The Great Contemporary Art Bubble

A timely documentary on the gallerists, collectors and auction houses. http://www.benlewis.tv

Pantone Fashion Color Report

The report is available at www.pantone.com/spring2011.

The Social Network

A story about the founders of the social-networking website, Facebook. http://www.thesocialnetwork-movie.com

Modernist Cuisine

Nathan Myhrvold, the former CTO of Microsoft, has self-published a six-volume, two-thousand-four-hundred-page, six-hundred-and-twenty-dollar cookbook. Take a look. http://modernistcuisine.com

Film Power 100

The full list. http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/sep/24/film-power-100-full-list

Random Thoughts

Because we have recently begun to find ourselves so unable to get things done, we tend to look with a certain overidealistic yearning when it comes to China. We see what they have done and project onto them something we miss, fearfully miss, in ourselves” — that “can-do,” “get-it-done,” “everyone-pull-together,” “whatever-it-takes” attitude that built our highways, dams and put a man on the moon. These were hallmarks of our childhood culture. But now we view our country turning into the opposite, even as we see China becoming animated by these same kinds of energies. I don’t idealize China’s system of government. I don’t want to live in an authoritarian system. But I do feel compelled to look at China in an objective way and acknowledge the successes of this system. That doesn’t mean advocating that we become like China. It means being alive to the challenge we are up against and even finding ways to cooperate with China. The very retro notion that we are undisputedly still No.1 is extremely dangerous.

- Orville Schell
http://orvilleschell.com
http://asiasociety.org
http://www.thomaslfriedman.com

Spot on.

Plain Space

An account of work-in-progress. A John Pawson project. Don't miss. http://designmuseum.org + http://www.johnpawson.com

Born Entrepreneurs, Born Leaders

A very important book. It's about what our genes can tell us about ourselves. http://weatherhead.case.edu/faculty/profiles/profile.cfm?idDM=327769

The Paris Review

The new website looks different. I liked it. http://www.theparisreview.org

Shakespeare At Your Fingertips

Brilliant idea. I loved it. http://www.masterpuppettheatre.com

Duchess Of Windsor Jewels

Exceptional jewels & precious objects once owned by Wallis Simpson, the infamous Duchess of Windsor, will hit the auction block at Sotheby's in late November 2010. Take a look. http://www.sothebys.com

Russia's Treasure Of Diamonds And Precious Stones

A rare photographic record featuring listings and photographs of the Russian crown jewels is up for auction. http://historical.ha.com

The Drops Of God

An on-going comic series with wine its subject matter. It teaches readers enough about wine in an entertaining way. http://www.chateau-le-puy.com + http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tadashi_Agi

Epic Of The Persian Kings: The Art Of Ferdowsi’s ‘Shahnameh’

The Economist was spot on. The 'Shahnameh' is crowded with moral tales about incompetent or brutal rulers who could provide lessons for the country’s leaders today. Don't miss. The exhibition will be at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, until January 9th 2011.

Useful link:
http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

The Future Of The Book

Brilliant. I loved it. IDEO has released a video with three concepts of how the book could work in a digital age. Introducing: Nelson, Coupland, and Alice. Take a look. http://designthinking.ideo.com

Jeweled Monopoly Set

A unique Sidney Mobell Collection. Mobell is known for his fanciful and innovative employment of everyday household items as works of art. Visit Museum of American Finance on October 15, 2010. Don't miss this event.

Useful links:
http://www.thesidneymobell.com
http://www.moaf.org

You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger

Superb cast. Entertaining. Provocative. I must confess I'm a fan of Woody Allen movies.

Useful link:
http://www.sonyclassics.com/youwillmeetatalldarkstranger

Gravity's Loom

Simply beautiful. Amazing colors. http://ball-nogues.com/#project-10

Ralph Lauren Fine Jewelry

Interesting lifestyle concept. Take a look. http://www.ralphlauren.com

Global Business BBC

Interesting review on the so-called Intelligent Grid. Many thanks to Peter Day.

Useful links:
http://www.britishgas.co.uk
http://www.nationalgrid.com
http://www.trilliantinc.com
http://www.foet.org
http://www.accenture.com
http://www.microsoft.com
http://www.alertme.com

Secrets Of The Moneylab

A brilliant book on behavioural economics and its applications. The stories are presented in a credible way. http://www.secretsofthemoneylab.com

Kings Of Pastry

Chris Hegedus + D.A. Pennebaker expose the punishing training and personal sacrifices that go into becoming a pastry champion. This is a must see documentary.

Useful links:
http://kingsofpastry.com
http://phfilms.com

Seeking Perfect Entrepreneurs

Seth Priebatsch’s story in the New York Times was brilliant. I loved it. Great many thanks to David Segal for sharing the story.

Useful links:
http://www.scvngr.com
http://www.hypomanicedge.com

Jade Bazaar

Khotan’s jade bazaar is a great place to test gem identification skills. Many thanks to Andrew Jacobs for sharing the story.

Jade has no meaning for our culture, but we are thankful to Allah that the Chinese go crazy for it.
- Yacen Ahmat

Perhaps it’s psychological, but as jade rubs against the skin it becomes smoother and softer, and the wearer becomes happier, which probably improves their immunity.
- Wang Shiqi

Random Thoughts

I think in the rest of life, you have to practice the right decision-making process. You have to be skeptical in many cases of conventional wisdom. And you have to be able to do what Kipling recommended—which is to keep your head when all about you are losing theirs. And that’s a wonderful quality for an investor or a corporate executive to develop.

- Charlie Munger
http://www.poorcharliesalmanack.com

So true.

Nikon Small World 2010

The Nikon Small World competition, now in its 36th year, attracts entries from around the world. Take a look. http://www.nikonsmallworld.com

An Evening With The Blues: The Hope And Wittelsbach-Graff Diamonds

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity indeed. http://www.roskingemnews.com

Cheryl Dunn

Cheryl Dunn’s new documentary, Everybody Street, was simply wonderful. I loved it. Many thanks. http://www.cheryldunn.net

Momo's Art Project

I thought Momo's creation was brilliant. http://momoshowpalace.com

GIA Gem Project – Edward J. Gübelin Collection

See it all at GIA Gem Project website + http://www.palagems.com

Art Market Update

Souren Melikian's viewpoint in the New York Times about the 25th Paris Biennale was interesting. Many thanks.

Useful links:
http://www.bdafrance.eu
http://www.brimodelaroussilhe.com
http://www.didieraaron-cie.com
http://www.orientalbronzes.com
http://www.richardnagy.com
http://www.applicat-prazan.com
http://www.orfevrerie.be
http://www.galeriekugel.com
http://www.canesso.com
http://www.lesenluminures.com

Random Thoughts

I hate studio. For me, studio is a trap to overproduce and repeat yourself. It is a habit that leads to art pollution. Nothing new happens. You don’t surprise yourself. You don’t put yourself in situations to risk.

- Marina Abramovic
http://marinafilm.com
http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/965

Spot on.

Russian Alexdantries

Dr. Karl Schmetzer has produced the definitive gemological reference book on Russian alexandrite. Check it out.

Useful link:
http://www.schweizerbart.de/publications/detail/isbn/9783510652624

Drew Struzan

The Art of Drew Struzan. http://www.drewstruzan.com

Learning By Playing

Sara Corbett's opinion piece in the New York Times about video games in the classroom was interesting. Many thanks.

Random Thoughts

The distinction between the internet' & books is totally totally arbitrary, and will disappear in 5 years. Start adjusting now.

- Hugh McGuire
http://hughmcguire.net

So true.

Rough Marketers

Avi Krawitz's opinion piece in Rapaport on diamond mining companies was interesting. Many thanks for the insightful comments.

Useful links:
http://www.gemdiamonds.com
http://www.petradiamonds.com
http://www.debeersgroup.com
http://eng.alrosa.ru

Dice For Change

A brilliant concept that aims to change people's behaviour in a playful way. I really liked it. http://diceforchange.com

Imme van der Haak

Body-distorting jewelry. http://www.immevanderhaak.nl

Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2010

The National Portrait Gallery has announced the shortlist for this year's Taylor Wessing photographic portrait prize. Check it out.

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

The New Brighton Archeological Society

It’s a wonderful story. Check it out. http://newbrightonsociety.com

J.W. Currens Jewelry Collection

Best of J.W. Currens. http://www.jwcurrens.com

Cities For People

A brilliant manual from Jan Gehl. http://www.gehlarchitects.com

French Laundry Cookbook

A Thomas Keller concept for fine dining.

Useful links:
http://www.frenchlaundry.com
http://www.perseny.com
http://www.jamesbeard.org

Medical Bracelets

Wear a medical-alert bracelet. http://www.medicalert.org + http://www.tiffany.com

Luke Johnson Viewpoint

Inspiring and insightful. Great many thanks. http://www.lukejohnson.org

World's Largest Chocolate Bar

Take a look at Grand Candy Company's 4410 kilogrammes (9702 lbs) chocolate bar. Let's go to Armenia. http://www.grandcandy.am + http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com

Smithsonian-inspired Jewels

A rare glimpse of some of the interesting jewels found in the Smithsonian's National Gem Collection. Take a look. http://newsdesk.si.edu/releases/jewelry-inspired-smithsonian-collections-offered-qvc

Global Business BBC

Peter Day's report on deepsea travel was brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed the programme. Many thanks.

Useful links:
http://www.deepflight.com
http://www.noc.soton.ac.uk
http://ocean.fsu.edu

Random Thoughts

Being partner at Goldman is the pinnacle of Wall Street; if you make it, you are considered set for life. To have it taken away would just be devastating to an individual. There is just no other word for it.

- Michael Driscoll
http://events.adelphi.edu/news/2010/20100318.php

Nothing is permanent but change.

Halo Reach

The title is the fourth in the series and the last from US developer Bungie. Take a look. http://www.bungie.net

Vatican Library Reopens

Vatican Library reopens after restoration. http://www.vaticanlibrary.va

Fine Cell Work

Art of embroidery. Brilliant idea. http://www.finecellwork.co.uk

The BVLGARI Blue Diamond

The appearance of this sensational jewel on the market is causing a huge stir amongst top jewelry collectors worldwide. Fancy Vivid blue diamonds of this size are among the most sought-after of colored diamonds and remain extremely difficult to find, given the scarcity of natural colored rough. This ring’s exceptional quality, rarity and size combined with the coveted imprimatur of the house of BVLGARI make this upcoming sale a truly special event in the world of jewelry and one that is certain to make auction history.

- Rahul Kadakia
http://www.christies.com

Spot on.

Mexico Now Festival

Don't miss the annual festival. http://www.mexiconowfestival.org

Jennifer Ackerman

Brilliant advice. I loved the book. http://www.jenniferackerman.net

Herman Miller

Herman Miller giveaway. http://hermanmiller.com/designforyou

Random Thoughts

This collection is not a museum. It's a museum in one sense, but it's also a well-used, vitally important collection that's equivalent to a database of plant information. Plants are not just beautiful and decorative; without them we simply couldn't survive. From the sheets we sleep on, the clothes we wear for warmth and the food and medicine we depend on, plants are invaluable to humanity; their diversity sustains us now, and in the future it will enable us to adapt, innovate and ultimately to survive.

- David Simpson
http://www.kew.org

Spot on.

Ken Burns

America's storyteller. http://www.pbs.org/kenburns

Technology Pioneers

Meet the World Economic Forum's Technology Pioneers — and the innovations they are bringing to market.

Useful links:
http://www.spotify.com
http://www.medicineinneed.org
http://www.scribd.com
http://www.flexoresearch.com
http://www.neuronetics.com
http://www.layar.com
http://www.vortexindia.co.in
http://www.netqin.com
http://novacem.com
http://www.getjar.com
http://www.weforum.org

Oilfurnace

Brilliant narrative. I loved it. http://www.timdenee.com/oilfurnace

Ocean Inspiration

Inspire. Share. Impact. Reward. http://www.oceaninspiration.net

The Conspirator

A historical drama about the trial and hanging of Mary Surratt, a widow who was convicted of conspiring in the murder of Abraham Lincoln. The brilliant movie is directed by Robert Redford.

Useful links:
http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com
http://www.tiff.net
http://www.sundance.org

There We Are

A visual representation of old age by Yang Zhou. There are a lot of us, really. http://www.zyfotos.com

Somewhere

Sofia Coppola has won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival, the Golden Lion, for her film Somewhere. Congratulations.

Useful links:
http://focusfeatures.com/film/somewhere
http://www.labiennale.org/en/cinema

Astronomy Photographer 2010

Congratulations to Tom Lowe for winning the title Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2010. http://www.nmm.ac.uk

Art Market Update

The Economist report on Damien Hirst was interesting. Could any other artist pull off this kind of spectacular art trade? Where will the Hirst market go from here? Only time will tell. http://www.whitecube.com

Random Thoughts

To enjoy the advantages of a free market, one must have both buyers and sellers, both bulls and bears. A market without bears would be like a nation without a free press. There would be no one to criticize and restrain the false optimism that always leads to disaster.

- Bernard Baruch
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Baruch

So true.

How We Swag: Decoding Hip-Hop Jewelry

Lyneise Williams from the department of art at the University of North Carolina will lead the discussion on the significance of hip-hop jewelry and its connection with American culture. http://jewelryhistorians.org

Raphael: Cartoons And Tapestries For The Sistine Chapel

This is a display of four of the ten tapestries designed by Raphael for the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. These are the original tapestries from the only series designed by Raphael of which examples survive, and are comparable with Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel Ceiling as masterpieces of High Renaissance art. Don't miss. http://www.vam.ac.uk

Royal Butterfly

At the Smithsonian Institute's National Gem Collection. The three-dimensional diamond and gemstone-studded brooch crafted into the form of a butterfly was simply beautiful. http://www.cindychao.com

Michael Eden

Brilliant designs. Stunningly beautiful. http://www.edenceramics.co.uk

Nervous System

Science. Art. Technology. I loved the designs. http://n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com

Start-Up Update

Timely advice. Many thanks to Rosalind Resnick.

Useful link:
http://www.abcbizhelp.net

Mindful Leadership

Harvard Business School professor William George  + Tibetan Buddhist meditation master Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche share their viewpoints.

Useful links:
http://tergar.org
http://www.billgeorge.org

Bubble Jewelry

I loved it. Many thanks. http://www.lynnemaclachlan.co.uk

Blood On The Stone

Ian Smillie's Blood on the Stone is about the cartel, the warlords, the gun runners and the shadowy traders who populated Africa’s bloody diamond wars, and a faltering, decade-long effort to clean up an entire industry. An absolute must read.

ArtNews Update

Jon Lackman's opinion piece in ARTnews on art's magic was interesting.

Useful links:
http://www.williampowhida.com
http://erictrosko.com
http://www.jonathanallen.org
http://www.janehammondartist.com

Random Thoughts

I believe that agriculture land — productive agricultural land with water on site — will be very valuable in the future. I’ve put a good amount of money into that.

- Michael Burry
http://www.scioncapital.com

Spot on.

Lawrence Wright

A natural raconteur. http://www.lawrencewright.com

The Man Booker Prize 2010

A look at the Man Booker shortlist. http://www.themanbookerprize.com

Global Business BBC

I found Ubisoft's business model and philosophy very interesting. Many thanks to Peter Day for sharing the story. http://www.ubi.com

Letšeng Diamond

Gem Diamonds Limited and the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho has announced that an exceptional 196 carat rough white diamond has been recovered from the Letšeng mine in Lesotho on 24 August 2010. http://www.gemdiamonds.com

The Tag-and-Trace Method

Interesting approach in science, business and life. I agree with Alexander Pentland. Understanding the science of incentivizing people to cooperate is the key. If all goes well it becomes reality mining.

Useful links:
http://web.media.mit.edu/~sandy
http://www.darpa.mil
http://hd.media.mit.edu

Maya Lin’s Storm King Wavefield

An inspiring place.

Useful links:
http://www.stormking.org
http://www.mayalin.com

El Anatsui

Anatsui’s art is abstract. Colour, shape and light tell his story. Take a look.

Useful links:
http://www.octobergallery.co.uk/artists/anatsui/index.shtml
http://elanatsui.com

Vijay Iyer

Physics + Jazz = Beautiful music. http://www.vijay-iyer.com

Botswana’s Diamond Success Story

The Interview: Rapaport Diamond Report / P.H.K. Kedikilwe, Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources. Great many thanks to Avi Krawitz for sharing the info.

Useful links:
http://www.diamonds.net
http://www.dtcbotswana.com

Kazak Art

Kazak Art exhibition via Christies, London. http://www.christies.com

Andy Warhol 1961-1964

The early Sixties. Paintings and Drawings 1961-1964.

Useful links:
http://www.kunstmuseumbasel.ch
http://www.warhol.org
http://www.warholfoundation.org

Vineet Nayar Viewpoint

Insightful comments. Please do share more. http://www.vineetnayar.com

Telluride Film Festival

Brilliant insights. http://www.telluridefilmfestival.org

Random Thoughts

The secret to being successful from a trading perspective is to have an indefatigable and an undying and unquenchable thirst for information and knowledge. Because I think there are certain situations where you can absolutely understand what motivates every buyer and seller and have a pretty good picture of what’s going to happen. And it just requires an enormous amount of grunt work and dedication to finding all possible bits of information.

- Paul Tudor
http://www.tudorventures.com

So true.

Green Game Changers

A unique crowd sourcing exercise via WWF. http://www.wwf.org.uk

America By Car

Superb. I loved it.

Useful links:
http://whitney.org/Exhibitions/LeeFriedlander
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNw1Od731E0

Random Thoughts

I can capture the viability of a low-end, volume business and use my spare time to design high-end jewelry to satisfy my creative drive. Between the bread and butter of feeding the hundreds of employees and satisfying your ego and desire to design high-end jewelry, you have to make a business decision.

- Ben Yep
http://www.bri-star.com

Spot on.

Global Policy Viewpoint On Kimberley Process

Interesting post. Diamonds may be forever, but international law is always changing. http://www.globalpolicyjournal.com

The Brazil Series

Bob Dylan's The Brazil Series which includes figurative scenes from Brazilian slums, farms and beaches will run until the end of January at Denmark's National Gallery. Don't miss.

Useful links:
http://www.bobdylan.com
http://www.smk.dk

Grand Rapids ArtPrize 2010

A new thinking. A new approach. Great many thanks to Amanda Gordon for sharing a beautiful story.

Useful links:
http://www.artprize.org
http://www.ranortner.com
http://www.artmuseumgr.org

Shlomo Maital Viewpoint

How to nurture entrepreneurs. http://timnovate.wordpress.com