If you learn best by doing, here's how to get started with the PDC Azure tools without signing up for Azure or buying any software. This will provide you the scaffolding you need to build more interesting Azure programs. If you are an Architect...

Migrating over from my old space so some redundancy for awhile, http://blog.boilerproductions.com . Do sign up for in-person Architect Councils in Los Angeles and Irvine, http://blogs.msdn.com/sac/ . Also, on twitter @kevinmsft.