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MERROW CLASS A TRIMMING & OVERSEAMING SEWING MACHINE 10 Replies
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Welcome to the Stitch Matters Program
Merrow (the company) Blog
Hollywood Hypocrisy, how Davis Guggenheim stole his footage from My Uncle John
-----update: Washington Posts weighs in on John Merrow's side
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this blog is generally our bulletin board for announcements and reporting on the general goings on at Merrow. Occasionally it will pivot and tackle something of general interest. Today it will specifically reprint an email from our Uncle, John Merrow.
I watched John get an award from the Taft school last year and after listening to their introduction of my Uncle, I'm quite certain I don't have the wherewithal or knowledge to introduce John with any measure of thoroughness (here is their summary).
Suffice to say, He's been a pre-eminent reporter on education in the US over the past 40 years, runs a non-profit dedicated to the same in NYC and paraphrasing Taft '...[has] motivated others to change how we educate children to improve the quality of their lives.'
A couple days ago I got an email that he circulated to the Merrow family -- and was surprised to read that Paramount, and specifically Davis Guggenheim and his new film "Waiting for Superman" has bilked the non-profit out of a small but meaningful royalty on their reporting of Michelle Rhee.
The email is being posted because:
1. I like and admire John a lot -- and am proud of the work he's done
2. he's family, and we stick up for family
3. the absurd and unnecessary f***ing of a non-profit (which not-so-unimportantly has been dedicated to reporting on education and the issues surrounding education) is just reprehensible. Fuck Viacom/Paramount/Davis Guggenheim (if they don't pay... )
Here is the email, make your own judgements -- and if you feel inclined visit Learning Matters. or/and write Paramount & Viacom and let them know how you feel
Family
Thought you'd be interested in this mess. Basically, an Academy Award winning director, backed by Paramount, has misappropriated (fancy word for stolen) some of our NewsHour footage for his film. I've sent this letter to reporters I know.
I've been advised, believe it or not, to 'roll over' and 'take one for the movement.'
John
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Davis Guggenheim's new film, "Waiting for Superman," is getting rave reviews. The excerpt I saw in October was powerful. It's a story of leaders, including Geoff Canada and Michelle Rhee, standing up for children against unfeeling bureaucracies and the powers-that-be. It's a feel-good film that shows the underdog triumphing. Director Davis Guggenheim is on the side of the underdog, or so one would infer from watching his film.
But not in real life. To make the film he and his producers have chosen to take advantage of the little guy, because they have appropriated our footage for their film, without our permission and without payment.
Here's the background: Last September Davis called me and asked about using footage from our NewsHour coverage of Michelle Rhee in Washington, DC. I was flattered, of course, because I have the highest regard for his work (an Academy Award is just one of many honors he's received). But I explained to him that our little non-profit, Learning Matters, was struggling. I had been forced to cut salaries across the board by 10% (my own by 25%) and had suspended company payments into Tiaa-Cref. I told him that, although we had never sold footage before, I would consider it if the price were attractive.
Flash forward a few months. His producer called to request permission to use several scenes, including the one where Chancellor Rhee fires someone. The total running time was 2:17, and she offered $5000. Standard rates begin at $100 per second, or $13,700, by the way, meaning that this was a very low offer. I was surprised but asked her to negotiate with David Wald, our managing producer. My colleagues and I decided that we would prefer not to sell (hoping to make our own documentary), but I knew that Learning Matters' economic condition would force me to accept a decent offer, if one were forthcoming.
Less than two weeks ago his producer called again, about the same time that we learned that Paramount had bought the rights to the movie. I want to give you one more chance to accept our offer of $5,000, she said, so you can get some money out of this. I declined, at which point she told me that they were going to use it anyway, citing the 'fair use' rule. That doesn't apply here, I told her, but she said that their lawyer said it did.
It ought to be obvious that they know that 'fair use' does not apply. Why else would Davis and his producer have tried several times to buy the footage? I can only assume that they are accustomed to having their way: make a low offer and wait until the sucker accepts it. If not, take the footage anyway. They apparently assumed that they, now backed by Paramount, could steamroller over us.
Our attorney has written their attorney, who--big surprise--has not answered the letter.
It's also obvious that the footage was already in the film when she called me, which makes me question whether she was calling to negotiate in good faith.
We are insisting that our footage be removed from the film. If need be, we will seek an injunction against its distribution.
John
Education Correspondent,
PBS NewsHour, and President,
Learning Matters, Inc.
Listen Up!
6 E 32nd St., 8th Floor
New York, NY 10016
p: 212.725.7000 x230
f: 212.725.2433
Visit us online: www.learningmatters.tv
Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/John_Merrow
Sewing Machine Service FAQ
We've fielded a number of questions about the Sewing Machine Service from Merrow -- we're going to use the blog to answer them and build a more substantial FAQ page that should get posted next month after we gather more data...Q: how old is my sewing machine
A: we're glad you asked. How Old is your Merrow?
Q: this is a great program, but I have 40 machines can you come here to service them?
A: we'd love to, but no. What we can do is set up a dedicated service window for your equipment and have some percentage of the machines (say 10 at a time) come in on a palette and be turned around together and quickly.
Q: i need it returned FASTER than 5-7 days....
A: and we can help. we have an expedited program, just call us and let us know how quickly everything needs to get done.
Q: do you replace the gaskets?
A: we replace any beat-up gaskets that need to be replaced. almost all the gaskets are replaced as part of the $299 program, however there are one or two exceptions
Q: do you replace the gaskets?
A: we replace any beat-up gaskets that need to be replaced. almost all the gaskets are replaced as part of the $299 program, however there are one or two exceptions
Q: I really like my local mechanic, why are you taking business from him?
A: we also really like your local mechanic. and if he can take care of your Merrow then PLEASE send it to him/her. We're offering this service for all of the Merrow customers who don't have a local mechanic anymore, but want to keep their machines in tip-top shape
A: not right now. for the time being our $299 program is only applicable to Merrow Sewing Machines.
Q: Is this an international program
A: Not right now. Plans for rolling it out in the UK, India, Brazil, Mexico are underway however. If you'd like to be a Factory Service Provider let us know -- if you are in some part of the world that needs service, also let us know.
Q: for $299 what do I get 'free'
A: obviously having paid $299 nothing is free... however for $299 you get the following
1. shipping (3 ways) :: box to you --->. machine back to us ---->; machine back to you
2. upper & lower loopers
3. upper & lower cutters
4. needle
5. 3 hours labour to clean and service the machine
Q: what happens if the service is more than $299 AND I DON'T WANT TO PAY
A: if you send in a machine and we can't service it without adding/replacing parts, or need to spend more than 3 hours on it-- we'll call you and let you know what the additional charges are. Keep in mind we WILL NOT charge for additional labour, just parts. If you still don't want to pay (you bought the machine for $50 on ebay and don't want to pay $650 in replacement parts) we have two options for you.
1. we will offer you a credit for the machine if you purchase a new one. The credit averages $600 (not bad if you bought the machine for $50 ....)
2. we will ship it back to you and charge you just for the cost of freight (usually around $90)
Q: is this only for broken machines?
A: no. machines need to be cleaned, tuned, re-oiled, and have general maintenance done. This program does this especially well.
Q:how old is my machine? Is there any agism in the service program
A: we'll be posting serial # aging (carbon-dating) information later this week. If your machine pre-dates the korean war chances are we'll take a shot at it but we can't guarantee anything.
Q:can you make me another M-XXYY, or A-3DW-1 machine, I love the one I have and want it duplicated
A: maybe. one of the things we've been pretty good at is standardizing parts over the years. Chances are we can make an MG class version of that A class machine. Send in a stitch sample and we can try.
Q: will you just buy my machine back if it's DOA
A: sometimes. we have prepared a fair and generous buy-back program for machines that are somewhat salvageable salvageable. If the machine is just a bucket of parts chances are we'll be nice about it, but simply send it back.
PLEASE EMAIL service@merrow.com with more questions. As we get them we'll post the answers to the FAQ.
some social communication thoughts....
this blog has been a great way for us to post general information about things going on here. After a year or so of using twitter, the blog, stumble, facebook, merrow community etc. I have to say that the Company is ready to:a. dump twitter -- we've tried and i have to say it's a real waste of time
b. spend more time blogging
c. revamp the Merrow Community
AND e. perhaps spend less time worrying about whether content has made it through all the various social communication vehicles
--
back to blogging
--
Merrow introduces $299 factory service for sewing machines
Happy New Year!and with that an announcement:
Today we're launching the new service program for Merrow Sewing Machines....
the details:
(and i'm preemtively owning up to this just being copied from the service page...)
The $299 Merrow Factory Service Plan includes:
• All shipping and handling costs.
• A Merrow machine box with foam inserts to ensure safe transit.
• Machine disassembly, cleaning, & assessment by a certified Merrow technician.
• Replacement of the upper and lower loopers with new Genuine Merrow loopers.
• Replacement of the upper and lower cutters with new Genuine Merrow cutters.
• Replacement of the sewing needle with a new Genuine Merrow needle.
• Customized sew-off by a certified Merrow technician.
Machines enrolled into the Merrow Service Program are completely disassembled, inspected, and then placed in the production queue alongside brand new machines. By incorporating the service program with our regular production line, we can afford to service machines less expensively than the typical service provider.
Our certified Merrow technicians deal with hundreds of machines a week. Because of this exposure, we are able to spot minor issues before they become larger problems, and, more importantly, before these problems shut down business for multiple days.
Additionally, if you determine that the cost of a repair exceeds the value of your machine, Merrow will offer to buy back your machine, and grant a $200 credit towards the purchase of a new sewing machine. Merrow machines boast the best longevity on the market, though after years of use, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a new machine than to continue to service an old one.
The in $299 price does not include the cost of additional required or recommended spare parts. During the initial machine assessment, any damaged or worn parts will be flagged by a certified Merrow technician, however, no additional work will be done without customer approval. A Merrow customer service representative will call you after the initial machine assessment to review the status of your repair as well as any additional costs. All additional parts will be offered at at a 10% discount with no labor charges.
All machines will be shipped via UPS standard ground, or the equivalent. Machines will be insured for a value of $500 each. Additional insurance may be purchased prior to shipment. Call your Merrow customer service representative for details. All insurance claims are void if the sewing machine is not shipped drained of oil in Merrow supplied packaging.
It is highly recommended that customers provide fabric, thread, and stitch samples with all factory service machines. A certified Merrow technician will use these items to replicate your stitch during the customized sew-off. If these items are not provided, your machine will be sewn off according to factory standards
We're excited.... This should allow Merrow customers to keep running machines regardless of available local service. Order a new machine or buy a used one without worrying about service.
And we re-build them alongside the new ones
Right now this is a US based program. We're working on ways to offer it internationally. Give us a ring with questions (or email service@merrow.com)
Enjoy!
Merrow Pie Baking Contest Day 1 & Day 2 & 3
so the pie baking contest begins...and it's a barn burner.
**update**
we have a winner:
1st place: Julianna
2nd place: Robyn
3rd place: Justin
totals:
12 pies entered
fastest eaten: justin's Meat Pie
slowest eaten: owen's medical mystery pumpkin
most manipulation during serving: robyn
best decoration: nate's UCS Pie
prettiest: Lev's Cherry
dog's favorite: owen's chocolate
best quiche: charlie's quiche
best delivery: donna's apple
Best Overall Pie: Julianna's Apple
--
congrats to all!
Happy Thanksgiving
An updated slide show from Day3:
We're writing on day two after consuming 8 pies (7 dessert, one outstanding quiche)
The rules are:
1. everyone votes on several categories
2. there are no rules
3. winner gets $100
Day 3 is tomorrow. This is awesome.
… Continue
something a little un-work related
this weekend two folks from Merrow climbed up and through the white mountains-- and over 105 miles, 5h 25min. and 6000 calories.sometimes the intensity of the week, even our weeks here, can be eclipsed by one Big saturday
View Larger Map
welcome: Nate Murray
Merrow enthusiastically welcomes Nate Murray to the Merrow team in Fall River.-- Nate starts by teaching us something....
...Danielle offers him a more subtle lesson of her own (get off my turf...) --
Nate's Bio:
Nate Murray is a designer with over ten years of experience in the architecture and graphics fields. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Boston College and Masters of Architecture from the Boston Architectural College, where he was awarded the William E. Nast Scholarship Award for best portfolio. Mr. Murray has worked for multiple prestigious Boston architectural firms in both a design and architectural capacity, and served as liaison in the BAC’s initiative to implement a Building Information Modeling Curriculum with area firms. In addition to his design and scholastic duties, Mr. Murray taught Rhinoceros Software at the BAC and served as teaching assistant for the course ‘American Contemporary Architecture’ taught by Mark Brus.
the short story about the painting project at Merrow
on a southwest flight from Chicago a week or so ago I sat in the middle seat. after apologizing to the left and right I hunkered down for a couple, three hour flight back to providence, ri.and then we start talking. an air force colonel (maybe lt. colonel) to the right and an artist to the left. He flew A-10 warthogs and stealth bombers, she had been in Albuquerque studying a technique of paint on tar-paper.
the great right brain left brain drama manifested in airplane seats. seriously, this was unreal.
he sent an email a couple days ago clarifying a sovereign airspace issue we discussed at some length.
she showed up in fall river and started painting. and we begin an interesting new project at merrow...
southwest airlines-- i've got to give you credit for the greatest middle seat flights i've ever taken.
More Twitter
merrow_machine: Paramount studio steals non-profit's video: D. Guggenheim's "Waiting for Superman" ripped off John Merrow's video documenting Michelle Rhee
merrow_machine: Paramount studio steals non-profit's video: D. Guggenheim's "Waiting for Superman" ripped off John Merrow's video documenting Michelle Rheemerrow_machine: wondering if the government would be interested in some American made sewing machines...
merrow_machine: wondering if the government would be interested in some American made sewing machines...merrow_machine: Checking out charlie's Profile on Merrow Community: http://www.merrowing.com/profile/charlie
merrow_machine: Checking out charlie's Profile on Merrow Community: http://www.merrowing.com/profile/charliemerrow_machine: Merrow $299 Service FAQ - http://eepurl.com/g5AX
merrow_machine: Merrow $299 Service FAQ - http://eepurl.com/g5AXmerrow_machine: added the FAQ for sewing machine service.... http://bit.ly/59lMKC lot's of good questions. if you've got more send 'em to service@merrow.com
merrow_machine: added the FAQ for sewing machine service.... http://bit.ly/59lMKC lot's of good questions. if you've got more send 'em to service@merrow.commerrow_machine: Merrow $299 Factory Service for sewing machines - http://eepurl.com/gzZs
merrow_machine: Merrow $299 Factory Service for sewing machines - http://eepurl.com/gzZsmerrow_machine: ... and to keep things focused on the Merrow factory service a blog entry blog.merrow.com
merrow_machine: ... and to keep things focused on the Merrow factory service a blog entry blog.merrow.commerrow_machine: the new service page is now launched on EC2 http://service.merrow.com/index.php/merrow-service.html
merrow_machine: the new service page is now launched on EC2 http://service.merrow.com/index.php/merrow-service.htmlmerrow_machine: the new Hot Rod logo for services is now posted on the home page (http://www.merrow.com)
merrow_machine: the new Hot Rod logo for services is now posted on the home page (http://www.merrow.com)merrow_machine: we're launching the Merrow Factory Service program
merrow_machine: we're launching the Merrow Factory Service programmerrow_machine: @baby_be_blessed Ah you are right E is without cutters. The manual is on the website. The M and MG Class Manual. My phone is 800-431-6677
merrow_machine: @baby_be_blessed Ah you are right E is without cutters. The manual is on the website. The M and MG Class Manual. My phone is 800-431-6677merrow_machine: @baby_be_blessed From the name I can tell you its a 3 thread overlock without cutters. I would enjoy helping you get to know your machine.
merrow_machine: @baby_be_blessed From the name I can tell you its a 3 thread overlock without cutters. I would enjoy helping you get to know your machine.merrow_machine: shell stitch machines -- and talking about the 'red line' of merrow's
merrow_machine: shell stitch machines -- and talking about the 'red line' of merrow'smerrow_machine: testing new machines
merrow_machine: testing new machinesmerrow_machine: pie baking contest has a winner: Julianna! congrats http://blog.merrow.com/2009/11/merrow-pie-baking-contest-day-1-day-2.html
merrow_machine: pie baking contest has a winner: Julianna! congrats http://blog.merrow.com/2009/11/merrow-pie-baking-contest-day-1-day-2.htmlmerrow_machine: Pie Baking Contest at Merrow for $100- advantage Applie Pie by CM- http://bit.ly/7sla4E
merrow_machine: Pie Baking Contest at Merrow for $100- advantage Applie Pie by CM- http://bit.ly/7sla4Emerrow_machine: planning to build MG-3Q-3 Shell Stitch machines.
merrow_machine: planning to build MG-3Q-3 Shell Stitch machines.merrow_machine: planning the next build of Merrow MG-3U machines....
merrow_machine: planning the next build of Merrow MG-3U machines....merrow_machine: Yet another Monday has rolled around. I am excited to see what the week will bring about.
merrow_machine: Yet another Monday has rolled around. I am excited to see what the week will bring about.merrow_machine: Sewing unbelievable stitches with crochet machines on silk!
merrow_machine: Sewing unbelievable stitches with crochet machines on silk!Blog Posts
New guy needs a hand
I am relatively new to the embroidering field but have been getting calls for patches now and then. I currently limit my patches to felt or similar material because it does not fray.
I recently purchased an old A3DW3 machine that, like most old merrow's, runs like a top. I hope to use it until I win the Lotto and can afford an MG-3U.
I personally like a Merrow stitch at the edge and am working towards that.
Question #1 is: How close can I get with the A3 machine?
I currently have a #32 f… Continue
I recently purchased an old A3DW3 machine that, like most old merrow's, runs like a top. I hope to use it until I win the Lotto and can afford an MG-3U.
I personally like a Merrow stitch at the edge and am working towards that.
Question #1 is: How close can I get with the A3 machine?
I currently have a #32 f… Continue
Posted by Mike Rieker on November 19, 2009 at 12:52pm
Launching the site
Today we did the last of the heavy lifting on the community site. Hopefully all will enjoy.
Posted by charlie merrow on August 24, 2008 at 5:32pm
18-E
I have been surfing the world wide web and seen a lot of buzz surrounding the 18-E. For a regular crocheter like myself, I can't help but get excited about the possibility of Merrow going into production for this much anticipated release.
It is my hope that it will be released this fall so I can start my blanket business(finally! lol). I already have 5 orders for my football themed Eagles blanket, not to mention getting a head start on my homespun christmas gifts for friends, family and loved o… Continue
It is my hope that it will be released this fall so I can start my blanket business(finally! lol). I already have 5 orders for my football themed Eagles blanket, not to mention getting a head start on my homespun christmas gifts for friends, family and loved o… Continue
Posted by David Resenberg on June 9, 2008 at 1:50pm
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i have been working on class A&m four over 50 years at trenton mills we still have an run 11or more of them everyday for over 50 years why would we use anything but merrow style Amach. we run 1 union special mach.style 39200.
Hi James.
I have found that if there is a hole in the machine, it will take a drop or two of oil every few hours of running. The bubbler, as Robyn says, is filled and the lever on top regulates the oil flow. It's a pretty simple design but effectiv…
My A-3DW was made between 1949 and 1950. It is 60 years old and almost able to retire,,,, but not yet. This baby is not ready for pasture. At 63 I have had 2 bypass's, I have been re-knee'd and my spine has seen the knife but I doubt this little guy…
We have added this fun tool onto our website and right here in the community. Click on the link below or return the Community homepage and find out how old your machine is. I bet some of you A class and 60 class owners will fall right out of your…
James your machine was built in 1916!!
This machine is very old and I had a tough time finding actual instructions on it. There were no written instructions on how to oil it. Just need to fill up the bubbler (glass thing on the top) and open the va…
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