Volume I, Issue 38
February 23 - March 2, 1998

Before I discuss this week's Arts section articles, I would like to address a question frequently asked of me: "If Weekly Wire is an international Web magazine, why are there so many reviews of local plays and art exhibits?"

My answer is this: All culture is local culture. The only way an artist or playwright could avoid producing work in her home town would be if she used black magic or virtual reality to get her work finished.

Seriously, just because some artists have not yet attained national or international stature doesn't mean their work is any less valid than that of those who have.

Another, more practical reason I include local plays and artwork in the Arts section is for their archive value. Say there's a play coming to town and you'd like to know its storyline. Or you're interested in the touring exhibit that's just arrived in your local art museum. Just go to Weekly Wire's home page, locate the Search feature, and research away. Our issues never go offline, and the depth of art-world information is staggering!

I hope that answers your questions. Feel free to drop me a note if you have any other inquiries.

This leaves me little space to discuss the week's stories, so I'll be brief. This piece is recommended to anyone who's ever enjoyed collecting old toys or other trinkets. Tired of lousy AOL service? Try this useful guide to Internet Service Providers.

My personal favorite: Want to send virtual flowers to somebody you love, admire, or just enjoy flirting with? Here's how.

Would love to go on, but I'm at the limit. I don't usually write this much, and I'm really running out of spa