The World Economy Today

According to a Morgan Stanley report, 50 of the 190 or so countries in the world now have inflation running at double-digit rates, including most emerging markets (meaning, about half the world's population is already experiencing double-digit price increases). We are facing synchronized rise in inflation speeding up the dark side of globalization around the world faster than we thought.

Useful links:
www.morganstanley.com
www.ecb.int
www.adb.org
www.conference-board.org
www.cibcwm.com

Inflation is going to make the world rounder.
- Jeff Rubin, Chief economist, CIBC World Markets

I think we are entering a more volatile and uncertain period full of nasty surprises. The easy-money days are gone.

The World According To Kirk Douglas

I found Kirk Douglas's comforting words of wisdom @ http://www.newsweek.com/id/150476 educational and insightful. A must read.

Useful links:
www.centertheatregroup.org
www.losangelesmission.org

Now in my golden years, I've learned that you can't know how to live until you know how to give.
- Kirk Douglas

Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be,
The last of life, for which the first was made.
- Robert Browning

How true!

Art Update

Souren Melikian writes about 'The Lure of the East' show on view at Tate Britain until August 31, 2008 + other viewpoints @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/02/arts/MELIK2.php

A must read.

Useful link:
www.tate.org.uk

Build The Perfect Survival Kit

Build the Perfect Survival Kit by John D. McCann is an excellent book with actual survival techniques. A must read.

Useful link:

www.bepreparedtosurvive.com

Random Thoughts

Ninety per cent of the planet’s living space--and biodiversity--is under water. And there are only five manned craft on Earth that can get to the bottom of it. What they find is both terrifying and alluring.

- J.M. Ledgard
Intelligent Life

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