Year in Review: May 2010

May was the month I was all over the place:  tech host, alternative fuel vehicle expert, entertainment reporter, and voice over artist.  There was no way I was going to get bored with the variety of jobs I worked this month.  

1.  I kicked off the month with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the National Hydrogen Association Expo in Long Beach.  It was wild watching the swarm of photographers and political entourage types hover around the Governor.  Here is a detailed post about my encounter.

2.  I spent a week talking tech and Bluetooth Technology for Broadcom on their series MoreWireLess.  You can see all of the videos here.  

3.  I got a chance to hang with my brother as he was honored for his work in sales for Verizon.  I got to attend all of the swanky events at the Montage Hotel and Spa in Laguna Beach.  The view is to die for and the spa is worth every penny.  Add it to your list for a big splurge day.  Oh yes, my Viereck dress makes another appearance in the photo too.  

4.  I have said this over and over, this was my favorite episode of The Web Files in 2010.  Zack Finfrock, the host of Backyard FX, is charming and the shoot day was unbelievably unpredictable.  Check out the episode and see what happened that day.

5.  Finally, I always think the behind the scenes photos are the most interesting shots on set.  Here is my awesome makeup artist pal, Melissa Anchondo, and The Web Files producer, Sandra Payne, working hard to make our Web Files Buzz episode happen.  As they say, "It takes a village".............

Tomorrow will highlight June 2010 with Olga Kay, The Saturn Awards, "Spock Blocking", and a fun choreography panel with Dance Channel TV.  

Photo 1: Courtesy of Stephen Carr, The Long Beach Press-Telegram

Photo 2:  Courtesy of The Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

Weekly Wrap-Up

It's that time to wrap up the week and call it a Friday.  This will be a shorter post since I have been on a job all week to kick off a new season of one of my favorite gigs.  I found out that my first location with be at the State Fair of Texas again this year, so expect a lot of posts like this.  I don't expect Oprah to show up this year though, but the food promises to be a plethora of gastronomic delights and aches.  Let's wrap it up:

Monday:  I spent the entire week in Huntington Beach working really hard and presenting on advanced technology for 2012.  Yes, I already know what some of you may be driving in two years, but it was really hard to focus when you had a view like this:

Tuesday:  The always inspirational and kind Mark Gantt was featured in an article by Buzz Edition about his journey with The Bannen Way.  The Web Files interview with Mark and his co-creator, Jesse Warren, was also a part of the piece.  Mark's story really is a fascinating one and a true tale of taking charge of your career and creating opportunities.  Buzz Edition article.

Wednesday: MoreWireLess sponsored by Broadcom continues to entertain and delight. (I'm hilarious at 5:30 in the morning!)  This episode features the crowd pleaser, "How to Connect a Bluetooth Headset".  Thanks for your continued support for this series:


Friday:  Don't forget to watch my Tuesday coverage for Dance Channel TV of the blink/drEam red carpet with all of your SYTYCD and ABDC favorites. I know you are a true dance fan if you know those show acronyms.  Let me know what you think of the video piece.

Finally, it's the beginning of Emmys weekend for me. I am heading back to LA to hit the red carpet and give you the scoop on all of the latest fashions at the parties and a behind the scenes look at those amazing gifting suites. What is it like to be a celebrity and have people giving you free stuff just for showing up?  Well, I will let you know, so look for that feature next week here at Red Carpet Closet.
Have a great weekend.  See you on Monday!

PS If you can't wait until my Emmys Weekend post on Monday, be sure to follow me on Twitter.  I will be tweeting 140 characters and photos all weekend.

Weekly Wrap-Up

Welcome to Friday the 13th!  Is it supposed to be a lucky day or an unlucky one?  Since it has been a great week, I am going to vote that it is going to be a good one for us all.  Here's a wrap-up of this week's events:

Sunday:  Thanks to all of you that read and commented on my Sunday excursion to the Hollywood Bowl to see Rent.  You had a lot to say about Vanessa Hudgens as Mimi and I was thrilled to hear how many of you attended the show.  It warms my theatre geek heart.  Speaking of theatre geeks, I have always been one.  In fact, CBS News did a great piece on my theatre camp, Stagedoor Manor.  A little 15-year-old me even made the clip.  Stop at 4:28 and see if you can pick me out of the line-up:

Monday:  I spent Monday morning at the movie theatre watching Step Up 3D for Jenn Page's Movie Review Round Table.  Before you start to groan, watch the review video and remember, Jon M. Chu of The LXD directed this movie:

Tuesday:  I am in the running in Logitech's "Host with the Most".  If I win, I get to host my own show on Google TV from a beautiful loft in downtown LA.  Tough job, right?  Well, I need your votes!  You do need to have a Facebook account to vote, so if you think I would be right for the job, head here:  Logitech Host.  (And here's a secret, the site tells me who voted.  I've gotten a few chuckles that people have claimed to have voted, but they really didn't.  Facebook doesn't lie. Haha!)

Wednesday:  It's another week with Broadcom and MoreWireLess and I think we are down to the last couple of videos.  I know, I know, I keep saying that, but I think it was supposed to be ten episodes and now it is twelve.  The good news?  I finally change my shirt. Check out the wardrobe change, it's green this time.  Oh yeah, and you will learn about transferring files using Bluetooth:

I also found out that my panel proposal for SXSW Interactive had been accepted.  The title of my proposal is "Hosted Web Series:  New Opportunities for Creativity".  If you are planning on heading down to Austin and would like to attend this panel, well, yep, I need your vote again.  Sigh.  I know it is a lot to ask.  Here is the link to the panel.  I will also keep an icon up on my blog to remind you if you would like to do it another day.  Thanks!

The crazy selections at Voodoo Doughnuts...Cocoa Puffs, M&M's, Butterfinger doughnut, anyone?

The infamous Maple Bacon Bar.  Yum.

Thursday:  I am here in Portland for The Dew Tour this weekend.  I am hoping for a Shaun White sighting since I love anything related to the Olympics.  I almost had a heart attack when a co-worker asked, "Who's Shaun White?".  Do you know who Shaun White is?  Just wondering if I am out of line for thinking most people in their 20's and 30's would know who he is.  I digress. If you are in Portland.  Make sure to make a visit to Voodoo Doughnuts for their signature Maple Bacon bar. (Um, there is even a cock and balls doughnut for you adventurous types.)  Yep.  I said bacon and it is delicious.  The wait can be long, but you won't be disappointed.  I first learned about it on The Amazing Race.  The store was a stop along the way.  Remember, "The Magic is in the Hole".  

Friday:  Here is where all of the fun stuff begins.  

      1.  If you are interested in the digital space, check out Digital Chick TV for shows that produced by women.  They have a great list of web series and solid descriptions of each show.  

      2.  My lovely pal, Kristoffer Kelly, wants me on Entertainment Tonight to replace outgoing host, Mary Hart.  Why it might be a long shot, he started a Facebook page for me.  I'm flattered.

      3.  GIVEAWAY!:  If you haven't entered yet, head on over to my Online Shopping post.  I am giving away an amazing pair of City Slips.  They are perfect to slip into your bag and pull out when those high heels start to pinch.  You have until August 19th to enter.  Good luck!

Have a great weekend and I'll see you back here at Red Carpet Closet on Monday!

Weekly Wrap-Up

Oh, what a week it has been!  I'm sitting here in my sweats with my wet hair up in a bun after a big hike with my puppy.  I've been all over the city this week and I'm ready for the weekend to begin.  Here's how it all went down:


Monday-Thursday:
ITVFest:  I spent the week attending the seminars, parties, and panels at the Independent Television Festival this week. I will have a final wrap-up over the next few days, but you can see some of the highlights and the gala here and here.  Congratulations to all of the winners and participants!

Hanging with Bernie Su of Compulsions and Ariel Lazarus of The Crew.

Me and Bobby Salomon, winner of Best Director for his pilot, 15 Minutes.

Nicole Pacent of Anyone But Me, Brian Rodda, and me hanging after a screening.


Photos 1, 2:  Courtesy of Bernie Su.
Photo 3: Courtesy of Brenda White


Wednesday:
The Web Files:  The Web Files was back with a new episode this week featuring the uber-talented Al Thompson.  He will be popping up again with a new series at the NY Television Festival, so be sure to keep your eye on him:



MoreWireLess:  I think there are three more in the series of MoreWireLess sponsored by Broadcom.  This week, it is all about the dongle.  I had no idea what a dongle was until I shot this episode (And look at that hilarious screen capture.  I look drunk!)



Prop 8:  It is no secret where I stand on this issue.  It was a simple one to me:  human rights.  For those that oppose same-sex marriage, I still believe in your rights to raise your family with your beliefs and to
attend the church that shares your same beliefs.  Even if we don't agree on this issue, remember the United States is built upon protecting your fundamental rights. It will be a long fight from both sides, but here is a quote from the presiding Judge Vaughn Walker on the case:  "Moral disapproval, without any other asserted state interest, has never been a rational basis for legislation."  Amen.

Photo by Adam Bouska for the NOH8 Campaign.


Friday:  My amazing friend, Kristoffer Kelly, has taken it upon himself to start a Facebook campaign called:  "Kristyn Burtt will take Mary Hart's spot on ET".  Yes, Mary Hart is leaving Entertainment Tonight after 30 years and I am flattered anyone thinks I could even remotely fill her shoes.   So, here's the link if you want to join the campaign: Facebook.  Heck, even though it is a long shot at best, maybe I will get the opportunity to show them the sizzle reel to my show, The Web Files.  


Now through August 19th:  Don't forget to enter my fun giveaway--City Slips for the gal on the go!


Have a great weekend, everyone!

Weekly Wrap-Up

I didn't post enough this week, but I am going to try and keep the posts going from Monday through Friday to give you the scoop on what is happening here on the West Coast.  So, here's the rundown in case you missed it:

                                                               A Prius on ice.
Monday-Wednesday:  Plug-In Conference 2010:  For those of you who are alternative fuel vehicle minded and like to get your nerd on like me, look no further than this conference in San Jose for the latest in hybrid and battery technology.  With a host of new vehicles coming from Nissan, Chevy, Mitsubishi, Ford, and Toyota, there is going to be a wave of PHV (Plug-In Hybrids) and BEV (Battery Electric Vehicles) coming to help green the Earth.  While I was there with Toyota and my future vehicle of choice, the PHV Prius, I can assure you that most manufacturers are working hard on improving the charging station infrastructure and moving further away from our reliance on oil.  If anyone is looking for more information or wants to engage in a lively and geeky discussion on alternative fuel, be sure to leave a comment below.

                                        Me and my future vehicle, the Toyota PHV Prius.


Wednesday:  MoreWireLess:  It's another week of MoreWireLess sponsored by Broadcom.  This week's episode talks about Bluetooth in Consumer Electronics. It's a short video that is worth a watch so you can make fun of me for the worst Wii Bowling game ever.  My Facebook page also makes an appearance, see if you can spot it in the shot:


Thursday:  ITVFest:  One of my favorite events of the year is the annual Independent Television Festival in Hollywood.  The opening night gala is always a high octane affair and this year did not disappoint.  With Illeana Douglas as the night's honoree, sightings of Desperate Housewives tasty treat, James Denton, and a solid mix of LA, NY, and Texas web series, it was a hot night on the red carpet.  Check out all of the coverage from that evening on Mingle Media TV, but here are a few of my favorite interviews and moments:
James Denton:

Hot on the Red Carpet with Erin Brown (Watch us get kicked OFF of the red carpet for James Denton and Illeana Douglas  Ah, Hollywood, the great equalizer.)

Squatters:

By the way, I have obviously become the biggest hugger on the red carpet.  You will see it in the Squatters interview above and a few caught in the act photos below:

Hugging my pal, Ariel Lazrus, of The Crew.

Now, Brendan Bradley of Squatters and Legend of Neil gets a hug.

                      And the most scandalous (and staged!) one of them all, Bernie Su of Compulsions.
                      Photos courtesy of Mingle Media TV. 
See you on the next red carpet.  I am ready with a hug!

 

Weekly Wrap-Up

Oh, what a week it has been....ping pong, reality stars, and All That Jazz.  Here's a quick round-up of what happened this week:

Me and my pal, Maria, at the opening night of SPiN Hollywood.  We dressed up that night, but I only got a picture of our shoulder straps.  Oh well.  


1.  A visit to the opening of SPiN Hollywood courtesy of Lexus Dark Ride.  Thanks for the invite, guys!  We saw Susan and Vienna and Michael, oh my! (An Oscar winner and a couple of train wrecks all in one sentence.)

2.  It's week 6 of MoreWireLess and we take you right into High Speed Bluetooth.  Hope you're learning something, kids.  Sponsored by Broadcom:


3. Stupid for Movies:  I was lucky enough to visit the set of Stupid for Movies back in April where I interviewed Mike Rotman, Mark Keizer, and Wade Major for The Web Files.  They kindly invited me back and let me pick a movie to discuss.  So, here's the show, All That Jazz, and the story of my highly inappropriate dance routine in junior high:


4.  While I was on Stupid for Movies, I talked about a website I am obsessed with:  Cupcakes and Cashmere.  The content is definitely for the fashionista who is ultra-girly, but I am a huge fan of the site and its creator, Emily Schuman.

5.  Official Blog Roll Call:  I think I am going to start an official blog roll, so if you are interested in linking together, let me know in the comment section.

Next week, we will have a new episode of The Web Files featuring the talented and handsome, Al Thompson, of Johnny B. Homeless and Lenox Avenue.  I will be covering the Plug-In Conference up in San Jose through Wednesday and then running back down to LA to check out the red carpet of ITVFest.

Enjoy your weekend!  My weekend will be filled with a trunk sale at my favorite store, Roni B., my first show of the season at the Hollywood Bowl (Planet Earth!), and a little yoga to relax the mind, body, and spirit.  Let me know in the comment section what you are doing with your weekend.  See you next week at Red Carpet Closet!

Friday Wrap-Up

Even though I spent half of the week sick in bed, here's what happened this week.  Oh, and you do have some fun homework for this blistering hot weekend:

Sunday:  Chicago: Women's Health Magazine: Are You Game?:  

I kicked off my second year as host at Women's Health Magazine's annual fitness extravaganza.  It was a perfect day on North Avenue Beach in Chicago filled with fitness, fashion, food, and free stuff!  My favorite part of the day was introducing Sarina Jain, creator of the Masala Bhangra workout.  It was incredible to watch everyone dance in the sand with their scarves to this upbeat, enthusiastic interpretation of Indian dance straight from Bollywood.  Hey,NYC, you will have your chance to experience this on September 18th, don't miss it!

Wednesday:  The Web Files Buzz, Episode 7:

Our 7th Buzz episode launched on Wednesday and it features the latest in technology for web series:  3D with Safety Geeks:SVI and a 360 degree camera by Social Animal.  Just like the film industry, these techniques are going to be game changers for the web series industry.  Check out the episode:

Wednesday:  MoreWireLess brought to you by Broadcom:

This introduction to Bluetooth continues with Episode 5 and gives advice on wireless tethering to your PC.  It may seem a little basic to my fellow tech nerds, but my mom is learning a lot about the technology.  Oh, and I finally change my shirt--out with the hot pink, in with the baby pink!

Thursday:  Stupid for Movies: Try This at Home:

Okay, here's your homework assignment:  On Thursday, July 22nd, I will be appearing on Stupid for Movies:  Try This at Home segment.  I picked a movie this week and I will be on their show next week at 8PM PST to discuss it with LA Film Critics Association gurus, Mark Keizer and Wade Major.  We featured them on The Web Files in May and their film knowledge never ceases to amaze me.  It's also a fun, interactive show, so watch my pick, and then Skype in or join the chat room to discuss the film.  Here's the announcement at the 1:00:30 mark.  If you're too lazy to watch, click on the comments button below where I will write it in for you. So, please watch because my pick has it all: music, dance, sex, nudity, and a hot orgy!  That's right, even though it is a musical, I still took care of the men out there with my pick.  

Friday:  Something Exciting is Coming!:
Earlier in the week, I announced that "Something Exciting is Coming" to Red Carpet Closet.  I can't announce the details until August 10th, but to get on the inside track and find out first, register here to be eligible to win a prize.  I will have a lot coming your way soon from hair, makeup, shoes, accessories, fashions, movies--everything you would expect in Red Carpet Closet.  That's just a little clue for you to tide you over.  Have a great weekend, stay cool, watch the flick, and we will see you on Monday at Red Carpet Closet.

Choose Your Own Adventure

I am here to give you choices today, I'm going to call it "Choose Your Own Adventure" Wednesday.  If you are in the mood for a little glitz and glam, check out the red carpet premiere of SOLO the Series created by Jonathan Nail and starring The Guild's Michele Boyd, Jason Burns, and Jay Caputo.  Find out what everyone would bring on their adventure if they were stranded in space:

If you are looking for something along the lines of gadgets and tech, then take a look at Episode 2 of the MoreWireLess series I hosted for Broadcom. This week's episode features Premium Sound with Bluetooth Technology. My mom even said she learned something from the premiere episode, maybe you will too!
As always, thanks for watching......