Heard On The Street

It always amazes me how circular the world is. Today's idiots are tomorrow's heroes.

Paul Krugman

The 2008 Nobel economics prize has been won by American academic Paul Krugman for his work on global trade patterns. Congratulations to Paul!

Useful links:
http://krugmanonline.com
http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com
http://web.mit.edu/krugman/www
http://nobelprize.org

Heard On The Street

Wall Street has hit the wall. Forget the past and the future and live in the moment.

ICA Gem Show 2008

The ICA International Gem Show Dubai 2008 starts today. Go to www.gemstone.org/ica-gemshow for further info.

The Right To Be Human

The Right to Be Human: A Biography of Abraham Maslow by Edward Hoffman is a brilliant biography + a must read.

Useful link:

www.maslow.com

Tata Group's Ginger

Smart Basics Hotels = Ginger = A world class at low cost, really. www.forbes.com/global/2008/1013/052.html A must visit.

Useful link:
www.gingerhotels.com

The Vienna Philharmonic Coin

The financial crisis is driving people to look for a safer haven: Gold. People are buying bullion in bulk because they believe it's a safe investment. For how long, who knows? The Vienna Philharmonic is one of the world's best-selling bullion coins. To learn more, go www.austrian-mint.com

World Of Beauty

Delicate + Translucent + Aesthetic + Spontaneous = Organic Design = Beauty

Useful links:
www.2121designsight.jp
www.tokujin.com
www.studiolibertiny.com
www.julialohmann.co.uk
www.tomdixon.net
www.jongeriuslab.com
www.kramweisshaar.com

Alan Bean

I found former astronaut Alan Bean's (the fourth man to walk on the moon) artwork @ www.alanbeangallery.com interesting and inspiring.

Heard On The Street

After a period of pain and readjustment, my guess is that the economy will come around.

The Trip Of A Lifetime

The Trip of a Lifetime: Go to www.tcs-expeditions.com for further information.

Emorarts

I found Emorarts, the UAE-based art portal @ www.emorarts.com interesting.

Picasso And The Masters

Picasso and the Masters: Visit one of the most expensive art displays ever held in France @ www.grandpalais.fr

Diamond Trade Update

Ketan Tanna's report on the financial crisis in the US, and the impact on the Indian gem and jewelry sector + other viewpoints @ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Business/India_Business/All-pervading_gloom_blights_diamond_trade/articleshow/3571699.cms was insightful.

The world supplies over 50 per cent of gems and jewellery to America. There is no equivalent.
- Sanjay Kothari, Former Chairman, Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council

Simply true!

John Bristow Viewpoints

According to John Bristow, CEO, Rockwell Diamonds, there will be some price adjustments for diamonds in the market due to the current global financial crisis and the impact on disposable incomes. www.miningweekly.com/article.php?a_id=144875

Useful links:
www.rockwelldiamonds.com
www.miningweekly.com

Nathan Sawaya

Nathan Sawaya is a famous Lego artist who builds one-of-a-kind art creations for companies, charities, individuals, museums and galleries. www.portfolio.com/slideshows/2008/08/Lego-Artist

Useful link:
www.brickartist.com

Simply beautiful + inspiring!

Andrew Weiss

William Green's article on Andrew Weiss + other viewpoints @ http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1848337,00.html was simply brilliant.

Useful link:
www.weissasset.com

People are freaking out, and it's a good time to make money when everybody is freaking out.
- Andrew Weiss

Pusan International Film Festival

The Pusan International Film Festival took place from October 2 - 10, 2008. Great sreenings!

Useful link:
www.piff.org

Contemporary İstanbul 2008

Contemporary İstanbul 2008, a new modern art fair will open on October 16 - 19, 2008. Go to www.contemporaryistanbul.com for further information.

The Ascent Of Money

The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World by Niall Ferguson is an insightful book that puts today’s crisis into context. I think looking back may help suggest what to do next.

Useful link:
www.niallferguson.org

Commodities Market Update

The Economist report on the volatile commodity prices @ http://www.economist.com/specialreports/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12373732 was insightful. A must read.

Useful links:
www.nymex.com
www.barcap.com
www.capitaleconomics.com
www.oecd.org
www.worldbank.org
www.georgesoros.com

Diamond Debts Last Forever

Chaim Even Zohar's article on liquidity risk management + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp was brilliant. A must read.

Martti Ahtisaari

Finland's ex-president and peace negotiator Martti Ahtisaari has won 2008 Nobel Peace Prize for his important efforts in resolving international conflicts. Congratulations!

Useful links:
www.cmi.fi
http://nobelprize.org

The Top Innovative Country

According to the World Economic Forum (Global Competitiveness Report 2008-2009) report the United States is the most innovative and competitive country in the world. Go to www.weforum.org for further info.

Le Laboratoire

Artists + Scientists = Le Laboratoire (Le Laboratoire is the brainchild of Harvard bio-medical technology professor David Edwards)

Useful links:
www.lelaboratoire.org
www.ryojiikeda.com
http://people.seas.harvard.edu/~dedwards

Christina Binkley Viewpoints

Christina Binkley's report on the state of luxury jewelry + other viewpoints @ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122351779589918041.html was interesting and insightful. I know there will always be rich people around, but right now the economic situation is so bad it would be unwise to assume they won't have an impact on consumer behavior.

The Village Pet Store And Charcoal Grill + Bansky

Banksy's new installation in Manhattan, called 'The Village Pet Store and Charcoal Grill', the fake pet store, complete with convincingly real animatronic creatures was absolutely amazing.

Useful links:
www.banksy.co.uk
http://thevillagepetstoreandcharcoalgrill.com
www.animatronics.org
www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1laBLYjuqM

The Low Carbon Economy

The low carbon economy is just getting started. I think a cap and trade system is the best way to address climate change. I am really impressed with the actions taken by the ten states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, a.k.a Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) + the Canadian provinces, a.k.a Western Climate Initiative, which I think are innovative steps in the right direction. Greening creates massive opportunities in practically every part of the economy.

Useful links:
www.rggi.org
www.westernclimateinitiative.org

Heard On The Street

People don't panic in the sunshine, but in the dark. We are in the dark now.

Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio

French author Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio has won the 2008 Nobel Prize for Literature. Congratulations!

Useful link:
http://nobelprize.org

Heard On The Street

When times are tough, gold soars.

Dudley Blauwet Viewpoints

I found Dudley Blauwet's viewpoints on pink tourmalines from Vietnam @ http://www.colored-stone.com/stories/sep08/vietnamese-tourmaline.cfm educational and insightful.

National Debt Clock

Since the National Debt Clock in New York has run out of digits to record US government's spiralling figure, perhaps signs of the time for the American economy, it would be interesting to go to www.publicdebt.ustreas.gov for the latest update.

PlanetSolar

PlanetSolar teams plan to circumnavigate the globe in a solar boat to inform + educate the general public the importance of renewable energy technology is simply brilliant.

Go to www.planetsolar.org for further info.

Gomorrah

Matteo Garrone's 'Gomorrah', based on the best-selling 2006 book by journalist Roberto Saviano, is a great Italian movie on Camorra's underworld in Naples. A masterpiece + must-see!

Useful link:
www.imdb.com/title/tt0929425

John Della Volpe

What Obama Can Teach You About Your Business + John Della Volpe's viewpoints + the bottom up = real change concept @ http://www.fastcompany.com/articles/2008/10/interview-john-della-volpe.html?page=0%2C1 was interesting.

Useful links:
www.socialsphere.net
www.iop.harvard.edu

I truly believe that Obama's campaign marks a once-in-a-generation innovation in American politics. Simply brilliant.

The Tea Business

Rediff's article on tea business + other viewpoints @ http://specials.rediff.com/money/2008/oct/08sli1.htm was brilliant.

Useful link:
www.makaibari.com

39 carat Blue Diamond

Petra Diamonds's 39.19 carat special blue diamond is currently available for buyers to view at the offices of SADIAMEX (Meyer Diamonds), in the Diamond Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Useful link:
http://petradiamonds.com

Very interesting find!

Virtual Worlds

Virtual worlds = Contextualises social encounters + provides Immersive experience (learn + understand + maximize)

Useful links:
www.virtualworldsforum.com
www.virtualworldslondon.com
www.imaginventure.com
http://twinity.com
http://metaversum.com
www.myrl.com
www.raphkoster.com
www.metaplace.com

Sagra dell'Uva

Sagra dell'Uva or the grape festival commemorates the return of Admiral Marcantonio Colonna to his home in Marino after his victory over the Turks at the Battle of Lepanto in October 1571. Each year, they hand out 150 tonnes of grapes and provide 3,000 litres of the local white wine during the four-day festival. Go to www.comune.marino.rm.it for further information. A must visit.

William McDonough

To learn more about energy efficiency in architecture + the future of environmental designs + elimination of industrial wastes, go to www.mcdonough.com

Useful link:
www.worldfutureenergysummit.com

Heard On The Street

I'm really starting to get worried now. Everything is bad news. I don't know what's happening.

Random Thoughts

If you are a little innovative or a little bit of a gambler, and you make a product which is either ahead of its time or has an evolutionary design, or has features that work into a person's perception, then you have an acceptable product.

- Ratan Tata
www.tata.com

Synthetic Diamond Update

The Gemmological Association of All Japan’s Zenhokyo Laboratory reports identification of yellow melee synthetic diamonds mixed with natural stones in jewelry during routine inspection via Micro -FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infared Micro-Spectroscopy). I hope other labs are using this technology.

To learn more, go to www.gaaj-zenhokyo.co.jp

As always, if you are doubtful, consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.

Global Business Update @ BBC

Peter Day reports on Israel's Silicon Wadi + the extraordinary growth of small high technology businesses + other viewpoints @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml

Useful links:
www.technionseed.co.il
www.ngtnazareth.com
www.incubators.org.il
www.carticure.com
www.renopharm.com
www.adva.org
www.matrix.co.il
http://g.ho.st

Inspiring success stories!

Art Exhibits In China

Duncan Hewitt's article on contemporary art shows in China + the big business of Chinese art + risks and rewards + other viewpoints @ http://www.newsweek.com/id/162302/page/1 was interesting and insightful. A must read.

Random Thoughts

The US national debt was $5 trillion; but within a week the government doubled the national debt to the $10 trillion mark. The bailout is simply absurd and unimaginable. It is going to be very bad for the US government, economy, dollar and inflation.

- Jim Rogers
www.jimrogers.com

Heard On The Street

There’s no better formula for losing money than to buy high and sell low and people have been doing exactly this.

Lotus-Effect

I found Wilhelm Barthlott's 'Lotus-Effect' very interesting + inspiring. It's amazing to see what biomimicry can do to help solve environmental problems like climate change + design buildings and products to operate more like nature. Biomimicry = Natural innovation.

Useful links:
www.lotus-effekt.de
www.biomimicry.net
www.hok.com
www.usgbc.org
www.biomimicryguild.com

Roger Graef Viewpoints

Roger Graef describes the Wall St Crash of 1929, its effects on his father and himself, as well as the lessons he feels can be drawn from the crashes current and past + viewpoints @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7654811.stm

Useful link:
www.imdb.com/name/nm0333637

Shockingly truthful reflection!

Orbiting Carbon Observatory

A high-resolution global map of CO2 may be forthcoming when a new NASA satellite, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO), is scheduled for launch on January 15, 2009. To learn more, go to http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov

Useful links:
http://cdiac.ornl.gov
www.iafastro.com

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!