If you’re an active social media user, then you’ve probably at least heard of Klout by now. If not, Klout is an influence metric service that uses a variety of secret algorithms to determine your influence and reach in the socialsphere around specific topics. This information is combined into a single number between 1-100. This is your Klout Score. Each Klout user has an overall score, but your influence is also judged on thousands of specific topics including Cooking, Movies, Social Media, Cars, Bacon and even Dogs.
But what’s the point? Who cares if you have Klout than someone else? That’s where Klout Perks comes in. Your influence can earn you stuff like discounts, preferred treatment at conferences or even free stuff. We own two dogs (@TurdsAndTreats11) and tweet about them and dog related topics a lot. As a result, our Klout in “Dogs” was high enough to earn a free fleece dog blanket from Subaru‘s “Dog tested. Dog approved.” promotion.
We got the blanket in the mail the other day and let the dogs open it up on their own. It’s all on video. Definitely check it out if you have a second. It’s pretty cute. Thank you Subaru and Klout. Wherever the fleece blanket is in the house is now the most popular napping spot.
Yes, MySpace. You remember – That social network that started it all back in 2005? The one you left for Facebook in 2007. The one that Justin Timberlake now owns.
Just last week, MySpace launched their new music player. I have been putting it through it’s paces and really enjoy what I have been listening to. I have also been re-connecting with people I haven’t talked to in a while.
I’ve also been updating my music page. Of course, February is Album Writing Month - and I’ve been hot on making new songs. So I started using the new upload feature on my Artist Page
Lots of great music
I have been running through the list of artists and see no end to the music. From Adele, to Nickelback. I heard from the top artists lists, such as Kelly Clarkson and LMFAO.
Finding music is as simple as choosing a genre. I was listening to songs like Moves Like Jagger, Use Somebody and Walk in an instant.
Ease of Use
The interface is pretty easy to call up and use. I can create playlists, listen to live Radio and get similar music. I can add a song to a playlist with the press of a button.
Another cool feature is that I can instantly move around the last few songs I listened to. That way, when I set them into their own playlist, I have it in order.
Radio
The Radio Station feature is similar to Pandora. Hit the button, and you are listening to similar songs to what you chose. You can then add those songs to your playlist, or buy for your personal library
It’s Social
Just like with Spotify on Facebook, you can connect up your profile, and share the songs you are listening to.
Independent artists
Search MySpace. If you see an artist, play their music. If you like it, add to playlist or buy the songs. There are thousands of artists you might not have heard of before.
The biggest one is their mobile side. I can’t get music easily through their mobile app. Of course, that will most likely be a feature that is coming. Once it does, MySpace might just dominate the music market once again.
The player doesn’t have much of a help option. Even though the interface is pretty straightforward, I would like to see a help area that has audio and video how-to’s, like how to post your own music and how to monetize it.
Where is MySpace Music Going?
MySpace announced they want to create MySpace.tv. However, there are other directions this can go. For example, MySpace Records tried it’s hand at being an Independent music label. While the label still exists, I expect it to get a revamp.
Think about it – an artist shows up on MySpace and gets big numbers within a few weeks. MySpace sees that, then offers to put them on a label. Next thing you know, they’re winning Grammys like Bon Iver.
The MTV of the internet? It’s possible that MySpace’s new infusion could go that direction. 1 million users technically is not even 1% of the US alone. The site can compete easily with Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, Amazon, Google, Music and more. Especially since they cater to the indie artists.
Was Santa Claus or Hanukkah Harry stingy with your holiday gifts? A ton of awesome iPad and iPhone accessories hit the market right before the holidays. Here are the top 10 gifts you wish you got as holiday gifts last month from our friends at Headlines & Heroes.
The Siri on your new iPhone 4S is delightful, but leaves you wanting more. Sure, she can schedule appointments, answer inane trivia questions, and make funny quips, but can she respond to you from across the room? The Iris 9000 Voice Control Module ($60.00) was created to be the woman Siri can’t.
Grab the UpStand ($45.00) from Just Mobile. With its sleek, aluminum design and rubberized supporting grips, the UpStand is a nifty addition to your desktop, floating your iPad at the perfect height, while still in perfect range for working with a Bluetooth keyboard.
The iPhone and the Victrola, otherwise known as the iVictrola ($425), coming to a parlor room near you. NYC designer Matt Richmond has merged centuries of musical listening enjoyment into one vintage yet modern device.
The resilient soft Silicone Cassette Tape Sleeve ($5.00) keeps your phone nice and insulated, and the clear outer case it comes with makes for an ideal stand for you to prop up your phone and watch “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” Again…
The iCade Arcade Cabinet ($100) converts your iPad into the screen for an old school Atari game, retro joystick/ buttons and all. You can download all your favorite games through the App Store and relive your fourth-grade pizza-parlor glory..
Send out your Rover Spy Tank ($150). Controlled by apps on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, you can steer this audio/video-enabled, picture-taking tank safely into the other room for up to 200 feet (100 around walls) to go investigate by its lonesome. Its built-in microphone transmits sound back to you, and its camera streams live videos too.
The iTar IPad Guitar ($200) tunrs your iPad into a serious axe to gring.The iTar case and fretboard from Starr Labs connects to your iPad, transforming it into a full-fledged electronic guitar.
Pick up the new Jackpot Slots ($29.00) from New Potato Technologies. This slick docking station transforms your iPad or iPhone into a real Vegas-style slot machine, complete with one-armed bandit knob. After installing the free gaming app, you can win actual physical prizes from New Potato.
Flouting the last 25 years of telecommunication advances is the iRetrophone ($195.00+). Hand-sculpted and hand-cast in urethane resin, the iRetrophone is a fully functional iPhone dock with a working handset that allows you to hearken back to the olden days when phones had cords and being a milkman was still a viable profession.
The MiniDock from Bluelounge ($20.00) keeps your phone up and out of harm’s way. It sits upright in the MiniDock while it charges directly into the wall socket and frees up tabletop and counter space.
Has your iPhone ever caused a car crash before like in this video outside the Cake Boss‘ store in Hoboken, NJ? Hopefully not! Texting and driving is just stupid. But there is a safe way to cause a movie quality car crash where nothing gets damaged and no one gets hurt (including the Cake BossBuddy Valastro). How? The Action Movie FX iPhone app from J.J. Abrams’ digital group, Bad Robot Interactive.
The app is really just a clever promotion for J.J. Abrams‘ latest film, Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol. The Action Movie FX app lets you create, or “direct,” videos using two free special effects: a missile strike or a car being hurled at a target. Additional effects can be purchased within the app.
To cause complete destruction using your iPhone, just open the app, pick an effect, point your iPhone at a target (like Carlo’s, the store from the TV show Cake Boss), and shoot away. Then, save it to your library or share them on the web.
The “special effects” are actually awesome. Very realistic. Even the sound design (music and sound effects) was done by George Lucus‘ Skywalker Sound.
Action Movie FX is free for a limited time. So go download it and crash a car or a missile into someone you love (or hate)!
Did Santa or Hanukkah Harry get you a new iPad for the holidays? Good for you! Let’s pimp this puppy out! Here’s a list of 10 great accessories you can get for your iPad2 to increase it’s use and even turn it into a power tool!
01) Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse
You need to start by turning it into a laptop at times. Bluetooth keyboard and mouse are great additions. If you want to take notes on your iPad, this is a must-have.
Apple Wireless Keyboards are available new @ $70 and used $30 on Amazon. The magic mouse is available for $70 as well. Of course, you can also get a 3rd party keyboard from companies like kensington and Targus.
02) ZAGG Folio Keyboard – Case Combo
When I saw the ZAGG Folio for iPad2, I was impressed. The cover holds the keyboard and slides to be a iPad stand. The folio cost $100, but if you need to carry the keyboard and iPad around a lot, this is a great duo.
03) Belkin Chef Stand
Just what you need for the kitchen! When your hands are all mucked up and you don’t want to touch the iPad, then try the Chef Stand by Belkin. This helps you find, then make that great recipe. The “Wand” allows you to follow recipes and can be washed with warm, soapy water.
Another cool item is the Kickstand - a great way to raise up your iPad or Laptop. Just put the kickstand in the position, set your device on top and go to town!
05) iPag Case
iPag is a lightweight bag for iPad using microfiber for the lining. Therefore it wipes dirt away without scratching anything. The outer layer is waterproof nylon, so it will protect the iPad from rain, and can be cleaned easily. It also has a strap so you can carry it like a bag.
06) Stylus for iPad
Some people like to work with a Stylus. Others have callused fingers or wear gloves, and so the stylus works a lot better. Nonetheless, you can get a nice Stylus from BoxWave.
Wallee
07) Wallee Wall mount for iPad
I have been looking for this one – The Wallee is a mounting system that lets you mount an iPad to a wall, or other surface. It’s great for those who have a iPad Point of Sales (POS) system in your store.
Of course, the Wallee has some other innovative items for mounting an iPad in different spots. The case is universal – just line up and turn to secure the iPad to the stand or wall mount.
Wonder if anyone has mounted on the their bathroom yet?
08) MIC iStation
This is the most impressive iPad dock I’ve seen. It really makes your iPad feel like you are using a typewriter. Place the iStation on the stand, you have a spot for your keyboard, and can connect up to the speaker system for a better sound. Adjust the volume in front and type away.
The iStation is only $86 and is a great workstation for a small home office – maybe a dorm room.
09) iHealth Blood Pressure Monitor
This last year I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. The medical profession is coming out with more products for your iPad. iHealth makes several items, but the blood pressure cuff is the one I am most interested in. Monitor and track your blood pressure with this device. Then, if you can take that to your doctor, so they can help get your pressure low.
10) What do you use for your iPad?
We don’t know everything! There are a lot of cool items out there to make your iPad into something more. Let us know what you use – Twitter @Methodshop
Want to record memorable moments in your life (up to 5 hours) but wish you had your hands free? Put your phone down and put on a Looxcie ($140, Amazon.com). This super-lightweight wear-and-share video cam captures everything you see and can share the video to social media site via your iPhone or Android phone. It’s awesome!
It basically records your life from your point of view. Just turn on the Looxcie (pronounced LOOK-SEE) and it will record up to 5 hours of what you see. Were the last 5 hours boring? No problem. After 5 hours, the Looxcie will start deleting old footage and recording the new stuff.
Everything from your golf game and a bike race to your baby’s first steps/words can all be captured on video. No one will ever question if you really got that hole-in-one again. Or just leave it on while your driving. If you get in an accident, you can use the footage in court. The Looxcie even doubles as a Bluetooth headset so you can take phone calls too.If something amazing just happened, like your son just scored the winning goal or landed an impossible snowboard trick, then press the Instant Clip button, and Looxciewill instantly upload the last 30 seconds of what happened to Facebook, iCloud, Twitter, YouTube, etc…Or maybe you feel like going live? Just press the Live button to stream whatever you see instantly to friends and family anywhere on the Internet.
The Looxcie provides a unique combination of features, including:
Handsfree POV Design: Looxcie lets you record everything you see without missing any of the action, so you’re able to live your life as you record it.
Instant Sharing: Looxcie lets you instantly share your videos with friends and family with a single button press.
Continuous Recording: Looxcie lets you go “back in time” to capture those unexpected moments you would have missed with a regular camcorder.
Real-Time Personal Casting: Looxcie lets you share what you’re seeing in real time, so friends can see what’s happening while it happens.
Looxcie Apps: You can use your Looxcie cam right out of the box to capture and download video to your computer. But the Looxcie really shines when you use it with the Looxcie apps on your iPhone or Droid. Looxcie connects to your phone via Bluetooth, making it easy to control. Start and stop recording. Choose video clips to share. Even send out a live stream, so your friends and family can see what you’re doing right now.
Flexible Mounting Options: With its lightweight design (less than 1 ounce) and multiple ear loops and ear buds (included), the Looxcie 2 fits comfortably on your ear.
And when you want to take it off your ear, it’s easy. The loops and buds are removable, and the Looxcie 2 easily slides into the Looxcie mounting clips and brackets. So clip it onto your bike, helmet, scooter, motorcycle, dog, car, kids, grandparents… you get the idea, right?
Looxcie lets you share your life as you live it. So use your hands for your life, not for your camera.
Chances are, you have a few bacon loving friends on your holiday shopping list (at least according to this bacon poll). So why not give them the gift of bacon?
Great idea right? But honestly, what the hell do we here at MethodShop.com know about bacon? We’re not experts… let alone bacon royalty. So we asked Social Media superstar and the infamous “Bacon Queen” of Digg.com, Amy Vernon [pictured right], to weigh in on our bacon gift picks. You can follow Amy on Twitter at @AmyVernon or check her out online at BaconQueen.com.
The gifts below don’t just celebrate all things bacon (aka the candy of meat), but they won’t break the bank. From bacon bandages and flavored toothpicks to action figures, here are the top 20 bacon related gifts.
Can bacon help fight cavities? You know it! This bacon flavored 2.5 oz (70 g) tube might taste like bacon, but it’s actually toothpaste. Brushing before bed was never this much fun.
Amy Says: “In all honesty, brushing with bacon-flavored toothpaste before bedtime would just make me hungry and head to the kitchen to make bacon. I would probably only use this in the morning.”
These bacon socks have a bold red leg and foot, white toe and heel, and BACON spelled in big, white block letters down each calf. It’s a strong color combo that shows your love for the tastiest meat treat on the planet. These unisex socks are designed to fit a variety of leg shapes for men and women shoe sizes 6-12.
Amy Says: “I know what I’m asking Hanukkah Harry for this year.”
The most mouth-watering meatcentric board game ever created. Join Mr. Bacon in his mouthwatering journey to the frying pan! Comes with alternate rules that turn the game into a gluttonous meat feast. Ages 8+.
These candy canes might look like regular peppermint flavored candy canes, but they have a secret ingredient… bacon!Amy Says: “Don’t use these to decorate your Christmas tree, because I’ll just steal them.”
The “My First Bacon” plush toy will delight the little ones in your life. Even if they’re not on solid foods yet, your progeny shouldn’t be deprived of the joys of bacon. Soft and snuggly with big giant eyes, My First Bacon™ says, “I’m Bacon!” when you squeeze him. Requires 3 x AA Batteries. Dimensions: 19″ tall by 7″ wide.
Amy Says: “When this changed from ThinkGeek’s April Fools joke to reality, I knew it was just a matter of time before I bought one. It’s on my TG wishlist this year.”
Wish you could fill your house or car with the smell of bacon at all times? The Bacon Air Freshener is the perfect way to brighten any carnivore’s day. Put one up in the family room and everyone will have a sudden craving for a BLT. Put another on in your car and you’ll be pulling over at every diner and burger joint on the way to your destination.
Amy Says: “My main problem with this is that I’d probably start drooling while driving. Have you ever seen me drool while drive? It’s not pretty.”
Bacon lollipops, they’re swirly and sweet and taste like cured meat! A must have for the pork aficionado in your life. This 4″ (10.2 cm) wide, bacon-flavored lollipop goes great with scrambled eggs and hash browns!
Can you think of a better conversation piece than a bacon wallet?! Keep all your money and credit cards organized and secure in this bacon print wallet.
Amy Says: “I haven’t bought one yet primarily because it would just make me hungry every time I bought something.”
Bacon is always a hero at mealtime, but what about the rest of the day? This soft vinyl, bendable Mr. Bacon action figure allows kids to take the heroic powers of bacon with them everywhere they go.
Amy Says: “Mr. Bacon can totally take down Monsieur Tofu.”
The Bacon Tuxedo Sucker Gift Box is the perfect prank for any occasion! Just put your real gift in the box, then sit back and watch as your victim feigns enthusiasm and offers an awkward “thank you” before finding their real gift inside.
Amy Says: “Wait! This isn’t real? You just broke my heart.”
Do you love the taste of bacon in the morning? This bacon flavored dental floss is just the thing for you! The dentist recommends flossing everyday and what better way to do that than with this yummy bacon floss. It effectively removes plaque while leaving your mouth bacon fresh.
Amy Says: “I’m reusing my answer from #1: In all honesty, using bacon-flavored floss before bedtime would just make me hungry and head to the kitchen to make bacon. I would probably only use this in the morning.”
Bacon makes everything better, even hot sauce. The recipe for Bacon Hot Sauce has gone through many iterations and was developed in collaboration with a leading food scientist. Perfect for people who love both bacon and hot sauce.
Amy Says: “Delish! Burn baby burn. Your mouth is a bacon inferno.”
The Vosges Haut-Chocolat company’s mission is to create a luxury chocolate experience rooted in a sensory journey of the obscure. To ensure this, Owner/Chocolatier, Katrina Markoff, personally chooses every spice, flower and chocolate that is flown into their Chicago kitchen. The newest flavor from Vosges, the Mo’s Chocolate and Bacon Candy Bar, combines smoky bacon and sweet milk chocolate. Bacon was always the candy of meat. Now it’s officially a dessert.
Amy Says: “The salty/sweet combo is vastly underrated in society today. Nom.”
This pack of playing cards will surely make an impression and probably make your tummy growl a bit. It features 52 different images of everyone’s favorite meat, Bacon.
Amy Says: “Deal me in. I’ll never use other playing cards again.”
Love bacon but hate chapped lips? Sounds like you need a tube of Bacon Lip Balm. This zero calorie bacon treat will help keep your lips moist and meaty around the clock. Warning: Do not eat your lips. Your lips will smell like bacon, but they are not really bacon. They are still just your lips.