About Me

Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT is a respected physician, an expert in life challenges, loss, grief and bereavement, professional health educator, professor, lecturer and author.

Dr. Dyer is the Domain Designer for the Journey of Hearts website, created in 1997 as the first and only physician based website devoted to educating people about the normal grief response.

Dr. Dyer also happens to be a former NICU Parent. Based on her experiences with her youngest daughter, founded the NICU Parent Support Site.

Depending on the situation, Dr. Dyer wears a variety of hats, and uses different aliases...Comfortdoc, Griefdoc, Momdoc, Professordoc and now since becoming part of the Squidoo Community, Lensdoc or Lensdoctor.

Dr. Dyer has achieved Giant Squids status on Squidoo, joining the elite squad of the best and most prolific lensmasters on Squidoo. She prefers to think of the Giant Squids as Squid Gigantea or Squids of Unusual Size (SUS's).

For even more information see her Lensography, a listing of her Squidoo lenses or her Professional Bio to discover her many areas of interests.

Loss, Grief and Bereavement

Loss is the disappearance of something cherished, often the death of a person, loss of a relationship, loss of a job or loss of health. Grief is the entire response--mind, body and spirit--to the loss. Bereavement is the often term used when the loss...

How to Write a Condolence Note or a Sympathy Note

Taking a bit of time to write a condolence note or condolence letter can be a great source of comfort and provide a gift of healing for a friend or a loved one who is grieving a loss. According to research by Hallmark, Americans send nearly 125 mill...

Horton Hears a Who

Horton the Elephant is featured in two Dr. Seuss books, the first "Horton Hatches an Egg" and the second, "Horton Hears a Who." "Horton Hears a Who", the new feature film produced by Blue Sky Studios and released by 20th...

Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep - A Poem, A Song and A Book to Comfort

This lens is dedicated to the favorite bereavement poem, "Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep" words of sympathy that have brought comfort to many since it was written. This beloved poem has also been put to music as a stirring song and most...

How to Write a Condolence Letter

Finding the right words to write a condolence letter or sympathy note may be challenging, yet the benefits can be immeasurable. A well-written, heart-felt condolence letter is a show of your support and sympathy for the person grieving the death of a...

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Gail Winfrey is thought to be the most influential woman in the world now. She is also considered to be the most philanthropic African-American of all time and one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the United States. Oprah, as she is kno...

Free Hugs Campaign - The Many Benefits of Hug Therapy

The Free Hugs Campaign began as one person's attempt to make a difference and reach out to others to brighten their lives. Juan Mann describes his inspiration as follows: Standing there in the arrivals terminal, watching other passengers meeting the...

Doin' the Bone Dance and Other Creative Ways to Learn Bone Anatomy

Teaching children about bone anatomy can be made a bit easier and a lot more fun for the children by using some songs, dances and available innovative educational tools. The idea for this lens came after watching a recent episode of Hannah Montana the...

Idol Gives Back - American Idol Helps Others

For the second year running, American Idol and fans helped those who are less fortunate in the United States and around the world through Idol Gives Back. The second special night aired Wednesday, April 9th starting at 7:30/6:30 central on your Fox...

Diana Princess of Wales

I was one of the thousands of people, who were stunned and in shock 10 years ago by the tragic death of Princess Diana and then a few days later the death of Mother Teresa. As I watched the enormous worldwide outpouring of grief for the deaths of the...

Imagine Peace & Love Gifts for Mom, Dad, Kids and More

Looking for a special gift for your Mom, Mother or Mum? How about one for your Dad, Father or Daddy? Why not choose one that spreads the message of peace and love? Inspired by Imagine Peace and Valentine's Day, the Imagine Peace - Imagine Love Store...

Comfortdoc - Griefdoc - Momdoc - Professordoc - Lensdoc - Greendoc

This is the lensography, or collection of lenses, for lensmaster Kirsti A. Dyer a.k.a. lensmaster Comfortdoc and Griefdoc. Depending on the situation and the circumstances, I wear a variety of hats, hence the various aliases... Comfortdoc, Griefdoc,...

Obama or Clinton - Who will be the Dems Nominee? Together - An Awesome Democratic Ticket?

The race is heating up between the two leading democratic contenders--Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. The fact that there is no clear front runner is an indication on just how split the Democratic Party is between these two presidential candidates....

Journey of Hearts - Grief, Loss & Transitions

  Journey of Hearts was launched in the Fall of 1997 as "a Healing Place in CyberSpace." It was the as the first and only physician sponsored website devoted to educating people about the normal grief response. In the fall of 2007 Jo...

Grobanites for Charity and The Josh Groban Foundation - Making a Difference in the Lives of Children

Josh Groban is the young baritone who is defining a new genre of music. This lens supports the work of the Josh Groban Foundation and the Grobanites for Charity a group of dedicated fans working to make a difference in the lives of children around th...

The Gratitude Campaign - Thanking Those Who Are Serving & Others

The Gratitude Campaign is a way for people to say "thank you" quickly and easily to those who serve without even having to approach them. With a simple hand gesture in sign language, you can easily convey your "thanks" to those who...

Nature Therapy - Therapeutic Walking or Hiking - Green Therapy

John Muir once wrote, In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. Walking in nature can have many therapeutic benefits for the person walking. Taking a walk or a hike to enjoy the scenery, the fresh air and the activity can help in...

Smile Though Your Heart is Aching

A simple strategy for how to survive those most difficult of days...just smile.  This lens includes a specially selected collection of videos with different versions of the classic song "Smile" written by Charlie Chaplin, John Turner a...

We Can Solve It

The We Campaign is a project of The Alliance for Climate Protection -- a nonprofit, nonpartisan effort founded by Nobel laureate and former Vice President Al Gore. Our ultimate aim is to halt global warming. Specifically we are educating people in t...

My NICU Baby has Died: Now What?

Many parents consider the loss of a child to be the highest level of loss. The information on the site cannot take away the intense pain and sorrow you are feeling. Instead I offer information, resources and support that others who have been in simil...

Anniversary Reaction - When Remembering Isn't Always a Happy Occasion

Coping with the anniversary of the death of a loved one, the loss of a public figure, dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster such as Hurricane Katrina or the national trauma of September 11, 2001 can be difficult for the family, the friends...

Virtual Walks to Get You Through Your Day - Walking Video Clips

When you need a break from work, a bit of a respite from home, or need to be re-energized, take a few minutes and click on one of these specially selected YouTube videos to go on a virtual walk. While the virtual walk is not the same as a real walk,...

CarePages - Connect Friends and Family During Times of Challenge

CarePages unique service allows you to create a personal, private web page to help family and friends communicate when a loved one is facing illness whether at the beginning of life as a newborn, at the end of life, or somewhere in between. Creating...

Peace Ornaments - Ornaments to Remember - For Any Time

A special selection of Ornaments Ornaments to inspire peace and remember loved ones who have died year 'round. Some of the Ornaments are designed for high quality porcelain and available through Cafe Press stores; others have been carefully selected f...

The Health Benefits of Altruism - How Giving Back is Good For You

Being altruistic, or reaching out to help others, not only benefits the person being helped, but practicing altruism also has many benefits for the person doing the helping.  Altruism is an unselfish concern for the welfare of others. It is a g...

Who Wants To Live Forever? - A Reminder of the Fleeting Time

I always find the song "Who Wants to Live Forever?" sung by lead singer Freddie Mercury from the English Rock Band Queen to be a haunting and poignant reminder of just how fleeting our time here really is. The lyrics for this song sung by F...

Ever After - A Cinderella Story

Ever After is a retelling of the Cinderella story with a bit of a twist. This 16th Century Cinderella a.k.a. Danielle, played by Drew Barrymore is beautiful as well as intelligent. She is a victim of ill-fated circumstances who still manages, despite...

Earth Hour 2008 - Earth Day

On March 29, 2008 at 8:00 pm millions of people, businesses and governments around the world switched off the lights for one hour during Earth Hour. Did you join them and turn off the lights? Earth Hour 2008 was a global event created to symbolize...

Promote Heart Health and Prevent Heart Disease - Kirsti A. Dyer MD

February is American Heart Month. Learn about promoting heart health and preventing heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Stroke is the third leading cause of death. There are many thi...

How to Cope with Loss and Grief - Healthy Coping Strategies

When faced with a loss, crisis or life-changing event, you are suddenly thrust into an unfamiliar world, one that can be frightening and unsettling. Knowing how to make it through the first few days or hours can help. This lens offers articles and re...

Children and Grief

Children and adolescents are not immune to facing loss, death, dying and grief; they encounter loss and will experience a grief response. Much as we, as parents and teacher, might want to protect and shelter children and try to create a world for the...

The Last Lecture

My background includes caring for those those who are facing the end of life. I have been in awe of the human spirit shown by those facing their final life challenge. I was amazed when I read Randy Pausch's inspirational story. He has shown amazing c...

Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale helped to mold the fields of nursing and public health. She earned the nickname "The Lady With the Lamp" for her tireless nursing care delivered to British soldiers during the Crimean War (1853–1856). Although most...

Freddie Mercury - Queen

Freddie Mercury, lead singer for the Rock Band Queen, was once quoted as saying that he didn't want to be a rock star, he wanted to be a legend. While alive, Freddie Mercury was known as an entertaining and energetic rock star. Since his death at the...

Maria Shriver

Maria Shriver is an award winning journalist, best selling author and serves as the First Lady of California after her husband Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected and then re-elected as Governor of Calfironia. She is also a mother, wife, daughter, sist...

Water Blessing Labels - Positive Words Inspire Your Inner Journey

Water Blessing Labels can be used as positive affirmations and inspirational messages to help you focus your intentions and inspire your inner journey. These re-usable transparent static cling decals can be placed on most smooth surfaces. The labels...

Josh Groban - Touching the Soul - Healing the Grieving Heart

The first time I realized the healing effect of listening to Josh Groban sing was watching him sing 'To Where You Are' on an episode of Ally McBeal in 2001. David E. Kelly wrote the special Christmas episode as a tribute to those who had died on Sep...

Music Therapy - A Harmonious Complementary Therapy

According to the American Music Therapy Association, Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages.  Music therapy improves the quali...

Flip Video Camcorder to Inspire Creativity and Capture Family Fun

Oprah's not the only one Flipping for this new easy to use Video Camcorder. Buyers have made the Flip Video Ultra Camcorder the Number 1 Flash Memory Camcorder on Amazon. For anyone who has had the chance to use a Flip Camcorder it is easy to see wh...

Randy Pausch

It is highly likely that Dr. Randy Pausch lasting legacy may not come for his work in Computer Science, his field of expertise. His lasting legacy is likely to come from a lecture that has become know as "The Last Lecture" teaching people about "Real...

The Final Countdown to 01.20.09 - George W. Bush's Final Day

We've started the Final Countdown to the last day that George W. Bush is in office, January 20, 2009. You can watch the Countdown clock on this lens, tick off the days, hours, minutes and seconds. The Final Countdown lens was inspired by my husband...

My NICU Baby is Dying: Now What?

This lens is developed to support the 1,000's of NICU Parents each year who must face the difficult realization that their NICU baby will not be discharged to home because their NICU baby is dying. Each year nearly 30,000 infants die in the United St...

Just Say 'No' to Power Cell Energy Balls - A Consumer Health Warning

As a physician, nutrition instructor and parent, I find several things wrong with the Power Cell Energy Ball product and marketing strategy. This company is promoting a caffeinated, vitamin-fortified gumball as a 'nutritious snack' with all the visua...

NICU Parent Support Lens

This NICU Parent Support lens was created to organize our various lenses and provide an overview of the information, support, encouragement and resources for NICU Parents and Families, those whose newborns are hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive C...

First Book - Book Relief - Every Child Deserves a Bedtime Story

Can you remember the magic of owning your first book? This is the mission of First Book, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to give children the opportunity to read and own their own first new book. First Book provide an ongoing supply of new b...

How Will I Survive the NICU? Advice for NICU Parents and NICU Families

This lens was created to help parents survive in the NICU after they have gotten past the initial shock period, covered in the first lens My Baby's in the NICU: Now What? The focus of this lens is on the later phases of the NICU experience--the next...

Health 4 Life: Food, Fitness, Family & Friends and Fun

Health 4 Life helps put the focus on raising healthy kids by providing education and resources for schools and families to encourage healthy choices, good nutrition and daily physically activity in a fun and enjoyable manner. Health 4 Life is a simpl...

We love Disney's Enchanted

Disney's Enchanted takes the best of some of the Disney classics combines them with some of the updated Fairy tales to create what is destined to become a new classic. Enchanted combines elements of Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and...

We're All Winners

“We’re All Winners” is an educational fitness activity designed to let young children have fun, learn a bit about being safe in the sun and then participate in a non-racing, solo running activity. The main goal of the event is to cr...

Bereavement Photography for Dying Babies

There are several organizations that help to ease the grief of NICU Parents and other parents by taking professional photographs of dying newborns. Photographs create a tangible reminder of the brief moments shared between parent and child. Offering...

Josh Groban

Josh Groban is an remarkable performer with a voice than can easily handle pop and rock music as well as classical. Generally classified as 'adult contemporary' Josh Groban is among a new generation of musicians and performers defining a new genre of...

The Original Phantom of the Opera

Erik, the Phantom of the Opera, the Opera Ghost, is a musical genius, who because of his physical deformity he masks his face. The Phantom lives far beneath the Paris Opera house in the depths of the catacombs, residing in a secret home by an undergr...

Free NICU eBook: For Those Who Hold the Littlest Hands

"For Those Who Hold the Littlest Hands" is freely available eBook for NICU Parents from the NICU Parent Support Site. The eBook is filled with information, encouragement and resources to support NICU parents through their Neonatal Intensive...

Nanny McPhee

Nanny McPhee is the mysterious, amusing and a bit scary Nanny character created by Emma Thompson from Christianna Brand's Nurse Matilda. Emma Thompson wrote the screenplay for the film and also stars as Nanny McPhee bringing the character to life. T...

Imagine Peace Tower - Celebrating Peace on John Lennon's Birthday

October 9th 2007 on would have been John Lennon's 67th birthday, Yoko Ono unveiled the Imagine Peace Tower on Videy Island in Reykjavik, Iceland as a way of encouraging global peace. The Imagine Peace Tower is dedicated to her late husband, John Lenn...

My Baby's in the NICU: Now What?

The first lens in a series of lenses from the NICU Parent Support Site created to provide information, support, encouragement and resources for parents and Families who suddenly find that they have a NICU Baby--a newborn hospitalized in the Neonatal...

Caregiver Grief

Grief is important part of the caregiver experience that is often overlooked. According to Grief expert Kenneth Doka, PhD "Grief is a reaction to a loss, but it can be -- and with caregivers grief often is -- a multifaceted reaction." Man...

Freddie Mercury and Queen Video Showcase

On November 24, 1991 the world lost one of the greatest musical voices of all times with the passing of Freddie Mercury, the lead singer for the group Queen.  An energetic and entertaining showman, Freddie Mercury is often referred to as "...

Imagine... Remembering John Lennon 1940 - 1980

John Lennon's anthem of peace and hope has been one of my favorite songs since college. This is a collection of many different versions of one of the greatest songs of peace of all times "Imagine."  News of his sudden death in 1980 ca...

Healthy Year Round Resolutions by Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, CWS

Making a New Year's Resolution for your health, may be one of the most important things that you do in 2008, but you don't have to just make a resolution for the New Year. You can decide at any time to make resolutions to live a healthier life, resol...

13 Ways to Cloak Your True Identity for Halloween

One easy way to create a simple, fun and effective Halloween costume is to start with with a mask, a cloak, a cape or a robe to hide your true identity. Halloween is a time when children and grown-ups alike get to take on a different identity for a...

Dem Dancing Skeleton Bones

Skeletons have been a symbol of death at least since the Middle Ages when they were portrayed as the Grim Reaper. Dancing skeletons are featured as participants in La Danse Macabre* or the dance of death and as such skeletons have become objects of f...

John Muir

The United States is forever indebted to John Muir, the "Father of the National Park Service" for helping to preserve this countries greatest treasures, our National Parks. John Muir (1838-1914) was America's most famous and influen...

Living Life with Gratitude - Living 2008 with Gratitude

Many of the simple things in life can be reasons for being grateful. These are often things that we tend to take for granted--our health, family, friends, our livelihood--until they are brought to our attention or taken away. Remembering to be grate...

Caregiver Stress - The Impact of Caregiving Too Much

Caregiver Stress is the emotional strain of caregiving for a loved one, or attending to the needs of a child or dependent adult. Caregiving can have a major impact on the caregiver's own health. Caregivers become so concerned about caring for their...

NICU Expo - For Parents of NICU Babies & the Providers that Care for Them

The NICU Expo is is an Online Event being hosted by three former NICU Parents and NICU Parenting Experts to raise awareness about parenting in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or the NICU. The NICU Expo was to have been held during November, which is...

Lotsa Helping Hands - A Way to Organize the Offers of Support

Lotsa Helping Hands is a simple, immediate way for friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to assist loved ones in need by organizing all of the offers of support during a time of crisis. Lotsa Helping Hands provides family and friends with an ans...

Southern California Fires - Information, Donations, & Technology

California Fires of October 2007 have already caused untold damage, displacing more than a million people and causing over a billion in losses. You can help the survivors of the fires by donating cash to help in funding relief efforts. FEMA (The Fede...

Gregorian Video Showcase

Gregorian Masters of Chant is a German group, band or more appropriately a male choir who sing medieval-inspired re-interpreted pop and rock music. Gregorian has brought the plainsong* or plainchant style of singing into a modern setting, delighting...

Dr. Seuss

There are probably few children and grown-ups who haven't read at least one of the imaginative works of Theodor Geisel. The children's books of Dr. Seuss, such as the Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who and Green Eggs and Ham have become classics for...

Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, was a bigger than life personality. Passionate and enthusiastic about everything that he did and the way that he lived. Perhaps that is why it was so hard for people to believe the news of his unexpected death last...

My Good Deed - Change the World

How will you remember 9/11? Pledge your good deed for 9/11 in memory of those lost September 11, 2001 and turn 9/11 into a national day of service and compassion. My Good Deed is a non-profit public benefit corporation that was founded in 2002 to hon...

Caregivers and Caregiving

A Caregiver is "a person who is responsible for attending to the needs of a child or dependent adult." Caregiving is the care provided for that person. Caregiving is often one of the most important, demanding and stressful roles that a per...

Zorbitz - Lucky Karma Beads - Feng Shui Luck Charms

These Lucky Karma Bracelets, Karmalogy, Nirvana Crystals and Feng Shui Charms are among my favorite fun gift ideas--for myself, or to give to others. I love the Zorbitz product line because they create products that can be worn or used as focusing to...

What is SquidKnol?

Just think in a few minutes, you can build your own entry in the world's database of information; this is the goal for the new Squidoo co-branding tool, SquidKnol. Developed in response to the announcement by Google about their new Knol project, Squ...

Willy Wonka

Willy Wonka is the amazing chocolatier, the confectionery genius, the eternal child and the dreamer of dreams first brought to life by Rohal Dahl in the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He has been portrayed in two very different performances...

Peace Crane - Origami Paper Cranes for Peace

Paper cranes have been used a symbol of peace since the second world war. In the 1950's a young girl Sadako Sasaki, a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing, but a victim of atom bomb disease (leukemia), hoped to fold 1,000 cranes to grant her wish while...

Comfortdoc's SquidAid Lenses - A Lensography

I have always believed in the Healing Benefits of Altruism, how reaching out a hand to lift someone else up is one of the greatest gifts for the heart. I am the original SquidAid Responder, having developed the idea of Squidaid to help survivors of...

A Knock at the Door - An Inspirational Mini-Film and Book - A Fairy Tale

I was inspired the very first time that I saw "A Knock at the Door" mini-film, so much so that I searched out the publishers, ordered one copy of book and DVD for my daughters and myself and had a copy sent to a dear friend. "A Knock at the Door" th...

Imagine Peace Group and Cafe Press Gift Items

Imagine all the people, living life in peace. These words of peace and hope were penned by John Lennon more than 30 years ago. The Imagine Peace Group and Related Imagine Peace Products, featured in the Imagine Peace Now store, carries on the legac...

Oprah's Angel Network - A Philanthropic Organization for Inspiring Others

Oprah's Angel Network originated in 1998, in part, as Oprah Winfrey's response to the sudden Death of Princess Diana and the Death of Mother Teresa both in the same week. It was Oprah's first major philanthropic venture. Oprah's Angel Network support...

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...

Worldwide Candle Lighting - December 9, 2007

Every year, since 1997, on the second Sunday in December The Compassionate Friends (TCF) hold a Worldwide Candle Lighting in memory of all children who have died too soon. On this day people around the world are encouraged to light a candle to so th...

Walk Yourself Healthy - Walking for Health - Health Benefits of Walking

While walking may be one of the oldest forms of exercise it continues to be one of the best ways to improve your health and well being. Because of it many benefits walking may become one of the most popular prescriptions available in a physician's ar...

Bindi Irwin

The sudden, unexpected death of Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, last September left some pretty big shoes to fill, but daughter Bindi Irwin has stepped in and picked up where her father left off as a passionate wildlife warrior and spunky television p...

The Phantom of The Opera

The Phantom of the Opera began as a novel written by Gastron Leroux in 1909. In the novel we are introduced to the character Erik, or the Phantom of the Opera, a horribly deformed musical genius also known as the "Opera Ghost." Over the yea...

Juan Mann (One Man)

Juan Mann is perhaps better known to millions of YouTube Viewers as the "Free Hugs Guy." He has chosen to use the identity of "one man" and wants remain anonymous in his desire to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their...

Squidoodles for Happythanksmasaween

The idea for the Squidoodle* lens came from a posting on the Squidu Forum. One post lead to another...one became SquidYule Carols, another, the Squidoodle page. Here is a collection of the Happythanksmasaween* Holiday inspired Squidoodles (a.k.a Squi...

Help a Child Go Back to School with Operation Blessing

You are invited to get your family, friends, clubs and church groups involved and put together Pencil Case Kits as part of Operation Blessing's Pencil Case Kit project. Building Exitement & Confidence Crossing the dirt floor, a child approached...

The Zaky A Bonding Hand from Zakeez inc.

The Zaky, an ergodynamic positioning pillow, was designed by a former NICU parent after her own NICU experiences with her son Zachary. One of the most difficult things for NICU parents to do is to realize that they cannot stay with their NICU baby 2...

Holiday Blues - Feeling Sad, Lonely or Depressed During the Holidays?

For many people instead of the holidays being a time when "the days are merry and bright," they are more likely to be experiencing the blues for many different reasons. For some people the holiday season can be a very difficult time time of...

Keep a Child Alive

A single dollar can make a difference in the life of a child with HIV. Keep A Child Alive is an urgent response to the AIDS pandemic ravaging Africa. 25 million people have already dead from AIDS, the disease continues, wiping out whole societies, t...

Count Your Blessings

Count your blessings, this is such a simple charge and a reminder to be grateful for what we have. Yet in the craziness and the hustle and bustle of daily living stopping to be grateful and count our blessings is often one that we fail to overlook. C...

Malaria No More on Idol Gives Back

For the second year in a row, Malaria No More will be one of the beneficiaries of the Idol Gives Back Program. For only $10 you can buy a bed net which can protect a family of four against the mosquitoes that carry malaria. UNICEF has been urging peo...

More Squidoodles

A collection of more Squidoodles* created for other causes, most importantly for SquidAid and the Squidoo Fire Aid Challenge. Also included are Squidoodles that I have created for the two groups that I manage, the Imagine Peace Group and the Grief &a...

Every Baby has a Story - Video Contest for the March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is asking NICU Parents and Families to share their NICU stories and experiences by creating and submitting a video for the "Every Baby has a Story" Video Contest. Often time those who have been there and lived through a c...

The Princess Bride

"Hold it. Hold it. Are you trying to trick me? Where's the sports. Is this a kissing book?" We soon discover that "The Princess Bride" is a perfect blend of fairy tale romance, swash buckling action, nail biting adventure and sid...

Bunny - Oscar Winning Short Film

I would not have believed that the computer animation studio that produced "Ice Age" would have created a short film that works as an effective resource for educating children and adults about death and dying, but this short film is a valua...

Prematurity Awareness Month - Sponsored by the March of Dimes

As part of a national effort to save babies from premature birth the March of Dimes has designated November as Prematurity Awareness Month. The month of November is dedicated to raising awareness about premature births, while also raising funds for t...

One Laptop Per Child - A Gift that Gives Twice for Christmas

Give a Laptop, Get a Laptop in this innovative program.  One Laptop Per Child is offering a Give One Get One Program from November 12 through December 31. Due to the enormous response, the deadline has been extended according to Dr. Negroponte b...

Dr. Andrew Weil

Dr. Andrew Weil, physician, author, professor and wellness advocate, is changing the way that medicine may be practiced in the future by developing and teaching a blended field of study, Integrative Medicine. Since 1994 he had been the founder and di...

Linus Torvalds

Linus Benedict Torvalds is a Finnish software engineer, who now resides in the United States. He is best known for initiating the development of the Linux kernel, an alternative operating systems to Microscoft. He has been dubbed "The Father of...

Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation - Founded by A Super Couple

Anyone around in 1978 remembers Christopher Reeve emerging on the film screen as the ultimate Superman and as a Super Hero. I think his true Super Hero status happened years later. For me, the image of Christopher Reeve as Superman is one that has b...

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

Born out of a mother's love for her children and a desire to protect her children, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation has played an important part in the research, the eradication and the prevention of Pediatric AIDS in the United States...

The Moomins - Creations of Author and Illustrator Tove Jansson

My mother is from Finland, so I grew up reading stories from Moomin Valley about critters called the Moomins and all of their friends. Moomins love nature and all her creatures. They possess a tolerant and open attitude toward life with a very strong...

Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead

Although occurring around the same time of the year as Halloween, Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, celebrated in many Latin American countries, is a very different holiday, with a very different focus.   This festival to celebrate the...

Reach Out and Read - Promoting Early Childhood Literacy

This lens focuses on Reach Out and Read (ROR). Reach Out and Read is a national non-profit organization that promotes early literacy, because growing up healthy means growing up with books. During visits to the pediatrician, children get new books an...

Music Thanatology - Music as Therapy at the End of Life

Music Thanatology is the practice of using music to comfort, calm and relieve the suffering of someone in the final stages of life; it is using music to ease the passage of someone who is terminally ill or dying. Since Music has been a part of my lif...

Wear Khaki on November 15 for Steve Irwin Day

Grab your khakis mate and don them on November 15 as a tribute to Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, Wildlife Warrior and Passionate Conservationist. November 15 was chosen by Steve's wife Terri Irwin as a commemorative day to honor the life of her...

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, MD

Dr. Elisabeth Kubler Ross has the distinction of writing the first best selling book on a topic that no one wanted to discuss. On Death and Dying, written in 1969 is still required reading for many medical, nursing, psychology programs and college de...

Caregiver Syndrome - Caregiver Stress Syndrome

Caregiver Stress Syndrome is a way to describe the physiological and psychological changes experienced as the result of chronic stress due to ongoing caregiving activities. Caregiver Stress Syndrome are actual physiological and psychological symptoms...

Remember September Mail Art Project

This Creative, Commemorative Mail Art Project was developed by Gail Ellspermann in 2002 as a way for people to remember those who had died on September 11, 2001. Through the use of art, participants are encouraged to express their feelings and refl...

Raising a Healthier Generation - The Alliance for a Healthier Generation

The mission of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation is to eliminate childhood obesity and to inspire all young people in the United States to develop lifelong, healthy habits. The goals of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation are two-fold 1...

Peace on Earth / The Little Drummer Boy - 30 Years Later

Peace on Earth / The Little Drummer Boy is one of my all time favorite Christmas Carol. The song is from an Bing Crosby Christmas special in 1977 with the very unlikely duet of Bing Crosby and a young David Bowie. It's hard to believe it has been 30...

James Kim

The Kim Family story was one that gripped people's attention in late November 2006. The family went missing November 25 when they took a wrong turn traveling home to San Francisco after spending Thanksgiving in Portland. At the time of the story more...

Squidoo Fire Aid - Using the Internet to Aid California Fire Survivors

All Squidoo lensmasters are encouraged to create a lens or two or even three as part of the SquidAid and the Squidoo Fire Aid Challenge to benefit California Fire Survivors. We're asking all Squidoo lensmasters to make a lens or two or three with fun...

SquidAid Group Progress

Track the progress and watch the number of lenses grow as Squidoo lensmasters take up the challenge to aid survivors by making lenses. This lens also provides information on Squidaid, the Squidoo Fire Aid and how lensmasters can aid survivors of dis...

Take a Trip Underground to Visit The Catacombs....and the Dead

Far beneath the city streets of Paris lies the bone remains of more than 6 million people, in an elaborate labyrinth of passages, tunnels and corridors. It is a place of mystery, of intrigue, of history and of death. One can easily get lost or diso...

SquidAid - Using the Internet to Aid Survivors of Disasters

In the spirit of LiveAid, BandAid, FarmAid and Tsunami Aid comes SquidAid, a way for the Squidoo Community to use the Internet to aid survivors of disasters. While it may be difficult for the Squidoo Community of Lensmasters to stage a major concert,...

Intelligence for Your Life

When I heard that John Tesh's Intelligence for Your Life was coming out in book form, I had to get a copy of the book. I listen to his radio show on Intelligence for Your Life almost daily, quote things that I hear to my college students and share th...

Click to Give - Make a Difference

Just by volunteering a few minutes of your time and the click of a mouse, you can support a variety of charitable causes and organizations for free. You can click to donate for hunger, women's health, children's health, literacy, rainforest and anima...

I'll Be Home for Christmas - A Wish of Hope and Peace for the Holidays

The classic song, "I'll Be Home for Christmas," is a song about longing to be home with the ones that you love. Listening to this beautiful melody and lyrics is one way of being home for a bit even when you're far apart...if only in your dr...

Happy Xmas (War Is Over) Video Showcase

Happy Xmas (War is Over) the holiday classic had an unlikely origin. The song began as a billboard campaign by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. In late 1969 John and Yoko rented Billboards and put up posters with the words "War is Over! If you want it&...

Do They Know It's Christmas Video Showcase

In late 1984 Irish singer Bob Geldof watched a BBC report on the famine in Ethiopia. He was so affected that along with Midge Ure they wrote and organized the recording of a pop record to increase awareness of the famine and to raise money. Do They...

Nothing But Nets because Malaria Kills One Child Every 30 Seconds

Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. Malaria*, which was eradicated from the United States over 50 years ago, still claims one child's life worldwide every 30 s...

Give Thanks at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a perfect time to stop for a moment once a year and remember to give thanks. It's a time to be grateful for one's health, family, friends, job, home and having food on the table. Take a few moments as you read through this lens and to...

SuperCourse - Epidemiology, Internet and Global Health

Supercourse is a global repository (online library) of lectures on public health and prevention. The Supercourse is readily available as a resource for educators around the world to download and use lectures when needed. It is also a place that educ...

AIDS Research Alliance

Every minute, 10 people become infected with HIV.  5 people die of AIDS each minute of every day.  Only medical research can stop these numbers from spiraling.AIDS Research Alliance searches for ways to stop new HIV infections and find a cu...

Squidmercial's Minimercials

A Minimercial is simply a mini commercial. In the Squidmercial case, a minimercial is a 10 (or less) second video featuring your favorite Squidoo.com lens. The Minimercial is created as part of the Squidmercial Experiment. The Minimercial is the len...

NICU Parent Support Audio & Podcast Channel

The NICU Parent Support Audio & Podcast Channel is available now an audio message of support for Parents who have babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The channel has been described as a "useful and comforting guide" and "a v...

A Special Valentine Gift - Give a Flip Video Camcorder - No. 1 on Amazon

The Flip Video Camcorder is a unique gift for your Special Valentine Guy or Girl. Because it is inexpensive and easy to use, the Flip Video Camcorder is currently the No. 1-selling flash memory camcorder on Amazon. It's also No. 2, 3 and 4. It's a g...

The Wish Tree - A Wish for Peace for AnyDay

The Wish Tree is a lovely concept to create for your family at the holidays or anyday. Everyone writes down their wishes and then hangs the wishes on the Wish Tree.  Since the 1990's the Wish Tree has been a part of many peace-promoting art exhi...

Are You Having a Charlie Brown Christmas?

Linus, I just don't understand Christmas. Instead of feeling happy, I feel sort of let down. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is one of my all time favorite Christmas programs. Five years ago as I watched the Charlie Brown Christmas special for...

Steptember - Getting You to Move and Eat Better in September

Take the Steptember Challenge and make two small changes that will have a big influence on your health by moving more and eating less. American on the Move is encouraging everyone to move more and eat healthier during the month of September. The go...

The Best Christmas Wish Ever

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”  Maybe the Grinch was on to something. Take a moment and think about what makes the Holiday season impo...