how do i add an application to the dash

The Ubuntu 11.04 Unity interface
http://theravingrick.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-effort-at-writing-help-for-unity.html
The Unity interface: http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/natty/#what

> add an application to the dash

Actually Zeitgeist does it for you, but the app needs to be opened one time in order Zeitgeist remembers it.
Lets say you'd like to open Gedit: super+a
Type: gedit. It should display Texteditor. Hit enter or left click the symbol.
Next time just by starting to type first letters it occurs in the first or second row, depends how often the app was opened.
There is also a plus symbol + or the dash displays something like '15 more choices' to click.
It displays installed apps and offers to install apps.

If one installed an application and can't figure out it's name, lets say it's a media GUI, then start dash and type alacarte (which is the 'old' Gnome main menu). Search for the entry in 'sound & video', right click the entry, open properties and there is the command, type it in the dash or in a terminal. As it was opened once, Zeitgeist will index it.

The work of Zeitgeist can be viewed by installing GUI 'gnome-activity-journal'.
What is Zeitgeist.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MeetingLogs/devweek1103/RockingWithZeitgeist
One day Zeitgeist may have it's own GUI.
https://devcando.wordpress.com/2011/04/15/please-say-welcome-to-the-first-draft-of-zeitgeist-global-privacy/