Why a 50-Year Old Man Needs an iPod (or other MP3 player)

I don't profess to be the smartest guy in the world but I must admit that I like learning something new.  I like  brainstorming and discussing ideas with smart, creative people.  Even if I disagree with them, just talking about why they choose one idea or approach over another helps me be sure I'm not blind to some fact I have not considered or just too proud to back down.  Debate makes me feel like I know why I believe something to be true. 

Also, I crave new information.  I work in a career in which technology changes rapidly.  One competitor may leapfrog another.  One approach may become obsolete.  One company may change a business model or their pricing structure and make new alternatives viable.  When I flip thru the cable TV channels I often find myself choosing to watch The History Channel, The Discovery Channel, or some documentary on one of the news networks on the economy.  To me, learning is more fun most of the time than watching a sitcom or reality show. I also want information that helps me improve my life, help my family, lift my spirit, save my money, grow my investments, and protect me from scams.

Listening to podcasts on my iPod nano helps me fit these passions into the otherwise wasted time I spend commuting to work or squeezed into an airline seat.  I even listen to my iPod when I doing those necessary but mind numbing tasks like washing the car or mowing the lawn.  (I put wear my ear buds under ear muff style ear protection.  I'd love to find ear protection with a bluetooth connection to my iPod.)

If my description has a few things in common with you, I hope you'll check out my blog occassionally for recommendations for your own Apple iPod, Apple iPhone, Microsoft Zune, Creative Zen, SanDisk Sansa, or other MP3 player that could brighten your day.  Even better, leave a comment to suggest one of your own favorites.