Saturday, May 30, 2009

Question Of The Week 5.30.09







Squidoo Lens Reviews Question of the Day

What three improvements could Squidoo do with right now?



The lensmaster who writes the best post (chosen by me) gets all of their lenses posted here next Saturday. Just like the last winner!

How much is Squidoo a part of your life?

Thank you all for responding to the QOTW. All of the responses were above par. It was extremely hard to make a first-place choice. That is why, today, out of the ten responses, there is one winner and nine runners up. Runners up get a link to their lensmaster page. The winner, of course, gets all lenses linked from here.

The winner is Lensmaster luvmyludwig. Congratulations, Crystal!

Even without the burden of bi-polar, I believe Crystal's post has the potential to help the greatest number of people to see how Squidoo can change lives.

First, the Runners Up:

Lensmaster a_willow

Lensmaster Boshemia

Lensmaster charlyjl

Lensmaster CleanerLife

Lensmaster Drifter 0658

Lensmaster spirituality

Lensmaster lakeerieartists

Lensmaster sojourn

Lensmaster susanfaye


And now, luvmyludwig's winning post:


How much is Squidoo a part of your life?


Squidoo is a huge part of my life right now. My life at home revolves around my husband, my kids, and Squidoo.


When I signed up for a Squidoo account I was in a hypo-manic bipolar state, so for the first 3 days I was all over squidoo reading, writing my first lens, and over in the Squidu forum. I didn't sleep much my first few days on Squidoo, so I learned so much. I have been hooked on Squidoo since.


Squidoo has become so much a part of my life that I don't know where I would be if it were not for Squidoo. Before joining Squidoo I was very lonely, and I felt very suffocated in my life. It was not that I hated my life, but I knew something was missing.


What was missing was a creative outlet that I loved, a hobby that could evolve with my mood changes, and friendship. I found all of that and more at Squidoo.


Squidoo has become part of my Bipolar therapy. It gives me something to do when I can't sleep. It allows me to interact with interesting people who don't judge me for having a mental illness. Squidoo is set up to bend and evolve, and it's the only thing I have found that I can stay interested in as my moods change. Squidoo is also a place where I feel accomplished and that helps my self esteem, as it is effected when I plunge into a depression or make a mistake with money when I'm manic.


Squidoo has been a place where I can set goals and achieve them. It has opened up doors for me, and I see it as a way to earn an income at home in the future. I am going for Giant Squid right now, and I am more focused on this goal than I have ever been on any other one in my life.

The Squidoo Community has been a blessing to both me and my family. I am using it to improve my quality of life, and with an increased quality of life I have experienced more mood stability than I ever have. I'm sure my family would step up and thank Seth for his ingenious creation, and every lensmaster who has had an impact on me because each and every one of them has made a positive impact on my family's life. I have a better relationship with my husband and I have a better relationship with my children now that Squidoo has joined my life.

Here are luvmyludwig's lenses to date:

Friday, May 29, 2009

Coffin Art

Celebrate Life -- Buy at AllPosters.com

It's probably safe to say that my dying wish won't be to be buried in a replica of a Coke bottle, or a beer bottle, or even in any number of artfully-crafted replicas of fish, lions, lizards and such.

No, not me. And probably not you.

But, you'll probably want to take a gander at the Coffins of the Ga tribe in Ghana, from Lensmaster kab. Check out some eye-popping examples of the elaborate coffins this tribe builds both as a way to mourn and to celebrate a lost loved one's life.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Bookmarks

Woman Reading Book on Park Bench -- Buy at AllPosters.com

Lensmaster karanta loves bookmarks. Her lens, Bookmarks/Book Thongs, shows off her Zazzle gallery where she designs and sells bookmarks. She even has a couple that she's made for you to download and print out for your own use or to give as gifts. It's a unique visit to a nice sampling of bookmarks, both from her Zazzle gallery and from other places she's found on the web. While you're there, check out the teaching videos — some of which are a beaded bookmark, an origami bookmark, and how to make a book thong.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Sunrise Photos

Impression, Sunrise, c. 1893 -- Buy at Allposters.com
A Squidoo Lensmaster who loves photography, mbgphoto has taken some beautiful pix of sunrise in Florida and a couple of other places. Prior to showing you the different sunrises in Sunrise in Paradise, she shows you some pix of the time just before the sun comes up — pretty neat to see that. And she's ready for you if you take a liking to her "Sunrise in Paradise" photo; it's for sale there on mugs, buttons, cards and such from her Zazzle store.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Prison Madness

Claustrophobia -- Buy at AllPosters.com

We all can do something to help others. In Prison Inmates and Mental Illness, from Lensmaster cjsysreform, you'll see what I mean. Her empathy and compassion shine through here, and she is there for anyone else who wants to be involved.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Question Of The Week 5.23.09








Squidoo Lens Reviews Question of the Week




How much is Squidoo a part of your life?



The lensmaster who writes the best post (chosen by me) gets all of their lenses posted here next Saturday. Just like the last winner!

What Exactly Is Squidoo?

Congratulations to Lensmaster Charlyjl for her response to last Saturday's Question Of The Week. And a big thank you to all respondents for taking on the challenge: Charlyjl, RickyRobi, aj2008, and Joan4.


Here are Charly's lenses to date:

Here is Charly's winning response

Squidoo will mean different things to different people. What Squidoo means to each person will differ depending on how they found Squidoo in the first place, their motives for becoming a lensmaster (or even a reader) and their experiences on Squidoo to date.

I believe that each persons perception of Squidoo will evolve as their experiences within the Squidoo community and in the wider online world evolves.

Squidoo is an online content site that allows smaller, niche communities to form.

Squidoo is a community in its own right as well - where people who like to share information and experiences gather and communicate.

Squidoo is not only a great place to gather and 'meet' and get to know other people, it is also an excellent way to:

1. Credential yourself as an expert in your niche if you want

2. Use to generate traffic to other websites (your own or others)

3. Use to generate income through the creation of your content pages

4. Share information about happenings in your niche. This information can help others learn, serve as warnings against some of the 'not so nice' elements out there, or just be a bit of fun.

Personally, I have found it a great place to encourage my youngsters to explore the online world, create information and improve their written and research skills.

I have also found it to be an excellent outlet for the 'frustrated writer' inside me.

Squidoo is also incredibly socially responsible - offering the ability for lensmasters to 'pay it back' by contributing to charity (but not demanding it).

Squidoo also allows for Lensmasters to mould the community by becoming involved in the forum and other positions like Squid Organizers, Squid Angels and Squid Greeters... what a great thing to do - allow your community to dictate how they want their environment to look.

Squidoo is totally awesome and each of us should enjoy where 'we are at' at the time and enjoy the journey.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Best Of Space Tweets

Walk on the Moon -- Buy at AllPosters.com


This morning was a whirlwind of activity as I rather feverishly sought out all of the new TwttrList lenses that I could find. It really got ahold on me; I like this new "toy." Seems like non-Squids are liking it, too!

"Come on," I think to myself, "there's got to be a better one than that." Then, I found The One. It is from Lensmaster thefluffanutta. His new TwttrList lens gives us The Best Tweets Are From Space! Circle down low over there, and give him some props, and get yourself some ideas for your own TwttrList.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Architect Santiago Calatrava

Principe Felipe Museum of Science, City of Arts and Sciences, Architect Santiago Calatrava, Spain -- Buy at AllPosters.com

Have you had a peek at the designs for the future train station at Ground Zero in New York City? Lensmaster Michey gives you that and more at Modern Architecture Santiago Calatrava.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Special Characters

Abstract Computer and Keyboard Images

Do you ever want to put special characters or symbols (such as ©, , , or ) in your writing but don't know how? Lensmaster Kate-Phizackerley has created a lens to teach you HTML character codes for special characters.

It will teach you how and where (on a lens) you can place these special symbols. You just may find out a little tidbit or two you didn't know — see why she prefers the Table of Contents module to the Text module.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Paklenica, Croatia

Woman Rock Climbing in Paklenica National Park, Croatia -- Buy at AllPosters.com

Sure, we all know Lensmaster a_willow, but how many of us know what her native country is like? Let her take you for some Adventures in Paklenica, Croatia. It's a very nice lens showcasing a very beautiful land.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Squidbook

The Cover of the 1912 Edition -- Buy at AllPosters.com
There are a few Squids out there that are doing book-like lenses. At How To Create A Squidbook, by Lensmaster jackclee, you'll get some reasons why you might ought to do a Squidbook yourself and some guidelines for creating and organizing your "book." Check it out.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Let's Do It!








Squidoo Lens Reviews Question of the Week

Thank you seedplanter, Sojourn, RickyRobi, Bcarter, and Joan Adams for your response to my question from last week about stopping the weekly interviews and beginning a Question Of The Week on Saturdays instead. There is definitely some interest.

So, let's see how it goes! Keep reading for last week's winning post and for the new Question Of The Week.

Last Week's Winning Post

Congratulations to Lensmaster RickyRobi

RickyRobi's winning post: I like the idea of a weekly question. It would be interesting to see the answers from everyone. I myself would put a little extra thought into the answer knowing I may "win" some extra exposure for my lenses. I enjoy contests and I can see us enjoying the fun and anticipation of a competition.


RickyRobi's Lens List From Today

Question Of The Week








Squidoo Lens Reviews Question of the Week



What exactly is Squidoo?




The lensmaster who writes the best post (chosen by me) gets all of their lenses posted here next Saturday. Just like this week's winner (see previous post).

Friday, May 15, 2009

Memorial Day Barbecue Menu

American Flag in Mosaic -- Buy at AllPosters.com

If you are getting excited about the upcoming Memorial Day holiday here in the USA, Lensmaster lakeerieartists promises that "if you follow this checklist, you will put together the best Memorial Day BBQ ever!" Check out her Everything You Need for the Best Memorial Day Barbecue Menu.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

House On The Rock

Houses in Willow Forest -- Buy at AllPosters.com

More and more, since Twitter is my hang-out, I am seeing quality stuff come my way. Just last night, Lensmaster mysticmama posted her lastest lens. Boy, was it fun to scroll through that page! House On The Rock is a travel lens, and it does make me want to go this house! I will some day. The house is one of those not-to-be-missed wonders of what the human mind can come up with and accomplish. Great lens, Bambi.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

A Grief Observed

Silhouette of Father and Son Fishing -- Buy at AllPosters.com

A man is grieving the unexpected loss of his son. By telling you about it, he wants to try to expell some of the pain that has claimed every nook and cranny of his being. He wants to share what he's learned about grief. It's gut-wrenching, but if you can give him some of your time with a visit and a comment, I am sure he would appreciate it. A Grief Observed — Coping With The Loss Of My Son, by Lensmaster kaazoom.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

LaraB's Favorite Books

The Yellow Books, c.1887 -- Buy at AllPosters.com

Lensmaster LaraB gives you her My Favorite Books — her second lens. You won't get the usual list here, and you won't get the usual newbie lens with the usual book favorites. In fact, I clicked here after Lensmaster Drifter0658's shout-out about it on Twitter. Just scanning the Tweets, I thought I was clicking on his favorites. Knowing him, I figured it would be an interesting list. Still, when it turned out to be LaraB, it was a pleasant surprise. Check out LaraB's second lens.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Life In My Grandmother's Time

Grandmother's Garden -- Buy at AllPosters.com
We have a new lensmaster in our midst whose first lens shows much promise. Lensmaster Momtothezoo is originally from the Pendleton, SC area, so she knows a few Squids you might know: OhMe, Sittonbull, and Joan4. OhMe did a feature on Momtothezoo, and in the process, this made Momtothezoo fall in love with what Squidoo is all about. Her first lens, Life In My Grandmother's Time, is like a promise — a promise of even greater things to come. Do drop in and welcome Momtothezoo to Squidoo.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

New At Squidoo Lens Reviews

Sunny Daisies -- Buy at AllPosters.com

Changing things up a bit...

I don't know about you, but I think I've asked my interview questions enough for now. I've used all of the ones I had and have not asked for more. I do enjoy the interviews and appreciate the value added by all participants. I just am ready for something new:

Each Saturday, I want to pose a question for everyone. The following Saturday, I'd like to post my favorite response — plus, the lensmaster whose favorite response is chosen will have all of their lenses linked here just like I did here for chefkeem's birthday.

So, don't you think the first question should be:

Would you rather have the usual Saturday interviews or this new Q&A theme? (Even if it's decided that the interviews should remain, the lensmaster with the best answer to today's question still gets all of their lenses linked. So, please respond.)

Happy weekend! And happy Squidooing!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Henna With A Passion

Traditional Henna Painting on Hand, Egypt -- Buy at AllPosters.com

You probably know that Lensmaster mysticmamma is a henna artist. Have you seen how her passion for it shines through at her All About Henna Tattoos?

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Happy Birthday, Chef Keem

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Who is Jacqueline Stone?

Little Boy with Love Rock -- Buy at AllPosters.com

I just came away from posting a lensmaster feature about Lensmaster jacquelinestone over at SquidLog. I've read her story before, but after re-reading it today, I felt pretty much compelled to give it a shout-out here. If you follow Jacqueline on Twitter, you know she's awesome. This lens gives some background on how she came to be so awesome. Whether you'll be reading it again or for the first time, you're sure to be inspired.

Here is Jacqueline's Who is Jacqueline Stone?

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Introducing America To "Tea Mind"

Spring Garden -- Buy at AllPosters.com

If the purpose of a book lens is to make you want to read the book, then Lensmaster SusanVillasLewis just may be sending a lot of entrepreneurial-minded business folk to the shopping cart. Visit The Republic of Tea: Introducing America to "Tea Mind".

Monday, May 4, 2009

Fabric Shower Curtain Liners

Vista Bath II -- Buy at AllPosters.com

The RocketMoms group is in full swing now. We even have our own headquarters and a template for RocketMoms lenses. Very exciting!

Today, I'd like to bring your attention to a RocketMoms lens by Lensmaster hlkljgkFabric Shower Curtain Liners. This lens is crisp, clean, and orderly. That doesn't mean it's boring, though. She's thoughtfully lined up some "shower songs" for you to listen to while you read and a very nice video showing how a hookless shower curtain works.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Lensmaster Frankster Interview


Squidoo Lens Reviews: What makes you passionate about Squidoo.com?


Frankster: I have seen first hand the impact a lens can have. Knowing that what I write and share is being heard and acted on is awesome. And I can't express the incredible feeling I get when I see the money being raised for my charities every month. Knowing that I am making a difference in the world, that's why I'm so passionate about Squidoo. (And, I haven't even mentioned Squidoo's incredible tools, my personal growth or the friendships I've enjoyed since joining.)

Squidoo Lens Reviews: Is Squidoo perfect already or what could make it better?

Frankster: I don't believe anything or anyone is perfect. As they say, "If you aren't growing, you're dying." Squidoo gets better every single day because it keeps growing. I am so impressed with the new and/or improved tools the Squidoo team comes up with so often. The only thing that could make it better is if there was a way to clone the people who run Squidoo and the great Lensmasters who give so much to it.

Squidoo Lens Reviews: What inspires you to make a new lens?

Frankster: I've said this before to people, I'm like the little girl with a hammer; everything looks like a nail. At least a dozen times a day I see something or read about something and I think, "Now that would be a great lens." My inspiration is that I have more that I want to share and money I want to raise for charity.

Squidoo Lens Reviews: How many lenses do you have?


Frankster: I have 65 featured and 37 work-in-process lenses. Yikes, I'd better get working!

Squidoo Lens Reviews: What is your most popular lens?

Frankster: Are You Polar Bear Aware? was my first lens and has been consistently in the top 100 since April 2007. Who could ask for anything more?

Squidoo Lens Reviews: What one sentence or one word describes your success?

Frankster: Amazing.

Squidoo Lens Reviews: What should a newbie do first?

Frankster: Create a lens about something they feel absolutely passionate about. As with my polar bear lens, that passion will translate into a great lens. They will learn more from creating that lens than from any other lens they create.

Squidoo Lens Reviews: Which of your lenses do you want to make sure the whole world knows about?

Frankster: Thanks for asking! As a cat lover, I'm concerned with the millions of feral cats being killed each year. I have a lens called, How To Save Feral Cats and Stop Overpopulation With TNR, that describes TNR (Trap, Neuter and Return) and gives the pros and cons. The money raised on the lens is used to rescue, foster and find homes for abandoned, stray and feral cats. I would love to have everyone in the world read about the humane alternative to killing feral cats.

Frankie aka Frankster

Friday, May 1, 2009

Outdoor Sisal Rugs

Sisal Drying on Racks -- Buy at AllPosters.com

A Squidooer for a little over two months, Lensmaster Sojourn is fast making a name for herself with her original and memorable lenses. Outdoor Sisal Rugs is definitely one you'll remember. Visit, and learn about sisal rugs. Admire the lenscraft — see how she did it.