University Of The People

On the Internet, a university without a campus
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/25/technology/university.4-415520.php

Useful links:
www.uopeople.org
www.ocwconsortium.org
www.open.ac.uk
www.sloan-c.org
www.cramster.com
www.sloan.org

I think Shai Reshef is definitely a visionary. Best wishes.

Cash Is King

Cash Is King
http://www.valueresearchonline.com/story/h2_storyview.asp?str=12597

Great essay. Thank you Sanjeev.

Jewelers Alert

I came across an interesting website today called Jewelers Alert, a portal where jewelry companies are able to comment on a specific company regarding lost money, late payment or theft. Great idea. I hope the open communicaton system is not abused for personal reasons, because at times it's difficult to check the true facts of anonymous commentators. Check out the link at www.jewelersalert.com

Bargaining In Bangkok

Haggling with Attila the Hun
http://www.bangkokpost.com/life/family/10393/haggling-with-attila-the-hun

Bargaining when shopping is a way of life in many parts of Asia, and Bangkok is no exception to this. I have a different opinon about farangs in Bangkok. At times they are pennywise pound foolish, really.

Jonathan Harris

Meet Jonathan Harris, the visual artist/designer @ www.number27.org

Useful links:
http://thewhalehunt.org/whalehunt.html
http://metascopic.com
www.tivo.com

Heard On The Street

Sure the markets are down now, but wait a few years. When the economy takes off, it's going to make your head spin again. Its been in cycles like this for all of history. Don't cry. Get on with your life. There is always a tomorrow.

Art Market Update

Scattered to the winds
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13003395

Useful links:
www.christies.com
www.sothebys.com
www.fondation-pb-ysl.net
www.grandpalais.fr

What is more secure today than a timeless masterpiece with an illustrious provenance? We are cautious, but we expect some world-record prices.
- François de Ricqlès

Beauty and value is in the eye of the beholder. We shall wait and see how events unfold in the coming days/weeks.

Bernard Madoff Update

The Talented Mr. Madoff
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/business/25bernie.html?_r=1&hp

Some of the characteristics you see in psychopaths are lying, manipulation, the ability to deceive, feelings of grandiosity and callousness toward their victims. People like him become sort of like chameleons. They are very good at impression management. They manage the impression you receive of them. They know what people want, and they give it to them.
- Gregg O. McCrary

Shockingly true. I have met a few Madoff's in my life. I think it's either genetic defect, unexplainable mental disorder or plain revenge of the first order. It's water over the dam situation. It's over. He is in his seventies, and he doesn't care about the consequences. He enjoyed the high life, and may be prefers to see the endgame done alone. A hard lesson for everyone.