Whoa, this came out of left-field. Amazon just announced that its Video on demand service will be serving up $.99 ABC and Fox rentals just like Apple wait, no, these are $.99 per episode — like you actually own the content rather than just having a short window to watch. Plus, it’s not just limited to one platform as Amazon Video on demand is widely available a bunch of products. This could be huge and might take some sales away from the new Apple TV.

Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Chad Howse who is doing a series of posts for AoM on the basics of boxing.

So we’ve gone over the various punches and how to defend those punches; now it’s time to get into some combinations.

A single punch by itself is pretty much useless. You need a jab to set up a cross, or a cross to set up a hook, or a hook to set up an uppercut and so on. If you’re just throwing one shot punches your opponent will see each punch coming, adjust, and land a flurry in return.

In the video below I go over 3 basic combinations, and as with each article in this series, I’ve put a few tips after the video.

VIDEO

Tips

Using the jab to measure distance

On the double jab + cross, throw out two fast and powerful jabs as you’re coming closer to your opponent. The jabs will do two things: allow you to measure distance to set up your cross and keep your opponent’s guard busy.

He’ll be concentrating on how to defend the two quick jabs. The cross will come from a different angle and will hit him a lot harder than the jabs. Step in with that lead foot to get more distance on your cross as well.

Make the last punch count

I’ve heard guys say that they throw each and every punch at 100%. And I guess to each their own, but that’s an easy way to fatigue early, especially if some of those punches miss or are blocked.

By throwing a few “lighter” punches out there, you won’t be expending as much energy, and your opponent might also loosen up a bit which will open him up for the punch that you throw at 100%, with bad intensions.

On the jab + cross + hook combination, you can throw a quick jab, hard cross and hard hook, then finish the combo up with a few jabs; it’s entirely up to you. But make sure you’re mixing things up in tempo, speed, and power.

Don’t be repetitive

Don’t have a pattern to what you’re doing. Don’t always throw a double jab then cross; mix it up by throwing 1,2 or 3 jabs and then finishing with a cross. Mix things up when you’re in there sparring.

The easiest way to knock someone out is to know what they’re going to do next. I knocked a guy out because he kept on throwing the same combination: 2 jabs + cross + hook. I parried the two jabs, rolled with the cross, then fired a cross back before he could get the hook in there. I’ve also been hit pretty hard because I was punching with a pattern, not fun!

Don’t have a pattern to what you’re doing, instead……

Work with what he gives you

You shouldn’t just be throwing mindless combinations at your opponent, or even at a heavy bag for that matter.

See what your opponent gives you in the way of openings and exploit them. If he keeps his right hand down and he’s an orthodox fighter, set up a combination that ends in a hook. Get him thinking about other areas of his body, then land a hard punch to his weakest point.

If your opponent keeps his hands really high, go to work on his body. It hurts more getting hit with a solid body punch in the right spot than it does getting hit in the head.

With the heavy bag you have to play make believe. Pretend there are openings, pretend there are punches coming at you as well. If you’re just throwing the same punches repeatedly at a heavy bag you won’t get as good a workout, and you’re not going to be improving.

_____________________________________________________________

Chad Howse is a amateur boxer and personal trainer who’s passionate about helping clients achieve satisfying results in a short amount of time, so they can get the most out of life. For fitness tips and inspiration check out his blog, Chad Howse Fitness, sign up to get two free ebooks, and subscribe to his RSS feed.

For previous posts in this series, check out:

Part I: How to Wrap Your Hands

Part II: Stance+Footwork

Part III: Defense

Part IV: Punching-Jab+Cross

Part V: Punching-Hook+Uppercut

Related posts:

1. Boxing Basics Part V-Punching: Hook+Uppercut
2. How To Throw a Dynamite Overhand Punch
3. Boxing Basics Part IV-Punching: Jab+Cross
4. Boxing Basics-Part III: Defense
5. Boxing Basics-Part II: Stance+Footwork

Apple aren't the only ones offering you 99-cent rentals of popular TV shows. Amazon is doing it too. As with Apple, major networks ABC and Fox are on board. BBC is also joining this one.

It's great to see TV shows being offered at more competitive pricing. Strangely, some have expressed a bit of anger, because they believe that they should be able to keep the shows for that price.

Now, most of us aren't rich by any means. We make enough to live comfortably, and that's good enough for us. Right now, 99 cents doesn't seem like  a bad deal. We rarely watch a show more than once. After that, it just feels like a waste of hard drive space.

Either way, it looks like 99 cents may be the new standard for the time being.

[Via Amazon]

I had a different sort of Apple event experience today. When these events roll around, I’m usually at home munching on some food with my teeth and watching the event with my MacBook. This time around I was in Chinatown finishing up some errands and rushing back home in a cab to see the event. Then I remembered that Apple was streaming the whole thing live to Macs and iOS devices, and — to my surprise — it worked beautifully. I watched about 20 minutes of the keynote while on the street or in a cab, and the quality was quite amazing.

Then there were all of the goodies that Steve announced:

(...)
Read the rest of So what did Apple talk about today? [Big ol' roundup] (186 words)

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You hit a site; it’s down. You immediately reload; it’s still down. You start to freak out. “How the hell are they down again!? Is anyone in charge over there?! WTF?!” But quite often, it’s just you. And you look like an ass for your rant that you just spewed on Twitter (or on Facebook when it’s Twitter that is down). Thankfully, it looks like Chrome can now potentially save you from that embarrassment.

Tech geeks are very familiar with sites like Down For Everyone Or Just Me (which was incidentally created by a then-Twitter employee and sold earlier this year). You go there, enter a URL and see if others people around the world are having trouble accessing the site as well. But the latest version of Chrome appears to do the same thing for you now, as the blog Rudefox pointed out today.

While trying to load Chatroutlette today (like the rest of us) only to find that it was down, the author got a fairly typical browser note that “Oops! Google Chrome could not connect to chatroulette.com.” But what’s interesting is that below that, it reads “Other users are also experiencing difficulties connecting to this site, so you may have to wait a few minutes.“

See, there are some benefits to Google watching us. They can now save us a trip to Down For Everyone Or Just Me.

[thanks Tom]

This is nothing new to us at Stack Overflow, which purported to cover the exact same material as hundreds (if not thousands) of other programming sites. There’s no rule that says that there needs to be exactly one Q&A website per topic.

There is, however, a compelling case for the Stack Exchange technology. WordPress.org’s forums don’t have voting, so you have to read through every answer and decide for yourself which one might solve your problem. They don’t have reputation, so there’s no way to see whether you’re getting an answer from someone who knows what they’re talking about. They don’t have wiki-style editing, so collaboration is impossible. You have to log on to ask or answer a question, so the burden of participation is higher. Stack Overflow is simply better than traditional forums, which is why it largely replaced proprietary forums. I remember hours of discussion with John Resig and the folks at jQuery who couldn’t decide whether to replace the jQuery Google Group with a forum or with a Stack Exchange. Ultimately it didn’t matter that much, because most of the jQuery Q&A activity happens on Stack Overflow anyway.

One day, the features that are standard on Stack Exchange will be copied everywhere. Until then, we’ll keep churning out new sites.

Need to hire a really great programmer? Want a job that doesn't drive you crazy? Visit the Joel on Software Job Board: Great software jobs, great people.

YouTube has launched a fresh Movies category on its website, gathering about 400 full-length films for your on-demand viewing pleasure, all free of charge.

The renewed section, which is actually more like the next step in previously announced projects, comes courtesy of deals the Google company struck with U.S. studios like Lionsgate, MGM and Sony Pictures and UK service Blinkbox.

Update: Google checked in to clarify this is a UK announcement only and doesn’t affect the US Movies section announced last year (see link above).

In addition, the company wanted to make clear that the MGM / Lionsgate / Sony Pictures content is currently only available in the US, not in the UK.

What can you find there? Loads of Bollywood flicks, a bunch of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan films, obscure horror movies and cartoons, among many other sections.

“This is one of many efforts to ensure that people can find all the different kinds of video they want to see, from bedroom vlogs and citizen journalism reports to full-length films and TV shows,” YouTube head of video partnerships Donagh O’Malley told The Guardian.

“We hope film lovers enjoy the range of titles in this free library, whether catching up on a mainstream hit or delving into the vast archive of classic films from decades past.”

Personally, I haven’t spotted many mainstream hits or real classics in the catalog, but maybe it’s just me. Ah well, off to watch Teenage Devil Dolls.

Six years ago my life completely changed; the birth of my son ushered in a sense of awesome responsibility that was greater than any I have ever experienced (the Marine Corps and marriage included).  I realized very quickly that my actions, at more than anytime in my life, would have a direct effect on the life of someone who would forever be connected to me.  Unlike any other relationship, this was an unbreakable bond; we all have only one father, and for better or worse much of the course of our early lives depends on this male figure and what kind of person he is.

With this in mind, I write this article for the men who care how they present themselves to the world but since having children have pushed dressing sharp to the backburner.  After all, taking care of yourself is second to doing the important stuff for your family, right?  I argue you must achieve balance.  Dressing sharp does not have to take away from spending quality time with your family; in my opinion, it enhances it.

Fatherhood Brings Challenges

A father loses personal time – Marriage is a relationship of choice; we enter it knowing we are making a free choice commitment to another rational human being.  Although we adjust our schedules, for the most part we still have our personal time to read, exercise, and entertain ourselves.  Children change all this – they are not rational, they do not respect your schedule, and your free time is now consumed researching which types of diapers are going to be the least irritable to your son’s skin.

A father loses personal space – I have a home office that is clearly sectioned off from the rest of the house to ensure it can be deducted for tax purposes.  The IRS respects this boundary; my two year old daughter does not.  She has no problem walking in as I’m having a conference call and telling me she needs to use the bathroom.  Those lower shelves that organize my collection of wires, small electronic devices, and important but rarely used papers? I discovered not too long ago that my son decided they would better house his Transformers. As a father, be prepared to lose many of the areas that you once considered your domain; unless it’s locked up, its fair game.

Who knew that cufflinks and cuff knots played such a pivotal role in the Battle of Endor!

A father has less control over life in general – Although I’ve never been under the impression that I control everything in my life, I did have a sense that my actions determined how most things turned out.  If I went to bed early, I would awake early and refreshed.  If I began a workout program, nothing short of a trip to the emergency room would derail my schedule.  As a father you’ll find life has plans of its own.  You’ll experience the week when both your wife and kids are sick; count on sleepless nights checking temperatures, administering medicine, and numerous trips to the doctor.  And just as everyone starts to feel better and you’re ready to return to work, you’ll get hit with that same nasty virus.

Why a Father Should Embrace a Sharp, Clean Cut Style

Despite the challenges that fatherhood brings, it is still possible to dress sharp and be a dad. It’s just takes some modifications and patience. Putting in the effort is worth it for a few reasons:

You no longer just represent yourself, you represent your family – You are the head of your family, and as such the impressions you make upon others reflect on those under your care.  As unfair as this sounds, your son, daughter, and wife are often judged by people’s first impressions of you.   If you are inconsiderate, unprofessional and poorly dressed when first meeting your daughter’s teacher, the instructor can’t help but assume this is normal for the entire family.   Sons and daughters pay for the faults of their father – do what is in your power to represent your family properly.

Set the example – Children do what you do, say what you say, and behave in a manner that reflects your actions.  When you dress respectfully on Sundays, your son will learn quickly that there is no room for debate here.  When you show proper manners to women, your daughter learns to identify a gentleman.  Lead by example, and dress in a manner that you’ll be proud to see your children emulate.

Your wife still cares – I haven’t met a woman yet who wasn’t thrilled by the idea of her husband dressing in a sharp and professional manner.  A properly fitted sport jacket can make you look taller, shave pounds off the midsection, and increase your masculine appeal overall.  A crisp white shirt set next to your dark skin and hair brings attention to the face and highlights the eyes. Looking great for the mother of your children is a fine compliment to the love you share – trust me on this one.

Tips for Fathers Looking to Dress Sharp

Encourage your children to help you prepare – Now I’m not saying you should have your kids shining your shoes or ironing your dress shirts.  No, rather I’m suggesting you sit with them as you perform these tasks.  Teach your son why leather needs to be taken care of and how it makes the shoes even more handsome, and he’ll ask you to teach him how to take care of his other belongings.  Explain to your daughter why laying out your clothes the night before saves you time in the morning; she’ll follow suit and hopefully build preparation habits that will serve her in other parts of life.

Select clothing that is dark and durable – When you can, select dark fabrics that hide stains and rougher weaves such as tweed that can hide food spills.  Grey flannel trousers are a father’s best friend; they are tough enough that they resist tearing, dark enough to hide stains, and professional enough to wear with a sports jacket and walk into a meeting with a client.  100% cotton shirts are great in that they can be laundered at home with strong detergents to remove dirt and grime.  Learn to spot clean your clothing, especially your wools unless you want a very high cleaning bill.  Brush your jackets after each wearing as food and dirt will end up on your jacket if you are within 5 feet of your kids.

At least I know where the pacifier is located and that it's clean

Dress & groom before your children wake up -The key here is that you have time to yourself, before the household gets going and you are dragged into a fight as to who gets to play with a particular Lego mini-figure (despite my kids having 50 of them….they always zero in on one that both have to have at that moment).  Thirty minutes in the morning is all most of us need to enjoy a hot shower, shave, and dress without interruption.  I advise you leave your dress shirt and tie in the closet until you are about ready to leave – many times at breakfast right after a spill I’ve been thankful I’m just wearing an undershirt and trousers.

Have a chest or place to securely store your valuable menswear items – Kids are kids, and they will find and play with valuable items you’d rather not have them breaking and scratching.  That expensive watch should be kept locked away, and those freshly shined shoes placed in an area that markers and crayons cannot touch.

Dress shoes make nice vehicles for stuffed animals

Have an extra set of clothing at work – The day will come when everything is going according to plan, you’re out the door ten minutes early, you have green lights all the way to your daughter’s day-care, she doesn’t cry when you take her out of the car seat.  And then just as you’re hugging her goodbye she gets sick on your shirt and tie.  On this day you will thank me for this bit of advice.

Learn how to properly address stains & spills -In general, the rules are 1) Act quickly 2) Follow label directions 3) Follow stain removal instructions 4) Be patient and try again if necessary.  Below are instructions to remove some common stains children seem to leave in their wake.

Blood – Rinse with cold water, launder in cold water.  Never expose the garment to heat, as it could set the stain.
Chocolate – Scrape off any excess, then treat with soap directly and let sit. Wash in the hottest water allowable according to the clothing’s label.
Dirt – Scrape off any excess, then treat with soap directly and let sit for about one hour in warm water. Wash in the warmest water allowable according to the clothing’s label.
Ice Cream – Scrape off any excess, then treat with an enzyme containing soap or detergent (read the label – it should say- Tide is a common one) directly and let sit for about thirty minutes in cool water. Wash in the warmest water allowable according to the clothing’s label.
Ketchup & Spaghetti Sauce – Scrape off any excess, pre-treat with soap or detergent ten to fifteen minutes directly before washing – then wash normally.
Mud – Presoak the garment in the warmest water allowed by the label with powder detergent for one hour, then wash normally.
Vomit – Immediately scrape off any excess and thoroughly rinse with cold water.  Next wash the garment in the warmest water allowable according to the clothing’s label using normal laundry detergent.

Note to men without children

I hope this article doesn’t scare you.  Having said all this, I would not trade fatherhood for anything.  It’s in my opinion the most enjoyable experience any man can have.  But it is a major change in your life – this article hopefully helps prepare you for it.

Conclusion

Dressing well as a father requires extra effort; there is no denying this.  With little time for yourself, you’ll have to sacrifice sleep and entertainment to ensure your clothing is ready for the day’s challenges.  But remember that the confidence and competence you display in presenting yourself properly is important.  The ritual of shining your shoes briefly before heading out the door, the way your aftershave smells at the breakfast table, and the time you take to teach life’s lessons will be things your children always remember about you.

Antonio and his three inspirations for this article

For further reading I suggest Tom Junod’s “My Father’s Fashion Tips” – a great 10 minute read!

Written by
Antonio Centeno
President, A Tailored Suit
Articles on Mens Suits, Dress Shirts, Sports Jackets etc.
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Related posts:

1. A Man’s Guide to Style Transition: 6 Steps to Start Dressing Like the Man You Know Yourself to Be
2. Asking a Woman’s Father For Her Hand In Marriage
3. Rules on the Proper Wearing of Socks
4. Waterproofing Your Shoes – A Man’s Guide to Weather Resistant Footwear
5. Lessons From Our Fathers