Atlas Shrugged

'Atlas Shrugged': From Fiction to Fact in 52 Years
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB123146363567166677-lMyQjAxMDI5MzExNjQxNjYzWj.html

Politicians invariably respond to crises -- that in most cases they themselves created -- by spawning new government programs, laws and regulations. These, in turn, generate more havoc and poverty, which inspires the politicians to create more programs . . . and the downward spiral repeats itself until the productive sectors of the economy collapse under the collective weight of taxes and other burdens imposed in the name of fairness, equality and do-goodism.
- Stephen Moore

Useful link:
www.objectivistcenter.org

Atlas Shrugged should be a required reading for everyone, really. The message is crystal clear. Thank you Stephen.

Burmese Jade Act Update

Pres. Bush Uses Authority to Alter Burmese JADE Act
http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=24978

Useful links:
www.cbp.gov
www.jvclegal.org

Gem dealers: If you have any question (s) to customs, contact jade.act@cbp.dhs.gov

The Imagineering Way

The Imagineering Way by The Imagineers is an insightful book about the Imagineers' creative process/the impact. A must read.

Curiosity keeps leading us down new paths, exploring and experimenting are the beginning of creative imagination and technical know how. Not only are the imagineers curious, but they are courageous, outrageous, and their creativity is contagious.
- Disney

Useful link:
http://corporate.disney.go.com/careers/who_imagineering.html

U.S Presidential Inauguration 2009

It was really inspiring watching a dream become reality. President Barack Hussein D. Obama takes the oath of office today, January 20, 2009.



Useful links:
http://projects.nytimes.com/44th_president/inauguration
www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/01/17/washington/20090117_ADDRESSES.html?hp
www.usa.gov/Topics/Election_2008/Inauguration.shtml
http://change.gov

A Closer Look at the Inaugural Ceremony
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/01/20/us/politics/2009-inauguration-zoom-photo.html
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/01/20/us/politics/1231545769118/barack-obamas-inaugural-speech.html?hp
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/20/us/politics/20text-obama.html?_r=1

Anyone can grow up to be president is becoming more true than it had been previously.

The Cathedral & The Bazaar

The Cathedral & the Bazaar: Musings on Linux and Open Source by an Accidental Revolutionary by Eric S. Raymond is an insightful book on critical design rules of successful open source projects + the impact. I think open source movement = bazaar + businesses = cathedrals. A must read.

Useful link:

www.catb.org/~esr

Pearl Market Update

Pearl Market Prospects 2009: Less Money Not Less Demand
http://www.colored-stone.com/stories/jan09/pearl-prospects.cfm

Useful link:
www.pearlparadise.com

In a recession, understanding customer's tastes (aesthetically/financially) requires specials skills. Jeremy, thank for your advice.

Liberian Art Gallery

Peace paintings: First post-war art gallery for Liberia
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/africa_liberian_peace_gallery/html/1.stm

It's stunningly beautiful and natural. I liked it.

Live|Work

Creating social solutions for MS patients
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/16/arts/design19.1-407337.php

Useful links:
www.livework.co.uk
www.institute.nhs.uk
www.nmss.org
www.mssociety.org.uk

I think user-experience designs are the new business models for 21st century. Alice, Thank you.