Eco-documentaries

Underwater treasures
http://www.economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12970826

Useful links:
http://festival.sundance.org/2009

My view is good documentaries always reveal the incovenient truth + help find solutions to the problems.

Faces Of Lawsuit Abuse

Stay informed. Go to www.facesoflawsuitabuse.org for more info.

Useful link:
www.instituteforlegalreform.com

Back To Basics

Back To Basics: A Bailout For The DTC
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful links:
www.dtc.com
www.adiamondisforever.com
http://ec.europa.eu/competition

Chaim, you are right. These are unusual days requiring exceptional solutions.

S H Raza

Indian artist S. H. Raza finds exhibition of his work full of fakes
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5544692.ece

Useful links:
www.shraza.net
www.dhoomimalgallery.com

Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.
- Warren Buffett

Heard On The Street

You should socialize with the best gem dealers who practice endlessly and learn to identify and predict trading patterns. It's priceless education.

New President/New Website

The new White House has launched a website to provide up-to-date information on the state of the government. Great design. Impressive. I liked it.

Useful links:
www.whitehouse.gov
www.whitehouse.gov/blog

Global Trends 2009

Dr James Canton is the CEO of The Institute for Global Futures. The Institute has identified interesting trends for 2009. Check out Global Trends Report 2009 @ www.globalfuturist.com

Tucson Gem Seminars

AGTA GemFair™ Tucson Seminars
http://www.agta.org/tradeshows/gft-seminars.html

Useful links:
www.tgms.org
www.agta.org

The Tucson gem fair = the world’s greatest gem and mineral show. A must visit.

Famous Diamonds

The fifth edition of Ian Balfour’s Famous Diamonds is available at Antique Collectors’ Club. Go to www.antique-acc.com for further info. A great diamond classic.

Factors Behind The Financial Crisis

Lesson One: What Really Lies Behind the Financial Crisis?
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/2148.cfm

Start a new bank. You won't have the problems of existing banks, and the federal loans interest rate is near zero. Demand for loans is high, and you will face no competition from the private market. You could become very profitable.
- Jeremy Siegel

Useful link:
www.jeremysiegel.com

Great advice. Thank you Jeremy.

Random Thoughts

So if the entire country became securities analysts, memorized Benjamin Graham’s Intelligent Investor and regularly attended Warren Buffett’s annual shareholder meetings, most people would, nevertheless, find themselves irresistibly drawn to hot initial public offerings, momentum strategies and investment fads. People would still find it tempting to day-trade and perform technical analysis of stock charts. A country of security analysts would still overreact. In short, even the best-trained investors would make the same mistakes that investors have been making forever, and for the same immutable reason – that they cannot help it.

- Seth Klarman
www.baupost.com

How true!

Coming Soon ! Opera/Ballet Online

Major operas to be shown online
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/7841965.stm

Useful links:
www.classicaltv.com
www.eno.org
www.metoperafamily.org
www.operainfo.org

I am a huge opera/jazz/classical music fan. I hope all goes well.

The New Lead Law

New lead law worries jewelers
http://www.pbn.com/detail/39662.html

Useful links:
www.argo-products.com
www.mjsa.org
www.fjta.org
www.cpsc.gov

I wonder whether India + other countries in Asia have rules and regulations to improve protection of children from lead poisoning. The law in the US requires importers and domestic manufacturers of children’s products to have their products tested for lead content by an authorized third-party laboratory, with the results certified in writing. Buyer beware.

The Gentlemen's Guide To Engagement

I was really impressed by Tacori's innovative The Gentlemen’s Guide to Engagement website + video testimonials/professional advice from the experts. I liked it.

Useful links:
http://gentlemensguide.tacori.com
www.tacori.com

Roberto Burle Marx

A New Look at the Multitalented Man Who Made Tropical Landscaping an Art
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/21/arts/design/21burl.html?_r=1

Useful link:
www.burlemarx.com.br

It's stunningly beautiful.

Heard On The Street

It is fair to say that some gem traders and jewelers are destined to be great and others not to.

Global Business @ BBC

Peter Day's World of Business talks about the state of mind of the business world (protectionist, ridiculously hardworking, same party in power for 40 years, complete corporate lack of interest in shareholders, with companies interested in market share/market success, hugely cartelised and driven by preserving employment, and a complex intertwining of politicians, business, and the all-important civil servants) in Japan/the impact @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml

Great commentary. I enjoyed it.

Random Thoughts

The psychology of people/economic business cycles/state of mind: It's like a beauty contest where you're not judging the pictures of the 10 most beautiful girls; you're judging from the 10 beautiful girls what the other people will think is most beautiful in trying to predict who will win the beauty contest.

- John Maynard Keynes

Spot on.

Nebamun Tomb Paintings

Nebamun Tomb Paintings = One of the best-loved Egyptian art works in the British Museum. The whole gallery brings ancient Egypt to life in a touching way. Visit the museum.

Useful link:
www.britishmuseum.org

Art Hotels

Sleeping With Warhol: America’s Art Hotels
http://www.petergreenberg.com/2009/01/16/sleeping-with-warhol-americas-art-hotels

Useful links:
www.petergreenberg.com
www.21cmuseumhotel.com
www.sfhoteldesarts.com
www.icohare.com
www.chambersminneapolis.com
www.jumeirahessexhouse.com
www.hotelmuranotacoma.com
www.gramercyparkhotel.com

It's a great immersive experience. I love it. Thanks Karen Elowitt/Susannah Sachdeva.

Atlas Shrugged

'Atlas Shrugged': From Fiction to Fact in 52 Years
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB123146363567166677-lMyQjAxMDI5MzExNjQxNjYzWj.html

Politicians invariably respond to crises -- that in most cases they themselves created -- by spawning new government programs, laws and regulations. These, in turn, generate more havoc and poverty, which inspires the politicians to create more programs . . . and the downward spiral repeats itself until the productive sectors of the economy collapse under the collective weight of taxes and other burdens imposed in the name of fairness, equality and do-goodism.
- Stephen Moore

Useful link:
www.objectivistcenter.org

Atlas Shrugged should be a required reading for everyone, really. The message is crystal clear. Thank you Stephen.

Burmese Jade Act Update

Pres. Bush Uses Authority to Alter Burmese JADE Act
http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=24978

Useful links:
www.cbp.gov
www.jvclegal.org

Gem dealers: If you have any question (s) to customs, contact jade.act@cbp.dhs.gov

The Imagineering Way

The Imagineering Way by The Imagineers is an insightful book about the Imagineers' creative process/the impact. A must read.

Curiosity keeps leading us down new paths, exploring and experimenting are the beginning of creative imagination and technical know how. Not only are the imagineers curious, but they are courageous, outrageous, and their creativity is contagious.
- Disney

Useful link:
http://corporate.disney.go.com/careers/who_imagineering.html

U.S Presidential Inauguration 2009

It was really inspiring watching a dream become reality. President Barack Hussein D. Obama takes the oath of office today, January 20, 2009.



Useful links:
http://projects.nytimes.com/44th_president/inauguration
www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/01/17/washington/20090117_ADDRESSES.html?hp
www.usa.gov/Topics/Election_2008/Inauguration.shtml
http://change.gov

A Closer Look at the Inaugural Ceremony
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/01/20/us/politics/2009-inauguration-zoom-photo.html
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/01/20/us/politics/1231545769118/barack-obamas-inaugural-speech.html?hp
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/20/us/politics/20text-obama.html?_r=1

Anyone can grow up to be president is becoming more true than it had been previously.

The Cathedral & The Bazaar

The Cathedral & the Bazaar: Musings on Linux and Open Source by an Accidental Revolutionary by Eric S. Raymond is an insightful book on critical design rules of successful open source projects + the impact. I think open source movement = bazaar + businesses = cathedrals. A must read.

Useful link:

www.catb.org/~esr

Pearl Market Update

Pearl Market Prospects 2009: Less Money Not Less Demand
http://www.colored-stone.com/stories/jan09/pearl-prospects.cfm

Useful link:
www.pearlparadise.com

In a recession, understanding customer's tastes (aesthetically/financially) requires specials skills. Jeremy, thank for your advice.

Liberian Art Gallery

Peace paintings: First post-war art gallery for Liberia
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/africa_liberian_peace_gallery/html/1.stm

It's stunningly beautiful and natural. I liked it.

Live|Work

Creating social solutions for MS patients
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/16/arts/design19.1-407337.php

Useful links:
www.livework.co.uk
www.institute.nhs.uk
www.nmss.org
www.mssociety.org.uk

I think user-experience designs are the new business models for 21st century. Alice, Thank you.

Saharan Solar Energy

Out of Africa: Saharan Solar Energy
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1872110_1872133_1872141,00.html

Useful links:
www.exploration-architecture.com
www.desertec.org
www.e-parl.net

My view is build it piece by piece + when the concept begins to profit, companies and goverments will jump in. It's a state of mind.

Tea Market Update

Storming the Teacup
http://www.time.com/time/travel/article/0,31542,1871630,00.html

Useful links:
www.rareteacompany.com
www.tea.co.uk

Great essay. I loved it. I've always been a fan of tea.

Green Jewelry Buying Guide

The National Geographic Green Jewelry Buying guide is simple and easy-to-understand.

Go to http://www.thegreenguide.com/greenguide/buying-guide/jewelry for more info. It's definitely educational and useful.

Random Thoughts

The best leader knows how to make his followers actually feel power themselves, not merely acknowledge his power.

- Mary Parker Follett
www.follettfoundation.org

I think her advice is more timely than ever before.

Art Market Update

Financial squeeze was inevitable for auction houses
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/16/arts/melik17.1-407482.php
http://vernissage.tv/blog/2008/06/04/interview-with-ellsworth-kelly-art-39-basel-2008

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

Thank you Souren for the insightful art market update. As you also rightly put it there are many who can read catalogues but cannot see art.

Algenol

Biofuels: The New Alchemy
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1872110_1872133,00.html

Useful links:
www.algenolbiofuels.com
www.worldfutureenergysummit.com
www.mascoma.com
www.verenium.com

Great essay. Thank you Bryan. I think in a warming world we have little choice but to pursue alternatives to food-crop biofuels.

Wine Market Update

Bargains on the grapevine
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/d8c1c546-e35a-11dd-a5cf-0000779fd2ac.html

Useful link:
www.jancisrobinson.com

Great advice. Thank you Jancis.

Amedeo Modigliani

Sex, drugs and deep, deep eyes
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12960052

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

What a unique total internal reflection via paintings?

Simon Mayo Interview

Film director Danny Boyle tells Simon Mayo about his new movie: Slumdog Millionaire
http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/videos/kermode_interviews.shtml

Useful links:
www.film24.com
www.imdb.com/name/nm0000965

Great interview. I enjoyed it.

The Minsky Moment

The Minsky Moment
http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2008/02/04/080204taco_talk_cassidy

There are basically five stages in Minsky’s model of the credit cycle: displacement, boom, euphoria, profit taking, and panic.
- John Cassidy

Can it happen again? My view is financial markets are frequently dyed, coated and fracture-filled, whenever there is a crisis. Even today the so-called gurus of the financial world have difficulty interpreting the linkages between the financial markets and the economy. The Minsky effects are inevitable in a free market economy. What's shocking to me is that the regulatory institutions and the goverment have no functional tools/mechanisms to respond quickly. They are in state of momentary autism, really. We are paying for it dearly, forever. Thank you John for the insightful essay.

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street Winter Whiteout
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/01/16/fashion/20090118-street-feature/index.html#

I think the designs were stunningly beautiful, elegant + different. I liked it. Thank you Bill.

Gold: The Global Obsession

The Real Price of Gold
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/01/gold/randy-olson-photography

Useful link:
www.randyolsonphotography.com

The characters are so natural, bright and stunningly vivid, would you join the gold rush?

Look-alike Jewelry

Keeping Up Appearances
http://www.newsweek.com/id/178821

Useful links:
www.kennethjaylane.net
www.justingiunta.com
www.subversivejewelry.com
www.bagborroworsteal.com
www.gilt.com
www.yoox.com

Great essay. Thank you Sameer. My view is social climbers will go the extra mile to put forth a prosperous image regardless of the balance in their bank account(s). It's a state of mind.

The American Consumer

IDEX Online Research: Don’t Bet Against the Spending Power of the American Consumer
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=31747

Useful links:
www.kennethgassman.com
www.stuartvyse.com
www.annieontour.com

Ken, I completely agree. American economy = Spending. It's a habit, it's embedded in the (created) culture, forever.

Amberif International Fair

The 16th Amberif International Fair of Amber, Jewellery and Gemstones will be held in March 11 – 14, 2009 at the Exhibition Centre (MTG SA), 5 Beniowskiego Street, Gdańsk, Poland. Don't miss it.

Useful links:
www.amberif.pl
www.amber.org.pl

National Gallery Of Art

Amid Intimate Galleries, a Jewel of a Painting Collection
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/16/arts/design/16coll.html

Useful links:
www.nga.gov
www.metmuseum.org

It's a good place to start. There is no question about it. Thanks Roberta.

Andrew Wyeth Dies

Andrew Wyeth, Revered and Ridiculed Artist, Dies
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/17/arts/design/17wyeth.html?_r=1&hp

Useful link:
www.andrewwyeth.com

People only make you swerve. I won’t show anybody anything I’m working on. If they hate it, it’s a bad thing, and if they like it, it’s a bad thing. An artist has to be ingrown to be any good.
- Andrew Wyeth

Andrew Wyeth was one the best known artists of the 20th century + I have always loved Wyeth's style of painting because he was the painter of the people (realist painter) and distinctively natural. He will be greatly missed.

Random Thoughts

If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange apples then you and I will still have one apple. But if you have an idea and we exchange these ideas each of us will have two ideas.

- George Bernard Shaw
http://shawsociety.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk
http://nobelprize.org/mediaplayer/index.php?id=389

Spot on.

Heard On The Street

Life's better with a badly cut diamond than an equity share with bleak outlook. Sad, really.

The Urban Heat Island Effect

Paint it white
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/jan/16/white-paint-carbon-emissions-climate

Useful links:
http://eetd.lbl.gov/staff/akbari-h
http://eetd.lbl.gov/HeatIsland
www.lbl.gov
www.tyndall.ac.uk
www.pwri.go.jp

Akbari's idea sounds simple and effective. I have learned something new and practical. Thank you David.

Luke Johnson Viewpoint

Graft, not genes, brings success
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/58575a56-e18e-11dd-afa0-0000779fd2ac.html

Useful links:
www.lukejohnson.org
www.riskcapitalpartners.co.uk

It is better for a man to go wrong in freedom than to go right in chains.
- Thomas Huxley

Luke, I completely agree. As you rightly put it the current unprecedented creative destruction going on within the capitalist system will create a new order.

Jim Rogers Interview

Exclusive Interview with Jim Rogers: Inflation Is Coming
http://seekingalpha.com/article/114966-exclusive-interview-with-jim-rogers-inflation-is-coming

Useful link:
www.jimrogers.com

It's always interesting/insightful to read to what Jim has to say about the markets. Thanks Grace.

Gustavo Dudamel

A 'yes we can' maestro
http://www.economist.com/books/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12926136

Useful link:
www.gustavodudamel.com

I think Dudamel is brilliant + amazingly music improves society, really.

BETT 2009

The best of the tech that teaches
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7831827.stm

Useful links:
www.bettshow.com
www.becta.org.uk
http://secondlife.com
www.intel.com
www.microsoft.com
www.facerec.com
www.unimatic.co.uk
www.culture.gov.uk

Interesting show + the next generation learning tools were brilliant.

De Beers Staff

De Beers Staff: 'Individuals at Risk' – 25% Will Lose Jobs
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful links:
www.debeersgroup.com
www.dtc.com
www.forevermark.com

Cost control is on almost everyone's list to stay afloat + as Chaim rightly put it there is life beyond De Beers.

Gemstones: Non-Disclosure Debacle

How to survive the coming non-disclosure debacle
http://www.colored-stone.com/stories/jan09/groom-on-disclosure.cfm

Useful links:
www.eternitynaturalemerald.com
www.arthurgroom.com

My view is if you have made full disclosure an integral part of your business, you stay afloat in the gem and jewelry industry, retain the luster and build credibility. Those who have failed to disclose have been sued, gone bankrupt or were forced to settle out of court.

Random Thoughts

More than education, more than experience, more than training, a person’s level of resilience will determine who succeeds and who fails. That’s true in the cancer ward, it’s true in the Olympics and it’s true in the boardroom.

- Harvard Business Review, May 2002
www.hbsp.harvard.edu

Spot on.

The Essential Guide To Advertising Law

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) has announced a new publication, 'The Essential Guide to Advertising Law,' a comprehensive overview of the regulations pertaining to the advertising of fine jewelry. Go to www.jvclegal.org for further info.

Jazz: America's Triumphant Music

How Jazz Helped Hasten the Civil-Rights Movement
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123197292128083217.html

Useful links:
www.thekingcenter.org
www.lincolncenter.org
www.rockfound.org
www.wyntonmarsalis.org
www.johncoltrane.com
www.louisarmstronghouse.org
www.bixbeiderbecke.com
www.dukeellington.com
http://dizzygillespie.org
www.ellafitzgerald.com
www.buddyrich.com

I am a huge jazz fan. My view is the genesis of jazz was a social force and this music has reached deeply into many cultures and have inspired people of all colors, naturally.

Global Business @ BBC

Peter Day's interview with Chris Anderson + Kevin Kelly @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml was educational and insightful. Thanks Peter.

Useful links:
http://longtail.typepad.com
www.kk.org

Skin Deep

Audio slideshow: The cutting edge of opera
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_7827000/7827186.stm

Useful links:
www.operanorth.co.uk
www.leedsgrandtheatre.com

The story was told in a uniquely artistic way. I loved it.

Nerima Art Museum

Sticking point: Tape artist's show
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7829816.stm

Useful links:
www.city.nerima.tokyo.jp/museum
www.nichiban.co.jp

This is definitely an imaginative art.

Stanislav Kaufman + The American Egg

I was really impressed with Stanislav Kaufman's work of art: The American Egg. It took him 12 years to create the egg. Go to http://www.jckonline.com/enewsletter/CA6627633/2791.html for further info. Hats off to Stanislav!

Useful link:
www.vancraeynest.com

Gemstone Disclosure Information

My view is disclose the status of the gemstone(s) and their treatment(s), if any, as much as possible. Gem testing laboratories have their own issues and global warming to worry about so don't expect 100% fool-proof god-like statements from them. Do the right thing without excess flash or showmanship.

Cause Marketing

Cause Marketing = Consumers basing purchasing decisions on how much good it can do for others. I think that's what Russell Simmons does via D.E.F (Diamond Empowerment Fund), educating and promoting the concept for a good cause. I think its only fair that we give back to the continent that has provided so much for the gem and jewelry industry, really.

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

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.