"Scientific research indicates that laughter is a powerful, free, and non-pharmacological 'medicine' that triggers healthy systemic
physiological changes in the human body. It works by reducing a stress hormone and stimulating the immune,
cardiological and neurological systems." - Norman Cousins
In this interesting and stressful climate, I feel it is imperative to write about humor and laughing. I also wish to send grateful acknowledgments to all who still enjoy a great, good laugh! The following are examples of what I find hilarious and I hope you find them funny, too.
I was watching Pioneers of Television: Comedy on PBS and it started me thinking about what makes for a good belly laugh or better, that ticklish, on the verge of tears feeling of delight and wonderment. It happens when we are presented with the absurd or perhaps the ironic. Maybe it is the 'plausible impossible' as Disney animators have made famous.
It's a giddy feeling. The tears can start streaming but then you have to stop and catch your breath. If you are lucky, additional funny thoughts and perceptions make you laugh even more!
Visualize Carol Burnett, Vicki Lawrence, and Tim Conway in a sketch where Tim wears a beanie as he plays the younger brother. He describes to Eunice and Mama his sighting of Siamese twin elephants at the fair. As he begins with a southern twang, hand gestures, and sound effects, Carol's shoulders begin to shake slightly. She is very good at not breaking up but you can tell she is desperate to control her laughs. That makes the skit even funnier for me, anyway!
The Scarlett O'Hara sketch where Carol wears the dark green velvet draperies with the heavy iron curtain rod going through both of her shoulders is classic. This idea came from Bob Mackie, the costume designer for all 10 seasons of the Carol Burnett Show.
There's more to come, dear readers, as this is just a test, a trial and mostly error, as I become more familiar with posting on Club Express. All comments re: format, grammar, punctuation content are certainly welcome. Most important, don't hesitate to blog me back. Just say hello, or if you would like to post on the blog, type up a recipe, a joke, a poem or. . . . . . . Call me and let me know what you want to do. Have to stop here as this is the fourth day of the re-plumbing adventure at my house.