Web 2.0 Awards choice

My selection from the web 2.0 awards list is Pandora Internet Radio.  I spent the afternoon cataloging documents and listening to the station and I think it's GREAT!  I like having a radio  station play music that I like based on an artist of my choice.  I used the "add variety" feature to expand the range of artists on the station with good results.  I find that many of the musical selections are from artists that I know, but the selected tracks are not as familiar.  A great way to explore artists you know, and I guess new artists if I listen long enough.  The site provides information pages about each artist/album/track and the (YEAH!!)option to buy the music from Amazon or Itunes. 

firstPost

This post was created using Zoho Writer, and posted using the Post to Blog function.  I am familiar with Open Office, but this is my first experience with a web based word processing application.  The format is very clean, and the interface makes this really easy to use.  I imported a document created with MS Word and the format came over intact.  I could see a group using this to create and share documents.  It would also be especially useful to groups with little or no budgets for software and equipment.  Took a look at the other Zoho services and was amazed at the variety.  Only looked briefly, but I could not find details on where files are stored, and if there is a document storage limit.

Del.icio.us

I had a del.icio.us account but I was only using it to collect my bookmarks in a single place. After reading the 7 habits, I looked at some of the other features. I like the idea of seeing what my friends have found interesting (using the inbox, etc.) so to that end, my del.icio.us user name is ebeckett. If you're interested in sharing, add me to your network and send me your user name so I can add you to mine.

I also spent some time cleaning up my tags, and noticing how popular (or not) my bookmarks are. This tapas exercise has truly changed the way that I look at del.icio.us.

Tech Tapas 4th course

I've had a bloglines subscription for a while, but found it difficult as of late to make time to go and read the feeds. Here is the link to my blog roll (http://www.bloglines.com/public/ebeckett).

I have recently (March 2009) moved to Goole reader and I am finding it easier to read the feeds. I have my igoogle page set as my browser homepage, and have added the reader to this page. Now, whenever I open my browser, I can take a few minutes and read some of the feeds. It's also easier to add new feeds, so the list reflected in the blog roll has expanded by about a dozen feeds.

Life Long learning

I like the idea of a learning contract with myself, but I'm not sure if I will take the time to make a contract for EVERY learning situation. The 7 1/2 habits are a good way to remind yourself to be proactive in your learning as well as in your life. My favorite habit was the last, because playing is such a cool way to learn. The habits that have been most useful to me have been 3 (view problems as challenges), 5 (create your own learning toolbox), and 6 (use technology to your advantage).