Random Thoughts

It’s clear that despite economic trouble this year, the world’s chocolate lovers didn’t deviate from their favorite treat. Chocolate is a small, affordable indulgence for shoppers who are cutting back on spending elsewhere. Even in countries not known for chocolate consumption, sales are on the rise.

- Marcia Mogelonsky
www.mintel.com

Spot on.

Rate Your Own Leadership Skills

Alaina Love's opinion piece in BusinessWeek about inspirational leaders was brilliant. Thanks Alaina. Take a moment to rate your own leadership over the past year on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the best) for each of the following characteristics.

1. Authentic rather than phony.
2. Reliable rather than erratic.
3. Anchored rather than disconnected.
4. Optimistic rather than pessimistic.
5. Self-aware rather than unconscious.
6. Driven by purpose and passion rather than power and fear.
7. Inclusive rather than divisive.
8. Focused on others rather than self-focused.
9. Respectful rather than manipulative.
10. Able to foster other leaders rather than demanding followers.

Useful link:
www.thepurposelink.com

I thought it was great self-reflection toolkit.

Bob Willoughby

Bob Willoughby's selection of black-and-white photos of classic Hollywood movie stars was a real treasure. Check it out.

Useful link:
www.willoughbyphotos.com

Alex Steinweiss, The Inventor Of The Modern Album Cover

Alex Steinweiss: Creator of the Modern Album Cover by Steven Heller + Kevin Reagan + Alex Steiweiss was a real gem, a brilliant graphic art form. I loved it.

Useful link:

www.alexsteinweiss.com

Dubai International Film Festival 2009

Amazingly Dubai is still very much in business. I hope the new generation of filmmakers in the region will change the global perception of Dubai.

Useful link:
www.dubaifilmfest.com

Families, One And All

These pictures convey something special. Almost every picture in this gallery has a story to tell. Hats off to New York Times! I loved it.

Chaim Even Zohar Viewpoint

Chaim was spot on. Diamond business is part of the larger economy. It is a very peculiar business, but it is a business. It requires a different set of rules, a different mind-set. I hope the industry learns its lessons from history. Thanks Chaim. Happy holidays!

History is composed not only of what happened but of what didn’t happen. The latter, of course, is impossible to really know.
- Richard Stengel, Time
www.time.com

Useful links:
www.diamondintelligence.com
www.debeersgroup.com
http://eng.alrosa.ru
www.federalreserve.gov

Random Thoughts

The populations of Europe, Russia and Japan are declining, and those of China and India are levelling off. The United States alone among great powers will be increasing its share of world population over time. By 2050, there could be 500m Americans; by 2100, a billion. That means America could remain the pre-eminent nation for longer than many people expect. Relying on the import of money, workers, and brains, America is a Ponzi scheme that works.

- Michael Lind
www.newamerica.net
www.economist.com

So true!

Nine Lessons And Carols

Over the years, I have heard the service on the radio and heard many recorded versions. A holiday classic. A great experience, really.

Useful link:
www.kings.cam.ac.uk/choir

Exploration Insights

The Gold Report/Brent Cook interview was a brilliant piece. Trust but verify policy is the magic mantra of every mining ventures. Raise money when you can, not when you need to.

The market is indiscriminate and mostly run by people that can't differentiate between a good and bad gold property. Minerals exploration is a very tough business to understand, because you're dealing as much with information that you don't know as you do know. It's all subjective interpretations. No one really knows the geological setting beneath a particular project or what its economics will be. So lots of money will go into worthless exploration projects, for sure. That's a real danger. Something like 1,600 junior exploration companies are listed in Canada alone. I can guarantee you that not even 1% of them will find viable deposits.
- Brent Cook

Useful links:
www.explorationinsights.com
www.theaureport.com

Meaningful Gift Idea

Nicholas Kristof's opinion piece in the New York Times about unknown charitites was interesting and insightful. It was a different kind of gift. Thanks Nicholas.

Useful links:
www.acumenfund.org
www.creatinghope.org
www.brac.net
www.dil.org
www.dewormtheworld.org
www.oursoil.org
www.sheinnovates.com
www.wfmic.org
www.fistulafoundation.org

Just Noticeable Difference

I liked Don Norman's technical/creative term jnd = just noticeable difference. A rare intellect. Go to his website for an intellectual conversation on innovation, technology and culture.

Useful links:
www.jnd.org

Luke Johnson Viewpoint

Business leaders should find ways to connect with staff, shareholders and customers. I do agree with Luke, however it's easier said than done.

Useful links:
www.ft.com/comment/columnists/lukejohnson
www.lukejohnson.org
www.riskcapitalpartners.co.uk
www.channel4.com

Random Thoughts

Do not use your business signature for a personal note. It can seem too formal, and a personal note should not be done in any sort of mechanical or perfunctory way. The thought behind the thank-you should be equal to or greater than the thought that went into the gift.

- Geoffrey Parker
www.parkerpen.com

Great advice. Thank you.

Advertising Yourself

Knowledge @ Wharton's viewpoints about personal branding through social networks was a brilliant piece. If all goes well, people will see you differently.

Useful links:
www.whartoninteractive.com
www.jonathancoulton.com
http://jimmacmillan.com

Random Thoughts

This is a very good time to buy diamonds. There is a fair amount of inventory still out there because of the weak demand and because of a general aversion to wearing bling during these economic times.

- Dione Kenyon
www.jewelersboard.com

Some people say now is the time to buy. Always do your research.

2009: The Year In Pictures

A brilliant recap of events. Hats off to New York Times.

Jeff Scher Viewpoint

Jeff Scher was spot on. I have always thought that staring into the dancing flames of a burning log was like painting with fire. It's an immersive experience. Thanks Jeff. I loved it.

Useful link:
http://fezfilms.net

Scroogenomics

I completely agree with the Economist /Joel Waldfogel. Ban presents. Give money instead.

Useful link:
http://press.princeton.edu/titles/8972.html

Cartier And America

Cartier and America @ Fine Arts Museums. December 19, 2009 — April 18, 2010. Don't miss.

Useful links:
www.famsf.org
www.cartier.com
http://fondation.cartier.com