The Refs are Back & Kate Upton's Singing the National Anthem

THE REFS ARE BACK! ThE ReFs ArE BaaaaaaCK! And so I find it necessary to put together my first male-centric blog about....well....the only thing guys care about - FOOTBALL.  

Become an en-THUUZ-iastic fan of your Fantasty Players and your favorite teams with Thuuz's phone app. You'll receive alerts when games are getting good or your Fantasty Players are kicking butt. They'll let you know if the Saints are actually winning.

"Oh ya? Well just wait till I get to work on Monday cuz I'm gonna kick your butt on Facebook."  Drew Brees would LOVE IT if you spent your workday playing his new venture. Wedge Buster has brought your favorite sports games to Facebook, Zynga-style. His team may have beat you on Sunday but you will annihilate him at QB Attack on Monday. GAME ON!

They say they're "in" for group tickets. They act like they can pay for them. So why are you not AT the game?! PayByGroup shows exactly who those flakes are by way of their group payment collection website. No more nagging for money. Time to see who the real fans are.

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Thuuz
"Quick Turn on the game, Kate Upton's Singing the National Anthem in her Bikini"
http://www.thuuz.com/home/

Ok, maybe this app doesn't care about Kate Upton but it sure does care about the "this-will-totally-be-on-Sportscenter-later" moments. Thuuz has made your sports dreams come true with their notification app that sends alerts to your phone when a game is getting good. But it doesn't stop there...customizable features include alerts based on performances by your Fantasty Players and your favorite teams. Ratings of games become customized based on your preferences of what you find exciting.

- 0 to 100 rating produced for every game based on play-by-play data including upsets and comebacks
- Predictive excitement ratings let you know if games might be boring ahead of time
- Red hot meter goes up if a game features one of your favorite teams, fantasy players
- Import your Fantasty Teams from ESPN, Yahoo, CBS, NFL.com, Flea Flicker
- Alert Examples: kickoff, in scoring position, Fantasty match up, scoring plays, comebacks

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Wedge Buster
"You are soooo going down...on Facebook"
http://www.wedgebuster.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/WedgeBuster

Drew Brees is IN! Are you? The "Zynga for Sports" company Wedge Busters has picked up funding led by the famous quarterback and a few of his friends like skateboarder Rob Dyrdek. Play sports against your facebook friends or try to top the leaderboard against the entire facebook community.

Fantasty Sportsbook: Bet on the Game, Report your awesome wins to your FB newsfeed
QB Attack: Challenge your friend, choose your QB, try to hit floating helmets
Puck Off: Destroy pucks as they come out on the ice

- Launching on Facebook website, not yet available for mobile
- Over 250,000 users, 100 games
- Facebook "Like" feature on all games shows you which are most popular
- Drawback: ads run at the beginning of a new game

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PayByGroup
"Dude, You Still Owe Me $300 from 2008"
http://paybygroup.com/

Not it! I will not be responsible for buying us all season tickets hoping that you pay me back. Unless we use PayByGroup of course. It's the best way to find out who's serious and who's full of...well, ya know. It's pretty straight forward: You all want season tickets >> You each owe a bazzillion dollars >> You each put in your credit card to PayByGroup >> Money is transferred to the organizer to buy the tickets

- If cash goal is not met no one is charged
- PayByGroup does all the nagging
- Payments are automatically adjusted as more people pay their share
- Great for big tickets items: Vacations, Concerts, Bachelor/ette Parties, Team fees, Cruises, Gifts
- NO FEES! NO FEES! NO FEES!

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"Siri, find me a designated driver"

"Towers here, towers there but cell towers are not everywhere"
OpenSignal lets you see coverage before deciding on a carrier. No wonder my AT&T phone doesn't work here.

"Siri, find me a designated driver" (EPIC FAIL!)
A Siri functionality flaw solved using the StearClear app. The company brings you and your car home at the same rate of using a taxi. And guys, us girls will be much more impressed this way.

"I had a headache 'this big' "
Step aside Excedrin. Parking headaches have disappeared with Parking Panda. The phone app lets you reserve a parking space by location and price. I think I'll save my Excedrin for a Justin Bieber concert.

"May MyForce Be With You...Always"
Kevin Costner becomes a cell phone app. MyForce brings bodyguard-like protection via your cell phone. Immediate responders are dipatched at the tap of a screen already equipped with your location and physical description. That's so 2012...however, I'll miss the biceps and McGyver maneuvers.

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OpenSignal
"No wonder my cell service sucks here!"
http://opensignal.com

Now I know why I've been having so much cell trouble when I moved to the Bay Area a year ago. AT&T is practically worthless up here. Use this site to find out which carrier has the best signal strength in your area.

- Which carrier is the best in your area
- How strong their signal is
- Only 20 cities loaded up so far

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STEARCLEAR
"I don't think so Mr. Lush. Gimmie those keys."
https://www.stearclear.com/how-use-stearclear

Have too much to drink? Request a pick up via STEARCLEAR, driver quotes are sent to your phone, choose one and they're on their way. The phone app is free and a pick up starts at $20 plus $2.50/mile. MAKE MONEY! Be a driver and earn part-time income.

- GPS centric to locate a team of 2 near you to drive you home
- Drivers are pre-screened
- Premium account lets you pre-book a pickup
- Be a driver and get paid

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Parking Panda
"Saving me a headache one parking spot at a time."
https://www.parkingpanda.com/

2 reasons I don't drive into the city: parking and cost. Parking Panda is my new best friend. Not only can I pre-order a parking spot but I may also save money by planning ahead.

- 24 cities, 4,000+ garages, 500,000+ spaces
- Like/Dislike feature available for rating garages
- Discounts on certain parking garages
- Refunds within 24 hours

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MyForce
"My very own bodyguard? YES!"
http://myforce.com/

Ever feel just a tad nervous when you're walking home at 2am? Or maybe you just wanna feel like J.Lo with your own body guard. Either way - it's here! MyForce has brought an app to your phone which sends any emergency immediately to responders with one simple tap. Health emergencies, burglaries, whatever the situation, you're covered.

- Once the alert is triggered, your phone dims to avoid drawing attention
- Your profile containing health issues and physical description is sent with your alert
- Consistent monitoring of your location
- It's a pretty penny at $120 a year

Why Wasn't This Invented Years Ago

This update is full of "meat and potatoes".  Speaking of potatoes, do you know how far yours has traveled? Yottamark does! Yottamark's HARVESTMARK traces fruits and vegetables back to their source so consumers can wisely pick eco-friendly groceries.

It's time to start that company you've always dreamed of and BigCommerce is going to help you get there. Build your company website, sell products, and start marketing your online store. Sure you can build your company website anywhere but why not have built in SEO, analytics, and app integration courtesy of BigCommerce.

Take a back seat mobile car washers! YourMechanic brings a range of car services to your location - anywhere. Don't wanna get a botched repair job? All their mechanics are ASE certified with at least 10 years experience and all service is backed with a guarantee.

"Going in blind" is NOT what the doctor ordered. Castlight Health brings transparency to healthcare with their online marketplace of doctor reviews, office visit costs, and birthing center recommendations. It's everything you want to know before you go.

Congrats on the home loan - bet that house isn't really turnkey is it?  No sweat because CalFinder is knee-deep in the haystack looking for your needle.  Pools, bathrooms, kitchens - it's a feeding frenzy of qualified, 5-star rated contractors for hire.

Last but not least, don't start planning for their college education without visitng SimpleTuition. You may just find a deal!

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Yottamark's HARVESTMARK
Trace your food back to the source
http://www.harvestmark.com/

By using their free app you'll be able to scan the sticker on fruits and vegetables and view their path to the store. Kroger is currently the only chain participating. If you give them your location they will begin working with stores near you to get the technology into your markets and grocery stores. Send them your location here http://www.harvestmark.com/myfood.aspx#JoinUS

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BIGCOMMERCE
Everything you need to create a successful online store
http://v2.bigcommerce.com/

When you're ready to open your online store it's nice to have a dedicated "guru" there to help you launch, promote and grow your store. Everything is simplified from creating your storefront, configuring your products, to managing your store.

- Helps you dominate on Google via SEO
- Provides you a personal "guru" to aid in the process
- Adds marketing functionality: coupons, promotions, social media, email blasts
- Starts at $25 a month: 100 products, 3 staff logins, 200MB storage, $100 towards Google AdWords

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YOURMECHANIC
Mechanics come to you - wherever you are
https://www.yourmechanic.com/

YourMechanic takes the leg-work out of fixing your car. Tell them what's wrong and they'll shop quotes from their database of pre-screened mechanics. Before accepting a quote you can view their ratings & reviews, service history, and certifications.

- 12 month or 12,000 mile service guarantee
- Mobile Mechanics have at least 10 yrs experience with ASE Certification
- Mechanics have profile pages with reviews and service history
- Side-by-Side price comparison with dealerships & shops

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CASTLIGHT HEALTH
http://www.castlighthealth.com/

A web application that provides consumers with clarity around their healthcare costs, usage, coverage, and choices. Go to the website and watch the Demo. There's tons of additional info.

- View cost before going to the doctor
- See cost & quality of hospitals before you go
- Compare a doctor's cost and see reviews
- See transparency on hospitals: overall patient experience, clinical quality, pregnancy delivery quality
- Your company or insurance provider has to have an account in order for you to use their website

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CALFINDER
http://www.calfinder.com/

CalFinder connects homeowners with home remodeling contractors. Similar to Angie's List.

- Pre-screened remodeling contractors
- Interviews the homeowner to be sure they provide an accurate match
- Follow up with homeowner after the work is done to ensure quality
- Limited types of work (some fix-its but mostly remodeling)

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SIMPLE TUITION
Putting transparency into student loans
http://www.simpletuition.com/

Perhaps a tad late for most of us but good to send to anyone about to start the process.

- Student Loan Comparisons
- Discounts on textbooks
- Tips, advice on planning/paying for college

I'm Too Lazy to Pick Out my Clothes

"She's a Nasty Gal!" 
Well that's quite a compliment if you shop on Nasty Gal's website. Fashion forward meets vintage meets I'm-too-lazy-but-want-to-look-awesome. Browse the website and you'll find entire outfits complete with accessories.

"But mooooom, I need to look awesome for my first day of 5th grade!"
Send your lil one to Fabkids and go take a snooze. When you wake up the nagging will be over. On a monthly basis, Fabkids puts together an outfit based on your child's profile of size, weight, likes, dislikes.

"Dressing Room Fashion Show....in Your Living Room"
Fill out a profile with Stitch Fix and they'll send you a shipment of goodies you're bound to love. Don't like anything? Send it all back with free shipping.

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NASTY GAL
It's fashion forward mixed with Vintage
http://www.nastygal.com/

The CEO started selling one-of-a-kind vintage clothing by taking pictures of her friends dressed up and selling the outfits on eBay. People couldn't get enough. Simply through word-of-mouth and social platforms the company exploded and has now raised nearly $50M.

- Avg price clothes: $60
- Avg price Shoes: $100-$200
- Sale items slashed in half

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FABKIDS
Ready-to-wear outfits for kids
https://www.fabkids.com/

First create a profile for your child by taking their quiz. Then watch your inbox as Fabkids sends you emails with outfits already put together. If you like it buy it. If not, "skip the month" and you won't be charged.

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STITCH FIX
The latest trends. The best new brands. Delivered to your doorstep.
http://www.stitchfix.com/

Online shopping service that acts as a personal shopper. Give them a little bit of information about your style and they'll send you 5 pieces to try on. Send back what you don't like.

- Price points range from $50 - $200 for dresses, tops, pants
- Accessories are added to the pieces they pick
- Free shipping allows you to easily send back what you don't want
- $20 fee applied if you don't like anything they send you

To Be or Not To Be...Social

Raise your hand if you think Instagram was the rip off of 2012.....Ya me too.  Bring in Snapseed. More filters, more editing capabilities, and more functionality without the "Rich Kids of Instagram" egos.

Speaking of Facebook, why are they missing the boat on networking?  They should have spent a billion dollars on Tagged, not Instagram. Tagged interweaves similar interests online to introduce you to people you've been missing. Gear up online game junkies and Match.com-ers...it's time to fill the rolodex with people just like you.

Why has no one invented that yet?! Quirky lets you Invent. Influence. Earn. You think it's a must have? It's time to let your peers be the judge. Post your idea on Quirky, let the community vote, and CHA-CHING your idea is manufactured & generating revenue - If it's any good, that is.

Calling all Moms! It's daily deals just for you, from you. Moms start sharing their likes and discounts amongst each other on Plum District.


SNAPSEED
Move over Instagram - this is worth more than your Billion dollars
http://www.snapseed.com/

Launched for Apple products in 2011, Snapseed is still flying under the radar thanks to the outrageous following of Instagram. For all of you who are rolling your eyes, here is something to smile about. At $4.99 on the iTunes App Store you can snag the Snapseed app and experience the following:

- Auto correct adjusts color & exposure automatically
- Adjust White Balance, Saturation, Contrast, Brightness
- Rotate, crop, remove parts of your photo
- Blur the background with one touch

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TAGGED
It's social discovery to find new relationships for friendship, dating, business, family life....anything
http://about.tagged.com/

Think about using Facebook and Twitter but having the search functions of a dating site. Strike up a conversation, start playing Mafia Wars together, or open your own Cafe and invite people to come inside. With 300 million members, looks like you're the one missing out.

- Filter who you see and start a conversation with a member
- Invite members to play games
- Open a coffee shop and invite members in and start a group discussion

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QUIRKY
Bring your ideas to life or vote for the next great one
http://www.quirky.com/

Quirky allows you to take that great idea you have and make it reality without the big overhead. Simply submit your idea, allow the community to evaluate your product, and wait for the results. Want to be an influencer?  Good - cuz you can make $! Signup to contribute to the design and branding of products in development, or help determine their price. As you become a bigger influencer you'll make more money. You can also promote Quirky products to earn a share of the profits through social sales.

- $10 to submit an idea
- Innovators earn 42% of the revenue (Quirky takes a cut)
- Become an influencer and get paid on each sale if the product makes it to production
- Social Scene: Become connected with the Quirky community. Users can interact wtih each other in an array of social networking.

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PLUM DISTRIC
For Moms, From Moms
http://www.plumdistrict.com/

It's like Groupon for Moms. Plum District is a community of moms sharing offers from local and national merchants for other moms to enjoy.

- Daily deals Groupon-style including a wide range from family vacations to clothes to learning materials
- Available across 40 cities in the U.S. and growing
- Email sign up allows you to receive daily deals in your inbox
- No refunds