Rock-Eating Bacteria

Tim Hornyak's opinion piece in NG News on mineral-crunching micro-organisms and the impact + other viewpoints @ http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/11/081105-bacteria-mining.html was educational and insightful.

Useful links:
www.iab.keio.ac.jp
www.biosigma.cl

Amazing discovery, really.

The Optimist's/Pessimist's Handbook

The Optimist's/Pessimist's Handbook: A Companion to Hope and Despair by Niall Edworthy + Petra Cramsie is an inspirational guidebook + an indispensable companion. I liked it.

Russian Jewelry Market

There is no country which is immune to the global crisis, but jewelry business is brisk in Russia. The Russian consumers are turning to gold bullion/coins, jewelry and gemstones as safe investment options. My Russian friends in the gem and jewelry sector are doing very well. For obvious reasons the consumers aren't very happy with the Russian currency (ruble), instead believes gemstones and jewelry are going to appreciate in value. Hard to believe, really. Signs of the times. I wish them good luck.

An Interesting Rough Ruby

The Associated Press story on an uncut ruby known as the 'Prince of Burma' worth 3.2 million euros ($4.1 million) @ http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jpmQf37LWoD_u7AuPbv8K2z5OFdQD949ET9G0 was interesting. In my view, only an idiot would pay 3.2 million euros for the rough. The people who think they are investing in a so-called rough ruby because of its size and story are speculating. And the people who think they are speculating are gambling, really. It's like two blind walking the streets. Wake up!

Flux Synthetic Spinels

Flux synthetic spinels (there are many in the market worldwide) when clean/gem quality are difficult to separate from natural inclusion-free spinels. They have nearly the same optical and physical properties. Even rough flux crystal specimens look like natural: octahedral in shape. So rapid sight identification is a real challenge not only for gemologists but also for gem traders, jewelers and consumers. I think when you are confronted with clean gemmy specimens, when traditional gem testing methodologies are not conclusive, you have no choice but to rely on analytical gem testing equipments like Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (EDXRF), Infra-red Spectrophotometer, and Raman Micro Spectroscopy for true identification. If you are doubtful, always consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.

Art Market Update

Souren Melikian writes about major auctions at Sothebys/Christies and the desire by the key players to acquire coveted pictures despite economic difficulties + insights + other viewpoints @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/08/arts/melik8.php

A must read.

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

It's A Wonderful Life

It's a Wonderful Life is a 1946 American film produced and directed by Frank Capra starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. The film is regarded as a classic and inspirational + one of my favorites.

Watch the feature film @ http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4867975537967299162

Useful link:
www.imdb.com/title/tt0038650

Change.Gov

Barack Obama was effective and innovative with social networking and mobile phones to communicate with his supporters during his campaign, and I am getting a sense of that with Change.gov. It's encouraging to see the President-elect has moved swiftly to connect/engage with his supporters after victory with his digital network. Brilliant! Go to http://change.gov for further info.