Cyber Stalker

Groove Shark

Groove Shark

Why we like: Whatever happened to your cd collection? Years ago I owned a teak wooden tower that held up to 150 jewel cases – and it spun! It was the focal point of my teenage bedroom; flourishing with Econoline Crush, No Doubt and Holly McNarland albums. These days (I’m not gonna lie) I opt for the mp3 version with the jpeg insert. It’s the space-saving, student and recession-friendly approach that enables your auditory attention span to scale back and mixtapes to be compiled with ease. Problem is: It’s getting harder and harder to find music online without dabbling in virus territory, infusing your screen with pop-ups or not finding your sought-after albums at all! Well SDTC readers – I’ve got your fix…Grooveshark. 

What you’ll find there: A platform to stream almost any song you want, without having to download or feel guilty that you’ve downloaded. Resembling itunes, you can create playlists and save playlists while finding new artists via the “similar songs” feature. Who has time to download these days with all of the barriers that are getting in your way? Even if you do – this is so much easier and saves space on your hard drive too. I say no more… 

Where in the world: Want to thank Founder and CEO, Sam Tarantino in person? Here’s the head office address: 201 SE 2nd Ave Ste 209, Gainesville, FL 32601.  

In a nutshell: Grooveshark is the jukebox of 2009

http://listen.grooveshark.com/ 

Video Jug – Life Explained. On Film.

Video Jug – Life Explained. On Film.

Why we like: Want to know how to give the perfect strip tease; cook a chicken curry in 10 minutes; straighten your locks (the right way) or ollie, heel flip and coco slide like Ryan Sheckler? Youtube is cool n’ all, but videojug outstreams the competition!  The self-proclaimed, “encyclopedia of life” presents tips, how-tos and basic instruction via free video content opposed to basic text. This is not a start-up operation with limited videos to choose from – videojug covers everything from food & drink to love & sex all the way to sports, leisure and technology.  

What you’ll find there: A user-friendly design with cheeky step-by-step video instruction. So bring your laptop to the kitchen and make the perfect martini along with a videjug expert, or take it to the bedroom and find out how to behave appropriately after sex or prop it on your vanity and learn how to apply liquid liner like the pros.

Where in the world: Videjug produces their videos in three studios located in the UK, US and Europe. 

In a nutshell:  Whether you have a question brewing or think you know-it-all, you’re bound to learn something new.

www.videojug.com

Save the Sea Kittens!

Save the Sea Kittens!

Why we like: My first pet, prior to my vicious Siamese cat, was coincidentally a Siamese fighting fish. Cooped up each day and night in a small glass bubble bowl – that was where she (the name I can not recall) ate, slept and swam. I couldn’t help but feel that the space was insufficient and her life was dreary and depressing. So each day, if she behaved, I would fill her glass bowl up with an added sprinkling of tap water. Tragically, I one day I ran home from school to feed her an afternoon snack when I could not find my Siamese fighting fish in the bowl – I hesitantly glanced down, to find her discolored and dry, laying peacefully within the bristles of the carpet floor. She had jumped out to her suicidal death! Since that catastrophic incident…I have not and could not own another pet fish or love them as PETA urges us to do. For this reason and so many more, I can only enjoy fish in two brilliant ways (1) Sushi, and (2) as Sea Kittens.  

What you’ll find there: So PETA has launched a campaign, urging the public to reconsider our feelings of fish. Fish clearly have a bad rap. Thus PETA, as the animaltarians that they are, are attempting to change the face of fish everywhere. Read heart-breaking stories about Tara the Tuna, Tony the Trout and his whole crew. Plus, create your own Sea Kitten and share them with your friends. 

Where in the world: Norfolk, VA 

In a nutshell: The anime-like graphics are adorable, and make you want to give up your weekly dose of Sushi on Bloor – well, almost.

http://www.peta.org/sea_kittens/ 

Beware of the Doghouse

Beware of the Doghouse

Why we like: This could not wait until Valentine’s Day! If your boyfriend disappointed you with a lame Christmas, jipped you with only seven gifts for all eight glowing Chanukah nights or forgot you celebrated Kwanzaa altogether then Beware of the Doghouse may be the remedy for your disdain. Or perhaps you feel like one of the 25 scorned 20-somethings on The Bachelor (watching premiere now) – with equal dickwads under their belts as sequins on their gowns. No matter what spawns your contempt, set aside your Voodoo kit and stop putting spells on his Facebook account… Put him in the doghouse! 

What you’ll find there: An undercover marketing campaign courtesy of JC Penney. Clearly their jewelry department has a weighty expense budget to push diamonds of the necklace, earring or ring variety. Apparently this is the only way out of the doghouse!  

Where in the world: YES YOU CAN! 

In a nutshell: Despite the website’s ulterior motives, you’ll get sheer pleasure from even a single nomination.

http://bewareofthedoghouse.com

Hawkin's Bazaar

Hawkin's Bazaar

Why we like: Tears for Fears’ infamous single, “Shout” has been unmatched since 2001. It’s a classic, obnoxiously catchy, Pop Up Video favorite of mine. Who would have thought that only six years down the line, a gifted computer mastermind would incorporate this fine ’01 diddy into the finest game since N64’s Diddy Kong Racing? Sure… I may be quoting too many  “way back play backs” for you late 80’s readers, but Attack of the Sprouts is where it’s at – All Saint’s style. 

What you’ll find there: A simple two-button controlled pinball-esque holiday-dinner challenge. Save the crown and argyle vest wearing protagonist to pound the malevolent brussel sprouts. 

Where in the world: The non-metropolitan town of Suffolk, England – surprised? 

In a nutshell: I squashed for 5 minutes straight. Try beating my record...

http://www.hawkin.net/attack/attackofthesprouts.html 

Dopplr

Dopplr

Why we like: Where does one find a bikini during Toronto’s Winter season? As of November 28th, I’m Mexico bound for a 7-day vaycay. The dilemma: being the novice traveller that I am – I am lost within a sea of maternity suits, tankinis with built-in skirts and overpriced stringkinis starting in the three digit price range. So what’s a girl to do when she’s opted out of desserts and second servings for a couple months now, only to realize that her ‘hot bod’ may not be matched with the swimsuit of her dreams? There’s not enough time for a Victoria Secret e-store delivery – let’s hope my fellow travelling compadres on DOPPLR know a thing or two about seeking out swimwear.  

What you’ll find there: Plot your trips in the journal and mark your home territory. When your vacation is around the corner, DOPPLR will illustrate the upcoming trek on the Google map. You’ll also find out what time it is at Point A and Point B as well as what other DOPPLR devotees thought about your approaching retreat.

Where in the world: Built by an international team of design, travel and technology enthusiasts. Dopplr Ltd. is based out of Helsinki and London. 

In a nutshell: Referred to as, “…an online service for intelligent business travellers.” If you’re intelligent you’ll check it out. Work in an office or cubicle? Yes. Got a vacation planned? This place is a must. Now where I can get a sarong?

http://www.dopplr.com

Clay Rochemont

Clay Rochemont

Why we like: Debbie Travis knows her paints and home décor, but believe it or not – she knows her Urban Artistes too! Clay Rochemont, the man of the hour, was a past participant on From the Ground Up – a deco-challenge reality show hosted by Miss Travis herself.  If you missed his fold-out sofa, you can catch the episodes on youtube. Better yet, visit hxfour.com. Rochemont’s personal website and blog, boasts his vivid graphics that your t-shirt collection will be envious of. The best part of all, he designs for Rob & Big. If you don’t know Rob Dyrdek – google that dreamboat up! 

What you’ll find there: Bold graphics, bright colors, an e-store and a highly amusing blog.  

Where in the world: In our own backyard…Tor-on-ah! 

In a nutshell: Next-level Warhol with a dash of street, a sprinklage of gangster and a half cup of hardcore (the man likes his skulls).  

http://hxfour.com/ 

Popstar Feets

Popstar Feets

Why we like: The shoes make the man. They make the woman too, but we’re generally more conscious of fashionable footwear. It is so easy to be lead astray by comfort, misguided by trends or carried off by a great sale. The character that is conveyed by one’s shoes can overwrite a fabulous wardrobe and even a great personality. On the other hand, an awesome pair of kicks can excuse facial flaws, poor style and even an unpleasant personality. With stores like Goodfoot, Brown’s and C Squared in the area, there should be no excuses for footsy failure. A certain gingy I know has even lucked out with an entire vintage boot collection from an undisclosed Value Village location. So the verdict’s in…shoes rock and definitely make an individual “an individual.” That’s why Popstar Feets is my feature of the week. 

What you’ll find there: Amy’s flats (fit for Rehab), Western goldies a la Cansei Ser Sexy, the Puma duo aka. Death from Above 1979 and many more. 

Where in the world: Footwear captured all over the U.K.

In a nutshell: A hipster haven of footwear as worn by our favorite celebrities, bands, djs and musicians. Plus, read “Vice don’t like” descriptions regarding each pic. Feet are gross – thank God for shoes!

http://www.popstarfeets.co.uk/

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Lookbook

Lookbook

Why we like: LB is way hotter than LC, much more current than FB and way more amusing than BT. For those incapable of decoding my cryptograms, “LC” is the name of our favorite Brody Jenner-loving Hills cast member. “FB” refers to our once-loved book of faces (so passé), and “BT” stands for Breakfast Television – who doesn’t watch Dina and Kev in the morning?! LOOKBOOK aka. LB is internationally renowned for people watching for those in the fashion know. Learn how to give breadth to your wardrobe, and applaud others for their keen sense of stye.  For all of these reasons and more, LOOKBOOK is beyond appropriate for my CS feature of the week – especially during L’oreal Fashion Week.  

What you’ll find there: A showcase of international street fashion in the name of the Sartorialist. Browse through submissions from VIP fashionistas, boutique owners and designers from around the world. You’ll be in awe and envy simultaneously! 

Where in the world: LB is an international style experiment. Although, it was fabricated by two peeps hailing from San Francisco, CA. 

In a nutshell: You can look but you can’t touch! Logins are by invite only – this means no uploads of your own and you can’t “hype” others ie. increase their rank in the page hierarchy. Eye candy never hurt anyone though…

http://lookbook.nu/ 

Well Medicated

Well Medicated

Why we like: Do you know John? He’s tall, with dark brown “Aveda-blessed” hair, and has a “Kiehl’s-consecrated” complexion with a side of freckles. Still don’t know him – well hopefully you can fill your void with a half Hispanic, floral shirt wearing man who is just as well-informed within the world of IT.  Selecting friends based on their credentials is not the guidance I’m advocating for, although when your friend resolves your plumbing issues the same day your friend fixes your computer problems the same day your friend repairs your electricity outage– you definitely lucked out! To my dismay, my laptop has yet to undergo its’ much-needed repairs by John although he has pulled through – WellMedicated is his website of the week (gracias for sharing the goods!). 

What you’ll find there: Thinking of starting a blog of your own? Read up on Andrew Lidstrom’s 7 Must Do’s Before Launching Your Blog. With great detail, he provides everything you need to know (in introductory terms) without holding anything back. Lindstrom also shares his top 10 Wordpress Blogs and Podcasts, inspiring vintage advertisements and more. It’s an educational blog that is both inspiring and informative.  

Where in the world: Vive en Vancouver 

In a nutshell: John’s favorite blog, and yours soon-to-be! Whether you are down with web design, high on graphics or none of the above – WellMedicated will show you that o.d.-ing ain’t that bad after all. 

http://wellmedicated.com/