Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
What the NY Times can learn from online games | VentureBeat
What the NY Times can learn from online games VentureBeat
(Did you ever believe that Dave Madden would be lecturing to the NYT? Love it! Way to go Dave!!!)
What the NY Times can learn from online games
Dave Madden is executive vice president at game company WildTangent.
You’ve probably heard that the New York Times is planning to put up a pay wall next year that will shut off its content to all but paying subscribers. It’s a move the newspaper feels it has to make in order to stay in business. But it’s a move in the wrong direction. Instead the paper should abandon the notion of metering and instead look to the booming online video game business for its inspiration.
(Did you ever believe that Dave Madden would be lecturing to the NYT? Love it! Way to go Dave!!!)
What the NY Times can learn from online games
Dave Madden is executive vice president at game company WildTangent.
You’ve probably heard that the New York Times is planning to put up a pay wall next year that will shut off its content to all but paying subscribers. It’s a move the newspaper feels it has to make in order to stay in business. But it’s a move in the wrong direction. Instead the paper should abandon the notion of metering and instead look to the booming online video game business for its inspiration.
Online gaming companies learned long ago that the best way to make money is to shoot for the largest possible audience by eliminating subscription walls. You make the game completely free, get as many players hooked as possible, and then monetize those players through the sale of virtual goods and advertising revenues from brand advertisers. In Asia, game based virtual goods purchases surpassed $4 billion in 2009. In the US, where the business is more nascent, purchases are expected to hit $1.6 billion in 2010. Examples of runaway successes abound. In the month of January, there were 17 different games that all garnered audiences of over 10 million monthly active users on Facebook. The largest, Farmville, with 75 million, was launched just six months ago.
The huge difference between the NYT metered approach and the “Free to Play” gaming model is that, in gaming, users can decide how many virtual goods they want to buy and how they pay for them. No matter what the volume or the payment method, they’re never turned away. The NYT’s metered model is instead an all or nothing approach — you either pay the full subscription price, regardless of what parts of the site you want access to, or you don’t get in at all. The net result will be that the paper will lose readers it could have kept and monetized by other means.
In the short run, the NYT metering plan may mean an initial burst of subscription revenue. But, over time, its daily unique user count will dwindle as users seek out news from other sources with less friction, leading to a downward spiral in ad revenues that will more than offset the subscription gains. That means fewer resources to produce the paper and the website, rendering the online and print subscriptions less and less valuable over time.
Then again, perhaps the paper could take a lesson from online games and roll out a “Free to Read” model supported by digital currency.
In the short run, the NYT metering plan may mean an initial burst of subscription revenue. But, over time, its daily unique user count will dwindle as users seek out news from other sources with less friction, leading to a downward spiral in ad revenues that will more than offset the subscription gains. That means fewer resources to produce the paper and the website, rendering the online and print subscriptions less and less valuable over time.
Then again, perhaps the paper could take a lesson from online games and roll out a “Free to Read” model supported by digital currency.
A digital currency option – similar to the online games model — would allow the NYT to monetize the 95-99% of readers who are inevitably not willing or able to buy a monthly or annual online subscription. By deploying a digital currency model and creating a per visit and a per premium article price, the NYT can establish a perceived monetary value for its premium news content. Just like in online games, readers will be able to purchase that digital currency in a variety of ways, including virtual currency cards that are sold in retailers nationwide, along with online purchases via credit card. A digital currency approach would allow the Times to keep the a la carte price of a premium article or feature reasonable to the interested reader.
With the barrier to entry and risk level lower than an all-or-nothing subscription, the percent of readers using real currency would be larger. All told, a standard subscription model combined with a digital currency option would monetize approximately 15 to 20% of the total audience. So what about the remaining 80 to 85% of NYT readers who won’t buy a subscription or pay per article?
Because this currency solution would effectively establish a monetary value for NYT content, a value exchange advertising model could then flourish; just as it is doing now in the online games industry.
Readers would be presented with the option of paying for an individual visit or premium article using their digital currency, or they could choose to “earn” the same NYT content compliments of an advertising sponsor in return for viewing an ad on the way into the story. This perceived exchange of value between the NYT reader and the advertiser would create a means through which all NYT readers could be monetized.
In a digital currency world, the publisher is equally happy to have the user pay with coins or by viewing an ad from a sponsor. The revenue lines are about equal, and most importantly, the publisher is not turning anyone away. Advertisers love this model, as engagement levels are higher and consumers associate the brands with adding value to their media experience.
Dave Madden is executive vice president of games media company WildTangent, which operates a fast-growing online games service and the largest game ad network in the world. He also serves on the board of directors of the IAB and is its Games Committee co-chair. WildTangent is pioneering the move to value exchange advertising in the online games space through its unique BrandBoost™ platform for advertiser sponsored game sessions and virtual goods.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
WildTangent Takes on Social Gaming via Madden
WildTangent Takes on Social Gaming
Hopefully the MediaWeek piece today on Dave Madden's employer (with a quote from our man) will link up -here's the text too - Nice work Dave!
WildTangent, which has built a sizable footprint in the casual game space, is making a push into the exploding world of social games with the introduction of BrandBoost, an ad offering via which advertisers can subsidize virtual goods.BrandBoost employs a tactic similar to what WildTangent has used for several years in casual games—where brands often provide free game play to users who are willing to watch a particular ad. In this case, the value exchange is for virtual items that are common to social games—i.e. weapons, power boosts or other virtual items designed to enhance game play. WildTangent has begun rolling out the BrandBoost ad placements on Sony Online Entertainment’s Free Realms games, as well as the sites Outspark.com, and OMGPOP.com. But the company is planning to announce an additional distribution deal with a major social gaming company in the coming weeks, according to Dave Madden, the firm's executive vp. Players, when visiting these games’ built-in virtual goods menus, have the option of paying for select items with real money and can select a "free” advertiser-sponsored item. In exchange, those users (who do not pay) must watch a video ad, such as the trailer for the upcoming adventure movie Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, a debut BrandBoost advertiser.Madden called WildTangent’s "ads in exchange for games/goods" tactic as “themost effective in-game ad model in the business,” because users understand up front that they are receiving something of value—and their gaming experience isn’t being interrupted.
And for developers, BrandBoost, this model helps them not only monetize their games, but also get people used to the idea of virtual good—and hopefully convert more players to paying customers. “This is an example of premium content being given out in small doses,” he said. “Game companies can dangle free stuff to get people to become buyers.”WildTangent’s core business remains distributing games on PCs (including 75 million sold globally last year) and on gaming Web properties. With BrandBoost, the hope is to conquer social gaming, which carries massive potential. “The scale of gaming on social sites is enormous,” Madden said.
Hopefully the MediaWeek piece today on Dave Madden's employer (with a quote from our man) will link up -here's the text too - Nice work Dave!
WildTangent, which has built a sizable footprint in the casual game space, is making a push into the exploding world of social games with the introduction of BrandBoost, an ad offering via which advertisers can subsidize virtual goods.BrandBoost employs a tactic similar to what WildTangent has used for several years in casual games—where brands often provide free game play to users who are willing to watch a particular ad. In this case, the value exchange is for virtual items that are common to social games—i.e. weapons, power boosts or other virtual items designed to enhance game play. WildTangent has begun rolling out the BrandBoost ad placements on Sony Online Entertainment’s Free Realms games, as well as the sites Outspark.com, and OMGPOP.com. But the company is planning to announce an additional distribution deal with a major social gaming company in the coming weeks, according to Dave Madden, the firm's executive vp. Players, when visiting these games’ built-in virtual goods menus, have the option of paying for select items with real money and can select a "free” advertiser-sponsored item. In exchange, those users (who do not pay) must watch a video ad, such as the trailer for the upcoming adventure movie Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, a debut BrandBoost advertiser.Madden called WildTangent’s "ads in exchange for games/goods" tactic as “themost effective in-game ad model in the business,” because users understand up front that they are receiving something of value—and their gaming experience isn’t being interrupted.
And for developers, BrandBoost, this model helps them not only monetize their games, but also get people used to the idea of virtual good—and hopefully convert more players to paying customers. “This is an example of premium content being given out in small doses,” he said. “Game companies can dangle free stuff to get people to become buyers.”WildTangent’s core business remains distributing games on PCs (including 75 million sold globally last year) and on gaming Web properties. With BrandBoost, the hope is to conquer social gaming, which carries massive potential. “The scale of gaming on social sites is enormous,” Madden said.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Averill fights for family...
from Facebook:February 13 at 12:11pm
Dear friends and family,
My wife will be running the Napa Half Marathon July 18 for Team Challenge to raise funds to find a cure for Chron's Disease. She is running in honor of her father, who has suffered with this disease for the past 40 years, and her sister who was diagnosed with a form of IBD about 2 years ago. Unfortunately the apple doesn't fall far from the tree in her family. She is currently in the process of getting a possible diagnosis as well.
Chron's Disease and Ulcerative Collitis are collectively known together as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). They are painful, medically incurable diseases that attack the digestive system. IBD causes recurring inflammation throughout the digestive system, which leads many patients to frequent hospitalization, grueling drug and diet regimens, and intense pain on a day-to-day basis.Please visit her website for more details and to make an online donation! Please forward this to as many friends as you like! This cause is very important to me and I appreciate your help and support!
Active.com Donations
www.active.com
Chron's Disease and Ulcerative Collitis are collectively known together as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). They are painful, medically incurable diseases that attack the digestive system. IBD causes ...
Dear friends and family,
My wife will be running the Napa Half Marathon July 18 for Team Challenge to raise funds to find a cure for Chron's Disease. She is running in honor of her father, who has suffered with this disease for the past 40 years, and her sister who was diagnosed with a form of IBD about 2 years ago. Unfortunately the apple doesn't fall far from the tree in her family. She is currently in the process of getting a possible diagnosis as well.
Chron's Disease and Ulcerative Collitis are collectively known together as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). They are painful, medically incurable diseases that attack the digestive system. IBD causes recurring inflammation throughout the digestive system, which leads many patients to frequent hospitalization, grueling drug and diet regimens, and intense pain on a day-to-day basis.Please visit her website for more details and to make an online donation! Please forward this to as many friends as you like! This cause is very important to me and I appreciate your help and support!
Active.com Donations
www.active.com
Chron's Disease and Ulcerative Collitis are collectively known together as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). They are painful, medically incurable diseases that attack the digestive system. IBD causes ...
Friday, February 12, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
That's pretty cool....
Don Hindman's birthday is today - Happy Birthday Don! - and his friends are donating to the Haitian relief effort in his name. That's a cool way to use facebook and participate in the world community!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Congrats to John Sory
Congrats to John on his new job, too bad the relaxed John pictured on his FB site will have to go into hibernation for a while! Good luck from the Class of '83!ERT Appoints Senior Executive for Health Care Market and Acquisition Opportunities
PHILADELPHIA, 7 January 2010 – ERT, a leading provider of centralized services to the biopharmaceutical, medical device and related industries, announced the appointment of John Sory to the newly created role of Senior Vice President of Health Care Solutions. This strategic appointment will enable ERT to leverage its core expertise into the larger health care market. Mr. Sory will be responsible for developing this growth area as well as exploring merger and acquisition opportunities in clinical research. He will report to the President and CEO of ERT, Dr Michael McKelvey.
The health care industry increasingly requires technical connectivity across the health system, remote clinical review and data services to augment and support the process of care delivery and robust analytics to evaluate the improvement in patient health. ERT is highly experienced in developing similar comprehensive, efficient, centralized solutions for the clinical trials industry. This new appointment demonstrates the Company’s desire to leverage and expand its established expertise and core capabilities, with the ultimate goal of building diversified revenue streams to complement our clinical trial business.
Mr. Sory joins ERT following 16 years of experience working for Pfizer, Inc. He spent the last seven years as Vice President and General Manager of Pfizer Health Solutions, Inc, Pfizer’s health technology and services subsidiary. John brings extensive business development experience working on partnerships, joint ventures, and mergers, as well as operations experience having managed innovative health care initiatives in the U.S. and Europe. A high level industry executive, Mr. Sory has demonstrated his ability to successfully leverage a company’s resources, talent and intellectual property across many divergent sectors of the health care system.
Dr Michael McKelvey, President and CEO of ERT, comments, “With his wealth of new business development and managerial experience and capabilities, we are confident that John will establish ERT’s presence in the broader health care market. His appointment marks the next stage of ERT’s continued investment to growing our business into adjacent and complementary markets.”
John Sory adds, “ERT’s industry-leading technology and solutions, which have driven its success in the cardiac safety area of clinical trials, can be leveraged in unique ways for the health care market and in other areas of clinical trials. I am delighted to lead the path toward this goal. In this time of intensive health reform, we have an opportunity to bring established competencies to the market in exciting new ways. We look forward to developing our strategy, that will allow us to build, partner, pilot and launch a number of meaningful and innovative products and services.”
For further information on ERT and its technology and services, please email info@ERT.com, call +1 215 972 0420 or visit http://www.ert.com/.
About ERT
Based in Philadelphia, PA ERT (eResearchTechnology, Inc.) (www.ERT.com) is a global provider of technology and services to the biopharmaceutical, medical device, and related industries. The Company is the market leader in providing centralized core-diagnostic electrocardiographic (ECG) technology and services to evaluate cardiac safety in clinical development. The Company also provides technology and services to streamline the clinical trials process by enabling its customers to automate the collection, analysis, and distribution of clinical data in all phases of clinical development.
A Comment! Yippee!
Thanks Jeff Spadafora for posting the first comment on the blog (re the Class Notes Matter post). It only took two years!
:: DAnet News ::for the NYC classmates - Mr. Moorehead exhibit
:: DAnet News ::
January 15, 2010 Robert Moorhead's paintings are currently on exhibit at the Leila Taghinia-Milani Heller (LTMH) Gallery in New York City. The paintings--eight, total--are part of a group exhibit titled "PEACE", which runs January 8-29, 2010.
You can view some of Mr. Moorhead's paintings and learn more about the gallery, here.
The LTMH Gallery is located at 39 East 78th Street (3rd floor), New York, NY 10075.
Posted using ShareThis
January 15, 2010 Robert Moorhead's paintings are currently on exhibit at the Leila Taghinia-Milani Heller (LTMH) Gallery in New York City. The paintings--eight, total--are part of a group exhibit titled "PEACE", which runs January 8-29, 2010.
You can view some of Mr. Moorhead's paintings and learn more about the gallery, here.
The LTMH Gallery is located at 39 East 78th Street (3rd floor), New York, NY 10075.
Posted using ShareThis
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Why Class Notes Matter
If you caught the email version of the redesigned "Deerfield Today" alumni newsletter you may have already seen the piece on Jeff Silverman's company. Of course, it was old news to those who have watched (or better yet subscribed) to this blog. But the good thing is that rather than 65 people knowing about Jeff's talent it's more like 9,000. We all have talents or tidbits and classnotes shows that they are relevant to more than just a few of us. Please keep them coming and encourage your classmates to subscribe to this blog.Adam Feiges read the newsletter and commented that the new Ashley Award will be for "young alumni", which is defined as the less than 20 years since graduation. That fact makes Adam feel increeeeeeedibly old!!!!
Monday, January 11, 2010
January Surprise(s)!
Eduardo Blohm and son Daniel stopped by the office today - after Daniel's interview with JJ Briones '82 in the Deerfield Admission Office - and before their afternoon visit to NMH. Daniel is touring a number of schools, but more importantly, is nearly as tall as his father! Always great to see Eduardo, and remember, we all have a friend in Venezuela!Also, Happy Birthday to Adam Weinberg on Tuesday, January 12!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Happy Birthday Mark and Van on Dec 30th!
Who knew that Mark Laflamme and Van Sullivan had the same birthday? (Facebook, that's who). We wish them all the best and they join me in wishing the Class of 1983 a Happy New Year!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Happy Holidays from Chris Davey
Every year at this time, Chris Davey and family return to Greenfield for holidays with his mom and this candid was taken just before the start of the afternoon service at the Brick Church in Old Deerfield on Christmas Eve. The Davey family send the joy of the season to all members of the class of 1983!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Shelton and Wester send their best
Dave Shelton attended the Deerfield Academy Holiday Party (aka the "Shrimp Bowl") last thursday and ran into this reporter. We looked for but never saw other valleyers Puschak, Beaubien, Sullivan, Nourse. Small scale commercial real estate in the Pocumtuck Valley has been a real challenge lately so we wish Dave a happier 2010!
Bill Wester checked in via Facebook to send holiday blessings to the class. Thanks Bill!
Bill Wester checked in via Facebook to send holiday blessings to the class. Thanks Bill!
Friday, December 18, 2009
4 Heads are better than 3: and Breaking News!
This story is really about congratulating John on his new job, but as John visited campus today he had the chance to see the damage done to the Dining Hall by an overnight fire in the laundry room which caused severe smoke damage and major structural damage to the south "bubble". Students had left for vacation earlier in the day and there were no injuries but can't you see Munro (and Gagne and ???) giving this expression to Bobby K back in 1982? John was a great sport with me at the camera.And now for the real news: From the Fairfield Country Day School Website News:
John Munro Appointed New Headmaster 12/14/2009
We are pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to appoint John Munro as the ninth Headmaster of Fairfield Country Day School. John was selected after a comprehensive nationwide search, conducted with the help of our consultants, Wickenden Associates. He will formally assume his responsibilities on July 1, 2010.
John's first teaching job was at FCDS and this is a great move for him and his family after many rewarding years at the Nichols School in Buffalo, NY. By my count this makes him our class's fourth head of an educational institution: Vicente Fabella at Jose Rizal University in Manilla, Eric Peterson at St. George's School in Newport, RI, Adam Weinberg at World Learning in Brattleboro, VT and now John!
For more pictures of the dining hall fire see the Flickr Feed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/deerfieldacademy/sets/72157623024692676/ or go to DA's Facebook page.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Another engagement: Whitney Armstrong!
While Whit is slightly visible to the right, going on about some esoteric elements while dining at the recent Asian American Writers Workshop Gala, (all fresh off his FB page), I thought this image was a better way to introduce to the class our newest family member Monica Youn. With my apologies to Whit, since this may not be the picture he intended me to use, but technical difficulties have prevented it. Regardless, CONGRATULATIONS to you both!!! And Happy Holidays to the Class of 1983!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Only 4 hours from Montreal!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Surfing on Thanksgiving...
Well, not really but as a Thanksgiving wish to the class here's a recent pic from Johannes (Yogi) Mortier and his son Sebastian surfing at Tonel beach near Sagres / Algarve/ Portugal in October. Thanks also to Angelique Mortier for taking the picture. Nice move taking the Deerfield Banner with you when you travel!!!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Our man in Barcelona reports...
Alex Compagno and his wife Angelica, came over for a visit in September 2009. It was great to have them and we explored some places outside Barcelona. This picture is at a Gaudi designed restaurant near our house. Classmates Andrew Witherspoon and Hank Lemieux also visited this fall, but you already know that becaus eour voicemail to JK is posted elsewhere on this site! On another note, I was on my way to Kiev from London for work and ran into Andy Bain ’82 on the plane. We had a great time catching up about DA and comparing notes on our work experiences in Ukraine and Marine Corps experience. Andy even invited me to his company Christmas party. Nothing like Deerfield connections!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Look for the redesigned DEERFIELD magazine in your mail soon and revel in the impact '83 has in the issue! Thanks to all classnotes senders and especially Ben Patton, Whit Sheppard and yours truly who got "call-outs"! Let's keep it coming and reach out to quieter classmates to include them in upcoming issues!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Choate Day Thrill
As the rains poured down and the Big Green teams struggled to defeat the wild boars from Wallingford, CT a ray of sunshine presented itself in the form of classmate Cameron Chalmers! Down from Vermont with his wife and two kids, Cam hasn't been to campus lately. He tries to keep informed through the class blog but says most of VT is still on dial-up including himself! Look for his landscape design firm that he operates with his wife, Mary Ogden. (http://www.ogdenchalmers.com/projects-home) Always a plus to see someone from '83!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
'83 was representin' at the Weston (MA) Country Club near Boston on Tuesday night with JK, Pete Townsend and Kevin Bresnahan in atttendance. Pete took a break from commercial real estate development and left Skanska USA and worked diligently on his golf game all summer. Be careful if he's looking to play you this winter somewhere! Dr. Kevin is rising up the hospital ladder at Cape Cod Hospital as Deputy Chief of Staff after having been the Chief of Emergency Medicine. Lovely to meet Kevin's wife as well. The 150 other attendees had a wonderful time and were not disappointed by the passed hors d'œuvre or the singing of the alumni to close the evening. JK's favorite moment was being called over by two members of the Class of 1940 who wanted him to "take a picture of the two oldest guys in the room". JK answered, "May I introduce Mr. Erskine, Class of 1939?!"
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Finally!
Monday, November 2, 2009
NFL Commercial - footage by Silverman's Inertia Unlimited
This is worth linking to - an amazing NFL "ad" based solely on footage from one of Jeff's cameras. Nice work jeff!!!
http://files.coloribus.com/?DLFILE=/files/paedia/reel/part_56/567001/file/nfl.mp4
and the youtube version of same at
http://files.coloribus.com/?DLFILE=/files/paedia/reel/part_56/567001/file/nfl.mp4
and the youtube version of same at
Friday, October 30, 2009
The hits keep coming!
John Brown and son, William, stand outside the Caswell Library at DA before the official tour of campus! Keep your fingers crossed! The entire family was on hand for the 12:30 pm tour and at 4:45 pm the family vehicle was STILL parked in front of the Main School Building! That's what I call a quality visit. This was 6th school (saving the best for last) and DA did not disappoint...even though the students were dressed in halloween costumes instead of class dress. That would not have been allowed in our day, right? John is at TimeWarner in NYC with Jeff Bewkes '70 and runs both the "This Old House" business as well as "Health", so he's busy. always great to have more Class of '83 on campus...
Sunday, October 18, 2009
So good you don't even realize it...Thanks Jeff!
Ever wonder what it takes to see Nick Swisher of the Yankees blink as he hits a single to the opposite field? Ever amazed at how much a well placed camera can make an event fun to watch (can you say World Series of Poker) or how high resolution slow motion cameras can really give you a sense of skill in an athlete?
Don't forget to thank Jeff Silverman's company Inertia Unlimited.
From the LA Daily News' Tom Hoffarth on October 15th...
== There is a new X-Mo super slo-mo camera stationed on the low first-base side that will shoot 1,000 frames a second -- one step better than the X-Mo you've seen on an FSN telecast or even a Fox MLB game. It's a camera usually reserved for NFL A-game broadcasts and will only be available to TBS on Games 1 and 2 (but not on Sunday's Game 3 because of the NFL use)."It's something that NFL Films loves to use, and they'll have it tied up Sunday and Monday," said Diamond. "You can really see the ball come out the pitcher's hand and the seems of the ball like nothing else you've ever been able to see." http://www.insidesocal.com/tomhoffarth/archives/2009/10/what-to-watch-f.html
Jeff answered my query about what he's up to: "We’re in the midst of shooting the NFL League commercials right now with NFL Films. We’re getting a lot of buzz about it. They are the commercials with the exceptionally slow motion (1000fps) shot at actual games. We will also have slow motion cameras on TNT’s and Fox’s baseball playoff coverage (LCS and WS) in the next few weeks (and NBC Sunday Night Football and NFL Network and CBS and Fox and HBO live boxing events and 24/7 and Hard Knocks)….) and the Superbowl. Don’t forget poker, High Stakes Poker, Face the Ace, Million Dollar Challenge, WSOP Europe, US Poker Championship, Poker After Dark and a few others. But nothing too big really."
Pretty impressive for three people in Southern Vermont! THANKS JEFF!!!
Don't forget to thank Jeff Silverman's company Inertia Unlimited.
From the LA Daily News' Tom Hoffarth on October 15th...
== There is a new X-Mo super slo-mo camera stationed on the low first-base side that will shoot 1,000 frames a second -- one step better than the X-Mo you've seen on an FSN telecast or even a Fox MLB game. It's a camera usually reserved for NFL A-game broadcasts and will only be available to TBS on Games 1 and 2 (but not on Sunday's Game 3 because of the NFL use)."It's something that NFL Films loves to use, and they'll have it tied up Sunday and Monday," said Diamond. "You can really see the ball come out the pitcher's hand and the seems of the ball like nothing else you've ever been able to see." http://www.insidesocal.com/tomhoffarth/archives/2009/10/what-to-watch-f.html
Jeff answered my query about what he's up to: "We’re in the midst of shooting the NFL League commercials right now with NFL Films. We’re getting a lot of buzz about it. They are the commercials with the exceptionally slow motion (1000fps) shot at actual games. We will also have slow motion cameras on TNT’s and Fox’s baseball playoff coverage (LCS and WS) in the next few weeks (and NBC Sunday Night Football and NFL Network and CBS and Fox and HBO live boxing events and 24/7 and Hard Knocks)….) and the Superbowl. Don’t forget poker, High Stakes Poker, Face the Ace, Million Dollar Challenge, WSOP Europe, US Poker Championship, Poker After Dark and a few others. But nothing too big really."
Pretty impressive for three people in Southern Vermont! THANKS JEFF!!!
Friday, October 16, 2009
'Tis the season!
Always great to see classmates back on campus, today it was Mark Czuj and his family. Oldest daughter is looking at DA and we wish her all the best! Mark looks forward to subscribing to the Class of '83 Blog tonight when he gets home and hopes you'll encourage all of our classmates to join in.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Compagno Architecture included in prestigious show
We are pleased to announce that one of Alex Compagno's buildings has been chosen by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for inclusion in their new exhibition: "Context\Contrast: New Architecture in Historic Districts, 1967-2009" at the Center For Architecture. Only a few representative buildings were chosen as being emblematic of the Landmarks Preservation Commission's philosophy of appropriate new architecture in historic districts over the last 40 years. Please join us in celebrating this honor. website: www.alexandercompagnoarchitect.com
Monday, October 12, 2009
Pryce, Lemieux and Witherspoon leave voicemail from Barcelona
| PryceLemeiuxWither... |
Friday, October 9, 2009
Geoff Bennett and Doug Schmidt see JK in NYC
With apologies for breaking my cardinal rule and forgetting to take a picture, it was great to see Geoff and Doug at the 1797 Society dinner in NYC. Geoff's fund has merged with a larger one but he is still focused on Japan and East Asia - and he travels to NYC regularly now from his home (and wife and 4 kids) in San Francisco.
Schmidt claims he will recive his first paycheck in years today - we wish him a hearty congratulations and will expect a scaned image as proof! Also the networker, Schmidt does indeed seem energized by his new employment. Go get 'em JD!
Knight, once again, was forced to dine on delicious food and schmooze with scads of Deerfield alums and parents. Long day at "the office".
Schmidt claims he will recive his first paycheck in years today - we wish him a hearty congratulations and will expect a scaned image as proof! Also the networker, Schmidt does indeed seem energized by his new employment. Go get 'em JD!
Knight, once again, was forced to dine on delicious food and schmooze with scads of Deerfield alums and parents. Long day at "the office".
Kudos to Chris Waddell '87
A bit of a departure for the '83 blog, but this is indeed incredible. To summit Kilamanjaro as a parapalegic takes you know what...
Watch CBS News Videos Online
Watch CBS News Videos Online
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
News Flash: Crow family visits DA!
Yup, that's Peter Crow and his son Jack flanked by John Knight and Eric Suher (aka the welcoming committee) today, October 6th. Not pictured because she is taking the picture - Pete's wife Sarah. Always a happening when a classmate returns to campus!!!
Sox or Yankees? Averill has a thought...
Freshly stolen off of Facebook, looks like the Averill family rests firmly on the side of the Sox as they attended the last regular season home game at Fenway Pahk! Great to see Chris again - hope he sends some news to jknight@deerfield.edu someday!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Steward and Guyer send news! (next?)
Brian Steward sent this photo as proof that he was representin' at the Austin City Limits music festival http://www.aclfestival.com/default.aspx. Thanks big guy!Leigh Guyer had a guest starring role on TNT's Leverage a couple of months ago. They filmed the entire second season here in Portland, and scuttlebutt says they'll be back next year! The video is embedded - he appears after only about a minute in and winds up in a nasty wreck so CHECK it out! Click on the "play" arrows - no need to register - then go to full screen mode. THE KID CAN ACT! (Flounder's next movie should be in Portland?)
Here is a link to the episode called "Beantown Bailout" (episode 201).
https://mail.deerfield.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=0e61449c08184af8abf5dab2371b83f0&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.casttv.com%2fshows%2fleverage%2fthe-beantown-bailout-job%2fdlakni
http://www.casttv.com/ext/28cvv91
Two regular guys linked by the greatest school on earth who took the time to share. Thx boys...
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Prove it! By Eddy D...
This you gotta see my friends. The shy and retiring boy from NJ we knew in high school is an internet sensation with the Big Blue Bus and the Pepsi Max / Gizmodo tailgating challenge
We all knew he had it in him, just most of us never got to see it until now...
http://gizmodo.com/5354918/whats-your-maximum-tailgating-gadget
and that's eddyd@gizmodo.com for contest entries!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Charlie Cost '83 pays it forward every year
Two stories here. First, you should bookmark the new online presence of the Deerfield Scroll, the student newspaper. Always a few chuckles to be found there.
In this first Scroll release of the school year (classes start Monday, Sept. 14) we are reminded of classmate Charlie Cost through a description of the community service awards used this summer including the one his family started in his honor.
Deerfield Students Doing Summer Service Worldwide
By The Scroll
Published: September 12, 2009
Supported by the Cost and Workman families, Deerfield students pursue various community service activities during the summer.
By The Scroll
Published: September 12, 2009
Supported by the Cost and Workman families, Deerfield students pursue various community service activities during the summer.
Andy Harris ’10 won Deerfield’s Cost Award to run a theatre camp.
Eliot Taft '11 worked in an orphanage in Uruguay
Sixteen other students were awarded Workman Grants from the Academy for a maximum of $1,000 each.
Click on students’ names to read their journals and view pictures of their projects. The sixteen include:Alaina Belanger ’12, Amanda Bennett ’10, Cecelia Buerkle ’10, Arleen Chien ’10, Audrey Cho ’11, Lucy Cobbs ’10, Jacqui Colt ’11, Flora Donovan ’12, TaoTao Holmes ’10, Andy Kang ’10, Alex Kim ’10, James Kim ’11, Maddie Lane ’12, Ellen Shin ’10, Eliot Taft ’11, Deidre Yiu ’11
Sunday, August 30, 2009
In honor of the US Open starting...
Johannes "Yogi" Mortier sends this quip about his son, Sebastian.
Sebastian plays his tennis at Eintracht Frankfurt Tennis Club, which has an excellent junior program. Longines was looking for 16 kids worldwide to join an event in Paris. Longines is a sponsor for Andre Agassi's program for kids "The Agassi Foundation" and Steffi Graf's "Children For Tomorrow". Sebastian was selected and went to Paris for three days with his coach and they played with Andre and Steffi and watched the U18 as well as the Men's Final at Roland-Garros and the French Open!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Suher Pulls it off!
Congrats to Eric Suher for bringing live outdoor music to an abandoned amusement park site in Holyoke! The new Mountain Park passed its first real test with flying colors. For more: http://www.masslive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2009/08/decemberists_deliver_stellar_s.html
Thursday, July 30, 2009
83 Blues on Nantucket
More proof that what happens on Nantucket should stay there. Dinner out for our fearsome threesome (Knight, Wareck, Suher) on Nantucket ended with milkshakes at Nantucket Pharmacy on Main Street. Jim Wareck was resting after producing and writing his first film (straight faces everyone) and is writing more stuff for our viewing pleasure. Eric Suher Enterprises continues to thrive in this economy and plans to open an outdoor music venue in western, MA are moving along. Knight is loving his iphone - it takes pictures of alums and thanks Erica Belanger '09 for walking into the pharmacy the minute we needed the pic taken!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Dick McKelvey Funeral Reception
It looked like an opening faculty meeting from 1982 for a few minutes in the Memorial Buidling lobby at DA today. After a wonderful service for 300 in St. James Church in Greenfield, Rev McKev was further remembered by family, friends and colleagues. Our condolences go out especially to Dick's wife, Joan and our classmate, Kevin.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Double Vision
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Yup, that's D. Sean Nottage and Pierce Brosnan playing dress up in the Bahamas. Sean pretends to have a day job but his Facebook page is loaded with shots of him as a movie star look alike and a voice actor. What's next, perhaps a Gillete ad???
Home is where the stuff is
Mark Beaubien bought me lunch the other day (thanks again!). Great to see him up at the Lady Kiligrew, located in the old mill he owns in Montague. The Night Kitchen restaraunt can also be found there, along with the great used book experience known as the Book Mill and even a Turn It Up cd store! Things are looking up in Montague City! Mark continues his engineering passions with his company Yankee Environmental Systems (YES!) and admits he's likely to know soon if global warming is real.
Spence Brown's Neighborhood
Nestled in the cozy neighborhood in NYC known as Times Square, our classmate who keeps FM Radio alive, Spence Brown, can sometimes be found in his office on the 4th floor right over the McDonalds. Look him up next time you're there!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
There's a new world leader
Big Kudos to (Dr.) Adam Weinberg on his appointment as the next President and CEO of World Learning / SIT in Brattleboro, VT! Lots of nice things said about him in the article so please check it out.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Rev McKev passes
I'm sorry to have to report that longtime DA faculty member Richard (Dick) McKelvey passed away last night. Services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, July 11 at St. James Church in Greenfield, MA. Any good stories about him come to mind? JK
Friday, June 12, 2009
Wareck and Weir filming movie: REALLY!
Below the belt (http://www.politico.com/blogs/anneschroeder/)
The low-budget indie flick “Below the Beltway” has been spotted filming around town with actors who aren’t your usual low-budget indie guys: Tate Donovan, Kip Pardue, Sarah Clarke, Spencer Garrett (who, interestingly, is playing Tom DeLay in “Casino Jack”), and director Dave Fraunces, who actually was RFK in “Bobby.” It’s all due to a former House, Senate and Mayor Anthony Williams guy — Jim Wareck. He dreamed up and wrote the movie about what really happens in D.C. “There’s never been a realistic portrayal of staffers,” he says. Basically: A character has fallen from grace and wants to get back in the scene — but eventually all the characters realize “there is life above the Beltway.” “It’s damn hard to do,” Wareck says of the movie process. “It’s like fighting the devil with a bucket of water.” Still, the movie was being shot in Alexandria over the weekend with a few cameos: Chris Matthews, Jack and Susanna Quinn and former Mayor Williams. And there’s more to come: Wareck is putting his friends in as much as possible, like former John Kerry gal Amy Dacey, Quinn Gillespie’s Virginia Hume and the Food Network’s Duff Goldman. Sadly, the new Rules communications director Vince Morris has been cut. “He hasn’t forgiven me,” Wareck says with a laugh. Matthews’ son, Michael, is “the MVP” of the set, Wareck says — he’s the locations manager. The power breakfast scene involved Matthews calling Pardue’s character “a jerk.” Susanna Quinn was Matthews’ breakfast partner, while Jack Quinn was seated with Williams, and Jack Quinn also assails Pardue’s character, calling him “an [expletive]” while Williams says, laughing, “Take a number.” Hopefully, there will be a Mayor Fenty cameo, too, talking about D.C.’s voting rights, and rumor has it they’ll be filming in POLITICO’s offices over the weekend. “It’s tough to make comedy in D.C. authentic when Joe Lieberman wins the funniest man in D.C. contest every year — it’s not a funny town,” Wareck says. The movie’s filming for 19 days, but “it’s not the best 19 days of your life,” Wareck notes. “It’s like you’re two days out from Election Day every day. ... Producing is like managing a campaign.” Always political.
By Anne Schroeder Mullins June 10 at 04:00 AM
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Cool Class Notes: Tritschler,Kierstead,Day,Calman,Wood, Wester
These will likely appear in June 30 Deerfield Magazine - but don't you deserve the good news sooner?
March - Charlie Tritschler is working at Amazon on Kindle project.
March - Lt Col Bob Keirstead writes, "Hello all! I was at church here in Brentwood, Tennessee about 2 months ago and saw classmate Bill Wester in the parking lot, we actually now go to the same church, 1,071 miles from Deerfield! He is back from Africa and working at Vanderbilt. I am still in the Air Force and heading to US Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA in July. After that, probably back to the Pentagon or back to the Middle East!"
March - Chris Day writes, "I continue to run www.evergreenadvisors.us from Ridgefield, CT and am greatly enjoying it. It's a challenging economy, but, thankfully, we're able to deliver value and have a sustainable business. Clark turned 6 in January and Ella is on her way to 3 in July. There's a strong possibility that we may be relocating to the Tampa, FL area this year, and I'd be grateful to hear from alums in that part of the world. Though it's difficult to leave New England, it's not so difficult when it's overcast, gray and cold! Nonetheless, I'll sorely miss the grand colonial homes, wide tree-lined streets, community spirit and church bells (not to mention the firehouse alarm at 12:00PM every day). If any of our esteemed class are familiar with the West Coast of Florida – please feel free to call me – I would be grateful. Be Worthy."
March - Matt Calman writes, "I'm just back from my second two-week trip to China this year. My team from Bank of America is leading a project with one of the major banks in China to build a Product Innovation Lab in Beijing. It's quite an adventure, both culturally and professionally, and the cuisine is spectacular! I have three or four more trips over in 2009. If anyone is over there, drop me a note at matt.calman@bankofamerica.com"
March - Dexter Wood writes, "After more than eight very fulfilling and rewarding years with Host Hotels & Resorts, I have accepted an extraordinary opportunity to join Hilton Hotels as senior vice president and global head of business & investment analysis. In my new role, I will have global responsibility for financial and business analysis functions supporting Hilton's development and brand growth strategies. Hilton will be relocating their corporate headquarters to the Washington, DC area this summer. So no relocation of the family is required, which is nice! Until then I will be spending time in Beverly Hills and traveling to other areas of interest around the world."
March - Charlie Tritschler is working at Amazon on Kindle project.
March - Lt Col Bob Keirstead writes, "Hello all! I was at church here in Brentwood, Tennessee about 2 months ago and saw classmate Bill Wester in the parking lot, we actually now go to the same church, 1,071 miles from Deerfield! He is back from Africa and working at Vanderbilt. I am still in the Air Force and heading to US Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA in July. After that, probably back to the Pentagon or back to the Middle East!"
March - Chris Day writes, "I continue to run www.evergreenadvisors.us from Ridgefield, CT and am greatly enjoying it. It's a challenging economy, but, thankfully, we're able to deliver value and have a sustainable business. Clark turned 6 in January and Ella is on her way to 3 in July. There's a strong possibility that we may be relocating to the Tampa, FL area this year, and I'd be grateful to hear from alums in that part of the world. Though it's difficult to leave New England, it's not so difficult when it's overcast, gray and cold! Nonetheless, I'll sorely miss the grand colonial homes, wide tree-lined streets, community spirit and church bells (not to mention the firehouse alarm at 12:00PM every day). If any of our esteemed class are familiar with the West Coast of Florida – please feel free to call me – I would be grateful. Be Worthy."
March - Matt Calman writes, "I'm just back from my second two-week trip to China this year. My team from Bank of America is leading a project with one of the major banks in China to build a Product Innovation Lab in Beijing. It's quite an adventure, both culturally and professionally, and the cuisine is spectacular! I have three or four more trips over in 2009. If anyone is over there, drop me a note at matt.calman@bankofamerica.com"
March - Dexter Wood writes, "After more than eight very fulfilling and rewarding years with Host Hotels & Resorts, I have accepted an extraordinary opportunity to join Hilton Hotels as senior vice president and global head of business & investment analysis. In my new role, I will have global responsibility for financial and business analysis functions supporting Hilton's development and brand growth strategies. Hilton will be relocating their corporate headquarters to the Washington, DC area this summer. So no relocation of the family is required, which is nice! Until then I will be spending time in Beverly Hills and traveling to other areas of interest around the world."
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
RATS Redux
You may remember I asked Whit Sheppard to write about his recent visit to DA.
And now for those..."Reflections upon visiting the campus: it just seemed a much more upbeat, vibrant place than my memories of it. Deerfield seemed much more humane and student-centered than during our era. Might have had something to do with the beautiful spring sunshine, warm air and 50% of the student body being of the female persuasion. And certainly owing somewhat to seeing it through different, clear eyes, and not through the chemically-induced fog of much of my earlier experience as a student. Lots of smiling faces and friendly "hellos" from current students, and I had a nice chat with a few seniors before we went in for lunch. Good kids, lots of self-esteem, matriculating at great colleges. I drove away with a nice feeling, much different than the one I had when we graduated in 1983. I was more relieved then than anything else. I felt grateful to see today's students seeming to enjoy their Deerfield experience so much, based on my quick impressions.
Couple of more things: I joined the later-in-life-Daddy's-club in November, when Emily Vaughan was born. Her mom and I are thrilled and she's slept through the night since she was 8 weeks old! We are lucky!
And for those looking for a good Father's Day gift, you could do probably worse than picking up a copy of "Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Golf Book," which arrived in bookstores in late April and for which I wrote a piece about my father, also a Deerfield alum ('54) entitled "Dreamer." (page 158) Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, after all...
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