Greatest Films

The films I like:

The Great Dictator (1940)

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Annie Hall (1977)

Ben-Hur (1959)

The Green Mile (1999)

Platoon (1986)

The Graduate (1967)

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

Gandhi (1982)

Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)

Big Bang: The Origin Of The Universe

Good Books: (via Emergic) Simon Singh’s Big Bang: The Origin of the Universe is an interesting read.

Here is what the Publishers Weekly has to say (in a review on Amazon’s site):
It was cosmologist Fred Hoyle who coined the term "big bang" to describe the notion that the universe exploded out of nothing to kick-start space and time. Ironically, Hoyle himself espoused the steady state theory, positing that the universe is eternal and never really changes. Former BBC producer and science writer Singh (Fermat's Enigma) recounts in his inimitable down-to-earth style how the big bang theory triumphed. Readers will find here one of the best explanations available of how Cepheid stars are used to estimate the distance of other galaxies. Singh highlights some of the lesser-known figures in the development of the big bang theory, like Henrietta Leavitt, a volunteer "computer" at the Harvard College Observatory who in 1912 discovered how Cepheid stars can be used to measure galactic distances. Singh shows how the creation of the heavier elements was a major stumbling block to widespread adoption of the big bang until Hoyle (once again boosting the theory that he so fervently opposed) proved that they were created in stars' nuclear furnaces and strewn throughout the universe via supernova explosions. Readers who don't need a review of the early development of cosmology may wish that Singh had adopted a somewhat less leisurely pace. But his introductory chapters hold a lot of worthwhile material, clearly presented for the science buff and lay reader. There's no better account of the big bang theory than this.

His personal website has more info.

ReviewsOfBooks quotes Scientific American:
Singh spins out the drama with verve and wit. We meet scientists who are shy and retiring and others with a flair for contention, epic discoveries made serendipitously and beautiful theories shot down by intractable facts, a pooch named Kepler and a persistent pigeon that made its home in the Bell Labs telescope. This is a perfect book for anyone who wants to know what science is all about.

Premier Guy Verhofstadt Declares HRD Board As “Illegal” In Belgian Version of “West Wing” Soap Opera

Chaim Even-Zohar writes about the real life drama between the premier of Belgium and HRD (I believe the problem has been solved, but it's an interesting spin; it could happen elsewhere) + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp?TextSearch=&KeyMatch=0&id=25166

HRD’s Choice: Globalization Versus Nationalism
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp?TextSearch=&KeyMatch=0&id=25132

Imperial Topaz Imitation

Natural deep yellow orange pink variety of topaz (imperial topaz) is rare and expensive. The important source for this gem is Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. For now there are no known synthetic imperial topaz, but common imitations such as synthetic spinel, citrine, spessartite garnet and glass are common at the source as well in the international colored stone markets. But lately more synthetic imperial topaz-like corundum (Verneuil/Flame Fusion), rough/cut are seen + for the unsuspecting buyer this could become a problem stone. Standard gemological tests will easily separate common imitations, but the intruders can be a problem when you have to deal with hundreds of stones in a parcel.

Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair With Jewelry

The book Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair With Jewelry by Elizabeth Taylor was recommended by my associate at one of our recent business meetings. Elizabeth Taylor is not a newcomer; she is an extraordinary celebrity from a different generation + the book delves into her nature + individuality + her unique taste (s) for collecting jewelry + the interesting men who always went the extra mile to make her happy via gemstones and jewelry. A good read.

Here is a review from Publisher's Weekly (via Amazon):
Taylor has presumably had love affairs with many things over the course of her illustrious life. Her acting career might be one, and her seven husbands might be others. But perhaps her one constant love affair is the lifelong one she's had with baubles, bangles and beads. In this dazzling book, Taylor shows off her collection, complementing the gorgeous color photographs with snippets about the provenance of each piece. "I mean, how many young women get a set of rubies just for doing something wholesome like swimming laps? Or win a diamond ring at Ping-Pong with their husband...? Well, I did, and for all of these memories and the people in my life I feel blessed," Taylor writes. She then launches into descriptions of the "glorious" ruby and diamond Cartier necklace from Mike Todd, the 33.19-carat Krupp diamond from Richard Burton ("When it came up for auction in the late 1960s, I thought how perfect it would be if a nice Jewish girl like me were to own it") and a crystal and diamond lily of the valley brooch from Rex Harrison ("You're the stingiest man alive," Taylor told Harrison, "...your giving me this pin would be doubly important because it would signify a personal triumph over your naturally stingy nature"). The photographs, many never before published, are a mix of catalogue-type photos and shots of Taylor wearing the items, creating not only a tremendous feast for the eyes but an entertaining waltz through a Hollywood icon's decadent life.

This is what the book description says:
"Here, in my own words and as I remember them, are my cherished stories about a lifetime of fun and love and laughter...I've never thought of my jewelry as trophies. I'm here to take care of it and to love it, for we are only temporary custodians of beauty."
-Elizabeth Taylor

She has mesmerized movie audiences since her debut in National Velvet at the age of twelve, dazzled both men and women with her luminous beauty and iconic presence, displayed shrewd business acumen by creating a line of fragrances with unparalleled success, and her AIDS activism has been a call to arms for people around the world. She is Hollywood's greatest living star and a living legend Elizabeth Taylor.

One of her greatest passions is jewelry, and over the years she has amassed one of the world's foremost collections. By the time she was in her thirties, Elizabeth Taylor already owned an outstanding set of Burmese rubies and diamonds from Cartier, a fantastic emerald and diamond suite from Bulgari, and the 33.19-carat Krupp diamond, a gift from Richard Burton. That ring was later eclipsed by a subsequent gift from Burton, when he bought a staggering 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond. Newly named the Taylor-Burton Diamond, it catapulted Elizabeth Taylor into that rarefied pantheon of great jewelry collectors.

In this revealing book, Elizabeth Taylor offers a personal guided tour of her collection. She takes us into her confidence, sharing personal anecdotes, witty asides, and intimate reminiscences about her life, her loves, and her collection. Whether talking about the famous La Peregrina pearl, which was briefly abducted by a household pet, or chatting about a childhood gift to her mother, Elizabeth Taylor shows herself to be the most seductive of storytellers: direct, irreverent, and charming.

Complementing the stories are 125 stunning new photographs of her most remarkable pieces, specially commissioned for this book, and more than 150 rarely seen images (many from Elizabeth Taylor's personal collection) of the star wearing her jewelry over the course of almost sixty years. We see her as a young ingenue of fifteen wearing what would be the first of many charm bracelets, and again, equally dazzling, as a mature woman, wearing the famous Duchess of Windsor diamond brooch, which she purchased to benefit AIDS research.

Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry marks the first time this beautiful jewelry will be seen together as a collection. Lavishly produced and illustrated, the book has an introduction by the world-renowned authority on jewelry, François Curiel, of Christie's. It is for those who are enchanted by this most incandescent and enduring star, for those who cherish and dream of jewelry, and most importantly, for those who believe in the true meaning of love. This book is a fabulous display of unbelievable glamour, assembled over a lifetime, by one of the most extraordinary women in the world.

Global Rough Diamond Production

The analysis by A J A (Bram) Janse (Diamond Consultant, Perth, Western Australia) is really interesting. He summarizes his views (via Gems & Gemology, Spring 2007) as follows:

The history of modern diamond production spans 135 years. Although alluvial deposits have been known since antiquity, diamond production from primary deposits (kimberlites and lamproites) commenced only in 1870s and has increased by leaps and bounds ever since to a staggering total of 4.5 billion carats.

It is interesting to note that nearly 20% of this total was produced during the last five years. During the last 10, nine new mines have commenced production or come very close: Nyurba and Arkhangelskaya (Russia); Ekati, Diavik, and Jericho (Canada); Murowa (Zimbabwe); and Catoca, Camafuca, Camatchia, and Camagico (Angola). Four additional advanced projects are waiting in the wings: Snap Lake, Victor, and Gahcho Kué (Canada); and Grib (Russia). This will more than counterbalance the closing of seven old mines. As it is predicted that demand for rough will outstrip production during the next five years, and a gap of $20 million in supply and demand by 2015 has been quoted, this new production can easily be accommodated in the diamond market.

Primary deposits were first discovered in South Africa and exploration spread from there to identify diamond-producing pipes in Tanzania (1940s), Siberia (1950s), Botswana (1960s), Angola (1970s), Australia and northwest Russia (1980s), and Canada and northwest Russia (1990s). Thus, it appears that at least one major diamond mine or field has been discovered every 10 years since the 1940s. If this trend continues, then a major new discovery is imminent. This may perhaps be in China, where prospecting for diamonds is being vigorously pursued at present.

What Should A Jeweler Tell A Client About Emerald Treatment (s)?

As always, emeralds require maintenance and disclosure. I think Mary L Johnson's comment (s) via (Gems & Gemology, Summer 2007) was the best. I liked it.

'Like pearls, and unlike most diamonds, your emerald is a delicate stone. It has probably had its fissures filled and sealed in some fashion. You should clean it only with soap and water, and avoid ultrasonic cleaning or harsh chemicals. If you notice a change, bring it back and we will be happy to have it resealed (just as we would help you be cleaning your jewelry, or replacing watch batteries). If you are concerned about the extent to which it is enhanced, we can get a laboratory report for you.'

Now it's up to the gem and jewelry industry to act instead of endless talk.

The Only Sustainable Edge

Good Books: (via Emergic) John Hagel and John Seely Brown’s book The Only Sustainable Edge: Why Business Strategy Depends on Productive Friction and Dynamic Specialization explains how companies could become successful if they do the right thing. Bill Joy (Sun Microsystems co-founder) used to say: "there are always more smart people outside your company than within it." I think the bottom line is: find specialized business partners on a global scale. It's a good book.

The book has the following introduction:
Many firms have used outsourcing and offshoring to shave costs and reduce operating expenses. But as opportunities for innovation and growth migrate to the peripheries of companies, industries, and the global economy, efficiency will no longer be enough to sustain competitive advantage.

In Your Next Business Strategy, renowned business thinkers John Hagel and John Seely Brown argue that the only sustainable advantage in the future will come from an institutional capacity to work closely with other highly specialized firms to get better faster. Enabled by the emergence of global process networks, firms will undergo a three-stage transformation: deepening specialization within firms; mobilizing best-in-class capabilities across enterprises; and, ultimately, accelerating learning across broad networks of enterprises.

Hagel and Seely Brown discuss the strategic levers that will accelerate this migration, and they outline a new approach to strategy development that will help companies capture this shifting source of strategic advantage.

Calling for a forceful reinvention of business strategy and the very nature of the firm itself, this bold and forward-looking book reveals what every company must do today to become tomorrow’s market leader.

Here is an excerpt from the book:
When customers demand more and control more, a company cannot rely solely on its own capabilities, no matter how distinct. Similarly, a company will struggle to mobilize outside resources unless it can offer exceptional capabilities in return. After all, the best enterprises receive so many proposals to collaborate that they will likely form partnerships only with whoever provides truly compelling, unique value. And so the real strategic power comes when a company integrates and extends these two schools of thought, amplifying the value of its distinctive internal capabilities by creatively and aggressively harnessing complementary capabilities from other companies.

John Hagel blog.