Squidoo Lenses by Ramkitten

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Here is the list of Squidoo lenses by Lensmaster Ramkitten,
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1. Becoming a Search and Rescue Volunteer News!

Are you intrigued by stories about wilderness rescues and searches for missing hikers or stranded mountain climbers? If so, perhaps becoming a Search and Rescue -- often referred to as SAR -- volunteer might just be for you. I've enjoyed and benefited so much from being a member of a SAR team...
Nonprofits - Mon, 21 May 2012 23:41:52

2. Ideas For Your Farmers Market Booth Or Vegetable Stand

Once upon a time, Steve and I lived on a farm. And on that farm we had a garden full of organic vegetables. Intending to grow only what we needed for ourselves but being new to gardening and not confident in the greenness of our thumbs, we not only tilled far more ground than necessary and plante...
Home & Garden - Fri, 25 May 2012 04:20:07

3. Great Long-Distance Walks Of The World News!

As a long-distance backpacker with an Appalachian Trail thru-hike under my feet and many other treks on my ever-growing bucket list, I love reading about the footpaths of the world, especially those that ramble on for hundreds, even thousands, of miles. Seeing and experiencing life on foot is a p...
Sports & Recreation - Tue, 22 May 2012 15:56:30

4. Hiking The Appalachian Trail: What You Really Need To Know News!

The little photo to the left is me, the hiker known as Ramkitten (on a really cold April morning in the Georgia mountains), here to share the wisdom gained from six months on the Appalachian Trail, all in one fell swoop! Most of what you'll find about the Appalachian Trail on the internet and...
Sports & Recreation - Wed, 23 May 2012 06:01:57

5. What NOT To Take on the Appalachian Trail

Well before I began my own A.T. thru-hike with 40 pounds on my back, including food for several days and a few liters of water, I was hearing stories of hikers who'd started up the approach trail to Springer Mountain and the first white blaze with packs weighing in excess of 75 and even 90 pounds...
Sports & Recreation - Wed, 23 May 2012 20:11:43

6. 100 Things I'm Thankful For

Writer Claudette Mitchell started a discussion in the SquidU forums titled, What are you thankful for? She wrote: Although I knew how important it was to be thankful, I learned only a few years ago the significance of it. I had learned on a Dani Johnson call to write out 100 things that you are ...
Squidoo Community - Sun, 20 May 2012 00:11:27

7. Homemade Coupon Book Gift Idea for Any Holiday or Occasion

Sure, you can add something special that might also cost some money, but that's not necessary with homemade gift coupons for all sorts of occasions and holidays. Here you'll find a list of suggestions for filling in those gift coupons for family and friends, many that will cost you nothing more ...
Holidays & Celebrations - Wed, 23 May 2012 18:52:58

8. Hiking The Grand Canyon, Rim To Rim News!

At the top of the S. Kaibab Trail There is SO much one could write about hiking in the Grand Canyon, but I want to focus on hiking rim to rim using the popular "corridor" trails in the central part of the National Park. I usually do my rim to rim trips from south rim to north, so that's the o...
Sports & Recreation - Fri, 25 May 2012 02:53:37

9. Basic Map And Compass News!

Photo credit: Stock.xchng / CC I can't say there's just one thing you should never go without when heading into the backcountry -- in fact, I have a whole list of what I consider essential gear -- but a map definitely competes for the top spot on that list and a compass is a close second....
Education - Thu, 17 May 2012 16:59:01

10. Taking Care Of Your Home While You're Away On Vacation

Image source: Stock.xchng / CC I don't want to spend one moment worrying about things at home while I'm on vacation -- not about the house, my dog, my plants, whether I left an appliance turned on that I shouldn't have, or if a bill will be late if not paid before I get back. I've bee...
Travel & Places - Thu, 24 May 2012 04:01:17

11. Hiking The Wave In Coyote Buttes

Until a friend invited me on a hiking trip in northern Arizona and southern Utah, I'd not heard of The Wave. But I realized when we arrived that I'd seen photos of this amazing geological formation, now an internationally known and very popular site. Which is why daily visitation to The Wave ...
Travel & Places - Thu, 17 May 2012 16:48:10

12. Man-Tracking 101: How To Find And Follow Tracks For Search And Rescue

The main purpose of man-tracking is to determine the lost or missing person's direction of travel, which can greatly reduce the size of a search area. So wouldn't it be nice if all footprints were as obvious as this one? But obviously they're not. And that's where some tools, tips, and a grab ba...
Nonprofits - Wed, 23 May 2012 20:08:16

13. SARpack: Search & Rescue Gear

When I began training to be a Search and Rescue volunteer, one of the required classes focused on personal safety and gear. Being a well-seasoned hiker and long-distance backpacker, I already had a closet overflowing with packs, sleeping bags, water bottles, and so forth. In fact, I was just abou...
Nonprofits - Tue, 01 May 2012 16:08:07

14. Chartreuse: More Than Your Average Color

And I suppose yellowish-green would work. But I prefer the fancy French version of one of my favorite colors. "Chartreuse" just sounds so ... so sophisticated. So unique. Which it is. Chartreuse isn't a color you see coming and going, though it's more common than you might think if you re...
Fashion & Beauty - Fri, 18 May 2012 15:44:18

15. How To NOT Lose Your Cell Phone

Photo Credit: Stock.xchg / CC "Honey, sweetie-pie," I typed, sending my husband a gooey instant message while he was at work. "Sorry to bother you, but could you call my cell?" I didn't have to explain why; we'd been through this umpteen times before. Last time he'd called my cell pho...
Computers & Electronics - Thu, 10 May 2012 16:19:03

16. The Best Backpacking Equipment News!

So, how do I know this backpacking gear is so great if I haven't used it yet? Well, because I've watched lots of other people use this equipment and listened to their praise. And then I've compared it to what I had in my backpack at the time and thought, wow, their gear is so much bet...
Sports & Recreation - Wed, 23 May 2012 23:47:49

17. How To Use A GPS: Coordinate Systems and Datums

When you use a GPS, it's important to not only have an understanding of how the unit works and receives the information it provides but also the languages it "speaks." If we don't truly understand these languages and how, why, and when to change from one to another, a GPS can end up being...
Computers & Electronics - Mon, 21 May 2012 21:53:11

18. Property Caretaking: How To Get The Job & Make The Most Of It

A Connecticut farm where we were caretakers You may have heard some buzz about "The Best Job in the World." It was that position on Australia's Hamilton Island -- an island of the Great Barrier Reef -- that paid AUD$150,000 (about $115,000 U.S. dollars) for a six-month stay in a three-bedroom...
Business & Work - Wed, 23 May 2012 18:20:10

19. Summer Camp Practical Jokes And Funny Pranks

I was fortunate to be able to go to summer camp from the age of eight through my Junior year of high school. I matured at camp. I became more independent and self-confident. It was at summer camp that my love of the outdoors grew and led me to me become an avid hiker and long-distance backpacker....
Entertainment & Media - Wed, 23 May 2012 23:36:42

20. Black Canyon Canoe Trip: Hoover Dam To Willow Beach

Each year, the Flagstaff Outdoors Club takes a canoe and kayak trip through Black Canyon, beginning at Hoover Dam and paddling the Colorado River south, eleven miles to Willow Beach. I've done this trip three times (so far), and here I'll share information and some photos as well as other helpfu...
Travel & Places - Sun, 20 May 2012 05:34:05

21. Listen To Live Radio Communications Online News!

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons / CC Being an addicted -- or maybe I should say enthusiastic -- Search and Rescue volunteer, I like to listen to our county's SAR frequencies to find out what's going on before our team actually gets called out for a mission ... not to mention eavesdrop on what...
Internet - Wed, 23 May 2012 23:35:58

22. What To See And Do In Flagstaff, Arizona News!

I first visited Flagstaff in 1994, on my way to a river trip through the Grand Canyon. A year and a half later, in the middle of winter, I was back again, en route to the Canyon's north rim to work at a snowbound retreat called the Kaibab Lodge. There I met Steve, the man I eventually married...
Travel & Places - Sat, 12 May 2012 17:36:58

23. Trail Days Festival In Damascus, Virginia

I attended my first Trail Days Festival in 1999 as a wanna-be Appalachian Trail thru-hiker. The following year, I hiked into Damascus, Virginia -- considered by some to be the friendliest town on the A.T. -- after walking nearly 500 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia, and attended my second Tr...
Travel & Places - Wed, 02 May 2012 01:33:43

24. The 24-Hour Pack: Hike Smart, Be Prepared, Be Safe

As a Search and Rescue volunteer, I've been involved in many missions that wouldn't have happened in the first place had those we went looking for carried just a few simple items in a small daypack. Sometimes, it was the lack of a light source or not bringing a few extra batteries that got folks...
Sports & Recreation - Wed, 02 May 2012 01:19:16

25. Planning A Colorado Trail Section Hike: Silverton To Durango News!

It had been too long since my husband and I had done a multi-day backpacking trip together, and we were really looking forward to our first section-hike on the Colorado Trail. As I planned the trip, I figured I would share the information here in case it might be helpful to others who want to do ...
Sports & Recreation - Mon, 07 May 2012 16:23:07

26. What To See And Do In Pokhara, Nepal News!

Get away from the crazy, busy capital city of Kathmandu and enjoy some R&R and outdoor activities in Pokhara. ****** In the summer of 2010, I traveled to Nepal for three months. While this was essentially a working trip, I had plenty of time for sightseeing and fun, and there's a lot of both to b...
Travel & Places - Sun, 06 May 2012 06:21:23

27. My Experience Using Allstate's Drive Wise Device to Save Money on Auto Insurance

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons / CC It does feel a little strange, like Big Brother is watching as I drive. But, then again, I have the chance to save up to 30 percent on my auto insurance (which, for me, would be about $100 every six months) and it makes me more conscientious about my driving h...
Cars - Wed, 16 May 2012 16:27:53

28. Ten Essentials For Backcountry Hiking

If you've read other articles of mine, you may be rolling your eyes right now, thinking, ugh, is she harping on this stuff again? Well ... yeah. I can't help it; I'm a big proponent of being prepared, particularly in the backcountry. And if you're a hiker or any other type of outdoor enthusiast,...
Sports & Recreation - Mon, 21 May 2012 00:36:02

29. Hooked On Submarine Movies

I Like To Be Under The Sea.... Well, vicariously, anyway. I don't know if I'd have the nerve to go down there in a submarine. Heck, I'm even too chicken to scuba dive. One thing's for sure, though: I love submarine movies, or those where a submarine plays a significant role. My hu...
Entertainment & Media - Wed, 16 May 2012 23:30:46

30. Rock Rescue Academy Part 3: Raising Systems

Image Credit: Thomas_Sly on Flickr / CC Much of the time, technical rescue involves falls, with rescuers descending to the victim and then raising or lowering that person in a litter or harness. In this next phase of our SAR Rock Rescue Academy training, new technical team members learned how to ...
Nonprofits - Sun, 06 May 2012 20:10:17

31. Adventure-Travel Writer, Peter Jenkins News!

I discovered the writings of Peter Jenkins when I found a used, 25-cent copy of A Walk Across America in a sidewalk book bin. Given my own penchant for wanderlust, the title alone drew me in. And that turned out to be a very well-spent quarter. I'm glad the first book by Jenkins I stumbled up...
Books, Poetry & Writing - Wed, 16 May 2012 18:34:19

32. Green Fog: What's Up With My Farting Dog? News!

So, I was struggling with a bout of writer's block, agonizing over my next subject, when suddenly it hit me out of not-so-thin air. Sometimes, ideas come from strange places. Today, the inspiration (an emanation) came to me on the barely detectable breeze. From beneath my desk, it wafted up from...
Pets & Animals - Mon, 07 May 2012 21:14:34

33. Jazzercise: More Than a Great Workout News!

Although I'm an avid outdoorswoman, hiking isn't the only thing I do for exercise. I'm also known to work out three or four times each week in a class called Jazzercise. Six years ago, on my 37th birthday -- and 37 years after the Jazzercise dance fitness program was founded in 1969 -- I ...
Healthy Living - Mon, 07 May 2012 22:10:05

34. How To Use A GPS: Tracks And Routes

This is the fourth article in my "How To Use A GPS" series. Here, I'll briefly cover GPS routes and tracks -- what they are, how they're different, and what you can do with them. GPS brands and models do have some differences in navigation and data entry screens as well as terminology (i...
Computers & Electronics - Tue, 08 May 2012 01:22:54

35. Planning A Canoe Trip In The Boundary Waters

This photo is in the public domain In August, my husband and I and two other couples traveled to northern Minnesota for a week-long canoe trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) on the U.S./Canadian border. Since this trip was my idea and I'd been to the area once before, I ...
Travel & Places - Mon, 07 May 2012 21:49:38

36. Funky And Funny Fleece Hats

Whenever I put on my silly fleece hat, I feel ... well, fun. Not to mention that my head is warm, which makes the rest of me feel warmer, too. And if I'm a little down in the dumps, I can put on my goofy fleece hat, look in the mirror, and can't help but smile at myself, which always makes me fee...
Fashion & Beauty - Sun, 13 May 2012 00:21:52

37. Footed Pajamas for Men

And they're warm too. Men don't have to wear socks to bed to keep from getting cold feet. They too can have their own pair (or collection) of footed pajamas for bed and for lounging around the house on chilly days. Footed fleece pajamas are comfortable and fun and definitely not just for the gir...
Fashion & Beauty - Sun, 06 May 2012 20:34:36

38. Top 10 Lists Of Top Ten Lists Of Top Ten

Oh yeah! Says who? Well, says me; although, the lists were made by other people. Top 10 lists abound on the web, and here are my picks of some of the best lists of ten around (in no particular order, of course). I may change them up as I discover more, so please add your top ten list picks in the...
Internet - Fri, 18 May 2012 15:19:22

39. Hike And Swim Arizona's Salome Jug

My friend, Karrin, invited me and Steve to join her and a few others for the five-mile hike -- and wade and swim -- to, through and back from Salome Jug. The Jug is located in the rugged, mountainous Salome Wilderness of Tonto National Forest, on the northeast side of Roosevelt Lake -- land of s...
Travel & Places - Tue, 15 May 2012 01:25:16

40. Wilderness Survival and Rescue Reading

Ever since I joined a Search and Rescue (SAR) team in September, 2007, I've been reading book after book about true wilderness survival and SAR stories. I'm an addict, I tell you! On this page, I'll review and recommend only what I've actually read (and/or watched), and if I happ...
Books, Poetry & Writing - Wed, 16 May 2012 20:40:12

41. Is "Funnest" Really A Word? News!

....well, then I'm a dork. But I just can't wrap my head around it. Funnest? No English teacher I ever had approved of that one. (Or its cousin, funner, for that matter.) The red pen woulda come out fightin' mad. Am I wrong, though? Some folks vehemently disagree with me, so I've decided to pre...
Culture & Society - Sat, 05 May 2012 00:43:59

42. Backcountry Water Purification News!

Before backpacking the Appalachian Trail, I'd done a lot of hiking, but the majority of those trips had lasted a day or two at most. So I'd been able to carry all the drinking water I needed, straight from tap to Nalgene bottle, and never had to obtain extra supply from backcountry sources. There...
Sports & Recreation - Sun, 06 May 2012 06:20:01

43. How To Use A GPS: The Basics And Background News!

So, you've decided to purchase a GPS for some reason. You're a backcountry traveler perhaps, who wants another form of navigation. Or maybe you're getting into geocaching or simply love gadgets. Some people, like me, purchase a GPS for Search and Rescue work, while others like to down...
Computers & Electronics - Mon, 07 May 2012 21:59:12

44. Hiking Alone: Is It Foolish Or Perfectly Fine? News!

Often when I read news stories about solo hikers who've gotten lost or gone missing, I see many reader comments strongly criticizing the hikers for going alone, saying it was irresponsible. Some even go so far as to say they deserved what happened for hiking solo. I've seen the question, "Why sho...
Sports & Recreation - Mon, 07 May 2012 19:15:55

45. Hiking In Ouray, Colorado

Spending our vacations with packs on our backs is not unusual for Steve and me. In fact, that's how we spent our honeymoon, when we went for a five-day hike in the Grand Canyon, where we'd met a few years earlier. Several months after our wedding, we again hoisted our backpacks for a week...
Travel & Places - Mon, 07 May 2012 17:23:23

46. Hikers: Common Mistakes to Avoid News!

In Search and Rescue, while each mission is unique, my teammates and I see a number of common errors, oversights, and decisions made by hikers that ultimately gets them into jams and pickles. And, regrettably, sometimes worse. I hesitate to call all of the following mistakes, however. One in part...
Sports & Recreation - Wed, 16 May 2012 18:28:01

47. Mounted Search and Rescue Teams -- State Directories

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons This is not an exhaustive list of Mounted Search & Rescue Units. This is a list of MSAR units in the United States that have a website or some sort of online presence or contact information and include volunteer members. Some links go directly to the Sheriff's offi...
Nonprofits - Wed, 16 May 2012 17:07:02

48. Hikers From The United States Missing in Foreign Countries News!

While I was in Nepal during the summer of 2010, an American trekker went missing in the Himalayas. Since I'm involved with Search and Rescue here in the States and was in Nepal to learn about their own SAR team (for a book project), I was very interested in the search for the missing girl ... who...
Culture & Society - Thu, 24 May 2012 00:23:26

49. Down Booties: Keep Warm From The Floor Up

Warm up your feet first. That's what we did last winter, and we never had to touch the dial. The thermostat stayed at 64 degrees Fahrenheit from October through April, and then we turned the heat off. Our house is wall-to-wall tile, and the cold would go right through our feet and invade ever...
Fashion & Beauty - Wed, 16 May 2012 23:36:06

50. Country Line Dancing Videos and Tutorials

You don't need a partner. You don't even need to know anyone on (or off) the dance floor, and it doesn't matter if there are more ladies in the room or men. In fact, you don't need to know how to dance at all. Country line dancing is for anyone who loves to move to the music. Line...
Entertainment & Media - Tue, 22 May 2012 00:12:08

51. The PREpack: A Pre-Equipped Daypack For Hikers

Because it's a good idea to have what you need in case the unexpected happens. Actually, I hope this pack I've put together with the recreational day-hiker in mind will help avoid some of those common problems in the first place. That's why I've included tools to aid with navigation -- a GPS (op...
Sports & Recreation - Tue, 08 May 2012 05:09:28

52. Homemade Recycled Geocache Containers

While there are a number of geocache containers on the market -- from ammo cans to tiny nano cache containers -- there's no need to spend a dime for a perfectly good one. At least, not an additional dime. The only money you need to spend for most of the recycled geocache containers shown here is...
Sports & Recreation - Sun, 06 May 2012 17:19:07

53. A Home Remodel: From Worn Out, Drab And Cold To Fresh And Cozy

It was a small house in Flagstaff, Arizona -- just under 1300 square feet -- and not a fancy house by any means. And it needed a lot of work. This was our first home, a single-level ranch built in 1967. At one time, it had been a two-bedroom, one-bathroom home with a single-car garage. The first ...
Home & Garden - Wed, 16 May 2012 18:54:30

54. The Use And Misuse Of The SPOT Satellite Messenger News!

Imagine someone calling 9-1-1 from a remote area of the Grand Canyon because the water they filtered tastes kind of salty, setting in motion a risky rescue operation. Or what about placing the emergency call because your guide is making strange noises in his sleep ... without even trying to wake ...
Computers & Electronics - Thu, 10 May 2012 16:54:52

55. Rock Rescue Academy Part 1: Learning to Rappel News!

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons / CC I'm no fan of heights, but somehow I wasn't (too) nervous as I backed up off the edge of a long way down under the watchful eyes of my Search and Rescue teammates, some from above, others with the lovely view from below ... thinking to myself, are thes...
Nonprofits - Sun, 06 May 2012 18:22:53

56. Starting An Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike On New Year's Day

Photo Credit: Flickr.com / CC 2.0 Choosing the day to begin a thru-hike of more than 2,100 miles over an average of six months' time is a big decision for many who set out with that goal. Each year, about 1,500 to two thousand people attempt to do just that: a thru-hike on the Appalachian Tr...
Sports & Recreation - Wed, 16 May 2012 22:15:12

57. Land Navigation Without A Compass Or GPS

Catch features. Attack points. Handrails. Aiming off. Those are just some of the terms and techniques used when practicing alternative navigation. When I say "alternative," I'm referring to navigating without the use of instruments, like a compass, GPS or altimeter. I'm talking about navigating ...
Education - Sat, 05 May 2012 19:07:21

58. Hiking the Appalachian Trail: A Story in Postcards News!

On a recent snowed-in lazy day, I sat on the floor in front of my shelf full of scrapbooks and started flipping through some memories. Three of the scrapbooks contained keepsakes from my six-month Appalachian Trail thru-hike, including eighteen postcards I'd mailed to my parents in Rhode Isl...
Sports & Recreation - Tue, 15 May 2012 16:33:18

59. Wildlife of the Coconino National Forest

If you're ever in my neck of the woods here in Northern Arizona, I encourage you to explore the many wonders of the Coconino National Forest. At 1.8 million acres with an elevation span of 10,000 feet, the Coconino is one of the most diverse National Forests in the country. Its vistas range f...
Pets & Animals - Tue, 15 May 2012 00:02:41

60. Social Dancing in Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff may be a small city, but there's so much to do here. Something for everyone, really. And if you like to dance or want to learn, there are plenty of opportunities and in all sorts of styles, from ballroom to Latin styles to country dancing and more, and some of those lessons and events a...
Travel & Places - Mon, 14 May 2012 16:32:35

61. People Of Nepal News!

The population of Nepal is a like a group of tribes -- known as castes -- who co-exist (though not always peacefully) and intermingle, but they are still very distinct. A melting pot it is not. Included in the mix are three main ethnic groups and more than forty castes speaking over one hundred ...
Travel & Places - Mon, 07 May 2012 19:28:00

62. Best Short Hikes In Flagstaff, Arizona

You don't have to hike all day long or do big miles to get the most of the great outdoors in and around Flagstaff. Here are some of my favorite local hikes that will leave you with plenty of energy to go dancing afterward. Or go on another hike! See trail descriptions and directions to the trai...
Travel & Places - Wed, 23 May 2012 18:42:34

63. My Adventure In Nepal: The Himalaya Rescue Squad News!

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons / CC 2.0 Late one night, I received the following message via my LinkedIn account: "Dear Deb, I think it is time to find a person who wants to write our story of missing in the Himalayas--murder, love, vanishing, and loads of strange stories over 20 years of case ...
Travel & Places - Wed, 16 May 2012 19:43:59

64. Heritage Square: Flagstaff's Outdoor Living Room

Whenever I feel like going for a walk, I often find myself headed downtown, where I usually end up at Heritage Square. There's always something to see or do in this public gathering place, be it a free concert, a dance performance, a festival, or even just good ol' people-watching. Herit...
Travel & Places - Sun, 13 May 2012 04:38:56

65. Technical Rescue Equipment: The Gear I'm Using

Two years ago, I began training for our Search & Rescue team's technical rescue group in a series of class and field sessions collectively known as the Rock Rescue Academy. Between training sessions, I spent many additional hours practicing those new skills, trying to commit them to memory bo...
Nonprofits - Sun, 13 May 2012 00:07:42

66. Footed Fleece Pajamas

Nothing says, "Aaahhh," quite like slipping into soft, warm, footed fleece pajamas on a chilly evening. (Okay, except maybe a hot bath or shower. But you'll need something to put on afterward, right?) And footies aren't just for kids. Here, I'll show you an array of footed PJs for bot...
Fashion & Beauty - Wed, 16 May 2012 19:32:27

67. Verbal Memory Games News!

There are reasons for playing memory games other than memory improvement and fun, and I had one of those other reasons a couple of years ago: dealing with fear. I'll tell you about that in a minute along with what kind of memory game the supportive person with me used to take my mind off of what ...
Hobbies, Games & Toys - Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:24:08

68. Nepal Travel Information News!

Since I'll be going from the United States (Arizona, to be specific) to Nepal for three months beginning in early May, I thought I'd keep track of my travel plans and information here, in case it might be of help to anyone else planning a trip. I'll also update the information when I return. If ...
Travel & Places - Wed, 16 May 2012 18:09:40

69. Ropes That Rescue Rigging Class Photos: Sedona, Arizona News!

The following are photos from a week-long course I took with Ropes That Rescue in Sedona, Arizona. I took this technical rescue course because I'm a member of the Coconino County Sheriff's Search & Rescue team and wanted to learn new skills and improve on others. This is a challenging, first-rat...
Nonprofits - Wed, 16 May 2012 21:32:44

70. 100 Ways To Save Money AND Spend Less News!

Image credit: Stock.xchange / CC Yes, I know, there are already a gazillion web pages about how to save money ... and here's one more. Budgeting and saving have always been important to me, and I was taught to do so from an early age. And that's led to a fairly comfortable though frugal l...
Education - Mon, 14 May 2012 16:21:15

71. The Best Websites For Hikers

What got me using the internet in the first place (and I was reluctant back then, in 1998) was a search for information about the Appalachian Trail. Soon, I was chatting with other A.T. hikers online, and I ended up making some good friends in the long-distance backpacking community. When I retur...
Sports & Recreation - Mon, 07 May 2012 22:07:56

72. Rock Rescue Academy Part 2: Learning To Ascend & Rig Anchors

That's what they told us in Search and Rescue training. Our instructors -- my experienced teammates -- told those of us who are new to high-angle rescue that we should never go over a cliff edge we can't get back up on our own. They said we can never rely on being raised and will always h...
Nonprofits - Wed, 16 May 2012 20:13:50

73. Colorado's Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

On a trip to Colorado, Steve and I took a ride on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, using the train as a fun way of shuttling from one end of our Colorado Trail section-hike to the other. We'd wanted to ride this historic, scenic train through the San Juan Mountains for years, and ...
Travel & Places - Tue, 15 May 2012 15:46:13

74. Flagstaff, Arizona Public Art News!

My husband, Steve, and I always enjoy a good art gallery, and we rarely miss a Flagstaff First Friday Art Walk, when local galleries and other businesses that display artwork stay open late. But we thought we'd focus for a change on art we often walk or drive right by -- the outdoor, public a...
Travel & Places - Wed, 16 May 2012 23:37:12

75. Being Afraid: The Things That Scare Me

To be honest, I don't know why I'm doing this -- publicly announcing things that scare me. What's the point, really? Writing about my fears won't make them go away and neither has the fact that I've faced them all on many occasions. But many of us tend to admit our fears to ou...
Squidoo Community - Sun, 06 May 2012 06:29:49

76. Route 66 Through Flagstaff, Arizona

Here, let me drive. We'll begin on the west side of town and take Route 66 east through Flagstaff until it departs towards Winona, where it disappears once again under Interstate 40. I'll point out some of the highlights on the way across town and make a few detours to show you what's close to t...
Travel & Places - Mon, 07 May 2012 21:31:27

77. Darius Rucker in Concert

On Oct. 27, the festive atmosphere of the Arizona State Fair entered the arena with thousands of concert-goers, eager to see Hootie & The Blowfish frontman-turned-solo country artist, Darius Rucker, perform. When the doors of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum opened, those streaming in, many enjoyi...
Entertainment & Media - Mon, 21 May 2012 20:56:19

78. Funny Ski Hats

Fun ski hats always make me smile, whether they're on other people's heads or my own. On this page, I've collected a bunch of hats that will not only keep those heads warm but add some extra fun to the snow play and cold weather season. See this Deluxe Black Fur Viking Buffalo Hat with Curved H...
Fashion & Beauty - Wed, 16 May 2012 23:56:21

79. Red Bandanas

I'm partial to red bandanas myself. I always have at least one in my backpack, for sweat control or blowing my nose or any number of other uses on the trail, in camp, or wherever else I happen to be. Specifically, it's paisley red bandanas that I prefer. Here's an assortment of red bandanas for ...
Fashion & Beauty - Wed, 16 May 2012 18:49:06

80. Trekking Poles: Multi-Use Gear For Hikers News!

The trekking poles pictured here have at least 4,000 miles on them, including an Appalachian Trail thru-hike, a couple hundred miles on overgrown Minnesota trails, numerous Grand Canyon hikes, backpacking trips in New Hampshire's White Mountains, Dolly Sods in West Virginia and Pennsylvania&#...
Sports & Recreation - Sun, 13 May 2012 04:13:38

81. The Ten-Year Anniversary Of My Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike News!

April 1st marked the ten-year anniversary of the day I began my Appalachian Trail adventure -- a 2,169-mile thru-hike from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Maine's Mt. Katahdin. It was the most wonderful, difficult, soul-satisfying, challenging, and fun experience of my life. So I still think abou...
Sports & Recreation - Wed, 16 May 2012 20:01:22

82. Earn By Answering Questions: My Experience With Weegy News!

I became an "expert" in August, 2010. (Not to be confused with a ouija expert, that is.) Expert in what, you ask? Oh, in everything under the sun, of course. Actually, I just selected "all categories" under Areas of Expertise, finished filling out the rest of the sign-up information, opened an ...
Business & Work - Mon, 14 May 2012 16:52:09

83. How To Use A GPS: Waypoints And Go-Tos

At this point, you know how a GPS works and how to obtain a good signal and the most accurate position information. You also have an understanding of coordinate systems and datums and how they apply to GPS use. And now you're ready to practice moving from waypoint to waypoint with your hand-...
Computers & Electronics - Mon, 07 May 2012 19:57:50

84. A Bunch of Bandanas By Color and Design

If you've come to this page, you probably know how handy a bandana can be. You've probably either blown your nose into one -- oh, so much softer and certainly longer-lasting than a flimsy piece of tissue -- or taken a bandana bath at your campsite after a day of hiking. Or maybe you've grabbed a ...
Fashion & Beauty - Fri, 18 May 2012 15:52:29

85. Great Tent Camping Sites Just Outside of Yosemite National Park and Yosemite Valley

That's okay. Camping outside the Park has its benefits. My boyfriend and I visited Yosemite National Park for a week at the end of March, and, while the campgrounds that were open inside the Park at that time of year were full (reserved) well before our trip, we had a whole, albeit small, campgr...
Travel & Places - Wed, 23 May 2012 23:37:14

86. For The Love Of Fleece: Soft & Warm Clothing And Accessories News!

If you peek into my closet and go through my drawers, you'll see a LOT of fleece -- fleece pullovers and pants, fleece socks, fleece mittens and hats, fleece scarves, and even a homemade, red fleece serape (pictured here). I have a big pile of fleece PJs, and if I could find fleece underpants...
Fashion & Beauty - Wed, 16 May 2012 20:46:01

87. How To Plan For An Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike

When I finally made the decision that it was my year to go for it -- to hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, from the beginning of April to sometime in the Fall -- I set out the pens and notebooks, books and calendar. I made lists and more lists and began scheduling to the max. I'...
Sports & Recreation - Mon, 07 May 2012 21:00:10

88. Rock Rescue Academy Part 4: Learning To Belay

If something goes wrong after you've gone over the edge, it sure is nice to have a belay to keep you from going down, fast. In this article, as with the others in my Rock Rescue Academy series, I'm writing from the perspective of one who's learning these technical skills for Search a...
Nonprofits - Mon, 07 May 2012 17:19:33

89. On The Day I Was Born: March 28, 1969 News!

At 6:05 on the morning of Friday, March 28th, 1969, I made my very first appearance on the world stage. I was pink and wrinkly and probably not looking my best, but I wasn't all that concerned with my image at the time. Rather, I was a bit overwhelmed by all the bright lights and large, strange f...
Holidays & Celebrations - Wed, 16 May 2012 21:58:01

90. Search and Rescue T-Shirts

Are you a search and rescue volunteer or know someone involved with SAR? Have you or a friend or family member ever been assisted by Search and Rescue? Or do you simply think SAR is a worthwhile thing to do? Whatever the case may be, you can show your support for Search and Rescue with a SAR shir...
Nonprofits - Sun, 06 May 2012 07:19:05

91. A Man Called "Screamer" News!

Standing thirty feet away or thirty inches, he spoke in the same loud voice. That's why we called him Screamer. "We" were hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Each year, millions of people use those 2,174 miles of footpath extending from Georgia to Maine for recreation. They come from all states and...
Culture & Society - Tue, 15 May 2012 16:18:23

92. Flagstaff, Arizona Restaurants

This isn't a collection of ALL the good places to eat in Flagstaff, but these are definitely some of the best. (Or I think so, anyway.) Each restaurant listing is followed by a poll, so if you've been to any of these eateries, please share your opinion. You can vote in the poll and then leave an...
Travel & Places - Wed, 16 May 2012 20:49:00

93. The Arizona K-9 Search and Rescue Conference

From April 28th to May 1st, the Coconino County Sheriff's Office and the Coconino County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Unit hosted their first Arizona SAR K-9 Conference here in Flagstaff, with more than 50 dogs and their handlers attending from around the state, as well as Colorado, New Mexico, Ca...
Nonprofits - Tue, 15 May 2012 16:08:37

94. Ever Been Stuck On An Airplane, On The Ground, For Hours?

That's how it felt anyway, and we were stuck for only a few hours. Imagine being detained on an airplane for five or ten hours with no food and without a working bathroom or air conditioning. It's happened many times before, and it happened again in August, 2009. In fact, my husband and I...
Travel & Places - Tue, 15 May 2012 01:26:20

95. Ammonite Jewelry: Wear Fossils From Madagascar News!

For my birthday, a friend of mine surprised me with this ammonite pendant. He'd hand-selected the fossil at a gem and mineral show and fashioned the necklace himself, which made the gift even more special. Ammonites, with their notable spiral shells, are one of the most well-known fossils in exi...
Fashion & Beauty - Mon, 07 May 2012 22:14:59

96. A Tour Of Biosphere 2 In Oracle, Arizona

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons / CC A couple of years ago, on a road trip around southern Arizona without an itinerary, my husband and I made a spontaneous stop at a place called Biosphere 2 near a town called Oracle. I'd heard of Biosphere 2 many years earlier in college while studying Environ...
Travel & Places - Mon, 07 May 2012 22:13:09

97. Hiking the South Bass Trail in Grand Canyon

It was August 24th. I had things on my to-do list for the next several days, but I couldn't pass up the invitation from a friend to hike Grand Canyon's South Bass Trail. As a National Park Service volunteer ranger, Sueanne had to check on some archaeological sites in the area, and I was allowed t...
Sports & Recreation - Wed, 16 May 2012 18:39:37

98. SAR City: A Search And Rescue Conference in Barstow, California

In October, 2009, I attended my first three-day SARCity Conference in Barstow, California. SARCity is organized and run by the Barstow Desert Rescue Squad in cooperation with the San Bernardino County Sheriff, the Office of Emergency Services (OES), and Barstow Community College. This was SARCity...
Nonprofits - Wed, 16 May 2012 21:48:37

99. The Big Wheels Riding Toy is Back

Big Wheels were extremely popular in the 1970s, but by the late 90s few were being made anymore. Now, the Kids Only company has brought this iconic toy back to the market for new generations to enjoy. I remember waking up that Christmas Day when I was five, racing downstairs and finding a shiny ...
Hobbies, Games & Toys - Mon, 14 May 2012 03:19:57

100. Can Hard-Boiled Eggs Really Explode?

My eighty-three year-old mom can be a bit forgetful, which is why she doesn't cook much anymore. She's unable to stand at the stove for more than a few minutes and, unfortunately, sometimes forgets she's got something on the burner or in the oven if she walks away and gets distracted. But I did g...
Food & Cooking - Sat, 05 May 2012 01:07:38

101. Anne Tyler & The Character-Driven Novel

When I first picked up an Anne Tyler novel, I had no idea who she was or what I was getting into. I just grabbed a book off the store shelf -- I guess the cover art caught my eye -- then paid my twelve dollars and was on my way. I didn't start reading page one for weeks. But when I did, I di...
Books, Poetry & Writing - Sat, 12 May 2012 18:22:21

102. Best Gifts for Geocachers

Looking for a gift for someone who likes to geocache? Or even for yourself? I've put together some suggestions for everything from GPSes and backpacks to geocache containers, books on the topic, travel bugs and more. Whether someone is just getting into geocaching or has logged hundreds or thousa...
Hobbies, Games & Toys - Mon, 21 May 2012 04:46:38

103. Hiking O'Leary Peak in Flagstaff, Arizona

Located 20 miles north of Flagstaff is an old volcano known as O'Leary Peak. On top of O'Leary, on it's 8,916-foot east summit, is a fire lookout, currently used by the U.S. Forest Service. On a clear day, which describes many days here in northern Arizona, you can see all the way to the Grand C...
Sports & Recreation - Wed, 16 May 2012 23:45:00

104. Where Should We Go On Our Next Vacation?

Choices and more choices. Do we go somewhere we've been before -- someplace we're familiar with that we want to see more of? It's always fun to return to a vacation destination you love, to remember the good times you've had there and create new memories at the same time. Or do we...
Travel & Places - Thu, 24 May 2012 05:32:35

105. Appalachian Trail Books, Films, Posters, Products, and Websites News!

Are you interested in the Appalachian Trail? Have you hiked all or some of that famous long-distance footpath? If you're looking for an Appalachian Trail guidebook, want to read about someone's firsthand experience hiking that 2,179-mile trail from Georgia to Maine, would like to watch an A.T. d...
Books, Poetry & Writing - Wed, 16 May 2012 21:40:15

106. Huevos Rancheros: Breakfast (Or Dinner) At Our House

Being a New England native without a south-of-the-border bone in my body, I'd not heard of this dish until my mustached man, Steve, an Arizona native, prepared it for me. Since then, this classic Mexican meal has become a staple in our house, morning or evening. Huevos rancheros, meaning "egg...
Food & Cooking - Tue, 08 May 2012 04:23:03

107. Green Bandanas

You can use a bandana to mop the sweat from your brow and wash off the dirt from a day on the trail. That same bandana can also be used for signaling, as a tourniquet, a neck gaitor for cold weather, or a pot holder in a pinch. You can drench a bandana in cold water and wrap it around your head o...
Fashion & Beauty - Sun, 13 May 2012 04:09:54

108. Hiking My Way to a Novel

On September 25th, 2000, I completed a six-month journey from one end of the Appalachian Trail to the other, a 2,169-mile walk from Georgia to Maine otherwise known as a thru-hike. Along the way, I embarked on another type of journey, a creative adventure which led to my first published novel, ca...
Books, Poetry & Writing - Tue, 15 May 2012 00:04:40

109. The Jazzercise "Know More Diet"

I never thought I'd write about a weight-loss plan of any kind, but having tried several programs at various times during my yoyo-ing life (calorie-counting, the Adkins diet, the Weight Watchers system on my own), this Jazzercise diet is my favorite and a method I believe will become a habit ...
Healthy Living - Tue, 15 May 2012 16:26:54

110. A Different But Delicious Breakfast Bagel Sandwich

Bacon, cream cheese and raspberry preserves? Yep, together and on a bagel. And it really is that simple. My boyfriend introduced me -- me being reluctant at first -- to this breakfast sandwich, and I was pleasantly surprised. It really is tasty! What, you don't believe me? Give it a try on your...
Food & Cooking - Thu, 17 May 2012 01:01:04

111. Search And Rescue Articles, Blogs And Websites News!

The more I participate in Search and Rescue, the more I enjoy it, the more I learn, the more satisfying it is, and the more I read and write about it. So I thought I'd gather all of my SAR articles (called "lenses" here on Squidoo, because they focus on a particular subject), SAR websites, and SA...
Nonprofits - Wed, 16 May 2012 20:10:13

112. Stuffed Eggs by Tasha Tudor

Tasha Tudor is an American icon -- a great storyteller as well as an excellent keeper of the home. She really enjoys cooking and, when I found her book at the library, I had to try some of her recipes. Now, I'm not much of a cook, but these simple stuffed eggs (referred to by many as "deviled eg...
Food & Cooking - Thu, 24 May 2012 17:03:18

113. A Trip To The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

While paddling close to shore in the Boundary Waters one evening, looking for wildlife as the setting sun created artwork on the surface of the still lake, my husband commented with a smile, "If it weren't for the mosquitoes, the biting flies, the gnat swarms and the leaches, this place would...
Travel & Places - Sat, 05 May 2012 01:59:02

114. Lincoln Logs: The Best Building Toy Ever

Image Credit: Creative Commons from Flickr Lincoln Logs were one of my favorite toys when I was a child, and I still like to get down on the floor and join in the building when I have the chance. It was (and is) especially fun when I had several hundred log pieces and could construct whole towns ...
Hobbies, Games & Toys - Wed, 16 May 2012 21:42:28

115. Visiting Voyageurs National Park And Kabetogama Lake

After finishing our canoe-camping trip in the Boundary Waters, my husband and I decided to make our way down the North Shore of Lake Superior and then inland, ending up in Voyageurs National Park. But we really knew nothing about the Park or what we'd do once we got there. That part of our tr...
Travel & Places - Wed, 16 May 2012 19:50:24

116. Lowell Observatory And Life On Mars (Hill)

The first time I heard about Lowell Observatory was when my future husband, Steve, brought me to his hometown of Flagstaff, Arizona, in 1995, shortly after we'd met. On that trip, we visited his childhood friend, Charlie, whose home was perched on the edge of Mars Hill at the site of the Obse...
Travel & Places - Wed, 16 May 2012 20:35:22

117. Meeting Trace Adkins: My Favorite Country Music Man News!

Trace entertains at Fort Stewart Photo is in the public domain "Trace ... Adkins ... is ... sitting ... behind you," my husband whispered, accentuating each word. We were at our gate in the Nashville Airport, waiting to board the plane back to Arizona. I looked at Steve and scowled. "Bull!" I rep...
Entertainment & Media - Mon, 21 May 2012 19:59:08

118. Looking For A Side Dish Recipe To Bring To Thanksgiving Dinner

Image is in the public domain Nearly every Thanksgiving, my husband and I are guests at someone else's home, whether with family or friends or both. For the past few years, we've spent Thanksgiving day with the trustee of Lowell Observatory and his wife, who've always told us not to b...
Food & Cooking - Wed, 16 May 2012 19:33:41

119. Singer and Songwriter Klaus Meine of the Scorpions

His isn't a household name, but the band for which he's been the lead singer and songwriter for the past forty years is one of the most popular hard rock groups in history. Even if you're not familiar with The Scorpions, you may have heard some of their hits. Still Loving You was a popular schoo...
Entertainment & Media - Wed, 16 May 2012 23:25:48

120. The Mystery of Everett Ruess (Solved?)

Artist and poet Everett Ruess was a wanderer, a loner, and a minimalist who was also a prolific letter-writer. Each time he'd set out to explore the wild beauty of the Southwest, Everett would pen long, emotional letters to his parents in Los Angeles, to his older brother, Waldo, or to one of...
Culture & Society - Thu, 10 May 2012 16:28:22

121. The Best Of The Appalachian Trail

It just gets under your skin. The fresh air. The sheer physical exertion. The camaraderie with others who walk with packs on their backs. Okay, and the rain and the mud, the bugs and rocks, the lightning, the snakes and the bears. The sweat and the dirt, the cold and the heat, and the oh-so-lov...
Sports & Recreation - Tue, 15 May 2012 16:21:43

122. Grand Canyon Hike: South Kaibab Trail - Tonto Trail West - Bright Angel Trail

I just did this 13-mile hike for the fourth time, and each time has been different. The same trails change with the seasons, the weather, the company (or lack thereof), and where I happen to look and stop for a rest. This is one of my favorite -- and long -- day-hikes in Grand Canyon, which can ...
Sports & Recreation - Mon, 21 May 2012 19:22:58

123. Search and Rescue Videos -- Mountain Rescue, Technical Rescue and General SAR

Watch actual video footage from Search and Rescue missions, interviews with SAR members and those they've helped, and see teams train for whatever may come their way when call outs happen -- from technical rescue to searches for missing hikers and mountain climbers. Search and Rescue - So That O...
Nonprofits - Mon, 21 May 2012 23:48:49

124. The Best Leave-In Hair Conditioner: It's a 10

I've used lots of different leave-in conditioners on my thick, curly hair over the years, including Mane 'n Tail and Matrix Biolage, both of which were good, but this product -- It's a 10 -- works better for me than any others I've tried. Whether I use a little or a lot, It's a 10 leaves my hair...
Fashion & Beauty - Sun, 13 May 2012 04:12:32

125. An Easy Recipe For Thick Taco Soup News!

I first had taco soup at a friend's house (at a game-night potluck dinner, to be specific), and though there was plenty of other food to choose from, I ended up having nothing but taco soup -- three helpings -- and a few tortilla chips as "garnish." It was SO tasty. And healthy too. Now, I do ha...
Food & Cooking - Tue, 15 May 2012 01:35:50

126. My Private Bucket List

I used to have a pretty long bucket list. But I'm happy to say that list was getting much shorter, as I experienced and then checked off many of the goals and adventures I'd written down. So now it's time for a new bucket list. Some of my "wanna-dos" will transfer over from the former list, but ...
Squidoo Community - Wed, 16 May 2012 22:45:37

127. The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series News!

I love these events! The energy of thousands of runners (actually, tens of thousands in some cases) really gets me going, not to mention the live music along the courses and the cheering bystanders. I enjoy the fitness expos, too -- looking at all the cool gear and clothing, testing and collectin...
Sports & Recreation - Wed, 16 May 2012 18:12:53

128. Rendezvous Days At Minnesota's Grand Portage National Monument

Each year on the first full weekend of August, National Park Service staff and hundreds of volunteers re-create a fun and very authentic Voyageur Rendezvous at the historic North West Company fur trade depot at Minnesota's Grand Portage National Monument. The reenactment includes demonstratio...
Travel & Places - Mon, 14 May 2012 23:08:13

129. How To Start a Blog on Blogger

So you've decided to start a blog and have chosen Blogger -- also known as Blogspot -- as your platform. And now it's time to set things up and start the fun part: writing those posts and sharing them with your friends and family and the rest of the world wide web. It's actually quite simple to g...
Internet - Mon, 07 May 2012 20:00:13

130. Purple Heart Jewelry

Hearts don't have to be red to convey your love to someone. Here, I'll show you some beautiful purple heart jewelry pieces -- earrings, necklaces, rings, and even a gorgeous Elizabethan purple heart bracelet -- for yourself or someone special. Purple heart jewelry makes a wonderful gift for birt...
Fashion & Beauty - Wed, 16 May 2012 22:37:50

131. Flagstaff First Friday ArtWalk

Beginning around 6:30pm on the first Friday of each month, downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, bustles with activity, inside and out, even during the coldest months. On this special night twelve times per year, galleries, restaurants, and other businesses displaying artwork of all types -- and also some...
Travel & Places - Wed, 16 May 2012 19:20:30

132. Search and Rescue Blogs

Are you a Search and Rescue professional -- either volunteer or paid -- or are you simply interested in reading about searches, rescues, and other SAR topics? In any case, this is an alphabetical listing of Search and Rescue blogs written by SAR members and organizations, with feeds of their lat...
Nonprofits - Tue, 15 May 2012 00:06:12

133. Clothing Made From Recycled Plastic News!

Not only is clothing made from recycled plastic comfortable, but it can also be very warm, as evidenced by Patagonia's line of recycled polyester down and fleece jackets and insulating thermal layers. You can also find underwear, button-down shirts, t-shirts, pants, shorts and footwear that conta...
Fashion & Beauty - Wed, 16 May 2012 20:12:00

134. The Soudan Underground Mine Tour In Northern Minnesota

As my husband and I were driving along quiet Highway 169 on our way from the North Shore of Lake Superior to the town of Ely, Minnesota, we passed a sign that read "Underground Mine Tour." Minutes later, we turned around at the town of Tower and went two miles back to Soudan Underground Mine Sta...
Travel & Places - Wed, 16 May 2012 21:41:26

135. Ropes That Rescue: Arizona Vortex Rigging Class

From a Ropes That Rescue class i in Sedona, AZ From November 29th through December 3rd, I took my second class with Ropes That Rescue, based in Sedona, Arizona. This class focused on the uses and rigging of the artificial high directional called the Arizona Vortex Multipod, which greatly reduces...
Nonprofits - Wed, 16 May 2012 20:16:03

136. My Favorite Fictional Character: Dr. I. Joseph Kellerman

The shingle outside the Boston row house reads, "I. Joseph Kellerman, Psychiatrist," but inside exists a tormented man. Under the watchful eye peering through a hole hidden by a bizarre painting, Dr. Kellerman listens to the problems of those who sit in the yellow armchair. The same yellow chair ...
Books, Poetry & Writing - Wed, 16 May 2012 20:14:55

137. Lite-Brite: A Classic Light Toy News!

Or is it "Light Bright"? And to hyphenate or not to hyphenate? Okay, I looked it up on the manufacturer's website to be sure: It's Lite-Brite WITH the hyphen. Anyhow.... Developed by Hasbro in 1967, Lite Brite has been a colorful favorite for more than four decades. It was definitely one of my ...
Hobbies, Games & Toys - Wed, 16 May 2012 18:54:03

138. Review of the SCARAB Rappel, Belay and Rescue Device

Since joining a Search and Rescue technical team a few years ago, I've used various pieces of gear and methods of rappelling and lowering equipment and personnel over the edge. For rappelling, I've used a brake rack, a Rescue-8, and a Munter hitch. Most recently, I tried a Conterra SCARAB, which...
Sports & Recreation - Sun, 06 May 2012 18:26:54

139. Blue Bandanas

Be it blue or otherwise colored, a bandana is one handy square of cotton. Carry a bandana in your pocket, backpack, or purse for an emergency nose wipe or sneezing fit, to dab the sweat from your brow or the tears of happiness (I hope) from your eyes. You can use bandanas to grab a hot pot in a p...
Fashion & Beauty - Sun, 13 May 2012 03:43:35

140. My Search And Rescue Stories Blog News!

In September, 2007, I began the month-long Basic Academy for the Coconino County, Arizona, Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team. In October, I completed the training and was given my pager. And no sooner than it was placed in my hand, the thing went off. Turned out, that mission was canceled befo...
Nonprofits - Mon, 14 May 2012 23:57:09

141. 100 MORE Things I'm Thankful For

You may have seen my list of 100 things I'm thankful for, but now I'm back to share some more. My life has changed in some significant ways since I wrote those first 100 things, but I'm still thankful for them. Some of those things -- well, people mostly -- are not in my life anymore, but I'm th...
Squidoo Community - Wed, 16 May 2012 21:47:55

142. Flagstaff And Northern Arizona Resources And Activities

I'm originally from New England, but this eastern transplant has come to love life in and around Flagstaff, Arizona. So I tend to write about it a lot. Here, I've put together my growing collection of articles and other sources of information about Northern Arizona. I hope these resources will b...
Travel & Places - Wed, 16 May 2012 16:48:10

143. Poetry by Ramkitten, Just For Fun

Image Credit: Stock.xchng / CC See, I went through this phase a while back, when I'd amuse myself with rhyme, often while out walking the herd of dogs on the farm my husband and I ... caretook? caretaked? were the caretakers of? Well, anyhow, the fourteen (yes, 14) dogs seemed to enjoy my spo...
Books, Poetry & Writing - Wed, 16 May 2012 20:16:35

144. Tips for Writing Good Dialogue

Yes, proper punctuation is an essential part of writing good dialogue, but it's only one piece of the pie. Properly punctuated dialogue can still be confusing, full of redundancy and even boring for the reader. In fact, writing engaging dialogue is often the most difficult part of creative writin...
Books, Poetry & Writing - Tue, 15 May 2012 01:24:16

145. Stories from Rory's Story Cubes

Rory's Story Cubes is a very inexpensive, pocket-sized game, for children and adults, that can stimulate hours of imagination. The game can be played by a single person, by two people or even a big group, so this is a great way for families to spend some fun time together. Rory's Story Cubes not...
Hobbies, Games & Toys - Mon, 21 May 2012 04:39:43

146. Purple Bandanas

If you've already visited some of my other colorful bandana pages, you've seen me extoll the many virtues and uses of bandanas, from nose-wiping to first aid applications to ponytail holders and headbands. (Oh, but I don't think I've mentioned how well they work as toilet paper if you really have...
Fashion & Beauty - Mon, 07 May 2012 19:32:50

147. Ramkitten's Purple Star Lenses

Those small purple stars you see floating around in lens bios -- they represent a little boost. And I don't mean in lensrank, although it gives you a bit of that too, temporarily anyway. But what isn't temporary is the boost of confidence and morale that little purple star bestows out here on th...
Squidoo Community - Fri, 18 May 2012 16:37:20

148. Outdoor Adventure Goals

Calling al outdoors-loving list-makers! I don't know about you, but I make lists. Lots of lists. Of course, there's the weekly grocery list and the never-ending "to do" list of chores and issues to take care of (like the darn cable company's billing mistake ... again). I have lists of...
Sports & Recreation - Thu, 17 May 2012 16:05:36

149. Hiking Red Mountain Near Flagstaff, Arizona News!

Located in the Coconino National Forest, twenty-five miles northwest of Flagstaff, you'll find a volcanic cinder cone called Red Mountain. Red Mountain is unusual in that it forms a U-shape rather than being symmetrical like most other cinder cones. On its northeast side is a large natural amphit...
Sports & Recreation - Sun, 20 May 2012 05:38:07

150. Search & Rescue On Twitter: Follow These Good Folks

Are you involved with SAR yourself? Or just interested in following people who are? I'm putting together a list of Search & Rescue professionals -- volunteer and paid; individuals, teams and organizations -- on Twitter, along with their latest tweets. So if you're with a Search & Rescue t...
Nonprofits - Thu, 24 May 2012 00:25:40

151. Time Travel Films and Trailers

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons / CC 3.0 I don't know if I'd actually have the nerve to travel through time if it were possible, but I sure enjoy watching other people do it! Time travel is one of my favorite genres, and the following are some of the best (or at least the most fun) films of the ...
Entertainment & Media - Fri, 18 May 2012 16:08:04

152. Grand Canyon Photos

Looking down on the Bright Angel Trail and Indian Gardens from the South Rim I've created this page as a collection of some of my favorite photographs (taken by me, that is) from Grand Canyon National Park, where I hike fairly often since I live just seventy-five miles away. I've included brief d...
Travel & Places - Wed, 16 May 2012 22:20:07

153. A Short Story: My Mother's Favorite Stupid Soap Opera News!

This is an excerpt from my novel, A Picket Fence in Pawpaw, but I think it works well on its own. So I thought I'd call it a (very short) short story, change the tense from past to present, and share it here. The following short story--or vignette more like--is narrated by twelve year-old "M...
Books, Poetry & Writing - Wed, 16 May 2012 19:58:11

154. Fun Winter Activities In Flagstaff, Arizona

When some folks hear "Arizona," they think sunshine, desert, and year-round heat. Well, yes on the first two points but a definite no on the third. Up here in Flagstaff at an elevation of 7,000 feet, with the San Francisco Peaks as high as 12,633 feet, we get a full-blown winter. In fact, Flagsta...
Travel & Places - Mon, 14 May 2012 16:39:20

155. My Husband Brought Home A $100 Datsun News!

Guess what!" Steve said, grinning like a naughty kid. He'd just walked through the door and hadn't even said hello or "how was your day?" yet. Uh-oh, I thought, now what? Without pausing for breath, my husband told me, "I found an old car, and I'm gonna take the engine out and convert...
Cars - Fri, 11 May 2012 13:50:52

156. The Fresh Air Fund: Summer Vacations in the Country for Inner City Kids News!

From the age of eight through my sixteenth summer, I always looked forward to the day my parents would take me to summer camp. Summer camp was a chance to spend time with friends I didn't see throughout the school year, to play non-scholastic sports and games, and paddle boats around the lake. I ...
Nonprofits - Wed, 16 May 2012 16:59:27

157. A Short Story: The Gum Tree

The idea of a gum tree came from an experience I had as a child at summer camp. There was a large oak tree along the path from the cabins down to the lakefront beach, where we weren't allowed to chew gum. So, on the way to the water, we campers would stick our used gum on that one particular ...
Books, Poetry & Writing - Wed, 16 May 2012 20:17:07

158. Ten Best Live Concerts

This was so much fun! Putting this page together, I mean -- watching and listening to the live musical performances on video while remembering all those great shows, including many other concerts that didn't make my top ten list. I've seen so many excellent concerts by a wide variety of artists ...
Entertainment & Media - Tue, 22 May 2012 00:13:12

159. Ramkitten's Life & Lensography

Some people laugh at my nickname, but, me, I'm proud of it. And it makes me smile. Why? Because "Ramkitten" reminds me of special times and fun adventures. The name originated on RamCat Farm in southwestern Pennsylvania, where Steve and I lived and worked as property caretakers from 1998 thro...
Squidoo Community - Wed, 16 May 2012 23:58:11

160. Marshmallow Peeps Candy for the Holidays and Special Occasions

Peeps have been produced by the Just Born company since 1953. Prior to that time, the Rodda Candy Company sold hand-made marshmallow chick confections beginning in the 1920s. But when Just Born took over, the hand-made process was transformed into manufacturing mass-produced, sugary marshmallow c...
Holidays & Celebrations - Tue, 15 May 2012 15:19:09

161. Himalaya Rescue Dog Squad Nepal Book Project On Kickstarter

Hi, I'm Deb, a writer and Search and Rescue volunteer from Flagstaff, Arizona. I've been invited to spend three months in Nepal from May through July to learn about the country's only Disaster Response and Search and Rescue squad and the many lives they've touched, so I can return home and write ...
Books, Poetry & Writing - Wed, 16 May 2012 22:20:55

162. Gifts For Backpackers For Under $100

Gearhead: (n.) Someone who collects the latest, coolest, most efficient, and technologically advanced gadgets for their sport, interest, or hobby. ******** Have a backpacker in the family or a friend who likes to hit the trail for days, weeks or even months at a time? Or maybe it's the gearhead ...
Sports & Recreation - Sun, 13 May 2012 00:11:34

163. Warm Fleece Costumes For Children and Adults

Keep the kids warm while trick-or-treating or strolling around town on Halloween -- or for fun any time it's chilly -- in these soft fleece costumes. And there are even fleece costumes for the grown-ups ... if you feel like being turkeys or monkeys. Also included here is a cute, comfy fleece chi...
Holidays & Celebrations - Mon, 14 May 2012 02:56:27

164. The Simon Memory Game for Children or Adults

When I was a kid and couldn't sleep, I'd sometimes take out my Simon game, turn the sound off, and play it by sight only. No need to turn on my bedroom light or wake my parents with all the musical notes. Simon was tougher to play without the sound, but I played it so much I was really good at it...
Hobbies, Games & Toys - Wed, 16 May 2012 21:46:10

165. Celebrity Perfumes

Image is in the public domain Well, at least we can ASSUME these famous folks wear their own fragrances, right? I've sniffed and sampled many of these celebrity perfumes when passing through department stores and drugstores and finally settled on a favorite -- a Faith Hill fragrance -- and liked...
Fashion & Beauty - Tue, 15 May 2012 16:36:52

166. Search and Rescue Novels

Several months ago, I received an e-mail from the author of Last Chance Rescue, asking if I would be willing to review her novel. Being a Search and Rescue volunteer and a fiction-writer myself, and having written other reviews of books about wilderness rescue and survival, I guess I was a logica...
Books, Poetry & Writing - Sat, 12 May 2012 15:41:30

167. Mementos Make A House Homey

I like to think I'm not materialistic. In fact, I can't stand clutter and am always looking for things neither my husband nor I have used in a long time and can't see us using any time soon -- things we might give away, sell or trade. And having lived through a flash flood in which ma...
Home & Garden - Tue, 15 May 2012 15:16:16

168. Walking On Frozen Water: An MSR Snowshoe Comparison

I snowshoe a lot. Not only do I love getting out on fresh snow in the pine forest and on the meadows here in northern Arizona, but I also use my snowshoes on many winter Search and Rescue missions. And I snowshoe on everything from flat terrain to steep mountainsides. For the past couple of year...
Sports & Recreation - Thu, 24 May 2012 00:29:13

169. Tasty and Healthy Quinoa Salad Recipe

Image Source: Flickr / CC This healthy dish is delish! Quinoa salad can be eaten as a side dish for any meal of the day or, with an added ingredient or two , a main dish, especially for brunch or lunch. Following the recipe below, I've included suggestions for substitutions and additions, but qu...
Food & Cooking - Sat, 05 May 2012 01:19:53

170. Death Mountain: A Suspenseful and Educational Novel For Young Adults

Photo credit: Wikimedia/ CC 2.5 I sure did. And that was before I saw the words "Young Adult Fiction" on the back cover, which didn't happen until I was three-quarters of the way though the book. I must say, though, I was unsure about reviewing this novel. I don't enjoy saying anything n...
Books, Poetry & Writing - Tue, 08 May 2012 15:18:40

171. The Best of BuffaloKid on Twitter and Beyond

He's my husband of twelve years, Lowell Observatory's fourth instrument-maker in its more than 100-year history, a multi-media artist who enjoys experimenting with new techniques and styles, a hiker, an avid learner, and an all-around great guy. Biased? Who, me? Yes, it's true. I think ...
Internet - Mon, 14 May 2012 16:28:12

172. Search and Rescue Reading: Scent of the Missing

As a Search and Rescue volunteer, I'm very interested in all aspects of SAR, including the fascinating world of K9 search. I myself am not a SAR dog handler, but I do work with the handlers on our own team, accompanying one of them into the field during missions, taking care of the navigation and...
Nonprofits - Mon, 07 May 2012 06:21:22

173. Being Thankful T-Shirts

Wear a thankful shirt, that is. After writing a list of 100 things to be thankful for and then 100 MORE things, I decided to look around to see what's out there in thankful-themed t-shirts. And I found a lot. Here's a sampling of tees with thankfulness themes, including general thankfulness, bei...
Fashion & Beauty - Wed, 16 May 2012 23:46:29

174. Black Bandanas

Bandage a wound, sling in an injured arm, or bind a splint. Wipe off the sweat and wash off the dirt. Cover up to keep off the sun or make an ice pack, an eye patch, a pot holder or dish towel. You can do all of this and more with a bandana. And a black one at that. Here you'll find an assortmen...
Fashion & Beauty - Sat, 19 May 2012 01:00:47

175. Travel Electronics: Computer Equipment, Global Cell Phones, and Cameras

In preparation for a three-month trip to Nepal, I went shopping. I've never been a very patient shopper, though, usually buying whatever I happen to be looking at that seems reasonable and of decent quality. But when it came to electronics for the trip (and hopefully for a long time afterward), ...
Computers & Electronics - Fri, 11 May 2012 04:27:05

176. Yellow Bandanas

As an avid hiker, I've always got a bandana in my pocket, at least one in my backpack, and sometimes another bandana on my head or hanging from my wrist, tucked in my watch band for easy access if it's really hot, humid and sweaty. Bandanas may look like "just squares of fabric" to some folks, b...
Fashion & Beauty - Wed, 16 May 2012 22:41:49

177. Set Up A Gift Registry On Squidoo

I don't really know why I thought of this -- just had Squidoo on the brain, I guess -- but the idea of using Squidoo lenses as gift registries popped into my head as I was sunning myself on the porch, eating watermelon. (No connection.) Not that I need to make a gift registry for myself. Ther...
Squidoo Community - Mon, 07 May 2012 17:15:02

178. Jazzercise Spa Getaway On Location

Each year, the Jazzercise corporation hosts an event called "On Location," during which a live taping of new choreography is filmed with conference participants. These new routines are then distributed on DVD to the 7,300 Jazzercise franchises around the world for instructors to learn and then le...
Travel & Places - Mon, 14 May 2012 16:23:39

179. Presidential Trivia: The Three U.S. Presidents With The Most Popular Votes

Do you know the answer to this one? Which three U.S. Presidents had the most popular votes in history? That is, throughout all elections, not just in a single election. I heard this one on NPR, while I was listening to Kevin Rudin's Political Junkie. Lots of people called in to give answers, an...
Culture & Society - Mon, 21 May 2012 04:44:47

180. Squidoo Fan Clubs

Well, okay, I guess there are stinkers out there who don't deserve any fans -- naming no names of course -- but let's not talk about them, shall we? This is a happy lens. Smiles up! So, to me, having a fan is like getting a pat on the back with a "Hey, you're a good egg" or "Wow, I really like ...
Squidoo Community - Wed, 23 May 2012 22:21:33

181. Appalachian Trail Posters and Prints

If you love hiking on the A.T. as much as I do, then perhaps, like me, you'll want to decorate a wall or two with photos from that famous footpath from Georgia to Maine. Most of these Appalachian Trail posters and prints are available in multiple sizes, framed or unframed, or as giclee prints. C...
Sports & Recreation - Sat, 05 May 2012 01:13:14

182. Hiking Trails, Hiking Tips, Hiking Trips

This photo was taken while Hiking in the Wind River Range, Wyoming When I'm not hiking, I'm often thinking about hiking. And when I'm thinking about hiking, I'm often talking about or writing about hiking. And since I write about hiking a lot, I thought I'd put together this c...
Sports & Recreation - Thu, 10 May 2012 16:15:04

183. Best Barfing Cat Impressions

I know, this is pretty yucky. It's just that I woke up the other morning -- that is, I was rudely awakened -- at 5a.m. by the sound of a barfing cat. It's my mom's cat, which I'm taking care of, and it is, by far, the puking-est cat I've ever known. Every morning, like clockwork, Simi throws up. ...
Pets & Animals - Tue, 15 May 2012 06:18:43

184. Squidoo Lenses That Don't Sell A Thing

Okay, so maybe they get a share of Squidoo's pooled advertising revenue, but I'm talking about lenses without sales modules or product pitches. I'm talking about Squidoo lenses that exist primarily to make us laugh, to inform and entertain us, to inspire or just make us think. Not that there's a...
Squidoo Community - Wed, 16 May 2012 23:42:04

185. Editing For Squidoo Lenses And Common Writing Mistakes To Look For

I'd be happy to help. As long as your lens isn't against Squidoo Terms of Service (TOS), spam, or in a language other than English, I'll give it a once over for spelling, punctuation, and grammar. So, who am I to think I'm such a great editor? Well, I do make occasional goofs myse...
Squidoo Community - Sat, 05 May 2012 01:17:51

186. Sexual Orientation Is NOT News

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons / CC So, I got up this morning and read the news online as I always do. And I always check various sources. You know, to get a wider range of perspectives. (Unbiased? Where?) Today, though, no matter where I looked, one of the major headlines was some variation of ...
Culture & Society - Wed, 16 May 2012 22:06:59

187. Lisbeth Salander is the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Dragon image is in the public domain She's got multiple tattoos and body piercings, and spiked, jet-black hair she sometimes wears in a mohawk. Rail thin, she has an almost constant scowl on her pale face. She's usually clad punk-style in black leather from head to toe, and will often respond to ...
Entertainment & Media - Wed, 16 May 2012 20:18:19

188. Turkey Costumes and Hats News!

Well, maybe skip that last one. But any other time of year you feel inspired to be a turkey, here are some fun costumes and hats for the occasion. And there's even a couple of turkey costumes for the smaller birds, so your whole family can be part of the rafter (which is what a group of turkeys i...
Holidays & Celebrations - Wed, 16 May 2012 23:38:56

189. My New Novel: A Picket Fence In Pawpaw

Picket fences can enclose not only what seem to be perfect houses and perfect lives but also small-town thinking. In A Picket Fence in Pawpaw, thirty-six year-old Minnie Mincola takes us to Pawpaw, Pennsylvania, where this tale of the people who were an important part of her childhood plays out i...
Books, Poetry & Writing - Wed, 09 May 2012 14:07:43

190. A Picket Fence In Pawpaw: Chapter 1 (Literary Fiction)

"Pawpaw loved bubbles. You know, the liquid soap kind made with a wand." So begins my second novel, A Picket Fence in Pawpaw, a story of youthful innocence giving way to adult wisdom. The story is told by 36-year-old Minnie Mincolla, once the child known as "Mouse." Here, you'll find the firs...
Books, Poetry & Writing - Wed, 16 May 2012 20:15:35

191. Squidoo Lens Idea Example: A Gift Registry For The Birthday Squid

You may already have seen my lens, Set Up A Gift Registry On Squidoo, and if so, here's an example of what I was talking about. This is a gift registry I've made on behalf of my friend, the Birthday Squid, who'll be turning ... well, his age really isn't important. Let's just ...
Squidoo Community - Sun, 20 May 2012 18:27:00

192. Introducing My Beloved Miss Sassafrass Tea

She was just a little flea-covered puppy no more than five months old when she found us in the woods in southwestern Pennsylvania. My husband and I were farm caretakers at the time, tending to a menagerie of critters, large and small, including 14 dogs rescued by the property owners. But when I s...
Pets & Animals - Sun, 20 May 2012 01:59:16

193. The SquidU Leadership Council

On June 6, 2011, nine Squidoo lensmasters were elected to run and moderate SquidU: The Lensmaster Lounge -- a place where lensmasters can to discuss all things Squidoo and even some things that aren't. It's supposed to be a friendly, supportive place, and most of the time it very much is. Prior ...
Squidoo Community - Fri, 18 May 2012 16:06:59

194. A Catalogue of Deb Lauman's Squidoo Lenses

Thank you for stopping by my lensography. (Or one of them, anyway.) I hope you'll stick around and window shop for a bit and maybe even try a few things on. Here, you'll find all of my lenses (articles, basically, if you aren't familiar with Squidoo-isms), organized in categories I ca...
Squidoo Community - Wed, 23 May 2012 23:46:25

195. A Collection Of Short Stories On Squidoo

This is a group of short fiction on Squidoo, written by Squidoo lensmasters. Fiction, of course, means "made up," so these are not true stories or essays. It's all about creative writing regardless of the genre. If you've written a short story and made a lens of it, please be sure to submit your...
Squidoo Community - Fri, 04 May 2012 15:48:51

196. The Difference Between a Slow Cooker and a Crockpot

But apparently they're not. Exactly. As I was perusing Facebook posts yesterday, I saw a link to this crockpot candy recipe, which makes a distinction between the two types of appliances. Huh? But nearly every ad or recipe I see for a crockpot also uses the term "slow cooker." So what gives? I ...
Food & Cooking - Sat, 19 May 2012 00:41:55

Updated: Sat, 26 May 2012 00:45:36 GMT -

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