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Friday, May 22, 2009

Meteorite Men

Meteorite Men
http://meteoritemen.com
http://science.discovery.com

For thousands of years meteorites have slammed into the earth’s surface, each one carrying an invaluable record of the very beginnings of the solar system. But finding meteorites, some buried over centuries by thick layers of dirt and sediment, is no easy task. Now, Science Channel is bringing viewers on a search for alien treasures and revealing these lost pieces of our universe for the first time in Meteorite Men.

Don't miss this show.

Imperial White Jade Quianlong Yubi Seal

Legacies of Imperial Power: Qianlong Imperial Seals from the Estate of Emile Guimet
http://www.sothebys.com/app/live/lot/LotDetail.jsp?sale_number=HK0281&live_lot_id=2003
http://www.beaussant-lefevre.com/html/fiche.jsp?id=934986
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hYLejNHjf6GyZ1BfW1zLxFH685Wg

A Qianlong Yubi seal carved from snow-white jade sold for about $8.16 million at Sotheby’s.

Emeralds, A Passionate Guide

Emeralds, A Passionate Guide by Ronald Ringsrud
www.emeraldpassion.com
www.emeraldmine.com

A must read.

The Prince Of Asturias Prize 2009

British architect Norman Foster has been awarded one of Spain's highest honours, the Prince of Asturias Prize for Arts. The Prince of Asturias awards are also given in the fields of writing, social sciences, scientific research, communications and humanities, international cooperation, public service and sports. Named after Crown Prince Felipe, they are presented in the northern Spanish city of Oviedo, capital of the Asturias region.

Useful links:
http://fundacionprincipedeasturias.org
www.fosterandpartners.com

Vietnamese Art

Forged art legacy of Vietnam war
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8061207.stm

Useful link:
http://vnfineartsmuseum.org.vn

According to Nora Taylor, a leading art historian and Vietnamese painting expert from Chicago University believes that about half of the paintings displayed at the museum are in fact copies. It's sad really.

ImaGem

ImaGem's latest technologies in diamond cut grading. Check out the link http://imageminc.com

Chaim Even Zohar Viewpoint

Innovative Credit Creation in Antwerp Diamond Industry
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful links:
www.diamondintelligence.com
www.awdc.be

If it's a real solution to a real problem, then the AWDC deserves to be complimented.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
http://eitransparency.org

The EITI is a coalition of governments, companies, civil society groups, investors and international organizations. The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the verification and full publication of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas and mining.

At first it was hard to believe, but if EITI could persuade companies to publish what they pay and for governments to disclose what they receive, then I must say it's a success. Hats off to the initiative!