Squidoo : Lenses by rwoman

Inspirational Messages

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:30:02 -0600

Life is a wonderful gift but it is also challenging and sometimes heart-wrenching. We can all use a little motivation and inspiration from time to time to help us navigate the small and large hurdles we encounter on our journey. Discover here a collection of inspirational quotes and messages that I hope will help you in your pursuit of happiness and personal growth.

How To Write A Literature Review

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:06:23 -0600

A literature review is a survey and discussion of the literature in a given area of study. It is a concise overview of what has been studied, argued, and established about a topic, and it is usually organized chronologically or thematically. A literature review surveys scholarly articles, books and other sources relevant to a particular issue, area of research, or theory, providing a description, summary, and critical evaluation of each work. A literature review can be just a simple summary of the sources, but it usually has an organizational pattern and combines both summary and synthesis to give a new interpretation of old material or combine new with old interpretations. Or it might trace the intellectual progression of the field, including major debates. And depending on the situation, the literature review may evaluate the sources and advise the reader on the most pertinent or relevant. A literature review is written in essay format and groups related works together and discusses trends and developments rather than focusing on one item at a time. It is not a summary; rather, it evaluates previous and current research in regard to how relevant and/or useful it is and how it relates to your own research. The format of a review of literature may vary from discipline to discipline and from assignment to assignment. A review may be a self-contained unit -- an end in itself -- or a preface to and rationale for engaging in primary research.

How To Write A Memo

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:49:00 -0600

Memos are often brief somewhat formal but and can be somewhat flexible in format depending on the organization and purpose. Memos are usually sent within an organization. Often these are prepared to not only inform but also serves as a record of action so it may be filed permanently or disseminated widely.

Free Trivia Questions And Answers

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:06:25 -0600

Fun free trivia questions and answers every day! Visit Trivia By Dawggone to enjoy a new trivia question and answer every day or enjoy our themed quiz questions. Subscribe by RSS or email.

Inspirational Quotes

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:01:04 -0600

If you are looking for quick inspirations and daily inspirational sayings then look no further than Daily Quote Online for inspiration, wisdom, and motivation. Where can you find quick inspirations? How about in inspirational quotes, essays, stories, and the lives of inspirational people.

Valentine's Day Trivia Questions And Answers

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:10:32 -0600

Love and romance, mankind has paired into couples ever since Adam and Eve, but what makes some relationships sizzle and others fizzle? Some say it may well be the romantic nature of the individuals who make up the couple. However, whether you are single, searching or happily married, it is human nature to seek romance and love. So why don't you take my quiz and test your Cupid Quotient?!?

Daily Inspirational Quotes

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:06:02 -0600

If you are looking for quick inspirations and daily inspirational quotes then look no further than Inspiration By Dawggone for inspiration, wisdom, and motivation with our themed inspirational sayings.

Free Trivia Questions

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:38:42 -0600

Fresh, free trivia questions and answers! We've got it all here: Fun themed trivia quizzes Lots of trivia links Tons of trivia fun Even trivia about trivia! What are some of the reasons you might look for trivia fun facts? Trivia makes you smarter, more interesting, and more fun!

Activity Preschool Songs

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:15:59 -0600

Making rhythm and rhyme a part of your child's life will have a tremendous impact on your child's speech, literacy, reasoning, physical, emotional, and social development. Simply introducing your child to preschool songs, preschool poems, and nursery rhymes can have a lasting impact on the way your child learns and develops. There are so many benefits to bringing music, rhyme, and rhythm into your young child's life that now you can understand why so many early childhood education programs emphasize music. Plus it has the added advantage of being fun for you and your child. And the best part is that there is no age threshold. You can begin working rhythm and rhyme into your child's life at birth (or even before)! Both scientists and educators are realizing that early, positive musical experience is uniquely effective in helping children achieve their full potential intellectually, artistically and emotionally.Simply using music on a regular basis with your child, including singing, listening to music, and playing instruments, can reap tremendous benefits. It is important to note that simply listening to music is not enough. Making music is more powerful for children than just listening. It is important for you to provide your child with a solid early childhood education experience that you won’t have to trust to chance but it is even more important to foster a love of learning!

Trivia

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:10:13 -0600

The dictionary definition is: Insignificant or inessential matters; trifles Trivia is the Roman goddess of sorcery, hounds and... the crossroadsOthers think of trivia as interesting facts or useless information -- and sometimes both at the same time In fact, trivia is the plural of trivium which means crossroads I think trivia is fun, often intriguing, and always entertaining Let me share my trivia with you!

Fish Trivia Questions And Answers

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:13:21 -0600

If you are need free trivia questions it is most likely because they are amusing, interesting, and invigorating. What can free trivia questions do for you? They can make you a sparkling conversationalist. They can make you appear smarter than you really are. They can actually help make you smarter than you were before. Stop looking for free trivia questions that are amusing, interesting, and invigorating and simply visit right now for amusing, interesting, and invigorating trivia questions.

Ben 10

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:12:54 -0600

Are you a fan of Ben 10? If you could choose just one hero what would it be? Ben Tennyson is not your typical hero. He is just a typical kid with one small difference -- his body is host to alien DNA. This fun, action cartoon series is all about how Ben learns to live with his newfound powers and what he does with them.

Spring Trivia Questions And Answers

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:32:02 -0600

1. Little League baseball was established in what year? A. 1939 B. 1940 C. 1941 D. 1942 A. 1939 QQ: This is the most well-known amateur league still being played today! 2. Coroebus was the first Olympic track and field champion in ancient Greece? What was his event? A. Pentathlon B. Sprint C. Discus D. Hurdles B. Sprint QQ: Although the pentathlon was one of the main Olympic competitions. 3. A baseball field is approximately what size? A. 1 acre B. 2 acres C. 3 acres D. 4 acres B. 2 acres QQ: It is equal to 0.8 hectares if that means anything to anyone!

Interesting Facts

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:57:04 -0600

Fun Trivia Online provides free trivia questions and answers. Everyone needs a little trivia in their life! If you are looking for more trivia then look no further!

Horse Trivia Questions And Answers

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:17:24 -0600

If you are find free trivia questions it is most likely because they are humorous, intriguing, and demanding. The simple truth is that free trivia questions can make you more fun at parties, perform better in the work place, and increase your brain size. So why aren't you looking for more free trivia questions? Stop looking for free trivia questions that are humorous, intriguing, and demanding and simply visit right now for humorous, intriguing, and demanding trivia questions.

Dog Trivia Questions And Answers

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:42:44 -0600

If you are find free trivia questions it is most likely because they are entertaining, absorbing, and demanding. What can free trivia questions do for you? They can make you a sparkling conversationalist. They can make you appear smarter than you really are. They can actually help make you smarter than you were before. Stop looking for free trivia questions that are entertaining, absorbing, and demanding and simply visit right now for entertaining, absorbing, and demanding trivia questions.

New Year Trivia Questions And Answers

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:39:23 -0600

Find more fun trivia quizzes here 1. Under which calendar is New Year's Day Jan. 1? A. Julian Calendar B. Gregorian Calendar C. Jewish Calendar D. Chinese Calendar E. All of the above B. Gregorian Calendar QQ: New Year's Day is the first day of the year, Jan. 1, in the Gregorian calendar. Traditionally the day has been observed as a religious feast, but in modern times the arrival of the New Year has also become an occasion for spirited celebration and the making of personal resolutions.

Learning The Alphabet Letters

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:07:55 -0600

One of the first steps in becoming a successful reader is learning the alphabet letters. The alphabetic principle teaches that spoken language is represented by written words that are made up of varying combinations of letters, and that these letters and combinations of them make up all of the sounds in spoken language. Attaching sounds to these letters and learning to write them paves the way to successful reading and writing. Introduce the letter by finding a word or a name that is meaningful to your child. Example: B: ball Model the correct formation of the letter and have your child trace the letter in salt, sand, gel, fingerpaint, pudding, or shaving cream . Point out the letter on signs and in books. When learning the alphabet letters it is important to learn the name, shape, and sound of each letter both in order and out. Once your child has this mastered then they are on the road to becoming a reader!

Vignettes

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:03:37 -0600

A vignette can be used by writers, scholars, and artists in many walks of life as a way to focus in on a particular character, issue, or moment. A vignette is a "snapshot" of a particular moment that can help the writer come to terms with a personal or professional issue or illustrate that moment for others to learn from. I included the two Wikipedia definitions below as I thought they might be useful to illustrate the variety of uses that a vignette be put to.

Free Trivia Questions Headquarters

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:51:18 -0600

This lens celebrates all things trivia on Squidoo! We are collecting great trivia lenses featuring trivia quizzes, trivia questions, trivia challenges, and other trivia fun. So stop by and visit some of these great trivia lenses whenever you need a trivia fix.

March Trivia Questions And Answers

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:12:22 -0600

1. In England, until the Gregorian calendar was adopted in 1752, March was considered what month of the calendar year? A. First B. Fourth C. Eighth D. Last A. First QQ: In England, until the Gregorian calendar was adopted in 1752, March was considered the first month with the legal year beginning on March 25.

The Five Paragraph Essay

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:28:11 -0600

The 5-paragraph or 3-point essay is also known as a keyhole essay or hamburger essay. It is a basic essay form that has been used by countless generations. Its advantages include its simplicity which makes it an easy essay to understand and write. Its disadvantages include its simplicity which does not cover an issue or question in any depth. The basic 5-paragraph essay is suitable for in-class writings and essay exams, but is not enough for papers. It should also be considered only a starting point for essay exams as more development or an altered format may be needed to appropriately answer the prompt/question. It is a starting point only.

Earth Day Trivia Questions And Answers

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:14:41 -0600

1. When was the first Earth Day celebrated? A. March 21, 1970 B. April 22, 1970 C. May 21, 1970 D. June 22, 1970 A. March 21, 1970 QQ: First celebrated in the U.S. on this date, it has been celebrated each year thereafter at the United Nations, bringing attention to its original purpose: peace, justice and the care of Earth. 2. The world's first national park was started in 1872 in which country? A. Corbett National Park in India B. Kruger National Park in South Africa C. Ordesa National Park in Spain D. Yellowstone National Park in U.S. D. Yellowstone National Park in U.S. QQ: Yellowstone becomes the world's first national park in 1872. Since then countries around the world have established more than 4000 national parks and preserves. 3. Where was the first major international conference on environmental issues? A. America B. Britain C. China D. Sweden D. Sweden QQ: The first major international conference on environmental issues was held in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972 and was sponsored by the United Nations.

Adam Blade

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:40:54 -0600

My 8-year-old son has become quite the Adam Blade fan. After finishing up the Harry Potter series, we looked around for a new series and selected Blade's Beast Quest series. We read a couple chapters every night and it always leaves my son wanting more. The characters, adventures, and beasts have truly captivated his imagination and he often incorporates Beast Quest stories into his imaginative play. These stories have all the standard fairy tale adventure story elements -- an evil wizard, a beleaguered kingdom in need of a champion, and a young hero plus magic, friendship, and bravery. Harry Potter whetted my son's appetite for magical, adventurous tales but in many ways this series is more appropriate for his age. The stories are engaging with characters who are good role models for young children. The magic and adventure are appealing but there is not the same element of darkness that you find in Harry Potter. There is destruction and violence but it is balanced by more hopefulness and goodness than in the Potter books. One aspect that my son likes very much is that in order to "win" the hero does not need to kill the beasts. He only must unlock a magical collar that makes the beast "bad". Once the beast is freed then it becomes a guardian for the kingdom.

Phonological Awareness

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:18:27 -0600

Phonological awareness is an important foundation for learning to read. Scientific research has documented that phonological awareness is a better predictor of reading success than IQ, vocabulary, or socioeconomic level of the family. Research has shown that children who begin reading instruction with sufficiently developed phonological awareness understand the instruction better, master the alphabetic principle faster and learn to read quite easily. Children who will later be identified as being dyslexic often do not have phonological awareness skills. Teaching these skills has been shown in research to prevent the occurrence of dyslexia in many children. Accordingly, many school systems now follow a program of early screening for phonological awareness skills. No area of reading research has gained as much attention over the past two decades as phonological awareness. Perhaps the most exciting finding emanating from research on phonological awareness is that critical levels of phonological awareness can be developed through carefully planned instruction, and this development has a significant influence on children’s reading and spelling achievement.

Peter Elbow

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:30:11 -0600

A well-known advocate of innovative teaching methods Peter Elbow's techniques are especially helpful to people who get "stuck" or blocked in their writing, and is equally useful for writing fiction, poetry, and essays, as well as reports, lectures, and memos. The core of Elbow's thinking is a challenge against traditional writing methods. Instead of editing and outlining material in the initial steps of the writing process, Elbow celebrates non-stop or free uncensored writing, without editorial checkpoints first, followed much later by the editorial process. This approach turns the focus towards encouraging ways of developing confidence and inspiration through free writing, multiple drafts, diaries, and notes. Elbow guides the reader through his metaphor of writing as "cooking:" his term for heating up the creative process where the subconscious bubbles up to the surface and the writing gets good.

Beast Quest

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:19:30 -0600

We read a couple chapters of the Beast Quest Series by Adam Blade each night and it always leaves my son wanting more. The characters, adventures, and beasts have truly captivated his imagination and he often incorporates Beast Quest stories into his imaginative play. These stories have all the standard fairy tale adventure story elements -- an evil wizard, a beleaguered kingdom in need of a champion, and a young hero plus magic, friendship, and bravery. Harry Potter whetted my son's appetite for magical, adventurous tales but in many ways this series is more appropriate for a 7-year-old. The stories are engaging with characters who are good role models for young children. The magic and adventure are appealing but there is not the same element of darkness that you find in Harry Potter. There is destruction and violence but it is balanced by more hopefulness and goodness than in the Potter books. One aspect that my son likes very much is that in order to "win" the hero does not need to kill the beasts. He only must unlock a magical collar that makes the beast "bad". Once the beast is freed then it becomes a guardian for the kingdom.

Multigenre Lesson Plan

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:00:20 -0600

Multigenre essays are an effective writing assignment for students K-16 because it is more challenging and interesting to both student and teacher. It allows the writer to really be a writer and choose the genre that fits the writing task rather than forcing students to write within a very restrictive, and usually entirely false, format. It is also a way to help students create large projects by breaking the project into smaller manageable chunks. Multigenre also can work in a number of subject areas as a way for students to review or research an unlimited number of topics. By giving your student writers some choice and freedom you will likely receive much more than you ask for. When was the last time you had that happen with a writing assignment?

Activity Preschool Education

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:40:26 -0600

Helping preschoolers prepare for school and life is both exciting and challenging. We are all about helping you help your little ones learn and develop!

Trivia Teaser

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:04:31 -0600

Question: How far does human blood travel during one day? Answer: 12,000 miles Trivia Teaser: On average the blood fully circulates in the human body some seven to eight times per minute. Question: What continent has the most countries? Answer: Africa Trivia Teaser: Africa is home to 53 independent countries, representing more than 25% of the countries of the world. There are 47 countries on mainland Africa and six nearby island countries. Question: What is the largest continent on earth? Answer: Asia Trivia Teaser: Currently, Asia is Earth's largest continent at approximately 17,300,000 square miles (44,806,812 sq km). Africa comes in second at about 11,700,000 square miles (30,300,000 sq km). However, Continental Drift Theory suggests that the continents have moved over the years through the process of plate tectonics. Many geologists believe that, during the Mesozoic era, all of the continents combined to form a supercontinent known as Pangaea which would have dwarfed the largest continent today. It is believed that Pangaea began to break up about 200 million years ago.

Abigail Adams

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:16:08 -0600

Learn more about this inspirational and influential First Lady Of The United States I have always been fascinated by Abigail Adams. She was an educated and opinionated woman in a time when they were a rare breed and as the wife and later mother of a U.S. President she wielded tremendous influence over our country in its early years.

Inspirational Thoughts

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:13:31 -0600

Necessary reasons to keep your desire to learn. Have you ever dwelled upon how key learning is to your life in terms of your ability to not only survive but also to thrive both professionally and personally? Becoming a lifelong learner is important to your health, your success, and your happiness, but if that is not enough reason to learn more then consider these three key reasons to keep your desire to learn and to live and learn. Change is healthy. Change is healthy for your diet, your physical well being, your mental state, and your brain's health. While change is not always comfortable its benefits usually far outweigh its challenges. We know change is good for us but that doesn't make it easy to force ourselves to change. Learning can decrease your weaknesses. Most of us spend a lot of time and effort trying to conceal or compensate for our weaknesses when that time would be much better spent simply learning more about that particular aspect of our lives and learning how we can decrease that weakness. Perhaps with time and effort that weakness can become a strength. Learning keeps your mind sharp. Study after study shows that when it comes to the brain it really is use it or lose it. Challenging your brain by learning new skills and experiencing new things can foster brain growth and development no matter what your age. One of the reasons why young children's brains grow at such a rapid rate is because they are constantly learning new things. As we grow older we tend to slow and even stop learning which is damaging to our brains. These are just three key reasons to keep your desire to learn that should give you food for thought and hopefully start you on the road to learning more and improving yourself today, tomorrow, and all the tomorrows to come. Now go forth and live and learn so you too can reap the benefits of becoming a lifelong learner!

What is a Sinus Wash?

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:43:15 -0600

If you have allergies, colds, sinus infections, snoring, or other recurring problems with sinuses then you may find a sinus wash is the solution to your problem. Are over the counter medicines, prescriptions, and shots not solving your problem? Then you owe it to yourself to give a sinus wash a try.

Discourse Community

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:57:22 -0600

As an experienced conversationalist who has been wielding verbal words since toddlerhood, you easily move from one group of people to another adjusting your tone, your vocabulary, and your syntax accordingly. Often without thinking about it, you speak differently to your parents than you do to your teachers and differently from both groups when alone with your friends. You would not dream of using the same speech patterns in the locker room and the church sanctuary. Most writers understand the concept of audience and why it is important to understand who their audience is when composing. Yet simply understanding the "who" of your audience is only the beginning for experienced writers. Effective writing, writing that works and delivers the intended message and effect, must fit within the discourse community it is destined to serve.

Pursuit Of Happiness

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:45:16 -0600

The pursuit of happiness is one of the basic elements of human existence. We want to be happy. So why are so many people unhappy then? Most likely people are not happy because they are missing one of the six keys to happiness.

Anne Sullivan

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:20:58 -0600

I have always found the life and work of Anne Sullivan to be a very inspiring story -- both as a woman and an educator as well as someone who loves learning and teaching as much as Sullivan.

Useless Trivia Fun Lensography

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:15:41 -0600

Welcome to my Trivia Lensography featuring my various trivia lenses. I have been creating trivia online since 1999 and have lots of trivia to share.

All About Mount Sterling, KY

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:06:17 -0600

I have been very happy to call Mount Sterling, Kentucky, home since 1994. Come learn more about this small city that has so many points of pride! Mount Sterling offers many advantages to its residents. It is a small city with a small town feel yet due to our strong economic base that includes two industrial parks it is possible to live and work here. With Lexington, Kentucky, in easy driving distance it also makes an excellent suburb. While continually growing, Mount Sterling remains in touch with its rural roots and Montgomery County still offers extensive farmland. Education is a priority here with a high quality school district and a regional campus of Morehead State University as well as a technical school.

Dauphin Island, Alabama

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:19:09 -0600

We recently returned from a wonderful vacation on Dauphin Island and just had to share this special place with everyone!

Writing Process

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:15:36 -0600

Developing an individual writing process is key to your success as a writer. Studies of struggling writers show that one of the reasons they struggle is that they focus on only one aspect of writing.

Cat Trivia Questions And Answers

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:19:34 -0600

If you are find free trivia questions it is most likely because they are comic, intriguing, and demanding. What can free trivia questions do for you? They can make you a sparkling conversationalist. They can make you appear smarter than you really are. They can actually help make you smarter than you were before. Stop looking for free trivia questions that are comic, intriguing, and demanding and simply visit right now for comic, intriguing, and demanding trivia questions.

Icebreakers

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:14:14 -0600

Whenever a group of people who are relative strangers are brought together for a class, meeting, or other function it can be helpful to plan an organized activity to break the ice and make it a more friendly and less intimidating atmosphere so the group can get to work.

The Hello, Goodbye Window

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:17:54 -0600

The Hello, Goodbye Window has resided on my son's bookshelf for years. I think we bought the book when he was in kindergarten. We fell in love with it from the first. It is just a delightful, heart-warming and fun story that children love. We enjoyed reading it many times. Then as Noah became a reader himself he found this book easily accessible. Now that Noah is in third grade we have found this book a great springboard for writing.

Writing Reflection

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:20:15 -0600

Good writing doesn't just happen and good writers aren't born that way. Good writers become so only after a lot of hard work and a lot of hard thinking about writing. If you want to be a good writer, or at least a better write, then you must write -- frequently -- but that alone will not help you improve unless you study the writing of others and make comparisons between the writing of good writers and your own work.

Lev Vygotsky

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:03:54 -0600

He was a pioneering psychologist and a highly prolific author. His interest in the fields of developmental psychology, child development, and education were extremely diverse and his innovative work in psychology includes several key concepts such as psychological tools, mediation, internalization and the zone of proximal development. His work covered such diverse topics as the origin and the psychology of art, development of higher mental functions, philosophy of science and methodology of psychological research, the relation between learning and human development, concept formation, interrelation between language and thought development, play as a psychological phenomenon, the study of learning disabilities and abnormal human development.

Motivation and Success

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:35:43 -0600

What sets successful people apart from the pack? Is it luck, money, good lucks, and/or talent? No, it is one small simple fact - motivation. People who are successful all share one trait - they are motivated. Of course, motivation really isn't simple at all. That is why there is multi-billion industry focused on self-help books, tapes, seminars, camps, and coaches. There is just one problem with using these methods. When it comes to motivation one size does not fit all. One of the elements that makes human beings so endlessly fascinating is that we are all individuals.It is the primary reason our species has been so successful. It also means we each have different interests, goals, and motivation.

What's Wrong With Big Media?

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:33:15 -0600

Oh let us count the ways... 1. No diversity -- We get the same coverage with no depth and this also makes the media a lot easier to control and manipulate 2. Too commercial -- It is all about audience demographics not the stories of the day 3. No checks or balance -- Whose interests are being served here? Sure in the old days publications were slanted but there were enough different voices sounding off that every position (or at least many) was heard and they worked to keep everyone honest 4. Who is feeding the beast? These media giants have created monstrous news machines that need to be fed so we are constantly seeing news created and spun and yet where is the substance beneath the fluff?

African Safari Trivia Questions And Answers

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:23:45 -0600

If you are want free trivia questions it is most likely because they are playful, fascinating, and challenging. What can free trivia questions do for you? They can make you a sparkling conversationalist. They can make you appear smarter than you really are. They can actually help make you smarter than you were before. Stop looking for free trivia questions that are playful, fascinating, and challenging and simply visit right now for playful, fascinating, and challenging trivia questions.

Teaching Reading

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:14:55 -0600

We all know that learning to read is an important part of growing up for a child. Learning to read is also essential to future success both in school and in life. Older children and adults who struggle with reading will struggle in the future in terms of both professional prospects as well as personal life. Reading is quite simply a part of every day modern life. While we all know that helping our children learn to read is important, many parents struggle with what they can do as non-educators to teach children to read. There are three simple ways you can teach your child to read - expose them to the world of literacy, read to them, and give them the tools they need to become literate.

Phonemic Awareness

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:42:41 -0600

In recent years the field of reading education has changed dramatically and many reading instructors have divided between phonic instruction and whole language. Various reading programs that fall into one of the two camps have spent millions advertising the relative merits of both. The simple truth of the matter is that the best reading instruction takes place using a combination of both strategies. And increasingly reading research has demonstrated that phonemic awareness, not simply phonics, is critically important to ensuring reading success–especially for students with learning disabilities. However what makes this so confusing for many parents and caregivers is that the term “phonemic awareness” is tossed around so often and in so many different ways. Phonemic awareness concerns the structure of words rather than their meaning. To understand the construction of our written code, words, readers need to be able to reflect upon the spelling-to-sound correspondences. To understand that the written word, beginning readers must first have some understanding that words are composed of sounds (phonemic awareness) rather than their conceiving of each word as a single indivisible sound stream.

Nikki Giovanni

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:07:22 -0600

Nikki Giovanni is a world-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. Over the past thirty years, her outspokenness, in her writing and in lectures, has brought the eyes of the world upon her. One of the most widely-read American poets, she prides herself on being "a Black American, a daughter, a mother, a professor of English." Giovanni remains as determined and committed as ever to the fight for civil rights and equality. Always insisting on presenting the truth as she sees it, she has maintained a prominent place as a strong voice of the Black community. Her focus is on the individual, specifically, on the power one has to make a difference in oneself, and thus, in the lives of others.

Money Management

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:23:01 -0600

Articles and resources to help you handle your finances from planning your budget, managing your loans, and balancing your credit and debt.

Bird Trivia Questions And Answers

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:47:48 -0600

If you are looking to find free trivia questions it is most likely because they are funny, intriguing, and invigorating. What can free trivia questions do for you? They can make you a sparkling conversationalist. They can make you appear smarter than you really are. They can actually help make you smarter than you were before. Stop looking for free trivia questions that are funny, intriguing, and invigorating and simply visit right now for funny, intriguing, and invigorating trivia questions.

Lobbyists -- Problem or Solution?

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:34:16 -0600

Lobbyists -- Problem or Solution? Why don't our leaders solve the problems facing America? Everyone admits there are tremendous problems with our health care, environment, taxes, fuel, education, and economy. For example, our dependence on foreign oil has been a major campaign issue for both political parties over the past four decades, so why hasn't it been addressed? One simple answer -- lobbyists and the special interest groups that finance them.

Self Improvement Lensography

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:28:41 -0600

As an educator I am fascinated with the many ways humans attempt to improve their lives and their world. This lensography is devoted to my lenses about learning, self help, and self improvement. Find more inspiration here!

Annotated Bibliography

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:36:25 -0600

A bibliography is a list of sources (books, journals, websites, periodicals, etc.) one has used for researching a topic. Bibliographies are sometimes called "references" or "works cited" depending on the style format you are using. A bibliography usually just includes the bibliographic information (i.e., the author, title, publisher, etc.). An annotation is a summary and/or evaluation. Therefore, an annotated bibliography includes a summary and/or evaluation of each of the sources.

Lady Liberty: A Monument To Freedom

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:42:11 -0600

She is a beautiful symbol of our country and holds such meaning for us. I also find the story behind the Statue of Liberty extremely interesting.

Reading Strategies

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:30:42 -0600

Developing tracking skills is key to your child's literacy development. Tracking in reading is the ability to follow a line of type across a page from left to right and from the top of the page to the bottom. Most educators agree that effective tracking skills are essential for understanding literacy and aiding learning as a whole, but some children have difficulty mastering tracking.

Halloween Trivia Questions And Answers

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:27:34 -0600

1. What rock star worked as a gravedigger before starting his musical career? A. Roy Orbison B. Billy Joel C. Mick Jaggar D. Rod Stewart 1. What famous rock star worked as a gravedigger before starting his musical career? D. Rod Stewart TBD: That wasn't The QuizQueen's guess either, but that's what the research says!

Lao-tzu

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:28:03 -0600

"He who knows others is wise; He who know himself is enlightened." "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." "Seek not happiness too greedily, and be not fearful of happiness." "He who knows does not speak. He who speaks does not know." "He who loves the world as his body may be entrusted with the empire." "Manifest plainness, Embrace simplicity, Reduce selfishness, Have few desires." "The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world. Through this I know the advantage of taking no action." "The Way of Heaven is to benefit others and not to injure. The Way of the sage is to act but not to compete." "To know that you do not know is the best. To pretend to know when you do not know is a disease." "The more laws and order are made prominent, The more thieves and robbers there will be." "To have little is to possess. To have plenty is to be perplexed." "A good manager is best when people barely know that he exists. Not so good when people obey and acclaim him. Worse when they despise him." "When armies are mobilized and issues are joined, The man who is sorry over the fact will win." "Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." "The journey of a thousand leagues begins from beneath your feet." "Arms are instruments of ill omen. . . . When one is compelled to use them, it is best to do so without relish. There is no glory in victory, and to glorify it despite this is to exult in the killing of men. . . . When great numbers of people are killed, one should weep over them with sorrow. When victorious in war, one should observe mourning rites." "The softest things in the world to overcome the hardest things in the world."

Thanksgiving Trivia Questions And Answers

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:22:14 -0600

1. Most folks know that Americans celebrate a Thanksgiving Day, but they aren't alone. What event is celebrated in The Virgin Islands on Oct. 25? A. A Thanksgiving Day to rejoice in the end of the hurricane season B. A Thanksgiving Day to celebrate the end of the harvest season C. A Thanksgiving Day to mark the beginning of the harvest season D. There is no such event except in The QuizQueen's imagination. A. A Thanksgiving Day to rejoice in the end of the hurricane season QQ: The Virgin Islands observe a Thanksgiving Day on Oct. 25 to rejoice in the end of the hurricane season. That is certainly something to celebrate alright! 2. Where did turkeys come from? A. Turkey B. Europe C. South America D. Antarctica C. South America QQ: Turkeys weren't introduced into Europe from the Spanish colonies in South America until 1523. However, by 1524, turkeys, imported from South America, were eaten at the court of King Henry VIII of England. 3. Thanksgiving is also a legal holiday in Canada. When does it fall? A. Second Monday in October B. Second Thursday in October C. Second Monday in November D. Second Thursday in November A. Second Monday in October QQ: Because Canada is north of the United States, its harvest comes earlier in the year. Accordingly, the Thanksgiving holiday falls earlier in Canada than in the United States. The Canadian Parliament set aside Nov. 6 for annual Thanksgiving observances in 1879. In 1957 the date was shifted to an even earlier day, to the second Monday in October. 4. Who originally domesticated the turkey? A. The Turks B. The Mexicans C. The Chinese D. The Vulcans B. The Mexicans QQ: The turkey was originally domesticated in Mexico. The ocellated turkey is native to the Yucat?n Peninsula of Mexico and adjacent Guatemala and Belize. 5. What month is National Turkey Lovers' Month? A. May B. June C. November D. December B. June QQ: Hah, bet lots of people got that one wrong! June is National Turkey Lovers' Month, after all, June is the month for lovers, isn't it?

Lisa Ede

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:02:40 -0600

Lisa Ede is a professor of English and the director of the Center for Writing and Learning at Oregon State University. She has published extensively on various topics related to writing, composition, and rhetoric. Her article "Writing as a Social Process: A Theoretical Foundation for Writing Centers" was awarded the 1990 National Writing Center Association Award for outstanding scholarship on writing centers. Ede is the author, coauthor, editor, or coeditor of six books. Her most recent publication is Situating Composition: Composition Studies and the Politics of Location.

The Best Trivia Makes You Think And Increases Your Brain Power.: The Best Trivia Ever

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:48:11 -0600

Of course you are because you know the very best trivia not only makes your brain grow but also tickles your funny bone at the same time. It may be trivial but it shouldn't be boring! Enjoy trivia fun

Renaissance Woman Online

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:43:29 -0600

A Renaissance Woman is a woman (as opposed to a Renaissance Man) who has broad intellectual interests and that is definitely me! I am interested in all sorts of fields from business and marketing to writing and education. I love trivia and quotes too! So this lens is all about ME -- Deanna Mascle Renaissance Woman!

Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:32:46 -0600

Anne Morrow Lindbergh was an author and a poet. The daughter of an American diplomat and United States Senator. Famed aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh was impressed by her quick mind and fearlessness and the two married.

Tartok The Ice Beast

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:31:09 -0600

The Beast Quest stories by Adam Blade have all the standard fairy tale adventure story elements -- an evil wizard, a beleaguered kingdom in need of a champion, and a young hero plus magic, friendship, and bravery. It is an engaging story with characters who are good role models for young children. The magic and adventure are appealing but there is not the same element of darkness that you find in Harry Potter (the series we read before Beast Quest). There is destruction and violence but it is balanced by more hopefulness and goodness than in the Potter books. One aspect that my son likes very much is that in order to "win" the hero does not need to kill the beasts. He only must unlock a magical collar that makes the beast "bad". Once the beast is freed then it becomes a guardian for the kingdom.

Sophocles

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:41:39 -0600

"Look and you will find it - what is unsought will go undetected." "Death is not the greatest of evils; it is worse to want to die, and not be able to" "Quick decisions are unsafe decisions." "There is no success without hardship." "Though a man be wise it is no shame for him to live and learn" "Success is dependent on effort." "Nobody has a more sacred obligation to obey the law than those who make the law" "One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love." "He who throws away a friend is as bad as he who throws away his life." "Children are the anchors that hold a mother to life" "Men of ill judgment ignore the good that lies within their hands, till they have lost it." "What you cannot enforce, do not command." "Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud." "How dreadful knowledge of the truth can be when there's no help in the truth." "A short saying oft contains much wisdom" "One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life. That word is love." "There is no witness so terrible, no accuser so powerful as conscience which dwells within us." "There is no sense in crying over spilt milk. Why bewail what is done and cannot be recalled?" "The keenest sorrow is to recognize ourselves as the sole cause of all our adversities." "How dreadful it is when the right judge judges wrong" "Without labor nothing prospers."

Seneca

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:07:24 -0600

Roman dramatist, philosopher, & politician who lived 5 BC - 65 AD

Ellis Peters

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:45:35 -0600

I am a big fan of her books! I own most of them and return them again and again for entertainment and escape. I especially love the Brother Cadfael series. I have always loved history and mystery and this delightful series offers both in fast-paced stories with delightful and intriguing characters.

Breastfeeding

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:32:11 -0600

Breastfeeding is a natural phenomenon that will help strengthen the bond between you and your newborn baby. Its benefits are highly documented. Your baby will receive the perfect level of nutrition from your breast milk and you will receive the physical and psychological benefits that come from knowing you are providing the most essential ingredients to your baby. Your body is developed for breastfeeding and your baby is born with an ability to latch onto you and begin sucking. However, it is quite common to experience some challenges when you first begin breastfeeding. Don't give up, seek advice and help -- and you and your baby will profit! Find more answers for women here

David Bartholomae

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:29:58 -0600

David Bartholomae is chair of the Department of English. He has written widely on composition theory and instruction and has coauthored three books including Facts, Artifacts, and Counterfacts. Bartholomae is coeditor of the Pittsburgh Series on Composition, Literacy, and Culture and is a former chair of the Conference on College Composition and Communication.

Sepron The Sea Serpent

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:07:44 -0600

Sepron The Sea Serpent is the second book in Adam Blade's Beast Quest series where we find Tom and Elenna assisted by the horse Storm and wolf Silver struggling to free the enchanted sea serpent Sepron. Sepron is wreaking havoc in their kingdom thanks to a spell cast on him by the evil wizard Malvel. Tom and Elenna want to free the serpent rather than kill him as when not under enchantment the serpent is actually a guardian of the kingdom. If you have not yet read the first book in the series, Ferno The Fire Dragon, then you should check it out!

Best Beach Travel Deals

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:08:56 -0600

The classic conflict that comes up when the family is voting on the next great vacation outing is, "Should we go to the mountains or the beach?" Well if you review all that America has to offer, it wont get much easier because we have some of the most exciting mountains and the finest beaches in the whole world right here in the USA.

Top 10 Classic Books For Children

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:37:15 -0600

I love to read and love books. I am so grateful that I have been able to pass that love on to my 8-year-old son. Noah has always loved books and enjoyed being read to but now that he has mastered reading he is voracious and I'm constantly striving to feed that appetite as I believe reading is the key to a great future. A big plus for me has been not only discovering a world of new authors who have written children's books since I grew up but also re-discovering some of my own childhood favorites. Note: These are not in order -- just the 10 favorites I could come up with at the moment! Subject to change.

Homo Universalis

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:32:06 -0600

It is a descriptive term that identifies a person as someone who has "learned very much" but more than a description it is a way of life that shapes not only the designated person but those around the homo universalis as well.

Writing Skill

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:33:35 -0600

I have spent my entire professional life writing and editing as well as teaching to help others improve their writing skills. I love writing and love helping others learn to write as well. I intend this lens to help others improve their writing by sharing writing tips and writing resources.

Avi

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:13:21 -0600

Teachers told young Avi that his writing didn't make any sense. Little did they know he had dysgraphia, a learning disability that makes writing difficult. Yet, with boundless talent and the encouragement of an understanding tutor, Avi kept writing. Today, he is the prize-winning author of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Nothing But the Truth, and dozens of other popular books for young readers.

Paulo Freire

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:15:45 -0600

A progressive and influential educator

H. L. Mencken

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:45:18 -0600

The most prominent newspaperman, book reviewer, and political commentator of his day, Henry Louis Mencken was a libertarian before the word came into usage.

Preschool Activities Queen Lensography

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:13:04 -0600

I have been studying, researching and writing about preschool education topics ever since my son graduated from baby to toddler. This lens is simply a showcase of my many preschool-related lenses.

Family Budget

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:33:54 -0600

Most families are spending more and more money every year (and not just because the cost of living rose) while also saving less and less. One reason is that few household managers spend much time reviewing expenses and expenditures to find ways they can save money. However almost every family has places where costs can be cut and pennies can be pinched - and if those freed up funds are then used to pay down debt and save for the future it could have a dramatic impact on their quality of life.

Mohandas Gandhi

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:41:35 -0600

Mohandas is his proper name but Mahatma is an affectionate title meaning "Great Soul" which was given to him out of love and the wish to honor him

Intriguing People

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:04:51 -0600

People of all ages and backgrounds and interests fascinate me. I learned as a reporter that every person has a story to tell and we share so many stories through our lenses! This lens features the many lenses about intriguing people here! Fictional people welcome!

Christmas Trivia Questions And Answers

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:24:21 -0600

1. Which Christmas tree fact is NOT true? A. Artificial Christmas trees have outsold real ones every year since 1991. B. Nova Scotia leads the world in exporting Christmas trees. c. Franklin Pierce was the first president to decorate an official White House Christmas tree. D. The Christmas tree was chosen to represent this holy holiday because it's shape points the way to heaven. 1. Which Christmas tree fact is NOT true? D. The Christmas tree was chosen to represent this holy holiday because it's shape points the way to heaven. QQ: OK, so maybe it's true, but the QuizQueen can't prove that fact, as reasonable as it sounds, because it wasn't in any of the literature she dug up for this quiz. 2. Can you name the popular Christmas song that was actually written for Thanksgiving? A. Jingle Bells B. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear C. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus D. Away in the Manger 2. Can you name the popular Christmas song that was actually written for Thanksgiving? A. Jingle Bells QQ: The song was composed in 1857 by James Pierpont, and was originally called One Horse Open Sleigh. When you think about the words make a lot more sense that way? 3. Electric Christmas tree lights were first used in what year? A. 1865 B. 1895 C. 1905 D. 1932 B. 1895 QQ: American Ralph E. Morris had the bright idea that electric Christmas lights would be safer than using candles. 4. Good King Wenceslas was king of what country? A. Bohemia B. England C. Germany D. Morocco 4. A. Bohemia. QQ: Who knows why those Bohemians always get such a bad rep? Although, history has it that Wenceslas, who lived in the 10th century, was only a Duke, not a King at all.5. In 8971, the New York Sun newspaper wrote a famous response to a little girl's question: "Yes, _______, there is a Santa Claus." Can you name that girl? A. Mary B. Charlotte C. Vidalia D. Virginia

The Swiss Family Robinson

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:44:02 -0600

I just read this book to my 8-year-old son Noah. He loved it so much he stayed up late and finished the last two chapters on his own. Now he wants to be shipwrecked on an island...

Senior Home Care Giving

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:38:41 -0600

Find more answers for your family here What happens when the parents become the children? Nothing can prepare you for it. Suddenly you turn around and the people who cared and nurtured you through your childhood into adulthood have almost become childlike. What happened? Where did the time go? Isn't it just too doggone bad that youth is wasted on the young? This is a dance that has gone on forever. It's just the natural order of things. The main difference is that in our modern world we are all living longer, healthier and more productive lives. Sooner or later, however, the time comes when the parents who directed you for so many years, are asking YOU for direction. The request may be subtle but it is inevitable. The only difference is the dance begins a bit later in life than it used to. You may find yourself riding in the car with your Mom or Dad and find you are clutching the arm supports with white knuckles. What are you going to do? That man with the staid, firm spine that took you through your paces when you were learning to drive now resembles a rampaging bull bent over the steering wheel and cutting in and out of traffic and cursing every other driver on the road! It's a very shocking and rude awakening when you first realize that your parents are vulnerable. Sometimes that realization doesn't arrive until one of your parents is gone and you are left to deal with the remaining parent. This is sometimes boldly underlined when your parent becomes ill. What happens is that he/she does not want to become a "burden" and just lets the illness take its course. Sometimes this occurs with tragic consequences. It is very easy to miss some of the signs. We are all busy and stressed beyond imagination. It often takes a severe wake up call to bring the problem to light. Missed appointments, lack of enthusiasm, lost weight and more are some of the warning signs that you have a parent in shutdown mode and you need to take action. Knowing what to do and when to do it is something that differs for all families. The first steps are to pay attention. If you are involved in the life of your parents it's easy to spot the warning signs - IF you are looking for them. Knowing what to do and when to do it are underscored with HOW TO DO IT! We've all heard the horror stories of abuses done to the elderly. Heaven forbid that it ever happens to a parent of ours! But, unless you are involved and know how to react it quickly becomes a quagmire of uncertainty. You need to get some tools! The best tools are INFORMATION! Be prepared. Don't wait until the last minute or until an incident throws you into panic mode. You need to learn everything you can to make certain that your Mom and Dad don't become statistics. The only way that can happen is if you are informed. One of the first things to learn is when is the right time to intervene in the life of your parent(s). Is it when hearing is diminished? Is it when the eyesight fails? Or maybe it's when self-neglect becomes obvious. I hear what you're saying, "That won't ever happen to my Dad!" If you think that, wake up and smell the coffee. You are going to be in for a shock. Not only do we teach you about "when" is the right time, we also show you "how" to do it. The same plan won't work for everyone, but you do need a plan. Proper planning prevents disaster. Not only do you need a plan, it needs to be shared and discussed with your siblings. No one person or "unit" of the family should have the full responsibility. Notice we said "responsibility" not "burden." These people reared you, taught you, loved you selflessly and now it's your turn! But you do need some help and that's the aim of this lens. Do you have any idea how to handle a medical emergency for your elderly parent? Do you know who their doctor is? Do you know what medications they take? Do they live near or far away? You must establish a support system and we help you learn how to do just that. Do you know what your parents preferences are for care taking in the event it becomes necessary? Do you know if they are financially solvent and able to pay for it? There are hundreds of details to attend to and if you are not properly prepared they will fall in your lap with the speed of an oncoming train. Don't take that chanced. Don't allow that to happen.

Epos The Winged Flame

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:23:59 -0600

In this conclusion to the Beast Quest series by Adam Blade, Tom and Elenna must face one of their greatest challenges yet. Tom learns some important truths about his father as well -- perhaps some truth he would rather not learn. And they learn that the while this quest has concluded there might be more beasts to free in the future...

Pokemon

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:37:24 -0600

Share the love of Pokemon with other Pokemon fans!

Expanding Your Short Essay

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:32:36 -0600

The 3-point structure is often an useful tool for writing essays because it offers a starting point and it can be adapted to suit most purposes. The 3-point structure simply follows the direction determined by the classic thesis which indicates a claim with three supporting reasons. Each supporting reason is explored in order of presentation in thesis. For example, a thesis such as -- Genre fiction should generate more respect than literary fiction from the literary establishment because it more accurately reflects American values, upholds strong moral standards, and is more uplifting-- automatically lends itself to a 3-point structure. However the five paragraph essay is not appropriate for a longer paper or article. So what do you do?

Preschool Lesson Plans

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:41:08 -0600

A while back LeeAnn from Las Vegas asked my opinion on just when is the right time to begin teaching her 2-year-old daughter. She has already begun teaching basic concepts such as alphabet, colors, and numbers, but some members of her family feel that she is pushing her little girl. In my opinion, the easiest way for LeeAnn to test whether or not she is pushing her daughter can be found in this quote: "Is it too soon, or should I let her keep going as long as she is interested and is having fun?" If LeeAnn's daughter is interested in the concepts that she is learning and having fun while learning then it is definitely the right time to teach her.

Nat Wolff

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:09:25 -0600

He loves watching the show for the music and the story. He has enjoyed the movies and the albums as well.

Timely Trivia Lensography

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:57:44 -0600

Trivia is informative, trivia is entertaining, trivia is fun -- and in this case trivia is timely!

Best Vacation Travel Deals

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:49:25 -0600

Having a relaxing vacation is the ideal way to forget all about the stress of our daily lives. It's a chance to just sit back, relax and get our priorities back in order. For many of us, it's also a great chance to reconnect with our loved ones. Whatever your reasons for needing to take a vacation, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that it goes exactly the way you envision. Find your budget travel guide and your discount travel tourism information here

Polyhistor

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:21:35 -0600

Are you a polyhistor ? I sure am. I have many talents and a wide pool of knowledge. Some of it trivial I must admit (I am the QuizQueen) but some of it very serious as well. However now I find that there are actually many different titles that apply to me and I'm at a loss to determine just which is the best to apply. Perhaps you can help me decide after you learn more about just what being a polyhistor means!

Tagus The Night Horse

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:16:07 -0600

This is the fourth book in the Beast Quest stories by Adam Blade. In this adventure tale Tom and Elenna must not only fight to free a beast, Tagus The Night Horse, but must also fight the frightened and angry plains people who believe Tom is to blame for their troubles. Remember Children Learn More!

Brother Cadfael Chronicles

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:16:29 -0600

Brother Cadfael is a fictional character. He is the hero of Ellis Peter's medieval mystery series The Brother Cadfael Chronicles. He is an intriguing character with a long history as a Crusader and Welsh soldier before landing as Benedictine monk in Shrewsbury England during a time of Civil War in England. While living a cloistered life, he still manages to become involved in all manner of mysteries with a host of interesting people. There are many characters we meet in almost every book and some that make an appearance in only one story. Come enter the world of Brother Cadfael. You won't be sorry for the experience!

Drake Bell

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:31:14 -0600

1. He is a great singer! 2. He is a funny actor 3. He is very talented

How To Write A Summary

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:20:36 -0600

A summary is a brief, concise description of a piece of writing, such as an essay or article.

Zepha The Monster Squid

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:33:29 -0600

Just when Tom and his friends thought they had freed their kingdom from the menace of an evil wizard...they discover they must embark on a new quest that is even more challenging than the one they barely survived. At least this time they have the magical beasts that protect the kingdom on their side, but will it be enough to face down the new beasts conjured by evil?

Energy Conservation

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:29:39 -0600

15 In-Depth Conservation Tips We see it every morning and evening on the television news. Our air is becoming toxic, the ground is filling up with chemicals, and our dependence on petroleum-based products has skyrocketed into the stratosphere! This doesn't even begin to discuss how the cost of energy is impacting every single one of us in a very negative manner. Have you ever wondered how you can do your part to help combat the trend? If you have then you are in the right place. Conservation isn't just about big business. Au contraire' conservation begins at home. We can all do our part. This lens offers the information you need to discover all the areas you can address in your own home! It's all about becoming aware of the small things we can all do to make our homes more ecologically friendly. There is no such thing as too much information when it comes to creating our own environmental plan at home. Plus, we can teach our kids how to help preserve the planet as well.

Horace

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:43:00 -0600

Known in the English-speaking world as Horace, he was the leading Roman lyric poet & satirist during the time of Augustus. Horace, (8 December 65 BC - 27 November 8 BC), was the son of a freedman, but himself born free.

Cypher The Mountain Giant

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:44:51 -0600

Remember children learn more Cypher The Mountain Giant is the third book in Adam Blade's Beast Quest series where we find Tom and Elenna assisted by the horse Storm and wolf Silver venturing into the mountains to free the giant from an enchantment thrown over him by the evil wizard Malvel. Our heroes face more danger than ever before and both Tom and Elenna nearly perish in the quest to save their kingdom from the enchanted beasts. If you have not yet read the first book in the series, Ferno The Fire Dragon, then you should check it out!

Fun For Animal Lovers Lensography

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:06:17 -0600

I love animals and I love having fun with them too. My dog is quite the comedian. Come share your animals and animal fun too!

Deanna Mascle

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:40:20 -0600

I know you really want to read every word that I've ever written but I'm not about to put the full text of my novels on line and cannot get copies of all the newspaper and magazine articles I've written, but I can share my articles, ezines, newsletters and blogs as well as a selection of articles! This lens is intended to share my writing but if you want to learn more about me then you should check out Who Is Deanna Mascle lens and if you want to learn more about my work as an infopreneur then visit my Renaissance Woman lens. To get a sense of my many and varied lenses you can check out my lensography. I hope you enjoy! Leave me a message to let me know you stopped by!

Distance Learning

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:24:54 -0600

Distance learning has a long and distinguished history. In the past, correspondence courses were the only way some students could gain an education. Then new broadcast technology brought a new method to distance education programs. Today, computers and the Internet bring yet another method to distance learning programs. Many people are attracted to the idea of distance learning to earn an advanced degree, but just thinking about the idea of a distance learning degree program raises a number of questions that need answers before you can make any decisions about your future. As both a distance learning student and distance learning teacher, I have been involved in distance education programs for several years and am able to answer many of the questions that people have about distance learning programs. I have put together a free resource ebook "Distance Learning" to help you learn more ...

How To Learn More

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:16:15 -0600

Change is good. Yes, we often resist that idea because so often change is not comfortable. However moving outside our comfort zone can help us become better at all manner of things. We can become better people, better professionals, and better at any number of things you can dream up.

Rwoman Squidoo Stats

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:20:05 -0600

An overview of my Squidoo dashboard stats to help me see the big picture as well as my progress in the long term. I have included my paydays but keep in mind though that the pay is for the 2 months previous so the March payday was for January and so on. Learn more about why I am a Squidooholic below!

Tertiary Education

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:25:22 -0600

Tertiary education is also known as further education, continuing education, higher education or post-secondary education depending on what form that education takes. Essentially it is the next level of education after high school.

Abstracts

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:58:46 -0600

An abstract is a brief summary of a document (200 words or less usually) such as an article or report. This is written in your own words and does not include quotes from the original. The purpose is to help those already familiar with the subject determine whether or not they want/need to read the full document.

Emily Rodda

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:39:20 -0600

Emily Rodda has written many books for children, including the popular Deltora Quest series, and five noves about the likable hero Rowan. The first of these, Roman of Rin, won the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year for Younger Readers Award. A former editor, Ms. Rodda is also the best-selling author of adult mysteries under the name Jennifer Rowe. She lives in Australia.

Polymath

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:21:33 -0600

In truth modern humankind tends to the polymath as a rule. However a true polymath doesn't simply acquire a broad range of knowledge and skills as a side-effect of life but embraces and seeks out new knowledge and skills with great fervor. I, Deanna Mascle, am a polymath are you?

Writing Help

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:45:15 -0600

Learning to write is a never-ending process. Improving your writing skill can be challenging and difficult even if you love writing -- and incredibly daunting if you hate it. My students and readers ask me all the time how they can become better writers. So what can you do improve your writing skill? Three simple steps can help you find the writing help you need -- reading, writing, and critiquing.

Cicero

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:12:43 -0600

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) was a Roman writer, statesman, and orator.

Jeff Kinney

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:03:41 -0600

My 8-year-old son just loves the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series. He laughs out loud. He also likes using it to jumpstart his own diary. According to various interviews, Jeff Kinney draws his ideas from his own childhood, and now that he has two sons it is likely he will have lots more experience to draw from.

The Spiderwick Chronicles

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:23:48 -0600

We have only just begun the series but we are already hooked! The characters are interesting and you can really identify with them. The story is fascinating. The writing is delightful!

Creative Writing

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:44:16 -0600

Whether you intend to publish your work or only want to create for an audience of one, creative writing can be a wonderful outlet for your creativity. Creative writing includes poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Try all forms of creative writing. You might be surprised at what you can do!

Childs Development

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:05:14 -0600

The other day was a busy one at our house. Several rooms needed tidying, vacuuming, and dusting. Several errands needed to be run. Food needed to be prepared. My 4-year-old and I got through it all as a team. I straightened while he returned items to the proper place. We both dusted, vacuumed, and loaded the dishwasher. He tidied his arts and crafts and wiped down the table and counters while I handwashed the remaining dishes. At the post office Noah mailed our package off. At the pharmacy he collected a prescription. At the grocery store he helped locate various items on our list and transfer our intended purchases from the cart onto the conveyor belt. When we returned home he helped measure ingredients for spaghetti sauce and then add them to the crockpot. Then he helped mix and shape cookie dough. How much does your child help at home? If the answer is "not much" then you might want to rethink that choice. Children as young as 2 can be a help and certainly by the age of 4 can take on many simple tasks. There are several reasons why you should enlist your little helpers.

Brushing Teeth Healthy

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:41:11 -0600

Brushing and flossing are something we all learn at an early age. The proper way to brush your teeth takes less than 2 minutes, although many people tend to spend much longer, or much less. Most adults tend to spend less than a minute, which isn’t enough time to clean your teeth. To get the right amount of time brushing, you should try using a stopwatch while you brush. When you brush your teeth, you should avoid using pressure but instead use short, gentle strokes. You should focus on hard to reach places, and make sure that you get the areas between your teeth as well. You should also make sure you get eating surfaces as well, along with your upper and lower gums. If you focus on all areas of your mouth, you’ll get everything when you brush. Along with using the proper brushing techniques, you will also need to use the right toothpaste as well. There are a variety of toothpastes available, designed to help you with a variety of different conditions. You can get toothpaste that will prevent toothaches, stop sensitivity, and prevent things such as tartar and gingivitis. Toothpaste is the best way to protect your teeth, therefore you should always ask your dentist what type of toothpaste he recommends for you. To get the most out of brushing, you’ll need to have a good toothbrush. There are many different models to choose from, which can make it extremely difficult to choose one. When you make your choice, you should look for brushes that have soft bristles. Soft bristles are easy on your gums, and they will remove plaque and other debris from your teeth. A small head is also preferred, as it can easily reach hard to get places, such as your back teeth. You should also remember to replace your brush every couple of months, or when it starts to show signs of wear. If you’ve had a cold you should replace your toothbrush, simply because the bristles can contain germs that could get you sick all over again. Toothbrushes that show wear should always be replaced, as they can have an impact on your gums. If the bristles start to get worn down, they can tear away at your gums, leading to sensitivity. To get the most from your brushing, you should always use a bit of common sense and ask your dentist for his recommendations. Brushing your teeth will help keep them healthy, and prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. Keep in mind that brushing does help your teeth, although you still need to go to your dentist for regular checkups. If you take care of your teeth and brush them on a regular basis - you will keep them free of infections and cavities.

Metawriting

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:32:15 -0600

Metawriting, a.k.a. metadiscourse, is writing about writing. Of course the real challenge of metawriting is the fact that in order to write about writing you must also think about writing. The purpose of metawriting is to help the writer more fully understand what happens when writing so as to better manage future writing tasks and understand the writer's individual strengths and weaknesses

Family Fun With Thomas & Friends

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:42:33 -0600

My son has been a big Thomas & Friends fan for years and we have spent countless hours building sets and acting out stories.

Bertrand Russell

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:38:37 -0600

Find more wisdom Bertrand was a British philosopher, logician, essayist, and social critic, best known for his work in mathematical logic and analytic philosophy. His most influential contributions include his defense of logicism (the view that mathematics is in some important sense reducible to logic), and his theories of definite descriptions and logical atomism. Along with G.E. Moore, Russell is generally recognized as one of the founders of analytic philosophy. Along with Kurt G�del, he is also regularly credited with being one of the two most important logicians of the twentieth century. Over the course of his long career, Russell made significant contributions, not just to logic and philosophy, but to a broad range of other subjects including education, history, political theory and religious studies. In addition, many of his writings on a wide variety of topics in both the sciences and the humanities have influenced generations of general readers.

Pedagogy

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:02:59 -0600

The art or profession of teaching as well as the activities of educating or instructing or teaching. Typically when educators refer to pedagogy they mean "strategies of instruction or a style of instruction" Pedagogy can be as variable and individual as the individual teacher that employs it

Patricia Bizzell

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:23:34 -0600

A Professor of English at the College of the Holy Cross, where she has taught since 1978 as well as founded and directed the Writer's Workshop, a peer tutoring facility, and a writing-across-the-curriculum program. She has directed the College Honors and English Honors programs and chaired the English Department. She teaches courses in first-year composition, rhetoric and public speaking, nineteenth-century American literature and women's literature. She is also a past president of the Rhetoric Society of America. She describes her research interests as: "Among my current research interests is the question of how the increasing diversification of academic discourses affects the teaching of writing to college students. A recent publication in this area is the collection ALT/DIS, co-edited with Helen Fox and Christopher Schroeder, and my essay in that volume. Also, I am interested in women's rhetoric, particularly in nineteenth-century America. Some of my work in this area can be found in the selections by women included in the second edition (2001) of The Rhetorical Tradition, co-authored with Bruce Herzberg.A newer interest is Jewish rhetoric, e.g the Jewish-Christian disputation at Barcelona in 1262 and the civil rights rhetoric of Abraham Joshua Heschel."

Learning To Read

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:17:35 -0600

Providing positive, enjoyable literacy experiences give young children opportunities to gain the knowledge, awareness, skills, and love of learning that they need to later learn to read independently. Here are 8 ways you can provide those experiences:

July 4 Trivia Questions and Answers

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:14:09 -0600

1. What event do Americans celebrate with a national holiday on July 4th? A. George Washington?s birthday B. King George III?s ascension to the throne of England C. Formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence from England D. Official signing of the Declaration of Independence C. Formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence from England TOPICS: The official signing actually took place over several days. 2. What country celebrates a national holiday in July in honor of an 1867 act that unified the nation? A. United States B. Canada C. Russia D. Korea B. Canada TOPICS: On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act unified Upper and Lower Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as the Dominion of Canada. The holiday was formerly known as Dominion Day but changed to Canada Day in 1982 when the Canadian Constitution was changed. 3. What country celebrates an independence day that originated 13 years and 10 days after America?s July 4th holiday? A. Australia B. Canada C. England D. France D. France TOPICS: Bastille Day is a national holiday in France celebrated on July 14th. It dates back to the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789.

Composition Studies

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:07:11 -0600

A uniquely American educational institution composition studies is an important part of our higher education process. Composition studies serves to introduce new college students to the world of academic writing and provide the building blocks necessary to start them on the road to writing professionally in their chosen fields.

Scary Movie Trivia Questions and Answers

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:38:45 -0600

No matter whether you are a huge horror movie fan or watch them only through your fingers, these are a huge part of our modern day culture. Test your knowledge of horror flicks.

Statue of Liberty

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:19:49 -0600

A gift from France, the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of the gift that the United States gives all its citizens -- freedom

Lens Building 101

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:16:25 -0600

So you have decided to create a Squidoo lens. Or perhaps you already have a lens or two but are not quite sure what to do with them now? The most important thing to consider when you build a lens is your target. Who is your target audience and what do you want that audience to receive from your lens? All too often lenses that struggle finding a niche or traffic are those that lack a focus. Sure there is a clear "topic" but good lens builders know that you must also select the right approach to the topic and keep your audience in mind as you build so you can serve their needs.

Teaching Reading Strategies

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:05:15 -0600

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your child's early literacy development is simply to let them play. Turn off the TV and anything battery operated then let your child pick up their toys, build blocks or duplos, or manipulate puzzles or game pieces. Not only are you giving your child the gift of childhood, something we so often fail to do in today's hectice, achievement-oriented world, but you are actually helping them build skills that are key to learning to read and write. Hand-eye coordination is a necessary skill for written language and the best way to help your child develop this skill is to let them play with toys and activities that involve looking at, using, and discriminating a number of elements. Puzzles are obviously a great activity for this but so are manipulative toys such as blocks, duplos, and magnetix. My son just spent over an hour this evening playing dominos with his father - OK they weren't so much playing as setting up complex pattterns and then knocking them down - but I didn't tell them they were engaged in a preliteracy activity. They were just having fun together. Studies have shown that spending time on hand-eye coordination activities improves children's ability to learn to read and lessens the difficulty they face during the process. In fact engaging in a variety of craft activities, which most kids love, can be very beneficial so add play dough, stickers, and glue sticks to your list of educational supplies. Research shows that early practice of hand-eye coordination activities reduces the risk for reading difficulties.

Property Foreclosure Process

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:46:49 -0600

Learn more about money management here Learn what to do when the outlook seems hopeless! Nothing can strike fear in your heart quicker than having a stranger appear at your front door, ask your name then hand you a ream of paperwork announcing, "You've been served!" What can you do? Well, you can sit back, take the hit, lose your dream home and everything else you've worked hard for, or you can fight back. If you are someone who is dodging the foreclosure bullet and have no idea what you are doing, then you need to get some tools. No army in the world sends troops off to do battle without the proper weapons. In your case the weapon of choice is knowledge! How much do you know about the foreclosure process?

Higher Education

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:58:32 -0600

This page will explore not only the definition of higher education but why it is important and what it should achieve. It also explores the issues of core curriculum and liberal education.

All About Williamson, NY

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:20:57 -0600

Hello! I grew up in Williamson, NY, as did my father and grandfather before me. While I no longer call Williamson my home it still plays an important role in my life. Come find out why I love it so! Enjoy, Deanna Mascle

Renaissance Woman

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:47:55 -0600

Deanna Mascle is the renaissance woman. A lifelong learner, avid reader, and prolific writer she is eager to learn and loves to share her knowledge whether it is trivial or life altering!

Susan Jacoby

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:20:17 -0600

Susan Jacoby, who began her writing career as a reporter for THE WASHINGTON POST, is the author of five books, including WILD JUSTICE, a Pulitzer Prize finalist. Awarded fellowships by the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the New York Public Library's Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers, she has been a contributor to THE NEW YORK TIMES, THE WASHINGTON POST, THE NATION, TomPaine.com and the AARP BULLETIN, among other publications. She is also director of the Center for Inquiry-Metro New York and lives in New York City. I don't always agree with everything Susan Jacoby has to say but I always find her work and opinions interesting and thought-provoking.

Miranda Cosgrove

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:06:28 -0600

1. She is a great actress! 2. She is a great comedian! 3. She is pretty!

Doris Kearns Goodwin

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:44:29 -0600

Doris Kearns Goodwin has won wide praise for her meticulous, in-depth research and her ability to chronicle both the public and private lives of her subjects. Doris Kearns first came to the attention of President Lyndon Johnson when she co-wrote a very critical article on Johnson for the New Republic magazine. Several months later, when they met in person at the White House, Johnson asked her to work with him in the White House. He soon asked her to help write his memoirs. During and after Johnson's Presidency, Kearns visited Johnson many times, and, three years after his death, published her first book, Lyndon Johnson & the American Dream. She drew on the friendship and conversations with Johnson, supplemented by careful research and critical analysis, to present a picture of his accomplishments, failures and motivations. She married Richard Goodwin in 1975. Her husband, an advisor to John and Robert Kennedy as well as a writer, helped her to gain access to people and papers for her story on the Kennedy family, begun in 1977 and finished ten years later. This book, too, was acclaimed critically, and was made into a television movie. The Kennedy book was the center of a storm of plagiarism charges in 2002. In 1995 Doris Kearns Goodwin was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for her biography of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, No Ordinary Time. She then turned to writing a memoir of her own, about growing up as a Brooklyn Dodgers fan, Wait Till Next Year. A lifelong baseball fan, Goodwin was interviewed extensively in Ken Burns's documentary Baseball. In 1997, she chronicled her devotion to the Brooklyn Dodgers in the book Wait Till Next Year. She regularly appeared on The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer. She is a regular political commentator for television and radio.

Coffee

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:19:56 -0600

Find more fun trivia here An Interestingly Brief History of Coffee Coffee has come a long way from being a little known beverage that was said to be accidentally discovered by a goatherder a long, long time ago. The origins of coffee as a beverage can't exactly be pinpointed. What has been accepted of its discovery was established in a popular myth that the coffee discovery began around the 9th century. As the story goes, a young Ethiopian goatherder accidentally discovered that the coffee berries from which his goats had been eating began to have interesting side effects. Upon eating the berries, the goats seemed to jump around more often, seemingly having a sudden burst of energy. And as the story went, the goatherder brought the strange berries to the village elders, believing that they may have magical properties. Upon boiling them into a brew, the elders stumbled upon the berries' stimulating effects and began consuming them on a regular basis. Thus, as the story goes, came the birth of coffee as a beverage. The story may have some basis since it is known to day that the first coffee berries originated from Ethiopia and began to spread as the Ethiopians began trading with the Arabs, spreading the coffee influence eastward. The Arabs began to take coffee as a highly regarded plant that they closely guarded being exported outside the Islamic world at that time. The Arabs prevented the possible transplantation of coffee by boiling or roasting them. After centuries of closely guarding the spread of coffee cultivation, the Dutch were able to bring some coffee beans with them to Asia and transplanted them in the fertile soils of Java, Indonesia sometime in the 1600's. The began the eventual spread of the coffee plant cultivation all over the world. It was sometime around the 17th century that the amazing berries were able to find their way onto the tables of the nobles in Europe. Eventually, coffee became a common privilege among the masses and the very first coffee houses were finally established in Austria, Italy and England. By the 18th century, the French were able to introduce the plant in the Americas where it has widely grown into a highly valued crop. That tradition still is being continued today. Currently, coffee is being grown on five continents and has become one of the most traded commodities on the world market today. It was a slow process for the lowly coffee bean to become one of the most highly regarded of plants known today.

Available Domain Names

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:18:44 -0600

Buying an established website can be a great way to jump start your new internet business for three reasons. It is important to note the difference between an established, developed website and a cookie-cutter site that is simply a copy (in design and content) of the original domain. Established, developed websites that are good to buy will be at least one year old and offer a good selection of content. Cookie-cutters that are not worth your time or money are often very new and their content and design are duplicated all over the web. One of the top reasons to consider buying an established website is that it already has traffic flowing in from various sources. As an internet entrepreneur you know that traffic is vital to the success of your new business. If you buy an existing site with an existing flow of traffic then you do not have to start from the bottom and build up from there. You can use that existing traffic to grow your fledgling business faster and bigger than you could starting from scratch with a brand new domain name and site. Hand-in-hand with the existing traffic flow, you will benefit from the previous owners search engine marketing efforts. An established website will possess back links and listings in various search engines and directories. These will not only add to your traffic but will also make it easier for your improvements and marketing efforts to reap greater rewards. A new site can take weeks or months to get listed in many directories and search engines. It can take months before a new site is given any type of recognition or ranking. However an established website has already paid its dues (so to speak) and so you will not have to wait. Not only is the domain name itself listed, but usually a good many subpages have also been indexed by various search engines. Finally, an important and often overlooked benefit of buying an existing domain is that many of the good website names have long been taken. However, once you start searching the marketplace you can often find not only a domain name that reflects your target audience and keywords but also an established website that has been search engine optimized for those keywords as well. If you are just starting out and looking to establish your own internet presence then you should look into buying an established website to give your new web business a jump start in terms of traffic and search engine marketing.

Author's Agenda

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:53:05 -0600

This is a simple letter or memo you prepare prior to a writing workshop or conference. Its purpose is to help your conference partner, group, or class provide the answers you really want and/or need about your specific writing project.

Fathers Day Trivia Questions And Answers

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:46:49 -0600

1. A renowned poet and novelist as well as chair of poetry at the University of Cambridge, this academy award-winning actor?s father wrote mysteries under the pseudonym Nicholas Blake. A. Jack Nicholson B. Charlie Sheen C. Daniel Day Lewis D. Rob Schneider C. Daniel Day Lewis QQ: Sure it seemed like a hard question, but really you had a fifty-fifty shot, didn?t you? After all, we all know what Charlie Sheen?s dad does and last time I checked Rob Schneider wasn?t winning any academy awards. 2. Social scientists believe that the modern Western family developed largely from that of the ancient Hebrews for what reason? A. Their families were patriarchal in structure B. It was a matriarchal society C. It was an oligarchy D. The Hebrews called their god ?Father? A. Their families were patriarchal in structure QQ: There, now you must feel better after The QuizQueen gave you an easy one?

How Do You Define Success?

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:03:42 -0600

Find more advice "Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire." ~Arnold H. Glasow This really is a great quote. Not only is it interesting but also inspiring. One of the truths that I find most frustrating as a teacher and a coach is that many people believe that success, in whatever field of endeavor they are currently striving, is rather like winning the lottery. In fact, it certainly seems from the evidence that they in fact believe that success is even more random because they aren't even buying a ticket. They are simply passively waiting.

Blog Advertising

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:42:30 -0600

Learn more about how you can use this great internet marketing resource to promote your business. Read my blog here

From The Black Lagoon

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:18:15 -0600

Find out more about children reading In my son's second-grade classroom this book series is tremendously popular -- especially with the boys. They laugh out loud while reading to themselves. The fact that all the adults are monsters just tickles their funny bone.

Perdido Key, Fl

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:46:38 -0600

* It is just a narrow strip of white beach located in the Northwest Panhandle of Florida, between Pensacola, Fl. and Orange Beach, Al. * No more than a few hundred yards wide in most places, Perdido Key stretches some 16 miles, with almost 60 percent of it located in federal or state parks - making it one of the last remaining unblemished stretches of wilderness in the Florida Panhandle. * Perdido Key's literal translation means "Lost Key," so named by the early Spanish who discovered it in 1693. Until then, the Key was the well-kept secret of gulf coast Native Americans - Perdido Key's first inhabitants. * Bridges link Perdido Key to the Florida mainland, as well as neighboring Alabama. Those who make the short drive across the water will agree that this "Lost" island is definitely worth discovering. * With an average annual temperature of 75 degrees and 343 days of sunshine, it's not surprising the Key is a long-hidden retreat that blends together both year-round outdoor activities and an authentic laid-back lifestyle uniquely its own.

Best Home Mortgage Deals

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:38:42 -0600

People will spend months or even years planning to buy their own home. They will work hard to build good credit. They will save a sizable down payment. They will search for the perfect house. Then they will settle for the first mortgage they see. What is wrong with this picture?

Personal Finance Budgeting

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:09:46 -0600

Few of us have any formal training when it comes to dealing with our finances. Most of us learn the hard way -- through the school of hard knocks. For some those lessons cost very dear in the form of bankruptcy and lost homes. Others are fortunate to ride the storms out and come out on the other side battered but not beaten. I have learned my lessons the hard way. I do not come from money and my family had to work hard for every penny. Bad choices and bad luck meant hardship and expenses that had to be paid for with even more sacrifice. However it doesn't have to be that way. Here are the five important lessons, or steps, that will make your road to financial security easier for you and your family.

Bankruptcy Questions

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 12:03:16 -0600

The very word "bankruptcy" puts fear into many people's hearts. For years, the word has been equated with being destitute, being unable to pay bills and being financially insecure. But is that all that bankruptcy is about? The truth of the matter is that many people simply don't understand what bankruptcy really is. For many people, bankruptcy is a way out of a bad situation and a hand up when they need it most. It is also a life changing experience. These questions and answers are designed to teach you about bankruptcy, what it is, what it can do and what it cannot do. What is bankruptcy? Bankruptcy is a legal declaration of the inability to pay your creditors. This does not mean you have no money. On the contrary, many people who declare bankruptcy have enough money to live on. Instead, it means that you do not have enough money to match your basic living expenses and pay people to whom you owe money. How much this is can vary from person to person because every person needs a slightly different amount of money to meet their living expenses. Since there is no set amount, bankruptcy is often granted by a judge. How do I apply for bankruptcy? Laws very from state to state, of course, but applying for bankruptcy isn't very hard. At its base, it simply requires the filling out of bankruptcy paperwork. This paperwork will ask you about various items, such as your current income and your current assets. Using this paperwork, the bankruptcy judge will decide if you qualify for bankruptcy and how it will work for you. You may want to speak with a lawyer before filling out this paperwork. A lawyer will be able to inform you of what kind of bankruptcy would best suit your needs and will help you identify some of the particulars. How does bankruptcy help me pay my debts? There are several different types of bankruptcy, all of which function in different ways. Businesses have several different versions of bankruptcy, some of which are useful for individuals. In general, should you need to file for bankruptcy, one of three things will happen. Either you will be required to pay a fixed amount per month until your debts are paid off, your assets will be liquidated and sold off to pay your debts and you will pay monthly to cover the rest, or your assets will be liquidated and sold off and then you will be absolved of any further debt. With any of these options, creditors can not attempt to collect above and beyond the agreed payment. What are the most common types of bankruptcy? The most common types of bankruptcy are called Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. A Chapter 7 type of bankruptcy is a basic liquidation. This is when the courts sell your assets, use the money to pay off creditors, and call it even. After that, creditors are not allowed to attempt to seek further payment. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is rehabilitation with a payment plan. This is the kind of bankruptcy you file if you have steady income. It cancels debts up to a certain date and fixes a payment per month for anything else owed. Under Chapter 13 bankruptcy, assets are not liquidated, but it does require certain amounts of payment every month. What happens to businesses that file for bankruptcy? Essentially, the same thing as happens to individuals. Either the business is shut down, their assets liquidated and their creditors paid off or they set up a payment plan and pay a certain amount per month. The only difference is when it comes to Chapter 13 bankruptcy and what is considered "disposable income." For businesses, disposable income is generally taken to mean "profits," although there is still some wiggle room here. Some less than honest business people will quickly give themselves a raise before filing, thus making it look like they make less profit than they do. However, barring small details, it is essentially the same for a business as it is for an individual.

Family Fun Magazine

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:22:37 -0600

What if I told you there was a technique you could use to bring your family closer together and teach your children important life skills? What if I told you it could be both fun and free? The simple technique is setting up a regular family game night. It sounds too simple, too easy, but spending time every week or every month together as a family playing games can reap tremendous rewards for your family and especially your children. Your children will learn important social skills and academic skills, but you will all benefit from bonding together over board games or whatever your choice of activity. Playing board games can teach children important social skills such as taking turns and how to be a good winner or loser. They also learn a lot about interpersonal communication as you talk and laugh together while you play the game. Do not overlook the many academic benefits children can reap from playing games as well. Even young children learn simple skills such as counting, colors and shapes and as they grow older they learn sorting, matching, and reading skills from games. As children grow older then you can advance to more challenging games that require higher level thinking and reasoning skills. Today's family usually has a busy schedule that often sends each member bustling off in a different direction much of the week. There are not many occasions when a family actually sits down together for more than the few minutes it takes to eat a meal (and sometimes not even that long). Setting aside a dedicate game night will mean that your family will have a few hours where there are no outside distractions and you are simply focused on enjoying each other. Playing a game takes the pressure off so there is no need to force conversation, but you might be surprised what you learn about and from your children during this time. Even if a rousing game of "Sorry" or "Trouble" does not inspire confidences right away, it will surely give you time to simply enjoy being together and will lead to the type of memories that your children will carry with them throughout their lives. Once your children know that they will have this time with your undivided attention then this will likely become the time when they do test out important questions and confidences. It is important to set out some important guidelines for this night. It would be great to set aside one night a week, but perhaps it is only possible to hold a game night every two weeks or once a month. The most important element is that you make an effort to be consistent so children can look forward to the night and can rely on it. Second, you must turn off the television (all the TVs in the house) and makes sure the answering machine is on. No answering the phone or door bell (except maybe to collect the pizza). This is family time and family should be the priority. Short of fire, death or dismemberment there is nothing that cannot wait until after your game(s) are done. You should set aside at least one hour when children are younger and two hours when they are older but do not make an announcement of the time to avoid clock watching. The actual games do not matter much as long as they are board or card games. Computer games will not achieve the same results so you should avoid those. Regular family game nights can reap tremendous benefits. Your children will learn important social skills and academic skills and you will all benefit from bonding together over a fun, relaxing activity. Go ahead and give it a try. You have nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain.

Andy Griffiths

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:24:07 -0600

My son was introduced to Andy Griffiths with the "Pencil of Doom" in the School Around series and immediately fell into convulsions of laughter. He loves this author and that series.

Self Help Debt Reduction

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:22:39 -0600

Find more debt solutions here Television, radio and print media are filled with advertisements urging you to hand over your debt problems to a debt reduction company or law firm. Sometimes you will even receive phone, mail, and email solicitations. Despite all the hype, the truth is that most people have no need of these services and do not realize just how much one of those agencies can add to their already mounting debt. Most of these agencies are not in fact a debt solution but rather a part of the debt problem. While some people may find these services helpful it is important to remember that no matter what hype, smoke and mirrors they use to hook you in, they will soon be asking you for more money. Usually those fees are a substantial percentage of your existing debt. Maybe they will save you money BUT if you pay them a third of your debt then in the long run you are not saving much - if any at all. Of course, it is reassuring to have a person or organization to hide behind when the creditors start circling, but the truth is that the majority of the services they provide you can do just as easily for yourself - and you will not have to pay anyone a dime. And you do have consumer protection laws to protect your from too aggressive collectors. In addition, most companies are willing to work with you if you are trying to find a way to pay them. Only in a few cases will you actually need a third-party to negotiate for you and then you may be able to work with a local attorney for a substantially smaller fee than you will have to pay to one of those high-priced debt-reduction companies. In fact, some credit card and finance companies refuse to deal with anyone other than the debtor so you could end up paying someone else and then still have to do the work yourself. There are nonprofit agencies that exist to help you and if you find it too difficult to go it alone then you might consider giving one of those a try, but look very closely before you sign any agreements to make sure it truly is a nonprofit agency. Some are for-profits skillfully marketed with friendly, nonthreatening names. In the long run, I would suggest you do not hire a company but rather work on your own to reduce your debt. Not only will it be less expensive but you will also learn important lessons about how to handle your money in the future.

Parenting Style

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:10:43 -0600

Find positive parenting advice and good parenting tips here Being a parents is the toughest job you'll ever love! I know that I love being a Mom but I also know how tough it is. I am comforted in knowing that I'm not the only one challenged by this role (certainly every parent I've ever talked to has questions and concerns) and I'm always seeking more information to help me be a better parent. One concept that really helped me define my own parenting style involves identifying the two key factors that impact parenting style - these are simply the level of control and the level of warmth involved in your relationship with your child.

Thought Provoking Lenses

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:04:23 -0600

Some lenses really make you think. Some are purely educational or informational while others are controversial or entertaining. As long as it makes us think, then your lens belongs in the Thought Provoking Lenses group!

Ferno The Fire Dragon

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:55:02 -0600

Ferno The Fire Dragon is the first book in Adam Blade's Beast Quest series. While you can read the books out of order and easily follow the story it is best to start out with the quest to free Ferno The Fire Dragon as this story introduces us to the main characters and we understand more about the hero Tom and those those who join him on his quest -- his horse Storm, his friend Elenna and her tame wolf Silver. This story is filled with adventure and magic as Tom faces the evil wizard and struggles to free the enchanted guardian dragon as well as loyalty, friendship, and determination.

You Can Learn More

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:27:14 -0600

Fundamental reasons to keep your desire to learn. Have you ever thought upon how key learning is to your life in terms of your ability to not only survive but also to thrive both professionally and personally? Becoming a lifelong learner is important to your health, your success, and your happiness, but if that is not enough reason to learn more then consider these three key reasons to keep your desire to learn and to live and learn.

Where The Wild Things Are

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:26:57 -0600

Is such a delightful read for young children. Fun story about a real "wild child" with a great imagination! It if warm and funny. Also, a wonderful inspiration for the writing of older children.

James Berlin

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:35:50 -0600

James Berlin made several important contributions to the field of composition studies where he worked for many years despite originally earning his PhD in Victorian Literature. His work included placing composition studies in a historical perspective and cultural perspective. He published numerous articles in journals and contributed essays to several major collections. This work established him as a leading theorist for the cultural studies movement in composition.

George Santayana

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:59:02 -0600

This quote is from George Santayana's "The Life of Reason" which is widely considered to be one of the most poetic and well-written works of philosophy in Western history. The Life of Reason, subtitled "the Phases of Human Progress", is a five volume book -- Reason in Common Sense, Reason in Society, Reason in Religion, Reason in Art, and Reason in Science.

Family Life Lensography

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:46:41 -0600

Welcome to my family lensography devoted to my lenses about family life today.

Saucijzen

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:27:49 -0600

Sausage rolls or saucijzenbroodjes are a popular snack in Holland and are often sold at bakeries and train stations. Not to be confused with pigs in a blanket, they are best eaten warm straight from the oven but are tasty cold as well. In my hometown (Williamson, NY) we have a large Dutch population and saucijzen are also a popular festival food and fundraiser. As a child, one of my favorite dinners was saucijzen and apple sauce. I make these for my in-laws and they rave and I now serve them for friends in Kentucky who love them too although none of them are Dutch.

Euripides

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:21:31 -0600

Find more words of inspiration Euripides was one of the three great tragic poets of ancient Greece. Euripides wrote nearly 90 plays, of which 18 survive today. The tragedies of Euripides present the most subtle analysis of human psychology of the three Greek dramatists. Sophocles is quoted as saying that he portrayed people as they ought to be, whereas Euripides portrayed them as they are. His work influenced New Comedy and Roman drama then later English and German drama. It especially inspired 17th-century French dramatic poets Pierre Corneille and Jean Baptiste Racine. His influence on drama reaches modern times.

Budgeting Money Management Lensography

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:30:30 -0600

Welcome to my Budgeting Money Management Lensography. This is a collection of lenses devoted to the many money management challenges that face regular folks like you and me. I''m not a money expert but am willing to share my hard-won, real-world experience and research into this area.

The Best Books For Boys Ever

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:27:08 -0600

As a mother and a teacher I know how important reading is to children -- early success in reading can carry a child through future challenges and early failure can cause a child to struggle throughout school. One way to help your child succeed as a reader is to read to your child and with your child. Encourage reading at every opportunity. This means making books available to your child (visit the book store or library regularly) and taking time every day to read with your child or to your child. Picking the right books for your child -- especially matching interests -- can help make your child a lifelong reader. Here we will share some of my son's favorites.

Teaching Reading Programs

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:51:25 -0600

You want to raise a reader. That much you know. But how? That's the $20,000 question. You could probably spend that $20,000 on how-to books for you, readers for your child, flash cards and other accessories, and specialized reading programs promoting every possible avenue to full literacy. You could, but you don't have to do all that. The facts are simple. Between 80-85 percent of children learn to read by the middle of first grade and most of those children will learn without the benefit of fancy reading programs and books. Many of those children will learn to read as the result of simple preliteracy activities they encountered at home and/or school. In fact, studies show that starting early is not necessary and could do more harm than good. Formal reading instruction, especially if introduced too early and if focused on "skill and drill," can actually interfere with emergent literacy. However there are things you can do before you get to that point-and these activities are fun and can lay a strong early literacy foundation to make it easier for your child to learn to read later on.

You Can SOW Your Own Happiness

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:49:45 -0600

Today's world is full of unhappy people. We see these unhappy people every where we turn. They are driving on the roads with us, shopping at the local grocery store, dining in our favorite restaurant, teaching in our schools, and working beside us. We even find those unhappy people living in our own homes. Sometimes that unhappy person is ourselves. However there is one important life lesson that I have learned the hard way - ultimately we control our own happiness. No one and no thing can make us happy and no one or no thing can make us unhappy. We choose how we react to people and their actions and we choose how we react to our wants and desires. As the old song goes: "Happiness is wanting what you have." It is OK to want more than you currently own in terms of your personal or professional life. In fact it is good and healthy to have goals and dreams. However it is not healthy to base your happiness on the achievement of those goals. That is a sure-fire path to unhappiness for a number of reasons. First because you are putting off happiness while you work toward your goal - many goals that are worth attaining will take a long time to reach. Do you want to be unhappy for all that time? Second life is full of surprises and the best-laid plans sometimes change. If you are basing your happiness on the end goal then you might miss a great deal of happiness (not to mention opportunities for even more happiness) by not allowing yourself the flexibility to adjust your path or even change your mind. Third you may well be placing your happiness beyond your reach. Sometimes, due to circumstances beyond our control, we do not attain our personal or professional goals. Sometimes we can do everything within our power and everything possible - and we still fail. Failure is a natural result of living a full life and it does not naturally lead to disaster. Sometimes failure simply leads to another opportunity or goal. However if you have tied your happiness to the success of a goal then failure can certainly mean disaster for you.

Chaim Perelman: Philosopher and Teacher

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:38:39 -0600

Chaim Perelman's philosophy, writing, and teaching informs me as a writer and a teacher of writing. I believe his ideas can help struggling writers gain a better sense of purpose and audience.

All About Dauphin Island, AL

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:24:26 -0600

Dauphin Island, Alabama, is a wonderful historic island beach community that offers much to do, to see, and to enjoy whether you visit for a week or a lifetime

Squidooholic

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:58:53 -0600

So that makes me a squidooholic. Check your vital signs below to see if you might be a squidooholic too! When did I first know? * Perhaps it was the day I had to create a lensography to keep track of my lensographies. * Perhaps it was the day I created more than 20 lenses I can't be sure, can you?

Online Education

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:00:29 -0600

Knowledge is power. Education and learning are an important part of growing as a person as well as succeeding in the world today. This is true whether you are 6 or 106 -- or somewhere in between. Learning should be fun as well as challenging and it can help you make the world a better place!

Rowan of Rin

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:56:43 -0600

Find more family fun We have been reading Rowan of Rin at our house and 7-year-old Noah is a big fan! Check out this exciting adventure story where a timid boy finds out he is braver than the adults that intimidate him -- and saves his village in the process!

Who is L. Frank Baum?

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:54:01 -0600

While there really is no Wizard of Oz, the real man behind the curtain, the creator of this childhood favorite is L. Frank Baum. While searching for books to read to my son, I came across "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" and bought it. We were delighted with the story that included much more fun and adventure than they could cram into one movie. We were captivated and have since moved on to follow still more adventures in Oz!

Positive Parenting Tips

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:29:27 -0600

You can enjoy more family articles at A Mother's Notebook Show-and-Tell in various forms is a popular feature of many preschool classrooms. When you watch children making their presentation you understand the popularity of show-and-tell. Kids love to talk about their interests and passions but they love to share those interests and passions even more. Kids are all about show. As a parent you know this. We have to demonstrate and lead our children by the hand through every lesson--both big and small. So why do we so often think it is enough to simply tell our children that we love them? It isn't enough. Love is the biggest show-and-tell of them all and you need to make it a part of your every day life. Children do as we do, not as we say, and down the road do we really want our children simply mouthing the word: "I love you" to us as they rush out the door? Or do we want them to show us in many ways? This is why it is crucial to show your child that you love him. Hugs and kisses are good. So are tickles and games. My son and I have little bedtime rituals that allow us to show our love for each other.We snuggle for bedtime stories and talk about the day. Then we come up with ridiculous ways to count how much we love each other, for example 12,567 heffalumps was one recent description. Then we butterfly kiss, eskimo kiss, and finally squish and smooch (our code words for hugs and kisses). However these are not the only ways that I demonstrate my love for my son. When I was growing up I never doubted that my parents loved me. They made very clear that my brother and I were a top priority for them. They sacrificed professionally and personally to give us time together as a family. My father coached; my parents chaperoned, volunteered, and chauffered; and my parents attended every school function, play, concert, and game. More than that though my parents took an interest in us as people and would play games or ride bikes. They would simply spend time with us doing the things that we liked doing. It really isn't just about time. After all, both my parents worked and were active in the community. My mother was the only working mother in the neighborhood when I was a child. It is a question of priorities. YOU know that your child is your top priority, but what do your actions tell your child? If repeatedly your actions put something or someone else before your child then they are going to get that message loud and clear no matter what is in your heart. Most days my husband leaves for work before our son is even awake, but when he comes home in the evening the first thing he does is scoop Noah up for a tickle and hug. Sometimes Noah even makes his father chase him because he knows that his father will. Noah knows that he is a priority for his father and he trusts that love. So how can you show your child he is a priority? How can you demonstrate your love for your child? Find some way every day to show as well as tell your child of your love. Some ways we do this in our home: ~ Skip dinner preparations and make a picnic together to eat at the location of che child's choice. Noah's favorite is up in his tower. ~ Clicking off the TV to lay on the floor and layout a train track. Coming up with new designs can actually be pretty relaxing for the parent after a stressful day! ~ Going for a walk and just talking about whatever comes up. This is one of Noah's favorites! ~ Setting down my own book to read Noah one of his. ~ Putting off kitchen cleanup to go outside and play soccer or tag. Notice what all these actions have in common? They don't involve money, just your time and attention. That is the gift your child values above all else. Sure they'd like that latest toy and gadget they see advertised on TV, but they love you and long after that toy is abandoned in the back of their closet they will still choose to spend time with you.

Advice For Women

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:32:55 -0600

Are you a career-oriented woman who also happens to be a parent? If you are, you may be dealing with a number of different issues. Many women, just like yourself, find it somewhat difficult to balance having a career and a family. While it is more than possible to do both, it can be overwhelming at times. One of the many issues surrounding working mothers is that they do not know how to balance their time. Mothers who need to work or finish an upcoming project often do so, but they occasionally feel guilty about missing out on quality time with their children or their romantic partner. It can also be the other way around, as well. Many working mothers are afraid to, essentially, put their family first in certain situations, in fear of losing their jobs. If these are issues that you have dealt with or if they are issues that you are currently dealing with now, you will want to continue reading on. One of the many ways that you can go about balancing a family and a career is by setting aside time for both your family and your important career. For instance, if at all possible, you will want to try and establish hours just for work or work related tasks. If you have to work overtime, it is advised that you do so, especially if your job may be at risk. That is often what is difficult for many mothers, when relying on their income, it can be fearful to put work second. With that in mind, it is important that you leave work at work. This gives you the opportunity to put your family first, especially when you are at home with them. As with having set hours for work, it is also advised that you create a schedule for your family time as well. While your days don’t have to be planned out hour by hour, it is nice to at least develop a little schedule. This schedule could include days of the week when you may want to take a trip to the zoo with you children or days that you may want to spend visiting family. By having your plans already made and in place, you are more likely to follow through with them. Your family, including your children and your partner, will likely be pleased with this follow through. Although raising a family is often associated with spending time with your children, that is not all that motherhood is about. For that reason, you likely have a full plate. That plate may include grocery shopping, the preparation of family meals, as well as house cleaning. To reduce the stress associated with many of these tasks, as well as give you more quality time to spend with you family, you may want to consider hiring assistance. Whether you choose to hire a professional housekeeper or a landscaper to mow your yard for you, this extra time may come in handy. The above mentioned points are just a few of the many ways that you can go about balancing a career and a family. Although it may seem impossible to do right now, especially if you just recently got a new job or had your first child, it is more than possible for you have a great career, as well as happy and healthy family life at home.

Internet Advertising Online

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:39:39 -0600

You have put your all into your internet business -- your time, energy, and money. But now that you are ready to share your new creation with the world you are not sure what your next step should be. Try one of these three web advertising tips or visit internet advertising online for even more tips and suggestions to increase traffic. Chat in a forum. This is so easy. Simply hang out in the forums where your ideal audience also hangs. Make sure your sig is a simple yet effective plug for your site. Don't be pushy, just friendly and let your sig do the selling for you. This is also a great way to get fodder for Ideas 1 and 4. Email your friends and peers about your new business, web site and/or blog. Letting people you know in on your new venture is not spam -- but emailing their friends and relatives is. Tell them to pass the message on but don't simply do it yourself. Post some answers at Yahoo Answers on questions related to your topic. If you embrace these web advertising ideas then you will soon have more traffic than you know what to do with but the best internet marketing strategy might simply be focusing on a few favorite strategies and exploiting those to their fullest.

Freelance Writing For Money

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:28:16 -0600

There are ways to increase business substantially. To do so requires something that will draw customers into your business. Good copywriting skills are a simple, yet very effective, way to advertise your product or service to the public. By capturing someone's attention, copywriting helps get your point across and is one of the easiest ways to increase business. To find out more, click here: Advice For Copywriting Made Easy

Natural Health Articles

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:49:58 -0600

Natural health care has come a long way in the last several years and is more than simply granola and organically grown produce. There is a whole wide world of natural care drifting into the mainstream and methods such as aromatherapy or holistic healing are being used right alongside traditional medicine to offer individuals better choices for healing. Let us help you learn about the various options available to you through natural health care by clicking here for free healthy samples

Dav Pilkey

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:33:20 -0600

My 8-year-old son does for one...and so do many of his friends -- both boys and girls. They love his books and his sense of humor.

Who Is Deanna Mascle

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:17:19 -0600

Deanna Mascle has many professional roles -- student and teacher, writer and reader -- as well as a full personal life involving family, friends, church and community.

Web Advertising

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:22:10 -0600

Looking for ideas to drive traffic and advertise your internet business? Then you have come to the right place! Find 20 tips below and check out our Internet Marketing Strategy RSS Feed for more! Find more online advertising ideas and advertising internet marketing tips

Best Credit Card Offers

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:54:50 -0600

Learn more about online credit card offers at here Stepping into the adult world presents a lot of new issues you may never have considered before. Among these new problems is how to establish credit. So many people find themselves ready to leave their parents' home to get a home or apartment of their own only to find out that they can't get certain things like a place to live and the utilities that go with it because they don't have sufficient credit. Sometimes having no credit can be worse than having bad credit. When you are trying to get a loan for a car or a house your future creditors want to make sure you can pay the loan back. They have no records to look at to tell them if you will do this or not. It might sound like a Catch 22, but you will have to start by getting a credit card and making a few purchases.

Family Life

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:55:50 -0600

Parenting is one tough job but the rewards are tremendous. Being a parent today is more difficult than it ever has been as the world is more challenging and most parents are lacking the support system that previous generations enjoyed.

Genre

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:40:30 -0600

Genre is a descriptive category in composition ( as well as other fields, such as film and literature). The writing done within a particular genre generally shares a basic form and traits (sometimes even content). Understanding the form and traits of different genres helps writers move more easily from one writing task to another. Understanding a specific genre better equips a writer to perform a task using that genre. It is also important to understand genre in that each genre comes with a set of audience expectations -- and if the writer does not meet those expectations the communication is likely to fail.

Save Marriage And Family

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:21:32 -0600

We live in a stressful world what with work, children and financial pressure. Before we know it, our marriage has taken a back seat. It's no wonder that marriages are failing at an alarming rate. You can breathe new life into your relationship and we are going to show you just how to do it in our free ebook "15 Steps Toward Improving Your Marriage." How do we do it? Take a look and learn how you can save marriage and family

Making The World A Better Place Headquarters

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:43:34 -0600

Does your lens make a difference, solve a problem, make people smile, or just generally help people live better lives! That is how we make the world a better place -- one lens at a time!

Treatment Bursitis Pain

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:25:23 -0600

Bursitis is an ailment that afflicts people of all ages. It is not only a problem for older people, but young people can suffer from bursitis if they do not take proper precautions. The pain mimics that of arthritis, but the symptoms and causes of bursitis are quite different. We would like to address some of your questions and concerns regarding this potentially debilitating ailment and explain some ways to deal with it. Find more answers for your family here

Writing by Deanna Mascle

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:59:24 -0600

Interesting in writing? Learn more here! I am a professional writer with a long history of publication in newspaper, magazine, book, and online formats. I am a professional writing teacher and have National Writing Project training. I believe anyone can learn to be a writer, but that learning to write is hard work that never really ends. I am still learning about writing and expect I will continue to do so my whole life. Some key areas that writers need to think about at the beginning of a writing task are their purpose and audience. I teach my students about their author's agenda and discourse community to assist with this process. This should be done before writing actually begins. It is also important for writers to develop an individual writing process to help make their writing more effective and more efficient. Another way to help writing is to literally write in your sleep. A key part of improving writing skill is to study your writing through writing reflection or metawriting. Before, in the midst, and at the end of a writing task you should pause to reflect on the choices you made, the struggles you faced, and the success of your strategies. Only the use of this reflection will make you a better writer. I also share other writing tips, strategies and resources here. Come check them out, ask questions, and share your own tips, too.

Internet Home Business

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:11:53 -0600

Learn how to start your own small business at home There really is only one way to make money on the internet - sales. Really it is the truth. Of course there are a lot of different variations in how and what you sell on the internet and another dramatic difference is the lack of the dreaded cold-calling forced on so many traditional sales folks. At first glance your choices are pretty straightforward: ~ Sell other people's products ~ Sell your own products ~ Sell yourself ~ Sell space on your web site, blog, or publication Then things start to get complicated.

VOIP Solutions

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:05:24 -0600

Learn more about VOIP providers, VOIP phones, VOIP systems, and VOIP software.

Starting A Home Based Business

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:55:49 -0600

Every year millions of people answer "Yes" to that question and every year that answer costs many of them money, time, confidence, and heartbreak. The Small Business Administration estimates there are 580,900 new small businesses opening each year and that number does not include the small one-person entrepreneurships that pop up every day. However even if you are your business's sole employee then there is still something to be learned from the SBA's numbers. According to the SBA, two-thirds of new businesses survive at least two years and 44 percent survive at least four years. Two of the key factors in the businesses survival and ability to thrive: the owner's education level and the owner's reason for starting the firm in the first place. How can you make sure that you are among the winners rather than the losers in this high stakes game? The answer is inside of you. You must ask yourself four key questions to determine whether your own small business will survive and thrive.

Rwoman Groupography

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:43:11 -0600

A lensography is a themed collection of lenses and a groupography follows the same line of reasoning. It is a collection of groups. The theme for this collection? They all belong to me!

My Rocket Moms Lensography

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:42:43 -0600

Rocket Moms is a gathering of the smartest women on the web, working together to make Squidoo lenses (and a whole lot more). The core of the Rocket Moms experience is a 6-week exclusive program where the members build lenses in response to a weekly challenge.

Find Colleges and Universities

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:41:55 -0600

For Dorothy, there was only one yellow brick road in Oz and this was indeed the path she should take in order to get home. Unfortunately for future college students each school represents a possible yellow brick road and there's no Good Witch, Wizard, or pair of ruby slippers to help them determine the ideal college for them. Rather, they have no choice but to rely on their own powers of deduction in order to choose the right school to enroll.

Unique Gift Ideas

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:43:04 -0600

While it is great to have friends and family, there are times when gift giving can make those relationships a nightmare. However there are a few simple tricks that can make gift selection and buying fun and rewarding whether you are buying a baby gift, a corporate gift, or a wedding gift.

RWO Lensography

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:36:45 -0600

Hello, Rwoman here! I have created an awful lot of lenses. I hate to even number them as I'm constantly adding more new ones all the time. I have lenses in six broad areas: family, marketing, money, self improvement, trivia, and writing. This lensography features the lensographies I have created for each of these areas. Enjoy! Deanna Mascle

My Momography

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:53:30 -0600

I have spent a lot of time over the past nine years thinking about that question. Love is key, of course, but that is the easy part as that comes with the built-in rewards of smooches and squishes (as we call them at our house) but being a good mom take a lot of hard work, difficult decisions, and back bone. My son Noah is 8 years old and I know being his mom is the most important job I have. It is my job to take care of him and keep him safe now as well as to help him learn and grow to make the most of his future. Sometimes I have to be "mean" and make the tough stand and sometimes I need to take a step back and let my "baby" make his own mistakes.

Noah Mascle

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:37:31 -0600

Noah is 8 and has a lot of interests. Come on in and find out what he is up to!

Discount Travel Guide

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:16:12 -0600

Most travelers know that some of the best bargains are in the off-season, when poorer weather or the start of school makes vacationers scarce. So when do you travel to get the best deals? That depends. Peak season varies from region to region. Summer airfares to popular maintain areas, parts of Canada, and Europe can be high. But summertime travel to warm weather destinations...Florida, the Southwest, parts of Mexico, and the Caribbean...can be a bargain. If heat isn't a big deal to you, why not take advantage of lower costs? Summer in the United States is winter in Australia and the Galapagos Islands (as well as a lot of other places), so travel deals are available. Yet you can see and do many of the same things as in the peak season. Midweek stays at resorts are often less costly than weekends; but city hotels that cater to business travelers have high rates during the week and bargains on weekends. The best airfares often require a Saturday night stay unless it's a local hop. You'll sometimes find better domestic fares in the middle of the week or during off-hours on weekdays (late at night, early in the morning). Weekend flights almost always cost more. Here's the catch: If you have to take off two days of work in order to get a midweek flight or book a midweek resort stay, and you lose either pay or vacation time, what have really saved? You'll need to consider those factors as well. SEASONAL SAVINGS When it comes to lodging, consider the "shoulder" season..the time between peak and low travel periods. If you book a stay early in shoulder season, you can get a deal and probably still have the benefits of the same weather and opportunities available during peak season. But sometimes programs are not available in shoulder season. At many guest ranches, for example, families can cut costs in June and September, but there may not be a supervised children's program or as many children to make friends with. If you have older kids who would be out riding with you anyway, this is an excellent time to visit a guest ranch, as it's often less children's program so you could get in adults-only time, the money you save by traveling during the off-season may not make up for that loss. YEAR-ROUND BARGAINS Keep in mind that deals can be had at almost any time of year and that bargaining skills are not just for use in foreign marketplaces. At many hotels it's standard practice to quote callers the highest rate first. Reservationists are often told not to volunteer deals unless specifically asked about them. To get a better deal after a rate is quoted, ask if there's a better price available. There usually is. If you've seen a special deal in a newspaper or flyer, you should mention it. Ask about discounts for group members. You're likely to have the best luck bargaining with reservationist at the hotel itself as opposed to those at a nationwide number, but try both. If no one will offer a deal, find a different hotel. You can almost guarantee that your costs will come down if you negotiate. After booking your stay, check periodically to see if new deals have come up in newspaper travel sections. Ask your travel agent to continue checking airfares in case of special promotions. But don't obsess about it. Vacation is all about letting go and being laid-back. TRIP INSURANCE Did you know in advance the last time your child got sick? Probably not. And it's a sure bet you won't know the next time either. In the everything-that-can-wrong-will-go-wrong scenario, picture your child breaking out with chicken pox the day before you're scheduled to leave. And then there's the possibility of lost or delayed luggage, theft of baggage or important documents, and medical mergencies en route. These delays it's hard to tell which airlines have come out of bankruptcy and which are just filing. The same is true of tour operators. So what happens when the company you shcedule with goes belly up? You're out of luck unless you purchased travel insurance (some credit cards include travel coverage, too, so check yours). Most curise lines, tour operators, and many outfitters will either offer a specific insurance pachage in their information kits or be able to suggest one. Travel agents can do the same thing for you. You will not get your best deal from those vending machines at the airport, so try to arrange for insurance when booking your trip. Of course, some unforseen problems are not covered by travel insurance, such as your boss's deciding at the last minute that this is a bad time for you to be away. Read the fine print so you know exactly what you're buying and what it covers. Check with your travel agent, cruise line, tour operator, or outfitter for refund policies. Some offer no refunds. Others give refunds on a timeline the closer to the trip date you cancel, the less money you'll get back. Find out what the refund policy is before you decide to sign up. TIPPING Paying gratuities is usually a voluntary gesture that's based on performance and service. Many people who work in the travel industry depend on tips as a major part of their compensation. Tour guides, for example, make a decent living only if they make decent tips. If you travel with a guide in a city, on a river, on a walking or beking tour you should tip unless the service is not notably poor. Some tips, however, are built into the pricing structure and are included on your bill. There are ranches with mandatory tips for wranglers and other staff, and there are retaurants that automatically add a gratuity to food bills. And with some types of travel--cruise ships, for example--tipping falls just short of mandatory. Exactly what's expected will usually be spelled out in the brochures. It's a good idea to check guidebooks and consulates about attitudes towards tipping in foreign countries; what we mean as a than-you might be taken as an insult in some cultures. And it's important to note that some resort have a policy of no tipping. When in doubt, always ask.

Web Site Traffic

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:54:12 -0600

Increasing website traffic is a great way to gain popularity, increase your sales and get your message out there. Without traffic, a website just gets lost amid all the other failed websites out there. If you want your internet venture to get noticed, you need to concentrate on certain techniques that increase visitors to your site. There are many different ways to boost website traffic and get a better ranking with search engines.

Learning To Read Books

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:00:02 -0600

It is never too early to begin teaching your child to read, or at least laying the foundation for early literacy skills, and it can definitely be left too late! If you are not sure then think about this. Statistically, more American children suffer long-term life-long harm from the process of learning to read than from parental abuse, accidents, and all other childhood diseases and disorders combined. In purely economic terms, reading related difficulties cost our nation more than the war on terrorism, crime, and drugs combined. Reading problems are a further challenge to our world by contribute significantly to the perpetuation of socio-economic, racial and ethnic inequities. However it is not just poor and minority children who struggle with reading. According to the 2002 national report card on reading by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), most of our children (64%) are less than proficient in reading even after 12 years of our attempts to teach them. Learn more about learning to read books here.

Live And Learn Direct

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:09:17 -0600

Why is it important -- essential -- to keep learning? Here are just a few reasons: Change is good. Change is necessary Change is healthy Learning increases your strengths Learning decreases your weaknesses Learning can lead to good things Learning can lead to success in professional and personal life Learning challenges you Learning keeps your mind sharp Learning protects against memory loss

Making The World A Better Place

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:11:37 -0600

We are making the world a better place one lens at a time! Does your lens make a difference, solve a problem, make people smile, or just generally help people live better lives! Then you are welcome to add your G-rated lens to our group!

The Renaissance Group Headquarters

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:38:13 -0600

A Renaissance Man or Renaissance Woman is a person who has broad intellectual interests and that is what I hope this group will encompass. As a Renaissance Woman myself, I see it as my duty to encourage other polymaths! In case you don't know, a polymath (also known as a polyhistor or homo universalis) is a person who excels in multiple fields. That is what this group is all about -- excellence in many fields. All lenses are welcome to join as long as they are family-rated. This group is intended to celebrate the lensmaster that is a Renaissance Woman or Renaissance Man and so lensmasters will be celebrated here--and hopefully supported as well. I encourage all lensmasters to post a lens to the Renaissance Group Plexo below. This group is also intended to help build community and to help us promote our work so a selection of "underrated" lenses will be featured in hopes that folks will visit and help them rise to their true level. This list will regularly change so come back often. Don't forget to check out some of your fellow Renaissance Lensmasters and the plexo links as well. It is hoped this group will be supportive of its members. The founder tries to visit each new lens and lensmaster. Hopefully other members will make an effort to spread the love by visiting as many as they can. Wishing you all a squidilicious day! Deanna Mascle aka rwoman

President Bush...Is he evil or just clueless?

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:44:35 -0600

I didn't vote for him and my feelings have never risen beyond mild dislike but when I think about so many of the challenges facing our country today -- challenges he often either caused or made worse -- and the way our President chooses to handle those challenges I am forced to wonder...

Claw The Giant Ape

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:33:21 -0600

Our heroes' quest almost ends in this book but they barely escape with their lives -- although they do achieve their goal in the end. Find out how they manage to defeat Claw -- using their special gifts and with the help of an old friend!

Writing In Your Sleep

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:17:15 -0600

Learn more about creative writing One of the most powerful tools in my creative arsenal is what I call unconscious creativity. No, I do not ask someone to brain me with a hammer and I don't even need to be actually unconscious. This is when I simply allow my unconscious to do all the heavy lifting for me creatively. It is the use of this method that has allowed me to write quickly when working as a newspaper reporter and to generate several books while also working a demanding full-time job and going to school.

All About Lubbock, TX

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:16:15 -0600

Lubbock, Texas, is the home of Texas Tech University and the Buddy Holly Center, Silent Wings, and the National Ranching Heritage Center

FRONTLINE

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:12:31 -0600

It is one of the few television news shows that actually incorporates reflective, in-depth review of important topics from political issues to health issues to financial issues. FRONTLINE's reports not only report but also explore a topic fully and from every angle so viewers can fully understand the issue and its implications for our lives and future. FRONTLINE helps its audience become more aware and educated about the important issues of the day so the public can be full participants in our democracy. FRONTLINE should be required viewing for every voter and taxpayer.

Renaissance Lensmaster

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:10:56 -0600

A Renaissance Lensmaster is a lensmaster of many talents and interests -- and reflects that variety and scope in the lenses they create. A Renaissance Lensmaster cannot count their lenses on their fingers and toes. A Renaissance Lensmaster is about variety and quantity but also quality. Are you a Renaissance Lensmaster? Join the Renaissance Group today and find out!

Squidoo Pledge

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:31:52 -0600

2008 was a momentous year for me on Squidoo. I celebrated my first anniversary on March 11. I became a Giant Squid on May 2. I came to terms with my Squidoo Addiction!

Home Business Online

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:09:10 -0600

Resources to help you start and grow your own small business at home and/or online.

Noah's Lensography

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:29:02 -0600

My mother and I make Squidoo lenses together about things I like.

My Spring Break Destination

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 10:41:31 -0600

For those of you who think my life is pitiful and sad because I take research tomes to the beach -- at least I am going to the beach! I've got a heavy duty tote to carry those books to the beach and pool. There is no vacation for the weary graduate student.

Halloween Trivia Tricks and Treats

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:27:35 -0600

You love Halloween and wish it came more often than one day a year, but how well do you REALLY know your favorite holiday?

Writing Project

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:16:56 -0600

The National Writing Project (NWP) is a professional development network that serves teachers of writing at all grade levels, primary through university, and in all subjects. The mission of the NWP is to improve student achievement by improving the teaching of writing and improving learning in the nation's schools. A Network of University-Based Sites The nearly 200 local sites that make up the NWP network are hosted by universities and colleges. Co-directed by faculty from the local university and from K-12 schools, local sites serve all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sites work in partnership with area school districts to offer high-quality professional development programs for educators. NWP continues to add new sites each year, with the goal of placing a writing project site within reach of every teacher in America. The network now includes two associated international sites. A Successful Model Customized for Local Needs NWP sites share a national program model, adhering to a set of shared principles and practices for teachers' professional development, and offering programs that are common across the network. In addition to developing a leadership cadre of local teachers (called "teacher-consultants") through invitational summer institutes, NWP sites design and deliver customized inservice programs for local schools, districts, and higher education institutions, and they provide a diverse array of continuing education and research opportunities for teachers at all levels. National research studies have confirmed significant gains in writing performance among students of teachers who have participated in NWP programs. The NWP is the only federally funded program that focuses on the teaching of writing. Support for the NWP is provided by the U.S. Department of Education, foundations, corporations, universities, and K-12 schools. NWP Core Principles The core principles at the foundation of NWP's national program model are: * Teachers at every level-from kindergarten through college-are the agents of reform; universities and schools are ideal partners for investing in that reform through professional development. * Writing can and should be taught, not just assigned, at every grade level. Professional development programs should provide opportunities for teachers to work together to understand the full spectrum of writing development across grades and across subject areas. * Knowledge about the teaching of writing comes from many sources: theory and research, the analysis of practice, and the experience of writing. Effective professional development programs provide frequent and ongoing opportunities for teachers to write and to examine theory, research, and practice together systematically. * There is no single right approach to teaching writing; however, some practices prove to be more effective than others. A reflective and informed community of practice is in the best position to design and develop comprehensive writing programs. * Teachers who are well informed and effective in their practice can be successful teachers of other teachers as well as partners in educational research, development, and implementation. Collectively, teacher-leaders are our greatest resource for educational reform.

Copywriting

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:15:42 -0600

Work From Home Based Business Opportunity

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:13:42 -0600

Learn how to start your own home based business opportunity I have lost track of the number of discussion board posts and emails I have answered about that topic. I admit for those first venturing into the uncharted waters of internet business it can be challenging and more than a little daunting. There is a flood of products out there clamoring for your money and all claim to be absolutely essential to your success on the internet. Don't buy it, they are all selling snake oil! There are some essentials you will need (assuming that if you are reading this that you already have an email account and internet access) but you really can start out at the ground level with nothing but an idea and build your internet business up from there. You can start your business on a shoestring budget of just $10 a year. If you are ready for the fast track then you can start with as little as $10 month. If you are aiming for the penthouse then you can up your monthly budget to $30.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:27:33 -0600

Everyone loves the movie, but the book, in fact the entire series of Oz tales, offers much more fun and adventure than can be captured by even the most delightful of movies. Meet characters you never see in the movie... Enjoy new adventures too! Plus, there is a whole set of stories to love!

Why I Squidoo And You Should Too

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:28:34 -0600

This lens shares the reasons why I Squidoo (and why other people do too), why we think you should Squidoo too, just what Squidoo is and how to get started...

Epresence Lensography

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:26:15 -0600

I have been an online entrepreneur and internet publisher since 1999 so I have a wealth of tips and advice to share. Here are the internet marketing lenses I have created about doing business online as well as marketing and advertising on the web.

Intriguing People Headquarters

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:32:46 -0600

People of all ages and backgrounds and interests fascinate me. I learned as a reporter that every person has a story to tell and we share so many stories through our lenses! Share your lenses about intriguing people here! Fictional people welcome!

Bill Moyers

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:01:24 -0600

We are faithful Bill Moyers fans at our house. I love that he asks the questions that no other journalist seems to be bothered to ask anymore. I increasingly despair of our modern media monoliths that are either too afraid, too lazy, or too busy making money to do the news coverage we need and deserve to be informed members of our political process.

Home Business Schedule

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:39:18 -0600

One of the attractions of working at home is the vision of freedom it invokes - no time clock, no time sheets, and no one to account to for how you spend your time. Yes, it is an attractive proposition, but like so many attractive propositions there is a heavy downside - you are likely wasting a lot of time.

How You Can Learn More

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:41:06 -0600

Key reasons to keep your desire to learn. Have you ever pondered upon how essential learning is to your life in terms of your ability to not only survive but also to thrive both professionally and personally? Becoming a lifelong learner is important to your health, your success, and your happiness, but if that is not enough reason to learn more then consider these three essential reasons to keep your desire to learn and to live and learn.

Small Business Management

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:40:12 -0600

One problem that many small business owners run into is simply thinking too small. I often have readers writing to me asking for helping getting their business ideas off the ground. I also often hear from folks who have run their small businesses into the ground. There are five key areas where you can think too small - and doom your business to failure.

Brother Cadfael

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:36:33 -0600

While a fictional character created by Ellis Peters, as the amateur sleuth in the historical mystery series The Brother Cadfael Chronicles he is very real to his legion of fans. This lens is a tribute to the complex character of Brother Cadfael.

Cream of Squidoo

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:43:09 -0600

We love Squidoo for its diversity and all-inclusive nature but also believe that the cream rises to the top! While all members are welcome to join this group only the Cream Of Squidoo will rise to the top and be recognized and featured here!

Writers Resources Lensography

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:42:00 -0600

I have spent my entire professional life as a writer, editor and teacher of writing. I am published in both fiction and nonfiction including three novels, several newspapers, magazines and web publications. I imagine I will be a professional writer until the day I die. Here you will find a collection of the lenses I have created to share my writing knowledge and expertise with others.

Find A College

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:40:39 -0600

As early as first year high school, students can ask help from their high school counselors to chart the future for them and assist them in choosing the best college for their personalities and abilities. One can never plan too early for the future and if you or your child has the foresight to desire preparing for the future now, you can start by scheduling an appointment with his or her high school counselor. Learn more about college here

Harry Potter

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:38:21 -0600

He loved the books He loved the movies He loves playing the PlayStation games He even had a Harry Potter party for his 7th birthday!

Wedding Planning

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:36:07 -0600

When you plan a wedding without the help of a wedding planning coordinator, you are accomplishing a task that you'll remember for a lifetime. It's an unforgettable feeling to put together a special day with little-to-no help and have it go off without a hitch. Though wedding planning involves a great deal of extra work, you will feel a certain sense of satisfaction once the big day arrives and everybody has a good time. For a great resource about this, click on this link. Wedding Planning Ideas Find more answers for women here

Credit Debt Relief

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:28:00 -0600

Learn more about relief debt solutions here Debt is a way of life for many Americans. We owe money on our homes, our cars, our possessions (from furniture to clothes), and our education. Many Americans are so mired in debt they aren't even sure just how much they owe and to whom - even worse they sometimes don't even remember just what caused their debt. Some debt is good for you. For example, what you owe on your home can provide a nice way to balance out your income tax. A little debt is not a bad thing either as making regular payments to various creditors helps build your credit rating which makes it easier for you to obtain loans at good rates. However the truth is that most Americans have more than a little debt - and many owe far too much money and are already, or soon will be, in financial trouble as a result. Finding yourself owing a lot of money is not the end of the road and you can stop your cycle of debt by taking four positive steps to break the cycle.

The Adventures Of Captain Underpants

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:34:51 -0600

My 8-year-old son and his friends think this book, in fact the whole series, is hilarious. He reads and reads some more laughing all the while.

Tend To Your Own Happiness

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:35:40 -0600

Many of us wish for more happiness. We want to lead happier, more fulfilling, lives, but the sad truth is that so many of us that wish for more happiness spend much more time tending the happiness of others than we do tending to our own happiness. Happiness does not simply happen. A person does not suddenly stumble across happiness. Happiness is the result of careful tending and a person who wishes to be happy must tend to their own happiness. Tending to your happiness does not need to be difficult, complex, or time-consuming. It can be as simple as this four-step formula: 1. Trash your unhappy thoughts and trends 2. Envision yourself happy 3. Needs fulfilled 4. Desires fulfilled Making yourself a happier person really can be that simple.

Credit Check

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:03:04 -0600

Find more credit answers here How many credit cards do you have? If you are like most people it is probably too many. We've all been lured in by the siren call of better rates, special perks and rewards, or lower fees so that most Americans carry between five and 10 credit cards. The problem is not so much that new credit card offers are so attractive but rather that we do not stop to evaluate which cards we no longer need after opening a new account. Carrying too many credit cards can wreak havoc with your credit score - especially if you use too much of your available credit.

PLOW your own happiness

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:38:06 -0600

Perhaps it is because I am a gardener at heart, but for me the new year really begins in the Spring. Even though Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, I am beginning to see signs of Spring here in Kentucky. There are sprouts of that wonderful fresh spring green in my garden today. The sight of those hopeful leaf points makes me smile and reinvigorates me in a way that New Year's Day can never achieve. So it seems natural to me to begin thinking in terms of gardening and farming. Also because I am happier it makes me want to spread the joy. I have come up with this four-step plan to help you achieve a happier life.

Internet Business Opportunity

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:36:40 -0600

Have you ever wondered if you could have your very own profitable Internet business? Maybe you have even read some of the hype online. There are thousands of marketers on the Internet who are all competing for your attention. Sadly, many are so desperate that they will embellish their offers and stretch the limits of believability to the max. Make $24,000 in 24 days is one that you see frequently. Another is 30 Days to become a millionaire! Give me a break! The problem with many of these marketers is that they give the entire Internet Marketing community a bad name and the legitimate folks out there have a tough time promoting the truth.

Internet Marketing

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:34:25 -0600

Internet marketing covers a wide array of subject from internet advertising, marketing and promotions of businesses and web sites to learning how to profit from your internet marketing strategy.

The Fourth Estate Is Essential

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:32:40 -0600

The Fourth Estate Is Essential To Our Well-Being I admit I am prejudiced. I started out my career as a newspaper journalist and editor and I have worked most of my life in one form of print media or another. While I continue my work as a writer primarily on the web, newspapers will always be my first love. For some time I have decried the growth of big media and I know many media gurus blame the internet, but if you study the facts the decline of journalism began long before the internet and I'm now beginning to wonder if big media is a symptom or cause of the downfall of the Fourth Estate. So why is the Fourth Estate essential our well-being? First and foremost, they are the watchdogs. They make sure government, big business, and society leaders stay honest, do their jobs, and don't tread on the little people (this is one of the reasons why Big Media is a problem -- hard to watchdog your own company isn't it?) Real journalists do more than a 30-second spot or stand in front of a burning building for a sound byte. They cover the story from every angle and dig beneath the surface (something you rarely see in any form of broadcast journalism). They follow a story for weeks, months, or years -- and because they have been watching that story, business, or government they are able to spotlight problems and lies more accurately than anyone else. They know who to talk to and what questions to ask. Too often the front lines of broadcast journalism move around and can never develop that true sense of a particular beat that a print journalist can. Too often the new media does not have the training or resources to do the job that old-fashioned print journalism performed.

Computers and Writing

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:44:58 -0600

As a tool for practice in writing, the word processor's usefulness is unparalleled. Writing researchers have long advised that the key to fluent writing is to write as much as possible and the word processor makes it easy to draft, revise and edit. However technology also offers additional benefits to writers -- networks and the internet make it easier than ever before for writers to share their writing and gain feedback to aid with that drafting, revision, and editing.

SAT Test

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:42:52 -0600

The Scholastic Aptitude or Assessment Test is now known as the SAT Reasoning Test and is an examination that all high school students are required to take in order to get into college. The Educational Testing Service conducts the SAT but it's the College Board that computes the results of the test.

Buy Established Websites

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:39:36 -0600

Buying an established website can be a great way to get a head start for your new internet business and save you a lot of time and effort. While buying an established website is not cheap, it does not have to be expensive either, and if you do your homework you can quickly earn back your money. While buying established websites has always been a good idea, now more than ever it is a great time to buy an established website. The domain market is a buyer's market in that there is a wide selection of domains available. You can find very specific domains targeted toward a niche and funky, original names you can use for almost anything. The internet is no longer like the Wild West and a good many internet entrepreneurs have developed and then abandoned sites for a variety of reasons. The domain market (or rather the domain aftermarket) is a buyer's market in that due to that great selection and availability prices are down. You can easily acquire an established domain for a few hundred dollars and if you pay a higher price you can feel confident that benefits will increase accordingly. Finally, now is a great time to buy an established website because there are so many forums, services, and tools available to help you not only refine your search so you know what you are looking for but also help you gauge the right price range you should expect to pay. In addition, there are services and tools to help you find the right establishes websites for you to buy, determine the fair market value for the property, and then help you negotiate the best price. If you want to start your new internet enterprise at the head of its class then you should consider buying an established website rather than developing a new site from scratch. Now, more than ever, is a great time to buy established websites for sale.

Home Business Opportunity

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:30:08 -0600

Just about everyone has at least giving a passing thought to starting a business. Sometimes it is simply wishful thinking and sometimes we even do a little research, but there are good reasons why you should give starting a business at home serious consideration. I can give you three solid reasons -- not even counting the most obvious benefit of home business -- to start a business at home. The obvious reason most people think about starting a home business is simply the need for additional income, but there are other benefits to a home business as well.

President Bush...Is he evil or just clueless?

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:29:48 -0600

and I never really got why some people liked him and respected him. Hey somebody must have (even if they don't like to admit it now) as he got voted in twice. I didn't vote for him and my feelings have never risen beyond mild dislike but when I think about so many of the challenges facing our country today -- challenges he often either caused or made worse -- and the way our President chooses to handle those challenges I am forced to wonder...

Car Loans Online

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 20:04:06 -0600

People will spend months or even years planning to buy a car. They will work hard to build good credit. They will search for just the right make and model. They will scope out the various dealers and sales staff sometimes even comparing service departments too. Then they will sign on the dotted line for the first loan the sales person offers. What is wrong with this picture?

Why I'm On MySpace

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:47:44 -0600

MySpace is a great way to stay in touch with family and friends It is a great way to promote my web sites It is a great way to share my articles

Intelligence

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:05:24 -0600

I frequently ask my college students to write about this subject. In part because the discussion is always fascinating and informative, but also because reaching a better understanding of what intelligence is also helps students become more focused and more effective learners. So what is intelligence? In my opinion, intelligence includes three distinct abilities - ability to learn, ability to apply that knowledge, and ability to build off that knowledge and application to create new knowledge and applications. For example, let us use a skill that we are all familiar with - walking. Young children learn to walk primarily through demonstration and experimentation. We can tell and show children how to walk all day long but until they begin experimenting and learn how to apply their knowledge they do not learn to walk. Most children then build upon that knowledge and experience to move from walking to running, skipping, and a variety of other movements. When we think of learning we usually picture learning taking place in a classroom environment but we are continually learning all the time - before and after formal education. In reality, the world is our classroom as we are receiving a stream of new information all the time. Sometimes we seek out information through formal instruction or reading, but other times we receive lessons from the people in our lives, from the media, and from the experience of living. Sometimes our learning is a passive experience that is forced upon us by circumstances but the most effective learning is done when we seek out new information whether for a specific purpose or for the simple pleasure of learning itself. However as well all know from life experience, simple knowledge is not enough. You need to know how to apply that knowledge in a practical sense. Memorizing a cook book makes no sense if you never set foot in a kitchen and pick up a spatula. That does not mean knowledge without an immediate application is useless. Literature can help you understand history and human relations, for example, and so is never a waste. But it is a waste if you read the entire works of William Shakespeare and never stop to think about how much he says about the human condition is just as true today as it was in his time. Finally, while learning and application are often demonstrated by people, I believe what truly separates the intelligent from the average person is taking the knowledge they gain to another level. Not only learning and applying that knowledge, but building upon that knowledge and experience to create new knowledge. These intelligent people include the engineers who create new machines, the surgeons who create new procedures, and the leaders who find new solutions to old problems. Intelligent people are found in all walks of life and all aspects of society but are easily distinguished from those of average intelligence by looking for these three key abilities - the ability to learn, ability to apply that knowledge, and ability to build off that knowledge and application to create new knowledge and applications. Find more answers about learning

Credit Card Debt Solutions

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 20:53:24 -0600

Learn more about debt solutions here Are you looking for a credit card debt solution? If you in desperate need of a credit card debt solution, but do not want to spend big dollars or hours to get the job done, here are a few pointers to help get you started.

Activity Preschool Education Headquarters

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:31:06 -0600

A group for lenses that promote preschool education and preschool learning. Make learning fun and your child will be a lifelong learner!

Great Groups

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:05:20 -0600

A Squidoo Group can be anything from a random collection of lenses to a tightly-focused unit. I would argue that a great group can be either of these things and many fall somewhere in between.

Squid Storm Headquarters

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:36:26 -0600

Storms are powerful and awe-inspiring. Just imagine how impressive a storm of squids can be!

Thought Provoking Lenses Headquarters

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:57:31 -0600

Some lenses really make you think. Some are purely educational or informational while others are controversial or entertaining. As long as it makes us think, then your lens belongs in this group!

Credit Card Offers

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:28:32 -0600

So, you have decided you need a credit card. However, you must remember that not all credit cards are created equally. Your friend's credit card doesn't mean that it is also the best for you. Before going to this bank and get its credit card, you must consider the several factors that you should take into consideration when deciding which credit card you want to get. Some of those factors include: o Interest rate. When you are the type of person that pays off your balance monthly, you would probably disregard the interest rate. Unfortunately, most people are having problems keeping with their credit card balance. Most people do carry a balance in their credit cards. If you sometimes late paying and carrying a balance, then it would be the best decision to have a credit card with a low interest rate. Having a card with a low interest rate save you a lot of money. You might disregard the difference between a 10 percent and 20 percent interest rate, but the difference could be significant if you have balances for a long period of time. Major credit card companies like Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and AMEX, have low interest versions of their credit card. o Reward programs. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express and other major credit card companies have reward programs. Reward programs give you special privileges or services for being a credit card holder. Some of these programs include frequent flyer programs, where you are given one frequent flyer mile for each dollar spent. If you are quite a traveler, then a credit card with this program might be for you. Some offer cash-back options. Most common are discount offerings at retail stores or online chains. o Annual fees. The annual fee is an important consideration, especially those who have a hard time paying off their balances monthly. If you think that the annual fee you have to pay to keep your card is way too high compared with the privileges you get from your card, it would be probably better to stop using the card. o Member benefits. Credit cards promise various benefits. Some have travel protection as part of the benefits, while others offer roadside assistance. You have to consider your lifestyle in checking out a card's benefits. Remember: On choosing credit cards, choose wisely. If you need to, discuss your specific financial needs with your financial advisor.

Cream Of Squid Headquarters

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:48:42 -0600

We love Squidoo for its diversity and all-inclusive nature but also believe that the cream rises to the top! While all members are welcome to join this group only the Cream Of Squid will rise to the top and be recognized and featured here!

Credit Repair

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 20:44:50 -0600

Find credit debt solutions here Credit repair and eliminating your credit card debt does not mean that you have to hire an expensive credit repair service. In fact, if you want to fix your credit you can do it yourself for free. I cannot promise that it will be easy but despite the glib promises made by professional services those are not easy either. Do not sign a contract committing yourself to an expensive credit repair service. Do not buy any books or software to help you fix your credit. Instead focus on three simple and free steps to rid yourself of bad credit.

Credit Card Debt Consolidation

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:43:26 -0600

Learn more about debt solutions here If you in desperate need of credit card debt relief, but do not want to spend big dollars or hours to get the job done, a credit card debt consolidation might be the perfect answer for you. Here are a few pointers to help get you started. Credit cards have revolutionized the purchasing experience since Diners Club released the first credit card in 1950. It gave consumers limited credit that, at times, even surpassed their own personal savings. It allowed them to buy items they cannot usually afford with a straight cash purchase. It also provided the convenience of not needing to carry wads of dollar bills. Thus, on the average, American households possess 4 credit cards or a total of 13 payment cards including debt cards and store cards aside from credit cards. There are, actually, 1.3 billion payment cards in circulation in the United States. But if you think that credit cards have made the lives of modern American consumers easier, think again. Statistics show that the average credit card debt for each household per month is $4,800. This lead to 1.3 million credit card holders declaring bankruptcy in 2003. And if you still consider yourself unaffected by this, then consider this one: upon retirement, most Americans can only expect to receive about 37% percent of their annual retirement income because of debt payment, leaving them to depend on the government, family and charity. That's scary. So before you find yourself in the same situation, it might be time to evaluate your credit card debt. One way of resolving debt that you might consider is credit card consolidation.

Credit Card Debt Help

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 13:31:15 -0600

Learn more about debt relief here If you have credit card debt it is important to take its measure from time-to-time to determine whether or not you have a problem with your debt. If you are carrying a balance on more than one card (or simply a sizable balance on one card) then you could have a problem. There are five reasons why you should seek credit help to deal with your credit card debt.

Debt Consolidation

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:09:54 -0600

If you have continually struggled to pay your credit card bills on time, consider using debt consolidation to simplify the process. Certain companies are able to combine your debt into one single debt, thus enabling you to focus your time and energy elsewhere. If you are tired of the creditors and collection agencies calling your home, you should see if you are a candidate for debt consolidation. Thousands of people have benefited from the assurance that their bills will be paid on time and that they will be paying a lower rate of interest. If this is something that would help you get back on your feet, click here: Debt Consolidation Tips For You

Great Places Headquarters

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:34:59 -0600

Lenses about great places. Places we love to call home. Places we love to visit. Places we just dream of visiting.

Renaissance Woman Headquarters

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:51:22 -0600

A lensography just for lenses created by Renaissance Woman Online Deanna Mascle. I admit I am a Squidooholic! If you don't believe me then just check out this lens.

The Successful Squid Headquarters

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:07:24 -0600

Are you a Successful Squid? Are you on the road to success? Then submit your Successful Squidoo Lenses here! Only G-rated lenses allowed.

The Profitable Squid Headquarters

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:58:26 -0600

Are you making money on Squidoo? Then this is the group for you! Only family-friendly lenses please. We are here for the love of Squidoo--and the fun and friendship we find on this special spot on the web, but we also like making a profit--whether for ourselves or a special charity. Share your profitable lenses with us--and make a note of your highest-paying lenses and we may feature them here!

On Our Bookshelf Headquarters

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:56:53 -0600

We are prolific readers in our house and we have books in every room but there are those favorites, those beloved books, that maintain pride of place on our bookshelf. These beloved books and their authors are featured in our lenses. What is on your bookshelf?

Epresence Headquarters

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:52:17 -0600

Epresence is intended to help you start, develop, grow and market your own internet home business opportunity

The Awesome Squid Headquarters

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:08:11 -0600

What is an awesome squid? An awesome squid could be an awesome lensmaster or perhaps just create awesome lenses? Perhaps an awesome squid is an awesome member of the squidoo community. What do you think? Share your thoughts and your awesome lenses below!

Squidooholics Unite Headquarters

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:12:30 -0600

Are you a Squidooholic? Then this is the group for you to showcase your favorite Squidoo lenses.

The Random Squid Headquarters

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:10:55 -0600

Are you a random lensmaster? Do you disdain the idea of following a theme? Then this is the group for you! G-rated lenses only, please.

The Proud Squid Headquarters

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:10:05 -0600

Every Squidoo lensmaster that I know has at least a few lenses they are very proud of. This lens is dedicated to providing a showcase for proud lensmasters and the lenses that make them proud.

Fishing For Lenses Headquarters

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:53:27 -0600

Fishing For Lenses All interesting, fun, unusual lenses are welcome to join! If we judge you need to grow more (in size or interest) then we will throw you back in the water! Only G-Rated lenses allowed!

Family Budget Headquarters

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:11:42 -0600

Money management is the number one cause of marital strife and family stress. Help your family create a family budget they can live and learn about other personal money management issues

The Curious Squid Headquarters

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:59:51 -0600

This lens is a celebration of all lenses created by curious squids. Have you started a lens because you were curious about that subject? Then share your lens below! Check out the lenses inspired by curiousity below!