BBC Proms

BBC Proms is the world's greatest classical music festival. Go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2008 for further information. Don't miss it.

Chocolate Consumption

Consumption of chocolate products may be slowing down in volume in the U.S + selective markets worldwide due to economic downturn, high prices and health worries, but dark chocolate, organic, and single origin cholocate seems to be recession proof, depending on product type. At the end of the day how many people can really resist a chocolate? I am a dark chocolate addict.

Useful links:
www.theobroma.com
www.jganesconsulting.com
www.icco.org
www.mintel.com

Heard On The Street

The next President of the United States will implement alternative energy on a grand scale like never before.

R. Kikuo Johnson

R. Kikuo Johnson's storytelling is superb + I think poems via comic strip would also be a great idea.

Useful links:
www.seabread.com
www.poetryfoundation.org

The State Of Africa

The State of Africa: A History of Fifty Years of Independence by Martin Meredith is a fascinating book on post-colonial Africa + provides remarkable insight into African nature + leadership crisis and the impact. A must read.

Forever Marking Synthetic Gem-Quality Diamonds

Chaim Even Zohar writes about De Beers synthetic gem-quality brand (in due course) + gem synthetics strategies + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful link:
www.e6.com

Being An Oil Trader

I think the article on a complete novice trying his luck in the oil market @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7559032.stm was brilliant. I see a lot of parallels between oil market and the gem market.

Random Thoughts

It is easy to ignore the storm if you look at the opposite horizon. When the storm reaches your location there can be no more ignorance.

- James Quinn

How true!