Gorgeous Pete Cashmore and Shiny Me

I go to a lot of events – tech, social media, just plain social sometimes – and I generally am taking pics or pictures at those events. It’s what I do. I enjoy capturing a slice of the night. Sometimes I’m working at the request of the event, sometimes it’s just for myself. People are always asking me if I’m the official photographer, I usually answer, “I’m the UNofficial photographer!”

When the event is over, at some point I sit down to edit the pics and I often end up deleting half of them. I’ve gotten better at this as time goes on, I used to just post everything! I look back at some of my early work and cringe! I have learned not to post any bad photos, although what I like and what you like may differ. I’m always happy to edit or delete upon request! A lot of times I can edit a pic by adjusting the color and cropping to make it the best it can be. If there is a group of people, and the one on the end has their eyes closed – they’re cropped out! If someone is too shiny, in most cases they are cropped out or deleted.

Today I’m going to start a series of few simple tips I’ve learned to help those in front of the camera – men and women. Just a couple of pointers to make you look your best, and not end up in my recycle bin!

The first tip is powder. I learned this after attending Mashable’s first Summer Mash event in 2008. I had a wonderful time, took a lot of pictures, and had a lot of pictures taken of me. It was the first time I met photographer William Marc Salsbury and he took a couple of photos of me and told me I was a little shiny, which I appreciated. As it turned out, that was an understatement, I was a LOT shiny! I normally don’t have oily skin, but it was hot and crowded there and on camera, when the flash or lights hit me, shine city!

In the picture above I’m photographed with the founder of Mashable.com, Pete Cashmore, and it may not look too bad in the small size above, but click on it, and you will definitely see what I mean!

I’m not a fan of the matte look, but if you’re going anywhere, where there is any chance someone will take your photo, powder up before you leave! I do now! My favorite is a light dusting of loose powder, using a big fluffy brush! If you’re someone who does have oily skin, bring some pressed powder or blotting papers in your purse and touch up through the night. In a pinch, a trick that I learned from CBS 5′s newscaster,Sue Kwon at BizTechDay 2009, was to use toilet seat covers as blotting papers! You’ll thank me when you see the pictures after!

If you have any tips to share, I would love to hear them in the comments section below!

~Laura

I’ve resisted this for awhile, even though quite a few of my photographer friends are using them, because I feel they look a little tacky. Now I’m beginning to change my tune.

As a photographer specializing in event photography, often my photos are used by others in everything from profile pics to personal or business websites. Generally I am flattered and honored (especially if they ask nicely first) but it’s great to at least be given credit.

A watermark, probably lauralovesart.com, on the lower corner would ensure all photos are identified as mine and possibly bring more traffic to my website and business to me. I’m planning to use www.easysector.com’s Batch Photo Watermarker.

I’m going to give it a try. If you have any feedback pro or con, I’d love to hear from you!

JETLAG ...where fashion meets travel!

September 10, 2010 – It was a night to remember at the JETLAG Celebration produced by Trendy Lime and Michael Nader – celebrating Trendy Lime’s first anniversary!

There was a long line to get in, but it was worth it!

All the beautiful jet-set crowd was out to celebrate at Butterfly Restaurant on the San Francisco wharf!

Chef Robert Lam, owner of Butterfly, provided gourmet appetizers, which sadly I missed out on. DJ Nader and DJ Michelle Musial kept the party dancing through the night with dance beats.

I had a wonderful time taking pics of all the action. Great watching the models go from hair and makeup to the runway! An adorable puppy even made his runway debut!

Models getting ready!

The models wowed the crowd as they strutted down the runway in fashions by designers ANYA, RockChiq, and SashaMaksVintage as photographers, including me, flashed away!

A pleasure to run into Leslie Lum of Leslie Lum Marketing as well, and to finally meet Alison Messinger, the woman behind popular fashion blog, Eclectic A La Mode.

It’s always fun to see Liana Burtsava, the driving force behind Trendy Lime and JETLAG. She runs it all effortlessly while looking calm and chic.

Trendy Lime produces upscale events throughout the year. Connect with them on Facebook or their website to be updated on upcoming events.

Next event at Trendy Lime is the “Every Party Matters” Fair Trade Month Kickoff Party, Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 8:00 PM (PT) at Temple Club, San Francisco, CA.

Hope to see you there!

To see more pics from the event, please visit my Flickr photostream here.

Meet me here:

So, so far for this week:

Saturday, November 14, 2009 — Three Art Openings Saturday!
Yumiko Kayukawa, ESPO, and Erik Foss all under one roof!!!

ESPO at White Walls:

Steve Powers (aka ESPO) isolates moments, images and phrases of daily life to create an emotional revelation within the viewer. This exhibit brings attention to matters of love, life and all the complicated situations in between. Notorious for his dark humor combined with eloquence ESPO’s paintings create a dynamic synthesis of words and images.

Yumiko Kayukawa at The Shooting Gallery:

As a recent transplant to the US, Wild Wild East reveals Kayukawa’s mixed feelings about “surviving” in two very different societies. This exhibition expresses a new perspective by melding both traditional Japanese cultures with her enthusiasm for American pop culture.

Erik Foss at Gallery Three:

This overflowing, compulsive accumulation of works mirrors the chaotic conditions in which they have been made. Unseen on TV symbolizes the irony of our culture’s founding beliefs and ideologies, revealing America uncensored.

Time: 7:00pm – 11:00pm
Location: White Walls, The Shooting Gallery and Gallery Three
Street: 835 Larkin St
City/Town: San Francisco, CA

For more info see: 3 Artists!

Also the Blog: Shooting Gallery News
and
Also the Blog: White Walls News

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 — Viewpointr Preview Release Meetup

Event details:
We’re new in town and we wanna meet the neighbors. I suppose we could tag along to a bunch of startup/tech meetups, instead, I figured since a lot of you guys know each other already, you may as well come to an event we host for you, kind of like a house-warming party, that the new neighbors throw.

What to expect:
Free drinks, cool people, music, good conversation.
We’re geek folk so naturally we’re throwing a geeky event.
The dress code is geek-chic + no laptop no entry.

Startup ID and other proof of geek credentials required for entry.

About the hosts:
We like to meet new people. Community is a big part of who we are and what we do. We’re here to work amongst people we admire and respect. We have a fab little company of which you’ll come to learn more about, but more importantly we wanna shake a few hands and share stories with outgoing people who naturally like checking out the “latest thing to hit the bay area”. In this instance, us @Viewpointr
Feel free to pass this along to your friends.
We look forward to seeing you there!

RSVP here: Viewpointr

Thursday, November 19, 2009 — Tech The Halls: The Technologizer Holiday Bash 2009

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Marie and Harry are throwing a holiday bash and I’ll definitely be there in my red velvet dress! And…bonus points! It’s at Varnish Art Gallery! If nothing else, you can definitely meet me here this week!

It’s time to celebrate the holidays and check out the latest in consumer tech gear before we head into the new year and head off to CES. Technologizer invites you to its Tech The Halls Holiday Bash. Join us for good company, delightful conversation, and great food and drink at Varnish Art Gallery, a cool venue conveniently located in San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood.

Technologizer founder/editor Harry McCracken, Domingo Communications principal Marie Domingo, and our sponsors look forward to meeting you to talk personal technology, Web services, social media, and more.

Plan to Tweet the event? Please do! Our hashtag is: #TechTheHalls

RSVP here: Tech The Halls

Friday, November 20, 2009 — Real-Time CrunchUp SF

I’m not planning to go to this event, but I wanted to share!

9:00 AM – 7:30 PM (PT)

TechCrunch says:
One of the benefits of covering new technology and startups on a daily basis is that you can see trends as they begin to swell and repeat themselves. One shift we’ve been keeping a very close eye on is the rise of realtime streams, and how they are fundamentally altering the way we communicate and interact with one another.

We are not the only ones who think this is a big deal. Back in July, TechCrunch editors Erick Schonfeld and Steve Gillmor organized a Realtime Stream CrunchUp. It was the first major realtime conference (there are a bunch of them now), and the response was overwhelming. It attracted 650 people and ended up as a launchpad for about 20 new realtime products, from Seesmic’s Web client to Pubsubhubbub (PuSH) to Brizzly (read more here).

A lot has happened since then: Facebook bought FriendFeed, Twitter raised $100 million, Google Wave launched in private beta. So Steve and I thought it would be a good time for another Realtime CrunchUp. The next one will be an all-day-event on November 20 in San Francisco.

Hope you can join us.

To register: Saturday ONLY, 2-for-1! Real-Time CrunchUp SF

After Saturday, register at: Real-Time Crunchup SF

TechCrunch proper: here

November 27-December 20, 2009 – The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

I attend the Dickens Fair everyyy year with my kids! It’s a holiday tradition of ours now…and I can’t wait to go again! It’s like the Renaissance Fair, but set in the time of Charles Dickens. The Cow Palace is turned into Merry Old England and every effort is made to make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Get a peek at the fair costumes and setting as Amanda Palmer & Vermilion Lies wander through the Dickens Fair singing, set to “What’s the Use of Won’drin’?” (featuring Annie Clark of St. Vincent) in their video: watch!

The fair is held on weekends only!

FOUR WEEKENDS
including the FRIDAY
after Thanksgiving!
Fri. Nov. 27 thru
Sun. Dec. 20, 2009
11am-7pm
In the Cow Palace
Exhibition Halls

For more information see their website: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

And, follow them on Twitter: @DickensFair

They even have a Facebook page: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Now thru December 10, 2009 — The Art of Zen: Landscapes Inspired by Japan
Essential photographic and painted landscapes

Location: Elastic Creative
Street: 550 Bryant Street
City/Town: San Francisco, CA

Dear Friends and Art Aficionados,

You are invited to the art exhibition: “The Art of Zen: Landscapes Inspired by Japan”.

Victoria Vedell and I are having a two person show for three months at Elastic Creative in SOMA. We both lived in Tokyo, and simultaneously were Artists-in-Residence at KAIR, in Tokushima, Japan in 2004.

In June, I returned to Tokushima with my camera to walk from temple to temple and photograph the Shikoku Pilgrimage, which is the oldest and longest pilgrimage in Japan. It is over 1,000 years old and a 1,000 miles long. The photographs I will be exhibiting were shot on the pilgrimage deep in the heart of the Japanese countryside. Victoria will be showing her lush landscape paintings inspired by her time in Japan.

Viewing by appointment, Monday – Friday 9am- 6pm. Please contact Andre: andre@elasticcreative.com.

More info here: The Art of Zen

Now through March 28, 2010 — Tutankhamun at the De Young Museum!

Don’t miss this!

de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA 94118
415.750.3600
www.deyoungmuseum.org
Exhibition Hours

Through September 30, 2009:
Monday through Sunday, 9 am to 9 pm (closed for maintenance August 3 and 31)
Oct 1, 2009 through March 28, 2010:
Tuesday through Sunday, 9 am to 6:30 pm; until 8:45 pm on Fridays.

for more info: http://www.tutsanfrancisco.org/

December 19, 2009-April 18, 2010 — The Legion of Honor Museum presents: Cartier and America

Cartier came to fame as the “King of Jewelers” during the Belle Époque for his beautifully made diamond and platinum jewelry created for the courts of Europe and Americans of the Gilded Age. With an extensive variety of jewelry forms—ranging from traditional white diamond suites to the highly colored exotic creations of the 1920s and 1930s—Cartier made its mark with the ingenuity of its designs and its exquisite craftsmanship. Cartier and America celebrates the imagination and creativity of Cartier in the 20th century. The jewelry and works of art include pieces from the private collection of Cartier.

for more info: Cartier and America

Sunday, September 13, 2009, Media Leaders Pre-TechCrunch50 Mixer!

Harlot
46 Minna St
San Francisco, CA 94105

from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Pre-TechCrunch50 Mixer!

Join us as we forget about the state of the economy and mingle with San Fran’s hippest professionals in marketing, advertising, tech and new media.

Please join us at one of San Francisco’s HOTTEST venues: Harlot. We will have a hip and diverse group of technology, marketing, public relations, and interactive new media professionals.

We are hosting this mixer the night before the TechCrunch50.com event and are only a few blocks from the main conference. Please join us for a cocktail and some great conversation.

Register here: http://sanfran2.eventbrite.com/

Monday, Sept. 14-Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2009 – TechCrunch50, 2009

TC50. Because Startups Deserve a Full-Contact Conference!

Last year, TechCrunch50 hosted 250 start-ups and early-stage companies pitching to nearly 2,000 attendees, including 200 corporate buyers, VCs and angels and more than 150 members of the press.

One company will win $50,000 from the TechCrunch50 organizers. This year, they’ll have an Audience Choice Award and other recognitions too.

Attendees enjoy an action-packed agenda, including pitches, panels, working breakfasts and lunch sessions, and after parties at the San Francisco Design Center Concourse, with 125,000 square feet of networking space.

For more info: http://www.techcrunch50.com/2009/

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 – TechCrunch50 After Party, Presented by Zivity

Host: DNA Lounge/Zivity
Price: FREE ADMISSION!
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Time: 8:00pm – 2am
Location: DNA Lounge
Street: 375 eleventh st
City/Town: San Francisco, CA

A TechCrunch50 after party to celebrate the 50 demoing companies of 2009 and the alumni of 2007 and 2008.

Featuring:

A burlesque show by Hubba Hubba Revue!
DJ Netik (Meat / Twitter)
Go-go dancers!
Plus appearances by your favorite Zivity models!

for more info: TechCrunch50 After Party

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 – SF New Tech

5:30-10 PM

Mighty
119 Utah Street
(Cross street is 15th. Look for the big black doors!)
San Francisco, CA 94103

Featuring demos by: MyJobReferrals.com, 8kMiles, Waze, Collecta, Outspokes, JS-Kit’s Echo, and more!

Tickets:
$15.00 for early bird online tickets
$20.00 for all other (late bird) online tickets
$25.00 cash at the door, if not sold out

Mighty is a 21+ venue.

Schedule:
5:30 pm – Doors & Bar Open
5:30 -7:30 pm – Schmooze and Free Tacos!
7:30 – 9:00 pm – Live Demos
9:00 – 11:00 pm – Schmooze

for more info or to purchase tickets: http://sept16sfnewtech.eventbrite.com/event/415515819

Thursday, September 17, 2009 – TechKaroake SV- BBC Menlo Park!

6:30-11 PM

BBC (British Banker’s Club)
1090 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 327-8769

Alright everyone. It’s long overdue already, and we have a new venue! Bring your karaoke voices and meet us at the BBC on Sept 17th, 630pm to get your drink and sing on!

Thanks to our sponsor- COOKIES BY DESIGN!

Cookies by Design Santa Clara is happy to be your gift giving resource for freshly-baked, artistically hand-decorated, personally hand-delivered (in most areas), creative cookie gifts that taste as good as they look. The shoppe is located at 5253 Stevens Creek Blvd. Santa Clara, Ca. 95051 or you can find us online, cookiesbydesign-sc.com for the local website, cookiesbydesign.com for the national website or find us on Facebook at
facebook.com/CookiesbyDesignSantaClara

RSVP here:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/event.php?eid=155292840179

September 19 – September 20, 2009 – Free Shakespeare in the Park!

Bring your family, friends, a blanket, and a picnic and enjoy
FREE professional theater in the park!

I go to this everyyy year! LOVEEE IT!

See Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors”

Weekends only plus Labor Day, August 29 – September 20th

San Francisco’s Presidio
(Main Post Parade Ground Lawn, Graham Street between Lincoln Blvd and Moraga Avenue)

for more info: http://sfshakes.org

Thursday, September 24, 2009 – SF Weekly’s DISH 2009 presented by Parkmerced

What a deal this is for $20 with the proceeds even going to benefit charity…win win I say!

Date/Time: Thu., September 24, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Parkmerced presents the 2nd Annual DISH event
An Evening of Food and Wine

September 24, 2009
at the City View at the METREON
6:30pm-9:30pm
$20 per ticket.
Proceeds Benefit One World Children’s Fund

Sample food from 30 restaurants including Out The Door, XYZ, Fish and Farm plus 10 unique wineries offering sampling as well.

Sponsored by: Parkmerced, LangeTwins Winery and Vineyards, Pama, TYKU, MillerCoors, Sobieski Vodka, Westfield San Francisco Centre, Snag Tickets, and LikeMe.net.

for more info and to purchase tickets:
http://www.sfweekly.com/events/promo/1642716

Friday, September 25, 2009 – DineForChange’s Launch Event

6-10 PM

Temple
540 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA

Join us on Friday, September 25 at Temple for DineForChange’s kick off event between 6-10PM. This is a great opportunity for you to meet many local professional organizations and non profits to see how you can get involved.

Live performance by Fat Magic from 6-7PM.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjP6bIEvFxw

Come network and learn how you can get involved with DineForChange and make a difference in your community just by eating and having fun!

We are expecting a full house for the evening. Please RSVP with us ASAP to ensure entry.

If you are a non profit or profesional organization, please contact via e-mail at info@dineforchange.com for further details on how your organization can be featured.

for more info: http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/event.php?eid=124313354849

Saturday, September 27, 2009 – Now and Zen Fest

Alice Radio – 97.3 host’s Now and Zen Fest a free concert in Golden Gate Park featuring Howie Day, Colbie Caillat and TRAIN!!!

Noon – 5PM in Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park

for more info: http://www.radioalice.com/pages/4983440.php

Now thur March 28, 2010, Tutankhamun at the De Young Museum!

Don’t miss this!

de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA 94118
415.750.3600
www.deyoungmuseum.org
Exhibition Hours

Through September 30, 2009:
Monday through Sunday, 9 am to 9 pm (closed for maintenance August 3 and 31)
Oct 1, 2009 through March 28, 2010:
Tuesday through Sunday, 9 am to 6:30 pm; until 8:45 pm on Fridays.

for more info: http://www.tutsanfrancisco.org/

Sunday, October 4, 2009 – Cupcake Camp

2:00-5PM

Automattic
Pier 38 (next to AT&T Ballpark, Embarcadero&Brannan)
San Francisco, CA

Sponsors: Automattic, Cakespy, Cupcake Swirl, Cups and Cakes Bakery, Iron Cupcake Earth, Jasmine Rae Bakery, Mexican Vanilla, Sugar Beat Sweets

Last year, we threw the first ever CupcakeCamp and it was a delicious success, so much so that it became a worldwide phenomenon. It is with much excitement that we announce San Francisco’s CupcakeCamp for 2009!

Event tagging: #ccsf

If you’re baking or buying cupcakes for the event, you must register your cupcakes at http://cupcakecamp.org/register

How CupcakeCamp Works

(this mainly applies to people bringing cupcakes, but please feel free to just show up and enjoy eating them too!)

This is an event for cupcake lovers, so you can:
- buy cupcakes to bring
- bake cupcakes to bring
- just eat cupcakes

1. No limit on how many cupcakes you can bring (the more you can bring, the better) – and mini cupcakes are encouraged!

2. You need to have your cupcakes (how much and what type) registered at http://cupcakecamp.org/register by Sunday, September 27 at Noon -otherwise we will have to do the unthinkable and reject your precious cupcakes (o noes!).

3. People bringing cupcakes should plan on bringing them to Automattic by 1:00pm the day of

4. In true BarCamp style, we will have twelve 15 min. timeslot schedules for tasting different types of cupcakes. The schedule will be posted at the event.

5. Add yourself to the CupcakeCamp Baker Directory! Request access to the CupcakeCamp PBwiki ( http://cupcakecamp.pbwiki.com ) to connect with other cupcake lovers.

6. We will have a Best In Show competition! Categories for best in show: Best Halloween Cupcake, Best Decorated, Best Unique Ingredients, and Best Breakfast-inspired. You can opt-in for a category when you arrive with your cupcakes at 1pm.

Feel free to let us know you want to attend at: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/4408775

Also see the facebook event page for more info:
http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=129018542242&ref=ts

Now thru April 18, 2010 – The Legion of Honor Museum presents: Cartier and America

Cartier came to fame as the “King of Jewelers” during the Belle Époque for his beautifully made diamond and platinum jewelry created for the courts of Europe and Americans of the Gilded Age. With an extensive variety of jewelry forms—ranging from traditional white diamond suites to the highly colored exotic creations of the 1920s and 1930s—Cartier made its mark with the ingenuity of its designs and its exquisite craftsmanship. Cartier and America celebrates the imagination and creativity of Cartier in the 20th century. The jewelry and works of art include pieces from the private collection of Cartier.

for more info: http://www.famsf.org/legion/exhibitions/exhibition.asp?exhibitionkey=1051

October 15-17, 2009 – BlogWorld & New Media Expo

The 2009 BlogWorld & New Media Expo will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, beginning with the exclusive “Social Media Business Summit”(TM) conference on October 15th and continuing with the BlogWorld & New Media Expo and Conference October 16th-17th. This is first and only industry-wide tradeshow, conference, and media event dedicated to promoting the dynamic industry of new media including: Blogging, Podcasting, Social Media, Online Video, Music, TV, Radio, Gaming, Entertainment and Communities. In addition to the only industry-wide new media industry exhibition, BlogWorld & New Media Expo features the largest new media conference in the world including more than 50 seminars, panel discussions and keynotes from iconic personalities on the leading-edge of online technology and internet-savvy business. If you are currently blogging, podcasting, vlogging, producing other forms of new media content, entering the new media industry, or researching ways to leverage new media for your large or small company, then you need to be at the only comprehensive new media convention–BlogWorld & New Media Expo. Located in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center at: 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109

For more info or to register: http://www.blogworldexpo.com/

Firstly and most importantly on Wednesday, September 9, I will be at Sukhjit Ghag’s going away party as she leaves San Francisco to grace San Diego with her presence. I’m so sad to see her go, but happy she has found the job of her dreams as Sony’s corporate blogger and Social Media Consultant. Sony has no idea what a smart decision that was….but we do! http://bit.ly/PwEQb

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 – Women 2.0 Demystifying Government and Stimulus Funding for Your Startup

6:30-9:00 PM

Citizen Space
425 2nd Street, Suite 100
San Francisco, Ca

Are you having trouble finding an investor for your startup? You know, you don’t have to rely on VCs and angel investors to give you cash. There are ways the government can fund your startup. Yes, the government.

Join Women 2.0 for an informative night of Demystifying Government and Stimulus Funding for Your Startup. We will be meeting at Citizen Space in San Francisco on Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 at 6:30pm to discuss alternative methods of funding your business.

Let’s demystify government and stimulus funding. Discussion topics will include:
» What is available to women-owned, minority-owned businesses
» Step-by-step instructions and examples on how to apply to the funds and loans
» SBA and SBIR loans
» Who can use the stimulus money from the government
» State and local incentives for locating companies in low-and-mid income areas

Speakers:
» Jill Fishbein (Partner, Carr & Ferrell)
» Cynthia Ringo (Managing Partner, DBL Investors)

Schedule:
» 6:30pm » Networking
» 7:00pm » Presentation by Jill Fishbein and Cynthia Ringo
» 8:30pm » Open discussion and Q&A

More info:
http://www.women2.org/demystifying-government/

Register here:
http://w2governmentfunding.eventbrite.com/

Friday, September 11, 2009 – TwestivalSF!

Twestival SF was one of my favorite events last year! The Twitter founders @ev and @biz even showed up! Don’t miss it!

It’s all happening Friday, September 11, 8pm at Horizon SF

On September 11, 2009, Twestival goes “Local”! Participants will gather in over 180 cities all over the world, joining forces to raise money for a charity of their choice.
San Francisco has chosen Operation Smile, who some of you may know as 140Smiles. Real people, real time, real power to make a difference.

Operation Smile is a private not-for-profit medical services organization providing reconstructive surgery and related health care to indigent children and young adults in developing countries. Medical volunteers travel on medical missions to repair of cleft lips, palates and facial reconstructive surgery in 34 countries around the world. Operation Smile has treated over 150,000 children and young adults.
The San Francisco Twestival event will take place September 11 starting at 8pm. Proceeds are to benefit 140Smiles.

Location
Horizon Restaurant & Lounge
489 Broadway Street at Kearny
North Beach, San Francisco

for more info: http://www.twestivalsf.com/

To purchase your tickets, please visit http://www.amiando.com/twestivalsf09

Sunday, September 13, 2009, Media Leaders Pre-TechCrunch50 Mixer!

Harlot
46 Minna St
San Francisco, CA 94105

from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Pre-TechCrunch50 Party!

Join us as we forget about the state of the economy and mingle with San Fran’s hippest professionals in marketing, advertising, tech and new media.

Please join us at one of San Francisco’s HOTTEST venues: Harlot. We will have a hip and diverse group of technology, marketing, public relations, and interactive new media professionals.

We are hosting this mixer the night before the TechCrunch50.com event and are only a few blocks from the main conference. Please join us for a cocktail and some great conversation.

Register here: http://sanfran2.eventbrite.com/

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 – SF New Tech

5:30-10 PM

Mighty
119 Utah Street
(Cross street is 15th. Look for the big black doors!)
San Francisco, CA 94103

Featuring demos by: MyJobReferrals.com, 8kMiles, Waze, Collecta, Outspokes, JS-Kit’s Echo, and more!

Tickets:
$15.00 for early bird online tickets
$20.00 for all other (late bird) online tickets
$25.00 cash at the door, if not sold out

Mighty is a 21+ venue.

Schedule:
5:30 pm – Doors & Bar Open
5:30 -7:30 pm – Schmooze and Free Tacos!
7:30 – 9:00 pm – Live Demos
9:00 – 11:00 pm – Schmooze

for more info or to purchase tickets: http://sept16sfnewtech.eventbrite.com/event/415515819

Thursday, September 17, 2009 – TechKaroake SV- BBC Menlo Park!

6:30-11 PM

BBC (British Banker’s Club)
1090 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 327-8769

Alright everyone. It’s long overdue already, and we have a new venue! Bring your karaoke voices and meet us at the BBC on Sept 17th, 630pm to get your drink and sing on!

Thanks to our sponsor- COOKIES BY DESIGN!

Cookies by Design Santa Clara is happy to be your gift giving resource for freshly-baked, artistically hand-decorated, personally hand-delivered (in most areas), creative cookie gifts that taste as good as they look. The shoppe is located at 5253 Stevens Creek Blvd. Santa Clara, Ca. 95051 or you can find us online, cookiesbydesign-sc.com for the local website, cookiesbydesign.com for the national website or find us on Facebook at
facebook.com/CookiesbyDesignSantaClara

RSVP here:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/event.php?eid=155292840179

August 29 – September 20, 2009 – Free Shakespeare in the Park!

Bring your family, friends, a blanket, and a picnic and enjoy
FREE professional theater in the park!

I go to this everyyy year! LOVEEE IT!

See Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors”

Weekends only plus Labor Day, August 29 – September 20th

San Francisco’s Presidio
(Main Post Parade Ground Lawn, Graham Street between Lincoln Blvd and Moraga Avenue)

for more info: http://sfshakes.org

Thursday, September 24, 2009 – SF Weekly’s DISH 2009 presented by Parkmerced

What a deal this is for $20 with the proceeds even going to benefit charity…win win I say!

Date/Time: Thu., September 24, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Contact Info: | Event Website
SF Weekly’s DISH 2009 presented by Parkmerced Parkmerced presents the 2nd Annual DISH event
An Evening of Food and Wine

September 24, 2009
at the City View at the METREON
6:30pm-9:30pm
$20 per ticket.
Proceeds Benefit One World Children’s Fund

Sample food from 30 restaurants including Out The Door, XYZ, Fish and Farm plus 10 unique wineries offering sampling as well.

Sponsored by: Parkmerced, LangeTwins Winery and Vineyards, Pama, TYKU, MillerCoors, Sobieski Vodka, Westfield San Francisco Centre, Snag Tickets, and LikeMe.net.

for more info and to purchase tickets:
http://www.sfweekly.com/events/promo/1642716

Friday, September 25, 2009 – DineForChange’s Launch Event

6-10 PM

Temple
540 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA

Join us on Friday, September 25 at Temple for DineForChange’s kick off event between 6-10PM. This is a great opportunity for you to meet many local professional organizations and non profits to see how you can get involved.

Live performance by Fat Magic from 6-7PM.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjP6bIEvFxw

Come network and learn how you can get involved with DineForChange and make a difference in your community just by eating and having fun!

We are expecting a full house for the evening. Please RSVP with us ASAP to ensure entry.

If you are a non profit or profesional organization, please contact via e-mail at info@dineforchange.com for further details on how your organization can be featured.

for more info: http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/event.php?eid=124313354849

Saturday, September 27, 2009 – Now and Zen Fest

Alice Radio – 97.3 host’s Now and Zen Fest a free concert in Golden Gate Park featuring Howie Day, Colbie Caillat and TRAIN!!!

Noon – 5PM in Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park

for more info: http://www.radioalice.com/pages/4983440.php

Now thur March 28, 2010, Tutankhamun at the De Young Museum!

Don’t miss this!

de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA 94118
415.750.3600
www.deyoungmuseum.org
Exhibition Hours

Through September 30, 2009:
Monday through Sunday, 9 am to 9 pm (closed for maintenance August 3 and 31)
Oct 1, 2009 through March 28, 2010:
Tuesday through Sunday, 9 am to 6:30 pm; until 8:45 pm on Fridays.

for more info: http://www.tutsanfrancisco.org/

Sunday, October 4, 2009 – Cupcake Camp

2:00-5PM

Automattic
Pier 38 (next to AT&T Ballpark, Embarcadero&Brannan)
San Francisco, CA

Sponsors: Automattic, Cakespy, Cupcake Swirl, Cups and Cakes Bakery, Iron Cupcake Earth, Jasmine Rae Bakery, Mexican Vanilla, Sugar Beat Sweets

Last year, we threw the first ever CupcakeCamp and it was a delicious success, so much so that it became a worldwide phenomenon. It is with much excitement that we announce San Francisco’s CupcakeCamp for 2009!

Event tagging: #ccsf

If you’re baking or buying cupcakes for the event, you must register your cupcakes at http://cupcakecamp.org/register

How CupcakeCamp Works

(this mainly applies to people bringing cupcakes, but please feel free to just show up and enjoy eating them too!)

This is an event for cupcake lovers, so you can:
- buy cupcakes to bring
- bake cupcakes to bring
- just eat cupcakes

1. No limit on how many cupcakes you can bring (the more you can bring, the better) – and mini cupcakes are encouraged!

2. You need to have your cupcakes (how much and what type) registered at http://cupcakecamp.org/register by Sunday, September 27 at Noon -otherwise we will have to do the unthinkable and reject your precious cupcakes (o noes!).

3. People bringing cupcakes should plan on bringing them to Automattic by 1:00pm the day of

4. In true BarCamp style, we will have twelve 15 min. timeslot schedules for tasting different types of cupcakes. The schedule will be posted at the event.

5. Add yourself to the CupcakeCamp Baker Directory! Request access to the CupcakeCamp PBwiki ( http://cupcakecamp.pbwiki.com ) to connect with other cupcake lovers.

6. We will have a Best In Show competition! Categories for best in show: Best Halloween Cupcake, Best Decorated, Best Unique Ingredients, and Best Breakfast-inspired. You can opt-in for a category when you arrive with your cupcakes at 1pm.

Feel free to let us know you want to attend at: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/4408775

Also see the facebook event page for more info:
http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=129018542242&ref=ts

Now thru April 18, 2010 – The Legion of Honor Museum presents: Cartier and America

Cartier came to fame as the “King of Jewelers” during the Belle Époque for his beautifully made diamond and platinum jewelry created for the courts of Europe and Americans of the Gilded Age. With an extensive variety of jewelry forms—ranging from traditional white diamond suites to the highly colored exotic creations of the 1920s and 1930s—Cartier made its mark with the ingenuity of its designs and its exquisite craftsmanship. Cartier and America celebrates the imagination and creativity of Cartier in the 20th century. The jewelry and works of art include pieces from the private collection of Cartier.

for more info: http://www.famsf.org/legion/exhibitions/exhibition.asp?exhibitionkey=1051

Twestival SF was one of my favorite events last year! The Twitter founders @ev and @biz even showed up! Don’t miss it!

It’s all happening Friday, September 11, 8pm at Horizon SF

On September 11, 2009, Twestival goes “Local”! Participants will gather in over 180 cities all over the world, joining forces to raise money for a charity of their choice.
San Francisco has chosen Operation Smile, who some of you may know as 140Smiles. Real people, real time, real power to make a difference.

Operation Smile is a private not-for-profit medical services organization providing reconstructive surgery and related health care to indigent children and young adults in developing countries. Medical volunteers travel on medical missions to repair of cleft lips, palates and facial reconstructive surgery in 34 countries around the world. Operation Smile has treated over 150,000 children and young adults.
The San Francisco Twestival event will take place September 11 starting at 8pm. Proceeds are to benefit 140Smiles.

Location
Horizon Restaurant & Lounge
489 Broadway Street at Kearny
North Beach, San Francisco

To purchase your tickets, please visit http://www.amiando.com/twestivalsf09

Sunday, September 13, 2009, Media Leaders Pre-TechCrunch50 Mixer!

Harlot
46 Minna St
San Francisco, CA 94105

from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Pre-TechCrunch50 Party!

Join us as we forget about the state of the economy and mingle with San Fran’s hippest professionals in marketing, advertising, tech and new media.

Please join us at one of San Francisco’s HOTTEST venues: Harlot. We will have a hip and diverse group of technology, marketing, public relations, and interactive new media professionals.

We are hosting this mixer the night before the TechCrunch50.com event and are only a few blocks from the main conference. Please join us for a cocktail and some great conversation.

Register here: http://sanfran2.eventbrite.com/

Thursday, September 24, 2009 – SF Weekly’s DISH 2009 presented by Parkmerced

What a deal this is for $20 with the proceeds even going to benefit charity…win win I say!

Date/Time: Thu., September 24, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Contact Info: | Event Website
SF Weekly’s DISH 2009 presented by Parkmerced Parkmerced presents the 2nd Annual DISH event
An Evening of Food and Wine

September 24, 2009
at the City View at the METREON
6:30pm-9:30pm
$20 per ticket.
Proceeds Benefit One World Children’s Fund

Sample food from 30 restaurants including Out The Door, XYZ, Fish and Farm plus 10 unique wineries offering sampling as well.

Sponsored by: Parkmerced, LangeTwins Winery and Vineyards, Pama, TYKU, MillerCoors, Sobieski Vodka, Westfield San Francisco Centre, Snag Tickets, and LikeMe.net.

for more info and to purchase tickets:
http://www.sfweekly.com/events/promo/1642716

Saturday, September 27, 2009 – Now and Zen Fest

Alice Radio – 97.3 host’s Now and Zen Fest a free concert in Golden Gate Park featuring Howie Day, Colbie Caillat and TRAIN!!!

Noon – 5PM in Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park

for more info: http://www.radioalice.com/pages/4983440.php

Now thur March 28, 2010, Tutankhamun at the De Young Museum!

Don’t miss this!

de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA 94118
415.750.3600
www.deyoungmuseum.org
Exhibition Hours

Through September 30, 2009:
Monday through Sunday, 9 am to 9 pm (closed for maintenance August 3 and 31)
Oct 1, 2009 through March 28, 2010:
Tuesday through Sunday, 9 am to 6:30 pm; until 8:45 pm on Fridays.

for more info: http://www.tutsanfrancisco.org/

Now thru April 18, 2010 – The Legion of Honor Museum presents: Cartier and America

Cartier came to fame as the “King of Jewelers” during the Belle Époque for his beautifully made diamond and platinum jewelry created for the courts of Europe and Americans of the Gilded Age. With an extensive variety of jewelry forms—ranging from traditional white diamond suites to the highly colored exotic creations of the 1920s and 1930s—Cartier made its mark with the ingenuity of its designs and its exquisite craftsmanship. Cartier and America celebrates the imagination and creativity of Cartier in the 20th century. The jewelry and works of art include pieces from the private collection of Cartier.

for more info: http://www.famsf.org/legion/exhibitions/exhibition.asp?exhibitionkey=1051

August 29 – September 20, 2009 – Free Shakespeare in the Park!

Bring your family, friends, a blanket, and a picnic and enjoy
FREE professional theater in the park!

I go to this everyyy year! LOVEEE IT!

See Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors”

Weekends only plus Labor Day, August 29 – September 20th

San Francisco’s Presidio
(Main Post Parade Ground Lawn, Graham Street between Lincoln Blvd and Moraga Avenue)

for more info: http://sfshakes.org

March 6, 2009 – Burp! A BIG thank you to the dazzling Tara Hunt for putting on the Beer Redistribution Party (also known as #BRP or B*RP)! It was held to celebrate the grand re-opening of Citizen Space (@citizenspace) at it’s new location-downstairs from the old location and in a much larger space! It was a fun way to *celebrate* the crappy economy! Citizen Space is a coworking space in San Francisco located at 425 Second St on the first floor.

The Beer Redistribution Party mission:

We’ve heard the accusations of the new administration wanting to ‘spread the wealth’. We’ve been scared by the calls of socialism and communism on what we are about to receive. Let’s test this out on a micro-level and see what this wealth redistribution is all about through a re-enactment with our beer.

Here was the social contract:

1 – you MUST bring beer

2 – the type of beer you bring has to be in accordance with your financial standing:

a. $50,000 – $80,000/yr – you can bring whatever brand you would like. 6 – 12 pack.
b. $80,000 – $120,000 – you have the choice of bringing a discount brand (but bring 18-24) or a microbrew (bring a 12 pack).
c. > $120,000 – you have the choice of bringing a microbrew (24), a high end international beer (18+ or if it’s a big bottle like Chimay, 4 of those).
d. <$50,000/yr – you can come empty handed and just try the other beer.

I know people don’t like to talk about what they make as a living, so we can do this on the honor system. Bring your contributions in a re-usable bag* and one person at a time will be let into the beer area to deposit their beer tax.

3 – As for what you ‘take’. Everyone can help themselves to the pool afterwards, because, as with our public system, it’s freely available.

Beer was everywhere!  Lots of it!  I didn’t bring any as that’s where I fall in accordance to my *financial standing*, but I have a feeling that a few people brought beer regardless.  I was very tempted to, but I was trying to play along with the experiment! I think that seriously there is enough leftover for another party without anyone bringing anything!

I’m not really a beer drinker.  I did try some Red Nectar beer, was okay.  I drank half of it and called it a night with the beer drinking.

I had a great time and had fun catching up with Tara (aka @missrogue, author of the upcoming book The Whuffie Factor), Jen Myronuk (@jenmyronuk), Kristie Wells and Chris Heuer of Social Media Club, John Yamasaki (Yama!), Bessie, (@infodiva), Roderick Chow (@fogfish), Derek Overbey (@doverbey), Thomas Knoll (@thomasknoll), Cathy Brooks (@cathybrooks), Matt Klein (@matt_klein aka tim_stein (j/k)…lol to Cathy Brooks!), Ginger (@gingerw) and Ridley (@Ridley).

It was great to meet Stephanie Quilao (@skinnyjeans), Seg (John “Seg” Seggerson, @theseg) (I still like to think I’M responsible for getting Amanda Palmer (@amandapalmer) on Twitter! LOL!), Ruth Kalinka (ruthkalinka.com), and KyNam Doan (kynamdoan.com, @kynamdoan), magician Safire (http://www.MagicSafire.com) and a few others-who didn’t give me their cards and whose names are escaping me!

I’m voting for a wine redistribution party next time!

If you’ve read this far…please comment and say “Hi!” so I know that you were here! Thanks!

For more pics from the partay see my flickr photostream here!

December 20, 2008 – I have so much to say-to share-where to begin? (Not to mention I need to remember to only space once after sentences as @markdavidson taught me. Old habits die hard!)

Okay, I am a FAN-in capital letters-of Amanda Palmer’s and The Dresden Dolls (of which she is also a part of). I wasn’t a FAN until after I saw them live, then I was. Since then I haven’t missed a live show in Northern California.

On August 6, 2008 Amanda Palmer played at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. Amanda started a new segment she called, “Ask Amanda” and fans were encouraged to write questions on slips of paper, and she would take a break in the show to answer a few questions. I asked Amanda, “Will you join Twitter.com?” Amanda said, she didn’t know what Twitter was, but that she would probably look at it. Nothing happened for awhile, then one day she was there! November 28th! And she was planning a party on the internet! She’s done two “Party On the Internet” events, the last one was from author/blogger Neil Gaiman’s home! On December 11, Amanda held a twitter trivia contest for her fans. Amanda asked Amanda Palmer/Dresden Dolls trivia questions, and those with the fastest fingers and right answer won prizes! She hasn’t quite got the hang of micro-blogging, but I love what she is doing!

I feel like a proud mother! I, the Social Media Butterfly, an advocate for Social Media, feel like I’ve given birth to a Social Media Sensation! Amanda has embraced Social Media and taken it in brand new directions – just like she always does! I can’t wait to see what she does next!

This brings me to last night. Friday night/Saturday morning/afternoon I spent in the hospital emergency ward in excruciating pain with a kidney stone. Saturday night I went to see Amanda Palmer play. Why? Because she’s worth it, because I’m that big of a fan. That’s why.

Last night Amanda Palmer played at Harlow’s in Sacramento, California. I attended the show with my 19 year old daughter, Alexandra. Amanda has enlisted The Danger Ensemble, a performing group from Australia to perform with her, they act out and enhance her songs, it’s almost like a magical musical play! The show opened with Builders and Butchers, a band from Portland, Oregon. Builders and Butchers includes 5 guys and many instruments. The ended their set by giving out little instruments to the audience to play along with their last song. Alexandra loved them and I purchased their CD for her. Next was Zoe Keating. Zoe is the most amazing cellist. Zoe’s music is extremely complex and unique. She plays a few bars, then with a tap of her toe she loops that music. Once again she plays a few bars, taps her toe, and loops it again on top of the first! Then she plays over and under them both creating a room full of beautiful magical cello melodies. Zoe played solo, then later returned and played with Amanda on many of her songs, she also is a featured performer on Amanda’s new CD, “Who Killed Amanda Palmer”. Another performer who added much to the show was a violin player, who I believe was part of The Danger Ensemble as well.

At last we came to the main event-what we all had been waiting for-Amanda Palmer. A member of the Danger Ensemble speaks to us and tells us that he’s sorry but Amanda Palmer is dead and won’t be performing tonight, instead we will be having a wake for her. Amanda walks through the crowd covered in lace to the stage and is lifted up to the stage by the Danger Ensemble members. The crowd erupts and Amanda plays, sings, emotes, drinks red wine, talks, charms her way through the night. No one wants it to end and we chant until an encore is performed.

No one is like Amanda Palmer. No one. Amanda loves her fans, and they love her. She gives herself to us. She blogs-amazing blogs-full of humor and insights into her life and sometimes just life in general! She jots off notes to fans letting us know about new tour dates or videos posted. She signs them – AFP – which stands for Amanda F#$king Palmer. During her show Amanda talks candidly, during last night’s Ask Amanda segment when asked if she perfers pads or tampons, she shared she uses a sponge first, then non-applicator tampons to finish. We also learned that her current favorite CD is Teagan and Sara. After the show Amanda takes the time to meet and greet her fans, to sign anything you want, plus take pics with fans. Who does this?! Amanda F&%king Palmer that’s who.

Yes, we stayed after, and I was thrilled to meet Zoe Keating! And, yes, as always, to talk with Amanda Palmer!

If you get the chance to see Amanda Palmer, The Dresden Dolls, or Zoe Keating – take that chance!

To see more pictures and a few amazing videos, please see my flickr photostream here.

If you enjoyed this post,
let me know!
What did you like the most?
Comment below!
(haha- it’s like a poem!)

I am a karaoke virgin no more!

Wednesday night, October 29, 2008, I went to my first TechKaraokeSF! I heard Tara Hunt talking about it last month at Social Media Club and I thought it sounded fun, so I had to check it out! TechKaraokeSF is an open event-your only qualification-is that you’re in the tech industry-which covers a lot of fields!

TechKaraokeSF is organized by John Yamasaki, Chief Location Wrangler, Tara Hunt, Chief Crooner Wrangler, and Sandra Arriaga, Chief Enthusiasm Wranger. John was a wonderful host, he came and introduced himself to me and added me on twitter instantly. He also checked in with me through the night and encouraged me to sing.

TechKaraokeSF is a place where those in the tech industry can come and let their hair down and mingle with others for a night, instead of sitting in their home or cubicle staring at the computer screen! Alchohol consumption is a must, as well as your duty to rock the mic! Be a rockstar or popstar for the night, it’s your choice!

I’ve noticed that a lot of people in tech seem to have moved to the San Francisco area from other parts of the country or world. It can take awhile to make new friends. This event gives them the chance to get out and meet others in their field in a fun environment.

I wanted to go to TechKaraokeSf, but-I was a little nervous-since I had never been and never tried karaoke before.  I did some research and looked at Annie’s Social Club’s song list.  I picked out a couple of songs that I thought I could sing.  When I was in school I was always in choir, then in high school, acapella choir.  I wasn’t the number one soloist, but I could sing. Yes, that was a long time ago. I also am pretty comfortable on stage in front of a crowd-still-this was something different.

It was a little slow getting started, but once it did it was tons of fun!  I thought it would be more of a networking event-but honestly-it was not easy to have much of a conversation with people while the karaoke was going on.  Plus, you want to watch and listen to whoever is on the stage anyway-after all-that’s what karaoke is all about!

I did meet a couple of people-before things got started.  Morgan Brown is Director of Marketing with TURNHERE internet video.  He and I were the first ones on the scene.  Next, Michael Selvidge, PR Dude with VSC consulting arrived.

Daniel Lieberman, President and CEO of bitpusher kept encouraging me to give karaoke a try. He said he’s only been karaoke-ing a couple of months and is hooked on it now!

Our karaoke hostess with the mostest was Eileen.  She was fantastic!  She kept the party moving! Eileen also dances with a burlesque group of cheerleaders (I wish I could remember their name! I love burlesque!) and taught me something I will now use forever-if you lean forward slightly with your shoulders your double chin will disappear in photos! Yes!

I signed up for a song, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”, by Lauren Hill. The thing is, I ended up third on the list, and I wasn’t ready yet.  The crowd was still small, and I hadn’t even finished one glass of wine.  Not that I drink much, but I needed two for this.  I told Eileen I wasn’t ready yet and she was very kind.  She said to let her know whenever I was ready.  I sat, I watched, I listened, I took lots of pictures.  I drank my wine.  Daniel said, “Just go for it-it’s not going to get any easier later”.  So, I did.

I have no idea what I sounded like? But, I got through it just fine. I sang, I danced a little, I saw other people in the audience singing along with me, and when it was over, people clapped! It wasn’t bad at all! I didn’t sign up for another song, but one was enough for starters. The rest of the night I enjoyed watching and listening to everyone else. It was great night, nice to see Karen Hartline, event coordinator with Mashable, Tara Hunt, blogger at Horse, Pig, Cow and author of the upcoming book, The Whuffie Factor, and Nick Starr, and nice to make some new friends. Mitu Khandaker is one of my twitter friends, who is now a real life friend! And Lisa made me dance with her!

Everyone was dressed pretty low key, mainly jeans with a nice top.  Tara Hunt, on the other hand, arrived in her Halloween costume, a bumble bee!  I must admit, she was as cute as a bug!

The crowd was wonderful.  I truly wish I had the chance to meet everyone personally.  Everyone was friendly and fun with a great sense of humor!

I’ll be there next month, join me if you can!

To see more pics from the event, please visit my flickr photostream

So tell me, have you ever tried karaoke? If you did, what song would you sing?