This is an interesting list of "People, places, ideas and trends you need to know":
www.wired.com/geekipedia

Here is some great graphic art I found while researching my Vis Comm presentation. The name of the artist is Paul Sizer. I really like the use of illustrations with real photo backgrounds. The lighting effects are also superb. Check them out here:
http://www.paulsizer.com/bpm/bpm_front.htm