This the first installment in our new series on monthly birthstones. Each month I will be writing about that particular month’s birthstone, some interesting lore behind it and their sources.
March actually has two birthstones, aquamarine and bloodstone. The former is the more popular. Its name is derived from the Latin word “aqua”, meaning water, and “marina”, meaning the sea. This gemstone was believed to protect sailors, as well as to guarantee a safe voyage. The serene colour of aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and level-headed. Its pale, cool colour beautifully complements spring and summer wardrobes. Aquamarine is most often light in tone and ranges from greenish blue to blue-green; the colour usually is more intense in larger gems. This gemstone is mined mainly in Brazil, but is also found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique.
The second birthstone for March is bloodstone, a dark-green jasper flecked with vivid red spots of iron oxide. This ancient gem was used by the Babylonians to make seals and amulets and was believed to have healing powers – especially for blood disorders. It is sometimes called the “martyr’s stone” as legend tells that it was created when drops of Christ’s blood stained some jasper at the foot of the cross. Generally found embedded in rocks or in riverbeds as pebbles, primary sources for this gem are India, Brazil, and Australia.
Our “you-ate-where?” feature will look at our favorite local restaurants that provide great food, are located near downtown, a great value and places we like to recommend to friends. It will highlight places that you may not have eaten at or even heard of, but that we have come to love. The west end is brimming with culture and restaurants that reflect this. From the hearty fair of New York Burgers to the savory tastes of Little Siagon to the minty fresh Vietnamese cuisine of Pho #1, you are sure to find a restaurant that satisfies your palate. It is our hope you will come to enjoy dining in the west end as much as we do.
The LineUp
98 Albert St.
Atmosphere: Casual
Diamond Rating: 4.5 out 5
This has to be one of the most interesting places to eat in the city. If you asked ten people to describe the LineUp, you would probably get ten different answers. The have 6 kinds of pizza, 3 kinds of salads, 5 or 6 kinds of pitas, 7 types of noodles-in-a-box, chicken fingers, fish and chips, and a variety of interesting french-fry options. And for those who miss Chi-chi’s, they offer fried ice-cream as a great dessert. The food is all prepared fresh and amazingly for such small place, they do it all well. I have had the coconut green curry several times which is a savory and spicy dish with chicken, carrots, bean sprouts, baby corn, broccoli, green peppers, choice of noodle, and lime. This has to be one of the best $8 meals in the city. This past week I had the falafel pita, a massive stuffed pita that comes with all the fixings you could want and many sauce options all for $7. They have a great dinner and movie combo for $11 (entree, drink, movie Globe, Imax or Towne 8). They have four parking spaces in winter for customers (in summer it becomes the patio) which is great if you are meeting someone for lunch. The staff there are friendly, take time to help and seem to know many of the regulars. I eat here a couple times a month and would recommend it to anyone as a great value.
Recommended dishes:
Coconut Green Curry (fairly spicy)
Falafel Pita
Butter Chicken
Greek Salad
Link: http://www.thelineup.ca
Hope you enjoy,
PS. First person to email me the names of all the pizza options gets a free meal jeremy@independentjewellers.com
The second birthstone for March is bloodstone, a dark-green jasper flecked with vivid red spots of iron oxide. This ancient gem was used by the Babylonians to make seals and amulets and was believed to have healing powers – especially for blood disorders. It is sometimes called the “martyr’s stone” as legend tells that it was created when drops of Christ’s blood stained some jasper at the foot of the cross. Generally found embedded in rocks or in riverbeds as pebbles, primary sources for this gem are India, Brazil, and Australia.
Birthstones | Ernest March 6, 2010 | 
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