Create An Offline Internet Library With Instapaper

The internet is huge. Like, enormously, massively big. You can probably find anything you're looking for at least four times. Inevitably we all create systems for remembering some of our favorite sites, pages and sources of information.

I generally keep 3-4 browser tabs open with my favorite sites a click away. I have bookmark folders with links to sites and pages for various topics (recipes, music, work stuff, etc.). I also use Feedly to subscribe to real-time updates on news sites and blogs.

But all these tools have one thing in common. They function only with an active internet connection. That's increasingly available in most places, but there are times when it's not. My family lives out in the country and the connection can be slow or non-existent at times. You can now keep most electronics on when you're flying, but onboard wi-fi is still sparse and rarely free.

Fear not. Instapaper has your back! It can help you snatch your favorite parts of the internet and store them for offline use, across all your devices. This handy app installs on your browser and has some great features:

1. It's Easy: Instapaper can add a button to your toolbar. If you're on a page you'd like to reference later, just click the button and it shoots the page to your Instapaper dashboard.
2. It's Connected: You can install Instapaper on your computer, phone, tablet, etc. I have it on all my devices. I do a lot of browsing on my computer and save content to read later on my Kindle. 
3. It's Organizable: You can quickly create folders to organize your information.
4. It's Forever (I think): Instead of a bookmark to a blog or site with constantly changing information you'll have the exact post/article you wanted to preserve for eternity. 
5. It's Free
6. UPDATE - YOU CAN FORWARD EMAILS TO INSTAPAPER FOR REFERENCE

Here are a few things to keep in mind about Instapaper:

1. It does require periodic internet connection: In order for your links to be accessible on each of your devices you'll have to launch Instapaper while connected to the internet, so the pages can be downloaded to each device (If I launch Instapaper on my Kindle it downloads all my new pages to that device, but they only get to my phone if I launch Instapaper on my phone while connected). 
2. It's trickier to save links on your mobile devices: I haven't found a one-click solution for saving on my phone/Kindle. On those devices you have to copy the URL of the page, then launch Instapaper. From there it's easy though, as Instapaper detects that you have copied a URL and prompts you for a one-click import.
3. It is static: You have to actively save every page, post or article to Instapaper. There's no subscribing and having all the new information piped in automatically. That works for me though. My philosophy is that Instapaper is for the best of the best from all my favorite sources. I use Feedly (an RSS reader) to browse my sources then send the key things I want to read later or keep forever to Instapaper.
4. It's primarily text-only: When the content gets copied to Instapaper all the beautiful design/formatting from the original source gets stripped out. If that is essential to how you experience the information you want to save, this isn't your solution. Photos generally come through, videos do not. 

Are there some non-connected places you frequent? Are there times you'd like to access some of your web content in those locations? If so, give Instapaper a try. 

5 Items I Wish I Could Subscribe to From Amazon

It's been about a year since I signed up for Amazon Prime. I can't say my life has been completely transformed by Prime Membership, but it's definitely full of benefits.  One of my favorites is Subscribe and Save, which allows me to schedule regular delivery of things I need.

However, as handy as it is to get regular delivery of soap, deodorant, cleaning supplies and dog treats, I find myself longing for additional subscriptions. Amazon, if you're listening here are some things I'd love to subscribe to for annual delivery:

1. Socks/Underwear/Undershirts: Maybe it's a grown up thing. Maybe it's a single guy thing. But I seem to always catch myself pulling on some old ratty socks or an undershirt that hasn't been able to pass for white since George W. Bush was president. Sure, it's easy to grab this stuff from the store, but I never remember when I'm there. Or when I do it feel like an exorbitant expense. That's why you'll always find these three items on my Christmas list. But imagine a world where, once a year, you open up a glorious Amazon box full of fresh socks, undies and undershirts... Not only would this make boring essentials feel like fabulous gifts, it would provide a periodic reminder to do an audit on your current stock and get rid of the rattiest. After all there's an old joke that goes "as long as a man can fit his legs through two of the holes in his underwear they're still good." 
2. Home Air Filters: After living in my home for almost 4 years I just remembered to replace my home air filter. When pulling off the dust-infused monstrosity I learned two important things: It's really hard to remember which size filter you have and you're supposed to replace them every three months. Exactly the interval of my Amazon Subscribe and Save delivery! I could remember the size once and get them exactly when I need them. 
3. Refrigerator Water Filters: Similar to above, every 6 months or so I'd love to get a new filter for my water dispenser. Anything to stop that incessant chirping every time I fill my glass!
4. Dress Shoes: I have a couple go-to shoes for work. The styles never change and they go with my boring work clothes. Once a year I'd love to crack open a box with a new black and brown pair of my go-to work shoes. 
5. Books by My Favorite Authors: I'd love to have a list of authors on my "subscription" and once or twice a year have any new titles sent to me in hardcover, paperback or Kindle version (my choice). I got a taste of this in Kindle Serials, with a couple chapters arriving every week. 

So there you go, Amazon. Five easy ways to get more of my money on a regular basis. I'm happily waiting... 

Cool Things About 2015

1. The weather has been good, so I've been able to get outside on my lunch breaks and have some good exercise.
2. I'm having fun playing with Hipstamatic. I've had it on my phone for ages, but never really found combinations I liked. Now I'm taking the time to seek some out and save my favorites.
3. I'm cleaning and organizing my house big time. This also involved installing a new kitchen sink. Advanced nesting rocks!
4. Gas prices are way way down. I filled up last night for $23.
5. 2015 is shaping up to be an important and memorable year.