Why the Web Is Like a Rainforest

Steven Johnson's article, Why the Web Is Like a Rainforest, is about an upcoming sofware upgrade called, "Web 2.0." Web2.0 intends to redefine the way data is linked as well as how people are connected on the Web. He describes the Web's shift from interlinked pages to an information ecosystem, where data will circulate much like the nutrients in a rain forest. In order to understand what Johnson means by this, here's a brief summary of Web2.0's main functions:

Web2.0 comes equipped with two services, Technorati and Del.icio.us. Technorati functions like Google, but for the blog world. For instance, if I post a blog including a link to a book about home improvement, Technorati scans my website and analyzes my post. It then scans the web for latest blogs to see which books are most talked about in the blog world. If Technorati comes across many blogs relating to the book about home improvement, it will update the hot-books list with this book.

Del.icio.us is the other service offered by Web2.0, which allows users to categorize their blogs/posts by tagging it with content-specific titles, such as "home improvement." By tagging my blog, I can allow other users to see all the articles/pages that others have tagged as home improvement. When I check this tag, I will be able to view similar articles that are constantly being updated.

This service also allows users to form online communities based on like-interests. Del.icio.us will allow me to invite people to join my Home Improvement community. Anytime I receive a new article relating to Home Improvement, every person that joined my particular community will receive an e-mail notification about the articles.

I think Web2.0 is a fascinating development because it will enable us to use data/information more efficiently on the Web. If I search for articles about writing a resume and find a really good one, I might be one of the only few lucky ones to stumbled across it. With Web2.0, I will be able to share the awesome article with everyone else on the Web who finds it useful. Web2.0 connects data in a way that will improve the flow of information and efficient use of data passed along the Web.

I didn't know a program like this existed until I read Johnson's article. I recently read a blog about Britney Spears on an AOL page, and at the bottom of the post, there was an "Add to Del.icio.us" link. I just think it's cool how these services will help web users search and find information easier. I love the idea of categorizing blogs because it's an efficient way of organizing data. It's sort of like a big filing cabinet, but on the Web!

iPods - Reinventing Entertainment

Movies, TV shows, games, and music.

Now playing on an iPod near you.

Technology has come a long way in the past 10 years. iPods really change the way we do media and entertainment. Do you remember the "Walkman" days, when portable cassette players were fascinating? I'm sure you'll never forget how cool it was when portable CD players entered the world. How about DVD players? That was only the beginning. Nowadays, almost all of our favorite technological features are accessible to fit in the palm of our hands--iPods!

I think iPods are awesome mainly because its size makes it easy to carry around, without being too bulky and heavy. I mean look at it! It's only as tall as a pencil. Now, you can even customize your iPod case by choosing an engravement on the back part.

I'm a big fan of bright colors, so the color selection works out very well for me!

The new iPod Video will allow me to access audio books and podcasts too! It's very exciting since one of my classes offers the podcast feature of the lectures. Can't wait to try it out!

For more information on how to find an iPod that's right for you, visit http://www.apple.com/ipod/ipod.html