The Museum Of American Finance

So what exactly happened on Wall Street? Even Oliver Stone who first chronicled Wall Street excess to an international audience can hardly believe what has happened. Perhaps a visit to the Museum of American Finance isn't a bad idea. Go to www.moaf.org for further info.

Art Update

Souren Melikian's article on contemporary art sales @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/21/arts/melik21.php was interesting. A must read.

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

Heard On The Street

When you sell on the street, you can feel the economic pulse better than anybody.

The LightCap

(via budgettravel) The LightCap is a one-liter bottle that has a solar panel on the lid. Charge it in the sun all day and you'll have up to six hours of light to guide you at night. I really liked it. Thanks Emily Haile.

Useful link:
www.sollight.com

Business Lessons From The Great Depression

Stacy Perman's article/slide shows of companies that diversified, innovated and survived during the Great Depression @ http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/10/1017_depression_lessons/index.htm was educational and inspiring. Thanks Stacy.

Tie Ring

I found the latest trend in men’s fashion - Tie Ring - interesting. Hard to believe, but true. Go to http://tieaccents.com

Useful link:
www.superfitinc.com

Sonja Picard

Sonja Picard's contemporary + traditional jewelry designs are simply beautiful. Go to www.sonjapicardcollection.com for further info.

Random Thoughts

I love two things: music and people. I don't know which I like better.

- Leonard Bernstein
www.leonardbernstein.com

The Human Side Of Enterprise

The Human Side of Enterprise: 25th Anniversary Printing by Douglas McGregor is an insightful management classic and a true gem. A must read.

Heard On The Street

When is news news? All news is news, really.

Amer Radwan

Amer Radwan of Radwan Diamond and Jewelry Trading in Dubai have acquired Ponahalo Diamonds (70.87 carats = US$2.15 million + 102.11 carats = US$4.11 million), the two largest Forevermark diamonds in the world, at auction by Steinmetz at Christie’s in New York on 15 October, 2008. Right now, I think Ponahalo-like diamonds are perceived as an investor's best friend. Good luck!

Useful links:
www.christies.com
www.steinmetz-group.com
www.forevermark.com
www.diamondempowerment.org
www.simmonsjewelryco.com

Consumer Insights

I found Unity Marketing's survey on ultra-affluent consumers and their shopping behavior + other viewpoints interesting and insightful. My view is most ultra-affluents are inert to recession. Go to www.unitymarketingonline.com for further info.

Christian Boros

Christian Boros has turned Berlin into an art laboratory. Go to www.sammlung-boros.de for further info. It's a real showcase for art. A must visit.

Useful link:
www.boros.de

Payback

Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth by Margaret Atwood is an insightful and remarkably timely book on debt management. A must read.

Useful link:

www.owtoad.com

I think debt is as old as human civilization.

Lucio Fontana

The Economist article on Lucio Fontana and his artworks @ http://www.economist.com/daily/columns/artview/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12448338 was educational and insightful.

Useful link:
www.fondazioneluciofontana.it

Toshiyuki Takahashi

Chris Kohler's article on Toshiyuki Takahashi + other viewpoints @ http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/10/meet-takahashi.html was interesting.

Useful links:
www.16shot.jp
http://tgs.cesa.or.jp

He is a legend.

Heard On The Street

Whenever the stock market gets rocky, jewelry and diamonds does very well. It's portable and reassuring than assets sitting in stocks.

Hard to believe, but true.

Random Thoughts

The majority of unskilled investors stubbornly hold onto their losses when the losses are small and reasonable. They could get out cheaply, but being emotionally involved and human, they keep waiting and hoping until their loss gets much bigger and costs them dearly.

- William O’Neil
www.williamoneil.com

How true!

Warren Buffet Viewpoints

Warren Buffet's opinion piece in the New York Times @ www.nytimes.com/2008/10/17/opinion/17buffett.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin was brilliant. He was spot on.

Zultanite

Zultanite is an interesting color-change gemstone mined in Turkey's Anatolian Mountains (Milas county of Muğla). Go to www.zultanitegems.com for further info.

World Wealth Report 2008

I found the World Wealth Report 2008 + other viewpoints @ www.us.capgemini.com/worldwealthreport08 interesting. The perception is the luxury sector is there and powerful. With millionaires and billionaires losing millions/billions in current economic meltdown + more than half the world experiencing double-digit inflation, it would be interesting to see how the millionaires/billionaires will be spending their net worth on luxury.

International Diamond Cut Conference 2009

The 2nd International Diamond Cut Conference (IDCC-2) will be held in the Beau-Rivage Palace hotel in Lausanne, Switzerland 22-25 March, 2009. I think it will be an interesting event on innovation, branding and new cutting styles for the new diamond consumers.

Useful link:
www.idcc2.octonus.com

Family Business

BDO Stoy Hayward Guide to the Family Business by Peter Leach is an insightful book on family business issues and solutions.

Useful link:
www.bdo.co.uk

Dia:Beacon

Dia:Beacon is a must-see spot on the contemporary-art circuit. Go to www.diabeacon.org for further info.

The Secret Life Of Bees

The Secret Life of Bees is a bestselling novel (Read it!) by American author Sue Monk Kidd + has been adapted into a film + it's a wonderful movie with excellent cast. A must see!

Useful links:
www.suemonkkidd.com
www.foxsearchlight.com/thesecretlifeofbees
www.imdb.com/title/tt0416212

Emerging Wind Power Technologies

Skysails + Helix Wind + Magenn + Laddermill + Cool Earth Solar = Cutting-edge wind power technologies. Simply brilliant, really.

Useful links:
www.skysails.info
www.helixwind.com
www.magenn.com
www.ockels.nl
www.coolearthsolar.com

Random Thoughts

Confidence in markets and in institutions – it's a lot like oxygen. When you have it, you don't even think about it. I mean it's indispensable, but you can go years not thinking about it. When it's gone for five minutes, it's the only thing you think about.

- Warren E. Buffett
www.berkshirehathaway.com

How true!

Cinemambiente Environmental Film Festival

The Cinemambiente environmental film festival (on topics related to food + water + farming + waste + nuclear power + global warming + energy) runs October 16 -21, 2008, in Turin, Italy. Go to www.cinemambiente.it for further info.

In Gloomy Days: A Silver Cloud In Dubai

Chaim Even Zohar writes about the state of the diamond industry in current economic downturn + the Middle East China Diamond & Jewelry Summit in Dubai + the search for new markets + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

A must read.

Colored Gemstone Market Update

According to analysts at the Dubai Gems Club, the colored gemstone market in the gulf region is expected to grow considerably in the coming years. To learn more, go to www.dgc.ae

Useful links:
www.kennethgassman.com
http://buzconsulting.com
www.dgc.ae
www.dmcc.ae
www.gemstone.org

America: Empire Of Liberty

Watch the BBC history series America: Empire of Liberty on Radio 4 @ www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/america/week1

It's educational.

Richard Saul Wurman

Richard Saul Wurman is perceived as one of the most brilliant minds of our time. To learn more, go to www.wurman.com

Business Innovation Factory Summit

The (Business Innovation Factory) BIF - 4 Collaborative Innovation summit is scheduled for October 15 - 16, 2008. I wish the business leaders in Asia + Africa had a similar story-telling format to engage and inspire the business world.

Useful link:
www.businessinnovationfactory.com

Heard On The Street

Economy: Bubbles burst + cycles turn = It is different this time.

Li Edelkoort

Lidewij Edelkoort is a well-known Dutch trend forecaster. She is inspiring + creative + different. Go to www.edelkoort.com for further info.

The New Biographical Dictionary Of Film

The New Biographical Dictionary of Film by David Thomson is an insightful book on world cinema + a filmgoer’s companion. I liked it.

Diamond Trade Update

Chaim Even Zohar's report on diamond trade's ripple effect + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=31319 was insightful. As Chaim rightly put it, we are in for a long and bumpy ride.

Antique + Period + Vintage Jewelry

I would recommend www.center4jewelrystudies.org as an excellent source of info on antique, period and vintage jewelry.

Songs Of Joy & Peace

I found Songs of Joy & Peace by Yo-Yo Ma/his musical friends @ http://www.time.com/time/video/?bcpid=1485842900&bctid=1856952297 beautiful and inspiring.

Useful link:
www.yo-yoma.com

Heard On The Street

Listen, the crazier the markets become, the saner you must become.

A Man For All Seasons

A Man for All Seasons has long been one of my favorite stage play + motion picture. Go to www.imdb.com/title/tt0060665 for further info.

Justice Litle Viewpoints

Justice Litle's article on market-related insights + other viewpoints @ http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Market-is-like-a-rickety-old-bus-on-a-mountain-road-12142-3-1.html was brilliant. In fact I liked it.

Useful link:
www.taipanpublishinggroup.com

I think the market takeaways are applicable in the gem business as well.

The Virtual Future Of Gaming

Brett McCallon's report on gaming/marketplace + other viewpoints @ http://moreintelligentlife.com/story/downloadable-gaming was brilliant.

Useful links:
http://brettmccallon.com
www.xbox.com
www.activision.com

Signs of the time: A game for everyone who cares to play.

Global Business @ BBC

Peter Day's short series on Israel's hi-tech industry + military's role in shaping remarkable new firms + people responsible for the creation and growth of start ups + other viewpoints @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml was interesting and insightful.

Useful links:
www.idf.org.il
www.gemini.co.il

Nephrite Jade From Canada

I found nephrite jade jewelry + carvings @ www.jademine.com very interesting. Stunningly beautiful, really.

Art Market Update

Scott Reyburn's report on the state of the art market + other viewpoints @ http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=af8MxT4n7V_k&refer=home was interesting.

Everything appears to be on hold at the moment. Everyone has a budget, even if they're a billionaire. These people know when to be prudent. At this time, some of my clients are balancing the decision to buy art against other assets.
- Tania Buckrell Pos

Useful links:
www.faggionato.com
www.phillipsdepury.com
www.sothebys.com
www.christies.com
www.artsandmanagement.com
www.arttactic.com
www.artnet.com

We are in the midst of the worst financial crisis in many decades with a huge destruction of wealth underway, I just can't see people wanting to spend millions on a work of art at the moment. I may be wrong.

Des Kilalea Viewpoints

The Gold Report interview with London-based Des Kilalea, Global Mining Research Analyst, RBC Capital Markets + other viewpoints @ http://www.theaureport.com/pub/na/1733 was educational and insightful.

Useful links:
www.theaureport.com
www.rbccm.com

David Galenson

David Galenson's theory on artistic creativity is rather interesting. To learn more, go to www.davidgalenson.com

Steven Holl

Steven Holl's designs are organic + experiential. Go to www.stevenholl.com for further info.

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