South African Diamond Industry Update

Chaim Even Zohar writes about issues surrounding DTC Sightholders and South African government officials + Diamond Amendment Acts and administrative obstacles + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

A must read.

Couture 2008

Couture 2008 show is the destination for high-end jewelry designs from around the world. A must visit.

Useful link:
www.couturejeweler.com

Alexis Bittar

Alexis Bittar is known for his Lucite pieces + he has an impressive celeb following. In fact the pieces are beautiful. A must visit.

(via Wiki) Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or poly(methyl 2-methylpropenoate) is a thermoplastic and transparent plastic. Chemically, it is the synthetic polymer of methyl methacrylate. It is sold by the tradenames Plexiglas, Limacryl, R-Cast,Per-Clax, Perspex, Plazcryl, Acrylex, Acrylite, Acrylplast, Altuglas, Polycast, Oroglass and Lucite and is commonly called acrylic glass or simply acrylic. Acrylic, or acrylic fiber, can also refer to polymers or copolymers containing polyacrylonitrile. The material was developed in 1928 in various laboratories and was brought to market in 1933 by Rohm and Haas Company.

Useful link:
http://alexisbittar.com

Inventing The Movies

Inventing the Movies: Hollywood's Epic Battle Between Innovation and the Status Quo, from Thomas Edison to Steve Jobs by Scott Kirsner is a great book with interesting case studies on innovators, preservationists, sideline-sitters. A must read.

Useful link:

www.scottkirsner.com

The Music + Brain Symposium

I found George Loomis's article on brain symposium, a unique outreach between the Cleveland Orchestra + the Cleveland Clinic, a medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education + the technological breakthroughs @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/21/arts/loomis.php interesting and insightful.

Useful links:
www.musicandthebrainaustria.com
www.stanford.edu/group/brainwaves
www.salzburgerfestspiele.at

I was more interested in the therapeutic value of music + the impact.

Les Rencontres d'Arles 2008

The 39th-annual Rencontres d'Arles, France's most famous photography festival, runs till September 14, 2008. A must visit.

Useful link:
www.rencontres-arles.com

3-D Movies

3-D movies are back. Fly Me to the Moon + Journey to the Center of the Earth + concert movies by U2/Miley Cyrus have become popular + coming soon = James Cameron's Avatar, DreamWorks' Monsters vs. Aliens and Pixar's Up. Illusion immersion! I love it.

Useful links:
http://reald-corporate.com
http://studioservices.go.com

Gold + Silver Markets

(via seekingalpha) James Conrad's article The Disconnect Between Supply and Demand in Gold & Silver Markets was educational and insightful. Thank you Mr Conrad.

Random Thoughts

A nation’s exchange rate is the single most important price in the economy.

- Paul Volcker

How true!

The Art Of Nandalal Bose

Rhythms of India: The Art of Nandalal Bose (1882-1966) will be exhibited at the Philadelphia Museum of Art till September 1, 2008. Nandalal Bose, a major artist, is perceived as the father of Indian modernism and one of the patriarchs of India’s cultural revival. A must visit.

Useful links:
www.philamuseum.org
www.ngmaindia.gov.in

The City Of Literature

Melbourne has been named a City of Literature by UNESCO. Congratulations!

Useful links:
www.unesco.org
www.mwf.com.au
www.cityofliterature.com

Only Gold

The World Gold Council has announced a new gold campaign under 'Only Gold' platform for the jewelry consumer. According to Philip Olden, Managing Director, Jewelry, World Gold Council, the 'Only Gold' platform surmises the emotional connection that people have with gold, employing the exclusive history and qualities of gold to create meaning in today's context.

Useful link:
www.gold.org

Renewable Energy Update

Google.org, the philanthropic arm of the company, is investing in geothermal projects that has the potential for accessing the Earth's vast resources of heat via the so-called Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that the application of EGS technology is capable of providing at least 100,000 MWe of electricity within 50 years.

Useful links:
www.google.org
www.altarockenergy.com
www.potterdrilling.com
www.smu.edu/geothermal
www.khoslaventures.com
www.kpcb.com

Random Thoughts

If you are passionate, dedicated and talented about something, people will find you fascinating even though you are singleminded about something most people consider dull.

- Russell Sears

How true!

Certified Coffee Pros

'Q graders' uses a vocabulary based on aromas to describe coffee. Graders pass an exam administered by Specialty Coffee Assn. of America (SCAA). The license carries prestige within the industry.

Useful link:
www.scaa.org

I think you've got to have the right amount of taste buds or you don't. I see many parallels between coffee and tea/wine tasting. All customers know is if they like it or don't like it.

The Peter Principle

The Peter Principle by Laurence J. Peter is a highly entertaining and enjoyable book about hierarchies and how people act within the hierarchy. A must read.

In a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.
- Laurence J. Peter

Jewelers Vigilance Committee Update

If you want to know about countries that have laws in place to prevent money laundering in the jewelry industry, go to www.jvclegal.org for further information.

Heard On The Street

The expertise needed to be a diamond buyer isn't taught at a school. You have to know stones because, to the untrained eye, diamonds look similar and can be very different in price.

Santa Fe Indian Market

Santa Fe Indian Market is widely known as the place where Native American art and culture meets the world. A must visit. Go to www.swaia.org for further information.

Sky Arts Channels

From October, 2008 Sky Arts 1 will feature contemporary shows (documentaries, live rock concerts, etc), while Sky Arts 2 will show opera and other classical art content (fine art programming and dance performances).

Useful link:
www.sky.com

New Business Start-up Trends In India

A new breed of of venture firms in India are focussing on the bottom rung of start-ups (some without even a business plan) tide over their earliest growth uncertainties. Hats off to those VC's!

Useful links:
http://morpheusventure.com
www.erasmic.com
http://opdrage.com
http://ycombinator.com
www.seedfund.in
www.mentor-partners.com

Hedgehogs And Foxes

Hedgehogs and Foxes: Character, Leadership, and Command in Organizations by Abraham Zaleznik is an interesting book on charismatic leaders and their innovative problem-solving skills.

Useful link:
http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/5970.html

Random Thoughts

There are so many market lessons that one can learn from the Olympics. To me the most important was that that little extra is the difference between success and failure. So often during the year, during a career, one decision, one wrong practice can mean the difference between success and failure. It underlines the importance of total concentration at all times, and constant practice.

- Victor Niederhoffer

How true!

Elizabeth Yarborough

Elizabeth Yarborough's jewelry wool and cashmere wrapped bangle bracelets were beautiful, especially the colors and patterns.

Go to www.yarboroughjewelry.com for further information.

Carol LaFayette

Carol LaFayette's virtual project, nondestructively mapping an ant colony via ground-penetrating radar was brilliant. To me it looked like an abstract art. I liked it.

Useful links:
http://clafayette.com
www.siggraph.org
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7563372.stm

Random Thoughts

A brand is a person's gut feeling about a product, service, or organization. That's my short definition. The brand isn't what you say it is. It's what they say it is.

- Marty Neumeier
www.neutronllc.com

I agree.

Business Innovation Factory

If you want to hear great people tell stories of innovation and how to apply it, go to www.businessinnovationfactory.com

Simon Lovell

I found Intelligent Life's article on Simon Lovell + how swindlers operate @ http://www.moreintelligentlife.com/story/how-to-cheat-at-everything interesting and educational. A must read.

Useful link:
www.simonlovell.com

But ultimately, anyone can be conned, if you have the balls to do it.
- Simon Lovell

As they say, you have to really know what you are doing, and Simon knows it too well.

Heard On The Street

Buy high and sell higher.

Lars Dalgaard

Lars Dalgaard, CEO/Founder of SuccessFactors, Inc, a global leader in on-demand performance and talent management solutions, is the winner of 2008 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award. Congratulations!

Useful links:
www.successfactors.com
www.ey.com

The Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art

The Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art at Kew Gardens, opening in spring 2008, will be the first gallery in the world dedicated to botanical art and open to the public all year round.

A must visit.

Useful links:
www.kew.org
www.kew.org/press/shirley_sherwood.htm
www.economist.com/daily/columns/artview/displayStory.cfm?story_id=11950681

St. Émilion Controversy

Edward Lewine's article on the controversy over St. Émilion classification in the wine world + the growing rift between a handful of superelite vineyards in Bordeaux and the less prestigious vineyards + the global implications @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/17/news/17winet.php?page=2 was brilliant. A must read.

Useful links:
www.vins-saint-emilion.com
www.inao.gouv.fr

Gold Mining By Children

Children mining gold in Africa to help provide for their families @ http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/08/080814-miners-video-ap.html was educational and insightful.

Useful link:
www.responsiblejewellery.com

The sight of young African boys mining for gold was shocking.

Art’s New Tastemaker

Carol Vogel's article on rich Russians' passion for collecting art @ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/17/arts/design/17voge.html was brilliant. A must read.

It’s history repeating itself.
- Oliver Barker, Sothebys London

Random Thoughts

Regardless of actual job title, we all persuade for a living.

- Kurt Mortensen
www.persuasioninstitute.com

How true!

The Answer

The Answer: Your Guide to Achieving Financial Freedom and Living an Extraordinary Life by John Assaraf + Murray Smith is a useful reference book in business + life. I liked it.

Useful links:

www.readtheanswer.com

www.johnassaraf.com

Tea Update

Elliot Wilson's article on the fast-growing tea markets @ http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/aug/17/fooddrinks was interesting and insightful. I think the real for passion for tea is back.

Useful links:
www.newbyteas.com
http://jingtea.com
www.postcardteas.com
www.tatatea.com
www.inttea.com
www.greenfieldtea.co.uk

Tea is like wine 10 or 20 years ago - people were drinking it, but they didn't know what they were drinking. That has changed for the better, and the same thing is happening in the tea industry.
- Raschid Gibrail

Milford Oyster Festival

(via budgettravel) Don't miss the free 34th Annual Milford Oyster Festival. The pearl of this event is the aptly named 'Pearl Trail'—a treasure hunt for 20,000 of the precious orbs, donated by a local jeweler and hidden in downtown buildings + party with mollusk maniacs! It's fun.

Useful link:
www.milfordoysterfestival.org

Thanks, JD Rinne.

Nyala Ruby

According to Eric Braunwart, President of Columbia Gem House, Inc, Nyala ruby mine at Chimwadzulu, in Malawi, has reopened mining with the government approval. If all goes well according to plan, the company expects to market 100 percent untreated gemstones from the source.

Useful link:
www.columbiagemhouse.com

Ephemeral Gardens

(via budgettravel) Quebec is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year with several events. Visual artists and landscape architects from around the world have created Ephemeral Gardens, a set of fascinating landscapes and art installations, a theatre of sensorial experiences for the world to explore and relax. A must visit.

Useful link:
http://monquebec2008.sympatico.msn.ca

Heard On The Street

My boss is on vacation, and I am three times more productive.

Piero Antinori

Piero Antinori and his family = global powerhouse + they produce superb Italian wines.

Useful links:
www.antinori.it
www.piedmontreport.com

The Greener Diamond Foundation

The Greener Diamond Foundation = Inspire + educate consumers on the true cost of earth-mined diamonds: financially, environmentally and socially. I think it's a great idea + if it helps to raise awareness on African issues such as HIV/AIDS + provide assistance to desperate communities, then diamonds will truly retain its natural luster.

Useful links:
www.thegreenerdiamond.org
www.miadonna.com

TMO Renewables

Here is what TMO Renewables's site says about ethanol:

TMO Renewables has developed a groundbreaking method for producing ethanol from almost any type of biomass or biowaste. This technology will allow the production of lignocellulosic ethanol at low cost with many economic, social and environmental advantages.

Useful link:
www.tmo-group.com

I think once the infrastructure for supplying the raw materials are worked out, we are going to see second generation technology in place, making ethanol from biomass. The fuel ethanol market is gigantic.

Albrecht Dürer

Albrecht Dürer: Art in Transition exhibition is open at the Museum of Biblical Art in Manhattan, New York (USA). Ken Johnson writes about Dürer's graphic works + other viewpoints @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/16/arts/durer.php

Useful links:
www.mobia.org
www.hlmd.de

A must visit.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Vicky Cristina Barcelona is a 2008 film by Academy Award-winning director Woody Allen. It's wonderful + brilliant + funny.

Useful link:
www.vickycristina-movie.com

Woody Allen still has it + I am a huge fan + I wish best of luck to Woody Allen for his new movie.

Random Thoughts

And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
And you may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful wife
And you may ask yourself -Well...How did I get here?
And you may ask yourself
Where is that large automobile?
And you may tell yourself
This is not my beautiful house!
And you may tell yourself
This is not my beautiful wife!

-Talking Heads, David Byrne lyrics to Once in a Lifetime
www.davidbyrne.com

I liked it.

BBC Proms

BBC Proms is the world's greatest classical music festival. Go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2008 for further information. Don't miss it.

Chocolate Consumption

Consumption of chocolate products may be slowing down in volume in the U.S + selective markets worldwide due to economic downturn, high prices and health worries, but dark chocolate, organic, and single origin cholocate seems to be recession proof, depending on product type. At the end of the day how many people can really resist a chocolate? I am a dark chocolate addict.

Useful links:
www.theobroma.com
www.jganesconsulting.com
www.icco.org
www.mintel.com

Heard On The Street

The next President of the United States will implement alternative energy on a grand scale like never before.

R. Kikuo Johnson

R. Kikuo Johnson's storytelling is superb + I think poems via comic strip would also be a great idea.

Useful links:
www.seabread.com
www.poetryfoundation.org

The State Of Africa

The State of Africa: A History of Fifty Years of Independence by Martin Meredith is a fascinating book on post-colonial Africa + provides remarkable insight into African nature + leadership crisis and the impact. A must read.

Forever Marking Synthetic Gem-Quality Diamonds

Chaim Even Zohar writes about De Beers synthetic gem-quality brand (in due course) + gem synthetics strategies + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful link:
www.e6.com

Being An Oil Trader

I think the article on a complete novice trying his luck in the oil market @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7559032.stm was brilliant. I see a lot of parallels between oil market and the gem market.

Random Thoughts

It is easy to ignore the storm if you look at the opposite horizon. When the storm reaches your location there can be no more ignorance.

- James Quinn

How true!

Laurie Anderson

Laurie Anderson is a celebrated American experimental performance artist + musician. She is different and outstanding. I think she is great.

Useful link:
www.laurieanderson.com

Solar Cells Without Fossil Fuels

I found BioSolar's petroleum-free technology interesting. They have found a new way of replacing all the petroleum plastic out of the solar cells with bio-based one. It's green and less expensive.

Useful links:
www.biosolar.com
www.arkema-inc.com
www.nrel.gov

Dark Jewels

Elisa Mala's article on dark jewels + the gem materials and designs @ http://www.newsweek.com/id/151709 was interesting. I agree with her. Black (onyx + jade + black pearl) is in vogue.

Useful links:
www.stephenwebster.com
www.neimanmarcus.com
www.tombinnsdesign.com
www.mauboussin.com
www.garrard.com
www.verdura.com

Changing World Technologies

Changing World Technologies produces oil from turkey carcasses + their patented thermal conversion process could also produce oil from waste plastics, rubber and foam. I think we need more innovative companies like CWT to provide environmental solutions.

Useful links:
www.changingworldtech.com
www.biomassmagazine.com

Entrepreneurship Lessons

Sanjeev Bikhchandani's article on entrepreneurship + finding meaning in life + passion and commitment to ideas @ http://www.livemint.com/2008/08/14022048/Entrepreneurship-it8217s-a.html?h=B was insightful.

Useful link:
www.infoedge.in

Entrepreneurship is about freedom, creating, a chance to build a brand, an institution, showing the world a new way of doing something, being your own boss, creating a legacy that will outlive you, identity, making a difference, obsession, ego, having a shot at something big, doing what you love, innovating, doing things your way…
- Sanjeev Bikhchandani

Burmese Gem Trade Embargo

I found the article on Burmese gem trade embargo @ http://www.irrawaddy.org/highlight.php?art_id=13842 interesting. Amazingly, the gem trade continues to thrive in Burma. I have always believed that the sanction against the Burmese government is unlikely to have much impact on their lucrative trade. TIB (This is Burma).

Heard On The Street

When Warren Buffett starts buying, the markets take notice. And so do we…

Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps's dominating performance so far (five gold medals in five swimming events), with three more races to go, is the most compelling Olympic performance since the Munich Games in 1972. He is driven and different. He could be a great role model for his generation. Hats off to Michael.

Useful link:

www.michaelphelps.com

The Way We'll Be

The Way We'll Be: The Zogby Report on the Transformation of the American Dream by John Zogby is a great book on topical issues + provides interesting perspective on Americans’ thoughts and beliefs, now and in coming years. It's a fascinating story.

Useful link:
www.zogby.com

Wanderlust

The online interactive map on history's greatest journeys @ http://awesome.goodmagazine.com/features/011/Wanderlust was great. I liked it.

Useful link:
www.goodmagazine.com

I learned something new today. Thanks, Goodmagazine.

The Center For Engineering, Ethics And Society

Cornelia Dean's article on the hazards of using technology to save the planet + engineering ethics and other viewpoints @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/12/healthscience/ethics.php was brilliant. No one really knows the potential impact of evolving technology on our lives and the environment + I believe it's a good idea to think about what we are doing while we are doing it.

Go to http://www.nae.edu/nae/engethicscen.nsf?OpenDatabase for further information.

Stolen Art

I found the stolen art uncovered story @ www.fbi.gov intriguing. Is it yours?

Precious Metals + Minerals

Saudi Arabia is becoming the new destination for gold/precious minerals prospectors because of its unique geological landscape. With new technology and processing methodology, we are going to witness a new economic boom in the metals/minerals sector. There are just too many riches under the sands of Saudi Arabia. The treasure hunt has only just begun.

Useful links:
www.maaden.com.sa
www.riotinto.com
www.citadelrg.com.au
www.crugroup.com

The Trickster Analogy

(via Dailyspeculations/Larry Williams) I found the coyote = market/trickster analogy interesting. In my view gem markets are no different from stock markets. I see a lot of parallels between the two.

'The Trickster alternately scandalizes, disgusts, amuses, disrupts, chastises, and humiliates (or is humiliated by) the animal-like proto-people of pre-history, yet he is also a creative force transforming their world, sometimes in bizarre and outrageous ways, with his instinctive energies and cunning. Eternally scavenging for food, he represents the most basic instincts, but in other narratives, he is also the father of the Indian people and a potent conductor of spiritual forces in the form of sacred dreams.' Native American Trickster Tales.

Useful link:
www.ireallytrade.com

Thanks, Larry.

Sustainable Energy Market

I found the article on the value of new investment in sustainable energy via research and development + popular choices @ http://www.economist.com/daily/chartgallery/displayStory.cfm?story_id=11877310 interesting.

Useful link:
www.newenergymatters.com

I hope more funds are channeled towards wind-energy projects + solar to poor countries at affordable costs so that all parties in the venture benefit from technology.

World's Largest Gold Bangle

According to Tata Gold Plus, an affiliate of Tata Industries Ltd, India, they have designed the world's largest gold bangle from 24 kilograms of gold with a width of six inches, with 30 workmen in 21 days. Good PR + jewelry sales for the company!

Useful links:
www.tata.com
www.limcabookofrecords.in

Mahmoud Darwish

The New Yorker published Mahmoud Darwish’s poem 'Remainder of a Life' on May 14, 2007. The poem ends: Then I’d comb my hair and throw away the poem…this poem, in the trash, and put on the latest fashion in Italian shirts, parade myself in an entourage of Spanish violins, and walk to the grave!

Useful link:
www.mahmouddarwish.com

Thanks, Jenna Krajeski. I really liked it. May his soul rest in peace!

The Skyscraper Museum

Vertical Cities: Hong Kong/New York exhibition (the world's iconic vertical metropolises) runs through February 2009. Go to www.skyscraper.org for further information. A must visit.

Random Thoughts

Most people will actually feel climate change delivered to them by the postman. It will come in the form of higher water bills, because of increased droughts in some areas; higher energy bills, because the use of fossil fuels becomes prohibitive; and higher insurance and mortgage rates, because of much more violently unpredictable weather. Remember: climate change means 'global weirding' not just global warming.

- Minik Thorleif Rosing
www.naturhistoriskmuseum.dk
(via Thomas Friedman)

How true!

India Art Summit 2008

India Art Summit 2008 will be hosting discussions and talks by some of the most reputed speakers and art experts in the Indian/International art community.

Go to www.indiaartsummit.com for further information. Don't miss it.

Heard On The Street

I'm guessing this will be the worst Christmas for retailers in 20 years.

Simplexity

Simplexity: The Simple Rules of a Complex World by Jeffrey Kluger is an interesting book on complexity and markets. A must read.

Gemfields Resources

According Gemfields Resources, a leading colored stone producer, they are in the process of consolidating the emerald industry via mine to market initiative so that consumers are able to know the history of each stone. Go to www.gemfields.co.uk for further information.

Z33

An exhibition at Z33, a design and art gallery in the Belgian city of Hasselt, is unique. It explores our relationship to water. I liked the concept. I think the designs make us think responsibly and act accordingly.

Useful link:
www.z33.be

Surat, India

According to The National Council of Applied Economic Research, India's premier economic research institution, the average annual household income in Surat, India’s diamond manufacturing center, was the highest in the country at Rs. 457,000 ($10,900). Industry
analysts believe Surat polishes 80 percent of the worlds diamonds by volume and employs approximately one million people (?).

Useful link:
www.ncaer.org

Bajaj Capital + Art

Bajaj Capital Group - India's foremost Investment Advisors & Financial Planners has ventured into the business of providing advisory services for investing in art assets.

Go to www.bajajcapital.com for further information.

Gaming Studio Tour

The gaming studio tour by Electronic Arts' David Silverman @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7553023.stm was brilliant. I liked it.

Useful link:
www.ea.com

Random Thoughts

Be nice to people. Do not screw someone over the last penny in business. Make sure everybody wins from the transaction. Over time, you will become much wealthier as people will want to do business with you.

- Michael Masterson
www.michaelmasterson.net

4 Degrees = Different Climate Regime

James Randerson's article on the effects of a 4 degrees global average + the catastrophic impact + other viewpoints @ http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/aug/06/climatechange.scienceofclimatechange was insightful. I think no one knows the dangerous tipping point. Do we have a real adaptation strategy? I doubt it.

Useful links:
www.tyndall.ac.uk
www.foresight.gov.uk
www.co2storage.org.uk

Art Update

Souren Melikian writes about Italy's Divisionist Painters + other viewpoints @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/09/arts/melik9.1-314186.php

A must read.

Useful link:
www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Catell Ronca

I liked Catell Ronca's sketch book. They are brilliant.

Useful link:
www.catellronca.co.uk

Division Chief Kosaku Shima

Division Chief Kosaku Shima by Kenshi Hirokane + Ralph McCarthy is an interesting comic book that chronicles Japanese business culture, its inclusions and blemishes. Great concept. I liked it.

Useful link:
www.animenewsnetwork.com

Mitchell Wolfson

Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. is a businessman, collector, philanthropist, and founder of the Wolfsonian Museum in Miami Beach, Florida, and Nervi, Italy. The article on Mr Wolfson's collections @ http://www.economist.com/daily/columns/artview/displayStory.cfm?story_id=11907612 was really interesting.

Useful links:
www.wolfsonian.org
www.wolfsoniana.it

The Panama Diamond Exchange

According to Erez Akerman, who heads the Panama Diamond Exchange project, the Latin America's increasingly prosperous middle class is going to benefit tremendously by the presence of the diamond exchange in the region. Panama will make the exchange a tax-free zone. His main focus will be Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Chile. He hopes to invite traders to Panama to create a place for buyers and sellers and raise the profile of the jewelry market in Latin America.

Useful links:
www.worldfed.com
www.dtc.com
www.vaaldiam.com

The De Beers Amulet Collection

The De Beers Amulet Collection, a line of fantastic African art, is interesting. Who would have thought that De Beers would create diamond pendants made in the shape and likeness of African masks? Some may like it. Anyway it's a personal choice.

Go to http://www.debeers.com/en/icat/topamulets for further information.

Useful link:
www.debeers.com

Beijing Olympics 2008

The artistic performance of the opening ceremony of Beijing 2008 Olympics games was spectacular.

Go to http://en.beijing2008.cn for further information.

The Marlboro Festival

If you love classical music, you shouldn't miss the Marlboro Festival, in Marlboro, Vermont, USA.

Go to http://marlboromusic.org for further information. I think the programs at Marlboro brings a new experience. Enjoy it.

How To Detect Wine Variety And Vintage

The researchers at the Barcelona Institute of Microelectronics (Cecilia Jimenez-Jorquera and colleagues) say they have developed a portable electronic tongue that can rapidly identify a wine's vintage and grape variety. It's rapid sight identification.

Useful links:
www.cnm.es
www.rsc.org
www.rsc.org/publishing/journals/an

Patrick Radden Keefe detailed the world of wine fraud, in a 2007 article via New Yorker. Great article.

Eco Experience

If you want to connect to nature, live a simple life, walk in beautiful landscapes, breath clean air, eat fresh food, sleep in non-toxic enviroment, and be natural. I think it's a unique experience to unplug periodically and get back to the basics. Enjoy it and see the difference.

Useful links:
www.naturalretreats.com
www.ravenshavens.com
www.organicholidays.co.uk
www.ecoluxurylodging.com
www.kaweahcottage.com

Ahead Of The Curve

Ahead of the Curve: Two Years at Harvard Business by Philip Delves Broughton provides an insightful glimpse of the institution and people. A well told story + an absolute must read.

-

Useful link:

http://philipdelvesbroughton.com

Random Thoughts

Politicians love power. I love freedom. That is why I am not a politician.

- Victor Pinchuk
http://pinchukfund.org

No Gold Medals In Kimberley Games

Chaim Even Zohar writes about the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) + 2007 KPCS data on world’s rough diamond output + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

A must read.

Useful link:
www.kimberleyprocess.com

Dansk Design Centre

I think Dansk Design Centre is a unique playground for architects and graphic designers. It's a one-stop destination for the best in Scandinavian design. A must visit.

Useful links:
www.ddc.dk
www.danishfashioninstitute.dk

Jimmy Carter Man From Plains

Jimmy Carter Man from Plains by Jonathan Demme is a wonderful documentary. I think it's an interesting portrayal of the personal and emotional life of a former president. I liked it.

Useful links:
www.imdb.com/title/tt0913958
www.storefrontdemme.com
www.cartercenter.org

Beijing Olympics Event Tracker

(via budgettravel) The New York Times's Beijing games Olympics Tracker was brilliant. Watch your favorite games. Thanks a lot, NYT.