We always find that the best Holiday Guides are the ones you consult after the holidays. Now that you have that shiny new computer, iPod, or camera, it’s time to figure out what you really need to make it truly yours. In many ways, the tradition of introducing new models and products timed for the holidays may slowly be slipping away, as evidenced by Apple’s decision to forgo future participation in conferences such as MacWorld. And, the internet has made the need to visit brick-and-mortar stores start to feel quaint by comparison. Still, we love MacWorld, and felt that, aside from Steve’s keynote, Apple wasn’t the only reason to attend the show – all of the other folks and vendors are important factors, too. With so many wonderful products out there, it’s impossible to create a list that doesn’t leave out more than it leaves in, so, here is our short and incomplete list of some of our favorite products from 2008.

In this interview with Josh Weisberg, Director of the Microsoft Rich Media Group, we discuss Microsoft’s commitment to digital photography. Josh describes how Microsoft’s recent purchase of iView MediaPro, and the introduction of SilverLight, point to renewed support for creative professionals. Recorded at the Microsoft Pro Photo Summit conference in Redmond, Washington, in July 2008 by Harris Fogel. Posted 12/26/08 (13:02)

In this interview with Lynda Weinman, founder of Lynda.com we discuss the state of training in the age of broadband. Where a teacher once reached a small number of students each course, with online resources like Lynda.com a teacher can reach an enormous audience, in bite-sized pieces, 24/7, and anywhere on the planet! Recorded at the MacWorld conference in San Francisco, in January 2008 by Harris Fogel. Posted 12/26/08 (13:40)

In this interview with Peter MacGill, Director of the respected Pace/MacGill Gallery in New York, Peter discusses working with legendary photography curator John Szarkowski to exhibit his own photographs. While at the Museum of Modern Art, Szarkowski was dedicated to exhibiting the work of photographers, and when he stepped down from his post, he had the opportunity to finally pay attention to his own photography. Recorded at the AIPAD conference in New York, in April 2008 by Harris Fogel. Posted 12/26/08 (7:43)

 In this extended conversation with photography curator Graham Howe of Curatorial Assistance, we discuss his discovery of photographer E.O. Hoppe, his own journey in photography, and working as a curator for Graham Nash. Howe also founded Curatorial Assistance, one of the first to help create and travel exhibitions of fine-art photography. Recorded at the Photo LA conference at the Santa Monica Airport, in January 2008 by Harris Fogel. Posted 12/25/08 (32:57)

I generally try to avoid using the term “best ever,” because whenever I do, something always seems to come along and top it. However, I think that now would be a good time to make an exception! So here goes nothing: Rock Band, from Harmonix, Pi Studios, EA, and MTV Games, could quite possibly be the greatest rhythm and music game yet created. The main reason I say it’s so good because the core gameplay remains strong on the Nintendo Wii, and that is what gives Rock Band its appeal.

Posted 7/26/08

A few years ago, if you wanted active noise-cancelling headphones or earphones, you had only a few choices. As travelers soon discovered, the combination of an iPod or laptop computer and some good headphones or earphones could help to balance the stresses of modern travel. We have tested a wide-variety of models, and found that two models from venerable audio manufacturer Audio-Technica consistently ranked among our favorites, and as such, the ATH-ANC7 headphones and their in-the-ear ATH-ANCR cousins represent that rare balance of great audio at an affordable price. 

Posted 7/25/08 

Arrrgh! Do ye love pirates? Are ye willing to walk the plank for “Captain” Jack Sparrow? Are ye a gunner, or a swordsman? Disney Brings the MMO gaming experience to The Pirates of the Caribbean. In this interview with Joe Shochet and Mike Goslin of Disney Online we discover what led them to create this great MMO for pirate gamers everywhere!  Recorded at the Consumer Electronic Show, in Las Vegas, in January 2008 by Harris Fogel. Posted 7/07/08 (12:13)

Microsoft had an unenviable task in rewriting their productivity giant Microsoft Office 2008 to run as an Intel native application on the new generation of Intel Macs. Rewriting an specialized application used by a handful of people is one thing, but rewriting and rethinking the world’s most popular productivity suite, all the while maintaining backwards and forward compatibility with its cousin on the Windows side is a daunting task. In this interview with Microsoft’s Amanda Lefebvre & Eric Wilfrid, we learn how the new version stacks up. If you live and die by Microsoft Office, then this interview is for you!  Recorded at the MacWorld Conference, in San Francisco, in January 2008 by Harris Fogel. Posted 7/04/08 (13:46)

Darryl "D.M.C." Matthews McDaniels is one of the pioneers of hip-hop music, and a founding member of Run-D.M.C., which began when he was a student at St. Johns University in NYC. In this interview we talk about the history of Run-D.M.C., the upheavals in his personal life, and his decision to partner with Beyond.FM a new music download service committed to higher royalties for their artists. With an entirely new generation of youth rediscovering D.M.C. through “Guitar Hero: Aerosmith” you won’t want to miss this interview! Recorded at the Consumer Electronic Show, in Las Vegas, in January 2008 by Harris Fogel. Posted 7/04/08 (18:44)