Alexandrium

Li Al Silicate (+Nd) + Amorphous (glass) + Light blue to lavender + Hardness = 6.5 + Heat sensitive + perceived as simulants for many light blue colored stones (especially alexandrite).

Heard On The Street

Pense moult, Parle peu, Ecris rien (Think a lot, Say little, Write nothing).

Antwerp Diamond Conference

The 2008 Antwerp Diamond Conference will be held at the Elisabeth hall on the Koningin Astridplein, adjacent to the diamond district, on November 17 - 19, 2008.

Useful links:
www.antwerpdiamondconference.be
www.awdc.be

Charlie Gillett

Charlie Gillett is a British radio presenter + writer + one of the country's most influential proponents of 'world music'. Go to www.charliegillett.com for further information

Random Thoughts

I am, unfortunately, a person who has often said: You put a gun to my head and pull the trigger or take the gun away, I won't move my head.

I admire people who are very successful. But if that success has been achieved through too much ruthlessness, then I may admire that person, but I can't respect him.

- Ratan Tata
www.tata.com

We Campaign

Bryan Walsh's article on We Campaign + other viewpoints @ http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1837761,00.html was educational and insightful.

Useful links:
www.climateprotect.org
www.wecansolveit.org

Termite = Fuel

Lisa Margonelli's article, Gut Reactions + other viewpoints @ http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200809/termites was brilliant. A must read.

Useful links:
www.newamerica.net
www.nhm.ac.uk
www.nature.com
www.jgi.doe.gov
www.verenium.com
www.jbei.org
www.arctech.com

Random Thoughts

As quoted in the Congressional Record, the exchange between John Pierpont Morgan and Samuel Untermyer, the commit­tee's legal counsel:

Untermyer: Is not commercial credit based primarily upon money or property?

Morgan: No, sir; the first thing is character.

Untermyer: Before money or property?

Morgan: Before money or property or anything else. Money cannot buy it. . . . A man I do not trust could not get money from me on all the bonds in Christendom.

www.gpoaccess.gov

Toronto International Film Festival

Toronto International Film Festival is set to begin on September 4, 2008. Go to www.tiff08.ca for further information. Don't miss it.

Williamsite

Williamsite (a translucent variety of antigorite) is apple green in color + contains dark octahedral crystals of chromite, and patches of white brucite (magnesium hydroxide) + perceived as an imitation for chalcedony, other green stones.

Hematine

Hematite is simulated by a variety of materials. One of these, known as hematine, is a mixture of stainless steel with sulphides of Chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni). It has a red streak but is also magnetic, whereas hematite is not.

Victoria Stone

Victoria stone is a complex silicate glass, highly chatoyant due to network of fibers. It's made by melting various minerals + produced in wide color range + perceived as an imitation to many colored stones.

Ben K. Green

(via Wiki) Ben K. Green wrote about his favorite subject, the not-so-old American west. His books are basically short stories that draw from his own experiences in the Southwestern United States. He earned his living by trading horses in his early years. The method of trading was 'cheat or be cheated'. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_K._Green

There are important lessons to be learnt. The best cons come spontaneously when the other side isn't expecting it.

Pocket Journey

Pocket Journey is a mobile social exchange that connects you to a world of location-specific knowledge so you can quickly know everything about anywhere.

Go to www.pocketjourney.com for further information. I liked it.

Arts Videos

Ajesh Patalay's 50 greatest arts videos on YouTube @ http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/aug/31/youtube.jazz was brilliant. Thanks Ajesh.

Hayao Miyazaki

Hayao Miyazaki is a prominent director of many popular animated feature films + the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, an animation studio and production company. His latest film Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, is one of two animated features from Japan in contention for this year's Golden Lion prize. All the best of luck!

Useful links:

www.ghibli.jp

www.ghibli.jp/ponyo

www.labiennale.org

Illusion Contest

I found the best visual illusion of the year contest @ http://illusioncontest.neuralcorrelate.com interesting + educational.

Useful link:
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=the-neuroscience-of-illusion

Ecorio

According to Ecorio, the user is able to accurately calculate their travel carbon footprint. Given awareness of their travel carbon footprint, the user can take action in three ways: Reduce, Inspire, and Offset. Brilliant!

Useful link:

http://ecorio.org

Canadian Diamond Bourse Feasibility Study

I found the initiative by the Canadian Jewellers Association + the Diamond Manufacturers Association of Canada to establish the country’s first diamond bourse @ www.boursestudy.ca educational and insightful. Canada, being the world’s third largest producer of rough diamonds + having produced $1.6 billion worth in 2007, definitely need a diamond bourse.

Useful links:
www.canadianjewellers.com
http://diamondmanufacturers.ca

Rapaport International Diamond Conference 2008

The Rapaport International Diamond Conference 2008 will be held on September 8, 2008 in New York, USA.

Go to http://www.diamonds.net/Conference/2008/Default.aspx for more information.

Useful link:
www.diamonds.net

Rivaaz

Indian retailer Gitanjali Group has launched a new line of gold and cubic zirconia (CZ) jewelry, called 'Rivaaz' featuring 18-karat gold with Signity CZ, with more than 500 designs in rings, pendants, earrings, necklaces and bangles.

Go to www.gitanjaligroup.com for further information.

The Solar Impulse Project

Solar Impulse is a long-range solar plane project promoted by Bertrand Piccard + Andre Borschberg, capable of circumnavigating the globe. I think with better engine designs + lightweight batteries + efficient solar cells, Solar aircraft would be poised for take off.

Useful links:

www.solarimpulse.com

www.bertrandpiccard.com

www.qinetiq.com

www.epfl.ch

Jeffrey E. Horvitz

The Economist's article on Jeffrey E. Horvitz + his passion for French and Italian drawings + other viewpoints @ http://www.economist.com/daily/columns/artview/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12032140 was insightful.

Useful links:
http://www.artmuseums.harvard.edu/press/released1998/mastery.html
http://udl.cast.org/about/index.cfm?i=242

Commodities Market Update

According to market analysts, Singapore may become the global hub for commodities trading. A large number of commodity traders have chosen the city as their HQ of operations rightfully because the city has become the financial hub of Asia.

Useful links:
www.sicom.com.sg
www.ses.com.sg

Gem + Jewelry Market Update

Geena Paul's article on China's jewelry market + other viewpoints @ http://www.commodityonline.com/news/China-may-pip-India-in-gems--jewellery-trade!-11337-3-6.html was insightful. I think China will definitely take over India as the top market for the gem/jewelry sector. Just watch!

An Interesting Trend

I recently came across an organization called Outstanding in the Field, which hosts dining events on beaches, farms, and vineyards. I thought it was a great idea, in fact I liked it.

Useful links:
www.outstandinginthefield.com
www.slowfood.com

Sevan Bicakci Rings

If you are looking for something a whole lot different, check out the gem and hand-painted miniatures on the Ottoman and Byzantine-inspired cuff links and rings @ www.sevanbicakci.com

I really liked Sevan Bicakci rings.

Affordable DNA Testing

According to Pacific Biosciences, a startup company based in California, USA, they could do high- speed DNA sequencing faster, at an affordable cost. I think disruptive technology changes everything in genomics. Hats off to PacBio!

Useful links:
www.pacificbiosciences.com
www.illumina.com
www.appliedbiosystems.com
www.helicosbio.com
www.completegenomics.com
http://visigenbio.com

Random Thoughts

Whenever people agree with me, I feel that I must be wrong.

- Oscar Wilde

How true! Sometimes I feel the same way.

DebTech

Martin Creamer's article on DebTech and the amazing array of analytical tools used in diamond extraction + other viewpoints @ http://www.miningweekly.com/article.php?a_id=141840 was educational and insightful. The Electra Mining Africa exhibition will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa from September 8 - 12, 2008. A must visit.

Useful links:
www.specialised.com
www.debeersgroup.com

The Francis Egerton Story

I found Tony Bonsignore's story on Francis Egerton and his paintings @ http://www.mrscohen.com/personal/-/news/money-property-and-tax/content.aspx?ID=312605 interesting. As he rightly put it, strange story, strange times. Great article.

Useful links:
www.artfund.org
www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Made For Maharajas

Made for Maharajas: A Design Diary of Princely India by Dr. Amin Jaffer is a fascinating historical book on art and luxury goods associated with the aristocracy of the maharajas during these centuries. A must read.

Useful link:

www.vam.ac.uk

The Democratic Convention 2008

The Democratic National Convention 2008 in Three Minutes @ http://www.time.com/time/video/?bcpid=1485842900&bctid=1760455467 was brilliant. Thanks Craig Duff.

Useful links:
www.demconvention.com
www.denverconvention2008.com

Gemstones + Patience

What is the most important aspect of buying gemstones? Patience. From an action standpoint, buying is boring, because it's very much a waiting game. Every day buyers are bombarded with information about the gemstone markets (local + international). Almost all of this is pure noise. Your best bet, as a buyer, is to ignore 95% of everything you hear about gemstone markets. It sounds very simple. But it is not. We as humans are not designed to sit still. We want to be doing something, not sitting around waiting for miracles to happen. In actuality, waiting takes tremendous discipline. Practice.

Random Thoughts

If you know American history, you know that Barack Obama's nomination is the social equivalent of landing a man on the moon.

- Howard Fineman
http://www.newsweek.com/id/156121

I agree.

Videogame Update

I found N’Gai Croal's article on design innovation in the game industry @ http://www.newsweek.com/id/154375 interesting. Good ideas + real-world experience = Innovation

Useful links:
www.thatgamecompany.com
www.valvesoftware.com
www.digipen.edu
http://interactive.usc.edu/research/games

Capital Museum

'Chinese Memory: Treasures of a 5000-Year Civilization' exhibition will be open till October 7, 2008.

Go to www.capitalmuseum.org.cn for further information.

A must visit.

Positive Psychology

Want to learn to make the most of your life? Meet Tal Ben-Shahar. He is an author and lecturer + currently teaches the largest course at Harvard on Positive Psychology.

Go to www.talbenshahar.com for further information.

Trivia Question

Chaim Even Zohar writes about trivial issues (De Beers name changes) + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

J. Grahl Design

Jim Grahl creates world's finest hand crafted jewelry. I really liked The Balboa Park Carousel Egg (a large Faberge-like mechanical wonder + artistically intricate + bejeweled miniature reproduction of the Balboa Park Carousel), the 56 hand-carved animal characters that move to the music of one of San Diego's best-known attractions. Go to www.jgrahldesign.com for further information.

What Is Art?

Art is very personal communication - between the artist and the viewer, and between the viewers.

- Kim Zussman

I liked it.

Michael Hill Jeweller

Michael Hill Jeweller is a newcomer to the US retail jewelry market. I found Nicholas White's analysis on Michael Hill @ http://www.glgroup.com/News/Michael-Hill-(MHI)-Likely-to-Steal-Market-Share-From-Zale-(ZLC)-Kay-(SIG)-Helzberg-(BRK.A)-and-Fred-Meyer-(KR)-27392.html interesting. A must read.

Useful link:
www.michaelhill.co.nz

The Forger's Spell

The Forger's Spell: A True Story of Vermeer, Nazis, and the Greatest Art Hoax of the Twentieth Century by Edward Dolnick is a great book about the dark art of forgery + gullibility of artworld experts. A must read. I liked it.

Useful link:

http://edwarddolnick.net

Intellectual + Emotional Education

The value of social and emotional learning + other viewpoints @ http://www.edutopia.org/lucas-goleman-casel-sel-video was educational and insightful.

Useful links:
www.edutopia.org
www.lucasfilm.com

Random Thoughts

The best icons tell a story, and it’s a story that validates our feelings and amplifies the way we look at the world.

- Seth Godin
www.sethgodin.com

How true!

Jorge Pardo

Jorge Pardo's display of ancient pre-Columbian art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art was superb.

I liked it.

Useful links:
www.lacma.org
www.jorgepardosculpture.com
www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/arts/design/27muse.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

The Bayreuth Festival

(via Wiki) The Bayreuth Festival is a music festival held annually in Bayreuth, Germany, at which performances of operas by the 19th century German composer Richard Wagner are presented. Wagner himself conceived of and promoted the idea of a special festival to showcase his own works, in particular his monumental cycle Der Ring des Nibelungen and Parsifal. Performances take place in a specially designed theatre, the Festspielhaus. Wagner personally supervised the design and construction of the theatre, which contained many architectural innovations to accommodate the huge orchestras for which Wagner wrote as well as the composer's particular vision about the staging of his works. The Festival has become a pilgrimage destination for Wagner enthusiasts, who often must wait years to obtain tickets.

Go to @ www.bayreuther-festspiele.de for further information.

Antenna Design

Antenna Design's specialty is form + function + interactive + intellectual. The designs are breathtaking. I liked it.

Useful link:
www.antennadesign.com

How To Install A Living + Green Roof

The Wired article on building a green roof + other viewpoints @ http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Build_a_Green_Roof was brilliant. Just do it + save the environment.

Pew Environment Group + Nature Conservancy

According to a study by the Pew Environment Group and Nature Conservancy, more than 40 percent of Australia, an area the size of India, remains untouched by humans, making the country as critical to the world's environment as the Amazon rainforests.

Useful link:
www.pewtrusts.org

It's hard to believe it + rare in this century + precious.

Dubai & Co

Dubai & Co.: Global Strategies for Doing Business in the Gulf States by Aamir A. Rehman is a great book on one of the world's fastest growing markets: the Middle East + provides an excellent introduction to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC). A must read.

Useful links:
http://rehmaninstitute.wordpress.com
www.gcc-sg.org

Heard On The Street

The best advice: Just don't screw it up, Buddy!

Luca Battini Project

Christian Fraser's article on Lucca Battini's most ambitious project (painting 1,700 sq ft Renaissance style fresco telling the story of Ranierus, Pisa's patron saint) @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7558492.stm was interesting. Hats off to Lucca Battini!

Singapore Showcase

The art world has started to globalize.

Go to http://showcasesingapore.com for further information.

Venice International Film Festival

The 65th Venice International Film Festival, organized by the Venice Biennale, runs 27 August - 6 September, 2008. Check out information @ www.labiennale.org

Changing The Game

Changing the Game: How Video Games Are Transforming the Business World by David Edery + Ethan Mollick is a fascinating book on the evolution of gaming technology at workplace + the impact. A must read.

Useful links:
www.edery.org
http://web.mit.edu/emollick/www

Devi Art Foundation

Somini Sengupta's article on Anupam Poddar + Lekha Poddar + the new art collectors in India + other viewpoints @ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/26/arts/design/26collect.html?_r=1&oref=slogin was interesting.

Useful link:
www.deviartfoundation.org

New Film-making Technology

I found the new film-making technology + the computer models @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7575085.stm intriguing. Amazing technology. I really liked it.

Useful link:
www.isense.com

Random Thoughts

Trying to make some sense of it all,
But I can see that it makes no sense at all,
Is it cool to go to sleep on the floor,
'Cause I don't think that I can take anymore
Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right,
Here I am, stuck in the middle with you.

- Stuck in the Middle with You
Stealers Wheel

Great lyrics. I liked it.

David Amram

David Amram is an American composer, musician, conductor, and writer. I love his music.

Useful link:
www.davidamram.com

I learned from my uncle that jazz, like symphony music, was built to last.
- David Amram

Creative Capitalism

Nancy Koehn's essay on creative capitalism + the approach @ http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/5988.html was interesting and insightful. I also found Michael Kinsley + Conor Clarke's blog @ http://creativecapitalismblog.com useful. Thanks Nancy.

Oil Pricing

Ari J Officer + Garrett J Hayes's article on oil pricing + the impact @ http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1834888,00.html was brilliant. The futures market has become the public driving force in pricing oil. There is no doubt about it.

Useful links:
www.nymex.com
www.opec.org

It is in every oil supplier's best interest for prices to go up. Oil is a finite commodity.
- Ari J Officer/Garrett J Hayes

How true!

Canada's Oil Sands

I found WWF's press release on Shell’s oil sands + ASA ruling @ http://www.wwf.org.uk/news/n_0000005274.asp interesting. I don't know if the ASA ruling has any practical impact + Shell will keep extracting and processing tar sands, as will many other firms in Alberta, Canada.

Useful links:
www.wwf.org.uk
www.asa.org.uk

Argyle Pink Diamond Tender 2008 Update

According to a press release from Rio Tinto Diamonds, the 24th annual Rio Tinto Argyle Pink Diamond Tender will be held in Perth (August 21 - 22, 2008), New York (September 2 - 5, 2008), London (September 9 - 11, 2008) Hong Kong (September 15 - 20, 2008) Tokyo (September 24 - 26, 2008) and Sydney (October 1 - 2, 2008). The world's most exclusive diamond sale will feature 65 of the world's rarest pink diamonds from the Argyle mine in Australia - the world's main source of pink diamonds. With Argyle mine supply currently predicted to run out by 2018, the rarity and exclusivity of these earthly treasures has enhanced their image as both a key investment option and a must-have.

Useful links:
www.argylepinktender.com
www.riotintodiamonds.com

I agree. Pink diamonds are the most precious diamonds in the world.

Nader Zadi

You must meet Nader Zadi. His innovative approach to eyewear philosophy with designs and quality for unique faces are absolutely breathtaking. Go to www.rareframes.com for further information.

Photosynth

Photosynth, a unique software from Microsoft transforms regular digital photos into a three-dimensional, 360-degree experience. I liked it.

Useful links:
http://photosynth.net
http://livelabs.com/photosynth

Coco Chanel, An Icon

Lizzy Davies's article on Coco Channel, a life full of twists and turns, drama and big love affairs + the new state of mind in France on celebrity culture + other viewpoints @ http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/aug/25/fashion.france was brilliant. 2009 may be the year of Chanel.

Useful links:
www.chanel.com
www.voici.fr

Global Energy Crisis

I found the Economist debate on global energy issues @ www.economist.com/debate interesting. Brilliant!

Useful links:
www.geni.org
www.americanprogress.org
http://earth2tech.com

Samuel Lynne Galleries

Phil Romano, the founder of Fuddrucker’s, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Cozymel’s and EatZi’s Market & Bakery + Dallas-based artist JD Miller is to open the Samuel Lynne Galleries on September 19, 2008. I hope the gallery will make Dallas famous.

Useful links:
http://samuellynnegalleries.com
http://reflectionfineart.com
www.tktrarchitects.com

Jonathan Blow

Jonathan Blow is a programmer/designer who works on advanced and experimental video games. Braid was a very cleverly designed game.

I found the interview @ http://www.gameculture.com/node/690 interesting and insightful. All I know is that the medium is breaking new ground with immersive experiences. Hats off to Jonathan!

Useful links:
http://braid-game.com
http://experimental-gameplay.org
http://number-none.com/blow

Disrupting Class

Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns by Clayton M. Christensen + Curtis W. Johnson + Michael B. Horn is a great book with fascinating case studies and will get you to think differently. A must read.

Useful links:

www.claytonchristensen.com

www.disruptingclass.com

Burmese Gem Sales and Statistics

Pala gems has some interesting statistics on Burmese gems sale @ http://www.palagems.com/gem_news_burma_stats.htm which I thought was interesting.

Useful link:
www.palagems.com

Phakant Jade Mine

According to Mizzima, scores of people had been killed in a landslide while searching for gold in the dumping site of jade mining companies at Hmawsizar jade mine in Phakant, Myitkyinar district, Kachin State, northern Burma. Landslides frequently kill people in these remote jade and gold mines, but the news of these tragic deaths rarely reach the outside world. Jade from Phakant mines are well-known worldwide for their quality.

Useful link:
www.mizzima.com

World Values Survey

If you want to learn more about values and cultural changes in societies all over the world, go to www.worldvaluessurvey.org for further information. The findings may surprise you.

Fooling Some Of The People All Of The Time

Fooling Some of the People All of the Time: A Long Short Story by David Einhorn is an interesting investment book (investing novel) + provides great insight into the politics of business. A great read.

Useful links:
http://foolingsomepeople.com
www.greenlightcapital.com

Colours Wheelchair

Colours Wheelchair, a manufacturer of ultra-light, athletic wheelchairs for active, physical wheelchair users, has set a new standard for cutting-edge design. Innovation + inspiration + interaction. I liked it. Hats off to John Box!

Useful link:
www.colourswheelchair.com

The Momentum Effect

The Momentum Effect: How to Ignite Exceptional Growth by J.C. Larreche highlights various aspects of marketing strategy + execution in this age of intense and globalized competition. A must read.

Useful link:

www.insead.edu/facultyresearch/faculty/profiles/jlarreche

Comic Books + Digital

Comic books are going digital + I think the new motion comics medium may add luster to the characters + help companies monetize at low cost. Great opportunity!

Useful links:
www.marvel.com
www.dccomics.com
www.isotopecomics.com
www.icv2.com

M F Husain

M F Husain, is one of India's best known artists + he is often called the Picasso of India. He has just spent his 93rd birthday in self-imposed exile due to threats from Hindu groups enraged by his paintings of nude gods and goddesses. My view is freedom of expression in the world's largest self-styled democracy may have various interpretations, it's time to honour the great artist for his dedication and courage to the cultural renaissance of modern India.

Useful link:
www.mfhussain.com

The Edge Of Heaven

The Edge of Heaven (original title in German: Auf der anderen Seite, in Turkish: Yaşamın Kıyısında) is a 2007 Turkish-German film written and directed by Fatih Akın.

Useful links:
www.auf-der-anderen-seite.de
www.imdb.com/title/tt0880502

It is a very powerful film + magnificent performance. A must see.

Andesine Update

Colored Stone's David Federman has an interesting article on andesine @ http://www.colored-stone.com/stories/sep08/andesine-report-followup.cfm which I thought was brilliant. I would suggest Robert James, president of the International School of Gemology in San Antonio, Texas to continue his research.

Jewelry Update

Simona Covel's article on John Christian and the innovative Platanium (platinum + titanium) jewelry product line @ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121927313176958261.html was interesting.

Useful links:
www.john-christian.com
www.ccforlife.com
www.innovationprotocol.com
www.mjsajournal.org
www.mjsa.org

I liked the fancy name, Platanium!

Chasing Art Thieves

Kelly Crow's artilce on Robert Wittman, FBI's top art-crime investigator + his approach to undercover work @ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121935066124361261.html?mod=hpp_us_leisure was brilliant.

Related movies:
To Catch a Thief www.imdb.com/title/tt0048728
The Thomas Crown Affair www.imdb.com/title/tt0155267

Eye Jewelry

Eric Klarenbeek's eye jewelry @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWzllOnYW-4 was interesting, but does anyone really need an eye jewelry?

Useful link:
www.ericklarenbeek.com

It's impractical. Imagine the discomfort of blinking!

Marshall Goldsmith

Marshall Goldsmith is a world authority in helping successful leaders achieve positive, lasting change in behavior. The links provide great advice for everyone who wants to live a meaningful life.

Useful links:
www.marshallgoldsmith.com
www.marshallgoldsmithlibrary.com

Like any great entrepreneur, invest your time and money in your future.
- Marshall Goldsmith

Jack Perkowski

Jack Perkowski, Chairman & CEO of ASIMCO Technologies, China's leading autoparts manufacturer, and author, Managing the Dragon, is a living example of what it takes to build a business in China. An inspiration from the world's greatest minds.

Useful links:
www.asimco.com
http://managingthedragon.com

Companies, no matter where they are located, what business they are in, how big or small they are, they have to come to grips with China one way or another. If you pass on China and you are not here 10, 15 years from now, guess what, it is going to be very difficult for you to be global leader. I don't care who you are.
- Jack Perkowski

Momma’s Man

Momma’s Man, written and directed by Azazel Jacobs, is a must see movie and you will love it. I want to watch it again.

Useful links:
www.kino.com/mommasman
www.imdb.com/title/tt1122599
www.sundance.org

A dewdrop can reflect the universe.
- Alexander Dovzhenko

Oil Reserves

I found Eugene Gholz/Daryl G. Press's article on world's energy supplies @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/21/opinion/edgholz.php interesting. As they rightly put it, when it comes to energy security, let's not let fear get the best of common sense.

Useful link:
www.spr.doe.gov

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