Over the last few years I've been becoming increasingly aware of my pulling back from expressing myself online. A large part of it is related to the fact that when the industry quieted down, I got busy offline, and thus didn't have as many events to report. But then, there always were some things going on. And when the industry in New York, and other towns began heating up again...I just wasn't as compelled. Perhaps it's a bit of the "been there, done that." Perhaps it's a bit of the fact that I just needed to move on in some way.
Well, I have moved on for sure. In certain ways. For example, I moved to France to live with my boyfriend. And then we got married. That was a big move emotionally and physically!
And now--well, I guess I could say my next "move" is a move inside me. Literally. That is to say that by the end of the summer there will be a Courtney 2.0 wandering the globe. Well, of course, "Courtney 2.0" will be wandering the globe in a carrier or carriage with me for the first few years! Yes folks, my big exciting "cyber" news is that I'm pregnant. 5 months. Wow. I know. Even for me, it's major.
Perhaps all this "retreating" from my online identity was to help me solidify my offline one. Of course, I've always felt my offline identity was just as strong as the online one. But perhaps it was more of just giving me a chance to focus on my offline life, and let the online world go on without me for a few years.
Either way, I certainly have had equally significant results!
The other aspect of my "online identity" that's been bugging me is Facebook. I'm not sure why I feel like I can write confessionals here and not worry so much about what people think and yet putting a status update on Facebook (or Twitter) is just so nervewracking for me. Is it because of the instant feedback? Is it because I am more comfortable with the form I've been using for 11 years (a newsletter)(push medium). Is it because after everything that's gone on since the early 2000s (market crash, business crash, 9/11, divorce) has left me a still a bit burned and less interested in being "out there."
Well, whatever the reasons (thank you for indulging me in this inner monologue, those of you who have bothered to continue reading this far), I took a daring leap and updated Facebook with my new news.
I guess what motivates me is doing things that terrify me. I am sure there are articles (I've read a few) on the social implications people struggle with when using new, more immediate formats of social interacting. The homepages of old and formats like this newsletter seem pretty dated. And yet, blogs aren't compelling to me so much. Is it because I'm not interested in what people say? No. Is it because I am afraid of what people think about me? Not really. Is it because sometimes I just feel like there's so much drivel out there anyway, why bother adding to it? Or is it because I'm an artist-at-heart and I need a change to my canvas? Perhaps it's a bit of all of these.
Either way, safely ensconced here in Paris (with something safely ensconced in me), I am feeling a bit braver. I can't promise more frequent updates still (unless you want to read about baby's poop and spittle). But I can tell you, after years of talking about it and promising to do it--I have done it. I am working on my book. And I'm not asking for comments and input from people because I'm not ready yet. Perhaps I will contact some of you for specific recollections. But more honestly I will be plugging away, one day at a time, till I'm ready to make the next announcement.
Thank you for your time and attention. You may now return to your regularly scheduled distractions.
A chronicle of the people and events in technology, internet and media since 1997, mixed in with snapshots of musings and observations.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration Events ~ around Paris
Ex-pats, and citizens, around the world stood shoulder-to-shoulder to watch the historic day of Barack Obama's Presidential inauguration.Events lived up to their promise to be the largest in history, with record numbers in Washington. More than 100 Democrats Abroad inaugural celebrations were planned worldwide, even in places as remote as Zambia. Large events and formal balls were held in cities from London to Hong Kong, from Berlin to Sydney and most celebrations featured live coverage of President Obama's Inaugural Address (or recorded versions replayed due to time differences).
International Chair, Democrats Abroad, Christine Schon Marques wrote in a DA email, "As an organization, we know that Democrats Abroad made significant differences in elections across the country. Our vote mattered and our efforts paid off. We plan to celebrate President Obama's inauguration in every corner of the world and join in renewing America's promise."
I was lucky enough to get a "golden" ticket to the Hotel de Ville in Paris and seep in history as history was being made.
Here are all the spectacular pictures!
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And these were some of the other events that went on around town:
In Marseille
Cocktail party starts at 5:00 pm on La Boate 35 rue de la Paix, 13001 Marseille to watch the inauguration ceremony LIVE at 6:00 pm on a big screen. In association with Conseil Représentatif des Associations Noires PACA and Media Euroméditerranéen des Diversités à Marseille.
In Toulouse
A special event being organized by the American Consulate in cooperation with the City of Toulouse and an NGO, le Conseil Representif des Associations Noires (CRAN). Speech by Dominique Nitoumbi, Président of CRAN Midi-Pyrénées and David Brown, U.S. Consul. The festivities will include live television coverage of the inauguration as well as a talk by Fulbright Distinguished Professor Lorenzo Morris of Howard University and the University of Paris. Salle municipale Osète: Immeuble Duranti 6, rue du Lt-Colonel Pelissier 31000 (Métro Capitole, parking St George).
In Strasbourg
Starting at 5pm at the Dubliners Pub, Rue du VIeux Marché aux Vinx. Live streaming on Big Screen TV CNN.
In Avignon
Starting at 5pm at the "Restaurant 75", 78 Rue Guillaume Puy. Large screen viewing of ceremonies, parade, etc, with Champagne. Followed by cocktail dinatoire and dancing with live music.
In Paris
The American Library
Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States soon. At the Library we'll be marking this historic moment with a special book display, a live broadcast of the inaugural address, and an evening discussion focused on the promise of change on the international stage.
17h30: Live broadcast of the swearing-in ceremonies and inaugural address.
19h30: Political analyst Thierry Leterre on ‘The 2008 election viewed from Europe: A world ballot?’ A Current Events Forum
Tel: 01 53 59 12 60
10, rue du Général Camou, 75007
http://www.americanlibraryinparis.org/
The American Church in Paris
The American Church in Paris will have an Inauguration Prayer Service at 7:30 P.M. It will be a 30 minute service featuring a gospel choir, followed by the viewing of the speech. Afterwards they will have a reception with music, snacks and wine. All are welcome. This is a free event. 65 Quai D'orsay, 75007. www.acparis.org
BIZZ’ ART (ex OPUS)
OBAMA DAY “Yes, We Can!!”
From 6pm to 2am, free entry
Rebroadcast of Inauguration on a big screen, Expo-Sale of Obama clothing (silkscreened by XULY BET) , Photo exhibition, and Concert of and soul music featuring several groups including Chicago musician Sean Haefeli.
OPUS 167 quai de Valmy 75010 Paris - M° Louis Blanc - Tel 01 40 34 70 00
http://opusclub.free.fr/
The Highlander
“THE Scottish Pub in Paris”
Special American Inauguration 2009 Party, also sponsored by POLITICAL PUB, bar opens at 5:00pm
8 rue Nevers 75006, across from Pont Neuf.
http://www.the-highlander.fr/index.php
The Moose (Canadian Bar)
They have 11 big screens and at least one will be showing the Inauguration! Tuesdays are Ladies’ Nights AND it will be Happy Hour until 8pm.
16, rue de Quatre Vents, 75006
Tel: 01 46 33 77 00
http://www.canadianbarsparis.com/themoose/swf/index.htm
Breakfast in America
We will be tuning in live @ 4pm (16H00) Paris time to see who Obama's guests will be before he gives his big acceptance speech! So come and join us for this historic event!
17, rue des Ecoles
75005 Paris, France
Métro: Cardinal LeMoine or Jussieu
Tel: 01 43 54 50 28
Queenie and Queen
Get the party started at Le Queenie, starting at 8:00 pm. Then move on to Queen, opening its doors at 10:00 pm, with the Inauguration playing on the big screen and dancing until dawn. RSVP to obama.obamaparisinauguration.p@gmail.com so they know how many to expect. This is not a ticketed event, but Queen has a €15 cover charge after midnight. Visit their website for more info: www.queen.fr Le Queenie, 5 rue des Berri, 75008 Paris and Queen, 102 Avenue Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris
Carr’s Irish Restaurant & Bar
will show the Inauguration on Tuesday next, 20th January.
Watch the swearing-in and acceptance speech on CNN on large screens,
with television coverage starting at 4.30pm.
Congratulations to Americans everywhere, and our very best wishes for 2009
Carr’s Irish Restaurant and Bar, 1 rue du Mont Thabor, 75001 Paris
Joe Allen
will show the Inauguration on Tuesday next, 20th January.
Watch the swearing-in and acceptance speech on CNN on large screens,
with television coverage starting at 4.30pm.
Joe Allen, 30 Rue Pierre Lescot, Paris, 75001, 014236 7013
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