Rupert Murdoch has made much noise lately about how he's losing billions because people won't pay for content anymore. Murdoch believes our penchant for reading news online for free is tantamount to theft. He has identified Google, Yahoo and other search engine aggregators as personae non gratae and is building a digital wall of China around the assets of his media empire forcing you to pay to access any of it. Classic old school thinking—all stick and no carrot.

If you've ever visited Ontario in late August then you are no doubt familiar with the CNE. The annual fair has called the grounds of Exhibition Place home for more than 100 years. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto Exhibition Place has played an integral role in the city's culture and commerce since 1879.

Noteworthy Exhibition Place venues include Allstream Centre, BMO Field (home to Canada's national soccer team and Toronto FC), and Direct Energy Centre.

The design refresh improves the site's accessibility and user interface. New functionality includes a searchable events calendar, comprehensive venue rental information and an event planner's guide.

Smallbox worked with Toronto design firm Clear Space Design & Communications to develop the site.

Visit the site at: www.explace.on.ca

I had the pleasure to attend the launch of the p+a furniture store last evening. The store, located in the Flack Block building at 159 West Hastings, features bright natural light from the south facing windows, high ceilings, exposed cast iron pillars and a "disco" LED light track running the length of the store's floorspace...