Silver Marketing Initiative

The Silver Institute today announced that it will launch a consumer-marketing element as part of its wide range of industry programs. The 'Silver Marketing Initiative' (SMI) will combine a media and grassroots campaign to increase awareness and encourage consumer purchases of sterling silver jewelry. It will also educate the consumer and trade press on sterling silver and be a source of market information and product news on sterling silver. Go to www.silverinstitute.org for further information.

Blind Taste Test

James Surowiecki writes about telling the difference between red and white wines in a blind taste test + other viewpoints @ http://money.cnn.com/2005/12/16/pf/wine_hooey_0601/index.htm

It reminded me of diamond grading, really.

House Of Poetry

The House of Poetry, a project by Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is to research and document classical and contemporary Arabic poetry, in order to facilitate the role of poetry as an effective communications tool for inter-cultural dialogue.

Useful links:
www.mbrfoundation.ae
http://cultureartsdubai.ae

Hats off to His Highness Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum. I think the genre of poetry has been embedded in Arab culture for ages and I hope young Arab poets will continue their tradition, especially Nabati poetry.

Travel Tips

(via livemint) SeatGuru provides excellent information on what to expect vis-a-vis aircraft seating plans, in-flight amenities and other information about an aeroplane—for almost all major airlines. The site features detailed seating map graphics along with comments denoting seats with limited recline, reduced legroom, misaligned windows, etc. Color-coding helps distinguish superior and substandard seats, as well as facilities such as in-seat power ports. Go to www.seatguru.com for further information.

Random Thoughts

Just like in nature, you need scavengers to clean up.

- John Stark
www.ppmamerica.com

How true!

Gemstone Treatments Update

Prime Art & Jewel claims to be the first U.S. jewelry wholesaler to receive NRC license for the distribution of Electron and Neutron Irradiated Gemstones. Go to http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/irradiated-gemstones.html for further information on irradiated stones.

Useful links:
www.prime-art.com
www.nrc.gov

Atypical Elements Of Art Auctions

I found art auctions on cruise ships @ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/16/arts/design/16crui.html intriguing. This is definitely a 'buyer beware' article on collecting art. A must-read.

Useful links:
www.parkwestgallery.com
www.artprice.com
www.salvadordalimuseum.org
www.fineartregistry.com

The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight is a 2008 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Batman, co-written and directed by Christopher Nolan.

Useful links:
http://thedarkknight.warnerbros.com
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468569

Absolute stunner + full of surprises. This is a fantastic movie!