St. Émilion Controversy

Edward Lewine's article on the controversy over St. Émilion classification in the wine world + the growing rift between a handful of superelite vineyards in Bordeaux and the less prestigious vineyards + the global implications @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/17/news/17winet.php?page=2 was brilliant. A must read.

Useful links:
www.vins-saint-emilion.com
www.inao.gouv.fr

Gold Mining By Children

Children mining gold in Africa to help provide for their families @ http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/08/080814-miners-video-ap.html was educational and insightful.

Useful link:
www.responsiblejewellery.com

The sight of young African boys mining for gold was shocking.

Art’s New Tastemaker

Carol Vogel's article on rich Russians' passion for collecting art @ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/17/arts/design/17voge.html was brilliant. A must read.

It’s history repeating itself.
- Oliver Barker, Sothebys London

Random Thoughts

Regardless of actual job title, we all persuade for a living.

- Kurt Mortensen
www.persuasioninstitute.com

How true!

The Answer

The Answer: Your Guide to Achieving Financial Freedom and Living an Extraordinary Life by John Assaraf + Murray Smith is a useful reference book in business + life. I liked it.

Useful links:

www.readtheanswer.com

www.johnassaraf.com

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