Synthetic Diamond Update

The Gemmological Association of All Japan’s Zenhokyo Laboratory reports identification of yellow melee synthetic diamonds mixed with natural stones in jewelry during routine inspection via Micro -FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infared Micro-Spectroscopy). I hope other labs are using this technology.

To learn more, go to www.gaaj-zenhokyo.co.jp

As always, if you are doubtful, consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.

Global Business Update @ BBC

Peter Day reports on Israel's Silicon Wadi + the extraordinary growth of small high technology businesses + other viewpoints @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml

Useful links:
www.technionseed.co.il
www.ngtnazareth.com
www.incubators.org.il
www.carticure.com
www.renopharm.com
www.adva.org
www.matrix.co.il
http://g.ho.st

Inspiring success stories!

Art Exhibits In China

Duncan Hewitt's article on contemporary art shows in China + the big business of Chinese art + risks and rewards + other viewpoints @ http://www.newsweek.com/id/162302/page/1 was interesting and insightful. A must read.

Random Thoughts

The US national debt was $5 trillion; but within a week the government doubled the national debt to the $10 trillion mark. The bailout is simply absurd and unimaginable. It is going to be very bad for the US government, economy, dollar and inflation.

- Jim Rogers
www.jimrogers.com

Heard On The Street

There’s no better formula for losing money than to buy high and sell low and people have been doing exactly this.

Lotus-Effect

I found Wilhelm Barthlott's 'Lotus-Effect' very interesting + inspiring. It's amazing to see what biomimicry can do to help solve environmental problems like climate change + design buildings and products to operate more like nature. Biomimicry = Natural innovation.

Useful links:
www.lotus-effekt.de
www.biomimicry.net
www.hok.com
www.usgbc.org
www.biomimicryguild.com

Roger Graef Viewpoints

Roger Graef describes the Wall St Crash of 1929, its effects on his father and himself, as well as the lessons he feels can be drawn from the crashes current and past + viewpoints @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7654811.stm

Useful link:
www.imdb.com/name/nm0333637

Shockingly truthful reflection!

Orbiting Carbon Observatory

A high-resolution global map of CO2 may be forthcoming when a new NASA satellite, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO), is scheduled for launch on January 15, 2009. To learn more, go to http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov

Useful links:
http://cdiac.ornl.gov
www.iafastro.com