| February 23, 2003 |
Gothic Charm School
You  don't have to be a black-clad, white-faced goth to appreciate the etiquette wisdom of Jillian Venters, aka the Gothic Miss Manners. Anyone who has wondered about the subtleties of dealing with an ex-romantic partner (or how to end a relationship gracefully) can benefit from her advice. Likewise, everyone who's ever had a roommate will understand her admonition that dividing household chores in advance is far better than standing in a dirty bathroom screaming at each other. Some of her columns do address problems only goths can relate to, such as why friends don't let friends dress like the Crow. But even these missives deal with universal issues such as self-expression and confidence. Regardless of your fashion sense, who couldn't use guidance on the proper response when unwrapping a horrifically unfit Christmas present? No matter how horrible the gift, the Gothic Miss Manners insists on a polite reply in person and a written thank-you note later. Emily Post would be so proud. (in Humor) |
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| February 22, 2003 |
Art Directors Anonymous: Escalate
Maybe  it's a matter of instant gratification. Maybe it's because they are compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use. Whatever the reasons, digital cameras have quickly become a staple in today's visual-arts arena. As never before, 21st-century shutterbugs can experiment, tweak, and instantaneously capture unrehearsed views of life with the use of this sexy gadget. This sleek site celebrates the fresh, boundless imagination of some Canadian artists expressed through their trusty point-and-shoots. Each person was asked to produce a 60-second Flash movie that offers a digital slice of life. Web Architect Padrin Kwok shows us the bustle of the Toronto subway system as he scurries off to work. Chief Imagineer Carole Guevin presents stop-and-go vignettes of city life with a lazy, jazzy ambience. Creative Director Curtis Achilles shows off his weakness for stir-fried prawns and noodles and the desire to impress his girlfriend. If you have 15 minutes to spare, enjoy the wit, talent, and personal vision captured in these one-minute teasers. (in Photography) |
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| February 21, 2003 |
Oldsmobile Ads
In  December of 2000, General Motors decided to phase out the Oldsmobile model. Many fans of the stylish sedan saw it as a sad passing of Americana -- for many years, the Olds was the king of the road, particularly during the late '40s and early '50s. This impressive collection of ads from magazines during that era touts the dependability and durability of these classic American machines. The ads represent a more innocent style of America advertising, when "futuramic" styling and "OLDSmobility" were the buzzwords for an "exciting rocket age." Make sure to stop by the Junkyard section, a photo collection of abandoned older cars, many of which are overgrown with weeds. This leisurely cruise down memory lane offers a nostalgic look at the car with the grand old name. (in Automotive) |
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| February 20, 2003 |
Solar System Exploration
With  the recent space shuttle tragedy, many people are questioning the need for space exploration when the risks seem far greater than any potential payoff. This excellent site presented by NASA makes the case for the importance of exploring our celestial neighborhood and outlines the goals of the program -- from satisfying our quest for knowledge to gaining insight into our origins. The home page offers breaking news, as well as the latest images from space and information on upcoming events. The targeted goals of current and upcoming missions are clearly laid out, and the technology and resources needed to realize these visions are examined. After visiting this site, the real question becomes clear: How can we fully appreciate the uniqueness of our home planet when we've barely walked around our neighborhood? (in Astronomy and Space) |
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| February 19, 2003 |
Five Line Self Portrait
As  the old saying goes, "A drop of ink can make millions think." Well, what if you were given five simple lines to work with? This exercise in experimental art is lean on prose but heavy on whimsy. It offers you a simple challenge: draw yourself in five lines. To the novice sketch artist, five drawing strokes may seem a tad stingy, but the key here is not the detail, rather, it's the self-expression captured. The site encourages you to do one of two things: "either think long and hard and plan out your portrait, or not think at all and just let the portrait happen." The gallery shows off many examples of people unleashing their free-form creativity -- from the complex to the simple. Some have exaggerated features, while others manage to convey quirkiness and moodiness within the spare constraints. An inventive combination of a psychological quiz and a Rorschach inkblot test, this site creates a place where spontaneously drawn faces offer a glimpse into the personalities behind the lines. Care to put your best face forward? (in Visual Arts) |
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| February 18, 2003 |
Dogs in Cars
We've  all seen them. They ride along -- sometimes in the back, other times shotgun -- unaware of their destination. They peer out the window with confused looks on their long faces, wondering when the car will stop so they can get out and sniff around. Where are these loveable hounds going? This site illustrates the plight of these forgotten canine souls with a collection of endearing photos. The subjects are occasionally difficult to make out, but the lovable pooches are just trying to survive the drive with their heads above water. It's a new site, so if you have pictures of dogs in cars, send them in and they'll likely be posted on the site. And remember, the site's warning about the dogs in cars: "If we're not careful and they spend too much time in their metal prisons, they might just learn to drive." (in Photography Exhibits) |
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| February 17, 2003 |
Bea's Diary
See  the world through the eyes of the sublime Miss Beatrice Eudora Weltry. She's a wandering artist, and a fictional, though inspirational, creation of illustrator Keri Smith. Scattered between the clever quotes and lively art, you'll find dollops of gentle advice for the creative at heart. For instance, Bea suggests beating the winter blahs with liberal doses of good smells, yoga, and jambalaya. She also proposes surrounding yourself with things you love when you're feeling overwhelmed and whipping up a batch of Good Health Soup to cure whatever ails you. When Bea needs to refill her creative cup, she wanders the streets of Toronto and spends mornings in Chinatown people-watching and taking in the sights and smells. And don't be surprised to find Bea digging around her favorite thrift stores or traveling to Amsterdam, Budapest, and Paris. If you need a shot of whimsy in your day, Bea will provide. (in Communications & Writing) |
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