Squidoo : Lenses by KarenKay

Ancient Alexandria

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:14:07 -0600

For hundreds of years, the city of Alexandria was the golden capital of Greece. Bearing one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World as her beacon to sailors for a hundred miles, the Lighthouse of Alexandria on Pharos, she was a haven for fishermen, Hebrews, Greeks and their gods. Before the discovery and development of the city by Alexander the Great, the area was the village of Rhakotis. It was likely a fishing village, but the significance of Rhakotis is the subject of some debate. While the Greek claim the city as historically "Greek", there is evidence it may have more of an Egyptian history prior to Greek rule, as the city of Rhakotis. After the fall of Greece, the furthermost point of the city, which had been the quarters of Cleopatra VII, gradually fell into the sea. A series of earthquakes and tidal waves left this entire section of the city underwater, where it lay for many centuries. Only in recent years have the remains been explored.

Dolphin Tale

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:49:10 -0600

"Dolphin Tale", the movie, released September 23, 2011, is based on the story of a young dolphin found caught in a crab trap in 2005. She was found on Mosquito Lagoon at Canaveral National Seashore by fisherman Jim Savage. Savage released her from the trap and so began a cherished love affair between "Winter', the dolphin and the world. Winter's injuries caused her to lose her tail, which raised the question of her being able to survive. Winter's courage and determination inspires others, especially those who have trouble adjusting to losing a limb. In the film, Winter is found by a lonely kid, whose relationship with Winter was at least partially inspired by a real relationship between the Dolphin with no tail and a little girl named Katrina. See more on her story in the module below. The story line is changed, but Winter still gets to play herself. Her story of courage and perseverance is inspiring both in real life and in the film version. Photo taken from Winter's Webcam

The Mariana Trench

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:30:00 -0600

If you turned Mount Everest upside down, then went another mile deep, you'd be as deep as the Mariana Trench. It is not only the deepest part in the ocean, but the deepest part of the world! This deep end of the ocean has only been explored once by humans. In 1960 Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh went there in a fishing boat converted into a sea lab. The bathyscaphe, or "deep ship" (aka a free-diving self-propelled deep-sea submersible) was named Trieste. It was named after the city in which it was built, on the border between Italy and Yugoslavia. While the voyage was a great success, Piccard and Walsh's journey has never been repeated. They remain the only humans to venture into these deep waters. The environment is too toxic to risk further exploration until safer and more sophisticated equipment is created. Meanwhile, unmanned journeys since theirs have managed to shed more "light" on this dark and deep mysterious space. Update: Stay tuned! Now there are multiple projects in the works to get to the bottom once again! See more in the news updates below!

Whale Songs

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:52:42 -0600

Much of the water of the oceans is murky. Even when it is not, it is difficult to see underwater, especially for mammals. Imagine, being the largest mammal to ever breathe on our planet, and having to swim through the ocean with such limited visibility. Now, add to that, you have no external ear. Your do not really "hear" like humans, but instead detect sound waves via a fat pad between your mandible and middle ear. This "inner ear" is how you navigate the waters of the ocean. By using clicking noises, you create a sound which bounces off obstacles in your path. This is a talent you have perfected over millions of years. It allows you to soar through the oceans at great speed and confidence. Baleen whales, generally larger than toothed whales, have vocal chords and are the whales we think of as "singing". Most scientists agree the songs are for mating. However, it is not clear why some sing when no mating activity is involved. These gentle and romantic giants have so much to teach us, and we are only beginning to be able to decipher their song. Photo: Humpback Whales in the Singing Position

San Quentin

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:18:04 -0600

San Quentin is California's oldest and best known correctional institution. The prison today includes a reception center for new commitments, a parole violator unit, general population units, and a minimum security work crew unit. The state's only gas chamber and death row for all male condemned inmates are located at San Quentin. .....California Dept of Corrections There is a certain mystique surrounding San Quentin. Perhaps it is because it is the oldest California prison, operating since 1852 Tales abound from multiple famous prisoners, such as mass murderer Charles Manson, and country music legend Waylon Jennings. The prison compound is so huge, it has its own zip code. The entire facility includes a fire department, school, and working plants for inmates who receive 'on the job' training. While I am no fan of prison life, or gangs, or the death penalty for that matter, there is a lot of history here and I believe the story of San Quentin is a powerful one that needs to be told. Photo above titled "Duck escaping San Quentin State Prison" by Pepino1976 .....

Tent Cities in America

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:14:11 -0600

This is the most desperate our citizens have been since the great depression. Tent cities are springing up everywhere. People are simply not able to support themselves right now. What are we doing about it? I am seeing a lot of blame, but is that really helping? Do we really think it is helping these people to make it a poltical issue? It is a humanitarian issue. Let's get down there and help our neighbors, folks. If a group needs to camp in the property adjacent to your neighborhood and they politely ask you and you say it is okay, do not call the city and complain the next day. If someone less fortunate than ourselves is not the right "religion" or of the political affiliation that you approve of, please do not turn your back on them. If you have extra food in your pantry, share it. If you have an extra dollar in your wallet, give it. This is not the time to be divisive, America. This is the time to come together. We need each other more now than ever. There is no more time for bickering. Save the arguments for when the house is not burning down. Let us not throw fire on fire. Let's put this baby out. Let's end homelessness in America now!

Diving with Sharks

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:24:59 -0600

Shark diving is a growing industry, and that is good news for sharks! Why? because the more interest and investment we put on observing these great and nearly prehistoric beasts of the ocean, the less is spent on killing them. Sharks are the top of the food chain in the ocean, and 3rd grade science teaches us that the food chain is imperative for maintaining the health of the ecosystem. It is way better for the human condition to spend time studying and watching in awe, at over 1000 species of shark than to eat shark fin soup! (Yuck anyway!) What are the safest and most effective ways to shark dive and the most productive ways to save the species? Let's take a look! Photo credit: Willy Volk

The Haserot Angel

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:32:46 -0600

Why would an angel cry? The Haserot Angel, who guards the grave of Frances Haserot in Lake View Cemetery near Cleveland Ohio, has permanent tears. Haunting, yet beautiful, the Angel mourns and holds his quiet keep, revering the dead for 80 plus years now. Thousands visit the cemetery to see this famous monument. His expression: solemn, steadfast, honorable.... never changes, though covered perhaps in snow or fallen leaves, his tears continue to fall. There are no words to describe the feeling that came over me the first time I viewed him. I wanted to comfort him. I wanted to embrace him. He seemed so real....so emotional. There are many images on the web of him. Very few are available for use. I share here as many as I can, and point you to even more. I hope your introduction to this mysterious angel is as powerful as mine!

Sunken Treasures of the Frau Maria

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:03:28 -0600

Perhaps lost forever beneath Finnish waters, the Frau Maria contained several works of art which was newly acquired by Catherine the Great and bound for her newly commissioned and beloved St Petersburg Museum. The voyage took off in 1771 and met her fate at the ocean floor soon after. The lost works include 24 paintings by Dutch artists, including Rembrant and Van Goyen, some of which were never seen publicly. These paintings were supposedly very carefully sealed for shipment, and it is believed they could have survived all these years. The find is of huge importance for the art world, and if the works are recovered, would be a gift beyond measure. The problem in retrieving the treasures is in the politics. Three different countries claim ownership, and no one seems to have enough money to take on the enormous task of raising the ship, which would be a long and painstaking process. Hopefully they can work it out. The idea of finding such a rare treasure, only to let it continue to lie hidden from the world in perpetuity seems a crime to us all.

Sally Hemings

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 21:20:44 -0600

Sally Hemings was born to slave master and sea captain, John Wayles and his slave Elizabeth "Betty" Hemings. John Wayles died the year Sally was born. Sally's family then became the property of Thomas Jefferson. Sally's oldest son, Madison Hemmings, claimed that Thomas Jefferson is the father of Sally's children. This was further argued by Eugene Abram Foster, who conducted a prominent DNA study that linked descendants of Thomas Jefferson to Sally Hemings.

The Haunted Stanley Hotel

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:10:01 -0600

If a hotel is creepy enough to raise the hair on the back of Stephen King's neck, you can bet it's got to be a scary place! Even though King's novel "The Shining" is fiction, the inspiration for the book is a very real place. Now there are real ghost stories about the Stanley Hotel which are based on true fact. This lens explores some of those, as well as celebrates the story of "The Shining" and the incredibly frightening film based on the novel. Jack Nicholson was perfectly cast as the caretaker who lets the place scare him nutty. Just be careful you do not fall victim to his same fate! Beware the ghosts of The Stanley Hotel!

Laughing Till Your Sides Hurt

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:16:24 -0600

Every now and then, someone sends me an email that is so funny that I laugh till my sides hurt! I figure it's a waste not to share! Instead of forwarding to a million people, I am going to start adding them to this page! The one that got me going was sent to me by my friend Barb about funny things people actually said in court! I laughed so hard I was crying! This is hysterical stuff and I just had to share it! Photo Credit: Justin's Photographs

The Polar Bear

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:55:18 -0600

When I joined the World Wildlife Fund, I got to "adopt" a Polar Bear. They sent me a little plush Polar Bear Cub - so cute! I guess I've always been a fan of these big fluffy white bears. They are so cool (ha!) with their pristine environment - all that white! Ice and Snow looks pretty inviting to this Southern Mississippi girl who knows little of snow and the only Ice I get is in my sweet tea! Maybe I like them because I'm a Coca Cola freak too. Their Polar Bear campaign might have sold me as much on Polar Bears as it did on Coke. I understand they're doing it again, this time for the Polar Bear's sake. Yay Coke! photo: FlickerFavorites

The Old Sears Catalog

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:25:24 -0600

This is a fun topic for me to talk about, but I must say I also hate to see that Sears may be closing its doors soon. I hope in some small way the attention from this lens helps to at least keep the catalog business running for many years to come. Why do a lens on a catalog? The old Sears Catalog is not just any catalog. Sears and Roebuck were the first to mass produce catalogs and sell through mail order. The industrial revolution helped to make Sears a huge success. If you are over 40, you probably have childhood memories of the Sears Catalog like I do. I remember my brother and I going through the catalog every year around Thanksgiving and circling every single thing we wanted in the whole book, which was something like 500 pages back then. Somehow Santa magically got all those circled pages and managed to get at least some of our wishlist under the tree every single year! Another funny memory is my Nana and Papa remodeled an old home and kept the old outhouse in the back yard as a kind of funny conversation piece. Nana put an old Sears Catalog in the outhouse for authenticity. I did not know for many years what that was for......but apparently the old issues made excellent toilet paper! From the Sears Archives: http://www.searsarchives.com/catalogs/history.htm The 1943 Sears News Graphic wrote that the Sears catalog, "serves as a mirror of our times, recording for future historians today's desires, habits, customs, and mode of living." The roots of the Sears catalog are as old as the company. In 1888, Richard Sears first used a printed mailer to advertise watches and jewelry. Under the banner "The R.W. Sears Watch Co." Sears promised his customers that, "we warrant every American watch sold by us, with fair usage, an accurate time keeper for six years - during which time, under our written guarantee we are compelled to keep it in perfect order free of charge."

Wicked Witches

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:40:20 -0600

Where does the image of a "Wicked Witch" come from? What makes a Witch "Wicked"? Do real "wicked witches" even exist? It is the answers to these questions and more that let me to create this lens on the lore. Wicked Witches - the Epithet A Witch, a Hag, Pointy Hat, in rags, Travels on broomsticks and conjures up spirits With mysterious potions, and harrowing motions And all of her pomp and debauchery Seems only to foil and trip on her seams In every fairy tale we glean Our Wicked Witches are green and scary their long bony fingers frighteningly hairy With big ugly noses and warts they tarry And cackle more awful than moaning black cats As if nothing could really sound much worse than that They cast magic spells and the stories they tell Put kids in a trance so they dream the black hat In the end wicked witches fear not - but they should, For their "wicked" is weak as their empty black hood kkay - October 2010 Photo: Crone by R2K

Bobo The Clown

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 15:48:31 -0600

Chester "Bobo" Barnett was a famous Circus Clown during the early to mid 20th century. For many years he traveled the country making people laugh. With his huge build and tiny car act, dancing dogs and eerily sad trumpet song, the clown melted hearts from east to west, north to south, and every town in between. The one heart he missed, tragically was that of his own daughter. She tells her story in her new book, "Bobo's Daughter". It is on reading about Bonnie and her book that I was inspired to create this lens. Not just to celebrate the life of Bobo, but to celebrate the healing process of his Daughter Bonnie.

Squidward Tentacles

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:05:35 -0600

"I am Squidward Tentacles and you better not mess with me"! Squidward, through his raucus shenanigans and gnashing of teeth, likes to come off as a tough guy, but his skinny limbs and awkward features just don't pull it off. He plays the clarinet, yet loves to hang out his tower window and shake his fist at Spongebog, not to mention the fact that he gives the poor guy even more trouble at the Crusty Crab where they both work. He's the "Grinch" of Bikini Bottom and you can count on him "learning his lesson" in nearly every episode. But he has a short memory. Soon he's always back to his same old grumpy self.

Mal's St Paddy's Day Parade and the Sweet Potato Queens

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:09:58 -0600

You might have heard about the crazy St Paddy's day parade we have every year down in Jackson, MS. If not, the big stars are the Sweet Pototo Queens (left) and their millions (okay thousands) of adoring fans called "wannabees". I will let you read more about the queens on their site so I don't get slapped (they're pretty particular....because they can be!) just go read about them here The whole thing is nuts but it is a hoot too and that makes for quite a party! Women and their "Spud Studs" get to dress all out in sequins and bling, and act like queens for a good cause - the Blair E Batson Hospital for Children. Jill Conner Browne is a humorous and fun-loving person who has written several best selling books. She likes to say "More is More" and she and her SPQ organization get more hilarious and fun every year! Jill's story is funny but there is a serious note to it. She knew down in her heart she would be successful when she got to do what she loved, which is to write in her own southern humorous style. She is a great example of how "doing what you love" is a true avenue to success. Update 3/21/2010 Jill Conner Browne announced that the SPQ's will have their own parade starting in 2011! Huge news! They have grown so much that the parade must go on without them. Wow! Update 10/1/10 The SPQ "Million Queen March" weekend will begin Wednesday, March 23 and conclude Sunday, March 27, 2011. Most of the events will take place in the Fondren District, a historical area north of Downtown close to the Blair E Batson Children's hospital. The SP queens and wannabe's will march at night! How nice!

Eleanor Rigby

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:48:40 -0600

Eleanor Rigby's fame is the direct result of a song of the same name by the Beatles, written by Paul McCartney, who actually took a while to settle down on the name "Eleanor Rigby". He came up with the name Eleanor from actress Eleanor Bron, with whom he had starred in the film Help!. Rigby came from the name of a store in Bristol, Rigby & Evens Ltd, Wine & Spirit Shippers. Our mythical and mystical Eleanor represents "All the Lonely People" everywhere. Thanks Paul and the Beatles for a legendary character. May we always remember her.

The Skeleton Dance

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:19:08 -0600

I first discovered the Skeleton Dance when a friend shared a link on Facebook. It was the version with the music from The Guess Who, and to me it was hilarious! I did a little investigating and discovered how old the cartoon actually was! Not only did it originate in the 1920's, but was actually considered really scary at the time. Since to me it was funny, not scary at all, I could not imagine why. Then I watched it with the original music and sounds. Incredible how much difference that makes~! Well, it was not really "scary" but much more "scary-ish" with the original music. I guess people were spooked a lot easier back then? Either way. It's a fun cartoon. Let's explore, shall we?

Ghost Tales of the Natchez Trace Parkway

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:08:05 -0600

The "Mysterious Barren Pathway" known as the Natchez Trace is host to oodles of ghastly tales, from Deep in the South's most fabled mighty and often horrifying Mississippi River at Natchez, to the Southern Country Capital of Nashville, Tennessee, the Trace winds and haunts through foggy moss covered forests and blue-mud krypts to weave tales only the bravest and most brazen dare tell. Stories of torture and mayhem and suicidal heroes, damsels and witches and wolfmen and pirates who pray not only on Riverboats on but on weary land travelers forging homeward on these spooky and often deceivingly peaceful trace trails. If you dare step into this world of secret lore, you do so at your own risk. Nary a landlubber comes out the other side of this collection of horrid tales the same as when you innocently landed here. Go now, I bade you farewell ..... or read on, if.....you.....dare! Photo: Bynum Mounds. Not far from Witch Dance. Near Tupelo, MS Built over a 200 year period between around 100 B.C. and 100 A.D The original inhabitants of the area around Witch Dance were the Hopewell Indians. Later part of the Chickasaw, the Hopewell legends and folklore was likely responsible for much of the fear the later settlers would endure. The stories tell of a medicine stick and a white dog leading their ancestors to find their new home as they escaped an oppressive life in Mexico. Each night, the Indians planted the medicine stick in the ground, and each morning, checked to see which way it pointed. This was the direction they followed. Eventually, the group stopped here around Witch Dance. Their ancestors' bones were brought along on the trip by "bond bearers", and are a part of these mounds. The bones in these mounds could be several thousand years old.

Samurai Crab

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 20:33:57 -0600

It is nearly a millennia since the year 1185, when Japan is ruled officially by a young emperor named Antoku. Antoku, only 7 years old, is a beautiful boy with long flowing hair who possesses much wisdom beyond his years. His grandfather makes most of the decisions for him, and his grandmother, Lady Nii, serves him as his beloved nurse. Antoku and his family are part of the samurai clan Heike, and are engaged in a long and bloody war with another samurai clan, the Genji. The Heike are engaged in battle with the Genji at Danno-ura. The emperor and his clan are on board ship, and from signs shown to them by the way of the dolphin, now know that they face certain death. Samurai warrior tradition dictates in times like this to take their own lives rather than be captured. Antoku's grandmother takes him by the hand and leads him soflty into the sea, telling him "In the depths of the ocean is our capitol," Antoku and his Heiki clan brave death, leaving only a few women of the clan who are taken by the enemy. These women serve as ladies-in-waiting of the imperial court and are forced to sell flowers and other favors to the fishermen near the scene of the battle. Today the descendants of these women still celebrate this courageous battle at the Akama shrine, which contains the mausoleum of the devoted Emperor. Photo: Chieko_photo

Deep Water Exploration

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 22:46:11 -0600

A challenge to create 30 lenses in a new (to me) niche was a no-brainer. I am excited to explore the oceans and seas, deep water lakes and other mysterious realms in search of ancient artifacts, lost treasures, and jewels and gems of the deep that is only beginning to scratch the water's surface. We have so much to learn about this other side of the horizon. Deep canyons, sunken ships, ancient cities of the deep - all hold answers to mysteries we perhaps never even fathomed. Let us take a look at what the beauty and darkness have in store! Photo Credit

The Seahorse

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:27:36 -0600

Sea Horses are peaceful creatures who live in shallow temperate waters of the ocean. They are technically a fish, but have few characteristics in common with them. They are monogomous and mate for life. They swim upright, and the male gets to have the babies! There are several species, and they come in a variety of colors. Many species can camouflage themselves to match their environment. It is sometimes very hard to find seahorses in the wild. The best way to locate them is to know what kind of coral or vegetation they are likely to be camouflaged on and look for that. These little fishies are in danger. They have been over fished, especially in recent years in Asian waters, due to the cultural beliefs of the area which use them in health products. The explosion of population and booming Chinese economy have contributed to an increased demand for dried seahorses. This is resulting in a vastly diminished seahorse population. While it is illegal to harvest seahorses, it does not seem that the law is being enforced. Other dangers to the little darlings include claims that a Florida species was negatively affected by the BP Oil Spill and climate change resulting in diminishing sea grass, which is a primary habitat for Seahorses. Photo: doug.deep

For Love

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:11:46 -0600

Holding their hand, bringing it to your lips, the lightest kiss.... Is it the romance that binds us together or something deeper? Once we get past the initial tingly phase in a relationship, how do we keep it fun and vibrant and growing? I had the same questions, so I embarked on a journey to find the answers. Come explore with me!

Michael Israel

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:06:38 -0600

"When I'm painting, it's like I'm transported to this place. I call it 'The Zone.' It's like Zen. Time stops." -- Michael Israel I've seen this kind of thing (Performance Painter art shows) done before, but not in such an exciting way! Michael Israel's performance art is very inspiring to watch! I'd say if you had to categorize his artwork it would be contemporary art, but that is minimizing the whole effect. I enjoy the process of watching the canvas begin to take shape, but getting to watch Michael artistically design the piece is just as much a part of the "art by Michael" as is the canvas art in the finished product. You own an experience - a memory of the speed painter, the jumping and moving painter, creating art in concert. Couple that with the music and his beautiful enthusiasm, and you are part of a really compelling and awe inspiring performance. I really appreciate that he is so willing to share so much of his talent on You Tube, and to create so many special works to create awareness and raise money for so many different causes. According to his biography, Michael spent so much of his time and talent during his early years giving to charitable causes, his studio went completely broke. With the help of some good people, he was back performing soon. I am proud to share this country with such a beautiful soul!

Vampire Squid

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:29:59 -0600

He is not your typical Halloween character, but he is plenty creepy and kooky, and since he's kind of a squid, he certainly deserves a spot in the hallowed halls of a Halloween lens on Squidoo! What makes this strange creature, who only lives in the extreme deep and hellish world of deep sea, so intimidating, is not the fact that he has fangs or sucks your blood. He does neither of these. What makes him Dracula-like is his grand red and black cape. The cape serves him well. It helps him to hide from predators, to catch his favorite food (shrimp) and to collect oxygen, which is extremely sparse in his part of the world. Our Vampire Squid has for the most part a sweet and delicate life.... but with a sinister underbelly, and a very scary eye! Photo Credit: Vampire Squid

Remembering Mister Rogers

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:18:56 -0600

Who can't admit it? Some days, Mr. Rogers just made you feel good. Some of us may have made fun of him when we got older, but really, we loved him. And he genuinely loved us, "just the way we are". I recently came across some videos of his life and work on youtube and felt compelled to put him out here on Squidoo. I hope you all enjoy remembering him as much as I do. Thanks Mister Rogers for all you did for us. We will never forget you.

Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:17:52 -0600

Vodden came to the attention of John Lennon when the Beatles' four year old son Julian came home from school one day with a drawing that he said was "Lucy in the sky with diamonds." Lucy was one of Julian's classmates. The elder Lennon turned it into a psychedelic masterpiece recorded by the Beatles, and later by Elton John. Many bands have covered the song. This is the Girl with Kaleidoscope Eyes.... Unfortunately Ms Vodden passed away this month after a brave and long fight with Lupus. It was in hearing about her death that I found out who she was. Apparently she was quite private about the whole Lucy in the Sky ordeal and never sought attention for her link to Julian and John Lennon.

Premature Baby's Inspiring Story

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 09:18:41 -0600

Sweet story about a premature baby boy named Sam. I have a few friends who were born premature. They are all special people, and to a fault, very spiritual. It is no coincidence. I believe children who are born premature have a special angel assigned to them, one who has an extra large dose of God's grace, to enfold the soul of these tiny human beings and help them to transition to life in the big world with as much delicacy and comfort as possible...the equivalent of the human touch they need so much....

Baby Seals

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:42:03 -0600

This is a baby Harp Seal. Isn't he cute? Once seal pups are born they only get a very little time with their Mom, just a few days, up to a couple of weeks for some species. Then she's off to go mate and begins to ween the pup. Sometimes the process is quite harsh and abrupt! The Harp Seal has one thing to his advantage - he develops a lovely and warm white coat soon after birth. The coat has a dual purpose: it protects him from predators by blending in with the ice, and it keeps him warm until he develops a full layer of blubber. At this point the cute little thing has still not taken his first swim in the ocean, or had a meal of solid food. He can barely scoot around on the ice. After a few days, this beautiful fur begins to molt. They only get to be this cute and cuddly for a few days of their lives! There is one big disadvantage to his beautiful coat: baby seals are hunted especially for it. While adult seals are considered "hunted" too, it is by far the baby seals the hunters are after. Harp Seals are the most sought after, but some other species are vulnerable too. Ribbon Seals were over hunted in the 19th century and are now listed as a "species of concern" , and Hooded Seals, who are often caught as "by catch" (in with gillnets for limpfish for example) are taken as pups or "bluebacks" for their beautiful blue-black fur. Photo credit: Kids4Seals.org

Bimini Road

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:49:40 -0600

In the search for the lost city of Atlantis, there are several sites which boast that the famed legend actually existed in their part of the world. One of these such places is the Bimini road. The Bimini road (or Bimini Highway, aka The Bimini Wall) is a 1600 foot length of large underwater stones precisely placed in the sea floor near Bimini, Bahamas, which some speculate could be the road to the ancient lost city of Atlantis. Whether this is true or not, the way the stones are laid out are certainly even enough to question whether they are naturally formed. If they are a natural occurrence, how did it happen that they are so perfect? If they are indeed man-made, where did they lead? Was Bimini once the city of Atlantis? If not where was the city? Did it exist at all? Let's take a look at what some of the experts say, and then come up with our own opinion. Atlantis may be a fantasy, or perhaps it was real. Either way, it's an interesting subject to explore. So let's! Shall we?

Murphy the Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:57:21 -0600

Since his rescue in 2002, Murphy the Loggerhead Turtle who was stranded as a hatch-ling, has been lovingly cared for - first at the Jekyll Island 4H Center, then at the Georgia Aquarium. He was held until he was big enough to be safely sent to his natural habitat. He was finally released to the ocean on August 31, 2011 in Jekyll Island, Ga. The Ocean is a place he has never known but always yearned for. Perhaps though, he did not realize it was what he longed for? If you watch the video of his release (see below) you can tell he is a little apprehensive about the whole thing. It's really kinda cute. His handlers keep trying to point him to the water and he keeps trying to go in a different direction. Poor guy. You know he's been spoiled for so long in captivity! Maybe he's just not sure what's out there!

Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:24:28 -0600

My friends and I who grew up together during the 70's used to get together often for slumber parties. Halloween was a given, and we had a bunch of innocent games we used to play, such as flashlight tag and haunted house, and the obligatory "pick on the first one asleep", (which was always me... but they usually gave me a break because I threw such a duck fit!). Our favorite game though, by far, was "Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board'. I had two friends who almost always took up the head, which meant they were the ones who had to come up with the story of the dead girl we were supposed to be calling on to help us lift our friend. (For the record, I always participated, but was too chicken to be the one being lifted) One of our friends whose name I will not mention out of respect for the dead, was one of the ones who usually took the head. This means she sat at the head of the girl being lifted and told the story. She was a very spiritual person and told some really spooky, and believable stories. She died in the late 90's. I still sometimes wonder if she did not have some clairvoyant tendencies. It is so ironic that she died so young, as she was the one who had the most convincing ghost stories. I wonder if she somehow knew of her fate and had contact with the other side, even as a young child. She did own a Ouija board, which we sometimes "played with", but honestly it was a bit freaky and we usually put it away fairly quickly. At any rate, my experience of playing this game are many and powerful. I hope you get as much enjoyment from this lens as I have writing about it.

Whale Wars

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:44:08 -0600

All aboard the Steve Irwin (and now, the Bob Barker!) "Whale Wars" TV show captures the conflict between Paul Watson's "Sea Shepherds" and the Japanese Whaling Industry. Paul Watson and his crew take viewers of the Whale Wars Show through the whaling season revealing strategies to foil the much larger Japanese fleet. They throw bottles of a stinky concoction that taints the whale meat onto the vessel that prepares and packages the meat whenever possible, as well as use various methods to foul up their ships' propellers. It is quite an intricate and risky operation. The show is very exciting, no matter which side you are on. Occasionally they do show a glimpse of whale pods, which is breathtaking, and also of whales being killed, which is sometimes difficult to watch. Whaling was widely accepted once upon a time Whale oil used to be the fuel widely used to light lamps, as well as keeping machines "well oiled". Baleen, which is another word for the bone of the whale, was used to make parasols and hoopskirts for ladies' dresses. Back then, Whales were not thought of as animals with feelings. The supply of Whales and the comodities they provided seemed limitless — then these great animals started to disappear. But Why Hunt Wales these days? Since petroleum has replaced the need for whale oil, humans no longer need whale meat. In addition, we now know much more about whale intelligence and their social habits. Another factor to consider is that it takes several minutes of suffering for a whale to die when they are harpooned (if not killed instantly). A Gallup poll in 2006 claimed that "83 percent of Japanese had not eaten whale in long time" if ever. The whale-watching industry is doing quite well, which is proof that millions would rather see living whales. Source: "The Whale Debate" Discovery Channel http://www.discoverychannel.co.uk/web/whale-wars/have-your-say/controversy/

The Kraken

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:47:14 -0600

Perhaps you have heard tales of the Kraken, a giant sea-monster from northern seas, a colossal octopus who feeds on ships and whales... and men. Maybe you saw the vivid depiction of the Kraken in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie "Deadman's Chest". Maybe you heard tales of the mythological monster of the sea, who was sometimes mistaken for an island, and the deadly whirlpools he leaves in his wake. Or perhaps it might have even been the "Whale" who ate Jonah! Or did you sea the Kraken unleashed in "Clash of the Titans"? Well now. Let me tell you this! The Kraken is no longer a myth to some modern day scientists. Studied extensively in recent years, there now seems to be physical evidence that the monster did in fact exist! How so? Not from evidence of his own demise, but from the fossils of his prey.

Pannikin Plain Cave

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:33:08 -0600

The Movie "Sanctum" was mostly fiction, but the premise was based on fact. There was an actual diving party who were trapped in an underwater cave due to a storm blocking the entrance. It happened in 1988 at Pannikin Plains Cave. This lens explores some of the real facts and a little of the movie too. The area the cave is in is an area of Australia called "Nullarbor" We'll take a look at some of the interesting facts about the area too. Photo from "Sanctum"

Neshoba County Fair

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:49:26 -0600

It is quite possible that the epitome of Southern Style manifests itself every Hot end of July as the Neshoba County Fair. Deep in the heart of the heat of the summer and the Mississippi Delta, Neshoba county hosts a one of a kind extravaganza, loosely qualifying itself as a county fair, but more accurately, the political (and quite eclectic?) event of the year and the social currency of real life living.... the Neshoba County Fair. If you are anybody worth your salt in these parts, you have access to one of the highly prized real estate (during the last week of July anyway) of one of the little bungalow cabins that line the fairway, fully equipped with air conditioning and all the regalia involved with indoor partying at a supposedly outdoor event. If you know anything about Mississippi in the summer, you know the heat is absolutely unbearable, and what used to be a sippin' iced tea on the porch affair is now a kitchen table brew ha ha, albeit in the midst of the most anticipated annual gathering, in at least the northern section of the most southern-ish southern state. Let's take a look at what makes the Neshoba County Fair such a big deal.

Teamwork is the key to your success!

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:29:52 -0600

Join us as we group together and learn from each other/ teach each other, and help each other grow into our best selves, develop our leadership potential, and find our strengths. There are many facets of a successful team: each member's unique contribution. Your unique contribution is truly a gift. One which cannot be duplicated anywhere else on the globe!

Creating Vision Boards with a Twist

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:36:58 -0600

Kat believes that the act of creating our own personal "Vision board" will expand our conciousness. She teaches a class on how this works. A Vision Board is a simple concept which gained a lot of popularity after the movie "The Secret" became a huge hit worldwide. In that movie, acclaimed success coach John Assaraf told the story about how one of his own vision boards held a photo of what later became his actual home, and how he did not even realize it until long after his family had moved in and he was unpacking some of his old vision boards with his young son. According to Kat: What I do believe is happening during our modern times is not so much a learning of new things, but rather an expansion. An expansion of consciousness that leads to a deeper understanding and application of these principles. It is my intention to employ that deeper understanding in the simple act of creating a "vision board". It is my objective to get myself and others to quiet the "thinking mind" and get in touch with the creative intelligence that resides within each one of us.

Blue Holes of the Bahamas

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 20:30:47 -0600

Blue Holes are simply openings to undersea caverns, found in the ocean. They are called "blue holes" because they are distinctly darker blue, due to the distinct drop off to deeper water. They are being discovered and explored more and more, in many places, especially around and in the Bahamas. The one in this photo is called "Benjamin Blue Hole". These blue holes were once neglected, even used as dumping sites. But now scientists and curious divers, even free divers are exploring and finding not only beautiful places never before seen by human eyes, but some really fascinating archaeological treasures. One even held the bones of a teenage boy from 1500 years B.C.! Other finds include extinct sea turtles and newly discovered micro organisms. Let's take a look at some of the fascinating finds of these mysterious Blue Holes... photo by Nashworld

Haunted Antebellum Mansions

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:16:11 -0600

The Civil War was a real turning point in the history of the United States. While the war may have been fought for many good reasons, it is difficult to justify the horrors so many were forced to endure. The sheer terror of that time, the upheaval of so many families, the deaths, the fighting, were simply too much for some souls to bear. Brother against brother, father against son. There are so many deeply tragic stories that came out of that horrible time. What is left, now, a century and a half later, are scars that will never go away. Torn families that never uttered a word to their loved ones again. Vast mansions, homes and buildings burned to the ground. Dead and dying left in their wake. Voices which cry out in the dark and damp southern night. Even today, there are new tales of lost souls from that dark time in our history. Homes that survived have their own stories to tell. Soldiers never to find their way home. Lost children cannot find their mother. Freed slaves having nowhere to go, starving and separated from their families in a rush to survive flaming plantations. Fear and suffering for more than half of our nation, all within the space of a few years, took its toll on our Southern States. There is not an inch of southern soil not tainted somehow from those horrible years. In many ways, the south was never restored, and still reeks of death. What follows on this page are just a tidbit. A small sample, of some of the haunted southern mansions and other places in a haunted south, crying out for their voices to finally be heard. May our acknowledgement of their plight somehow allow these lost souls to find a way to rest in peace, at long last!

Gail Greenberg - Mitzvah Chic

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:18:31 -0600

I love challenge and healthy competition, so I promoted my favorite contestants in http://www.nextinternetmillionaire.com/ Gail did very well! Gail Anthony Greenberg is an internet marketer and author of the bestseller MitzvahChic, A New Approach to Hosting a Bar or Bat Mitzvah That is Meaningful, Hip, Relevant, Fun & Drop-Dead Gorgeous.

Living the Pirate Lifestyle

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:24:33 -0600

Onboard Living! Captain Rob Lee, his wife Cheri, and their son Jonathan have been living aboard their sailboat, the sv Bella Rose, since August of 2005. They offer a wealth of resources on how to get started living aboard, as well as some fun pictures and antecdotes. Rob has written numerous resources on living the "pirate lifestyle" as he calls it, as well as how to begin living "off the grid". The trawler pictured here belongs to an 80 year old woman named Mo and her dog Honey. Mo and Honey cruise full time by themselves!

Coral Triangle

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:31:23 -0600

The Coral Triangle is an area of the ocean between mainland Southeastern Asia and Australia which includes several small islands, from Papua New Guinea, to Timor-Leste. It covers an area roughly the size of about half of the U.S. Our perfect sea habitat is home to quite a diversity of marine plants and animals. The Islands' coastal areas provide the perfect sanctuary for some of the world's most delicate and endangered coral fish, sea turtles, mantas, whale sharks and others who migrate, who consider this home base from their travels. Endangered turtles nest in these waters. Deep beds of sea grass provide acres of safety for tiny marine creatures. The over 500 species of coral here make up 75% of the species in the entire ocean, and over 3,000 different types of fish swim in these waters. Photo: table coral: East Timor

James Cameron's Environmental Crusade

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:45:14 -0600

Of course the ocean is not a new subject for James Cameron. He is responsible for the biggest blockbuster movie yet about the demise of the "unsinkable" Titanic. But Cameron was only testing the waters with Titanic. He's way more serious about saving our blue planet than exposing the general public to an unforgiving iceberg. (Nature always trumps technology, Y'all!) Cameron is serious about his passion for the resources of our delicate world, and our oceans, which cover more than 70% of our precious Earth's surface. We know so little, in retrospect, about most of the world we inhabit. Cameron takes advantage of that, and seeks to change it. The deep is front and center as he delves further into the abyss with the creation of a story and creatures for Avatar 2. No one has ventured to the deepest depths of the ocean since the Bathyscape Trieste delved down to Challenger Deep in 1960, but Cameron is game for the venue - in search of mystical characters and an alien-like setting appropriate enough to take on the continued story of Pandora. In the process, the ocean gets more attention and hopefully closer to healing. Photo by Jurvetson

Superfetation: Twins or Rare Occurence?

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 22:18:56 -0600

The Grovenbergs, a couple from Arkansas, were surprised to find out that though She is 2 months pregant, she is pregnant again. The couple believes She has had a rare happening of superfetation. The couple was on the morning news talk shows stating that the babies were conceived two weeks apart. The doctors think the second child was conceived prior to the mothers hormone levels increasing. One baby is significantly larger than the other and is due in Dec. with the other being due in Jan. Some doctors think it is a case of the larger child just absorbing more nutrients than the other. The couple have declined to have an amniocentesis that would accurately determine the ages of the babies but will have a blood test once they are born that will determine for sure if they were conceived at different times.

Simple Side Dish - Savory Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:05:50 -0600

Disclosure! I do not like to cook. In creating this lens, I polled my friends on Facebook for the perfect alternative side dish for my Holiday Table, and requested nothing but Easy! The results were fantastic (Because I have fantastic friends!) Although this lens is only about one recipe, I offer up my thanks to all who participated! That being said, my friend and co-worker Stacey Walley Philley was the first to respond, and the first to make my mouth water. (this was not a condition but one I decided was the best way to decide whose recipe to choose). I have "practiced" the recipe and indeed it is simple and yum yum yummy! You might have seen a similar version called "twice baked" sweet potatoes, but either way, these are to die for. According to Stacey, even those who claim to not like sweet potatoes love 'em. So if you're sick of brown sugar and marshmallows mixing in with your turkey and stuffing, try this nice and tidy but melt in your mouth delicious alternative!

Clive Cussler's Ocean Exploration

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 12:12:50 -0600

Most of Bestselling Author Clive Cussler's novels are centered around deep water mysteries. His real life experiences as an ocean explorer give him plenty of juicy material to work with! As part of a 30 lens series on deep water exploration, it seems neglectful not to include something on the man whose effort and talent keep us intrigued in what lies beneath the waters of the world. Cussler has been on too many expeditions to showcase them all in one lens, so I have chosen a couple of my favorites to share, as well as other tidbits here and there about the man and his deep water expeditions. While Carpathia and Hunley get most of the spotlight, be sure to check out some of the external links for more complete information on his ocean quests. Photo by /Stef_

The Giant Pumpkin Regatta

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:43:08 -0600

It's the kind of thing one might experience in a dream. It makes no sense, but seems perfectly logical at the time. Once a year, Giant Pumpkins, some elaborately decorated, are gently lowered (sometimes by crane) into a river or lake, gutted, and... ridden? It is the stuff of fairy tales. Cinderella did it, sort of, but she at least had the sense to stay dry. And while Linus did not ride in one in the Charlie Brown story, he did imagine one rising up from the ground. It's difficult to think of a giant pumpkin as anything more than a freak of nature, or perhaps an exaggerated symbol of fall harvest time. Yet, it has its appeal. What other fruit (or is it a vegetable?) could one grow and then ride in? How else to celebrate a fall harvest, than making an event out of the grandest of them all? I am not a big fan of digging out pumpkins. The slimy gooey insides with all those slippery seeds are not a pleasant tactile experience I look forward to every year. I cannot imagine the horror of sliding my lower half into one, and then attempting to get it to propel me across the water. The pumpkin boats ride somewhat like a cross between a kayak and a bumper boat: low and clumsy. In the month of October, there are numerous events centered on this pumpkin-sailing phenomenon of the Giant Pumpkin Regatta. Like the Polar Bear's last frolic in the ocean before heading into a long and icy winter, the townships and country folk in the land of giant pumpkins too have their fall fling before snow drives everyone indoors for the Holiday Season. Community spirit abounds, folks allow their silly to shine, and most of all, they create a good story to tell. Photo by origamidon

The Death of Gracie Brown

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:17:49 -0600

A young and lovely factory worker, Grace Brown was in a serious romantic relationship with Chester Gillette. Gillette was seeing other women, while the kind and reserved Gracie was faithful to Gillette. After they had been seeing each other for some time, Ms Brown became pregnant. Gillette had no intention of marrying Ms Brown, but fooled her into thinking he would. It was while on a trip to the Adirondacks when they were supposedly going to Marry that the tragedy happened. Ms Brown and Gillette were on a boat ride on Moose Lake when their boat capsized and Ms Brown drowned. Gillette was later tried and put to death for her murder. There have been many reports of sightings at the lake of the ghost of Gracie. Some as recent as 1988 tell of a great sadness about her. It is as if her soul is forever trapped at Moose lake because of the circumstances surrounding her death.

Box Jellyfish

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:42:01 -0600

The Box Jelly is a fascinating creature. They have no brain, yet seem to have the ability to hunt and navigate delicate tangled sea plants while trailing long and sticky tentacles to find their prey. They are ancient, prehistoric creatures, and were one of the original occupants of the ancient seas. They have lived in the deep for billions of years. In recent years, they and other jellyfish species have come out of their ancient deep water habitat, and are increasing in numbers exponentially every year. They now pose a threat to our oceans, not only to humans but to the ecosystem as well. They are not limiting themselves to one area of the ocean. They are cropping up everywhere. Strange to think that such a primitive looking and really quite beautiful creature can pose such a serious threat. We will take a look at recent discoveries about these strange creatures, and talk about some of the safety concerns when in close proximity of a box jelly. Photo: Alexandra Roberts

Quiz: Top 10 New Years Resolutions Made & Broken Every Year

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:20:40 -0600

Test your (my) knowledge, your mettle, your trivia (not trivial) pursuit, your multiple choice skills.� See if you cut the mustard, are up to snuff, ace in the hole, all that good stuff.� Take my quiz is what I'm saying! (Do you dare?) Good luck, and have fun. � What are the top 10 Resolutions people make (and break) every New Year? I compiled these myself, so if you disagree, I'll hear your plea!

Overcome Childhood Obesity in Your Community

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:48:07 -0600

My friend Lynette Patterson is not only a caring person, but is also funny and down to earth plus happens to know how to write. I really enjoy her blog. This lens is based on her post about what our communites can do to create more healthy families. Part of her inspiration comes from her own three boys, her own life history, and her experiences with her clients. But what really drove her to plunge into the topic of community responsibility and involvement was a rather funny (but only in retrospect) experience searching for tofu at an unfamiliar grocery coupled with alarming news about children and obesity in the United States. In my own research for this lens, I had a bit of a wake up call when I realized my own state of Mississippi is leading the charge, not only for the most obese children (I knew that) but Mississippi's children are increasingly more obese at a faster rate than every other state in the nation. What the ?????? Yes it is time for the communities to step up. What can we do? What can I do? Let's explore!

Message in the Bottle

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:25:19 -0600

Harold Hackett, of Prince Edward Island Canada has been sending messages in bottles since 1995! He estimates that by 2011 he had sent nearly 5,000 bottles with messages, hurling each one into the wind from the shore near his home. He has gotten thousands of replies, which he says was a whole lot more than he expected! By asking the finder to reply in a letter, he is getting tons of well wishes from every side of the Atlantic (and then some! ). He gets Christmas cards, post cards, souvenirs, and sometimes people will share their own stories with him. It's a little bit romantic, I think, to put yourself out there like that, having no idea what type of response you might get. The Guardian News dubbed Harold's hobby as "A different kind of social networking". I'd say it's a little old fashioned nostagic romance - but not something we don't all ponder from time to times. In the news and interviews covered so far, I have not seen any mention of romance for Harold, but you never know! Let's keep watching the story to see how it unfolds! (or, unrolls.... that is) Photo by Mykl Roventine

Learn to Concentrate

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:46:46 -0600

We all experience having trouble concentrating at one time or another. The reason some people are better at focus and concentration than others is this: Practice. That's right! Practice concentrating on simple things, and it gets easier to concentrate on everything! The tools in this lens will help get you started. Any time you practice a new habit every day for 30 days, you improve that skill. Concentration is a skill just like riding a bike or learning to type. Practice, as the wise masters always say, makes perfect!

Red Tide

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:32:40 -0600

Beautiful shots of a glowing, living ocean are quite awesome to behold! But is this really a good thing? It depends, according to scientists, on whether you are human or fish, and how much of this glowing algae is present. It can be known to clog up the shores and choke the oxygen in the water, effectively suffocating small shellfish. But in small quantities, such as in the videos in this lens taken off the coast of California in a Red Tide event in September, 2011, it is harmless, other than a bit of discomfort and a foul smell. Let's take a look at what causes this mysterious glow in the waves and whether or not we need to be concerned about it. Photo: Screenshot from video by Loghan Call. See Below

Christine Schaap: Ageless, Timeless, Bring it On!

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 14:19:13 -0600

We love challenge and healthy competition, so we promoted Christine, one of our favorite contestants in http://www.nextinternetmillionaire.com/ The Next Internet Millionaire: Let's hear it for Christine Schaap Christine Schaap inspires and empowers your audience with her heart-warming stories and down-to-earth humor. Author of Bring It On! Women Embracing Midlife, she shares stories of women your audience will relate to - women just like them who faced life's challenges and emerged stronger and more fulfilled individuals

Thanksgiving Blessings and Themes for your Table

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:32:19 -0600

We breeze right by it, sometimes, without much thought beforehand. Thanksgiving is too close to Christmas, too soon after Halloween, or whatever our excuse, it too often becomes little more than a big meal, and football game or two and Christmas shopping. We pull out the same ole (sometimes really tacky) stuff every year, and chalk up another holiday "done". Why not think a little outside the box this year? What can you do to spruce up perhaps the most dully decorated holiday of the year? And what are perhaps some different prayers of thanks we can say around the table? Here are a few ideas! Thanks for stopping by and good luck with your family's festivites for a fantastic Thanksgiving this year and always! Photo by Celesteh

Jean-Michel-Cousteau

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:08:12 -0600

Jean-Michel Cousteau's work in ocean exploration and preservation began as a child, with he and his younger brother Philippe tagging along with their famous father Jacques Custeau on his expeditions. (His Dad actually threw him in at 7 years old!) While he was a natural, his brother was the more passionate early on and Jean-Michel started his adult life on another path. The unfortunate loss of his brother Philippe in a plane crash brought Jean-Michel back to the sea, and he collaborated with his father for 17 years. Together they reorganized the Cousteau Society and produced educational films, further igniting Jean-Michel's love for exploring the world's oceans. Jean -Michel continues his father's work and has developed his own passion for the watery earth and oceanic life.

Tuvalu Island Nation

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:31:48 -0600

Water is Love, Water is life. Water is also choking the small island nation of Tuvalu. Every year the King Tides (high tides) are a little higher and seep into the lands and homes of the Tuvalu people a little more. This could be the last generation to live in Tuvalu. 11,000 people could be forced from their homes, if they survive at all. The country lies just below the equator in the Pacific Ocean and is made up of 9 small islands which average around 2 - 3 feet above sea level. The islands were built on coral, which is allowing ocean water to seep up through the ground in many places on the islands during King Tides. To "shore" up the islands would cost more than the small nation can afford. They do receive some help, but it is not enough. To add insult to injury, the precious fresh water Tuvalians need to survive is scarce. Their well water is contaminated with salt, and in 2011 they had a horrendous dry spell from the La Nina weather pattern. They had to declare a state of emergency, and even with aid could only allow each person less than one gallon of water per day (for everything: eating, bathing, etc). The island has it's own culture and has been part of our earth for thousands of years. The economy thrives generally on seamen who send home earnings and some on crops they grow, such as bananas and coconut, and on fishing. Salt water is ruining the ground as it seeps through and renders much of the land useless for farming. The people of Tuvalu did not participate in creating global warming, yet they are the ones suffering the most. This issue is being taken up with the United Nations' Human Rights Council. Let's hope there is still time to save the nation of Tuvalu.

Wishes For Christmas

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:30:18 -0600

When I started this lens in 2008,I did a little investigating and discovered some pretty powerful wishes, and common themes in what people wish for Christmas and during the Holidays. I have to say many wishes are really special. Many people's wishes reflected hard times, others have very specific wishes, mostly in the technology sector. Some were really heartfelt and personal. Even though Christmas comes around every year, I am still awed by the inspiration I find through the Holiday spirit that abounds during this time. Hope, Love, Peace. These things are timeless! 2009 trends were about people either staying home or spending more time at home, so I'm seeing "home" as a theme, and, a lot of buzz about Christmas Cards, both in the "getting" and the "giving" ideas. . 2010 was another lean year, and though people were shopping more, it was still for more budget-friendly items. Novelty gifts were popular, handmade gifts, and gifts of nature, or relating to nature, or "green" gifts. 2011 Is shaping up to be a combination of mod and vintage, silver/white & grayed blues mixed with traditional red and green, with jewel tones and peacock feathers thrown in for good measure. Sounds like quite a mix, actually, but the mood seems subdued, back to nature and less is more. It's not a sad theme but a less materialistic feel. Use the fushsia & blue for a little flair here and there. Cable knits are in, as are rough textures and imperfections. Driftwood, wire, earthy browns, raisin and plum will be on display in homes and shop windows everywhere. Gifts sure to be a hit in 2011 are the I-Pad 2, Nintendo 3DS, and Lego Ninjago. One of the smartest trends is buying decorations you can use after the holidays.

Ode to Paul Harvey

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:20:58 -0600

We love the radio icon that was Paul Harvey: he was passionate and kind, entertaining, interesting, opinionated, and now that he has passed on, we remember him with love. Thank you Paul Harvey for your long career and for entertaining and inspiring so many generations. We will remember your stories, your commentary, your special flair for delivery. We loved you for so many reasons, and we will keep you close to our heart and remember you always. Here's to you , and the rest of your story. May it last for eternity!

Fuwa: The Friendly Beijing Olympic Mascots

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:10:50 -0600

These Cuties are the official mascots for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Each one represents a unique cultural aspect of China and bestows upon Children everywhere a special Blessing. There was a bit of controversy during the actual olympics, and the 5 fuwa were not showcased as planned. I do not understand all the details. Perhaps someone who was there or involved can explain it. I think it had something to do with a perception of bad luck somehow. Anyway, so that makes these little guys kind of special in a sad way. They never really got to have their "thunder". Perhaps they will continue to live on in their own way, in the legends their trinkets and keepsakes generate. I hope they will be around for the next summer olympics, to trade and remember, just as have all other olympic mascots. Thanks little friendlies!

Punkin Chunkin'

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:28:55 -0600

Why chunk pumpkins? Well, why not? The good folks of Bridgeville Delaware have made a sport out of it. A few friends got the pulpy idea after they learned about a nearby physics class throwing pumpkins to study mass, and thought it sounded fun! It started back in 1986, and it has since grown to an event which now draws crowds into the tens of thousands. The Annual World Championship Punkin' Chunkin' event is sponsored by the Punkin' Chunkin' Association. In 2011 there were 72 teams! All money raised by the Association is contributed to charity. The 2011 event was filmed by the Science Channel for a Thanksgiving premiere show. Photo by vpickering

The Museum of Death

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:15:16 -0600

The Museum of Dealth in Hollywood, California is solely dedicated to death. Visitors peruse crime scene photos from famous murders, items from the death industry (including strange gifts from funeral homes) artifacts from mass suicides, artwork created by serial killers and more. In 1995 J.D. Healy was inspired to create the Museum of Death when his art gallery moved to a building that had been a mortuary. The gallery had recently held one of its serial killer art shows as well as a show featuring exotic weaponry (including execution devices). Drawing inspiration from the recent shows, Healy created the first Museum of Death as a display in the basement that had housed the former mortuary. The Museum of Death opened to the public on June 1, 1995. The Museum of Death features displays pertaining to the mass suicides of both the Heaven's Gate and the Peoples Temple cults. The Museum of Death acquired a bunk bed from the Heaven's Gate compound along with other items that were auctioned off by police. These items have been arranged into a display recreating how the scene must have appeared to authorities discovering the bodies back in March of 1997. Mannequins dressed in black, with Nike sneakers on their feet, rest on a bunk bed. Purple sheets bearing the emblem of the Heaven's Gate cult are draped over them. Nearby sit Heaven's Gate cult literature, bottles of barbiturates and vodka. ...from Dark Destinations

Real Man of Genius: Thor Schrock, Next Internet Millionaire and Top Affiliate Challenger

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 06:42:20 -0600

We love challenge and healthy competition, so Lifeteambuilders decided to promote our favorite contestants in http://www.nextinternetmillionaire.com/ The Next Internet Millionaire: Vote 10 for Thor Schrock Innovative Entrepreneur, business owner and professional copywriter, Thor was recognized as one of the top 40 entrepreneurs under 40 in Nebraska by the Midlands Business Journal. Now Thor has created his own internet reality show! See his new baby: http://www.topaffiliatechallenge.com/

The Real Jonathan Kraft

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:16:35 -0600

I love a healthy challenge, so I picked a few favs for the Next Internet Millionaire contest and am profiling Jonathan in this lens;http://www.nextinternetmillionaire.com/ Ladies and Gentlemen: Jonathan Kraft! My mission is to have a positive impact on every life I contact. Because the world is so connected, that is over 6 billion human lives.

Age of Aquarius

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:11:12 -0600

If the age of Aquarius was "dawning" in the 1970's, then the sun is now squarely over the horizon. I invite you to take a couple of minutes to consider your new life as you transition from the age of Pisces to the age of Aquarius. This transition is overdue. In the words of President Barack Obama "Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age." January 20, 2009 44th Presidential Inaugural Address

Creative "Femme Filmaker" Kathleen Donaghy

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:16:09 -0600

We love challenge and healthy competition, so we decided to promote our favorite contestants in http://www.nextinternetmillionaire.com/ The Next Internet Millionaire: Meet Kathleen Donaghy!

Cool Art from Rice Paddies

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:44:59 -0600

In the small Japanese villate of Inakadate, Japan, one can view from a tower these beautiful and temporary works of community art. The town began planting different types of rice in patterns to create images as a means of revitalization. The project is a success and has blossomed into a new type of deviant art, the villagers have named "Tanbo art". Nearby villages have adopted the practice as well. The Sengoku-period warrior pictured above is part of a pair of Tanbo creations in the original rice field erected by the Inakadate villagers adjacent to their town hall. The villagers built a tower nearby in order to view the Tanbo art.

About Manatees

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 18:31:16 -0600

Manatees are large mammals who live in the water. They look kind of like a walrus and weigh upwards of 1 ton! They move very slowly and usually cannot escape when boats swim near them. They often are injured or killed from boat collisions. Many adult Manatees have scars on their backs from being hit by the propellers of boats. These scars are sometimes used to identify the animals, sort of like a fingerprint. Manatees are in danger of extinction. Their demise is largely due to injury from fishing boats. Some get caught in fishing nets, and they are hunted in some places for their meat. But the main threat is a simple fix: If you are boating in areas known for manatee population, go slowly, and with caution. The ocean belongs to all of us, and is a great and largely unexplored frontier. Let us conserve all life in our oceans by exercising caution! Photo: NOAA

Life in the Dead Sea

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:05:48 -0600

It's pretty exciting really. The so called "Dead Sea" is now found to be home to living bacteria. This is an incredible find. Long suspected to be subject to underwater springs, this theory was proven by a team of scientists in 2010. Underwater craters are spewing fresh water at the bottom of our Dead Sea. Fresh water spewing up from a so called "dead" sea rich with incredibly high salt content is infused with these fresh water springs! What is even more extraordinary, however, is that the scientists have now revealed these underwater springs are harboring an environment where life indeed thrives on the seabeds in the areas of the springs, in the form of bacterial mats as well as scattered bacteria. While bacteria are small and not exactly the type of life one might think of in the form of strange new fish or other living creatures, it's exciting because it's new life, and because it thrives in an environment not thought to be able to support life. This could be incredible in the scheme of our understanding of living organisms! If something, anything, can actually thrive in such a hostile environment, the perhaps our idea of "life" as we know it, could be forever changed. Let's explore this discovery a little more, shall we? Photo by Chalky Lives

Nature Gifts

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:50:43 -0600

Why give gifts from nature? Let me tell you a little story: A silent wood, stoic and cold, met a new path cutting through its forest. The path asked, ever so humbly, "May I make my way through here? I promise to be gentle, and to keep you unbroken." The wood stood, and said nothing. So the path continued on its way, slowly, gently, winding from one tree and around the next, taking special care to disturb as little as possible, yet clear enough so those who followed would not get lost in the cold and lonely wood. The wood stood, and said nothing. When the path had made it all the way through, it stopped and said "thank you, old wood. You are kind" And the wood stood, and bowed, and said nothing. Soon there were people on the path - People with many stories. The wood listened, and heard them all. Many of these stories were exciting and daring, but many, too, were sad. Once a little boy climbed the wood's smaller tree and sat for a while. The wood liked that. This new path was not bad for the wood. In fact, it was quite good. You see, the people make the wood not so cold, and not so lonely anymore. The wood stood, and I think I saw it smiling. kkay 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The merging of man and nature is sometimes a beautiful thing! Sharing gifts from nature is the perfect way to express love: both for the earth and for those you love. Photo: Five Fingers by Karen Kay

America's Most Haunted Cemetery

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:19:31 -0600

This "City of the Dead" includes the graves of all kinds of souls - Creoles, Americans, Slaves, Immigrants, Catholic, and Protestants are all buried here. New Orleans is a city built at sea level. If you buried a casket in the ground when the city was first built, the frequent floods from the Mississippi River caused the caskets to float out. Because of this, early settlers had to build the tombs above ground. This is the first of many "cities of the dead" built in New Orleans. As you traverse through the maze of these strange works of art, you might hear sounds of weeping or groaning coming from inside the crypts. Others have spoken of a strange mist which seems to hover around certain graves, sometimes forming a transparent figure. There is an old man's face which sometimes appears on the wall of another tomb. More likely than not, the ghost you might see is that of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. There has been a non stop stream of sightings of her every since her death in 1881.

Ocean Moon of Saturn

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:56:16 -0600

Enceladus is not Saturn's largest moon. It is only 318 miles wide. But what scientists are discovering about her puts her in a new playing field where only a very few ever get to play: That of life outside of earth. While she's not won the game yet, she sits with the likes of Europa and Mars as one more place where life may have existed in the past, or could possibly exist in the future.... or does it already? The big deal is the pictures sent back by Cassini Spacecraft from her mission as it explores Titan, Saturn's largest moon, and some of her other moons. Cassini has been able to get tantalizingly close to Enceladus, sending back quite a bit of information, not to mention some awesome photographs! The new photos show evidence that under all that snow and ice lay an ocean, most likely of water, which lays the foundation for the existence of life. The smoothness of some of the surface of Enceladus also suggests it may be newly formed, and could have had a major event in the not too distant past. Of course we're speaking in relative terms - 100 million years would be "not too distant" in space age! Saturn's e-ring, which is her outermost ring, is made up of an icy dust-like substance. Some scientists theorize that this substance is fed by the volcanic eruptions of snow and ice from Enceladus. A more recent fly by of the Moon by Cassini supports their theory. All this ice and snow and spewing from these volcanic vents in the surface of Enceladus must be coming from somewhere. Ice alone could not be producing such activity on a regular basis, especially enough to create the entire outer ring of Saturn! The wonders of the world continue to amaze me. Saturn and her mysterious Fire and Ice Moon Enceladus still have quite a story to tell! I hope I'm still around to hear it! Photo: NASA

Attract Money Now

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 09:17:26 -0600

Joe shows you how to * uncover hidden beliefs that may actually push money away from you * use the popular EFT technique to get cash flowing fast * set up many different streams of money coming in for you, based on doing what you already love to do He shares secrets wealthy people use to attracting money easily He explains how the rich think differently than non-wealthy people regarding money He includes a new secret for spending in a way that leads to attracting money Much more, including 29 ways to attract money NOW

We love Out Of Africa

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:29:21 -0600

Maybe it was the music and the scenery, or the sheer poetry of Isak Dinesen. Or perhaps it was all that beauty, yet an undertone of such sadness throughout the film that drew me to care about it like a lost puppy. Even now, twenty years later, I still get emotional remembering certain scenes. Like the first time Denys takes Karen up in the plane, and the the look on her face...the way she reaches for his hand..though he cannot see her, he knows how the scenery affects her. The whole relationship in many ways, despite their quibbling, could take place without words. That is how strongly they communicate. I dreamed of a relationship like that....

Russian Atlantis

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:25:27 -0600

Not to be confused with Space Shuttle Atlantis, Russian Atlantis is an actual place on earth: buried beneath the Black Sea off the Taman Peninsula. Under the waters lie a portion of the ancient Greek city of Phanagoria. Once a thriving trade community, The submerged ruins contain artifacts from as early as 350 B.C. The area has been Made a bit more famous in recent times because Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has spent time diving there, and found some pieces of ancient urns from among the ruins. Putin is hoping to help the Russian Geographic Society with publicity for the Phangoria Project: An Archaeological restoration of the area.

Books that Changed Our Lives~!

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:04:48 -0600

Sometimes the best way to spend a lazy afternoon is to curl up with a book, especially one that makes you feel good! A group I belong to on the web called Milagro World has a great thread going about "The Most Important Book I've Ever Read", started by our leader Pat O'Bryan. There has been a tremendous response and over 50 books suggested, several of which were heralded numerous times. What follows is some of their comments on their favorite titles and authors. Full list also included!

Andrea Yager's Big Internet Challenge

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:33:18 -0600

We love challenge and healthy competition, so we decided to promote our favorite contestants in http://www.nextinternetmillionaire.com/ Yay Andrea! Following the challenge, Andrea took the ball and ran with it, becoming more successful at the whole internet marketing game than most of her competitors. There are a handful still around, and I'm proud to say Andrea is one of them.

Running Barefoot for a Cause

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:19:06 -0600

Having experienced bouts of homelessness himself as a teen, Tellman Knudson, a very successful and popular internet marketer, is raising $100,000,000 to combat youth homelessness by being the first person ever to run across America in his bare feet! Tellman left Battery Park in New York City on Sept. 9, 2009 and hopes to reach the Santa Monica Pier in 99 days. The purpose of this lens is to promote Tellman's Cause and to help him get the word out. Please go to his site to contribute! The "Run Tellman Run" title came from Tom Hanks' movie "Forest Gump". Tellman says people kept joking with him and saying "Run Tellman, Run", so decided to make it official!

The Greatest Secondlife Ever

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:21:11 -0600

Wanna have some fun and get something done in the process? Meet friends in real time, in a virtual setting with your own avatars.... Attend concerts and parties and do really anything your heart desires! Take Life to the next Level....and Let it actually be FUN! It's all right there in Second Life!

Martha Giffen

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 14:27:58 -0600

Really Martha does not need an introduction for most of you. She is becoming quite the buzz in internet marketing circles these days. I first met Martha on a forum, then in person at a seminar in May of 2009. It is my honor to present her Squid Who lens! Martha grew up in Jackson, TN and still retains that southern “Small-town” charm. She and her husband have lived in the Shelby County/ Birmingham Alabama area for more than 20 years, where they raised their three boys. Aside from caring for her family, Martha has been involved in volunteer legal services, sold real estate, and completed her law degree before discovering her true calling as an internet marketer in 2008. Martha authors two blogs: Think and Motivate and MarthaGiffen.com . She is also a very active social networker, especially on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn

Take Stock in Your Social Empire @ Empire Avenue

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:33:32 -0600

On Empire Avenue, you are rewarded for your activities on Social Networks! If you are already active on Twitter, Facebook, You Tube, LinkedIn, or Flickr, you're already a commodity on Empire Avenue. Grab your FREE ticker (your choice of what is available), and get crackin' ! The things you already do on these sites add value to your share price on EA. It's a no-brainer if you have any desire at all to grow your online reputation, whether you are a Business or an individual. Empire Avenue has the potential to get your social media strategy groovin' to the next level. Get on board and get your Eaves (the virtual equivalent of cash). Empire Avenue is free, and you are the next big star~ (here's a free hint.... EA Loves Newbies!) C'mon~ What are you waitin' for? Join Empire Avenue Now!

Great Blipfm DJs

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:40:40 -0600

As usually happens with me, I was searching for one thing, and found another. In a former life I was somewhat of a Second Life Junkie. I was a happy and frolicking mermaid in the virtual world, and made myself up a little mermaid lair. I wanted to stream in some music, but I wanted it to be exactly the music I liked and no more. So in my search for this music, I found myself becoming a DJ at Blip.fm. Now, years later, I am still at Blip.fm, but have very little presence in Second Life. Go Figure! So this lens is about the life I found at Blip.FM and the fellow DJ's who help me find the music. The site is really simple, though it can get a bit heavy with ads at time, making it slow to run. Once you've set up your account (free) and logged in, you can start searching for your favorite songs to "blip". If they are accompanied by a Youtube video, that's even better. If you wish, you can set it to automagically post your "blips" to Twitter and/or Facebook. When you blip, you'll get an auto populated list of other DJ's who've blipped that artist, and you can choose whether or not to follow them. I recommend following "all" every time you do this in the beginning to get a good canvas to start from. Once you have several DJ's you're following, start listening to your "following" stream - ("follow" tab). Whenever you hear a song y ou love, reblip it and / or give it a thumbs up. You'll get more props as you go, so don't worry if you run out right away. If you reblip enough, people will give you the props you need. Once you've gotten that far, the rest will work itself out. It's just as easy to Un follow a DJ - so if you come across a song you hate, just unfollow them. Eventually you'll fine tune your following set to be the perfect group of DJ's with similar taste as you. (but I like to keep mine a little open to new stuff too!) Have fun with it!

Moving with our Cat Nicky

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:16:46 -0600

From the summer of 2009 to Spring 2010, our family went from a 5 pet family to one, and from a home with a fenced in yard to an apartment. The only pet we still had when we actually moved was Nicky, our sweet kitty cat. He did not want to leave the old house at all. We had made two trips during the move, and the last chore was to get Nick. He absolutely would not come with us! We tried everything! We even had him trapped once, and he got out! He knew we were leaving, but did not want to come with us. We could not bear the thought of abandoning him, so we persisted. Finally, a couple of hours after our last attempt, I drove back to the old house alone and found him quietly perched in his usual spot in the old back yard deck, as if it were just another ordinary day. I brought along some beef jerky as a bribe, and it did the trick! He hated the ride, and for three days we could not find him once we got him in the apartment, but he is still with us! Even though it's been about 6 months, he still has trouble adjusting to being indoors all the time. (have you ever tried to put a cat on a leash?) One good perk though, is that we get a lot more lovin'!

Stonecircle Celtic Band

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:03:50 -0600

The Winter Solstice, for me, is a bit of a spiritual escape from the commercialism of Christmas. I connect with my core, my true presence, the dawn of existence. It seems to take me back to my ancients. Every year, this feeling gets stronger in me, perhaps as I become closer to the destiny from which I evolved. I know more, the less I wonder about it. Something about the music of Stonecircle enhances this whole experience. While the members of the band are mostly American, their music is most definitely of no place, every place. Maybe it is my own Irish roots, or perhaps my Native American roots, or a combination of both, that connect me so deeply to the music of Stonecircle. I understand it. I feel it. It does not make me feel different, only moreso of what I already experience in the now, in truth. I can laugh and cry, no matter. The sound of Stonecircle is indeed circular, in that it connects one to the feeling of connection with ancestors, yet it has a modern feel as well. The music is a catalyst for the old soul. My Christmas gift to you is Stonecircle. My gift to them is this lens. May you find each other in peace and harmony, and in Celtic Fusion.

Second Life Peacefest

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:22:46 -0600

The first SL PeaceFest benefit event for worldwide peace, took place on August 15th-17th of 2008 in the online world known as Second Life Covering 10 sims, the first festival featured live music, theatre and dance performances, art exhibitions, panel discussions and a rally at the Peace Park in SL Central Park. Master schedules for these exciting events will be posted on main website at PeaceFest Blog Our method of collecting donations is through Second Life, using a dedicated PeaceFest avatar named PeaceFest Pevensey. Individuals may donate to PeaceFest at any time by searching People (in Second Life) and finding PeaceFest Pevensey's profile, and clicking Pay and choosing a donation amount. We also accept donations via Pay Pal, which are tax deductible in the United States. The fest was a huge success, and has been held every year since.

The Galápagos Islands

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:38:49 -0600

This is Pinnacle Rock, Bartolome Island, Galapagos Islands, Equador. In addition to Galapagos Seal, this area hosts Parrot Fish, Hog Streamers, Wrasse,Blue-eyed Damsels, Green Sea Urchin, Pencil Sea Urchin and Surgeon Fish in huge schools. Every area of these islands has it's own combination of wildlife. Some, many in fact, exist only on Galapagos Islands, or on only one island of the archipelago. One lonely inhabitant is known to be the last of his kind. For the most part, life is thriving for the animals of the islands. Many of these species are native only to these islands. Sadly, though, some are losing their battle to exist. They are the focus of this lens. Why are we losing them? ~ Other species not native to the islands have been introduced here. Some of these foreign inhabitants bring disease, or are predators to the natural life on the islands. ~ Certain infectious agents arrive here via the air or the ocean, and wipe out many of the inhabitants ~ Illegal hunting ~ Humans - both the increase in humans who now live on the islands, and human visitors. ~ Global warming and its large-scale impacts on natural processes The islands' delicate ecosystems are continually threatened by population pressures, tourism, introduced species, poaching and illegal fishing - international demand for local products such as sea cucumbers and shark fins is on the rise Source: PBS.org What are we doing about it? The goal is to restore the islands to their original native populations. "Captive breeding" involves fencing or caging the animals with others of the same breed to encourage more offspring. Additionally, the foreign species are being removed. These efforts are beginning to turn the problem around, but the animals still need help. Spreading awareness of the plight of the islands and it's creatures, both flora and fauna, is another good way to help. Photo: Jean Spector

Tobri Connections

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:54:32 -0600

Tobri, the Social Network based on creating meaningful connections, rolled out it's beta release in August, 2010. The response has been wonderful and the network has grown really quickly into a socially active, familial kind of place, like dropping by the corner coffee shop or friendly diner in your old neighborhood. Their is always someone around who is more than willing to help get you started. Even though its still in Beta and has a few hiccups now and then, the program is fun, helpful and a great way to make (and keep) meaningful connections online. Whether using it for personal or business, there is something for everyone at Tobri. Tobri's basic membership is free. There is a nice version for businesses too.

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:10:09 -0600

I first learned of Ms Kubler-Ross from her book, "On Death and Dying" which was an integral part of my study in social work at the University of Southern Mississippi back in the 1980's. Her 5 stages of grief, we learned were about much more than the loss of a loved one in the physical sense. We learned that "grief" has many faces, and dying, many meanings. I have appreciated this wisdom throughout my life, and used it over and over both in my professional and personal experience. I am thankful she left such a strong legacy for women, and hope many generations to come, both men and women, continue to benefit from her work.

Searching for Amelia Earhart and the Flying Laboratory

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:03:25 -0600

The Femme Fatale of Aviation, Amelia Earhart, crashed the plane she called "The Flying Laboratory" into the sea while on her last leg of a trip to circumnavigate the world. Where exactly did her plane crash? What were her last days, moments of life like? In the 70 Years since she went missing, researchers have proposed several very different theories as to what might have happened to Earnhart and her plane. From prisoner to castaway, each one seems to contain some grain of evidence to support it. Let's take our own look at some of these ideas, and explore the seas of the Pacific ourselves to see if we can solve the mystery of the disappearance of Amelia.

Good Energy Day

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:22:37 -0600

As one student puts it, "Imagine a campus, a community,or a world, where people concentrate on developing positive relationships and building good energy between each other" That is the goal of the Good Energy Movement. 09/09/09 "Good Energy Day" was the official kick off of the Good Energy Movement. The Good Energy Movement, Started by Ben Mack, Chuck Pennington, and their friends at Albany State University is open to anyone wanting to spread "Good Energy"! Whenever you Tweet on Twitter about good energy, don't forget to use the hashtag #999 to let everyone else know you support the Good Energy Movement!

Working on a Dream Tour

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:08:06 -0600

'Working on a Dream' was Bruce Springsteen's twenty-fourth album and was recorded and mixed at Southern Tracks in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional recording in New York City, Los Angeles, and New Jersey. The reviews were mixed: Some preferred Springsteen's darker side to the more upbeat major keys of the Dream. Others found it a nice change for him. Huffington Post's Mike Ragogna called the first track Outlaw Pete a "Jessie James on crack folk story", while Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune was "underwhelmed", blaming it on Springsteen's producer Brendan O'Brien for "sanding off Springsteen's Rough edges". The album is the last to feature new work of founding E Street Band members Danny Federici and Clarence Clemons, who died in April 2008 and June 2011, respectively. Federici's son Jason also plays on the album. The 2008 tour Schedule: 30-Sep E. Rutherford, NJ Giants Stadium 2-Oct E. Rutherford, NJ Giants Stadium 3-Oct E. Rutherford, NJ Giants Stadium 8-Oct E. Rutherford, NJ Giants Stadium 9-Oct E. Rutherford, NJ Giants Stadium 13-Oct Philadelphia, PA Spectrum SOLD OUT 14-Oct Philadelphia, PA Spectrum SOLD OUT 19-Oct Philadelphia, PA Spectrum 20-Oct Philadelphia, PA Spectrum 25-Oct St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center 26-Oct Kansas City, MO Sprint Center 29-Oct New York, NY Madison Square Garden Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concert 2-Nov Washington, D.C. Verizon Center 25-Sep 3-Nov Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena 7-Nov New York, NY Madison Square Garden 8-Nov New York, NY Madison Square Garden 10-Nov Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena 13-Nov Auburn Hills, MI Palace At Auburn Hills 15-Nov Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center 18-Nov Nashville, TN Sommett Center 20-Nov Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena 25-Sep 22-Nov Buffalo, NY HSBC Arena ------------------------------------------------------------------- 2009 tour dates: 23-Mar Asbury Park, NJ Convention Hall 24-Mar Asbury Park, NJ Convention Hall 1-Apr San Jose, CA HP Pavilion at San Jose 3-Apr Glendale, AZ Jobing.com Arena 5-Apr Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center 7-Apr Tulsa, OK BOK Center 8-Apr Houston, TX Toyota Center 10-Apr Denver, CO Pepsi Center 15-Apr Los Angeles, CA LA Memorial Sports Arena 16-Apr Los Angeles, CA LA Memorial Sports Arena 21-Apr Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden 22-Apr Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden 24-Apr Hartford, CT XL Center 26-Apr Atlanta, GA Philips Arena 28-Apr Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Spectrum 29-Apr Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Spectrum 2-May Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum 4-May Hempstead, NY Nassau Veterans Mem. Col. 5-May Charlottesville, VA John Paul Jones Arena 7-May Toronto, ONT Air Canada Centre 8-May University Park, PA Bryce Jordan Center 11-May St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center 12-May Chicago, IL United Center 14-May Albany, NY Times Union Center 15-May Hershey, PA Hersheypark Stadium 18-May Washington, DC Verizon Center

Perfect Christmas Eve Gifts

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:23:54 -0600

Our family follows the popular tradition of the "Christmas Eve Gift" shared by many across the world. All children get one present on Christmas Eve, and the one who says "Christmas Eve Gift" first prompts the opening of the gifts. Nearly every year growing up, the oldest of our cousins remembered first, but I think we might have had a year or two in there where we got to them first! Some popular Christmas Eve gifts are Pajamas, especially for little kids. Christmas Journals are fun for teenage girls, and Boys like novelty T-shirts and caps to wear and act goofy in front of the camera with. We started a tradition of getting a Nutcracker every year, with the idea of having a "collection" for our son, but he's worn them out playing with them so much. So his Nutracker gift on Christmas Eve is usually a replacement for the poor fella that bit the dust last year! Oh well, as long as he has fun! They are toys after all! Christmas is meant to be enjoyed! So let's celebrate a little early with some of these special Christmas Eve Gift finds!

Baby Boomers and Wellness

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:54:17 -0600

It's amazing what science and research can do. If we're living longer, I for one would like be healthy too! If you were born between 1946 and 1964 you are a baby boomer. As we baby boomers begin to age, we naturally have more health concerns. With a whole lot of us getting older at once, that's a bit of a strain on the system. What I hope to do is educate myself and other baby boomers on how to stay well naturally without having to pay more out of pocket for health care. Not only are a lot of us getting older, but a lot of us are living longer. That means we need to learn to sustain ourselves for a longer period, potentially stretching our health care dollars even further. What can we do for ourselves to stay well and healthy as we approach our "golden" years?

Brown Pelicans and the Gulf Oil Spill

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:29:28 -0600

There is something about a Pelican I have always admired. The way they fly so gracefully, expressionless, yet somehow poetic too. When the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico news came out, I was immediately concerned about the birds. Having seen all the horrible slicked birds from the Exxon Valdeez oil spill years ago, I remembered how heartbreaking it is to see these beautiful animals so helpless. The Brown Pelican was affected pretty harshly in the Gulf Oil Spill, and though their numbers have been improving, the bird already faces years of dwindling habitat from the erosion of the coastlines, especially in Louisiana where the oil hit the worst. I was raised in South Mississippi and remember growing up the ongoing efforts to save coastal wildlife, namely the Least Tern nesting areas on the Gulf Coast beaches. It is not new to me to be concerned about ocean birds. What's new is the horror is more real with the latest oil spill hitting so close to home. My friends are affected. These are spots we all like to visit. It's not okay for tar balls to wash up on our beautiful beaches. I am not really interested, however, in bashing anybody. It was an unfortunate accident and I hope we all learn from it. Here are ways to help our birds, and to help educate our future leaders so that they can make more informed decisions. During the disaster, which seemed to go on forever, I wrote this about my poor Brown Pelican Friends: I am Brown Pelican. I live peacefully in southern coastal waters. I hunt fish with my piercing eagle eyes and large bowl of a bill. I can sit, stoic, on dock posts for hours. I am Digesting. I am Observing. I see quite a lot. I see ships and boats and dolphins and planes. I see storms and heat and magnanimous sunsets. I am Brown Pelican. I am key chains and T shirts and vacation packed memories. I soar as I hunt, my great feathered wings hovering inches from water. I feel the foam of the sea. I feel the mist in my face. I see my pray. I dive. I am Brown Pelican. ... I feel so heavy. I sting. I sting! I can barely move or breathe. I am caught in something thick. Now I cannot move. I am hungry. I am weak. I am Brown Pelican. I am Brown. I am. I.

Bigger and Better in Texas: Bunnies, Bows, and Aging Hippies

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:38:44 -0600

Big Jason with his Hippie Aunt and Salvadore Doggie We love challenge and healthy competition, so promoting our favorite contestants in http://www.nextinternetmillionaire.com/ The Next Internet Millionaire: seemed a natural thing to do. Thanks to your votes, (and Jason's inevitable charm...) Jason Henderson was chosen as the First of 12 Finalists in the Next Internet Millionaire Competition. Way to Go Jason! Thanks everybody for your Help!

Friends who helped me laugh again

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:08:25 -0600

I built this lens to support Modest Needs, an award-winning charity that works to stop the cycle of poverty before it starts for low-income workers struggling to afford emergency expenses like those we've all encountered before: the unexpected auto repair, the unanticipated trip to the doctor, the unusually large winter heating bill. Want to help Modest Needs stop the cycle of poverty before it begins? Make a web page (about anything!) at the Modest Needs Headquarters on Squidoo, or visit ModestNeeds.org and make a secure monthly pledge of any size. Your pledge will be matched dollar-for-dollar all year long, and you'll help Modest Needs to claim 100% of this remarkable matching grant!

Scrapbooking Gift Ideas

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:08:04 -0600

Whether you are a scrapbooker yourself or have a scrapbooker on your Christmas list, here are some perfect scrapbooking ideas for gift giving and gift getting! Do you love to scrapbook but don't have the time? I have an idea for you. You have tons of scrapbook stuff but have no idea what to do with it? I have an idea for you, too!

The Ironed Out Diva

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:21:51 -0600

I just want to let you know, those of you who perhaps might need a lift, a gift, a boost in confidence, that even if you have nothing, are penniless, homeless, whatever, there is a way to get to the seminar you need to get to. I did it, and I want to share with you exactly how I did it, so that you can do it too! By calling myself the "Ironed Out Diva" and selling spots on my shirts to wear at the seminar I wanted to attend, I attracted a lot of attention and publicity for my sponsors! It was fun and effective. Good energy all around! Some of my friends and followers have really taken the ball and run with it to create their own version of living the dream. One dream at a time, I say, and you will make it happen. Focus on one dream. Just one. And then really focus on that. I will show you how!

Mahalo Josh Hailey

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:02:21 -0600

One of Jackson, Mississippi's beloved native sons, young artist/entrepreneur Josh Hailey, is leaving our town to explore bigger waters. We know (hope?) he will rejoin the flock soon, (albeit a more enlightened flock upon his return). This lens is an expression of thanks for the mark Joosy has left on our hearts, a bucket of well wishes, and a celebration of the incredible talent in so many genres that is Josh Hailey.

Nico Pisani

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:18:22 -0600

An Early Favorite of mine, I never got to promote Nico for the voting...Time crept up on us and we couldn't get his lens out. However, I was thrilled to see him do so well on the show, and felt a strong sense of camaraderie with him as I cheered him on each week on the Next Internet Millionaire. He even took the worm challenge like it was nothin'! Nico's the MAN!