John Scharffenberger

I found Peter Kaminsky's story on cacao farmers in the rain forest of Guatemala + John Scharffenberger's gift to the cacao farmers + the bountiful ecosystem + the chocolate marketplace @ http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/12749?pageNumber=1&page=0 interesting and insightful.

A must read.

Useful link:
www.scharffenberger.com

Without the rain forest, there would be no cacao; and without cacao, there would be no chocolate; and without chocolate, life would be much less pleasant.
- John Scharffenberger

Random Thoughts

I think as long as there are risks, there will be losses. If the day ever comes when there are no risks, there will also be no profits.

- Robert Rubin

How true!

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

(via Wiki) Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was a Russian novelist, dramatist and historian. Through his writings, he made the world aware of the Gulag, the Soviet labour camp system, and, for these efforts, Solzhenitsyn was both awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1970 and exiled from the Soviet Union in 1974. He returned to Russia in 1994. That year, he was elected as a member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts in the Department of Language and Literature. He is the father of Ignat Solzhenitsyn, a well-known conductor and pianist. He has passed away at the age of 89 (August 3, 2008).

May his soul rest in peace.

Useful link:
http://nobelprize.org

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