Nicely done shopping blog. Definitely worth a visit.

http://www.mightygoods.com/

Freelance journalist Campbell here writes about the cost of diamonds not in dollars to the consumer but in blood, torture, and death for the unfortunate residents of contested mining areas in Sierra Leone. He explains that "conflict diamonds," or "blood diamonds," which account for only three to four percent of all diamonds sold, are mined in war zones, smuggled out of the country, and sold to legitimate companies, financing ruinous civil wars and the plots of international terrorists, including the al Qaeda network.

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=0813342201

All about beauty in nature and cultures past and present with articles on fashion,hairstyles, body image, psychology of beauty, and covering topics ranging from Aztecs to orchids.

http://www.beautyworlds.com

This volume provides an overview of the history, current planning strategies, and future challenges and technologies of the airport. Wells (aviation business administration, Embry Riddle Aeronautical U.) discusses site selection, design, access, financing and funding sources, technological advances both airside and landside, FAA requirements, capacity issues, and organization and administration. A final chapter is dedicated to public relations and assuring that each airport is a good neighbor

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=0071360093

Tales from the cockpits and ground-training classes of those learning to fly the navy's most advanced fleet fighter/bomber jet- -the FA-18 Hornet. Gandt, a veteran navy fighter pilot (Sky Gods: The Fall of Pan Am, 1995), follows eight trainees from their introductory briefing to the difficult final exam and on to their service with the fleet, where they become accustomed to taking off and landing on a carrier pitching and tossing on the open sea. They must master a push- button, computer-controlled, $30 million marvel that routinely exceeds the sound barrier. Gandt notes that the ``Incredible Shrinking Navy'' has, since the end of the Cold War, far fewer openings for pilot trainees. Today's pilots are chosen with a heavy stress on college ranking, in contrast with wartime standards that welcomed any eager volunteers. Some high-ranking veteran fliers tell Gandt that they would not qualify under present standards and that they are amazed to hear today's sophisticated trainees discussing stocks and corporate jobs. Gandt also touches on more controversial matters: He calls the Tailhook incident a political witch hunt and suggests that, combined with the Clinton administration's decision to allow women to apply for combat duty, it has created serious new problems for the navy including a dangerous double standard. He claims that an unqualified female flier allowed to carry out a particularly difficult assignment was killed in a flawed carrier landing. The navy, he asserts, covered up the incident by attributing it to engine failure. While Gandt discusses these matters frankly, much of the book is taken up with the day-to-day reality of flying an extraordinary machine and the exhilaration that comes with it. His descriptions of flight sweep are vivid enough to transport the reader to the Hornet's cockpit. A fascinating look into an arcane, risky, high-tech world inhabited by bright, brave youngsters.

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=0140264124

The Art of War is the Swiss army knife of military theory--pop out a different tool for any situation. Folded into this small package are compact views on resourcefulness, momentum, cunning, the profit motive, flexibility, integrity, secrecy, speed, positioning, surprise, deception, manipulation, responsibility, and practicality. Thomas Cleary's translation keeps the package tight, with crisp language and short sections. Commentaries from the Chinese tradition trail Sun-tzu's words, elaborating and picking up on puzzling lines. Take the solitary passage: "Do not eat food for their soldiers." Elsewhere, Sun-tzu has told us to plunder the enemy's stores, but now we're not supposed to eat the food? The Tang dynasty commentator Du Mu solves the puzzle nicely, "If the enemy suddenly abandons their food supplies, they should be tested first before eating, lest they be poisoned." Most passages, however, are the pinnacle of succinct clarity: "Lure them in with the prospect of gain, take them by confusion" or "Invincibility is in oneself, vulnerability is in the opponent." Sun-tzu's maxims are widely applicable beyond the military because they speak directly to the exigencies of survival. Your new tools will serve you well, but don't flaunt them. Remember Sun-tzu's advice: "Though effective, appear to be ineffective."

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=0195014766

John Boyd (1927-1997) was a brilliant and blazingly eccentric person. He was a crackerjack jet fighter pilot, a visionary scholar and an innovative military strategist. Among other things, Boyd wrote the first manual on jet aerial combat, was primarily responsible for designing the F-15 and the F-16 jet fighters, was a leading voice in the post-Vietnam War military reform movement and shaped the smashingly successful U.S. military strategy in the Persian Gulf War. His writings and theories on military strategy remain influential today, particularly his concept of the "OODA (Observation, Orientation, Decision, Action) Loop," which all the military services-and many business strategists-use to this day. Boyd also was a brash, combative, iconoclastic man, not above insulting his superiors at the Pentagon (both military and civilian); he made enemies (and fiercely loyal acolytes) everywhere he went. His strange, mercurial personality did not mesh with a military career, making his 24 years in the Air Force (1951-1975) difficult professionally and causing serious emotional problems for Boyd's wife and children. Coram's worthy biography is deeply researched and detailed, down to describing the fine technical points of some of Boyd's theories. A Boyd advocate (he "contributed as much to fighter aviation as any man in the history of the Air Force," Coram notes), Coram does not shy away from Boyd's often self-defeating abrasiveness and the neglect and mistreatment of his long-suffering wife and children, and keeps the story of a unique life moving smoothly and engagingly.

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=0316881465

From an Amazon reviewer: This book is a wonderful story about a Buddhist priest who comes to the New York diamond business and works his way up from the bottom using Buddhist principles anonymously. The business is a great success selling millions and still being true to the most unlikely of business attitudes. It's a great story and it actually rings true. Along the way he talks about a lot of the problems westerners have with classice Buddhist writings.

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=0385497911

Transport Economist "...a very sound grounding for the beginner and fresh perspectives and insights for the most experienced airline economist, manager or regulator."

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=0415084393

While the early 1990's saw the worst crisis the airline industry had ever known, they were followed by five or six years of high profits as demand boomed and costs were cut. But at the start of the new millennium there is growing concern and uncertainty among airline managers. Higher fuel prices and increased competition, which is pushing down fares, are unddermining profitability. At the same time, the airline business is being buffeted by many new challenges both internal and external. This book focuses on the major issues that will affect the airline industry as we enter a new millennium. It analyzes the key regulatory, operational and managerial developments that will underpin the growth of the international airline business and assess the strategic and policy options open to airline executives. Topics include: the trend towards "open skies"; the impact of e-commerce; global alliances; the challenge of low cost operators; reducing labour costs; privatization of state-owned airlines; and strategies for the 21st century. This book will be useful for those working in the airline industry and for students.

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=0415208831

Science writer Heppenheimer (The Coming Quake, Times Bks., 1988) details the history and development of the $200 billion-a-year commercial aviation industry from the aviation pioneers to the Boeing 777. Offering interesting vignettes of the aviation pioneers and company founders, he tracks the advances in aircraft design, aerodynamics, power plants, radar, and air traffic control that paralleled the growth of the airline industry. Of particular interest is coverage of the U.S. Air Force's influence on aircraft development and the federal government's regulation of the industry. The author's account of the advent of the jet in Nazi Germany and Britain is absorbing and notable. Considering the interwoven technological, economic, and political complexity of aviation, Heppenheimer's book is comprehensive enough for specialists yet readable enough for general readers, who might nevertheless have welcomed even more photos.

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=0471196940

Chant, a veteran of over 70 reference histories, and Batchelor, who has designed postage stamps for more than 40 countries, have produced the best overview to date of aviation's first century. From 19th-century experiments to stealth technologies, each illustration-heavy chapter includes explanations of the various aerodynamic and practical problems that were encountered and overcome by a variety of innovations and developments, such as the slotted wing, used to prevent stalling of an aircraft. Milestone events-Bleriot crossing the English Channel in 1909, Lindbergh crossing the Atlantic and Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier, for example-are nicely balanced with such less well-known but equally important ones, as the first use of aircraft in wartime by the Italians during their conflict with Turkey in Libya in 1911. The color illustrations of aircraft, including X-ray-like views of intricate engines and other workings, are meticulously accurate and aesthetically sharp (and certainly up to the high standards demanded by modelers and buffs); they often complement the narrative by illustrating lesser known aircraft not specifically mentioned in the text but adequately described in captions. Chant's familiarity with the subject is evident in the ease of narrative flow, and he passes over very little in recounting the history of manned flight during the 20th century. Even the most knowledgeable aviation enthusiast will find this book enjoyable to page through and most likely will learn something new.

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=0743234790

With its color photographs of everything from acajou wood boxes to Zsolny-Pecs ceramic figurines, Miller's whopper of a guide resembles a Sotheby's catalog, except it lists prices. The hefty book will be of use to collectors and buyers in need of a general pricing guide and is divided into categories such as "porcelain," "furniture," "toys and dolls," "film," "decorative arts," "lighting" and "American painting." Miller's prices are "ballpark figures" (for example, a Baccarat ruby cameo crystal vase may fetch anywhere from $1,000 to $1,300) and are based on actual prices checked by consultants. In addition to the many photographed entries, Miller (A Closer Look at Antiques) has included directories of auctioneers and specialists. This phonebook-like volume of over 8,500 antiques may be too general for collectors primarily interested American stoneware, Staffordshire dogs, or other specific kinds of antiques, and the full-page advertisements for auction houses may turn off some readers. Still, this comprehensive guide might be the perfect introduction amateur antiques enthusiasts need.

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=0789495503

The significance of the ring throughout the world is evidenced in its place among the most common of jewelry. This book provides the artist with the principles and basic necessities for making rings, including plain bands, D sections, double bands, and hollow rings. Jewelry from international artists is featured in a full color callery for inspiration and encouragement.

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=0873495438

The Diamond Ring Buying Guide is a breath of fresh air to the retail diamond buyer. Succintly written in a step by step, outlined format with plenty of photographs to illustrate the salient points, this book can help keep a lot of people out of trouble.

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=0929975243

Art Parma currently flies as captain for an international jet charter company. He holds type ratings in the Challenger 601 and Cessna Citation jets. He also holds instrument and multi-engine flight instructors ratings. The next best thing to having that brain chip implant! A handy collection of useful everyday aviation facts, figures and neat stuff for pilots.

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=096319738X

Helping pilots prepare for specific test sections, this text provides exercises in the areas of mental math, approach plates, AIM, regulations, weather, systems and aerodynamics, and cockpit situations. Focusing on performance during a technical interview or test, pilots can hone their flying skills for the simulator ride and their aeronautical knowledge for the face-to-face oral questioning.

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=0964283948

This is a 40 minute narrated VHS video, edited from over 1,000,000 feet of motion picture film taken by cameramen of Ford Motor Company's Photographic Laboratory in the 1920s and 1930s. It covers Henry Ford's legacy to aviation, especially his contribution to the Golden Age of aviation when most airlines started their passenger service with the famous Ford Tri-Motor airplane. Coverage includes: Aerial views of Ford Airport in Dearborn, Michigan. Ford's single engine, Stout designed, airplane. Ford's Air Transport Service between Detroit and Cleveland. Airplane construction. Charles Lindbergh's visit to Ford Airport in 1927. Ford's personal Flivver of the air. Docking of the Army and Navy dirigibles at the Ford mooring mast and much more. The greater portion of this video, most of which has never been seen by the public, was obtained from the National Archives which received over a million feet of film from the Ford Motor Company in 1963. Key segments, however, such as the first flight of Ford's first two Tri-Motor airplanes, were found in the archives of the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village and had never been reviewed, even by aviation historians.

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=0967430909

An Unauthorized Reference Book For The Rolex Enthusiast

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=0972313303

The most reliable and convenient guide to watches available, this mini-encyclopedia lists over 10,000 watches with current values, and features more than 7,000 illustrations. It also includes tips for collectors and historical information, as well as guidelines to grading and appraising watches.

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=1574324020

The author of Flags of Our Fathers achieves considerable but not equal success in this new Pacific War-themed history. Again he approaches the conflict focused on a small group of men: nine American Navy and Marine aviators who were shot down off the Japanese-held island of Chichi Jima in February 1945. All of them were eventually executed by the Japanese; several of the guilty parties were tried and condemned as war criminals. When the book keeps its eye on the aviators-growing up under a variety of conditions before the war, entering service, serving as the U. S. Navy's spearhead aboard the fast carriers, or facing captivity and death-it is as compelling as its predecessor. However, a chapter on prewar aviation is an uncritical panegyric to WWI aerial bombing advocate Billy Mitchell, who was eventually court-martialed for criticizing armed forces brass. More problematic is that Bradley tries to encompass not only the whole history of the Pacific War, but the whole history of the cultures of the two opposing countries that led to the racial attitudes which both sides brought to the war. Those attitudes, Bradley argues, played a large role in the brutal training of the Japanese army, which led to atrocities that in turn sharpened already keen American hostility. Some readers' hackles will rise at the discussion of the guilt of both sides, but, despite some missteps, Bradley attempts to strike an informed balance with the perspective of more than half a century.

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=1586215698

For readers looking for a profitable pursuit, furnishing a new home, building up a collection, or simply clearing out the attic, Judith Miller shares advice on what to repair and restore, how, when, and where to sell, where and what to buy, and how much to pay. How to Make Money Out of Antiques takes the fear out of buying antiques but none of the fun.

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=1857325842

From an Amazon reviewer: "Nobody has tried to undertake such an ambitious project from the totally unique viewpoint of design. I'm an airline Captain, but the son of a graphic artist and an art historian. So it's doubly in the blood! I salivated when I heard of this book about airlines and the design/identity/graphics they've emblazoned on their unique place in transportation history. I agree with the other reviewer that it was a bit scant on text and illustrations to a certain degree. That isn't to say that it lacks for them either. Mr. Lovegrove has chosen a rather minimalist approach to his presentation. Perhaps this is due to the fact if he had tried any other way the book would be 1000's of pages long. This is not a book about airplanes nor airlines and their history. I had to keep reminding myself of this fact as I read through my copy. It is a unique attempt, through the eyes of an author who is a designer, to chronicle that element of the airlines. I commend him for this first effort. Full page photographs of stewardesses in past uniforms and unique aircraft paint schemes are accompanied by a brief textual explanation of each element. However, I was surprised that there wasn't more about airports and their design as the late 20th century has produced some monumental and creatively designed gateways (Denver, Schipol, Munich, Orlando, Hong Kong...). If you appreciate the whole package of art/design/fashion/graphics as it relates to airlines, this book is a real treat. If you're looking strictly for airline photos, history, or airplanes, there are books that better address those subject areas."

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=3823854607

No film better utilizes Audrey Hepburn's flighty charm and svelte beauty than this romantic adaptation of Truman Capote's novella. Hepburn's urban sophisticate Holly Golightly, an enchanting neurotic living off the gifts of gentlemen, is a bewitching figure in designer dresses and costume jewelry. George Peppard is her upstairs neighbor, a struggling writer and "kept" man financed by a steely older woman (Patricia Neal).

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=6305537321

Ron McElroy has flown in nearly every area of aviation. He's been an Air Force test pilot, flight and ground instructor, and a civilian flight and simulator instructor at an aviation college. He has flown as a charter pilot, skydive pilot, photo and chase plane pilot, and line pilot for two airlines. Ron has been at the controls of over 90 types of aircraft from the Piper Cub to the Boeing 777, and military T-38 to the C-17. He is currently an instructor on the Boeing 777 for a global airline. This is the second book that Ron has written for Cage Consulting. His first book 'Airline Pilot Technical Interviews: A Study Guide' has become 'the' book to use when preparing for an airline pilot interview. For those gearing up for pilot interviews, preparing for a check-ride or proficiency check, or looking to improve inflight calculations, this book offers invaluable tips and tricks to help in all areas of cockpit calculations.

http://www.diamondring.com/link.php?id=ASIN/0964283972