Prix Pictet 2009

The Prix Pictet is an annual prize dedicated to photography and sustainability. Check out the shortlisted artists at www.prixpictet.com

Picasso - Peace And Freedom

In pictures: Picasso - Peace and Freedom. Coming soon/expect next year.

Useful links:
www.tate.org.uk/liverpool
www.picasso.fr

Champagne Citrine Gallery

John Dyer's fancy cuts were stunningly beautiful. Check out the link www.johndyergems.com

Christoph Niemann's Art

Master of the Universe
http://niemann.blogs.nytimes.com

Useful link:
www.christophniemann.com

Brilliant. I loved it.

Random Thoughts

The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.

- Bertrand Russell

Spot on.

Telling Tales

The V&A's new exhibition Telling Tales delves into the fantastical world of contemporary design, taking visitors on a mind-blowing journey through furniture, lighting and ceramics, all inspired by the spirit of storytelling. Check out the link www.vam.ac.uk

Color Grading Natural Zircon

Brilliant idea. I think the zircon hues and appearances are very similar to to those of champagne (and cognac) diamonds. Hats off to Raja Shah! The existing C1-C7 color-grading system can be easily adapted to quartz + topaz. Why re-invent the (color) wheel? Spot on.

Next Generation Biofuels

(via Guardian) Gene scientist Craig Venter has announced plans to develop next-generation biofuels from algae in a $600m partnership with oil giant Exxon Mobil. His company, Synthetic Genomics Incorporated (SGI), will develop fuels that can be used by cars or aeroplanes without the need for any modification of their engines. I hope the new technology is economically viable and effective.

Useful links:
www.jcvi.org
www.syntheticgenomics.com
www.carbontrust.co.uk