Buzz

But here's a question: Are my preferences due to the fact that there's something innately appealing about those shapes? Or could my choices have been influenced by the fact that I know what Arp looks like -- after all, there's one of his sculptures at the entrance to the show -- and am drawn to the most Arp-y shapes?"

Read the entire article here.

We believe there's a false assumption there�that only newspapers are doing original reporting, or are the only ones capable of it. We think that's wrong: independent journalists, publishing digitally on entrepreneurial local sites, are doing important original reporting, as well.

We were reminded of that the other day with this story by the Broward Bulldog, breaking news of a $170 million Ponzi scheme in South Florida (one of three or four uncovered there in the past year). Notice that the story didn't break in the dominant local traditional media in South Florida: the Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post or Sun-Sentinel. It was broken by an independent site."

Read the entire article here.

We're sure snow bound beer lovers will agree with @BeerInBaltimore who says, "10-20 more inches of snow Tues-Thurs. = time to restock. Wishing good beer would just come through our water pipes."

@AshleyHodak says, "The Son of Snowpocalypse is coming, and he is pissed...http://ow.ly/15c2J Who pissed off Mother Nature? Seriously, say you're sorry NOW!"

One good thing came from the snowy weather...@BaltimoreMD, "Take a look to see what restaurants are extending their Restaurant Week deal... http://bit.ly/7C2tw"

@miavandy tried to look on the bright side, "1 of perks of living in the city when it snows is being able to walk 2 bars. 2 bad I don't have energy 2 walk more than a blk."

The snow definitely brought out the good side of many neighborhoods...@AmyWoo, "Waverly, I salute you! Neighbors have banded together and the side streets are pretty clear. Now only if I knew what Hampden looked like..."

Here's a peek at what the 36 hour snowfall looked like. @uLocal posted this "Time Lapse Video Of Blizzard: A local viewer uploaded a time-lapsed video of the Blizzard of 2010. Take a look! http://bit.ly/9H3Tu3"

Whether you've had to cutback on Internet access or don't have a computer at home, libraries could be the answer. The Examiner.com's Baltimore Computers blogger has a few tips.

Here's an excerpt:

"Local Baltimore libraries can be a great technology resource for those without computers or an Internet connection. While many people may have computers, many more people may not have access to computers or even an Internet connection. With the economic downturn, many people may have had to cut back on expenses, including Internet access. Without computers or an Internet connection, many people are at a disadvantage for seeking employment, doing school work, or even communicating with others. Luckily the Baltimore region has some of the best libraries that offer free computer and Internet access."

Searching for green accommodations? Then check out this blogger's take on the Fairfield Inn, Baltimore's first green hotel.

Here's an excerpt.

"The Fairfield Inn at President & Lombard Streets is within walking distance of Little Italy and the Inner Harbor (but don't trust the 101 President Street address: Google Maps directed me to a different location across the street). This LEED-certified Silver structure is built on the site of the former Baltimore Brewing Company and retains some of the old factory feel, at least in the exposed brick of the lobby and first floor Tavern 101."

Three of Maryland's top employers made the grade, ranking as one of Fortune Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For 2010" list.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Part of the Physically Challenged Sports Program at Kennedy Krieger, I-Skate offers children with physical disabilities the unique opportunity to learn how to ice skate�not only improving their health and independence, but providing important social interaction with their peers.

Launched in November 2009, the I-Skate program is open to children ages 5 to 18 with a wide range of physical disabilities that can include cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, limb differences and paralysis. Specially designed adaptive ice skates, walkers, ice sleds and helmets make it possible for these children to participate in weekly skating sessions. The program participants range from children who may eventually become independent skaters to those who may always use a walker for support.

In case you wondered, @1000FriendsofMD offers this helpful link, "How Baltimore's transit compares to other cities: http://ow.ly/10BWz (via @SmartGrowthMD )"

Wanna see your tweet in the TOTW? Follow us @bmoremediame and@bmoremedia.

Blogging from an Annapolis cafe, the Washington Note's Steve Clemmons gives Gov. O'Malley kudos - Maryland roads, schools, the Chesapeake Bay - could lead to the gov to the White House.

Here's an excerpt.

"But driving out here from Washington, I was impressed with the quality of roads and "the look" of Highway 50. I have a couple of places I hide in Maryland -- one in Chestertown, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay's Eastern Shore and another way at the tip of the opposite end of the state in McHenry, Maryland near Deep Creek Lake...

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley deserves a great deal of credit for this. I razz him sometimes -- but he's one of the few governors I know who works hard at public policy and thinks things through.

One of the recent areas of action by O'Malley that has won him praise from most quarters is taking action to restore the oyster beds in Chesapeake Bay. I heard about this from none other than Obama National Security Adviser General Jim Jones and his wife Diane who clearly prefer their time at their home on the Chesapeake Bay to the Washington scene. They are thrilled that O'Malley is working to get the oyster beds back in shape -- and I am too.

Healthy environments, healthy communities, healthy schools, healthy people -- I think that's how it goes."

People always gotta eat, right? The economy doesn't seem to have made a dent in the number of new restaurants springing up all over Baltimore. This blogger thought it an ideal moment to make a list of some of the newest places to dine around town. 

Here's an excerpt.

"It seems like there have been a bunch of new restaurants and bars opening in Baltimore recently. Here's just to name a few:

Langermann's � Canton � Located at the Can Company in Canton, this place took over what used to be Kiss Cafe. They seemed to do a much better job of giving the place an identity and atmosphere, something that Kiss Cafe could never do. It's an "upscale casual" place, with white tablecloths, but a chill setting. The bar looks like a cool/cozy place to hang out. I was able to eat lunch there the other day, and the food was great. It is pegged as "southern inspired global cuisine". The turkey apple and brie sandwich with smoky mountain pepper jam on raisin bread was to die for. I will definitely be going back for dinner sometime."

"Beauty and the Brain: A Neural Approach to Aesthetics," enlists the public as participants in a Johns Hopkins University study that looks at why the human brain is attracted to artwork...

Organizers say they hope to shed a scientific light on some of the ideas that philosophers have discussed for centuries. One of those is that there's a unique way that the brain activates when we view compelling artwork, something philosophers have called the "aesthetic emotion," says Gary Vikan, director of the Walters and curator of the show."

Read the entire article here.

Baltimore's winter version of restaurant week is underway and the Baltimore snacker wasted no time getting his eat on at Tapas Teatro in Station North. How'd it go?

Here's an excerpt:

"I went with a friend last night to Tapas Teatro. I thought they might be taking part in Baltimore Restaurant Week, and they indeed are! Not that Tapas Teatro needs any more customers, as our half hour wait for a table made painfully clear. The dimly lit restaurant that shares a building (and a door) with the Charles Theater still somehow manages to be cozy, bright and lively all at once. And that is even as you try in vain to find some way to move around the place! It is constantly packed and for good reason - Tapas Teatro is one of those few places that not only lives up to the hype, but somehow seems underhyped! I have not eaten at all of the tapas places in town (I will get to Pazo, I promise!), but this one is a fave for good reason."

Read the entire article here.