Greatest Films

The films I like:

Journal d'un curé de campagne (1951)
Diary of a country priest

The Diary of a Chambermaid (1946)

Death of a Salesman (1951)

The Color of Money (1986)

The Buddy Holly Story (1978)

Battaglia di Algeri, La (1966)
The battle of Algiers

Grading Colored Stones vs Flowers

There are similarities between grading of colored gemstones and flowers. In colored gemstones the quality gradation is based on its color, clarity, cut and carat weight. When it comes to grading flowers there is more. Like in colored gemstone grading there are no uniform grading standards for flowers. Overall the quality gradation is based on consistency and proper interpretation. This requires knowledge, experience, an open mind with right attitude + special skills.

Here is an expert's opinion on flower grading.
- Size and shape of flower and its attachment to the stem.
- Size, number and texture of petals, and their colour intensity.
- Condition of calyx.
- Strength, straightness and length of stem.
- Development and condition of foliage.
- Freedom from blemish and damage from pests and diseases.

Study: Chocolate Better Than Flouride For Healthy Teeth?

Fox News reviews research findings by Arman Sadeghpour of Tulane University on an extract of cocoa powder that occurs naturally in chocolates, teas, and other products that might be an effective natural alternative to fluoride in toothpaste + other viewpoints @ http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,293434,00.html

The 10 Most Faked Artists

Milton Esterow writes about art forgery + the 10 most faked artists in history + other viewpoints @ http://artnews.com/issues/article.asp?art_id=1853

From Mine To Mistress

Gem Books/Gem Merchants: Chaim Even-Zohar 's From Mine To Mistress is an interesting book. The industry experts describe the book as the bible of diamond business.

Here is what From Mine To Mistress’s site
(www.mine2mistress.com) says about the book:

Heavily revised from the original edition in 2002, the latest version is the definitive work on corporate strategies and government policies in the international diamond industry.Written by one of the world's greatest diamond experts, Chaim Even-Zohar, this 942-page book covers all aspects of the diamond industry, ranging through its history, current circumstances and forecasts for future development.The book is essential reading for everyone involved in the diamond 'pipeline', and follows on from the massive success of the first edition of From Mine to Mistress.

Published by Mining Communications Ltd, From Mine to Mistress reviews the main issues affecting global diamond mining including:

- Economic and political trends
- The diamond value chain
- Industry framework
- Anti-money laundering regulations
- Conflict diamonds
- Political and legal constraints
- Diamond banking
- The branding revolution
- Plus details of 14 producing and 7 manufacturing countries.

Lev Leviev's Diamonds: U.S. Bound

Sophia Chabbott profiles Lev Leviev, his business interests + philosophy + other viewpoints @ http://www.wwd.com/accessories/article/118517?page=0

Plan 9 From Outer Space

Greatest Opening Film Lines (Plan 9 From Outer Space - 1959):

Greetings, my friends! We are all interested in the future, for that is where you and I are going to spend the rest of our lives. And remember my friends; future events such as these will affect you in the future. You are interested in the unknown, the mysterious, the unexplainable; that is why you are here. And now for the first time we are bringing to you the full story of what happened on that faithful day. We are giving you all the evidence, based only on the secret testimonies of the miserable souls who survived this terrifying ordeal. The incidents, the places, my friends, we can not keep this a secret any longer; let us punish the guilty, let us reward the innocent. My friends, can your heart stand the shocking facts about the grave robbers from outer space?

Fakes, Frauds, And Fake Fakers

Milton Esterow writes about prolific counterfeiters in the art areana and their unique skills + the culture of buying authentic pieces and getting copied by a forger, then selling the copy for higher prices + other viewpoints @ http://artnews.com/issues/article.asp?art_id=1852