Friday, September 30, 2022

September 2022 Set List


1.  September
2.  Suddenly I See
3.  Golden
4.  New Moon On Monday
5.  Where It's At
6.  Planet Earth
7.  Black Water
8.  Everybody Wants You
9.  Pressure Off
10.  Shining Star

And there y9u have it.  September 2022 Set List

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars Perform 'Uptown Funk'

Cap off September Passion Park Lane jewels with always passionate Uptown Funk.

September Passion - Raspberry Ring

The Fall season is well under way and as October nears, the painted colors of the leaves are reflected in the painted colors of the Park Lane Raspberry Ring - vibrant, bold, and vivid.

Where the Fall leaves eventually litter the ground and crunch underneath feet, the Raspberry Ring remains always.  

The bonus to the Raspberry Ring is linked to the cost - Free Shipping at or after $90 (otherwise standard $9.00 shipping).  Park Lane also offers a special at or after $90.

Consider -

My Park Lane

$99

Sizes 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Magenta Pink, Ruby, Olive Green hues
Hypoallergenic
Lead & Nickel Free

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

The One - Park Lane

The One

My Park Lane


The One now rests with Park Lane.

Park Lane was established in 1955 and has grown by the fold.  

The jewelry is on the higher end in terms of quality, pricing, and uniqueness.  Some selections resemble couture jewelry but at more than a fraction of the cost.

I have a huge crush on the ring selection, especially the statement pieces.  I also love the Impression bracelet collection.

The Park Lane bonus, beyond sourcing customers, is earning commission on self-purchases...and the commission is standard to all at base 30%.

As with Chloe + Isabel, I have a dashboard corner office where I can follow sales, commission earnings, and so on.

As with Chloe + Isabel, I started out as a Stylist & Fashion Director.  These are base titles.  The Stylist title remains always.  Fashion Director has the opportunity to grow, which leads to higher commission rates and 5% pay raise from 30% to 35%.  The downfall is that in order to climb the Park Lane ladder, a Stylist has to create a team and for every milestone comes the next title step and higher commission rates.

Although I will never achieve beyond Fashion Director, I love the Park Lane jewelry first and foremost and that is why Park Lane is the one.

The One - Chloe + Isabel

 The One

My Park Lane


The One

Chloe + Isabel

Chloe + Isabel was a luxury fashion brand rooted in direct sales.  The fundamental products were high-end statement and delicate jewelry.  C+I eventually branched out to other fashion accessories such as sunglasses, scarves, makeup, and a partnership with hair stylist, Jen Atkin.  Jewelry, though, was the one.

Everyone who joined earned the base title "Merchandiser."  The next title up was "Merchandise Manager" but that was sales dependent.

Merchandisers had online boutiques we could personally customize & place a stamp on our interest in fashion and fashion jewelry.  We also had a "corner office" where customer orders were entered and commissions could be paid out.

Chloe + Isabel could be seen as a destination or a stepping stone.  For me, Chloe + Isabel was a destination because I was new to fashion and I adored jewelry that could easily pass for display case worthy.

Chloe + Isabel was also a destination for building a business on my terms.  I used my Merchandiser discount to build my jewelry display.  I stocked up on seasonal catalogs.  I networked daily, from family to friends to local businesses that would best make sense to fashion (such as hair salons, boutiques, etc.).

I felt independent.  Just like Set List, I felt like Chloe + Isabel was the one because with my passion, it truly was the one.

Chloe + Isabel shut its doors in July 2019.

The One - Set List

 The One

My Park Lane


The One



In April 2010, I launched my first blog.  I do not remember the title but I do remember how much fun I had.  It was a general blog, no niche and no direction.  I suppose you could say a journal style but without personal notes.  From day to day I realized the addiction to blogging.

In May 3010, I wanted to clarity and focus on a niche specific level, so I reached out to a professional web design company.  I do not remember their name but I do know they claimed my requests were not stated and so said I pay them more or not at all.  I highlighted in yellow what I wanted and they falsely disagreed - in other words, they knew they were wrong but would not admit so.  I claimed back the money spent and branched out on my own...which leads to Set List.

In 2010, I got to personally customize Set List - no template, no specifics I had to follow...just Set List - exactly all I wanted.

From the first post published on Set List to the present day, my heart was with blogging and Set List was the one.

Whether article style, video style, or affiliate style, Set List is about anything music.  No two posts are the same - even if there is a day to day theme.  Every day has a different tone of voice.  Every day has individual eagerness to post.  If I find myself in a blogger's block, I look for inspiration from previous posts or outside sources.

The Set List journey from launch post forward is long and winding.  From time to time I feel exhausted yet I keep going if only for my passion about music and sharing my interests.

Set List is the one.

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Platinum

In this year 2022, Elizabeth II was honored the Platinum Jubilee for serving 70 years on the royal throne.

The band, Queen, released The Platinum Collection: Greatest Hits I, II & III in November 2000.  In the U.S., the box set was released in September 2002.

Her Majesty Elizabeth II set the bar for future monarchs by celebrating the Platinum Jubilee (at least from home).

Queen set the bar for pop culture and the music industry, hence The Platinum Collection:  Greatest Hits I, II & III.

From one royal title to another, platinum is an impressive theme.

The Platinum Collection:  Greatest Hits I, II & III
No. 2 in the UK
No. 9 on Billboard 200 (2018)
No. 6 on Billboard 200 (2019)

- Certifications -
Gold -
Finland & Switzerland
Platinum -
Belgium, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, & Portugal
2x Platinum -
Australia, France, Netherlands, & Spain
4x Platinum -
Italy
5x Platinum -
U.S.
8x Platinum -
UK
Diamond - 
Poland



Monday, September 26, 2022

RIAA Diamond Certification - Singles

Can you guess the artist with the most diamond certified singles by song titles?

Consider the following -

"Just the Way You Are"

"Grenada"

"That's What I Like"

"When I Was Your Man"

*The challenge will continue in November.

Sunday, September 25, 2022

Set List Reader's Choice

In this edition of Set List Reader's Favorite, your top choice is:

Set List Special - Rest In Peace, Elizabeth II

Set List is all about anything music - fundamental base.

In this post, I am playing for her final time - God Save the Queen.

Saturday, September 24, 2022

Will You Promise Me?

Park Lane



If a couple is very much in love but not quite ready for official marriage, there is nothing more romantic for a man to ask his significant other if she will promise him always.

The Promise Ring is a familiar design to Cartier but at only $80.  

I own and wear always the gold Promise Ring which can in fact be a wedding ring, based on design and material.

The ring, beyond the question, is definitely a guaranteed yes.

Final thought - Farewell September Saturday

Set List Special Edition - Saturday Faithfully

In this last Saturday in the month of September 2022, I thought I would offer a special edition - genre wheel rather than color wheel.  In this post, I am featuring Journey's well known love song, "Faithfully."

Friday, September 23, 2022

Come Undone


Notes -
Second single to be released in March 1993
No. 7 on Billboard Hot 100
No. 2 in Canada
No. 8 in Italy
No. 9 in Ireland'
No. 13 in the UK
8th most streamed Duran Duran song in the UK (as of 10/2021)

The lyrics, as written by Simon Le Bon, were meant as a gift to his wife, Yasmin.

Follow the Wikipedia link above for a further background.

September Passion - Striking RIng

The first day of Fall is here.  Summer is officially in the past and in striking conclusion - the Wednesday high of 81 degrees was met in the early afternoon and dropped by sunset.  Today's high is in the mid-60s.  Striking difference indeed.

And so speaking of striking, consider Park Lane's definition of striking -

Birthday gift, holiday gift, just because gift, personal purchase, and more...(This ring would make an excellent engagement ring.)

Striking Ring

$82

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

The One

On Set List, The One reflects a future that is perfectly meant to be.  Debut albums that launch a forever career.  Singles that soar into fan popularity.  Band fandom is overwhelming and leads to a breakup only to later regroup because the members are meant to record and perform together.  And then there is charted success.  There are global certifications.  Major awards.  When a musician or band is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The One is honorable and ultimately shows genres and musical contribution meant to be (of course already known).

The One on Park Lane would have to agree.

"One" by U2 is a musical affirmation.

With that said, take in Park Lane style and U2 style.

$55

Monday, September 19, 2022

Set List Special - Rest In Peace, Elizabeth II

April 21, 1926 - September 8, 2022

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - February 2, 1952 to September 2022
In summary - Wikipedia

Silver Jubilee - 1977 (25 year anniversary)
BRIT Awards -
The Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Album)
Julie Covington (Breakthrough act)
The Beatles (Group)
(and others)

Ruby Jubilee - 1992 (40 year anniversary)
BRIT Awards - 
Seal Seal (Album)
Beverly Craven (Newcomer)
Simply Red (Group)
(and others)

*Point of interest - Freddie Mercury won Outstanding Contribution at the 1992 BRIT Awards.  "Bohemian Rhapsody" won Best Single in 1977.  ("A Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procol Harum was a joint winner.)

Golden Jubilee - 2002 (50 year anniversary)
BRIT Awards -
Dido No Angel (Album) 
Blue (Newcomer)
Travis (Group)
Sting - Outstanding Contribution
(and others)

Diamond Jubilee - 2012 (60 year anniversary)
BRIT Awards -
Adele 21 (Album)
Ed Sheeran (Newcomer)
Coldplay (Gr0up)
Blur - Outstanding Contribution
(and others)

Platinum Jubilee - 2022 (70 year anniversary)
Duran Duran - Headline

Note - All BRIT Awards/Jubilee year can be found on Wikipedia under the query "(Year) in British Music".

Elizabeth II reigned over so many territories worldwide including close to home.  She was in royal terms a monarch.  Yet within her family, titles were common to anyone - daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother.

I am one year younger than William and one year older than Harry, so I would be inclined to see their grandmother as my grandmother.

When my grandmother passed away last September, I was devastated and heartbroken because she was my best friend, the love of my life, and my soulmate.  I felt lost and could not function mentally and emotionally.

I cannot imagine how William and Harry feel when their Granny - who happened to be the Queen of England - passed away.  I am so sad for them.  I am sad for their children who will never really know their great-grandmother.

The legacy of Her Majesty Elizabeth II will live forever.

Rest in peace.

Sunday, September 18, 2022

Set List Reader's Choice

In this edition of Set List Reader's Choice, your top favorite is actually a video -

Chris Botti - Ave Maria

In this post, I thought I would briefly write about the album, Italia.


Italia was released in September 2007 and reflected on Chris Botti's Italian heritage.

No. 1 on Top Jazz album chart
Grammy nomination
No. 27 on Billboard 200 & Top Internet Album chart

Certified Platinum in Poland


Read more about Chris Botti on  Wikipedia.  

Friday, September 16, 2022

Speaking of Duran Duran - The Wedding Album

The Wedding Album



Track List -
1.  Too Much Information
2.  Ordinary World
3.  Love Voodoo
4.  Drowning Man
5.  Shotgun
6.  Come Undone
7.  Breath After Breath
8.  UMF
9.  Femme Fatale
10.  None of the Above
11.  Shelter
12.  To Whom It May Concern (lyrics by Nick Rhodes)
13.  Sin of the City

Certifications -
Gold UK
Platinum U.S.

September Passion - Extraordinary Ring

In this edition of September Passion -

As the calendar prepares for holiday shopping, September is a sneaky way to shop early.  The deals on Park Lane are ready to go for the jewel in one's life.

What a way to kick off another round of September Passion -

Extraordinary Ring

$20 (from $133)

The One Special Edition

E. Estelle Zander (maiden) ... E. Estelle Flosi (married)

Dell (nickname)

Daughter, sister, in-law, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother

Proud Swede ... Stoic ... Big heart

Co-parent after my parents divorced

Love of my life, best friend, soulmate

Laughed every time we both moaned with sore lower backs at the same time

Moments of treasured humor ... Always an intellectual conversation

Watched Jeopardy together every day - A daily student that I know will make her proud.

Not so much with 21st Century technology - "ether" was the word of every day.

Supporter, cheerleader ... Customer!

"I went out today, Grandma." ... "Good for you!  Good!  For!  You!"

Panic Disorder is not easy to cope with but for my grandma and mom, I am doing my best.

I rarely talk to my grandma because I can always hear her voice.  That means more than imagining what she would say in reply.

Her body was frail and bruised but her beautiful blue eyes were perfectly crystal clear.

I always held her hand - when I was nervous or when I showed my affection.  

Her eyes, her hands, her stylish hair, her perfect self.

She will forever be my grandma.  I will forever be her kid.

Love you, Grandma Grandma.  You are my one.

$55

Set List Special Edition

In honor of my grandmother's passing just one year ago, I am offering a Set List special edition - the number one single from the year she was born (1929) and every decade after.

Jag amore vous, Grandma. (Jag - "I" in Swedish) (amore - "love" in Italian) (vous - "you" in French).  ("Jag" is pronounced as "yah" in English.  The "g" is silent.)

1929 - "Makin' Whoopee" by Eddie Cantor

1939 - "Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland

1949 - "Riders in the Sky" by Vaughn Monroe

1959 - "Mack the Knife" by Bobby Darin

1969 - "Get Back" by The Beatles

1979 -  "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor

1989 - "Another Day in Paradise" by Phil Collins

1999 - "Believe" by Cher

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

The Way You Look Tonight

"The Way You Look Tonight"  was first performed by Fred Astaire in the 1936 film, Swing Time.  Composition was by Jerome Kern and lyrics were written by Dorothy Fields.  The song won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1936.

The most well known cover of the song was by Frank Sinatra in 1964.  The full list of "The Way You Look Tonight" can be found on Wikipedia,

In this post, Tony Bennett is the featured performer.  His professional background is long and detailed so I will direct you to Wikipedia for further reading.  I will, on the other hand, focus on Tony Bennett's successes and honors.

Discography

70+ albums

Biggest selling -

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

MTV Unplugged:  Tony Bennett

Duets:  An American Classic

All three achieved Platinum certification for one million copies sold.

Eight albums have certified Gold.

Honors 

20 Grammy Awards

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall  of Fame (1997)

Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award (2000)

ASCAP Lifetime Achievement Award (2002)

(American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers)

Kennedy Center Honoree (2005)

National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award (2006)

American Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award (2009)

- Guinness World Record (2014) -

- Oldest person to reach No. 1 on U.S. Album Chart (88 years old, Cheek to Cheek)

- Longest time between release of an original recording and re-recording of same single by same artist ("Fascinating Rhythm," 68-year time lapse)

- Oldest person to release an album with new songs (95 years old)


Monday, September 12, 2022

Guess the Artist

In this edition of Guess the Artist, the song defines my personality as an old soul.  I have always faired better around adults than peers my own age.  I have further been drawn to the elderly because I was so close to my grandmother and so naturally knew how to approach and respond to middle and upper age people.

With that said, the song in this post is romantic yet recorded by a singer far from my age.

 

Sunday, September 11, 2022

September 11, 2001

September 11, 2001

World Trade Center  - 2,763 souls lost ... 343 firefighters & paramedics ... 23 NYPD ... 37 Port Authority police ... Passengers & hijackers ... Office workers who either jumped or burned - they knew their lives were already dead with either decision.

Pentagon - 189 souls lost ... Passengers & hijackers

Flight 93 - 44 souls lost in a crash landing in Pennsylvania ... These souls fought to save the plane and land anywhere as safely as possible.  The plane diverted to an open field where all realized this was it.  Yes.  the hijackers died as well.

He was visiting an elementary school classroom when a staffer whispered,  America is under attack.

He was sitting with his cabinet watching the siege and fatal attack on Osama Bin Laden in real time.

The heartbroken loss is far greater than the souls lost.

The United States has a scar that is relived every year on this date and so will never fully heal.

May the saddened souls rest in peace.  May surviving families find peace.

God save.

Friday, September 9, 2022

Speaking of Rod Stewart

Knighted in 2016

Background - Wikipedia

Career from 1962 to present 

Honors -
One of the best selling music artists of all time 
Over 250 million albums sold worldwide
10 No. 1 albums
31 Top 10 Singles in the UK - 6 are No. 1
16 Top 10 Singles in the U.S. - 4 are No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100

No. 17 on Billboard Hot 100 All Time Top Artists 
No, 33 in Q Magazine's Top 100 Greatest Singers of All Time

Awards & Nominations -
Brit Award
World Music Awards Legend Award 
World Music Awards Diamond Award for over 100 million records sold
Grammy Award
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
7 Juno Award Nominations (Canada)
Ivor Novella Award

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 & 2012
1994 - Solo ... 2012 - Member of Faces
Inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2006

32 albums
Member of 7 bands - most notably Faces (1969 - 1975)

Personal legacy - Rod Stewart is quite the ladies man as he has 8 children with 5 different women and has once been noted for cheating.  Some relationships overlapped and his third marriage came in the same year his second marriage dissolved.  

Aside from his sketchy personal life, Rod Stewart is still an iconic musician with impressive history that continues to the present day. 

September Passion - The Brittany Ring

In this edition of September Passion -

The September sunset in Chicago is colorful, vivid, magical, and brief when darkness approaches quickly.  Capture the last glimpse of sunlight and bottle it up.

On Park Lane, there is one jewel that paints a gorgeous sunset in a fashion sky -

The Brittany Ring

$60

Read more about Park Lane and the September Passion theme on the launch September Passion - The Passion Rose.

Anyway,

Austrian fuchsia & tangerine orange crystals

Currently available in sizes 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Note - All Park Lane jewels are hypoallergenic, lead & nickel free, and always come with a product warranty.

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

The One

The One has a unique special meaning to everyone - The One on a personal level, The One on a professional level, The One on a goal-oriented level...The One to have achieved desires in life.

To me, The One is realizing life long goals at the professional level and defining the American dream of home ownership.  

To you, what is your The One?

In this Set List post, The One is a gorgeous and meaningful ring jewel best viewed as a debut as The One ring will be a record loop for some time as a Wednesday theme.

And speaking of debut, in music of course, Duran Duran's debut album set the tone for The One long lasting career. 

$55


Description -
- Silver band
- Jet black enamel disc
- Silver swirls
- Circle of CZs

Sizes 6, 9, 10

Hypoallergenic
Lead & Nickel Free

Guaranteed Product Warranty

1981


Original UK Release Track List

Side 1 -
1.  Girls on Film
2.  Planet Earth'
3.  Anyone Out There
4.  To the Shore
5.  Careless Memories
------------------------------
Side 2 -
1.  Night Boat
2.  Sound of Thunder
3.  Friends of Mine
4.  Tel Aviv

Original  U.S. Release Track List

Side 1 -
1,  Planet Earth
2.  Girls on Film
3.  Is There Anyone Out There
4.  Careless Memories
-----------------------------------------
Side 2 -
1.  (Waiting for the) Night Boat
2.  Sounds of Thunder
3.  Friends of Mine
4.  Tel Aviv

Certifications -
Platinum in Australia, New Zealand, UK, & U.S.
2x Platinum in Canada

The One ring launched my interest and passion in Park Lane and soon after signing on as a Stylist & Fashion Director.

Duran Duran's debut album launched life long success in a heartbeat...the band was the one...the band was meant to be.