1970

Fretting endlessly that the stock market is over-valued and headed for a correction? Unwilling to invest in low-yielding money funds? Disgusted by the price earnings ratio of Japanese stocks? If managing your portfolio just isn't fan anymore, read on (if you don't have a portfolio, simply dream on). Dave Muller, editor and publisher of Foreign Market Advisory, has news for you.

Dave founded his invigorating newsletter a couple of years back following a 20-year career in foreign intelligence, mostly with the U.S. Navy. Hence it should come as no surprise that he specializes in analyses concerning the extent to which the policies of foreign governments could affect returns from economic activity. And happily, there almost always seems to be a bull market somewhere in the world.

So live a little. Consider investing in some global hot spots Dave has identified for you: Turkey, Chile, Malaysia, Thailand, and even Argentina. Just remember, we don't give financial advice in this column and all those other disclaimers. (Actually, when you read it here it's more like ancient history.) Still, Dave will be happy to get you started on the road to riches with a complimentary copy of his latest newsletter. Write to: Foreign Markets Advisory, P.O. Box 75, Fairfax Station, Virginia 22039.

Kesang Tashi is deeply involved with foreign markets as well. He recently tired of international banking—which he considers to be mosdy information processing these days and formed a company trading in Tibetan carpets. His Inner Asia Trading Company in New York is virtually the sole importer of these rugs, which he calls Gangchen Carpets. "Gangchen is the Tibetan word for their country, meaning 'Land of Snows.'"

Tibetan designs include the brilliant and expansive use of color, and Americans have responded well to the beauty and quality of these creations. "The rugs are totally handmade using wool only from aboriginal, unhybridized sheep herded by nomads in Tibet's cold and remote mountains. There is more wool per square inch than in almost any other kind of carpets, which partially explains prices averaging about $48 per square foot."

More than anything Tashi is proud of his role in propagating an ancient tradition among his native people. And in doing so his business provides a livelihood for more than 4,000 Tibetans. In case you and the kids have finally outgrown that wall-to-wall, rustcolored shag in the family room, Tashi will be happy to send along a copy of his recently produced video.

A couple of briefs. Jim Nachwey will share the 1993 W. Eugene Smith Grant in photography. The grant provides photographers a measure of financial freedom with which to conceive and carry out humanistic photographic studies. Steve Tourek is setding into his new office in Minneapolis. He's an attorney with Winthrop & Weinstine there.

Finally, a classmate recently sent along sad news concerning the death of Robert W.Eckel, M.D., on August 30 in Washington, D.C. An obituary will appear within several months. We are reminded again that each day is a gift. Take care everyone.

P.O. Box 3934, Modesto, CA 95352-3934

Kesang Tashi is proud of his role in propagating an ancient tradition among his native people. His carpet business provides a livelihood for more than 4,000 Tibetans. THOMAS LYNN AVERY '70