[stratospark]

Pick some web services at random a build a mashup: http://www.programmableweb.com/.

There are libraries that can make consuming APIs even easier. Find a python web framework like Django, Pylons, or maybe even what Google App Engine has, and learn the basics. No matter what mashup you come up with, you'll have to figure out how to work with databases, how to turn the data into something useful, and how to do a basic HTML/Javascript frontend.

Thinking about it more, App Engine would be a good idea since it'll get you up and running without having to make too many decisions about frameworks or databases, etc. Just go with what they give you.

Good luck!