Happy Vampires

Despite its short run (March 1989 - May 1993), Quantum Leap is nevertheless one of the more memorable dramatic series in television history. Although the show borrows from a concept employed in other realms, such as Highway To Heaven (with its theme of a mysterious force interceding to transform a single life), it adds a unique twist by utilizing elements of science fiction. Created by Donald P. Bellisario (creator of Magnum, P.I., JAG, and countless other hit shows), Quantum Leap developed a loyal cult following, making its short network run all the more difficult to understand…

Quantum Leap stars Scott Bakula as Dr. Samuel “Sam” Beckett, a cutting-edge experimental researcher in the field of physics. Developing a theory that an individual can travel throughout the span of his life, Beckett builds the Quantum Leap Accelerator and uses himself as the test subject. But rather than traveling within his own lifetime, Beckett finds himself mysteriously transported into the lives of various individuals, each of whom faces a problem Beckett must rectify (thus changing history for the better). When he does, he can make his next “quantum leap” (which he hopes will restore him to his pre-experiment self). Aiding Beckett on his various missions is Rear Admiral Albert “Al” Calavicci (Dean Stockwell), one of the quantum leap experiment observers who periodically appears as a hologram in order to communicate with Beckett. With each new episode, Beckett finds himself in a new body, facing new circumstances, with a new mission he must decipher and complete if he ever hopes to return home…

The Quantum Leap (Season 3) DVD features a number of action-packed episodes including the season premiere “The Leap Home” in which Sam first leaps into his own life, giving him the chance to win his high school basketball championship. Sam then leaps into the lives of other people associated with close family members, as well as those associated with Al, who was a P.O.W. during Vietnam… Other notable episodes from Season 3 include “Miss Deep South” in which Sam must come to the aid of a wrongfully disgraced beauty pageant contestant, and “A Little Miracle” in which Sam becomes an employee of a wealthy contractor displaying many of the characteristics of a modern day “Scrooge”…

Below is a list of episodes included on the Quantum Leap (Season 3) DVD:

Episode 32 (The Leap Home: Part 1 - November 25, 1969) Air Date: 09-28-1990
Episode 33 (The Leap Home: Part 2 - April 7, 1970) Air Date: 10-05-1990
Episode 34 (Leap of Faith - August 19, 1963) Air Date: 10-12-1990
Episode 35 (One Strobe Over the Line - June 15, 1965) Air Date: 10-19-1990
Episode 36 (The Boogieman - October 31, 1964) Air Date: 10-26-1990
Episode 37 (Miss Deep South - June 7, 1958) Air Date: 11-02-1990
Episode 38 (Black on White on Fire - August 11, 1965) Air Date: 11-09-1990
Episode 39 (The Great Spontini - May 9, 1974) Air Date: 11-16-1990
Episode 40 (Rebel Without a Clue - September 1, 1958) Air Date: 11-30-1990
Episode 41 (A Little Miracle - December 24, 1962) Air Date: 12-21-1990
Episode 42 (Runaway - July 4, 1964) Air Date: 01-04-1991
Episode 43 (8 ½ Months - November 15, 1955) Air Date: 03-06-1991
Episode 44 (Future Boy - October 6, 1957) Air Date: 03-13-1991
Episode 45 (Private Dancer - October 6, 1979) Air Date: 03-20-1991
Episode 46 (Piano Man - November 10, 1985) Air Date: 03-27-1991
Episode 47 (Southern Comforts - August 4, 1961) Air Date: 04-03-1991
Episode 48 (Glitter Rock - April 12, 1974) Air Date: 04-10-1991
Episode 49 (A Hunting We Will Go - June 18, 1976) Air Date: 04-18-1991
Episode 50 (Last Dance Before an Execution - May 12, 1971) Air Date: 05-01-1991
Episode 51 (Heart of a Champion - July 23, 1955) Air Date: 05-08-1991
Episode 52 (Nuclear Family - October 26, 1962) Air Date: 05-15-1991
Episode 53 (Shock Theater - October 3, 1954) Air Date: 05-22-1991

About the Author

Britt Gillette is author of The DVD Report, a

“Guys and Dolls” is a charming movie based on the Broadway musical of the same name. The movie stars Frank Sinatra as Nathan Detroit, operator of a floating crap game in New York City in the 1950s. It also stars Marlon Brando as Sky Masterson, a high roller with lots of luck, Jean Simmons as Sgt. Sarah Brown, a young woman in charge of a mission, and Vivian Blaine as Adelaide, a nightclub singer and Nathan’s fiancee of 14 years.

At the beginning of the film, Nathan is in trouble because he and his associates are unable to find a suitable location for their floating crap game, and Lt. Brannigan is hot on their trail. His only option is to pay $1000 to have the game in the Biltmore garage, but he doesn’t have the money. In order to try to obtain it, he decides to bet Sky $1000 that he can’t take Sarah to Havana with him. Sky finds he’s hard-pressed to win this bet, but after much persuasion, he gets her to agree to come with him in exchange for a dozen sinners to be delivered by him to her mission.

In Havana, Sky and Sarah end up falling in love. Once they return, they find the mission taken over by a group of gamblers led by Nathan. They rush out once they discover Lt. Brannigan is looking for them there. Sarah is heartbroken, thinking Sky was responsible. The gang decides to continue their crap game at a new location under the sewers of New York. Then Sky gets a brilliant idea of betting the rest of the gamblers $1000 each against their souls, so that if he wins they all have to agree to come to Sarah’s mission. He wins and they all arrive shortly after midnight, making good on Sky’s earlier promise to Sarah. Sarah protects the gamblers from Lt. Brannigan when he comes looking for them. Sky also tells Nathan that he lost the bet and pays him $1000.

The movie ends with a double wedding at a busy street corner in New York City, in which Sky marries Sarah and Nathan marries Adelaide.

yourmoviepal.com/movies/daves-best-100-movies/Guys-and-Dolls.html yourmoviepal.com/movies/daves-best-100-movies/Guys-and-Dolls.html”> Guys and Dolls - Dave’s Top Movies

If you are a solo musician, there are tools that you should know about, and have in your tool box. It is best to be prepared for whatever comes your way in the form of gigs, and musical opportunities. In this article I will go over some of the general things in the form of gear, hardware, and software, that will give you an edge in this competetive, and demanding world.

Keep in mind that these are all suggestions, and it depends on your personal circumstances as to what you are, and are not able to obtain.

I will asume that you already have the musical instrument of your choice, and that you have already spent the thousands of hours that it takes to perfect your talent.

There is no way around it!…You get out of it what you put into it.
If you spend the time to perfect your talent, you will definatly reap the benefits.

So,…Lets get started.
I will list all of the items that I have in mind for this article, and where to obtain them.
In some cases, a brief discription on what to do with them.

1. PA equipment: You will need some kind of PA equipment, preferably something small and compact, but of efficient sound quality

2. Microphone: You will need a microphone for the times when you are showing off that great voice of yours.
You will also need a microphone stand.

3. Speaker Stands: I recommend speaker stands for your speakers, to raise your speakers up above peoples heads when playing in restaurants, and coffee shops, ect…
You dont want to drive people away, or blow anybodys ear drum.

4. Promo Stand: You will need a promo stand that you can use to place your promo material, your CD’s, and any of your contact material for people to see, purchase, and take as they come, and go.
This can be something that is portable, small and compact, but looks presentable.

5. Tip Jar: I recommend a tip jar, something that, again, looks presentable.

6. Play-a-Long Library: I recommend a play-a-long library for all musicians, especially for solo musicians.
As I have stated in my previous article, “Tips for the solo musician”, you can make a living just playing solo gigs, and targeting small establishments.

7. CD, or, Cassette player: You should have a CD, or cassette player with a pitch control to play your play-a-longs through your PA.

8. Computer: If at all possible, you should have a powerful enough computer to record your own CD’s.
You can also make your own Play-a-longs with your own style of music.

9. Recording Software: You will need some kind of recording software for your computer.
I recommend, Cakewalk.

10. Soundcard: You will need, in some cases, a sound card for your computer.
I recommend, Sound Blaster Live.

11. Keyboard: I think all musicians should have some kind of keyboard.
There are hundreds to choose from, according to your budget.

12. CD Burning Software: You should have some kind of CD burning software.
Again, there are hundreds of choices.
Microsoft Media Player is free.

13. Business Card Software: I recommend some kind of business card software for your computer.
“Parabim Business Card Builder”, is a very efficient one.

14. Musicians Website: Every musician should have a website.
I recommend, “Host Baby”, everything you need in a musicians website is here.

15. Internet Promotion Program: A program to help promote your music, and yourself on the internet.
I recommend, “Musicians Power Promotion System″.

These are just some of the things that will help you on your quest to be a successful solo musician.
One thing to remember is,…Always Act…Look…and Dress proffessionally.
That first impression can make, or break you.

Just click on the links provided in this article where indicated, and you will be taken to the particular website, were you can find the item.

Patrick is a blind, jazz saxophonist.
His intense, improvive style of playing is both soothing, and captivating to the listener.
Patrick is producing some of the best sounding jazz on the market today.

cursebustersound.com cursebustersound.com

Your wedding is special and something you’ve dreamed about for years. Your wedding photography is a big part of your plans but why not try something a little different than traditional wedding photography. With so much artistic wedding photography New Orleans, area you have plenty of choices. You can dare to be different and still be confident that your wedding photographs are going to look great.

You’ll be dealing with all kinds of arrangements such as flowers, food, the reception, and your gown, all within the budget you’ve set. But you know a few weeks later, the specifics will have blurred from peoples minds and what you are left with is your artistic wedding photography New Orleans choice. That’s what people will look at and reminisce about through the years, and that’s where your budget needs to be.

One Louisiana wedding portrait photographer, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to whom we’ve spoken says today’s brides and grooms are choosing more artistic photography than the brides of the past. Of course, weddings themselves have become far less traditional for many. This can be attributed to our more relaxed way of living, the number of second marriages occurring, or simply our desire to be creative and memorable.

Artistic wedding photography may use less traditional angles on the shots, using a variety of colors and shadows, as well as different scales to create a dramatic effect on the photos. All over, artistic wedding photographers - Lafayette, Louisiana area too - agree that the majority of brides and grooms do not want traditional photos; rather, they are looking for something that is engaging and extraordinary.

Some of the wedding photography in the New Orleans area is really standing out in the crowd. Local photographers have a knack for using the natural surroundings combined with the wedding party to create outstanding artistic wedding photography. It’s been a challenge but worth every minute invested claim local photographers.

When you work with your photographer right from the beginning you get to understand each other. You learn how the photographer likes to work and he/she learns what you are all about. Wedding photographers Lafayette, Louisiana agree that this interaction is critical to getting the most out of your wedding photographs.

Let’s face it, wedding photography isn’t inexpensive. You should consider spending a sizable portion of your budget on a professional experienced wedding photographer. Your wedding will come and go and memories might become a little hazy, but when you’ve got great photographs, you have great memories for the rest of your life.

Most of the photographers we spoke with say they have sample albums of wedding photography New Orleans style that you can have a look at to help you decide what’s right for you. You may think you want artistic but are not yet sure what artistic actually means. By browsing albums of sample wedding photographs, you can better decide what it is you are looking for, and then communicate that to your photographer.

It doesn’t really matter if you are looking at wedding photography New Orleans or that wedding portrait photographer Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that you’ve heard so much about. What is important is that you ask the right questions. Here are just a few that you should definitely ask. It will get you started.

1. What is your payment policy?
2. What type of backup camera system do you have in place?
3. Will it be you taking the photographs or an assistant?
4. How much will it cost, and what do we get for that money?
5. Do you own the proofs so that you can make prints yourself later?
6. How long has the photographer been doing wedding photography?

If you live in South Louisiana, and you think artistic wedding photography New Orleans style is right for you, then why not check what the local photographers have to offer.

** About the author text:
Fine Art Exposure in New Orleans, LA has a goal in photographing your wedding to create images that will relive the moments for a lifetime. Visit fineartexposure.com to see how Fine Art specializes in artistic wedding photography, documenting what happened and who attended, but also capturing the unique mood of your wedding.

Fine Art Exposure in New Orleans, LA has a goal in photographing your wedding to create images that will relive the moments for a lifetime. Visit fineartexposure.com fineartexposure.com to see how Fine Art specializes in fineartexposure.com artistic wedding photography, documenting what happened and who attended, but also capturing the unique mood of your wedding.

CANCUN JOBS:

Here are even MORE job possibilities …

In the last articles we talked about language schools and institutes. This article features Bi-lingual schools, Pre-Schools, Primary, Secondary and university-prep schools which heavily accent English in their programs and are earnestly seeking native-speaking English teachers for English and other classes. There are a considerable number of them due to the influence of tourism as the principal area industry. So, polish up your resume, apostil your diplomas and dive right in.

Materno, Kinder and Primary schools:

These schools all have students exclusively in kindergarten through primary school – usually to about the fifth grade (up to 10 or 11 years old). English is prominently featured in their curriculum and experienced, native-speaking teachers genuinely have a good chance of being hired. Although salary is generally commensurate with experience, some adjustments and “bonuses” are possible. Extra work is also available tutoring private students, parents and family members. Most schools are fairly small with anywhere from 40 to 100 students maximum. Facilities vary a bit from one to another, but are generally quite good by Mexican standards. Call, fax, e-mail, snail-mail or write for the latest details and openings, before arranging for an appointment.

Instituto Madero
S.M. 50, M-23, No. 253
Fraccional Costa del Mar Cancun
880 – 7707

Colegio Hamilton
Calle Mosquito No. 394
S.M. 51 Residencial Monaco Cancún
880 – 6958

Colegio Bilingüe Alexandre
Avenida Labna No. 59 S.M. 20, MZ. 14 Cancun
Telefax: 884 – 8628
E-mail: morsaэ@groo1.telmex.net.mx
Website: www.alexandre.com.mx

Centro Educativo Edzna
Margaritas No. 49 S.M. 22 Cancún
884 – 0286

Instituto Benavente
Mojarra No. 14 S.M. 3 (at the Avenida Nader) Cancún
884 – 4626

Grade levels are from kindergarten and pre-school to primary with some English being taught at ALL levels. They’re definitely in need of some experienced teachers, but prefer bi-lingual teachers as virtually all staff members are non-English-speaking Mexicans.

Instituto San Angel
Avenida Kabah No. 8 MZ 16 S.M. 32

Calceto No. 23 MZ 16 S.M. 50 Cancún
880 – 7002, 887 – 7613

Students from Materno (ages 3 - 4) , kindergarten (ages 5 – 6) and pre-school through primary (ages 6 – 9) attend this Spanish – English bilingual school. There are two locations and teachers can work at either or both, depending on the levels they’re assigned to teach. Experienced teachers are preferred, but a position as an aide or assistant is possible for somewhat inexperienced, but enthusiastic and dynamic applicants.

Colegio Valladolid
Reglamiento 91 MZ. 66 Local 1,2,3 and 32
Fraccional Hop-Na Route 4 Cancún
888 – 7144, 888 – 7066

Billing itself a 100% bi-lingual school (Spanish – English), students here range from kindergarten all the way through to secondary school. This provides a good range of opportunities for native-speaking English teachers, not only in English, but other subject areas as well. If you’ve a broad base in another subject area you could well apply to teach that topic in English in addition to English classes. This option would make you much more valuable to the school and greatly increase your chances of being hired. So be sure to prepare your resume and background materials accordingly to include anything from Anthropology to woodshop. You never know just what might come in handy.

Centro Escolar Balam
Retorno Aurora Local 3 M-15, S.M. 44
Fraccional Alborada Cancún
880 – 6386
Telefax: 880 – 5440

This school is a whopper. Its pre-school is bi-lingual (Spanish – English), its secondary school students are tri-lingual, and its university preparatory students must be at least bi-lingual (usually Spanish – English). The possibilities here are astonishing. Staff is multi-lingual so you’ll likely be interviewed in English, but be sure to bone up on your Spanish too. Remember, the students here are bi-lingual or tri-lingual. You wouldn’t want to look like a “stupe” now would you! Be dynamic. Be open. Be flexible, and you’ll probably have a good chance at getting something here if you’ve just a modicum of patience.

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an ELT Teacher Trainer, English language learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. He has published more than 350 articles and academic papers and presented at numerous EFL teacher training and TEFL conferences throughout North America, South America and Europe. For comments, questions, requests, to receive more information or to be added to his free TESOL articles and teaching materials mailing list, e-mail: mailto:lynchlarrym@gmail.com lynchlarrym@gmail.com

Decorating your home is fun yet challenging. You’re making a personal statement, but often you want to decorate around a particular theme to really bring a room together.

You can often pick a theme based on things you already own and plan on putting into the room. If you have a lot of items that would go well with a Southwest theme, you can shop for furniture that will go with it. Similar for Asian and other themes.

These things often reflect things you like. You obviously don’t want to decorate your home in a way that you don’t like. But if you don’t have anything to help you focus on an obvious theme, what are you to do?

This is the case for many people, who have a lot of things to decorate with, but nothing to draw them all together. The trick then is to draw them together.

An obvious theme is not always the way to go, especially when you have a broad range of items to decorate with.

A smart way to start can be to go through the stuff you have and figure out what you’re keeping versus what it’s really time to get rid of or to put into storage for a time. If you can weed out the clutter from the stuff you still really want. If you’re redecorating, odds are there are some things that you just want changed about the room. If it doesn’t make you happy to leave it there, don’t leave it in the room.

The furniture you choose can do a lot for your theme. If you aren’t going for a theme such as Southwest or Asian where there can be a particular style of furniture, falling in love with a particular piece of furniture can really help you to get ideas flowing.

Similarly, a focal piece of art or decor can be used to draw a room together with the right furniture. Take a look at your focal piece and think about it as you shop. This can help to inspire your selection of furniture and other decor.

A good theme doesn′t have to be overwhelming. It does not need to scream “THEME” but it can make a room more appealing and comfortable. After all, that’s what decorating a room is all about. The decor of a room in your home should always please you, not make you uncomfortable. And choosing it should be fun.

Stephanie Foster runs

Mackie is a subsidiary of Loud Technologies. Mackie has been producing the musical equipment for about 15 years now and has gained a very good reputation from the professional music artists. Mackie has been known to produce the best mixers. The Mackie D2 Splash is one of the best mixers that Mackie has produced. The Mackie D2 Splash has gained its credibility with the superior sound and its design and stands at the top among the DJ mixers produced by other companies.

The Mackie D2 Splash is the world’s first DJ mixer that has the FireWire operation card for recording as well as mixing the files, which can be done directly from your computer. The other feature that was introduced in Mackie D2 Splash was the Infinium optical cross fader that has the adjustable tension, a turntable that is genuine and the mic prepams to get incredibly low noises, as well as a massive punch and knobs that are backlit and they can be used in very dim lights.

Among the other outstanding features of Mackie D2 Splash is that it has a very classic finish and has a bulletproof make with a premium analog VCA circuitry, as well as the ultra high performance components. With the Infinium, the mic and turntable preamps, it also has a 3-postion spring loaded transform switches and a solid 14-gauge steel body. The Mackie D2 Splash can also be connected to the computer to playback from any software application including Live, iTunes, Windows Medial Player etc. You can set the Input Select switch of the channels to the FireWire and can mix the two tracks with your computer.

The Mackie D2 Splash has a rotatable spring loaded 3-position switches to provide the Transformer effects. There is a Reverse switch and a variable Contour control provided for each of the fader, which allows the DJ to dial in with the feet. The DJs can get up to 10 dB of boost through the channel EQ. With the Mackie D2 Splash, you can connect the dynamic mics and the studio condenser mics, as the Mackie mic preamp gives about 50 dB of gain with the 48V Phantom Power. Mackie D2 Splash can be connected with the PA system through the balanced XLR Main outputs with a mic/level line switch.

In order to prevent the recording levels getting shattered, Mackie D2 Splash is equipped with the RCA outputs, which includes the live/record switch. There is also a built-in Stereo FX Loop that presents a dual 1/4-inch inputs and outputs along with the Send and Return level knobs. There are also 1/4 inch Booth outputs that have a volume control, a stereo and a mono switch. This feature just allows the adjustments as per the adjustments of the software.

Another best feature is that the Mackie ʪ Splash now comes with a battery of 100-240 VAC/50-60 Hz. The Mackie ʪ Splash has just brought a revolution in the world of DJ Mixers and has become the first choice for DJs throughout the world.

For further information on this product please visit guitarampkeyboard.com guitarampkeyboard.com

Texas Holdem is a simple game with many dimensions. The extensive media coverage of high-stakes poker tournaments, combined with the rags to riches stories of online poker players winning millions in Texas Holdem events, has created worldwide interest in Texas Holdem.

After 2003, the world of online poker was hit with the “Moneymaker effect.” When Chris Moneymaker took home $2.5 million and won the 2003 main event at the WSOP, people took notice of how he got there. Moneymaker entered a satellite qualifying tournament through Poker Stars, and converted a $39 investment into a multi-million dollar payday.

Now it seems that every online poker player is one satellite win away from turning pro. The “Moneymaker effect” has causal poker players all over the world seeing green. Here are some tips to help you become a better player. Who knows, with these Texas Holdem secrets, you might find yourself competing for a bracelet sooner than you think.

Don’t try to go out at beat every player at the table. You should instead allow your opponents to try and take you out. This mind-set will go a long way towards helping you improve your abilities. Don’t try and be a hero, and don’t chase after low probability hands. Play smart, avoid the bad beat, and play with confidence. Poker’s a game of endurance. You’ll have success if you can remain calm and focused for a longer period than your opponents.

Mix up your style of play. If you’ve been playing super-conservative for ten straight hands, try loosening it up every now and then. Try bluffing once in awhile. You might win a pot or two, and worst-case scenario, someone will catch you bull-stuffing them, and you might get some weaker hands to battle you head on later in the game. When you’re trying to bluff, bet enough chips so that the players at the table take your fib seriously. Avoid bluffing the short stack, because when people’s backs are to the wall, they play more loose, and your bluff is likely to be called. It’s important that you switch your approach now and again, to avoid the likelihood that other players will figure out your habits.

Know your position, and bet accordingly. If you have garbage cards in your hand, and you don’t need to make a bet to see the flop, don’t fold, just check the bet. You may end up with a hand after the flop, but if you try to bow out too soon, you’ll never know.

Don’t play ever single hand, it’s really not necessary. The more you force the issue the less love you’ll receive from the poker gods. Watch how the other players react to their cards before taking a look at your own. Measure the strength of your hand by taking note of how the players before you made their bets.

Just remember to practice. You won’t become Phil Hellmuth or Doyle Brunson overnight. Poker takes experience, and the more time you devote to understanding the game, the more successful you will be as a poker player.

Tom Shannahan has been playing poker since he was 16. He grew up watching his father play with friends once a week. He currently writes part time for Pokerlistings.com where you can find valuable information about

When I was a kid growing up, vinyl records were the primary source used by music lovers to listen to their favorite songs. Eight tracks had been going out of style fairly rapidly and the latest trend was the cassette tape. Even with the passing of the eight tracks and the emergence of the cassette tape, many music lovers still kept with traditional vinyl records for their listening pleasure.

We have certainly come a long way since those heady days of vinyl records. Compact discs (CDs) are all the rage today, and with good reason. The sound quality is truly pure and clear, and you almost feel as if you are in a sound-proof room when you focus your listening solely on the CD player. The clean, crisp sound that comes out is a huge improvement from the vinyl records that crackled as they played.

However, it is that crackling sound that is only offered by the vinyl records that I find so appealing. There is something about that sound that is so neat & even soothing to listen to especially when I’m in a nostalgic mood. Perhaps it is due to the crackling sound which is tied so closely to the songs I loved when I was a child. I simply cannot separate the two.

I actually took notice of my love for that unique antique sounds of the crackling vinyl records by accident. A really good friend of mine had offered to be the disc jockey for my wedding without charge. Of course I did not refuse the kind wedding gift. However there was a catch. My friend played only vinyl records, nothing else.

This was certainly not a problem for me. I had wanted to skip all of the trendy pop-chart music of today and focus on older dance music and classic songs available on vinyl records. My friend started playing dinner songs at the reception. He chose classic Irish music during the wedding meal.

The whole reception hall had kept silent during the prayer. And once the prayer had ended, the DJ slowly placed the needle on the record and the quiet room began filling up with soft crackling sounds followed by lovely Irish music. The transition was magnificent and the memory of the moment the crackling sounds overtook the reception hall still gives me chills. You simply can not replicate that with a compact disc.

Technologically, we have come a long way when it comes to music. However, we should not completely let go of the little gems from our past. The haunting sounds of the crackling vinyl records help us truly touch the past even if for just a moment.

Glen B. Porter provides readers with up-to-date commentaries,

Everyone, no matter what age, loves a good story. Stories have been around as long as humans could communicate with each other. Our great books of wisdom are filled with stories. It is the stories we remember and internalize. A well told story makes a party worth attending, a speech worth remembering, and a class worth taking.

During the past quarter of a century, there has been an exciting resurgence of the appreciation for oral storytelling in our nation and across the world. The organization that has been instrumental is Storytelling Foundation International (SFI). To quote, “We have told stories since the beginning of time. They are the narratives of life, spanning the centuries and connecting the generations. They are the vessels in which we carry our shared adventures and most precious memories.”

Thirty four years ago, Jimmy Neil Smith, President and Founder of SFI, organized the first storytelling event in his town of Jonesborough, Tennessee. Smith, a former journalism teacher and then mayor describes pulling up a wagon for five storytellers to perform for a gathering of about 60 people.

Today, that initial storytelling event has grown into a crowd of more than 10,000 people from 50 states and 40 countries who attend the National Storytelling Festival held the first weekend in October. Huge tents are set up, and the enthusiastic crowd of all ages, backgrounds, and interests share three days of listening to storytellers from all over the world.

The stories vary from traditional folk tales, fairy tales, personal stories, historical narrative, poetry, fables, to tall tales, ballads and songs. Some storytellers sit quietly on a chair or stool, captivating us with their voices and facial expressions. Some move around the stage with furious action. Others use mime, music, and involve members from the audience. Every telling becomes an experience.

The magic of these storytellers’ stories creates wonder, laughter, tears, applause, enlightenment, understanding, but, most important, the sharing of stories between attendees. Their stories help us to remember our stories. I have discovered that when we know someone’s story, we can’t keep from liking them. No matter what our cultural, ethnic, educational and material differences are, we all have similar stories. That’s the magic of storytelling.

Chris King is a professional storyteller, writer, website creator / designer, free agent, and fitness instructor. You will find her storytelling website at storytellingpower.com storytellingpower.com and her business website at creativekeys.biz creativekeys.biz You will find her new her information-packed E-book How to Leave Your Audiences Begging for MORE! at OutrageouslyPowerfulPresenter.com OutrageouslyPowerfulPresenter.com