Harry Winston

You should visit Harry Winston's e-commerce site. I liked it. Check out the link at http://shop.harrywinston.com Brand sells, really.

Useful link:
www.harrywinston.com

The 99

Naif Al Mutawa + Teshkeel Media Group = The 99

Useful links:
www.the99.org
www.teshkeel.com

I hope it will be the next Pokémon. Hats off to Naif.

Cabochon

Stunningly beautiful colors of Cabs in sky blues/emerald greens @ http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1859855_1859719_1859729,00.html

Useful links:
http://hobbsandkent.com
www.dior.com

Small-wind Market

Saverio Truglia's report in Time on small-wind market @ http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1860920,00.html was insightful.

Useful links:
www.awea.org
www.windenergy.com

I wish India had similar tax credits to facilitate green trend in the country.

Babette's Feast

Babette's Feast is a 1987 Danish film written and directed by Gabriel Axel. http://www.karenblixen.com/babette.html

Useful links:
www.imdb.com/title/tt0092603
www.dfi.dk

A profoundly uplifting film.

Jewelry + Handbag

Victoria Gomelsky's story in IHT on jewels and handbags @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/19/style/rluxbags.php was interesting. Thanks Victoria.

Useful links:
www.judithleiber.com
www.tanaka.co.jp
www.kararossny.com
www.robertocoin.com
www.lotusartsdevivre.com

Ladies know more about handbags because the value of jewelry - of precious stones and pearls - is still relatively unknown.
- Anna Gaia

How true!

Jewelry Information Center (JIC)

Check out the Jewelry Information Center (JIC) link to read more about jewelry tales, educational and marketing modules @ www.jic.org

Chocolate Tasting

Lucy Rodgers's story on chocolate tasting + learning to spit @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7656288.stm was interesting.

Useful link:
www.fortnumandmason.com

You've got to be passionate to be in this field of expertise or you would get pretty sick of it in the end, really. I love chocolates.

Concentrated Solar Power Technology

Concentrated solar power (CSP) technology + Andalucian desert = Abengoa

Useful links:
www.abengoasolar.com
www.abengoa.com
www.greenpeace.org

I think CSP is affordable and efficient + countries with clear skies and strong sunshine should adopt this technology.

Gemstone Gallery

Photo gallery: Gemstones via National Geographic @ http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/photos/gems/ruby-rough.html was interesting. Colored stones are always beautiful.

Andy Scott

Meet Andy Scott, Scotland's world-famous sculptor @ www.andyscottpublicart.co.uk

I think public art = true investment.

The Diamond City Of Surat

Binu Alex's fourth report in CommodityOnline on Gujarat’s diamond city of Surat @ http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Journey-from-junk-diamonds-to-near-gems-12821-3-1.html was interesting. I think only Indians have the skills to create near-gem quality diamonds out of industrial quality diamonds.

The Widow Clicquot

The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It by Tilar J. Mazzeo is a fascinating biography of a woman who revolutionized the wine-making industry. A must read.

Useful link:

www.tilar-mazzeo.com

The Art Of Haggling

Tanya Gold's story in the Guardian about the art of haggling @ http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2008/nov/24/haggling-shopping-retail-recession was interesting. It's recession time. Try it!

Ron Arad Exhibition

Ron Arad: Art + Design Exhibition has opened at Centre Pompidou in Paris @ www.cnac-gp.fr

Useful link:
www.ronarad.com

Adventurous + Intellectual + Immersive experience. Don't miss it.

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street - The Mark of a Gentleman by Bill Cunningham @ http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/11/22/fashion/20081123-street-feature/index.html was brilliant. I liked it.

Interactive Art In London

Gareth Mitchell's story on Mexican-Canadian artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer's huge interactive art installation in Trafalgar Square, London @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7740263.stm was interesting. Don't miss it!

Useful link:
www.lozano-hemmer.com

Heard On The Street

Even in the best of times, it's hard to tell the difference between honest error and outright deception, really.

Jun Aoki

Meet the most intellectual architect of Japan @ www.aokijun.com

Useful links:
www.jidpo.or.jp
www.g-mark.org

Art Market Update

The Economist report on the 2008 autumn art-auction season/upcoming Russian art sales + the unpredictable buyers @ http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12666644 was interesting.

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

Verneuil Synthetic Corundum

Richard W. Hughes + John I. Koivula rexamines why and how curved growth lines and gas bubbles occur in Verneuil (flame-fusion) synthetic corundum @ http://www.ruby-sapphire.com/verneuil-synthetic-corundum-dangerous-curves.htm

A must read.

Random Thoughts

The art market has decided to price itself more realistically at the December 3rd auction in Paris. It should be pointed out that the real major pieces that one would expect at an auction of this magnitude, in Paris, are strangely absent. I wonder if the predicted estimate of prices at the gavel are a deliberate lowering of expectations, so the art media can then spin the auction a success whatever the low prices might amount to. Perhaps the art that's been left off the block is in strong hands, and what we're seeing is the art held by the weak hands. Perhaps the owners/investors of the best art are waiting for an inevitable upturn in the general art market conditions. Needless to say, if one wants to buy a 2nd rate Picasso for collecting/investing, now might be a good time to buy. If one wants to buy a piece of art because they think it's beautiful and that they love it, anytime is good as long as the pocketbook is full.

- Jeff Watson
(via Dailyspeculations)

Jeff was spot on.

Aakash Nihalani

Aakash Nihalani's artwork is currently on view at 17 Frost gallery space (located at 17 Frost Street between Union Avenue and Lorimer Street in Wiliamsburg) in Williamsburg, New York. A must visit.

Useful links:
www.aakashnihalani.com
www.bosepacia.com
www.flickr.com/photos/28750691@N03

Greenbuild 2008

Greenbuild 2008. This year the 6th annual conference by the U.S. Green Building Council was held in the city of Boston. A great place to connect the dots.

Useful links:
www.greenbuildexpo.org
www.bnim.com

Naples Winter Wine Festival

The Naples Winter Wine Festival features some of the rarest wine varieties in the world, and it is up for auction.

Go to www.napleswinefestival.com for further info.

The Diamond City Of Surat

Binu Alex's third report in CommodityOnline on Gujarat’s diamond city of Surat @ http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Will-Indian-diamond-business-outshine-recession-12820-3-1.html was interesting. At the moment I don't think the Indian diamond business is recession-proof. The attitude and approach of consumers and retailers are key factors, which is hard to predict. The whole world is caught up in negative news. If the diamond consumers and retailers do well in North America, Europe, the Middle East, then it's good news for the Indian diamond business.

Catherine Boyle Viewpoint

Diamonds. Catherine Boyle's opinion piece in TimesOnline @ http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/natural_resources/article5176070.ece was interesting. My view: I think Laurence Graff, chairman and founder of Graff Diamonds put into perspective many of the important issues. Top-quality gems are rare and hard to find, and there will always be a demand for these stones, and they are investors best friend, unlike other commodities.

Europeana

Europeana is an ambitious European Union project to digitize items from European museums, libraries, archives and multi-media collections -- online for free. Go to www.europeana.eu for further info.

Iron-age Gold Collar

Maev Kennedy's story about a 2,200-year-old gold collar find @ http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2008/nov/20/heritage-art was interesting.

Useful link:
www.britishmuseum.org

Truly a happy accident.

Global Trends 2025

(via BBC) Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World (33MB)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7741049.stm

Interesting, really. I think The National Intelligence Council (NIC) has been right/wrong before.

Heard On The Street

The amorphous stock market is tough to read. I'd say stick wax in your ears and don't listen to the market until .............. Oops.

The Diamond City Of Surat

Binu Alex's second report in CommodityOnline on Gujarat’s diamond city of Surat @ http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Origin-of-diamond-traces-to-India-12819-3-1.html was interesting. Recently diamond testing labs have started providing origin classification for select diamonds on demand with state-of-the-art analytical instruments and proprietary database to add value and authenticity.

Diamond Market Update

Chaim Even Zohar's opinion piece in IdexOnline on crisis situation in rough markets @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp was educational and insightful. A must read.

Lyrics 1964-2008

Lyrics 1964-2008 by Paul Simon is a great book by the most gifted voice of America. This book says it all. A must read.

Useful link:

www.paulsimon.com

Museum Of Islamic Art

The Economist report on Qatar's ambitious Museum of Islamic Art @ http://www.economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12633085 was insightful. With a bit of luck, timing and royal patronage, Persian Gulf is turning into Art Gulf.

Useful links:
www.qma.com.qa
www.pcfandp.com

Garden Of Earthly Delights

Martha Clarke’s celebrated 'Garden of Earthly Delights' is an American masterpiece. Definitely, a must see!

Useful link:
www.gardenofearthlydelightsnyc.com

The Diamond City Of Surat

Binu Alex's report in CommodityOnline on Gujarat’s diamond city of Surat @ http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Diamond-The-Carat-of-Surat-in-India-12818-3-1.html was insightful. Since Surat has seen several ups and downs during the course, .... life goes on. I hope the industry does the right thing to stay put.

Sankai Juku

Sanjoy Roy's story in the Guardian on Sankai Juku + their artistic dance style @ http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2008/nov/19/dance-butoh-sankai-juku was interesting.

Useful link:
www.sankaijuku.com

The expressions are stunning and transcendental.

Charles Veley

Charles Veley is an American, and he is perceived to be the world's most traveled person. He runs a website @ www.mosttraveledpeople.com

Useful link:
www.travelerscenturyclub.org

Red Sunstone

Evelyn Tucker's report on Oregon red sunstone, the world's only known source @ http://www.colored-stone.com/stories/nov08/oregon-sunstone.cfm was educational and insightful.

Art Market Update

Alexandra Peers's opinion piece in WSJ on the state of the art market @ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122713503996042291.html was interesting. Thanks Alexandra.

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

I think it's time for reality check, really.

The Grapes Of Wrath

The Grapes of Wrath (1940) is a American drama film directed by John Ford. It was based on the Pulitzer Prize winning The Grapes of Wrath (1939), written by John Steinbeck. Watch it. It will truly change the way you view the world.

Check out the link @ http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=the+grapes+of+wrath&emb=0&aq=f#

Heard On The Street

It’s getting bleaker every day. There are many, many, many more bubbles to burst.

The Hope Diamond Story 2008

The Hope Diamond 2008 story. Francois Farges, a French mineralogist heading the investigation claims that the Hope Diamond is the same steely-blue stone once sported by the Sun King (King Louis XIV). Check out the link @ http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081118/lf_afp/sciencehistorydiamondmuseum_081118185157

Q: How much is the Hope diamond worth?
A: http://ask.yahoo.com/ask/20030609.html

Myth Of Tomorrow

Taro Okamoto's Myth of Tomorrow mural is spectacularly beautiful, immersive and inspiring. http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1859986,00.html

Useful links:
www.taromuseum.jp
http://taro-okamoto.or.jp

Picasso Show

Elaine Sciolino's story in NYT on Picasso show at the Grand Palais in Paris @ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/16/travel/16globe.html?_r=1&ref=travel was interesting. Thanks Elaine.

Useful link:
www.grandpalais.fr

Zero-Carbon House

Go to Will Anderson's Tree House in south London @ www.treehouseclapham.org.uk

Best practice in green building, really. Hats off to Will.

Diamond Detectors

Diamond Detectors Ltd = Industrial/Medical applications + customized detector solutions

Useful links:
www.diamonddetectors.com
www.e6.com
www.debeersgroup.com

Entrepreneur Of The Year 2008

Ernst & Young has named Matthew Szulik, Chairman of Red Hat, Inc, the overall National Winner for Entrepreneur of the Year 2008 Award. Congratulations Matthew!

Useful links:
www.redhat.com
www.ey.com
www.kauffman.org

Global Business @ BBC

The World of Business stories of five successful entrepreneurs @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml was inspiring. Thanks Peter.

Useful links:
www.kauffman.org
www.unleashingideas.org
www.accel.com
www.actelion.com
www.pamodzi.co.za
www.nzfreshcuts.co.nz
www.satyam.com
www.imaginationgames.com

Green Home Guide

To live a green lifestyle, go to www.greenhomeguide.com

Open Architecture Network

Open Architecture Network = Change www.openarchitecturenetwork.org

Opera For All

Stephanie Kirchner's report on affordable opera and useful tips @ http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1642444_1858453_1858446,00.html was brilliant. I am a huge opera fan. Thanks Stephanie.

Useful links:
www.oper-frankfurt.com
www.teatroallascala.org
http://operadeparis.fr

Art In The Age Of Steam

Richard Woodward's opinion piece in WSJ on Art in the Age of Steam @ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122696533953135271.html was interesting. Thanks Richard.

Useful link:
www.nelson-atkins.org

Sol LeWitt

Richard Lacayo's opinion piece in Time on LeWitt's wall drawing @ http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1859612,00.html was interesting.

Useful link:
www.massmoca.org

I am a huge fan of Lewitt’s artistry.

Philip Zimbardo

Philip Zimbardo is an American psychologist, and he has written insightful articles/books on complex human behavior (pros/cons) and the impact to help people understand situational pressures. I think interpreting human behavior requires unique analytical skills and he has changed the way we think about people a lot. He is a great teacher.

Useful links:
www.lucifereffect.com
www.prisonexp.org
http://zimbardo.socialpsychology.org

Joan Miró

Joan Miró: Painting/Anti-Painting, 1927-1937 via New Yorker @ http://www.newyorker.com/online/2008/11/10/slideshow_081110_miro?xrail

I liked it. Thanks Peter Schjeldahl.

Useful link:
www.moma.org

Crystal Giants

Neil Shea's report on Mexico's Cave of crystals + other viewpoints @ http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/11/crystal-giants/shea-text/1 was educational and insightful. A must visit.

Random Thoughts

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

- Mario Puzo
www.mariopuzo.com

Big Box Reuse

Big Box Reuse by Julia Christensen is an insightful book on future designs of renovated big box stores + the impact. A must read.

Useful link:

http://bigboxreuse.com

Yves Saint Laurent's Art collection

Nazanin Lankarani's story on Christie's auction of Yves Saint Laurent's art collection in Paris + other viewpoints @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/14/arts/raaysl.php was interesting.

Useful links:
www.christies.com
www.conseildesventes.com
www.grandpalais.fr

There is no doubt that the entire art world is waiting for this sale.

Evolution Of Minerals

The Economist report on the evolution of minerals + other viewpoints @ http://www.economist.com/science/displayStory.cfm?source=hptextfeature&story_id=12592248 was insightful.

Useful link:
http://hazen.gl.ciw.edu

The World Money Show

For a wide variety of outlooks + diversification + global investing 2.0 = The World Money Show. Go to www.moneyshow.com for further info.

A World Without Money

Robert Jackson's Letter from Iceland, a first-world country's financial meltdown @ http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/66c87994-aec1-11dd-b621-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1 was wonderfully written and insightful. Shocking, really. As Robert rightly put it, it is going to be a long, hard struggle.

Peridotite

The Economist report on Peridotite, a type of rock with a voracious appetite for carbon dioxide + other viewpoins @ http://www.economist.com/science/displayStory.cfm?source=hptextfeature&story_id=12592256 was educational and interesting.

Useful links:
http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/user/jmatter
http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/user/peterk

Amazing, really.

Random Thoughts

Read everything you can.

- Warren Buffett
www.berkshirehathaway.com

He was spot on.

Damian Allsop

Lucy Cavendish's story about Damian Allsop and his chocolates @ http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/nov/16/foodanddrink was interesting.

Useful links:
www.damianallsop.com
www.amedei.com

There's something wrong with you if you don't like chocolates, really. Chocolates = Wines

Alexander Calder

Alexander Calder = Beauty + elegant simplicity. Go to The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to see his jewelry collections on display. Don't miss it.

Useful links:
www.calder.org
www.metmuseum.org
www.modernart.ie

Art Update

Roderick Conway Morris's opinion piece in IHT on George Barbier @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/14/arts/raabarb.php was educational and insightful.

Useful link:
www.museiciviciveneziani.it

Opportunity Green

Meet successful green entrepreneurs (challenges/opportunities) + listen to their stories @ www.opportunitygreen.com

Heard On The Street

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. We’re all in the same business, really.

The Hub

The Hub is a unique, dynamic social networking in progress. Connect + Action. Go to http://hub.witness.org for further info. Hats off to Peter Gabriel.

Useful link:
www.petergabriel.com

Superstruct

Jane McGonigal, director of games research and development at the Institute for the Future is the genius behind the game, called Superstruct. Thanks Jane.

Useful links:
www.superstructgame.org
www.iftf.org
www.argn.com
www.worldwithoutoil.org

Superstruct is fun + immersive.

The Diamantaire’s Prisoner’s Dilemma

Chaim Even Zohar's opinion piece in IDEXOnline on issues related to rough diamond purchases at the various rough producer sights + the impact @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp was insightful. A must read.

Useful links:
http://eng.alrosa.ru
www.dtc.com

Gold And Silver Jewelry Guide

The Essential Guide to the U.S. Trade in Gold and Silver Jewelry is available at www.jvclegal.org

New York Art Scene

Anthony Haden-Guest's opinion piece in the Guardian on the mood among New York art wheelers and dealers + the impact @ http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2008/nov/15/artmarkets was interesting.

Useful links:
www.sothebys.com
www.christies.com
www.phillipsdepury.com
www.deitch.com
www.richardgraygallery.com
www.marcselwynfineart.com
www.rfc.museum

Watching a sale at Sotheby's/Christies/Phillips de Pury is an immersive experience. A boom feels like a boom, a bust like a bust, really.

Adam Neate Giveaway

Adam Neate is giving away 1,000 of his works by leaving them around the streets of London for anyone to pick up (November 14, 2008). www.elmslesters.co.uk/index.php?pid=13&subid=26

Useful link:
www.elmslesters.co.uk

Hats off to Adam.

Johan Lorbeer

Johan Lorbeer is a well-known German street performer. His still-life performances - part street illusion, part art installation @ http://www.moillusions.com/2006/06/still-life-preformance-by-johan.html was brilliant.

Useful link:
www.johanlorbeer.com

Helmut Lang Art

Helmut Lang + Absolut Vodka = http://absolut.com/helmutlang

Useful link:
www.hl-art.net

Georgian Treasures

The Economist report on a collection of ancient gold jewels in the hilly area of Vani, in what is now the Republic of Georgia @ http://www.economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12591022 was educational and insightful.

Useful links:
www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
www.benaki.gr
www.getty.edu

Heard On The Street

State of the Business report = It's like a London bus - you've been waiting for one for ages and suddenly four come along at once.

Art Update

Souren Melikian's report on contemporary art sale at Christies @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/14/arts/melik14.php was interesting. A must read.

Useful link:
www.christies.com

Is there a financial crisis? The raw figures tell a different story, really.

One Planet @ BBC

Mark Whittaker's report on one eco-town in Sweden + the impact @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/one_planet.shtml was educational and insightful.

Useful link:
www.hammarbysjostad.se

Polished Diamond Price List

Ken Gassman's opinion piece in IDEXOnline on credible diamond price lists @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=31484 was brilliant. Thanks Ken for the info.

Useful link:
www.kennethgassman.com

Eternal Light

Eternal Light = Immersive music + Dance styles = Beautiful!
http://www.rambert.org.uk/interactive/video_and_downloads

Useful link:
www.rambert.org.uk

Tequila Into Diamonds

Ian Sample's report on scientists turning tequila into diamonds @ http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/nov/13/agriculture-mexico-tequila-diamonds was interesting.

Useful link:
www.unam.mx

Amazing, really. A happy accident?

Diamonds Give 2008

In support of education in diamond-producing African countries, the Diamond Empowerment Fund is organizing its Diamonds Give 2008 Greenhouse New York Fundraising Event, on November 19, 2008. Great idea.

Useful links:
www.diamondempowerment.org
www.simmonsjewelryco.com

Inspiring + Hats off to Russell Simmons!

We Have All the Time In The World

We Have All the Time in the World is a James Bond theme and popular song sung by Louis Armstrong.

Listen @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy97lOwvECs
http://www.last.fm/music/Louis+Armstrong/_/We+Have+All+the+Time+in+the+World

Sachmo is natural; one of the most beautiful songs, really.

Outliers

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell is an insightful book on successful people (whys/hows), some deserved, some not, some earned, some just plain lucky. I am a big fan of Gladwell and his books are fascinating and inspiring. A must read.

Useful link:
www.gladwell.com

Under The Radar Conference

Under the Radar Conference was interesting. If you are not in California, you're not left out. Go to www.undertheradarblog.com and watch today's pitches live.

Participle

Alice Rawsthorn's story on Hilary Cottam, founding director of Participle + the interdisciplinary crew behind the social business network @ http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/130/mission-critical.html was interesting and inspiring. I think it's a great idea, and India needs Hilary Cottam-like social evangelists, giving people a sense of hope and strength. Thanks Alice for the info.

Useful link:
www.participle.net

Blood Minerals

The BBC News story on illegal mining operations + the impact @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7723988.stm was insightful. I think the final end-users have no idea where the products are coming from and a total ban on illegal products won't work because of the amorphous business-friendly open market. Sad, really.

Useful link:
www.globalwitness.org

Super Obama World

A new online video game titled Super Obama World has been developed by Zensoft in honour of US President-elect, Barack Obama. Play online @ http://superobamaworld.com

Useful link:
www.zensoft.com

Art Jewelry

I came across Object Fetish, an art jewel website @ www.objectfetish.com Check out the link. I liked it.

More Information Than You Require

More Information Than You Require by John Hodgman is a great read. Simply brilliant.

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

My Own Art Collection

I thought Art Council's new initiative to get more people interested in modern art via My Own Art Collection was a brilliant idea. In fact I liked it.

Go to www.myownartcollection.org.uk for further info.

Alfred Brendel

Alfred Brendel is retiring. He'll be remembered for beautiful interpretations of Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Liszt, Haydn and Brahms. I think his music will live on, really.

Useful link:
www.alfredbrendel.com

GemePro

According to Gemewizard, a modified version of GemPro (for colored gemstones + fancy colored diamonds + jewelry appraisers) with advanced features is out. Go to www.gemewizard.com for further info.

Pantone Viewpoints

Pantone provides standardized palettes for a number of industries, mainly graphics, fashion textiles and interior design. The color of 2008 was Blue Iris. Go to www.pantone.com to find out the color for 2009.

Useful link:
www.colorassociation.com

Global Arts Guide

Global Arts Guide compiled by Elisabeth Hopkins @ http://www.iht.com/artsguide/index.php was brilliant. I religiously read art events in IHT + I am also excited with the new interactive 2009 calendar. Thanks Elisabeth.