Causes of Laughter By Petre An

We all laugh; we all know this sensation that is regulated by the brain, but have you ever asked why do we laugh? What do we think that is so funny, so we start laughing out loud?

There are three theories about what we find funny: the incongruity theory, the superiority theory and the relief theory.

The incongruity theory was elaborated in 1970 by the German philosopher Immanuel Kant in "The Critique of Judgment". This theory suggests that what causes laughter is the "non-matching" of what we expect to happen and what really happens. When a joke begins, our mind and body anticipates what is about to happen. That anticipation is intertwined with our emotions and past experiences, so, when a joke goes in a different direction we need to switch gears and new emotions invade our brain - we experience two sets of incompatible thoughts. In conclusion, we are laughing out loud!

The superiority theory is based on laughing of somebody's mistake or stupidity. We feel superior to that person so we start laughing.

The relief theory or the release theory was defined by Sigmund Freud - he has a strong argument which holds that "all laughter results from a release of excessive energy". With this theory Freud explains the "type" of laughter that allows us to release or to get rid of a very stressful thought. He thinks that this theory can be applied when we talk about sexual or hostile feelings. It allows us to hint and to say things that we would never say in a polite and serious conversation. Freud says that this is the theory that we apply when we tell something serious about someone, that person gets mad and we hide behind this cliché: "I was joking!".

Another way to laugh out loud is by tickling. When another person tickles us we can't stop laughing because our brain is surprised with exterior actions. Have you ever tried to tickle yourself? Have you observed that you simply can't laugh? It's strange, but scientists, after they built a "tickle machine", they found out that our brain needs to be surprised with foreign actions. How the brain uses this information about tension and surprise is still a mystery.

These are the causes of laughter. Now all we need to do is to find someone that knows how to tell a funny story, or someone we could gossip with or somebody that makes us laugh because he is very playful or stupid and inattentive - so that we could apply all the elaborated theories about laughter.

More stuff about laughter or that can make you laugh, here: Laughter Land

The Naked Gnomes By Robert A. Mills

My friend Willy Moncrief, the effervescent Irishman, stops over once or twice a week, and he always brings a six-pack of Dortmunder's Lite Dark Lager, all of which he drinks himself. I think he brings it because he knows I keep nothing in the house, rarely even a sociable glass of wine, but occasionally a can or two of soda pop.

"You know," I observed, opening and pouring a Dortmunder for my guest, "this beer you've brought is warm?"

"Room temperature," Moncrief replied. "All good beer should be consumed at room temperature. Nuthin's worse than frigid hops."

"The ads on TV say-"

"TV is wrong." Moncrief took a healthy draught and smacked his lips. "Ah! Now that's what I call Guinness!" I pointed to the label and reminded him it was Dortmunder's. "Oh? Ah, yes, so 'tis. Tastes just like Guinness! Only they don't make a lite dark. . . . Or do they? . . . Never mind, lad-do ye have a Homeowners' Association to contend with?"

I told him I didn't think so. He nodded, reaching for the bottle and topping off his mug. "Notice how when it's tepid the foam makes a nice, robust collar. . . . Does anyone in your neighborhood have any gnomes?"

"Gnomes?"

"You know . . . the little people made o' plastic an' pewter, cute wee ones with shovels an' fishin' poles, pointed hats, waterin' cans-out on the lawn with the flamingoes an' whirly-gigs. I have dozens of 'em . . . an' that's what all the fuss's about."

It seemed that Moncrief, a widower who lived alone about two miles from me in a one-story condo on a small lake, received a letter from his Homeowners' Association complaining about the gnomes. True, he did have as many as sixty of the little rascals scattered about his front and back lawn, none of them no more than eighteen inches high, and they were spaced as though tending the property. A few of them held lanterns that actually glowed from light bulbs powered by AA batteries (he made a point of telling me the batteries were not included.)

"The Homeowners' Association wants me to get rid of 'em," he said. "Their Constitution Committee says they don't conform to the consistent beauty of our sub-division, and now they have to go. Seems somebody raised hell."

I wondered who would do such a thing, and Moncrief, after another hefty guzzle, told me the entire story. It seems the school bus stops directly in front of his condo, depositing its young charges where they are greeted daily by half of his gnomes. I remarked that I could see nothing wrong with that.

"There is nuthin wrong with it," Moncrief asserted, "except that three of 'em are naked."

"The children?"

"No, you idiot! Me gnomes! There are three of 'em out there with nothin' on but their Robin Hood hats. The blackguard who sculpted them neglected to paint blue pants and red jackets on 'em-he left nuthin but chubby flesh-colored gnome bodies happily dancin' about in their birthday suits without even up-curled yellows boots! I thought they looked fine, but the Constitution Committee's up in arms!"

I asked Moncrief what he was going to do about it. "Have me another lite dark, I think." I told him I was afraid the gnomes would have to go. "All of 'em?" I nodded, yes, probably, adding, "Homeowners' Associations, as a rule, make no compromises. Once a gnome has crossed the line, they're all suspect. Better you make a clean breast of it, so to speak."

I could tell by the look on Moncrief's face it was not going to be easy. "I guess you're right, lad," he sighed-but then his eyes brightened. "Wait a bloody second!" he cried. "I know what I'll do! I'll bring 'em over here an' come visit now an' then an' have a pint! You got plenty o' room in your yard-an' no Homeowners' Association makin' your life miserable!"

I was aghast. "You mean the three of them-the naked gnomes?"

"No, of course not! All of 'em! The entire menagerie! The flamingoes an' whirly-gigs, too! You know as well as me once the Constitution Committee gets their hooks into you, they won't rest 'til you're reeled in an' ready for guttin'! I'll put the boys in me pickup truck an' have 'em here before sunset!"

I eyed the diminishing six-pack of Dortmunder's. Temptation began to overwhelm me.

4444 Derwent Drive
Roswell, Ga 30075
770-402-1947
http://www.authorsden.com/robertmills
robtmills@comcast.net

Respect Your Mother - Part 2 - Vacations By Suzanne Salzmann

Now that you're getting a little bit older and planning your own vacations whether as a single adult or a family person, you can't help but feel a little bit of nostalgia thinking about your vacations as a child. It wasn't just about driving down to the Jersey shore and staying at your weird Uncle's house in Lavallete. No, it was more about the special vacations that your mother managed to weasel your father into. All that change she would save, coupons that she would clip, and home cooked meals instead of restaurants to save up money for your yearly flings. For that, and an incredible amount of other stuff, you should "respect your Mother".

She always told your father about the planned vacations to Disney World AFTER she booked non-refundable airline tickets.

During the lean years, she always found ways to get either discounted tickets or discounted meals for the Parks, and she hunted down the best rates for on-site Disney hotels. And she always managed to squeeze five people and luggage into a compact car.

Did you ever stop to realize why Mickey Mouse always made it over to your table at Chef Mickey's....and lingered for a long time? Your mother could charm the buttons off a mouse when she had to.

Her overt flirting with the front desk staff may have been embarrassing, but you must have noticed that you always got a water view room while traveling on a budget.

She embarrassed you no end at the Grand Canyon screaming "Watch out before you fall!" But now that you're an adult, you realize that she saved your life.

Remember how she guided you through airports so that you would know what to do once you started flying on your own? You couldn't understand why she kept telling you to pay attention, but remember your first solo flight when you missed your plane? Don't you wish you had listened to her back then?

She was the one who introduced you to all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, where you learned just how precious a band of plastic around your wrist could be. Remember how you flipped the band over from purple to white and the bartenders thought you were a newlywed and not a 16 year old kid?

Even though she spent half of the vacation sick in the bathroom, she was the one who planned the trip to Cancun so that you kids would know your way around in case you came back a few years later while in college.

Remember how embarrassed she made you when she was the only person on the catamaran in Antigua who donned a life jacket when the boat turned from the Caribbean into the Atlantic waters and the waves were 10 feet higher than the boat?

She embarrassed the heck out of you when she argued with your father against buying a horseback riding package from a "local vendor" on the beach in Antigua. But, when you all had to hitch a ride back to the resort on the back of a truck carrying slaughtered cow parts, well, she actually had a point.

After spending Spring Break with a bunch of college buddies in a sleazy motel room, you finally realized that not all hotel rooms had mini-bars and turn down service. Now you understand why your mother fought your dad tooth and nail to stay in 4 or 5 star hotels all those years.

Finally, while driving home penniless from your Florida spring break, just who went online and booked a Holiday Inn Express with free breakfast for you and your friends? Yep, that's right. It was your mom.

http://www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com offers over 1000 gifts and gift baskets for every occasion and holiday. Just pick, click and ship. Why not send one to your Mom today.

Funny Top Ten Lists and The New Theory of Humor By Don G. Asmus

Although funny top ten lists are a relatively new form of humor, various theories about the nature of humor have been around for thousands of years. Beginning with the ancient Greek philosophers, well over one hundred theories have been proposed to explain exactly why we find certain things funny. Thus far, however, none of these theories has ever been accepted as a totally adequate explanation.

Nonetheless, British evolutionary theorist Alastair Clark thinks that he has finally come up with a universal theory of humor, which he calls the Pattern Recognition Theory.

What did you say old chap?

In the preamble to his new theory, Clarke makes several interrelated points. First, our ability to instantly recognize various patterns in the natural world has proven to be a tremendous advantage in the survival and advancement of human beings. Second, language is also based upon this same inborn ability to quickly recognize patterns.

Finally, humor can not be explained in terms of content or subject matter. This is evidenced by the fact that different audiences (males vs. females; young vs. old) often respond quite differently to the very same content and subject matter.

Before we take a look at the exact wording that Clarke uses to describe his theory, keep in mind that the British have always been better known for their funny way of speaking, than their sense of humor. Clarke's single-sentence explanation of his new Pattern Recognition Theory serves as further evidence of this tendency: "Humour occurs when the brain recognizes a pattern that surprises it, and this recognition is rewarded with the experience of a humorous response."

We should probably be grateful that Clarke wasn't trying to explain why sex is so much fun. Actually, his theory is quite appealing, but his choice of words makes the explanation of his theory rather difficult to follow.

Translating the new theory into English.

The confusion arises from these eight words: "the brain recognizes a pattern that surprises it." Although this statement may be technically accurate, it does not tell enough of the story.

If you are willing to spend enough time to closely study Clarke's various examples and clarifications, it becomes clear that the definition should have been expanded to say something like this: We consider something to be funny if, in an unlikely or shocking situation, we compare it to our mental image of something else, and are surprised to see a similarity between the two images.

The pleasurable sensation of laughter that follows is nature's way of rewarding us for successfully detecting similarities that could someday save our lives.

Perhaps this example will help. A young woman (who has a mental image of what childbirth is going to be like) hears comedian Carol Burnett say that "giving birth is like pulling your upper lip over your head." The young woman suddenly bursts into laughter. What causes this response?

According to the Pattern Recognition Theory, the young woman found herself in the shocking situation of hearing a comedian describe something she may never have expected to hear mentioned in public. Her surprise at seeing the similarity between the mental image of childbirth depicted by Burnett, and the one already stored in her brain, caused the outburst of laughter.

Why does humor work this way? According to Clarke, humor is just one of many cognitive functions and has nothing to do with comedy. It's part and parcel of the same survival mechanism that helps us to quickly interpret patterns that could actually pose a threat to our lives. Therefore, humor is an important contributor to our continuing survival and success as a species.

What did you expect an evolutionary theorist would say?

I say old chap, what about funny top ten lists?

In the case of funny top ten lists, several mental images are potentially available for comparison. The first image is generated by the headline of the list. The next set are created by the humorously worded entries that comprise the body of the list. The final image is the one the reader carries around in his or her head about the subject. Whenever the reader is surprised by the similarity between a set of images, a particular list entry is deemed to be funny.

However, if the reader has no experience with a particular subject headline or list entry, then no mental images can be compared for similarities. And no surprising recognitions (or humorous responses!) will result. The writer of this list will slink off to contemplate other career options, while the survival of the human race will be left hanging in the balance.

Will the new Pattern Recognition Theory stand the twin tests of time and critical analysis? That's hard to predict. Many other initially attractive theories of humor have come and gone.

Astute comedy writers may be asking themselves a very similar question: Funny top ten lists may be wildly popular today, but where will they be in ten or twenty years from now? Not surprisingly, the author hopes that they will still be getting the last ten laughs!

Copyright 2009. Funniest Top Ten Lists. All rights reserved.

Don G. Asmus is the List Master at http://www.FunniestTopTenLists.com/ where he consistently creates the funniest top ten lists on the Internet.

Vampire Life Part 3 - A New Vampire's Proper Wardrobe and That All-important First Date By Larry Schliessmann

Several weeks to three months beyond the day of your Turning, life will seem vastly different as will your appearance.

By now, your once supple tanned flesh glows pale under moonlight, may appear slightly translucent and feel like chamois. Not to worry, this is perfectly normal for a new vampire. Consider it the new you, and with time you will learn to appreciate and even value your new look.

In addition, the effect it will have on prey may prove entertaining as you watch their alarm fade into adoration before the Taking. Once you have perfected the art of Mesmerization, their expressions will be full of adulation immediately before they feel a deep sense of love.

Male or female, feel free to dabble in cosmetics, as you did before Turning. However, too much vivid color will look garish, something no self-respecting vampire finds appealing.

As an apprentice vampire, you will discover that normally you will not need a wardrobe different than the one you owned previously. You can put away the sunglasses and of course, you no longer need to worry about sunscreen. As I stated earlier, exposure to direct sunlight means death.

On the occasion that your vampire, or perhaps a guy, or gal vampire you've met since Turning suggests a night on the town, and you feel ready to be seen in a crowd of normals, those poor mortal creatures, it will be your moment to shine.

However, what I'm suggesting will require preparation. The only clothes you may own are those you wore when you Turned, unless you were Turned while assuming sex was eminent and you hastily undressed in anticipation. Either way, shopping is the order of the day, er, night.

Be aware that some store lighting may hurt your eyes if you stare directly into it. Otherwise, assuming you're dressed to begin with, no one will really notice you. So feel free to shop until, well, sunrise, or earlier to be certain you return home safely.

While mixing with mortals you'll learn despite the occasional odd look tossed in your direction, that they'll take for granted you are one of them, but since you're so pale they'll think you must hate sunlight, or don't get outside much.

See how clever mortals can be? Wait until you can mesmerize and then you will so understand rubbernecking (sic).

If you and your date are shopping together, and there is safety in numbers, you might ask his or her opinion about what you intend to purchase, or steal if you are broke. You have a problem with that? Come on, you are dead, and besides who is going to stop you? It's not as if you plan to make a habit of it. Moreover, if you're worrying about going to hell instead of heaven, you need to lie down and think about your new life.

What you cannot do while shopping is use those lovely full length mirrors you once preened in front of while dressing. Since you are dead, you no longer have a reflection. This can become a nuisance if you have a salesclerk hovering nearby, which is why I suggest you shop with a companion. They can distract, and also let you know how you look, and if the colors go well with your new complexion.

By now, you may have discovered that your hair does not grow longer than it was the minute you Turned. So why bother with haircuts? You might need to get a trim so you fit in with current styles. Remember, you'll live centuries if you are intelligent and wary of mortals bearing gifts. Styles do have a way of changing with disgusting regularity.

Until now, I discussed dating another vampire. So, let's make this discussion much more interesting.

You have seen a person you've decided you want to Turn just because you can. Yes, it might be just because you can, or any of several other reasons including my favorite hunger. However, why you do anything now is entirely up to you.

Approach him or her as you would have before you Turned, flirt, and be attentive. Guys: don't act like idiots, women enjoy humor and intelligence, not touchy feely on a first date. Gals: you know already what guys want, um I mean, other than sex. They want you to make them feel more important, needed. Just don't get too weak-kneed. You're about to alter the course of their life permanently, or oops possibly end it.

Buy them drinks, dinner, take them to a show, movie, whatever, and at the end of the night, invite them home, of course. I leave the rest up to you. Just remember to use the same technique with him or her as your vampire used when Turning you.

In addition, remember this important adage, you are what you eat. So, if you take him or her to dinner, skip fast food unless you need more fat in your diet. Wine and dine him or her at an expensive restaurant. Trust me; you'll be happy you did.

Happy dating and good luck with you first Turning!

Next: Proper Vampire etiquette and the all-important, clean-up when a Turning goes too far.

Larry Schliessmann http://schliessmann.blogspot.com/
http://www.redroom.com/member/schliessmann