A Little Idea... An Exercise in Introspection and Editing

By Erin S.

I heard an awesome story on Talk of the Nation on NPR today and 
thought I'd share.

 

Legend has it that Earnest Hemingway was once asked to write a story 
in just six words.  His response, "For Sale: baby shoes, never worn."

Smith Magazine has taken the six word concept a step further and is 
encouraging it's readers to submit six word memoirs.  They asked 
their readers to describe their life right now in six words, and got 
an amazingresponse. They received so many brilliant submissions 
that they have compiled several books, the most recent of which is 
"It All Changed in an Instant."

In my design work I try to get it down to most simple design possible 
to convey the message.  Six word memoirs are an exercise in the same 
self editing.  It's much harder than it seems, and is a great way to flex
your literary skills and take a moment to reflect on your life.

Look through some of the examples, take a few minutes and come
up with six words that tell the story of your life right now and post
it in the comments.  What's my memoir you ask?

My six word memoir:  Still undefined and okay with that.

Here are a few more examples to inspire you, including a few from 
some famous memoirists...

A Little Television... GLEE

by Erin S.

Huge, huge, HUGE Glee Scoop!  As many of you might already know, Joss Whedon (TV GENIUS!)  is guest directing an episode of Glee some time next season, and as if this news isn't enough, it's about to get a whole lot better!

Michael Ausiello of Entertainment Weekly is reporting that musical darling and star of CBS's How I Met Your Mother, Neil Patrick Harris is in serious talks with the creators of the show to guest star in the episode that Joss Whedon will be directing.  It seems Mr. Whedon and Mr. Harris are anxious to recreate the brilliant magic they made with Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog,  NPH himself told Ausiello at the Golden Globes that the only thing keeping it from being a done deal is CBS, who has to give their star permission to stray to Fox Network.  So cross those fingers, because how awesome would this be!  I mean picture it! Or if you can't, watch this!

A Little Television... Shows back on in 2010

by Erin

photo: Ausiello Files

I took the very last of my Christmas decorations down today. I know. SAD. I guess it really is time to let go of the holidays and settle fully into January. Wa-hoo. (You could cut my enthusiasm with a knife couldn't you?)

One nice thing about settling back into reality is that actually decent television returns. (I don't know about you, but I can only watch Rudolph so many times before I start wondering what Yukon Cornelius would look like without his head...)

And just so you don't miss the return of all your favorite shows, I've provided you with a list! (Thank you Michael Ausiello @ EW.com for doing the research!) Those with a star next to them are shows I really enjoy, and think you should enjoy too! (Some of these dates have already passed, but that way you will know that your show is already back and you better get caught up!)

And now it's your turn to comment back! Let me know which shows you love, and I'll do my best to keep you posted on all the latest news. My post will only be as interesting as you make them, so the ball is in your court people! Otherwise you're going to be hearing a whole lot about Bones, and Chuck, just sayin'!

Sunday, Jan. 3
Desperate Housewives returns (ABC), 9 PM
Brothers and Sisters returns (ABC), 10 PM

A Little Cinema...The Golden Globes 2010

by Erin

Ladies and... Ladies!  Award season is upon us!  The Golden Globes are Sunday night, and like any self respecting media writer out there, I've got predictions!!! Well... actually... it's more like I'm giving you an overview of all the predictions I could stand to read.  Thanks to Todd Jacobs at Associated Content , Dave Karger at Entertainment Weekly, and Melinda Newman at MSN Entertainment, for seeing all the movies, and thus giving us an idea of what to expect.

Best Motion Picture Drama: 

Nominees: Avatar, The Hurt Locker, Inglorious Basterds, Precious, and Up in the Air.

Who will win?  Although Avatar's effects earned it billions, all the buzz is pointing towards George Clooney's "Up in the Air" to take the prize.

Best Actress in a Drama:

Nominees: Emily Blunt The Young Victoria, Sandra Bullock The Blind Side, Helen Mirren The Last Station, Carey Mulligan An Education, Gabourey Sidibe Precious.

Who will win? Well... It's pretty much anyone's game!  Every critic I consulted said someone different.  But apparently the buzz is leaning towards new-comers Mulligan or Sidibe. Sandra fans don't give up hope!  Some people think she'll be recognized for a banner year (have people really forgotten about All About Steve?). If I had to pick one, I'd go with Carey Mulligan, but don't hold me to that.

Best Actor in a Drama...