AFOL A Blocumentary

Jess Gibson's blocumentary was simply brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Many thanks.

Useful links:
http://vimeo.com/9581676
http://jessgibson.com

Socially Resposible Design

Citizen Architect = a brilliant documentary. The idea = teach architecture by doing architecture. Check it out.

Useful link:
http://citizenarchitectfilm.com

Startup Updates

Don Clark's viewpoints in Wall Street Journal on two silicon valley startups (Tier Logic + Tabula) was interesting. At the end of the day it's all about customer needs and connecting the dots.

Useful links:
www.tierlogic.com
www.tabula.com

Ivory Update

The Economist report on ivory sales was interesting. Those in favour of such sales (most notably, the countries which seek to make them) say they allow countries to benefit from having elephants, and help to finance elephant conservation and protection. Those against them (some conservation charities and some academics in the field) argue that any sale of ivory will lead to an increase in poaching by stimulating demand, and that little of the money raised actually goes to elephants. I think both sides are right in this.

Useful links:
www.cites.org
www.iied.org
www.bornfree.org.uk

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Update

(via JCK) The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers about the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using the products immediately.

Name of Product: Children's Metal Charm Bracelets
Units: Unknown
Importer: Buy-Rite Designs, of Freehold, N.J. (The firm is no longer in business.)
Hazard: The bracelets contain high levels of cadmium. Laboratory analysis determined that following a 24-hour incubation in simulated stomach acid, over 20,000 micrograms of cadmium were released from the snowman alone. Cadmium can be toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This warning involves Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer brand children's Christmas and winter-themed bracelets. The two styles involved in this notice are the Bumble Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The bracelets were sold with winter and Christmas-themed charms including a snowman, Christmas tree, candy cane and snowflake.
Sold at: Discount and dollar-type stores nationwide between 2006 and March 2009 for about $1.Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these charm bracelets away from children and dispose of the jewelry.

Useful link:
www.cpsc.gov

Global Business BBC

Peter Day's report on Rwanda's ambition to become the information technology and business hub for central and eastern Africa was insightful. I wish Rwanda all the best.

Useful links:
www.rwandaworks.com
www.rwandaworks.com
www.minaffet.gov.rw
www.bnr.rw
www.dfid.gov.uk
www.rwandaworks.com
www.hrw.org

Art Market Update

Souren Melikian's viewpoints in New York Times about the 23rd European Fine Art Fair was insightful. Many thanks.

Useful links:
www.tefaf.com
www.ottonaumannltd.com

Innovation Uncensored Conference

Applied creativity. Practical advice. Inspiration. Don't miss.

Useful link:
http://innovationuncensored.com