When we were little, how often did we say to our favorite grown-ups, "Tell me a story!"

It doesn't really matter how old we are. Storytelling, whether in the form of office gossip or television shows or movies or the magazines we read waiting in line at the market, is still a major foundation of our lives. Storytelling binds us together. It defines our culture, our values, and who we are as individuals.

So sit back, relax, and close your eyes, and I'll tell you a story.