Giant Squid Community Showcase

Purple Stars Awarded Week Ending 11/13/2009

rms — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Here’s your weekly dose of Purple Stars!

As always these lenses appear in no particular order and each is worthy of a visit from you!

Utilizing the Blackbox Module
The Christmas Fair
Who Would Drink Raw Milk?
Eating the Placenta After Giving Birth
Flute Accessories for Aspiring Flute Players
My Top Ten Red Hot Chili Pepper Songs
Greatest Sax Solo
Fuzzy Dice
Alfa Romeo Spider (Star of the Graduate Film)
Quaker State Vintage Advertising
Uncle Shlomos Pushcart at Zazzle
My Daughter has Marfan’s Syndrome
Holiday Tips for Special Needs Kids
Profile of a School Shooter
Redwall by Brian Jacques
Historic City of York England
Visit D-Day Beaches in Normandy
Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Crafty Christmas – Decorations, Gifts, Giftwrap and More
Roast Chicken with some Good Friends

Want to learn more about Squidoo’s Purple Star Program? Visit The Purple Star Program lens!

And a big thank you to all of you who have been sending your Giant Squid Purple Star recommendations to: purplestar@squidoo.com, we really appreciate it!

Want to be eligible for Purple Stars? Join us at the Giant Squid Ning Community for a leg up! Whether you are going for Giant or 100 Club member on December 31st or one of our other quarterly deadlines, you’ll find all the help you need at the Giant Squid Challenge Ning.

Visit the Giant Squid Challenge Ning Lens to learn how to join us there!

New Giant Squid Challenge

24websurf – Epic Farms Donations

rms — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:54:34 +0000

New Giant Squid 24websurf would like you to take a look at Epic Farms Donations.

Here’s why:

This lens is important to me because I feel that Epic Farms needs to have as much help as they can get to save these lovely horses that have no control over their own fate.

Jen is one of our very own RocketMoms and Squidoo Giants and is a breast cancer survivor. She introduced me to Shadow early in our RocketMom session 1 assignments and I was hooked. As I learned more about Jen and worked my way through the Epic Farms website I read the stories and backgrounds of the horses. My heart wept and my eyes cried many tears at the horrors these poor beauties had endured in their lives.

I have always had a soft spot for animals. I was raised with the belief that when we adopt an animal into our homes, we are responsible for their health and well being, that we are being given a trust by that animal not to injure or harm them. That belief has made me very aware of the atrocities some animals endure at the hands of a trusted owner.

We all need a cause, something that makes us feel like we can make a difference in the lives of others, whether the others are human or not. This lens was made to help bring Jen and Epic Farms into the foreground and show the plight of horses after they have outlived their “show worthy” days. ~ 24websurf

This lens is a terrific example of how you can help out your favorite charities all year long at Squidoo, and not just at Thanksgiving.

Visit today!

http://www.squidoo.com/epic-farms-donations

Photahsiamirabel – Lisa Gabriel’s Choral Music

rms — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:40:34 +0000

New Giant Photahsiamirabel would like you all to take a look at Lisa Gabriel’s Choral Music.

Here’s why:

I had a tough time choosing what I felt mattered most. My expertise is as a guitarist and teacher, I have several websites because I have to keep work and business separate. (That’s the rules.) The lenses I have written to help people have yet to find their niche, so I was wavering between cats, music, poetry and Colin’s art. In the end it was down to my choral music lens. I make very little money out of this aspect of composing yet it is what I enjoy most, so here is: Lisa Gabriel’s Choral Music

The lens just illustrates a few of my original choral compositions, with links to Lulu, where actual printed scores can be bought, and sibelius music where my on-line music store is.

Visit my sibelius store.

Visit my home page.

I guess if I had an independent income I would probably spend a great deal of time composing, so hopefully this is the right lens to choose to represent who I am in real life.

Thank you. ~ Photahsiamirabel

http://www.squidoo.com/LisasAnthems

Spotlight on Bevspaper

rms — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:24:43 +0000

Today we shine the Giant Squid Spotlight on one of our Greeters, Bevspaper

Bevspaper tells us about her other endeavor, The Paper Trail, shares her favorite lens with us and more.

1. Tell us a little about your other endeavor, The Paper Trail.
I started my online business in March of 1997 specializing in ephemera or paper collectibles. In the beginning I concentrated specifically on the advertisements from old magazines. My little business has evolved since those early days to include all forms of ephemera. “What the heck is ephemera”, you ask. It is a branch of the antique and collectible industry that includes items that were meant for one use or a short term use and then thrown away. Pretty much if it was made with paper, my shop The Paper Trail carries it. Much of my inventory is also displayed at a local brick and mortar Antique Mall that I help to run here in Central Indiana. It is my love of the illustrators of the past that keeps me excited about the advertising in the magazines, the cover art, and the illustrations in old books that feeds my passion for my busin
ess.

2. In addition to being a 100 Club member you are also one of the Giant Squid Greeters. Which part of that job do you enjoy most?
The very best part of my job as a Giant Squid Greeter is meeting new lensmasters and encouraging them on their journey to becoming a Giant Squid. Sharing tips with them and watching them grow in their lensmaking skills is truly rewarding. I love helping them find answers on how to do things and just letting them know that they are a part of the Squidoo Family. I remember how good it made me feel when a Giant Squid sent me a little note of encouragement and it feels really wonderful to be able to be that person for someone now. It gives me a sense of giving back to the community that helped me along. A pay it forward, if you will.

3. Which of your many lenses is your favorite and why?
There are several that I really had fun writing and researching. The one closest to my heart and the one that was the most difficult to write is He Chose Suicide. Writing it allowed me to let go of some pain that needed released. It also gave me an opportunity to reach out to people who are grieving over the same loss and to let them know that they aren’t alone. And if by reading the lens, one person changes their mind…well that is pretty powerful.

4. Fiction or Non-Fiction?

Most definately – Fiction. It’s nice to visit a make believe world and escape the pressures of every day life.

Purple Stars Awarded Week Ending 11/6/2009

rms — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:19:06 +0000

Here is your weekly list of Purpley Goodness!

As always the lenses appear in no particular order. Visit and enjoy!

Keep those Giant Squid lens nominations coming to: Purplestar(at)squidoo.com

Learn more about Squidoo’s Purple Stars at: The Purple Star Program!

Giant Squid Challenge Ning Feedback

rms — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:35:45 +0000

I asked members of the Giant Squid Challenge to share feedback with me about their experience, so far, at the Ning.

Here’s what they had to say:

“I love the Challenge Ning! It helps me to stay organized about what needs to be done, aids me in getting help, also I can see who else is going for giant squid or the 100 club. I think this Ning was a great idea! Also everything I need to know about the challenge is all here in one place.” ~jewelsofawe – Making Money with Zazzle

“I love the Giant Squid Ning. The only thing I would change is the way we post our latest lenses. If there was one thread for each new lens post it would be much easier to see what has been posted as new or replied to. Other than that it has been so helpful.” ~Horse and Pony- My Journey to Giant Squid

“I love this group. I think that the Critique Me forum in here is better than the SquidU. But I’ll still use both. Don’t wanna waste the opportunity to get more ways to improve. Also I don’t wanna miss out on creating back links. Hehe.
I just joined the cook-off challenge for thanksgiving, and the lens is in process. Thanks for giving the heads up, I don’t think I would be able to notice the event without the alert in this group. Anyways, thank you for letting me in to the group. Hope I turn into a giant by the end of the year.” ~Kapalbility - Words Have Power Be Careful What You Say

“The Giant Squid Challenge has been a great help to me – I never thought I could ever do more than one lens a month but with the mentors’ guidance and everyone’s help/critiques/comments, I’ve been encouraged more than ever to make my lenses better and think of topics of greater interest. Thanks for your time in helping us achieve our goal of reaching Giant Squid status.” ~arncyn – Pop-Up Books for Kids and Grown-Ups Alike

If you’re ready to get serious about Squidoo and want to become a Giant Squid Lensmaster or a new member of the 100 Club why not join us at the Challenge Ning.

Learn more about it and how to join us here: New Giant Squid Challenge

Motorpurr – Internet Fame for Cats

rms — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:11:45 +0000

New Giant Squid Lensmaster Motorpurr would like you to take a look at Internet Fame for Cats.

Here’s why:

Over time I became a bit of an expert at getting my cats pics on front pages of cat internet blogs and sites. It’s like when your kid gets his or hers photo in the local paper for a great accomplishment. It all started years ago when my cat pizazz got her photo published in a real book.

When I discovered Squidoo, making a lens to help people show off their cat was the first thing that come to mind since you should write about something you are passionate about.

I actually spent 6 months collecting info and photos for the lens. One thing I waited for was a response from Bad Cat on how people can apply for the calendar. His response is in the lens.

I’m always checking new sites out and posting my cats. I have created a PDF check list that is available right on the lens for people to print out. It is one page and a line to add your cat’s name and space for notes. I update it if a site goes away.

Now keep in mind that all these sites accept dogs or have a twin site for dogs. ~Motorpurr

This adorable lens is loaded with cute pet photos and good information! Take a look!

http://www.squidoo.com/internet_cat_fame

Hangin With – Sylvestermouse

rms — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:53:01 +0000

New Giant Squid Lensmaster Sylvestermouse would like you to take a look at: Hangin with Sylvestermouse and her Favorite Animals.

Here’s Why:

It is difficult to choose one lens. Each lens I have published has personal attachment. I joined Squidoo with the sole intent of promoting my ebay business, but I found a venue where I could write about things I didn’t even know I wanted to talk about. There are a lot of super people on Squidoo and I have been absolutely amazed at how supportive so many have been of my efforts and how generous they have been with their time, comments and help. I honestly feel like I have made several really good friends and I treasure their friendships.

Since I cannot easily choose a lens, I will go with the one that was the most requested lens. I started writing the “Hangin with” series of lenses when I introduced my “Hangin with a Luna Moth” lens. It was the first lens I submitted in the Giant Squid challenge. It received such a tremendous response, that I continued writing about other animals that are fascinating to me. After writing a few more “Hangin with” lenses, I started receiving requests from other lensmasters to write a compilation lens. After I had written a few more, I finally made the “Hangin with Sylvestermouse and Her Favorite Animals” lens.

This lens features only a few of the beautiful animals in our world. I will continue to write lenses that feature interesting, endangered or threatened animals in our world with the hope of introducing others to these wonderful creatures and bringing attention to the need to protect them from extinction. If nothing else, I want everyone to take a moment to enjoy them while we still can.
Sincerely ~ Sylvestermouse

Sylvestermouse is creating a great group of niche lenses with her “Hangin With” series. Be sure to take a look to get ideas for your own niche topic.

http://www.squidoo.com/Animal-Habitat

Squidoo Thanksgiving Charity Cookoff Kickoff

rms — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:43:04 +0000

One lens from you could mean $1000.00 (or more) to your favorite charity!

Starting November 1st 2009, Squidoo will be giving away $1000 to charity every day through Thanksgiving. With a $5000 grand prize vote-off on Thanksgiving Day.

Learn more here:

The Official Squidoo Thanksgiving Cookoff (for charity)

Starting November 1st 2009, Squidoo will be giving away $1000 to charity every day through Thanksgiving. With a $5000 grand prize vote-off on Thanksgiving Day.

Here’s how it works:

* Win $1000 for your favorite charity on our list of over 100 charities
* And get featured as the Lens of the Day (with exposure to over 100,000 people)
* And have fun sharing your best food and kitchen tips and recommendations.
*And even get a cute exclusive Thanksgiving theme on your lens….

Then enter the virtual Cookoff here!

PS: I’ll be featuring the winners at my Cabaret Squidoo Best Recipes Arcade too!

Happy Halloween

rms — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:06:59 +0000

Wishing you and yours a spooky fun All Hallows Eve!

To celebrate, I’m going to put on my costume , turn up the Halloween Music.

Carve my Pumpkins.

Make some Halloween Treats.

Read a Spooky Poem then watch my favorite scary movie.

What are you doing tonight?

Photo appears courtesy of Allposters.com.