GEM OF THE MONTH: AQUAMARINE

GEM OF THE MONTH: AQUAMARINE DERIVED from the Roman word ‘aqua’, meaning water, and ‘mare’, meaning sea, aquamarine is a pale blue gem which resembles the colour of seawater, especially that of the Mediterranean. Aquamarine means 'sea water' in Latin. Therefore, besides being a talisman for those born in March, it is a favourite gemstone of those travelling across bodies of water and also for surfers. Its first documented use was by the Greeks between 480-300 BC. They wore aquamarine amulets engraved with the god Poseidon on a chariot. The ancient Romans believed that the aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea, having fallen from the jewel boxes of sirens and washed ashore. Early Roman sailors wore aquamarine talismans, engraved with the likeness of Neptune, as protection against dangers at sea believing that it would ensure a safe passage, and guarantee a safe return. They often slept with the stones under their pillow to ensure sound sleep. They believed the siren’s (mermaid) fish-like lower body was made of aquamarine. According to legend, aquamarine originated in a treasure chest for mermaids. The aquamarine is a semi-precious translucent stone, a member of the beryl family which varies in colour from clear to vibrantly coloured gemstones such as the emerald. Beryl was used as far back as 2,000 years ago to correct vision. When eyeglasses first began being produced in Germany, it was a thin sliver of aquamarine that was used as a lens to correct short sightedness. So widely was this stone used that the German word for eyeglasses is ‘brille’ which is derived from the word beryl. Aquamarine is a very hard mineral that is generally flawless and varies in colour from blue-green to a light sky blue, but gems containing green are often heat-treated to remove this less desirable colour. It is iron that gives aquamarine its beautiful blue-green hue. Only diamonds, sapphires and a few other gemstones are harder than beryl and this has earned aquamarines the nickname of ‘poor man's diamond’. It is a relatively abundant gem, the largest deposits being in Brazil, but other sources of aquamarine are in China, India, Australia, Africa, and the United States. Some of the finest comes from Russia. Sri Lanka, Zambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya also produce aquamarine.

The biggest aquamarine ever mined was found at the city of Marambaia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 1910. It weighed over 110 kg, and its dimensions were 48.5 cm long and 42 cm in diameter. Madagascar is the historical source of aquamarine, but is no longer important. The British Museum of Natural History owns an 879.5 carat flawless, step-cut aquamarine with a lovely sea-green colour. The unique blues that the Aquamarine displays are said to represent eternity and life-giving properties, since it is, after all, the colour of both the sea and the skies. A gift of aquamarine symbolizes both safety and security, especially within long standing relationships. Some people even say that the aquamarine reawakens love in a tired marriage and that carrying aquamarine is also believed to guarantee a happy marriage, making the owner not only happy, but wealthy as well. It was strongly held that aquamarine was used by fortune tellers to read the future. Aquamarine has been credited with providing courage, curing laziness and quickening the intellect. It has had the reputation of providing happiness and everlasting youth and with harmony and trust. It is a soothing gemstone that is used in love magic and supposedly a wonderful gemstone for women and said to evoke feelings of trust, harmony and sympathy. It is believed to lend strength and confidence. The healing properties of the March birthstone are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to the throat, the stomach and liver, and also stress-related illness. The association with water led to the belief that the aquamarine was particularly powerful when immersed in water Water in which this gemstone had been submerged was used in ancient times to heal a variety of illnesses of the heart, liver, stomach, mouth and throat and was believed to cure eye troubles, stoppage of breath and hiccups. People in the Middle Ages thought that aquamarine could magically overcome the effects of poison. During the Middle Ages, it was believed to be an effective antidote against poison. Aquamarines were thought to be the source of power for soothsayers, who called it the ‘magic mirror’, and used it for telling fortunes and answering questions about the future.

They were a favourite gem for use in the parures (matched sets) of the 1820s and are still striking for similar modern use. Is has also been connected with the Christian religion. GEM OF THE MONTH: BLOODSTONE The modern birthstone for March is aquamarine. However, the traditional birthstone for March is bloodstone which has only recently been replaced by the more valuable aquamarine gems. Bloodstone is the name given to a dark green/greenish-blue chalcedony, an opaque quartz with small red blood-like spots, which are of iron oxide. The main source of bloodstone is India though it is also found in Russia, Germany, Austria, Australia, China, Brazil and the USA. The red flecking of this very ancient stone gives rise to many interesting legends. Babylonians used this stone to make seals and amulets. The ancient Greeks and Roman believed athletes and gladiators would gain endurance and courage by wearing bloodstone in dangerous situations as well as providing protection from their own dangerous desires. Medieval Christians often used bloodstone to carve scenes of the crucifixion and martyrs into cameos and beads. Some sources suggest that it was worn by early Christians as a symbol of their faith. One particularly famous carving was done by the Italian Matteo del Nassaro around 1525. In ‘The Descent from the Cross’, the carving was carefully crafted so that spots of red on the bloodstone represented the wounds of Christ and His drops of blood. According to legend, bloodstone was believed to have formed during the crucifixion of Christ when a Roman soldier-guard thrust his spear into Christ's side and drops of blood fell on some pieces of dark green jasper lying at the foot of the cross. For this reason, too, the stone has been called ‘martyr's stone’. In the Middle Ages, bloodstone was believed to hold healing powers, particularly for stopping nosebleeds. When the stone was powdered and mixed with honey and white of egg, it was believed to cure blood poisoning and tumours. It was reputed to stop all types of haemorrhage as well as draw out the poison from venomous snake bites. Bloodstone is a form of silica quartz, chalcedony and can be found embedded in rocks, or as pebbles in riverbeds.

Salma Hayek Hairstyles

Call Ashley and stay in touch while she's on tour!

Ashley's keeping busy now that her debut album "Headstrong" is now in stores, but she still wants to hear from you! You can call her anytime and leave her Voice Comments at
(818) 836-8040
Your number is kept totally private and it's free.
Click HERE for more info.

Joanna JoJo Levesque Pretty Barefoot Photos

See several sets of Joanna 'Jojo' Levesque's feet and she is the real deal int he pretty feet department. If you haven't seen it, she played the daughter in the Robin williams movie RV and also starring in that movie is the out of control Kristin Chenoweth, and you can find her pretty feet on this site as well. You can bet JoJo is smoiking in the bare feet close up shots.

Joanna 'Jojo' Levesque in Relationships

She is not easily moved by emotional displays and can be curiously detached from her own emotions and those of others. It is almost as if she could turn her feelings on and off at will; 'JoJo' should be careful not to leave the switch "off" too often, for she could easily become too impersonal. Family relationships and attachments are not as important to her as they are to most people and Joanna Levesque often considers her friends closer to her than her blood relatives. Certainly, Joanna Levesque's sympathy and concern extends much beyond her immediate family. In her personal relationships, Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque insists upon a certain amount of independence and the freedom to pursue friendships with as many people, of both sexes, as she chooses. 'JoJo' does not appreciate a jealous, possessive partner.

Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque feels comfortable in an atmosphere that is open and experimental, and she has little taste for convention and tradition.

Joanna Levesque gets a lot of emotional fulfillment through her involvement in groups, clubs, organizations, community activities, or a network of close friends who support and care for her. Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque makes friends her family, and she feels a close kinship with people who share some ideals or beliefs that she holds dear. Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque needs close relationships with people outside of her physical family.

She is definitely not one to wear her heart on her sleeve. Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque cares very much about others' opinions and craves love and appreciation as much as anyone - however one would never know it from Joanna Levesque's reserved and seemingly detached demeanor. Casual, superficial relationships do not interest 'JoJo' at all. She is cautious and serious about love and really desires deep, genuine, lasting relationships. Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque is old-fashioned about courtship and love relationships, and will remain faithful to her loved one in good times and in bad.

Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque may be attracted to older persons who are emotionally mature and reliable and can provide the security 'JoJo' desires.

Promoting beauty, the arts, or entertainment can make Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque very happy. 'JoJo' wants to contribute something positive and loving to the world at large and she wants to be recognized for her beauty, artistic gifts, or loving generosity. Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque may "marry" her work - that is, being more involved in her career than in her private life. Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque is a natural host or diplomat.

Her tastes and natural inclinations run toward the extravagant and luxurious. Whether or not Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque possesses the resources to satisfy these desires or the ambition to provide these things for herself, she wants a life with plenty, ease, and comfort. 'JoJo' may cause trouble in her love relationships by focusing too much attention on money or "lifestyle" rather than on the person she is with. Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque may also attract gold diggers or parasites who will take advantage of her hospitality as long as she allows them to. Indiscretion in matters of both heart and pocketbook can be problems as well.

She is excitable, spontaneous, and easily aroused emotionally and sexually. Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque falls in love very quickly and has little self-restraint or concern for propriety when her feelings have been stirred. However, it may be difficult for JoJo to sustain relationships after the first rush of excitement wanes, especially if Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque's partner is basically a conservative person who does not like to change or experiment. Nontraditional relationships appeal to Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque, and personal freedom is or paramount importance to her.

She is very romantic, idealistic and imaginative about love relationships. Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque yearns for her "true love" or "soul mate" and may become disappointed in those who never quite live up to her dream image of the perfect lover. 'JoJo' frequently fantasizes about love and often falls in love with someone she can only love from afar. She may avoid making a definite personal commitment. Gentle and sensitive, Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque does not like to be approached in a very direct or aggressive manner. She is attracted to those with artistic or mystical inclinations.

Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque tends to suppress her feelings and she approaches other people with great reserve. She may feel lonesome, but unable to bridge the gap between her and others. But once Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque enters a relationship, she will be faithful and steady in her feelings for her partner.

Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque has a vivid imagination and is likely to imagine the most wonderful things, but she may over-idealize and tend to expect too much of love relationships. 'JoJo' tries to escape unpleasant experiences through fantasy and deception.

Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque is extremely sensitive to her surroundings and could feel highly elated one minute and quite down the next. Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque tends to avoid the truth about herself and her relationships and could have some strange or peculiar experiences in love relationships.

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Jessica Alba takes her baby to the sets Hollywood actress Jessica Alba refuses to leave her four-month-old daughter even while filming. The 'Fantastic Four' star has been taking her Honor along with her on the shoot of her new movie, An Invisible Sign of My Own.

Jessica Alba 2008 An election ad featuring Jessica Alba wrapped in bondage tape was supposed to turn people on to voting. It ended up just turning a whole lotta people on. Freaky deaky ad was for "Declare Yourself," and a stylist for the PSA decided their

Jet-setting Jessica Alba - The Gossip Girls The fact that she?s getting further along in her pregnancy makes Jessica Alba?s busy life all the more impressive. The ?Good Luck Chuck? actress was spotted

Joanna Jojo Wins At The BMAs!

Jojo's plea to fans to vote for her at the BMAs on her MySpace worked!

Jojo picked up the National Female Vocalist of the Year award at The Boston Music Awards 2007 on December 1st!

Huge congratulations to Jojo, she deserved it!

JoJo Pics Update!
Head to the gallery cos we've added pics of 3 more events where she's looking absolutely fab! Go check them out...







Callout to fans from Jojo
Jojo, on her myspace, has encouraged all her fans to vote for her at the Boston Music Awards 2007. She is nominated in the category of National Female Vocalist of the Year, and I'm sure all of you out there would want to help her win. So keep voting for Jojo.

Upcoming Concert
Good news for all you fans of JoJo out in Brazil! She has a new concert there coming up, on November 18th, 2007 at 9:00 pm. The concert will be at Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte. If you live near there, be sure to purchase your tickets soon, and show JoJo some love!

Award Time
According to JoJo's newest myspace blog, she is up for an award. She's a nominee for the Boston Music Award's Female Vocalist of the Year. You can vote for her at bostonmusicawards07.com. Voting is closed on November 16th, and the awards will be on December 1st, 2007. She also hopes the Red Sox win the World Series!





On The Set
JoJo is having fun on the set of her upcoming Lifetime Movie, "True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet". Behind the scenes, we found out that the small details really matter to everyone making this such a high profile motion picture movie.

"It's been a demanding work schedule, it its so much fun!" JoJo said. Everyone there was so kind and let me ask them questions. JoJo seemed to really like making a movie.

Seventeen
We just added a scan of a great Jojo pic on Seventeen magazine Argentina edition promoting excersice, go check it out..







JoJo: 'I Won't Break Down Like Britney'
Pop singer JoJo claims that she won't collapse, unlike pop rival Britney Spears. The 16-year-old singer is positive she won't follow in the footsteps of other child stars who find themselves in rehab, because of caring families.

Salma Hayek Hairstyles

INTERVIEW: Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque Talks RV

Teen pop star JoJo continues her foray into the acting world with RV. She co-stars as Robin Williams' rebellious daughter Cassie. JoJo has had a pretty distinctive career so far. She's the youngest artist to reach number one on the Billboard singles chart. That's a major accomplishment and caught me completely by surprise. She was lively and engaging during the inteRView, a pro with the press at fifteen. I'm not sure I could spell my own name at fifteen. You can also see JoJo in the recently released Aquamarine.

How did you get the nickname JoJo?

JoJo: Yeah, something I had forever. People really didn't call me Joanna. They always called me Jo or BooBoo or JoJo, so it was always other than Joanna. I don't know.

What are the challenges acting against Robin Williams? I imagine it's like holding your own against a tornado?

JoJo: Something I accepted early on in the shoot was that you can't try to be on the same level. You can't compete with him. He is Robin Williams. I just try to be the best that I can be. He is basically just the way that he is in the movies. He is just so full of life, he's like manic and all over the place and Robin Williams, that's just who he is.

Did you get him to laugh?

JoJo: I tried, but he's so funny, nothing shocks him. He humored me I guess.

Was it hard to keep up with him?

JoJo: He totally works with me. Especially when we're on camera and stuff. He would go off script, but he would always come back to a safe place where I knew where to jump in with my line. That's what's so great about him. He would never leave me or any of the actors in a place where they were lost and didn't know where to go from there.

Have you gone on long trips like this with your family?

JoJo: Not with my family, but I've been in tour buses so it's kind of like a souped up version of an RV. So I know what its like to be in a confined space with a lot of people and one toilet.

How many times did you have to do that scene where you picked up your brother and threw him on the other chair in the bus?

JoJo: Those were my favorite things to do. I'm not going to lie, I did that six times and I kept asking to do it again. It was fun.

Are you in good shape? Or does he weigh like six pounds?

JoJo: He weighs like 60 pounds.

Can you talk about the audition process?

JoJo: I did like five different auditions. I had to really fight for this role. Another girl was already cast and then they cast me. I was in Australia, shooting Aquamarine and then I sent in a tape for the role and then I sent in another one. Then I had two satellite meetings with Barry [Sonnenfeld]. He had me read like so many different times and I really thought I wasn't going to get it. Then I found out that I got it. I met Robin and Barry at the same time. He really put me at ease because I was really nervous to meet him. He's such a normal person and just made me feel really comfortable.

Can you relate to your character?

JoJo: I'm like her in some ways. I would hope I'm a little bit nicer than her because she kind of handles her aggression in a mean way. She's pretty mean to her dad, but we both turn to music when we're annoyed or frustrated or feel like our family is crazy, so I turn to my I-Pod as well, just like she did.

What's on your I-Pod?

JoJo: Actually, I left my I-Pod on at the hotel. So what is currently, literally playing is D'Angelo, his album "Voodoo".

Tell us about your music career?

JoJo: My first album came out two years ago. I've only had one and I was the youngest artist to ever have a number one single on billboard. It went over platinum, over a million copies, and I'm working on my second one right now. It was hard for me to do two movies and step away from the music, because it was what I've been doing forever and what I love.

The youngest artist ever to be number one, that's pretty interesting. How does that make you feel?

JoJo: It is really cool. I really didn't believe it when I first read it. It just makes we want to have that number one album. I have the number one single, so for my next album I want the album to go number one. That is something that is driving me. Just knowing that I have much more to accomplish, but I was thirteen when that happened.

Were you really exited when you found out you got to sing in the movie too?

JoJo: No, because I wanted to keep music and acting separate. I knew I had to sing off key to my MP3 player and I thought that would be funny. But then Barry, because he's quirky and he's funny and he likes to do weird things, he added that scene at the end where we all sing Route 66. I didn't know how it would turn out. It ended up being funny so that's fine.

Do you prefer acting or singing?

JoJo: I like both of them, but I learned early on with music video. You look into the camera and you're supposed to make eye contact. Then I realized with acting you shouldn't do that because it will freak everybody out.

Do you feel any outside pressure to reach number one with your next album?

JoJo: No, I'm kind of on the independent label, Blackground Records, distributed by Universal. They're really cool. We're just being artistic and taking time. They know that I'm putting out this second album, I'm only fifteen and it will come out when I'm turning sixteen. I want to wait until I'm eighteen and put out another one. They know that already, so I like to take my time and just put everything into a record.

Where do you see your future going?

JoJo: People have said so you're like a singing actress or an acting singer, but why can't I just be like a person who wants to do more than one thing. Kristin Chenoweth is awesome at it too. She has successfully done both and Broadway, which I think is so cool. I have so much respect for her. She's really, really talented and I think that as long as you can do more than one thing and you keep your head on straight and stuff that that's fine. But as far as choosing one over the other, I don't really want to choose. I like them both.

The teen pop star continues her foray into the acting world

Salma Hayek back with her ex?

Salma Hayek has been snapped with her ex fiancé at a football match in France.

The actress and billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault appeared very close as they watched the game in his hometown of Rennes.

JoJo - “Anything” Live at Jamm Kids

We’d love to bring you the video of Joanna 'Jojo' Levesque getting Punk’d, but rumor has it that she didn’t sign the required release to air the episode.

Buzznet is reporting that JoJo denied Punk’d the broadcasting rights because she didn’t want her young fans to see her swearing. This story has not been confirmed by JoJo or MTV, however.

In the meantime, enjoy the pictures of a March 07 Miami concert and the video of JoJo performing her new hit “Anything” live at Jamm Kids!

Article Pictures (Click to enlarge):

Jojo Knows What’s Important

Jojo has been busy performing some shows in Europe, but took the time to talk to Teen People - insisting she won’t fall victim to her own success and suffer a nervous breakdown - unlike pop rival Britney Spears.

The 16-year-old Jojo (real name Joanna Levesque) believes that her close-knit family and upbringing will be enough to keep her from falling into the trap that has broken down so many of Hollywood’s young stars in the past and present.

JoJo Sets the Record Straight

Wearing a cute grey blazer over a hot pink top, a styled-up Joanna "Jojo" Levesque was spotted partaking in a New York City shopping spree to kick off her President’s Day weekend.

And while the Foxborough singing sensation has been staying away from the spotlight as of late, she has recently voiced her unhappiness over inaccuracies in her online Wikipedia bio.