Squidoo Lens Reviews Is Closing

Having spread myself too thin over time, I have spent the past couple of weeks un-thinning myself, so to speak. Unfortunately, Squidoo Lens Reviews is a part of this effort to make life more manageable.

March 7 will be the final day for Squidoo Lens Reviews.

At Squidoo Lens Reviews, if you've ever received the gift of a lens review by the skilled writers here, you know how it feels to be publicly appreciated for the work you've done. As a writer yourself, you know the thought, care, time and just general hard work it takes to write a review that sends traffic. Promoting the community is what it was all about.

Over time, SLR has had several writers giving untold numbers of hours to the Squidoo community.

My gratitude to:

bethd821
BevsPaper
clouda9
DecoratingforEvents
dustytoes
Ecolicious
Holley
inkserotica
KathyMcGraw
kimmanleyort
LeanneChesser
luvmyludwig
OhMe
Sylvestermouse
Wednesday_Elf
WordCustard

Authors, your time and your community spirit are appreciated beyond words.

Readers, thank you for being here over the years, and thank you for writing review-worthy lenses.

...I'm still struggling with the content issue. Right now, unless someone comes forward to take the content, which I feel belongs to the Squidoo community, and continue the community effort in a blog of their own, it will be archived back at Blogger, where there's no cost.

Take care, and happy Squidooing :)
MiMi

Are you a Perfectionist?

I am a big fan of the Enneagram personality test, which outlines nine basic personality types of human nature and their interrelationships.

Each "number" manifests itself based on certain motivations, coming from the ego. By becoming aware of these motivations, we can uncover our basic essence, our higher calling if you will. For me, the Enneagram has been very helpful, not only in understanding myself and why I do the things I do, but also in understanding the motivations of others.

Usually, a person will resonate most deeply with one of the nine personality numbers - mine being five, the Investigator. The number one represents the perfectionist personality. These personality types are identified by a need to always do things the right way. They can be hard on themselves and others. While having high ideals is a good thing, it can be taken to an extreme that is not helpful. Perhaps you are like this yourself. If not, odds are you know someone who is.

Bev, known as bevspaper on Squidoo, has written an excellent article about this personality type, called The Perfectionist Personality. It is a beautifully designed article which covers all aspects of the perfectionist personality, both positive and negative. She provides links to books that can provide more detailed information, helping the person of this type realize their strengths, and also be aware of when they are reaching unhealthy stress levels.

I particularly liked her perfectionist quotes, including this one by Confucius.

Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.

Bev also has articles on The Helper Personality (two on the Enneagram) and The Achiever Personality (three on the Enneagram). I look forward to reading about the other types as she expands on this niche.

Learn more about the Enneagram at this site - the Enneagram Institute.

Image Credit: Perfectionist by Blendsur

Written by kimmanleyort

Blue Penguins

We all love to read stories about animals and wildlife. But it is especially interesting to learn about a species you didn't know existed.... and one as enchanting as the 'Little Blue Fairy Penguin'.

Samantha (seegreen on Squidoo) tells us that:

*Little Penguins are the smallest of the 17 known penguin species and are found in Australia and New Zealand.

*Blue Penguins are dark blue in color.

*Fairy Penguins can be seen in the 'Penguin Parade' on Philips Island.

Fairy ... Blue ... Little ... Penguins -- they are all the same small Penguin!

Once seen, never forgotten. The 'Little Blue Fairy Penguin' is the only penguin that breeds in Australia. And who better to tell us about them than someone from Australia who has actually 'seen' them!

Samantha goes on to describe some little penguin facts. For instance, did you know that Little Penguins can sleep at sea while floating on the surface?

She also reminds us that while little penguins are considered a non-threatened species, conservation is necessary. In areas where no conservation efforts for the little penguin are in place, the numbers are declining. She lists The Wilderness Society as a place to donate to help protect some of Australia's wild creatures and the places they call home.

Lensmaster seegreen gives us plenty of penguin facts and links to news and information regarding the Little Blue Fairy Penguin, plus photos and videos where you can see these little penguins close up and hear what they sound like.

All in all, this is a fun and informative trip through the habitat of Little Penguins... or Fairy Penguins.... or Blue Penguins!

Image Credit: Blue Penguins by wowoland

Written by Wednesday_Elf

A Rat Pack Party

With Mandee (DecoratingforEvents) unable to post today, I thought it would be a great time to show off her top article at Squidoo: Rat Pack — Vintage Vegas Themed Wedding or Event.

It shows you exactly how to make the feel for the Rat Pack and Vegas come alive. In fact, you get the feel for it right on the page. Great work, Mandee!

 
 Green Martini Stickers by jazzyutopia

Discovering Author Saul Bellow

Reading books is one of my favorite pastimes so I was excited to learn that I would be a Squidoo angel for the Fiction Authors neighborhood. While exploring this neighborhood recently, I came across a page about the writer, Saul Bellow (1915-2005), written by DaveStone13. Dave is a full time writer, so certainly has the expertise to write about his favorite authors.

It is clear from the beginning that Dave knows a lot about Saul Bellow and has great admiration and respect for him. The title, "Greatest American Writer of His Time," tells you what Dave thinks. It is clear that he has read Bellow's books and can speak in depth about them. This, of course, is what makes a lens come alive.

Dave begins by citing Bellow's many accomplishments, including a Nobel Prize for Literature. According to the Nobel Committee, Bellow exhibited "exuberant ideas, flashing irony, hilarious comedy and burning compassion."

Dave explains that Bellows' work has an autobiographical component in that there are common themes that seem to apply to Bellows' own life - "the meaning in life, a deep conviction that there is "something more," and trouble with beautiful women."


He then goes on to present detailed descriptions of several of Bellow's books, including his own personal take on these books. For example, in describing the book Herzog, Dave writes, "This book made Bellow a star, and it made me fall in love with him as incomparable storyteller."

His reviews are persuasive and make me want to revisit Bellows books, which I think was the point of this article.

Dave ends by providing an excerpt from Bellows' Nobel lecture, "The novel can't be compared to the epic, or to the monuments of poetic drama. But it is the best we can do just now. It is a sort of latter-day lean-to, a hovel in which the spirit takes shelter." I couldn't agree more.

Image Credit: "Writer." poster by mikelizzio

Written by kimmanleyort

Small Town Living

I've lived in many small towns (and one or two largish cities) in my lifetime, and much prefer them to big cities. I was drawn to this 'small town story' by Lois (aka Lokackl on Squidoo) who lives in Amherst, in Western Massachusetts.

Lois takes us through 10 reasons in You Know You Live In A Small Town When . . . that explain small town living, and why she thinks it is the perfect place to live.

Small town living is brought out by Lokackl in such humorous references as:

* You call a wrong number and they supply you with the correct one.

* You leave your jacket on the back of the chair in the cafe, and when you go back the next day, it's still there, on the same chair.

* Everyone knows all the news before it's published; they just read the hometown paper to see whether the publisher got it right.

Lois also highlights the best features of her 'small town' of Amherst with personal photos.

Amherst is best known for Emily Dickinson (and Robert Frost, who 'adopted' Amherst as his own) and visitors come to town in the thousands to visit the Dickinson Homestead and to learn about Amherst at the history museum. The Jones Library in Amherst has a special collection of Dickinson and Frost manuscripts, photographs, research material and memorabilia that attracts authors, scholars and the devoted.

Lois is a Dickinson poetry enthusiast, so I wonder if it's any coincidence that she chose to move to Amherst, the workshop of Emily Dickinson, native and lifelong resident. Today, Lois is a volunteer for both the Amherst Club and the Dickinson Museum, and founder of the EDIS Amherst chapter, for which she leads bi-monthly poetry discussion groups at the Jones Library.

As Lois states, small towns and villages will always charm residents and visitors. I know I was charmed by her delightful description of living in the small town of Amherst. Massachusetts!

Image Credit: Living In A Small Town Funny Design by TruthInWords

Written by Wednesday_Elf

Hawk Totems by WhiteOak50

Hawk Totems by WhiteOak50

Sometimes we read something that goes right to our soul and this happened to me when I read this lens on Hawk Totems. It brought so many memories flooding back of a time many years ago when a friend gave me a gift of some medicine cards.

At first I enjoyed the cards. The artwork was beautiful, but when I started reading them they scared me. I'm not sure why I was scared, but even reading this article those feelings overcame me again. Now, that's a powerful article.

Eva also known as WhiteOak50 wrote about her animal totem, the Hawk. In it she describes her experiences and the medicine of the hawk. Although I had to read the article with my defenses up, I still was riveted. She has a few quotes that I especially like, and have used many times over the years. The one on the Circle of Life is one that I believe in with all of my heart and soul.

Native American Quote on The Circle:

"The Circle has healing power. In the Circle, we are all equal. When in the Circle, no one is in front of you. No one is behind you. No one is above you. No one is below you. The Sacred Circle is designed to create unity. The Hoop of Life is also a circle. On this hoop there is a place for every species, every race, every tree and every plant. It is this completeness of Life that must be respected in order to bring about health on this planet."

WhiteOak's article left me unbalanced...the unknown fear on one hand, and the feeling of familiarity of Chief Seattle, and the Circle of Life Quote. A good article will evoke something in the reader...a call to action or a feeling. In this one I had both. To add to this, her artwork of the Winter Serenity spoke to me. I could feel the power in it, maybe because of the dreamcatcher, maybe because of the hawk flying in the distance, or maybe just because like it's name; it feels serene.

So, all in all I found this article to be very powerful.


Image Credit: Winter Serenity by WhiteOak50

Written by KathyMcGraw

Valentine's Day 2011

Meet RobGrawberger, a newer lensmaster at Squidoo. Rob joined last August and has 26 lenses under his belt now. I wanted to find a lens about Valentine's Day for this week's review since, well... today is Valentine's Day. Rob delivered.

His short but effective lens is titled simply Valentine's Day 2011. He starts by pointing out that Valentine's Day is full of commercial hype; how spending the most money on indulgent gifts seems to be the path retailers want to lead you down in proving your love for another. He even says that society places undue pressure on those that have no one to share the holiday with.

In a poll in the first module, he asks if you think Valentine's Day is hoax or hype and encourages comments explaining your reasons.

Then, Rob gets to the meat of the issue. He is basically saying if you love someone, show them everyday in the everyday things you say. He says the tricky part is to follow those words with actions that reinforce the words. Show someone how much you love them as well as saying it.

He posted a list of 10 foolproof tips to show your love, your love. He backs up the tips with another list titled "30 Reasons Why I Love You". If you are at a loss for something to say or do for your love this Valentine's Day, start here. His lists of ideas don't include the giving of extravagant gifts, but of yourself. Isn't that what most of us would rather receive anyway?

Can you picture a child earnestly hand making a Valentine card for mom, dad or a grandparent? The lopsided little hearts and arrows drawn in red crayon on pink paper are a more cherished momento than any diamond pendant. Do you have an old, faded, worn card from your child or grandchild stuck in your top dresser drawer or in a scapbook? I know I do and I love to bring it out and remember the loving hands that created it.
Pure -- simple -- love.

Sprinkled throughout the lens are romantic song links, love song links, and a couple of videos. He does add one Amazon list but the products are all related to relieving stress. He says:

You see, listening is priceless and saying thank you is just basic etiquette. So, instead of making a big deal and stressing yourself out about Valentine's Day, just be genuinely nice. Commercialized affection and depression will be the thing of the past. All in good charity. Spread the love so none will be left out. Don't limit your acts of love but think universally. We are all connected separated by various degrees so, sprinkle the good stuff around. You will give respect as well as receive it.

Now, Rob's idea is not groundbreaking, innovative or even unique. But, sometimes, we all need a gentle reminder of why we love someone... and how to show them... everyday. Whether you get out your paper and crayons, give a foot massage or make a candlelit dinner for two... make everyday special with the one you love.

Happy Everyday to all!

Image Credit:Stick Girl Be Mine Valentine by valentinesday

Written by DecoratingforEvents

Love Songs for Valentines Day

Valentine's Day is almost upon us and if you are still looking for the perfect gift, why not consider the gift of song?

I am one who believes that music goes straight to the heart, so the gift of song on Valentine's Day seems to me just about perfect. So, when I am looking for a high quality page on love songs, the first person to come to mind is our resident music expert, Waxing-Lyrical, better known as Rich. His page, The Best Music for Valentine's Day had just what I was looking for.

For me, Valentine's Day is about wine, chocolate and Frank Sinatra. Rich comes close when, in his intro, he proposes,

"grab that box of chocolates, make sure there is a glass of wine (or two) close at hand, slip into something more comfortable, take your lover by the hand...and as Jim Morrison once said, "C'mon baby, light my fire!""

He then goes on to present eleven of the best love songs for Valentine's Day, along with descriptive reasons for his choices. For example, one of the songs is Barry White's "I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More, Baby" and Rich writes,

"If it weren't for Barry White, there probably wouldn't be quite so many Twenty and Thirty-somethings around today ;) This was his first big hit record which just oozes l-u-r-v-e, passion and romance."

My favorite love song on Rich's list is The Righteous Brothers',"Unchained Melody," for which he writes,

"If your Valentine's Day plans ever include sensually moulding some very wet clay into something indescribable, then this is the song for you."

Beautiful! Rich rounds out his article with Valentine's Day posters, t-shirts, and chocolate.

My only complaint is that there is no Frank Sinatra on the list, to me the greatest love song singer of all time. What's up with that, Rich?

Image Credit: Love Songs Tape by JAM_Design

Written by kimmanleyort

Lensography or Biography! Which Defines Us?

On Squidoo, a Lensography is basically a list of the lenses a lensmaster has written -- a page that describes what we have done with our writings. A lensography can also be a biography, the story that defines who and what we are beyond our writings.

AJGodinho has done more than just list his lenses in his AJGodinho's Lensography in an interesting way. He has written the true story of who he is.... not just as a Squidoo Lensmaster, but as a person named Anthony.

His 'life story' has taken him from one tiny corner of the world in Goa, India to one that is
worlds apart in Canada, and from earning a degree in Physics to becoming a successful
HR (Human Resources) person -- a job he loved.

Today, AJ is concentrating on an entrepreneurial route in the health & wellness industry, as he believes that 'healthy living is a lifestyle'. He is also using internet marketing to reach his goals. AJ joined Squidoo nearly two years ago and all his lenses (found in this lensography -- on a wide variety of interesting topics) are well worth reading. His writing style, his spirituality, his love of family, his humor, and his kindness are all traits that come through in his writings and further define who he is.

On Squidoo, we are encouraged to write creative lenses that are unique and original, and
to 'be yourself'. This lensography defines the 'self' that is AJ. Come on into the world of Anthony Godinho. You'll be glad you did.

*Author's Note: I don't think a Lensography has ever been reviewed on SLR, but this one I think is extra-special. And I'm not alone in that opinion, as AJ's Lensography has earned a Purple Star and been an official 'Lens of the Day' selection!

Image Credit: My Life is True by LabelMeHappy

Written by Wednesday_Elf

Love Tokens: Engraved Coins by Kab

With Valentines Day getting closer we see the word love everywhere. Commercials for everything from flowers to getaways we are inundated with how to show our love to that special person.

We have all seen flowers, we all know about that special dinner for two, or the box of chocolates, but have you ever heard of Love Tokens that are engraved coins. I found an article that intrigued me, not just for the love aspect of the coins, but the historical aspect. This article was written by an established Squidoo writer Kab.

Kab writes about these personalized Love Tokens from the 18th and 19th Century in a way that both entertained and enlightened me. A totally different love item for Valentines Day.

"Often, men could not afford to buy their sweetheart a ring, so instead, they would save up to purchase the largest coin denomination they could afford, personalize it, and give to their love upon asking for their hand in marriage".

Giving your sweetheart a coin instead of a ring, flowers, or chocolate sounds like a fun idea to me. And in these tough economic times it also sounds like a wise gift.

Kab also tells us of another use for coins, bent ones. Apparently they were for good luck. Again, sounds like a wise gift as they can always use the coin.

I like the idea of Love Tokens and Bent Coins for Valentine's Day, or any other day for that matter. Yes, a wise choice for a gift.




Image Credit: Peace Love Coins by 1000suns

Are You Superstitious?

"Do you believe in superstitions? Do you own any lucky charms, such as an old horse shoe or a rabbit's foot? Do you always put coins in a purse or wallet before giving it as a gift? Do you knock on wood or cross your fingers for luck? If you said yes to any of these questions, it could be said that your are superstitious."

This is the hook from the lens titled Popular Superstitions from Northern England written by GiftsBonanza a.k.a. Tracy. It hooked me! I love finding new information about the origin of sayings, folklore and superstitions. That intro paragraph, along with the charming graphic of a frazzled black cat, hooked me into reading this lens.

She explains she became interested in superstitions after meeting her Lancashire bred husband and then recently finding some old 19th century books that included superstitions, folklore and local customs of that area of England.

The body of the lens is where she highlights 5 of the superstitions uncovered in the books. She does it with style and a winning recipe of fact, history and a good measure of humor. The first one concerns fire and the burning of ones' hair to determine how long one will live. Following the explanation of how to read the flame, her humorous voice showed up. She says:

"Important Health Warning
We do not recommend that you try this at home. However, for the person who is silly enough to try, please make sure that the hair is no longer attached to your head, otherwise it could be seriously painful.

I nearly fell out of my chair.

The lens is also interactive giving the reader the chance to spout off whether superstitions are true or a bunch of bunk. The remainder of the lens explains 4 other superstitions dealing with more fire, burning ears, lucky coins and manicures and pedicures -- believe it or not. I learned something new.

I found this lens while flitting around on my angel wings looking for lenses to bless. I'm glad I did. What I actually found was the intriguing voice of a writer I will follow in the future. Though Tracy has been a member for more than a year, she had taken a hiatus and only recently came back. To date she has 23 lenses. She plans to go full bore in 2011 and I will happily follow along on her Squidoo journey -- reading what she writes and enjoying it.

Image Credit: i believe in lucky charms by believe_in

A Legendary Bus

While reading an article  on serendipity - those lucky coincidences in life - the author used an example from his (her) own life.

Years ago a friend who was conducting interviews for a high-powered job, related the story of an interviewee who had bizarrely rambled on and on about "The Reliable Routemaster" bus and thus lost any chance of getting the job. Then one day I came across a Routemaster bus which was being used for publicity for some venture. Some days later, I created my lens on the Routemaster bus which has turned out to be one of my most successful lenses.

I clicked over to this lens and was fascinated by a whole new world I was not aware of. Apparently, the red Routemaster bus is an iconic tourist attraction in London, England. Never having been to London myself, this was new to me. I have heard of London trolleys, and have ridden on doubledecker buses before, but this particular bus seems to be very special. The author, known as thesuccess, warns right at the beginning that Routemaster bus fans are obsessive!

These buses are known for being very reliable and easy to hop on and off of, even if the bus is moving. The bus drivers, as well, were often very entertaining and knowledgeable. Change is inevitable, though. Just as Routemaster buses replaced trolleys in the late 40's, early 50's, now the Routemaster buses are being replaced for newer models. Still, some remain for promotional purposes and for adventure tours. This was even an issue in the most recent mayoral election. The new Mayor promised to replace the current bendable buses with updated Routemaster models.

Are all red double-decker buses Routemasters? No, according to true Routemaster afficionados. Routemaster buses can be identified by their unique radiator grill and their width. They are a little wider than other buses and sometimes too wide for certain streets.

If you are visiting London and would like to ride a Routemaster bus, thesuccess provides the names of two heritage routes, where you can still ride one. You can also see a real Routemaster bus at London's Transport Museum. On this page, you will find a wealth of information about the bus, including movies it has appeared in, and books written about them. There is even a funny ad for potato chips starring the Routemaster bus.

Image Credit: London Gift Mug with Red Bus by LondonBus

Laugh at What You Cannot Change

Many of us have reached an 'age' where about all we can do is 'laugh at what can't be changed'. Now that I have a teenage grandson, it may be time to admit I'm 'getting old(er)'. We all resist 'aging', even if it's only refusing to admit how old we are! We've all heard the old adages -- 'age is just a number', 'you're only as old as you feel' -- lines that we laughed at when we were 'young', and somehow don't believe today!

Janel aka jgelien on Squidoo gives us her 'take' on aging in her very funny story titled: The Art of Aging Ungracefully. She begins by 'indulging in fine whine' about the young thin, attractive girl that she once was ...

From curves in the wrong places to wrinkles disguised as 'laugh lines', Janel brings us smiles and makes us laugh because there's not much else to do. She includes two funny YouTube videos (a song parady by Anita Renfroe and an 'aging' commedianne [Mrs. Hughes] who describes her 'hot flashes as so bad she thought she was responsible for global warming!'). The lens also includes a collection of amusing cartoon graphics that highlight Janel's descriptions of 'aging ungracefully'.

Janel ends with thanking us for stopping by, then says "Remind me, who are you again?"

But I guess when all is said and done, as we 'grow older' we should remember these words by Mark Twain "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

Image Credit: Growing older Birthday card by deemac1

Oprah's Vist to Australia by emerald125

Every week it is hard to choose which article to review, but as is typical I choose something that touches me in one way or another. This week is no exception.

I have read several articles from Paula, also known as emerald125, on Australian Travel Guides. Each and every time I wanted to go visit after reading them, and this article on Oprahs Visit Downunder was no different. In fact because Paula was a travel guide, and knows the places Oprah went to I was even more excited. Now I really must put Australia on my list of places to go in the next couple years.

What I really liked about this article was the passion for the places Oprah and her audience visited. I could feel the pride and passion of someone that knows all the tourist attractions, food, and the whole itinerary of Oprah’s Ultimate Australian Adventure. Someone that lives there has a much better idea of the real story of the visit, and can tell us things the regular media might not. An example would be the tip not to try to do everything that Oprah did in 8 days, that 3 weeks would be more realistic.

Tips for traveling downunder are linked throughout this article for anyone that is planning a visit to Australia. Even if you can't visit in real life a virtual tour through the links provided is well worth the time.

So, grab a coffee and go see the spots that Oprah, her crew, and 302 lucky audience members visited. Travel Australia with emerald125 as your guide.


Image Credit: Australia by teyes143

Celebrations Of February

Certainly, most of us can name the better known celebrations of February. I doubt that there are many who would forget that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the year's shortest month. Many would remember Ground Hog Day and possibly President's Day. There are others who could remind us that February is National Black History Month. Can you think of any others?

As I looked at the calendar and realized that my review would fall on February 1st, I thought I would go in search of a lens about the month of February. I found a little gem by LittleLu who tells us all about Weird February Holidays To Celebrate. Oh yes, LittleLu has found the weird, the unique, the bizarre, and the major holidays of February. She has done her research, that is for sure. She can tell us a holiday to celebrate for every one of the 28 days of February and she didn't forget the 29th that falls every four years.

I mean who knew, besides LittleLu, that on February 16th we celebrate "Do A Grouch a Favor" Day? Now that is just too darn fun! I can think of a couple of grouchy people in my life that I plan to do a favor for. I'll either put a smile on that grumpy face or make them more of a Grumpy Gus but either way...I will have celebrated the day with gusto.

If you want to know which day in February is "Tell A Fairy Tale Day", you will have to go read LittleLu's article. You can bet that now that I know, I'll be picking out my favorite Fairy Tale to share with little Isabel and Samantha!

I think you will enjoy this lens defining all of the celebrations of February. Some will make you chuckle, some will make you shake your head in wonder, but mostly you will just have a good time. Happy February Everyone!

Image Credit: Valentine by MyValentine