Mitchell Wolfson

Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. is a businessman, collector, philanthropist, and founder of the Wolfsonian Museum in Miami Beach, Florida, and Nervi, Italy. The article on Mr Wolfson's collections @ http://www.economist.com/daily/columns/artview/displayStory.cfm?story_id=11907612 was really interesting.

Useful links:
www.wolfsonian.org
www.wolfsoniana.it

The Panama Diamond Exchange

According to Erez Akerman, who heads the Panama Diamond Exchange project, the Latin America's increasingly prosperous middle class is going to benefit tremendously by the presence of the diamond exchange in the region. Panama will make the exchange a tax-free zone. His main focus will be Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Chile. He hopes to invite traders to Panama to create a place for buyers and sellers and raise the profile of the jewelry market in Latin America.

Useful links:
www.worldfed.com
www.dtc.com
www.vaaldiam.com

The De Beers Amulet Collection

The De Beers Amulet Collection, a line of fantastic African art, is interesting. Who would have thought that De Beers would create diamond pendants made in the shape and likeness of African masks? Some may like it. Anyway it's a personal choice.

Go to http://www.debeers.com/en/icat/topamulets for further information.

Useful link:
www.debeers.com

Beijing Olympics 2008

The artistic performance of the opening ceremony of Beijing 2008 Olympics games was spectacular.

Go to http://en.beijing2008.cn for further information.

The Marlboro Festival

If you love classical music, you shouldn't miss the Marlboro Festival, in Marlboro, Vermont, USA.

Go to http://marlboromusic.org for further information. I think the programs at Marlboro brings a new experience. Enjoy it.

How To Detect Wine Variety And Vintage

The researchers at the Barcelona Institute of Microelectronics (Cecilia Jimenez-Jorquera and colleagues) say they have developed a portable electronic tongue that can rapidly identify a wine's vintage and grape variety. It's rapid sight identification.

Useful links:
www.cnm.es
www.rsc.org
www.rsc.org/publishing/journals/an

Patrick Radden Keefe detailed the world of wine fraud, in a 2007 article via New Yorker. Great article.

Eco Experience

If you want to connect to nature, live a simple life, walk in beautiful landscapes, breath clean air, eat fresh food, sleep in non-toxic enviroment, and be natural. I think it's a unique experience to unplug periodically and get back to the basics. Enjoy it and see the difference.

Useful links:
www.naturalretreats.com
www.ravenshavens.com
www.organicholidays.co.uk
www.ecoluxurylodging.com
www.kaweahcottage.com

Ahead Of The Curve

Ahead of the Curve: Two Years at Harvard Business by Philip Delves Broughton provides an insightful glimpse of the institution and people. A well told story + an absolute must read.

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Useful link:

http://philipdelvesbroughton.com

Random Thoughts

Politicians love power. I love freedom. That is why I am not a politician.

- Victor Pinchuk
http://pinchukfund.org

No Gold Medals In Kimberley Games

Chaim Even Zohar writes about the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) + 2007 KPCS data on world’s rough diamond output + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

A must read.

Useful link:
www.kimberleyprocess.com

Dansk Design Centre

I think Dansk Design Centre is a unique playground for architects and graphic designers. It's a one-stop destination for the best in Scandinavian design. A must visit.

Useful links:
www.ddc.dk
www.danishfashioninstitute.dk

Jimmy Carter Man From Plains

Jimmy Carter Man from Plains by Jonathan Demme is a wonderful documentary. I think it's an interesting portrayal of the personal and emotional life of a former president. I liked it.

Useful links:
www.imdb.com/title/tt0913958
www.storefrontdemme.com
www.cartercenter.org

Beijing Olympics Event Tracker

(via budgettravel) The New York Times's Beijing games Olympics Tracker was brilliant. Watch your favorite games. Thanks a lot, NYT.

New Wave Energy Projects

Michael Pollitt's article on new wave energy experimentation by researchers + the Anaconda prototype + computational studies @ http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/aug/07/research.waveandtidalpower was really interesting. A must read.

Useful links:
www.epsrc.ac.uk
www.atkinsglobal.com
www.checkmateuk.com

I am really curious about the Anaconda wave energy converter concept. If the Anaconda design is able to capture wave energy + cheaper than other devices, then we have found a new way to produce power.

Random Thoughts

It is easy to fly into a passion – anybody can do that—but to be angry with the right person and at the right time…in the right way – that is not easy, and it is not everyone who can do it.

- Aristotle

Second Life For Business

Kermit Pattison's article on Second Life's founder Philip Rosedale + his viewpoints on business via Second Life @ http://www.fastcompany.com/articles/2008/08/interview-philip-rosedale.html?page=0%2C0 was brilliant. A must read.

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

The New Venus Jewel Grading System For Diamonds

I found Venus Jewel's Diamond Grading System interesting. I wonder how their customers perceive the subjective interpretation of color, clarity and cut, but if they are happy with the grades and prices, Alleluia!

Useful link:
www.venusjewel.com

The Great Gatsby

(via Wiki) The Great Gatsby is a novel by the American author F. Scott Fitzgerald. First published on April 10, 1925, it is set in Long Island's North Shore and New York City during the summer of 1922. Having reread this book several times, I think it's one of the very best American novels. A must read.

Heard On The Street

The best time to buy is when we have a negativity bubble.

The New Jewelry.com

Go to the newly-designed fresh-looking website @ www.jewelry.com for updates, tips on researching and buying jewelry. A must visit.