Vestas

Denmark is a world leader in wind energy, and produces more than 10% of its power from turbines. The story of Vestas, a homegrown wind company, is impressive.

Go to www.vestas.com for further information.

Clear air + Green living.

Pearl Harvesting In UAE

I found the video on pearl harvesting in the UAE + the pearl trade @ http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/07/080731-pearls-video-ap.html interesting.

Colored Stone Market Update

Gem quality emeralds has been found near the town of Lages, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, in Brazil. Gem dealers believe it's a new source. The most frequently seen imitations are glass or assembled stones in the gem market. If in doubt, consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.

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.