Art Market Update

Landmark Paris sale raises major issues for dealers and Drouot
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/03/06/arts/melik7.php
http://www.iht.com/indexes/special/melikian/index.php

For more than two decades, gallery attendance has been relentlessly shrinking. Strolling around a city in search of art is no longer the pleasurable pastime it used to be in major Western capitals, plagued by pollution and noise, and the rewards are scarcer. At the same time, connoisseurship recedes because the best experts are only as good as the sum total of objects on which they have trained their eyes. Rather than visiting galleries, inexperienced buyers prefer auctions, which they find less intimidating. Add the illusion that public competition guarantees a fair price, and that explains why dealers have seen the number of visitors dwindle.
- Souren Melikian

Useful links:
www.pba-auctions.com
www.sothebys.com
www.tefaf.com
www.drouot.com
www.christies.com

Great review.

Reading Books

I love books. They not only enlighten you but also connects the dots.

Useful links:
http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu
www.gutenberg.org
www.bartleby.com
www.bookbrowse.com
www.childrenslibrary.org
www.dailylit.com
www.dearreader.com
www.librarything.com

India's Rural Jewelry Market

India’s $9.6 Billion Rural Jewelry Market
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullMazalUbracha.asp?id=32005

Useful links:
www.gold.org
www.titanindustries.in
www.harikrishnagroup.com
www.ciemmejewels.com
www.gjepc.org

India’s rural markets are growing and the report on the state of the jewelry landscape in rural India was insightful. The market is wide open for smart and innovative players.

How to Buy Art In 2009

How to Buy in 2009
http://www.artnewsonline.com/issues/article.asp?art_id=2642

I’ve always felt that the art market marches to a different drummer than financial markets. People who are really interested in art are a little bit like smokers. You just can’t give it up. It becomes intrinsic to your life and you go and delve into resources that you might not have thought you had to continue collecting.
- Raymond J. Learsy

As painful as this contraction is, it’s a welcome time for the art market because the inflationary conditions in the market in the last few years have seen their final days. I welcome that. Collectors welcome it. The speculation, at least for the moment, has seen its demise. We have moved away from appreciating the language of art toward treating art as a commodity, and as long as you treat it that way you lose the value of the language. I think we will also see better art produced. I think in times like these artists will spend more time considering the art they are creating, instead of being driven to produce art for the marketplace. Artists in many cases have spread themselves very thinly over the last decade.
- Roland Augustine

Useful links:
www.mfa.org
www.acquavellagalleries.com
www.sothebys.com
www.christies.com
www.phillipsdepury.com
www.waddington-galleries.com
www.luhringaugustine.com
www.artdealers.org
www.rubellfamilycollection.com
www.artbaselmiamibeach.com
www.marlboroughgallery.com
www.miandn.com
www.winkleman.com
www.metmuseum.org

Spot on. It's correction in full swing. Prices have to adjust to invite people back in. Thanks Milton for the insightful article.

Shapes

Shapes: Nature's Patterns: A Tapestry in Three Parts by Philip Ball is a brilliant book that examines possible causes of the shapes and forms (physical, chemical and evolutionary processes) we observe in nature. A must read.

Useful link:

www.philipball.com

Jeff Koons Project

What Recession? Jeff Koons' $25M Sculpture Forges Ahead
http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/cliff-kuang/design-innovation/jeff-koonss-25-million-sculpture-goes-forward

Useful links:
www.jeffkoons.com
www.carlsonandco.com

Koons is one-of-a-kind neo-pop artist and he has been survivor all along.

Nespresso

What is Nespresso? Perplexed?
Click www.nespresso.com

This brand has a cult-like following. It's very elegant and easy to use.

Baibakova Art Project

Maria Baibakova's Art Project
http://baibakovartprojects.com

A must visit.

The Pyrite Effect

Swedish Solar Car Runs on Fool's Gold
http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/03/quantum-mechani.html

Useful links:
www.koenigsegg.com
www.nlv-solar.com

Interesting info on the photovoltaic properties of Pyrite (also known as fool's gold) in solar technology.

Chaim Ever Zohar Viewpoint

The Return of the Industry Custodian
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful links:
www.diamondintelligence.com
www.debeersgroup.com

Spot on.

Sony World Photography Awards 2009

Sony World Photography Awards 2009
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2009/feb/25/sony-photography-natural-history?picture=343786634

Useful link:
www.worldphotographyawards.org

Stunningly beautiful/immersive, really.

Heard On The Street

There is shock, anger, fear, hurt, defensiveness, blame + raw fear again on Main Street.

A Social Solution

A Social Solution, Without Going the Nonprofit Route
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/05/business/smallbusiness/05sbiz.html?_r=1&8dpc
http://www.socialedge.org/blogs/global-x/archive/2007/08/07/sam-goldman

We could have done it as a nonprofit over a hundred years, but if we wanted to do it in five or 10 years, then we believed it needed to be fueled by profit. That’s the way to grow.
- Sam Goldman, D.Light

We came from a strong business background and we developed a business plan. By doing that, we discovered that we were offering something that no one else was offering. We got our first client even before we incorporated and within a few hours we had to form a company to be able to put together a contract. It was just easy to form an S corporation. In this nation, we equate success with profit. We wanted to be profitable while also doing something that was right and giving back to the community.
- Conchy Bretos, MIA Consulting Group

Useful links:
www.socialedge.org
http://socialcapitalmarkets.net
www.goodcap.net
www.miaconsulting.com

I completely agree. I think businesses should be good stewards of the environment and society.

Jewelry Information Center Update

The Jewelry Information Center is providing free marketing materials for its members (Jewelers of America/JIC members) to inspire/drive reluctant customers into retail stores even in tough times. Great initiative, really. Want to know more? Check out the link www.jic.org

Diamond Exchange Canada

The Diamond Bourse of Canada has been set up by 10 founding members, in Toronto on March 3, 2009 to facilitate/promote Canadian diamonds, both rough and polished, to the local and Northern American markets. Great initiative. I wish them all the best.

Useful links:
www.diamondbourse.ca
www.wfdb.com
www.canadianjewellers.com
www.gov.nt.ca

Luke Johnson Viewpoint

The hot money is in live performance
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0e771af6-0813-11de-8a33-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1

Be they music, comedy, literature or theatre, stage shows of all varieties seem to be in decent health, considering the overall state of discretionary spending. In spite of the ubiquity of video and music online, audiences still appreciate the experience of being there in person – witnessing an artistic happening in the flesh – and are willing to pay for the privilege.
- Luke Johnson

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

Spot on. I-was-there effect is immersive and many go the extra mile to experience it, even in hard times. I have done it.

Jeffrey Milstein

Meet Jeffrey Milstein. His photographs are exhibited and collected throughout the United States and Europe.

Useful link:
www.jeffreymilstein.com

Once Valued, Now Unwanted

OC's rich rush to cash in on gold
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7920895.stm

Interesting story. Gold parties = Easy liquidity. Amazing.

Penny Newman

The numbers game
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/mar/04/penny-newman-fifteen-foundation

Useful links:
www.fifteen.net
www.ccaej.org
www.cafedirect.co.uk
www.socialfinance.org.uk

Great interview. Inspiring, really.

Charles Darwin + Natural Science + Visual Arts

Tracing Darwin's impact on visual arts
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/03/03/arts/darwin.php

Useful links:
http://ycba.yale.edu
www.peabody.yale.edu
www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
www.nga.gov

Remarkable exhibition, really.

College Campuses = Affordable Travel Destinations

College Campuses as Affordable Travel Destinations
http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/03/01/travel/01journeys-1.html?8dpc

Useful links:
www.yale.edu/visitor
www.yale.edu/ycba
www.artgallery.yale.edu
www.library.yale.edu/rsc/sml
www.library.yale.edu/beinecke
www.studyhotels.com

Great idea. I liked it. It's living in the moment, really.

Coral Reinterpreted

Coral Reinterpreted
http://www.tooprecioustowear.org/_storage/0_CoralReinterpretedRelease2009_02_23.pdf

Useful links:
www.seaweb.org
www.tooprecioustowear.org
www.charitybuzz.com
www.tiffanyandcofoundation.org
http://kingfisherfoundation.org
http://nmsfocean.org
www.oceanfdn.org
www.cites.org
www.livingoceansfoundation.org

I completely agree. There are numerous alternatives to real coral, and jewelry designers should educate consumers via their works-of-art the need to protect corals from extinction.

Once In A Blue Moon Collection

Argyle Diamond Mine is to showcase its rare blue diamonds via Once in a Blue Moon collection comprising premium/commercial diamonds featuring single cuts/matching pairs + a selection of smaller diamonds. Bids close on April 8, 2009.

Useful links:
www.argylediamonds.com.au
www.riotinto.com
www.argylepinktender.com

I think the rare blue diamond collection will definitely attract a lot of attention worldwide because of its rarity.

Plus Belle La Vie

Plus Belle la Vie = Life Is So Sweet
http://plus-belle-la-vie.france3.fr
www.plusbellelavie.org

Tune in to follow the fates of various families in the multicultural confusion of Marseille, France’s second largest city. Great story.

Global Business BBC

The Cisco Kid
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml

Useful link:
www.cisco.com

Great interview. I loved it. Thank you Peter.

Broadway Musicals

Part 1: The Economics, the Talent and the Audience
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/23/answers-about-broadway-part-1

Part 2: The Best, the Overrated and the Overlooked
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/answers-about-broadway-part-2

Part 3: The Future
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/25/answers-about-broadway-part-3

Useful link:
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com

Great interview.

Random Thoughts

We ask a lot of questions about what can go wrong, at both a portfolio and individual-stock level. That’s consistent with our philosophy that if we’re able to limit losses, the gains will take care of themselves. This is hard for young analysts out of school to understand – they’re trained to look almost exclusively at upside potential.

- Charles de Vaulx
www.ivafunds.com
www.valueinvestorinsight.com

Spot on.

Tracking Location

A Trillion Points of Data
http://www.newsweek.com/id/186970

Our cell phones have become the neurons in an emerging—and truly global—nervous system.
- Professor Sandy Pentland, MIT Media Lab

Useful links:
www.media.mit.edu
www.forrester.com
www.inrix.com
www.sensenetworks.com
www.mapquest.com

Mobile technology = The next frontier. Thank you Barrett.

De Beers Diamond Jewellers

De Beers Diamond Jewellers 2008 Report
http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=25546

Useful links:
www.debeers.com
www.lvmh.com
www.dtc.com
www.adiamondisforever.com
www.diamdel.com
www.brides.com
www.theweddingreport.com

The bridal market is amazingly resilient. People are always going to get married. I don't think the current crisis is having any impact in the wedding industry because getting married is one of the biggest days of people's lives.

Zimbabwe’s Blood Diamonds

Zimbabwe’s Blood Diamonds
http://www.pacweb.org/e/images/stories/documents/18_zimbabwe-diamonds_march09-eng.pdf

Useful link:
www.pacweb.org

If diamonds are mined violently, there is nothing clean about it, really.

Art Review

Bull for a night
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13209598

It’s the funeral of my collection. Everyone would like to attend their own funeral, but it’s impossible. This is the closest thing.
- Pierre Bergé

Art market functions well by its own rules.
- François Curiel

Useful links:
www.christies.com
www.pba-auctions.com
www.waficsaid.com
www.musee-orsay.fr
www.cnac-gp.fr
www.moma.org
www.louvre.fr
www.musee-renaissance.fr
www.metmuseum.org
www.guggenheim.org

Mediatised artworks does sell well. It was an invigorating auction with play of words and action.

Escaping The Rat Race

How I fled the suburbs for the hills of Tuscany
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/mar/01/working-abroad

Useful links:
www.artistinitaly.com
www.tuscanyandumbria.typepad.com
www.whalewatchwestcork.com
www.snowmotions.com
www.rosalieforest.com
www.travellersrestoldchurchdevon.co.uk

It's one thing to have a dream, another to have the chance to achieve it, but quite a different thing to sell that dream to other people. I think life is work in progress anyway. Inspiring + Great life experiences, really.

Uruguay's Arty Gems

Can art save Uruguay's gem mines?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7899713.stm

Useful links:
http://artigasstones.en.ecplaza.net
www.dinamige.gub.uy

Amethyst sculptures are precious stones and they shouldn't be perceived as ornamental products.

Natural World Designs

Wild Things
http://www.colored-stone.com/stories/mar09/jewelry-naturalism.cfm

Useful links:
www.kbrunini.com
www.annaruthhenriques.com
www.stephenwebster.com
www.levian.com
www.ericacourtney.com
www.nafcogems.com
www.crevoshay.com

The focus on natural elements via jewelry was stunningly beautiful + colored stones were the perfect choice to breathe life into these breathtaking creations. Thank you Deborah for the insightful article.

About J

About J
http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=25522

Useful link:
www.aboutjevent.it

It's really amazing to see people buying luxury jewelry to commemorate weddings and other special occasions despite the financial crisis.

Heard On The Street

You have to go back to go forward.

New Mobile Mapping Technology

Mapping a New, Mobile Internet
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_10/b4122042889229.htm?chan=rss_topStories_ssi_5

Useful links:
www.sensenetworks.com
www.citysense.com
www.rim.com
www.skyhookwireless.com
www.onstar.com

The new data collection of people's movements and behavior via sophisticated technology is innovative, interesting and may be good for business, but the privacy impact will always be an issue. Where do you draw the line? Only time will tell.

Small Biz Trend Update

Outrageously Creative Tips for Saving Money & Growing Your Business
http://smallbiztrends.com/2009/02/creative-tips-saving-money-business-growth.html
http://smallbiztrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/get_outrageously_creative6.pdf

Useful link:
http://smallbiztrends.com

Great compilation. Thank you Anita.

Art Collections

Sir John Soane's Museum
www.soane.org

Reinhard Onnasch Collection
www.elsourdoghex.org

Wind Of Change

Denmark's Wind of Change
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1881646,00.html

We'll try to make Denmark a showroom. You can reduce energy use and carbon emissions, and achieve economic growth.
- Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Prime Minister, Denmark

Useful links:
www.vestas.com
www.nrdc.org
www.risoe.dk
www.unep.org

Denmark have always been one or two steps ahead of others.

Fairtrade Coffee

How Fairtrade coffee can help the connoisseur
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/3a99d2c8-045c-11de-845b-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1

Useful links:
www.fairtrade.org.uk
www.fairtrade.net
www.starbucks.com
www.drwakefield.com
www.coffeehunter.com
www.cupofexcellence.org
www.monmouthcoffee.co.uk

Best advice: Taste and learn. Thank you Francis.

Julia Lohmann Designs

Confronting taboos with subtle humor
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/02/27/arts/design2.php

Useful links:
www.julialohmann.co.uk
www.alicerawsthorn.com
www.moma.org
www.rca.ac.uk
www.thersa.org
www.galeriekreo.com
www.libbysellers.com

Natural + Inspiring designs, really. I liked it.

Rough Diamond Designs

Raw Power
http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=25507

At first, the consumer was a confident, mature woman, conservative and accomplished. She had big diamonds, but she fell in love with the rough diamond designs. Now, 15 years later, we’re selling rough diamonds as wedding rings. The 35- to 45-year-olds, who are also confident, and who also want responsibly mined diamonds and recycled gold, come to us.
- Todd Reed

Useful link:
www.toddreed.com

The sculptural shape (crystal habit/form) of diamonds in their rough form, if they are inclusion free, are spectacularly beautiful. I like rough stones. Hats off to Todd.

Children's Film Festival 2009

Film Festival for Kids: High on Art, Low on Pandas
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1882317,00.html

Useful link:
www.gkids.com

Great review.

Gold Market Update

Gold bull market just beginning - Sascha Opel
http://www.mineweb.com/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page33?oid=79363&sn=Detail

Useful links:
www.rohstoffraketen.de
www.theaureport.com

Great interview.

Festival Of Ideas 2009

Bristol Festival of Ideas has announced the shortlist for its inaugural £10,000 Festival of Ideas Book Prize, selecting Flat Earth News by Nick Davies (Vintage), The Terror Dream by Susan Faludi (Atlantic), McMafia: Crime Without Frontiers by Misha Glenny (Vintage), The Age of Wonder by Richard Holmes (HarperPress), What Does China Think? by Mark Leonard (Fourth Estate), and A Book of Silence by Sara Maitland (Granta). The prize is awarded annually to the book which presents new, important and challenging ideas, which is rigorously argued, and which is engaging and accessible.

Useful link:
www.ideasfestival.co.uk

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street: A Dash of Color
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/02/27/fashion/20090301-street-feature/index.html?ref=fashion#

Definitely wild/brilliant dash of colors. I liked it. Thank you Bill.

State Of The Economy Address From Warren Buffett

Buffett Accepts Blame and Faults Others
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/01/business/01buffett.html?_r=1&hp
http://seekingalpha.com/article/123302-the-oracle-speaks-warren-buffett-s-letter-to-shareholders?source=wildcard

- Americans have been enamored of a nerdy-sounding priesthood, using esoteric terms such as beta, gamma, sigma and the like. Our advice: Beware of geeks bearing formulas.

- Participants seeking to dodge troubles face the same problem as someone seeking to avoid venereal disease. It’s not just whom you sleep with, but also whom they are sleeping with.
- Warren E. Buffett

Useful link:
www.berkshirehathaway.com

Spot on.

The Watchmen Movie

- Filming the Unfilmable: Behind the Scenes of the Watchmen Movie
http://www.wired.com/entertainment/hollywood/magazine/17-03/ff_watchman

- Artist Dave Gibbons' Gut Feelings on the Watchmen Movie
http://www.wired.com/entertainment/hollywood/magazine/17-03/ff_gibbons_qa

- Legendary Comics Writer Alan Moore on Superheroes, The League, and Making Magic
http://www.wired.com/entertainment/hollywood/magazine/17-03/ff_moore_qa

- Dave Gibbons on the Secrets of Comic Art
http://www.wired.com/video/culture/watchmen/13632821001/dave-gibbons-on-the-secrets-of-comic-art/14161756001

Useful link:
http://watchmenmovie.warnerbros.com

I've been a fan for a long time.

Diamond Traders To Equity Traders

Diamond dealers in India have begun trading in equities to diversify their income stream in a bid to offset the current crisis in the diamond sector. Exports of cut/polished diamonds to the US and other markets are down + the current global credit crunch has also made it difficult for them to access credit facilities via banks to carry out their business activities. Industry analysts believe global demand for rough diamonds is expected to drop by some 60% this year as the global recession hits demand for luxury goods.

Art Market Update

Paris auction reflects a major turning point for art market
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/02/27/arts/melik28.php

Useful links:
www.christies.com
www.pba-auctions.com

Souren, I agree. The art market is in a good mood. The sale had demonstrated its potential.

Kris Kristofferson

Meet Kris Kristofferson, an American writer, singer-songwriter, actor, and musician.
www.kriskristofferson.com

Why We Make Mistakes

Why We Make Mistakes: How We Look Without Seeing, Forget Things in Seconds, and Are All Pretty Sure We Are Way Above Average by Joseph T. Hallinan is an insightful research on how basic flaws in human perception (state of mind) shape decisionmaking. A must read.

Useful link:

www.whywemakemistakes.com

Southern Africa Shining Light Diamond Design Awards 2009

DTC Southern Africa Shining Light Diamond Design Awards 2009
http://www.debeersgroup.com/en/Media-centre/Press-releases/2009/DTC-SOUTHERN-AFRICA-SHINING-LIGHT-DIAMOND-DESIGN-AWARDS

Useful links:
www.shininglightawards.co.za
www.forevermark.com
www.source.co.il
www.dtc.com

Truly brilliant designs + Southern African.

Jewelry Industry Update

Jewelers losing luster
http://www.newsday.com/business/ny-a6045607feb23,0,7675431.story

There were about 22,600 jewelry companies operating about 26,700 stores in the United States at the end of 2008.

Useful links:
www.kennethgassman.com
www.jewelers.org
www.jewelersboard.com

I think retail jewelers will have to reinvent and innovate to stay in business. Many will forgo jewelry in difficult times.

Million Dollar Gold Coin

The largest and most expensive gold bullion coin in the world
http://apmex.com/milliondollarcoin/Default.aspx

Useful link:
www.mint.ca

Thai Gemstone Industry Update

Industry in rut as diamonds lose lustre
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/11842/industry-in-rut-as-diamonds-lose-lustre

Useful links:
www.thaidiamonds.org
www.thaigemjewelry.or.th

Spot on. The economic crisis is definitely going to impact the gemstone sector negatively.

Bernie Madoff Operating System

The Monster Mensch
http://nymag.com/news/businessfinance/54703

A fascinating story about evil, greed, corruption and morality. A must read.

Random Thoughts

Purple is having its moment because we’re living in a time that’s very complex.

- Leatrice Eiseman
www.colorexpert.com
www.pantone.com

Spot on.

Antony Gormley Project

Antony Gormley wants you for the fourth plinth
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2009/feb/26/antony-gormley-fourth-plinth

Useful links:
www.antonygormley.com
www.npg.org.uk
www.artscouncil.org.uk
www.oneandother.co.uk

The idea behind One & Other is great. I liked it, but it is also terrifying.

Reality Coalition Campaign

Coen brothers target US coal industry
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/feb/26/coen-brothers-coal-industry-film

Useful links:
www.thisisreality.org
www.climateprotect.org

Brilliant PR.

Heard On The Street

We have to reinvent ourselves or perish given the realities of consumer behavior. I think it's the right mindset for troubled times.

Orchids As Art

Orchids as Art, With a Nod to Brazil
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/26/garden/26garden.html

Useful links:
www.raymondjungles.com
www.burlemarx.com.br
www.nybg.org
www.ecostudies.org
www.aia.org

Plants = Art = Museum of living things. The Orchid Show: Brazilian Modern. February 28 – April 12, 2009. A must visit.

Random Thoughts

You can usually pick out the empire builders simply by asking how they allocate capital – they tend to have a hard time zeroing in on a concrete answer.

- Robert Williamson
William McAree Investment Partners
www.valueinvestorinsight.com

Spot on.

Krishna & Devotion

Seduced by a flute
http://www.economist.com/books/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13176907

Useful links:
www.asiahouse.org
www.vam.ac.uk

It is a jewel + beautiful works of art. A must visit.

De Beers Update

Giving Credit to De Beers
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

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

Spot on.

Frog In Amber

Scientist: Frog could be 25 million years old
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17168489

Definitely rare and unique.

Auto-Entrepreneurs

The No-Risk Culture
http://www.newsweek.com/id/185810

Useful links:
http://blog.100000entrepreneurs.com
www.nfte.com
www.sciences-po.fr
www.ceri-sciencespo.com

A good attitude towards entrepreneurship + a great start.

Art Market Update

Enthusiasm for Art Deco drives €59.14 million sale
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/02/25/arts/melik26.php

Useful link:
www.christies.com

It's hard to explain the mood in the market; may be it's the specific gravity pull that attracts as many bidders ready to shed millions in the art market. Who knows? But there is money and vitality to keep the art market awake, and that's the good news.

Picasso: Challenging The Past

Picasso: Challenging the Past
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/picasso/default.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7909559.stm

Useful link:
www.musee-picasso.fr

A must visit.

Victoire de Castellane/Dior Fine Jewelry

Dress Sense: Petals
http://moreintelligentlife.com/story/dress-sense-petals

Useful link:
www.diorjoaillerie.com

Great interview. I love flowers. They are natural and amorphous.

Cost Of Engagement Rings

Brides Survey Finds a Jump in Cost of Engagement Rings
http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=25423

Useful link:
www.brides.com

A wedding is definitely one of the most important event in a couple's life. I think US$6,348 is a sweet price for the celebration in the United States.

The Emotional Brain

The Emotional Brain: The Mysterious Underpinnings of Emotional Life by Joseph Ledoux is an insightful book on biological/psychological understanding of our emotions via amygdala, a primitive, almond-shaped clump of tissue situated not far above the brainstem + real-world implications.

Useful link:

www.cns.nyu.edu/ledoux

Beauty Photography

Milan exhibition celebrates beauty photography
http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/beauty/article5797521.ece

Useful links:
www.dolcegabbana.it/extreme-beauty-in-vogue
www.jeannouvel.fr
www.style.com/vogue

Fantasy + Desire = Beauty + Inspiration. Extreme Beauty in Vogue is at the Palazzo Della Ragione in Milan from March 4 -10, 2009. A must visit.

City Of Words

I fell in love with the City of Words map of St. Petersburg, from Russia! magazine. This unique map of Russia's literary capital was created entirely by Russian authors writing about St. Petersburg. Check out the link http://readrussia.com/store/00009

Nassim Taleb Viewpoint

How bank bonuses let us all down
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/fa89be08-02aa-11de-b58b-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1

Finally, I was involved in trading for 21 years and I can testify that traders consciously play the free option game. On the other hand, I worked (in my other job as risk adviser) with various military organisations and people watching over our safety. We trust military and homeland security people with our lives, yet they do not get a bonus. They get promotions, the honour of a job well done and the disincentive of shame if they fail. Roman soldiers signed a sacramentum accepting punishment in the event of failure. This is prompting me to call for the nationalisation of the utility part of banking as the only solution in which society does not grant individuals free options to look after its risks. No incentive without disincentive. And never trust with your money anyone making a potential bonus.
- Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Useful link:
www.fooledbyrandomness.com

Great essay. Nassim, I completely agree.

Gaming Jewelry Line

Meet Robert Williamson III, an American professional poker player from Dallas, Texas + check out his unique gaming jewelry line @ www.rwiiidesigns.com

Useful link:
www.rwiii.com

Family Business Institute Viewpoint

Family Business Institute President Wayne Rivers, talks on CNN about recession opportunites for Family Businesses
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5255055963391654523&hl=en

Useful link:
www.familybusinessinstitute.com

I think family-owned businesses are most at risk in tough times due to lack of reserve capital and a functional business model. The interview was interesting/insightful.

Art Appreciation

Art appreciation 'a gender issue'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7905251.stm

Useful links:
www.mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk
www.pnas.org
www.faculty.uci.edu/profile.cfm?faculty_id=2134
www.mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk/people/friedemann.pulvermuller

Interesting study.

Rio Carnival 2009

Rio Carnival 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7907301.stm

Useful links:
www.rio.rj.gov.br
www.rio-carnival.net

The must-see show which has made Rio de Janeiro the Carnival Capital of the world.

Hong Kong International Jewelry Show 2009

Hong Kong International Jewelry Show 2009
http://hkjewellery.hktdc.com

Useful link:
www.hktdc.com

The Hong Kong gem and jewelry show is the best in Asia. The show is divided into a number of specialized theme exhibitor zones for buyers to locate specialist and niche items. A must visit, really.

Martin Rapaport Viewpoint

Bubble Trouble
http://www.diamonds.net/News/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=25433

Interesting perspective. I think the diamond industry is definitely going through its own boom and bust cycle and god knows when the prices are going to stabilize. Diamond dealers are fleeing with stones and money + the morale is low. Simply put, they have seen the movie before + they have short memory. Frozen, really!

Global Business BBC

Peter Day's World of Business reviews a new business model –a 'mobility system' as well as a new car + the environmental impact.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml

Useful links:
www.teslamotors.com
www.revaindia.com
www.goingreen.co.uk
www.betterplace.com
www.byd.com

Duke Ellington On US Coin

Jazz legend Duke Ellington will become the first African-American to appear on an American coin. The District of Columbia honoring Duke Ellington will be introduced on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

Useful links:
www.usmint.gov
www.dc.gov
http://americanhistory.si.edu
www.dukeellington.com

Saint Laurent Art Sale Update

Saint Laurent Art Sale Brings In $264 Million
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/arts/design/24auction.html?hp

Useful links:
www.christies.com
www.grandpalais.fr
www.beauxartsmagazine.com
www.pba-auctions.com

Amazingly the auction went well. I think the bidders got carried away and paid crazy prices.

Classroom Experience IDEO Way

IDEO’s Ten Tips For Creating a 21st–Century Classroom Experience
http://www.metropolismag.com/story/20090218/”http://www.metropolismag.com/story/20090218/ideos-ten-tips-for-creating-a-21st-century-classroom-experience

Useful link:
www.ideo.com

The tips were brilliant. Great list.

Andrew Collins Viewpoint

Life in China as an Entrepreneur: Face Value
http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/andrew-collins/china-blog-life-china-entrepreneur/china-blog-life-china-entrepreneur-0

I’m reminded of a great old Gary Larson ‘Far Side’ comic strip with cows by the roadside. In one shot, as a car is passing, they are standing on all four legs eating grass. In the next shot, after the car has passed (foreigners), the cows get back to being themselves (Chinese), standing on two feet, socialising. Perhaps I’ve taken it too far?
- Andrew Collins

Useful link:
www.mailmanchina.com

Spot on. I have a copy of the great Gary Larson 'Far Side' comic clip. It was brilliant.

TriState Biodiesel

TriState Biodiesel = Energetic Business = Sustainable Business Model
http://nyc.tristatebiodiesel.com

Art Market Update

Brother, Can You Spare a Painting?
http://www.newsweek.com/id/185786

Useful links:
www.arttactic.com
www.artbaselmiamibeach.com
www.tate.org.uk
www.whitney.org
www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk
www.sothebys.com
www.christies.com
www.moma.org
www.moca-la.org
www.jackrutbergfinearts.com
www.friezeartfair.com

I hope the real art will rise again.

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street Gray Days
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/02/20/fashion/20090221-street-feature/index.html#

The shades of grey were beautiful. I liked it. Thank you Bill.

Al Ries + Jack Trout

Pick up their books. They are quick reads + contains useful thinking. Here is an interesting quote I liked from The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing: 'Success leads to arrogance and arrogance to failure.'

Useful links:
www.troutandpartners.com
www.ries.com

Yorihiko Kojima Viewpoint

A desire to speak up and speak out
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/78350d08-ff7c-11dd-b3f8-000077b07658.html

First rule: don’t be afraid to make mistakes. 'When you look Japanese, there is absolutely no need to speak nice, fluent English. No one expects you to.'
Second rule: don’t be intimidated. 'We Japanese tend to be overawed when someone speaks to us in firm, fluent English. That is a mistake. Even if your English is bad, you have to stick to your opinions.'
Third rule: don’t confuse linguistic skill with business skill. 'People who speak well aren’t necessarily first-rate achievers.'
- Yorihiko Kojima
CEO, Mitsubishi Corporation

Useful link:
www.mitsubishicorp.com

Great essay. Thank you Jonathan. No wonder Japanese are unique survivors in business despite the linguistic handicap.

Crucifix-Inspired Designs

Crucifix-inspired Design: Campy or Sacrilegious?
http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/cliff-kuang/design-innovation/clever-design-sacrilege-or-neither

Useful links:
www.humanssince1982.com
www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artists/terence_koh.htm
www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artists/banks_violette.htm
www.fredriksonstallard.com

Shocking, really. I hope the concept is not misunderstood.

Lords Of Finance

Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World by Liaquat Ahamed is a great book of history to read and contemplate in troubled times, really. A must read.

Useful link:
www.aspen.bm

Imitation Jewelry Market Update

Gold boom boosts Pak imitation jewellery trade
http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Gold-boom-boosts-Pak-imitation-jewellery-trade-15337-3-1.html

Pakistan’s jewelry-crazy women will definitely add more luster to the imitation jewelry trade as gold prices keeping rising in an amorphous way.

Poetry In Nicaragua

Passion for poetry in Nicaragua
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7898927.stm

Useful links:
www.festivalpoesianicaragua.org.ni
www.festivaldepoesiadegranada.com

I perceive poetry as an art form + it is still relevant today because it's effective when used appropriately/selectively + festivals are excellent venues to showcase different poetic genres.

Bohemian Rhapsody

Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody
Is this the real life-
Is this just fantasy-
Caught in a landslide-
No escape from reality-
Open your eyes
Look up to the skies and see-
Im just a poor boy, I need no sympathy-
Because I’m easy come, easy go,
A little high, little low,
Anyway the wind blows, doesnt really matter to me,
To me

Mama, just killed a man,
Put a gun against his head,
Pulled my trigger, now he's dead,
Mama, life had just begun,
But now I've gone and thrown it all away-
Mama ooo,
Didnt mean to make you cry-
If I’m not back again this time tomorrow-Carry on, carry on, as if nothing really matters-

Too late, my time has come,
Sends shivers down my spine-
Body’s aching all the time,
Goodbye everybody-I’ve got to go-
Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth-
Mama ooo- (any way the wind blows)
I don't want to die, I sometimes wish I’d never been born at all-

I see a little silhouetto of a man,
Scaramouche, scaramouche will you do the fandango-
Thunderbolt and lightning-very very frightening me-
Galileo, galileo,
Galileo galileo
Galileo figaro-magnifico-
But I’m just a poor boy and nobody loves me-
Hes just a poor boy from a poor family-
Spare him his life from this monstrosity-
Easy come easy go-, will you let me go-
Bismillah! no-, we will not let you go-let him go-
Bismillah! we will not let you go-let him go
Bismillah! we will not let you go-let me go
Will not let you go-let me go
Will not let you go let me go
No, no, no, no, no, no, no-
Mama mia,mama mia,mama mia let me go-Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, for me-

So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye-
So you think you can love me and leave me to die-
Oh baby-can't do this to me baby-
Just gotta get out-just gotta get right outta here-Nothing really matters,
Anyone can see,
Nothing really matters, nothing really matters to me,
Any way the wind blows....

- Freddie Mercury
www.queenonline.com

The song was a gloom and doom terminator today, really.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irp8CNj9qBI

Art Review

Spot colour
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13167631

Useful links:
www.claricecliff.com
www.bonhams.com

The vivid colored pottery was stunningly beautiful. I liked them.

A World Transformed

A World Transformed: What Are the Top 30 Innovations of the Last 30 Years?
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2163

1. Internet, broadband, WWW (browser and html)
2. PC/laptop computers
3. Mobile phones
4. E-mail
5. DNA testing and sequencing/Human genome mapping
6. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
7. Microprocessors
8. Fiber optics
9. Office software (spreadsheets, word processors)
10. Non-invasive laser/robotic surgery (laparoscopy)
11. Open source software and services (e.g., Linux, Wikipedia)
12. Light emitting diodes
13. Liquid crystal display (LCD)
14. GPS systems
15. Online shopping/ecommerce/auctions (e.g., eBay)
16. Media file compression (jpeg, mpeg, mp3)
17. Microfinance
18. Photovoltaic Solar Energy
19. Large scale wind turbines
20. Social networking via the Internet
21. Graphic user interface (GUI)
22. Digital photography/videography
23. RFID and applications (e.g., EZ Pass)
24. Genetically modified plants
25. Bio fuels
26. Bar codes and scanners
27. ATMs
28. Stents
29. SRAM flash memory
30. Anti retroviral treatment for AIDS

Useful link:
www.pbs.org/nbr

Quite hard to believe the impact of innovations of the last 30 years. Great essay.

Anjolie Ela Menon

The Collector: Anjolie Ela Menon
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123506355404924201.html
http://www.indianartcircle.com/anjolieelamenon/aem_ind1.shtml

Useful link:
www.vadehraart.com

Great interview.