Brandywine River Museum

The Brandywine River Museum holds spectacular art collections of NC Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth and Jamie Wyeth. They are often called the first family of American art. A must-visit.

Useful link:
www.brandywinemuseum.org

Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2008

The Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2008 - June 13th - 14th sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand was spectacular.

Useful link:
www.huahinafterdark.com/hua-hin-jazz-festival.htm

Antony Todd

A Diamond Is Forever Floral Spectacular, designed by floral designer Antony Todd, with over 24,000 long stem red roses spelling out A Diamond Is Forever, commissioned in celebration of Mother's Day was stunningly beautiful. Everyone who picked up a rose got a code that they could then enter online at www.adiamondisforever.com for a chance to win a 3 Stone Diamond Necklace worth $5,000.

Useful link:
www.antonytodd.com

Brilliant idea. I liked it.

The Art Of Film Music

The Art Of Film Music by George Burt is a great book on film scoring techniques. Enjoy it.

Jane Seymour's Open Heart Concept

I really liked Jane Seymour's Open Heart Necklace and Original Art concept because of its simplicity and functionality.

Useful links:
www.friendsofjane.com

Renewable Petroleum Technology

Here is what LS9 Inc. says about renewable petroleum technology @ http://www.ls9.com/technology I also found Chris Ayres article @ http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article4133668.ece
interesting as well. I think these breakthroughs definitely offer a commercially attractive path to sustainibility.

Useful link:
www.ls9.com

The World Of Caffeine

The World of Caffeine: The Science and Culture of the World's Most Popular Drug by Bennett Alan Weinberg + Bonnie K. Bealer is an interesting book that covers history, science, commerce, and other aspects of caffeine culture. I liked it.

Useful links:
www.ico.org
http://coffeescience.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caffeine

Shifting Economy

Michael Novogratz talks with Nick Paumgarten about the long-term effects of a shifting economy from 'Stories from the Near Future,' at the 2008 New Yorker Conference @
http://www.newyorker.com/online/video/conference/2008/novogratz

Useful link:
www.fortressinv.com

Brilliant!

Buying Diamonds Online

I found Businessweek's video on what to know about diamonds on the web @ http://feedroom.businessweek.com/index.jsp?fr_story=e22da4a379200015f0494c9053bb8661bd5066ee interesting. In fact, I liked it.

Bushveld Complex + The Diamond Link

National Science Foundation's new research in South Africa shows possible explanation for how Bushveld platinum ores were created + the unique encapsulation of platinum group elements as mineral inclusions in diamonds + the origin theory + other viewpoints @ http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=111695&govDel=USNSF_51

Useful links:
www.nsf.gov
www.nature.com
www.ciw.edu
www.uct.ac.za

The Water Story

Susan Berfield writes about T. Boone Pickens's new business interests + other viewpoints @ http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_25/b4089040017753.htmchan=top+news_top+news+index_top+story

Useful links:
www.boonepickens.com
www.bpcap.net

There are people who will buy the water when they need it. And the people who have the water want to sell it. That's the blood, guts, and feathers of the thing.
- T Boone Pickens

How true!

Appraisal Organizations In The US

Each appraisal organizations in the U.S has its own rules and standards that are continually being updated.

Useful links:
www.appraisalfoundation.org
www.americangemsociety.org
www.appraisers.org
www.isa-appraisers.org
www.najaappraisers.com
www.appraisersassoc.org
http://accreditedgemologists.org

California World Fest

California WorldFest features eight stages of music and dance from around the world, camping with family and friends, workshops, international food, fine crafts, and the renowned children's program + specially selected independent films.

Useful link:
www.worldfest.net

Don't miss it!

The Necessary Revolution

The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals And Organizations Are Working Together to Create a Sustainable World by Peter M. Senge + Bryan Smith + Sara Schley + Joe Laur + Nina Kruschwitz is an interesting book that discusses the state of the business today and how individuals and corporations could innovate toward a more sustainable world.

Useful links:
www.solonline.org
www.presence.net
www.presencing.com

In a time of rapid change, I think we need unique qualities to be adaptive and productive.

Global Solar

Bryan Walsh writes about Global Solar, and their unique technology (turning sunlight into electricity) + other viewpoints @ http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1813954,00.html

Useful link:
www.globalsolar.com

A limitless supply of clean, cheap energy--if thin film can deliver that, who wouldn't believe? Great technology.

The Vilnius Project

The government of Lithuania + Zaha Hadid will be constructing a joint Guggenheim/Hermitage satellite in Vilnius.

Useful links:
www.guggenheim.org
www.hermitagemuseum.org
www.zaha-hadid.com

The Guggenheim universe is definitely expanding.

Anna Bullus

London-based designer Anna Bullus's designs are innovative, simple, in fact, they are brilliant. I liked it.

Useful link:
www.annabullusdesign.com

Doing Diamond Business In South Africa

Chaim Even Zohar writes about issues and concerns in the diamond sector in South Africa + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

I think Chaim was spot on. Transfer of skills, know-how and contacts are important factors that sustains the diamond economy. If capital and skills are removed from the industry, then there is something wrong with the whole 'new order' concept.

Peeling Natural Pearls

Kari Anderson writes:
We don't hear much about pearl peeling today, but it was a common practice when natural pearls were the only source of these precious gems. I often hear it when folks talk about preparing the natural pearls from the Mississippi River here in Muscatine for jewelry. Almost all pearls are in perfect condition for setting when they are found; all that needs to be done is to rub them with a damp or moist cloth or with a powder of finely pulverized small or small pearls, and they are then ready for the succeeding processes. If there are any blemishes, these can be removed by peeling pearls or "faking," although few fine pearls require any such treatments; and then the gems may be drilled, strung, and set, and all that is necessary for their preservation is due care and attention. Pearls are frequently injured in opening the shells or in removal of the outer layers around the true pearly nacre. Both the Chinese and the Sulu fishermen are very clever in the art of pearl peeing and pearl improving. The method of peeling pearls is called "faking," although it is a perfectl legitimate operation. All it requires is a very sharp knife, a set of files, and a powder obtained by grinding pearls or pearl shells............. http://www.karipearls.com/peeling-pearls.html

Useful link:
www.karipearls.com

Thanks Kari for the excellent info.

Indian Art Auctions Update

Kishore Singh has an interesting update on art auctions in India @ http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?leftnm=10&bKeyFlag=BO&autono=325896

Useful links:
www.bidandhammer.com
www.saffronart.com
www.christies.com
www.sothebys.com
www.harmonyindia.org

I think Indian art is on the move and keep watching to see which way prices go.