Feature entry

By Sherry L Harris
While there are some dissenters, almost all scientists from the major industrialized countries agree that global warming is real. Over the last 100 years or so, global temperatures have increased more than ever before, by what history we have. There are a few theories as to why this is happening, but the […]

Global Warming and How You Can Help

Global Warming Charts

By Ian Pennington

Global warming charts are tools that show graphs or illustrations representing the cause and rise in temperature of the environment due to global warming. You can look at it to fully understand what is happening in the world. Since global warming is a much popular phrase nowadays, connoting to the environmental threats and the frightening climate changes, using these charts will surely help people to have a bigger view of the extent of global warming. These charts aim to clearly impart the disastrous effects and the direct results of global warming. Aside from that, it will help people to see the areas in their daily lifestyle that must be changed. This is imperative as people seldom think about how their lives affect the environment.

The different global warming charts show the varying ways on how people look at the world. They are also interpreted in various ways. You can find here thermal imaging charts, pie graphs, and even diverse statistics. All the information relayed by these charts is presented in a more understandable manner so that anyone looking at them will easily grasp. You can view the different charts about global warming in different sites. Whatever you choose, one thing is for sure; you will get accurate information with regards to global warming and its effects.

More than just giving a comprehensive data about the extent of global warming and how people contribute to it, global warming charts also feed statistics. Among the vital entries stated in these include: the man-made and natural factors, climatic data, sources of greenhouse gases found in homes, global temperatures and other important details. Using these facts, you can see and analyze the best way out of this global warming problem. However, even these charts prove to be useful in informing people about the severity of global warming, all can be put into waste if one will not act on the problem. So, the best thing to do is know the things that should be done to stop global warming.

By paying attention to the information stated in all global warming charts, it is hard to deny the accumulated data that shows the impact of human technology to the environment. Warming of the climate is undeniable since it is now evident from the observations and obviously in the charts. Increase in global average air and ocean temperatures, fast melting of snow and ice and the rising sea levels. Though it sure will be difficult to totally stop global warming-causing human activities, mankind should start acting now. The final solution is to create a non-polluting and non-combustible source of power that will not affect the environment.

Al Gore Says We Can Solve It - Global Warming - In 10 Years Time! See How

By Lee M Hall

Our future fate with global warming

Awhile back, I had the pleasure of watching Al Gore speak to an audience at the Daughter’s of the American Revolution about climate change. I was not just excited because it was free to attend, but I wanted to see him speak and here’s what he had to say.

As expected, Gore’s speech started out sharing less than joyful news about our planet. He mentioned a few frightening statistics:

* In 5 years, there is a 75% chance that the polar ice caps will melt. Not only would the polar bears and other cute fury creatures suffer, the normally salty oceans will be diluted with an abundance of fresh water. Fresh water slows the natural flow of ocean currents, which greatly alters weather patterns (i.e. more powerful hurricanes hitting us).

* Surge in climate refugees - As cities are destroyed by tsunamis and hurricanes (like Katrina), people lose their jobs and livelihood, and have to move to new areas that can’t handle a sudden influx of refugees causing an economic and infrastructural drain on resources.

* We can also expect to see more fires in Southern California and Florida, causing damage to homes and compromising personal health. One study mentioned talked about how a 1° rise in temperature brings a 10% increase in lightening strikes.

Gore did have more examples, but you get the point. He went on to say these global warming effects changes our prosperity in terms of our economy, national security and our natural environment for the worse. But then, he did something dramatically different.

Al Gore used this speech to propose that America should embrace a goal of a 100% carbon free nation within 10 years.

At first, I was scared out of my mind. Does this man, with all sorts of connections to top level scientists, know something we don’t? Why 10 years… it seems so bold that it’s almost alarming. In the past, he has expressed our great need to get on the bandwagon and do something right today. But now, he gave a timetable…

He also compared this goal to JFK’s 10 year goal of putting a man on the moon. I immediately thought we could’ve always afforded to lose the race to the moon and still be OK. I shudder to think how badly we would be if we didn’t achieve something on a measurable scale within that time frame. Forget capitalism, forget TV, and forget the comforts of our daily lives - our whole world would change forever. Suddenly, living in a poor African village would seem like nirvana.

An Eco-Driven Economy?

As much as it sounds like fear mongering, this shouldn’t be a call for disbelief or to give up hope, but a call to action with a singular goal - become 100% carbon free nation in 10 years. This means no fossil fuels (well… maybe a little), and an enormous push toward solar, wind and geothermal. This challenge would force our government to embrace a new pathway, all the while giving up things that may seem trivial to global warming.

Given our circumstances, it’s the right thing to do. Besides, it would lessen our dependence on our shrinking supplies of oil, create more domestic jobs and give our economy a brand new direction and a reason to grow.

Gore suggested several proposals that we would need to implement immediately.

Upgrade our power grid - already old, upgrading the US power grid will certainly improve operating efficiencies (more power from less fossil fuels, like coal) and lower costs.

Cap of CO-2 emissions - This is easier said then done. While a straight cap system or a “cap and trade system” may work over time, the government could be more effective by directly funding and building new, cleaner plants, while destroying older ones.

Help switch automakers to making only hybrid plug-ins for all vehicles - Plug-in hybrids can easily double to triple the amount of miles per gallon. This translates to at least a 50% reduction in gas, if not more. And by shifting our electricity to cleaner sources, like solar, wind and geothermal, plugging in our cars into an outlet won’t be ecologically burdensome.

Home Conservation - use less power hungry technologies like LEDs, instead of LCD monitors, plasma TVs or conventional light bulbs, as well as have the government mandate the use of other such innovations across all products we buy.

Eco Tax - Gore also proposed an Eco tax on polluters, which I believe can be less effective. In the past, such taxes are just pushed back to the consumer through higher costs anyway. The energy polluters are not incentivized to stop their polluting.

Government - Eco-friendly government policies are a good step. But we need a massive effort on behalf of the government to pilot programs to actively reduce our dependence on fossil fuels that would need to be put into place now.

The Government Saving Us? Yeah, right!

To achieve such a monumental goal, the government would need to adopt an unrivaled massive effort to build fields and fields of solar, wind and geothermal stations across the Southwest and the Great Plains. Can it be done? Maybe not 100%, but the alternatives look bleak. We may not have the luxury of making a slow, calculated effort, nor will turning our heads and looking the other way do much to stop global warming. Besides, businesses are too small to make a massive and quick change possible. We need action and in a large and impactful way!

Here’s what you can do today to help

While I happy that Barack Obama won since he had an excellent environmental voting record, make sure that Obama and your Congressmen hold to their promises. And if they happen to be off to a slow start, call or email them about the promises they made.

Keep focused on what’s important. There are many issues to decide upon, but if we don’t have an environment, we don’t have an economy, or a war in Iraq, or other issues to debate.

Become your own Eco-warrior. There are plenty of things you can do and sites you can explore to become more ecofriendly, like Earth911, The Green Guide and Treehugger. You can also support political organizations like We Can Solve It (Al Gore), Environmental Defense, the Sierra Club and the National Resources Defense Council. Get involved and Make it happen!

The Shapes Of Diamonds

By: Dan Farrell
What you are about to read is the culmination of information from assorted different places and resources. I hope you enjoy it.

Have you ever wondered how many shapes a diamond has’ Well, diamonds are positively shapeless when they are found in the mines. It’s only the cutting of diamonds that leads to diamonds taking several shapes. Since diamonds form an important part of jewelry fashion they are cut into a number of different shapes. So, we cannot put a number to the number of shapes. Despite that, in general, diamonds are cut in 10-12 shapes more often but designers keep coming out with new and imaginative shapes all the time) than others. As a result what shape will fit a person is dependent on his/her personality.

Here are five shapes in which diamonds are most commonly cut:

Round brilliant diamonds: This is the most common shape into which a diamond is cut and is most used in diamond engagement rings. Round diamonds have clear lines and symmetry and are the most expensive. A circle has no beginning or end - so round diamonds go perfectly with the theme of love and romance. Round diamonds can be seen in rings, necklace, earrings or bracelets.

Heart-shaped diamonds: Heart-shaped diamonds are the most popular shape among lovers. It indicates their love and affection for each other. This shape looks best in pendants and ear rings (however, it’s really a matter of personal choice).

Pear Shaped diamonds: As the name suggests, these diamonds are in the shape of a pear or tears from your eyes. You can find pear shaped diamonds mostly in earrings.

Princess cut diamond: Princess cut diamonds are amongst the smallest diamonds in the diamond pool. They are inverted pyramids and carry most of their weight at the bottom. Though they are small, they look electrifying.

Oval diamonds: If you have small hands or short fingers and want to give an elongated look to your hands, oval diamonds are meant for you. Oval diamonds make smaller hands look elongated because of their symmetrical design. They really look elegant.

Besides the Round, Oval, princess-cut, heart and pear shaped diamonds; diamonds are also cut in the following shapes:

Trillion cut diamonds: As the name suggests, these diamonds have a triangular shape with equal sides. It looks great with pendants. Women can wear this shape with deep neck blouses (or whatever way it suits their personality)

Radiant diamonds: Radiant diamonds show resemblance to emerald cut diamonds with respect to shape. These diamonds are also square or rectangular in shape. But they glitter more than the emerald shaped diamonds because of the difference in the number of facets. Since radiant diamonds have more number of facets than the emerald diamonds, they look more stunning.

Marquise diamonds: The marquise diamond is known for its grandness. This type of diamond is elongated with points at each end.

Baguette cut diamonds: These diamonds are commonly used as side stones in making of the jewelry. They have a step cut shape and really look good. Though they are used as side stones, they look really impressive when put together with other diamond shapes in the same piece of jewelry.

Cushion cut diamonds: They are also called as the pillow cut diamonds. They are square shaped and have a sophistication of a Romeo Juliet era.

A Toast: May the best of your past be the worst of your future.

Thus, you have quite a good number of different shapes of diamonds to choose from. Many times a lot of shapes are used in the same piece of jewelry in order to give it a grand and elegant look.

The information you just read was pulled from many different resources. You should continue searching for information until you believe you have a firm grasp of the subject. I do want to thank you for visiting and good luck.

Diamonds, A Symbol Of Love And Romance

Author: Sylvia Denz

The meaning of the word Diamond - very hard native crystalline carbon valued as a gem, not a very glamorous description of something so beautiful.

The word “diamond” comes from the Greek word “Adams,” meaning unconquerable. Diamonds are the hardest known substances on earth being one hundred and forty times harder then its nearest equal., which is how they earned their name. Because of their strength, they were initially used for such purposes as engraving other gems, such as sapphire, cameos, and for drilling holes in hard stone beads. In France in the thirteenth century only the king could wear diamonds. They were not used as jewellery in Europe until the late 13th century.

They were born about 3.4 billion years ago and only became available to man through volcanic eruption about 70 million years ago. Not all diamonds mined are of gem quality, only about 50%.

Even fewer are large enough to be polished into diamonds that are much bigger than the head of a match.

Before the sixth century India was the only known source of diamond and the predominant source for over 2,000 years, until the mid eighteenth century. Romans inherited the belief from Indian mythology. that diamonds had the power to ward off evil and wore talismans.

In Greek mythology diamond were said to be tears of the Gods. Whatever the meaning the evolution of this dazzling jewellery is awesome. Who would believe that one of the softest materials on earth, carbon, changes into a beautiful sparkling diamond? Mind you this happens between 75 to 120 miles below the earth’s surface.

Often said to be a girl’s best friend. You can understand why, they have adorned kings, queens, and movie stars, dazzled us all by their beauty and when fashioned into an engagement or eternity ring the diamond becomes a symbol of love, romance and commitment. Although diamonds are perceived as a white colourless gem, they actually come in a spectrum of colour, these are called “fancies”.

Diamonds are measured in Carat-weight. The standard measurement for diamond size is equal to 200 milligrams. A good one-carat diamond is one in a million. It takes 250 tons of ore to retrieve a 1ct diamond (cut weight), awesome statistics that is why it takes several years of training before an apprentice is authorised to cut 1ct diamonds. Cutting diamonds, as you would imagine is a highly skilled and specialised occupation.

Unlike gold diamonds don’t carry a hallmark and that is why in order to guarantee quality you can buy a certified diamond.

Being certified by an independent laboratory the quality and characteristics of your diamond are guaranteed. The report should confirm that:

- The stone is a natural diamond
- The carat weight of the stone
- It’s colour
- It’s clarity
- The cut of the diamond

Diamonds are for eternity. A sign of wealth they can be passed from generation to generation growing in value never losing their appeal and bonding the link between past and future. Who wouldn’t want to be the proud owner of such a formidable piece of dazzling beauty?

Are Diamonds Really Forever

Author: Anita Morris

In the past, the Greeks and the Romans thought that the diamonds were tears of Gods and small pieces of stars. There were also the Hindus, who thought that the diamonds had so much power that they put diamonds in the eyes of some of their statues. Other people believed that an unapproachable valley in Central Asia covered by diamonds existed. One said that this valley was “kept by birds of prey and protected by snakes of mortal stare”.

Besides believing that diamonds could attract luck and success, people also thought that they could defy the astrological events. Many people used them as jewels, supposing they would be increasing their sexual power and capacity to attract. Even Plato wrote about diamonds, describing them as living creatures, impersonating divine spirits.

Until the 15th century, only kings were allowed to use diamonds, having them as a symbol of courage, power and invincibility. But as the centuries passed by, the diamond started to acquire its status of sublime proof of love. Currently, they are related to the love, romance and myth.

We probably will never know when the first diamond was discovered, but we do know that, from the ancient times to the 18th century, all the diamonds of the world came from India. From the period of the Roman Empire to the appearance of the first Europeans to India, in the beginning of the 16th century, the commercial relations between Europe and Eastern Asia bloomed.

One of the main routes of the diamond commerce was in Venice. The city became the most important mercantile republic of the western world. It enjoyed the monopoly of the commerce of the diamond course to the main cities of the south of Germany until its final destiny, Brussels. Since this city became the final phase of the commercial route, it became a promising centre of diamond stature, and the reputation of the city in this sector did not stop increasing. Even though Brussels maintained their predominance until the end of the 14th century, they began to decline in a lapse of fifty years. The diamond trade and numerous other economic activities of Brussels were moved progressively to the city of Ambers, which offered more recent and better facilities for the communications and the commercial exchange. In 1866, the first diamond in South Africa was discovered. Following this was the discovery of the deposits of Kimberley few years later, giving birth to the fabulous era of Kimberley.

The word diamond comes from the Greek word ‘ adamas ‘, meaning invincible, and ‘ diaphanes ‘, that means transparent. In the past centuries, people believed that a diamond could reattach a wrecked marriage. It was used also in battles as a symbol of courage.

Even though the diamond is the hardest rock known by men, it is the only precious gem with only one element: carbon. Nevertheless, it can only be melted when exposed to a temperature of 5500 degrees Celsius! Billions of years before, the basic forces of heat and pressure miraculously transformed the carbon into diamond through volcano lava underneath the earth. In some way, this volcanic mass was expelled out of the earthly crust, cooling soon to be found as diamonds in rudimentary form. No acid can destroy them, and they are capable to cut anything on Earth, therefore, they only can be cut with themselves.

However, are the diamonds really forever? If they appeared miraculously, can they be destroyed? As incredible as it may seem, the small diamond that adorn the ring that you gave your wife will probably last forever - at least while Earth exists. They are the most resistant minerals of the planet, and only can be melted when displayed to a temperature of 5500°C. The problem is that the global atmosphere will never achieve this high temperature, even if it was to be hit by an enormous meteor that would eliminate all forms of life. They only would melt if, one day, the planet literally entered the Sun, which has a temperature of 5800°C. The curious thing is that, according to astronomers, in 7,5 billion years our planet will actually enter the Sun, when the star will be next to death.

Natural Color Diamond Rings

Author: Caroline O

The first step to making sure the beauty of the diamond pictures is accompanied with a money back guarantee of authentication, and the diamond comes with a grading. What this means is an expert has compared the diamond to an industry standardized clarity chart, and has graded the size of the diamonds imperfections against the industry standard.

Diamond Pictures – Why Internet Pictures Don’t Tell The Whole Story

Once your receive your diamond from the Internet seller, you can then take the diamond ring to a local jeweler who can compare the actual diamond clarity and colour to the report. In the event a major discrepancy is found, you can then use your money back guarantee to return the diamond ring for a refund.

As with anything else, the money back guarantee is only as good as the reputation of the company from whom you purchased your diamond ring.

Save Big Money And Avoid Mined Diamond Scams

Author: Robert Joseph

High quality man made diamonds are a bargain at about $80 per carat, and they do not increase in price exponentially as carat weight increases.  For example, a one-carat synthetic diamond costs about $80; a three-carat man made diamond would then sell for $240.  A one-carat mined diamond that sells for $3000 would go for $45,000 in a three-carat size, all things being equal, which with mined diamonds is never the case.  Perplexing comparative evaluations, exponential price growth, consumer confusion, and the reality of diamond industry antics is why the mined diamond business is awash in dirty tricks.  Here are descriptions of the most sneaky and pervasive mined diamond scams:

THE BLUE-WHITE SCAM:  A jeweler tells you, “This is a blue-white diamond.”   This is a very old term.  The dealer will probably tell you that it is a better diamond, but actually it is just the opposite. Blue-white refers to the fluorescence that results in natural light, which contains ultraviolet wavelengths. This blue fluorescence actually makes a colorless diamond look a little oily or milky in sunlight and decreases its value.

THE LIGHT MAKES WHITE SCAM:  Bright lights make every mined diamond look better.  Of course, every jeweler wants to show his or her diamonds in the best light, but there are some lighting tricks you should avoid. Some bulbs have a strong blue component, which makes yellow stones look whiter. Special bulbs are often used with strong ultraviolet wavelengths, which make most diamonds fluoresce blue. This also has a whitening effect for stones in the lower color ranges.

THE GRADE BUMPING SCAM: A jeweler exaggerates the grade.  The FTC says that a jeweler must be accurate within one grade of color and one grade of clarity on a diamond. So many jewelers bump the color and clarity just one grade. Unfortunately, this can mean a great deal of money if you are talking about a fine-quality, 1-carat diamond. For instance, you might find a stone that the jeweler quotes as a 1.00 carat F color / VS1 clarity for $6,500. However, if you sent it to a reputable gem lab like GIA, it would come back as a G color / VS2 clarity, which is only worth about $5,500. This means you lose (and they profit) about $1,000.

THE FRACTION SCAM: The tag says 3/4 carat, and the FTC allows jewelers to round off diamond weights. So a diamond labeled as 3/4 carat in weight might actually weigh anywhere between .69 and .81 carat. This could mean a significant amount of money, since diamond prices leap at certain popular sizes. In this example, you might be buying a .69 carat round G/VS2 worth about $2,100… but paying for what you thought was a 0.75 carat worth $3,000. You lose $900.

THE LASER DRILLING SCAM:  Dealers drill holes to burn out black carbon spots.  About 1 in 3 diamonds in the United States is laser drilled.  Dealers use lasers to drill a tiny hole into the depths of a diamond to burn and evaporate large black inclusions to make them disappear. The trouble with this little trick is that laser drilling can make the diamond a little more fragile to breaking with a good knock. Most dealers trade laser-drilled stones for much less.

THE HIDING THE FLAWS SCAM:  Every jeweler hides flaws under the prongs if he can.  In many cases, this can make an I1 clarity appear like a VS2 if you look at it in a ring setting. Structural flaws like feathers and cleavages can be damaged by the high pressure exerted by the prong on the diamond to hold it snug in the ring.

THE FRACTURE FILLING SCAM: New treatments to make flaws invisible.  There is a new process patented a few years ago that melts a kind of crystal into surface-breaking fractures in a diamond. This technique will slide by consumers unnoticed.  The treatment is considered slightly fragile because it can be damaging under the extreme heat of a torch when the diamond is set into a ring. Fracture-filled diamonds should trade for much less than diamonds without this treatment, but in reality they often sell for as much or more because they look like a higher, more expensive clarity grade.

THE CHEMICAL COLOR COATINGS SCAM:  A little paint goes a long way.  This very deceptive practice involves a little point of blue or purple paint on the lowest tip of the diamond, called the culet. This is small enough that you might not detect it, but the location spreads the color throughout the stone. This counters the yellow tint in lower color grades, making a diamond look like a more expensive, colorless grade.

Timeless Jewelry Gifts For Your Loved Ones

Author: Chris Robertson

High-quality jewelry is always a treasured gift and can even become a family heirloom for generations to come. That’s why jewelry makes such a great gift for almost any occasion. Fine jewelry can be given as a gift for men, women, and teens. Use these ideas to find that perfect jewelry for your friend or loved one.

Jewelry Gifts for Women

Buying jewelry for women can be an exhausting task because women often use different types and colors of jewelry to accessorize their apparel. For instance, a woman might wear a 14kt gold necklace to beautify a silky shirt. She might wear a necklace with a colored stone to match the color of her shirt or outfit. Other jewelry women use to accessorize include 14kt gold earrings with stones or diamonds, 14kt gold hoop earrings, a pearl necklace, a bracelet, or a wristwatch. Women love diamond jewelry as well.

Consider her tastes in clothing and jewelry. What type of jewelry does she like to wear? What are her favorite colors? Would she prefer 14K cubic zirconia jewelry instead of real gold or real diamonds?

Jewelry Gifts for Men

If you’re considering a jewelry gift for a man, be sure that he wears jewelry before shopping. Some men will wear a gold necklace or a ring or two while others will wear only a wristwatch and wedding band. Some men even have gold earrings, but you’ll want to be sure before making a gift purchase. Observe for a few days to see what types of jewelry he wears… then, go for it!

Jewelry Gifts for Teens

Teens are usually very particular when it comes to the types of jewelry they will wear. They often go along with the modern fashions, but also enjoy a bit of individuality with their jewelry. Every teen will be different in the way they dress and accessorize, so get to know their dressing patterns before buying the gift. Do they wear multiple necklaces, multiple earrings, or multiple bracelets? Would buying a real 10kt or 14kt gold jewelry piece be wise if they are going to wear it to school or in public places?

Occasions for Jewelry Gifts

There are many special occasions when a jewelry gift would be appropriate. You might give 10kt or 14kt gold earrings to a woman or teen for their birthday. A 10kt or 14kt gold necklace would be a great additional gift to give with a new outfit to a wife for a wedding anniversary. The Christmas holiday season is a great time to give jewelry gifts. For a wedding proposal, a diamond ring on a 14kt gold ring band will do the trick. Jewelry is great for all members of the family, and it’s something they can wear for years to come.

Understanding Colored Diamonds

Author: Rachin Rechard

Color clarity, carat and cut Well; the 4cs of determining the value of your diamond goes like this. Color implies its worth, perfection lies in its clarity. Carat is the weight of the gemstone and the cut of a diamond tells a lot about its symmetry. All these attributes play a key role in determining the worth of this precious gemstone. The article peeps into colors of diamond, its vividness and significance.

pastor Geneve, pastor-geneveWell, while talking about the Pastor Geneve colored diamonds, comes the reference of chemical impurities. Chemical impurities may be responsible for affecting the color of any diamond. The colors of diamond, its hue and intensity can increase or decrease its value. Along with the chemically pure and structurally perfect white stone, you can also find blue diamond, pink diamond, white horse diamonds, yellow diamond etc. The colored diamond such as blue diamond and pink diamond are the precious and expensive gemstone.

The blue diamond and pink diamond are the rarest of all colored diamonds. These are also favored by jewelers in quest of fancy colored diamonds. The price of both blue diamonds and pink diamonds is determined by the intensity of their color. Excluding the pink and blue diamond, yellow diamond is also worthwhile. However, there was a time when yellow diamonds were thought be inferior compared to other colored diamonds. But now a days yellow diamonds share a greater potion of the limelight. It has turned into a sought after gemstone in fashion industry; accepted for its vividness and striking appeal. Intense fancy yellow diamonds are the rarest of all yellow diamonds.

White horse diamonds are also notable for their distinctiveness. With the arrival of World Wide Web, White horse diamonds, pink diamonds, blue diamonds can be easily purchased at the comfort of your own home. Innumerable colored diamond and white horse diamond sellers are available at your disposals, who offer attractive prices your favorite diamonds. The method of buying white horse diamonds, pink diamonds, colored diamonds etc can save your time and give you a chance to choose the rarest diamonds of the world.

Color, clarity, carat and cut. Well the 4cs of determining the value of your diamond goes like this. The article peeps into colors of diamond, its vividness and significance. Excluding the pink and blue diamond, yellow diamond is also worthwhile. However, there was a time when yellow diamonds were thought be inferior compared to other colored diamonds. But now a days yellow diamonds share a greater potion of the limelight.