Discoveries

The past handful of days have been disproportionately focused on work, but in that time I have also uncovered some little gems that bring a smile to my face:

- Podcasts. Okay, I realize that podcasts have been happening for a while but I really kind of just ignored them and figured I didn't need yet another thing to spend my money on. Well, it turns out that I should have been paying more attention. It turns out that every week that I miss Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion broadcast on NPR, I can actually download it, FOR FREE, and get each week's monologue to enjoy at my own pleasure. I have even subscribed, FOR FREE, and will get each week's monologue on my iTunes and, with the ease of syncing, my actual iPod. I am sure that there are a number of other podcasts I would love to get, but I am going to take it easy and savor this new found treat.

- Drive + Play. In other iPod-related news, my friend Scott found a way to route your iPod through your car speakers via your satellite radio. This reduces the need to buy any type of FM transmitter or the like. It works like a charm and I can hear all of my music, or newly downloaded podcasts, while en route anywhere.

- Taylor James. Not to be confused with James Taylor, Taylor James is a female performer who has two albums out that really seem to only be available through iTunes. She's really great and would probably be better classified as a folk singer. I found her through researching some music for a Father's Day mix and I am thisclose to buying both of her albums after previewing her songs.

- Emerson is a couple of pounds and a couple of inches from eschewing his car seat and graduating to the uberbigkid car accessory - the Booster seat. We are thrilled at this prospect and may start stuffing him more to speed up the process.

What new things have you discovered?