Latin America's First Diamond Exchange

The Panama Diamond Exchange will mark its official launch on October 24, 2008. Go to www.pde.com.pa for further info.

Europe's Monastery And Convent Guesthouses

Europe's Monastery and Convent Guesthouses by Kevin J. Wright is an interesting guide book geared to the Christian traveler.

Useful links:
www.religioustravelassociation.com
www.go-to-italy.com
www.monasterystays.com
www.guiasmonasterios.com
www.valamo.fi
www.santasusanna.org
www.slowtrav.com
www.orden.de
www.brigidine.org

Nikon Small World 2008

Michael Stringer from the United Kingdom took first place with a photo of Pleurosigma (marine diatoms), in the 2008 Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition. It was beautiful. Congratulations Michael!

Useful link:
www.nikonsmallworld.com

Designers Accord

Valerie Casey's project Designers Accord, also known as the Kyoto Treaty of Design, is an innovative approach to greening where designers from all disciplines collaborate with one another. Simply brilliant!

Useful links:
www.designersaccord.org
www.valcasey.com

The Museum Of American Finance

So what exactly happened on Wall Street? Even Oliver Stone who first chronicled Wall Street excess to an international audience can hardly believe what has happened. Perhaps a visit to the Museum of American Finance isn't a bad idea. Go to www.moaf.org for further info.

Art Update

Souren Melikian's article on contemporary art sales @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/21/arts/melik21.php was interesting. A must read.

Useful links:
www.christies.com
www.sothebys.com

Heard On The Street

When you sell on the street, you can feel the economic pulse better than anybody.

The LightCap

(via budgettravel) The LightCap is a one-liter bottle that has a solar panel on the lid. Charge it in the sun all day and you'll have up to six hours of light to guide you at night. I really liked it. Thanks Emily Haile.

Useful link:
www.sollight.com