Independents

Squirrel Spotting: 20 Songs for Sanity’s Sake

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.

Squirrel Spotting: 20 Songs for Sanity’s Sake
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 
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! 
Peter Smithis an industry consultant, speaker, and sales trainer, and author of three books, “Hiring Squirrels,” “Sell Something,” and “The Sales Minute.”

The Latest

Watch: How Is the Industry Doing When It Comes to Diversity?
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2023
Watch: How Is the Industry Doing When It Comes to Diversity?

Annie Doresca and Michelle Graff welcome Reggie Johnson and Sheryl Jones for a frank conversation on the state of DEI in fine jewelry.

Macy’s Longtime CEO to Retire Next Year
MajorsMar 31, 2023
Macy’s Longtime CEO to Retire Next Year

Jeff Gennette will step down in February 2024, passing the torch to the CEO of another notable retailer.

Piece of the Week: The Extraterrestrial Lunar Necklace
AuctionsMar 31, 2023
Piece of the Week: The Extraterrestrial Lunar Necklace

Artisan Martin Roberts fashioned lunar meteorites into 48 beads to create this out-of-this-world necklace.

Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

JBT Re-Elects Richard Katz as Board Chairman
MajorsMar 31, 2023
JBT Re-Elects Richard Katz as Board Chairman

As for new members, the organization welcomed Jewelers of America’s Annie Doresca and Parag Jain of Parag Diamonds.

Weekly QuizMar 31, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
At Watches & Wonders, a $20M Watch Makes Its Debut
WatchesMar 30, 2023
At Watches & Wonders, a $20M Watch Makes Its Debut

Jacob & Co.’s new “Billionaire” timepiece features more than 200 carats of yellow diamonds.

See the Jewelry Collection Expected to Top Elizabeth Taylor’s at Auction
AuctionsMar 30, 2023
See the Jewelry Collection Expected to Top Elizabeth Taylor’s at Auction

Heidi Horten, wife of department store magnate Helmut Horten, collected jewelry from Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern Grading
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern Grading

De Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.

Jewelers Mutual Marks a Major Milestone
MajorsMar 30, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Marks a Major Milestone

The jewelry industry insurer and solutions provider is celebrating 110 years in business this month.

NRF Says Brick-and-Mortar Stores Remain ‘Primary Point of Purchase’
SurveysMar 30, 2023
NRF Says Brick-and-Mortar Stores Remain ‘Primary Point of Purchase’

The statement came as the National Retail Federation released its retail sales forecast for 2023.

10.57-Carat Purplish Pink Diamond Expected to Sell for $35M+
AuctionsMar 29, 2023
10.57-Carat Purplish Pink Diamond Expected to Sell for $35M+

Sotheby’s will auction the diamond, which it says is “arguably the most significant pink diamond to ever appear at auction,” in June.

Blue Nile to Close Fulfillment Center, Lay Off Workers
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Blue Nile to Close Fulfillment Center, Lay Off Workers

The retailer, recently acquired by Signet Jewelers, will lay off 119 employees in July.

See All the New Patek Philippe Watches for 2023
WatchesMar 29, 2023
See All the New Patek Philippe Watches for 2023

The Swiss watchmaker introduced 17 new models at Watches & Wonders Geneva.

Mark Henry Jewelry Offering Complimentary ‘Masterclass’ on Sales from Peter Smith
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Mark Henry Jewelry Offering Complimentary ‘Masterclass’ on Sales from Peter Smith

As part of the promotion, Smith will share his sales expertise during a 90-minute training session.

I’m Enchanted With Parmigiani Fleurier’s Perfect Travel Watch
EditorsMar 28, 2023
I’m Enchanted With Parmigiani Fleurier’s Perfect Travel Watch

At Watches & Wonders, the Swiss brand unveiled a follow-up to last year’s Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante.

Helzberg’s New Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Earns SCS Certification
CollectionsMar 28, 2023
Helzberg’s New Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Earns SCS Certification

The “rêve” collection’s engagement rings and wedding bands are geared toward “sustainability minded customers.”

This New Rolex Day-Date Tells Time … and Affirmations
EditorsMar 28, 2023
This New Rolex Day-Date Tells Time … and Affirmations

A new word appears on the dial each day of the week.

Swarovski Names New GM of North America
MajorsMar 28, 2023
Swarovski Names New GM of North America

Kolja Kiofsky has been with the crystal and jewelry company since 2010.

Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood Auction
AuctionsMar 27, 2023
Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood Auction

The Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.

Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail Operations
MajorsMar 27, 2023
Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail Operations

Massimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.

Registration Is Open for the HardRock Summit
Events & AwardsMar 27, 2023
Registration Is Open for the HardRock Summit

AGTA GemFair and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show also will have a presence on the show floor.

Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’
AuctionsMar 24, 2023
Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’

Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.

Movado Predicts Declining Sales Amid ‘Volatile’ Retail Environment
FinancialsMar 24, 2023
Movado Predicts Declining Sales Amid ‘Volatile’ Retail Environment

The watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.

Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COO
Lab-GrownMar 24, 2023
Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COO

Adam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.

Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a Look
WatchesMar 23, 2023
Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a Look

The watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.

Burgundy Diamond Backing Out of Ellendale Mine Deal
SourcingMar 23, 2023
Burgundy Diamond Backing Out of Ellendale Mine Deal

Burgundy has opted not to exercise its option to buy the mining claims Gibb River Diamonds currently owns.

GCAL Introduces 8X Cut Grade for Proprietary Cuts
GradingMar 23, 2023
GCAL Introduces 8X Cut Grade for Proprietary Cuts

Patented and specialty cuts now can receive an 8X Proprietary Certificate, which can be customized to include a company’s brand and logo.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy