Nanosys

A great innovation story. Nanosys has the sustainable replacement technology to deal with rare earth metals instead of expanding rare earth metal mines. Take a look. http://www.nanosysinc.com

Street Photography Now

Human life in all its forms. Take a look.

Useful links:
http://streetphotographynowproject.wordpress.com
http://www.photonet.org.uk

Catchafire

Risk-taking, do-gooding entrepreneurs. Take a look at Rachael Chong's startup Catchafire. http://www.catchafire.org

Pixel House

Brilliant architecture never goes out of style. I really liked the Pixel design. Hats off to Mass Studies/Slade Architecture.

Useful links:
http://www.massstudies.com
http://sladearch.com

Global Business BBC

Singapore startups, Episode 2. The program was educational/insightful. Many thanks to Peter Day.

Useful links:
http://www.ida.gov.sg
http://www.springboardresearch.com
http://www.starhub.com
http://www.wego.com
http://www.polycom.com
http://www.nuffnang.com.sg

Children Of Mines

Images of child laborers around the world. Take a look. Shocking, really.

Alexis Rockman

A brilliant eco-artist. Take a look. http://www.alexisrockman.net

Gary Hamel Viewpoint

Bold thinking. I believe the definition of innovation has become surface-diffused/confused  + innovation rankings by experts have failed simplifying the true meaning of innovation. Sad, really.

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

Sanergy

A brilliant startup. Clean sanitation. http://saner.gy

Art Market Update

The Economist report. http://www.phillipsdepury.com

Lab-grown Diamond Update

Lab-grown colorless diamonds will be hitting the market in large quantities pretty soon. Gemesis, the Florida-based lab-grown diamond producer have produced colorless diamonds that is identical in every way to a natural/mined diamond except for its origin. I am sure there will be problems identifying lab-grown diamonds in the market. Not all jewelers/dealers are trained properly to identify natural from treated/synthetic diamonds. If in doubt always consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.

Useful link:
http://www.gemesis.com

The Life Of Anne Frank — A Graphic Biography

One of the most remarkable stories of the 20th century has now been turned into a comic. Take a look. http://www.annefrank.org

Public Speaking

Fran Lebowitz speaks her mind in Martin Scorsese’s documentary 'Public Speaking,' on HBO. http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/public-speaking/index.html

Golden Horse Film Festival 2010

Hats off to Chang Tso-chi for winning the Golden Horse award for best film When Love Comes. http://www.goldenhorse.org.tw

Earth As Art

Take a look at the unusual pictures of Earth from above via the US Geological Survey (USGS) satellites. Simply beautiful, really. http://earthasart.gsfc.nasa.gov/image_index.html

Virtual Entrepreneur

Jon Jacobs' story was interesting. http://www.entropiauniverse.com

Argentina's Napa Valley

Alexie Barrionuevo's story in the New York Times on Mendoza, Latin America's largest winemaking region was interesting. Many thanks.

Useful links:
http://www.catenawines.com
http://www.kj.com
http://www.moet.com
http://www.escorihuela.com.ar
http://www.salentein.com
http://www.vinesofmendoza.com

Joseph Gill's Historical Index To Gems & Jewelry

The listing includes 20000 listings of publications in English on gems and jewelry from 1652 until 2009. Brilliant work. Great many thanks to Pala International for sharing the info. http://www.palagems.com

Peridot Mining On Zabargad Island

James Harrell/Elizabeth Bloxam provide an interesting description of the ancient mine in Egypt in the November/December issue of Minerva Magazine. http://minervamagazine.com

Internet Trends

Hats off to Mary Meeker for the brilliant data presentation on Internet(http://www.scribd.com/doc/42793400/Internet-Trends-Presentation) markets/trends. http://www.morganstanley.com

15 Years, 50 Classics

Great many thanks to Art Kleiner for sharing the articles (http://www.strategy-business.com/article/00050?gko=5dfa7&cid=enews20101116) that have had the greatest impact. http://www.strategy-business.com

International Film Festival Of India 2010

The International Film Festival of India opens in Goa on November 22 - December 2, 2010. http://iffi.nic.in

Leo Fuchs

A Master Hollywood photographer. http://www.leofuchs.com

Diamond Market Update

Barry Sergeant's opinion piece in the Mineweb on diamond miners and the market trend was insightful. Many thanks. Why are diamond miners so unloved? A $46 million dollar question, really. http://www.mineweb.com

Jewelry Market Update

Liam Pleven/Ann Zimmerman was spot on. For jewelers, all that glitters today isn't necessarily gold, but less expensive metals from silver to tungsten, because of the rising gold price and lifestyle changes (price/fashion driven). http://www.mintel.com

Educate!

A Eric Glustrom project. http://www.experienceeducate.org

Flavie ISATELLE

Take a look at Flavie's brilliant website on gems, gemology, geology and field trips. http://www.gems-geology.com

Global Financial Integrity Report

India report. http://www.gfip.org

Antonio C. Bonanno Award 2011

Stuart Robinson has won the 2011 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology. Congratulations.

Useful links:
http://accreditedgemologists.org
http://www.gemguide.com

The Great Life Photographers

The book offers more than 100 portfolios including those of Alfred Eisenstaedt, Margaret Bourke-White, Carl Mydans, Gordon Parks, W. Eugene Smith, Robert Capa, Ralph Morse, Nina Leen, Harry Benson, Philippe Halsman, and Joe McNally, whose work for LIFE in the aftermath of September 11 was in the finest tradition of the magazine. Each portfolio includes a short biography, offering an intimate look at the people behind the lens. This is a must-have book, really.

Global Business BBC

Singapore Startups. An interesting overview by Peter Day.

Useful links:
http://www.insead.edu
http://www.nuffnang.com.sg
http://www.wego.com
http://www.awfullychocolate.com

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

EITI reports. http://eiti.org

The Taj Mahal Gold Coin

A unique opportunity to buy a piece of history. http://www.monnaiedeparis.com + http://www.franklinmint.com

Art Gensler

Gensler viewpoints/projects. http://www.gensler.com

I Paid A Bribe

Paid bribe in India? Vent here. http://ipaidabribe.com

Molecular Animation

Erick Olsen's artilce in the New York Times on molecular animation was a great piece. I think visualization should play a significant role in education.

Useful links:
http://www.gnomonschool.com
http://www.rcsb.org/pdb/home/home.do
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbcWGU8fpxA&feature=related%20?
http://www.xvivo.net/powering-the-cell-mitochondria
http://www.biovision.com

Kelly Slater

Kelly Slater = the most fluid/balanced surfer in competitive surfing = poetry in motion. Take a look. http://www.kellyslater.com

Camera Culture Group

A camera that can shoot around corners has been developed by scientists at the MIT Media Lab. Take a look.

Useful links:
http://cameraculture.media.mit.edu
http://www1.cs.columbia.edu/~nayar/bio.html

Youssef Nabil

Take a look at Nabil's work of art. http://www.youssefnabil.com

Kinect Adventure

A Good Science Studio initiative. http://www.microsoft.com/games

Cacao Genome Project

The whole of the genome is in the public domain and protected from patenting for perpetuity so everyone would have free and continued access to it. Dr Yana Shapiro. http://www.cacaogenomedb.org

Prix Pictet Photography 2011

The organizers of the annual Prix Pictet photography competition has announced their shortlist for the 2011 prize. Take a look. A preview of the shortlist can be seen at Galerie Filles du Calvaire, Paris, France until November 29 2010. http://www.prixpictet.com

Snakes In Suits: When Psychopaths Go To Work

I believe this book is a must-read for anyone in business. Fascinating, really.

Useful links:
http://www.hare.org
http://www.hrbackoffice.com

The Graff Pink

An exceptionally rare 24.78-carat, VVS2, fancy intense pink diamond of the purest, vibrant hue has been sold by the Sotheby’s (Geneva) for $46,158,674 (CHF 45,442,500). The winning bid went to Laurence Graff, and shortly after the sale, Graff named the diamond 'The Graff Pink'.

Useful links:
http://www.graffdiamonds.com
http://www.sothebys.com

Random Thoughts

This is not a case of the simple repatriation of objects. People from China want to be surrounded by art they are familiar with from the past, that they have seen in museums, and in books or remember from their parents and grandparents homes--rather than English silver and French furniture. There is no logic to what they will pay--no price tag. If they want something, there is no stopping them. They will go through the roof to buy it.


- Giuseppi Eskenazi
http://www.eskenazi.co.uk


Spot on.

Christopher Elbow Chocolates

Amazing. They are mini works of art. http://www.elbowchocolates.com

Peace Dividend Trust

Innovative funding initiatives in developing markets. Take a look at PDT's insightful approach in implementing new operational ideas for improving aid. http://www.peacedividendtrust.org

Hasselblad Masters

Hasselblad Masters photography prize. Take a look at established/rising photographic artists. http://www.hasselblad.com

Diamond Market Update

Q & A. Martin Rapaport + Stephen Lussier discussion on global diamond demand was educational and insightful. http://www.diamonds.net

Today's Special

A heartwarming Tandoori comedy. http://www.todaysspecial.com

Arnolfini

Fun with software. Interactive art. Don't miss. http://www.arnolfini.org.uk

Art Market Update

The Economist report on Abu Dhabi Art was interesting and insightful. Great many thanks.

Useful links:
http://www.abudhabiartfair.ae
http://thepacegallery.com
http://www.galleryhyundai.com
http://www.whitecube.com
http://www.paradiserow.com
http://www.agialart.com
http://www.barjeelartfoundation.com
http://www.operagallery.com

Nonobject

Hats off to Branko Lukic. I loved it. http://nonobjectbook.com

Gems Among Us Contest Update

Jewelry Information Center has announced the top 10 finalists in its Gems Among Us Contest. Take a look. http://www.jic.org

Qianlong Chinese Porcelain Vase

A vase found in a house-clearance in London has been sold for £43m, thought to be a record for any Chinese artwork. Amazing price discovery. Take a look. http://www.bainbridgesauctions.co.uk

The Diamond Route

Sharing knowledge/resources. http://www.diamondroute.co.za

Lynsey Addario

Brilliant/powerful narrative. http://www.lynseyaddario.com

Tauba Auerbach

Wordless books. I loved it. http://www.taubaauerbach.com

Global Business BBC

Peter Day talks to Aamir Khan on social change. I enjoyed it. Many thanks Peter.

Useful links:
http://www.aamirkhan.com
http://www.peeplilivethefilm.com
http://www.lagaan.com
http://www.taarezameenpar.com

Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize

David Chancellor photography. Natural. Powerful. Beautiful. Africa will be always an inspiring place.

Useful links:
http://www.davidchancellor.com 
http://www.npg.org.uk

Neues Museum

A sculpture collection which was condemned by Hitler's Nazis is on display at Berlin's Neues Museum. Take a look. http://www.neues-museum.de

Pledge to Give Away

Inspiring note. http://givingpledge.org

The Story of Electronics

Annie Leonard is back with The Story of Electronics with surprising facts. Check it out. http://www.storyofstuff.com

Awfully Chocolate

Lyn Lee's chocolate story. http://www.awfullychocolate.com

Global Business BBC

Chilean entrepreneur Fernando Fischmann's unique's technology to keep the water in lagoons clear was interesting/insightful. Many thanks to Peter Day for sharing the story. http://www.crystal-lagoons.com

Christmas Story Contest

I thought jeweler James Avery's 'Christmas Memories: Stories of Life, Love and Faith' contest on its Facebook page was a brilliant idea. I liked it. http://secure.jamesavery.com

Christoph Gielen

Eye-catching. Really. Take a look. http://www.christophgielen.com

Michel Houellebecq

Michel Houellebecq has finally won the Prix Goncourt. All the best.

Useful links:
http://www.houellebecq.info
http://www.academie-goncourt.fr

The Business Of Innovation

Fiona Graham's insightful report in BBC News on innovation was brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great many thanks.

Useful links:
http://www.stevenberlinjohnson.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NugRZGDbPFU

James Turrell

A brilliant exhibition by James Turrell. http://www.gagosian.com

Fighting Counterfeiting

I thought The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie's new short film competition titled  'Fakes: Caught on Camera,' was a brilliant approach to raise public awareness. Check it out. http://www.hautehorlogerie.org

Ultra-fast Computer-assisted Trading

David Zax's story in Fast Company about MIT researcher's (Alexander Wissner-Gross + Cameron Freer) innovative solution to ultra-fast computer-assisted trading was interesting. http://www.alexwg.org

Erika Larsen

Erika's photos were simply beautiful. http://erikalarsenphoto.com

Ognissanti Crucifix

Giotto di Bondon's art. http://www.opificiodellepietredure.it

The Comica 2010

Explore the world of comics, graphic novels and manga at the annual Comica Festival. http://www.comicafestival.com

Random Thoughts

There is definitely a new energy out there. We are living in a moment when film makers, and young film makers in particular, are increasingly turning towards documentary as a way to make sense of the world they live in. They are more alert about, and suspicious of the mainstream media and eager for a form that talks to them about real events in a real way, even if that form is rough or even low-key. It's a very exciting and ground-breaking time for the documentary.

- Hussain Currimbhoy
http://sheffdocfest.com

Spot on.

Art Market Update

After last week's impressionist sales, it is the turn of contemporary art to go under the hammer. At Christie's, Campbell's Soup Can With Can Opener by Andy Warhol is among the star turns, estimated at $30-50m (£18m-£30m). Sotheby's has a Coca-Cola bottle canvas by him at $20-25m. The answer, or part of it, is that the very top of the art market is semi-detached from the movements of individual economies. Rather, it is bound up with the tastes and choices of a number of super-rich people in Europe and America – and, increasingly, Russia, China and the Middle East. As Brett Gorvy, deputy chairman of Christie's, put it: "The market is not reliant on one single economy at any one time." Charlotte Higgins was spot on. The trend among the emerging super-rich is to have the right contemporary art = a badge of elite wealth.

Useful links:
http://sarah-thornton.com
http://www.sothebys.com
http://www.christies.com

Somali Pirates’ Business Model

Somali pirates avoid symmetrical conflict. Instead they use stealth and surprise, attacking targets at their weakest point. According to Prof David James of Henley Business School, the most important lessons firms/startups can learn from Somali pirates' operating systems is strategy. Interesting viewpoint, really.

How To Manufacture A Diamond

Take a look. http://www.safdico.com

Irving Penn Archaeology

Visual poetry. http://www.pacemacgill.com

The Botswana Story

I think Botswana is a lucky country. I hope they do the right thing with the natural resources. I think the emphasis should be on sustainability. Many thanks to Fiona Foster for sharing an interesting story.

Useful links:
http://www.survivalinternational.org
http://www.debeersgroup.com/debswana
http://www.wilderness-safaris.com
http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw

Journey Through The Afterlife: Ancient Egyptian Book Of The Dead

Once-in-a-lifetime exhibition. http://www.britishmuseum.org

Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender Update

All 55 of the diamonds in Rio Tinto’s 2010 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender has been sold out. These results are true indications of rarity and value. Stay tuned.

Useful links:
https://www.argylepinkdiamonds.com.au
http://www.riotintodiamonds.com

Lost Bohemia

A film by Josef Birdman Astor. http://www.lostbohemia.com

Random Thoughts

No diamond of that size had ever been found before that and hasn't been found since.

- Jeffrey Post
Curator, National Gem Collection
http://mineralsciences.si.edu/index.htm

Spot on.

Andesine Update

Richard Hughes is an internationally well-known colored stone expert. The subject of andesine in Tibet has been one of controversy since 2008. He examines the history of the controversy, along with detailing an October 2010 visit to the Tibetan andesine mines. http://www.ruby-sapphire.com/tibet-andesine.htm

Good Purpose Report

2010 Report. http://www.edelman.ie

Exit Through The Gift Shop

A Banksy Film. http://www.banksyfilm.com + http://www.griersontrust.org

The Promise

The Promise: The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town by Bruce Springsteen. http://www.brucespringsteen.net

Gems & Gemology

The Fall 2010 issue of Gems & Gemology (G&G) focuses on major industry developments that shaped the millennium’s first decade. This special edition of the quarterly scientific journal, published by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), features a retrospective on changes in marketing and distribution, gem localities, treatments and analytical techniques. Get a copy. http://www.gia.edu

Botswana Diamonds

A different viewpoint. According to Survival International the Bushmen were illegally evicted from their ancestral lands to make way for diamond mining. At the time, the government denied a significant diamond deposit on their land existed. Eight years later, Gem Diamonds, which bought the concession from De Beers, is in negotiations to construct a $3.3 billion mine at one of the Bushman communities. Good/bad news, really.

Useful links:
http://www.survivalinternational.org
http://www.wilderness-safaris.com
http://www.gemdiamonds.com

Gem Diamonds Update

A remarkable 185 carat rough white diamond has been recovered from the Letšeng mine in Lesotho. Take a look. http://www.gemdiamonds.com

Set In Style: The Jewelry Of Van Cleef & Arpels

Mark your calendar. The Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum will host an exhibit, “Set in Style: The Jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels,” starting on February 18 - June 5, 2011. http://www.vancleef-arpels.com

Moguls And Movie Stars: A History Of Hollywood

The true story of the American film industry. http://www.tcm.com

Garden Of Buddhas

There is something pure and powerful about this landscape. The shape of the hills is like a lotus petal blossoming. Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche. A must visit. http://www.ewambuddhagarden.org

Rosenblum Collection & Friends

One-of-a-kind approach. A place for contemporary artists to become visible + meet friends. Rosenblum Collection & Friends is at 183, rue du Chevaleret, 75013, Paris.http://www.rosenblumcollection.eu. Anyone wanting to visit should join the network of Facebook-style friends at the website. http://rosenblumcollection.fr

Alex Ross

Listen to this. Get a copy. http://www.therestisnoise.com

Timeless Investment Classics

Many thanks to Joseph L. Shaefer for the insightful post. Keep up the good work. http://www.stanfordwealth.com

Fate Of The World

Fate of the World features data from real-world climate models, anecdotes from the polar explorer Pen Hadow and input from a team of scientists and economists in the US and UK. Hats off to game designers/Red Redemption.

Useful links:
http://www.fateoftheworld.net
http://www.red-redemption.com
http://www.gamesforchange.org
http://www.darfurisdying.com
http://www.enercities.eu
http://www.playagainstallodds.com

Iris van Daalen

Jewelry out of hair. Interesting approach. http://irisvandaalen.nl