Spotify.com

So, I am really diggin' on spotify.com. Apparently it's been around overseas for a while now, but is relatively new here in the states.  It provides links to new "hot now" music, allows for searching songs and playing them instantly and even allows the user to make playlists of songs he or she chooses.  They have a vast selection of mainstream music and lack a little in the obscure, but there is still a large variety available.  They have a premium option for about $10 a month which allows for offline streaming and mobile smart phone streaming both on and offline as well as lets you sync up to your iPod.

I just have the free version which I love when I am studying or editing photos.  It's great to be able to search new songs and get to listen to them immediately.  It even links up with Facebook, although I rarely allow that access.  Another cool thing I like about it is that it makes it easy to share music with friends, so when I hear a new song I like (or reminisce about an old song I haven't heard in a while) I can send it through messenger or share with a friend using Facebook.

Part of my "mellow" playlist

It seems to me sites such as this even further change the business of purchasing music.  Why buy the latest cds when you can listen to the tracks for free or even have offline streaming of them on your computer, iPod or other mobile device?  Hmmmm...I wonder if the music industry will try to fight against it...

Facebook

Facebook not exactly "new tech," but ever changing and dare I say....evolving
....need I explain what it is or what it does?  I think not.

I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook.  I don't think it's the best application that there could be for social media, but you gotta go where the people are since it doesn't make sense to be involved in social media that none of your connections are on.
I resisted for a while, but so many of my friends and people I was meeting around the world were Facebooking that I realized if I wanted to keep in touch I would have to give in.  I admit that there are some features that I really like.  It's super easy to send messages, links, photos and other digital sharing which is very convenient.  It allows for a sort of virtual catching up with friends I haven't seen for a while.  Also, since many of my friends have children now I am able to see recent photos and updates even when they live far away.  I really don't care much for the Facebook ethics with regard to privacy, but since that hasn't had a significant impact on my life - WTH...guess I'm sticking with it...

It will be interesting to see if Facebook endures or if some other social media ends up taking over in the future.  Personally, I think it would take a lot to get millions of people to switch since most people are fairly comfortable with it and don't like to learn new interface when they don't really have to.

The beginning of my Web Design class blogs

First of all I want to put this out there...
I abuse the hell out of exclamation points and ellipses!!!  ...and I know it!!!

So...

Enjoy the blog!!!