James Surowiecki Viewpoint

Cheat, Pray, Love
http://www.newyorker.com/talk/financial/2009/01/12/090112ta_talk_surowiecki

Discovering what the crooks have been up to is disillusioning, but not as disillusioning as coming to terms with what the so-called honest people did. In David Mamet’s movie “House of Games,” the grifter played by Joe Mantegna explains to a former mark, “It’s called a confidence game. Why? Because you give me your confidence? No. Because I give you mine.” So the bankers gave us their confidence, in the form of mortgages and other forms of credit, and we gave them ours. This culture of credulity did plenty of damage to the economy, but now it has given way to something even more corrosive; namely, endemic mistrust. Because if there’s one thing worse than too much confidence it’s not enough. Fraud impoverishes a few; fear impoverishes the many. As long as mistrust prevails, people will keeping pulling money out of the system—sometimes even at gunpoint.
- James Surowiecki

James, I completely agree. You were spot on.

Consumer Electronics Association

Tech fair offers greener vision
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7815219.stm

Useful links:
www.ce.org
www.greenergadgets.com
www.cesweb.org

Green-thinking is definitely becoming a purchasing factor + I would pay more for green if the info were easy-to-understand, affordable and functional.

Jeff Scher Viewpoint

'You Won’t Remember This Either'
http://scher.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/you-wont-remember-this-either

Useful links:
http://scher.blogs.nytimes.com
http://fezfilms.net

The film reminded me of my childhood days. I loved it. Thanks Jeff.

Technology Metals

We are living in the age of technology metals
http://www.commodityonline.com/news/We-are-living-in-the-age-of-technology-metals-13893-3-1.html

Useful link:
www.theaureport.com

The information on rare earth metals/application was interesting. The issue is how much can human civilization produce of something in a given year. Thank you Jack for the insightful report.

Modified Italian Masterworks

Old Italian Masterworks Made Young
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123128216464658831.html

Useful links:
www.firenzemusei.it
www.palazzo-medici.it

It's really amazing to see the effects of diagnostic technologies and the impact in art restoration. Donatello's 'David' + Raphael's 'La Madonna del Cardellino' looked stunningly beautiful after the treatment/enhancement. Thank you Francis for the interesting report.

The Fleeting Beauty Of Snowflakes

The Science of Snowflakes
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1869394_1820511,00.html

Useful links:
www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic
www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals

The fleeting beauty of snowflakes are indescribable. Thanks Ken. I loved it.

Pearl Tender

The Dubai Pearl Exchange will open a private tender, an invitation-only event on February 12-16, 2009. The Pearl Tender will showcase world's rarest natural/cultured pearls to an international audience. Go to www.dpe.ae for further info.

Useful links:
www.paspaley.com
www.robertwan.com.cn
www.jewelmer.com
www.dmcc.ae

The Essential Guide To Memo Transactions

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) + The Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT) have released a new publication, 'The Essential Guide to Memo Transactions'. It covers relevant law and basic information on creating/filing the necessary documentation to help to protect your goods traded on memo.

Useful links:
www.jvclegal.org
www.jewelersboard.com