Random Thoughts

The important shifts will be private, as people and communities learn to adopt different social standards. After the depression, a savings mentality set in. After the dot-com bubble, a bit of sobriety hit Silicon Valley. Now it’s the borrower’s and lender’s turn. As the saying goes: People don’t change when they see the light. They change when they feel the heat.

-David Brooks
New York Times

Spot on.

Honest Tea

Seth Goldman: Brewing Organic Tea with a Mission-based Business Model
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/2124.cfm

Useful link:
http://honesttea.com

Seth Goldman's mission-based business model was inspiring.

The Lipstick Effect

The so-called lipstick effect (an interesting phenomenon noticed by economists during the Great Depression of the 1930s, where people simply substituted large extravagances for small luxuries) has returned as the global economy begins to shrink affecting developed/developing countries worldwide. Watch out for the cosmetics sector as an indicator as events unfold in the coming months. Signs of the times, really.

San Francisco Mine

Sean Brodrick's report on San Francisco Mine and the pros and cons @ http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Learn-more-about-Mexico’s-street-of-Gold!-13585-3-1.html was interesting.

Useful link:
www.timminsgold.com

Heard On The Street

There is no education like adversity.

The Doerentrup Story

Villagers text to light the way
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7795492.stm

Brilliant idea. Thanks Steven.

Useful link:
www.doerentrup-lippe.de

(via Wiki) Dörentrup is a municipality in the Lippe district of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It has an area of 49.79 km² and c. 8,600 inhabitants (2007).

Global Business @ BBC

Peter Day's World of Business interview with talented John Kao @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml was insightful. Thanks Peter. The really intriguing story was the use of jazz improvisation to gain insights into the tricky business of corporate (and country) innovation.

Useful link:
www.johnkao.com

Asian Civilisations Museum

Pictures That Were Worth a Thousand Calling Cards
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/23/arts/design/23show.html?_r=1&ref=arts

Useful link:
www.acm.org.sg

Thanks Sonia. A glimpse of the past revealed. A must visit.

Silent Light

(via Wiki) Silent Light is a 2007 film written and directed by the Mexican filmmaker Carlos Reygadas. Filmed in Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, a city in the north of Mexico, the film is set in a Mennonite community and tells the story of a married man who falls in love with another woman. The dialogue is in Plautdietsch, the language of the Russian Mennonites.

Useful links:
www.luzsilenciosa.com
www.imdb.com/title/tt0841925

A simple story. You can see the total internal reflection of the characters in the movie. Be patient while watching it.

Kuzumaki

A Japanese Town That Kicked the Oil Habit: CoCo Masters opinion piece in Time magazine of the little Japanese town of Kuzumaki @ http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1867805,00.html was interesting. Inspiring. Thanks CoCo.

Useful link:
www.nedo.go.jp

Simon Reeve

Simon Reeve is an author and broadcaster + the presenter of Tropic of Capricorn and Equator. The documentaries were brilliant. I loved it. Thanks Simon.

Useful links:

www.shootandscribble.com

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/equator/5264140.stm

Freedom From Fear

Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945 by David M. Kennedy is a wonderful book on history of the Depression/World War II. Enjoy. In my view whatever we are going through now, it is nothing compared to the hardships of those times, really.

Useful link:

www.pulitzer.org

Akoha

Akoha (play it forward model) = World’s first social reality game where you earn points by playing real-world missions. Go to http://akoha.com for further info + perform a random act of kindness.

The Ten Best Art Shows Of 2008

The Ten Best Art Shows of 2008: Peter Schjeldahl
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/tny/2008/12/peter-schjeldahl-the-ten-best.html

Thanks Peter. I loved it.

The Tale Of Genji

The Tale of Genji = Psychological novel, simplified.

Go to http://webworld.unesco.org/genji/en for an immersive experience.

Yoko Ono

Meet Yoko Ono, the world's most famous unknown artist + learn more about her art projects @ http://imaginepeace.com

Dafen Painting Village

Dafen, located in Buji Town, ShenZhen city, China is percevied as the most concentrative base for painting arts in the world. Go to www.dafenartonline.com for further info. Dafen is an intriguing place.

Best Social Enterprises 2009

(via Fast Company) The 10 Best Social Enterprises of 2009
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/131/eureka-social-enterprises-of-the-year.html

La Casa Encendida

La Casa Encendida = Cutting-edge art exhibitions. A must visit.
www.lacasaencendida.es

Mark O'Byrne Viewpoint

Steer clear of jewellery and diamonds as investments: Mark O'Byrne's opinion piece in MoneyWeek on jewelry/diamonds @ http://www.moneyweek.com/investments/precious-metals-and-gems/steer-clear-of-jewellery-and-diamonds-as-investments-14294.aspx was interesting. Mark, I completely agree. You were spot on.

Useful links:
www.goldassets.co.uk
www.gold.ie

Jamie Davies Psychology Forum

I found Jamie Davies' Psychology forum @ www.psychblog.co.uk very interesting. Concepts and real world applications always intrigues me.

The Canadian Rough

Mining For Diamonds In The Canadian Rough: Jackie Northam's opinion piece @ http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96564952 was educational and interesting. Thanks Jackie.

Useful links:
www.miningnorth.com
www.diavik.ca
www.riotinto.com
www.debeerscanada.com
www.aurias.com
www.bhpbilliton.com

The Most Powerful People In The World

(via Newsweek) The Most Powerful People In The World
http://www.newsweek.com/id/170186

Timely, well written piece.

Amber Inclusions

Amateur paleontologist Jamie Hiscocks has found the world's oldest spider web in a piece of amber on the south coast of England.

Useful link:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/12/081216-oldest-web-photo.html

Thanks NG. Stunningly beautiful photograph.

Video Games Monitor

Play on: The Economist report on video games + other viewpoints @ http://www.economist.com/business/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12815694&source=hptextfeature was interesting. I think video games have a cycle of its own. Gaming is morphing and it's becoming part of people's lives, really.

Useful links:
www.screendigest.com
www.pewinternet.org
www.mediamolecule.com
www.ea.com
www.activisionblizzard.com
www.nintendo.com

Alex Grey

Meet psychedelic painter Alex Grey + explore The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors for an immersive experience @ www.alexgrey.com

Aydogan Ozcan

Scientists Hack Cellphone to Analyze Blood, Detect Disease, Help Developing Nations
http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/multimedia/2008/12/gallery_microscope_phone

Useful link:
http://innovate.ee.ucla.edu

Innovation at work put to use for the benefit of all mankind. Hats off to Dr. Aydogan Ozcan! Thanks Dave for the info.

India: First-generation Entrepreneurs

A suitable business: The Economist's report on business start-ups @ http://www.economist.com/business/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12814618&source=hptextfeature was insightful.

Useful links:
www.nenonline.org
www.helionvc.com
www.angelcapitalassociation.org

From an Indian perspective it's a quiet middle-class revolution.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Experiencing America, With Foot and Instrument
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/20/arts/dance/20jazz.html?_r=1&hp

Useful link:
www.alvinailey.org

Craftsmanship. Stunning/rare. Character/unique. Thanks Alastair.

Effective Training

Lessons Learned
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122911147694102431.html

Harry, I completely agree. Thanks for the insightful report.

Jewelry + Women

The JC Penney 'Doghouse' campaign has gone viral. It's all about jewelry + women + something different.....Hilarious, really! Watch it.

Doghouse video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Twivg7GkYts&feature=channel_page
Target: Women http://current.com/items/89614245/target_women_jewelry.htm?xid=55

Useful link:
http://bewareofthedoghouse.com

French Bronzes

French Bronzes - From the Renaissance to the Century of Enlightenment @ the Louvre until January 19, 2009. Stunningly beautiful. Don't miss it.

Useful links:
www.louvre.fr
www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/20/arts/melik20.php

The Real Price Of Gold

The Real Price of Gold: Brook Larmer's story of gold + other viewpoints @ http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/01/gold/larmer-text was educational and insightful. Gold drives everybody crazy, really. Thanks Brook.

Useful links:
www.nodirtygold.org
www.newmont.com

One Million $ Black Caviar

Hublot's One Million $ Black Caviar with black diamonds = Elegant art

Useful link:
www.hublot.com

Frugality = India

For tips on frugality, look to India
www.anand-g.com

Anand Giridharadas's opinion piece was brilliant.

Jewelry Retail Stores + Plunging Economy

What’s in the Cards for Credit?
The old no-money-down, take-two-years-to-pay model of jewelry consumption financing is likely a thing of the past. What will debt-dependent jewelers do to coax spending in a credit-starved economy?
http://www.colored-stone.com/stories/jan09/future-of-credit.cfm

Thanks Jordan for the insightful report. I completely agree with you. Jewelry business worldwide is in dire crisis because of credit culture/negativity. Some are doing okay, but many will have to start all over again, differently.

Random Thoughts

Word comes today that the SEC was informed about Bernie Madoff’s miscreancies several years ago, but engineered a neat solution to let him off the hook. I hate to say I told you so. But I told you so. Look at our economy as a gigantic brain, and the regulatory part that governs all the others has mouldered since, like, 1980, hanging like a withered appendix off the powerful other portions of the organ instead of doing its job. And so people like Bernie Madoff were allegedly allowed to grow and fester. If the charges against Mr. Madoff are true - and we hasten to add that in our system everybody is innocent until proven guilty! (or gets off using a variety of other strategies) - he was one of the greatest confidence men in history. Confidence men bilk money from other folks by establishing just that: confidence. Mr. Madoff was the head of NASDAQ. He was a man above reproach. He looked peerless in a suit. There was every reason to have confidence in him. But confidence can’t be established if its seeds fall on infertile ground. The garden in which it grows, located deep within each of its victims, must be tender and soft, turned gently over by the need to believe. It must be watered by greed and warmed by the sun of jealousy and competitiveness. And as we now see, the entire garden itself must be left to sprout whatever it will, untended. Bernie Madoff told people that he would guarantee their money. Now we look at the poor losers on which he feasted - the charities, the elderly shuffleboarders in Miami, the guys with McMansions in Greenwich whose future now perches on the head of a pin, and we marvel. How could they have been so credulous? Didn’t they know that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is? Look in the mirror. None of us are any better. Some of us are just luckier. Each of us believed in whatever portion of the system in which we had confidence, and are now being punished to one extent or another. The only ones who are making out all right are the shorts who never trusted in anything in the first place. It’s a pretty grim world where those are the guys who turned out to be the winners.

- Stanley Bing
http://stanleybing.blogs.fortune.cnn.com

Bing, I completely agree. You were spot on. Thanks for the insightful advice.

Worshiping Women

The Glory That Was Greece From a Female Perspective
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/arts/design/19wome.html

Worshiping Women: Ritual and Reality in Classical Athens @ Onassis Cultural Center
December 10, 2008 – May 9, 2009

Useful link:
www.onassisusa.org

Thanks Holland.

Masterpieces Of Ancient Jewelry

Masterpieces of Ancient Jewelry: Exquisite Objects from the Cradle of Civilization at Field Museum, Chicago, USA
February 13 - July 5, 2009

Useful links:
www.fieldmuseum.org
www.metmuseum.org
http://artmuseum.princeton.edu
www.english.imjnet.org.il
www.nationaljewelryinstitute.org

Don't miss it.

India Update: Gem/Jewelry Sector

According to Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council overall exports of gems and jewelry are down by 34.25 percent in November 2008. At the manufacturing level, exports of cut and polished diamonds are down by 20.18 percent for November 2008, compared with last year, and there has been a 20 percent reduction in order for the period from April to October 2008.

Useful link:
www.gjepc.org

Not a pretty picture. The gem and jewelry sector is losing luster and aren't anymore brilliant and scintillating. I think the Indian government should step in (via credit fund) and do the right thing to help the industry.

Zimbabwe KP Issue

Zimbabwe KP Suspension will Lead to More Human Suffering
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful links:
www.globalwitness.org
www.pacweb.org
www.kimberleyprocess.com
www.psi.org
www.riotinto.com

Chaim was spot on.

10 Outrageous Claims 2009

No Growth in China and other Outrageous Prophecies
http://www.cnbc.com/id/28277894

Useful link:
www.saxobank.com

Unimaginable, especially Chinese growth going to zero + the Iranian revolution, but you may never know, it could happen judging by the unfolding of events in the international financial markets.

Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival

Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7785506.stm

Useful link:
www.kimff.org

Don't miss it.

The Go-Go Years

The Go-Go Years: The Drama and Crashing Finale of Wall Street's Bullish 60s by John Brooks is an insightful book of the forgotten times in American financial history; the booming Wall Street of the 1960's and the resulting crash of the early 1970's + the impact. A must read.

Tony Foster

Where This Artist Goes, Danger Often Follows
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122955406891315865.html

Useful link:
www.tony-foster.co.uk

Foster's pictures were stunningly beautiful. Thanks Tom.

The Open Architecture Network

The Open Architecture Network is a unique collaborative forum addressing design challenges. Share + Get Online.

Useful link:
www.openarchitecturenetwork.org

Saatchi Gallery

The Revolution Continues: New Art From China is at the new Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. Go to www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk for further info.

Liverpool 2008

European Capital of Culture 2008
http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool08

Useful link:
www.liverpool08.com

Don't miss it.

Person Of The Year 2008

Why History Can't Wait
http://www.time.com/time/specials/2008/personoftheyear/article/0,31682,1861543_1865068,00.html

Useful link:
www.barackobama.com

Timely + Well-deserved. Congratulations to Barack Obama!

Gold Bars

If you are looking for gold bars, check out the link @ www.bulliontradingllc.com

Heard On The Street

The best way to get out of trouble is not to get into it in the first place.

Con Artists Of The First Order

The Impressionable Elites Get Snookered
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122945597762611281.html

For Denmark's Entrepreneur of Year, Something Was Rotten
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122945517473311217.html

Shocking, really. It's hard to understand why they knowingly screw-up, become idiots and pineapple-faced, for the rest of their lives. Perhaps an MRI scan of the brain may reveal something we don't know.

Random Thoughts

(Bipolar Affective Disorder) is… characterized by repeated… episodes in which… mood and activity levels are significantly disturbed, this disturbance consisting on some occasions of an elevation of mood and increased energy and activity (mania…), and on others of a lowering of mood and decreased energy and activity (depression). Characteristically, recovery is usually complete between episodes…

- Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders, World Health Organization
www.who.int

Rightfully true.

Swimming Naked Awards

The Economist opinion piece of the 2008 'naked shorts' awards @ http://www.economist.com/business/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12796770 was brilliant. You were spot on, really.

You only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out.
- Warren Buffett

Color Diamonds Guide

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee + Natural Color Diamond Association have released a consumer-friendly, easy-to-use/understand guide entitled, 'The Essential Guide to the U.S. Trade in Color Diamonds,' for the industry.

Useful links:
www.ncdia.com
www.jvclegal.org

Global Business @ BBC

Peter Day's World of Business interview with Andy Xie on China @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml was interesting. This time it's different. Thanks Peter.

Ponzi's Scheme

Ponzi's Scheme: The True Story of a Financial Legend by Mitchell Zuckoff is a fascinating book about the colorful character, using money of new investors to pay old investors ........... a tragedy of Shakesperean proportions. Definitely a must read in these troubled times, really.

Useful link:

www.zuckoff.com

Craig Venter

Synthetic organisms = A new industrial revolution. Meet Craig Venter @ www.jcvi.org for an immersive experience.

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol in Prose, Being a Ghost Story of Christmas (commonly known as A Christmas Carol) is what Charles Dickens described as his 'little Christmas Book' and was first published on December 19, 1843 with illustrations by John Leech. The first of the author's five 'Christmas books', the story was instantly successful, selling over six thousand copies in one week. Although originally written under financial duress to help Dickens to pay off a debt, the tale has become one of the most popular and enduring Christmas stories of all time. Contemporaries noted that the story's popularity played a critical role in redefining the importance of Christmas and the major sentiments associated with the holiday. A Christmas Carol was written during a time of decline in the old Christmas traditions. 'If Christmas, with its ancient and hospitable customs, its social and charitable observances, were in danger of decay, this is the book that would give them a new lease', said English poet Thomas Hood.

A Christmas Carol is a Victorian morality tale of an old and bitter miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, who undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of one night, which if it doesn't change his ways he will end up like his friend Jacob Marley, walking the Earth forever, being nothing but invisible and lonely. Mr. Scrooge is a financier/money-changer who has devoted his life to the accumulation of wealth. He holds anything other than money in contempt, including friendship, love and the Christmas season.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Christmas_Carol

Ironically, I just watched the video @ http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8817517652455175582 couple of days ago. A Christmas Carol was published in 1843, and yet it is still relevant today, as Wall Street/Main Street events proves, really.

The Art Of Participation

The S.F. Museum of Modern Art exhibit The Art of Participation: 1950 to Now run through February 08, 2009.

Go to www.sfmoma.org/exhibitions/306 for an immersive experience.

Useful link:
www.sfmoma.org

Britglyph

Net politics is all rock and role: Bill Thompson's opinion piece in BBC News @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7783918.stm was interesting. Thanks Bill. A fascinating concept. I really liked it.

Useful link:
http://map.britglyph.com

Shrek The Musical

The Belching Green Ogre Has a Song in His Heart. A brilliant music adaptation. http://www.shrekthemusical.com

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia = a massive Roman Catholic church originally designed by Antoni Gaudí, under construction since 1882 in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The building works are expected to be completed around 2026. A must visit. Stunningly beautiful, really.

Useful link:

www.sagradafamilia.org

The Earth After Us

The Earth After Us: What Legacy Will Humans Leave in the Rocks? by Jan Zalasiewicz is an exciting new book on earth sciences + the geological mechanisms that shape our planet. A must read.

Useful link:

http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/geology/extranet/staff/academic-and-research-staff/jaz1

Random Thoughts

The US diamonds consumer have deferred purchase of new homes and new cars in the current downturn, and it many well be that when conditions improve, these will be the priority purchases and that spending on luxury items like diamonds is relegated to the back of the queue.

- Dr Keith Jefferis

Rightfully true.

Stats

Stats = Statistics simplified. Check out the link @ www.stats.org

Luxury Business Is Not Immune

When the Lavish Cut Back: Nelson D Schwartz's opinion piece in NYT @ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/08/business/08luxury.html?_r=2&ref=business was interesting. Thanks Nelson.

Useful links:
www.bulgari.com
www.bain.com

We won’t change the game of life, thank God. It’s part of the joy of life to wear jewelry, for the man and his ego. It is a world of fantasy and folly. Men will always be in love with women and want to make them happy.
- Nicola Bulgari

Nicola was spot on.

Heard On The Street

Why do the already wealthy need more wealth? I don't get it.

Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative

Harvard starts program for late-career professionals: Steve Lohr's story in IHT of Harvard's new experimental project @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/14/america/next.php was educational and insightful. Thanks Steve. I think it's a great idea to pick up new knowledge and skills in a new realm.

Useful link:
http://advancedleadership.harvard.edu

Mark Anderson's Predictions

Mark Anderson is CEO/founder of the Strategic News Service + founding chair of the Future in Review Conference. Predictions for 2009! Go to www.tapsns.com for further info.

Useful links:
www.stratnews.com
www.futureinreview.com

Computer Virus Art

Artist Alex Dragulescu's visualisations of computer viruses were stunningly beautiful. Go to www.sq.ro for an immersive experience.

Russians + Jewelry

Russian jewelers revive the spirit of Fabergé: Victoria Gomelsky's story on the fundamental truth about Russians and jewelry + the revival of Fabergé legacy + other viewpoints @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/13/style/acawjruss.php was interesting. Thanks Victoria.

Useful links:
www.archetypediscoveriesworldwide.com
www.faberge.de
www.rusdiamonds.com
www.jt.ru
www.lobortas.com
www.marchak.fr

Robert 'Bob' Wittman

The invisible man rescuing art: Simon Worrall's opinion piece in BBC News of Special Agent Robert 'Bob' Wittman/his operations @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7780059.stm was interesting. Thanks Simon. To run undercover sting operations in the crooked art world requires special skills and Bob Wittman has done an excellent job and still alive. As they say in the art world a remarkable story lives on.

Useful link:
www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/arttheft/artcrimeteam.htm

Frank O. Gehry: Design Process And The Lewis House

Frank O. Gehry: Design Process and the Lewis House is at the Philadelphia Museum of Art until April 5, 2009. A must visit.

Useful links:
www.philamuseum.org
www.aconstructivemadness.com
www.foga.com

Elliott Carter

Meet Elliott Carter, one of America's most distinguished creative artists in any field @ www.carter100.com

Elliott Carter reached his 100th birthday on December 11, 2008. He is very much alive and productive as he has ever been. Hats off to Carter.

Tales From Outer Suburbia

Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan is an intriguingly illustrated and beautiful graphic novel. It's different.

Useful link:

www.shauntan.net

A Diamond In The Rough

A Diamond In The Rough: John Breeden's opinion piece in GiN @ http://www.gameindustry.com/review/item.asp?id=1031 was interesting. Great graphics + good story line.

Useful link:
www.farcry2.com

Engagement Ring Buying Tips

10 things to know before buying an engagement ring
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/12/12/is.engagement.ring.guide

Insightful. Thanks Instyle/CNN

Return Of The Pink Panthers

Pink Panthers' global trail glitters with jewels
Doreen Carvajal's opinion piece in IHT + other viewpoints @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/12/europe/jewels.php was interesting. What's intriguing to me is their unique operating system: painstaking surveillance, boldness and speed. Expect more copycats in the coming months.

Paris: The Chocolate Tour

The City of Light and Dark Chocolate
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/12/14/travel/20081214_PARIS_CHOCOLATE.html

The French have elevated many things to high art: fashion, flirting, foie gras. Chocolate is no exception.
- Amy Thomas
http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/12/14/travel/14journeys.html?8dpc

Thanks Amy. You were spot on.

Marlene Dumas

Marlene Dumas: Measuring Your Own Grave is at the Museum of Modern Art http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/exhibitions.php?id=3994

The Body Politic: Gorgeous and Grotesque/Roberta Smith's opinion piece in NYT + upcoming exhibitions at Museum of Modern Art @ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/12/arts/design/12duma.html?_r=1 was interesting.

A Day At elBulli

A Day at elBulli by Ferran Adria + Juli Soler + Albert Adria is a fascinating book about the innovative world of Ferran Adria at elBulli. A must read.

Useful links:
www.elbulli.com
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1866040,00.html

Indian Highway

Indian Highway: Serpentine gallery in London will be exhibiting some of India's pioneering contemporary art works from December 10, 2008 – February 22, 2009. A must visit.

Useful link:
www.serpentinegallery.org

Zimbabwe’s Blood Diamonds

Crying for Zimbabwe: Chaim Even Zohar's opinion piece in IdexOnline @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp was interesting. I think the key players have all got a vested interest in chaos. Disgusting, really. The diamond industry ought to start thinking about tomorrow and help Zimbabweans.

Random Thoughts

Power doesn't corrupt. Power amplifies. It accentuates. It reveals your truest tendencies.

- Adam Galinsky
http://galinsky.socialpsychology.org

The Wittelsbach Diamond

The Wittelsbach Diamond (35.56 carat, deep grayish-blue) has been sold to Laurence Graff (Graff Diamonds) for $24.3 million at Christie's London auction setting a new world record price for a diamond sold at auction. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=a5z_1QLCVudQ&refer=muse

Useful links:
www.christies.com
www.graffdiamonds.com

Business In Second Life

Doing business in Second Life
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7777485.stm

It's fantastic news for the concept. I liked it.

Random Thoughts

Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.

- Confucius

Hala Faisal

Hala Faisal
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7774177.stm

Useful link:
www.halafaisal.com

Hala is definitely a multi-talented artist + she is different and experimental.

Classical-Music 2008

The Ten Best Classical-Music Performances of 2008
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/tny/2008/12/alex-rosss-ten-best-performanc.html

Useful link:
www.therestisnoise.com

I loved it. Thanks Alex.

Diamond-Studded Swiss Army Knife

Diamond-Studded Swiss Army Knife
www.bonfort.ch

Great design. It's Swiss.

Being An Entrepreneur In Africa

To Be a Successful Entrepreneur in Africa, 'Wake up Every Day Ready for Change'
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/2108.cfm

Useful links:
www.sokoachaircentre.com
www.globalenvironmentfund.com
www.shoreline-group.com
www.theafricareport.com

I found the report/advice to be mind-expanding.

Surat’s Diamond Hub

The textiles & diamonds combustion: Binu Alex's opinion piece in CommodityOnline @ http://www.commodityonline.com/news/The-textiles--diamonds-combustion-13291-3-1.html was interesting. There is no doubt in my mind that Gujaratis will always remain kingmakers of diamond business, really.

Karl Lagerfield + The Silent Movie

The Short Film Chanel Paris - Moscou by Karl Lagerfield
http://www.chanel.com/fashion/8-fashion-trends#8-fashion-trends-the-2009-spring-summer-guitar-0,31
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/09/style/fchanel.php

Different. Creative. Fascinating. I liked it.

The Way We Experience Films

The Way We'll Watch: Sarah Mcbride's opinion piece in WSJ @ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122833913230576869.html was interesting. Thanks Sarah. I’m a big movie fan + any new technology with immersive, interactive experiences are always intriguing, really.

Useful links:
http://ict.usc.edu
www.modsystems.com
www.polarfrogdigital.com
www.paramount.com
www.dreamworksanimation.com
www.etcenter.org

Bribe Payers Index 2008

According to Transparency International, not one of the world’s most influential economies can be seen as being exempt from exporting international corruption.

Go to www.transparency.org/news_room/in_focus/2008/bpi_2008 for further info. Shocking, really.

Useful link:
www.transparency.org

History's Most Daring Heists

The Time magazine story on history's most daring heists @ http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1865132_1865133,00.html was interesting.

Breakdowns

Breakdowns: Portrait of the Artist as a Young %@&*! by Art Spiegelman is a brilliant book about the art of Art. I am a huge fan of Art Spiegelman.

Useful link:

www.barclayagency.com/spiegelman.html

Silver Marketing Initiative

Learn more about Silver Institute's campaign to promote silver jewelry as a fashionable and affordable choice @ www.silverinstitute.org

The Reader

The Reader 2008
Ralph Fiennes + Kate Winslet + David Kross
Directed by: Stephen Daldry
The film is based on the 1995 German novel The Reader by Bernhard Schlink. Great performances.

Useful links:
http://thereader-movie.com
www.imdb.com/title/tt0976051