Confessions of an iTunes Junkie
I bought a new, upgraded computer system—an iMac—last July. I hated to see my old Windows machine and laser printer go. I had worked with the equipment for eight years and loved it. But certain things about it began to drive me up the wall as newer technologies were developed. Friends and family urged me to upgrade when I told them how old my computer was. They could also see how stressed I was feeling. So I took the plunge. It’s been a journey learning an entirely new system, but it is worth it. I donated my old computer system to a nonprofit Washington, DC, organization, First Time Computers, that donates Windows computers to low-income families.
An unintended consequence of this investment, however, has been a growing love for iTunes. I’m not, nor will I ever be, a musician, so I won’t be recording songs or using GarageBand any time soon. I also won’t be putting my vast CD collection on my computer. My computer is reserved for writing projects only. I didn’t want to get involved with iTunes at all, but one day I decided to explore it. That was my undoing.
I love iTunes Radio! As I’m writing this, my local station, Classical WETA 90.9, plays softly in the background—Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty. I also enjoy WTOP, my News/Talk station, and Bluegrasscountry.org, where bluegrass music and several favorite public radio programs migrated when another station decided to go digital and split its programming. WGBH gives me a link to Boston, which I enjoyed visiting in the fall of 2007. I also enjoy FolkAlley.com, Play Classical UK (a small link to a place I’ve always wanted to visit), Solo Piano Radio, and BeatlesRadio.com. Many choices are available depending on mood. Instrumental music feels better during the workday, especially if you’re in a quiet home office.
Who knew that I would have to spend so much of my free time at the computer, too? I never even thought I would ever be playing CDs on a computer. I bought my stereo in early 1989, after I was newly hired at my first job. It’s still going strong, even though I replaced my phonograph needle once and CD changer twice. A stereo is still the best way to enjoy music if you can’t see it live.
Even more than the radio options on iTunes, I discovered a wealth of free podcast resources. I subscribe to 23 so far. Some are more than an hour long. But most are less than 20 minutes. I listen in the evenings since TV is so bad, after network news and “Jeopardy!” Fortunately they all don’t arrive at the same time, and I don’t usually keep episodes after they are played.
Oh, the learning opportunities! I quickly discovered PR Camp with Kathe Stanton. The IT-focused Career Opportunities with Douglas E. Welch is useful for all careers. Welch also produces the general-interest Technology IQ. Another podcast, Freelance Radio, is an informative program for freelance writers, Web designers and independent workers. Lessons in Spanish have not worked out well, but I’m keeping my subscription anyway. The Classic Tales and Classic Books Audio reacquaint me with favorite novels and short stories. Many favorite public radio programs have made it to podcast. I’ve also enjoyed Agatha Christie Radio Theatre and episodes of “The Shadow.”
And always, there is music—classical, Celtic, African and other world music. I wanted a link with Philadelphia, which I visited in the spring of 2007, so I subscribed to the Philadelphia Orchestra “Podchestra.” Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum offers weekly Sunday classical music concerts for most of the year. When my aunt and I were there, we were lucky enough to see the musicians rehearse in the Tapestry Room. The actual concert was sold out. When we got back, I subscribed. Now when I listen, I feel like I’m there again. I held off on a Carnegie Hall podcast. I hope to attend a concert there one day. When I was in New York in 1992, we just walked by the building.
Even more than the listening, the process of creating podcasts and vodcasts interests me, although I would love to work with a group of people to do it since I don’t have a broadcasting voice. Actually, that doesn’t matter. Where someone might be irritated by a host’s voice, another person might think it’s wonderful.
Oh no! A few days ago I read about National Public Radio’s new venture, www.NPR.org/music. Yes, I explored the site, and yes, I now subscribe to the “Classical on the Go!” podcast from WGBH. So many podcasts, so little time. Sigh.
Time to play my Beethoven symphonies now….
An unintended consequence of this investment, however, has been a growing love for iTunes. I’m not, nor will I ever be, a musician, so I won’t be recording songs or using GarageBand any time soon. I also won’t be putting my vast CD collection on my computer. My computer is reserved for writing projects only. I didn’t want to get involved with iTunes at all, but one day I decided to explore it. That was my undoing.
I love iTunes Radio! As I’m writing this, my local station, Classical WETA 90.9, plays softly in the background—Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty. I also enjoy WTOP, my News/Talk station, and Bluegrasscountry.org, where bluegrass music and several favorite public radio programs migrated when another station decided to go digital and split its programming. WGBH gives me a link to Boston, which I enjoyed visiting in the fall of 2007. I also enjoy FolkAlley.com, Play Classical UK (a small link to a place I’ve always wanted to visit), Solo Piano Radio, and BeatlesRadio.com. Many choices are available depending on mood. Instrumental music feels better during the workday, especially if you’re in a quiet home office.
Who knew that I would have to spend so much of my free time at the computer, too? I never even thought I would ever be playing CDs on a computer. I bought my stereo in early 1989, after I was newly hired at my first job. It’s still going strong, even though I replaced my phonograph needle once and CD changer twice. A stereo is still the best way to enjoy music if you can’t see it live.
Even more than the radio options on iTunes, I discovered a wealth of free podcast resources. I subscribe to 23 so far. Some are more than an hour long. But most are less than 20 minutes. I listen in the evenings since TV is so bad, after network news and “Jeopardy!” Fortunately they all don’t arrive at the same time, and I don’t usually keep episodes after they are played.
Oh, the learning opportunities! I quickly discovered PR Camp with Kathe Stanton. The IT-focused Career Opportunities with Douglas E. Welch is useful for all careers. Welch also produces the general-interest Technology IQ. Another podcast, Freelance Radio, is an informative program for freelance writers, Web designers and independent workers. Lessons in Spanish have not worked out well, but I’m keeping my subscription anyway. The Classic Tales and Classic Books Audio reacquaint me with favorite novels and short stories. Many favorite public radio programs have made it to podcast. I’ve also enjoyed Agatha Christie Radio Theatre and episodes of “The Shadow.”
And always, there is music—classical, Celtic, African and other world music. I wanted a link with Philadelphia, which I visited in the spring of 2007, so I subscribed to the Philadelphia Orchestra “Podchestra.” Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum offers weekly Sunday classical music concerts for most of the year. When my aunt and I were there, we were lucky enough to see the musicians rehearse in the Tapestry Room. The actual concert was sold out. When we got back, I subscribed. Now when I listen, I feel like I’m there again. I held off on a Carnegie Hall podcast. I hope to attend a concert there one day. When I was in New York in 1992, we just walked by the building.
Even more than the listening, the process of creating podcasts and vodcasts interests me, although I would love to work with a group of people to do it since I don’t have a broadcasting voice. Actually, that doesn’t matter. Where someone might be irritated by a host’s voice, another person might think it’s wonderful.
Oh no! A few days ago I read about National Public Radio’s new venture, www.NPR.org/music. Yes, I explored the site, and yes, I now subscribe to the “Classical on the Go!” podcast from WGBH. So many podcasts, so little time. Sigh.
Time to play my Beethoven symphonies now….
posted by Carrie | 6:15 PM
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1 comments
