After years and years of study, I found out the root of what made someone funny. I studied Johnny Carson, when we worked with him. I do a lot of MC work." How else does he differ from Copperfield? "I'm changing in my car, driving around Wisconsin. I don't think David Copperfield is doing that."

Joel Breen has a huge business, besides magic: he is the owner of JB's New and Used Furniture in Milwaukee. He has taken his background of set design and working with all kinds of people to become a retail powerhouse in the Midwest.

Whether you want to book a world-class magic show or need some furniture, you can contact Joel at JBFurniture@sbcglobal.net

JOBS JOBS JOBS!

PHP Developer needed in Midtown Manhattan
* Investment firm is looking for a top-notch web developer who is skilled in an enterprise environment and understands not only how to build good technology, but also how to build scalable technology. Client wants to expand their current team with self-motivated creative people who thrive in an environment where they are constantly challenged. * REQUIREMENTS: 3+ years PHP experience, actual real-world use of PHP 5.x, Smarty templates; Thorough understanding of object oriented programming, Thorough understanding of database concepts and principles (specifically with exposure to MySQL 4.x); Advanced knowledge of a UNIX type operating system (preferably Linux); Apache; Source control with SVN or CVS; Excellent organization and time-management abilities; Strong work ethic; Conscientious nature; Prior work in Financial Services industry a plus
CONTACT: Matt Cummings [mattc@designstrategy.com]. 212-370-0000

ADV ~ NYSIA Impact of SOA

Come to NYSIA's Monthly Meeting this coming Monday, June 20th
This month's topic: "The Impact of Service Oriented Architecture on Business Practices and Methods." The software industry is experiencing a strategic shift. Dr. Daniel Sabbah of IBM will discuss how the adoption of a component-based software development model ultimately represents a significant set of changes to management systems, processes, infrastructure and technology. Date: 6/20 Time: 6:00PM - 8:15PM Place: JPMorgan Chase, 270 Park Ave. 3rd Fl. RSVP: http://www.nysia.org/events/calendar.cfm?year=2005&month=6#423

Cocktails with Courtney ~ Silicon Alley Reunion Soiree

Cocktails with Courtney ~ Silicon Alley Reunion Salon
Co-hosted with Danielle Cyr
DATE: Tuesday, June 21st, 2005
TIME: 6:30 pm -- 9:00 pm
PLACE: Flute. 40 E. 20th Street. New York City
COST: $15 in advance, $20 at the door
WHY: It's been 10 years since a few intrepid souls ventured forth into the unknown: Cyber Space! Now, with perspective, war stories and adventures to regale...it's time to come out from where ever you've been hiding and celebrate 10 years in the Alley! Mingle with friends and former colleagues. However you regard your experience in the New York City dot-com boom, we hope you will join us online and in person. Contribute your thoughts online at: http://www.SiliconAlleyReunion.com and in person at the events to come!

Join me online with others who created and worked in New York's Internet industry. This site uses technology we embraced starting in 1994 to build an interactive historical archive of and by the people who were there. SiliconAlleyReunion.com is a public, interactive online space for community members to make sense of their own experience, contribute digital materials that are in danger of being lost, and participate in writing the histories of Silicon Alley. So much has happened in the past ten years - in New York and the wider world, not to mention the small piece of it that came to be known as Silicon Alley. Please help write the real story of these remarkable times!

Upcoming Events

FreshDirect talks about their brand and their site at:
http://www.nycupa.org/events.html
Mark Safire, President, NYC chapter of UPA/Director of User Experience
Research/Sachs Insights - the art of research

The fate of Governors Island was a popular topic for a while. I remember some discussions on the possibility of it being a potential technology incubator as well as thoughts on it hosting a casino. Either way, the public is able to enjoy the park again and there is ferry service from lower Manhattan. Now open on Saturdays for the Summer. Bring a picnic and muse on its history and future yourself. http://www.nps.gov/gois/

Like the Phoenix, Vic rises again as well! http://www.vicnetwork.com/html/index.html
From their website: "Ten years after a local community helped give rise to a multi-billion-dollar industry, Southern California's premier technology networking community is re-mobilizing for its next phase of growth. The new VIC Network will expand to include Northern California, connecting the west's two major business centers, reconnecting old colleagues and fostering new relationships that will last a lifetime. In addition to our famous networking and educational events, the VIC Network will feature a host of online networking tools for members to create connections with professionals across town and around the globe." Next event? One day after mine! Wed. June 22 VIC @ SF ArtSFest Center 6-9pm

New Media Netizen Andrew Raisej is running for office! Vote for our next Public
Advocate, who really understands Technology! More info: http://www.advocatesforrasiej.com/story. Cocktails with Courtney will be promoting and supporting Andrew. We hope you will too.

Shakers & Stirrers and Bits & Bytes

ABOUT.com: Scott Meyer will be joining About, Inc. as CEO & President!

* May 14th Michael Gellman of SpireMedia became a married man. That's right, Denver's tech community's most notorious bachelor has gotten hitched! Furthermore, for a third year in a row, Spire was ranked #1 in The Denver Business Journal's annual ranking of Denver-Area Web Developers/Designers. On May 17th, Spire Creative Director John Barnard became the father of a baby boy, Ethan Edward Barnard. Spire President Terry Logan and CTO Thad Batt recently spoke at The Colorado Software and Internet Association and...any day now, Spire's new web site will launch. Be on the lookout.

* Brett Forman writes: In honor of The Ex Caminos' 10th Anniversary, we've redesigned our Web site: http://www.excaminos.com. We hope you'll enjoy the new site. Also, The Ex Caminos featuring Inyang Bassey will perform tonight, Thursday, June 16, at Makor in NYC. Doors open at 7:30, and the band goes on at 8pm. http://www.excaminos.com

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Cyber Scene Celebrity Interview ~ by Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Attending the Kentucky Colonels’ Reunion BBQ! - Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

I was extremely honored last year when Gov. Paul Patton of Kentucky named me a Kentucky Colonel, Kentucky’s highest honor. The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels is a philanthropic organization dedicated to aiding the welfare of Kentucky’s citizens. Aside from being a huge fan of all things Kentuckian, I am the agent for Night Train, the famous Southern Rock band from Mossy Jaw, Kentucky.

Most people think about Col. Sanders when they hear about Colonels, and yes, he was made a Kentucky Colonel for bringing acclaim to the Commonwealth with his famous chicken. Though Gov. Isaac Shelby declared his trusted Militia guards to be "Kentucky Colonels" back in 1813, the nonprofit group was founded in 1931. Some of the charities that have benefited from the Kentucky Colonels this year are the American Heart Association of Central Kentucky, Bellewood Presbyterian Home for Children, the Bardstown Community Theater and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Bluegrass.

Kentucky Colonels reside all over the world, so each year, on the day after the Kentucky Derby, we hold a reunion barbeque. In years past, the party was held at Wickland (Governor’s Mansion to 3 Governors), in Bardstown, KY. This year, it was held on the grounds of the St. Joseph’s Childrens’ Home in Louisville. Now, a minor controversy arose, because some of the Colonels want everything back in Bardstown. The charming town of Bardstown is in Nelson Co., where much of America’s bourbon is made and many of its fine racehorses are born. Indeed, it is the site of Federal Hill, the plantation that inspired Stephen Foster’s "My Old Kentucky Home". My guess is the barbeque will return to Bardstown someday, but I’m just a fledgling Colonel -- it’s not for me to say!

If you ever get to attend the Colonels’ barbeque, the dress is casually elegant. Most of the women (and men) wear fancy hats. Don’t wear heels, as I did, because they’ll just get lodged in the mud and you’ll end up stripping off your stockings behind a tree and running around barefooted. Our weather was in the upper 80’s and very sunny. With the warm outdoors, the first stop I made was to the mint julep tent. Ah, the famous drink of the Derby and a favorite cocktail of Colonels! I’ve had my fair share of mint julips before, and nobody, but NOBODY makes ‘em as good as the ones at Barbeque. The secret, I think, is having a big, tall glass of crushed ice, with plenty of fresh mint, simple sugar syrup and quality bourbon. Really, think of the proper julep as being a chunkier version of a bourbon snow cone -- now that’s refreshing!

Here’s an interesting point about the cocktail tent: they carried many brands of bourbon. You don’t see that at many catered functions! I strongly suspect the reason is, the different companies are still run by some of the old Kentucky families, and they all count many Colonels amongst their corporate officers. So that nobody’s feelings get hurt, each are represented at Barbeque. Thus, there was a choice of Jim Beam, Evan Williams, Makers Mark, Woodford Reserve and Heaven Hill.

Along with cocktails, you can’t forget the tasty food! First, I sampled Kentucky Burgoo. Since you’re probably wondering, Kentucky Burgoo is a traditional stew, now made with lamb, pork, chicken and sometimes beef. It has a tomato and spice base, with little vegetables thrown in. During Daniel Boone’s time (the founder of Kentucky), it most likely contained squirrel, venison, wild turkey and anything else he could lay his hands on. It’s supposed to be "gamy" and lamb definitely gives it that quality.

Then, I sampled the barbeque. The pulled pork or chicken sandwiches were topped with "Mark’s Feed Store BBQ Sauce", made in Middletown, KY. The Original sauce is thinner and more orange, while Tomato sauce came later, as a result of customers’ demands. The Tomato sauce is thicker with honey. Side dishes included green beans with bacon and homemade potato salad. If you’re going to make potato salad "Kentucky-style", you’ll use little new red potatoes, big chunks of hard-boiled eggs, poppy seeds, fresh chives, green onions and mayo. Dessert was homemade buttermilk pie, which is sort of a cross between pecan pie minus the nuts and a sugar cookie. Of course, I washed everything down with that favorite quencher of the South, sweet tea.

Besides eatin’ and drinkin’, there’s lots to do at the Colonels’ Barbeque. I met a delightful Colonel involved in the thoroughbred industry and the Robb Report, Robbie Switzer. He introduced me to many re-enactors of famous historical people that he knew. So, introductions went thusly: "This is George Rogers Clark, or also, Mel." Other re-enactors included Daniel Boone, "Grandpa" Jones (do you remember Hee-Haw?) and Colonel Sanders. We also listened to the live 50’s music of the Monarchs and bluegrass stylings of Kentucky Blue. The Emporium is where you do your souvenir shopping . . .but you’ll want to go early. They ran out of t-shirts in my size (which is a Top State Secret). I did
get the special pin commemorating the Barbeque; it’s a point of pride for Colonels to wear all the pins of all the Barbeques they’ve attended over the years.

The Colonels’ Barbeque is one of the most famous parties of the South: if you ever have the chance to go as a Colonel or Colonel’s guest, I hope to see y’all there.

Thursday, June 09, 2005

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

* The P's and Q's of $ and .¢ by Tamar Alexia Fleishman, Esq.


Etiquette maven Dorothea Johnson is an expert at how manners affect business. The wife of a former Marine Corps Commandant, model Bebe Buell's mother and actress Liv Tyler's grandmother, Ms. Johnson travels in high circles. Ms. Johnson taught Protocol at the Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island. By the way, it is "Ms."; Dorothea Johnson explains that the term "has been in use since the 17th century and is the only proper title for women to use in business." It derives from the honorary "Mistress". Another pointer for women executives is that there is no place for chivalry in the business world: whomever reaches the door first opens it and nobody should be pulling a chair out for a woman in a business setting.

Her newest book, "The Power of the Handshake for Peak Performance Worldwide", includes examples of handshaking techniques from around the world and even differentiates between urban and rural handshakes.

Ms. Johnson's Washington School of Protocol (www.wsop.com) has actually relocated to Portland, Maine. The change allows Ms. Johnson to spend more time in New England with her family and also provides a less frenetic environment for executives and dignitaries to study etiquette. The executives remain anonymous, though: the WSOP is renowned for its discretion.

Having lived all over the world, Ms. Johnson is sensitive to cultural differences. For example, she points out that she advises executives doing business in Japan not to stand too close and certainly not to touch their host. Backslapping is frowned upon. Also, she stresses that Americans going to Japan should not be impatient! Executives in Japan may take several hours to bring up the subject at hand or take several minutes to answer a question. But Americans aren't the only awkward ones: learning American customs is an $800 million business in Japan!

Every culture is different, though: Ms. Johnson points out that in Saudi Arabia and Latin countries, the residents will stand closer and touch us much more than is part of our comfort zone. Ms. Johnson has had to remind herself of this fact each time she visits Italy when her granddaughter Liv Tyler is filming on location.

A relatively recent trend is the "Business Tea". Instead of taking on the liability and risks of happy hours, many companies are encouraging their execs to instead "take tea". Ms. Johnson's book, "Tea and Etiquette", clears up misperceptions many people have, such as when to pour the milk and how to hold the teacup. Ms. Johnson's book also includes tasty recipes.

An interesting division of the Washington School of Protocol is the training of etiquette teachers. While not a franchise, the people who complete the course receive a certificate and are allowed to use the logo in their correspondence. It's turning out to be a great second career for many people who are tired of the D.C., N.Y.C. and other rat races.

Craigslist Foundation ~ An Exercise in Restraint

Speaking of gracing us with their presence, the actual Craig (of Craigslist) and Darian Heyman, the executive director of Craigslist Foundation, will be hosting a party in New York City tonight in another effort to raise awareness of their foundation. They asked me to help them. I tried, but I learned an important lesson in the few months I tried to work with them. As John Steinbeck said in The Winter of Our Discontent, “No one wants advice -- only corroboration."

A Rant on NYTimes, The Webbys and Attitude

I have a bone to pick, and it’s not going to be pretty, so watch out. For years when I was writing my newsletter I would get comments from “interested parties” that I shouldn’t be so nice, that the way to make it in the newsletter biz is to be a little more catty, start a rivalry, throw some mud around. Well, that was not in my nature—then. But like they say, “that was then, this is now.” And so, let the mud-slinging begin.

Let me also clarify that I love all the people who are about to get some good ol ‘New York trash–talking to (except Mr. Carr).

Ladies and Gentlemen: Start your engines. Hold onto your seats. This is going to be the one where Courtney let’s loose!

In case you didn’t know, the Webby Awards were in town this week. And they are like the Vogue for the Internet. Fashionable. Cool. Hip. Or so they like to think of themselves.

The PR firm for the Webbys, a New-York-based firm nonetheless (Michael Kaminer
Public Relations), does a bang-up job every year on promoting the Webbys and hyping it. Good ol’ New York PR firms. They really know what they’re doin’.

They even got some coverage in the venerable New York Times on June 7th in the Arts section.

Now here are my comments, point-by-point on the article by David Carr and statements therein:

Mr. Carr writes, “It was an awards banquet where hype and self-congratulation were mixed with bracing messages about the cultural and civic good that can come from the Internet.” He got the hype and self-congratulation part right.

And then, “The decision to present the awards in New York is less a recognition of the city's growing role in digital culture than its longer-running one as the media capital of the Western hemisphere.” Ahem, “growing role in digital culture?” I’m sorry. “GROWING ROLE?” What the *&^%. New York has been, as in everything, a leader in culture, including digital culture. Where has this guy been? At least he was accurate in his recognition of its role as “the media capital of the Western Hemisphere.” As an ancestor said, “Accuracy! Accuracy! Accuracy!”

And then, “It is also an indication that the Web does not live exclusively in Silicon Valley; its ubiquity has rendered it transparent and free-floating.” WHAT?!!!?! Did I hear that right? “The Web does not live exclusively in Silicon Valley...” When did the Web EVER live EXCLUSIVELY in Silicon Valley?! The Web has been worldwide from the get-go. And it certainly has been in New York—as we all know now—for over a decade!

“’Every year we have done something different to reflect the pulse of the Web, and tonight we are in New York because the Web has been dispersed,’ said Tiffany Shlain...” I’m shocked! She, of all people knows that the Web “has been dispersed,” why would she say something like that? That’s the *only* reason why they’re in New York? Because the “Web has been dispersed?” Gimme a break! The Web in its very name, in its very nature has been dispersed.

"Great Web sites are being created and accessed everywhere." Now, if she said this in 1995 I would understand, but 2005?!

“The host was Ron Corddry, one of the funny guys on "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart," who brought an air of knowing befuddlement to the events at hand.” Well, no wonder! I would be befuddled if I was getting this spin on things myself and didn’t have any background in Internet history.

“The Webby for Person of the Year went to Craig Newmark of craigslist.org...” Now I really am taking offense. Of course I know Craig and of course I’d agree that he deserved this award as much as the next guy (or GAL!), but this is yet another detail that is as screwy as the actual award (a coil). If the Webbys decided that the Web is finally dispersed, and that they can now come to New York City, the media capital of the world (of which the World Wide Web is a MEDIUM), why would they not consider honoring a NEW YORK Internet veteran? Perhaps because even though they are still in New York City, their own vision is too short-sighted. It’s just typical West Coast naval-gazing, oblivious attitude that’s we’ve come accustomed to.

Just to reiterate this point, it’s interesting to note that even back in 1998 the show was “feeding off the growing hype surrounding the Web” and got an offer from then-mayor Rudolph Giuliani to bring the Webbys to Radio City Music Hall. Apparently the counter-offer from Mayor Brown was enough to convince them that New York really isn’t savvy enough yet.

I’m just glad they finally did see the light and came down from their pedestals to grace us with their presence.

The P's and Q's of $ and .¢ ~ by Tamar Alexia Fleishman, Esq.

Etiquette maven Dorothea Johnson is an expert at how manners affect business. The wife of a former Marine Corps Commandant, model Bebe Buell's mother and actress Liv Tyler's grandmother, Ms. Johnson travels in high circles. Ms. Johnson taught Protocol at the Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island. By the way, it is "Ms."; Dorothea Johnson explains that the term "has been in use since the 17th century and is the only proper title for women to use in business." It derives from the honorary "Mistress". Another pointer for women executives is that there is no place for chivalry in the business world: whomever reaches the door first opens it and nobody should be pulling a chair out for a woman in a business setting.

Her newest book, "The Power of the Handshake for Peak Performance Worldwide", includes examples of handshaking techniques from around the world and even differentiates between urban and rural handshakes.

Ms. Johnson's Washington School of Protocol (http://www.psow.com/) has actually relocated to Portland, Maine. The change allows Ms. Johnson to spend more time in New England with her family and also provides a less frenetic environment for executives and dignitaries to study etiquette. The executives remain anonymous, though: the WSOP is renowned for its discretion.

Having lived all over the world, Ms. Johnson is sensitive to cultural differences. For example, she points out that she advises executives doing business in Japan not to stand too close and certainly not to touch their host. Backslapping is frowned upon. Also, she stresses that Americans going to Japan should not be impatient! Executives in Japan may take several hours to bring up the subject at hand or take several minutes to answer a question. But Americans aren't the only awkward ones: learning American customs is an $800 million business in Japan!

Every culture is different, though: Ms. Johnson points out that in Saudi Arabia and Latin countries, the residents will stand closer and touch us much more than is part of our comfort zone. Ms. Johnson has had to remind herself of this fact each time she visits Italy when her granddaughter Liv Tyler is filming on location.

A relatively recent trend is the "Business Tea". Instead of taking on the liability and risks of happy hours, many companies are encouraging their execs to instead "take tea". Ms. Johnson's book, "Tea and Etiquette", clears up misperceptions many people have, such as when to pour the milk and how to hold the teacup. Ms. Johnson's book also includes tasty recipes.

An interesting division of the Washington School of Protocol is the training of etiquette teachers. While not a franchise, the people who complete the course receive a certificate and are allowed to use the logo in their correspondence. It's turning out to be a great second career for many people who are tired of the D.C., N.Y.C. and other rat races.

Theatrical Benefit and Dance

* Speaking of commuting...last night (June 7, 2005) I felt like I was back in the non-stop days of 1999. Only this time, it was to two theatrical events that I sped between. First I attended the Lynne Thigpen/Bobo Lewis Foundation Spring Benefit Gala at the Second Stage Theatre on 43rd Street. This joyous evening featured a benefit performance of Cheryl West's new play Birdie Blue, directed by Seret Scott, starring S. Epatha Merkerson. This is an especially exciting feature because the last time Lynne Thigpen performed on stage was at Second Stage Theatre in Cheryl's play, Jar The Floor (for which she won an Obie). Lynne and Epatha worked together many times and were good friends. The performances were brilliant and Epatha moves the audience through a full range of emotions throughout the play. It’s playing through July 17 so get your tickets soon. Created in June 2003 and headed by NYSIA-board member and long-time Alley netizen, Larry Aronson, the foundation is dedicated to helping young NYC actresses and actors survive and succeed. More information: http://www.ltblf.org/

* After the riveting hour and 20-minute performance at Second Stage, I biked to the Joyce Theater where the Seán Curran Company is performing until June 12th. http://www.joyce.org/curran05.html One of my good friends Kevin Scarpin, has been dancing with them since 2000, which was yet another good reason for me to attend this opening. This dance company is known for mixing classical training, European Folk Dance and postmodern sensibilities, which evokes physical exuberance and emotional depths.