The Desert Capitalists @ BBC Part Two

Mukhul Devichands's documentary on Marwaris, a powerful global economic and political force, from Bombay to Paris to London @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/documentaries/2008/09/080911_desert_capitalists_two.shtml was insighful.

Useful link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marwaris

Michael Janzen

The bigger your property gets, the more there is to do + today minimizing one's footprint (structural as well as carbon) by living in spaces that are smaller than 1,000 square feet makes sense + I believe in the tiny house concept, and I really liked Michael Janzen's design.

Useful links:
www.michaeljanzen.com
www.resourcesforlife.com
www.tumbleweedhouses.com

Robert M. Hertzberg

Robert M. Hertzberg's firm, G24 Innovations, makes solar-powered battery-chargers for mobile phones and portable music-players. Go to www.g24i.com for further information.

Beautiful Inside My Head Forever

Carol Vogel's article on 'Beautiful Inside My Head Forever', a highly publicized auction of 223 works by Damien Hirst/viewpoints @ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/16/arts/design/16auct.html?_r=1&oref=slogin was interesting.

Useful links:
www.sothebys.com
www.damienhirst.com

Damien Hirst is a global artist that can defy local economies.
- Tobias Meyer, Sotheby’s

Today people believe more in art than the stock market. At least it’s something you can enjoy.
- Jose Mugrabi

It's hard to believe that Damien Hirst is able to sell his art works during a recession. I do believe now that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Herculaneum

David Reid's article on the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum + the virtual museum of archaeology (MAV), a model to preserve fragile archaeological sites in the future + other viewpoints @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/7610956.stm was really educational.

Heard On The Street

Loving what you do = Doing it over and over again = Success

Oleotop

Peter Day's conversation with Karina Von Baer, CEO, Oleotop, a winner of the Ernst and Young's global entrepreneur of the year awards for business innovation + other viewpoints @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml was insightful.

Useful links:
www.oleotop.cl
www.ey.com

Ideas can crop up everywhere, and they are often stimulated by difficulties and hardships.

The Wind Entrepreneur

Mark Svenvold's article on the wind entrepreneur Peter Mandelstam + the wind power politics + other viewpoints @ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/magazine/14wind-t.html?pagewanted=1&em was brilliant.

Useful link:
www.bluewaterwind.com

William H. Gross Collection

William H. Gross will sell his British empire stamp collection at Spink Shreves on October 3, 2008.

Useful links:
www.williamhgrosscollection.com
www.pimco.com
www.shreves.com

The Future Of Gaming

Mike Steere's article on the future of gaming/other viewpoints @ http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/09/08/Futureofgaming/index.html was insightful.

Useful links:
http://emotiv.com
www.fiea.ucf.edu

The Simpsons

Animated comedy The Simpsons has won one of US TV's most prestigious prizes at the creative arts Emmy Awards for the 10th time. Congratulations!

Useful links:
www.emmys.tv
www.emmys.org
www.thesimpsons.com

Renzo Piano + Vatican

Barbie Nadeau's article on Renzo Piano + Vatican's interest in art business + other viewpoints @ http://www.newsweek.com/id/158580 was interesting.

Useful links:
www.rpbw.com
www.vatican.va
www.richardmeier.com
www.labiennale.org

ABBA Museum

Ulf Westman, who founded ABBA the Museum, reports that the work on the century-old Stora Tullhuset that will house the musical museum won't be open in 2009 as scheduled.

Go to www.abbamuseum.com for further information.

Random Thoughts

I learned early that there is nothing new in Wall Street. There can't be because speculation is as old as the hills. Whatever happens in the stock market today has happened before and will happen again.

- Larry Livingstone

How true!

Reminiscences Of A Stock Operator

Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Marketplace Books is the most useful and most-loved book ever written on the subject of trading and speculation. I liked it.

Useful link:

www.marketplacebooks.com

Paul Wall Jewelry

(via Wiki) Paul Wall is the part owner and proprietor of TV Jewelry with Johnny Dang in Houston. He was also featured in the VH1 documentary Bling'd: Blood, Diamonds, and Hip-Hop, while visiting Sierra Leone, cautioning jewelers to check their source for diamonds. The store specializes in the production of grills, silver, gold, or platinum caps and diamond inlays (usually princess-cut diamonds).

Useful link:
www.grillsbypaulwall.com

The Business Of Wine

The Business of Wine: A Global Perspective by Per V. Jenster + David E. Smith + Darryl J. Mitry + Lars Jenster is an interesting book on the complexities of the business side of the wine industry. A must read.

Useful link:
www.perjenster.com

I think making wine is an expensive hobby.

New Startups

Pete Engardio's article on startups via Los Alamos and Sandia @
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_38/b4100062751339_page_2.htm was brilliant. I think the concept of providing entrepreneurial leaves for scientists to give them a taste of life outside national labs is a good idea.

Useful links:
www.lanl.gov
www.llnl.gov
www.sandia.gov
www.kauffman.org

Minitek Festival

Artists from around the world are in New York City from September 12 -14, 2008, for a different kind of electronic music/innovation festival. Go to http://minitekfestival.com for more information. Don't miss it.

London Design Festival

The London Design Festival, a spectacular celebration of world-class talent across the city, opens at various venues from September 13 - 23, 2008. Go to www.londondesignfestival.com for further information.

Scholium Project

Eric Asimov's article on Abe Schoener, the owner of the experimental Scholium Project winery in Fairfield, California @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/12/arts/trwine.php was educational and insightful.

Useful link:
www.scholiumwines.com

Maintaining a complex microbiology is the best way to make wine.
- Abe Schoener

He was spot on.

The Origin Of Financial Crises

The Origin of Financial Crises: Central Banks, Credit Bubbles and the Efficient Market Fallacy by George Cooper is a brilliant book on modern-day credit excess + pre-emptive asymmetric monetary policy of central banks + today’s mess. A must read.

Random Thoughts

If Asia is going to continue to grow, if India is going to continue to grow, the best way to invest is to buy things that India has to have and has to consume. The best is commodities. Some (equity) sectors are going to do well whatever the situation. India has a huge water problem. Gigantic. If you are in the water business, you are going to make a fortune. If you are in the agri business, you are going to make a fortune. Indian tourism has a great future.

- Jim Rogers
www.jimrogers.com

The Wealth Report

Robert Frank's article on Why Bling Is a Bad Investment + other viewpoints @ http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2008/09/10/why-bling-is-a-bad-investment was interesting.

Architectural Jewelry Collection @ Hearts on Fire

Hearts On Fire's Architectural Collection, a selection of 17 different designs inspired by eight famous structures is breathtaking.

Go to http://www.heartsonfire.com/#/us/en-us/latest for further information.

Useful link:
www.heartsonfire.com

Kristall Smolensk

Chaim Even Zohar writes about Kristall Smolensk, the largest diamond manufacturer in Russia + the policies, directions, and leadership of the new management in a competitive market + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

One Bag

Once upon a time traveling all over the world to conferences and trade shows was fun. But today, it's a real pain in the neck.

If you want to learn the art and science of traveling light, go to www.onebag.com for further information. I liked it.

Jewelry Insurance

Jewelers Mutual Insurance insures anyone who owns or deals in jewelry, whether it be jewelry manufacturers, wholesalers or retailers. For more information on safety, security and insurance topics, visit www.jewelersmutual.com

Heard On The Street

Human nature is impossible to explain.

Random Thoughts

Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.

- Marcus Aurelius (121 CE - 180 CE)
Emperor/stoic philosopher

How true!

Greenwashing

Bryan Walsh's article on misleading marketing about the environmental benefits of a product + innovative solutions @ http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1840562,00.html was educational and insightful. Thanks Bryan!

Useful links:
www.greenwashingindex.com
www.enviromedia.com
www.terrachoice.com

Liu Xiaodong

Jeff Israely's article on Liu Xiaodong, one of the top Chinese artist of the contemporary art world + his painting of trashscape in Naples + the local mafiosi connection + other viewpoints @ http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1840280,00.html was brilliant.

Modern life gives us many things. But I've always wondered where does the trash go? Europe may be the most civilized, most mature society on the planet. So why is there this (waste)problem? It's not supposed to be like this.
- Liu Xiaodong

Gem Testing Update

GEMLAB Laboratory based in the Principality of Liechtenstein has interesting updates on analytical gem testing tools/applications @ http://www.gemlab.net/website/gemlab/fileadmin/user_upload/Research/Gemlab-News-09-2008.pdf

Useful link:
www.gemlab.net

Britain’s Biggest-selling Artist

The Economist article on Damien Hirst, Britain’s biggest-selling artist + the peculiar art market + other viewpoints @ http://www.economist.com/books/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12202493 was interesting.

Only the brave sell at auction, for it is impossible to control who buys or what price they will pay. Some of Mr Hirst’s pieces will sell easily, especially if several bidders descend on the same work at once; others will be knocked down more slowly.
- Economist

Upside Down House Project

Daniel Czapiewski's Upside Down House Project + other viewpoints @ http://freshome.com/2007/09/08/amazing-upside-down-house was amazing + hilarious, really!

Heard On The Street

Louis XV famously said, Apres Moi, Le Deluge (After me, the deluge). We don't know if he meant 'after me, comes the revolution' or 'after me, I don't care what happens.' We now face a similar fate.

Francis Bacon Portraits

I found Francis Bacon portraits + other viewpoints @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7606680.stm interesting.

Useful link:
www.francis-bacon.com

London Film Festival

The 52nd London Film Festival is due to take place from October 15 - 30, 2008. For more information on show hours and special events, go to www.bfi.org.uk/lff

Doing Business Report

World Bank's annual Doing Business Report has some interesting interpretations on 181 countries + government rules that affect setting up, running and closing a business. A must read.

Useful links:
www.doingbusiness.org
www.worldbank.org

Gemstone Treatment Update

I found the latest update via GemLab + other viewpoints @ http://www.gemlab.net/website/gemlab/fileadmin/user_upload/Research/GEMLAB-Research-Newsletter-09-2008.pdf educational and insightful.

Useful link:
www.gemlab.net

Good Guide

GoodGuide provides free and easy access to the world’s largest and most reliable source of information on the health, environmental and social impacts of products and companies.

Go to www.goodguide.com for further information.

Useful links:
http://nature.berkeley.edu/infolab/welcome
www.greentechmedia.com

The Best Slogan

A Diamond is Forever.

Created by N.W. Ayer & Sons, Inc. for De Beers, this slogan has been in use since 1948, ever since Frances Gerety, a young copywriter, dreamed up the famous line in her sleep + the 1971 James Bond movie starring Sean Connery added adamantine luster to it.

The Whole Experience @ Chateau de Versailles

Elaine Sciolino's article on Jeff Koons exhibition at Château de Versailles @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/10/europe/koons.php was brilliant. A must read.

Useful links:
www.chateauversailles.fr
www.jeffkoons.com

Chicago World Music Festival 2008

Chicago's annual World Music Festival will take place from September 19 - 25, 2008. For more information, including showtimes, venues and a complete artist lineup, go to http://egov.cityofchicago.org/WorldMusic

Heard On The Street

In markets there is a lot of luck.

Innovation Contests

The Economist article on a whole series of prizes designed to catalyse clean, renewable and cost-effective energy @ http://www.economist.com/daily/columns/greenview/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12077182 was educational and insightful.

Useful links:
www.xprize.org
www.virginearth.com
www.freedomprize.org

Prizes lead people to compete ferociously and cunningly. They tap a primitive urge to win, and to be seen winning, even when the prize itself is trivial compared with the effort required to attain it.
- Economist

How true!

03b Networks

03b Networks System's aim to use satellites to provide broadband services to three billion people in the developing countries in Africa and elsewhere at the same speeds as those offered in rich countries is truly commendable. Hats off to the founders of 03b Networks!

Useful link:
www.o3bnetworks.com

Top Trends 2008

To listen to Trends Research Institute's Gerald Celente explain the world shaping events and forecasts + tomorrows trends, go to www.trendsresearch.com for further information.

Artworks @ Bamiyan

To listen to BBC's Alastair Leithead explain the iconic Buddhist art works of Bamiyan + new findings by archaeologists, go to http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7604519.stm

Russell Brand

Check out for Russell Brand's jewels + his presence at the MTV Video Music Awards @ http://uk.popsugar.com/gallery/576920/?page=0,27,0&show=large +
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7599834.stm

Useful links:
www.russellbrand.tv
www.loreerodkin.com
www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2008

SaffronArt Update

According to Economictimes, Saffronart's autumn online auction of contemporary Indian art ended on September 7, 2008, with price records for 18 Indian artists (1. TV Santhosh, 2. Anju Dodiya, 3. Sudhir Patwardhan, 4. GR Iranna, 5. Mithu Sen, 6. Anita Dube, 7. Sudarshan Shetty, 8. Anil Revri, 9. Tushar Joag, 10. Manisha Parekh, 11. Debanjan Roy, 12. Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi, 13. Kishor Shinde, 14. Chitra Ganesh, 15. Ravikumar Kashi, 16. Ram Bali Chauhan, 17. Mayyur Kailash Gupta, 18. Nicola Durvasula). Go to www.saffronart.com for further information.

The Desert Capitalists @ BBC

Mukhul Devichands's documentary on Marwaris, a powerful global economic and political force, from Bombay to Paris to London @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/documentaries/2008/09/080905_desert_capitalists_one.shtml was insightful.

Useful link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marwaris

Khaled Samawi

Khaled Samawi is a Swiss born financier + art collector of Syrian descent + Ayyaam Gallery, his first major commercial gallery in Damascus (Dubai + Beirut) dealing in contemporary Syrian art is a must visit. Ayyam gallery's artists are of Arab, Kurd, Armenian, Circassian, Christian, Muslim, Druze origin. I hope Syria will be more open-minded in the near future so that artists are able to experiment new concepts via art. But first, Hats off to Khaled!

Useful link:
www.ayyamgallery.com

Gianni Schicchi

Woody Allen's directorial debut of Puccini’s 'Gianni Schicchi' for the Los Angeles Opera was brilliant.

Go to www.losangelesopera.com for further information.

Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum

Gold jewelry items found in archeological digs in Israel are on display @ Apples of Gold in Pictures of Silver exhibition at the Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum, a subsidiary of the Israel Diamond Institute, in Ramat Gan, Israel.

Go to www.israelidiamond.co.il for further information.

Palladium Update

Palladium Alliance International (PAI) has revamped its multimedia trade web site with fresh content + new product galleries + community forums + personalized communication platforms. PAI membership is free. Don't miss it.

Useful links:
www.luxurypalladium.com
http://www.luxurypalladium.blogspot.com

World Of Good

I found the new eBaymarketplace for green and fair-trade products called World of Good @ http://worldofgood.ebay.com interesting. I liked it.

Useful link:
www.worldofgoodinc.com

Cuprite

Cuprite is one of the rarest of all gemstones, and comes from one known source -- Onganja, Namibia. It usually occurs in association with native copper, azurite, chrysocolla, malachite, tenorite and a variety of iron oxide minerals (Arizona, New Mexico, USA; Mexico, Bolivia, Chile, France, Russia, DR Congo). The metallic appearance + intense deep red garnet-like color + brilliance are collector's delight. Most crystal/facet-quality specimens are either in museums or with private collectors.

Random Thoughts

Be a voracious reader. When I first came to America, I was blown away and blessed the day the founding fathers gave us free libraries. It was the first time since the Gutenberg Bible that all information became available to all levels of society. Everyone has the same access to information, which is access to power.

- Gene Simmons
www.genesimmons.com

Psychology Of The Stock Market

Psychology of the Stock Market
By George Charles Selden
Published by Ticker, 1912
Original from the University of California
Digitized Nov 29, 2007
120 pages

Go to http://books.google.com/books?id=5d5HAAAAIAAJ&pgis=1 for further information. The book has priceless information.

Art Update

Souren Melikian's article, South Africa: The last preserve of 20th-century painting + fragmented life stories of artists + other viewpoints @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/06/arts/melik6.php?pass=true was brilliant. A must read.

Useful link:
www.bonhams.com

Aqua Expeditions

If you are interested visiting Peruvian Amazon, the last great unexplored region of the world, go to www.aquaexpeditions.com for further information.

Damien Hirst @ Sothebys

Damien Hirst, one of the world's richest artists, will auction his new works via Sotheby's on September 15 - 16, 2008. Go to http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1838365_1759996,00.html for further information.

Useful links:
www.sothebys.com
www.damienhirst.com

Random Thoughts

I like to stick with fairly basic, understandable, boring businesses and avoid sexy, change-the-world stories.

- Francois Parenteau
Defiance Capital LLC/Defiance Fund Ltd

Scheelite

Natural scheelite is often found in greyish white, yellow or brown colors + well-formed crystals are sought by collectors and occasionally fashioned into gemstones when free of flaws + under ultraviolet light the gem material fluoresces strong blue/the presence of molybdenum may produce a green glow.

Scheelite has been synthesized by the Czochralski/flux/vapor processes to imitate diamond, or as a scintillator/solid state lasing medium + synthetic scheelites are produced in many colors with rare earth dopants including purple, red brown, light green, yellow, yellow brown, deep red, dark yellow green, and colorless (pure) + natural scheelite can be identified from synthetic material by microscope (Natural =internal growth features/inclusions; Synthetic = clean or curved striae + clouds of minute gas bubbles) + spectroscope = absorption spectrum (rare earth =praseodymium and neodymium).

Collectors often confuse between natural and synthetic scheelites + end up paying high prices thinking they were buying genuine stones. If in doubt, always consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.

For Better Or For Worse

(via Wiki) For Better or For Worse is a comic strip by Lynn Johnston that began in September 1979, and ended the main story on August 30, 2008, with a postscript epilogue the following day. As of September 2008, the strip is re-telling its original story by means of a combination of newly drawn strips and reruns. The strip is set in the fictitious Toronto-area suburban town of Milborough, Ontario; it chronicles the lives of a Canadian family, The Pattersons, and their friends. It is seen in over 2,000 newspapers throughout Canada, the United States and about 20 other countries, and is translated into eight languages from its native English. The title is a reference to the marriage service in the Anglican Book of Common Prayer: ...to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health...

Useful links:
www.fborfw.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUzkOxgmmc4

She has got a huge fan base and I hope she carries on with the wit she's capable of.

Barter Community

During an economic downturn, like-minded people are becoming financially creative by willing to trade everything under the sun to get their everyday tasks done. People have started bartering for many reasons than before and there are no limits to it. Signs of the times, really.

Useful links:
www.swapthing.com
www.craigslist.org
www.greenapplebarter.com

The Future Of Energy

Fareed Zakaria + James E. Rogers conversations on the future of energy @ http://www.newsweek.com/id/32253 was really educational.

Useful links:
http://fareedzakaria.com
www.duke-energy.com

American Wines

Joel Stein's viewpoints on 50 American wines + the methodology @ http://www.time.com/time/2008/50_american_wines was brilliant.

Useful links:
http://garyvaynerchuk.com
www.thejoelstein.com

Biennale des Antiquaires

The Economist article on Biennale des Antiquaires, the most opulent antique fair in the world + other viewpoints @ http://www.economist.com/daily/columns/artview/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12075782 was insightful.

Useful links:
www.bdafrance.eu
www.antiquaires-sna.com

Lithium Niobate

In the gemstone world, lithium niobate is perceived as a diamond simulant + the colors range from yellow, blue, red, green, violet and colorless + the stones are grown using the Czochralski process + due to its unique electro-optical, photoelastic, piezoelectric and non-linear properties, it's used extensively in the telecoms market, e.g. in mobile telephones and optical modulators.

101 Reykjavík

Baltasar Kormákur is an Icelandic actor + theater + film director + film producer. I liked his movie 101 Reykjavík, uniquely Icelandic + it's a funny portrait of life in Europe's most inhospitable country.

Useful link:
www.imdb.com/title/tt0237993

Random Thoughts

America's potential is still strong. This country has unleashed human potential like no other country has in the world. And it's been a terrible mistake to bet against the United States ever since 1776, and I think it will continue to be a mistake.

- Warren Buffett
www.berkshirehathaway.com

Subodh Gupta

Tara Kilachand's article on Subodh Gupta, India’s No. 1 contemporary artist + the leap from Delhi to Paris, London, New York, Shanghai + large-scale installation works + other viewpoints @ http://www.livemint.com/2008/09/05235028/The-economics-of-being-Subodh.html was interesting.

Useful links:
www.naturemorte.com
www.bodhiart.in
www.artpublic.ch
www.chanel-mobileart.com
www.ghw.ch

Crowdsourcing

Crowdsourcing: Why the Power of the Crowd Is Driving the Future of Business by Jeff Howe is an insightful book + an amazing phenomenon. A must read.

Useful link:
http://crowdsourcing.typepad.com

Guide To Wine

The Guardian + Observer's guide to wine + other viewpoints @ http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/page/2008/sep/04/1 was excellent. Thank you.

No two bottles ever taste quite the same.

R. Crumb

Ken Johnson's article on R. Crumb and his cartooning style @ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/05/arts/design/05crum.html?_r=1&em&oref=slogin was brilliant.

Useful links:
www.crumbproducts.com
www.icaphila.org

Karim Rashid

Karim Rashid is an industrial designer. His work is in the permanent collections of famous museums and art galleries worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. His designs are simple and elegant + I liked them!

Useful links:
www.karimrashid.com
www.semiramisathens.com

Random Thoughts

Pops. Sweet Papa Dip. Satchmo. He had perfect pitch and perfect rhythm. His improvised melodies and singing could be as lofty as a moon flight or as low-down as the blood drops of a street thug dying in the gutter. Like most of the great innovators in jazz, he was a small man. But the extent of his influence across jazz, across American music and around the world has such continuing stature that he is one of the few who can easily be mentioned with Stravinsky, Picasso and Joyce. His life was the embodiment of one who moves from rags to riches, from anonymity to internationally imitated innovator. Louis Daniel Armstrong supplied revolutionary language that took on such pervasiveness that it became commonplace, like the light bulb, the airplane, the telephone.

- Stanley Crouch
Time Magazine
June 8, 1998
www.satchmo.net

Slacker Uprising

Michael Moore's (an Academy Award-winning American filmmaker) Slacker Uprising is to be released on September 23, 2003 for free. Hats off to Michael!


Useful links:
www.michaelmoore.com
http://slackeruprising.com

Green Gold

Marc Gunther's article on environmental issues concerning gold mining industry, one of the world's dirtiest industries + new eco-friendly initiatives by Wal Mart + Tiffany + Richline Group @ http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/03/news/companies/gunther_gold.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2008090310 was insightful.

Useful links:
www.kennecott.com
www.walmart.com
www.tiffany.com
www.tiffanyandcofoundation.org
www.berkshirehathaway.com
www.conservation.org
www.earthworksaction.org
www.nodirtygold.org
www.barrick.com
www.chinagoldgroup.com

Côtes du Rhône

Eric Asimov's article on Côtes du Rhône + the current generation of French winemakers + global warming + other viewpoints @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/05/arts/trwine.php was interesting.

Useful link:
www.vins-rhone.com

New Ink Art

Alexandra A. Seno's article on New Ink Art + other viewpoints @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/05/arts/newink.php was educational and insightful.

Useful link:
www.lcsd.gov.hk/ce/Museum/Arts

David Magang: Mutineer Turned Visionary

Chaim Even Zohar writes about David Magang, from a diamond industry perspective + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

A must read.

The Magic of Perseverance by David Magang is a must read for anyone with an interest in Botswana.

Scott McCloud

Scott McCloud is an American cartoonist + Google's new Web browser, Google Chrome comic book was drawn by Scott. I really liked it.

Useful link:

www.scottmccloud.com

Treated Green Amber

Dr. Lore Kiefert has written an interesting article on treated green amber @ http://www.agta-gtc.org/amber-green.htm A must read.

Useful links:
www.agta-gtc.org
www.palminic.com

Random Thoughts

I am not an abstract painter. I am not interested in the relationship between form and color. The only thing I care about is the expression of man's basic emotions: tragedy, ecstasy, destiny.

- Mark Rothko
www.rothkochapel.org

The BlogWorld Expo 2008

The BlogWorld Expo 2008 will be held on September 21 - 21, 2008 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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

Impact Film Festival

I found the Impact Film Festival, a four-day event held during the 2008 Democratic + Republican Conventions in Denver and Minneapolis 2008 + the panel discussions intriguing. I think it's a great idea. Go to www.impactfilmfestival.org for further information.

The Chinese Art Explosion

Barbara Pollack writes about works by Chinese contemporary artists + galleries + auction houses + art fairs + other viewpoints @ http://www.artnewsonline.com/issues/article.asp?art_id=2542

A must read.

The War For Wealth

The War for Wealth: The True Story of Globalization, or Why the Flat World is Broken by Gabor Steingart is a thought-provoking book on globalization (problems + analysis + solutions). A must read.

Useful link:

www.gaborsteingart.com

Chrome Chronology

Google's open source browser project + the simplification drive via comicbook guide @ http://www.google.com/googlebooks/chrome was brilliant. I liked it.

Gershwin Prize

Stevie Wonder is the second recipient of the U.S. Library of Congress's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song after singing for nearly five decades + the award presentation will take place in the Great Hall of the Library on Feb. 23, 2009. Congratulations Stevie!

Useful links:
www.steviewonder.net
www.loc.gov
www.loc.gov/about/awards/gershwin

Rhodonite

Visual observation: New transparent rhodonites from Brazil (by-product of manganese mining) could be easily confused for rhodochrosites. The color is beautiful and I hope the stones won't be exposed to treatments like other colored stones.

Ecopulse Study 2008

A recent study called Ecopulse 2008 by the Shelton Group + consumers feedback is rather interesting.

Go to www.sheltongroupinc.com for more information.

New Business Startups - India

Vaishali Jain writes about startup companies + other viewpoints @ http://www.livemint.com/2008/09/03001251/Startup-challenges.html?h=F

Useful links:
www.routeguru.com
www.criticat.com
www.hotteststartups.in
www.tieindia.org
www.wadhwani-foundation.org

The Prediction Market

I found Intrade, an online prediction market based in Dublin, interesting. Go to www.intrade.com for further information. I think it's definitely the place for betting enthusiasts.

Supercapitalism

Supercapitalism: The Transformation of Business, Democracy, and Everyday Life by Robert B. Reich is an interesting book about the clash between capitalism and democracy. A must read.

Useful link:

www.robertreich.org

Ivanka Trump + Diamonds

The New York Post/Page Six Magazine article on Ivanka Trump @ http://www.nypost.com/pagesixmag/issues/20080824/Ivanka+Trump+s+View+Top was interesting.

Useful link:
www.ivankatrumpcollection.com

Rough Diamonds

1. The purchase of rough diamonds is a specialized field requiring much experience and is definitely not recommended for beginners.

2. Ask for Kimberley Certificate. Today most reputable diamond dealers will not buy rough diamonds without documents.

3. Market factors. One of the great mysteries for beginners is understanding the relationship between price and quality. In a perfect world, price would directly relate to quality, weight, and rarity. But rough diamond trade is far from perfect. Market factors can have as much or even greater impact on prices as does quality. Check current prices.

4. If you are using thermal testers to confirm your identification of rough diamonds, make sure the instruments are working properly. Read the instructions fully and practice using it. Allow stones to acclimatize to the surrounding temperature before testing.

5. There are plenty of diamond imitations in the open market. Frequently encountered diamond simulants include glass, quartz, corundum, topaz, phenakite, spinel, zircon + synthetic cubic zirconia, GGG, YAG, synthetic strontium titanate, synthetic moissanite, and assembled stones.

6. If you are doubtful always consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.