Other Resources

Other resources and research tools for private investigators.

List of the best email newsletters

List of the Best Email Newsletters

This article provides a list of the best email newsletters. I decided to compile this list when I started doing research for my own email newsletter, The Digital Detective. I wanted to create a newsletter that people would read. So, I made a list of the criteria that I look for in an email newsletter:

  • Frequency: I want it delivered daily, preferably in the morning.
  • Relevant Content: Next, I want the content of the email to contain relevant and important information on the day’s news, hot topics, the stock market, etc. Another thing I like is the varied content. Honestly, I don’t want to read about the same topics day after day.
  • Limited Ads: Also, I want the update to contain mainly information rather than advertisements and product placements.
  • Format: I prefer a format that includes a catchy headline, a brief article summary, and a link to the website if I want to read more. Plus, I want an appealing look and feel, with relevant imagery.

List of the Best Email Newsletters

Following is a list of the best email newsletters that digest the day’s news right to your inbox. Also, many of the top companies have companion apps that deliver similar content.

Morning Brew

Morning Brew email newsletter

Morning Brew provides a selection of daily and weekly newsletters on topics ranging from general news to emerging tech, retail, marketing, business, and more. They even have a version dedicated to helping you survive quarantining. I subscribe to the Morning Brew’s daily top news version, which provides brief recaps of the latest headlines and popular stories. Also, it includes a market performance snapshot, an occasional game or puzzle, and relevant product highlights.

What I like about it: First, let me say that this is my favorite newsletter. I read it every morning, coincidentally, while drinking my morning coffee. Honestly, I’ve tried all of the publications on this list, and this is the only one I’ve stuck with. Here are a few reasons why they get it right:

  • First, it’s free, which is always a good thing.
  • Next, the content is relevant to current events and varies daily.
  • The article summaries are succinct and well-written, with a pinch of humor. Some newsletters overdo this, but Morning Brew manages to get it right.
  • The emails are simple and well-designed, with an easy-to-read layout, good use of relevant images/photos, and helpful infographics.
  • It is a quick read. Usually, it takes me less than a minute to scan through the entire newsletter, maybe more if I dig into a particular article summary. Often, I pick up something new and interesting to bookmark or dive deeper into later. Morning Brew has become the only newsletter that I read every day.

From a content and design perspective, Morning Brew is my favorite morning news source. Sometimes, the daily issue has a clever product placement or sponsored advertisement that I mistake for an actual article. Fortunately, the publisher tends to feature relevant and interesting products and services, so I don’t mind reading about them. This approach may have been a wise strategy by the Morning Brew creators. They were recently acquired by Insider Inc., parent of Business Insider, for $75 million.

Overall, this one is well worth your time. This is my top recommendation if you want to subscribe to just one. Sign up here and get it delivered to your inbox today. You’ll be glad you did.

NextDraft

Next Draft daily email update

Next on the list of the best email newsletters is a daily publication called NextDraft. NextDraft used to be my favorite newsletter until Morning Brew came along. Author Dave Pell visits 75+ websites daily and summarizes “the day’s 10 most fascinating news items”. The content is intended to help you know what’s happening worldwide. Each daily issue provides a clear and concise briefing on the hottest topics. Everything from the headlines to the article summaries is written cleverly and humorously.

What I like about it: The succinct stories, news summaries, and humor. Reading it lets me quickly stay in touch with hot topics and be entertained simultaneously. The catchy headlines and quirky perspective help me remember the article’s details more effectively.

If you’re looking for a quality newsletter, sign up for NextDraft, it is one of the best.

The Daily Skimm

The Skimm daily news.

Appropriately named, The Daily Skimm is one of the best email newsletters. The authors do an excellent job summarizing the day’s most important news. Their content and design approach are similar to NextDraft, but not as engaging for the reader. The Skimm starts out with a daily quote, which is always relevant to current events. Then, they select the biggest headlines and break them down for the average reader. They include a few subtle advertisements and product placements but are hardly noticeable.

The Skimm offers helpful information for your mailbox about health and wellness, financial matters, product recommendations, and more. Also, they have a podcast and a companion app.

What I like about it: They do a great job of breaking down the topics so I can understand what’s happening in the world.

Sign up for The Skimm.

Muck Rack Daily

Muck Rack Daily is a daily digest email curated and written by journalists and delivered to your inbox. The publication’s authors listen to what thousands of journalists say on social media, then cover the best stories. They do a great job of summarizing trending news stories. It is well-written, honest, and funny. Sign up here.

BuzzFeed

Buzzfeed daily email

BuzzFeed is one of the most popular websites on the internet. Generally, they publish quality news stories on their website. In the past, their daily email newsletter was a summary of the best articles on their site. However, I’m beginning to notice a decline in the quality of their content lately. Honestly, most of the articles strike me as “clickbait” stories. This is what led to the rapid decline of TMZ.

BuzzFeed has many email bulletin options, so you can subscribe to a publication that meets your interests. My favorite is the Snapshots section, which gives a quick overview or teaser about a story with a link to the full article on their website. Again, I like quick summaries. It saves me time.

I signed up for the general news summary, plus a self-help series. Surprisingly, the self-help summaries are pretty good! They include relevant and helpful self-improvement information from actual experts. However, they became unsustainable over time. Eventually, my inbox was filled with a backlog of things to read.

What I like about it is the summary style, the writing quality, and the relevance of the information.

Sign up for Buzzfeed.

Politico Playbook

The Politico Playbook is a politically-focused daily newsletter but does touch on other categories. It covers the top stories coming out of Washington, D.C., each day. The top stories are summarized, allowing you to get a quick understanding without spending too much time reading.

One thing that sets this daily email is that Politico does a good job of including the “why” behind the story. So, after reading, you tend to understand the news, rather than simply reading about it.

Notably, Politico offers the option to listen to someone read the newsletter, in a podcast format. I like having this option, as I can multitask on other work while I listen. However, the guy who narrated clearly came up with the idea. Otherwise, there is no way they would have chosen him to narrate. He is somewhat difficult to understand, defeating the benefit of the audible option.

This is a good option to stay informed and educated on the top political stories. View the most recent issue and sign up.

AP Morning Wire

The AP Morning Wire provides:

  • A rundown of the top news of the day from AP Global News
  • Featured content, such as ongoing AP investigation stories
  • Selections of their best photography
  • A behind-the-scenes look at the people who bring you the news

The New York Times: The Morning Email Newsletter

Formerly known as the Morning Briefing, The New York Times brings the Morning newsletter to you. This is one of your best options if you’re looking for more in-depth summaries of current events. The Times does a great job of recapping the most popular and interesting headlines. It feels like getting a daily newspaper or magazine in my mailbox. For the most part, I enjoyed reading it during the pandemic. It became my go-to source (because I could trust the information) about COVID-19, the response, vaccinations, and more. Yet, over time it became a challenge to find the time to read it every day. Eventually, I unsubscribed to focus on other newsletters.

CNBC Morning Squawk

CNBC Morning Squawk email for markets and stocks

This is a daily email that recaps what’s going on in the financial world. If you’re an investor, this is a great way to stay in touch with what’s going on in the economy and the markets. CNBC provides snapshots of the major markets and short summaries of relevant financial news. Also, they have a section called “Stocks to Watch”, which can be helpful for investors.

Fortunately, CNBC doesn’t cram its newsletter with too much content, which is important to me. If I receive ten different electronic publications in my mailbox daily, I don’t want to spend too much time with any particular publication journal. This email newsletter respects its audience.

What I like about it: It’s a financially-focused email, but it still summarizes the day’s top news. If you need to stay in touch with what’s going on with the markets, this is a good one.

Sign up for CNBC Morning Squawk.

OZY

OZY is a media company that offers a variety of daily emails on topics ranging from politics to science, tech, travel, and lifestyle. The company recently shut down after the New York Times revealed that OZY was engaged in illegal business practices.

ProPublica

First, ProPublica keeps the length of its bulletin short. It focuses on the most important news and information of the day. Usually, they only have two or three stories, including a small photo for each. Then, a catchy headline and a summary of the story. Plus, you can click on the headline to view the full article on their website. This approach is great, as you can keep in touch with what’s going on by just skimming the email. As a result, you can stay informed without investing too much time.

What I like about it: The newsletter is short and simple, and the articles are well-written. However, some of their articles make me question if they are truly “pro-public”.

Sign Up for ProPublica.

Vox Sentences

Vox Sentences uses the tagline, “THE NEWS BUT SHORTER”. Similarly, the tagline on their website is “UNDERSTAND THE NEWS”. It is another daily summary email bulletin with sections on Top News, Miscellaneous, Verbatim, Watch This (Video), and Read More.

What I like about it: It is short and sweet with relevant information. However, it is not differentiated in any way.

Sign up to receive Vox Sentences.

Niche Email Newsletters

The following are other email distributions that provide targeted information regarding a specific niche. They don’t deliver a summary of the day’s news but provide useful information.

General Assembly

General Assembly – GA helps people with career transformation and helps close the skills gap for their next job. The company offers expert-led workshops and training courses in coding, data, design, digital marketing, and more.

General Assembly’s email newsletter is a that is primarily focused on highlighting GA’s training courses and workshops. In addition, they have links to articles on careers, upcoming events, interviewing tips, and more. If you plan to change jobs, sign up for this.

The Daily Job Hunt – If your job hunting effort needs a boost, this career newsletter may be just what you need. For example, it has helpful career advice from experts. Also, it has fresh ideas and recommendations, like creating a personal video. Plus, it has easy-to-read tips for improving your job search. Sign up for free.

The Digital Detective.

The Digital Detective is my weekly newsletter for investigation professionals. Each week, we’ll highlight helpful, bite-sized updates on investigation tools, search tools, tips, terms and definitions, and relevant article summaries. Plus, you’ll get updates on what’s going on in the investigation industry, links to investigation news stories, and more.

Here’s a link to a recent issue. If you like what you see, there’s a sign-up form at the bottom of this page if you’d like to check it out.

If you still want more, many news networks such as NBC, ABC, CBS, MSNBC, and Fox distribute newsletters. They are a summary of the news they report on TV and via their website.

Additional Information

Thanks to suggestions from readers, I’ll be adding reviews for other digests and bulletins soon. I just signed up for Thrillist, Engadget, Brain Pickings, and The Fizzle. I’ll give them a few weeks, and then add a review for each.

Questions, Comments, and Suggestions

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about this list of the best email newsletters, please post a message below.

If you love lists, check out our Lists of Lists section.

List of Signs of a Cheating Spouse

List of Signs of a Cheating Spouse

Cheating spouses often exhibit noticeable changes in behavior. Catching a cheating spouse may be difficult and even require the use of a private investigator. Private investigators may use personal surveillance techniques, videotaping, or photography to obtain proof of infidelity. Sometimes, … Read more

List of cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin

Unearthing Hidden Wealth: Cryptocurrency Insights for Private Investigators

Since 2021, nearly 50,000 people have reported losing over $1 billion in cryptocurrency-related scams. As a private investigator, you may begin to receive requests from clients to investigate this type of fraud. Therefore, it is crucial to have basic underlying knowledge in the field. In particular, if you specialize in providing asset investigations, you’ll want to get up to speed in this area. This article provides cryptocurrency insights for private investigators. Also, it includes a list of cryptocurrencies, cryptos, and tokens and describes each. In addition, it covers the various financial exchanges where they are bought and sold. Also, you’ll find a helpful (and growing) list of terms and definitions.

As of November 8, 2021, the total crypto market was over $3 trillion. In addition, there are more than 200 million users in the market. With so much money and people in the market, it can’t be ignored.

List of Cryptocurrencies

First, as a private investigator, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with cryptocurrencies. You’ll often be asked to investigate scams and fraud involving one or more cryptos on the following list.

  • 1inch (1INCH) – 1inch is an Ethereum token that powers decentralized exchanges.
  • Algorand (ALGO) – Algorand seeks to improve decentralized applications’ speed, security, and scalability. Algorand pays interest (aka rewards) to holders of its currency.
  • AMP (AMP) – AMP is an Ethereum token that acts as collateral for payments on the Flexa Network.
  • ANKR (ANKR) – ANKR is a token that powers a Web3 infrastructure and DeFi platform.
  • Avalanche (AVAX) – Avalanche is an open, smart contracts platform for decentralized networks.
  • Binance Coin (BNB) – Binance Coin is the coin the Binance Exchange offers.
  • Bitcoin (BTC) – Bitcoin is the original cryptocurrency, and many consider it the best investment. It allows people anywhere in the world to send money without the involvement of a bank, government, or other financial institution. To learn more about the most popular on this list of cryptocurrencies, visit the website.
  • Bitcoin Cash (BCH) – Bitcoin cash is intended to be peer-to-peer electronic cash. Bitcoin’s goal is primarily to allow people to pay one another without using a financial institution.
  • Bonafida (FIDA) – FIDA is a Solana token on Bonafida, the user interface for the Serum decentralized exchange.
  • Cardano (ADA) – Cardano is a proof of stake, open-source, public blockchain platform. Its crypto Ada is designed to facilitate peer-to-peer transactions. One differentiating factor is that Cardano uses less energy than Bitcoin.
  • Chainlink (LINK) – Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network.
  • Clover Finance (CLV) – Clover Finance is a blockchain platform that helps facilitate compatibility across chains.
  • Crypto.com Coin (CRO) – The Crypto.com coin is, of course, the coin used on the Crypto.com exchange.
  • Dogecoin (DOGE) – Sometimes referred to as a “meme coin,” its value tends to be influenced by social media activity. Notably, Dogecoin is a token most often mentioned by Elon Musk. His seemingly casual tweets sometimes influence the coin’s buying and selling.
  • Ethereum (ETH) – Ethereum is the second-largest crypto behind Bitcoin. It is a decentralized computing platform that can run various applications.
  • Ethereum 2 (ETH2) – A collection of upgrades intended to make Ethereum faster and less expensive.
  • Fantom (FTM) –
  • Fetch.ai (FET) – Fetch.ai is a machine-learning artificial intelligence platform. FET provides a decentralized finance application that helps users automate their trading activities.
  • Horizen (ZEN) – Horizen is a blockchain ecosystem that allows developers to build customized blockchains and decentralized apps.
  • Jasmy (JASMY) – The Jasmy IoT platform is based on the “democratization of data.”
  • Litecoin (LTC) – Litecoin was designed as a fork of the Bitcoin blockchain. It is intended to be faster and cheaper.
  • Livepeer (LPT) – Livepeer is an Ethereum token. LPTs power the Livepeer network, a decentralized video streaming platform.
  • Loom Network (LOOM) –
  • Loopring (LRC) – Loopring is an open-sourced, audited, and non-custodial exchange protocol. Loopring’s goal is to allow developers to create non-custodial, order book-based exchanges on Ethereum by leveraging zero-knowledge proofs.
  • Polkadot (DOT) – Polkadot is designed to allow unrelated blockchains to talk to one another.
  • Polygon (MATIC) – Polygon is a token that powers the Polygon Network. The goal is to provide faster and cheaper transactions.
  • Quant (QNT) – Quant is an ETH token that connects public blockchains with private networks.
  • Render Token –
  • SAND (SAND) – A token that powers the Sandbox, a gaming experience in the metaverse.
  • SHIBA INU – SHIBA INU is an Ethereum-based meme token developed as an alternative to Dogecoin. However, the tokens are beginning to be used in legit blockchains related to NFTs and decentralized exchanges. As of this writing, SHIB is the least expensive (on a per-coin basis) of any other on this list of cryptocurrencies.
  • Solana (SOL) – Solana is both a currency and a platform for running crypto apps. It is a competitor to Ethereum that can perform transactions much faster.
  • Stellar Lumens (XLM) – Stellar is a blockchain payment platform.
  • Synthetix Network Token (SNX) – A native cryptocurrency of the Synthetix platform, an Ethereum-based decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol, used to collateralize and mint synthetic assets, enabling users to gain exposure to a wide range of traditional and digital assets within the blockchain ecosystem.
  • Tether (USDT) – Tether is an Ethereum token tied to the United States Dollar. Coins tied to the U.S. Dollar are also known as “stablecoins.” It is backed by bank reserves, making it more stable than other cryptos.
  • TerraUSD (UST) – TerraUSD is a decentralized stablecoin that seeks to maintain a value of one U.S. dollar.
  • Tezos (XTZ) – Tezos is a blockchain network and platform for smart contracts. Tezos uses a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. Also, developers can use Tezos to develop decentralized financial applications. Investing in this cryptocurrency allows you to earn a staking reward, similar to earning interest on a bank account.
  • TRON (TRX) – Tron is a project that aspires to create a truly decentralized internet.
  • Uniswap (UNI) – Uniswap is a DeFi application that allows users to trade crypto without an intermediary.
  • UNUS SED LEO (LEO) – A token for the iFinex ecosystem.
  • USD Coin (USDC) – USD Coin is a stablecoin that runs on the Ethereum platform. It can be exchanged for U.S. Dollars at a 1-to-1 ratio.
  • VeChain (VET) – VeChain is a blockchain development platform.
  • Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) – Wrapped Bitcoin is an Ether token representing BTC on the Ethereum blockchain.
  • Wrapped Luna Token (WLUNA) – Wrapped Luna is a token designed for DeFi apps.
  • XRP (XRP) – XRP is the native currency on RippleNet, a blockchain designed to facilitate payments.
  • XYO (XYO) – XYO powers a decentralized network of devices.
  • Zcash (ZEC) – Zcash is a privacy coin developed by cryptographers to address privacy concerns on the Bitcoin network.

Please visit the website for each crypto for more detailed information on the company and how it works. Again, there are many more than I have on this list, and the number grows daily. I’ll add more to the list as time allows.

List of Cryptocurrencies – The Top 10

Now that we have reviewed a list of cryptocurrencies in general, which ones are the most popular? Private investigators may receive requests to investigate cases involving one or more of the above list. However, most requests will likely involve the more popular coins/tokens, as they have the most money. However, given the crypto market volatility, it is difficult to say which are truly the best cryptocurrencies to invest in. The one method that most experts would agree on is to consider the market cap. The following list is based on the market capitalization at the time of this writing.

  1. Bitcoin (BTC) – $1.7 trillion
  2. Ethereum (ETH) – $520 billion
  3. Binance Coin (BNB) – $88 billion
  4. Tether (USDT) – $70 billion
  5. Cardano (ADA) – $66 billion
  6. Solana (SOL) – $60 billion
  7. XRP (XRP) – $50 billion
  8. PolkaDot (DOT) – $43 billion
  9. Shiba Inu (SHIB) – $40 billion
  10. Dogecoin (DOGE) – $38 billion

It is important to note that investing in any coin/token from the above list of cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, is highly speculative. The markets are volatile and difficult to predict. They don’t work in the same way as the stock market. Therefore, the overall market and individual currencies may be difficult to understand and predict.

List of Crypto Trading Platforms and Online Exchanges

Now that you’re familiar with crypto, knowing where it can be bought and sold is essential. There are only a few good options for buying and selling crypto. The more mainstream trading platforms like Fidelity only offer the option to invest in Bitcoin ETFs rather than individual currencies. The following is a list of the best exchanges:

Trading PlatformDescription
BinanceBinance is the largest Bitcoin and altcoin exchange in the world by volume. Binance offers a more advanced trading interface for serious traders.
BisqBisq is an open-source desktop application that allows you to buy and sell currencies.
CoinbaseVenmo is a payment processor that also offers crypto. Venmo allows users to purchase crypto in amounts as low as $1.00 from the app. However, at this time, they only offer four options: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin. Yes, you can buy crypto this way, and they make it easy. However, if you choose to buy this way, you won’t get access to the same helpful information and data offered by exchanges like Binance, Crypto.com, etc.
Crypto.comCrypto.com is an app-based exchange with low trading fees.
eToroeToro is an Israeli crypto and forex trading company.
GeminiGemini is a regulated platform that allows you to buy, sell, store, and learn.
KrakenKraken is an online trading platform that allows you to buy, sell, and learn about cryptocurrencies.
RobinhoodVenmo is a payment processor that also offers crypto. Venmo allows users to purchase crypto in amounts as low as $1.00 from the app. However, at the time of this writing, they only offer four options: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin. Yes, you can buy crypto this way, and they make it easy. However, if you choose to buy this way, you won’t get access to the same helpful information and data offered by exchanges like Binance, Crypto.com, etc.
SoFiSoFi is a personal finance company that offers personal loans and online brokerage services.
TradeStationTradeStation provides online trading and brokerage services.
VenmoRobinhood only offers a small selection of coins and tokens to protect its investors from the dangers of trading cryptos.
WebullWebull is a commission-free trading platform.

To buy and sell, you’ll need to link a financial account such as a checking account, savings account, PayPal, debit card, etc. In addition, you’ll need to verify your email, phone number, and identity.

Related articles: Learn more about financial investigations, review our stock market research tools, and an overview of traditional online investing sites.

How People Buy Crypto

Once you’ve reviewed the list of cryptocurrencies, signed up with an online exchange, and verified your identity, it’s time to set up payment options. The larger exchanges allow you to connect directly to a bank account. At the same time, others allow you to use online payment processors like PayPal. In addition, you can do a wire transfer, but that is usually the most expensive method. Also, some crypto sellers allow you to use gift cards.

Transaction Fees
All of the exchanges will charge some transaction fee. The following is a list of typical transaction fees for the most popular exchanges:

Exchange NameTransaction Fee
Binance0.1%
Coinbase~1.50%
Coinbase Pro0.50%
Crypto.com0.10% to 0.16%
eToroNo trading fees
GeminiThe greater of either a flat fee ($0.99, $1.49, $1.99, $2.99) or 1.49%
Kraken0.16% to 0.26%
RobinhoodNo trading fees

Note: Transaction fees may change at any time. In addition, many trading platforms charge a variable fee determined when the order is placed.

Industry Associations

At times, it may be helpful to review the information, research, and data available through industry associations. However, the industry is still in its early phase of development, and several associations and alliances have already been established:

  • Blockchain Association – The association educates policymakers on blockchain technology’s value.
  • PoS Alliance – The Proof-of-Stake Alliance educates lawmakers on the importance and benefits of proof-of-stake mechanisms.

Key Cryptocurrency Insights for Private Investigators: Terms & Definitions

To be effective in any investigation, private investigators must be able to “speak the language.” To help, here is a list of key terms and definitions.


  • Atlcoins – Altcoins are just alternatives to Bitcoin.
  • Blockchain – A blockchain is like a ledger at its most basic level. Every time someone buys or sells a token or coin, it contains a list of transactions.
  • DAO – Decentralized Autonomous Organization. DAOs are a way to organize people and share ownership using smart contracts.
  • DeFi – DeFi means Decentralized Finance. It means it is a blockchain form of finance that doesn’t rely on traditional banks.
  • Fork – A fork happens whenever a community changes the underlying rules. For example, Cardano recently launched a major update, the Vasil Hard Fork.
  • Gas – Gas is the fee to conduct a transaction. Also, gas refers to the fee to execute a smart contract on the blockchain.
  • Memecoins – Memecoins generally refer to cryptocurrencies that originate from internet memes. Examples include Dogecoin and Shiba Inu.
  • Mining – The term mining is usually associated with Bitcoin. Bitcoin mining is creating a new bitcoin by solving a puzzle.
  • NFT – NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token. Each NFT is unique and can be used to authenticate ownership of digital assets.
  • Proof of Stake (PoS) – Uses randomly selected validators to validate transactions on a blockchain. The process uses specific amounts of cryptocurrency as collateral. This process is called “staking.”
  • Proof of Work (PoW) – A consensus mechanism older blockchains use to verify that the transactions are legit.
  • Smart Contract – Smart contracts are programs that automate the execution of an agreement.
  • Stablecoin –
  • Staking – Staking is a method of holding certain cryptocurrencies to earn rewards. For example, Tezos, Algorand, Cosmos, and Ethereum pay up to 5% rewards. However, unlike interest earned from a bank savings account, it pays out much more frequently—sometimes, daily or every few days. Also, you can see the interest accruing in real-time (something I like).
  • Token – In general, all cryptocurrencies are tokens. However, the word token has evolved to mean a digital asset that runs on top of the blockchain of another crypto.
  • Wallet – A wallet is a secure place to store private keys. Wallets can be physical devices, using something called a Ledger. Or, they can be a mobile app. For example, Coinbase offers wallets within its platform. Customers can use them as an added layer of security to help protect their currencies.

Common Scams and Schemes

As a private investigator, your customers may hire you to investigate cases involving online scams or schemes. Here’s an overview of some of the most common crimes.

  • Phishing Scams – Phishing scams for crypto begin with an email that appears to be from an online exchange (e.g., CoinBase, Binance, etc.). The email usually looks legitimate and may even contain the correct logo and some of the disclaimer language. However, the links usually lead to illegitimate or fake websites. The goal is to trick you into sharing your login credentials or personal information.
  • Fake Websites – Scammers use fake websites to lure unsuspecting people into giving up their personal information. Often, this scam originates as an email that appears to be from a legitimate site. However, the links in the email lead to a fake website. Often, the site looks very similar to the true website. Then, when you try to log in, you give away your credentials to the thief.
  • Ransomware Attacks – Also known as cyber extortion, ransomware attacks occur when thieves take control of your computer or mobile device or threaten to expose your personal information. Usually, they demand a certain amount of money, often specifying that it must be paid in cryptocurrency.

Important Tips to Keep Your Money Safe

Following is a list of tips and reminders for potential investors.

The cryptocurrency market is volatile and very difficult to predict. The market does not follow the same investment principles as the stock market.

It involves complicated technologies that are difficult for the average user to understand. Also, due to the relatively immature age of the crypto market and the sometimes irrational behavior associated with those who invest in it, it is quite difficult to tie the crypto’s price or performance directly to the company’s value or performance. For example, the price of Dogecoin was manipulated using online news stories, social media, and discussion forum posts. The mere existence of “meme coins” indicates that prices are easy to manipulate and not always based on reality. Here is some general advice should you choose to invest:

  • Choose a reputable exchange. Stick with the most well-known exchanges like CoinBase, and remember, the biggest isn’t always the best.
  • After you join an exchange, be sure to activate all of the safeguards available through the exchange, like multi-factor authentication, alerts, vaults, etc. Surely, these may seem like a nuisance during the setup process, but they are an important step in securing your account. Unfortunately, hackers and thieves are constantly trying to steal money from exchanges. In most cases, they target users who don’t take the time to set up these extra precautions.
  • Don’t click on email links, even if they appear from the exchange. Always visit the site’s login page, verify the URL, and log in using a strong username and password. In addition, set up multifactor authentication. For example, Google Authenticator will send a random number to an app on your phone. Then, you must enter the number to log in.
  • Set up a wallet to add an extra layer of security. Wallets can be set up to require multiple people to approve transfers. This will help keep your money safe.
  • First, before you jump in and buy a particular currency or token, do your research. Read through the overview provided by the exchange. Then, look for articles that directly cover crypto (pay attention to the source). Then, ask questions like, “Is the company providing the information from a reputable company like Motley Fool, Forbes, US News, or another well-known publication?
  • Take the time to understand the underlying technology (if it exists). The more you understand what you’re buying and how it works, the greater your confidence in the potential for the value to increase.
  • Invest in small amounts. Never put in more than you can afford to lose.

Taxes and Financial Statements

Most types of crypto transactions are taxable events. However, each type may have its own set of rules and exceptions. You must report the transactions on your tax return if you sell, convert, spend, earn, or stake crypto. Thankfully, many exchanges make tax reporting easy. For example, Coinbase has a simple tax report generator.

Please comment below if you have any questions about these cryptocurrency insights for private investigators.

Also, learn more about other types of financial investigations.

The best web hosting providers

Secure Servers: Web Hosting Providers for Investigating Cybercrimes

As a private investigator, you may get cases related to investigating the ownership or use of particular websites. As such, detectives need to understand the basics of web hosting, where websites are stored. So, this article provides an overview of the different types of web hosting providers and a list of the best. In addition, I’ll provide a brief overview of each of the top companies (currently, there are 13 on the list). Also, I’ll share more detailed information on my favorite choice. Let’s get started with an overview of web hosting in general.

Web Hosting: An Overview

A web hosting service provider is an internet company that allows individuals and businesses to establish an online presence. Web hosting companies own and manage a group of servers, also known as a data center. The hosting companies then lease space on those servers for a fee.

Also, web hosting companies provide other services such as hosting for content management systems, email, cloud, WordPress, WooCommerce, and much more. The following are different types of hosting services.

Different Types of Web Hosting

Shared Plans and Subscriptions

With a shared plan, your site will share space on a server. This means that there will be multiple websites using the server’s resources. The shared option is very affordable, usually around $5.00 a month. This is an excellent option for new sites and those with little traffic. However, if your website grows and gets more traffic, you will quickly outgrow this basic option. While this option is usually cheap, it comes with the most potential headaches. In addition, shared plans usually have the worst uptime ratings of any plan.

Virtual Private Server (VPS)

A Virtual Private Server, or a Virtual Dedicated Server, divides a server’s resources into separate areas called “virtual servers.” From a user’s perspective, you have your server with a VPS plan, but it is still hosted on the same server as other sites. These plans offer improved performance over the shared plans and are more expensive. Uptime ratings improve considerably with VPS plans.

Dedicated Servers

With a dedicated plan, you’ll get your own private server. With this subscription model, you’ll have complete control over the server but don’t own it. This option isn’t necessary for beginners or most small companies. Managing your server will require you to have the appropriate technical skills to configure, install, and maintain everything. I would avoid this option if you aren’t the technical type and don’t have a technical staff. Since your site is the only one on the server, dedicated options offer the best uptime ratings. However, your site may be down more often if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Free Web Hosting

Believe it or not, some companies provide entirely free hosting plans. In most cases, the company will place ads on your website, which allows them to earn advertising revenue. Sometimes, the number and placement of those ads can be obnoxious or, at the very least, distracting to the visitor. I recommend avoiding free services if you are serious about establishing a quality website and professional presence. If you decide to go with one, the result is that your company will look cheap, and the ads may annoy visitors.

I am keenly focused on the bottom line as a small business owner. I’m always focused on maximizing profits by increasing revenue and reducing expenses. As a result, I’m always looking for a deal or at least a discount. When I first started my online business, I set out to find cheap web hosting to host my first website.

At first, I based my decision mainly on price. What I learned was that cheap web hosting is easy to find, but quality web hosting that is also cheap is much harder to find. But it is possible. Continue reading to learn about the companies that provide a wide array of plans, configuration options, extra services, and high and low prices. Ultimately, I learned that the cheapest is not the best if you run a serious business.


List of the Best Web Hosting Providers

The following list of the most popular web hosting providers is based on industry reviews, surveys, and comparisons.

Kinsta

Kinsta is a managed WordPress hosting provider. They are somewhat unique, even among this list of the best web hosting providers. I like them for many reasons:

  • First, Kinsta is a company founded by a group of experienced WordPress developers who set out to raise the bar regarding quality, technology, and service. They offer premium WordPress Hosting built on cutting-edge Google Cloud infrastructure. They focus on delivering stability, speed, and industry-leading security.
  • Second, they make my life easier. They have the most streamlined cPanel I’ve ever seen. It’s called MyKinsta, and it makes it easy to manage my site.
  • Third, they have unparalleled customer service. What I love the most is that I can reach them via chat at any time via my MyKinsta dashboard. I’ve pinged them numerous times for assistance and with technical questions. In every case, they were responsive, professional, and helpful.

Kinsta is one of the more expensive options on this list. However, it is worth the extra cost to have peace of mind. They offer weekly automatic MySQL database optimizations, self-healing PHP, GCP Firewall, and more disk space (SSD Storage) on all plans at no additional cost. In addition, they recently moved to Google Cloud Platform’s (GCP) next-gen compute-optimized (C2) virtual machines. After doing so, they added another great feature: external backups.

Recently, the team added Edge Caching, which saves pages to Cloudflare’s global network of 275+ PoPs. As a result, it delivers your site’s pages to visitors faster. Plus, it reduces the number of requests for your service. As a result, you get a faster site and better Google speed rankings.

Visit the Kinsta website to learn more.

Visit Kinsta

SiteGround

SiteGround is well-known as one of the best web hosting providers on this list, yet they are one of the most affordable (at first). SiteGround is unique because it has an excellent balance of everything you need in a hosting company. Their high-quality rating depends on speed, stability, and service. Following is more detail on each.

SiteGround Managed WordPress Hosting

SiteGround is fast. According to Google and almost every search engine optimization expert, page speed is a critical ranking factor. You can spend a LOT of time trying to improve the speed of your pages. You can research and install the best caching plugins, optimize your images, streamline your databases, and more. But, your web hosting is the most significant factor in page load time. The industry average for a page to load is 4.7 seconds. Using SiteGround, pages load in 1.3 seconds. This makes it one of the fastest options available.

They leverage the latest web hosting speed technologies, innovative architecture, and the best software solutions. They use Solid State Drive (SSD), which provides a 1000x increase in speed compared to regular drives. They use NGINX to make load times faster. In addition, they use a proprietary caching mechanism to optimize the serving of content. Also, all their servers are HTTP/2 enabled, reducing website loading times. Plus, they always run the latest version of PHP. On top of all that, they offer a free CDN, which caches your content and makes your website load faster.

They are safe. SiteGround boasts a 99% uptime, one of the best ratings in the industry. Their outstanding uptime rating is due to several factors. Their platform is built on Linux containers, which are highly efficient and stable. This allows your site to deal with sudden spikes in traffic without impacting the server’s stability. They proactively monitor servers and fix problems quickly. They have automatic backups if problems exist so that you can restore your site quickly. Uniquely, they use artificial intelligence (AI) to block spambots. This blocks brute force attacks and prevents unauthorized access.

They have great support. You can set up the most expensive account with the number one web hosting company that would probably even host your site on a golden server. But I can assure you you’ll have problems at some point. And when you do, you’re going to need to contact support. Siteground has quality support in many areas: self-help, online help, knowledgebases, discussion forums, online chat, and via the phone.

They have very positive reviews. You will find hundreds of SiteGround reviews if you do a Google search. Most of the data-supported surveys I’ve seen always include SiteGround as one of the top three contenders. However, I am skeptical about the authenticity of some of their reviews, especially after using their service for a year.

SiteGround has “affordable” hosting plans. Their starter plan is just $3.95 a month. However, their “starter” plan is also a bait-and-switch. The $3.95 a-month price jumps to $19.95 monthly in the second year. That’s a 400% increase for the second year! If you’re a small business, it is unlikely that your sales will increase at a similar rate. If you choose this company, know the relatively cheap sign-up price is only for the first 12 months.

Unfortunately, I fell for the trap. After the second year, I used their starter plan for several sites but switched them to the Kinsta Business 1 plan. Kinsta migrates the sites over for free. By doing so, my overall costs decreased.

Their environment is stable and reliable. In the past, I’ve had nightmare experiences with companies like GoDaddy and Bluehost. Several times a year, the GoDaddy or Bluehost hosting platform would crash, making every website hosted on the platform unavailable to users. When one of my sites goes down, I lose more revenue in a single day than I typically pay for hosting an entire year.

Recent Updates: SG recently added a data center, more storage capacity, faster processors, and free manual site transfer services.

Visit SiteGround

A2 Hosting

A2 provides a range of services for businesses of all sizes. Whether you are just starting online or have an established high-traffic site, they have a plan to meet your needs.

They have various plans, including shared, reseller, VPS, and dedicated options. The company can host sites on all major content management platforms, including WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. Their prices range from around $4.00 to $100 a month.

Visit the A2 Hosting website to learn more and get current pricing.

Visit A2 Hosting

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Amazon Web Cloud Computing Services is on many lists of the best web hosting providers. They offer on-demand cloud computing services to individuals, companies large and small, and even government organizations.

AWS has all of the products and services you will ever need. Amazon is geared toward larger companies and developers with high-traffic websites. However, it is far too complex and not for the beginner. However, if you’re starting, I recommend using one of the other options unless you have a technical/web support resource.

Visit the AWS website to join and learn more.

Visit Amazon Web Services (AWS)

BlueHost

BlueHost is highly rated and well-reviewed. Their platform has more than two million sites, which says a lot. In addition, they have low-cost plans that include a free SSL certificate. Notably, they offer a free money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.

However, I can’t give them a high rating because I had a bad experience with them. I had several sites hosted with them, and their entire hosting platform went down (crashed) three times in the same year. As a result, I do not consider them to be one of the best web hosting providers. Visit the BlueHost website to learn more about their products and services.

Visit BlueHost

Cloudways

Cloudways is a high-quality managed cloud hosting provider. They specialize in providing environments for businesses that need to scale quickly. They specialize in solutions for agile teams and sites built on WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento, Laravel, and PrestaShop. Visit the Cloudways website to learn more about their offerings.

Visit Cloudways

DreamHost

DreamHost provides various fast and reliable services, including Shared, WordPress, VPS, Dedicated, and Cloud. They have about 1.5 million websites on their platform. In addition, they offer domain registration services, serving as a one-stop shop for getting your business online.

Something notable about DreamHost is that they offer one-click installations for services like installing WordPress. Companies like this can help you avoid hiring a developer if you’re a beginner. Instead, you can use their streamlined services to get online quickly. They have 24/7 client support available to assist you with any trouble. In addition, they have a 100% uptime guarantee. So you don’t have to worry about your site going down and outages lasting for hours.

Visit the DreamHost website to learn about costs and how to sign up.

Visit DreamHost

FlyWheel

FlyWheel focuses on providing a platform for websites built on the WordPress content management system. They target freelancers, agencies, high-traffic sites, and enterprise development teams. Their platform is host to about 70,000 companies.

They partnered with Google Cloud to build a fast, scalable, reliable platform. FlyWheel has a simplified cPanel, which makes managing your site more intuitive. And, if you want to become a reseller, this is a great option.

They have affordable plans starting at $15 monthly for a single site, including a free SSL certificate. Also, you can add a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to any plan.

Visit the FlyWheel site to get the details.

Visit FlyWheel

GoDaddy

GoDaddy is NOT one of the best web hosting providers. However, they are the most prominent solution provider in the industry, with more than 17 million customers. They have some of the cheapest plans we’ve seen and have a wide variety of products and services. Generally, they have the same products and services as other high-quality providers. However, GoDaddy constantly bombards you with sales messages, trying to get you to upgrade or purchase additional services. This quickly becomes annoying.

Visit GoDaddy to view current plans, costs, and how to get started with a free website.

Visit GoDaddy

HostGator

HostGator offers affordable VPS, WordPress, Cloud, and Dedicated Hosting plans and domain registration services. HostGator includes a drag-and-drop website builder with each plan. So you can have your small business or enterprise-level website up and running quickly. They boast a 99.9% uptime, a 45-day money-back guarantee, and 24/7/365 support.

Based on their affordability, up-time track record, and quality support, HostGator is one of the top contenders on this list. Visit HostGator to get the most up-to-date information and offerings.

Visit HostGator

InMotion

InMotion offers options for WordPress, VPS, Dedicated Servers, Resellers, Managed, and businesses. In addition, they provide domain registration services. Each plan comes with a free SSD, cPanel, and a domain. In addition, they have over 400 applications that can be installed with a single click via the cPanel.

In addition to WordPress, you can install content management platforms like Joomla, Drupal, PrestaShop, Moodie, OpenCart, Magento, and BoldGrid.

They have various pricing plans but are not as cheap as GoDaddy or HostGator. In addition, InMotion is certified by CNET and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Visit the InMotion site for more information.

Visit InMotion

TMD Hosting

TMD offers fully managed cutting-edge technology solutions for shared, cloud, Virtual Private Servers, resellers, WordPress, and Dedicated servers. Their costs are among the most competitive on this list. TMD is PCMag Editor’s Choice for the best web hosting provider.

All accounts include easy installation of more than 300 applications, a drag-and-drop site builder, and unlimited email accounts. They have fast servers, robust security, and quality service. They are a good option for hosting a website with a CMS, a CRM application, a discussion forum, or a blog.

Visit TMD Hosting

WPEngine

WPEngine has more than 90,000 customers in 140 countries around the world. Their technology platform is optimized for WordPress, which is fast, secure, and stable.

WPEngine plans include three environments – dev, staging, and production. In addition, they include the Genesis framework and premium WP themes. Plus, they come with free CDN and SSL certificates. Additionally, they offer features like auto migration, automated backups, serviced onboarding, and much more.

They are one of the more expensive providers, pricing more in line with Kinsta. However, I still consider them one of this list’s best web hosting providers. Basic subscription plans start at around $35.

Visit WPEngine

Web Hosting Pricing Plan Comparison for Each of the Best Web Hosting Providers

Comparing prices is difficult, as all companies offer different products and services. Following is a recap of each company’s pricing levels, without regard to product names. Generally, the most basic plan is for shared hosting. Higher-level plans for VPS, dedicated, cloud, etc., are more expensive as you increase options like storage, bandwidth, etc.

CompanyLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4
A2 Hosting$3.92$5.00$99.59$99.59
BlueHost$3.95$5.95$9.95
Cloudways$10$22$42$80
DreamHost$2.95$13.75$149
FlyWheel$14$28$69
GoDaddy$5.99$9.99$14.99$19.99
HostGator$4.95$5.95$29.95$119.00
InMotion$6.38$7.26$21.04$105.68
Kinsta$30$60$100$200
SiteGround$3.95$5.95$11.95
TMD Hosting$2.95$5.85$12.95
WPEngine$35$115$290

Amazon Web Services has a unique pricing model based on your needed services.

All the companies listed above periodically offer discounts or promotions that allow you to sign up for a discount. Check the web for discount codes or coupon codes before signing up. Also, some offer a free trial period to get started at no cost.

Speed Comparison

Criteria for Selecting the Best Provider

Selecting the right web hosting is an important but difficult decision. If you are starting, any of the companies listed above are likely to meet your needs, at least initially. As your business and website grow, the list of suitable companies gets smaller.

While many features and benefits can be measured and compared, choosing the best hosting company is still subjective. Meaning it is a matter of opinion. You have to weigh all of the offerings, such as:

  • Variety of plans – One size doesn’t fit all. You want a plan that is right for you based on where your business is. As your business grows, you want a company that can grow with you.
  • Storage Capacity – The plan must come with adequate storage capacity. I don’t want to pay extra monthly because I run out of space.
  • Bandwidth – Bandwidth is of significant importance. Does the plan offer adequate bandwidth to support your website traffic? If not, can it scale up without crashing? If not, you’re in for some headaches.
  • Customer support – Quality of support is critical. No matter how skilled or tech-savvy you may be, it would be best to communicate with support. Look for support available 24/7 and via multiple channels (i.e., phone, chat, knowledgebase, email, etc.).
  • Affordability – Given the competition in this industry, there are many affordable options for getting your business online. Avoid cheap providers. If you focus only on pricing, you may live to regret it. The ideal choice would be a reliable company with a good reputation that is inexpensive and provides high-quality service.
  • Simple is better. Almost every plan will include access to an administrative panel, often called the Cpanel. This is where you’ll manage the technical details for your site. You’ll install apps, review analytics, set up email, and more here. The number of features available in the Cpanel can vary widely. If you don’t understand how to use the features, you’ll have to spend a lot of time figuring things out. Choose a provider with a simple interface. In my opinion, Kinsta has the most simplified interface of any company on this list.
  • Read reviews before you make a decision. Don’t base your decision on a review you read on any site. Do your research on plans, Cpanels, servers, reliability, speed, uptime, pricing, and customer service. Focus on finding the best option for your situation, not based on a sole recommendation from an affiliate.

One final note – Your choice is not permanent. Even if you decide to go with what is widely recognized as the top web hosting provider, it may not be the best for you. Your needs will change as your business grows, and you may need to start your search again. The good news is that moving from one host to another is relatively simple. Many higher-quality providers, such as Kinsta, will migrate your site to their servers for free.

Once you’ve evaluated all these features, you can select the top company for your needs.

The impact of web hosting outages

In addition to the daily loss of revenue, there is a longer-term impact. Think of it from the perspective of a potential customer. They start by doing a search engine query and finding a link to your site. The description meets what they are searching for, so they click on the link, only to find out that the website is unavailable. If that were a person’s first visit to your website, you’d likely never get them to return.

Also, if Google attempts to crawl and index your website while the hosting company is down, it may impact your search engine rankings. Google wants to serve search results for websites that help answer people’s questions. If your site isn’t available, Google views that as a letdown to their customer. So, they will likely devalue your website in search results, especially if you have multiple outages.

Google and Search Engine Optimization experts recommend that you have quality web hosting. The great thing about Kinsta is that you get both quality and affordability.

Questions and Comments

If you have questions about this overview or the list of the best web hosting providers, please post a message below. For related information, see how to set up a website.

List of Alexa Commands: Photo courtesy of Amazon.com.

List of Alexa Voice Commands for the Amazon Echo

The Amazon Echo and Alexa

In this article, I’ll provide an overview of the Amazon Echo family of devices. And I’ll provide a list of Alexa voice commands you can use to control the device.

The Amazon Echo is a hands-free speaker that can be controlled using voice commands. The Echo device connects to the Alexa Voice Service to interpret the commands. The device uses natural language processing (NLP) to convert speech into words and sounds. Then, Amazon’s servers use technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to process and interpret those words. Next, a response is sent back to the device.

You can use it to ask questions, play music, make telephone calls, set timers and reminders, get news, weather, and more. In addition to the Echo, Amazon offers the Echo Dot, Show, Spot, Look, and the Plus. Also, it comes in a Kid’s version.

How it Works

To use the Alexa Voice Service, plug in the device, connect it to your Wi-Fi network, and start issuing voice commands. Regardless of your device (Standard, Plus, Dot, etc.), the voice service turns on automatically when you say the word, Alexa. Try it, and you’ll notice that the top ring on the device will light up and begin to circulate. This means it heard you and is ready to receive your command, question, instructions, etc.

List of Alexa Voice Commands

As technology continues to evolve, the number of potential uses also grows. The remainder of this article is focused on the voice commands you can try with your device.

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Alarm Clock

  • “Alexa, wake me up in the morning at [time].”
  • “Alexa, snooze alarm.”
  • “Alexa, announce Good Morning.”
  • “Wake Me Up to “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham. You can set alarm clocks to wake you up to your favorite song.

Audio Books

You can use the device to read audiobooks from Audible.com. Of course, you need to have an account at Audible for this to work, which is something that I highly recommend. I love this feature because I can put on an audiobook while working at the computer. Following are some helpful commands:

  • Say, “Alexa, read the book ____ from Audible.”
  • “Alexa, read faster” or “read slower” – This allows you to control the playback speed after starting your book.

Honestly, I think this is an underrated feature. Incredibly, I can listen to an audiobook in my car, arrive home, and pick up listening on my home devices without searching for where I left off.

Calculations

Set up your device on your work desk or in the kitchen to help with calculations, define words, and look up information on Wikipedia.

  • Ask – “Alexa, do you know the value of pi?”
  • Ask – “Alexa, how many ounces are in a gallon?”
  • “How many days until _____?”
  • “Wikipedia <topic>” – This is a great homework helper.

Device Commands

You can use the Alexa voice commands to control features of the device itself (e.g., turn up the sound, off, etc.).

  • “Turn up the volume.”
  • “Alexa, learn my voice.” – Get a personalized experience for music, making calls, setting location-based reminders, and more when the Echo system recognizes your voice.
  • “Alexa, call my phone.”
  • “Turn off the screen” – I use this one a lot. When I’m not using my Echo Show, it shows a “screen saver” with things like the day’s news, recipe ideas, weather, etc. It uses AI and machine learning to present information that is relevant (or is likely to be relevant) to my family and me.
  • “Off”

Facts and Figures

  • “What is the tallest mountain?”
  • “What is the fast animal?”
  • “When is President’s Day?”
  • “Tell me a black history fact.”

Fire Stick

  • “Alexa, search for <movie name>.”
  • “Alexa, open Netflix.”
  • “Rewind 10 seconds.”
  • “Open Hulu”

Funny Things

  • “Alexa, fart.” (Beware, children may overuse this one.)
  • “Alexa, raise the shields!” (You have to enable the skill first. Once enabled, she’ll raise them Star Trek-style whenever asked)

Games

Following is a list of games you can play. These options offer a nice mental break for both children and adults.

  • “Play the Sims.”
  • “Open Word Play.”
  • “Open Choose Your Own Adventure.” – Relive classic adventure stories with this new Alexa skill from Audible. You choose the adventure; you decide what happens next.
  • “Give me a riddle.”
  • “Alexa, tell me a movie joke.”
  • “Alexa, open Ultimate History Quiz.”
  • “Alexa, open Ultimate Oscars Movie Trivia.”
  • “Tell me a tongue twister.”

General Commands and Instructions

“Alexa…

  • “What’s the Amazon Beta Testing Program?”
  • “What is Brief Mode?”
  • “How many days are in February?”
  • “Give me a Groundhog Day fun fact.”
  • “Play football on SiriusXM.”
  • “How old is Tom Hanks?
  • “Start my Audible trial.”
  • “Play me a love podcast.”
  • “What movies are playing this weekend?”
  • “Open Angel Investor.”
  • “What are some flower shops nearby?”
  • “Announce Happy Valentine’s Day!”
  • “Tell me a love story.”
  • “Who is Cupid?”
  • “Tell me a presidential fact.”
  • “Alexa, open Lemonade Stand.”
  • “Alexa, surprise me.”
  • “Alexa, call mom’s cell.”
  • “Alexa, open Silver Linings.”
  • “Alexa, what’s trending?”
  • “Alexa, when is the first day of spring?”
  • “Alexa, who is the UFC welterweight champion?”
  • “Alexa, who is your favorite actor?”
  • “Alexa, open Three Questions.”
  • “Alexa, what time is sunset?”
  • “Alexa, what’s on your mind?”
  • “Alexa, what is Echo Look?” – Check your outfit of the day. Take full-length photos and 6-second videos with Echo Look, a hands-free camera and style assistant with Alexa.
  • “Alexa, what should I wear?”
  • “Alexa, what’s trending in fashion?”
  • “Alexa, rename the living room plug.”
  • “Alexa, no soup for you.”
  • “Alexa, what’s the question of the day?”
  • “Alexa, drop in on the kitchen.”
  • “Alexa, what is your favorite hobby?”
  • “Alexa, sing Woohoo Technology.”
  • “Alexa, how’s the Dow Jones doing?”
  • “Alexa, when is Ash Wednesday?”
  • “Alexa, can you do an impression?

Also, you can use general commands at any time, such as stop, cancel, pause, repeat, and next.

Home Automation

Use your Echo device to control connected devices throughout your home. For example, with the appropriate smart light bulbs, you can use the Echo to turn lights on and off with your voice. Many of today’s smart bulbs use mesh technology to extend the range throughout your house.

  • “Alexa, show me the front door camera.” – Stay connected to home activity with compatible smart home security.
  • “Alexa, turn on the fan.”
  • “Alexa, dim the lights.”
  • “Alexa, open Chevrolet.” – Ask Alexa to start and pre-condition your Chevrolet vehicle remotely.

Movies, Actors, and Actresses

You can ask questions about your favorite movies, actors, and actresses. Following are a few examples:

  • “Alexa, what is the IMDB rating for [movie name].”
  • “Quiz me on [actor or actress name] movies.”
  • “When will [movie name] be released in theatres?”
  • “Who starred in [movie name]

Music and Sounds

With an Amazon Prime subscription, you can use your Echo device to play over a million songs for free. Here are some commands to try (remember, always begin the phrase with “Alexa…”:

  • “Alexa, what are the Grammy nominations this year?”
  • “Play the GRAMMY Nominees playlist on Apple Music.”
  • “Can you beatbox?”
  • “Sing a love song.”
  • “Play more music like this on Amazon Music.”
  • “Play Alicia Keys on Amazon Music.”
  • “Open Song Quiz.”
  • “What song is this?”
  • Ask, “How do I play music in all my rooms?”
  • “Sing-along with Queen.” – Live out your rock-and-roll dreams and sing along with the rock band Queen.
  • “Play new music on Amazon Music.”
  • “Play the playlist Cardio Dance Workout on Amazon Music.”
  • “Open Nature Sounds.”
  • “Play smooth jazz.” (my favorite and most-used command of all time)
  • “Play relaxing music.” Options include calm music for stress release. For example, anxiety, concentration, focus, healing, massage, meditation, sleep, wellness, yoga, and more.
  • “Play <playlist name>.”

You can even give general requests like, “play some relaxing music.”

You can buy the music directly from the device if you find something you like.

News

  • “Alexa, what’s the latest?” – Get the latest news headline with Alexa as the newscaster. Learn more.
  • “What’s my flash briefing?”
  • “Play NPR”

Podcasts & Radio

Examples include – “play Z100 radio”, “play ESPN radio,” or “play the program Radiolab.”

Privacy Settings

The device gives you complete control over your privacy. Go to the Privacy Settings in your Amazon account, or speak to Alexa to adjust things like:

  • Whether your voice recordings should be saved and for how long.
  • Smart Home privacy settings
  • Skill permissions

Also, you can ask her for instructions on how to adjust the settings.

Reading

  • Say – “Alexa, read me a poem.”

Shopping

  • “Add an umbrella to my cart.”

Sports

  • “Alexa, open Sports Jeopardy!”
  • “Open Rookies Guide to the NFL.” – Your official way to learn about the NFL.
  • “What are the odds on the Patriots game?”
  • “Start ESPN.”
  • “Announce that the game is starting.”
  • “Who’s going to win the Big Game?
  • “When does March Madness start?”
  • “Tell me about the upcoming NASCAR race.”
  • “How many threes has Steph Curry made?”

Timers & Reminders

  • “Alexa, add three minutes to my nachos timer.” – Add and remove time on your timers or restart as needed.
  • “Remind me to take out the trash every Thursday when I get home.” (I use this one personally, but I must admit that it scares the crap out of me every Thursday night.)

Also, you can “snooze” the timer to add five additional minutes.

Task Tracking

  1. “Alexa, help me create a chore chart.”
  2. “Help me track my tasks.”
  3. “When is my dentist appointment?”
  4. “Alexa, who’s on dish duty tonight?” – With the Chore Chart, Task Tracker, and Whose Turn Skill Blueprints, you can create personalized Alexa Skills to help organize and simplify your life at home.

Traffic

  • Ask – “How is my commute looking today?”
  • How long will it take me to get to work?

Weather reports and forecasts

  • What does the weather look like today?
  • What will the weather look like tomorrow?
  • What is the forecast for this week?
  • What is the UV index today?
  • What is the current temperature in my area?
  • Is it going to rain today?

Questions and Comments

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