Weekend Line-up: 2.1.13 – 2.3.13

With the Super Bowl XLVII happening on Sunday, San Francisco is sure to be just as spirited and fun as ever. ABCey has compiled a list of events related to and not-related-to the Super Bowl for you to enjoy this lovely weekend!

1. La French SF: Endless Champagne Disco | January 31 | 1772 Market St | $20| Immediately upon arrival, you’ll receive a glass of champagne and enjoy the rest of the night (with more champagne, I’m sure) at this sister party of one of the most popular recurring parties in Paris. Special guests have included Will.I.Am and Mighty Mouse!

2. Wicked | February 2 | The Orpheum Theater | Back by popular demand, this award-winning, nine-year-running musical has set records for the highest single-week gross of any show in Broadway history! It’s truly a cultural phenomenon; don’t miss out!

3. Grand Tasting Event: Zinfandel | Concourse Exhibition Center | February 2 | Use this opportunity to make the quest for your favorite Zinfandel as you sample wines from many different growing regions. The exhibition has hundreds of barrels for you to sample, as well as new releases and premier Zinfandel.

4. Together in Space | Pandora’s Box | February 2 | It’s almost Valentine’s Day and what better way to surprise your sweetie than with the dance of the season. Burning Man kings The Dancetronauts are holding a 3-room, open bar event for the occasion.

5. Big Screens & Craft Brews | Public House | February 3 | One of many bars and pubs that will be watching (and hopefully celebrating) the Super Bowl in the city. Boasting not only one of the largest selections of craft beers, this spot also has 22 flat screen TVs for optimal game viewing!

Will you be attending any of these fun events this weekend ? Let us know in a comment below or on Facebook & Twitter! Go Niners!

TechCrunch Crunchies Coverage: Biggest Social Impact

ABCey Events is super excited for tomorrow’s 2012 Crunchie Awards here in our beloved SF! For our final awards coverage, we wanted to spotlight the startups that are up for Biggest Social Impact, those that have contributed to some meaningful and significant social impact in our society.

1. Donors Choose – Donors Choose is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. Public school teachers post classroom project requests on the site, and one can give any amount to the project that most inspires. When a project reaches its funding goal, Donors Choose ship the materials to the school. In return, donors get photos of the project taking place, a letter from the teacher, and insight into how every dollar was spent. Give over $50 and you’ll also receive hand-written thank-yous from the students. This truly makes giving back an easy and fun task. After all, we’ve all been there when someone ate all the glue.

2. Indiegogo – Indiegogo is a crowdfunding platform where people who want to raise money can create fundraising campaigns to tell their story and get the word out. Indiegogo is also a place to discover what people all over the world are passionate about and how to get involved. IndieGoGo campaigns receive all the money they have been pledged, whether the initial funding goal was reached or not. IndieGoGo is available internationally.

3. Kickstarter – Kickstarter is a funding platform for creative projects everything from films, games, and music to art, design, and technology. They are particularly useful and great for finding and funding creative projects such as music albums or indie movies. Every project creator sets their project’s funding goal and deadline. If people like the project, they can pledge money to make it happen. If the project succeeds in reaching its funding goal, all backers’ credit cards are charged when time expires. If the project falls short, no one is charged. Funding on Kickstarter is all-or-nothing.4. Kiva – Kiva is a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world. Loans funded through Kiva have a 98 percent repayment rate, so the money you lend to a small business owner is likely to come back to you. By connecting people through lending, Kiva has empowered small businesses and served as an important catalyst for positive change and job growth.

5. Reddit – Reddit is a source for what’s new and popular on the web. Users like you provide all of the content and decide, through voting, what’s good and what’s junk. Links that receive community approval bubble up towards #1, so the front page is constantly in motion and (hopefully) filled with fresh, interesting links. This is far more effective and significant than when you “like” something on Facebook. Interestingly, Mashable has a complete section devoted to “Reddit Facts” learned each week.

Which of these startups have made the most social impact on your life? Who did you vote for? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook & Twitter.

Tech on Tuesday: Techify Your Super Bowl Party!

Are you hosting a Super Bowl XLVII party? Undoubtedly, some of your guests will have their eyes glued to the screen mesmerized by every play. Others, I’m sure, will be staring at their phones in mid-Tweet or Facebook post and waiting for the (not-so) amazing commercials or Halftime Show. ABCey has compiled a list of our Top 10 Superbowl apps that will link what you’re seeing on your television screen to your phone screen!

1. NFL Mobile: This app lets you view every play of the game, and if you’re wise enough to have Verizon Wireless, you’ll be able to stream games live on your mobile device courtesy of the NFL and NBC. This is particularly useful if you need to go on a beer-and-chips run before halftime, or if you want to set your living room up with multiple screens.

2. Super Ads: Super Bowl Commercials: This app is perfect for those who love the commercials just as much as the game (if not more). You can instantly replay the best commercials throughout the game.

3. Are You Watching This?!: Just in case you find yourself away from the TV during the game, this free Android smartphone and tablet app will let you know if the losing team is mounting a historic comeback. Depending on what cable or satellite TV provider you use (also available for Google TV), the app will actually change the channel back to the game (if you set it up this way). It’s also just great for any smaller, day-to-day sporting events that might not always be on your radar.

4. A+ Super Bowl Commercials: Similar to the previous app, this app compiles all the best Super Bowl ads in one place for your convenience. Sadly, it’s only for iOS users.

5. Official SB XLVII Guide: This official guide to Super Bowl XLVII from the NFL is packed full of interesting content and features. It’s most useful for those attending the game, for information about local nightlife and restaurants in Indianapolis, and ability to find your seats in a virtual tour of the stadium. But- even if you’re not going to the game, you might use this app to experience what it would be like if you were there!

6. NFL Logos: Show your loyalty for your favorite football team by downloading this app, which has 96 graphics, featuring the official logos of all 32 teams of the National Football League.

7. Super Bowl Predictor: If you like to make the game a bit more interesting by laying some wagers on it, this is the app for you. You’ll be able to assess the odds of outcomes, get guidance, and see important information that can affect your wagers (like injuries).

8. Madden NFL 13: Can’t wait for the Super Bowl game to begin? Download this app and jump into immediate on-field action. This app lets you choose from the 32 NFL teams and battle it out in their true-to-life stadiums. Make trades, track stats, and launch winning strategies from in-depth playbooks, unique to every team.

9. 49ers Gameday Live: 49ers Gameday Live will allow fans at Candlestick Park, through a Wi-Fi connection, to view multiple camera angles and watch the NFL RedZone channel live on their phones. All fans will have the ability to follow real-time statistics (including drive-by-drive stats, box-scores, standings and player statistics) and catch the latest news and twitter feeds on the team, regardless of their location.

10. Baltimore Ravens Mobile App: Catch breaking news of the team, see real-time statistics for every drive, watch video-on-demand clips of press conferences and player interviews and follow post-game blogs and pre-game previews of the matchups.

Which of these game day apps will you be using on Super Bowl Sunday? Are there any that we missed? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook & Twitter!

Startup Monday: DudaMobile

We all have had that annoying and frustrating experience while on our mobile phones… when a particular web-page we try to view just won’t load properly, is a tiny version of the desktop website or the formatting is all wrong! This week, we are excited to feature DudaMobile, a simple mobile website builder that offers features geared toward small businesses including one-click site conversion, auto-sync between the regular site and mobile site, click-to-call widget, mobile maps and site analytics.

Having a mobile site is becoming a necessity. As reported recently in CNET News, almost 1/3 of all Internet search traffic now comes from smartphones and tablets. “In some categories, such as restaurant search, mobile already accounts for that share of search. And in several categories important to advertisers — electronics, beauty, finance, and autos — mobile searches are rapidly climbing.”

Cliff Sarkin, Duda’s Director of Operations tells us, “as more and more people search and browse the web on their mobile devices, businesses are stepping up their game to get in front of their customers by having a mobile presence. Duda is knocking down hurdles by making mobile websites easy to build and cost effective.”

At ABCey, we’ve just created our new mobile site and found our experience with Duda to be quick and fun! And, we love the results! Check it out below — and on your iPhone, Android or Blackberry.

While they do offer a custom build option, DudaMobile is primarily a DIY (do-it-yourself) website maker. You can create your mobile site in 3 fairly simple steps which we pictured below. Once in the editor, you can choose from a large selection of templates and pallets, and there are lots of ways to customize your own design.

DudaMobile was first launched as a white label platform in 2010; now it is a self-service website builder. They now host more than 3.2 million mobile sites, with the addition of 100,000 sites monthly!

Our favorite advantage of using Duda is that their patented auto-sync technology keeps your mobile site automatically updated, reflecting any changes made to your original website with zero maintenance necessary. How much does it cost? Only $9/mo. They also have a free offering (with limited features and banner ads).

What are your thoughts on DudaMobile? Let us know if you’ll get mobilized with Duda in the comments below or on Facebook & Twitter.

ABCey’s Weekend Line-up: 1.25.13-1.27.13

The Bay Area has lots in store these next few weeks. This weekend, keep your eyes peeled for events catering to bargain deals on delicious food. Check out what ABCey has found – it could be the start of a very FULL weekend!

1. SF Dine About Town 2013 | 1-18 to 1-31 | Various SF Restaurants | Dine About Town is San Francisco’s “restaurant week.” Being a city for foodies, one week apparently isn’t enough. The program runs twice a year for two weeks, January 15-31 and June 1-15. Restaurants sign up to offer a fixed price 2-or 3-course lunch option for $18.95 and/or a 3-course dinner option for $36.95. In addition, Dine About Town menus will offer a 10-25% discount off regularly priced menu items. During the period, participating restaurants will offer their Dine About Town menu, sometimes alongside their regular menus, and other times as the only menu.

2. 2013 Oakland Restaurant Week | 1-19 to 1-27 | Various Oakland Restaurants | San Francisco isn’t the only Bay Area city with a thriving cuisine scene. This week, Oakland is also hosting a Restaurant Week which promises to be just as delicious. If the San Francisco scene isn’t enough for you, I think there’s a strong possibility that the Oakland restaurants will be able to round out your palette. Oakland’s pricing works a little differently – restaurants will offer prix fixe menus at $20, $30, and $40. Tickets and special passes are not required, but reservations are strongly recommended.

3. SF Sketchfest Comedy Festival | 1-24 to 2-10 | Various Locations | For two weeks every year in January, comedians converge in San Francisco on the Sketchfest stages to make us laugh, snort, chuckle and chortle. In its 12th year, SF Sketchfest’s lineup includes everything from a tribute to “The Naked Gun” and an event with cast members of television’s “Portlandia” to a female Prince cover band headed by “Saturday Night Live” alum Maya Rudolph. Known for drawing big names while retaining a homegrown feel, the festival will take place in 26 venues, including Cobb’s Comedy Club and the Castro Theatre.

4. Local Tastings SF | 1-25 | Bluxome Street Winery | Enjoy a taste of the Bay Area’s artisan food & wine, and the stories of the locals who grow and craft them! Each tasting event focuses on local food and wine, grown and made entirely within the Bay Delta Bioregion. As you nibble and sip, your host will give a talk on how this local food and drink came to be: from the winemakers to the dairy cows. You will also receive a map to take home, showing the source locations of the food and wine.

5. Brunch Pop-Up: Wine & Waffles | 1-27 | Biondivino Wine Boutique | Chrissy’s Waffles is returning to Russian Hill’s Biondivino to pair waffles with prosecco cordials. In honor of the 49ers making it to the Super Bowl, this pairing is being called the “Waffle Bowl” and will showcase game-time wine pairings. Menu items include a 4505 Meats breakfast sausage & potato crumble waffle with butter & maple syrup, meyer lemon buttermilk donut waffles with marmalade & whipped cream and blood orange prosecco cordials. If our city is going to win the SuperBowl, you’ll need your strength for all the rioting!

Will you be headed to any of these restaurants or foodie events to cash in on the great deals? Let us know your weekend plans in the comments below or on Facebook & Twitter!

TechCrunch Crunchies Coverage: Best Overall Startup of 2012

It’s only one week away until The Crunchies 2012! At ABCey, we’re excited to see what fun surprises the planners will have for the attendees. Of course, we’re also dying to find out is the results! Here are the finalists for the most coveted award of Best Overall Startup of 2012…

1. Fab: See last week’s Crunchies Coverage on Best E-Commerce Application

2. Github: Github has created the perfect niche for itself in the Age of Startups. GitHub is a (virtual) place where friends, co-workers, classmates, and even strangers can share code with each other. The goal is to encourage people (over two million as of right now) to code, build, and create things together. Github offers a multitude of collaborative features on their desktop and mobile applications which is revolutionizing the way individuals and teams can improve on code writing.

3. Instagram: Instagram describes itself as a “fast, beautiful and fun way to share your photos with friends and family.” Instagram allows you to take a picture with your smartphone, choose from one of many fun, interesting filters to transform its look and feel, then post to Instagram. You can instantly share your photo on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr so picture-taking becomes a social activity! Everyone is a photographer with Instagram.

4. Palantir: Palantir is smart. Palantir’s creation is a high-powered analysis platform that can scan multiple databases simultaneously primarily geared toward providing a tool for government officials and corporations to tackle complex problems. Essentially for Palantir, “data matters” and their goal, as it seems, is to try to relate to the rest of us why it does matter.
5. Square: Hook your Square up to your iPhone, Android or iPad and instantly you have a tool that allows you to collect cash, credit or debit for your mobile/small mobile business. Square has truly transformed the way individuals and small organizations can do business.

What do you think of these startups? Have they changed the way you and your business operate? Tell us how they have changed your life in the comments below or on Facebook & Twitter.

Tech on Tuesday: IllumiRoom

What’s better than seeing your favorite movie on a giant screen in a (somewhat comfortable) movie theater chair? Seeing your favorite flick on a big screen with the movies’ atmosphere recreated in your own room- making it worlds more realistic- and way more appealing on your own comfy couch! ABCey came across this new Microsoft invention we just have to share with you.

IllumiRoom is the new Microsoft invention blurring the lines between real and fake. In better terms, it uses a Kinect for Windows camera and a projector to blur the lines between on-screen content (the movie, video game, etc) and the environment we live in, allowing us to combine our virtual and physical worlds. It takes away the reality that we are, in fact, only watching a movie or playing a video game.

The Microsoft press explains the technology behind this idea: “Our system uses the appearance and the geometry of the room (captured by Kinect) to adapt the projected visuals in real-time without any need to custom pre-process the graphics. What you see in the videos below has been captured live and is not the result of any special effects added in post production.”

Would you install this in your home? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook & Twitter!

ABCey’s Top Gadgets from CES 2013

For those who don’t know about CES (The Consumer Electronics Show), it’s the gargantuan annual gathering of the gadget industry. CES takes place each winter in the Las Vegas Convention Center, a complex so massive that it spans a highway. It was reported that this year, many of the best products came out of startups, and even Kickstarter!

We also saw that CES 2013 featured more innovation from the digital health and fitness world than ever, including everything from health monitoring devices to mobile fitness apps. Also, there was a star studded guest appearance by President Clinton, who discussed the importance of mobile technology to help people around the world.

We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite products that we hope you enjoy!

1. Interaxon’s Mind Controlled Headset | Interaxon designed Muse, a four-sensor brainwave headband to work with brain health, fitness, stress management, and other applications. Sensors in the headset read electrical frequencies emitting from the brain’s neurons (electroencephalography or EEG). Though this is old technology, Interaxon’s adaptation resulted in a lightweight headset that syncs what you’re thinking with an iOS or Android device- potentially very convenient.

2. Nano Nails touch screen stylii | For a woman with long nails and a touch screen smart phone, it can be a little difficult to get a lot done. Fortunately Sri Vellanki of Tech Tips created an over-the-fingetip stylus- but it then became a challenge to make it fashionable. Nano Nails uses the same design, but places it underneath the fingernail. In May, they will be available in a full press-on nail, or nail tip for around $10 per pack (4 or 6).

3. Moneual Smart Table | This Touch Table PC is going to revolutionize the restaurant industry. The idea of going to a restaurant, looking over the menu, ordering and paying, all without the waiter (and tempermental attitude) sounds beyond appealing. It can also be used for surfing the web, reading newspapers and magazines, and even playing music. We don’t know yet when it will be released, but hopefully soon!

4. Fitness Sensor Earphones | The Iriver, by Valencell, has taken a little longer than expected, but will be available in March of this year. The best thing about the Iriver On is that it’s integrated with a device you already wear while exercising: earphones. There are no annoying clip on’s; you just monitor your heart rate, distance, cadence, speed, and calories burned while you rock out to your favorite songs. There is an app that will process all of the information it collects, as well.

5. Soft Headphones for Sleeping | SleepPhones “pajamas for your ears” were invented for those who want to lie down while listening to music with a pair of headphones. Regular headphones or earphones tend to feel uncomfortable and cause an slight annoyance, especially while you rest on your side. It can even be used on a flight as an eye-mask…that plays your music. How rad!

6. Cloud-based computer | Dell Wyse, the cloud computing subsidiary of the American Dell electronics company quietly revealed its latest product- Orphelia. This cloud-based computer on a USB-like device is going to be your best friend. It easily converts any TV or computer monitor into a functioning computer. This small device boasts an Internet accessible capability, keyboard and mouse support. Long gone is lugging your computer around on business trips or family vacations. Orphelia is all you’ll need.

Which of these products are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below, or on Facebook & Twitter.

ABCey’s Weekend Line-up: 1.17.13-1.20.13

Now that we’re almost settled into the New Year, there’s no better time to go out and treat yourself! ABCey has compiled together a great list of upcoming events in our beloved Bay Area. We hope you enjoy!

1. Secret Supper Club: Wild Kitchen Dinner | forageSF | Jan. 18-20 | The Wild Kitchen specializes in wild local edibles, hosting 60 diners for an exquisite 8 course meal. Locations range from a roof-deck in the Mission, to a houseboat in Sausalito. Since they use only the freshest wild-foraged ingredients from around San Francisco, the menu may change, but it won’t disappoint. Vegetarian alternatives may be requested 72 hours in advance. $120 pp.

2. Obsolete California’s | until Jan. 25 | StoreFrontLab | The latest exhibit from this funky Mission collective is a mash-up store with an art gallery, community center and it celebrates California’s history from the Pleistocene to the first Internet Boom. You can stop by to browse or sign up for a combative drawing class, screenings of vintage films about SF, and a hangout fest called Not a Bar, Not Your House. Events are free if you RSVP to storefrontlab.org.

3. Tycho: Scott Hansen, professionally known as Tycho, is an American ambient musician and producer. He is also known for his photographic and design works. Blissful and serene, the synthesized soundscapes of Tycho’s latest release “Dive” play out in a harmonious atmosphere of flowing rhythms. The shows at The Independent (Friday with Christopher Willits, and Saturday with Doombird) are officially sold out, but you can find tickets on StubHub.

4. SPANK: The Fifty Shades Parody | January 24-27 | The Regency Ballroom | This hilarious new musical brings the naughty fun of the best-selling book to life and will have you laughing out loud. The characters come to life with sharp-witted comedy, musical numbers, and brace yourself – striptease performances from the devilishly handsome leading man. Get there early for pre-show cocktails, then stay to meet the cast and pose for a photo with Mr. Dangerous himself!

5. NFL Playoff Pick: Hipster Sports Haven | Phoenix Irish Bar & Gathering House | Jan. 20 | What could be better than a giant crowd enjoying the Conference Championships of the San Francisco 49ers vs. Atlanta Falcons (12 pm), then the New England Patriots vs. Baltimore Ravens (3:30 pm)? Watching it on 9 big flat screens, and adding a selection of 20 beers on tap! It might even be a great idea to grab a booth a couple hours before kickoff to enjoy some of their delicious food!

Let us know which events you will be attending in the comments below or on Facebook & Twitter.

2012 Crunchies Coverage: Best E-Commerce Application

ABCey Events is counting down the two weeks until The Crunchies in San Francisco on January 31. Have you been voting for your favorite Finalists? I’m sure the Finalists for Best E-Commerce Application are counting on your vote. Who are they? Let’s find out:

Fab – Fab is a great design e-commerce site with smartphone app that helps people discover everyday design products at discounted prices. Fab offers everything from vintage apparel to vintage commerative collectibles to decorate your home. It’s great inspiration for interior decorators, fashionistas and DIY project fans. Check this site out to bring some bright colors, cool designs and pizzazz to your life. We love it because it gives great ideas for event decorations and goody-bags.

HotelTonight – HotelTonight is a great smartphone app that lets you book your hotel room at the very last minute (until 2am that same day) for a great deal. Obviously, this is ideal for last-minute planners/deal hunters as well as the hotel industry looking for a way to minimize their room stock. Event planners can recommend this app to event attendees who are looking for flexibility in finding accommodations.

Karma/Facebook Gifts – Last May Facebook acquired the gift app Karma and transformed it into Facebook Gifts. Facebook Gifts is great for two reasons: 1) It allows you to send a last-minute gift in a pinch 2) You don’t need to know your friend’s shipping address in order to send them a gift. Facebook Gifts does all the work by verifying the recipient’s shipping address. There are definitely people who hate shopping but who do love to give gifts – this streamlines the process for them. Next time you’re invited to an event on Facebook, go ahead and send your host/hostess an early gift with Facebook Gifts!

Warby Parker – Just three years, the two founders were selling their glasses from a loft in Philadelphia and now, they are everywhere! There’s very little to say about Warby Parker other than we love their glasses! (I am wearing them right now.) Before Warby Parker came along, I’m sure most people would not have thought it would be easy, convenient or SMART to shop for glasses on the Internet. These days, it’s almost hard to believe you wouldn’t go straight to them to purchase glasses since Warby Parker has made it so simple with their Home Try-Ons, flat rate pricing and free shipping.

Zulily – Sometimes when I stare jealously at a little girl’s cute outfit, I think to myself, “That must be from Zulily.” This is a great all-in-one shopping site marketed toward Moms. Zulily smartly targets Moms, who usually have the greatest shopping power in the household, to shop their flash daily deals for themselves but also provide an outlet to look for their babies and kids. Moms do not have to look any further than Zulily to outfit (the younger half of) their household.

Are you big fans of these e-Commerce sites? Who are you voting for? Tell us in the comments below or on Facebook & Twitter!