Archive for the ‘Giant Squid’ Category
To Our Newest Giants and 100 Club Members
July 9th, 2010
Congratulations and welcome to our newest Giant Squid lensmasters and members of the 100 Club!
With your new title comes a new badge and some pretty neat perks! The Giant Squids are the most respected lensmasters at Squidoo because they’ve earned that title through hard work and creative genius. We’ve had some discussion in the past about whether or not Giant Squid should be considered a group, or simply a rank. In the past, I was of the opinion that the Giant Squids were a group but I’ve come to think of this in a different way now.
My new way of thinking is that Giant Squid status is whatever each individual lensmaster chooses to make of it.
If you’ve made your 50 lenses and just want to make use of the rewards you’ve earned then I congratulate you on your new Giant Squid rank.
But if you decide to take your rewards, and wisdom, and ideas out into the community and work with others to make Squidoo even better than it already is then I welcome you to the Giant Squid group and applaude your sense of community.
Whichever you type of Giant you choose to be, Bonnie and I just want you to know that we’re proud to have you among us!
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Today’s Featured Purple Star Lenses 7/7/2010
July 8th, 2010
Purple Star Featured Lenses for July 7, 2010
Sesame Street And The Muppets - I love Sesame Street and the Muppets. Sesame Street is such a fun show for kids and adults alike. All the characters are so cute and likable! So how do I get to Sesame Street? Just follow me!
Morroblivion - What do you get when you take two of the greatest games ever, Morrowind and Oblivion, and combine them? Morroblivion.
Jayne Mansfield: Sex Symbol
- Jayne Mansfield, was a sex symbol. She pushed the limits. Often overshadowed by Marilyn Monroe, Jayne broke boundaries. Though her life was cut short, Jayne Mansfield lived life more then most. She suffered tragedy, and conquered the hearts of millio…
Can you return a car? - Many car buyers have “buyer’s remorse” and wrongly believe they can return the car. This site will explain that there is no country wide law in the US or Canada that requires a car dealer or a person selling a car to take a car back. It…
Steamed Puddings - There’s nothing snobbish about a steamed pudding. It doesn’t give itself airs. The allure of the steamed pudding is its simplicity. A simple pudding can often outshine a more exotic production. Served with ice cream or custard, the honest home-cooke…
Chocolate Lollipop Recipes
- Chocolate lollipops are perfect for holidays, birthdays, and any other special event. They can be made in an endless array of colors and designs. From Halloween lollipops to Christmas lollipops, chocolate lollipops can be made to serve all year round…
PlayStation Move | Starter Package, Games, and Accessories
- Sony PlayStation Move is the upcoming and highly anticipated gaming system that can mimic your every movement on-screen in amazing Blu-ray powered HD. This will be the highly advanced PlayStation alternative to the Nintendo Wii. Ready to Move?!
Kids Love Alphabet Foam Playmats! - If you consider buying a carpet for your kids room, I would warmly recommend to consider the alphabet foam playmats in the form of puzzles! I’ve bought 2 sets of these colorful puzzle mats for our girl when she was 10 months old. She’s now f…
The Best-Ever Ginger Crinkles Molasses Cookie Recipe - This recipe for ginger crinkles is definitely a favorite in my house. It is one which we associate with the holidays although there is nothing to keep you from devouring these cookies all year around. It is an extremely easy recipe with all of t…
Look Mom, No Crust! DIY Pocket Sandwiches
- Picky eaters unite! Sandwiches without crusts are now easier than ever to make with all the cool new cutters and molds that are available. It only takes seconds to cut and seal your own pocket sandwiches! No more spending big bucks on those prepackag…
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bar Cookie Recipe
- My favorite bar cookie recipe is Peanut Butter – Chocolate Chip. I’ve been making this recipe for years. I developed it from a plain Peanut Butter bar cookie recipe by adding chocolate chips. It actually calls for coconut, but I thought chocolate chi…
Purple Stars Awarded July 6, 2010
July 7th, 2010
Featured Purple Star Lenses for July 6, 2010
Crafts for Kids Lensography - Kids love crafts and moms, teachers and day care providers are always on the hunt for new crafts for kids. I’m now a grandma, and I still love kid crafts of all types. My favorite subject in school was art; I joined scouts and 4-H because we learned…
Handmade Journals: Garden Journals - If you are interested in both gardening and paper crafts, you will love having a hand made journal to record the details of your garden projects. On the other hand, if you enjoy paper crafts but you don’t have a garden, consider that these journals a…
Lipstick Lore
- This light-hearted lens is devoted to lipstick lore, seductive smiles and wicked wenches who know how to wear it without a smudge or a stain on their teeth! Even more, it’s a lovely luscious look at those who know the value of pucker power, posh pen…
Write, Publish, and Market Your Ebook: Free Step-by-Step Tutorial - If you want to discover step-by-step how to write, publish, and market your ebook, you’ve come to the right place! There are many reasons to write an ebook, including selling it for a profit, as a creativity project, to share your knowledge with oth…
The Best Steam Mop Around - Have you ever seen an infomercial on television and couldn’t stop thinking about the product that was shown? Well that’s how I got my favourite ‘Deluxe Steam Mop’ I first saw it advertised on T.V. and was really impressed with the demonstration that…
Purple Stars Awarded July 2, 2010
July 3rd, 2010
Today’s Featured Purple Star Lenses were created by ohme, Barkely, Janices7, blondeheroine, lokackl, kiwisoutback, athomemomblog, and ElleDeeEsse. With the 4th being celebrated this weekend in the states, don’t miss all the great recipes (and costumes!) There’s also a great travel lens, a bit of poetry, and a special tribute to Squidoo direct from Pendleton. Enjoy!
Top 10 Things To Do In Rome
- Honestly, I’ve been dragging my feet for several months as I mulled over what to include in this lens. Choosing the Top 10 Things To Do in Rome is nearly impossible because there is not only such a diverse collection of things to see, but also an ove…
Emily Dickinson The Less is More Poet - I sat in a small classroom at Salem College in North Carolina. It was the 1970s when the “Women’s Movement,” a term now so quaint, was off to the races. The first episode of Wonder Woman in March 1976 told anybody with doubts about acti…
Dessert Recipe: Chimichanga with Cream Cheese and Strawberries
- When you think of a Mexican recipe, chimichangas are usually thought of as a savory food. They’re great stuffed with chicken or beef, but what many people don’t know is that cheesecake chimichangas are delicious, too! They aren’t actually cheesecake,…
Sopapillas - If you have been following the 2010 FIFA World Cup you can’t help but notice that four of the teams which have made to the Quarter Finals are from South America. So for all those planning a bit of a get together to watch any of the matches coming up…
Squidoo Steps Up To The Plate For Pendleton SC
- The summer of 2010 is one that I will long remember because of the Squidoo Summer Sunshine Award Contest for Charity. Squidoo is a very charity minded organization and they sure have Stepped Up To The Plate for my hometown of Pendleton, South Caroli…
10 Fabulous Summer Backyard Barbecue Dessert Ideas - I love summer desserts! Most of my favorite fruits are in season, and full of flavor. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, and apples, ohhh my! Fruity cool light desserts are what I usually think of when I think of summer desserts. Here…
How to Find the Best 4th of July Costumes for Independence Day: Statue of Liberty, Uncle Sam & More - If you’re in need of the perfect costume for the 4th of July, then you’re in the right place. Whether you need something grandiose or simple for your celebration, you can find it here. Traditionally, patriotic costumes include staples such as Uncle…
4th of July Cookout Recipes - There are thousands of 4th of July cookout recipes out there on the web, but sometimes you wonder if they’ve actually been tested. Has the writer even attempted to make this recipe before? All of the recipes on this page have been tested and made by…
Missing the Stars?
July 2nd, 2010
The Purple Stars have been acting a bit funky this week but have no fear we’ve reported the problem and we’re sure they’ll be back in business very soon. Once we get the go ahead, your nominations will resume being awarded.
We did manage to give out two so far this week; one went to WhiteOak50 and the other went to BoutiqueShops. Their stars might not be visible but they did indeed receive notice and will be sporting their purple asap.
In the meantime, I’d like to take this chance to tell you about July’s Get Cracking Category Challenge. Everyday during July we’ll be posting a different Squidoo topic category for you to build a lens for.
If you complete 15 lenses by the end of the month you’ll get the chance to award one of your own top lenses a purple star AND you get to give another purple star to a deserving lens made by another lensmaster. The exciting part is that this challenge is open to Giants and Not-Yet-A-Giants which means you have the chance to make someone else VERY happy at the end of the challenge.
Be sure to post your finished lenses at our Facebook page: Get Cracking with Bonnie and Robin
Also, since it’s Summer, and we know you might be busy or going away for a vacation, we’re going easy on you: You can create your NEW category lenses on any day of the month and still have them count as long as you have 15 new lenses, each created for a different topic category by July 31st. That means if you want to go back and do yesterday’s challenge instead of today’s, you can!
Please keep a list because we’re going to ask you for it at the end of the challenge! The label tab on your dashboard should make it easy for you to keep track of all your new lenses.
Good luck with the challenge!
And now here’s our two newest Purple Star Lenses:
My Journey to RocketMoms
- Well, I thought what better way to introduce myself than to write a lens. This is my journey through RocketMoms and how I got to this point. When I received an invitation from Bonnie to join RocketMoms, I was both excited and confused. I knew that I…
Who Am I? The Best Is Yet To Come - We reach a point sometimes when reflection about our lives makes us ask, “Who Am I?” This is especially true when there’s been a critical life event, such as the death of a loved one. I started the reflections on my life when my Mother/best friend p…
Backtracking Those Missing Purple Stars
June 26th, 2010
Featured Purple Star Lenses Awarded Week Ending 6/11/2010
With all the hub-bub of redesigning the Giant Squid Showcase I inadvertently missed posting the list of wonderful lenses that were awarded Purple Stars during the week that ended 6/11/2010. Please accept my apologies and enjoy a visit to each of these terrific lenses over the weekend.
The Endless Knot Symbol - Symmetrical knots that tie into themselves; without beginning or end; are a universal symbol of the eternity of life, the eternity of nature, and the eternity of love. The well-known expression, “tying the knot”; meaning to get married or engaged, o…
Unusual London Street Names - If you’ve ever visited London or are one of the many people who live here, no doubt you’ve wondered at some point just how some of the streets in London came by their names. In this lens, I shall be asking the questions, ‘How did they arise?’ and ‘W…
How to Write a Sympathy Card - Sending your sympathy following the death of a loved one or a major loss is still best done by sending a hand-written card, a note or a letter. It is estimated that Americans send nearly 125 million sympathy cards annually for many different types o…
Romantic Cottage Bedroom: Decorating Ideas - Are you looking for ideas to decorate your bedroom into a Romantic Cottage style? The Romantic Cottage style is very similar to the shabby chic or cottage decorating style with some romance thrown in! Rooms usually include florals, soft pink and gree…
Louis XIV, The Sun King - King Louis XIV, alias the Sun King, had the longest reign of the French monarchic history but who actually knows the man hired behind the king? Here is the story of King Sun Louis.
Ferrari 308 – Affordable classic (Magnum’s car) - The Ferrari 308 is an affordable Classic car; inexpensive to run and purchase, but with looks that still turn heads. And of course you will look like Magnum star, Tom Selleck! The Ferrari 308 and the almost identical 328 that followed were mid-engi…
Palak Paneer Recipe - Palak Paneer is a traditional North Indian delicacy and is an integral part of the Punjabi cuisine. It is also one of my favourite dishes. Not just because I love both palak and paneer but also because it always transports me back to my younger days…
Tea vs Coffee
- Tea and coffee are the most popular hot drinks in the world, so it’s only natural that there’s a big rivalry between the two. When talking about tea, it’s great health benefits are usually mentioned; on the other hand, coffee companies often emphasiz…
SENIOR SNICKERS
- This light-hearted lens is devoted to a few flippant freedom-fifty fivers plus other odd bods (who are members of the outrageous over-the-hill gang). Every family has one…a demeure duchess or gorgeous granny who giggles under her breath as she ann…
In Cold Blood - I have been fascinated by the author Truman Capote since I first saw the 1967 film, In Cold Blood, based on his captivating 1966 book by the same name. When I saw the riveting 2005 film, Capote, it renewed my interest in the book and the film about…
Pencils, Pencils, Pencils!!! - A pencil … a simple everyday pencil … is something we take for granted. Everyone has one, ten, seventy, or hundreds probably! But what do we know about this common little item? Have you ever thought about how they makes our life easier? Have you…
75 Spring Tulip Mousepads
- I love Springtime and the Colors of Spring. Beautiful tulips and spring flowers start to bloom and suddenly the fields and gardens come alive with brilliant color. Celebrate Color and Spring all year-round with a Colorful Spring Tulip Mousepad. Thes…
Artist John Sloane - The painting shown to the left is one of my favorite paintings by artist John Sloane. I say “one” of my favorites because each John Sloane painting I see becomes my favorite for that moment in time. Nostalgic images such as old schoolhouses, horse d…
A Home of my Own – Piece by Piece - I’m tired of paying rent, and I’ve always wanted a home of my own. I have been giving an enormous amount of money to strangers just to have a roof over my head, and have watched my savings dwindle because of it. I knew I could not go on like this ind…
Squidoo’s Summer Sunshine Award Nominees - Squidoo is so good to charities and now they are having this wonderful summer contest, Squidoo Summer Sunshine Award for Charity. In case you haven’t heard, Squidoo will be giving away $99 a day to a charity plus $99 a day to the lensmaster who crea…
Ideas for Meatless Meals - Many people wish to eat less meat, some because of grocery costs and others because of ethical concerns. If you want to eat lighter as many people do in the summer time, you might want to add some vegetarian dishes to your menus and cut down on the m…
Wizard of Oz Success! - The Northwest Washington Theatre Group’s production of The Wizard of Oz was a wonderful success! We sold a lot of tickets and had a lot of community participation. Thanks to all who made this musical a success! Everyone did a fabulous job from the ac…
Wincanton, England and My Vining Ancestors
- For many years, my mother followed leads, combed through public records and compiled the family genealogy. Now it’s time for the next generation to take up the work. At 85, my mom is busy writing her memoirs, so she’s glad to have someone else tackle…
Love Is Not An Island - Welcome! This is a lens to share with you poems I have written through the years. I have not shared a lot of these poems other than here and in my books. Poetry seems to be a different language. I started writing poetry at 12 with no knowledge of po…
I Worked At the Steps of Route 66 - Route 66 is an American icon. It is a wandering road of legends, stories and myths. It is a concrete system that can be stood upon and a liberation that can be lost in a few missteps. No other road in the United States has the popularity or recognit…
Purple Stars Awarded 6/24/2010
June 25th, 2010
Today’s purple star lenses include a timely and delicious strawberry shortcake recipe by prosperity66, a look at some of our fowl friends by GramaBarb, and just in time for the 4th of July here in the states a salute to being a proud American by Bethd821. Enjoy!
Today’s Featured Purple Star Lenses
Strawberry Shortcake Dessert
- When we talk about strawberries, strawberry pie or cake is the next idea that comes to mind. And what about… strawberry shortcake? It is a delicious and mouth watering dessert! What does shortcake stand for? Actually it does mean “biscuit” – it is…
Ducks, Geese and Swans - Anatidae is the biological family that includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. Do you know that the duck’s feet cannot feel cold even if it swims in icy cold water ? Well, the reason for this is because its feet has…
I Love The USA - I am proud to be an American. I love my country. I have traveled outside its borders and have been very glad when I got home. Don’t get me wrong, there are other great countries in this small world of ours, but in my opinion the US is the best place…
Purple Stars Awarded 6/21/2010
June 22nd, 2010
Today’s Featured Purple Star Lenses include an awesome book review by Joan4, a timely lens containing a multitude of ideas for hosting your next World Cup party by ElleDeeEsse and a very personal review of the Flip camcorder by BarbRad. Enjoy!
Time Is A River - Time is a River is a book for every woman, but most especially women who are struggling or have struggled. It is a story of one woman’s victory over breast cancer, her own emotional ups and downs and her divorce. I was totally inspired by Mia’s stor…
How To Host A World Cup Party - In the month long event that is the FIFA World Cup, 32 soccer teams representing their country will compete for the glory of the title and the trophy. The tournament is held every four years and this year will see South Africa host the event which ki…
Why I love my Flip Camcorder - Shortly after Christmas in early 2010, I saw a Flip Ultra on sale at Costco, complete with a small tripod and a cloth case. I had heard about Flips, and couldn’t resist, since I have wanted to be able to make my own videos for a long time. But I didn…
Serious Purple and a Bit of Fun
June 20th, 2010
Two of today’s Purple Stars were awarded to lenses of a serious nature, the third, not so much.
Don’t let the title Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels of Kokoda fool you. The lens by skiesgreen contains a history lesson about the horrors of war along the Kokoda Track in New Guinea 1942. And if that isn’t intriguing enough to make you want to read it, the lens also contains a bit of poetry.
Our second serious lens is by Lisadh and shares information about how sunscreens are damaging the ocean’s corals and how you can help by using Eco-Friendly Sunscreens.
For a bit of fun, after reading about the serious stuff, be sure to stop by Entertaining Excuses by our own QuippingQueen. It’s guaranteed to turn your frown upside down.
Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels of Kokoda - Australians recall two sacred sites when remembering their war dead. Anzac Cove in Turkey and the Kokoda Track in New Guinea. The former is for another lens but recent events has stirred my recall of a very special people who are in need and of a par…
Try an Eco-Friendly Sunscreen: Ocean Corals and Your Skin Will Thank You
- Each summer, beach lovers all over the world head to their favorite sandy shores slathered in sunscreen that is supposed to protect us from skin cancer, wrinkles, and other dangers of exposure to the sun. But the lotions and sprays we apply to protec…
ENTERTAINING EXCUSES Go now. Read. Come back and discuss if you like.
And be sure to send us your own nominations for Giant-Squid-Written Purple Star lenses. You can send them in anonymously, or tell us to post your comments along with the lens. It’s up to you but you have to let us know when you send your nomination to: purplestar@squidoo.com
Results of Yesterdays Purple Star Challenge
June 19th, 2010
Here are all of the NEW lenses that were awarded Purple Stars as a result of yesterday’s Get Cracking with Bonnie and Robin Challenge
Recap: June 17th 2010 Facebook post: “Today’s treasure is Purple! Create an amazing lens today and you might just find yourself with a Purple Star. We’ll review all lenses for quality! Post your lenses on this thread. One per lensmaster please. Also be sure to join the Purple Stars on Facebook.”
Get Cracking with Bonnie and Robin Challenge June 17, 2010
Sam: Feline Leukemia Survivor - My friend, Susan Golis is a friend of animals. She writes about the plight of homeless or feral cats. Personally she has rescued a number of cats from the horrors of homelessness. This lens profiles a special cat that Susan rescued. His name is Sam…
Big Red Bows - I have made this page in celebration of the New Big Red Bow Club here on Squidoo. The Big Red Bow Club is where you will find many great lenses written about all the great things that surround our Christmas Holiday like Fun Traditions, Gift Ideas, Ho…
Barefoot Running - I have been an avid runner since my second child was born in 2005 … I needed an outlet and a way to stay is shape. Running became my passion. I trained for and completed 3 marathons … then I developed Plantars Faciitis in my right heel that would…
Patriotic and Fireworks Gifts
- In the sprit of patriotism, we often buy products with the American flag on the gifts and cards, mugs, hats, mousepads, keychains, buttons and refrigerator magnets. On Zazzle many other countries proudly display products with their countries flag to…
Crazy Adventures - Good or bad, I take a lot of happiness from the fact that I can look back at my life and know that it hasn’t been boring. Crazy adventures are the source of wonderful stories and a lot of learning experiences. I’m hoping that this lens becomes a mem…
YuGiOh Struggle of Chaos - Struggle of Chaos was the seventh YuGiOh! booster in the OCG’s seventh series, and was an absolute classic! This information page on Struggle of Chaos contains a background to the release, a full card list, vidoes, featured cards and much more beside…
Bible Coloring Pages – Old Testament - I am very excited to be able to share this huge and growing list of Bible coloring pages with you. My goal is to find coloring pages to enable you to color your way through the entire Old Testament section of the Bible. Years ago when my children we…
Mothers Squash Casserole Recipe - This is one my favorite holiday dishes. When we plan a holiday dinner, which is every major holiday and every family birthday, this is my first request. I have always loved growing my own squash for this recipe. If you are a squash lover, you may fi…
Crafts for Kids – Fiesta Crafts - Children will enjoy learning about Mexican culture by making easy fiesta crafts, party decorations and fiesta theme coloring pages. Children can celebrate Fiesta, Cinco de Mayo, Dia de los Muertos or any other reason to have a fiesta style party wit…
A Book And A Movie Gift Set: A Ballet Shoes Movie Review
- The unconventional family in the movie Ballet Shoes starts out as one lonely old, world-travelling bachelor living alone in London in the 1930s. First to arrive on Great Uncle Matthew’s doorstep, are his young niece, newly orphaned, and her Nanna. H…
Lighting for your HO Scale Model Locomotive - I purchased the Life-Like Trans-American Express Electric Train Set from Amazon. It was a cute starter set with pretty good detail, the one thing I did notice was the poor lighting setup in the locomotive. It had a single incandescent light bulb and…
Back to the 50s Annual Minnesota Car Show - Do you have a love for classic cars? Where can you find over 11,000 classics in one place? At the Back to the 50′s Car Show in St. Paul Minnesota hosted by the MSRA (Minnesota Street Rod Association)! I’ve created this lens to share with you the sigh…
Jungle Themed Baby Shower - Your guests are sure to have a roaring good time at a jungle-themed baby shower! Tons of party stores sell fun and festive animal supplies so it is pretty easy to put this type of party together. And what I love most about jungle themed parties is th…
Why you will love the African-American Heritage Hymnal
- A lot of the songs that are sung in African-American churches have been passed down as an oral tradition. You don’t remember when you heard the song for the first time, it feels like you were born knowing it. You sing it in services, and pretty soon…