Pure Canadian Gold Maple Leaf

The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is the official bullion gold coin of Canada and is produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Royal Canadian Mint's (RCM) 100-kg 99.999 percent pure Gold Maple Leaf coin has been certified as the largest gold coin (estimated value US$1 million) in the world. I think it's a worthwhile investment.

Useful links:

www.mint.ca
www.guinnessworldrecords.com

The Authentics Foundation

Here is what the Authentics Foundation website says about counterfeits:

The Authentics Foundation is an international nongovernmental organization dedicated to raising public awareness of counterfeits. Its primary goal is to inform consumers about the negative aspects of the counterfeit market, including money laundering, drug cartels, paramilitary involvement, organized criminal gang associations, child labor, and risks to one’s safety. Myauthentics.com is the foundation’s website, letting you know about the latest counterfeiting news, and also helping you spot the fakes flooding your markets so you can make safe, smart choices. In addition to its website, The Authentics Foundation hosts events across the globe to spread the word about fakes.

Useful link:
www.myauthentics.com

Everything known to human beings can be faked one way or another due to technological advances. What kind of a world do we want to live in? Genuine or imitation? I think it's always better to buy genuine products.

Imperishable Beauty

The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is exhibiting 120 + works by the leading designers and fabricators of late nineteenth to early twentieth-century Art Nouveau jewelry from July 23 - November 9, 2008.

Go to www.mfa.org/exhibitions/sub.asp?key=15&subkey=5707 for further information. A must visit.

Useful link:
www.mfa.org

Wifredo Lam

I like Wifredo Lam's art. The unique hybridity provides perpetual surprises. To me they are beautiful + natural + speaks the color and language of the world.

Useful links:

www.wifredolam.net

www.molaa.com

Heard On The Street

I’m at a stage in my career where I’d say human behavior is the most important determinant of a business’s long-term success.

Random Thoughts

I’ve seen too many businesses – investment firms and others – run into the ground by impressive people who start to think they’re smarter than everyone else. That’s when big mistakes get made. There are enough ways to screw up in this business without bringing it on yourself because of ego.

- Barry Rosenstein

The OneGeology Project

The OneGeology project takes local geological information and makes it global. I think when the geological maps become detailed companies may be able to find earth's exploitable resources, such as minerals and oil via appropriate technology.

Useful links:
www.onegeology.org
www.bgs.ac.uk

Harmonizing Anti-Money Laundering Rules

Chaim Even Zohar writes about OECD’s FATF document + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

A must read.