Win 2 Tickets to see Catfish

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Krystyl

Win tickets for two to see CATFISH
Thursday, September 2
7:30 PM at AMC Metreon in San Francisco, CA
Special screening event featuring Q&A with directors Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost and star Nev Shulman

Email your full name to sfmoviebuzz@yahoo.com with KRYSTYL in the subject line to receive a pass.

CATFISH
In Select Theaters September 17
www.iamrogue.com/catfish

In late 2007, filmmakers Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost sensed a story unfolding as they began to film the life of Ariel’s brother, Nev. They had no idea that their project would lead to the most exhilarating and unsettling months of their lives. A reality thriller that is a shocking product of our times, CATFISH is a riveting story of love, deception and grace within a labyrinth of online intrigue.

Please note: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. ARRIVE EARLY. This pass is the property of Universal Pictures, which reserves the right to admit, revoke admission or refuse access to the theater at the discretion of an authorized representative. Seats are not guaranteed, and are limited on a first-come first-served basis. EXCEPT FOR MEMBERS OF THE REVIEWING PRESS. NO ADMITTANCE ONCE SCREEN HAS BEGUN. This theater is not responsible for seating over capacity. This ticket is not for resale.

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Press Events that Suck

Posted on August 10, 2010 by Krystyl

Forgive me, maybe im a little biased.

When you are invited to an event that takes a plane flight to get there, you are hoped to be treated with a little more respect than just a number in line.

And you also hope that you walk away with a positive outlook on the new product that is trying to be pitched to you.

Things to learn from several attended press events:

As an attendee:

Don’t fly to them, unless airfare and hotel are covered
If the person putting the event together is spamming your inbox full of ‘press releases’, chances are the event will not be successful.
Be expected to write a blog post about the product if you are invited
Bring your business cards. Chances are there will always be someone else there that will be willing to talk to you about what your writing about.

Event organizer:

If you are offering the attendee’s the product at the press event…its good to actually deliver said product at the event and not ‘put in the mail’
Allow the attendee’s to your press event to demo the product. If you can’t demo the product, why are you there to begin with? Chances are there’s a press release that you’ve gotten that will give you all the product specks to begin with.
Don’t give out USB drives with the press information on them, if you’ve already emailed the press kits out. Waste of time, and we ALL have a draw full of these usb drives.
Also, don’t dress your attendee’s up in lighted cloaks that look very cult-like.

A succesful press event for a blogger would be

Demoing the product
Be given or allowed to ‘test’ before the product is launched
No wait lines
No sales pitches. Bloggers want information…mostly about the technology behind the product. Thats what will sell the product. Not that its a ‘family friendly item’
Answer questions and opinions with honest answers. Never answer with “i dont know”
Don’t treat your guests like a number in a crowd. Each person is an individual just like you. If you treat them well, you will have a better write up about your product, even if it sucks.

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When is sharing your status too much?

Posted on July 6, 2010 by Krystyl

Have to admit, I spent almost a good 24 hours humoring myself on Facebook.

I decided to test out who really pays attention to what you do and say. What better time to test out this theory than on Facebook in the middle of the afternoon?

Changing your relationship status really gets the minds rolling and the mouths chattering amongst the web 2.0 community.

Being in a complicated relationship doesn’t necessarily share the details of who, what, where, and why.

Allow me to elaborate this ‘complicated’ relationship with all of you.

There is no ‘relationship’. As a matter of fact, the rumors that have generated in the last 2 weeks are even more entertaining.

The internet and social media is entertaining. It goes without saying that when you see a picture of a celebrity in a tabloid magazine coming out of a liquor store, they must be buying alcohol right? Did you ever stop to think that maybe they are buying a soda? Gatorade? Or even just a bottle of water?

Granted, most of the time they are buying booze, but thats beside the point. What people perceive to be true in their minds turns into a media frenzy.

So here I am, in the middle of an indepth conversation about how I am not sure which new phone I am upset about at the moment. Either the new HTC Evo or the new iPhone 4. Both phones have several issues that are just hard to comprehend at this day and age with the technology.

Anyway, moving on from our technology issues at the moment. In a jokingly state I had mentioned I was going to change my Facebook status to “its complicated” with my phones. Because lets face it, the current phone situation on the market right now IS complicated.

Next thing I know, there are a good 80 + comments, emails, dms and more assuming that this new status update meant that I must be dating someone.

In the recents months, I have heard several rumors about my dating life. I found out that that I have slept with some folks who I wouldnt touch with a 10 foot pole, that I was in a serious relationship with someone’s ex boyfriend simply because I was in a photo with him at a tech event.

So for the sake of the rumors, I decided to create my own. Did you know that if you check into someones house on Foursquare that your dating them? I learned this about a month ago. I decided to carry that rumor on. Why not right? Everyone is going to think that what they see is true. But nobody stops to realize that I do like to Foursquare cheat on occasion. Yes, I just openly admitted it. So what?

With all of that being said, what are you going to believe? What you see on the internet? Or will you stop being nosey and just let people live their lives?

Just remember, not everything you read/see is the truth.

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Travel Day #1 – ATL -> SF

Posted on May 3, 2010 by Krystyl

Although I spent most of the morning answering emails, and working. I was able to take a small portion of the afternoon to go to the Georgia Aquarium and the Coca Cola Museum.

And thanks to my good friend @MarioSundar who introduced me to a whole new way to take photos with the iphone – the images below is a small recap of the amazing things to come in the next week.

Coca Cola Museum

For more pictures from the World of Coca-Cola and the Aquarium, check out my flickr page

Posted in Blog, review | Tagged atlanta, coca-cola, coke, roadtrip, Tour | View Comments

Who’s Really Behind That Email?

Posted on March 29, 2010 by Krystyl

As I begin writing this blog post, I am wondering ‘what are you wearing’? *wink wink*

Everyday I sit here and write hundreds of emails. Yes, hundreds. These little fingers are moving at the speed of light. (Sadly, there is no exaggeration to this claim.)

Do you ever stop to think to yourself, that behind those emails you receive every day, or the blog posts that you are reading from some of the greatest E-Celebs out there, that someone is likely working from home….in the NUDE! Yes, I said it…. N-U-D-E. That person is likely sitting there, happily typing away, smoking a cigarette (hopefully not, its bad for your lungs and not encouraged at all by me or the readers of this blog post), and typing away.

At what point in the day did you stop to even think about this? Alot of us work in tech/web 2.0 these days. And a good majority of us work from home. I know that myself, personally, I wake up at 6:30-7 a.m. each morning, hop in the shower, get dressed, and by 2 in the afternoon I realize that I still have a towel on my head and never had a chance to dry my hair because I got so caught up in email.

The scary part is that I know that alot of the emails that I answer on a daily basis are probably from someone on the other side of the screen completely in the buff having a grand ol time with themselves.

Does it bother you who the person is that your talking to? Would it affect the way you did business with them if you knew that while you were on a conference call with them, they were wearing absolutely nothing? Having online relationships usually means that most of us don’t know what each other looks like face to face. Does seeing them in person change the way you do business with them?

A million questions to be answered, but now its got your mind wondering….was I wearing any clothes while writing this blog post?

Yes, I’m wearing socks!

Posted in Blog | Tagged email, thoughts | View Comments

The meaning of #cookie

Posted on March 21, 2010 by Krystyl

As some of you have recently heard, #cookie is the newest expression that I am hashtagging just about everything with on Twitter.

Sure, #cookie is a tasty treat. Its something that everyone likes. It could be a chocolate chip cookie, macadamia, sugar cookie, girl scout cookies, or anything that you like.

A #cookie is also especially good when its given to you as a gift.

Gifts are always appreciated, and more appreciated because you know that the person who gave it to you values you as a person, a friend, or even a companion.

Its not the #cookie itself that is appreciated, its what the #cookie means to person giving it as a gift and to the person receiving it as thanks.

The last few months have been some interesting learning experiences. Both personal and professional. Definitely a time of self reflection and where I want to be.

The biggest learning experience of them all is one that I learned while growing up. And that is the actual value of a #cookie which is actually the definition of the Golden Rule – “Treat others as you wish to be treated” (Fact: This rule dates all the way back before Jesus)

We all know that not everyone can appreciate what is around them, and there are alot of folks out there that take advantage of what is standing in front of them. Regardless of if its a brand new car, a new pair of shoes, or the person they have been long time friends with, some just don’t appreciate what is the most important of all.

While I recently discovered that doing something nice for someone doesn’t get me the same treatment in return, I found out the value in friendship. And I found out that although there may be 1 person who doesn’t understand the value of a #cookie, there are many others out there that do.

To all of my friends who have recently sent me a #cookie or have shared their #cookie stories with me, Thank You.

Posted in Blog | Tagged cookie, friendship, hashtag, twitter, value | View Comments

For the love of shoes!

Posted on March 9, 2010 by Krystyl

Not gonna lie, I love shoes.

Actually every woman loves shoes.

My shoes are probably the most stable relationship i’ve ever had. They treat me right. They make me look good. And they never lie to me. They would even get me a cookie if they could.

Shoes say alot about who you are. They make you feel confident, and they make your feet look/feel better at the end of the day.

A few months back, upon Twitter stalking @kimkardashian I stumbled upon her newest celebrity exploit, ShoeDazzle.com

Shoe Dazzle has a great concept. You answer a survey, and their “stylists” will pick out a selection of shoes based upon your “style” each month for only $39.95

Problem is, they only send you a select handful of shoes a month. The odds of them sending something you actually ‘like’ are pretty slim. You have the option of having them send you new styles. Which typically takes a good 72 hours for them to adjust.

You are not obligated to purchase the shoes. But when you do actually find a pair you like, they cost $39.95. Not bad for a decent pair of shoes, if you get a good selection.

I have rotated the selection several times the last few months. Today was the first day I actually committed to a pair. And even though I agreed to the purchase, im still not 100% sold.

I’m curious where the selections are that are in the preview pictures. I love color and I love fun/different styles. But sometimes, I want something plain too. I feel like all i’ve been given has been a let down.

Where are the shoes in the picture?

And how come Kim gets all these selections? But I have a limited choice that I dont even like? Just because she’s a celebrity, I don’t feel she should get any better privledges than I do.

Ok, yes, I am a little jealous that she gets more shoes than me, but c’mon now. At least give me a good selection, because this preview below is just NOT cuttin it!

Posted in Blog, Fashion, review | Tagged Fashion, shoe, shoes | View Comments

2009 Revisited

Posted on January 2, 2010 by Krystyl

2009 was full of interesting events, gadgets, and fun times.

Here’s a small 12 month recap of my favorite moments from 2009

January:

Macworld

Discovering there are over 10,000 apps in the Apple store. Apple announces 2009 is the last year they will be part of the Macworld Expo.

Run into @chrispirillo

@ijustine does a 2009 Macworld ‘IWork’ Workout

Teens in Tech

I discover that I have lucky juju for our table at the Teens in Tech Conference, starting off as the winner of an Eye-Fi card.

And then I won a cell phone case from SpeckProducts.com

February:

Charity Auction

My best friend puts me up for Auction.

Wondercon

A small group of friends join me for Wondercon dressed as Alice in Wonderland

@Drew gets a tattoo for Charity

I go with @drew to Cold Steel in Haight Ashbury

@Drew decides he wants another tattoo, not just any tattoo. A tattoo for charity.

The winning bidder is @melaniemitchell who’s name ultimately becomes one of Drew’s master pieces

March:

JustinTV 2 Year Anniversary Party thrown at Otis Lounge in San Francisco’s

April:

The blackmail of photos begin as people start questioning “Is Krystyl a closet alcoholic?”

Girls night out with @maryamp and @lauralovesart

May:

Sacramento Film Festival

Presented Michael Madsen a LifeTime Achievement award at the Sacramento Film Festival
Frog Jump Jubilee

Growing up in the small town of Angels Camp didn’t give me much to look forward to going back to. After almost 10 years of not being back, I bit the bullet and visited the local county fair which happens the 3rd weekend in May every year, and I jumped my first frog.

Carol tries to get me to kiss the frog in an attempt it would become Prince Charming.

Bay 2 Breakers

It only took Cheri and I year after we started to finish the Bay 2 Breakers race.

WordCamp

WordCamp Sells out

@calilewis and @pistachio visit In and Out

I discover hot potato’s

June:

Discover how awesome we are at the Apperian Party

@Sukhjit has one kick ass Birthday Party

Karen Hartline and I have a combined Birthday Party with the TechKaraoke crowd

Krystel, Krystyl, and Christel

Somehow caught with a drink in my hand with @timishungry

I discover the art of “photobombing”

Boxee Party with Kurt Collins and Ziv Gillat

I learn to ride a segway

@oliverlee discovers what is now known as the “Twitter Twins”

July:

Tattoo

Always swore I would never get a tattoo, until one morning I woke up and decided it was time to live it up. You only live once, and should live every day to its fullest. Remember.

Photoshoot

@lizasperling and I have a photoshoot in the South San Francisco Mall

August:

Twiistup

The Girls in Tech join forces in Los Angeles

X-Games 2009

@jennicricket and I visit the X Games courteously of @pacsun

Shell Isreal’s Book Signing

@shelisreal let’s me autograph one of his recently published books – Twitterville

September:

@TwestivalSF

Twestival was a huge project for me. And I couldn’t thank all the sponsors enough. As time got closer, I was not able to send out individual thank you’s to each of the sponsors, and I wish I had. For each and every one of them, I thank them whole heartedly and hope to work with them again in the future!

Thanks to the local radio station and some amazing personalities, an amazing dj’ing chicken arrived to get the party started.

Twestival SF was filled with good times, good people, and 100% of the proceeds going towards Operation Smile.
In this photo includes @zisk @khartline @ggdm @lizasperling @samlevin @arielk

We even had a photobooth to capture the moment!

October:

October was filled of amazing opportunities, laughs and good times.
Operation Smile 2009 Gala

Operation Smile offered myself, and a small handful of those who had helped with TwestivalSF, an opportunity to experience the red carpet, and a seat a table of amazing people. Upon those who I had invited where: @mrhansell, @jonathan360, @niecee, and the twitter spokes person for Operation Smile @adventuregirl

Blogworld

Obtaining my first Snuggie from @groovemonkey

Seeing @Cirque‘s LOVE with @drew @adventuregirl @twidower @jonathan360 @niecee @irenekohler
Amazing friends and amazing times.
Thanks to @virginamerica for helping me arrange an extra night in Vegas to let it happen.

140Conf

Catching @Ribeezie asleep during the conference

The Price is Right

Thanks to @drew for being an amazing friend, and doing his part to change the world with @drewfromtv

November:

@SFZoo
While attending a conference put together by PayPal, and having a discussion with fellow friends on what to do that does not involve tech, bars, and drinking, the subject of letting the animals out of the Zoo came up.

Thanks to the power of Twitter, @anthonybrown reached out to us from @sfzoo and was able to get myself and several others an upclose visit to the Penguins and bald eagle.