Tea Update

Elliot Wilson's article on the fast-growing tea markets @ http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/aug/17/fooddrinks was interesting and insightful. I think the real for passion for tea is back.

Useful links:
www.newbyteas.com
http://jingtea.com
www.postcardteas.com
www.tatatea.com
www.inttea.com
www.greenfieldtea.co.uk

Tea is like wine 10 or 20 years ago - people were drinking it, but they didn't know what they were drinking. That has changed for the better, and the same thing is happening in the tea industry.
- Raschid Gibrail

Milford Oyster Festival

(via budgettravel) Don't miss the free 34th Annual Milford Oyster Festival. The pearl of this event is the aptly named 'Pearl Trail'—a treasure hunt for 20,000 of the precious orbs, donated by a local jeweler and hidden in downtown buildings + party with mollusk maniacs! It's fun.

Useful link:
www.milfordoysterfestival.org

Thanks, JD Rinne.

Nyala Ruby

According to Eric Braunwart, President of Columbia Gem House, Inc, Nyala ruby mine at Chimwadzulu, in Malawi, has reopened mining with the government approval. If all goes well according to plan, the company expects to market 100 percent untreated gemstones from the source.

Useful link:
www.columbiagemhouse.com

Ephemeral Gardens

(via budgettravel) Quebec is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year with several events. Visual artists and landscape architects from around the world have created Ephemeral Gardens, a set of fascinating landscapes and art installations, a theatre of sensorial experiences for the world to explore and relax. A must visit.

Useful link:
http://monquebec2008.sympatico.msn.ca

Heard On The Street

My boss is on vacation, and I am three times more productive.

Piero Antinori

Piero Antinori and his family = global powerhouse + they produce superb Italian wines.

Useful links:
www.antinori.it
www.piedmontreport.com

The Greener Diamond Foundation

The Greener Diamond Foundation = Inspire + educate consumers on the true cost of earth-mined diamonds: financially, environmentally and socially. I think it's a great idea + if it helps to raise awareness on African issues such as HIV/AIDS + provide assistance to desperate communities, then diamonds will truly retain its natural luster.

Useful links:
www.thegreenerdiamond.org
www.miadonna.com

TMO Renewables

Here is what TMO Renewables's site says about ethanol:

TMO Renewables has developed a groundbreaking method for producing ethanol from almost any type of biomass or biowaste. This technology will allow the production of lignocellulosic ethanol at low cost with many economic, social and environmental advantages.

Useful link:
www.tmo-group.com

I think once the infrastructure for supplying the raw materials are worked out, we are going to see second generation technology in place, making ethanol from biomass. The fuel ethanol market is gigantic.