I joined David Sparks and Katie Floyd on the latest episode of one of my very favorite podcasts, Mac Power Users.

Anyone who has asked me for help setting up their new Mac or transitioning from the horror of Windows to the wonder of Mac knows that one of the first things I do is show the initiate how to listen to podcasts and subscribe to Mac Power Users.  It’s a must-listen for all Mac users, from beginner to expert.

We had a great discussion about integrating your Mac into a Windows corporate environment, and other Mac-related topics.

Here’s the information on the latest show, here’s the iTunes link, and here’s the RSS feed to use to subscribe to the podcast in your podcast app of choice.  I use Downcast.

Give us a listen.

Here’s Episode 3 of the Sounds of Tech (SOT) podcast.  Tech talk for grownups, with some fantastic music thrown in for good measure.  Let’s see how we can use tech to improve our lives, save us money and make us more productive.

Today’s show will help you figure out what apps to put front and center on your iPad and how to arrange them for maximum efficiency.

Great songs played

One from Fever Tree’s 1968 record Another Time, Another Place.  Purchase links:  I can’t find any, if you know one, let me know and I’ll add it.

One from Fred Eaglesmith’s 1980 self-titled record.  Purchase links:  Amazon, iTunes.

More in a week.

Here’s the RSS feed.  Here’s the iTunes link.

Here’s Episode 2 of the Sounds of Tech (SOT) podcast.  Tech talk for grownups, with some fantastic music thrown in for good measure.  Let’s see how we can use tech to improve our lives, save us money and make us more productive.

This episode covers how to easily dip your toe into the wonderful pool of home automation products.  In less than a half hour you’ll be well on your way to an automated, more secure- and cooler- home.

Tech topics covered

Dropcam, the easiest and most useful entry point into home automation.  Purchase at Amazon.

[Update: For some reason, when I insert videos in the show notes, the iTunes feed thinks this is a video podcast and only shows one of them.  I removed the sample Dropcam videos, but trust me, they were high quality.]

WeMo, easy remote control for lamps, lights and other appliances.  Purchase at Amazon.

App of the week: the best choice for cheap, automated computer backup.

Great songs played

One from Mercury Dime’s 1997 record Baffled Ghosts.  Purchase links:  Amazon.

One from Country Coalition’s self-titled 1970 record.  I can’t find any purchase links.  If you know one, send it to me and I’ll add it.

One from Quinaimes Band’s self-titled 1971 record.  Purchase links:  Amazon, iTunes.

More in a week.

Here’s the RSS feed.  Here’s the iTunes link.

Here’s Episode 1 of the Sounds of Tech (SOT) podcast.  Tech talk for grownups, with some fantastic music thrown in for good measure.  Let’s see how we can use tech to improve our lives, save us money and make us more productive.

Tech topics covered

Microsoft Office apps have been released for the iPad.  Why it’s too little, too late and not as big of a deal as it should be.

Why I use Macs, and what I miss about Windows.

App of the week: a productivity boosting journal app.

Hardware mentioned

ScanSnap scanners.

Great songs played

One from Whiskey & Co.’s  excellent 2005 self-titled record.  Purchase links:  Amazon, iTunes.

One from Magnolia Electric Company’s 2009 record, Josephine.  Purchase links:  Amazon, iTunes.

One from The Connell’s 1993 record, Ring.  Purchase links:  Amazon, iTunes.

More in a week.

Here’s the RSS feed.  Here’s the iTunes link.

Here’s Beta Version 2 of Sounds of Tech (SOT) podcast. Tech talk for grownups, with some fantastic music thrown in for good measure. Let’s see how we can use tech to improve our lives, save us money and make us more productive.

Tech topics covered

How I manage my email, calendar and contacts for maximum efficiency, and why I deleted all of my Google contacts.

How to dump your landline, keep your number and save money.

The best, time-saving and awesome Mac app, which is on your Mac, but I bet you never use.

Automation preview (and why you need to catch the next few episodes of SOT).

Hardware mentioned

Yeti Big Blue Microphone

Great songs played

One from Joshua Black Wilkins’ excellent 2005 record Hellbent & Brokenhearted.

One from The Washers’ (from near Houston) 2010 record Devils Name.

One from Big Harp’s 2011 record White Hat.

More in a week.

Here’s the RSS feed.  Here’s the iTunes link.

Well, I’ve tried before.  And bailed.  But it’s a new year, and what the hell.

Here’s the Beta Version 1 of what may or may not become the weekly Newsome.Org Sounds of Tech Podcast.  It’s an abbreviated episode, in which I talk a little about car audio and play a great old, obscure alt. country song.

This is very rough.  I’m still in the “let’s see how it goes” stage.  Recording with Garage Band, something I use a lot for music, was easy.  We’ll see how WordPress.Com handles podcasts.

Here’s the RSS feed.  If I don’t immediately bail, I’ll have an iTunes link later.

Back in the day, I used to do the RanchoCasts, podcasts featuring me talking about various tech related topics and playing good music.  On Christmas Eve 2005, I did one featuring Christmas songs.

Here, for musical and nostalgia purposes, is that RanchoCast from 12/24/05.

It consists of nine mostly off the beaten path Christmas songs.

Enjoy.

While I am still deeply into Spotify, I also enjoy the ability to roll some mixes that are available to those who stubbornly refuse to sign up.

My current favorite of the mix-tape sites is 8tracks.

Here’s our fifth mix.  Some serious funk and groove.

Enjoy.  Share.  Tell your friends.

While I am still deeply into Spotify, I also enjoy the ability to roll some mixes that are available to those who stubbornly refuse to sign up.

My current favorite of the mix-tape sites is 8tracks.

Here’s our fourth mix.  30 great songs you’ve probably never heard.

Enjoy.  Share.  Tell your friends.

Here, at long last, is a new RanchoCast, featuring a great cover by Jeanne Newhall, a Fred Neill classic, a new one by Futurebirds, a great alt. country number by The Dark Horses, my 3rd favorite Billy Preston song, a Hope Sandoval gem and a closing jam by Anders Osborne and Monk Boudreax.

Happy Labor Day!