The company said this improvement is principally due to higher auction commission revenues resulting from a 23 percent increase in net auction sales, partially offset by a decline in auction commission margin from 17.2 percent to 16.4 percent, attributable to the sales mix.

FORBES: Sotheby's Q1 Sales Up 17%

The only true test would be to see if any of the items valued were transacted within 24-36 months of the valuation (basically two to three cycles of the art market) and then compare the actual net auction proceeds to the heirs to the valuation by the Panel.

FORBES: Is Art Advisory Panel Giving Taxpayers A Fair Shake ?

The paper notes the success of numerous policies California has implemented to promote distributed generation, including the California Solar Initiative (CSI), net energy metering (NEM), the renewable auction mechanism (RAM), and the Self-Generation Incentive Program.

FORBES: 9 Recommendations To Continue California's Local Clean Energy Boom

No one is saying how widely the U.S. Attorney has cast his net since he subpoenaed records related to the Christie's auction.

FORBES: Magazine Article

On Thursday, France sells the two- and five-year OATs (French bonds), while Spain will auction three-, five- and 10-year bonds, in a week of very negative net issuance.

FORBES: Gold Shock And Awe But Will The EURO Be Moved?