Checklist For Being a Better Storyteller

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I tell stories for a living. That’s what compelling TV is all about — great storytelling. I think I get it from my dad — he’s a fabulous storyteller. He’s been known to captivate audiences with his police stories or tales from the “old neighborhood.”

Some people have storytelling in their genes but you can also learn how to get people to listen to your adventures. The skill will help you at cocktail parties and even when putting your kids to bed!

I’m excited about our guest blogger today — she knows all about storytelling and has dedicated a whole website to the subject at MrsP.com. Mrs. P is portrayed by actress Kathy Kinney, who starred as Mimi on “The Drew Carey Show” for nine years.

How to Be a Better Storyteller

by Mrs. P

Whether you’re at home trying to get your child to fall asleep or at an office party telling a story about sitting in a patch of poison ivy on your honeymoon, having good storytelling skills can greatly improve your life. No one ever walks away from a good storyteller. And good storytellers are always invited back to the next party. Here are seven tips to improve your own skills:

1) Start with the ending. In other words, know how your story will end before you begin. Starting a story is like starting a trip, and if you have a map and know your destination, it will be a more satisfying and entertaining journey for both you and your audience. Read more

The List by “The Office”

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For someone who is in the TV business — I surprisingly don’t like to watch TV all that much.  Isn’t that weird? It’s true though — I’d rather be reading (nerd alert) or doing something else rather than staring at the tube, usually. However — there are certain shows that I just can’t do without.  “The Office” is one of those shows — I absolutely love it.

Ironically enough — my favorite show was about a list this past week!  Can you believe it?  Lists are everywhere!

The new CEO of the company — Robert California — keeps a list of “winners and losers” around the office.  Seriously — that’s his list.  Well once the office finds out about the list — everyone is thrown into a tailspin. You can check out the episode by clicking on the  video below.

Robert’s list seems kind of cruel — but we are all guilty of keeping this kind of list from time to time. You know how much I advocate list making but I’ll be the first to admit some lists should remain in your brain only! This type of list is absolutely one of them. Unfortunately if certain lists get into the wrong hands — they can be hurtful and misinterpreted — doing more harm than good.

I know you’re thinking — this is a sitcom and meant to be a joke. I know — I get that. But let this little episode be a warning — beware of where you leave your private-thought lists!

Machine Recreates Endless To-Do Lists

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Courtesy: Chris Eckert

Think your to-do list is never ending? There is a machine out there that frantically writes endless to-do lists! California artist Chris Eckert modeled it after his own to-do lists. He said on his website that he runs from, “one urgent task to the next and…new tasks are added faster than I can check completed items. My list grows longer and faster the harder I work.” Sound familiar?

His out-of-control list was his inspiration for this mechanical sculpture called “ToDo.” The items on the list that the machine jots down include chores from Eckert’s actual to-do list like, “gift for Troy” and “buy milk.”

Courtesy: Chris Eckert

Each appears as a ballpoint pen rolls over cash register receipt-like paper. It is programmed to write in Eckert’s actual handwriting too. The order of the chores is chosen at random and the same list will never repeat. Pretty genius, huh? Although a lot of us have recurring items on our own to-do lists.

The constantly running to-do list fills inch after inch of paper and eventually ends up in piles on the floor. I think we can all relate to this – with our stacks of papers and desks filled with Post-It notes!

It will be on display as part of the Annual Art Exhibition and Auction for the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art from September 24th through October 22nd 2011, but you can get a sneak peek by clicking on the video below.

 

Keep Track of Your Lists

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To-do lists aren’t limited to just items you need to pick up at the grocery store. I make to-do lists for books to read, restaurants to try, quotes that mean something to me, movies I want to see, names I like, recipes to make, clothes to buy, etc. I basically take notes on everyday life.

Usually I keep a running tab of these lists in my email drafts folder. I may or may not remember to refer to them.  Oh well — at least I try! But now I’ve found a website that will help you keep track of all your running lists and even remind you to check them out again.

The site is called Pistashio and it allows you to “stash” links and items to check out later. The creators have broken the lists up for you into categories. These are Eat & Drink, Watch, Read, Listen and See & Do.  I like all these categories — but I wish I could change some of them and add my own.

One of the things that I really like about this site is that you can share your lists on social media sites and set reminders. The reminders will nudge you to check out your lists and take action on them.  Pistashio is like if your to-do list and Read It Later had a baby.  Check it out and let me know if it helps you keep your lists straight.

Spice Up Your Wedding Shoes

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Jay and I have two weddings to attend next month. I’m reminded of the stresses that a bride will go through to make her wedding “different.”

My good friend Arianny Rodriguez, is the owner of Bridal Shoe Style and thinks that your shoes are a great way to make your big day unique. So she’s given us a checklist with some ideas.

Wedding Shoes Your Guests Will Never Forget

by Arianny Rodriguez

We’ve heard it before – people saying “I have 5 weddings in the next 6 months!” They are more annoyed than excited for each of the couples entering a new and happy stage in their life. Wedding after wedding, they all start looking the same.

If you are a bride and want to stand out, why not do it with your shoes? They are hidden under your dress but it doesn’t mean they don’t get noticed. As soon as the formal ceremony is over, your dancing feet will pop out from under that mountain of satin or tulle and the guests will surely take notice. Make a memorable moment out of it with these simple ideas for shoes: Read more