Random Thoughts

I always feel pressure. If you don't feel nervous, that means you don't care about how you play. I care about how I perform. I've always said the day I'm not nervous playing is the day I quit.

- Tiger Woods
www.tigerwoods.com

He was spot on.

Rembrandt's Laughing Portrait

According to William Noortman (Noortman Master Paintings), who specializes in Dutch and Flemish masters, 'Rembrandt Laughing' — bought for a bargain price of $4.5 million at an English auction house in October — a self-portrait by the Dutch master himself, depicted with his head tilted back in easygoing laughter, could be worth $30 million to $40 million.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080619/ap_en_ot/art_rembrandt_laughing

Useful links:
www.noortman.com
www.rembrandthuis.nl

If it's real, then it's a rare opportunity.

Gemlab Update

I found the latest research newsletter from GemLab @ http://www.gemlab.net/website/gemlab/fileadmin/user_upload/Research/Gemlab-Newsletter-06-2008.pdf educational and interesting.

Useful link:
www.gemlab.net

Managing Price Increases

John Quelch offers tips on how marketers can cope with inflation and consumer sticker shock @ http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/5957.html

Useful link:
Marketing Know: How

Brilliant!

Coral Reefs + Economic Value

The World Resources Institute, in collaboration with government and NGO partners in St. Lucia, Tobago and Belize, has developed an economic valuation methodology to quantify the value of coral reefs in the Caribbean more accurately. The methodology supports the evaluation of trade-offs, thereby highlighting the management and development paths which protect coral reefs, and maximize the economic contribution of coral reefs to the economy.

Useful link:
www.wri.org

Knowledge + sustainable planning = Long-term economic potential

Jewelry Camp

The Antique Jewelry and Art Conference will be held on July 11 - 13, 2008, at Hofstra University in Long Island, New York. Speakers include Diana Singer, Christie Romero, Michael Goldstein, Gus Davis, Ben Macklowe, Tom Burstein of Harry Winston, Joyce Jonas to name a few. Don't miss it.

Useful links:
www.jewelrycamp.org
www.appraisers.org

Recession Proof Shoppers

I found the article on research-proof shoppers @ http://www.brandweek.com/bw/news/apparelretail/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003813502 intriguing. What drives women to buy expensive goods? I guess it must be quality, designs, service, prestige, success and confidence.

Useful links:
www.elle.com
www.brandweek.com
www.surveysampling.com

Cyd Charisse

Cyd Charisse, a former co-star of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, has died in Los Angeles aged 87. She sang and danced with legends Gene Kelly in Singin' in the Rain, and Fred Astaire in Silk Stockings.

Useful links:
www.humorinthenews.com/cyd
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001998

Fred Astaire described Cyd Charisse as beautiful dynamite. I think he was spot on. She will be dearly missed.