Random Thoughts

When I was young, maybe 6 or 7 years old, I'd play on the Navy golf course with my pop. My dad would say, "Okay, where do you want to hit the ball?" I'd pick a spot and say I want to hit it there. He'd shrug and say, "Fine, then figure out how to do it." He didn't position my arm, adjust my feet, or change my thinking. He just said go ahead and hit the darn ball. My dad's advice to me was to simplify. He knew that at my age I couldn't digest all of golf's intricacies. He kept it simple: If you want to hit the ball to a particular spot, figure out a way to do it. Even today, when I'm struggling with my game, I can still hear him say, "Pick a spot and just hit it." When I'm making adjustments during a round, I know some of the television commentators theorize that I'm changing this or moving that, but really what I'm doing is listening to Pop.

- Tiger Woods
www.tigerwoods.com

Great advice.

Heard On The Street

Great people have great timing. Take windfall profits when you have them.

Frugal Traveler Update

Frugal Travel: A Woman’s Perspective
http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com

Useful link:
http://wanderlustandlipstick.com

Great advice.

New Gemstone Treatments

New Gemstone Treatments - A Coming Crisis
http://www.colored-stone.com/stories/may09/new-gemstone-treatments.cfm

Useful links:
www.gps.caltech.edu/~grr
www.jwkustos.com

A new thinking in forensic gemology. Really. Thanks Joel.

Maasai Sunstone

In search of East Africa's eye-catching Maasai sunstone
http://www.jewelryartistmagazine.com/feature/feb05.cfm

Maasai Sunstone: Found first by a young Maasai man on tribal grazing lands in about 2000, the stone's basic color, red orange, mimics the bright hues of the Maasai people's dress. Since the Maasai have found several of East Africa's gem deposits, it seems fitting that at least one of their stone discoveries should carry their tribal name.
- Don Thompson

I completely agree. Thanks Don for the explanatory essay on East African gemstones.

Antwerp's Diamond Quarter

Recession takes the sparkle out of Antwerp's diamond quarter
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/23/diamond-gems-trade-antwerp-belgium

Useful link:
www.diamantkring.org

Four out of five uncut diamonds produced anywhere in the world + more than half of the polished stones travel from Australia, Russia, Canada, India, Botswana and London to Antwerp for buying and selling. The diamond trade is dominated by minorities such as Orthodox Jews, Indian Jains, Maronite Christians from Lebanon and Armenians.

Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland

Tim Burton's next movie, a remake of Alice in Wonderland is set for release in March 2010. USA Today got an exclusive first look at the production stills. They are gorgeous. Can't wait. Check out the link http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-06-21-alice-in-wonderland_N.htm

Useful link:
www.timburton.com

The End Of Overeating

The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite by David Kessler is a fascinating exploration of us. A must read.

A New Kind Of MBA

The Jack Welch MBA
http://www.economist.com/businessfinance/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13892633

Useful links:
www.myers.edu
www.jwmi.com
www.welchway.com
http://everybodysbusiness.msn.com
http://twitter.com/jack_Welch

I hope the new MBA will teach students to serve society rather than maximise profits.

Green Art Movement

Barbican goes green for eco show
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8110349.stm

Useful link:
www.barbican.org.uk

Brilliant showcase by eco-artists. Don't miss.

Lloyd Russell

The best green designs are simple and functional. Check out the link www.lloyd-russell.com

Random Thoughts

When I was a young infantry officer at Fort Benning, we had a lot of old captains who had served in World War II and Korea. They were not going to go higher in rank, but, boy, did they know about soldiering. So I didn't learn this piece of barracks wisdom from an Eisenhower or Pershing. I heard it from these wonderful reserve captains. This is the story: There was a brand-new second lieutenant who was very ambitious and wanted to be a general. So one night at the officer's club the young officer spotted this old general sitting at the bar. So he went up and said, "How do I become a general?" And the old general answered, "Son, you've got to work like a dog. You've got to have moral and physical courage. There may be days you're tired, but you must never show fatigue. You'll be afraid, but you can never show fear. You must always be the leader." The young officer was so excited by this advice. "Thank you, sir," he said, "so is this how I become a general?" "No," said the general, "that's how you become a first lieutenant, and then you keep doing it over and over and over." Throughout my career, I've always tried to do my best today, think about tomorrow, and maybe dream a bit about the future. But doing your best in the present has to be the rule. You won't become a general unless you become a good first lieutenant.

- Colin Powell

Spot on.

Gem Lab Research Update

Lead glass treated star rubies + Maxixe beryl
http://www.gemlab.net/website/gemlab/fileadmin/user_upload/Research/Gemlab_Research_Newsletter_06-09.pdf

Useful link:
www.gemlab.net

If in doubt, always consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.

Art Meets Wildlife

Trouble in Paradise, an artistic installation at the Schönbrunn zoo in Vienna, Austria by artist-duo Steinbrener/Dempf was a brilliant idea. Check out the link www.steinbrener-dempf.com + www.zoovienna.at

Guggenheim Forum

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Forum
http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/exhibitions/forum

Meet the experts in various fields and learn more about them.

The Wedding At Cana

If you’re in town for the Venice Biennale, don’t miss the marriage of High Renaissance painting and advanced technology that is 'The Wedding at Cana,' by the British filmmaker Peter Greenaway. Check out the link www.petergreenaway.info

'The Wedding at Cana' runs until early August, then again from late August through the second week of September; Palladian Refectory, San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice.
www.changeperformingarts.it

It is the best unmanned art history lecture you’ll ever experience.

The Art Of Ventriloquism

Bright Lights, Wide Eyes: Nostalgic Collections That Speak Volumes
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/22/arts/design/22private.html?_r=1

Useful links:
www.venthavenmuseum.net
www.signmuseum.net
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventriloquism

Just as no two humans are smart in precisely the same way, no two of these creatures are dummies in precisely the same way. A must visit.

Random Thoughts

The principle of medieval trade was admittedly comradeship and justice, while the principle of modern trade is avowedly competition and greed.

- GK Chesterton (1926)

Spot on.

Devorah Sperber

Meet Devorah Sperber, an American installation artist known for creating works out of spools of thread, chenille pipe cleaners and map tacks that act as optical illusions. Check out the link www.devorahsperber.com

It's immersive and beautiful, really.

Toughen Up

It's his story. Michael Hill Jewellery has more than 250 outlets across New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States of America, and the company is renowned as a world leader in efficient and innovative business.

Useful link:

www.michaelhill.com.au

Waterpod Project

Meet Mary Mattingly, designer + the genius behind the project.
www.thewaterpod.org

New Acropolis Museum

New Acropolis Museum
http://theacropolismuseum.gr

The new museum houses sculptures from the golden age of Athens. BBC's Malcolm Brabant has the story. Check out the link http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7381738.stm

Chocouture Diamond Collection

The 24k gold + diamond chocolates in the Chocouture Diamond Collection feature edible gold leaf + sugar (diamond) set in a chocolate that is made with a single-malt Scotch ganache. When consuming, please remember to not bite down on the diamond. While it is made out of sugar and edible, it is like hard candy. Check out the link www.chocolatines.com

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street / Comfy
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/06/19/fashion/20090621-street-feature/index.html#

A new influence. It's terrific. Thanks Bill.

Chinese Freshwater Cultured Pearl Grading

China has introduced a new standardized set of pearl samples for grading Chinese freshwater pearls via National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC) + Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China + leading pearl companies (Zhejiang Shanxiahu Pearl Co Ltd/Zhejiang Jiali Pearl Jewelry Co Ltd/ Zhejiang Ruan's Pearl Holding Co Ltd). Check out the link http://www.pearls.com/news2/pp48/Taijin%20Lu.pdf

Useful link:
www.ngtc.gov.cn

Alternative Energy Forum 2009

Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Benaroya Hall - Grand Lobby
200 University Street Seattle, WA 98101
www.fastcompany.com/alternative-energy
www.dsireusa.org
www.homepower.com
www.energystar.gov
http://aceee.org
www.nrel.gov
www.awea.org

Don't miss!

Choosing A Diamond

Here's how to get the most bling from your engagement ring. Learn how to interpret the 4 C's: color, clarity, cut, carat weight. Explore all your options and be a smart buyer. No two diamonds are alike. Just make sure the diamonds are properly certified by a reputed diamond grading laboratory.

The cut of your diamond typically has the biggest impact on its price--about 25% to 50%. Carat weight will influence about 10% to 20% and color and clarity each make up the last 10% to 15% of the price.
- Sherri Hendricks, Vice president
www.diamonds.com

Virgin Mary Image In Quartz

We believe this to be a miracle from God. The gemstone has a very strong, positive energy which can be easily felt by holding or even touching the stone.
- Rev. Dr. Douglas Van Dyke, D.D

It was a very unusual gem material indeed, but it was unnecessary for Rev Douglas Van Dyke to make god-like statements. Make your own judgment. Check out the link http://www.image2.com/Site_2/Welcome.html

Art Market Update

Old Masters and maestros
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13888724

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

A unique way to promote London-based dealers + identifying undiscovered paintings is what every dealer dreams of.

Street Art. Istanbul.

The Beyoglu municipality is one of the sponsors of a month-long exhibit called 'Morphosis,' which gathers more than two dozen young Turkish street artists and lets them loose inside a previously derelict, seven-story building to create a kind of free-form, organic installation piece. Check out the link www.streetartistanbul.com

Bulgari Bling

As part of a new historical exhibit of over 500 Bulgari jewels, Elizabeth Taylor's fantastic collection of jewels will be on display in all its sparkling splendor in Rome’s Palazzo delle Esposizioni in celebration of the 125th anniversary of Bulgari’s first store in Rome. Check out the link www.palazzoesposizioni.it

Useful link:
www.bulgari.com

Ellen Fruchtman Viewpoint

Ellen Fruchtman's views on making price an easy part of the jewlery selling conversation was interesting. Jewelers refuse to be transparent; they refuse to show prices. True. Why do you think the Internet has become so popular? Although online sales represent a small percentage of all fine jewelry sales, the percentage of consumers going online for product research is most certainly not small. True.

Useful link:
www.fruchtman.com

Wake up, jewelers. Do the right thing. It's just common sense, really.

Up-and-coming Photographers

In pictures: Up-and-coming photographers
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/8109092.stm

Useful link:
www.csm2009photography.com

Brilliant work!

ForYourArt

ForYourArt highlights
http://losangeles.foryourart.com

Art Basel 2009

Recession appeal: Collectors like nothing better than a good economic downturn. How true!

Useful links:
www.artbasel.com
www.labiennale.org

Chaim Even Zohar Viewpoint

The Human Rights Debate within the Kimberly Process
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful links:
www.diamondintelligence.com
www.kimberleyprocess.com
www.pacweb.org
www.globalwitness.org

I think there is so much to do to clean up the KP. Smugglers are always one step ahead of the law. Who would argue against the importance of respecting human rights today? But the fact of the matter is there are human rights issues in producer countries, in cutting and trading centers and in consumer markets. Thanks Chaim for discussing these issues frankly.

Tarzan

The Musee du Quai Branly in Paris has a new exhibition on Tarzan's popularity and influence via movie clips, artwork, music and text to illustrate the character's influence. Check out the link www.quaibranly.fr

A Century Of News

The British Library has put two million digitised pages from 19th century newspapers online. Check out the link www.bl.uk

Gold Vending Machine

TG-Gold-Super-Markt, based near Stuttgart, is planning to install gold vending machines at 500 locations including train stations and airports in Germany. Brilliant idea, really. I think it's a great gift for everyone.

Useful link:
www.gold-super-markt.de

Heard On The Street

Nobody is as interested in you as you think they are. Sell more by saying less.

Roberts Yogo Company

Unearthing Montana's yogo sapphires
http://www.kpax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10506341

Useful link:
www.csp2.org

The idea of conscionable mining is something that reaches across sectors. We are going to add value to the Yogo sapphire by demonstrating that it's socially responsible and environmentally ethical in the way we mine and cut and distribute and sell the Yogo sapphire.
- Claire Baiz, Earth Solutions Committee

Ounces To Pounds

A new way to turn your unwanted jewelry into cash. I think this concept is really going to catch on. Check out the link http://ounces2pounds.com

Micro-home

FDKA's micro-home, built from FSC-certified wood and insulated with cellulosic fiber derived from recycled newspapers comes with a skylight, radiant underfloor heating, energy-efficient appliances, ample storage space, LED lighting, and optional solar photovoltaic and hot water heating systems. Check out the link www.fkda.co.uk

I loved it.

Random Thoughts

Oh! where are the riches that bubbled like fountains,
In places we neither could utter nor spell,
A thousand miles inland 'mid untrodden mountains,
Where silver and gold grew like heath and blue-bell?
Now curst be the projects, and curst the projectors,
And curst be the bubbles before us that rolled,
Which, bursting, have left us like desolate spectres,
Bewailing our bodies of paper and gold.

- Thomas Love Peacock

140 Character Conference 2009

The 140 Characters Conference
www.140conf.com
http://jeffpulver.com

Jeff Pulver explores the effects of Twitter on celebrity, media, advertising and politics.

An Appreciation Of The Argyle Tenders

Rhapsodies in Blue, Pink, Purple, Red—and Brown: An Appreciation of the Argyle Tenders
http://www.colored-stone.com/stories/may09/argyle-diamonds.cfm

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

Great review, Dave. Thanks.

BP Portrait Award 2009

Peter Monkman, an art teacher, has won this year's BP Portrait Award for an oil painting of his 12-year-old daughter. The painting will go on display at the National Portrait Gallery, in London, as part of the BP Portrait Award exhibition. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/8102830.stm

Useful link:

www.npg.org.uk

Per Kirkeby

In pictures: Per Kirkeby
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/8104954.stm

Useful links:
www.tate.org.uk
www.perkirkeby.com

Kirkeby, one of Denmark's biggest contemporary artists, rose to international prominence in the early 1980s and is known for vigorous brushwork in his paintings. Don't miss!

JR Art

Audio slideshow: Faces of the favelas
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/8091890.stm

Useful link:
http://jr-art.net

Innovative. Inspirational. Stunning.

Scratchers

Meet other Scratchers + share projects + experiences + learn
http://scratch.mit.edu

World Retail Award 2009

JC Penney Inc.'s popular 'Beware of the Doghouse' won the 2009 World Retail Award for Best Digital Retail Advertising Campaign at the recent World Retail Congress held in Barcelona, Spain. Check out the link www.worldretailcongress.com

Useful link:
www.bewareofthedoghouse.com

Heard On The Street

Mistakes I have made in the markets include entering a trade without knowing exactly what I would do if price moved up, down, or sideways.

The Story Of A Red Diamond

One Red Diamond In Search Of An Owner

Useful links:
www.gemfacts.com
www.argylepinktender.com
www.riotintodiamonds.com

A unique treasure hunt, really.

How To Green Your Home

Discover how you can your home's energy bills + carbon emissions
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/interactive/2009/jun/12/green-your-home
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/series/green-your-home

The Art Of Making Money

The Art of Making Money: The Story of a Master Counterfeiter by Jason Kersten is a fascinating book about Art Williams, the creative counterfeiter, and his life. A must read.

Useful link:

www.jasonkersten.com

Darwin's Endless Forms

Audio slideshow: Darwin's Endless Forms
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8101520.stm

Useful link:
www.darwinendlessforms.org

Science meet art, really. Brilliant. I loved it.

Czar Treasures From The East

A trove of spectacular objects from the Kremlin’s collection
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/multimedia/photos/?c=y&articleID=47842072&page=1

Useful link:
www.kreml.ru

Today, many of the lavish gifts that Russian czars received during numerous visits from the Ottoman Turks and the Safavids of Iran remain preserved in the treasury of the Kremlin. Until now, most of the objects had never been on public display outside Russia. This summer, 65 of the Kremlin’s finest works, some pulled for the first time from the storage vaults of the Kremlin armory, are on view at the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery through September 13, 2009.

Don't miss!

Heard On The Street

It's really hard to buy gemstones at the right price. Half of all gemstones that trades in the market never sees a broker. We believe you've got to have a lot of local knowledge of the marketplace. Gem dealers are smart and they talk. And if one gem dealer rolls into town and makes a bid, suddenly all of the prices go up.

Erik Johansson

Meet Erik Johansson, the photo manipulation master based in Gothenburg, Sweden.

www.alltelleringet.com

Interesting to watch because they give a realistic view of an unreal picture. Brilliant!

Your Story

Yourstory.in = Entrepreneurs + Start-ups + Self-made professionals
www.yourstory.in

The Purpose Linked Organization

The Purpose Linked Organization: How Passionate Leaders Inspire Winning Teams and Great Results by Alaina Love + Marc Cugnon is a brilliant book filled with insights on purpose power and its impact. A must read.

Useful link:

www.thepurposelink.com

Zero Energy Technology And Architecture

ZETA Communities
www.zetacommunities.com

Affordable + Energy-efficient.

Ghost Forest

Ghost forest in Trafalgar Square
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8093912.stm

Useful link:
www.angelaspalmer.com

Anjela's artwork was brilliant.

Tom Koulopolous

Business Visionary: Tom Koulopoulos
www.tomkoulopoulos.com

Hacking Education

Group discussions among academics, entrepreneurs, and educators at Union Square Sessions Event, Hacking Education was insightful. Check out the link http://www.unionsquareventures.com/2009/05/hacking_education.html

Platinum First

Platinum First = Interactive training + smart selling techniques
www.platinumguild.com

Jessica Stockholder

Meet Jessica Stockholder + explore her beautiful site-specific sculptures/installations
www.madisonsquarepark.org
www.seniorandshopmaker.com
www.miandn.com
www.jessicastockholder.coe.uh.edu
http://art.yale.edu/JessicaStockholder

What's unique is the color + geometry.

Verona Opera Festival 2009

Placido Domingo is the star attraction at Verona’s 87th Opera Festival, which also features revivals of 'Carmen' + 'Aida' + 'Turandot.' Check out the link www.arena.it

The Art And Politics Of Science

The Art and Politics of Science by Harold Varmus is an interesting book that illustrates the relationship between science and society + the nature of the society of scientists. A must read.

Open Source Embroidery

Embroidery + Code = Open Source Embroidery
www.open-source-embroidery.org.uk

A brilliant mashup between craft and technology, really.

Heard On The Street

Don't feel that you simply must be in the market all the time, but get out occasionally so as to regain your perspective and an unprejudiced view of the situation, especially when the trend is not clear.

Clos Jordanne

Le Clos Jordanne's 2005 Claystone Terrace, an outsider wine has surprised the wine world in what is being dubbed, 'The Judgment of Montreal.' The Société des alcools du Québec invited Quebec's top wine writers and sommeliers, who tend to favor Old World wines, to revisit the historic Judgment of Paris. Le Clos Jordanne participated in a blind tasting held in Quebec, and beat out all the wines from France and the United States. Hats off to Thomas Bachelder!

Useful links:

www.leclosjordanne.com

www.saq.com

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street / Fade to Black
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/06/13/fashion/20090614-street-feature/index.html#

Black is in vogue again. It was marvelous. Thanks Bill.

Living Buildings

Living Building Challenge
www.cascadiagbc.org
www.tyson.wustl.edu

Living Building Challenge sponsored by the Cascadia Region Green Building Council is arguably the most extreme green building rating system in the world. I hope the learning centers in India adopt a similar rating system to cut down on carbon dioxide emissions and save the environment.

Holy Jewels

Karnataka tourism minister and Bellary mine baron Gali Janardhan Reddy has donated a diamond-studded crown (32kg of pure gold + 70,000 diamonds weighing 4,000 carats + a huge 890-carat emerald) worth Rs 42 crore (US$8.8 million) to Lord Venkateswara at Tirupati. Keertilal Jewellers of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu took nine months to fashion the crown. With this offering, the total number of crowns placed with the Lord has gone up to seven.

Useful link:

www.tirumala.org

Afghan Star

Havana Marking’s first feature documentary 'Afghan Star' was both brilliant and captivating. Afghan Star explores the power of pop culture where just eight years ago singing in public was a crime. Check out the link www.afghanstardocumentary.com

Art Market Update

Hard times
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13849543

Useful links:
www.artprice.com
www.christies.com
www.picasso.fr
www.artloss.com

Finding paintings to sell now depends on relationships, conversations and trust. How true!

The Human Rights International Film Festival 2009

The Human Rights International Film Festival 2009
www.hrw.org
www.filmlinc.com

Jancis Robinson Viewpoint

Germany passes the acid test
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/b1d4f13c-56dd-11de-9a1c-00144feabdc0.html

Useful links:
www.jancisrobinson.com
www.ft.com/arts/columnists/robinson

Great review. Thanks Jancis.

Heard On The Street

Knowing about gem market = knowing about people's weakness.

Gary Hamel Viewpoint

Innovators, Take Heart
http://blogs.wsj.com/management

So don’t give up. Innovation isn’t a fad—it’s the real deal, the only deal.

Useful link:
www.garyhamel.com

Spot on.

Synthetic Diamond Update

Dr. Zalman M. Shapiro, 89, will be personally presented with his new patent for creating gem-quality synthetic diamonds by John J. Doll, Acting United States Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property at the USPTO Headquarters, Madison Building, 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, on June 16th at 1pm. Check out the link www.uspto.gov

Dr. Shapiro, who was recently nominated for the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, demonstrates that it is never too late to be a contributing member of our society. Hats off to Dr Zalman!

i29

Intelligent designs + striking images = Everything flows
www.i29.nl + www.snelder.com

I Don't Want To Polish Diamonds Anymore Movie

Atul Patel's Gujarati film 'Have Maare Hira Nathi Ghasva (I don't want to polish diamonds anymore)' on the plight of diamond polishers in Gujarat, India, has become so successful, he is planning a global release for the movie, with English subtitles to cater to the diaspora. Good luck!

Banksy's Bristol Show

In pictures: Banksy's Bristol show
http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/bristol/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8096000/8096891.stm
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b0d9746e-576f-11de-8c47-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1

Useful link:
www.banksy.co.uk

His art + stunts are extraordinary. Amazingly his work has attracted serious collectors from the mainstream market, and he will continue to excite, engage or challenge us in the long run. He is different, really.

Spent

Spent: Sex, Evolution, and Consumer Behavior by Geoffrey Miller is a fascinating book on our quest for self-display + the pros/cons. I guess, it's a state of mind. A must read.

Useful link:

www.unm.edu/~psych/faculty/lg_gmiller.html

Pen And Parchment

An intriguing show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York
http://www.economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13813420

The show, open until August 23rd, is hung with more than 50 finely detailed, beautifully observed and executed medieval drawings, all created between the ninth and 14th centuries.

Useful link:
http://blog.metmuseum.org/penandparchment

A must visit.

Edward Tufte

Meet Edward Tufte, the Galileo of graphics + explore his design/innovative thinking and simple approach via sparklines = tiny graphical devices that can communicate enormous volumes of data in just a few characters. Check out the link www.edwardtufte.com

Willard Wigan

Micro-sculptor Willard Wigan is launching a new exhibition. Check out the link www.willard-wigan.com

DropStuff

DropStuff = Media art + e-Culture
http://dropstuff.org

Art brings down boundaries and encourages openness. The new technologies offer exciting tools to work with + new ways of reaching audiences.

World Science Festival 2009

Science, the Extravaganza
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/arts/12fest.html?_r=1&hp

Useful links:
www.worldsciencefestival.com
www.eowilson.org

The idea of blending art, theater and music with science was brilliant. Hats off to Brian Greene! Don't miss!

Chaim Even Zohar Viewpoint

Pulling the Plugs
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful link:
www.diamondintelligence.com

I think to some players pulling the plug may provide a preferred exit route out of the industry. Spot on. Thanks Chaim for the insightful article.

Random Thoughts

I'm convinced that farmland is going to be one of the best investments of our time. Eventually, of course, food prices will get high enough that the market probably will be flooded with supply through development of new land or technology or both, and the bull market will end. But that's a long ways away yet.

- Jim Rogers
www.jimrogers.com
http://jimrogers-investments.blogspot.com
www.farmlandinvestmentpartnership.com

Spot on. I think the biggest investors in farmland will probably be sovereign wealth funds eager to secure food supplies for their rapidly growing populations + the effects of climate change could only amplify the problem.

The Art Of Innovation

Ten Commandments from Entrepreneurial 'Evangelist' Guy Kawasaki
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2258

Useful link:
www.guykawasaki.com

The 10 commandments were great. Good thoughts.

Gary Hamel Viewpoint

Why Success Often Sows the Seeds of Failure
http://blogs.wsj.com/management

Useful link:
www.garyhamel.com

True indeed. Spot on. Success corrupts.

Seven5

A high-tech design via Seven5 www.seven5.com + Herman Miller www.hermanmiller.com

Art In Venice

Venice Biennale Highlights
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/06/10/arts/design/20090610_BIENNALE_FEATURE.html?hp

Body Of Art

Unusual performance artists
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8089933.stm

Useful link:
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00kt8r3

Fascinating/shocking, really.

Thoughts On Jewels

Ethical jewels
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/style/5487536/Ethical-jewels.html

Useful links:
www.gold.org
www.responsiblejewellery.com
www.londonjewelleryweek.co.uk
www.theofennell.com
www.shaunleane.com
www.stephenwebster.com
www.cityfringe.org.uk
www.artworkersguild.org
www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk
www.astleyclarke.com
www.credjewellery.com
www.osmanyousefzada.com

Ethics are key. I really appreciate people who go the extra mile to make it better. None of this is easy.

E3 Expo 2009

E3 Expo
http://e3expo.com

Noteworthy video games from the 2009 E3 expo in Los Angeles.
- Assassins Creed 2: http://assassinscreed.uk.ubi.com
- Heroes of Telara: www.heroesoftelara.com
- RUSE: http://ruse.uk.ubi.com
- Star Wars: The Old Republic: www.swtor.com
- Project Natal: www.xbox.com/en-US/live/projectnatal
- Academy of Champions: http://academyofchampions.uk.ubi.com
- PSP Go: http://uk.playstation.com/psp
- Just Cause 2: www.justcause.com
- Hearts of Iron III: www.paradoxplaza.com
- Mass Effect 2: http://masseffect.bioware.com