Ego blindness makes me laugh. I began my TED talk with audience participation:"grab your thumb, wiggle it, repeat after me, primates are distinguished by their opposing thumb, grab your elbow, lift your elbow so that the attached hand is available to Pat you on the back, repeat after me, us homo sapiens are distinguished by opposing reality"
Patting ourselves on the back when we don't deserve it, such as California's failed K12 self-esteem effort, is hilarious?
We exaggerate threats and we exaggerate power. We've exaggerated the power of our evolution that we were created in the image of God. The exaggeration of threats probably is like turning the volume up on our alarm clock to wake us up to threats that may or may not be threatening. Did our creative brain evolve to exaggerate power in a response to our constant panic attacks created by our exaggeration of threats? I find this possibility hilarious! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
King Arthur: The Lady of the Lake, her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite held aloft Excalibur from the bosom of the water, signifying by divine providence that I, Arthur, was to carry Excalibur. THAT is why I am your king.
Dennis: [interrupting] Listen, strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony
Monty Python; A Fish Called Wanda ( He speaks Italian to Jamie Lee Curtis …)!!!!!!!!
And!!!!
John Cleese famously played the manic, snobbish, and rude hotel manager Basil Fawlty in the classic 1970s British sitcom Fawlty Towers, which he co-wrote with his then-wife Connie Booth.!!!!!
My favorite Bugs Bunny cartoon is the one where he is captured by the hillbillies, and he makes them square dance. That is one of the funnies things I've ever seen! 🤣🤣🤣 I love Bugs Bunny!
For me, my sibling, my children, Mel Brooks is the architect of sanity. My worst dreams have been mitigated with an afternoon with Dr. Frankenstein,time with the newly appointed sheriff of Rock Ridge, an evening with Robin and his men in tights or some enjoyment of the musical talents of Lili von Shtupp. The first time or the hundredth, Mel has lightened my mood on Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, NATO, the Supreme Court, man's inhumanity to man, and so much more.
Thank You Steven ..I can make myself laugh. People tell me I'm pretty funny ..Putting that aside the other day Steve Schmidt make me laugh out loud . It was the day of the big thing over Trumps "New "hair being fake. Steve told the story that Trump was wearing a wig made in Canada. It was chimunk hair . Not just any chipmunk but a special chipmunk that can be found in the northern part of Canada. I laughed and laughed then it came to me I haven't laughed out loud in so long. Movies that I found hilarious The Coneheads.. So many parts of that movie cracked me up. When Beldar (Dan Ackroyd) goes to the dentist because he wants to fit in ..in America. All of his teeth come to a point. The dentist says how many of them do you want capped? He say's "all of them" The dentist eyes become dollar signs. ..The movie The End with Burt Renolds... The German series Tatort Munster completely cracks me up. Thanks for the prompt !
I personally love really cringe worthy dad jokes, they always delight me. So much so that im subscribed to several websites and sub reddit that are only for that. The more ridiculous and inane the better.
When I want to laugh I get together with my adult children. We have a very powerful collective sense of humor. We are together pretty much every weekend, so I laugh a lot. I won’t allow this regime to steal my joy!
I’ve been particularly enjoying the political cartoonists like Michael de Adder, Mike Luckovich, and Daniel Boris. Not a belly laugh but a loud Ha!” when they convey in one panel the stupidity, arrogance, hypocrisy, and ignorance of our times in a really funny way.
I loves Chris Farley, and I'm a big Will Ferrell fan! One of my favorite movies of his is Elf, and the scene that does it for me every time is the scene where he launches himself into the Christmas tree. 🤣🤣 I also love the revolving door scene. LOL!
What makes me laugh is my husband and his family, my friends, stand up comedy (I even performed for a short time!) and random Instagram reels. There's some great stuff out there! I also have a dark sense of humor, and I adore British comedy.
I find that I DON'T enjoy laughing at other people who are not intentionally being funny. As someone who was bullied a lot throughout my life, I just can't get enjoyment from suffering.
I watch a lot of Fail Army and stuff like that, but even that is a grey area for me. It's easier to laugh, because those videos are submitted, usually by the people in them, but there are a lot of clips of people getting hurt. I don't laugh until I hear the person either laugh or say that they're ok. There are some hilarious cat and animal videos out there, too!
The regime does not make me laugh. There's nothing funny about that situation, but at least people are still finding joy where we can. That is so affirming. When we stop allowing ourselves to laugh and find joy, that's when we've lost everything.
I was an only child with parents who worked, both parents. The nine inch Philco console TV was my babysitter. I still remember watching “the Show of Shows.” So my earliest laughs included the lines and antics of Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner, and Howard Morris. Not a terrible introduction to comedy. Later, once back in the States, I started watching Red Skeleton and The Three Stooges. On Saturday mornings, Looney Tunes and Laurel and Hardy. In High School, I remember Carol Burnett’s show & the Pink Panther movies. As a parent, The Muppet Show always pleased. So having shared all this, it may, but shouldn’t, surprise dear reader, that I studied theatre, magic, mime, and puppetry and performed for children and families for almost 2 decades in early adulthood before settling into managing community performing arts theaters. Both my parents and step parents loved to laugh and laughed easily and often. My favorite movies… That would depend on the category of laughs we’re talking about. But among the ones I can remember are: The Money Pit (I’ve remodeled a couple of homes), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (my dad laughed so hard when Steve Martin wet himself at the dinner), Blazing Saddles (my step-dad loved westerns.) I’m certain I’m leaving something out but thanks for the prompt. It was a nice break from the cruelty so prevalent everywhere these days. And especially uplifting to remember all my parents (now long gone) working and laughing so hard at their “shows.”
Isn’t it “funny” how what one person finds funny, another won’t? For instance, I’m surprised you didn’t mention The Three Stooges. Oh, how I cringe at that, but universally, I think it’s more of a man’s type of humor. Slapstick was never my thing, but some Abbott & Costello and Laurel & Hardy and of course, Lucille Ball were always funny. Yet, on a personal level, none of those people were funny off-screen. And look at how tragic Chris Farley’s real life was. Oops. Sorry Steven. My comment went off on a not-so funny trajectory. But it is food for thought that those who have brought us the biggest laughs weren’t particularly happy people in their own lives.
The African American woman who posts to pre- menopausal, menopausal and post menopausal women that say to everyone:”we just don’t care very much anymore!” All the women I know laugh hysterically at her posts!🤣
Watching the Blues Brothers (John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd) dance in their movie. 🤣
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Ego blindness makes me laugh. I began my TED talk with audience participation:"grab your thumb, wiggle it, repeat after me, primates are distinguished by their opposing thumb, grab your elbow, lift your elbow so that the attached hand is available to Pat you on the back, repeat after me, us homo sapiens are distinguished by opposing reality"
Patting ourselves on the back when we don't deserve it, such as California's failed K12 self-esteem effort, is hilarious?
We exaggerate threats and we exaggerate power. We've exaggerated the power of our evolution that we were created in the image of God. The exaggeration of threats probably is like turning the volume up on our alarm clock to wake us up to threats that may or may not be threatening. Did our creative brain evolve to exaggerate power in a response to our constant panic attacks created by our exaggeration of threats? I find this possibility hilarious! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K_9SkawJH6sRq-V5718NFw79j_t_SsVm/view?usp=drivesdk
Top cognitive behavioral scientist found:
"For Depression
Recovery requires the death of your "special" self or your
efforts to become special or worthwhile. You accept the
fact that you are not, in fact, special, superior, or especially
worthwhile and that you are actually quite flawed,
defective, and, for the most part, "average."
In addition, you will have to accept and grasp that you feel
incredibly happy and fulfilled without the things you think
you think you "need," like love, approval, and success. In
addition, if you arejeally lucky, you will discover that you
do not need "unconditional self-esteem" or even a "self."
Anxiety
The Fearful Self
Recovery from any form of anxiety requires you to
confront and surrender to the monster you fear the most.
It could be Jhe fear of public speaking, heights, germs, or
going crazy—anything at all.
When you try to avoid the monster or control your
anxiety—as we do most of the time—it gets worse. That
makes sense. No one wants to die or get eaten alive!
In contrast, when you confront the monster and surrender
to the intense anxiety, you will discover that the monster
has no teeth and that your fears have been based on a bit
of a cosmic joke. At that moment, you will experience
enlightenment. You will experience nirvana as your fearful
self "dies."
Relationship
Problems
The Blaming/
Blameless Seif
You discover that you are, in fact, causing the very
relationship problems you've been complaining about,
possibly for years or even decades. For me, this is the most
painful death.
This great death can feel intensely shocking, humiliating,
and shameful. However, the moment your ego dies, you
and the person you're at odds with will suddenly find a far
more loving and meaningful relationship.
In addition, you will comprehend that you and the other
person are "one" and that you have been creating your
own interpersonal reality—for better or worse—at every
minute of every day. This can be empowering because if
you have been creating the problems, you can also create
far more loving relationships.
Habits and
Addictions
The Entitled,
Pleasure-Seeking
Self
Recovery requires the death of your entitled, pleasure-
seeking ego. This seems like the loss of your main—or
only—source of happiness, joy, pleasure, or satisfaction in
life, such as eating, drinking, using drugs, procrastinating,
and so forth.
Of course, some people are also addicted to love, approval,
or success. There are many things we think we "need" for
happiness and fulfillment, and these "needs" can be the
source of a great deal of suffering.
In this Great Death, you discover that you never really
needed those things you were so sure that you "needed."
This is your easiest prompt yet!
KIDS will always make you laugh. Even at their worst, they are funny
I have spent over 30 yrs professionally (& 50 yrs personally) around children & they have always lifted my spirits & made me howl
Most recently
My beloved 5 yr old granddaughter said to her 45 yo father:
"Daddy, did you know that when I am 60, you'll be dead!"
He could only reply, "Thank you"
My response?
"That's what you get for teaching her math!"
Hang out with kids & you'll never stop laughing
Monty Python and the Holy Grail:
King Arthur: I am your king.
Woman: Well, I didn't vote for you.
King Arthur: You don't vote for kings.
Woman: Well how'd you become king then?
[Angelic music plays...]
King Arthur: The Lady of the Lake, her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite held aloft Excalibur from the bosom of the water, signifying by divine providence that I, Arthur, was to carry Excalibur. THAT is why I am your king.
Dennis: [interrupting] Listen, strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony
Yes !!! Monty Python!!
Oh my gosh! Every Sunday night on PBS!!!
EVERYTHING in that movie makes me laugh--the rabbit "Run Away!! Run Away!"
A classic! I love all of their movies, but my favorite is Life of Brian. 🤣🤣
The SNL sketch "I need more cowbell" with Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken (and others) always gets me going....hilarious. Thanks Mr. Beschloss
That is one of the best sketches ever.
I was at a drum circle once, and when there was a break in the drumming, I shouted, "More cowbell," and everybody lost it.
Now, I picture Will every time (Don't) Fear the Reaper comes on. 🤣
Anything with Robin Williams.
Oh, how he is missed. That stomach hurting laughter.
Your intuitive choice for today’s essay is welcome!
How nice to be diverted !
Oh my choices?!?
Every Bugs Bunny cartoon in existence! If I could afford it I’d purchase all of them!
Especially two:
He confronts the monster in the castle.. ( puts the bow around his ears, lipstick and does the monsters fingernails up in Polish!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjC6joom_CE&t=56
Also Dracula in the castle!!!
…
NEXT John Cleese in anything!
Monty Python; A Fish Called Wanda ( He speaks Italian to Jamie Lee Curtis …)!!!!!!!!
And!!!!
John Cleese famously played the manic, snobbish, and rude hotel manager Basil Fawlty in the classic 1970s British sitcom Fawlty Towers, which he co-wrote with his then-wife Connie Booth.!!!!!
It’s on Brit Box right now!!!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fawlty_Towers
Oh what delight to share these here…. Now ….
And here on Substack…
Andy Borowitz
https://substack.com/@borowitzreporti: sarcasm!
Oh,….Steven… thank you… for the “Redux”!!! Just what is needed.
👏👏👏☺️
Glad to hear. Thanks!
My favorite Bugs Bunny cartoon is the one where he is captured by the hillbillies, and he makes them square dance. That is one of the funnies things I've ever seen! 🤣🤣🤣 I love Bugs Bunny!
https://warnerbros.fandom.com/wiki/Bugs_Bunny%27s_Square_Dance
Yes!!!!!!
Thanks for the link!!
For me, my sibling, my children, Mel Brooks is the architect of sanity. My worst dreams have been mitigated with an afternoon with Dr. Frankenstein,time with the newly appointed sheriff of Rock Ridge, an evening with Robin and his men in tights or some enjoyment of the musical talents of Lili von Shtupp. The first time or the hundredth, Mel has lightened my mood on Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, NATO, the Supreme Court, man's inhumanity to man, and so much more.
Thanks for the reminder to “Lighten up, Francis!”
“God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh.” - Voltaire
Thank You Steven ..I can make myself laugh. People tell me I'm pretty funny ..Putting that aside the other day Steve Schmidt make me laugh out loud . It was the day of the big thing over Trumps "New "hair being fake. Steve told the story that Trump was wearing a wig made in Canada. It was chimunk hair . Not just any chipmunk but a special chipmunk that can be found in the northern part of Canada. I laughed and laughed then it came to me I haven't laughed out loud in so long. Movies that I found hilarious The Coneheads.. So many parts of that movie cracked me up. When Beldar (Dan Ackroyd) goes to the dentist because he wants to fit in ..in America. All of his teeth come to a point. The dentist says how many of them do you want capped? He say's "all of them" The dentist eyes become dollar signs. ..The movie The End with Burt Renolds... The German series Tatort Munster completely cracks me up. Thanks for the prompt !
You’re welcome!
I personally love really cringe worthy dad jokes, they always delight me. So much so that im subscribed to several websites and sub reddit that are only for that. The more ridiculous and inane the better.
When I want to laugh I get together with my adult children. We have a very powerful collective sense of humor. We are together pretty much every weekend, so I laugh a lot. I won’t allow this regime to steal my joy!
I’ve been particularly enjoying the political cartoonists like Michael de Adder, Mike Luckovich, and Daniel Boris. Not a belly laugh but a loud Ha!” when they convey in one panel the stupidity, arrogance, hypocrisy, and ignorance of our times in a really funny way.
Ann Telnaes also has a very sharp wit.
There are too many to list!
I loves Chris Farley, and I'm a big Will Ferrell fan! One of my favorite movies of his is Elf, and the scene that does it for me every time is the scene where he launches himself into the Christmas tree. 🤣🤣 I also love the revolving door scene. LOL!
What makes me laugh is my husband and his family, my friends, stand up comedy (I even performed for a short time!) and random Instagram reels. There's some great stuff out there! I also have a dark sense of humor, and I adore British comedy.
I find that I DON'T enjoy laughing at other people who are not intentionally being funny. As someone who was bullied a lot throughout my life, I just can't get enjoyment from suffering.
I watch a lot of Fail Army and stuff like that, but even that is a grey area for me. It's easier to laugh, because those videos are submitted, usually by the people in them, but there are a lot of clips of people getting hurt. I don't laugh until I hear the person either laugh or say that they're ok. There are some hilarious cat and animal videos out there, too!
The regime does not make me laugh. There's nothing funny about that situation, but at least people are still finding joy where we can. That is so affirming. When we stop allowing ourselves to laugh and find joy, that's when we've lost everything.
I was an only child with parents who worked, both parents. The nine inch Philco console TV was my babysitter. I still remember watching “the Show of Shows.” So my earliest laughs included the lines and antics of Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner, and Howard Morris. Not a terrible introduction to comedy. Later, once back in the States, I started watching Red Skeleton and The Three Stooges. On Saturday mornings, Looney Tunes and Laurel and Hardy. In High School, I remember Carol Burnett’s show & the Pink Panther movies. As a parent, The Muppet Show always pleased. So having shared all this, it may, but shouldn’t, surprise dear reader, that I studied theatre, magic, mime, and puppetry and performed for children and families for almost 2 decades in early adulthood before settling into managing community performing arts theaters. Both my parents and step parents loved to laugh and laughed easily and often. My favorite movies… That would depend on the category of laughs we’re talking about. But among the ones I can remember are: The Money Pit (I’ve remodeled a couple of homes), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (my dad laughed so hard when Steve Martin wet himself at the dinner), Blazing Saddles (my step-dad loved westerns.) I’m certain I’m leaving something out but thanks for the prompt. It was a nice break from the cruelty so prevalent everywhere these days. And especially uplifting to remember all my parents (now long gone) working and laughing so hard at their “shows.”
Nice to hear. Thanks, James.
Isn’t it “funny” how what one person finds funny, another won’t? For instance, I’m surprised you didn’t mention The Three Stooges. Oh, how I cringe at that, but universally, I think it’s more of a man’s type of humor. Slapstick was never my thing, but some Abbott & Costello and Laurel & Hardy and of course, Lucille Ball were always funny. Yet, on a personal level, none of those people were funny off-screen. And look at how tragic Chris Farley’s real life was. Oops. Sorry Steven. My comment went off on a not-so funny trajectory. But it is food for thought that those who have brought us the biggest laughs weren’t particularly happy people in their own lives.
The African American woman who posts to pre- menopausal, menopausal and post menopausal women that say to everyone:”we just don’t care very much anymore!” All the women I know laugh hysterically at her posts!🤣
I love her!! She does make me laugh!!