Opower

Ellen Gibson's viewpoint in the BusinessWeek about Opower, and the application of behavioral psychology to energy conservation was brilliant. I guess the psychology of persuasion does work.

Useful links:
www.opower.com
www.influenceatwork.com

Oki Sato

Check out Oki Sato's new show titled Ghost Stories: New Works from Nendo at New York's Museum of Art and design. Don't miss.

Useful links:
http://madmuseum.org
www.nendo.jp

Tinariwen

This year's Uncut Music Award for best album has been won by Tinariwen. Check it out.

Useful links:
www.tinariwen.com
www.uncut.co.uk

The Berlin Wall: 20 Years Later

A brilliant recap of events. Today, 20 years on, its dismantling inspires us still, really.

Jewelry Market Update

Ken Gassman's report in IDEX Online about the state of specialty jewelers in the U.S was interesting and insightful. Consumers are seeking value, and they are shopping at merchants who offer merchandise with a clear, definable value. So true!

Useful links:
www.kennethgassman.com
www.commerce.gov

Jewels Of France

Check out the Jewels of France exhibition at Aaron Faber Gallery, in New York. The interesting fact is that all pieces are guaranteed by the French Union BJOP as manufactured, mounted, set, and polished in France following strict ethical, legal, and environmental standards.

Useful links:
www.aaronfaber.com
www.ubifrance.fr

Random Thoughts

I predicted a year ago that contemporary art sales would rebound. There was an enormous amount of money standing on the sidelines and people are now putting it into less risky investments. It's a good thing for the market. What has happened is it made people think they can get good value for artists that stand the test of time. It was a great auction of blue-chip artists. With the dollar weakening and inflation soon to hit consumers there's a flight to blue-chip artists and many are turning art into an asset class.

- John Smiroldo
www.antiquesandfineart.com

Only time will tell.

Cellphone Into A Microscope

Anne Eisenberg's opinion piece in the New York Times (November 7, 2009) about cell phone microscopes/application was brilliant. I think the low-cost cell imaging and diagnostic platform could be applied to a number of different products.

Useful links:
http://microskia.com
www.cnsi.ucla.edu
www.disp.duke.edu
www.ee.ucla.edu/faculty-ozcan

Random Thoughts

We are geared by nature to look for patterns. And what is most confusing to people is the case when there is no pattern, when it really is governed by luck. The stock market is a perfect example of that. Today you have Abbott and Costello on CNBC. One says the market will go up, and one says the market will go down. You have nobody who says, 'I simply don't know, and there is no way of knowing.

- Dr. Meir Statman
Professor of Finance
Santa Clara University

Spot on.

A Christmas Carol

Check out Robert Zemeckis's high-tech adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. He connects the dots with special effects. I'm a huge fan of Robert Zemeckis + Christmas movies.

Useful link:
http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/achristmascarol

Geodynamics

I thought the Hot Fractured Rock (HFR) technology was interesting. I hope it works. Check it out.

Useful link:
www.geodynamics.com.au

Only God Knows I'm Good

Check out Tracey Emin's new exhibition, Only God Knows I'm Good, at the Lehmann Maupin Gallery in New York. Don't miss.

Useful links:
www.lehmannmaupin.com
www.whitecube.com
www.tracey-emin.co.uk

Jeweler's Story

Emily Maltby's viewpoints in the Wall Street Journal about main street jewelers, chain stores and the internet was interesting. You were spot on. Younger generations are becoming less interested in jewelry. Sign of the times.

Useful link:
www.jewelersboard.com

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street: Vested. The weather. The change. It was marvelous. Do your own thing. Thanks Bill. I enjoyed it.

ASIAN Art In London

London is still the centre of connoisseurship of fine Chinese objects, with about 30 specialist dealers, more than there are in the whole of Europe and America combined. So it is not surprising that the biggest treat for anyone interested in Chinese fine art this week lay within the discreet dealer showrooms a few hundred yards north and south of Piccadilly and around Kensington Church Street.

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

So true!

Carl Tashian's Wine Tasting Toolkit

I thought Carl Tashian's descriptive flavor words for wine was brilliant. I wish the graphics were interactive. http://tashian.com/wine-flavors

Jancis Robinson Viewpoint

Jancis Robinson's opinion piece in the Financial Times about South African wines was interesting and insightful. Thanks Jancis.

Useful links:
www.jancisrobinson.com
www.ft.com/arts/columnists/robinson
www.kwv.co.za
www.wosa.co.za

World Architecture Festival 2009

Check out the winners of World Architecture Festival 2009.

Useful link:
www.worldarchitecturefestival.com

Andreas Seibert

I thought Andreas Seibert's long-form documentary storytelling about Chinese migrant workers was brilliant.

Useful links:
www.andreasseibert.com
www.helmhaus.org

Raw Beauty: Diamonds In The Rough

Jemima Sissons's viewpoints in the Wall Street Journal about original types of diamonds, with rough cuts/alternative hues was interesting. I think these natural stones are becoming popular for their raw, organic quality. Period.

Useful links:
www.mingdesign.com
www.stephenwebster.com
www.pieronistudio.co.uk
http://diamondintherough.com

Art Market

Edward Dolman's viewpoints on the art market, on new collectors and old artworks was interesting.

Useful link:
www.christies.com

Berlin Wall: The East Side Gallery

Check out the largest open air gallery in the world.

Useful link:
www.eastsidegallery.com

Diamond Trade In Mozambique

Sarah Childress's opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal (November 6, 2009) about trading of Zimbabwean rough diamonds in Mozambique was interesting. Members of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme issued a toothless statement in Namibia declining (November 5, 2009) to suspend Zimbabwe from the organization over its failure to take strong action on human rights and other abuses in the Marange diamond field of eastern Manicaland province. Sad really.

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

Cultured Pearls From The Queen Conch

It has been reported that Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute has produced beaded (nucleated) and non-beaded cultured pearls from the queen conch using proprietary seeding techniques. Check it out.

Useful link:
www.fau.edu/hboi/QueenConchs.php

Matteo Pericoli

The City Out My Window by Matteo Pericoli reveals what New Yorkers see when they look out their windows. I thought it was a brilliant idea. I liked it.

Useful link:
www.matteopericoli.com

Art Market Update

Souren Melikian's fine art auction update in The New York Times was interesting and insightful.

Useful link:
www.christies.com

Disckson Despommier

Disckson Despommier's opinion piece in the New York Times about vertical farm project/designs was interesting. I guess these out of the box concepts could motivate people to change.

Useful links:
www.verticalfarm.com
www.arup.com

Ashmolean Museum

The renovated Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology will open again to the public on November 7, 2009. Check it out.

Useful links:
www.ashmolean.org
www.rickmather.com

Chaim Even Zohar Viewpoint

Chaim was spot on. The Kimberley Process has become visibly included. Sad, really. Visit the Avaaz.org website.

Useful links:
www.diamondintelligence.com
www.kimberleyprocess.com
www.avaaz.org

Genome 10K Project

I thought it was a brilliant project. Let the experts write the missing chapters in the story of life.

Useful links:
http://genome10k.soe.ucsc.edu
www.salk.edu

Terence Blanchard

Larry Blumenfeld's opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal about Terence Blanchard + his immersive Jazz scores was fascinating. That's what makes his music interesting and unique.

Useful link:
www.terenceblanchard.com

Random Thoughts

Everybody wants to think that they can get rich out of their investing experience. That leads them to do silly things. People tend to overreact to recent data because they don't understand the randomness of returns and they don't appreciate the risks of being undiversified. All the marketing and all the press goes the other way.

-Dr. Eugene Fama
http://faculty.chicagobooth.edu/eugene.fama

So true!

The Brillo-Box Story

Eileen Kinsella's article in ARTnews about Andy Warhol Brillo boxes was interesting. Thanks Eileen.

Useful links:
www.castelligallery.com
www.warhol.org
www.warholfoundation.org
www.modernamuseet.se
www.centrepompidou.fr
http://andywarholartauthentication.blogspot.com
www.churchdwight.com
www.stablegallery.com

Designers Accord Summit

Valerie Casey was spot on.

- Social media is the enemy of time-based productivity.
- All problems are systems challenges.
- Big thinking loves tight parameters.
- Ask for what you want.
- Meeting in-person is powerful.
- Action is harder than rhetoric.

Useful links:
www.designersaccord.org
www.valcasey.com

Men's Pearl Jewelry

Will real men wear pearls? Maybe yes, Maybe no, Maybe Maybe.

Useful links:
www.xn--maykhollnder-ncb.de
www.gellner.com
www.gellner.de
http://marcusschenkenberg.org

Composite Rubies

Check out the Good Morning America story about composite/assembled rubies. Nothing new, but a good reminder. If doubtful always consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.

Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2009

An image of Rosie Bancroft aiming for glory at the 2012 Paralympics has been named the winner of the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize.

Useful link:
www.npg.org.uk:8080/photoprize/site09

The Venturesome Economy

The Venturesome Economy: How Innovation Sustains Prosperity in a More Connected World by Amar Bhide provides insightful description of the whys and hows of venture capital-supported enterprises. A must read.

Useful link:

www.bhide.net

Randy Olson Viewpoint

Randy Olson was spot on. Films an incredibly powerful motivational medium. It’s a great way to reach inside of people’s hearts and their guts and everything else. Thanks Randy for sharing the info.

Useful link:
www.dontbesuchascientist.com

Andy Warhol Brand

Eileen Kinsella's viewpoint in ARTnews about Andy Warhol brand/impact was interesting. Thanks Eileen.

I don’t think he ever left. He’s still rattling around. . . . He never really died, you know? . . . Andy is everywhere. He’s in Europe. He’s in Asia. He’s quoted in papers every day. He has energy still. He’s just, you know, still alive.
- Jeremiah Newton

Useful links:
www.campbellsoup.com
www.warhol.org
www.warholfoundation.org

The G-20 Carbon Calculator

The Washington Post's Global Emissions chart was educational and insightful.

Vicki Wolf Collection

Check out Vicki Wolf's line of jewelry from recycled aluminum soda cans.

Useful link:
www.wearwolfs.com

The Larry Bruno Story

Peggy Jo Donahue's report in the Colored Stone magazine on jeweler Larry Bruno and the Ironmaster’s Gem was insightful. Thanks Peggy.

Useful link:
www.lehrerdesigns.com

dDiscourse

The Diamond Development Initiative (DDI) has launched a newsletter called dDiscourse. Check out the English and French version.

Useful link:
www.ddiglobal.org

Global Business BBC

Peter Day's report from Bolivia was interesting and insightful. I think Coca/natural resources could become both boon and bane for Bolivians in the coming years/decades.

Useful link:
www.fes-bol.org

Random Thoughts

It’s almost a mathematical impossibility to imagine that, out of the thousands of things for sale on a given day, the most attractively priced is the one being sold by a knowledgeable seller to a less-knowledgeable buyer.

- Warren Buffett
www.berkshirehathaway.com

Spot on.

The Next 4 Billion

Tomi Ahonen's viewpoints on mobile technology/impact was interesting. The rapid growth of mobile technology is stunning. It's amazing to see how simple things become most valuable.

Useful links:
www.tomiahonen.com
www.picnicnetwork.org

Harriete Estel Berman

Check out how Harriete Estel Berman recycles tin containers into colorful beads and bracelets.

Useful link:
www.harriete-estel-berman.info

From Raw Stone To Ring

Very interesting images indeed. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Useful link:
www.tiffany.com

The Crashpadder Enterprise

I thought Stephen Rapoport's Crashpadder enterprise was a brilliant idea. In fact I liked it. I would give it a try. It’s fun. I get to meet new people who are on holiday, travelling or on business.

Useful links:
www.crashpadder.com
www.mondaytofriday.com
www.spare-room.co.uk
www.gumtree.com

La Damnation de Faust

Engaging. Interactive. Immersive. Check out Robert Lepage’s stunningly beautiful La Damnation de Faust

Useful links:
http://lacaserne.net
www.saito-kinen.com
www.operadeparis.fr

What Start Ups Are Really Like

Paul Graham's essay was brilliant. Thanks Paul. www.paulgraham.com

1. Be Careful with Cofounders
2. Startups Take Over Your Life
3. It's an Emotional Roller-coaster
4. It Can Be Fun
5. Persistence Is the Key
6. Think Long-Term
7. Lots of Little Things
8. Start with Something Minimal
9. Engage Users
10. Change Your Idea
11. Don't Worry about Competitors
12. It's Hard to Get Users
13. Expect the Worst with Deals
14. Investors Are Clueless
15. You May Have to Play Games
16. Luck Is a Big Factor
17. The Value of Community
18. You Get No Respect
19. Things Change as You Grow

Pushing The Envelope

Purpose-driven auctions. I thought it was a brilliant idea.

Useful links:
www.pushingtheenvelope.info
www.literacytrust.org.uk

Virtual Display Case

Check out the free Webinar titled Can Technology Help Jewelry Sales? What's In-Store for Stores. Give it a try.

Useful link:
www.paragonlake.com

Gaaj-Zenhokyo

Check out Gaaj-Zenhokyo's new website at www.gaaj-zenhokyo.com

The Tim Burton Story

I thought Jenny Brown's opinion piece in ARTnews on Tim Burton/his artwork was brilliant. I am a Tim Burton fan. He has been different/amazing, really.

Useful links:
www.timburton.com
www.moma.org

Salvatore And Francesco Romano Collection

The Economist viewpoint on Salvatore and Francesco Romano collection was interesting. Why was this sale an exception? In a word: freshness. Spot on.

Useful link:
www.sothebys.com

Doha Tribeca Film Festival

I think the three-day Doha Tribeca Film Festival in Abu Dhabi represent something of a cultural revolution for the region. A bold choice, really.

Useful links:
www.dohatribecafilm.com
www.qma.com.qa

The Blackboard Story

Beth Kowitt's report in the Fortune on Blackboard's educational operating system was insightful. It's amazing to see how fast lectures have gone from analog to digital, really.

Useful links:
www.blackboard.com
http://moodle.org
www.desire2learn.com

Promoting Entrepreneurship

I thought the Economist viewpoint on innovative start-ups was interesting and useful. It was good to know that Israel has more start-ups per head than any other country, and more companies listed on the NASDAQ exchange than China and India combined. So when it comes to promoting entrepreneurship, the Israeli model is the one to imitate.

Useful links:
www.people.hbs.edu/jlerner
www.startupnationbook.com

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street / Eek! We are all children when it comes to Halloween. It was a delightful party. Absolutely enchanting. Thanks Bill.

Diamondthrills

Jamie Mordaunt has launched the UK’s first jewelry rental service dedicated to fine diamond jewelry. Brilliant idea.

Useful link:
www.diamondthrills.co.uk

Jewelry Market Update

The shocking news is U.S. retail jewelry businesses are shutting their doors at an accelerated pace. The weakest players have become amorphous. Sad really.

Useful links:
www.jewelersboard.com
www.bain.com
www.kennethgassman.com

Random Thoughts

As animals grazing peacefully hear gun shots and start running without at first understanding the right direction to go, the herd begins to form. The animals regroup and appear to move together, although their behavior is not coordinated. Each animal moves, seeking safety for himself by staying closer to others. Gun shots come now from the opposite side and the herd changes swiftly direction. Again. And again. They run as fast as they can. Many fall, hit by hunters, and others follow, stumbling against fallen animals. Dust is everywhere, noise is loud. The animals cannot see clearly where they go, their senses confused. They are exhausted, many are wounded and fear is driving them away from the gun shots that arrive from different directions, continuing to make them run in any direction. Unfortunately often the wrong one and right toward the hunters, and many die. Suddenly there is silence, but the herd continue to run for some time, still grouped. Then it starts to disperse. Still scared, any noise can make the animals regroup and run again, although the hunters have ceased their chase and are not around any more. The herd slows down now and it disperses again. The animals that survived start grazing again.

- Paolo Pezzutti

I liked it so much. Thank you Paolo.

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street / Spectra. A brilliant style story. A unique form of self-expression. They were fun. Probably they may have some hidden meaning. What the heck. Thanks Bill. I loved it.

The Flea Market Experience

Ben Luke's viewpoint in the Financial Times on Ebay/Marché aux Puces was interesting. People go to Ebay to sell because many perceive it as a global online flea market and they dominate this online industry. To experience the sights and sounds of the real flea market, there are plenty of Marché aux Puces-like flea markets worldwide. Search and you shall find. Give it a try.

Useful links:
www.ebay.com
www.parispuces.com

Our Choice: A Plan To Solve The Climate Crisis

Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis by Al Gore is an inspiring call to action. A must read.

Useful links:

www.algore.com

www.climateprotect.org

www.climatecrisis.net

YolanDa Brown

Absolutely amazing. She is incredible. See for yourself.

Useful link:
www.yolandabrown.co.uk

The Vivien Johnston Story

Check out the inspiring story of Vivien Johnston, who creates beautiful jewelry with a conscience, sourcing gold and gems via fair trading and co-operative mines with eco sustainability. Keep up the good work Vivien.

Useful link:
www.fifibijoux.com

Kim Chang-il

The Wall Street Journal story on Kim Chang-il was interesting. He is one-of-kind artist and an entrepreneur.

Useful link:
www.arariogallery.com

A Halloween Jewelry Guide

Creepy jewels for creepy times. I loved it. Thanks to Jennifer Kim.

Useful links:
www.shaunleane.com
www.nicholasvarneyjewels.com
www.robwynne.net
www.garadanielle.com
www.jessicacushman.com
www.degrisogono.com
www.solangeazagurypartridge.com
www.luanacoonen.com

Dirty Diamonds In Panama

Samuel Logan's opinion piece in ISN about Panama's diamond connection was interesting. Diamonds are portable and so easy to smuggle, opening a virtually unregulated diamond center in Panama is a recipe for smuggling on a large scale. If nothing changes, nothing changes.

Useful links:
www.samuellogan.com
www.isn.ethz.ch
www.kimberleyprocess.com
www.wfdb.com
www.diamondintelligence.com
www.strategycenter.net

Random Thoughts

With all this visual merchandising, all of this technology, I want to just get the message across without saying anything.

- Philip Rosenzweig
www.giorgioarmani.com
http://luxurycouncil.com
www.levinedesigngroup.com
www.fzad.com

Spot on. Visual merchandising = The silent salesperson.

NurtureShock

In 'NurtureShock,' Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman survey the newest new findings about child development. A must read.

Useful link:
www.nurtureshock.com

BioBlu 27

I thought Scott Kay's Blue Cobalt collection was unique and innovative. BioBlu 27 material is an alloy of 65 percent cobalt, 29 percent chromium, and 6 percent molybdenum. I hope other manufacturers will use this new material for designs and textures.

Useful links:
www.cartech.com
www.scottkay.com
www.spectore.com
http://cherylkremkow.com

Chaim Even Zohar Viewpoint

Nothing was more telling than this turkey story. Sign of the times, I guess.

Useful link:
www.diamondintelligence.com

Diamond Ring Designer

eBay has recently launched design-a-ring diamond tool that enables consumers an easy way to find and design their own diamond ring. Check it out.

Useful link:
http://diamonds.ebay.com

Vincent van Gogh: The Letters

Check out the amazing self-portrait of Vincent van Gogh, in words and pictures at www.vangoghletters.org

Random Thoughts

I think that once people understand the great risks that climate change poses, they will naturally want to choose products and services that cause little or no emissions of greenhouse gases, which means 'low-carbon consumption'. This will apply across the board, including electricity, heating, transport and food. A diet that relies heavily on meat production results in higher emissions than a typical vegetarian diet. Different individuals will make different choices. However, the debate about climate change should not be dumbed down to a single slogan, such as 'give up meat to save the planet'.

- Nicholas Stern
www.lse.ac.uk
www.climatefriendlyfood.org.uk

An interesting viewpoint, really.

Polymer-filled Aquamarine

It has been reported that large quantities of filled aquamarine (bead, carving, cabochon) have entered the Chinese market. The experts claim the treatments can be identified with 10x and microscope. Gem ID tips: Look out for flash effects and relief lines. Filled fractures may fluoresce chalky white under long-wave UV radiation. Many believe the treatment could easily be used in faceted aquamarines. It's just a matter of time. If doubtful always consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.

Useful link:
www.ngtc.gov.cn

Festival Of Thinkers

The third Festival of Thinkers will take place from November 1-4, 2009, in Abu Dhabi. The event will focus on themes that are key to shaping the future of the Middle East and the rest of the global community. Check it out.

Useful link:
http://festivalofthinkers.hct.ac.ae

Artefact

Artefact will be holding an online seminar at My Design Shop about what they have learned via field research. Design products what people want/need. Analyse, learn and share.

Useful link:
www.artefactgroup.com

Mobile Novel

I thought The Shuttleworth Foundation's m-novel concept was a brilliant idea. I hope it works.

Useful link:
www.shuttleworthfoundation.org

Nadav Kander

But one of the strengths of the Prix Pictet is that we are not much bothered over whether [the candidates] think of themselves as artists, or journalists, or commercial photographers. What is important is their ability to put their message across. Kander has astonishing, virtuoso skills. He is a communicator.

- Francis Hodgson

Useful links:
www.nadavkander.com
www.prixpictet.com
www.passagederetz.com
www.benoitaquin.com

I agree.

Auto-Destructive Art

Gustav Metzger is different. From September 29, 2009 through November 8, 2009, the Serpentine Gallery in London will feature the most extensive exhibition ever in the U.K. of Gustav Metzger’s work. Check it out.

Useful links:
www.serpentinegallery.org
www.tate.org.uk/liverpool

The Making Of Some Like It Hot

The Making of 'Some Like It Hot': My Memories of Marilyn Monroe and the Classic American Movie by Tony Curtis + Mark A. Vieira is a special memoir. I watched the movie yesterday and was amazed to see how fresh it still is. A must read.

Useful link:

www.tonycurtis.com

Diamond And Gemstones Of The Month Project

The Israel Diamond Institute + Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum is launching a special project titled, Diamond and Gemstones of the Month, where jewelry designers from around the world are invited to design a set of jewelry pieces that combines the gemstone of the month with diamonds. I thought it was a brilliant idea.

Useful link:
www.israelidiamond.co.il

Disney Precious Collections

Disney Precious Collections/Fine Disney Jewelry For Children, has been selected as the featured product during Dreams Come True: Art of the Classic Fairy Tales from the Walt Disney Studios, at The New Orleans Museum of Art in New Orleans from November 15, 2009 - March 14, 2010. Don't miss.

Useful links:
www.preciousjewelrycollections.com
www.noma.org/dreams

Mark Khaisman

Mark Khaisman's parcel tape art was stunningly beautiful. I have never seen anything like this before.

Useful link:
www.khaismanstudio.com

Smoke Art

Check out Mehmet Ozgur's stunningly beautiful examples of smoke art and smoke photography.

Useful link:
www.mehmet-ozgur.com

Solar Decathlon 2009

The 2009 Solar Decathlon, a contest for solar-powered houses sponsored by America’s Department of Energy, has been won by Team Germany.

Useful links:
www.solardecathlon.org
www.firstsolar.com
www.nanosolar.com

Global Business BBC

I am a regular listener of Global Business, a business programme on the BBC World Service. Lester Brown was brilliant. Check out his book Plan B 4.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization. Thanks to Peter Day. Keep up the good work.

Useful link:
www.earth-policy.org

The Power Of Word-of-Mouth

Scott Cook was spot on. Be where the customers are. Introduce customer-driven innovation. Practice commonsense.

Useful link:
http://willprice.blogspot.com
www.intuit.com

Stephen Wiltshire

Stephen Wiltshire communicates with the world via his beautiful drawings. Check it out.

Useful link:
www.stephenwiltshire.co.uk

Peres Projects Berlin

Look for something different. Check it out. www.peresprojects.com

Malcolm Gladwell Interview

John Preston's opinion piece in the Telegraph was brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact I am huge fan of Malcolm Gladwell as well. I think he is a brilliant storyteller.

Useful links:
www.malcolmgladwell-live.com
www.gladwell.com

Negotiauctions

Guhan Subramanian's viewpoints on negotiations versus auctions was interesting. In fact I liked the term negotiauction. Managing Negotiators and the Deal Process

Ammolite

Check out how lapidaries find innovative ways to use Ammolite.

Useful links:
www.korite.com
www.enchanted-designs.com

Random Thoughts

You'll always have your old skills that you can use if you need to go back to your old job. And then you can try again. I'm a big fan of LinkedIn.com. I attended some networking events in Boston from people I connected with online. In doing so, I got good business advice and some leads. Do what you love and do it well. The money will follow.

- Sean Fitzpatrick

Great advice.

Being Bradley Birkenfeld

What a story! He would do anything for the wealthy to avoid Internal Revenue Service. He even converted a U.S. client's money into diamonds, then smuggled the gems across the Atlantic in a toothpaste tube. Not so hard to believe because diamonds are portable. Meanwhile, everybody else gets set free and he goes to prison. A different ending to the story.