New Yorker Interview

Ken Auletta's interview with Eric Schmidt, the chairman and C.E.O. of Google, in San Francisco on June 11, 2008 @ http://www.newyorker.com/online/video/2008/06/16/080616_auletta/ was educational and insightful.

Green Market Geography

I found the paper written by Matthew Kahn + Ryan Vaughn on Green Market Geography (pdf) very interesting. What's amazing to me is that most people I know who are aware of green economics do not make sound changes at home. Why? I still don't know.

Useful link:
www.zimancenter.com

A Roman Glass

A glass d20 from Roman times was sold by Christies in 2003. What's intriguing is the unique markings on it, and the experts haven't established the game for which these dice were used.

Useful link:
www.christies.com

Green Beads As Amulets.....For Luck

I found the study by researchers at the National Academy of Sciences on lucky beads worn by early agriculturalists @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7457755.stm intriguing.

Useful link:
www.pnas.org

We propose that the green colour mimics the green of young leaf blades, which signify germination and embody the wish for successful crops and for success in fertility.
- PNAS

How true!

The Chinese Affluent + Brand Preference

According to surveys conducted by MasterCard Worldwide, the affluent mainland Chinese consumers preferred jewelry brands were (1) Chow Tai Fook (2) Cartier (3) Chow Sang Sang + Hong Kong remained the most preferred shopping location.

Useful links:
www.chowtaifook.com
www.cartier.com
www.chowsangsang.com
www.mastercard.com

I think disposable income, product knowledge, education, and travel may have helped the affluent mainland Chinese to understand the difference between quality and brand.

India's Next Wave

William Nobrega has an interesting overview on India's media and entertainment, private education, infrastructure, renewable energy companies and the rapidly growing middle class @ http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/jun2008/gb20080612_463518.htm?chan=search

Useful link:
www.conradgroupinc.com

Innovative solutions = Increased demand = Growth

Art + Design Scenes

The definitive, easy-to-use guide to the art and design scenes in Tokyo (Tokyo Art Beat) + New York (NY Art Beat). A must-visit.

Useful links:
www.tokyoartbeat.com
www.nyartbeat.com

Random Thoughts

Real leaders touch people. They get in their skin, filling their hearts with inspiration, courage, and hope. In the future, the best leaders will combine touch with the ability to quickly sort, assess, and seize the power of all the ideas the Internet brings and the voices it unleashes. And that will change business for everyone.

- Jack + Suzy Welch
www.welchway.com