Random Thoughts

In a bull market, one must avoid the error of the preening duck that quacks boastfully after a torrential rainstorm, thinking that its paddling skills have caused it to rise in the world. A right-thinking duck would instead compare its position after the downpour to that of the other ducks on the pond.

- Warren Buffett
www.berkshirehathaway.com

Spot on.

Butterfly World Project

I love butterflies. Butterflies are also barometers for our environment. I have also learned a lot about colors watching butteflies. Hats off to Clive Farrell for building the world’s largest butterfly dome in St Albans, Hertfordshire. Someday I would like visit the dome to learn more.

Useful link:
www.butterfly-world.org

Jadeite And Ruby Reminder When Traveling

Please be aware of the restrictions now in place if traveling with your jadeite or ruby jewelry as found in the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act. Rubies and jadeite of non-Burmese origin are not restricted, but questions may arise upon re-entry to the U.S. from abroad.

Useful links:
www.agta.org
www.uscib.org

Creation

Creation tells the story of how Charles Darwin wrote his seminal work The Origin of Species - and familial issues.

Useful links:
http://creationthemovie.com
www.tiff.net
www.hanwayfilms.com

Crude

Joe Berlinger’s 'Crude,' is a new documentary on the terrible cost of extracting oil. The documentary also investigates local issues like cancer, contaminated water, and cultural degradation. A must see documentary.

Useful link:
www.crudethemovie.com

Enough

Enough: True Measures of Money, Business, and Life by John C. Bogle provides brilliant insights on money and values that we should treasure in busines and life. A must read.

Useful links:

http://johncbogle.com/wordpress

www.vanguard.com

Environmental Photographer 2009

Bolucevschi Vitali's picture was stunningly beautiful.

Useful link:
www.ciwem.org

Human Enhancement

Nick Bostrom's views on human enhancement — a term that is growing to include genetic, pharmaceutical and technological ways to improve our physical and mental abilities and even dramatically extend human life was interesting. If done correctly, maybe it's a good idea.

Useful links:
www.nickbostrom.com
www.fhi.ox.ac.uk
http://royalsociety.org