Commodity Of The Year

Without a doubt gold was the commodity of 2009. It still remains a hedge against inflation and a falling dollar. I guess 2010 should be good for gold.

Useful link:
www.gold.org

Timo Vuorensola

Chris Anderson's theory works. It's really amazing how Timo Vuorensola released Star Wreck in 2005 online for free, generating $430,000 on a film that only cost $21,500 to make. The rest as they say is history. Hats off to Timo!

Releasing it for free is just good marketing. Whether it's through piracy or distribution your film is out there on the Internet, so we decided to harness this.
- Timo Vuorensola

Useful links:
http://blog.starwreck.com
www.starwreck.com
www.longtail.com
www.ninapaley.com
www.sitasingstheblues.com
www.indiescreenings.net

Gabriel Orozco

A one-stop chance to catch up with Gabriel Orozco, one of the most influential artists of this decade, and probably the next one too, at the Museum of Modern Art. Don't miss.

Useful links:
www.whitecube.com/artists/orozco
www.moma.org

Art Market Update

Elliot Wilson's viewpoints in the Financial Times about the global demand for antique medals was interesting. No two collectors are the same, and the market value is in the eye of the beholder. Good story = Good value.

The market will continue to improve. You need to be careful where you invest, but it’s a good, solid bet. And there is a finite supply. Let’s face it: there won’t be any more Battle of Waterloo medals.
- John Millensted
www.bonhams.com

Useful links:
www.bonhams.com
www.spink.com
www.noble.com.au
www.iwm.org.uk

Random Thoughts

It's too hard to predict the future, but right now I don’t see myself going mad. It's easy to get obsessed with chess. That's what happened with Fischer and Morphy. I don't have the same obsession. I love the game, and I love to compete, but I am not obsessed with the struggle.

- Magnus Carlsen
http://blog.magnuschess.com

On January 1, 2010, Magnus Carlsen will officially become the youngest person in history to earn chess's No. 1 ranking. Congratulations!

Climate And Humans

Clive Finlayson's viewpoint on climate change was interesting/insightful. It will change the face of the planet even though we don't really know where, when or how, in any kind of detail. So true. I also believe our own history has been shaped by climate change and luck. At the end of the day what really matters is being in the right place at the right time, or the wrong place at the wrong time. Period.

Useful link:
www.gib.gi/museum

Chatbot Technology

The interactive story format was brilliant. I loved it.

Useful links:
www.221b.sh
www.existor.com
www.loebner.net
www.interactivestory.net
http://games.kidswb.com/scribblenauts
www.l4d.com

Jancis Robinson Viewpoint

I thought the practical advice (serving/handling wine) was useful. Thanks Jancis.

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

BBC Business Daily

I am a regular listener of BBC Daily Business. The coverage related to visionary entrepreneurs using their own finely-honed business skills to set up their own charities was brilliant.

Useful links:
www.charitywatch.org
http://meltwater.org
www.mayhewanimalhome.org

Top 100 Global Thinkers

Read on to see the 100 minds that mattered most in the year that was. www.foreignpolicy.com

Blood Diamonds Update

Greg Campbell's report in the Foreign Policy magazine about blood diamonds was interesting. Greg was spot on. Blood diamonds are still circulating freely and smuggling remains rampant. I have seen many parcels in the gem market and they are everywhere. I think diamonds will be difficult to regulate because of its portability. The failure is a massive blow to the credibility of Kimberley Process. Period.

Useful link:
www.foreignpolicy.com
www.kimberleyprocess.com
www.globalwitness.org
www.pacweb.org
www.hrw.org

Web Trends 2010

Check out Pete Cashmore's viewpoints on social networking and technology for 2010.

Useful link:
http://mashable.com

Art Adds

I really liked the Art Add project. Yvonne Force Villareal was spot on. Art adds to the public’s vision.

Useful links:
www.showmedia.com
www.artproductionfund.org
www.alexkatz.com

Random Thoughts

It’s clear that despite economic trouble this year, the world’s chocolate lovers didn’t deviate from their favorite treat. Chocolate is a small, affordable indulgence for shoppers who are cutting back on spending elsewhere. Even in countries not known for chocolate consumption, sales are on the rise.

- Marcia Mogelonsky
www.mintel.com

Spot on.

Rate Your Own Leadership Skills

Alaina Love's opinion piece in BusinessWeek about inspirational leaders was brilliant. Thanks Alaina. Take a moment to rate your own leadership over the past year on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the best) for each of the following characteristics.

1. Authentic rather than phony.
2. Reliable rather than erratic.
3. Anchored rather than disconnected.
4. Optimistic rather than pessimistic.
5. Self-aware rather than unconscious.
6. Driven by purpose and passion rather than power and fear.
7. Inclusive rather than divisive.
8. Focused on others rather than self-focused.
9. Respectful rather than manipulative.
10. Able to foster other leaders rather than demanding followers.

Useful link:
www.thepurposelink.com

I thought it was great self-reflection toolkit.

Bob Willoughby

Bob Willoughby's selection of black-and-white photos of classic Hollywood movie stars was a real treasure. Check it out.

Useful link:
www.willoughbyphotos.com

Alex Steinweiss, The Inventor Of The Modern Album Cover

Alex Steinweiss: Creator of the Modern Album Cover by Steven Heller + Kevin Reagan + Alex Steiweiss was a real gem, a brilliant graphic art form. I loved it.

Useful link:

www.alexsteinweiss.com

Dubai International Film Festival 2009

Amazingly Dubai is still very much in business. I hope the new generation of filmmakers in the region will change the global perception of Dubai.

Useful link:
www.dubaifilmfest.com

Families, One And All

These pictures convey something special. Almost every picture in this gallery has a story to tell. Hats off to New York Times! I loved it.

Chaim Even Zohar Viewpoint

Chaim was spot on. Diamond business is part of the larger economy. It is a very peculiar business, but it is a business. It requires a different set of rules, a different mind-set. I hope the industry learns its lessons from history. Thanks Chaim. Happy holidays!

History is composed not only of what happened but of what didn’t happen. The latter, of course, is impossible to really know.
- Richard Stengel, Time
www.time.com

Useful links:
www.diamondintelligence.com
www.debeersgroup.com
http://eng.alrosa.ru
www.federalreserve.gov

Random Thoughts

The populations of Europe, Russia and Japan are declining, and those of China and India are levelling off. The United States alone among great powers will be increasing its share of world population over time. By 2050, there could be 500m Americans; by 2100, a billion. That means America could remain the pre-eminent nation for longer than many people expect. Relying on the import of money, workers, and brains, America is a Ponzi scheme that works.

- Michael Lind
www.newamerica.net
www.economist.com

So true!

Nine Lessons And Carols

Over the years, I have heard the service on the radio and heard many recorded versions. A holiday classic. A great experience, really.

Useful link:
www.kings.cam.ac.uk/choir

Exploration Insights

The Gold Report/Brent Cook interview was a brilliant piece. Trust but verify policy is the magic mantra of every mining ventures. Raise money when you can, not when you need to.

The market is indiscriminate and mostly run by people that can't differentiate between a good and bad gold property. Minerals exploration is a very tough business to understand, because you're dealing as much with information that you don't know as you do know. It's all subjective interpretations. No one really knows the geological setting beneath a particular project or what its economics will be. So lots of money will go into worthless exploration projects, for sure. That's a real danger. Something like 1,600 junior exploration companies are listed in Canada alone. I can guarantee you that not even 1% of them will find viable deposits.
- Brent Cook

Useful links:
www.explorationinsights.com
www.theaureport.com

Meaningful Gift Idea

Nicholas Kristof's opinion piece in the New York Times about unknown charitites was interesting and insightful. It was a different kind of gift. Thanks Nicholas.

Useful links:
www.acumenfund.org
www.creatinghope.org
www.brac.net
www.dil.org
www.dewormtheworld.org
www.oursoil.org
www.sheinnovates.com
www.wfmic.org
www.fistulafoundation.org

Just Noticeable Difference

I liked Don Norman's technical/creative term jnd = just noticeable difference. A rare intellect. Go to his website for an intellectual conversation on innovation, technology and culture.

Useful links:
www.jnd.org

Luke Johnson Viewpoint

Business leaders should find ways to connect with staff, shareholders and customers. I do agree with Luke, however it's easier said than done.

Useful links:
www.ft.com/comment/columnists/lukejohnson
www.lukejohnson.org
www.riskcapitalpartners.co.uk
www.channel4.com

Random Thoughts

Do not use your business signature for a personal note. It can seem too formal, and a personal note should not be done in any sort of mechanical or perfunctory way. The thought behind the thank-you should be equal to or greater than the thought that went into the gift.

- Geoffrey Parker
www.parkerpen.com

Great advice. Thank you.

Advertising Yourself

Knowledge @ Wharton's viewpoints about personal branding through social networks was a brilliant piece. If all goes well, people will see you differently.

Useful links:
www.whartoninteractive.com
www.jonathancoulton.com
http://jimmacmillan.com

Random Thoughts

This is a very good time to buy diamonds. There is a fair amount of inventory still out there because of the weak demand and because of a general aversion to wearing bling during these economic times.

- Dione Kenyon
www.jewelersboard.com

Some people say now is the time to buy. Always do your research.

2009: The Year In Pictures

A brilliant recap of events. Hats off to New York Times.

Jeff Scher Viewpoint

Jeff Scher was spot on. I have always thought that staring into the dancing flames of a burning log was like painting with fire. It's an immersive experience. Thanks Jeff. I loved it.

Useful link:
http://fezfilms.net

Scroogenomics

I completely agree with the Economist /Joel Waldfogel. Ban presents. Give money instead.

Useful link:
http://press.princeton.edu/titles/8972.html

Cartier And America

Cartier and America @ Fine Arts Museums. December 19, 2009 — April 18, 2010. Don't miss.

Useful links:
www.famsf.org
www.cartier.com
http://fondation.cartier.com

A Reason To Smile

A jewelry store's idea of spreading holiday cheer by planting boxes of jewelry at local landmarks was brilliant. www.wickershamjewelry.com

Eco, Ethical And Fair Trade Gemstones: An Open Forum

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) session will focus on eco, ethical and fair trade gemstones in an open town hall format and will be held on February 5, 2010 from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Tucson Convention Center. www.agta.org

Journey To Zero

Towards a non-carbon future. Check it out. www.journey-to-zero.com

Travel Photographer 2009

The winners of the 2009 international Travel Photographer of the Year awards have been announced. www.tpoty.com

Net-Zero Homes

Jim Carlton's report in the Wall Street Journal about net-zero homes was interesting. I would like to see more projects like this in India.

Useful links:
www.nrel.gov
www.ruraldevelopmentinc.org
www.zetacommunities.com
www.pepperviner.com

A Room With A Gallery In Paris

Seth Sherwoods's viewpoint in the New York Times about the new Paris was a brilliant piece. Paris has morphed remarkably. A great place for creativity and hospitality. Period.

Useful links:
http://hotel-particulier-montmartre.com
www.hotel-le-six.com
www.derbyhotels.com
www.hotel-des-academies.com
www.apostrophe-hotel.com
www.thefivehotel.com
www.onebythefive.com

Global Business BBC

Peter Day's report on the pros and cons of micro lending in Bangladesh was interesting. Now the question is whether micro lending will experience the same problems like the rest of the banking sector. Only time will tell.

Useful links:
www.grameen.com
www.safesave.org
www.brac.net

Random Thoughts

It’s really hard to teach out of a textbook when you consider the world we live in. The zero-gravity flight gives you a new tool for Newton’s laws.

- Geoffrey Bergen
www.brookfield.k12.ct.us
www.gozerog.com
www.northropgrumman.com
www.nsta.org
http://ies.ed.gov

I guess it helps educators to connect with students.

Zaha Hadid + MAXXI

Audio slide show. John Seabrook profiles the architect Zaha Hadid's concept for MAXXI, in Rome, which opened in November, 2009. I am a huge fan of Zaha's work.

Useful links:
www.zaha-hadid.com
www.maxxi.beniculturali.it
http://us.macmillan.com/flashofgenius

Heatherwick Studio

Check out Heatherwick's experimental techniques / projects. Simply brilliant designs.

Useful link:
www.heatherwick.com

The Fancy Color Diamond Book

A unique book titled, The Fancy Color Diamond Book, has been launched by Eden Rachminov, the managing owner of Rachminov Diamonds 1891. The book contains a substantial amount of information about the range of fancy colors of diamonds, as well as about grading, clarity, the challenges of cutting fancy color diamonds and the role of fluorescence in determining the value of fancy color diamonds. Check it out.

Useful links:
www.fancycolor.net
www.rachminovdiamonds.com

Jewelry Market Update

Ken Gassman's viewpoint in IdexOnline about self-purchasing women was spot on. She will make the buying decision, and will often pay for the jewelry herself. Thanks Ken.

Useful link:
www.kennethgassman.com

Wireless Health

A group of experts and innovators at UCLA are designing healthy cities to promote health and wellness across the country. I wish India had the same technology, skills and attitude to connect the dots.

Useful link:
www.wirelesshealth.ucla.edu

Unusual Destinations

(via LaTimes) Bizarre and unusual destinations around the world. Simply brilliant.

Random Thoughts

In Silicon Valley we have a saying: launch early, launch often. It’s an acknowledgment that successful, innovative companies are the ones that rapidly try new ideas, see what works, improve their products and repeat. Businesses that launch frequently are also able to take advantage of economies of scale to make launchings faster and easier. In many ways, the key to innovation is speed of execution.

- Edward Lu
www.google.org
www.edlu.com

So true!

Pleased, But Not Satisfied

Pleased But Not Satisfied by David Sokol is an insightful book about managing business. Many business pundits believe that David Sokol may be on the short list to eventually succeed Warren Buffett as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. A must read.

Useful links:
www.midamericanenergy.com
www.berkshirehathaway.com

Jancis Robinson Viewpoint

This seems like a great wine list. Something for everyone. Thanks Jancis.

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

BenCab Museum

Alexandra Seno's opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal about Benedicto Cabrera's prized collection of contemporary Filipino artworks/tribal art was interesting.

With collecting you learn.
- Benedicto Cabrera

Useful links:
http://bencabmuseum.org
www.singart.com
www.andrewshiregallery.com
www.stpi.com.sg

LabGem, Portugal

Check out the digital periodical from LabGem. It's educational and insightful.

Useful link:
www.labgem.org

Green Funiture

I really liked Ronen Kadushin's green designs. Recently I came across readily cleanable / recylable armchair, which I thought was a brilliant idea. Keep up the good work.

Useful links:
www.ronen-kadushin.com
www.movisi.com

Bill Burnham Viewpoint

Great post, Bill. I agree with all of what you said. I would like to see real money going for innovation in other fields as well.

Useful link:
http://billburnham.blogs.com

Random Thoughts

Henry Hazlitt, one of the great popularisers of free-market thinking, once said that good ideas have to be relearned in every generation. This is certainly true of good ideas about business.

- The Economist
www.economist.com

Spot on.

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street Standouts. Bill Cunningham's overview of men's style with unexpected color was brilliant. I loved it.

Carmen Herrera Story

Deborah Sontag's opinion piece in the New York Times about Carmen Herrera was an inspiring story. How can we have missed these beautiful artworks? Hats off to Carmen!

We have a saying in Puerto Rico. The bus — la guagua — always comes for those who wait.
- Tony Bechara

I do it because I have to do it; it’s a compulsion that also gives me pleasure. I never in my life had any idea of money and I thought fame was a very vulgar thing. So I just worked and waited. And at the end of my life, I’m getting a lot of recognition, to my amazement and my pleasure, actually.
- Carmen Herrera

Useful links:
www.walkerart.org
www.moma.org
http://hirshhorn.si.edu
www.tate.org.uk

Gary Hamel Viewpoint

Gary was spot on. Towers Perrin's Global Workforce Survey was an eye opener and interesting. Thanks Gary.

Useful links:
http://blogs.wsj.com/management
www.garyhamel.com
www.towersperrin.com

Ten Tactics

10 tactics = Turning information into action. Give it a try.

Useful links:
http://tacticaltech.org
www.informationactivism.org
www.witness.org

Safe Agua Chile

The new tools developed by students to help bring safe and clean water to the slums of Chile was brilliant and inspiring. I think we need similar projects in India.

Useful links:
http://tech.ashoka.org
http://www.designmatters.artcenter.edu

Art Market Update

The Economist report about the state of the contemporary art market was insightful. Collectors were chasing for the new new of everything and buying quality. Buyers in every sector of the art market now seem to follow a pattern. Stay tuned.

Prices today reflect what is happening out there. People are discounting the coming inflation and buying quality. They know that inflation has always been the art dealer’s friend.
- David Mason

Useful links:
www.christies.com
www.sothebys.com
www.macconnal-mason.com

Christmas Card Art

A selection of Christmas cards designed by artists have gone on display at Tate Britain, in London. www.tate.org.uk/britain

Mobile Internet Report

The Morgan Stanley report on rapidly changing mobile internet was interesting. Check it out.

- The Mobile Internet Report Setup
- The Mobile Internet Report Key Themes
- The Mobile Internet Report

Useful link:
www.morganstanley.com

The New Gold Party

Kelly Evan's report in the Wall Street Journal about the new kind of social gathering (the gold party) was interesting. I guess it's the excitement and convenience that's attracting the attention of gold sellers. The best advice: always do your research.

Useful links:
www.itsagoldmineparty.com
www.partyofgold.com

Motherland Afghanistan

The movie is about an Afghan born doctor, who lived/trained in the US returns to try help maternal surgical care. A moving/inspiring movie, really. Don't miss.

Sacred Spain: Art And Belief In The Spanish World

During the 17th century El Greco, Velázquez, Zurbarán, Murillo and others created art that spurred both admiration and devotion. See magnificent works—paintings, sculpture and more—from Spain, Mexico, Peru and Colombia, including the famed and rarely displayed Crown of the Andes, a baroque gold crown set with 450 emeralds. Don't miss.

Useful link:
www.imamuseum.org

Earth-Like Planets

George Musser's viewpoints in Scientific American about extrasolar planets was interesting. I have always thought that there must be rigid shells of diamond and other crystals embedded in rocks in the galaxy waiting to be discovered. I hope the Kepler spacecraft will find diamond-rich planets in the near term. Stay tuned.

Useful links:
www.psi.edu
www.ciw.edu
www.princeton.edu
http://kepler.nasa.gov

Gemstone Creative

Gemstone Creative is the brainchild of Mark Hirschel/Sarah Stultman who have assembled talent in the fields of mosaic art and jewelry setting to be able to bring this unique concept to the marketplace. Interesting collectors pieces.

Useful links:
www.gemstonecreative.com
www.londonartfair.co.uk

Random Thoughts

Social media is becoming the web, and social media is becoming the media. It's been a nice area to be covering these last few years, and we've been able to grow as a blog alongside it. There's very little on the web that hasn't had this social element built in to it. It's integrated in to every site you use now.

- Pete Cashmore
http://mashable.com

Spot on.

Fahrenheit 212

Some people say Fahrenheit 212 is innovator's paradise. Check it out.

Useful link:
www.fahrenheit-212.com

Wrekin Ruby

I think the two-kilo Wrekin Ruby would be worth more as a geological curio than a gemstone. The ruby, weighing more than 10,000 carats (two kilos), was valued at £11 million (a big joke, really). At one point it was speculated that it could be worth as little as £100 (maybe). The game is not over. Stay tuned.

Chaim Even Zohar Viewpoint

Chaim was spot on. The diamond industry is an oligopoly with a handful of corporate players. The whole concept of continued global generic diamond promotion is still a great idea, but at the end of the day it's all about money, results and leadership.

Useful links:
www.diamondintelligence.com
http://eng.alrosa.ru
www.debeersgroup.com
www.dtc.com
www.riotinto.com
www.bhpbilliton.com

Responsible Jewellery Council's Certification System

The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has announced that its certification system is now fully operational to certify its members for responsible ethical, social and environmental practices throughout the diamond and gold jewelry supply chain. I hope the sector-wide initiative will improve consumer confidence in the long term. For more information, contact www.responsiblejewellery.com

SunRun

Impressive and innovative solar startup that saves energy and cash. Check it out.

Useful link:
www.sunrunhome.com

Person Of The Year 2009

Ben Bernanke is TIME's Person of the Year for 2009. I think he is the most important player in the world's most important economy. Congratulations! I hope he does the right thing for the world.

Useful link:
www.federalreserve.gov

A Country That Loves Art

Meet the United States Artists Fellows for 2009. I think art inspires peoples lives. I wish the USA fellows all the best.

Useful link:
www.unitedstatesartists.org

Jon Rafman

Check out Jon Rafman's brilliant collection of artworks with a story. Stunningly natural and immersive, really.

Useful links:
http://jonrafman.com
http://googlestreetviews.com

Blippy

Blippy is a soon-to-start online social network that lets you share details of your credit card purchases with friends or strangers. Interesting concept, really. All the best.

Useful link:
http://blippy.com

Diamonds

Noble Gems International has announced the publication of the new edition of Diamonds by Marijan Dundek. Check it out. www.noblegems.com

Gold Market Update

The Financial Times report on gold was interesting. So many constituencies are taking refuge in gold that its price surge is the symbol of the age: a store of anxiety as well as value. How will gold buyers be able to tell when the top of the market is about to arrive? After all, gold is almost impossible to value beyond the cost of production, which today stands way below the current price. Apart from jewelry and small industrial applications, such as in electronics, gold has no use other than as an investment. So true!

Luke Johnson Viewpoint

Luke was spot on. I thought Peter the entrepreneur's parlour game (money, power and recognition) was a brilliant way to cut out the fluff. I liked it because of the honesty of the words.

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

Random Thoughts

We teach the kids that by having more money coming in than going out, they will amass wealth which will give them financial freedom to do good for themselves, others and the world.

- Naomi Schachter
www.financiallyfreellc.com
www.creativewealthintl.org
www.campmillionairepa.com

Spot on.

Jason Hawkes

Jason Hawkes specialises in aerial photography. They are stunningly beautiful.

Useful link:
www.jasonhawkes.com

The Botany Of Desire

The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World by Michael Pollan is a fascinating book that will change the way we think about our place in nature. A must read.

Useful link:

www.michaelpollan.com

The London Array

The London Array offshore windfarm is all set to become the largest windfarm in the world following its scheduled completion in 2012, becoming the first in the 1-gigawatt class.

Useful links:
www.londonarray.com
www.energy.siemens.com

Shenzhen & Hong Kong Bi-city Biennale Of Urbanism\Architecture 2009

China is the new design/architecture laboratory/capital of the world. There is a lot to learn from China so keep an open mind. The Shenzhen side of the biennale runs through January 23, 2010; Hong Kong biennale is up until February 27, 2010). Don't miss.

Useful links:
www.szhkbiennale.org
http://hkszbiennale.org
www.bodw.com

Planetary Skin Institute

The organization will develop and prototype all the technologies necessary to make it work. All the best.

Useful links:
www.planetaryskin.org
www.nasa.gov
www.cisco.com
http://en.cop15.dk
http://unfccc.int
www.connectedurbandevelopment.org

Global Business BBC

Peter Day's interview with bankers, academics and investors in the microfinance sector in Bolivia was interesting. Many startups are jumping on the microlending bandwagon. I hope they don't turn out to be a bubble.

Useful links:
www.grameen.com
www.brac.net
https://promujer.org

Trunkated Trunk

I really liked Eugenie Scrase's Trunkated Trunk for its natural look. Congratulations for winning at the BBC Two's School of Saatchi show.

Useful links:
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00p71qk
www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk

Random Thoughts

We didn't do all the smartest things. We didn't do anything really dumb. I made plenty of mistakes. I didn't maximize the opportunities offered by the chaos. But in the end, it worked out OK.

- Warren Buffett
www.berkshirehathaway.com

Spot on.

Poverty Action Lab

(via Wiki) The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab is an academic center located at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and dedicated to field research in development economics. Lab affiliates implement randomized controlled trials (RCTs) similar to those used in medical research in order to answer questions in economics and related social sciences.

Useful link:
www.povertyactionlab.org

The Nabokov Collection

The Nabokov Collection = Simply beautiful. A brilliant project.

Useful links:
http://designobserver.com
www.nabokovmuseum.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Nabokov

Random Thoughts

It is already known that the color of a drink can influence the way we taste it. We wanted to know whether background lighting, for example in a restaurant, makes a difference as well. The extreme lighting conditions found in some bars can undoubtedly influence the way a wine tastes. We thought it was simply that colours that people found agreeable would put them in an agreeable mood. However early tests seem to show that it is not as simple as that. We still believe however that it is something to do with the mood they put people in. For some reason some colors put people in a more positive mood.

- Dr Daniel Oberfeld-Twistel
www.staff.uni-mainz.de/oberfeld

Spot on.

Home Gallery

Home Gallery = a style born of necessity. Penelope Green's opinion piece in the New York Times was interesting.

Useful links:
www.gavlakgallery.com
http://threescompany.tv
www.newmuseum.org
http://artforum.com
www.artbaselmiamibeach.com

Christmas Past

The Geffrye Museum is celebrating the best of Christmas past. Take a tour.

Useful link:
www.geffrye-museum.org.uk

CIBJO Congress 2010

The CIBJO Congress will be held in Munich, Germany, February 19-22, 2010. For more information contact www.cibjo.org

National Geographic: The Image Collection

The National Geographic is coming out with a book called National Geographic: The Image Collection and is available online. Check it out.

Useful link:
www.ngsimages.com

Human-centered Design Solutions

Allison Arieff's opinion piece in the New York Times about Kaiser Permanente's total health journey/design solutions for health care was educational and insightful. Thanks Allison. There is no reason why other corporations/institutions can take a cue from Kaiser’s efforts and innovate.

Useful links:
www.kaiserpermanente.org
www.campbell-ewald.com
http://xnet.kp.org/innovationcenter

Random Thoughts

The way to solve this problem is to let people go bankrupt. Then you will hit bottom and then you start over. The people who are sound will take over the assets from the people who aren't sound and we will start over. This is the way the world has worked for a few thousand years.

- Jim Rogers
www.jimrogers.com

Spot on.

Faces Of Copenhagen Summit 2009

Follow Guardian's interactive explainer and find out the issues, people involved in the deal-making, and the numbers that will be crunched at the conference.

Useful links:
http://en.cop15.dk
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/copenhagen