Bottomless Belly Button

Bottomless Belly Button by Dash Shaw is a comedy-drama that follows the dysfunctional adventures of the Loony Family.

Useful link:
www.dashshaw.com

The graphic novel was brilliant. I liked it.

Philippe Starck

(via Wiki) Philippe Starck is a well-known French designer and probably the best known designer in the New Design style. His designs range from spectacular interior designs to mass produced consumer goods such as toothbrushes, chairs, and even houses.

Useful links:
www.philippe-starck.com
www.ted.com/index.php/speakers/philippe_starck.html
www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/04/style/DESIGN4.php

High quality products at affordable prices. His designs are superb. I liked it.

Compton Verney

(via Wiki) Compton Verney House is an 18th century country mansion in Warwickshire which has been converted into the Compton Verney art gallery. In 1993 it was bought in a run-down state by Littlewoods millionaire Sir Peter Moores and restored into a gallery capable of hosting international exhibitions. It is now run by Compton Verney House Trust, a registered charity.

Useful links:
www.comptonverney.org.uk
www.pmf.org.uk

A must visit.

Nandan Nilekani's World

I thoroughly enjoyed Shoba Narayan's article on Nandan Nilekani + his unique tastes and aspirations @ http://www.livemint.com/2008/08/01235122/The-applied-IDEAS-man.html

Brilliant! A must read.

Indian Art Market Update

According to The Fine Art Fund experts, the size of the Indian art market has grown from US$2 million to approximately US$400 million in the last seven years. I think the surge could be due to aesthetic or visual appeal + affordable prices + the internet. Most upcoming double-income middle class families purchase art works to decorate their drawing rooms. The internet is definitely changing the commerce of art in India + more virtual e-shops may be the next big thing to happen in the thriving art market.

Useful links:
http://artpanache.com
www.thefineartfund.com

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