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Monday, September 29, 2008

Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Edward Helmore's article on Nassim Nicholas Taleb and his views on the global financial crisis + black swan theory/the impact @ http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/sep/28/businessandfinance.philosophy was insightful.

Useful link:
www.fooledbyrandomness.com

While peasants know they can't predict the future, Wall Street bankers believe they can. Banks hire dull people and train them to be even more dull. If they look conservative, it's only because their loans go bust on rare, very rare occasions. Bankers are not conservative at all. They are just phenomenally skilled at self-deception by burying the possibility of a large, devastating loss under the rug. 'The banking system, betting against black swans, has lost more than $1 trillion - more than was ever made in the history of banking.
- Nassim Taleb

He was spot on.

Ghislain de Preaulx-Carlo

The Economist article about Ghislain de Preaulx-Carlo and her unique nursery garden at Domaine des Rochettes in rural France @ http://www.economist.com/daily/columns/artview/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12322870 was brilliant. I liked it. They were beautiful.

Useful link:
www.artcurial.com

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Random Thoughts

Most people in sales get so caught up in their own needs - 'I gotta make this sale!' - that they don't listen to the customer's pain. What discomfort is the potential buyer feeling? During tough economic times, for example, people will buy luxury items like jewelry. Why? To make themselves feel better. Your product can help alleviate the customer's pain, but only if you can figure out where it hurts.

- Dr. G. Clotaire Rapaille
www.rapailleinstitute.com

I've learned something interesting today.

The Criminal Brain

The Criminal Brain: Understanding Biological Theories of Crime by Nicole Rafter is an insightful book about the causes of criminal behavior. A must read.

Useful link:

André Previn

André Previn is a German-born American Academy Award and Grammy Award winning pianist, conductor, and composer. He has won the lifetime achievement award for his musical work in the classical, film and jazz world, at this year's Gramophone Awards. I have been a huge fan for years......Congratulations!

Useful links:
www.andre-previn.com
www.gramophone.co.uk

Heard On The Street

If you develop your own thinking about the market, use common sense, and don’t take tips, you’ll probably make money.

What Makes Diamonds Valuable?

Michael Savage writes about the big question + his viewpoints @ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/the-big-question-what-makes-diamonds-valuable-and-why-do-we-revere-them-so-much-938879.html

You be the judge. Over to you.

American Buffalo 24-karat Gold Coins

I found the article on American Buffalo 24-karat gold coins popularity + other viewpoints @ http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D93EJ2U00&show_article=1 interesting. I think people are scared + they are going to go to gold for the same reason they have for 5000 years, due to its safe-haven status.

Useful link:
www.usmint.gov