www.ToastmasterSpeech.com

Tour de Cure

2011-02-19T12:14:00.000-08:00

Support Me in Tour de Cure!

I will be cycling in the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure fundraising event. Please support me with a donation by clicking on Tour de Cure page...

http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/LosAngelesArea?px=6506606&pg=personal&fr_id=7614

... and selecting the "Sponsor Me" button. Our efforts will help set the pace in the fight against diabetes. So let's get in gear and ride to Stop Diabetes!

Help Make a Difference in the fight against diabetes!

Each mile I ride, and the funds I raise will be used in the fight to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

No matter how small or large, your generous gift will help improve the lives of nearly 24 million Americans who suffer from diabetes, in the hope that future generations can live in a world without this disease. Together, we can all make a difference!

Thank you for making a generous contribution to this cause that is so important to me!

Moments of Truth

2011-02-13T11:54:00.000-08:00

Your attitude is showing.

First impression, lasting impression. A moment of truth is not only the first impression you make on guests and prospective new members or anyone for that matter, it is the lasting impression you make.

You could have an MBA and be dressed in the finest of clothes; the only thing that will always show, first and foremost, is your attitude.

Whether good or bad, moments of truth are critical.

All businesses, large or small, thrive on one principal factor – one principal moment of truth – that is, customer satisfaction. You must let your customers know you welcome their patronage. They must feel they have gained something by doing business with you. They must want to stay with you.

The manner in which you present yourself to others is a moment of truth.

The manner in which you treat others is a moment of truth.

All this applies especially to Toastmasters. Toastmasters is an organization that provides a service to its customers, the members. Its purpose is to help people grow and enhance their communication and leadership skills. This is its raison d’etre, its reason for being.

People join for different reasons. People leave for different reasons. People stay for one reason. Satisfaction knowing they have gained something from Toastmasters.

Toastmasters has six crucial elements of its Moments of Truth. Those elements are:
1) First Impression: Let’s consider these questions.

(a) Are guests greeted warmly?

(b) What is the decorum? Is the club formal or relaxed?

(c) Is this organization organized? Is the room properly prepared before the start of the meeting? Do we start on time? Do we end on time? Do we know our assignments before the gavel hits the lectern?

(d) Do we encourage guests to participate? To speak? To comment? When they do, do we listen?

(e) Are our guests invited to join our club and make our club their club?

2) Membership Orientation: When people join Toastmasters, they are taking a big step. A leap of faith.

What do they want? Do they simply want a badge and a manual telling them here is your speech, now get up and speak to the masses? Something more is needed.

What is that something? Guidance? They need guidance in the form of a mentor. A mentor is someone who is ready, willing and able to answer all questions and iron out all concerns the rookie speaker may encounter. A mentor remembers what it was like when he or she first entered the circle.

In addition, it is our duty and responsibility as Rising Stars to access our members’ needs and current skill levels. It is vital for the new member to be assigned a speaking role and present an Ice Breaker as soon as possible and be encouraged to attend each meeting.

At Rising Star Toastmasters, everybody has an opportunity to speak. During the opening of the meeting, the president asks every member to introduce themselves and respond to a simple question/topic. Another example is Table Topics. This is where we hone our improvisational speaking skills.

3) Fellowship, Variety and Communication:

Members greet guests and make them feel welcome. We are one big happy family. We are a circle of friends. And may the circle be unbroken.

The Vice President of Education regularly schedules the agenda and assignments for the meetings following a task matrix that shows members’ progress through the steps toward becoming a Competent Communicator, Competent Leader, Advanced Communicator and Distinguished Toastmaster. There is even an opportunity to become a World Champion.

Members are encouraged to participate in club, area, district and international events such as contests and leadership training workshops.

Members are kept up-to-date via minutes provided by the Club Secretary, a regular newsletter and an Internet presence.

4) Program Planning and Meeting Organization: The Vice President of Education is in charge of planning, organizing and assigning the tasks for each meeting.

An assignment sheet is circulated during the business portion of the meeting so members can acknowledge and confirm their roles for the following meeting. Within a week prior to the meeting, an agenda is electronically distributed. Updated hard copies are handed out before the meeting opens and any last-minute substitutions are made. By the time the Sergeant-at-Arms starts the meeting, all jobs are filled and all members are set. Both hands know what the other hand is doing.

Another element of this element is Table Topics. Reminiscent of evenings spent with family and friends after a dinner party, the coffee and tea are served and the moment is ripe for thought-provoking conversation. Creativity shines when it is proven that the best course of action to take when one doesn’t know the answer to a question is to make one up. You’re a magic matador. Make the bull fly.

Each manual speech is accompanied by a constructive evaluation based on the criteria set forth in the speaker’s manual. This serves two purposes: (a) to pinpoint a speaker’s strengths and weaknesses and what improvements, if any, need to be made; and (b) to pinpoint a listener’s strengths and weaknesses and what improvements, if any, need to be made.

5) Membership Strength: As I stated earlier, members come, members go and members stay. A club needs to maintain a minimum of 20 members. We currently have 15 active members.

What is the benefit of having at least 20 members? We need to be able to fill all offices to keep the wheels in motion. Some times we have to wear many hats. In my opinion, too many hats can weigh down the head.

Why do people go? Sometimes they face uncontrollable factors such as family emergencies, death, job relocation or they are simply not satisfied with their Toastmaster experience. So what can we do? We can strive to make them satisfied. Members are like flowers in a garden. We need to nurture them to help them grow. We need to actively promote our members and our club in our community. Newsletters, press releases, visits to other clubs, awareness through a presence at Chamber of Commerce events.

6) Achievement Recognition: When a member reaches a goal, we recognize it. When a manual is completed and an application is filed, we immediately send that application to World Headquarters. When I completed my Competent Communicator manual, not only did I receive a certificate suitable for framing, my employer received a formal letter trumpeting my accomplishments.

Our attitude shows.

Leaders

2010-06-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

Leaders

2010-05-31T15:36:00.000-07:00

How many of you have achieved or are actively working toward your Competent Leader Certification? I like to think of this as a rite of passage much akin to a teen-ager getting a driver’s license. It’s a sign you have arrived. When you joined Toastmasters you were given a manual with exercises and a check-off list to make you a Competent Leader. How cool can that be?

You may be asking, “What’s in it for me? What is a leader? Why would I want this?” A leader is someone who has the capacity to influence others to achieve worthwhile results. Some people are content with simply doing the job and letting others crack the whip. Wouldn’t you like to get up in the morning knowing you are in charge of yourself and can do what you set your mind to do? You can lead.

Anybody who has been with me since the dawn of my Toastmasters journey knows that it is my life-long goal to be the person on the movie set who calls, “action." They will testify, however, that I am an introvert. I cannot deny this. My dream and this characteristic do not go hand-in-hand. I don’t mind being in front of an audience. It’s the speaking part that kills me. I must battle this demon if I am to be a leader.

Through Toastmasters, you will learn more than just leadership. You won’t be cracking whips. We don’t do that here. You will develop communication skills. Not only will you be able to speak eloquently, you will enhance your ability to listen and thoroughly evaluate the information you garner. You will be using more than the standard 10 per cent of the average human brain’s capacity. Anything above that 10 per cent is extraordinary.

Imagine the feeling of exhilaration as you stand on a stage or at a lectern in front of a crowd of people all of whom share a common goal. Notice I said “exhilaration” not “anxiety”. You speak and your words flow with grace, eloquence and beauty. What more could you want? Besides more money and power. That will come. What do you have to gain?

In addition to battling the dreaded Publicspeaknaphobia, Toastmasters gives everybody opportunities to develop skills needed to listen, learn and think. That’s what it is about – listening, learning and thinking.

• Listen. Listen to what others have to say. Listen to their messages. Listen to yourself

• Learn through evaluation. This is a very important part of the listening process. Giving feedback is as important as receiving feedback. This is not a school. You are not being judged. You are among your peers. We evaluate. You evaluate.
• Think critically as you grow and observe yourself as well as others.

You will also develop organization, motivation and teamwork skills.

• Organization. How to be prepared. How to put your message together. How to conduct a meeting and secure the steady sail of your vessel. How to budget your time accordingly. How to set goals and follow through no matter how difficult the long and winding road may seem.

• How to lead through motivation and encouragement. Everybody has an opportunity to speak. Everybody has an opportunity to listen. Everybody has an opportunity to learn. And…

• Teamwork. A team is a group of individuals united for a common goal. United we stand. Divided we fall. We are your team. Nobody falls. All of us have a common goal. Let’s speak about it.

If we are leaders, what does a leader do? Leaders congratulate those who win, cheer those who come in second and applaud and encourage those who participate.
The beauty of it is all of the above-mentioned opportunities and characteristics are applicable to your day-to-day life. Do you motivate, encourage and teach your children so that they too can achieve worthwhile results? Will they motivate, encourage and teach their children? Are we a nation of leaders who create leaders? “If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain; if you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees; if you want one hundred years of prosperity, grow people” …Chinese Proverb

Wouldn’t you want to be a people grower in any career you choose and any road you take? At Toastmasters, you gain confidence as you hurdle the self-made obstacles in your path.

How many of you would like to become a professional speaker? Would you need to be able to market yourself as a leader in your field? Motivation and inspiration definitely apply here.

Do you want the words “Distinguished Toastmaster” to stand out on your CV? If you are interviewing for a job and the human resources director, fresh out of school, asks about the significance of a certain brand of kitchen appliance, would you regard this as a golden opportunity to exploit your Table Topic speaking skills by teaching and inspiring this poor lost soul who obviously needs to put you on the payroll ASAP?

How many of you are currently in a management position? Do any of the above-mentioned learning experiences apply here? Yes they do. You will learn to train, listen and motivate. You will lead others to train, listen and motivate.

You will have the opportunity to speak outside the club. How? Enter contests. Conduct a speechcraft workshop. Get involved in your area and/or district division. Get out there and volunteer. Toastmasters provides a variety of leadership workshop modules that you can conduct within or outside your club. Everything you need is available to you.

Around the same time I started in Toastmasters, another fellow joined our club. For a long time, Brian, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, could not present a speech without reading from his notes. Brian kept on track, worked his way through the offices and eventually became club president as well as district governor. Speaking became second nature to him. He accomplished this because he got involved. He followed the teachings of the Masters of the Toast. As a member of a Rotary Club, he found and made opportunities to give speeches outside of Toastmasters. He met with me one-on-one and coached me through the evaluation process. He took initiative and was able to influence me to achieve worthwhile results.

That, my friends, is the definition of a leader - someone who has the capacity to influence others to achieve worthwhile results.

Toastmasters creates leaders.

Leadership springs from anyone enabled and encouraged to express himself while working with purpose and meaning.

It is a journey of many steps. You took the first step when you made the decision to join. When you pick up you Competent Leader manual you are taking a step. When you accept an assignment from your Vice President of Education, you are taking a step. When you create a speech you are taking a step. When you stand at the lectern you are taking a step. When you listen to others at the lectern you are taking a step.

No matter how minute the step, it is a giant leap in a small world.

Communicating on Television - The Press Conference

2010-02-08T21:17:00.000-08:00

On February 2, 2010, Paul T. Abramson, Vice President of Education for Rising Star Toastmasters Club 1653 in Toluca Lake, California, delivered his fourth speech from the Toastmasters International Advanced Communication Series, Communicating on Television Manual - Project 4: The Press Conference. The speech, titled, Looking for Lee Alyn Abramson, focuses on Paul Abramsons attempts to find his missing father and includes valuable suggestions from club members on how to locate missing persons.

Lee Alyn Abramson

2010-01-30T17:55:00.000-08:00

Here is a photograph of my father, Lee Alyn Abramson, taken at my sister's wedding on March 26, 1988.

Toastmasters - Communicating on Television - The Press Conference

2010-01-27T21:37:00.000-08:00

Greetings Fellow Toastmasters:

This coming Tuesday I will be presenting the fourth speech in the Communicating on Television manual. I am to conduct a press conference. The conference is to be divided into two parts - the speech and questions and answers. The topic is very dear to me, and I need all the help I can get.

I have lost contact with my father. He is 77 years old and quite vulnerable. The last time I heard from him, he had moved to Las Vegas. I don't know if this is still the case. I do know that he was in the company of dishonest people who have been taking advantage of him.

This is a very serious matter and I implore everyone to be prepared to ask questions and offer advice. I need to know if he is OK.

Thank you and bless you.

Paul T. Abramson, ACB

Communicating on Television - The Press Conference

2010-01-25T22:15:00.000-08:00

LOOKING FOR LEE ALYN ABRAMSON

Advanced Communication Series

Communicating on Television

Project 4: The Press Conference

Opening statement is to be four minutes in length. Questions are eight minutes. The timer will please time both separately.

Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Abramson. On behalf of my brother and I, I would like to thank you for taking the time to assist us on a most pressing matter. We are looking for our father. His name is Lee Alyn Abramson. He is 77 years old. Alyn is spelled A L Y N. He was born to Joseph and Edna Abramson and raised in Los Angeles, California.

The last time I saw him in person was at his father’s funeral approximately three years ago. The last time I spoke to him was in the early months of 2009. His e-mail address had been discontinued as was his land-line telephone number. I reached him through a cellular phone number my brother, Bill, had. As we spoke on the phone, my father informed me that he sold his El Segundo condominium and was living with somebody in Las Vegas. He cut the conversation short by telling me he was busy watching television and would call me back. This was odd behavior for my father. I did not have an opportunity to get a mailing address from him.

Months passed, and I had received no communication from him. The cellular phone number I used to call him that last time was disconnected. He knows my contact information. He knows my brother’s contact information. To our knowledge, no attempts have been made to contact either of us.

I did Google searches for Lee Alyn Abramson and found no up-to-date matches. He owns unimproved land in Nevada, but there is no record of him residing in that state. A property records search and a deed confirmed that his El Segundo condominium was indeed sold in December of 2008.

On April 5, 2009, I e-mailed my Cousin, Marc Futterman, who is the executor of our grandfather’s estate, and expressed my concerns. He informed me that my father had “rejected his assistance in favor of some con artists who were showing him a good time with his money.” He had no knowledge of his plans to relocate. Marc also wanted to contact him in order to send him tax information and put a close to their “prior business relationship.”

My father was always careful with his money. He is an emotional man and very vulnerable.

My parents divorced when I was 17. My brother is three years younger than me. My older sister is deceased. Child support stopped being an issue when my brother came of age. My father soon re-married and had a new instant family.

I again wrote to Marc and told him what I knew. My father’s wife, Pilar, was ill. Her memory was gone and she moved to Stockton, California to be cared for by her children. My father, tired and drained from trekking back and forth, moved to Stockton to be with her. He was unhappy there and soon decided to make the move to Las Vegas. He was staying with somebody. I knew not who.

I did not know about the con artists and asked Marc for more information.

Marc’s second response is as follows:

“He had been on a ride with one of Pilar’s nieces (as I recall it was) who moved into his condo with her boyfriend, an ex convict. They were living in his condo rent free and he was buying them stuff left and right. He booted them out at one point then let them back.

“In the meantime, some other woman wanted to marry him. I do not remember her name. She had a daughter that he was also taking care of. I warned him about taking care of five families: Pilar and her daughter, the woman who wanted to marry him, her daughter, and Pilar’s niece’s boyfriend. Your dad loved all the attention he was getting, and the sex which unfortunately he graphically described to me with respect to the woman who wanted to marry him. I think the daughter was also involved. It was all rather disgusting and self-evident that he was being conned but he couldn’t see it instead thriving on being ‘loved’.

“He insisted that he take his money and spend it how he liked, with whom he liked. He threatened me a couple of times, which had little impact on me as I’d already decided to separate from him. I’m sorry I don’t have more to tell you or that could help. I agree he is very vulnerable and I too hope that he is ok.”

Marc suggested that I hire a private investigator. This is something I am looking into. My mother suggested my brother and I write to my father care of an El Segundo-based post office box address my brother had obtained. She felt that if we send letters via registered mail, it would be forwarded and somebody would have to sign for it. I doubt this will bear fruit as enough time has passed and the United States Postal Service does not reveal forwarding addresses except to process servers and federal agents.

I will now open the floor to questions and suggestions. Bear in mind that this conference will be posted and broadcast on the Internet.

Napoleon Hill talks about the secret to Think and Grow Rich

2010-01-21T23:48:00.000-08:00

How do you get featured on YouTube?

2010-01-03T21:47:00.001-08:00

I'm studying. I'm learning. I'm going to be a part of every community. That's my New Year's resolution.

Boats Ahoy!

2009-11-24T23:02:00.000-08:00

How to Fail in the Movie Business

2009-10-15T21:36:00.000-07:00

A Driving Conversation

2009-09-05T18:57:00.000-07:00

An Earp in Time

2009-07-22T00:13:00.000-07:00

Toastmasters Evaluation Contest March 28, 2009

2009-03-31T21:19:00.000-07:00

Apples to Bananas

2009-03-19T21:35:00.001-07:00

Apples to Bananas - Text

2009-03-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

My next speech is Project 3 from the Advanced Communication Series. The project is titled, "The Moral of the Story". I am to create a story (ala Aesop's Fables) that offers a lesson or a moral. The following is the text of the speech which I have prepared:

APPLES TO BANANAS
by Paul T. Abramson

Fable

There was once a banana on a banana tree. Actually, this is not unusual since bananas do grow on banana trees. This one, however, grew on a tree surrounded by apple trees. The banana stared at the apples every day, for there is not much a banana on a banana tree can do to entertain itself. The apple trees were much larger than the banana trees and therefore had an air of majesty about them.

“I do not like apples,” the banana thought. “They are indeed of a most conceited sort.”

One day, an apple noticed the banana and became quite disturbed. “Why do you stare at us so often with such a hate-filled glare?’

“I do not like you,” the banana snorted. “You and your bunch are fruity losers.”

The apple was astonished. “With all due respect, you too are a fruit. You speak such hurtful words, yet I am high in antioxidants. I make delicious pies that get along peachy with ice cream. I have no ill thoughts toward you.”

The banana was not impressed. “You must wait until you are ripe to be picked, processed, peeled and eaten. I am ready to leave my tree while I am still green. Do you think because we both grow on trees that we are of equal stature?”

“Nay, oh high and mighty bearer of little seed,” said the apple. “That plant upon which you grow, although called a banana tree, is not technically a tree at all as it has no woody stem. And as far as ice cream is concerned, you must be split and drenched in hot fudge and other assorted toppings before you can claim to be a superior treat. You are no doubt a leading cause of obesity and diabetes and a disgrace to our food group.”

The banana swung wildly with rage. “Words such as those you utter have brought nations to war for ages. You are often illustrated as the forbidden fruit and the poisoned apple is indeed the cause of death for many princesses.

The apple tree began to shake and all the apples it bore wept. “You know not of what you speak, Sir Banana. From our seeds grow beautiful trees which clean the air and bring nourishment to hungry children the world over and shelter for many of God’s creatures.”

The banana laughed for it was quite a sight to see so many silly apples crying on a tree. As he laughed, the other bananas made no sound. A monkey had jumped onto the banana tree. One by one the bananas were devoured – all except the one who hated the apples. He turned to see the monkey reaching for him. The peeled remains of his family lay on the ground beside the banana tree. “I’ve saved the best for last,” said the monkey with a Machiavellian grin as he grabbed the banana.

“Look over here, Mr. Monkey” said the apple with a smile. “Surely with your human-like intellect you are aware that an apple makes a more scrumptious desert.”

The monkey looked at the apple tree. The smell of fresh apple juice from the tears of the crying apples tickled his senses. “Indeed, I am quite a fancier of the Newton Pippin and Granny Smith.” With that, he released his victim and proceeded toward the apple tree.

The ground was littered with the banana peels the thoughtless monkey had left behind. The monkey slipped and fell against the apple tree. The blow caused the apples to fall and kill the monkey. The banana looked toward the apples and prayed for forgiveness.

From that day forward, the world was blessed with heavenly apple-banana pies.

Lesson

Don’t pass ill judgment upon others who may one day be your friends and save your life.

Taking Back the Magic

2009-03-03T05:20:00.000-08:00

A Walk in the Desert

2009-02-27T00:17:00.001-08:00

Table Topics - February 17, 2009

2009-02-22T14:43:00.001-08:00

Mr. Taylor's Penguins - Evaluation

2009-02-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

The following is the evaluation of Paul Abramson's Toastmasters speech "Mr. Taylor's Penguins":

After speakers present their speeches, another club member presents an evaluation of his or her assigned speaker’s speech. This gives the speakers insight into ways to improve their speaking skills. It also helps the evaluators improve their listening skills.

Mr. Taylor's Penguins - Speech

2009-02-07T17:26:00.000-08:00

The following is the speech presented by Paul Abramson on Tuesday, February 3, 2009:

Mr. Taylor's Penguins

2009-02-01T13:41:00.001-08:00

The following is a draft of the speech I've been working on for the past two weeks. It will be presented at the upcoming meeting of Toastmasters Rising Star Club #1653, Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at Paty's Restaurant 6:00 p.m.

MR. TAYLOR’S PENGUINS
by Paul T. Abramson

I learned the hard way. Know when to take the money and run.

I was once an award winning animation writer.

I canvassed the job board at the office of IFP/West (Independent Feature Project) looking for something that might jump start a stillborn career when an intriguing flyer caught my eye. A producer was looking for writers to collaborate on a screenplay for an animated feature film. He assured those who read the advertisement that this would lead to something huge. There was one minor inconvenience. The producer was in Palm Springs and I was in Los Angeles… without a car. Regardless, it sounded like a worthwhile deal, so my writing partner, Dave, and I decided to look into it. We hoped on a Greyhound bus headed to Palm Springs and met Larry Taylor at his preferred location – Carl’s Jr.

When we got there, I suggested we relocate to a place slightly more professional. Larry did not want to hold meetings at his residence due to a high number of feline roommates. One could only imagine a truckload of Renuzits not being able to resolve an uncomfortable situation. We meandered to our preferred location - Denny’s.

Larry was a seasoned man whom I had reason to suspect might somehow be related to Popeye. He claimed he could sell an igloo to an Eskimo and told us of his plan to produce an animated feature film he conceived titled “Penguinmania”. He was going to pitch the project to toy manufacturers and finance the film by selling merchandise licensing rights. It was a good idea… on paper, that is. Dave and I signed contracts for six figures payable upon sale.

Penguinmania was indeed toyific.

A group of performing penguins – Sloppy, Oppie, Doubter, Gabby, Pee-Wee and Show Biz – escape from mean Herman Drachmeyer’s zoo. They are befriended by gypsies who help them return to their families at the South Pole. South, Larry! Penguins have no interest in going to the North Pole.

Larry showed us rough, repeat rough, model sheets and artwork. He played a tape of songs that had been written for the film. The songs were impressive. He then presented us with a rough draft of the screenplay by another writer. GASP! Larry needed our help STAT!

To call this a rough draft was putting it mildly. The script had more holes than a derelict’s underwear. The word logic was obviously not in Larry’s vocabulary. “Where does this story take place, Larry?” “Holland.” “When does it take place?” “Present day.” “But you want gypsies similar to those of olden days?” “Yes.” Would they travel around in horse-drawn carriages in present day Holland? I suggest we keep this time and date neutral. “No. No. No.” Larry insisted it take place in present day, and he wanted this to be a Disney-style film.

After several bottles of Boone’s Farm, Dave and I managed to plug some of the holes. As a token of his gratitude, Larry gave us both Certificates of Achievement in animation writing and named us heads of the writing department for his studio-to-be.

I have to give Larry credit. He truly was on the up-and-up. His idea to pitch to toy companies, however, had a few holes of its own.

He managed to set up a meeting in New York with Alan Hassenfeld, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Hasbro, the world’s largest toy manufacturer. Hasbro had just bought out rival Kenner, giving them the Star Wars line. Back on the West Coast, Larry and company met with execs at Bandai. Bandai was starting to launch something called Pokemon. If you were a corporation with properties like Star Wars and Pokemon on the table, would you care about unknown dancing penguins? Our Happy Feet were standing still.

Kevin, a producer Larry had brought onto the project, set up a meeting with the crew and an independent financier who was genuinely interested in Penguinmania. The financier made a very generous offer to buy the concept so that he can develop it himself. He wanted the story, not the studio and the ice, not the igloo. He had the money. Our eyes lit up. Our dreams were about to come true.

“No,” said Larry. “These talented artists put their hearts and souls into Penguinmania. I refuse to take that away from them.” Take it, Larry. Don’t go for what’s behind curtain number one. He then proceeded to pitch his back-pocket project, Harmony Ranch.

No, Larry! Not Harmony Ranch! Know when to say “sold”. Take the offer and finance the company. Dave and I had dozens of back-pocket projects waiting to be made. What about Shepherdstone, Anwn, Miss Lady Liberty? Those are toyific.

We never saw the six-figure pay checks that were in our contracts.

Nobody saw Mr. Taylor’s penguins.

TOASTMASTERS ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SERIES STORYTELLING MANUAL PROJECT TWO, PART SEVEN

2009-01-26T22:31:00.000-08:00

New title:

Mr. Taylor's Penguins
by Paul T. Abramson

To call his version a rough draft was putting it mildly. The script had more holes than a derelict’s underwear. It wasn’t completely his fault. Larry wasn’t too clear on the concept of logic. Where did it take place? Holland. When does it take place? Present day. Would one find gypsies traveling around Holland in horse-drawn carriages in present day Holland? Heck no! I said let’s keep this time and date neutral. No, Larry insisted it take place in present day. To solve this, I suggested we make Shaman and his troupe a traveling circus with claims to former glory. This would give a little political correctness to their appearing in a stereotypical manner most people of that ethnicity would like to shed. They were the good guys.

Speaking of good guys and bad guys, when writing a story, remember this: one protagonist and one antagonist.

The protagonist (aka the hero) is the pivotal character to whom things happen. The antagonist (aka the villain) is the character whose actions set the story in motion. An antagonist does not necessarily have to be evil. His or her motives might be well-intentioned, just like the protagonist might be a criminal.

In the case of Penguinmania, the obvious answer to who is the antagonist is Drachmeyer the zookeeper. As Dave and I dove into the script, we realized it was Show Biz’s story. He had the most at stake. Would he ever get the chance to perform on stage? Would he get to the South Pole? Would he marry Oppie? Would he and Oppie adopt Pee-Wee?

Whatever the answer would be, Larry did know that he wanted a Disney ending. What happens in a Disney ending? The prince and princess get married and live happily ever after.

The wealthy American buys the zoo from Drachmeyer’s mother, Drachmeyer is fired, the penguins return home to the South Pole, Show-Biz and Oppie AND Doubter and Gabby get married in a double wedding ceremony, Pee-Wee is re-united with his birth parents, and Show Biz has his show-stopping number on stage.

Larry gave Dave and me Certificates of Achievement in animation writing and roles as head writers for his soon-to-be-founded studio.

TOASTMASTERS ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SERIES STORYTELLING MANUAL PROJECT TWO, PART SIX

2009-01-24T18:23:00.000-08:00

Larry and the Penguins, Part One
by Paul T. Abramson

Now let’s get to work filling in the details.

I canvassed the job board at the office of IFP/West (Independent Feature Project) looking for something that might jump start a stillborn career when an intriguing flyer caught my eye. A producer was looking for writers to collaborate on a screenplay for an animated feature film. He assured those who read the advertisement that, although there was to be no initial financial payback, this would lead to something huge. There was one minor inconvenience. The producer was in Palm Springs and I was in Los Angeles… without a car. Regardless, it sounded like a worthwhile deal, so my writing partner, Dave, and I decided to look into it. We hoped on a Greyhound bus headed to Palm Springs and met Larry Taylor at his preferred location – Carl’s Jr.

When we got there, I suggested we relocate to a place slightly more professional. We meandered to a neighboring Denny’s. Larry did not want to hold meetings at his residence due to a high number of feline roommates. One could only imagine a truckload of Renuzits not being able to resolve an uncomfortable situation.

Larry was a seasoned man who I had reason to suspect might somehow be related to Popeye. He claimed he could sell an igloo to an Eskimo and told us of his plan to produce an animated feature film he conceived titled “Penguinmania”. He was going to pitch the project to toy manufacturers and finance the film by selling merchandise licensing rights. It was a good idea… on paper, that is.

Penguinmania was indeed toyific.

A group of performing penguins – Sloppy, Oppie, Doubter, Gabby, Pee-Wee and Show Biz – escape from evil Herman Drachmeyer’s zoo. They are befriended by gypsies who help them return to their families at the South Pole. South, Larry! Penguins have no interest in going to the North Pole.

Larry showed us rough, repeat rough, model sheets and artwork. He played a tape of songs that had been written for the film. The songs were impressive. In Larry’s words, an animated movie without songs is like a car without wheels. I agree. He then presented us with a draft of the screenplay by another writer. GASP! Larry needed our help STAT!

Dave and I had a writing routine – get together, brainstorm ideas and take turns at the word processor while the other paced about. The original writer, who was still on board, was not used to this method of working.

To be continued...

TOASTMASTERS ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SERIES STORYTELLING MANUAL PROJECT TWO, PART FIVE

2009-01-21T23:34:00.000-08:00

Step six – Outline the plot. This is where I list the events that move the story.

1) Paul sees an ad on a bulletin board at the office of IFP/West (Independent Feature Project) and makes an appointment to meet with Larry.

2) Paul and Dave take a Greyhound bus to meet with Larry at a Carl’s Jr. (aka Hardy’s) in Palm Springs.

3) Larry explains his plan and tells Paul and Dave he needs a screenplay rewritten. He needs help turning shucks into gold.

4) Paul and Dave rewrite script. (List the problems with the original draft) and how they were remedied).

5) Larry and his entourage set up meetings with executives at Hasbro and Bandai.

6) Larry is offered money to sell the concept and not the film to another producer. Larry declines. Project fails.

7) Several years later, Larry’s co-producer asks Paul to come up with a concept to present to Cartoon Network at a pitch meeting. The Robucks are born.

Step seven – Decide at what point the story begins and at what point the story ends.

The story of Larry and the Penguins opens with Paul reading an advertisement posted on a job board at IFP/West.

The story concludes when Kevin asks Paul to come up with a concept to pitch to Cartoon Network. This way, we can end the story on a positive note.

TOASTMASTERS ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SERIES STORYTELLING MANUAL PROJECT TWO, PART FOUR

2009-01-19T22:59:00.000-08:00

Step two – establish the setting. Where does the story take place?

I’ll narrow it down to two locations:

• Los Angeles, California and

• Palm Springs, California

Step three – List the characters. I’ll limit this to three pivotal characters:

• Paul (me),

• Dave and

• Larry (the producer)

Step four – establish the time:

The mid 1990s

Step five – State the problem or conflict.

Two talented but struggling animation writers accept a deferred-payment writing assignment from a film producer with plans to entice toy manufacturers to invest in the production of an animated feature film.

Fortifying themselves with bottles of Boone’s Farm, the writers tackle the daunting task of rewriting an existing piece of garbage and turning it into a workable screenplay.

The producer’s stubbornness and unwillingness to sell the entire production to an interested, moneyed financier/producer causes the downfall of the project.

As shown in the above paragraphs, the conflict is:

Know when to say, “Sold.”

Or maybe just, "Take the Money and Run".

TOASTMASTERS ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SERIES STORYTELLING MANUAL PROJECT TWO, PART THREE

2009-01-16T22:15:00.000-08:00

It is now time to discover the actual point of the story. I am going to have to write a log line.

It was Aristotle who, many eons ago, realized that all well-told stories must contain the following three elements:

A beginning,
A middle, and
An end.

In other words:

Tell them what you’re going to tell them,
Tell them, then
Tell them what you have told them.

Step one on page nine of the manual says, “Write down the point of your story. Keep it to one sentence.”

The point of the story, Larry and the Penguins, is:

Don’t try to sell your product to the wrong market.

In other words:

Would you go to a supermarket with the intent of buying a car?

That’s what I thought.

I urge everybody reading this to please post a constructive critique in the comments sections under the postings and to add this site to your list of blogs you follow.

Thank you.

Paul T. Abramson, CC
VP Public Relations
Toastmasters Rising Star Club #1653

TOASTMASTERS ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SERIES STORYTELLING MANUAL PROJECT TWO, PART TWO

2009-01-16T21:51:00.000-08:00

I have decided to base my Toastmasters speech on an event which happened early in my career. I will tell the story of how an animation studio was almost formed. For reasons you will soon learn, I will title this Toastmasters speech, “Larry and the Penguins.”

In this Toastmasters speech, I will explore how valuable friendships/contacts are made, where not to hold a story meeting, how to ruin a pitch meeting and the similarities and differences between toy manufacturers and film producers. I will also answer the question whether or not penguins are the least bit interested in going to the North Pole.

So everybody, please open your Toastmasters Advanced Communication Series Storytelling manuals, turn to page nine, project two - “Let’s Get Personal”, and follow along. Let’s see if I can take the advice from the evaluator of my previous speech – “We Are Not a Muse” - stay on track and follow directions.

I urge everybody reading this to please post a constructive critique in the comments sections under the postings and to add this site to your list of blogs you follow.

Thank you.

Paul T. Abramson, CC
VP Public Relations
Toastmasters Rising Star Club #1653

Toastmasters Advanced Communication Series Storytelling Manual Project Two, Part One

2009-01-14T21:05:00.000-08:00

It is mid-January and I am preparing to write my second Toastmasters speech of the year 2009. My previous speech – We Are Not a Muse – was not as successful as my two prior speeches – The Little Fox and Isaac and Sleeping Beauty Awakens. Both won the best prepared speaker award. Therefore, I have decided to take a different approach to writing Toastmasters speeches.

I am currently using the Toastmasters Advanced Communication Series Storytelling manual. Sleeping Beauty Awakens was the first project in this manual. That means I have four more speeches to present in order to qualify for the Advanced Communicator Bronze award.

Speech number two from the Toastmasters Storytelling manual is “Let’s Get Personal”. As I write this speech, I will post my notes on this blog. I will post the purpose, outline, notes and final draft of the speech. This will be followed by a video of the presented speech and a video of the accompanying evaluation.

I urge everybody reading this to please post a constructive critique in the comments sections under the postings and to add this site to your list of blogs you follow.

Thank you.

Paul T. Abramson, CC
VP Public Relations
Toastmasters Rising Star Club #1653

Evaluation - We Are Not A Muse

2009-01-13T20:50:00.000-08:00

The following is the evaluation provided
for my Toastmaster speech titled

We Are Not A Muse

Please help me improve by posting your comments
and suggestions in the space below. Thank
you.

Speech - We Are Not A Muse

2009-01-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

WE ARE NOT A MUSE

2009-01-04T22:23:00.000-08:00

WE ARE NOT A MUSE
by
Paul T. Abramson

According to Greek mythology, there are nine muses. I cannot seem to find any of them. Those nine goddesses that preside over the arts and sciences seem to be ignoring me. Perhaps they are playing a game with me – a game of Hide and Seek.

The players are:

1) Calliope: Epic poetry

2) Clio: History

3) Erato: Song, love poetry

4) Euterpe: Lyric poetry, music

5) Melpomene: Tragedy

6) Polymnia: Sacred poetry

7) Terpsichore: Dance

8) Thalia: Comedy

9) Urania: Astronomy

These goddesses, who throughout the ages have inspired famous writers, artists, musicians, poets, scientists and leaders, are hiding from me.

Where will I find my muse? At a museum? In music? At an amusement park?

Perhaps the question should be, “Do the muses really exist?” If they do not exist, what sparks imagination?

I shall begin my search by asking myself, “What fascinates me?” I will make a list. This list is not in any particular order except for what is coming to my mind first. Perhaps this is because the muses were the daughters of Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory. What do these items have in common?

1) Lighthouses,

2) Vintage amusement park rides, especially antique carousels,

3) The California missions,

4) Vintage/antique toys,

5) Vintage advertising items such as signs and boxes,

6) Classic cartoons, especially anything Walt Disney made prior to 1960,

7) The origin of the romance languages,

8) Vineyards,

9) The classic fairy tales when read in their original text

There are nine items on what could be an endless list.

What do these items have in common?

1) Lighthouses have for many centuries shined a beacon of hope and safety to people through calm and stormy times.

2) Antique carousels are all of the arts rolled into one. They are paintings, sculpture, music and motion. Along with other vintage amusement park rides, they move me back in time.

3) The California missions, many of which are still serving their intended purpose, represent the history of my homeland.

4) Toys are an important part of childhood. Whether or not they are toys I played with, they brought joy to a child and evoke memories. What was your favorite toy?

5) Vintage advertising items such as posters, print-ads and signs are signs-of-times past. They tell me where we have been and perhaps give me a clue as to where we are going. It has a greater value to me if the product advertised still exists.

My grandfather had an old sign on his wall. It consisted of Japanese characters. For a long time, we did not know what it said until somebody who spoke Japanese translated it. Drink Coca Cola.

6) Anybody who knows me knows that classic cartoons, especially those by my hero, Walt Disney, should most likely be number one on my list. Somebody sat down, drew this and made it come to life. I am overjoyed when I see an animated film made by people who, like me, long for the golden age of animation.

7) Although English is not a romance language, it is heavily influenced by those that are. English is my native tongue. When spoken properly it is very beautiful. I believe that knowledge of the origin of the words I speak is a very useful tool.

8) A vineyard gives me the same emotion as that of a lighthouse or the California missions. They bring to mind history and tranquility.

9) The classic fairy tales in their original text give me a glimpse at how my culture and native language have evolved. Unfortunately, they have been edited and censored over the ages.

What do these items have in common? They bring back emotions of times long ago. They are nostalgic. They are history.

Oh, my goddess! It’s Clio. Clio, the goddess of history, is my muse. I have found her!

Have you found your muse?

"Unromanticizing Christmas" by Toastmaster Jeanette Hollyday

2008-12-26T10:03:00.000-08:00

Toastmaster Robert Ritchey Evaluating Jeanette Hollyday's Speech, "Unromanticizing Christmas"

2008-12-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

Toastmasters Rising Star Club #1653 Welcomes a New Member - December 16, 2008

2008-12-26T09:56:00.000-08:00

Toastmasters Jeff Scott and Josh Dann Receive Their Competent Communicator Certificates

2008-12-26T09:52:00.000-08:00

Facing My Fear of Heights by Toastmaster Baltimore Salazar

2008-12-23T23:21:00.000-08:00

Fear by Toastmaster Baltimore Salazar

2008-12-23T23:19:00.000-08:00

Toastmaster Lance Webster Evaluating Toastmaster Baltimore Salazar December 16, 2008

2008-12-23T23:16:00.000-08:00

The Giant Dreidel

2008-12-10T21:34:00.000-08:00

THE HOUSE WITHOUT A CHRISTMAS TREE

2008-12-10T21:18:00.001-08:00

Toastmasters International
Communication and Leadership Program
Project Three

The House Without a Christmas Tree
by Paul T. Abramson

I am going to tell you how my mother compensated for our never having a Christmas tree. And in the process, you will learn how to create your own holiday symbol.

I shall first explain that I am Jewish. Because of this, we did not celebrate Christmas. Chanukah was the big holiday every winter. The first night of Chanukah was special. We would sit and watch and wait for the sun to set. Then we would light the candles on the menorah, and exchange gifts. But we never had a tree.

Remembering that we were Jewish was very important. Chanukah is an eight-night event. Due to the fact that the Jewish religion uses a different calendar, Chanukah sometimes occurs several weeks before Christmas. This is one of the perks of being Jewish. It allows you ample time to gloat in front of your non-Jewish friends about all the neat toys you have already received. They would have to wait. And you still get to enjoy Frosty, Rudolph, and the Grinch. But what made Chanukah extra special was the Giant Dreidel, which my mother would make with our assistance.

What is a dreidel? A dreidel is a very pivotal part of the Chanukah holiday. The word dreidel is actually derived from the German word for top. A dreidel is a four sided spinning toy inscribed with Hebrew characters – Nun, Gimel, Heh, and Shin – an acronym that stands for “A Great Miracle Happened There.” The exception is dreidels made in Israel, which read “A Great Miracle Happened Here. It’s a gambling game. Which character the dreidel stops on determines who gets the candy coins in the pot. Or who puts the candy coins in the pot.

My mother would make the Giant Dreidel using a round wastebasket for the base. The body and lid were made of shipping boxes acquired from the rear of the local Safeway. The handle was from an empty roll of either toilet paper or paper towels.

This is how you make a Giant Dreidel. Place the box on top of the wastebasket. Next cover the box and wastebasket with gift-wrapping paper. For best results, choose a paper without a Christmas theme. Once you have secured the paper to the base and body of the dreidel, you can create the lid. Using the box cover, cut a hole in the center and insert the empty roll. Tape the handle in place and cover the newly crafted lid with the wrapping paper.

You are now ready to create the characters. To do this, you will need colored construction paper or card stock. Draw the characters – Nun, Gimel, Heh, and Shin – cut them - neatness counts – and glue them in place on the appropriate side. You are not finished.

It is time to decorate the Giant Dreidel. You can decorate it any way you want. But please bear in mind that this is Chanukah. Santa Claus will have to stay at the North Pole.

With the Giant Dreidel seated proudly in the living room, lift the lid and insert the toys. If the toys do not fit, it is okay to lay them around the Giant Dreidel in a manner similar to that of a Christmas tree.

The next step is to sit and wait and watch as the sun slowly sets. This is an extremely long process on the first night of Chanukah. After the sun finally leaves, it is time to light the candles on the menorah and say a prayer thanking God for allowing us to kindle the Chanukah lights. You may then proceed with the getting of gifts. Or the giving of gifts, depending on your age.

For nights two through eight, repeat the previous step. Candy coins (called gelt) will serve as appropriate gifts.

After the eighth night of Chanukah, it is time to say good-bye to the Giant Dreidel. Open the lid and step inside. If you have a dog, place him inside too. Rock the dreidel back and forth as vigorously as you can. The Giant Dreidel will magically transform itself into garbage, ready to rise like the phoenix and be re-born next year.

That is how to make a Giant Dreidel. And that is how my mother compensated for our never needing a Christmas tree.

The Pepsi Thief

2008-11-27T12:16:00.000-08:00

Toastmasters International
Communication and Leadership Program
Project 6
"The Pepsi Thief"
by Paul T. Abramson

The following is based on a true story.

Once upon a time in a faraway kingdom formerly known as Siam, there lived a fair maiden. So beautiful was she, her mother called her Mao because she moved with the grace of a cat. Mao had a passion for the culinary arts and dreamed of one day becoming a master chef and owning her own restaurant.

Upon her twentieth year, the young maiden fell in love with a dashing naval officer named Dang, who unfortunately was married. “Wait for me one year, my beloved,” he promised. “I shall divorce my wife and you and I shall wed.”

A year passed, and the wife bore the naval officer a child. “Wait for me one more year, and we shall be together till death do us part.”

So deep was Mao’s love for the handsome Dang, she agreed. She kept herself chaste. No other man was so deserving of her affections as was her beloved Dang. But alas, poor Mao’s faith and heart were broken. Another year had passed, and the wife bore the naval officer yet another child. No divorce was ever considered. The maiden, so distraught, drank her tears away for one week’s span.

It was during the waiting period that Mao received many letters from a gentleman named Hom. Mao did not reply, though Hom was quite persistent. Upon her return home, she met Hom and instructed him that, if he truly liked her, he should meet her parents and formally ask them for their daughter’s hand in marriage. So ‘twas done.

The couple was blessed with two children, a son named Keen and a daughter named Aeu.

Hom’s job kept them apart for months on end. When Aeu was a mere five years old, the marriage was over. There had been no love, only like. They parted amicably, but Mao was left to raise her two young children on her own since there were no laws regarding alimony and child support.

More time passed, and Mao soon met Sompang. A new romance arose. They were more than boyfriend and girlfriend. They were business partners. At last, Mao had her restaurant. Life was good.

But the happiness would not last. Tragedy struck. Mao’s father was sent to heaven.

Now in charge of the family, Mao invited her mother and two younger brothers to live with her. To show their gratitude, the brothers agreed to work in the restaurant without compensation. This was their first job, and food was all they requested. Sompang was not convinced.

To make ends meet, Mao took on a second job. She awoke early each morning to work as a Deputy District Officer, cooking meals for over four hundred government employees. It was hard work, and she loved it. She was cooking to her heart’s delight and earning more money than she ever dreamed possible. This continued for two years.

Meanwhile, Sompang revealed his dislike for Mao’s beloved mother and devoted brothers. He complained bitterly, and finally a feud began. One day, one of the brothers became thirsty at work. He quenched his thirst by consuming a popular drink known as Pepsi. Sompang witnessed the act and became outraged. “You are stealing the inventory!” he cried. “That will not be tolerated!”

Sompang approached the mother and yelled, “Your son is nothing but a common Pepsi Thief!” The words stung like daggers through the aging widow’s heart.

Mao, sensing her mother’s tears, demanded a retraction. “How dare you speak that way to my mother. I insist you apologize for your cruel and unjust remarks.” No apology was forthcoming. She vowed that no man will ever enter her life again.

Mao decided she must begin a new life. “Where will you go?” asked the mother.

“I shall journey to a new land where opportunities arise with each dawning of the sun. It will be a land consisting of fifty states united to form one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.”

Mao did roam far and wide and eventually arrived in the village of Ree No in the kingdom of Ne Vah Dah. Mao spent several years in this sleepy little village, working in restaurants from sun up till sun down. She had no time to learn English, the language of the country. No man was allowed access to her heart.

One day, a dear friend invited Mao to visit her in a city of angels. “If you go to the City of the Angels, you can work in many massage parlors and learn the craft of Siamese Massage. It is quite profitable and an honorable profession.” Mao’s tourist visa had expired, so she was intrigued and left the village of Ree No for the City of the Angels.

Soon after she arrived, another man entered her life. A handsome knight known as Sir Paul delighted her with tales from his life. Unbeknownst to Mao, Sir Paul was a member of an organization called the Masters of the Toast. He was able to speak eloquently and showed a deep interest in Mao. Mao broke her vow and found she was quickly falling in love.

To the knight’s dismay, Mao moved from village to village, through many jobs - sometimes in massage parlors and sometimes in restaurants. Her heart remained in the restaurants. With each new location, she moved – living with friends. She had no home of her own.

All was well, she thought. A new life. A new career. A new love. This was not long lived.

One day, an agent paid a visit to one of the massage parlors where Mao was employed. Mao had neither license nor Social Security Number. “You may not work here,” he said. “You must either become a legal citizen of this country or you will be forced to return to Siam.”

Mao ran to Sir Paul in tears. “Help me, Sir Paul. Help me to stay in this wonderful country. If you marry me, I will be allowed to stay and work and I will love you and take care of you till death do us part.”

Sir Paul was flabbergasted. Was her love for him real or was he being played for a fool? “I shall do no such thing,” said the knight. “There are many methods for becoming a legal citizen. I recommend you investigate it further.” His words were filled with anger, but his heart was filled with sympathy. For he knew a marriage of convenience would be a mistake for both parties.

Applying for citizenship was a lengthy process and not an option Mao wished to exercise. In the City of the Angels, the massage parlors paid more than the restaurants. In the village of Ree No, the restaurants paid more than the massage parlors. Restaurants required no license. Mao made a decision. It was time to move again.

It was time to start a new life again.

It was time to return to the village of Ree No.

“Good-bye, fair Mao,” said Sir Paul. “May you live happily ever after.”

Toastmasters

2008-11-23T11:13:00.000-08:00

TOASTMASTER PAUL ABRAMSON REMEMBERS HIS DAYS AT RINGLING BROTHERS’ "BARNUM'S KALEIDOSCAPE"

2008-11-19T21:57:00.000-08:00

It was a nice winter day in Chicago at the turn of the century. Ringling Brothers had not done a tent show in over 40 years. I, Paul Abramson, can now add sloughing a tent to my curriculum vitae. Note the Sears Tower in the background. Below is a future performer in training.

When I told my friend I was going to work for a circus, he asked if I was going to wear a funny red hat. I told him no…

… It was a funny blue jacket.

This cart was on display during the premiere performances in Century City, California. It is over 100 years old and was originally used as a ticket booth for the Sells Floto circus.

I brought my circa 1950s Bell and Howell 16mm movie camera with me when I ran away with the circus. Before I lost the irreplaceable viewfinder, I was able to shoot some incredible behind-the-scenes footage which I plan to post soon.

Toastmaster Paul T. Abramson

Ryhmes with Seuss

2008-11-16T19:59:00.000-08:00

Toastmasters International
Communications and Leadership Program Manual
Project Five - Your Body Speaks

Ryhmes with Seuss
by Paul T. Abramson

I searched and I searched and I searched in vain.
But my quest just lead to pain.

One day I found myself without a job.
I lived in fear I’d become a slob.

The rent was due.
I had no car.
My life long dream seemed very, very far.

My luck would change.
It was coming back.
My mother, to me, had sent a fax.

It was an ad.
It made me glad.
I read with glee.
I did not frown.
The ad, you see, said the circus was in town.
Come work for the circus and runaway.
Have some fun and get some pay.

This opportunity I could not pass.
To the site, I hauled my ass.

In Century City? Oh, woe is me.
A corporate job it must be.
What is this? This thing I see.
This thing I see in front of me.
To my surprise, a circus tent.
So that is where I went.

The pay was bad.
The perks were good.
I rarely had to purchase food.
With a great health plan,
I’d see this land.
This type of work, I could stand.

I no longer was a failure.
OK, so I lived in a trailer.

I would not call it a dump.
Although the restrooms were Andy Gump.
I lived with people from many cultures.
Some would often behave like vultures.

To them Andy Gump was bad, I think.
They’d leave a calling card in the sink.

First night was great.
We partied long.
Next week we moved.
T’was a different song.

In town one month to do the show.
To many new places, I did go.
I saw the Grand Canyon and the Alamo.

Two days load out. Eight days load in.
That is how we earned our pay.
To do my job I’d watch the show
Sometimes twice a day.
This is bad? I’d never say.
The performances were great.
But it soon became apparent the old lady would always drop the plate.

An archer would shoot and fear no dread
An apple off his own dang head.

No elephants, lions, or tigers, oh geez.
There was an elegant equestrian and a lady with geese.

An acrobat did her act while standing on a pole
Balanced on the head of a man on stilts.
It’s amazing he never tilts.
Precision was part of their role.
I’ll always remember her. She was the one,
I often dreamed would become
The future Mrs. Abramson.
Dream on, Paul. You’re so shy.
You could never be her guy.
The circus was her life, that’s why.

A year went by and some months more.
Sweeping the tent had become a chore.
In many new towns I did roam.
Each town left me with thoughts of home.
I thought of the family I’d love to greet.
And of the newborn cousin I’d love to meet.
I thought of the dream that had passed me by.
Each loan payment I made, I asked
Why, oh God, Why?
Why should I let life be as it is?
Why not be happy?
After all, it’s Show Biz.

I studied to make movies, I know in my heart.
But a job like this I could never part.

My frustration boiled much more than I knew.
I did my job hard and I did my job through.
But it didn’t seem good enough to a fellow I knew.
He made me upset. He made me uptight.
Before I knew it, we had a fight.
I said something awful. I’m sorry to this day still.
I never should have uttered the words “I will kill.”

The next night when I showed up to work
I knew without a doubt I was a jerk.
My days with the circus had expired.
My boss told me I was fired.

Two days on a Greyhound bus home I did ride.
Sleep was something I was denied.
Believe me, God I tried.
But every time I closed my eyes,
The brat behind me cried.

This is now and that was then.
I can always speak proudly of way back when.
It is now just a fond memory.
When I ran away with the circus,
And the circus ran away with me.

Paul T. Abramson is a member of Toastmasters Rising Star Club #1653 which meets on the first and third Tuesday nights each month, 6:00, at Paty's Restaurant - 10001 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, California. He is currently serving as Vice President of Public Relations.

Japanese Water Fountain

2008-11-12T22:37:00.000-08:00

A fellow Toastmaster from my Rising Star Toastmasters club sent me this video. It is indeed fascinating.

Abortive

2008-11-11T22:08:00.000-08:00

Word of the Daze

Abortive: Fine vellum made from the skin of a cast (stillborn) calfor lamb.

Word of the Daze

2008-11-10T21:03:00.000-08:00

Today, I am trying something new. Words from the English language of long, long ago.

ABCEDARIAN

(1) A person or book that teaches the alphabet.

(2) A word formed from the first four or five letters of the alphabet.

2008-11-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I should have put the evaluation link first so that the speech would appear on top.

The Little Fox and Issac

2008-11-09T14:06:00.000-08:00

This is my first posting of a Toastmasters speech. I am a member of Toastmasters Rising Star Club #1653. This is from the Advanced Communication Series, Entertaining Speaker manual. It was presented on election day, November 4, 2008.

Welcome

2008-11-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

This is my first posting on a blog. So here I go...