The Graduate Gemologist's Notebook

Psychopath on the Strip

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:39:00 +0000

This is a prime example of what is happening in Nevada. The mental health budget for the state was butchered by our Governor Jim Gibbons and the state legislature in Carson City. As a result, people of this ilk are roaming the streets committing acts of random violence upon people, places, and things. I fully expect the situation to get worse as these deranged people are deprived of evaluation, treatment, and medication. As they are arrested, they are incarcerated and NOT treated. This is a total meltdown of social services and it endangers the citizenry. I recant anything good that I said previously about the State of Nevada.

Brother---Can you Spare a Dollar?

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:48:00 +0000

I haven't posted anything here since the ECONOMIC COLLAPSE of September, 2008. Actually, the economy went south here in Las Vegas starting in May 2007, when the real estate market started to "tank" as the pundits like to say. The slide into "recession" here was pronounced and swift. Remember the old song from the depression of the 1930's? It was called "Brother--- can you spare a dime?" Well, now a days in Las Vegas people are actually panhandling for a dollar! That's right. Anything less is NOT good enough. That's what they ask for. It used to be "spare change." When I read about this in the newspaper I knew it would just be a matter of time before I would get solicited. And, of course I did. My response to the mendicant? It was simply, DO I LOOK LIKE A BANKER TO YOU? That usually ENDS the matter as I remove myself rapidly from the area. I think I would rather drop dead than approach people begging for paper money like some of the homeless-by-choice derelicts here.

Global Warming? Forget the Debate!

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:28:00 +0000

While I am not an atmospheric scientist, I am well acquainted with an associated geoscience, namely climatology. It is interesting to note that in Las Vegas we have had a summer with record high temperatures breaking old daily records. From my readings it is apparent that SOMETHING is seriously wrong at the North Pole region of the planet. The melting glaciers are creating ice floes that are previously unheard of. The Inuits of the area are close to the earth and they are very disconcerted at what is happening to their enviornment. It was really pathetic for the oil-interests to politicize the issue of Global Warming. But, that is what is happening; it would have occurred with or without the involvement of former Vice-President Gore. I fear that we lack the political will and foresight to correct our wasteful use of fossil fuels. Did you know that for every unit of gasoline burned, 5 units of carbon dioxide are produced? Multiply that by the countless tons of fuel combusted every day all over the earth and you get some kind of idea how much damage has/is being done to the atmosphere. Time is going running out, in my opinion. It's way past the time where we can endlessly debate whether this is man-made or part of a "natural" cycle. The science indicting fossil fuels is sound, despite what the oil-paid politicians are saying. Personally, I don't want to be cremated alive at a slow rate, do you?

Having A Good Summer Season?

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 23:04:00 +0000

Well, winter is well over and so is spring in Las Vegas. The blowing dust storms here elicit all kinds of allergic reactions and suffering due to the non-native vegetation introduced here over the years. For instance, mulberry and olive trees produce pollens which many people here are extremely allergic to. I encounter these suffering souls on a daily basis in this valley. You can be sure that the allergists have full waiting rooms through the summer season. As for me? I have what appears to be a "bullet-proof" immune system. I just hope my luck doesn't run out and I start to cough, sneeze, and swell up like all of the vege-victims here!

Need A Job?

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 01:18:00 +0000

I don't think I would enjoy this kind of work. Not only is it NOT for people who don't "enjoy" heights, it's LONELY too! And, what do you do when you have to "use" a restroom? Rumor has it that these "positions" are high paying jobs. Well, WHY NOT? I don't think anyone I know would stand in line for a job interview to get one.
This company is currently posting a T-Mobile ad on the face of the Mandalay Bay Resort tower facing the "strip." Hey, they have a website. What more could you ask for?

New Year's Eve On The Strip

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:48:00 +0000

How Big Is Bling? Try 628 Carats On For Size

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 08:12:00 +0000

This is a 628 carat Mystic Topaz gemstone set in a 14k yellow gold basket mounting. It will take up a lot of skin as a pendant on the chest of your wife/mistress/girlfriend. Somehow it got left over from the Christmas selling season. Actually, the vendor shopped it around town and nobody else seemed to know what "Mystic Topaz" is and how it is produced. I guess they don't watch "Jewelry T.V." on cable at 3:00 A.M. in the morning. Being a Graduate Gemologist always gives me an edge over the sorry pawnshop guys here. Good news today regarding this masterpiece of the lapidary art. I have a qualified buyer for it. They were regretful that they didn't get a chance to purchase it for a Christmas gift. I never expected this item to sell AFTER Christmas but like I have said in an earlier entry here, expect the unexpected when in Las Vegas!

Who Says Las Vegas Doesn't Have Cultural Attractions?

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 07:35:00 +0000

The Titanic artifact exhibition has been held over at the nearby Tropicana Resort and Casino. There are over 300 items on display and their authenticity is beyond doubt. We should have known that when Ballard first located the wreck in 1985 there would be a salvaging operation. There are some who say that this was a desecration of the dead who are still entombed below deck. I will leave it to you to decide on the ethicality of marine archeology. Incidentally, while there is a NO PHOTOGRAPHY sign prominently displayed at the entrance, I noticed a slew of people trying to take close-up pictures with their cellphone cameras, striving to be discreet. I pointed this out to one of the docents and they played dumb with me. What people? What cameras? This is going on obviously all the time and they care little about enforcing the rule. Of course, when you pay $24 to enter, you can figure that people think that they have a RIGHT (?) to do as they please. I had brought along my digital camera and played by the rule. HOORAY for me!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year?

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 07:26:00 +0000

Some people in Las Vegas tried to provide a Merry Christmas for the homeless population and abused children. Nobody should have gone hungry unless they wanted to as there were very nice dinners provided at the shelters.
Credit is due the USMCR for their annual "Toys for Tots." They worked without rest to fulfill their mission of making sure that deprived children got toys that their parent/s could not provide.
I witnessed other acts of kindness which should be the order of the day, every day, and everywhere. How soon the true message of Christmas is lost on us as we resume our daily routines. Just think of how great the world would be if everyone JUST TRIED to live by the Golden Rule! Simple but not easy.

Kathy Augustine Was Murdered!

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:36:00 +0000

It is with profound regret that I have to relate that our late State Controller Kathy Augustine has been found to be a murder victim. The drug succinylcholine was used to kill her. Her widower Chaz Higgs was arrested in Hampton, Va this past Setpetmber 29th for the homicide. Higgs, 42, was a critical care nurse at the Carson-Tahoe Regional Medical Center. His assertions to the press that she died of "stress" leading to a heart attack, weren't very well recieved last July when she failed to emerge from the drug-induced coma.
For anyone wishing to follow the case in the future days try www.lvrj.com

Any BODY For A 3rd Degree Sunburn For A Fee?

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 01:24:00 +0000

This is one of my favorite local businesses in terms of entertainment value. Sin City Tanning offers to provide you a genuine sunburn (er,"tan") in the middle of the Mojave Desert for just a very few dollars. Of course, I really don't understand why.
I mean, would YOU open an a umbrella shop in a city that is lucky to get an average of around 5 inches (or less) a year in rain? We are NOT in Seattle, here. Of course, some people don't have the time to lay around a beautiful pool and soak up the Ultraviolet B rays which damage your skin resulting in a "tan" as a defensive reaction. Then again, some people have the time and money to go to a salon here and get artificially burned. As they say, "different rays for diffierent people,'' or is that "different strokes for different people?" WAIT! That's another risque story for another time here! HOLD IT! I have to keep this a family type blogsite. Oh, well, somebody has to be Mr. Goody Two-Shoes here in Las Vegas! Might as well be me, instead of Wayne Newton.

A "Museum" for the "Mafia?"

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 22:42:00 +0000

This is the old United States Federal Building in downtown Las Vegas. It was also the site of the ONLY and ORIGINAL Post Office in the city. Our esteemed mayor (and former "mob" attorney) Oscar Goodman wants to convert this historic building into a museum dedicated to the criminal "contributions" of La Cosa Nostra to the great enterprise we call the USA. You have to forgive poor Oscar for this brainless concept. Rumor has it that he regularly guzzles gallons of Bombay Gin, just for fun and stress relief, of course. It can't be easy running a complex system of marvelous things for the tax-paying citizens of our fair city.

This Business Eats Money 24/7, No Dieting Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 22:31:00 +0000

Las Vegas is "truly paradise" to the afflicted compulsive gamblers. Well, not really. It's more like 3 feet north of hell, especially in the summertime here. Where else can you LOSE money on a 24 hour basis playing "Bingo?" If that isn't sufficient, you can also indulge your disease with "Live Poker," and "Live Keno." That, I guess; is opposed to "Dead Poker and "Dead Keno." In any event, you can be sure that you have to BEG for a "cocktail" especially if you are WINNING anything. If you are losing, which is usually the case, you can FORGET about drinking for "free." When you run out of money to gamble with, you have to BUY your own beer to cry over. Que Sera, sera.

I Am Proudly One Of The "24%'s Here! Kind Of Like 24kt Gold

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 23:28:00 +0000

While Las Vegas and the State of Nevada are known for their beautiful resort destinations, there is an undercurrent of shame here. And, it is all about education. While growth in the Clark County School District has been tremendous in terms of student load, there is a perpetual lack of qualified teachers. Why? Could it be the LOW starting salary? And, then again it could be the WEAK teacher's union? And, then finally could it be that the prospective applicants KNOW all about how the student test scores are abysmally low? There is absolutely no prestige in teaching in a school district marked by low student test scores. Maybe it is because most of the parents here were LUCKY to graduate from High School and put little value in ANY kind of education.
According to the latest statistics, ONLY 24% of the adult population here hold college degrees. This is my B.A. from California State University, Fullerton where I went to school with Kevin Costner. I was a senior when he was a freshman. I befriended this younger student because we were both interested in film history. Neither of us knew at the time that he would become a world-famous actor, director, and producer. "Dances with Wolves" was truly a masterpiece. Some of his other films are so-so, and he knows it. I liked his work in "JFK" very much. Expect more blockbusters from him in the years ahead. This guy has talent that even he doesn't yet realize. Oh, and he actually graduated with a B.A. in business too. That wasn't "show business," either.

Is This Typical Of Las Vegas?

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 23:29:00 +0000

This is an example once again of IMPROVISED ROADSIDE GARBAGE (IRG). Because I am a public-spirited citizen I removed the debris from the expressway off-ramp at Decatur Blvd. I guess there aren't many concerned citizens who are willing to roll up their sleeves, although EVERYBODY seems to complain about the visual blight, gang grafitti, and construction nails destroying tires. Let's see. I can recycle the tire and the plastic. The broken glass shards are definitely dangerous without thicker gloves. All in all, this is beginning to be really TIRESOME.

We Shall Never Forget. After 9/11/01

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 20:37:00 +0000

This is the current and REVISED seal of the city of Las Vegas on the official Sheriff's badge for Clark County. I want to extend my appreciation to Jerry Airola for using the Sheriff's badge on his campaign posters for this depiction. ( I don't know if the current retiring Sheriff Young granted permission, knowing Jerry he probably didn't ask, but that's another story.) Note how the JET AIRCRAFT flying into the highest tower HAS BEEN REMOVED AFTER 9/11. How is this about an expression of guilt and or remorse over what happened in New York City on that dreadful day? Only this kind of thing could HAPPEN in Las Vegas where you can ALWAYS expect the UNEXPECTED!

Lest We Forget. Before 9/11/01

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 20:26:00 +0000

I photographed this last night. It is at the entrance of the Las Vegas Municipal Golf Course on Decatur Blvd. This is the OLD ( pre 9/11)official seal of the city of Las Vegas. Please carefully note the JET AIRCRAFT with contrail flying through the highest tower. I know that it is difficult to see. It is a well-known historical fact now that Mohammed Atta spent a few weeks here planning the World Trade Tower attacks in New York City that culminated with the darkest hour for our nation since December 7th, 1941. Was this seal involved in firing his sick and fevered imagination?

Election Loathing In Las Vegas

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 20:16:00 +0000

Well, the election is over. Now the LOSING and WINNING candidates have to pick up their roadside signs which have been well vandalized at this point. The WINNERS really ought to get creative and save money and buy good "speaking points." They ought to HIRE THE HOMELESS people to clean everything up. With an estimated 15,000 homeless people on the streets here there is NO REASON for all of the visual blight generated by all of the dirty politics that went down. Just think about the potential. A veritable army of homeless people cleaning Las Vegas! Wow! Wait! Does that mean that the politicians and wannabe "leaders" have to pay them out of their own campaign funds? Afraid so. Well, that will have to happen when it snows here in August. In other words, don't count on it!

Condition Red: IRG!

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 19:22:00 +0000

I am sure that you are familiar with IED's at this point in the "war on terrorism." That is to say watch out for the roadside "Improvised Explosive Devices." In Las Vegas, we have IRG. That is to say: IMPROVISED ROADSIDE GARBAGE. A particularly dangerous area is ANY exit ramp from an expressway here. The roadside depicted is the exit ramp southbound of the Oran Gragson Expressway onto Decatur Blvd. going North. Make no mistake about it. You are going to have to drive around (?) empty intact and broken beer bottles with an occasional empty champagne bottle thrown aside for a little bit more adventure in driving. Of course, there is absolutely NOTHING you can do about all of the stray construction and housing NAILS that litter the streets here. The tire dealers here LOVE IT! It is no surprise to me that so many drivers are taking prescribed "medication" for driving anxiety.

Not Quite "BLING" But That Isn't The Point

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 22:20:00 +0000

Here is another example of a custom-made item of fine jewelry. A gentleman's gemstone ring accented by round brilliant-cut diamonds, all set in 18kt yellow gold. The diamonds on each side of the mounting were pave set by hand. The cabochon ( poorly rendered by the blogger.com photo software) is a Tiger-Eye. This is a stone belonging to the quartz family. It displays an "eye" which opens and closes under varying amounts and directions of pinpoint illumination. This is the optical phenomenon of "chatoyancy." This word is derived from French in reference to a "cat's eye." The most prominent stone displaying this is chatoyant chrysoberyl, which is usually just referred to as a "cats-eye," among lovers of gemstones. The point is that this is a type of gemstone that can be worn and enjoyed by men and women alike. Like what I call "cocktail jewelry" here in Las Vegas. Want to start a conversation in a plush lounge with a total stranger who looks interesting to you? Just offer your hand and say "Hi!, What do you you think about this?"

One Of A Kind? Of Course!

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 22:03:00 +0000

This is a custom-designed and produced Lady's Cameo Bracelet accentuated with genuine round rubies cast in 14kt yellow gold. People sometimes ask, why does jewelry cost so much? Well, this isn't an ordinary piece of jewelry. It was custom-designed and is NOT an "ordinary" production item. Even though the elements of the bracelet were cast by the "Lost Wax" method, the final assembly is painstakingly done by the hands of a master bench jeweler. So, aside from the cost of the gold and rubies, we also consider the cost of the design and execution, and all of the LABOR involved. Sorry, the "fast-food" mentality mindset doesn't work here. Good craftmanship leads to durability, not just beauty to the eye. I fully expect this piece to become an heirloom to someone not yet born.

Elegant Living?

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 01:50:00 +0000

Here is the lovely (NOT) area where I first lived in Las Vegas. It's 4995 South Maryland Parkway, one block south from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. When I moved there in 1985, the area was strictly collegiate. Now, there seems to be NOTHING but undocumented aliens and the stores and apartments that cater to their trade. The student community that I used to enjoy so much has retreated back onto campus and many students commute from the other areas of the city where it is safer to live. I guess the sound of gunfire every night over drug deals gone bad makes it unsettling. The UNLV campus police have jurisdiction over this area and believe me, they are running scared. It's not like it was in the good 'ole days.

Ruby In The Rough (26.21 Carats)

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 01:21:00 +0000

As a Graduate Gemologist with a an academic background in mineralogy, I enjoy the analysis of rough crystals. This is a a ruby in the rough. You can see the exterior hexagonal form which reflects the internal pattern in which the atoms are bonded. This particular piece of rough is far from being top grade faceting material. It will more likely be polished into a cabochon which will be dome shaped. This specimen is typical of ruby from Thailand. Historically, the finest rubies both faceted and cut en-cabochon have originated from Burma, especially the Mogok district. If you are considering a trip to Thailand someday, please be advised that the locals are looking for "farang," i.e., generally Americans with American money. And, don't expect to purchase any "bargain" rubies that may be offered to you by the local "dealers." They are most likely inexpensive but beautiful flame-fusion synthetics which have been produced since 1905. They have managed to turn this from an art into a supreme science of scam. Of course, if you are serious about a buying trip you can avoid a lot of grief and disappointment in buying genuine natural rubies and HIRE ME to accompany you. I have numerous contacts in Bangkok that are legitimate and while you won't get any "bargains" you won't get ripped off either. The GIA has a campus in Bangkok where we can have a Identification Report done for you before you leave. That way your stone has a "pedigree," and there is NO DOUBT about whether it is "real" or not. How about that for peace of mind? Oh, and everyone at the GIA in Bangkok speaks real English too!

Why Did This Ashtray Have To Die?

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 01:12:00 +0000

When we talk about "fear and loathing" in Las Vegas everyone wonders about proof. Well, here is a classic example of what happens when someone isn't operating on a steady basis, which took the form of an assault against a heavy solid granite ashtray. That's right. An ashtray. It was admired for its solid contruction and fireproof quality by a lot of smokers. My wise late Father had a sign on his desk which stated,"Anger is but one letter away from Danger." Whoever destroyed this ashtray was filled not with what we would call simple discontent. This was an act of RAGE, perpetrated outside a CHURCH. (I am not making this up). Of course, Las Vegas is a city filled with angry people. Angry over losing their money gambling, broken relationships, and whatever else doesn't seem to go their way, all fueled by alcohol and or drugs, both legal and otherwise. It is a constant challenge to cope with strangers of this ilk, always hoping that you will not become a victim of their rage. An inanimate object was the object of rage here, MAYBE substituting for a human being. I am sick of the violence in this city.

Top of the Line Tanzanite Pendant

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Goodwin, G.G.) — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 04:33:00 +0000

One of the best things about being a Graduate Gemologist is the chance to examine and study extremely fine articles of jewelry. I am NOT speaking of the "bread and butter" jewelry you will find at mass marketing stores like Wal-Mart. This is a pendant containing an oval 9.33 carat Tanzanite of top grade color and polish accented by 16 round brilliant cut diamonds with a total weight of 2 carats. Items such as this cost many thousands of dollars to fashion. This Tanzanite is one of the finest that I have ever seen. You can take it to the bank that I didn't dare drop this pendant on a hard surface! After over two decades of practice I can relax and not shake like a leaf handling expensive jewelry. I remember my "rookie" days in the industry when fear of gravity was the usual feelng. Incidentally, the digital photograph here like others on the Internet really doesn't do justice to the item. There is NO substitute for seeing an article of jewelry with your own two eyes. As in live and in person. So, try shopping in person and find someone like me who can explain the piece to you. I can explain the factors involved in why a jewel is priced the way it is. No matter what, the important thing to remember that it should look EXPENSIVE and that you can expect to get a lot of compliments for having such good taste.