are more than a 100-years-old.

Having lived in Bermuda for seven years, the longest he says he's ever lived in one house since leaving home, he has spent time acquiring items of Bermudiana.

His thirst for knowledge is explained by one of his favourite quotations: "Dear Lord, fill my mind with worthwhile stuff and nudge me hard when I've said I've had enough.'' But he admitted that he would not feel right if his departure meant the disappearance from Bermuda of part of its recorded history.

That is consistent with his stated belief in Bermudianisation. He has been a part of the movement that leaves less than ten non-Bermudians employed at the two companies out of 210.

His attachment to Bermuda will force him, quite willingly, to leave his historical collection to his Bermudian god-daughter.

* * * TOU Princess Hotels International Executives were surprised to be overwhelmed by the large number of Government officials, hoteliers and business people who accepted an invitation to the Southampton Princess Hotel's mid-week opening of the new Mid Ocean Amphitheatre, a meeting room that has the space age technology that would have to be seen to be believed.

One hotel executive told Business Diary on the QT that the lead time was so short, they were surprised by the number of people who were available to attend on a Wednesday evening.

Among the illustrious group were Mr. Charles Vaughan-Johnson, Mr. Garry Madeiros, president and CEO of Belco, and Mr. Jeff Conyers of First Bermuda Securities.

The large group, after being wowed by the stunning, computerised audio-visual technology, that has swept aside any faint memory of the old Empire Room, were hosted at a reception in the new Neptune Lounge.

Even funnyman, Mr. Jimmy Keyes, the hotel's new addition was there for a little light repartee.

* * * BUC First Bermuda Securities and Research Innovations want to put a stock directory at the finger tips of Bermudian investors.

The two companies are intent on producing a book, called "The Bermuda Stock Exchange''. It will be backed up by a investment research service, which updates information about the companies profiled.

The book will profile about 40 companies.

First Bermuda Securities will commit up to $15,000 to cover all external production costs, such as printing, promotion and shipping.

The joint venture team will update company entries when results are published.

The book will be reprinted once a year.

Research Innovations will be responsible for editorial, advertising sales, mailing and business operations.

* * * BUC The untimely death of Mr. Luis Donaldo Colosio, presidential candidate for Mexico's Institutional Revolutionary Party, sent the Mexican and US stock markets into a state of flux last week.

But a local investment adviser, Bermuda Investment Advisory Service, view is that this shock trauma to the Mexican stock market provides a good buying opportunity.

The Mexican stock exchange closed as events unfolded. However, emerging markets analysts are confident that Mexican economic policies will remain intact. Direct investment, backed by NAFTA, continues apace, said analysts from Foreign & Colonial Emerging Markets, a company that manages the Mexican Investment Company, a mutual fund listed in The Royal Gazette 's Mutual Fund column weekly.

* * * BUC A large reseller of second-hand merchandise -- a long winded term for a pawnbroker -- has compiled a top ten list of items that are most likely be sold if you're desperate for cash.

Boston-based Empire Loan Jewellers and Pawnbrokers said that the hard-up are more apt to sell the family jewels than the family computer.

The 10 most commonly pawned items, as compiled by Empire are: 1. Gold rings, 2. Gold chains and bracelets; 3. Earrings, 4. VCRs, 5. Cameras, 6. Guitars and other musical instruments, 7. Gold watches, 8. TVs, 9. Computers, 10. Fine art.