Digital Camera Photographer 2009

Check out the winners of 2009 at http://poty2009.dcmag.co.uk

The Science Of Fear

The Science of Fear: How the Culture of Fear Manipulates Your Brain by Daniel Gardner is a fascinating book about unnecessary anxiety and behavioral science. A must read.

Useful link:

www.dangardner.ca

Decode: Digital Design Sensations

Decode: Digital Design Sensations. 8 December 2009 - 11 April 2010. Victoria & Albert Museum, London. Don't miss.

Useful links:
www.vam.ac.uk
www.onedotzero.com

New Innovation Tool

I think Tim Brown's design thinking is winning many converts in both industry and philanthropy. Design thinking works.

Useful links:
http://designthinking.ideo.com
www.ideo.com/cbd
www.largescaleinnovation.com
www.gatesfoundation.org
www.visionspring.org
http://embraceglobal.org

Random Thoughts

Information is being created at a pace I have never seen before and in this environment, seconds matter. There is so much information being generated out there that getting you relevant information is the key to the success of a product like this. It's all about relevance, relevance, relevance.

- Amit Singhal
www.google.com
www.computerhistory.org

A truly landmark event in the world of search.

Tata Swach

Tata Chemicals has unveiled Tata Swach - a unique and innovative water purifier, making safe drinking water available for all at an affordable cost. Check it out.

Useful links:
www.tatachemicals.com
www.tcsinnovations.com

Darpa's Treasure Hunt

The Darpa Network Challenge, which took place on December 5, 2009 has been won by the MIT team, scooping victory within nine hours of the launch. Congratulations!

Useful links:
http://balloon.media.mit.edu
https://networkchallenge.darpa.mil

George Crumb

George Crumb is 80. His music is seldom heard nowadays. There is a mystical feeling and kind of spirituality in his music. I loved it. Check it out.

Useful link:
www.georgecrumb.net

3-D In India

I think 3-D movies could rejuvenate theatergoing/provide an immersive experience at a time when many consumers are growing comfortable watching content on DVDs. I hope Reliance ADA Group/In-Three Inc partnership works out well.

Useful links:
www.relianceadagroup.com
www.in-three.com

Haute Couture Week In Paris

At a time when shows are losing their luster, Chambre Syndicale's decision to marry haute couture and high jewelry via exclusivity (rarity) + technical know-how (creativity) could spin off a pleasant surprise. All the best.

Useful links:
www.modeaparis.com
www.boucheron.com
www.cartier.com
www.chanel.com
www.diorjoaillerie.com
www.vancleef-arpels.com

Galatea Mercy Pearls

Galatea: Jewelry by Artist. Check out their stunningly beautiful artwork.

Useful links:
www.galateausa.com
www.fwab.org
www.angkorhospital.org

Turner Prize 2009

Richard Wright has won the 2009 Turner Prize for his striking large-scale frescos. Congratulations!

Useful link:
www.tate.org.uk/britain/turnerprize

Random Thoughts

Each bottle is a bit like one of my children: you see them go and you're always sad but at the same time they're going to make space for more, so it's a sad occasion but a happy one at the same time.

- David Ridgway
Chief sommelier, La Tour d'Argent
www.tourdargent.com
www.wineanorak.com

Spot on.

Copenhagen Global Climate Change Summit 2009

The global climate change meeting starts on December 7, 2009. I hope companies and consumers around the world embrace the green agenda and do the right thing to save the planet.

Useful link:
http://en.cop15.dk

Internet Turns 40

December 5, 2009, marked the 40th anniversary of the day when the Defense Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) connected four computer nodes to create a network of networks that changed life as we know it. Larry Greenemeier/Vint Cerf interview in Scientifc American was an insightful insider's view of the Internet. Thanks Larry.

Useful link:
http://larrygreenemeier.com

Art Hotel Boston

I want my hotel to feel more like a private house than a museum. This way, I can look at my art all day and other people can enjoy it too.

- Roberto Franchi
www.hotelbostontorino.it

Definitely a must-see.

Jancis Robinson Viewpoint

Check out Jancis Robinson's top red recommendations. Thanks Jancis.

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

Peter Beard

Nicolas Rachline/Peter Beard viewpoints in the Financial Times about the world of fashion photography and environment was interesting. An insightful discussion, really.

Useful links:
www.peterbeard.com
www.above-magazine.com
www.taschen.com

Random Thoughts

The mobile phone is a very nice platform for exploring new forms of musical performance. We're not tethered to the physics of traditional instruments. We can do interesting, weird, unusual things. This kind of technology is in its infancy, but it's a hot and growing area to use iPhones for artistic expression.

- Georg Essl
http://www.cs.princeton.edu/~gessl

Simply brilliant.

Diamond Dreidel

Check out the world's very first diamond dreidel by Mervis Diamond Importers. Diamond collectors take note. www.mervisdiamond.com/tacori-diamonds