Kim Giancaterino Lensography

Giant Squid 100 Club 

Giant Squids Headquarters

Giant Squids A group for the Giant Squids. To highlight their lensography's, plexography's, and a favorite personal lens or two.

Squid Angel 

Ten Tips for a Bless-Worthy Squidoo Lens

Being a Squid Angel is a responsibility I take very seriously. I'm currently serving my third term as a Squid Angel, and am thrilled to have an opportunity to recognize and reward Squidoo lenses worthy of a boost. It's exciting to meet...

A Day of One Hundred Squid Angel Blessings

On the occasion of publishing my 250th lens, I've decided to celebrate with a one-day Squid Angel bless-a-thon. Blessing a hundred lenses in one day is probably a lot like 5-minute dating, but I've been an Angel twice and can spot winners pretty quic...

Another Day of One Hundred Squid Angel Blessings

For my last 100-lens bless-a-thon I randomly chose members of my Squidoo fan club. This time I searched for lensmasters who appeared in guestbooks all over Squidoo. This is one of my favorite ways to find new lensmasters and new lenses to bless. It's...

Diary of a Squid Angel (2009)

Dozens of hard-working Squid Angels are looking for the best of the best on Squidoo. The program has evolved a bit since I last took part, and Squid Angels are now entrusted with three Squidoo categories. Here are the ones I'm assigned to: H...

Diary of a Squid Angel (2008)

In March 2008, Squidoo HQ announced a new group of Squid Angels. I was editing a bunch of lenses, and upon refreshing a page, the lovely yellow Angel badge popped up on my title bar. That's how I learned of my Squid Angel status. It wasn't hard to fi...

Retired Giant Squid Greeter 

Mission: Possible - Becoming a Giant Squid in 2009

Attention Giant Squid Greeters, Giant Squid Community Organizers, and Citizen Squid Mentors... Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to welcome new lensmasters to the Squidoo community, answer questions and offer assistance to struggling...

SquidAid Responder 

SquidAid Responders

SquidAid Responders are the Squidoo Lensmasters who responded to the call to aid the survivors of disasters.   All Squidoo Lensmasters are encouraged to become SquidAid Responders by make new lenses or modify existing lenses and choose the royalt...

Hot Off the Presses... 

My Latest 10 Squidoo Lenses

Ten New Lenses by Kim Giancaterino

Here's what's hot off the presses... my ten most recently published Squidoo lenses. My lenses are often created randomly, so there won't be much of a theme here. For a more comprehensive overview of my Squidoo lenses, please chec...

Asante Africa Foundation 

#1 in Both Nonprofits & Volunteering and News

Asante Africa Foundation Video Gallery

Asante Africa Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to providing quality education to children in East Africa, specifically to rural communities located in Kenya and Tanzania. Approximately 90% of donations to Asante Afric...

Asante is the Swahili Word for Thank You

Three years ago, my friend Erna Grasz started an organization called Asante Africa Foundation. Its goal is to provide education for children in remote East African villages in Kenya and Tanzania. The villages were encountered for the first time...

Unique Holiday Gift Idea: A Personalized Desk for Kids in Africa

Are you looking for a novel gift idea this holiday season? How about a personalized desk to honor someone on your gift list. Since 2007, Asante Africa Foundation has been making education a reality for children who live in remote villages i...

Asante Africa Foundation - A New Squidoo Charity Partner!

Asante Africa Foundation believes that every child deserves an education and the opportunity to choose their future, regardless of where they are born. For several years we've maintained a Squidoo presence with the lens, Would You Trade Your...

Would You Trade Your Daughter for a Cow?

The very idea seems absurd, but for desperate families in parts of rural Africa, it's an all too common answer to a present-day economic problem. Thus, when a family runs out of food and sees no other solution, they will strike a deal with a neig...

SquidZipper How-To Lenses 

Learn How to Promote Any U.S. Based Business for Free

Promote Your Real Estate Business for Free with Squidoo SquidZipper Lenses

Are you a real estate agent or professional who is currently promoting your business online? How would you like to try a FREE method of promotion that uniquely positions you as an expert on the cities and neighborhoods you represent? Would you like t...

Promote Your Business for Free with Squidoo SquidZipper Lenses

Do you have a regional business that you're currently promoting online? Would you like to learn about a FREE method of promotion that uniquely situates you as an expert on your neighborhood? Would you like to interact with potential customers in your...

Promote Your Notary Public Business for Free with Squidoo SquidZipper Lenses

Are you a notary public or mobile notary public who is currently promoting your business online? Would you be interested in trying a FREE method of promotion that uniquely positions you as an expert on the cities you represent? Would you like to inte...

Have you used SquidZipper to market your business?

If you're familiar with Squidoo, you've probably seen lenses created in the zip-code-driven SquidZipper format. Lensmasters have been highlighting their home towns, as well as their favorite restaurants, festivals, and sports teams. Some lensmasters,...

Classic Television Theme Song Lenses 

#1 in Movies & TV

All-Time Favorite Classic Television Theme Songs

Television theme song lyrics aren't what they used to be. Assembled for your listening pleasure are classic television favorites, from Casper the Friendly Ghost in 1945 to Laverne and Shirley in 1976. Who among us does not have several of these class...

A Collection of My Music Lenses 

Kim Giancaterino Music Lensography

It started innocently enough. I'm a classic television fan, so I made a lens highlighting 20 All-Time Favorites Classic Television Theme Songs. Then I started devoting an entire lens to each of those songs, as well as a number of fun novelty songs, a...

Lens of the Day ~ June 20, 2008 

#1 in Movies & TV

The Monkees Theme Song

Artist: The Monkees Lyrics by: Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart The Monkees (1966-1968) Davy Jones: Davy Micky Dolenz: Micky Peter Tork: Peter Michael Nesmith: Mike The Monkees Theme Song Here we come Walking down the street We get the funniest looks...

My Community: Eagle Rock, California 

#1 in Local

Eagle Rock, California Mobile Notary Public

Serving Eagle Rock, California Are you looking for a notary public in Eagle Rock? I'm a mobile notary serving the Los Angeles County area. As a traveling notary, I've met my clients in restaurants, retirement homes, hospital rooms, business offices...

Eagle Rock, California

Nestled between the southern California communities of Pasadena and Glendale, Eagle Rock was one of the first homestead settlements in Los Angeles. Though it officially became a city in 1906 and was incorporated in 1911, Eagle Rock was settled by far...

Los Angeles, California 

Travel Town Museum in Los Angeles, California

For more than 50 years, Travel Town has been a favorite location for children's birthday parties, picnics, family reunions, and even the occasional wedding. The museum offers several unique party and meeting venues, from outdoor picnic areas to vinta...

Carmen Trutanich

On May 19, 2009, Los Angeles voters elected private attorney and political novice Carmen "Nuch" Trutanich to the office of City Attorney. During his 18-month campaign, Carmen Trutanich promised that if elected he would combat gang violence, create a...

Visit the Los Angeles Zoo

I do—the Los Angeles Zoo is just a few miles from my home. We have a family membership and are able to enjoy the zoo throughout the year. Even when we don't have time to stop at the zoo, we regularly take a "shortcut" through Griffith Park, an...

Vitello's Restaurant in Studio City, California

I lived in the San Fernando Valley for many years, and Vitello's was my neighborhood hangout. I still go from time to time with my family, but miss the regular get-togethers with my friends after work. Located in Studio City, the restaurant is a pop...

My Notary Public Business 

What You Need to Know Before You Hire a Notary Public in California

You've undoubtedly seen notary public signs in your community, and have probably even required the services of a notary at some point. But how much do you really know about notaries? Quite simply, a notary public is an officer appointed by state...

Notary Public Headquarters

This group supports anyone who is commissioned as a notary public anywhere in the world. If you're a notary, make a Squidoo lens about yourself and submit it to the group. The SquidZipper format works great for mobile notaries. Just type in any z...

Los Angeles, California Notary Public Directory

Welcome to my notary public lensography. I'm still expanding my mobile notary business and will be gradually adding more lenses to cover the Los Angeles County area. My commission is in California, so I've got several lenses that are geared t...

Los Angeles County, California Mobile Notary Public

Serving Los Angeles County, California Are you looking for a notary public in Los Angeles? I'm a mobile notary serving the Los Angeles County area. As a traveling notary, I've met my clients in restaurants, living rooms, retirement homes, hospital...

Notary Finder: Find a Notary Public or Mobile Notary Public

When American Notary Group was established in 1995, the primary objective was to educate and enhance the professional image of California-based notaries. The group's online directory, NotaryFinder.com was originally created to promote the businesses...

My Home Town 

Livermore, California

Tyler Vu Photography in the Livermore Valley Wine Country

Tyler Vu is an accomplished graphic designer and photographer based in San Jose, California. Weddings are his specialty and his passion. The photographs presented here combine Tyler Vu's unique style with the beauty of the Livermore Valley Wine Count...

Livermore Valley Wine Country

Livermore Valley Wine Country Located just an hour east of San Francisco, the Livermore Valley is home to nearly 50 wineries, with lush vineyards covering more than 5,000 acres. Wineries range from small, family-owned operations to historic leaders...

Livermore Valley Wine Map & Visitors Guide

The wineries of the Livermore Valley are artfully depicted in hand drawn, pen and ink watercolor designs on the Livermore Valley Wine Map & Visitors Guide. In addition to Livermore, the region is home to wineries in Pleasanton, Sunol, and Castro Vall...

The Livermore Valley Wineries on Squidoo

Livermore Valley Wine Country Welcome to the user's guide for the Livermore Valley Wine Country series on Squidoo. There are over 50 lenses in the series, so I do appreciate hearing from winery staff when information needs to be updated. Each of th...

Rich Sigberman Art & Illustration

Clients are raving about San Francisco Bay Area artist Rich Sigberman: I rely on Rich for the creative interpretation. He's terrific at that kind of brainstorming, and he usually gives me a range of options from serious to humorous, and in several s...

Livermore Valley Wine Country 

28th Annual Harvest Wine Celebration in the Livermore Valley Wine Country (2009)

The 28th Annual Harvest Wine Celebration will be held over Labor Day Weekend 2009. This event is the primary fundraiser for the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, and more than 40 wineries will be participating in the festivities. This year th...

Livermore Valley Wine Country Headquarters

This group showcases the wineries of Livermore Valley in northern California. Do your part in supporting the wine industry by visiting these wineries (tough work, but someone has to do it!) Then, share your experiences by writing your own Squidoo len...

Livermore Valley Wine Country: Directory of Wineries

In 1893, the Livermore Valley was a thriving wine region with more than 4,000 acres of vineyards and 23 wineries. Outside forces nearly devastated the industry. Aphids destroyed more than 1,500 acres of vineyards in the early part of the 1900s, and P...

Blacksmith Square in the Livermore Valley Wine Country

Livermore Valley Wine Country Located at the corner of South Livermore and Railroad Avenues, Blacksmith Square is the perfect starting point for a Livermore valley wine tasting experience. There are several wineries to choose from, including Big Wh...

29th Annual Harvest Wine Celebration in the Livermore Valley Wine Country (2010)

The 29th Annual Harvest Wine Celebration will be held over Labor Day Weekend 2010. This event is the primary fundraiser for the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, and details will be added here as they become available—probably in Summer...

Cleavage Creek Cellars 

#1 in Local

Cleavage Creek Cellars and the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Every picture tells a story, but one would never guess by looking at the vibrant woman pictured on this wine label that her past included a life-threatening battle with breast cancer. Yet she and every other woman featured on a bottle of Cleavage Cre...

Wine-Themed Shopping 

Dog Adorned Wine Coolers, Cheese Serving Boards & Wine Bottle Stoppers

Your favorite breed of dog is the star of this one-of-a-kind, hand-made, terra cotta wine cooler. Prior to use, fill the inside of the cooler with cold water for several minutes. Then, pour the water out and place your 750 ml bottle of wine into the...

Wine Bottle Gift Bags and Tubes

Add a touch of style to your next wine gift. It's easy with one of these festive wine bags or cylinders. I always keep several on hand, and even have a few back-and-forth bags that my friends and I have been using for years. Wine bags and cylinders...

Dress Up Your Next Wine Bottle Gift or Party Favor

While writing a lens on wine totes I found an assortment of beaded wine bottle covers, wine bottle fashions, wine bottle ornaments, and figurines. There were so many, I decided to devote a lens to them too. Dressed up bottles are always fun. They al...

Wine Bottle Totes, Carriers and Picnic Duffels

I've given several of these totes as gifts, and always enjoy receiving them! Most of the insulated versions keep chilled items cold for up to four hours. We often bring two totes to an event—one for wine and another filled with Pellegrino water...

Vineyard and Tuscan Touches for Your Home

I was married in Siena, Italy, so my house is full of things that remind me of vineyards in the Tuscany countryside. In order to avoid the too much of a good thing issue, we rotate our wine-themed accessories throughout the year. If you love wine, bu...

Italy 

Italy Headquarters

Benvenuto! This is a group for all lenses Italian. Anything goes... recipes, favorite movies, artists, or musicians. If you're planning to visit Italy, be sure to check out our many travel lenses for tips on what to see and do. Ciao!

Limoncello di Capri

Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur that originated in Southern Italy. The liqueur derives its flavor from the peels, rather than the juice of the fruit, resulting in a pleasant, sweet, lemony taste. Limoncello gained popularity more than a centu...

Stay at a Working Farm in Tuscany

I discovered Fattoria Voltrona while planning my wedding, which was to take place in Siena. A friend had already recommended San Gimignano, and a rural farm experience appealed to the small group of friends and family who would accompany us. Our grou...

Election 2008 

Raisin' McCain: GOP Campaign Song by Country Music Star John Rich

Artist: John Rich Music and Lyrics By: John Rich Raisin' McCain Well we're all just raisin' McCain Everywhere across the USA You can get on the train or get out of the way We're all just raisin' McCain And we're all just raisin' McCain Everywhere...

Sarah Palin's Saucy Updo

When Sarah Palin bounded on the political scene last year, I couldn't help but notice her upswept hairdo—one of my old standbys—the updo ponytail. The former beauty queen has been accused of frumpifying herself by piling her hair on top o...

Environmentally Friendly Litter Boxes & Litter 

Supporting the ASPCA

The Smart Cat Box Litter Box

The Smart Cat Box patented system is a new way to collect and dispose of cat waste. It's the ultimate litter box for healthy cats, and an absolute must for diabetic, chronic renal failure (CRF), and special needs cats. The Smart Cat Box utilizes long...

The Feline Pine Litter Box

How would you feel about a litter box that never has to be changed again? Too good to be true? The patented Feline Pine litter box removes used litter automatically, minimizing the odor and waste associated with conventional litter boxes. Feline Pine...

Feline Companions 

Remembering Mama Kitty

Mama Kitty died quietly in her sleep in July. I knew she was winding down because in the prior month she allowed me to sit next to her and stroke her fur. For 16 years, I had to settle for the boundaries she set up, like allowing me to touch an index...

Food & Cooking 

B is for Beets

Grown primarily for livestock food and sugar processing, only a small percentage of beets make it to the dinner table. Nevertheless, beets are enjoying a comeback! Easy to grow, they're completely edible from top to bottom, and packed with nutri...

D is for Dates

In some parts of the world date palms are so highly valued that the trees are passed down from generation to generation, sometimes in the form of a bride's dowry. Under the proper climate conditions, a tree is capable of prod...

Culinary Favorites From A to Z Lensography

This series of food lenses is still in progress. I've just completed my latest: K is for Kitty Litter Cake. My goal is to catch up with Sue Grafton, who has written 20 Kinsey Millhone novels in her alphabet series, most recently T is for Trespass. I'...

A is for Artichokes

Growing up in northern California, we were spoiled by an abundant supply of artichokes. Castroville, in Monterey County, is the undisputed artichoke center of the world and supplies most of the crop for the entire country. Indeed, the popular Castrov...

C is for Cucumbers

Cucumbers originated in India and have been cultivated for more than 3,000 years, making them perhaps one of our oldest crops. The cucumber was even mentioned in the Bible! Today they are grown all over the world for pickling and the fresh produce ma...

Food & Cooking 

Michael Chiarello's NapaStyle

NapaStyle, founded by acclaimed chef and author, Michael Chiarello, expresses a unique way of living based on the beauty and style of California's Napa Valley. The company offers a wide selection of specialty products for the kitchen, home, and garde...

The Biggest Hamburger Ever

Denny's Beer Barrel Pub in Clearfield, Pennsylvania is proud of its Main Event burger which costs $379, feeds up to 200 people, and takes 9 hours to prepare. The super-sized burger features an 80-pound beef patty, a 30-pound bun, 12 tomatoes and...

Michael Chiarello's NapaStyle Video Showcase

This showcase features videos from NapaStyle on Fine Living and Food Network's Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello. The latter is co-produced and written by Michael Chiarello, and has won three daytime Emmy Awards, more than any other Food Netwo...

My Most Secret Writing Tips 

Learn How to Write Real Good Like Me

Write Good With Help From William Safire's Fumblerules

Years ago, way before I was cornated as a Giant Squid, folks was always trying to illicit my good writing secrets. Heck, what was I suppose to do? Hoard them like a greedy miser in my chester drawers? Anyways, I could care less about there getting be...

My Most Disgusting Lenses 

Yep, These Confections are 100% Edible!

K is for Kitty Litter Cake

I have two Squidoo lenses on real kitty litter boxes, so it only seemed fitting to choose the infamous kitty litter cake for the 'K' entry in my Squidoo food lensography, Culinary Favorites From A to Z. One of my aunts emailed this recipe to me last...

Gross-Out Cakes: The Kitty Litter Cake and Other Classics

Are you looking for the perfect desserts, drinks, and appetizers to delight—or perhaps disgust—your friends and family this Halloween? Gross-Out Cakes provides step-by-step instructions for the following crowd pleasers: Kitty Litter Cake,...

Just for Fun 

#1 in Humor

Yearbook Yourself: See How You'd Look in 1950s-1990s Yearbooks

Have you ever wondered what you'd have looked like in another era? Thanks to a company called Yearbook Yourself, it's possible to create fabulously phony high school photos from the 1950s through the year 2000. My Class of 2000 mock yearbook photo is...

Music 

Jennifer Robin Original Designs

Jennifer Robin is well known for her exceptional singing and songwriting talents. Now she's branching out with her own online Corner Store, sharing some of her unique and clever artwork designs. Some are inspired by her love of music, others by her l...

Jennifer Robin ~ Maker of Jazzy Folky Music

Jennifer Robin began composing music on the piano at the tender age of 10. As a teenager, she attended a Joni Mitchell concert and was inspired to play and compose music on the guitar as well. When she heard her voice amplified for the first time, sh...

Lindsay Tomasic

Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Lindsay Tomasic creates incandescent music that glows with sensitivity and soulfulness. Her latest album, What In The World, is compelling and vibrant with sonic surprises and clever metaphors. With songs that spea...

Nicole Falzone

Nicole Falzone is a multi-talented performer, highly in demand for her incredible drum playing, but also gifted as a vocalist, songwriter and artist. She has collaborated with such artists as Bette Midler, KD Lang, Frank Zappa, Thomas Dolby, and Geor...

Music 

Warren Giancaterino

Warren Giancaterino is an accomplished bass player and composer. He has performed live worldwide with such artists as Sergio Mendes and Frank Sinatra, and has worked with several recording artists, including Jeffrey Osbourne and Mike Sembello. Warren...

Oscar Castro-Neves

Oscar Castro-Neves developed a love of music as a young boy and had a hit record by age 16. Since that time, he has never slowed down. During an impressive career as a composer, arranger, producer, group leader and performer, he has pe...

SquidVid 

Music Video Showcases

Jennifer Robin Video Gallery

Jennifer Robin has been creating her unique style of jazzy, folky music ever since she learned to play the guitar at age 10. This showcase includes one of Jennifer's music videos and a few of her live performances at Kulak's Woodshed in California.

Sergio Mendes Video Showcase

A professional pianist since the age of sixteen, Sergio Mendes is one of the most gifted musical talents to emerge from Brazil. His group performed at parties and night clubs near the Brazilian town of Ipanema, where famed composer and musician, Anto...

Grace Slick Video Gallery

As a powerful solo artist and lead singer for the groups Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship, Grace Slick helped blaze the trail for female artists in the largely male-dominated world of rock and roll music. Along with her friend Jan...

Warren Giancaterino Video Showcase

These videos capture a number of television appearances and concerts by Sergio Mendes & Brasil '88 in the late 70's and early 80's. The band was lead by Sergio Mendes, and featured Warren Giancaterino on bass, Oscar Castro-Neves on Brazilian and elec...

Oscar Castro-Neves Video Showcase

Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Oscar Castro-Neves is a much-lauded guitarist, arranger, and composer. By the age of 16, he had a national hit called Chora Tua Tristeza. He was a major player in the Bossa Nova movement, and has worked with a long lis...

SquidWho ~ Music 

Jazz Greats Eddie Lang & Joe Venuti

Joe Venuti

Like many early jazz greats, Joe Venuti was classically trained, but his brilliant timing and ability to perform electrifying violin solos set him apart from the crowd. On top of being naturally gifted, he devised a technique that allowed him to play...

Eddie Lang

Eddie Lang introduced the guitar to a wider audience and forever changed the way that people listened to music. His versatility and musical talent made it possible for the instrument to rise to an elevated status in such genres as jazz, blues and cla...

SquidWho ~ Movies & TV 

Leslie Caron

Leslie Caron was born in Boulogne-Billancourt, Hauts-de-Seine, France. Her father, Claude Caron, was a French chemist, and her mother, Margaret Petit, an American dancer. She had been prepared for a performing career by her mother since childhood. D...

Farrah Fawcett

Farrah Fawcett was one of three actresses hand-picked by producer Aaron Spelling to portray sexy, undercover detectives on the 1976 prime time television hit Charlie's Angels. At the time, the big three networks comprised the major media, and she bec...

Raymond Burr

Raymond Burr had a reputation as one of the kindest and most respected actors in Hollywood. Known best for his role as Perry Mason, it was said that he totally immersed himself in the character during working hours. Even so, his penchant for practica...

Kim Cattrall

Kim Cattrall is undoubtedly one of the hardest working actresses of her generation. She began her career in New York at age 16, and paid her dues for years with guest spots on dozens of television shows before landing the sexy gym teacher role in the...

Bert Convy

As one of the most talented game show hosts of all time, Bert Convy enjoyed huge fame and popularity with American television audiences. Yet, due to his humble nature, few people were aware of his tremendous talents in baseball, Broadway and film. Co...

Movies & TV 

Classic Television Episodes, Music, Collectibles & Memorabilia Shopping on Squidoo

What do you get for the classic television fan on your gift list? How about a Mister Ed finger puppet, a Jan Brady action figure, or a Monkees lunch pail? Finding these gems is easier than you think. The latest classic television merchandise is avail...

Hawaiian Son

Action adventure fans are eagerly anticipating an original series currently in development. In this new drama, Hawaiian Son, the story centers around the Makua family who have ruled and protected their beloved Hawaii for generations. The series is ex...

The Original Perry Mason Television Series

Perry Mason, the most successful and longest-running lawyer series on television debuted on September 21, 1957. The Case of the Restless Redhead was based on a 1954 novel by the show's creator, Erle Stanley Gardner. The premiere episode, starring Ray...

The Andy Griffith Show Theme

The legendary Earle Hagen composed music for over 3,000 television series episodes during his long career, and will surely be remembered for the theme from The Andy Griffith Show, unquestionably one of the most recognizable tunes of all time. Until H...

Thorne Smith's Topper Series 

The Topper Movies

Topper

In 1937, film producer Hal Roach was in search of a screwball comedy, and chose to adapt Thorne Smith's racy novel Topper. The resulting film was a huge success with audiences worldwide. Cary Grant and Constance Bennett were cast as George and Marion...

Topper Takes a Trip

In the first of two sequels to the original film, wealthy banker Cosmo Topper's life is once again complicated by ghosts. Topper Takes a Trip opens in divorce court, where Clara Topper has accused her husband of infidelity. Topper attempts to explain...

Topper Returns

In the third of producer Hal Roach's Topper comedy films, most of the action takes place in an old, dark mansion, complete with trap doors and secret passageways. Roland Young returns as banker Cosmo Topper, and along with his chauffeur Eddie, offers...

Thorne Smith's Topper Series 

I Can't Seem to Get Enough of Topper

The Jovial Ghosts: The Misadventures of Topper

Thorne Smith was one of the most successful authors of American humor in the late 1920s, whose works brought joy to those living in the largely joyless Depression era. He is most famous for Topper, which was immortalized on the silver screen by film...

Topper: In Development

Comedian Steve Martin is scheduled to reteam with Bringing Down the House director Adam Shankman for a remake of the supernatural comedy Topper, based on Thorne Smith's novel. The original 1937 film starred Roland Young as Cosmo Topper, a stuffy, he...

The Topper TV Series

Thorne Smith's lively characters enjoyed an international audience through a trio of popular Topper movies, and gained new fame when CBS Television produced the episodic comedy series, Topper, in 1953. Veteran character actor Leo G. Carroll was cast...

SquidWho ~ Health & Medicine 

My Brother-in-Law

Andrew von Eschenbach

As a Matter of Fact... a Lot of Good The Food and Drug Administration regulates approximately one-fourth of the U.S. economy, including every day items like food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics. Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., respected urolo...

People 

French Photographer Robert Doisneau

I fell in love with French photographer Robert Doisneau's Kiss by the Hotel de Ville many years ago, and have a copy hanging on my wall to this day. The photograph was staged, but that fact was hidden for more than 40 years until a frivolous lawsuit...

Arts & Literature 

Supporting the ASPCA

Author Sue Grafton, A is for Alibi

A bitter divorce and custody battle led Sue Grafton to fantasize about ways to eliminate her former husband. Thankfully, she found a way to constructively express her feelings through writing. A is for Alibi was released in 1982, introducing a chrono...

Author Patricia Cornwell: The Original Crime Scene Investigation Expert

When Patricia Cornwell introduced Postmortem in 1990, she launched one of the most eagerly anticipated series in the history of crime fiction. Her books were a huge success with readers, well before the public's obsession with crime scene investigati...

SquidLit 

How Not to Look Old

10 Years Younger 10 Pounds Lighter 10 Times Better Ladies... are you still wearing oversized blazers, shoulder pads, flannel shirts, or three-piece suits with vests? Does your lingerie drawer include granny undies or stockings with reinforced toes...

Murdered By Mumia

More than twenty cities around the world, including Paris, Montreal, and Palermo, have bestowed honorary citizen status upon him. In 2006, a newly-paved road in Saint Denis, France was named in his honor. The city of Oakland, California closed its sc...

Here's The Story

Marcia Brady was the quintessential 70s teenager. She seemed to have it all—looks, brains, a sunny disposition, and confidence to spare. Like the other child actors who played her siblings on The Brady Bunch, Maureen McCormick graced the covers...

Wisdom of Our Fathers

A couple of years ago, political journalism giant Tim Russert was talking about Wisdom of Our Fathers on a radio program I happened to catch. Russert had previously written a book about his father entitled Big Russ & Me, which prompted thousands of l...

DIY & Hobbies 

How To Create an Elegant Faux Finish with PaperIllusion Wallpaper

Most faux finishing projects involve layers and layers of paint, but with PaperIllusion wallpaper you can achieve beautiful, one-of-a-kind designer looks without the mess, fumes, and endless hours of tedious work. Faux finish wallpaper is also more d...

How To Add New Scenery to Your Home with Wallpaper Door Murals

Excite your decor with a wallpaper door mural. Most of these styles are designed to cover a standard door, but you can add a dash of drama nearly anywhere with minimal fuss. Choose from trompe l'oeil styles, or beautiful accent artwork. Why settle f...

How to Create a Faux Marble Countertop with PaperIllusion Wallpaper

Would you believe the countertop shown here was an ugly eyesore just hours before this photo was taken? The surface may look like expensive marble, but it's wallpaper! I've been using PaperIllusion Wallpaper for several years and have successfully c...

How To Add a Trompe L' Oeil Window with Wallpaper Murals

Are you ready for a change of scenery? It couldn't be easier, thanks to trompe l'oeil wallpaper window murals. Choose from several designs including the rolling hills of a Tuscan countryside, a seaside beach, a mountain cabin, or a Parisian balcony,...

DIY & Hobbies 

How To Create a Surfer Bedroom with Wallpaper Murals and Cutouts

Turn your bedroom into a surfer's paradise with colorful wallpaper murals, cutouts, and wall borders. Vinyl-coated wallpaper cutouts are prepasted and ready to apply to walls, wood, glass, and practically any clean, hard surface. It's easy ... just d...

How To Create a Child's Dream Bedroom with Wallpaper Murals and Cutouts

Transform your child's room into a fantasyland with colorful wallpaper murals and cutouts. Vinyl-coated Wallies wallpaper cutouts are prepasted and ready to apply to walls, wood, glass, and more. Just dip murals or cutouts in water and sponge them in...

How To Create a Baby's Dream Nursery with Wallpaper Murals and Cutouts

Creating a beautiful, custom-designed nursery for your baby doesn't have to be expensive. It's easy when you decorate walls and furniture with prepasted wallpaper cutouts or easy peel and stick decals. Colorful wallpaper accents are easy to apply to...

Home & Garden 

The Best Fire-Retardant Plants for Your Home Landscape

As an electronic graphics operator working on live news in the Los Angeles market for more than a decade, I can tell you that the most heartbreaking events to cover are brush fires. Yet, on occasion there are miraculous accounts of homes saved in the...

As Seen On TV: The Topsy Turvy Hanging Tomato Planter

Summertime means fresh tomatoes... particularly the home-grown variety. Like many home gardeners, I've been growing my own tomatoes for years. This season I've decided to try the Topsy Turvy upside-down tomato planter. The Topsy Turvy was invented by...

Prized Heirlooms: Afghans Crocheted with Love

I grew up in one of those "loving hands at home" families where homemade gifts were the norm. My grandmother was talented in many needle crafts and made hundreds of items throughout her life, later specializing in the art of mini-crochet. I'll be sha...

How-To & Education 

The Famous Drinking Bird

My step-son received one of these colorful drinking birds as a stocking stuffer last Christmas, and it was the hit of the party. His Guitar Hero was abandoned in a corner for hours while our group huddled around the table, mesmerized by the dipping b...

Daylight Saving Time Begins March 14, 2010

You know the old saying: spring forward... fall back. During Daylight Saving Time, which begins in the spring, clocks are turned forward an hour, shifting an hour of light from the morning to the evening. When Daylight Saving Time ends in the fa...

Cars & Trucks 

Touring Car Racing Association

TCRA is a southern California-based car club for road racing enthusiasts. Events are held regularly throughout the year at professional race tracks, including Willow Springs, Buttonwillow, California Speedway, Laguna Seca, Sears Point, and Las Vegas.

Hey, Monkeybrain! 

Where Smart People Go to Argue

Jeannie vs Samantha: Who is More Powerful?

In 1965, Bewitched debuted as a magic-themed situation comedy on ABC. The show was a huge hit, and finished second only to the very popular and established series, Bonanza. Viewers were crazy about the show's leading lady, Elizabeth Montgomery, as we...

Nipple Rings Are Not a Threat to National Security

It's bad enough that Transportation Security Administration officers are routinely frisking eight-year-old boys and eighty-five-year-old women with aluminum walkers. Texas resident Mandi Hamlin now claims TSA officers forced her to remove her nipple...

Godless vs Soulless: Battle of the Blondes

In the right corner: Ann Coulter, attorney, conservative columnist and author of Godless: The Church of Liberalism. In the left corner: Susan Estrich, law professor, political commentator and author of Soulless: Ann Coulter and the Right-Wing Church...

Godless vs Soulless 

Battle of the Blondes

Godless: The Church of Liberalism

In her explosive #1 New York Times bestseller, Godless: The Church of Liberalism, constitutional lawyer, best-selling author and conservative columnist Ann Coulter exposes the Church of Liberalism: its sacraments (abortion), its holy writ (Roe v. Wad...

Soulless: Ann Coulter and the Right-Wing Church of Hate

"I have nothing against Ann Coulter personally. Quite the contrary, we get along just fine," claims political commentator Susan Estrich. Nevertheless, the attorney and author has taken on the high priestess of the conservative right with Soulless: An...

SquidBoo 

Happy Halloween!

Bewitched Halloween Costumes

Beautiful witches were nothing new in 1964. After all, L. Frank Baum had introduced Glinda, the Good Witch more than six decades earlier in his popular and widely translated children's novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. In 1942, silver screen siren V...

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark

She's sexy... she's sultry... she's scandalous. She's the Queen of the Macabre. It's not hard to understand why the Mistress of the Dark has inspired the most popular Halloween costume of all time. Women—and a not-so-surprising number of men...

I Dream of Jeannie Halloween Costumes

The pink and maroon harem costume made popular on the sitcom I Dream of Jeannie is on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., but imitations have abounded every Halloween since the popular show hit the airwaves in 1965. The famous...

The Addams Family Theme Song

Written and Composed by: Vic Mizzy The Addams Family (1964-1966) Carolyn Jones: Morticia Frump Addams John Astin: Gomez Addams Ted Cassidy: Lurch Jackie Coogan: Uncle Fester Frump Ken Weatherwax: Pugsley Addams Lisa Loring: Wednesday Addams Marie Bl...

Liven Up Your Halloween Party with Life-Sized Standup Cutouts: Elvira, Twilight, Crypt Keeper, Freddie, Jason and More!

Why sure. It couldn't be easier, thanks to life-sized cardboard cutout standups. Who better to greet your Halloween party guests than the Mistress of the Dark? I've used standups at several parties, and they're always a hit. Everyone loves having the...

My Blogs 

L.A. Notary Blog

More information coming soon... In the meantime, visit L.A. Notary Do you have a notary-related website or lens? Add it here.

L.A. Wineaux Blog

More information coming soon... In the meantime, visit L.A. Wineaux Do you have a wine-related website or lens? Add it here.