Friday, February 19, 2021

Music Friday: Justin Bieber Dances Under the Diamonds in 2021's 'Anyone'

Welcome to Music Friday when we bring you new tunes with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the title or lyrics. Today, Justin Bieber tells his wife, Hailey, that she is the only one he'll ever love in his 2021 hit, "Anyone."

In the very first verse, Bieber sets the romantic scene with references to gems and precious metals.

He sings, "Dance with me under the diamonds / See me like breath in the cold / Sleep with me here in the silence / Come kiss me, silver and gold."

"Under the diamonds" is Bieber's poetic way of describing the starlit sky, while "come kiss me, silver and gold" conveys how much he cherishes the relationship.

In the official video, Bieber portrays a 1960s boxer who gets a shot at the title. Actress Zoey Deutch provides Bieber's inspiration as he trains — Rocky-style — in the lead-up to the fight. In the climactic final scene, Bieber recovers from a near-knockout to triumph in the end.

Since its release on New Year's Day 2021, "Anyone" has been viewed on YouTube more than 53 million times.

"'Anyone' is such a special, hopeful, anthemic song," he said in a statement. "It sets the tone for a brighter new year full of hope and possibility."

"Anyone" charted in 21 countries, including a #6 placement on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #2 position on the Canadian Hot 100.

Interestingly, "Anyone" was originally intended for Camila Cabello's sophomore studio album, Romance. The song didn't make the final cut and was offered to Bieber, instead. "Anyone" was co-written by Andrew Watt, who famously co-wrote Cabello's smash hit, "Havana."

Born in London, Ontario, Canada, in 1994, Justin Drew Bieber loved to perform as a kid. In early 2007, he placed second in a local singing competition. Bieber’s mom, Pattie, posted a video of his performance on YouTube, and then added videos of her precocious son singing covers of various R&B songs. It's been reported that music executive Scooter Braun accidentally clicked on one of Bieber’s videos — thinking he was watching a 20-year-old doing a cover of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.” The impressive performer was, in fact, the 12-year-old Bieber.

Braun tracked down the youngster in Canada, and with the permission of Bieber’s mom, introduced him to singer-songwriter Usher, who soon became his mentor. Bieber was then signed by record executive L.A. Reid and the rest is Bieber history.

Bieber has sold an estimated 150 million records, making him the best-selling male Canadian artist and one of the world’s best-selling music artists. He's earned one Grammy Award, 18 American Music Awards, 20 Billboard Music Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards and a record 21 MTV Europe Music Awards.

Please check out the Bieber performing "Anyone" in the official video. The lyrics are below if you'd like to sing along…

"Anyone"
Written by Justin Bieber, Michael Pollack, Raul Cubina, Andrew Watt, Jon Bellion and The Monsters & Strangerz. Performed by Justin Bieber.

Dance with me under the diamonds
See me like breath in the cold
Sleep with me here in the silence
Come kiss me, silver and gold

They say that I won't lose you
But you can't predict the future
So just hold on like you will never let go
Yeah, if you ever move on without me
I need to make sure you know

That you are the only one I'll ever love
(I gotta tell ya, gotta tell ya)
Yeah, you, if it's not you, it's not anyone
(I gotta tell ya, gotta tell ya)
Looking back on my life you're the only good I've ever done
(Ever done)
Yeah, you, if it's not you, it's not anyone
(Anyone)
Not anyone

Forever is not enough time to (No)
Love you the way that I want (Love you the way that I want)
'Cause every morning I find you
I fear the day that I don't

They say that I won't lose you
But you can't predict the future
So just hold on like you will never let go
Yeah, if you ever move on without me
I need to make sure you know

That you are the only one I'll ever love
(I gotta tell ya, gotta tell ya)
Yeah, you, if it's not you, it's not anyone
(I gotta tell ya, gotta tell ya)
Looking back on my life you're the only good I've ever done
(Ever done)
Yeah, you, if it's not you, it's not anyone
(Anyone)
Not anyone

Oh, oh, oh, oh
If it's not you, it's not anyone
Oh, oh, oh yeah, woah

Yeah, you are the only one I'll ever love
(I gotta tell ya, gotta tell ya)
Yeah, you, if it's not you, it's not anyone
(I gotta tell ya, gotta tell ya)
Looking back on my life you're the only good I've ever done
(Ever done)
Yeah, you, if it's not you, it's not anyone
(Anyone)
Not anyone

Looking back on my life you're the only good I've ever done
(Ever done)
Yeah, you, if it's not you, it's not anyone
(Anyone)
Not anyone

Credit: Screen capture via YouTube.com/Justin Bieber.

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Reimagined Gem Halls at American Museum of Natural History Set to Reopen This Spring

Fans of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City are anxiously awaiting the Spring 2021 reopening of the completely reimagined Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals.

The 11,000-square-foot halls will feature some remarkable new attractions, including two amethyst geodes that are among the world’s largest on public display. Sourced in Uruguay, the geodes tower to a height of 12 feet and 9 feet, respectively.

Other high-profile specimens include the legendary 563-carat “Star of India” sapphire, 632-carat Patricia emerald, a 3,000-pound block of iridescent green and blue labradorite and the 9-pound almandine “subway” garnet that was discovered under Manhattan’s 35th Street in 1885.

Titled "Beautiful Creatures," the renovated hall's first temporary exhibition gallery celebrates historic and contemporary jewelry inspired by animals. The gallery will include pieces by Cartier, Bulgari and Tiffany & Co., as well as by contemporary designers, such as Bina Goenka.

“When I first started as a curator at the Museum over 40 years ago, the most recent version of these galleries had just opened. Science has progressed significantly in that time, such as with the concept of mineral evolution,” said George E. Harlow, curator of the new halls. “These new exhibits will present our current scientific understanding of gems and minerals, present the environments in which they form, and focus on the intimate relationship between minerals and life.”

The section of the museum that will house the Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals had long been a cul-de-sac, which could be entered and exited only from the south end. In the new configuration, the halls will be linked to the new Gilder Center, allowing visitors to circulate with greater ease and less congestion.

With interactive displays, touchable specimens and media, the halls’ redesigned exhibits will tell the fascinating story of how the vast diversity of mineral types arose on Earth, how scientists classify them and how humans have used them throughout the millennia for personal adornment, tools and technology. Exhibits will showcase about 5,000 specimens from 95 countries.

The new Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals were designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates together with the American Museum of Natural History’s award-winning Exhibition Department under the direction of Lauri Halderman, vice president for exhibition. The halls are named for Roberto and Allison Mignone, longtime AMNH supporters and volunteers. Roberto is a Museum Trustee and Allison is vice chair of the Museum’s Campaign.

Credit: Image by D. Finnin/© AMNH.

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Valentine Proposal: Medical Resident Pops the Question to Fellow Doc on 'GMA'

As part of a special Valentine edition of Good Morning America, weekend hosts Whit Johnson, Dan Harris and Eva Pilgrim helped medical resident Steven Bean deliver a surprise marriage proposal to fellow doc Raaga Vemula. Not only was the proposal broadcast live, it was also shared in real time on the massive 3,685-square-foot ABC Supersign high above Times Square in New York City.

Vemula believed that she was being interviewed about the challenges of essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. What Vemula didn't realize was that her boyfriend of six years was standing directly behind her in the hospital corridor while she answered the anchor's questions.

Vemula and Bean are both medical residents, but are serving in hospitals nearly two hours apart. He works for UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and Vemula works at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Tyler.

"She was amazing and beautiful and then, finally, I worked up the courage to talk to her," Bean explained in the lead-up to the segment. "She is literally the most pure-hearted person I've met in my life. I literally think she's an angel."

Bean had purchased a round diamond solitaire engagement ring back in October, but couldn't find the right time to pop the question due to their grueling schedules.

When asked by Johnson what it's been like to be on the front lines during a pandemic, Vemula told him that it was scary coming in as an intern fresh out of medical school.

"We didn't want to have you on GMA without having a big surprise for you, as well," Johnson added. "As much as we were trying to concentrate on what you were saying, turn around for a moment. Take a look behind you."

Vemula nearly jumped off the ground when she recognized that it was her boyfriend. Then she gave him a big hug.

"Steven, I know you've got something to say here," Johnson said, queuing up Bean's big moment. "Why don't you take it away."

"So Raaga, one of the things I love about you the most is that you're so selfless," he began. "You're always putting into consideration others before yourself, so I thought, 'I want to especially consider what you like,' and I know you love surprises…"

Bean told Vemula that he loves her and he thinks she is beautiful.

"I followed you to med school in a completely different state and I'll follow you anywhere to be by your side," he continued, "so with that being said, I do have a question for you…"

At that moment, he opened a white ring box, and went down on bended knee.

Vemula shrieked, "Oh, my God," when she saw the ring for the first time.

"Would you marry me?" asked Bean.

"Yes," Vemula responded. He placed the ring on her finger, and they embraced.

Back in the GMA studio, the hosts celebrated by popping mini confetti cannons.

In addition to the thrill of sharing their love story on national television, the couple learned The Knot had given them $5,000 to spend on their big day.

Credits: Screen captures via 6abc.com.

Friday, February 12, 2021

Music Friday: Pink’s Fingers Are Bejeweled With Diamonds and Gold in 2004’s ‘Trouble’

Welcome to Music Friday when we bring you hit songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the title or lyrics. Today, Pink demonstrates how women can be feminine and tough as nails at the same time in her 2004 release, “Trouble.”

In the first verse, we learn that — despite being decked out in her finest jewelry — she's prepared to slap-down her enemies.

She sings, “No attorneys / To plead my case / No orbits / To send me into outta space / And my fingers / Are bejeweled / With diamonds and gold / But that ain’t gonna help me now.”

Co-written by Pink and Tim Armstrong, “Trouble” was the lead single from Pink’s third studio album, Try This. The song peaked at #68 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned a #2 placement on the Canadian Singles Chart. Overall, the song charted in 18 countries. In the official video, she rides into a one-horse town and ignites a bar brawl. That video landed Pink a 2004 Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.

”Trouble” has been featured in many popular films, including White Chicks (2004), The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004), Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (2005), as well as Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011).

Alecia Beth Moore (better known as Pink) was born in Doylestown, PA, in 1979. The artist earned her colorful nickname as a child. Apparently, whenever she got embarrassed her face would turn bright pink. By age 13, she was participating in the Philadelphia club scene and, at 14, she began writing her own songs.

Originally a member of the girl group Choice, Pink launched her solo career in 2000 with the single, “There You Go.” She has since gone on to become one of the most successful and influential artists of her generation. She has sold more than 90 million records worldwide and has earned three Grammy Awards and seven MTV Video Music Awards. In 2009, Billboard named Pink the Pop Songs Artist of the Decade and VH1 ranked her number 10 on its list of the 100 Greatest Women in Music.

“When Alecia Moore debuted in 2000, pop was dominated by long-locked blonds like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Jessica Simpson,” wrote Glamour Magazine. “Pink changed the game.”

Trivia: Pink trained as a competitive gymnast between the ages 4 and 12.

Please check out the live performance of Pink singing “Trouble” at Wembley Arena, London, in December of 2006. The lyrics are below if you’d like to sing along…

“Trouble”
Written by Tim Armstrong and Pink. Performed by Pink.

No attorneys
To plead my case
No orbits
To send me into outta space
And my fingers
Are bejeweled
With diamonds and gold
But that ain’t gonna help me now

I’m trouble
Yeah trouble now
I’m trouble y’all
I disturb my town
I’m trouble
Yeah trouble now
I’m trouble y’all
I got trouble in my town

You think your right
But you were wrong
You tried to take me
But I knew all along
You can't take me
For a ride
I’m not a fool now
So you better run and hide

I’m trouble
Yeah trouble now
I’m trouble y’all
I disturb my town
I’m trouble
Yeah trouble now
I’m trouble y’all
I got trouble in my town

If you see me coming
Down the street then
You know it’s time to
Go (and you know it’s time to go
cause here comes trouble)

No attorneys
To plead my case
No orbits
To send me into outta space
And my fingers
Are bejeweled
With diamonds and gold
But that ain’t gonna help me now

You think your right
But you were wrong
You tried to take me
But I knew all along
You can't take me
For a ride
I’m not a fool now
So you'd better run and hide

I’m trouble
Yeah trouble now
I’m trouble y’all
I disturb my town
I’m trouble
Yeah trouble now
I’m trouble y’all
I got trouble in my town

So if you see me coming
Down the street then
You know it’s time to
Go (go-oh-oh, I got)

I’m trouble
Yeah trouble now
I’m trouble y’all

I’m trouble
Yeah trouble now
I’m trouble y’all
I got trouble in my town

I’m trouble
Yeah trouble now
I’m trouble y’all
I disturb my town
I’m trouble
Yeah trouble now
I’m trouble y’all
I got trouble in my town

Trouble in my town, yeah
Trouble in my town, yeah, yeah

Credit: Screen capture via YouTube.com/P!NK.

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Martha Stewart's French Bulldogs Wear Diamond Collars for Dog Treat Launch

The internet has been buzzing about Martha Stewart's blinged-out French Bulldogs. Crème Brûlée and Bête Noire recently wore what appeared to be diamond collars to their owner's online press conference to launch a new line of CBD-infused, soft-baked treats — for dogs.

The high-profile queen of cooking and crafts is said to have a net worth of $400 million, so it is not too far fetched to believe that the pampered pooches were wearing actual diamonds.

Stewart shared snaps of the event with her Instagram fans, who were quick to comment about the canine collars.

“Where did those beautiful jeweled collars for the girls come from?” inquired dogmama52.

“Van Cleef or Cartier. I cannot remember!!” Stewart replied.

Commenting on the same post, a wave of Stewart's Instagram followers praised the domestic diva for how she treats her pups.

"All good dogs get Martha as their dog mom in their next life!" commented mazygillis.

"In my next life, I am going to be Martha’s dog!" added hollydanyliw.

Meanwhile, various online celebrity outlets attempted to confirm whether the diamond dog collars were, indeed, purchased from Van Cleef or Cartier.

"I can confirm these are not Van Cleef pieces and the Maison does not make any dog collars or do any special orders," a Van Cleef spokesperson told insider.com.

Cartier has yet to respond to insider.com's inquiry.

While Crème Brûlée's collar is dripping with stones that look very much like diamonds, the stones in Bête Noire's collar display a rainbow of colors — a characteristic of cubic zirconia, not diamonds.

So, are the doggies wearing diamonds? Only Stewart knows for sure.

While the 79-year-old Stewart is best known for her culinary and craft skills, she's also a devoted dog mom. According to woofrepublic.com, the French Bulldogs share Stewart's home with two Chow Chows, Emperor Han and Empress Qin.

Stewart claims that her new line of CBD-infused dog treats supports mental and physical well-being, reduces the effects of everyday stress and helps to maintain joint health and mobility. CBD is the active ingredient in cannabis.

Credits: Photos via Instagram / MarthaStewart48.