Mandarin style: They may look like Mexican wrestlers or Asian superheroes, but these masks are part of what many consider to be the very nadir of Chinese culture - Beijing Opera. The masks, which became high culture over the centuries, have their origin in an ancient military face-painting style that was designed to strike terror into the hearts of adversaries. But they just look really, really cool. See a gallery of 126 masks, learn about the characters they portray and what the colours symbolize at www.paulnoll.com/China/Opera/.

Shortcuts: There's an ancient Klingon proverb that says revenge is a dish best served cold. Networthy operative Simon proved that adage by recalling a golden oldie from Parasite TV. Upon losing a bet, a young and somewhat inebriated man is forced to take a leisurely walk down St-Laurent on a summer evening, wearing only an embarrassed smile. Hilarity ensues. It's nice work if you can get it at www.parasite.tv/embedvids/embet.htm.

Comments? Michael Citrome