I smiled at the funky Ninja Mice concept art blogged by J L Meyer. Dave Cutler shares some figure drawings with a focus on strong, clean contour in his blog Gruntor's Grotto
Collaborative blogs are a great way to get involved in social art interaction without the hassle of third-party sites. There's quite a few around, some of which seem to be a loose gathering of friends, while others invite wider participation. Check out The Daily Sketch Group and Illustration Friday.
If you have an active sketch blog or group and would like to feature in blog roundups, leave a link and I'll check it out.
Improve your portraiture and figure drawing by studying anatomy. Awareness of the skeletal and muscular anatomy under the skin can help you more accurately observe and draw the surface anatomy. This article on 
As the title implies, 'A Foundation Course in Drawing ' by Peter Stanyer and Terry Rosenberg is quite an academic book aimed at first-year university students, so while I don't really recommend this book for beginners, its a worthwhile and substantial volume, which will also interest others who wish to broaden their drawing technique. 
Winter is a surprisingly good time for landscape drawing, especially when the sky is clear or only partially cloudy. The low angle of the sun can create interesting contrasts, while bare trees make dramatic subjects. Why not rug up warmly, and spend some time drawing in the garden? Or if you really can't face the chilly weather, find a cozy spot by the window - your own or a favorite cafe. As for me, it's summer in Australia, so I'll be on my verandah with a cool drink!