funeral

Web Video Viewers Forget About Michael Jackson

Peter Kafka in Media on July 17, 2009 at 10:25 am PT

Remember when Michael Jackson was one of the biggest things on the Web? So 10 days ago. Cable TV and gossip magazines are still cranking out as much Jackson stuff as they can, but Web video viewers have moved on.

What Hath Flip Wrought?–The Ghoul Edition

Kara Swisher in News on July 9, 2009 at 6:06 am PT

Earlier this week, BoomTown pointed out how Cisco Chairman and CEO John Chambers was captured doing duck calls on the Flip digital video camera, made by the start-up his company bought in March for $590 million. That was an adorable use of the consumer electronic device. But in the not-so-cute department, I submit this photo at right. Sitting next to her boss, Barbara Walters, an ABC producer used it to ghoulishly take shots of the kids of pop legend Michael Jackson memorial service on Monday.

Michael Jackson’s Last Performance on the Web: Big, but Not Obama Big

Peter Kafka in Media on July 7, 2009 at 6:07 pm PT

Depending on your perspective, this is either interesting news or heartening news: Michael Jackson’s funeral and memorial were indeed a giant Internet event. But they don’t seem to have been as big as Michael Jackson’s death, and they weren’t as big as Barack Obama’s inauguration. So, let’s call them the third-biggest Web event of the year. To date.

OK, OK: Turns Out You Guys Really Do Want to Watch Michael Jackson’s Funeral on the Web

Peter Kafka in Media on July 7, 2009 at 10:21 am PT

Looks like I called this one wrong: Earlier in the day, I predicted that Web interest in Michael Jackson’s funeral would be less than expected because anyone who really cared about this would be watching on TV. Nope.

Mike Homer Laid to Rest Today

Kara Swisher in News on February 5, 2009 at 5:00 am PT

Many BoomTown readers have asked for more information and also about services for well-known Silicon Valley exec Mike Homer, who died earlier this week after a severe and unusual illness. His funeral is today at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Raymond Catholic Church in Menlo Park. A “Friends of Mike Homer” Facebook group page has also been created, with lots of great memories posted on its wall.