The Comica 2010

Explore the world of comics, graphic novels and manga at the annual Comica Festival. http://www.comicafestival.com

Random Thoughts

There is definitely a new energy out there. We are living in a moment when film makers, and young film makers in particular, are increasingly turning towards documentary as a way to make sense of the world they live in. They are more alert about, and suspicious of the mainstream media and eager for a form that talks to them about real events in a real way, even if that form is rough or even low-key. It's a very exciting and ground-breaking time for the documentary.

- Hussain Currimbhoy
http://sheffdocfest.com

Spot on.

Art Market Update

After last week's impressionist sales, it is the turn of contemporary art to go under the hammer. At Christie's, Campbell's Soup Can With Can Opener by Andy Warhol is among the star turns, estimated at $30-50m (£18m-£30m). Sotheby's has a Coca-Cola bottle canvas by him at $20-25m. The answer, or part of it, is that the very top of the art market is semi-detached from the movements of individual economies. Rather, it is bound up with the tastes and choices of a number of super-rich people in Europe and America – and, increasingly, Russia, China and the Middle East. As Brett Gorvy, deputy chairman of Christie's, put it: "The market is not reliant on one single economy at any one time." Charlotte Higgins was spot on. The trend among the emerging super-rich is to have the right contemporary art = a badge of elite wealth.

Useful links:
http://sarah-thornton.com
http://www.sothebys.com
http://www.christies.com

Somali Pirates’ Business Model

Somali pirates avoid symmetrical conflict. Instead they use stealth and surprise, attacking targets at their weakest point. According to Prof David James of Henley Business School, the most important lessons firms/startups can learn from Somali pirates' operating systems is strategy. Interesting viewpoint, really.

How To Manufacture A Diamond

Take a look. http://www.safdico.com

Irving Penn Archaeology

Visual poetry. http://www.pacemacgill.com

The Botswana Story

I think Botswana is a lucky country. I hope they do the right thing with the natural resources. I think the emphasis should be on sustainability. Many thanks to Fiona Foster for sharing an interesting story.

Useful links:
http://www.survivalinternational.org
http://www.debeersgroup.com/debswana
http://www.wilderness-safaris.com
http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw

Journey Through The Afterlife: Ancient Egyptian Book Of The Dead

Once-in-a-lifetime exhibition. http://www.britishmuseum.org