The Back To School Experience

I thought the story of U.K's top top arts bosses swapping places with headteachers for a day was a fascinating concept. You are looking at something you've never seen in your life before.

Useful links:
www.culturallearningalliance.org.uk
www.tate.org.uk
www.thomastallis.co.uk
www.rsc.org.uk
www.roh.org.uk
www.thegrays.thurrock.sch.uk
www.capeuk.org

The Great Recession Stories

Thomas Friedman's opinion piece in the New York Times about do-it-yourself economy was an eye-opener. Thanks Tom.

Useful links:
www.thomaslfriedman.com
www.thinkgreer.com
www.box.net
www.istockphoto.com
www.voices.com
http://audiojungle.net

Roz Savage

Roz Savage is an extraordinary woman. She has rowed single-handed across the Atlantic and is now tackling the Pacific. Read her story.

Useful link:
http://rozsavage.com

The Blind Side

The Blind Side is a sports film written and directed by John Lee Hancock. The movie is based on the 2006 book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis. Don't miss.

Useful links:
www.theblindsidemovie.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Lewis_(author)

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street Leg It. Boots over-the-knee Robin Hood style is the story of the season. Popular fashion, really. Thanks Bill.

Think Socially. Act Locally

Jessica Shambora's viewpoints in Fortune about the newest trend in e-commerce was interesting. It's really amazing how masses can become attracted to social web, and if it clicks the impact is phenomenal.

Useful links:
www.groupon.com
www.accel.com

Random Thoughts

The same idea, if it’s born in Silicon Valley it goes the distance. If it’s born in India it does not go the distance.

- Nadathur S. Raghavan
www.nsrcel.org

Spot on.

The Best Of 2009

Top 10 of Everything in 2009. TIME's top picks of the year. It was interesting.

Virtual Oxford Street

Near Global's cyber-version of the London's West End was brilliant. I liked it. Check it out.

Useful links:
www.nearglobal.com
http://secondlife.com

Jancis Robinson Viewpoint

Thanks Jancis for the list of distinctly superior wines. It was useful.

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

1000 Comic Books You Must Read

1000 Comic Books You Must Read Check it out.

Useful links:
www.krausebooks.com
www.worldfamouscomics.com

Jewelry Market Update

Ken Gassman's viewpoints in IdexOnline about women shoppers in the U.S and the population projections for the next several decades was interesting. I wonder what will be the status of Indian consumers with discretionary income in the coming decades.

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

Climatoon

The animated climate change chat was brilliant. I loved it. Thank you Jesse Hardman/Arthur Jones.

Useful links:
http://jessehardman.com
www.byarthurjones.com

Ruby Report

Herb Weisbaum's viewpoints in MSNBC about treated/composite rubies was educational and insightful. As a matter of fact treated rubies are everywhere. If you are doubtful always consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.

Coral Report

Victoria Gomelsky's viewpoints in the New York Times about coral jewelry and the enviornmental effects was interesting. To wear or not to wear - that's the question.

Useful links:
www.tiffanyandcofoundation.org
www.seaweb.org
www.mauidivers.com
www.tooprecioustowear.org
www.cites.org

The Carbon Economy Summit

Xplane/Economist infographics on global climate change was insightful. I learned a lot. Thanks.

Useful links:
http://carboneconomy.economist.com
www.xplane.com

Jaime Hayón

Spanish design. A new jewelry store. Meet Jaime Hayón.

Useful link:
www.hayonstudio.com

Invictus

Invictus is a Clint Eastwood film based on Nelson Mandela's life during the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa. http://invictusmovie.warnerbros.com

Ideas 2009

A to Z, the most clever, important, silly and just plain weird innovations from all corners of the thinking world. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you New York Times.

Framestore

Get an insight into the computer-generated effects and stereoscopic film-making used in the production of James Cameron's sci-fi fantasy Avatar. Thanks BBC.

Useful links:
www.framestore.com
www.avatarmovie.com
www.avatar-movie.org

100 Places To Remember

100 places to remember before they disappear is an outdoor exhibition currently on show in Copenhagen featuring 100 photographs from 100 different places around the world that are threatened by climate change. Check it out.

Useful links:
www.100places.com
www.ipcc.ch
http://en.cop15.dk

Matthew Bourne

Meet Matthew Bourne, UK’s most popular and successful choreographer/director. Storytelling via dance is an immersive experience. He is creative and inspiring. Seeing is believing. Check it out.

Useful links:
www.new-adventures.net
www.swanlaketour.com

Diamond Consumption

Chaim Even Zohar's viewpoint on diamond jewelry consumption was interesting. According to Chaim, China, India and Japan together could become the next diamond consumption giants in less than a decade. This would profoundly impact virtually every diamond company in the market. Stay tuned.

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

President Obama Gets 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

President Barack Obama is truly an oratorial genius. Congratulations. In my view, it was a thoughtful and honest speech. I hope he is able to accomplish his goals. All the best.

Useful link:
http://nobelprize.org

Pantone Color 2010

Pantone has officially announced 2010’s color of the year: Turquoise. I hope it works.

Useful links:
www.pantone.com
www.colorexpert.com
http://eisemancolorblog.com

Bernhard Edmaier

Check out Bernhard Edmaier's photographs of active and dormant volcanoes from around the world. Don't miss.

Useful link:
www.geophot.com

Jordan Wolfson

Meet Jordan Wolfson, and explore Wolfson's world of art.

Useful links:
www.friezefoundation.org/cartier
www.johannkoenig.de
www.jordanwolfson.org

Art Market Update

Artworks by Raphael, Head of a Muse (£29.2m) + Rembrandt, Portrait of a Man, Half-Length, With His Arms Akimbo (£20.2m) has been sold by the Christies for almost £50m, setting a world record price for the artists. Genuine Rembrandts/Raphaels will always fetch very high prices, period.

Useful links:
www.christies.com
www.rembrandtpainting.net

CounterSketch Studio

Check out the new 3-D jewelry design experience via Gemvision.

Useful links:
www.countersketchstudio.com
www.stuller.com
www.gemvision.com

Random Thoughts

I recall that nobody else wanted them and we kept on buying them. We made a brooch with different shades of brown: light, dark and grayish. You combine all the shades together and you get a magnificent ball of fire.

- Alisa Moussaieff
www.moussaieff-jewellers.com

Spot on.

Rob Marshall's Nine

Nine is a 2009 American musical film directed by Rob Marshall. The movie is based on Arthur Kopit's book for the 1982 Tony Award-winning musical of the same name, which was derived from an Italian play by Mario Fratti inspired by Federico Fellini's autobiographical film 8½. With Chopard creating special jewelry to reflect the style and personality of each character, the movie should be unique. I can't wait to see this movie.

Useful links:
http://nine-movie.com
www.chopard.com

Complaints Choir

Complaints Choir is a unique form of participatory art. Brilliant evolution, really. Check it out.

Useful links:
www.complaintschoir.org
www.ykon.org/kochta-kalleinen

Global Business BBC

Peter Day's viewpoints on United Nation's climate change conference in Copenhagen + sustainability from the point of view of the developing world was interesting. Thanks Peter.

Useful links:
www.bcas.net
http://en.cop15.dk
The Climate Connection

Digital Camera Photographer 2009

Check out the winners of 2009 at http://poty2009.dcmag.co.uk

The Science Of Fear

The Science of Fear: How the Culture of Fear Manipulates Your Brain by Daniel Gardner is a fascinating book about unnecessary anxiety and behavioral science. A must read.

Useful link:

www.dangardner.ca

Decode: Digital Design Sensations

Decode: Digital Design Sensations. 8 December 2009 - 11 April 2010. Victoria & Albert Museum, London. Don't miss.

Useful links:
www.vam.ac.uk
www.onedotzero.com

New Innovation Tool

I think Tim Brown's design thinking is winning many converts in both industry and philanthropy. Design thinking works.

Useful links:
http://designthinking.ideo.com
www.ideo.com/cbd
www.largescaleinnovation.com
www.gatesfoundation.org
www.visionspring.org
http://embraceglobal.org

Random Thoughts

Information is being created at a pace I have never seen before and in this environment, seconds matter. There is so much information being generated out there that getting you relevant information is the key to the success of a product like this. It's all about relevance, relevance, relevance.

- Amit Singhal
www.google.com
www.computerhistory.org

A truly landmark event in the world of search.

Tata Swach

Tata Chemicals has unveiled Tata Swach - a unique and innovative water purifier, making safe drinking water available for all at an affordable cost. Check it out.

Useful links:
www.tatachemicals.com
www.tcsinnovations.com

Darpa's Treasure Hunt

The Darpa Network Challenge, which took place on December 5, 2009 has been won by the MIT team, scooping victory within nine hours of the launch. Congratulations!

Useful links:
http://balloon.media.mit.edu
https://networkchallenge.darpa.mil

George Crumb

George Crumb is 80. His music is seldom heard nowadays. There is a mystical feeling and kind of spirituality in his music. I loved it. Check it out.

Useful link:
www.georgecrumb.net

3-D In India

I think 3-D movies could rejuvenate theatergoing/provide an immersive experience at a time when many consumers are growing comfortable watching content on DVDs. I hope Reliance ADA Group/In-Three Inc partnership works out well.

Useful links:
www.relianceadagroup.com
www.in-three.com

Haute Couture Week In Paris

At a time when shows are losing their luster, Chambre Syndicale's decision to marry haute couture and high jewelry via exclusivity (rarity) + technical know-how (creativity) could spin off a pleasant surprise. All the best.

Useful links:
www.modeaparis.com
www.boucheron.com
www.cartier.com
www.chanel.com
www.diorjoaillerie.com
www.vancleef-arpels.com

Galatea Mercy Pearls

Galatea: Jewelry by Artist. Check out their stunningly beautiful artwork.

Useful links:
www.galateausa.com
www.fwab.org
www.angkorhospital.org

Turner Prize 2009

Richard Wright has won the 2009 Turner Prize for his striking large-scale frescos. Congratulations!

Useful link:
www.tate.org.uk/britain/turnerprize

Random Thoughts

Each bottle is a bit like one of my children: you see them go and you're always sad but at the same time they're going to make space for more, so it's a sad occasion but a happy one at the same time.

- David Ridgway
Chief sommelier, La Tour d'Argent
www.tourdargent.com
www.wineanorak.com

Spot on.

Copenhagen Global Climate Change Summit 2009

The global climate change meeting starts on December 7, 2009. I hope companies and consumers around the world embrace the green agenda and do the right thing to save the planet.

Useful link:
http://en.cop15.dk

Internet Turns 40

December 5, 2009, marked the 40th anniversary of the day when the Defense Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) connected four computer nodes to create a network of networks that changed life as we know it. Larry Greenemeier/Vint Cerf interview in Scientifc American was an insightful insider's view of the Internet. Thanks Larry.

Useful link:
http://larrygreenemeier.com

Art Hotel Boston

I want my hotel to feel more like a private house than a museum. This way, I can look at my art all day and other people can enjoy it too.

- Roberto Franchi
www.hotelbostontorino.it

Definitely a must-see.

Jancis Robinson Viewpoint

Check out Jancis Robinson's top red recommendations. Thanks Jancis.

Useful links:
www.jancisrobinson.com
http://www.ft.com/arts/columnists/robinson
www.wine-searcher.com

Peter Beard

Nicolas Rachline/Peter Beard viewpoints in the Financial Times about the world of fashion photography and environment was interesting. An insightful discussion, really.

Useful links:
www.peterbeard.com
www.above-magazine.com
www.taschen.com

Random Thoughts

The mobile phone is a very nice platform for exploring new forms of musical performance. We're not tethered to the physics of traditional instruments. We can do interesting, weird, unusual things. This kind of technology is in its infancy, but it's a hot and growing area to use iPhones for artistic expression.

- Georg Essl
http://www.cs.princeton.edu/~gessl

Simply brilliant.

Diamond Dreidel

Check out the world's very first diamond dreidel by Mervis Diamond Importers. Diamond collectors take note. www.mervisdiamond.com/tacori-diamonds

The Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair 2010

The Antwerp Diamond Bourse - Beurs voor Diamanthandel - is to launch by-invitation only diamond trade fair in the bourse trading hall, February 7-9, 2010. I think the invitation-only exhibition is aimed at high-end diamond, gem and jewelry buyers.

Useful link:
www.awdc.be

Random Thoughts

The four most costly words in investment are: this time is different.

- Sir John Templeton
www.sirjohntempleton.org

So true!

James Cameron’s New 3-D Epic

Joshua Davis's opinion piece in Wired about James Cameron was brilliant. He is the new avatar of this century. There is no doubt about it.

Useful link:
www.joshuadavis.com

The Economics Of Social Gaming

Jeremy Liew's opinion piece in Paid Content was interesting/insightful. It's really amazing how social games have evolved in the last few years.

Useful link:
www.lightspeedvp.com

The Art Of The Idea

Check out John Hunt's brilliant insights via The Art of the Idea: And How It Can Change Your Life

Useful link:
www.tbwa.com

Congo's Gold

Here is the 60 Minutes transcript on Congo Gold.

Useful links:
www.hrw.org
www.enoughproject.org
www.nodirtygold.org
www.responsiblejewellery.com
www.gold.org

Art Market Review

The Economist viewpoint on the state of the art market in Hong Kong was interesting. Sellers have become more greedy and buyers, especially Chinese buyers, have become selective. It's really amazing how quickly the Chinese have become knowledgeable over the years, and they don’t like being taken advantage of. Stay tuned.

Useful links:
www.christies.com
www.bonhams.com

Diamond & Gemstone Grading Reports 2009

Check out National Jeweler's Diamond and Gemstone Grading Reports 2009. I don't think it's a complete list, but still informative. click here.

Art Market Update

Souren Melikian's opinion piece in the New York Times about the current state of the art market was interesting. If you are short on major paintings, market what you have on the back of a good story. So true!

Useful link:
www.christies.com

Carbozyme

Check out a New Jersey-based startup called Carbozyme, and their new green technology. According to Carbozyme, the process uses a third less energy than other CO2 storage methods. I wish them all the best.

Useful links:
www.carbozyme.us
www.futuregenalliance.org

Hey Oscar Wilde! It’s Clobberin’ Time!

Hey Oscar Wilde! It’s Clobberin’ Time! is run by Steve Gettis. I loved it. http://heyoscarwilde.com

Rapaport Diamond Market Report

Avi Krawitz was spot on. The financial crisis is not completely over and could still strike in the most unexpected of places. www.diamonds.net

Olympus BioScapes 2009

Check out the breathtaking images from The BioScapes 2009 competition. They are amazing, really.

Useful link:
www.olympusbioscapes.com

Dror Benshetrit

Dron Benshetrit's designs are stunningly complex but simple. I liked it.

Useful link:
www.studiodror.com

Pictory

A picture is worth a thousand words. I liked the pictures and narratives. Hats off to Laura Brunow Miner!

Useful link:
www.pictorymag.com

Art Basel Miami Beach 2009

Latin Americans have emerged as the fair's new power players. What an interesting story!

Useful links:
www.artbaselmiamibeach.com
www.artbasel.com
www.faria-fabregas.com
www.miamiartmuseum.org

The Best Books 2009

The Economist has unveiled the best books lists of 2009. Check it out.

Sundance Film Festival Update

This is Sundance. Check out the complete screening schedule.

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

Earth's Climate History

Richard Black's commentary on earth's climate history was educational and insightful. Thanks Richard. Check out the text only version.

Chaim Even Zohar Viewpoint

Chaim was spot on. These are days of hope and expectation.

Useful links:
www.diamondintelligence.com
www.debeersgroup.com
www.dtc.com
www.angloamerican.co.uk

Random Thoughts

A diamond’s trip down the pipeline can be a long one, with many stops along the way - at the rough dealer, the polisher, the jewelry maker and wholesaler - until it arrives in a store. And while all of theses stages are essential, the final eighteen inches across the retailer’s sales counter to the consumer are the critical stage. If the product fails to move across that final foot-and-a-half, the pipeline grinds to a halt.

- Ken Gassman
www.kennethgassman.com
www.diamondintelligence.com

So true!

SeARCH Projects

Check out new design styles by SeARCH + Christian Müller Architects. They are simply beautiful, really.

Useful links:
www.search.nl
www.christian-muller.com

The Cartier Column Project

Alessandro Mendini's striking Cartier Column (object d'art using fine/precious gems), a one-of-a-kind masterpiece will be on display at Art Basel Miami in the Cartier Salon in the Art Collectors Lounge of the the Miami Beach Convention Center from December 3 - 6, 2009. Check it out.

Useful links:
www.ateliermendini.it
www.cartier.com
www.artbaselmiamibeach.com

TweetBookz

Internet entrepreneurs Asael Kahana and Jacob Shwirtz have launched TweetBookz, a book composed of any Twitter user’s history of tweets. I thought it was an interesting concept. Check it out. I wish them all the best.

Useful links:
www.tweetbookz.com
www.definitelysomething.com

Random Thoughts

If you're selling any asset today, you have to think of Asia. That's where the action is, that's where the power is, that's where the wealth is.

- Larry Warsh
Art collector/Founder of Museums Magazines
www.yishujournal.com
www.christies.com
www.graffdiamonds.com
www.auroragems.com

Spot on.

Stuart Haygarth

Stuart Haygarth is one-of-kind eco-artist. He literally turns trash into treasure. Have a look.

Useful links:
www.stuarthaygarth.com
www.haunchofvenison.com

The Map That Changed The World

The Map That Changed the World: William Smith and the Birth of Modern Geology by Simon Winchester is a fascinating book about a truly forgotten man. A must read.

Useful link:

www.simonwinchester.com

Women In The Art World

Phoebe Hoban's opinion piece in the ARTnews about the impact of women on contemporary art was interesting. I think they deserve a lot of credit.

Useful links:
www.guggenheim.org
www.moca.org
www.nmwa.org
http://ps1.org
www.brooklynmuseum.org
www.moma.org
www.whitney.org
www.centrepompidou.fr
www.lacma.org
www.brainstormersreport.net
www.guerrillagirls.com

Jane Brown

Check out Jane Brown's (Observer) photography at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Useful links:
www.npg.org.uk
www.janebrownphotography.com

Amsterdam Sauer

Check out Amsterdam Sauer's new website featuring jewelry, watches and objets d'art from Brazil. www.amsterdamsauer.com

Global Business BBC

We are growing up in a new kind of society. The stories of new wave of entrepreneurs was interesting. Thanks Peter. I enjoyed it.

Useful links:
www.umh.ua
www.cdprojekt.com

Society6

Society6 is an accessible social network where art can be bought, sold, promoted, and created. Check it out.

Useful link:
www.society6.com

Random Thoughts

The temperature of the air is increasing, the temperature of the ocean is increasing, sea levels are rising - and the Sun appears to have very little influence on what we see.

- Dr Colin Summerhayes
www.scar.org
www.ats.aq
www.ipcc.ch
www.bas.ac.uk
www.awi.de

Let's just hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

Platon Viewpoint

The interactive portfolio of portraits by Platon of world leaders was brilliant. I loved it.

Useful link:
www.platonphoto.com

Cédric Delsaux

The images of industrialized wasteland were shocking. Seeing is believing. Check it out.

Useful link:
www.cedricdelsaux.com

Design Korea 2009

Design = Creative industry = Engine of green growth.

Useful links:
www.designkorea.or.kr
www.bodw.com

New Medieval & Renaissance Galleries

Opening 2 December 2009. Victoria and Albert Museum is home to one of the world's most remarkable collections of treasures from the period. Don't miss.

Useful link:
www.vam.ac.uk

Gary Hamel Viewpoint

Gary was spot on. Good design is rare.

Useful links:
http://blogs.wsj.com/management
www.garyhamel.com
www.technogym.com
http://designthinking.ideo.com

Micropolitan Museum

The microbe portraits from the Micropolitan Museum were stunningly beautiful/educational. Hats off to Wim van Egmond!

Useful link:
www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/micropolitan
http://micropolitan.org

Evie Wyld

Evie Wyld has won this year's prestigious John Llewellyn Rhys literary prize. The novel tells the story of a father and son, their wars and the secrets they keep. Congratulations!

Useful links:
www.eviewyld.com
www.booktrust.org.uk

Trailblazing

The Royal Society, founded in London in 1660, is marking the start of its 350th year by putting 60 of its most memorable research papers online. Check it out.

Useful links:
http://trailblazing.royalsociety.org
http://royalsociety.org

Random Thoughts

We’re seeing a move incrementally back to what the Art Basel brand used to be over 30 years ago: a professional trade fair. We’ll see much less of the fashionista crowd this year who don’t purchase works or contribute in any meaningful way to the art world. Before the slump, the market was unrealistic and overblown. It has stabilised now, but keep in mind that the market is made up of many different strata.

- Todd Levin
www.levinartgroup.com
www.artbaselmiamibeach.com

An interesting viewpoint on art market.

The Age Of Aging

The Age of Aging: How Demographics are Changing the Global Economy and Our World by George Magnus is an insightful book on the economics of aging. A must read.

Useful link:
www.georgemagnus.com

Red Dot Museum

Check out the red dot concept winners at www.red-dot.sg

World Press Photo 2009

World Press Photo winners gallery 2009. www.worldpressphoto.org

A Buddhist Tale

Souren Melikian's opinion piece in the New York Times about the stunningly beautiful Buddhist statues from China was interesting. All great cultures go through metamorphosis, and religion does play a part leaving their own distinctive fingerprints.

Useful links:
www.cernuschi.paris.fr
www.artasie.com
www.royalacademy.org.uk

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street / Thanksgiving Week. Beginning of the holiday seasons. The new fashion was brilliant. Tiny bits of fantasy. This is the real thing. Thanks Bill. I enjoyed it.