Mashups

Before reading through my assignment requirements I had no idea what a mashup was, after reading about them, I don't know if I could have a conversation with someone about the ins and outs of mashups but is what I have figured out...

Wikipedia says: In web development, a mashup is a Web application that combines data from one or more sources into a single integrated tool. The term Mashup implies easy, fast integration, frequently done by access to open APIs and data sources to produce results that were not the original reason for producing the raw source data. An example of a mashup is the use of cartographic data from Google Maps to add location information to real estate data, thereby creating a new and distinct Web service that was not originally provided by either source.

Going back to my idea of learning new uses for Google Maps, I understand to a degree where the mashup notion comes into play, I have yet to master the ability to mash-it-up on Google Maps.

And example of a mashup that could be use to me besides Google Maps is Travature.
Travature is a site about travellers for travellers, that strives to give unbiased information about places you are considering travelling to.
It combines the ability to check for flights and airfares, with travel guides in an editable wiki-fashion, an area to review and give feedback on sites, places, etc. and has connections to MySpace and Orkut (which if I am correct is a networking sites about restaurants!).
My favourite part of Travature is that it is iPhone savvy which for people like me, is fantastic as I love the many 'iApps' on my phone as they in theory improve my life, Travature appeals to my love of travelling.

A potential mashup?
I have searched through several mashups to further my understanding about what they are and what they offer, which I have found interesting, but there is always room for more...
My ideal mashup site would be one on Web 2.0 social applications, that would link to the majority of the social networks available, links how to use them to their full capacity, reviews from users as to why they are the best option and ideally the application can be downloaded onto my iPhone!

Adding Value?
I like the concept of mashups (now I know what they represent), and I hope to start using other mashup sites, as I am person who enjoys convenience, and if I have sites that I can view and 'get things done,' through one site, it would ultimately cut down the time I would need to google search topics like my next trip overseas, when I can do it through one site!