The Perktastic Voyage: Amazon Prime

Is it just me, or is the world moving almost entirely to subscriptions? It's like finally society has caught up to the gym membership model and created an ultimate goal of just taking a little of your money, every month, for forever. For a long time that's how I viewed Amazon Prime. Paying a retailer nearly $10 a month for the opportunity to have free two-day shipping on items I might be able to find cheaper somewhere else had little appeal. But let me tell you the tale of all the ways you can leverage this $99 a year to your benefit.

The Secret (and not so secret) Perks of Amazon Prime

Free 2-day Shipping on (many) Purchases
As a rule I am not a huge fan of people. Especially in customer service settings. Thus I view online shopping as one of the greatest triumphs in modern society. Yet we find ourselves doomed to endure the arcane 3-5 day shipping methods of the 20th Century. Thus, this most obvious perk of your Amazon Prime membership must not be overlooked. The ability to purchase an item and know that it will arrive in a maximum of 48 hours is truly incredible. Not only because it represents getting your hands on the goods more quickly, but because it's a testament to the incredible warehousing volume Amazon possesses. Many items actually arrive the next day.

Subscribe and Save
Here we go again. More money out of your pocket every month... Except in exchange for this money you get physical goods. Things you need/use regularly. And you can schedule those items to come in intervals that fit your need, from monthly to every six months. For subscribing to automatic delivery you get a 10% discount, which jumps to 15% if you include five or more items in one shipment. You can add remove the items that are included in each shipment, but as long as there's always five you'll get the discount. My three-month subscription includes items like dishwasher and laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, toilet paper and vitamins.

Prime Instant Video
Nothing good on TV? Check out Amazon Prime Instant Video. An impressive library of TV shows and movies that are available for on-demand streaming. You may not find the most recent episodes of current shows, but the selection is quite impressive. Remember, you're getting all those other perks, plus streaming video. *in my best infomercial voice* That service alone might cost you as much as $7.99 through other sources!

Kindle Owners Lending Library
Whether you own one of the many Amazon Kindle models, or just want to install the Kindle app on your phone or tablet, who doesn't want some free content. More than 500,000 popular titles are available for Amazon Prime members to digitally "borrow." You're limited to one book at a time, but that's how I like to read anyways. As long as you have web access to return and borrow new books you've got an impressive library at your fingertips.

Kindle First
If you're more into playing for keeps this last, and least publicized, Amazon Prime perk is for you. Each month you can pick one of four pre-release ebook titles to download for free. Each title retails for around 5 bucks. Pair this financial value (about half your monthly Prime fee) and the fact that you're getting these books before they are released to the general public and this is a powerful plus.

So do I advocate poking a hole in your bank account that drains $99 per year? Not without a little thought. But if you're someone who uses products, watches videos or reads books you can easily realize a significant bargain through Amazon Prime. Don't feel bad though. Amazon still wins. By getting the opportunity to sell you an enormous variety of physical and digital products they're coming out ahead, and rewarding some of your volume business with this collection of perks.

A Giant List of Amazing Podcasts (Part 2)

In my last post, I started to scroll through my podcast feed and outline what I listen to on a regular basis. I didn't realize the list was so long, so I decided to break it up. I've already covered sports and photography topics and started to delve into the grab-bag of otherness. I'll continue that here:

NPR: StoryCorps
Everyone you meet has a story. But how often do you get to hear that story? StoryCorps consolidates extraordinary tales from a cross section of humanity. They're presented in first-person voice and digested to bit-sized chunks (under 7 minutes).

99% Invisible
A weekly story digest with a bent toward design and architecture. When I say "architecture" I mean 20 minutes on what kinds of businesses move into former Pizza Hut locations. And you know exactly what I mean because every Pizza Hut has that look. Which is exactly the point. It's really more about entertaining stories than highly intellectual content, which is how I like it.

Good Job, Brain!
Because we all need more trivia in our lives. Here's a wonderful hour-long (approximately) dose of random facts, questions and interesting looks at the background or context for obscure pieces of knowledge you have tucked away. You're sure to learn something interesting, as well as something you'll never need to know again. Most of all you'll get to enjoy some spirited conversation.

Travel with Rick Seteves
Another public radio aligned podcast, this weekly program whisks you around the globe, taking a look at both well-known and obscure locations (sometimes an obscure part of a well known location). It often features local voices sharing context, history and that brand of knowledge that only comes from actually living in a place. Even if you never plan to travel, it's an entertaining listen. If there's a chance you will set out at some point, this podcast may help you shape the kind of adventure that fits with you passions.

PodCastle
Did you know you can find podcasts that are pure fiction? That's exactly what PodCastle is about (and kudos to them on snatching up such a clever name before anyone else). Billed as "The world's first fantasy audio magazine," You're treated to episodes that share compelling fiction stories. It's like having free brief audiobooks at your fingertips. You can stock up on back episodes for extended listening and look forward to new content on a regular basis.

Escape Pod
Another brilliant name, so you know it must be from literary minds. A weekly science fiction podcast magazine, Escape Pod also highlights short stories geared toward a science fiction audience. This in not a subject I delve into deeply during my personal reading, but I do enjoy in audiobook format. These episodes are exceptionally well produced and really keep me entertained for big chunks of time. I'll often start one in the car and end up finishing it while I make dinner or putter around the house.


As you check these out, keep a couple of things in mind:

1. All these podcasts are being offered to you for FREE. How awesome is that?!?!
2. Think about ways you can support the podcasts you truly enjoy. In some cases you'll likely hear the hosts talk about sponsors who are helping them out. Find a way to utilize these services and be sure to enter the promo code for the podcast you love (if available) so they can get credit. In some cases there may be a way to support the podcast directly, if you prefer that option. 
3. Even if you're not into sharing your dollars, yen or bitcoins you can still help out. Post positive ratings on the iTunes Store (or through whatever mechanism you find these shows). Share your favorite podcasts with friends to help grow the audience. You can even share feedback with the shows directly. In many cases these shows may seem bigger than they actually are. I've had emails/comments read on Photofocus, The Tony Kronheiser Show and a couple Afterbuzz TV podcasts... and in many cases I had nothing intelligent to say!  

A Giant List of Amazing Podcasts (Part 1)

A few weeks ago I sat down and calculated just how much time I spend in the car each week. At nearly 15 hours, it's pretty staggering. About three years ago, I abandoned listening to the radio and music (for the most part) in the car, in favor of podcasts. That's led me on a constant search for more entertaining noise to pass the time driving, puttering around the house and on the occasional lunch break. Realizing this list is going to get super long I'm going to split it into multiple posts. 

Disclaimer: When I'm listening to podcasts I'm generally not looking to focus on personal/professional improvement, technical skill development or taking strong moral/political/social stands. I'm just looking for witty banter, entertaining stories and maybe a laugh or two. With that in mind, here's my podcast feed:

ESPN Podcasts (Daily Programming):

PTI (Pardon the Interruption)
22 glorious minutes of bald men shouting at each other about sports. This may go against my previous statement, but I'm not using Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon to inform any opinions of my own. I just enjoy listening to the top sports headlines of the day presented in a context that somewhat resembles how I would chat about them with my friends. 

Around the Horn
Round 2 of "sports shouting" is part panel discussion part game show(?). Four sportswriters (selected from an ever-changing pool) weigh in on 10 of the day's top stories and receive points for their answers based on the whims of host, Toni Reali. Smart, entertaining or funny answers receive points, while self-promotion, hypocrisy and lack of proper references to cult TV shows and movies will earn you mutes and lost points. Each segment ends with the low-score being eliminated until the final two competitors battle for 30 seconds of unmated face-time to talk about the subject of the winner's choosing.

Dan Le Batard is Highly Questionable
Imagine PTI, but with a Cuban sportswriter, his even more Cuban father and sportswriter Bomani Jones. Based in Miami, this Heat-biased podcast includes hilarious banter and distinguishes itself for a segment with reviews/commentary on YouTube videos and often have little or nothing to do with sports.

The Tony Kornheiser Show
Maintaining only the bare minimum connection to sports, this hour-long summary of Tony Kornheiser's daily Washington DC radio program is nearly beyond description. But now I'll describe it. You'll hear about DC weather and traffic extensively, and by extensively I don't mean in incredible or accurate detail. You will hear loud opinions that, unless you live in DC, you'll assume must be true based on the ferocity of their assertion. There are interviews that cover local and national political topics, news summaries and movie reviews. Sprinkled throughout is that wonderfully intoxicating blend of anger, fear and rejection of nearly all modern societal norms that make men in their 30's long to be in their 70's. 

Television Recaps/Discussions:

Afterbuzz TV
In a previous post I outlined the concept of Afterbuzz TV and some of my favorite podcasts they offer. I'll be brief here and say if you enjoy watercooler talk about a favorite show it's worth checking to see if Afterbuzz does a podcast for it. 

Photography:

This Week in Photo
A weekly panel discussion on leading photography topics. New gear, news stories involving photojournalists, the portrait and wedding industry and any other major themes that affect people who love to create photos. There's also interviews with key industry figures, listener Q&A and picks of the week, which can be equipment, software, training or anything else that can somehow be connected to photography. 

Photofocus Podcast

This podcast has gone through a few iterations in the last couple years, but now it's pretty much settled on being couple interviews with photographers and creatives who tell a bit of their story, comment on current issues and offer advice to those aspiring to similar goals. This podcast is published on the 5th, 15th and 25th of each month. 

Raw Talk

Presented by Fro Knows Photo, this weekly show delves into the common news, equipment and Q&A themes that are covered in most photography podcasts. Aptly named, this podcast tackles these topics with a raw and unapologetic display of opinion. Sometimes the truth is blunt, and while I don't always agree with everything Jared Polin says (though I'm in no position to suggest I know better) or how the messages are delivered I thoroughly enjoy the listen each week. 

The Miscellaneous Grab Bag of Other Podcasts:

NPR, Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

Somewhere along the way I discovered this gameshow-esque gem that runs down a scattering of news headlines with a comedic troop of random guests. The show has a little bit of everything. Absurd quotes from newsmakers, summaries of fake and real news stories, news related limericks and rapid-fire trivia. Each episode features a famous guest, who is then asked random questions about something vastly outside their area of expertise. 

NPR, Snap Judgement

This podcast is especially tricky to explain. Basically it's a collection of remarkable stories that are told with bits of classic radio production (read: interesting sound effect s and compelling music). 

   

  

Why Not a Recipe? (Garlic Marinara Turkey Burger over Polenta)

1 Cup Polenta
4 Turkey Burger Patties (Turkey Meatballs could work too)
1 Tomato
1/2 Onion
A lovin' spoonful of olive oil*
1 Garlic Clove
Marinara Sauce

*While not officially recognized by most measurement standards, the "lovin' spoonful" is one of my scales of guesstimation. In this case it refers to just enough to coat the pan that's being used.  

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the polenta and turn the heat down low. Dice up the tomato and onion and add them. Let that cornmeal goodness simmer away for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   
2. Put your favorite fry pan on medium heat with the olive oil. Dice up the garlic and toss it in there to get brown and fragrant. You can save some of the onion and add it here as well. Then toss in your turkey of choice to soak up a lot of the oily flavor. Let that stuff get a good simmer on, stirring/turning so nothing gets burned.
   
3. You can either add the marinara sauce to the pan with the turkey or cook it in a separate saucepan.
   
4. Stack up that goodness. 1. Polenta 2. Meat 3. Sauce
   
5. Chow down on that savory feast that's gonna stick to your bones (and your breath) for a good long time.

Fitbit Flex and Adventures in Calorie Counting

I know we're less than 90 days into 2014, so all results should be taken with a grain of salt, but it may be time to go shopping for some smaller pants. A lot of the credit goes to a new exercise gadget I got for Christmas... and the effect it's had on my diet!

I've never considered myself to be particularly fat, but these days I'm accepting the reality that I'm not in the shape I'd like to be and I'm definitely carrying a little extra mass around my midsection. At the end of 2013 I realized that my BMI had escalated to the "overweight" category. Just barely, and it's easy to make excuses (I can't honestly imagine it would be "healthy" to weigh 140 pounds at my height), but the fact of the matter is I'd like to do better. The spark for change happened when I strapped on my Fitbit Flex.

At its core a Fitbit lets you know how much you move. They have a wide variety of products that all help you keep track of your movement. The general consensus is that we should all get at least 10,000 steps a day in our pursuit of optimum health. A Fitbit helps you keep track. The model I have, the Fitbit Flex, slips into a band that attaches to my wrist. In addition to steps, it can track active minutes (time spent in motion), calories burned and time spent asleep.

Where things really started getting interesting for me was when I took a closer look at the Fitbit app that corresponded with my device. In addition to seeing all my stats in real-time the app allows me to manually record other exercise activities, the food I've eaten, how much water I drink and my weight. You can set a weight loss goal and get a real-time scale of recommended calories based on what you've eaten and how active you've been that day.

Ouch.

Apparently there's been this nutrition information on all the food I eat, but I never had any context for what the numbers meant. Obviously a 300 calorie latte is better for me than a 500 calorie latte... and a candy bar is just a snack, so 250 calories must not be very much, right? Wrong! Turns out that candy bar ends up being nearly 1/2 a meal's worth of calories. Let alone the major hits to my eating budget that gourmet espresso beverage can pack. But there's good news as well. Getting the extra 2,000-3,000 steps I need to reach 10,000 for the day helps me earn enough calories to offset one of these indulgences during the day. And opting for more salads, whole grains and steering away from bread and (as much as it pains me to say it) cheese can really lead to some results.

Since Christmas time I'm down almost 15 pounds, which was my original goal, but now I'd like to drop about five more. By having the acceptability of recording my food choices I find myself eating better and smarter. There are still days where I blow it, and sometimes you need that caloric bomb... or so it seems. But keeping track encourages me to make those days the exception, as opposed to the rule.

Over the past 5-7 years I've been better about my exercise regimen. The Nike+ sensor for my shoes/ipod helped me get excited about running and see how getting in shape could make me feel better. I've always figured I'd rather exercise twice as much as opposed to eating half as much. But more and more I'm seeing how diet and exercise really do go hand in hand. It's something the experts will tell you, but some things you just have to figure out for yourself. Making good food choices and being proactive with exercise may lead me to the quality of life I've been looking for.

So maybe I'll hold off on buying all those new pairs of pants. Or maybe just one for now. We'll see if this change can stick... and if I can build on it to move further toward a healthier and fitter me. For now, I can double-tap my Fitbit and see that I'll be taking the dog for a long walk tonight, and look forward to trying out some new lentil curry recipes.

Adopt These Doodles So I'm Not Tempted

Hugo just celebrated his second birthday. That's hard to believe. It's also easy to forget how challenging that first year was. All the training, all the attention, all the stress. That's why I need your help. Visit Dreamy Doodles Northwest and consider adopting one of they adorable Labradoodle puppies they have available. Because the last thing Hugo needs for his second birthday is a kid brother. :P