RATE IT! 1,001 Facts...

...That Will Scare the S**t Out of You! Got your attention?

People can't get enough of books that list all the beautiful, awe-inspiring aspects of life, but what about the down and dirty, scary stuff that keeps us up at night? Yep, we love a juicy, real life horror story too. 


If you prefer your lists more freaky than warm and fuzzy, Cary McNeal's book, '1,001 Facts That Will Scare the S**t Out of You' should be your next purchase.


It's creepy, scary and just cringe-worthy all wrapped into one easy to digest book. It's awesome -- and yes, if Cary's name seems familiar, it's because it is! Mr. McNeal is the genius behind one of the most hilarious websites in existence, List of the Day. Well worth a visit!

RATE IT! I'm Lost...But Loving Facebook

Lost at the English seaside...

One very much loved teddy... left behind by accident at a Suffolk tea room a few weeks back. 


The owner of the tea shop, Liz Everett took the threadbare teddy into her protective care and has created a Facebook page in the hopes that she can get lost teddy reunited with his loving owner.

All together now... Aw!!!! 

Here's hoping social networking will get this lost toy back in the warm embrace of the child who is probably missing him so terribly! I feel for the poor kiddie. 

You can help! 
Sign up to lost teddy's Facebook page, "I'm Lost.  Help Me Find My Family" today.

HATE IT! Calourette Finger Ring

Is it just me?


Looking at this ring now available from Urban Outfitters - the first thing that pops into my mind isn't "Wow, cool!" 


My first impression is more along the lines of "Ew!"


It doesn't matter that this finger trinket is designed by a happening French designer, or that it goes for the princely sum of $100 US -- it's just kinda ghoulish. 

RATE IT! Top 5 FREE Health Apps

Yes, my iPhone love shows no signs of stopping... and it's influencing my work routine too!


Please check out my latest article, this time for Best Health Magazine's excellent website:


The Top 5 Free Health Apps

Don't we all need a little help keeping us fit, healthy and happy?

RATE IT! Eat, Pray, Love

Only 4 days until this masterpiece of summery deliciousness is gone... hopefully, not forever.


Dairy Queen's Oreo Brownie Earthquake Blizzard.


You must try it. You must. It's important to spoil yourself once in awhile. 


Miss it at your own peril. This Blizzard of the Month will be only a melted memory once August 1st rolls around. 


Eat it. Pray that it returns. Love it. 

RATE IT! ...I Met and Liked...

I'm not one for journals or diaries - tried it once or twice, and the habit never stuck - but I *do* quite like these novel "...I Met and Liked..." books designed for recording exciting encounters of all sorts.


This series of blank journals includes tomes to write at length about brats you've met and liked, secret agents you've met and liked, and shrinks you've had and liked. Why shrinks only deserve the 'had' notation is beyond me. To clutter up the decision making process even further, you can also choose from models and celebs to like as well (no 'had', unfortunately).


I choose celebs! Had some luck in that category as of late, and the purple cover is rather fetching.


Available now from Fred Flare. 

RATE IT! At the Indie Disco

Ah! Reliving my late nights at Blow Up, the Britpop club of (yikes!) 14-15 years ago. 

'At the Indie Disco' was the first single release from The Divine Comedy's most recent release, 'Bang Goes the Knighthood' and this song perfectly captures what it was like to spend hours hanging with friends, dancing to Blur, Pulp, Suede and the like. 

The album's been out for about a month or two now and I'm terribly late in giving it any props. Shameful as TDC is one of my favourite bands ever. 

Better late than never, right? Listen, watch, enjoy!

RATE IT! Everything You Need To Know

Vulture, New York Magazine's online pop culture funhouse, has created a 5 minute "Mad Men" highlight reel that delivers the entire three season scoop, just in time for Sunday's season four premiere! 

It's informative and funny!
Sit back and get set for all the Don Draper dramatics! Cannot wait for it all to kick off once again!

RATE IT! The Women of Mad Men

Summer television viewing just got more exciting with the return of "Mad Men" this coming Sunday.


Will Betty go through with her plans to divorce Don? Will Peggy make the ad agency boys' club a thing of the past? And will Joan ever find true happiness? So many questions, so little time!


While we wait for Sunday to arrive, check out this segment featuring the women of "Mad Men" answering even more questions!

HATE IT! Slow News Month

Ask us if we care?


Brad - Angelina - Jennifer


Seriously, we do not. We're so OVER this trio.... so over them. 


US Magazine's sources must all be on holiday because this old news is being reconfigured for consumption for the umpteenth time. 


Shame many millions of trees had to die for this unnecessary re-run. 


And does anyone care about the *other* stories being showcased this week? Nah, I didn't think so!

RATE IT! iPhone Tech Goes to the Dogs

If you're a dog owner, or someone looking to find the perfect family pet, here's a fun article just for you!


Tech meets Rover! My latest article...


Top 10 Dog Apps


Even my Zoey approves! 

RATE IT! Teen Detective Turns 80

It's hard to believe that teen sleuth extraordinaire, Nancy Drew is celebrating her 80th birthday this year!


The series of Nancy Drew mysteries have been hot sellers for the publishing industry for decades. Along with the Hardy Boys, Nancy seemed to reach her peak of popularity in the 1970s and '80s when there was even a TV show dedicated to her adventures. 


To mark the occasion of her milestone birthday, there's this cool t-shirt available now from Fred Flare. Here's to another 80 years, dear Nancy!


Now, I wonder what ever happened to Trixie Belden?


(check out this link for the old Nancy Drew TV series)

RATE IT! We Are Truly United

Mondays are always tough at the best of times but after my little adventure of late last week, it's proving more tricky an usual.


As per my hype from weeks past, my beloved football team, Manchester United finally visited my country -- my city! -- for a pre-season friendly vs. Scotland's finest team, Celtic.


The match itself was a total pinch me moment. To have my team running out in front of me on the Rogers Centre's newly laid grass pitch, was a dream come true. It felt both glorious and odd to be sat there watching my idols. So much fun and yet weird to have them... well, HERE!


Not only was the game a special memory to behold for years and years, but I also had the pleasure of meeting several United legends, Paddy Crerand and Bryan Robson, and the ultimate....team manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, during the past few days. Such lovely people. So friendly, just as I had hoped. Sometimes when you meet such people they end up being a disappointment or worse, rude. Couldn't be further from the truth with this lot. Class act to a man. Wonderful ambassadors for their sport and team. 


United beat Celtic 3-1 to start their pre-season tour of North America on the right foot. Their next stop is in Philadelphia this coming Wednesday. If you're in the vicinity, I whole-heartedly suggest that you take in the match and see some of the best football players in the game today. As for me, I'll just keep reliving my time with the team and anxiously await the start of the 2010-11 English Premiership season this August. 

RATE IT! GQ Has a Sense of Humour

Paul Rudd, Tracey Morgan and a few other funny dudes are yucking it up in the new comedy issue of 'GQ' magazine.


Nice to see the mag not taking itself so seriously for a change! 

RATE IT! New W, New Hamm

Wow!


While this new "W" magazine cover is not for 'Mad Men', it has to be said that Jon Hamm cannot return to our TV screens soon enough. 


This magazine feature is for his new movie, 'The Town' directed by Ben Affleck. 

RATE IT! Only One More Sleep...

...until Manchester United arrive on MY side of the pond... in MY city! Okay, yes...they've been in North America (Chicago, specifically) since Monday...but it's a different level of excitement when they're in your neck of the woods. 

A huge deal to have one of the world's most famous football teams here in our own backyard. I have waited for this day for eons which is fitting as AON is their new kit sponsor. 


Bad joke but at least I tried! 

RATE IT! Evil Fortune Cookies

Time to spice up your next serving of Chinese take-out. Instead of the usual nonsensical fortune cookies that are tossed in with your order, finish your meal with these newcomers:
Cookie Misfortune's Evil Fortune Cookies (now available from Think Geek). 


They're real, authentic fortune cookies. They're just hiding a snarky twist, that's all!


Give your guests a kick in the pants with a variety of insults...but, be warned... these messages are meant for adults only!

RATE IT! Katy Perry on Elle

August's issue of 'Elle Canada' features songstress, Katy Perry looking very demure.


I love Katy's more kooky side but it's refreshing to see her appearing more subtle. It lets her true beauty shine through. Lovely!

RATE IT! Propaganda - Dr. Mabuse

Having an '80s flashback -- but in a *good* way!


Propaganda, the German band that was part of the ZZT music staple in England (also home to the Art of Noise, and Frankie Goes to Hollywood) will be releasing a 25th anniversary edition of their debut, "A Secret Wish" on July 27.


It's been 25 years? I'm officially old. 


Until its release, here's a little taster of "Dr. Mabuse." Yep, the video is odd in that '80s weird-arty kinda way but there's no debating how wicked this tune is. Still holds up, I think!

HATE IT! Disney Couture Shark Bracelet

The first word that came to my mind was "seriously?"


Disney Couture is peddling this questionable bracelet fashioned after a jaw-shaped animal trap. 


Seriously!


Complete with a starfish charm and Swarovski crystals, this trinket retails for around $54US.


Personally, I can think of many more uses for that $54. 


I think Disney missed the mark on cruelty free beauty.

RATE IT! Heatwave Blizzard

Whew! Temperatures are baking upwards into the 40 degree Celsius range. Could I be forgiven for believing that July's Dairy Queen Blizzard of the Month was a just a taste tempting mirage?


But thankfully, IT'S REAL!


I give you the Oreo Brownie Earthquake Blizzard. 


Yes, a moment of silence in respect for this awe inspiring icy treat is perfectly within reason. 


This Blizz quite simply takes my breath away. Crumbly Oreo pieces, chunky chocolatey brownies, drizzled hot fudge sauce....marshmallow!...and vanilla soft serve! It's almost too much to comprehend. My blood sugar soars to new heights just pondering its creamy taste.


Did the mini earthquake of two weeks ago cause the Canadian DQ HQ to concoct a Blizzard of such perfection as an ode to the lovely planet we inhabit? Clearly, the heat is getting to me, and I'm just being sillier than usual. Perhaps I should just tuck into the Oreo Brownie Earthquake, and simply enjoy. I'll take a large one, please and thank you!


DQ, you've really done it this time! Thanks for spoiling us ever so much this July! 


UPDATE: the Blizz being served up to our American friends is actually the Pecan Pie Blizzard. Better you than me! 

RATE IT! Mad Men Yourself 2010

It's back!!!!

With the return of 'Mad Men' to our television screens July 25, AMC has brought back the Mad Men Yourself application. Click here and put yourself in the picture!

RATE IT! Mad Men Season 4 Sneak Peek!

Roll on, July 25!! Cannot wait for the return of 'Mad Men'! 


Enjoy this season 4 featurette! I sure did!

RATE IT! Zoey of the Week

It's the dog days of summer in our neck of the woods. 

Steamy hot and humid even in the shade. Zoey's chilling inside waiting for the new season of 'Big Brother' which kicks off this coming Thursday in US. At least it's something to watch while the World Cup winds down -- and until 'Mad Men' returns later this month. 

RATE IT! Making Whoopie

Pies, that is!!


Sorry to disappoint *some* of you but my latest article for Vervegirl is still worth checking out!


Whoopie! Recipes & Pie! Oh, My!

Hungry? View at your own risk. 

RATE IT! Officially Summer

Has the weather in your neck of the woods been more Spring than Summer? 


While you wait for Mother Nature to get into gear, tuck into Entertainment Weekly's Summer issue for a taste of the elusive season.


Will Ferrell getting beachy-with it! 


Will's appearance on the cover of ET comes on the heels of the news that his modern Christmas classic, "Elf" is Broadway bound. Joy!