For me to be able to watch Amazon Video content on my TV, I have to access the service through my Sony DVD player. It’s a rudimentary display with tabbing through options one by one and using various buttons on the remote to navigate.
To go backwards and forwards in the interface, you use the remote’s “options” button (left) and “return” button (right) as noted at the bottom of the TV screen. What trips me up is that the buttons on the remote are in the opposite positions that they are on the screen.
It’s a small thing but I have to stop and look down at the remote every time and double-check that I’m using the right button. A simple fix would be to transpose the controls on the screen.
I’m that person. I get upset about cars and plants blocking sidewalks. A year ago I did a post on the walkability of communities using my neighborhood as an example. After notifying 311 (city help) about a couple of repeat offenders, they stopped parking across the sidewalk.
Now there are new cars and the problem hasn’t improved much.
Let’s walk into traffic!
I decided to make a flyer I could put on windshields. In England, I saw a traffic sign start with “Polite Notice” and that’s always stuck with me. I think these drivers deserve the benefit of the doubt of not knowing this is a problem.
Polite Notice
I’ve yet to put any on windshields. Making the flyer was mostly a way to deal with my frustration. Lately, I get anxious during my morning walks and I wanted to “do” something. I enjoyed the creative outlet.
As I noted in my previous sidewalks post, directly confronting the driver of a car blocking the sidewalk did not go well. On a related note, I had a really unpleasant incident earlier this year where a guy had locked his dog in a car, in the sun, and I called him out on it. He and his girlfriend got upset with me, started shouting—that’s when I decided to let the police deal with things from now on.
I recently tried out Amazon Locker for a package return and it was a great experience. Usually, I choose the UPS drop off option. During my last return, though, I noticed that an Amazon Locker is now available in a more convenient location for me than the UPS Store. So how does Amazon Locker work?
With Amazon Locker, you’re able to drop off (and sometimes pick up) a package at any time to a bank of secure lockers. Shipping for eligible returns is still paid by Amazon and the packages are picked up by the US Postal Service. Next time you start a return, see if there is an option for Amazon Locker dropoff.
Choose Amazon Locker dropoff
If that option is available for your return, you’ll then see a list of drop off locations near you.
Select a drop off location
After choosing a drop off location, you’ll get a confirmation message with a date and a drop off code. The reservation is good for only a few days.
Locker reservation confirmed
As with other returns, you’ll get a link to print the return slip and shipping label. This label contains the return code which you’ll need to open your locker.
You’ll get confirmation instructions about the maximum size your package return can be, given the lockers available. Most of the lockers are not very tall. Usually, you can just use whatever box or envelope your item was delivered in.
Box up your return
It’s time to go to your locker. As it turns out, the one I used is on the side of a gas station convenience store not unlike those Redbox video rental kiosks. It’s bright yellow and I was a little surprised I hadn’t noticed it before while driving by as it’s hard to miss.
An Amazon Locker location
Each locker bank has a name so you can be sure you’re dropping off at the correct location. Walk on up and start your return using the touch screen.
Touch screen on the lockers
There’s a barcode scanner or you can enter your return code on the touch screen. Then, your assigned locker pops open.
Open locker for package return
Insert your package, close the door, and you’re done! The touch screen will ask if your locker is too small to fit your package (which happened to me). Just tap ‘yes’ and a larger locker will open.
I was very impressed with this experience. It’s much faster than waiting in line at the UPS Store or a post office. Highly recommended if available in your area.
