Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
IndependentsMay 27, 2020
Squirrel Spotting: 20 Songs for Sanity’s Sake
Seventy-plus days into isolation, Peter Smith takes a break from sharing reopening tips to give us his ultimate lockdown playlist.
Peter Smith is president of Memoire and Hearts On Fire. He is author of two books, “Hiring Squirrels,” and “Sell Something.” Connect with Smith on LinkedIn or at dublinsmith@yahoo.com.
I got one of those Facebook suggestions from my friend, Haygo, last week. You know, the ones that have you post 10 influential albums from your earliest memories in 10 days?
It got me thinking about songs that could be fun to listen to in these-less-than-fun days.
So, here goes! This list was taken from my phone, where these songs live with about 20,000 of their closest friends.
How many of them do you know?
1. “How Long,” Ace
I’m not even sure I remember what age I was when this lockdown started.
2. “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” ABBA
More than Sherry could ever could have wished for or imagined, but she still loves me. Whew!
3. “What’s Going On,” Marvin Gaye
Yeah, I think I got it. Left-handed blonde people can shop on Tuesdays and Fridays in the morning, provided they pay with gift cards bought in an odd month.
4. “Our House,” Madness
Dear House, I love you, but it’s time we saw other people.
5. “Heroes,” David Bowie
Wow, where do I begin … nurses, doctors, all hospital staff, and everyone who kept working—mail carriers, grocery store folks, etc. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
6. “Always On My Mind,” Elvis Presley
To our family, friends, our co-workers (including those laid off and furloughed) and customers, we miss you.
7. “Stuck With You,” Huey Lewis and the News
My dog thinks I lost my job.
8. “Lips Like Sugar,” Echo and the Bunnymen
Working so close to the kitchen was always gonna be a bad idea.
9. “Wish You Were Here,” Pink Floyd
That’s a long list … friends, family, live concerts, Premier League soccer.
10. “Song for Guy,” Elton John
I miss my barber, Gus. There is no “Song for Gus.” Get over it!
11. “Viva Las Vegas,” Elvis Presley
I never thought I’d miss Las Vegas. I miss Las Vegas.
12. “Don’t Stand So Close To Me,” The Police
Enough said (and thanks, Michelle).
13. “Here Comes The Sun,” The Beatles
Summer is coming, and there are brighter days ahead. Also, there’s been no rain since I planted a billion dollars’ worth of plants in my yard.
14. “I’m Not The Enemy,” Lina
I just want you to wash your hands. A lot.
15. “Tempted,” Squeeze
OK, enough with the kitchen already.
{youtube}Zo1naJEacE8{/youtube}
16. “Still Crazy After All These Years,” Paul Simon
The
It got me thinking about songs that could be fun to listen to in these-less-than-fun days.
So, here goes! This list was taken from my phone, where these songs live with about 20,000 of their closest friends.
How many of them do you know?
1. “How Long,” Ace
I’m not even sure I remember what age I was when this lockdown started.
2. “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” ABBA
More than Sherry could ever could have wished for or imagined, but she still loves me. Whew!
3. “What’s Going On,” Marvin Gaye
Yeah, I think I got it. Left-handed blonde people can shop on Tuesdays and Fridays in the morning, provided they pay with gift cards bought in an odd month.
4. “Our House,” Madness
Dear House, I love you, but it’s time we saw other people.
5. “Heroes,” David Bowie
Wow, where do I begin … nurses, doctors, all hospital staff, and everyone who kept working—mail carriers, grocery store folks, etc. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
6. “Always On My Mind,” Elvis Presley
To our family, friends, our co-workers (including those laid off and furloughed) and customers, we miss you.
7. “Stuck With You,” Huey Lewis and the News
My dog thinks I lost my job.
8. “Lips Like Sugar,” Echo and the Bunnymen
Working so close to the kitchen was always gonna be a bad idea.
9. “Wish You Were Here,” Pink Floyd
That’s a long list … friends, family, live concerts, Premier League soccer.
10. “Song for Guy,” Elton John
I miss my barber, Gus. There is no “Song for Gus.” Get over it!
11. “Viva Las Vegas,” Elvis Presley
I never thought I’d miss Las Vegas. I miss Las Vegas.
12. “Don’t Stand So Close To Me,” The Police
Enough said (and thanks, Michelle).
13. “Here Comes The Sun,” The Beatles
Summer is coming, and there are brighter days ahead. Also, there’s been no rain since I planted a billion dollars’ worth of plants in my yard.
14. “I’m Not The Enemy,” Lina
I just want you to wash your hands. A lot.
15. “Tempted,” Squeeze
OK, enough with the kitchen already.
{youtube}Zo1naJEacE8{/youtube}
16. “Still Crazy After All These Years,” Paul Simon
The
more things change, the more they stay the same.
17. “I Want To Break Free,” Queen
But you’re going to have to keep your distance. See No. 12.
18. “The Longest Time,” Billy Joel
I used to have a long drive to work. Now I try not to slip coming down the stairs.
19. “Work It Out,” Jurassic 5
Zoom. Teams. GoToWebinar. Lunch. More Zoom. Teams again. Dinner. Dream about Zoom.
20. “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” Blue Oyster Cult
Our office opened week before last. A ripple, not a wave. We’ll take it. Things are getting better.
I am available, for a small fee, to sing snippets of any or all of the above the songs for your listening pleasure.
Stay safe!
17. “I Want To Break Free,” Queen
But you’re going to have to keep your distance. See No. 12.
18. “The Longest Time,” Billy Joel
I used to have a long drive to work. Now I try not to slip coming down the stairs.
19. “Work It Out,” Jurassic 5
Zoom. Teams. GoToWebinar. Lunch. More Zoom. Teams again. Dinner. Dream about Zoom.
20. “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” Blue Oyster Cult
Our office opened week before last. A ripple, not a wave. We’ll take it. Things are getting better.
I am available, for a small fee, to sing snippets of any or all of the above the songs for your listening pleasure.
Stay safe!
More on Independents
The Latest
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
