Now that the movie Blood Diamond, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, has come out, people are starting to challenge the royal significance of the world’s most celebrated gem. Are diamonds really all they’re cracked up to be? Are they as pure as they seem?

Not exactly. A percentage of the stones, known as conflict diamonds, have been the cause of brutal civil wars in Africa, accountable for an estimated 3.7 million lives since the 1990’s. Of course, not all diamonds bear the disgraceful title of a blood diamond; though many have, in fact, funded wars in which innocent people (including children) have been murdered, gruesomely dismembered and mutilated.

In a recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle, Elisa Camahort of BlogHer explained how she had shopped around for her engagement ring until she and her fiancè were able to find a “conflict-free” diamond. (Whereas these rings do not guarantee conflict-free marriages, you won’t feel bad wearing something that means so much if you know it came from a safe, “clean” background.)

I don’t know the origin of my engagement ring; I don’t know the history of its diamond or for that matter, the history of its gold. I’d like to think it is not a conflict diamond, but how can I be sure? Carson Glover, the spokesman for the World Diamond Council says, “If you go to a reputable jeweler, you can be assured you are getting a conflict-free diamond.” But, why wouldn’t he say that? That is the perfect, PR response to the backlash the diamond industry is facing due to the popularity of Hollywood’s newest, sharply political film.

How do I know that statement is true? Furthermore, how can we really be sure of anything we own? We’ve all heard, read and gossiped about which companies use sweatshops, which companies perpetuate slave labor…how do we ever know for sure if the things we buy aren’t products of corruption and violence?

After 11 days of a vigorous search by Oregon officials, the body of the beloved husband and father I wrote about yesterday was found this afternoon. I am deeply saddened by this news; James Kim was someone my husband watched often on TechTV, and because he and his family are from the city in which I live, this tragic story really hit home. I can’t even imagine what his family is going through. However, now that his body has been discovered, I suppose the healing process can begin. It is always, at least in my opinion, better to know than to wonder.

Those of you who have not heard the news of the missing CNET editor, James Kim, you can read about the story here. His wife and kids were found, thank God, but James is still missing. If we could all say a little prayer tonight that he may return safely to his family, I’m sure everyone who knows and loves Mr. Kim would appreciate the kind thoughts.

I was so thrilled to learn that Mrs. Kim and the couples’ two daughters were rescued, even more inspired by the details of this brave mother’s fight to stay alive. For a week, the three were stranded; cold and hungry, Kati Kim breastfed her 7-month-old and four-year-old little girls, burned the tires of their car to stay warm and waved an umbrella with the letters S-O-S written on the top until finally, they were spotted by a helicopter and saved.

What was supposed to be a pleasant trip to Oregon for Thanksgiving turned into a nightmare. Let’s hope it ends soon and that James is returned home for the holidays.

So, did you hear about the woman who was kicked off a plane for breastfeeding? I grabbed the news from Mama C-ta this evening. Can you believe this crap?

Thank goodness for these people, who are fighting back. Who doesn’t understand the basic necessity of breastfeeding? Who thinks it’s obscene to breastfeed in public? Did they kick off the woman next to her for eating peanuts? They should have. After all, she was providing herself with sustenance so that she could go on living contently.

I’m all for being discreet and polite, but when you’re in a confined space and there is no where else to go, what is a mother to do? Does Delta have a designated area on their planes for breastfeeding women, perhaps some saved seats for an occasion such as this? Let me think…mmm…nope! Of course they don’t, because that would mean losing money! So, instead, they humiliate an innocent mother for doing her job!

Had I been in the shoes of Emily Gillette, I would have certainly showed the entire plane the true meaning of “making a scene.” I wish I had been there, simply as a fellow passenger. Did no one stand up for this woman? Well, here’s our chance. Oh, and tell Delta where they can stick it.