World Bank Report On Biofuels

The contents of the World Bank's draft internal report on the link between biofuels and food prices have been widely reported in newspapers, blog and media. According to the report the drive for biofuels by American and European governments has pushed up food prices by 75% + crop-derived fuels have been the ultimate cause of food riots, starvation and high prices around the world.

(via Guardian) PDF of World Bank biofuels report.

Useful link:
www.worldbank.org

Midnights Children

Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie has been judged the best ever winner of the Booker prize, on the 40th anniversary of the prestigious literary prize.

Useful link:
www.themanbookerprize.com

I have read the book. It's brilliant.

Art Auction Update

Souren Melikian writes about an extraordinary auction conducted by Henry Wyndham, chairman of Sotheby's Europe + the high quality pictures + other viewpoints @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/07/11/arts/melik11.4-300831.php

Temporary South African Pain Relief

Chaim Even Zohar writes about Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) equity partner issues + the regulatory mess + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

World's Best City Award

Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, has been voted by Travel + Leisure as the world's best city for 2008.

Useful link:
www.travelandleisure.com

Very delighted!

Framing A Century

Framing a Century -- Master Photographers (1840–1940): The exhibition (June 3–September 1, 2008) tells the story of photography's first 100 years through the work of key figures who helped shape the aesthetic and expressive course of the medium: Gustave Le Gray, Roger Fenton, Carleton Watkins, William Henry Fox Talbot, Julia Margaret Cameron, Nadar, Édouard Baldus, Charles Marville, Eugène Atget, Walker Evans, Man Ray, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Brassaï. The presentation of 10 to 12 iconic works by each of these artists conveys a broad sense of their contributions to photography. Many of the works are drawn from the Museum's 2005 acquisition of the Gilman Collection.

Useful link:
www.metmuseum.org

A must-visit.

Gems Club

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre + Thai Gem & Jewelry Traders Association have signed an agreement making TGJTA the first affiliate member of the Dubai Gems Club, a strategic initiative of the Colored Stones and Pearls Division at DMCC.

Useful links:
www.dgc.ae
www.dmcc.ae
www.thaigemjewelry.or.th

I hope the affiliation will provide trade opportunities for Dubai + Thailand, both fast-emerging markets for colored stones.

Random Thoughts

Sustainability is a cultural problem, embedded in unsustainable lifestyles. The radical restart has to begin with each one of us.

- Wilfried Wang