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Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Total Solar Eclipse 2009

Each time I learn something new. Awesome. Nature in its glory. Really.

Pulp-Based Computing

M.I.T. Media Lab's Pulp-Based Computing project was rather interesting. The team's website says Pulp-Based Computing is a series of explorations that combine smart materials, papermaking, and printing. By integrating electrically active inks and fibers during the papermaking process, it is possible to create sensors and actuators that behave, look, and feel like paper. These composite materials not only leverage the physical and tactile qualities of paper, but can also convey digital information, spawning new and unexpected application domains in ubiquitous and pervasive computing at extremely affordable costs. Fluid Interfaces Stay tuned.

David Ogilvy’s Best Business Advice

Thank you Patricia Sellers for sharing. http://postcards.blogs.fortune.cnn.com The one I liked most was the old Scottish motto: Be happy while you’re living, for you are a long time dead. Spot on.

Souren Melikian Viewpoint

Without spending a dime, the British Museum has acquired 1,683 Chinese ceramic vessels, some of them unique, and many more made for the emperors of China, thus becoming the greatest repository of the ceramic art of China in the Western world. Thanks Souren for sharing the extraordinary story of the acquisition + the two collectors. It was educational and insightful.

Useful link:
www.britishmuseum.org

Art Of forgery

The National Gallery is to stage its first exhibition dedicated exclusively to fakes and mistakes – and, its director insists, they can be a pure joy. I agree. It's not a bad idea to have fakes. It's important to know how clever forgers can be + learn how to identify them. Hats off to Nicholas Penny!

Useful link:
www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Art Market Update

Kelly Crow's report on Brueghels was brilliant. (To succeed as an Old Master buyer, collectors must be willing to navigate a clubby, oak-paneled world dominated by a handful of dealers, such as Richard Green in London and Otto Naumann in New York, and a slew of heady collectors, from investor activist Carl Icahn to investment banker Leon Black. A pilgrimage must also be made each March to gossip and shop at the prestigious European Fine Art Fair in Maastricht, Netherlands. Spot on.)

Random Thoughts

When stock prices are rising, it’s called 'momentum investing'; when they are falling, it’s called 'panic'.

- Paul Krugman
http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com

Spot on.

Nobuo Uematsu

Nobuo Uematsu is the master. Videogame music in concert was an immersive experience. Give it a try.

Useful links:
www.square-enix-usa.com/uematsu
www.ffdistantworlds.com
www.videogameslive.com
www.play-symphony.com
www.awrmusic.com

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Guide To Sleeping In Airports

The Budget Travellers Guide to Sleeping in Airports has some interesting surprises. Charles de Gaulle has been voted the absolute worst, followed by Sheremetyevo in Moscow. In the third and fourth spots were New York’s JFK and Los Angeles’ LAX, while Delhi airport rounded off the top five worst airports. On the flip side, Singapore’s Changi was rated the cleanest and most comfortable airport to sleep in, followed by Seoul’s Incheon and Amsterdam’s Schiphol. Avoid Paris’ Charles de Gaulle at all costs, but embrace Singapore’s Changi.

Useful link:
www.sleepinginairports.net

Nandan Nilekani Interview

Great interview. In Imagining India: The Idea of a Renewed Nation, Nandan Nilekani tackles themes ranging from education and demographics to investment and infrastructure. Nilekani was recently recruited by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to head a project to create a national identification card for the country. I wish him the best of luck.

Useful link:
http://imaginingindia.com

Connect With Community

Museums' new mantra: Connect with community. I fully agree. It's all about community. This generation is about social relevance and global connection. That's the only way to get connected.

Useful links:
http://reachadvisors.com
http://reachadvisors.typepad.com
www.museumoftolerance.com
www.metmuseum.org
www.lacma.org
www.museumca.org
www.getty.edu

Jorge Colombo's Sketches

Artist Jorge Colombo makes pictures of New York street life using the Brushes application on his iPhone. Check out the link www.jorgecolombo.com

Leonardo Notarbartolo's Story

Milanese authorities found Leonardo Notarbartolo, the man accused of masterminding the world’s biggest diamond heist, in possession of approximately 2.2 pounds of rough, uncut diamonds.

Great story, but diamonds are nearly impossible to tag/trace. I completely agree with Joshua Davis. If you can’t prove that the diamonds are stolen, then you would logically have to give the diamonds back to the owner. Stay tuned.

Useful link:
www.joshuadavis.net

Why Raindrops Come In Many Sizes

I have always wanted to ask this question. Now, by filming one falling raindrop, researchers in France have explained why the drops are an array of so many different sizes. Emmanuel Villermaux from Aix-Marseille University explained it well. Thanks.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Random Thoughts

There was a time when a fool and his money were soon parted, but now it happens to everybody.

- Adlai Stevenson

Spot on.

Harnessing Networks

Harnessing Networks to Create Value and Identify New Opportunities by Paul R. Kleindorfer, Yoram (Jerry) Wind was interesting. It was all about open innovation + engaging/learning via social experiments so that the key players are able to modify and move forward to generate new opportunities.

Space Exploration

July 20, 1969: One Small Step. One Giant Leap. Forty years ago, NASA put a man on the moon. What does the next 40 years hold for the world’s premiere space agency? Space exploration volunteers wanted (The catch? It's a one-way ticket). The next generation of astronauts may hurtle through the cosmos for years or decades on a mission to explore distant planets and stars – and never return. For some it would be an offer they can't refuse.

Burma Gem Sales and Statistics

Check out Pala’s Burma Gem Sales and Statistics. Educational/insightful.

Strange Habits

For Sale: One Leopard-Skin Rolex and Maybe Some Frozen Sharks. When a Mexican drug lord gets busted, what happens to his emerald-encrusted pistols? Read on. What really intrigued me was the Mexican narco-bling: A Rolex watch and band custom-jeweled to resemble leopard's skin; De La Cour watches featuring skull or marijuana-leaf motifs; a pair of gold pistol grips with raised eagle busts adorned with diamonds and emeralds. Perhaps reflecting proximity of death for many drug traffickers, often the jewels have religious themes, such as a palm-sized gold and diamond necklace ornament depicting St. Jude, the patron saint of hopeless causes.

Seven Pleasures

Seven Pleasures: Essays on Ordinary Happiness by Willard Spiegelman was simply pleasurable. A must read.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Museum In A Shoebox

Created by the Swedish artist Kristina Dalberg, it presents real and imaginary works by real and imaginary artists. Check out the link www.museuminashoebox.com

Luke Johnson Viewpoint

You will forget the customer at your peril. In business, everything starts with the customer. Without customers, there are no sales, and with no sales, a business is bankrupt. Spot on. Thanks Luke.

Useful links:
www.lukejohnson.org
www.riskcapitalpartners.co.uk
www.channel4.com
www.johnlewis.com

Cash For Diamonds

Cash for Gold USA has launched a new website, Cash for Diamonds, which allows consumers to sell diamond jewelry and loose stones. Check out the link http://cashfordiamondsusa.com I would like to see an entrepreneur launch Cash for Colored Stones. Really.

Digital Graffiti

To see the interactive digital graffiti wall at the Royal Albert Hall was an immersive experience. I think it's a perfect educational tool. I really liked it.

Useful link:
www.lumacoustics.co.uk

Diffusing Copper Into Tourmaline

Potential for Diffusing Copper into Tourmaline via GIA Research (Thailand)
http://www.giathai.net/pdf/The_copper_diffusion_of_tourmaline_experiment_June_16_2009.pdf

Educational/insightful. If doubtful, always consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.

Music Simplified

The music-making game + technology installation that allows anyone to create a music track and video in just six minutes was brilliant. I liked it.

Useful links:
www.silentstudios.co.uk
http://musicispower.youthmusic.org.uk
www.chrisoshea.org

A Collector Extraordinaire

Quality matters, rarity is appreciated but beauty gives way to documentary value and particular era. The depth of the museums’ holdings encourages visitors to see even such seemingly banal objects as toasters and magazine racks in a newly appreciative way. Spot on. Hats off to Mitchell Wolfson, a.k.a Micky, for the spectacular collections!

Useful links:
www.wolfsonian.org
www.wolfsoniana.it

Bundanoon Effect

A town in rural New South Wales has become the first community in Australia, and possibly the world, to ban bottled water. Bundanoon has set a good example. Just do it. Read on.

Useful link:
www.dosomething.org

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street / In the Wind
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/07/16/fashion/20090719-street-feature/index.html#

There is a whole new trend of fashion. Something to think about, really. I loved it. Thanks Bill.

Art Market Update

Renaissance for the Renaissance. The National Museum of the Renaissance at the Chateau d’Ecouen is a place to be discovered peacefully.

Useful links:
www.musee-renaissance.fr
www.musee-moyenage.fr
www.louvre.fr

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Chris Anderson Viewpoint

Tech Is Too Cheap to Meter: It's Time to Manage for Abundance, Not Scarcity. Interesting viewpoint. Read on.

Useful link:
www.thelongtail.com

Digital Bridge Academy

I was really intrigued by the way Digital Bridge Academy tailors programs to individual learning styles. It's brilliant. It works.

A Fine Line

A Fine Line: How Design Strategies Are Shaping the Future of Business by Hartmut Esslinger is an inspiring book on design + it's his story, really. A must read.

Useful link:

Dara Dubinet

Meet Dara Dubinet + explore her latest raw collections. www.daradubinet.com

Beryllium Treated Blue Sapphires

Beryllium Treated Blue Sapphires via GIA Research (Thailand)
http://www.giathai.net/pdf/Beryllium_diffused_blue_sapphires_at_June_26th_2009.pdf

Educational + insightful, really.

Demantoid Disclosure

The ins and outs of reporting demantoid treatment and locality. Major gem testing laboratories have different viewpoints. Read on. http://www.palagems.com/demantoid_disclose.htm

Sustainability Index

Wal-Mart is developing a unique operating system what it calls a 'sustainability index' to measure the sustainability of every product it sells via a sustainability consortium led by the University of Arkansas + Arizona State University that will provide scientific research to support the effort. Check out the link www.sustainabilityconsortium.org

I think economically it's going to have a huge impact in the retail sector.

Codex Sinaiticus Project

The world’s oldest manuscript of the Bible has been 'reunited' in cyberspace, thanks to a joint effort by the British Library in London, the University Library in Leipzig, the National Library of Russia in St Petersburg, and the ancient monastery of St Catherine’s on the slopes of Mount Sinai, the Bible’s original home. How did the pages come to be so dispersed? Check out the link www.codexsinaiticus.org

Unlocking Opportunities For Growth

Unlocking Opportunities for Growth: How to Profit from Uncertainty While Limiting Your Risk by Alexander B. van Putten + Ian C. MacMillan offer a tool they call Opportunity Engineering (OE), which shows companies how to engineer the risk out of uncertain opportunities in order to pursue more high-payoff innovations. A must read.

Mosquito Ring

Stephen Webster has been commissioned by the Malaria Awareness Campaign to design a one-of-a-kind mosquito ring in the likeness of a mosquito from rhodium-plated white gold set with ruby cabochons, white diamond wings, a silver diamond tail and a black diamond band to raise funds for charity organization Malaria No More U.K. Hats off to Stephen!

Useful links:
www.malarianomore.org.uk
www.stephenwebster.com

Friday, July 17, 2009

Goldman Sachs Internal Memo

Furthermore, to avoid drawing criticism from the press, this year the bonuses, expected to be comically large, will be distributed in blood diamonds, which can be easily concealed in a briefcase so it looks like we’re working. Read on.

Brilliant post. I couldn't stop laughing. This was hilarious. Thanks Farley.

Film Forum

In a Lonely Place begins a weeklong run at Film Forum. Don't miss.
www.filmforum.org

Sander Mulder

Continue Time Clock, designed by Sander Mulder is definitely a piece of art. I liked it. www.sandermulder.com

Sarah Graham's Jewelry

Meet Sarah Graham + explore her innovative/functional jewelry designs. Stunningly beautiful indeed. www.sarahgraham.com

Latitude Festival 2009

Poets and pop stars prepare for Latitude
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8149432.stm

Useful link:
www.latitudefestival.co.uk

Festivals are interactive + magical + welcoming. Don't miss.

Africa Rising

Africa Rising: How 900 Million African Consumers Offer More Than You Think by Vijay Mahajan is an interesting book about growing opportunities in Africa. A must read.

Random Thoughts

Opal is a luxury item and times are tough. You can't eat it, you don't need it, so people aren't buying it.

- Stuart Jackson

Chaim Even Zohar Viewpoint

One Umbrella to Become the ‘Mother of All Umbrellas’
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful link:
www.diamondintelligence.com

Spot on.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Innovation Tournaments

Innovation Tournaments: Creating and Selecting Exceptional Opportunities by Christian Terwiesch + Karl Ulrich is an interesting book on how to selectively absorb new ideas via innovation tournaments for greatest profitability. A must read.

Useful links:

Carvers And Collectors

The Getty Center, Los Angeles runs an exhibition named 'Carvers and Collectors' through September 7, 2009 at the Getty Villa. This exhibition features intaglios and cameos carved by ancient master engravers + outstanding works by modern carvers that illustrate the lasting allure of gems. Don't miss. Check out the link www.getty.edu

Mass Animation Project

An Animated Film Is Created Through Internet Consensus. That teaser, posted last fall on Facebook by the upstart company Mass Animation, kicked off a project many people in Hollywood thought was laughable: making a five-minute animated film using the Wikipedia model, with animators from around the world contributing shots, and Facebook users voting on their favorites. Social networking works, really. Check out the link http://www.facebook.com/massanimation

How To Store Excess Electricity

The Challenge for Green Energy: How To Store Excess Electricity. Jon R. Luoma's article on storage technologies was educational and insightful. www.e360.yale.edu

Prix Pictet 2009

The Prix Pictet is an annual prize dedicated to photography and sustainability. Check out the shortlisted artists at www.prixpictet.com

Picasso - Peace And Freedom

In pictures: Picasso - Peace and Freedom. Coming soon/expect next year.

Useful links:
www.tate.org.uk/liverpool
www.picasso.fr

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Champagne Citrine Gallery

John Dyer's fancy cuts were stunningly beautiful. Check out the link www.johndyergems.com

Christoph Niemann's Art

Master of the Universe
http://niemann.blogs.nytimes.com

Useful link:
www.christophniemann.com

Brilliant. I loved it.

Random Thoughts

The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.

- Bertrand Russell

Spot on.

Telling Tales

The V&A's new exhibition Telling Tales delves into the fantastical world of contemporary design, taking visitors on a mind-blowing journey through furniture, lighting and ceramics, all inspired by the spirit of storytelling. Check out the link www.vam.ac.uk

Color Grading Natural Zircon

Brilliant idea. I think the zircon hues and appearances are very similar to to those of champagne (and cognac) diamonds. Hats off to Raja Shah! The existing C1-C7 color-grading system can be easily adapted to quartz + topaz. Why re-invent the (color) wheel? Spot on.

Next Generation Biofuels

(via Guardian) Gene scientist Craig Venter has announced plans to develop next-generation biofuels from algae in a $600m partnership with oil giant Exxon Mobil. His company, Synthetic Genomics Incorporated (SGI), will develop fuels that can be used by cars or aeroplanes without the need for any modification of their engines. I hope the new technology is economically viable and effective.

Useful links:
www.jcvi.org
www.syntheticgenomics.com
www.carbontrust.co.uk

Global Business BBC

Peter Day presents the story of Hiroyoshi Ishibashi + Weathernews Inc.
www.weathernews.com

Inspiring story, really.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Engineered Transparency

Engineered Transparency: The Technical, Visual, and Spatial Effects of Glass by Michael Bell + Jeannie Kim is a fascinating book about innovative glass technology + its impact in our daily lives.

Useful links:
www.wernersobek.com
www.icaboston.org
www.toledomuseum.org

Postcards Of Lost Royals

Reminiscent of a forgotten era of glamour, grace, and regal power, Postcards of Lost Royals brings history to life and distills the essence of a long-vanished world of royalty. One of my favorite, really.

Random Thoughts

Some extremely sharp investment advisors can get you in at the bottom of the market. Some extremely sharp ones can get you out at the top. They are never the same people.

- Gary North
www.garynorth.com

Spot on.

Rufus Wainwright

Rufus Wainwright's operatic debut Prima Donna has been unveiled at the Manchester international festival.

Check out the link www.rufuswainwright.com + www.mif.co.uk

Melbourne Recital Center + Theater Company

The Melbourne Recital Center and Theater Company, designed by ARM has won the 2009 Victorian Architecture medal for successfully crossing design boundaries (for public architecture + interior architecture + interior architecture). Congratulations!

Useful links:
www.a-r-m.com.au
www.melbournerecital.com.au
www.architecture.com.au

Scott Harrison's Story

Clean, Sexy Water. People always ask: What can I do to make a difference? That’s where Scott Harrison comes in. Read on. It's an inspiring story. Thanks Nicholas for the post.

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

Monday, July 13, 2009

Create Your Own Economy

Create Your Own Economy: The Path to Prosperity in a Disordered World by Tyler Cowen is a great book that will open your mind to think differently. A must read.

Useful links:

Michael Arthur

Meet Michael Arthur, a pen and ink artist who specializes in live drawing of theater, dance and music rehearsals. www.michaeldarthur.com

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Fabio Cammarata

Fabio Cammarata's unique pendant collections featuring precious people were brilliant. They all have a story.

Useful link:
www.fabiocammarata.it

Jorge Colombo Update

Jorge Colombo sketches limo drivers using the Brushes application (iPhone) and his fingertips. www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/tny/finger-painting

Significant Objects Project

A curious way to promote writing. Storytelling in a different way. Really.
http://significantobjects.com

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street / Elevated
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/07/11/fashion/20090712-street-feature/index.html?hp#

It's fashion for the 21st century. This is the future. Thanks Bill. I loved it.

Art Market Update

Orientalist art. Great review. Two crucial lessons for vendors in recessionary market: don’t sell unless you have to, and don’t be greedy in setting estimates. If the low estimate is pitched at a high level, buyers sense greed in the air and tend to hold off from bidding. In a buyers’ market, purchasers like to feel they have got a bargain, especially if they are spending a lot of money. Spot on.

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

Karl Taro Greenfeld Viewpoint

Luxe Redux. Lavish. Silent. Undisturbed. Visiting luxury boutiques these days can seem like stepping into a time capsule. Spot on. Karl's report on the luxury sector was brilliant. Today the brand + consumer disconnect is real. How do you sell luxury in a post-luxury age? That's a two million dollar question!

Useful link:
www.karltarogreenfeld.com

Soul Power

Soul Power is an extravagantly entertaining documentary by Jeffrey Levy-Hinte. Don't miss. Check out the link www.sonyclassics.com/soulpower

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Heard On The Street

I don’t want to make money buying and selling gems. The idea is all about acquiring knowledge, and access to the top gems of the world.

Madécasse

Madécasse, made from cacao grown in Madagascar’s naturally organic forests tastes good. Try it. It’s traded fairly and is environmentally friendly.

Useful link:
www.madecasse.com

Jancis Robinson Viewpoint

Take the sommelier home with you
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/7033f200-6ce0-11de-af56-00144feabdc0.html

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

Great review. Thanks Jancis.

The Hermitage Amsterdam

The Hermitage’s new satellite museum in Amsterdam should encourage visitors to spend an extra day in the Dutch capital. Certainly, yes and yes. Check out the link www.hermitage.nl

How Flowers Conquered The World

I have always wondered about flowering plants dominating the landscape. How did this happen? Have you ever stopped to think just how important they are? I love flowers. What would this world be like without flowers?

Useful links:
www.ncp.wur.nl/UK/Staff/Berendse
www.aew.wur.nl/uk/staff/MS

Fewer, Better Things

Antwerp hopes to keep its sparkle. Antwerp has certainly secured its place as capital of the diamond trade - 80% of the world's rough diamonds and 50% of all polished stones pass through the city. But these are hard times for diamonds. It's a fact!

Useful links:
www.awdc.be
www.antwerpdiamondbourse.net
www.worldfed.com

Marko Djurdjevic

Meet Marvel’s Marko Djurdjevic, the concept artist/artistic genius + explore The Marvel Art of Marko Djurdjevic.

Useful link:
www.sixmorevodka.com

Friday, July 10, 2009

Random Thoughts

An expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less, until eventually he knows everything about nothing.

- Anonymous

How true!

Kalu Ganga River Auctioned For Gem Mining

For the first time in Sri Lanka history one of the main rivers (Kalu Ganga in Kahangamuwa) has been auctioned for Rs. 30.6 million by the Gem and Jewelry Authority for gem mining. Hard to believe, really.

Useful link:
www.srilankagemautho.com

Peter Galison + Robb Moss

Secrecy: www.secrecyfilm.com

Secret knowledge vs Open knowledge. A great documentary.

Jewelry Market Update

In a Downturn, Jewelers Aren’t So Precious. In this economy, many consumers would rather keep their money in their wallets than on their fingers, necks or ears. As people re-examine their budgets, jewelry is turning out to be one of the easiest places to cut back — or trade down (NYT). The half-carat is the new three-carat (Hayley Corwick). Spot on.

Artworks By Old Masters

Old Master price soars at auction. I think luck also played an important role. The painting was expected to fetch up to £250,000, but it sold for £1.3m as two bidders battled it out.

Useful links:
www.sothebys.com
www.bonhams.com

Michael Moore's New Film

Michael Moore has announced the title of his forthcoming documentary: Capitalism: A Love Story. Check out the link www.michaelmoore.com

Chaim Even Zohar Viewpoint

Playing with Figures
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful links:
www.diamondintelligence.com
www.mckinsey.com
www.ndol.org

Fascinating post. Thanks Chaim.

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Diamonds In The Rough

The human rights abuses in the Marange Diamond Fields of Zimbabwe has been shockingly horrific. Could the Kimberley Process (KP) simply ban diamonds from one area? No one knows. I think the government of Zimbabwe + World Diamond Council should take some proactive steps, and do the right thing.

Useful links:
www.hrw.org
www.kimberleyprocess.com
www.worlddiamondcouncil.com
www.jvclegal.org

The Knot Report

What Brides Say About Rings....and You. What I found intriguing was that stone cut/shape and style/setting vied for the most important attributes, with 53% and 52% respectively ranking them as #1 or #2. Metal was the third most important attribute, followed by stone size and price/value tied for fourth place. The least important attributes for engagement ring shoppers were the retailers and designers. Interesting trend indeed. Thanks Deborah for the insightful article.

Useful links:
www.theknot.com
www.weddingchannel.com

Ponyo

Japan’s Master Animator to Be Honored in U.S. Visit

Useful links:
-
I am a huge Hayao Miyazaki fan and my favorite is Spirited Away.

Random Thoughts

History shows that the art market follows the stock market and the real estate market. I thought the recent contemporary auctions were pretty good. Every artist is different. You may see continued softening with some artists. When you have works of great quality, there will always be buyers who will want to step up to the plate, who will buy in good times and bad.

- Eli Broad
www.broadfoundation.org

Spot on.

Manchester International Festival 2009

If you are in Manchester, U.K, for the festival, don't miss Zaha Hadid’s extraordinary Bach concert chamber. Though a temporary one, it's a real masterpiece.

Useful links:
www.mif.co.uk
www.zaha-hadid.com

The Jameel International Art Prize

Between Islamic and contemporary art
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8138175.stm

An exhibition of nine artists and designers who've been short-listed for the prize is being held at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Corot To Monet

In pictures: Corot to Monet at the National Gallery
www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Brilliant, really.