Shepard Fairey

Gallery gets iconic Obama image
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/7817466.stm

Useful links:
http://obeygiant.com
www.npg.si.edu

What I think is so fascinating is the ubiquitous nature. When people think of a portrait of Obama, they think of this image.
- Carolyn Carr
Deputy director, US National Portrait Gallery

I completely agree.

Heard On The Street

One of the interesting thing about gem trading is if you are not knowledeable it highlights your weaknesses right in the face, really. The dealers know everything about cost, and next to nothing about perceived value.

The Inner Game Of Tennis

The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance by W. Timothy Gallwey is an insightful book for all athletes + the book provides valuable lessons to learn in a natural way + I think that is a skill that will apply to all things in life.

Useful link:

www.theinnergame.com

Prado Museum + Google

Google brings masterpieces from Prado direct to armchair art lovers
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/13/spain-art

Useful links:
www.museodelprado.es
http://earth.google.com

Stunningly beautiful!

Asao Tokolo

Meet Asao Tokolo + explore the mathematical magic designs/patterns linking past and present/east and west @ http://tokolo.com

525.55 carat Tanzanite

A clean, 525.55 carat Tanzanite belonging to TanzaniteOne will be on display in Tucson, Arizona, USA, at the annual GJX Gem Show from February 4-9, 2009. If you are planning to attend the show, don't miss it.

Useful links:
www.tanzaniteone.com
www.tanzanitefoundation.org
www.gjxusa.com

Dirt! The Movie

Dirt! The Movie = A documentary about the destruction of the earth’s soil.

Useful links:
http://dirtthemovie.org
www.sundance.org

Brilliant! Watch it!

World Future Energy Summit

World Future Energy Summit = Davos-like gathering on renewable energy. Go to www.worldfutureenergysummit.com for further info.

Useful links:
www.masdar.ae
www.bp.com
www.taqa.ae

The Art Of Hype

The art of hype
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/gallery/2009/jan/13/art-college-gavin-turk?picture=341647355

I completely agree.

Writing A Great Business Plan

Updating a Classic: Writing a Great Business Plan
http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/5993.html

Spot on.

Heard On The Street

The best money comes from customers.

Successful Traders

Successful Traders: The Testosterone Effect
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1871066,00.html

Useful links:
www.pnas.org
www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/research/associates/coatesj.html
www.neuroscience.cam.ac.uk/directory/profile.php?jmc98

Interesting research. I think one also need special skill(s) to interpret speed, insight and intelligence. Thank you Adam.

Stan Lee

A comic-book hero
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f7998de4-de75-11dd-8372-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1

Useful links:
www.powentertainment.com
www.marvel.com

Mr Lee does what he likes best: creating characters + stories. I love it. Thanks Matthew for the interesting story.

Wineside

Wineside = Test (taste)-tube wines + Innovation. Go to www.wineside.net for further info. I liked the design.

Snail Art Car

Meet Jon Sarriugarte (blacksmith and fire artist), the creator of The Golden Mean, his snail-shaped art car + read the step-by-step instructions on building your own @ www.formandreform.com

Golden Globe 2009

Golden Globes 2009: The winners
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7777327.stm

Useful link:
www.goldenglobes.org

Random Thoughts

Competing on the edge is about surprise. It is not about planning an approach and knowing how it will unfold. The future is too uncertain for such pin-point accuracy. It is more about making some moves, observing what happens, and continuing with the ones that seem to work. Although the past and future matter, the focus of attention is today.

- Shona L. Brown + Kathleen M. Eisenhardt

How true!

Stuart: A Life Backwards

Stuart: A Life Backwards by Alexander Masters is a fascinating/moving book of a chaotic and difficult person (rough sleeper), yet likeable. A must read.

Useful link:

http://alexandermasters.net

New Arts Capital

Doha, Qatar, a New Arts Capital
http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/01/11/travel/11culture.html?ref=travel

Useful links:
www.mia.org.qa
www.qma.com.qa
www.soukwaqif.com
www.tribecafilm.com

The emerging art collectors + great museums + contemporary-art galleries + its virginal status in the region should increase Doha's appeal + reconnect the world culture again.

Old Master Paintings

Schemers and squinters
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12917657

Useful links:
www.sothebys.com
www.rlfeigen.com

Interesting story + we shall see how the markets unfold in the coming weeks for the old masters.

Random Thoughts

The challenge is simply stated: Extend the company’s internal network outward to include all those with whom the company interacts in the marketplace. Spin a grand web to include employees, suppliers, regulators and customers; they all become part of your company’s collective being. They are the company.

- Kevin Kelly
www.kk.org

Spot on.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Minds on The Edge/The Mystery of Borderline Personality Disorder
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1870491,00.html

Useful links:
http://faculty.washington.edu/linehan
http://depts.washington.edu/brtc
www.psychiatrist.com
www.apa.org/journals/bul

Great article. Thank you, John. I have met countless One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest sort of people in many countries during my travel and work, and I have always wanted to ask, why? Could it be BPD or something else? No one had a clue. I still meet them. Sad, really.

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street Fashion Barometer
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/01/10/fashion/20090110-street-feature/index.html#

On the Street Keepers
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/01/04/fashion/20090104-street-feature/index.html#

Fashion is a very predictable barometer, really. Thank you Bill.

House Of Bajocchi

Jewelry still sparkles despite global recession
http://dailystaregypt.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=18965

In many ways jewelry business is based on trust + personal relationship + experience + integrity + accmulated luck. Only a few succeed.

Free: The New Business Model

Buy none, get one free
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7811481.stm

Useful link:
http://longtail.typepad.com

I totally agree with you, Chris. If you've grown up online, if you're a Googlian, you intuitively understand that everything online is ultimately going to be free. It's really a matter of experience + state of mind. It's amazing and it works just the way it should.

Serving Communities In Many Ways

I was really impressed by Colin Powell/Obama-Biden transition team's Renew America Together initiative by asking Americans to make an ongoing commitment to serve their communities and their country via www.usaservice.org

I wish India was open-minded enough to introduce similiar initiatives urging Indians to serve their communities, really.

Random Thoughts

Diversity and independence are important because the best collective decisions are the product of disagreement and contest. … Paradoxically, the best way for a group to be smart is for each person in it to think and act as independently as possible.

- James Surowiecki
www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/jamessurowiecki

Art Market Update

Connoisseurs take back control of art market
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/10/arts/melik10.php

Useful links:
www.christies.com
www.sothebys.com
www.delvaux.auction.fr

The amazing fact is desirable items will have no trouble finding buyers, really. The financial panic have driven away newcomers with money, and now the game is back in the hands of knowledgeable art dealers. Thank you Souren for the info.

Peter Aloisson Collection

Meet jeweler Peter Aloisson + his unique range of luxury mobile phone designs @ www.aloisson.com

The Secret Currency Of Love

The Secret Currency of Love: The Unabashed Truth About Women, Money, and Relationships by Hilary Black is a fascinating book about money issues from many different perspectives + the material aspects of life + the impact. Great read.

Useful link:
www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1870066,00.html

Cloth Art

Cloth art
http://www.economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12884979

Useful links:
www.henry-moore-fdn.co.uk
www.dovecotstudios.com

It's a highly imaginative show + Moore’s designs for textiles tell the story of his adventure in fabric. Don't miss it.

Kazanjian Red Diamond

Diamonds Are For Never
http://blogs.laweekly.com/ladaily/city-news/diamonds-are-for-never

Useful links:
www.kazanjianbros.com
www.expositionpark.org
www.nhm.org

The red diamond is on display at the Exposition Park (L.A. County Museum of Natural History's Gem and Mineral Hall) till February 1, 2009. Red diamonds are world's scarcest stones and only a few lucky ones own them. Don't miss it. Thanks Steven for the info.

The Analysis: De Beers

The Analysis: De Beers: From Supply to Demand
http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/jan2009/ca2009016_644338_page_2.htm

Useful links:
http://w4.stern.nyu.edu/faculty/facultyindex.cgi?id=444
www.debeersgroup.com

I think it was an interesting analysis by someone with a solid industry understanding.

The Truth About Impulse Purchases

Not on the List? The Truth about Impulse Purchases
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2132

Useful link:
www.wharton.upenn.edu/faculty/bell.html

Knowing the traits and states of customers require special skills. The research on varying consumer receptivity was interesting/insightful.

The Outsider Art Fair

Where Outsiders Come in From the Cold
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/arts/design/09outs.html?_r=1&ref=arts

Useful link:
www.sanfordsmith.com

Dont' miss it. A great place to discover or rediscover talents, really.

Bullshit Promises

Bullshit Promises
http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1262477

Useful link:
http://press.princeton.edu/video/frankfurt

I was intrigued by the title. Bullshit promises = Philosophy + Intellectual humor. I liked it. We hardly need to be told that there's a lot of bullshit in today's culture anyway. Hats off to Professor Harry.

Marc Faber Viewpoint

Marc Faber on the Economy, Gold, WWIII
http://seekingalpha.com/article/113588-marc-faber-on-the-economy-gold-wwiii?source=front_page_most_popular_articles

Useful links:
www.gloomboomdoom.com
http://themessthatgreenspanmade.blogspot.com

Thank you Tim. Marc Faber was spot on. Always good to get his two cents, really.

Jewelry Story Contest

Tell a favourite jewellery story, earn $500!
http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Tell-a-favourite-jewellery-story-earn-$500!-13959-3-1.html

Useful links:
http://shopping.schubachstore.com
http://blog.schubachstore.com

Brilliant idea. I liked it.

Diamond Industry Update

A Time to Make Decisions
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful links:
www.dtc.com
www.economics.harvard.edu/faculty/rogoff
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/kenneth-s-rogoff

Spot on. The dealers I know are in a feel good spin/state of mind. They think 2009 will be the year of recovery. We shall wait and see. Thank you Chaim.

Black Diamond Promotion

Black Diamond Ski Package Features Black Diamonds
http://www.luxist.com/2009/01/03/black-diamond-ski-package-features-black-diamonds

Useful link:
www.northstarattahoe.com

I thought it was a brilliant PR.

American Pop

American Pop is about a family and it's complex relationship with music. A must see for everyone, really.

Useful links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pop
www.ralphbakshi.com
www.imdb.com/title/tt0082009

The Fifth Discipline

The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of the Learning Organization by Peter M. Senge is a fascinating book about growth, improvement and continuous development. A must read.

Useful link:

www.solonline.org

Hope Diamond Update

Who Cut the Hope Diamond?
http://gemwiseblogspotcom.blogspot.com

Useful links:
www.secretsofthegemtrade.com
www.graffdiamonds.com
www.museumdiamonds.com
http://mineralsciences.si.edu/abstracts/farges.htm

Educational + Interesting. Thank you Richard.

One Of A Kind Jewelry

Ordinary jewelry bugging you? Try this
http://sundaygazettemail.com/News/200812270539

Useful link:
http://wildscape.com

A truly amazing story. Who would have thought that an aquatic insect would be able to creative a spectacularly beautiful piece of art.

Portraiture Now

Martin Schoeller/Steve Pyke's exhibition Portraiture Now: Feature Photography was brilliant. I liked it.

Useful links:
www.martinschoeller.com
www.pyke-eye.com

James Surowiecki Viewpoint

Cheat, Pray, Love
http://www.newyorker.com/talk/financial/2009/01/12/090112ta_talk_surowiecki

Discovering what the crooks have been up to is disillusioning, but not as disillusioning as coming to terms with what the so-called honest people did. In David Mamet’s movie “House of Games,” the grifter played by Joe Mantegna explains to a former mark, “It’s called a confidence game. Why? Because you give me your confidence? No. Because I give you mine.” So the bankers gave us their confidence, in the form of mortgages and other forms of credit, and we gave them ours. This culture of credulity did plenty of damage to the economy, but now it has given way to something even more corrosive; namely, endemic mistrust. Because if there’s one thing worse than too much confidence it’s not enough. Fraud impoverishes a few; fear impoverishes the many. As long as mistrust prevails, people will keeping pulling money out of the system—sometimes even at gunpoint.
- James Surowiecki

James, I completely agree. You were spot on.

Consumer Electronics Association

Tech fair offers greener vision
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7815219.stm

Useful links:
www.ce.org
www.greenergadgets.com
www.cesweb.org

Green-thinking is definitely becoming a purchasing factor + I would pay more for green if the info were easy-to-understand, affordable and functional.

Jeff Scher Viewpoint

'You Won’t Remember This Either'
http://scher.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/you-wont-remember-this-either

Useful links:
http://scher.blogs.nytimes.com
http://fezfilms.net

The film reminded me of my childhood days. I loved it. Thanks Jeff.

Technology Metals

We are living in the age of technology metals
http://www.commodityonline.com/news/We-are-living-in-the-age-of-technology-metals-13893-3-1.html

Useful link:
www.theaureport.com

The information on rare earth metals/application was interesting. The issue is how much can human civilization produce of something in a given year. Thank you Jack for the insightful report.

Modified Italian Masterworks

Old Italian Masterworks Made Young
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123128216464658831.html

Useful links:
www.firenzemusei.it
www.palazzo-medici.it

It's really amazing to see the effects of diagnostic technologies and the impact in art restoration. Donatello's 'David' + Raphael's 'La Madonna del Cardellino' looked stunningly beautiful after the treatment/enhancement. Thank you Francis for the interesting report.

The Fleeting Beauty Of Snowflakes

The Science of Snowflakes
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1869394_1820511,00.html

Useful links:
www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic
www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals

The fleeting beauty of snowflakes are indescribable. Thanks Ken. I loved it.

Pearl Tender

The Dubai Pearl Exchange will open a private tender, an invitation-only event on February 12-16, 2009. The Pearl Tender will showcase world's rarest natural/cultured pearls to an international audience. Go to www.dpe.ae for further info.

Useful links:
www.paspaley.com
www.robertwan.com.cn
www.jewelmer.com
www.dmcc.ae

The Essential Guide To Memo Transactions

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) + The Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT) have released a new publication, 'The Essential Guide to Memo Transactions'. It covers relevant law and basic information on creating/filing the necessary documentation to help to protect your goods traded on memo.

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

Sand Collectors

So Much to Learn About the Oceans From Sand
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/science/06prof.html?8dpc

Useful links:
www.coas.oregonstate.edu
www.argussoftware.com
www.sandcollectors.org
www.usgs.gov

Dr Holman's sand sample collections were interesting. I had no idea one could collect so many samples from different parts of the world. Thanks Cornelia.

Random Thoughts

We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.

- Kurt Vonnegut
www.vonnegut.com

Art For Art's Sake

Art for art's sake; money for God's sake
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/visual_arts/article5452031.ece

For art is a powerful and intoxicating addiction to creativity. No artist ever really takes a day off. To create something that wasn't there before, to make a slice of the imaginary real and to get lost in the focused intensity of it may well be the ultimate joy.
- Ken Russell

Today it takes a lot of courage to be an artist. Ken, you were spot on.

Diet For A Small Planet

Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappe is an insightful book with helpful ideas. Being a vegetarian it gave me a whole new way of looking at food and the impact + it contains something for everyone, really. A must read.

Useful link:

www.smallplanet.org

Indian Jewelry Update

India's jewellery industry not affected by meltdown
http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Indias-jewellery-industry-not-affected-by-meltdown-13853-3-1.html

Useful link:
www.gjf.in

I think the Indian jewelers will find their business in rural/small towns than in urban areas. That's where the numbers are because of marriage + investment concepts. If the price of gold is sweet, Indian jewelers will witness real growth + make tons of money.

The Army Experience

I was intrigued by the US Army's strategy of enlisting new recruits via home video games, direct marketing promotions and recruitment-themed music videos. Even though video games may not accurately convey the combat experience, but still it's a great learning lab, a unique way to interact with kids and find out what they're interested in. I liked the concept, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to replicate the so-called 'lab experience' in education and business.

Useful link:
www.thearmyexperience.com

Design + Depression

Design loves a Depression
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/05/news/04cannell.php

Useful links:
www.establishedandsons.com
www.marcelwanders.com
www.naninelinning.nl
www.campanas.com.br
www.jongeriuslab.com
www.russelwrightcenter.org
www.eamesgallery.com
www.mcdonough.com
www.braungart.com
www.loharchitects.com
www.ikea.com
www.thedesignvote.com

Insightful. Thanks Michael. My view is designs should be affordable + intelligent + beautiful.

Jewelry Camp

Jewelry Camp = Antique + Period Jewelry + Gemstones = Learn + Make friends + Simply enjoy.

Useful link:
www.jewelrycamp.org

Marketing To Women

When it comes to marketing to women, Andrea Learned is the expert. Check out her website at http://learnedonwomen.com

Food Force

The educational video game Food Force, a U.N.-produced game on the mechanics of food aid distribution was very interesting. Check out the link at www.food-force.com

How To Live

How to Live: A Search for Wisdom from Old People by Henry Alford is an interesting collection of mini-profiles on fascinating senior citizens. A must read.

Useful link:

http://henryalford.com

Environmental Film Festival

The 17th annual festival takes place in Washington, D.C. on March 11 - 22, 2009. Go to www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org for further info. Don't miss it.

Heard On The Street

Gem markets fascinate me; I will never lose interest in gem trading. They provide unique insights + training ground for the self. I learned this after decades of playing and studying; it's an opportunity such art forms present for developing your mind and spirit, really.

Opinion Art Of 2008

Notable Opinion Art of 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/01/03/opinion/200900103_NOTABLEART_2.html

Immersive + Insightful. Thanks NYT. I loved it.

Clyfford Still Paintings

Revealing the Hidden Clyfford Still
http://www.artnewsonline.com/issues/article.asp?art_id=2605

Useful link:
www.clyffordstillmuseum.org

Clyfford Still was an interesting character. Thanks Sylvia for the beautiful insight.

Random Thoughts

I call investing the greatest business in the world because you never have to swing. You stand at the plate, the pitcher throws you General Motors at 47! US steel at 39! And nobody calls a strike on you. There’s no penalty except opportunity lost. All day you wait for the pitch you like; then when the fielders are asleep, you can set up and hit it.

- Warren Buffett
www.berkshirehathaway.com

Spot on.

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street Frosted
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/12/27/fashion/20091227-street-feature/index.html#

On the Street Claused
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/12/20/fashion/20081220-street-feature/index.html#

Brilliant. Imaginative. Hilarious. Thanks Bill. I loved it.

Entrepreneurship Cell

Entrepreneurship Cell, IIT Kharagpur, India
Joys/hardships of entrepreneurship + Case study workshops + Knowledge Camps + Patent workshops + Entrepreneurship Summit. Go to www.ecell.iitkgp.ernet.in for further info.

The Art Stealers

Carried Away with the Mona Lisa
http://www.artnewsonline.com/issues/article.asp?art_id=2604

Useful link:
http://www.monalisadocumentary.blogspot.com

Very interesting story. Thanks Laurie.

Heard On The Street

When one falls in love with a gemstone, irrationality takes over, and one only sees the idealized gem, not the real one.

Yousuf Karsh

Meet Yousuf Karsh, one of the most famous and accomplished portrait photographers of all time @ www.karsh.org

The Original Miami Beach Antique Show

The Original Miami Beach Antique Show will be held from January 22 - 26, 2009, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Flordia. Don't miss it.

Useful link:
www.dmgantiqueshows.com

Heard On The Street

Death is the most beautiful creation of god as this keeps the world ever young and beautiful.

Gullibility

Stephen Greenspan's opinion piece on gullibility in Wall Streel Journal @ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123093987596650197.html was interesting/insightful. Thanks Stephen. Why do intelligent people sometimes behave in ways so stupid that they destroy their livelihoods or even their lives? Hard to explain, really. I guess it's a state of mind.

Useful link:
www.stephen-greenspan.com

Try Gaming

Want to Truly Scale a Learning Program? Try Gaming
http://www.kauffman.org/education/try-gaming.aspx

Useful link:
www.kauffman.org

I think games are a truly interactive + helps to learn-to-learn.

The Green Microgym

A gym powered by sweat and tears
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7796215.stm

Useful links:
www.thegreenmicrogym.com
www.henryworks.com
www.humandynamo.net

A great environment-friendly green concept. Thanks Peter.

The Diamond Impact

Diamond clues to beasts' demise
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7808171.stm

It's an interesting research. Thanks Molly.

Daniel Arsham

Meet Daniel Arsham + explore his immersive art concepts @ www.danielarsham.com

1000 Dollars & An Idea

1,000 Dollars and an Idea: Entrepreneur to Billionaire by Sam Wyly is an inspirational book of a natural entrepreneur + he speaks the truth - loudly. A must read.

Useful links:
www.1000dollarsandanidea.com
www.charlesandsamwyly.com

Heard On The Street

Top quality Winza (Tanzania) rubies, 10+ carat, well-cut, untreated and exceptionally transparent stones are fetching US$125,000 +/- per carat. It was hard to believe. Signs of the time, I guess. It's truly amazing, really.

Jewelry Show Guide

A one-stop reference source for gem, jewelry, and bead shows = www.jewelryshowguide.com

Robin Williams

Robin Williams: Inside the Actors Studio with James Lipton
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evq8wnvTC3M
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAY6HFOJOLM&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHOErukoKcI&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riVv_R7lUKQ&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n7JWh24TOU&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8KM_bpX5Xk&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pao7jLUI1UA&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tp08j7BdcM&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wp8FrocQGdk&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIfJ7c-s90s&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6EEdSZOo5U&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2kRT_lfCFA&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_syVk8vXiQ&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4negWrjGPaU&feature=related

Useful links:
www.robinwilliams.com
www.robin-williams.net
www.bravotv.com/Inside_the_Actors_Studio
www.bravotv.com

I am a huge Robin William fan. He was brilliant. He makes sure that you never stop laughing.

Larry Swedroe Viewpoint

Lessons the Market Taught Us in 2008
http://seekingalpha.com/article/112915-lessons-the-market-taught-us-in-2008

Useful link:
https://bamweb.bamservices.com

Informative + timely advice. Thanks Larry.

Enterprising Artists

One Woman's Trash Is Another Woman's...Lingerie?
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123085454543747621.html

Useful links:
www.ingridgoldbloombloch.com
www.depirro.com
www.goddessofgarbage.com
www.ctymoshuk.com

Interesting report + hats off to eco-artists who transform cast-offs into commodities. Thanks Joel/Robert.

Madoff-ization

Staying Clear of Industry Madoff-ization
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Chaim was spot on. Only when the tide goes out do you discover who's been swimming naked. The spillover effects from the credit crisis is unfolding at amazing speed worldwide. I think the diamond industry need Warren Buffett-like personalities to instill confidence. Chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.

Art Review 2008

A year in the arts
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/raziaiqbal/2008/12/a_year_in_the_arts.html

Useful link:
www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/raziaiqbal

I think Razia Iqbal's art review 2008 was brilliant. I loved it. Thanks Razia.

Ivory Ban 2009

eBay bans sale of ivory products
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/ebay-bans-sale-of-ivory-products-1220035.html

Useful links:
www.ifaw.org
www.worldwildlife.org
www.cites.org

The ivory ban comes into effect today and I hope it works.

The La Pita Mines Of Colombia

The Emerald World’s Best-Kept Secret: The La Pita Mines of Colombia
http://www.colored-stone.com/stories/jan09/columbian-emeralds.cfm

Useful links:
www.rwwise.com
www.secretsofthegemtrade.com

Thanks Richard for the insightful report.

Reflections On An Oyster

Reflections on an Oyster
http://judson.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/30/reflections-on-an-oyster/?hp

Useful links:
http://judson.blogs.nytimes.com
www.drtatiana.com

A profound essay, really. I have learned something new today. Thanks Olivia.

Jewel Box

Dusting Off a Serene Jewel Box
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/01/arts/design/01forb.html?hp

Long Forgotten in the Forbidden City
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/12/31/arts/design/20090101_FORBIDDEN_index.html3

Useful link:
www.dpm.org.cn

Stunningly beautiful. Thanks Andrew.

Antique Jewelry University

Antique Jewelry University
http://www.langantiques.com/university/index.php/Main_Page

Useful link:
www.langantiques.com

The site is an excellent venue for professionals and individuals who share a passion for antique, estate and vintage jewels. Get involved!

Global Business @ BBC

Peter Day's World of Business interview with Mark Anderson of Strategic News Service and Paul Saffo of Silicon Valley California, and their prediction for the technology world in 2009 @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml was interesting.

Useful links:
www.tapsns.com
www.saffo.com

Being early is the same as being wrong. Timing matters.
- Joe Kraus

Spot on. Thanks Peter.

It's 2009!

I would like to wish all the visitors to my blog a Happy 2009! I hope 2009 will be different, and maybe it will be.

Random Thoughts

You need hustle and bustle. The Indian model of shopping is theatrical. There is buzz and haggling. If you have wide aisles you have a problem.

- Kishore Biyani
www.futuregroup.in

I completely agree.

Heard On The Street

Whatever happens, 2009 will not be pleasant. Uncertainty will be the watchword for the year.

Abstract Expressionism

Wide World of Abstract Expressionism
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/31/arts/design/31chan.html?_r=1&8dpc

Useful link:
www.robertmillergallery.com

Great review. Thanks Roberta.

Champagne

Champagne Wines
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/w/wines/champagne/index.html?ex=1246165200&en=2f7e9332dc886107&ei=5087&WT.mc_id=DI-D-I-NYT-MOD-MOD-M076-ROS-0109-HDR&WT.mc_ev=click

Useful links:
www.champagne.com
www.champagne.us

Everyone loves genuine Champagne, really. Thanks NYT.