It looks like web developers now will have one more browser test. Google has made the first betas of its new browser “Chrome” available for Mac and Linux users. The new browser is said to be extremely fast compared to current available browsers in page rendering, JavaScript performance, and desktop client applications. A Windows version of Chrome has been available for about a year.  To learn more, check out Webmonkey’s recent review of Chrome.

Volvo recently commissioned artist, Esref Armagan to create a painting of his experience with the new Volvo S60. That doesn’t seem very amazing until you find out that Esref has been blind since birth. Finally, a car company that encapsulates the emotion and experience of the automobile – human relationship. I surely don’t get excited about watching a car drive down a windy road, but I certainly get excited when a car brand can deliver a message like this. Watch the video of Esref’s creation here.

Not a bad list. Enjoy.

Via Alltop. http://inc19.alltop.com/

Salvador Dali

One of this century’s most influential photographers died on October 7, 2009 at the age of 92. Irving Penn’s classical work graced the pages of Vogue magazine, other publications and advertisements for over five decades and dominated fashion photography with style and substance of remarkable talent.

Salad Still Life

He was one of my inspirations, not for only for his portraiture, but for his ability to see form while documenting the subjects before his camera. Still’s of leaves, accessories, food or everyday items took on a larger than life presence in his images. His work shooting dignitaries, artists, common folks and aborigines shares a common thread of Penn’s unique vision.

New Guinea Princess

A true master of his craft, his influence will be seen in editorial and advertising imagery for eternity. Thank you Mr. Penn.

Serif. Sans Serif. Slab Serif. Wood Cut. Script. Display Type. Ornamental. Condensed. Extended. Hairline. Outline. Web Font. Pixel Font…

There are quite a few to pick from when working through a design strategy and process. Being a creative you get to learn how to identify them in major nerd fashion when they are on television, in a movie, or floating around all over the place. Does my wife think I’m cool that I can ruin every movie intro by naming the typeface used? No… But hey… I still have to try…

Check out typography.com to further geektify yourself with all the newest typefaces.

The world’s best urban cyclist got picked up by Volkswagon. You can check out his ninja skills and take a look at the Golf Escape here.

If you are from St. Louis, you have probably heard of the Women’s Closet Exchange.

Recognized nationally as the Best Designer Resale Shop by the National Association of Resale and Thrift Stores, it offers so many name brands and selection of merchandise that it draws intrigued customers from all over the country.

This fall, Big Wheel has worked closely with the Women’s Closet Exchange and is proud to have helped them launch their new graphic identity system and website.

The new site showcases latest product arrivals, speaks about their resale process, features a “Be the First to Know” email sign up, and delivers key information all served up in an easy to navigate website.

To learn more about the Women’s Closet Exchange and view their new site, please visit  www.womensclosetexchange.net.

November 7th, 2009, Saint Louis Science Center

The science of sustainable design and its impact on our world is the focus of the local celebration of the fifth annual World Usability Day.

Created by the Usability Professionals’ Association, World Usability Day is an initiative that was founded to ensure the services and products important to life are easy to use and result in a positive experience. Last year, 40,000 people worldwide attended 200 events in 43 countries. And this year, like twice before, the Saint Louis Science Center will be the venue for what promises to be a unique learning experience right here in St. Louis. This year’s World Usability Day event in St Louis is free to the public, and is presented by GatewayCHI, an organization of St Louis area User Experience professionals, with the generous sponsorship of the Missouri University of Science and Technology, Express Scripts, and Perficient. On Saturday, November 7, volunteers will guide Science Center guests of all ages through various hands-on activities demonstrating the issues and science of Sustainable Design.

Activities include:

• Interacting with the Metrolink Touchscreen System
• Toilet Designs – Comparison of dual flush and other, more complex functionality
• Thermostats – How easy are they to program?
• Sustainability Websites – User Testing
• Recycle Rally – How fast can a pile of recycling be sorted? What would make it easier to sort?
• Mobile Devices – How do websites look on different mobile devices?
• Animal Rescue/Recycling/Reuse – “Recycling” dogs into new homes