Understanding The Financial Crisis

The Wiki article on Wall Street crisis/world economy @ http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Understand_the_Financial_Crisis was educational.

Pearl Update

Gary Roskin's article on pearls + the consumer choices + other viewpoints @ http://www.jckonline.com/article/CA6600958.html was educational.

Signs Of The Times

Consumers are pulling back their spending and becoming frugal + the economic situation (worldwide) is getting worse + the constant drumbeat of negative news about the economy has gone from bad to worse + the impact is visible/real.

The most frequently heard answer: I can’t afford that.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is one of the most photographed events on Earth. Go to www.balloonfiesta.com for further info.

The Panic Of 1907

The Panic of 1907: Lessons Learned from the Market's Perfect Storm by Robert F. Bruner + Sean D. Carr is an insightful book with many parallels to present crisis.

Useful link:
http://faculty.darden.virginia.edu/brunerb

Complete Genetic Blueprint

To learn more about the cost of DNA sequencing, go to www.completegenomics.com

Heard On The Street

Markets = Human nature = Boom/Bust

Global Business Update @ BBC

Peter Day's programme on Israel + insight into the extraordinary growth of small high technology businesses + other viewpoints @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml was educational and insightful.

Useful links:
www.huji.ac.il
www.adva.org
www.aixgroup.org
http://g.ho.st

Random Thoughts

Business opportunities are like buses, there's always another one coming.

- Richard Branson
www.virgin.com

How true!

Michael Dwork

Eco Checklist: Fallen leaves + steam = Verterra. To learn more, go to www.verterra.com

Simply brilliant. Hats off to Michael Dwork!

Santiago Calatrava

To learn more about Santiago Calatrava, an internationally recognized Valencian Spanish architect, sculptor and structural engineer, go to www.calatrava.com

I liked it. Calatrava's designs are in constant motion.

Natasha Archdale

Meet Natasha Archdale, the famous London artist @ www.natashaarchdale.com

Words That Work

Words That Work: It's Not What You Say, It's What People Hear by Frank Luntz is a fascinating book on the power of language. A must read.

Useful links:

www.luntz.com

Heard On The Street

Life is a gift. A billion in one odds that any one of us would be here today.

Robert Gannicott Viewpoints

Christopher Donville/Ron Day writes about the state of the diamond industry + expected new diamond discoveries + other viewpoints @ http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=850003

Useful links:
http://investor.harrywinston.com
www.harrywinston.com
www.rbccm.com

Research Projects

Interesting projects I liked.

The ITER Project
- www.iter.org

- The Music Genome Project
www.pandora.com

- The Milky Way Mapping Project
http://cfa-www.harvard.edu

- The Genographic Project
https://www3.nationalgeographic.com/genographic

- Project Runway
www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway

Placido Domingo Concert

Placido Domingo is scheduled to have a concert at the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza on October 4, 2008, which is being billed as the world's greatest tenor at one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. He will be in Bombay, India, at the Brabourne Stadium, CCI, on October 11, 2008. Don't miss it!

Useful link:
www.placidodomingo.com

I am a huge fan of Placido Domingo + he has a glorious voice + he is one of the greatest tenor voices of the century, really.

Moonview Sanctuary

For CEOs Only
- Experiential workshops for emotionally heat-treated + fracture-filled + coated + irradiated + high-pressure high-temperature CEOs

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

A Timely Advice

Linda Stern writes about Warren Buffet's thrifty lifestyle and his investment principles + how to position yourself for future prosperity + other viewpoints @ http://www.newsweek.com/id/162131

Useful links:
www.berkshirehathaway.com
www.tilsonfunds.com
www.t2partnersllc.com

A must read.

Van Gogh And The Colors Of The Night

Souren Melikian's article on the exhibition 'Van Gogh and the Colors of the Night' on view at the Museum of Modern Art + other viewpoints @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/04/arts/melik4.php was insightful. A must read.

Useful links:
www.moma.org
www.vangoghmuseum.nl

The Sahara Forest Project

Alok Jha's article on Sahara Forest Project + other viewpoints @ http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/sep/03/alternativeenergy.renewableenergy was educational and insightful.

Useful links:
www.seawatergreenhouse.com
www.exploration-architecture.com
www.edenproject.com
www.foe.co.uk
www.iea.org

The Church + Contemporary Art

Judith Harris's article about Monsignor Ravasi's plans to revive relationships between the Vatican and contemporary artists + other viewpoints @ http://www.artnewsonline.com/issues/article.asp?art_id=2556 was interesting. Signs of the times!

Nano Diamonds

Med Gadget's article on nano diamonds + other viewpoints @ http://www.medgadget.com/archives/2008/10/nanodiamondseveryones_friend_1.html was interesting.

Useful links:
www.mccormick.northwestern.edu
http://nanotechnologytoday.blogspot.com

Voice Of America Gem Series

I found the Voice of America (VOA) gem series interesting and educational.

- Glitter, Sparkle, Danger - International Gem Trade Has Many Facets http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-09-29-voa23.cfm

- Stones Born Deep in the Earth Journey to Polished Gems
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-09-29-voa25.cfm

- For a Gem Stone, Cut and Polish Make the Difference
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-09-29-voa26.cfm

- Blood Diamonds: The Gem's Curse
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-09-29-voa37.cfm

- Gems Find Ultimate Glory in Glamor
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-09-29-voa40.cfm

The 2,620 ct Sacred Emerald Buddha

Jeffery Bergman writes about the 'Sacred Emerald Buddha' + other viewpoints @ http://www.gemsociety.org/info/emerald%20buddha.htm

Useful link:
www.primagem.com

Beautiful, really!

Heard On The Street

No one ever remembers when the trains run on time, but they never forget the breakdowns.

Barack Obama = The Choice

The New Yorker article on Barack Obama + viewpoints @ http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2008/10/13/081013taco_talk_editors was brilliant.

At a moment of economic calamity, international perplexity, political failure, and battered morale, America needs both uplift and realism, both change and steadiness. It needs a leader temperamentally, intellectually, and emotionally attuned to the complexities of our troubled globe. That leader’s name is Barack Obama.

- The Editors, The New Yorker

You were spot on.

Singapore Biennale 2008

The Singapore Biennale runs until November 16, 2008 + exhibits contemporary art by renowned visual artists from around the globe for an immersive experience. A must visit.

Useful link:
www.singaporebiennale.org

Marc Quinn

The £1.5m sculpture by British artist Marc Quinn, entitled 'Siren', a 50kg solid gold statue of model Kate Moss has been unveiled at the British Museum, in London. A must visit.

Useful links:
www.marcquinn.com
www.britishmuseum.org

Stunning, really!

From Unwanted Stepchild To Happy Orphan

Chaim Even Zohar writes about issues within Fortis Bank (ABN AMRO) + the International Diamond and Jewelry Group (ID&JG) + the credit crunch in the international markets + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

A must read.

The Social Atom

The Social Atom: Why the Rich Get Richer, Cheaters Get Caught, and Your Neighbor Usually Looks Like You by Mark Buchanan is an interesting book on behavioral modeling according to simple rules.

Useful link:

http://thesocialatom.blogspot.com

India's Emerging Markets

Shankkar Aiyar's article on India's top emerging markets + other viewpoints @ http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&issueid=73&id=12355&Itemid=1&sectionid=34&completeview=1 was interesting and insightful. I have been to nearly all the towns mentioned in the report and it's amazing to learn that these towns could well provide the next chapters of the India story.

Top 25 emerging markets
1. Kannur, Kerala
2. Kolhapur, Maharashtra
3. Thrissur, Kerala
4. Erode, Tamil Nadu
5. Puducherry
6. Alappuzha, Kerala
7. Patiala, Punjab
8. Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
9. Sangli, Maharashtra
10. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
11. Kollam, Kerala
12. Gurdaspur, Punjab
13. Sangrur, Punjab
14. Panipat, Haryana
15. Yamunanagar, Haryana
16. Ambala, Haryana
17. Shimoga, Karnataka
18. Rohtak, Haryana
19. Palakkad, Kerala
20. Kottayam, Kerala
21. Karnal, Haryana
22. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
23. Rupnagar, Punjab
24. Theni, Tamil Nadu
25. Namakkal, Tamil Nadu

Useful links:
www.rkswamybbdo.com
www.futuregroup.in
www.videoconworld.com

3D Movies

The K@Wharton article on the latest 3D movie technology + the impact @ http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/2062.cfm was interesting.

Useful links:
www.dreamworksanimation.com
www.natoonline.org

Augmented Learning

Augmented Learning: Research and Design of Mobile Educational Games by Eric Klopfer is an insightful book on untapped market potential of mobile learning games + the emerging education technology. A must read.

Useful links:

www.educationarcade.org

http://education.mit.edu/drupal

The Animation Market

David D'arcy's article on Bill Plympton + Egmont Mayer + the upcoming Woodstock Film Festival + the animation market + other viewpoints @ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122280994016291883.html was interesting.

Useful links:
www.plymptoons.com
www.egmontmayer.com
www.woodstockfilmfestival.com

Tahitian Pearl Auction

Tahiti Pearl Producers organized their first auction in September, 2008, in Hong Kong during the Hong Kong jewelry fair, but plans to add more in other cities in due course.

Go to www.tahitipearlproducers.com for further information.

Useful link:
www.yhhpearl.com

The 'Red' Collection

Van Cleef & Arpels has launched a new jewelry collection called 'Red', the traditional color of joy and symbol of fortune among the Chinese, via specialty stores in China.

To learn more, go to www.vancleef-arpels.com

Religulous

Bill Maher's documentary (comedy) 'Religulous', on the current state of world religion, is worth seeing.

Useful links:
www.billmaher.com
www.lionsgate.com/religulous
www.traversecityfilmfest.org

Random Thoughts

We're playing a game of casino capitalism, interfering with the way the market is working. The government seems punch drunk. It doesn't seem systematic.

- John Bogle
http://johncbogle.com/wordpress

Heard On The Street

You can do anything if you are prepared to deal with the consequences.

Design Thinking

To learn more about design thinking + social innovation + experiential learning + bottom of the pyramid approach, go to the following links.

Useful links:
www.rotman.utoronto.ca
www.ziba.com
www.ideo.com
www.dcontinuum.com
www.stanford.edu
www.id.iit.edu
www.acumenfund.org
www.poptech.com

How To Buy The Best Artworks

Judith Greer's article on buying artworks + other viewpoints @ http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/visual_arts/article4854624.ece was brilliant. I think it's an interesting journey and you should become part of it.

Useful links:
www.artangel.org.uk
www.frieze.com

The New Yorker Festival

The New Yorker Festival (writers, artists, thinkers, strategists, performers) starts from October 3 - 5, 2008 + here is the Festival schedule

Useful link:
www.festival.newyorker.com

Don't miss it!

Rasputin, The Opera

Shaun Walker writes about the life of Grigori Rasputin played out on the operatic stage via the Helikon Opera + other viewpoints @ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/rasputin-the-opera-947433.html

Useful link:
www.helikon.ru

I have been always intrigued by the life of Grigori Rasputin and his tactics.

Managing The Human Animal

Managing the Human Animal by Nigel Nicholson is an insightful book on the evolutionary psychology to all aspects of organizational behavior. A must read.

Useful link:

http://faculty.london.edu/nnicholson

How The Pink Diamond Tender Auction Works

I found Gary Roskin's article on pink diamond auction + viewpoints @ http://www.jckonline.com/blog/1950000195/post/940034094.html insightful.

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

Kings Place

Peter Millican's Kings Place (music + art) opens to the public on October 1, 2008. Don't miss it.

Useful links:
www.kingsplace.co.uk
www.gallery-pangolin.com

Steve Wozniak's Words Of Wisdom

I found Steve Wozniak's words of wisdom + other viewpoints @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7641182.stm interesting.

Useful link:
www.iwoz.org

BootsnAll

I've found the new travel feature/search engine website @ www.bootsnall.com interesting. Check it out!

Toledo Cacao

Joshua Berman's article on the chocolate farming region of Belize's remote southern Toledo region @ http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2008/09/17/AR2008091702538.html was insightful.


Useful links:
www.toledochocolate.com
www.transfairusa.org
www.fairtrade.org.uk
www.globalexchange.org

Random Thoughts

The Golden Age for financial services is over. It will never be the same, not in my career. Revenues will be far harder to get in the future. The consumer is deleveraging, just like many of the banks. We'll see big write-downs all the way through next year that won't abate until 2010. Over that period a number of big banks won't have enough capital to make a lot of loans.

- Ken Lewis
CEO, Bank of America

Signs of the times!

Heard On The Street

In the long run, we are all dead.

New York Film Festival

The 46th New York Film Festival opened on September 26 and concludes on October 12, 2008. The entire 46th NYFF Public Screening Schedule is available here in calendar format.

Useful link:
www.filmlinc.com

Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act Of 2008

The Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008 took effect on September 29, 2008. As a result, jadeite and rubies of Burmese origin cannot be imported into the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection have issued new Harmonized Tariff System codes for all non-Burmese rubies and jadeite imported into the U.S.

To learn more about these new codes, go to www.jvclegal.org

Russian Colored Gemstone Market

(via Incolor, Summer 2008) Pavel Sokolov writes:

The state of the gemstone market during the Soviet period
In Soviet times, practically no natural gemstones were available on the Russian jewelry market, and jewelers had to use synthetic stones for inlays. Most of the jewelry produced in this country came with amber, nephrite, malachite, charoite, moss agate and jasper. Emeralds from the Malyshevskoye field were extremely rare, while alexandrite, mined in that same field, could not be bought because it was never put on sale at home or abroad; all of it went to Gokhran (or State Depository for Precious stones and Precious Metals). After the collapse of the Soviet Union, more colored gemstones began to find their way onto the market. At first, they were cheap stones with poor characteristics, such as blue topaz, garnet, amethyst and olivine. Later on, emerald and sapphire started to become available. At present, the Russian jewelry market, as with other foreign markets, abounds with colored gemstones of low and medium quality. There are not many gemstones of high quality in Russia or any other country of the world.

Stones in demand
The Russian cities with the largest proportion of consumers of jewelry, both medium and high-priced, are Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. Russian manufacturers use a wide range of colored stones. For making exclusive ornaments, they use large and ideally faceted amethysts, citrines, aquamarines and tourmalines. The high-end stones are sapphire, emerald and ruby. Of late, there has been demand for tanzanite and high-quality opal. Spinel, which was very popular in Russia in the 18th and19th centuries, is practically forgotten today. Pearl is extremely popular. Blue topaz and garnet are most often used for mass-demand items. There has lately been increased demand for inlays of three, five and even 10 carat stones.

Problems facing foreign companies
Russian laws governing the work of the customs, or rather the customs clearance procedures, create a great many problems for foreign suppliers. Customs clearance sometimes takes so long that foreign exhibitors are often afraid that their precious stones will only make their way through customs after a period of 10 to 15 days, and that they will have to go to the exhibition without their stones. One factor that restrains foreign suppliers is Russia’s 20 percent import duty on colored stones. It is not because this duty has to be paid, but because it is non-refundable. For example, a foreign firm comes to the Russian market with its precious stones after duly paying the 20 percent duty on the stones. Suppose this foreigner fails to sell his stones in Russia and wants to take them back to his homeland. Russian customs will not refund him the duty he had paid on the stones upon entering the country. It is clear that 20 percent of the value of the gems is too large a sum to leave behind upon leaving Russia. Nor can a foreigner sell gems on commission in Russia. The trouble is that a stone of tremendous value may travel round the world several times before it finds a buyer. I’m unable to show such a valuable sample to buyers in Russia because I would have to pay an import duty on it on entering this country with it. If I fail to sell it here, I would have to give it back to the owner, and I would not get a refund of the 20 percent import duty I had paid. As for the procedure of temporary import into Russia, it involves too many complicated and time-consuming formalities.

Useful link:
www.gemstone.org

The Russian market is promising but very difficult. Know before you go.

Belmont, Brazil

Belmont (Brazil) is one of the biggest producer (s) of emerald in the world. To learn more, go to www.grupobelmont.com.br

Heard On The Street

I’m of the opinion that the market is going to go where it goes + there are going to be many speculative opportunities in the near future.

Opal Horizon

Check out Opal Horizon (Australian opal exploration/mining company) @ www.opalhorizon.com

Innovation Awards 2008

The 2008 Technology Innovation Awards + the impact + other viewpoints @ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122227003788371453.html was insightful.

Useful link:
www.dowjones.com/innovation

Priceless Find

I found the archaeological discovery of coins and items from a 500-year-old Portuguese shipwreck found off Namibia's rough southern coast + the cultural uniqueness + viewpoints @ http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/namibiaportugalarchaeologyshipping interesting.

Useful links:
www.namdeb.com
www.grnnet.gov.na

Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Edward Helmore's article on Nassim Nicholas Taleb and his views on the global financial crisis + black swan theory/the impact @ http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/sep/28/businessandfinance.philosophy was insightful.

Useful link:
www.fooledbyrandomness.com

While peasants know they can't predict the future, Wall Street bankers believe they can. Banks hire dull people and train them to be even more dull. If they look conservative, it's only because their loans go bust on rare, very rare occasions. Bankers are not conservative at all. They are just phenomenally skilled at self-deception by burying the possibility of a large, devastating loss under the rug. 'The banking system, betting against black swans, has lost more than $1 trillion - more than was ever made in the history of banking.
- Nassim Taleb

He was spot on.

Ghislain de Preaulx-Carlo

The Economist article about Ghislain de Preaulx-Carlo and her unique nursery garden at Domaine des Rochettes in rural France @ http://www.economist.com/daily/columns/artview/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12322870 was brilliant. I liked it. They were beautiful.

Useful link:
www.artcurial.com

Random Thoughts

Most people in sales get so caught up in their own needs - 'I gotta make this sale!' - that they don't listen to the customer's pain. What discomfort is the potential buyer feeling? During tough economic times, for example, people will buy luxury items like jewelry. Why? To make themselves feel better. Your product can help alleviate the customer's pain, but only if you can figure out where it hurts.

- Dr. G. Clotaire Rapaille
www.rapailleinstitute.com

I've learned something interesting today.

The Criminal Brain

The Criminal Brain: Understanding Biological Theories of Crime by Nicole Rafter is an insightful book about the causes of criminal behavior. A must read.

Useful link:

http://nicolerafter.com

André Previn

André Previn is a German-born American Academy Award and Grammy Award winning pianist, conductor, and composer. He has won the lifetime achievement award for his musical work in the classical, film and jazz world, at this year's Gramophone Awards. I have been a huge fan for years......Congratulations!

Useful links:
www.andre-previn.com
www.gramophone.co.uk

Heard On The Street

If you develop your own thinking about the market, use common sense, and don’t take tips, you’ll probably make money.

What Makes Diamonds Valuable?

Michael Savage writes about the big question + his viewpoints @ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/the-big-question-what-makes-diamonds-valuable-and-why-do-we-revere-them-so-much-938879.html

You be the judge. Over to you.

American Buffalo 24-karat Gold Coins

I found the article on American Buffalo 24-karat gold coins popularity + other viewpoints @ http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D93EJ2U00&show_article=1 interesting. I think people are scared + they are going to go to gold for the same reason they have for 5000 years, due to its safe-haven status.

Useful link:
www.usmint.gov

Paul Newman

Paul Newman was an American actor, film director, entrepreneur, and a humanitarian. He has died of cancer at the age of 83. He used his success to help others and did it without wanting a lot of credit. He was a great man and he will be dearly missed. Thanks for all the great movies!

Useful links:

www.newmansown.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Newman

Whisper Of Flowers

Check out the mesmerizing performance of Whisper of Flowers at the National Theater @ www.cloudgate.org.tw

Don't miss it!

Mark Rothko

Anish Kapoor + Sarah Montague's tour of the late works of Rothko @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_7633000/7633386.stm was brilliant. I liked it.

Useful link:
www.tate.org.uk

Asian Art Market Update

Souren Melikian's viewpoints on the Asian art market scenario @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/27/arts/melik27.php?pass=true was insightful. A must read.

Useful links:
www.christies.com
www.sothebys.com

Global Business Update @ BBC

Can banks learn anything from gambling and the way casinos manage their own, considerable, risks? Peter Day's conversation with experts + the complex risk management algorithms @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml was educational and insightful.

Useful links:
http://business.bournemouth.ac.uk
www.lciclubs.com
http://john-adams.co.uk
www.zyen.com
www.csfi.org.uk

The Czech Diamond + Jewelry Market

The Prague Post's article on growing demand for diamonds and jewelry @ http://www.praguepost.com/articles/2008/09/24/diamond-market-gains-new-glitter.php was insightful.

Useful links:
www.dusak.cz
www.primossa.cz
www.dic.as
www.klenotyaurum.cz
www.alo-jewelry.com

Diamond Mining In Latin America

The Forbes article on diamond mining in Latin America + other viewpoints @ http://www.forbes.com/home/2008/09/23/brazil-diamonds-paraguay-biz-cx_0924oxford.html was interesting. I think the indigenous issues + environmental and social consequences in the Amazon will have to be solved before exploration.

Useful link:
www.vale.com

BullionVault

BullionVault is an internet gold bullion exchange and physical storage provider, founded in 2005 by Paul Tustain. I found Paul's inspiring story during an economic slow-down + viewpoints @ http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/entrepreneur/article4748057.ece interesting.

Useful links:
www.bullionvault.com
www.galmarley.com
www.managementlab.org

Many of the best opportunities are not picked up by corporations. Often they are blinkered as to what constitutes an appropriate use of resources and a bright entrepreneur will be the first mover in emerging market opportunities. However, corporations can be fast second movers, so what’s often difficult for the entrepreneur is to keep their lead and survive.
- Julian Birkinshaw
Co-founder, Management Lab
London Business School

Julian was spot on.

Lessons From The Streets

Do not give out colored stones or diamonds out to people you don't know. You have to know who you are dealing with. When you consign to companies or dealers go the extra mile to check their financial background. Main street = mean street. Be careful. We are in a different world. You are dealing with people who, if things go bad, will crater you.

Random Thoughts

Victorious Roman generals were reminded of the fickleness of their glory by a slave carefully positioned in earshot on the triumphal parade route. 'Memento mori,' the hapless servant would whisper to the wreathed victor as his chariot rattled along Rome's jubilant streets: 'Remember you are mortal.'

- Gerard Baker
(via Timesonline)

Gerard was spot on + A great lesson.

Heard On The Street

Experience is the worst teacher. It gives the test before giving the lesson.

2008 International Science And Engineering Visualization Challenge

The 2008 International Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge special report + the dazzling creative mind @ http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/scivis was brilliant + insightful.

Some of science’s most powerful statements are not made in words. How true!

Useful link:
www.nsf.gov

Business Stripped Bare

Business Stripped Bare: Adventures of a Global Entrepreneur by Richard Branson is an inspirational guide to success in business and in life. A must read.

Useful link:
www.virgin.com

Global Electoral College Concept

The Economist's global electoral concept based on American-style electoral college system + what if all the world could vote (very unlikely) + other viewpoints @ http://www.economist.com/vote2008/?source=hptextfeature was interesting. I hope Barack Obama wins the election, really.

Politically Incorrect Part II

Chaim Even Zohar writes about issues related to Kimberley Process + the Venezuela case + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

A must read.

New Color Communication Tool

Gemewizard has unveiled GemePro, a more advanced color-communication kit for diamonds and gemstones, tailored specifically for professional traders and manufacturers of colored gemstones + fancy-color diamonds + jewelry appraisers. Go to www.gemewizard.com for further info.

Random Thoughts

I don't try to time things but I do try to price things. I got a formula that says bet on brains when it is the the right type of deal. The price was right. The terms were right. The people were right. I decided to write a check.

- Warren Buffett
www.berkshirehathaway.com

Periodic Table Of Videos

I found the periodic table of videos @ www.periodicvideos.com educational and insightful. Watch and learn. I liked it.

Investing In Gemstones + A Different Perspective

(via Economic Times, 24 Sep, 2008) Sanjeev Sinha writes:

Investing in precious stones may seem like a good idea, but is it really such a sparkling venture? This query has over the years baffled investors and analysts alike. For, although the prices of some high-quality precious stones are said to have shown considerable appreciation in recent years -- 150-200 per cent during the last five years -- gemstone investing per se is still considered fraught with risks. And not without any reason.

A majority of experts, in fact, feel the act of buying precious stones is somewhat similar to the act of investing in art. In their view it is best to buy precious gems and stones because you like them and find them beautiful rather than aim to use them solely as a form of investment.

Says Kamal Gupta, chairman and managing director of the Delhi-based P P Jewellers Group, 'Gemstones are a good buy if you are in a mood to splurge. They also carry an additional aura of mystique and are recommended for various star effects on our body. Scientifically, some of them do have a positive affect on blood circulation which gives different results. But, strictly speaking, gemstones shouldn’t be considered for investment simply because they don’t have any resale value.'

Those, however, who see some value in gemstone investing argue that it at least diversifies investors' portfolio. 'Keeping in mind that gemstones are rare and beautiful objects, they generally enjoy good demand and yield good returns over a long period of time. Also, in view of the current volatility in stock markets, diversification in such investment options can minimize portfolio risk as well as losses,' says Ashish Kapur, CEO, Invest Shoppe India. Whatever be the case, let’s first take a look at the various categories of gemstones. In fact, all stones -- precious and semi-precious -- are collectively referred to as gems. The various categories include precious, semi-precious, synthetics and imitations. All very high value and rare gems fall into the precious category.

The regular ones are ruby, emerald, sapphire, pearl, coral, and garnet. Semi-precious are more than 150 in number and are a speaciality of every country. Some of them are quartz, iolite, tigers eye, malachite, kaynite, tanzanite, tourmaline, topaz, spinel etc. Synthetics are the ones that have the same chemical formula and physical properties of the natural gem but are actually synthesised in the lab, while imitations are the ones that are used instead of the real variety and can be made of plastic or glass.

However, not each and every gemstone should be regarded as a potential form of investment, and even if some may look lucrative, they are definitely not suitable for every investor.

Mihir Shah, partner at the Chennai-based diamond merchants N Gopaldas & Co, says, 'Except for really rare, unique gems and where the buyer has bought them from the right source and knows where to sell them back, they’re useless as an investment. Also, unlike a diamond, they wear out naturally if used regularly, and lose their value. So, only if you carefully preserve them, say over 100 years, they will gather antique value, but this can happen with a pair of Reebok shoes too, if they remain intact for that long time.'

Thus, if you have a gemstone which is rare and of high quality, and you know the traders, then it may be a good investment. But not the other way round.

'Besides, prices increase only when the mines become extinct, or the currency varies. If new mines are found, prices crash. Also, I have never heard anyone selling one’s gem,' says Shah.

Sounds strange? 'Definitely not,' says Gupta, 'The use of gemstones is largely culture-based, and in India nobody would like to use a stone if that has already been used by someone.' So where does the question of resale arise?

Also, grading and pricing of gemstones are difficult and require considerable experience and training. 'The gemstone market is highly illiquid when compared to the financial markets, commodities, or even real estate, and different dealers’ valuations may vary considerably,' says Amit Sarup, director, Religare Venture Capital Ltd.

Thus, the act of buying precious stones is somewhat similar to the act of investing in art. No wonder, it is best to buy precious gems and stones because you like them and find them beautiful rather than aim to use them solely as a form of investment.

'One safe way to buy gemstones, however, is to buy them when they have been used in any jewellery. This enhances their value,' says Gupta.

Significant returns may also be realised when an investor buys a large, uncut and coloured stone, and then sells it for a higher price. 'The best stones to buy are the ones that look beautiful when you wear them. Ones that do not wear out fast in time, like rubies and sapphires,' informs Shah.

According to experts, rubies, emeralds, blue sapphires, alexandrites and Basra pearls are a good buy, but preferably they must be over 5 cts and more intense in colour.

Sometimes the country of origin is also important. For instance, Sri Lankan sapphires, Kashmir blue sapphires, Brazilian and Columbian emeralds in their natural untreated form are considered a good buy. Ultimately, it’s the beauty of the stone that decides its value!
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-3522209,flstry-1.cms

I think an educated consumer is your best customer.

Wave Power Farm

Alok Jha's article on the world's first commercial wave-power farm, three miles from the coast of the northern Portuguese town of Aguçadoura + the impact + other viewpoints @ http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/sep/24/renewable.wave.energy.portugal was educational and insightful.

Useful links:
www.pelamiswave.com
www.greenpeace.org.uk
www.foe.co.uk
www.wavehub.co.uk

The future of wave energy starts today. Finland is very good in mobile phones, Portugal wants to be good in renewable energy. We are among the top five in the world, and we are just in the beginning of the process. Renewable energy is the source of energy for the future and we think this can create an industrial revolution and a lot of opportunities for jobs and research and we want to be ahead of the curve.
- Manuel Pinho, Economics minister, Portugal

I think he was spot on.

California Academy Of Sciences

Designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano on the site of the academy’s demolished home, the new California Academy of Sciences building looks green, great and enlightening. To learn more about the building, which opens on September 27, 2008, go to www.calacademy.org

Useful link:
http://rpbw.r.ui-pro.com

Tito Pedrini

It's contagious, totally internally reflective, bold, personable, and one-of-a-kind design. To learn more about Tito Pedrini's jewelry collections, go to www.titopedrini.com for further info.

John Coltrane

John Coltrane was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Happy Birthday (September 23, 1926) to the jazz legend of all time.

Useful link:
www.johncoltrane.com

Madagascar Gem Business Update

(via InColor, Summer 2008): Having suspended all precious stone exports on February 28, 2008, and then lifted the ban in May, the Madagascar government is still not allowing exports out. All exports of gem and ornamental stones, both rough and cut, were suspended, and effectively still are suspended since the new rules have yet to put into effect. Industrial quality stones can be exported but not mineral specimens. That has led to questions about what exactly constitutes a gemstone.

Cut stones can be exported, but must go through a 12-step process in eight different offices located in six different buildings. Theoretically, stones can be exported according to local officials, but in practice gemstone exports are close to zero. Nor surprisingly, only two exports of gemstones have left the country since July 14. Madagascar in the Indian Ocean is the fourth largest island in the world, and one of the world’s major supplier of gemstones.

The situation is so serious that a high-level delegation from Thailand led by the Deputy Minister of Commerce, representatives of the Chantaburi gem dealers and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Association visited Madagascar to request export licenses for gemstones that were purchased before the ban. Although the minister and the delegation requested permission from President Marc Ravalomanana himself, the answer was negative.

The reason for the ban is widely believed to be that he is furious about a huge emerald that was exported and is now on display in a Hong Kong art gallery. The president imprisoned the 66-year old female manager of the company that mined the stone on the grounds that she made a false sales declaration. She said it was a green beryl specimen, while Madagascar say it is an emerald. The mining company and its mining permits are in a legal battle with the government. Media reports say the state is trying to close the company and seize the mine.

Madagascar is calling on the Hong Kong police to bring an end to an exhibition on the island featuring what is claimed to the world’s largest emerald. Madagascar says the giant emerald, which weights 536 kilograms and is 125 centimeters long, 78 cm in depth and has a height of 55 cm, was illegally exported. The BaoQu Tang Modern Art Gallery in Tsim Sha Tsui has had the emerald on display since June 20. The huge emerald has been called Gift from Heaven by Chinese painter Chan Sicpo, who has lived in Madagascar for a long time. Other works by Chan Sicpo are also displayed in the gallery.

Madagascar is taking the matter so seriously that is dispatched police and justice officials to Hong Kong to deal with the issue. The country claims that emerald was illegally exported. Madagascar claims the emerald was sent out of the country via the French territory of Reunion Island. As for the Hong Kong gallery, it says the emerald was the property of a French company called Orgaco which successfully won a legal fight with Madagascar government over ownership of the emerald during the time it was in Reunion. It is not certain, however, that the decision by the Reunion court in favor of Orgaco is legally binding in Hong Kong. The gallery says the emerald was unearthed at an open-cast mine at Morafeno, in southeastern Madagascar last July.

The reason for the prohibition of rough exports is that Madagascar was giving up too much value added potential to foreign firms. Forcing all rough to be cut locally would encourage foreign operators, mostly Thai and Sri Lankans, to set up their cutting and treating works in Madagascar. Although the aim may be correct, it is widely regarded as being premature, since Madagascar has not developed the infrastructure to process anywhere near the volume of rough exports sent last year.

Although the Madagascar Institute of Gemology has trained almost 400 cutters in three years and there are other new training schools, the number is still tiny compared to the cutters processing Malagasy rough in Thailand and China. Those countries have vast gemstone experience, while Madagascar has had less than 20 years. Foreign companies have set up workshops on the island, and Malagasy cutting is improving, but it is still not yet a center for worldwide cut stone sales.

Useful links:
www.gemstone.org
www.baoqutang.com

TIM (This is Madagascar).

Heard On The Street

The change will be good. It's just like evolution and climatic change. New species will arise. Many will perish unless they adapt. For the speculator, many new niches and many opportunity will arise.

New Travel Sites

(via Rachel King/fastcompany) I found the travel websites @ http://www.fastcompany.com/multimedia/slideshows/content/10-hot-travel-sites.html?partner=fasttake interesting.

The Animated Life

Jeff Scher's short film on the sight and sound of rain @ http://scher.blogs.nytimes.com was brilliant. I liked it.

Useful link:
http://fezfilms.net

Asian Art Scene

Some of the hottest untapped art markets these days are in Asia. A new way to discover the contemporary Asian art scene is to go the source.

Useful links:
www.shanghaimuseum.net
www.gwangju-biennale.org
www.mediacityseoul.or.kr
www.showcasesingapore.com
www.singaporebiennale.org

World Pearl Forum

The Dubai Pearl Exchange is to host the first World Pearl Forum at the Atlantis hotel, Palm Jumeirah from February 17 - 18, 2009. The event will see participation from more than 200 leading pearl specialists from across the world addressing the opportunities and latest challenges in the global pearl sector. Don't miss it.

Useful links:
www.dpe.ae
www.dmcc.ae

Green Buildings In India

The CII-Godrej GBC will be hosting the sixth Green Building Congress in Mumbai, India, on September 27, 2008, which will include an exhibition and an international seminar on green buildings. According to S. Raghupathy, senior director/head of CII-Godrej GBC, green building concept is growing in popularity in a big way in India + by 2010, it's expected that about 1,000 green buildings, with over one billion sq ft would come up all over India.

Useful links:
www.igbc.in
www.ciigbc.org

Iconoclast

Iconoclast: A Neuroscientist Reveals How to Think Differently by Gregory Berns is an insightful book on inner workings of the iconoclast's mind. A must read.

Useful link:
http://www.ccnl.emory.edu/greg

Lead-glass Filled Rubies Update

Many are buying lead-glass filled rubies over the Internet/jewelry television channels as natural + these modified rubies are being offered for a few dollars a carat by many dealers and jewelers + they are also found at the mines and trading centers in Southeast Asia/South Asia/Africa + many have no skills identifying these disguised rubies. Please refer to the following for more information.

- AGTA Gemstone Update: Lead Glass Fracture Filling
- GAAJ: Lead-Glass Impregnated Ruby

If in doubt, always consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.