Couple of news tidbits crossing our desks this week:

• PlanetQuark.com, a new, independent website for QuarkXPress users debuted recently; it's helmed by editorial director Jay Nelson, a respected speaker, writer and Quark expert. It features user tips, articles, bug reports and a job board.

• Sappi launched a blog for graphic designers, 24-7designheaven.com, which includes daily articles, monthly spotlights of notable design firms and a gallery where users can post work.

• School of Visual Arts announced an all-start lineup of instructors for its new, unique, graduate-level MFA degree in design criticism. They include design critic and author Akiko Busch, historian Russell Flinchum, NYT Magazine creative director Janet Froelich, Emily Gordon (an editor at sister magazine Print) and Metropolis contributing editor Philip Nobel.