WEB SIGHTINGS ***** # 71105.

ROLCAM · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 10:52 am Post subject: WEB SIGHTINGS ***** # 71105.

Web Sightings

Pandora Opens a World of Music

Those who are seriously into music might dream of a radio station that delivers only the music we want to hear.

Well, Pandora provides this service - and it's free at http://www.pandora.com.

Pandora started more than seven years ago when a group of music lovers and techies got together with the idea of analyzing music and making that information available online for everyone to enjoy.

"Together we set out to capture the essence of music at the most fundamental level," says Tim Westergren, the founder of the Music Genome Project, the group behind the genius of Pandora.

Pandora allows you to create your own radio stations online as a result of the project's analyses. You simply enter an artist or artists or a song in the search engine. Pandora finds songs by the artists or artists you choose - but also locates others that are similar. And that's important since we tend to find a favorite artist or group and overlook others who perform in the same genre. Many users report finding musical gems that they might have otherwise overlooked.

The Pandora database draws upon almost 100 years of recordings and includes artists from the popular to the obscure.

Those who work on the Music Genome Project listen to each recording and analyze the music style from many aspects, then categorize them. For example, when you choose Bob Dylan, you not only get Dylan recordings but artists who offer similar music.

Pandora gives users a great deal of freedom in creating the perfect radio station. If a recording pops up on one of you stations that you don't like, just click the "thumbs down" button on the song and you'll never hear it again on that particular station.

After experimenting with Pandora for a short time without registering, you must register to continue the service. Registration requires your e-mail access, but Pandora says it doesn't share that address with anyone.

Since the music service is free, how does Pandora make money? Advertising on the site supports Pandora and surcharged subscriptions are possible that allow you listen to Pandora via certain cell phone services and portable devices in your home.

But if you simply want to listen to the radio stations that you create on your computer, the service is free.

Pandora streams music at 128 kbps. You'll need a broadband connection (DSL or cable) of at least 150 kbps. Dial-up service is not supported.

Pandora works through your Web browser so you don't need separate software. You need Flash player for your browser, however. Most of the time, it's already installed.

Pandora has received rave reviews since its inception. And it seems to get better every day as new songs and their analyses are added. And why not? Pandora is the perfect blend of art and technology and demonstrates much about the future of both.

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Science Snacks at http://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks aren't the kind of snacks you eat. They're miniature versions of some of the most popular exhibits at San Francisco's Exploratorium. On this site you'll find dozens of fun science experiments you can do at home or at school. Each snack is divided into instructions, advice and helpful hints. One person can complete most, but if a partner or adult is needed, it's indicated. An extra section offers interesting bits of additional scientific and historic information.

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Arte you thinking about getting a dog but don't know which breed is best for you and your family? A Web site called Dog Breeds Information at http://www.dog-breeds-information.com may help. The site can help you find the right dog for your lifestyle. You'll learn about most dog breeds and their characteristics. You'll also find a dictionary of dog names, dog breed pictures and a free community dog forum where you can communicate with people about the breeds they own.

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If games in the Shockwave format on the Web are your thing, you need to visit Gratuitous Pleasures at http://www.gratuitouspleasures.com. This site offers some of the best and most Shockwave games on the Web including Split the Atom, The Pig Game, Sing-Along and even a game that allows you to learn how to Mambo without leaving the comfort of your chair.

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Roland Camilleri

Moderator

Sydney , Australia.