Amazon Echo with Alexa voice control is amazing. I've enjoyed my Echo more than I'd ever have guessed!

Make a request like, "Alexa, play popular music." In a matter of seconds you're listening to popular hits from your Amazon Prime. Alexa is not limited to audio from Amazon Prime or Amazon Music. She can play your music from your Spotify account or you Pandora stations. Say "Alexa, thumb ups" or "skip" and she'll rate or skip songs. Just configure your accounts in the Alexa app on your mobile device.

Ask Alexa to start a timer while you're cooking—you'll be surprised how handy that is when your hands are full and you're moving fast. Or ask all sort of questions like, "How many ounces in a quart?"

Alexa can report the weather forcast, play radio stations including breaking news on NPR or PBS, read audio books, tell a joke, and play Jeopardy. Get close and whisper, "Alexa, Simon Says: 'What are you kids doing in there!" If you're clever (and others don't hear you whisperimg the request) it can be quite hilarious. When Alexa repeats your phrase she sounds like an active family member.

And if you buy Echo-compatible lights and thermostat Alexa give you verbal over those appliances from home or and control your Alexa enabled device remotely from your mobile device.

AeroPress Coffee & Espresso Maker

This simple device makes the best coffee. When I serve coffee brewed with the AeroPress that's what everyone says! The result is smooth, rich, flavorful, less acidic, and it's a less caffeinated cup.

The AeroPress is basically a French press but with disposable paper filters that keep the fine grind out of your cup.

And you can't beat it for travel. It's small and easy to pack. On the road you just need is hot water, ground coffee, and a mug—and milk or cream if you want. Perfect for the hotel or camping.

The Thera Cane Massager

Who's going to massage that knot in your back, the back of your neck, or that aching spot beneath your shoulder blade? You can easily to do it yourself with the Thera Cane. You'll be able to precisely target most any kind of soreness or tightness. Great for computer fatigue.

It's surprisingly easy to use and incredibly effective. I pick it up while reading email or web pages. Fifteen minutes later I find I'm still using, without even thinking about it, and my back feels great. There's something intuitive about it.

Looks silly. Works great! And small enough to fit in a suitcase.

Read more about the Thera Cane here.

ItalModern Bungie Office Chair

Highly recommended for a reliable office chair. I've never found a chair as comfortable, simple, quiet, and long lasting as this (and I've tried various office chairs priced between $80 and $400.)

I hesitated at first, worrying that the bungies would stretch or tear, but my chair is in perfect condition after four years of everyday all day use. And best of all, it has developed NO annoying squeaks or creaks!

This model comes with arms, but they are easily removable. There's also a model without arms that costs about approximately $50 less! And if you're looking for a some flair this chair is available in an array of vibrant colors.

Stretching–30th Anniversary Edition

This is a great book for people who want to stay healthy and flexible, and for those who need to stretch properly to recover from an injury ... or to address a loss of mobility.

In the first few pages Bob Anderson succinctly explains the importance of avoiding stretch-reflex. This approach yeilds better results, it makes stretching a much more pleasant and very safe.

Look on a physical therapist's bookshelf you'll probably find some edition of this book. It has endured the test of time, and it's now revised in a 30th anniversary edition.

Anderson's book is thorough, detailed, well- illustrated, and yet quite accessible to the layperson.

Anderson's book is highly recommended for anyone who wants the health benefits of stretching, and provides sage advice on stretching effectively, so you don't veer into counter-productive directions by invoking the "stretch reflex." (One potential drawback is that the does not identify very many muscles by name. But then, most people don't really need to know...)