What is funny depends on your viewpoint

Maybe this is how you see things and we all have our very own viewpoint of what can be funny. We often laugh at things we find strange and unusual and sometimes downright illogical. There is no really good definition of what “funny” is probably because there are many factors that come into play. Age – 6 or 60, culture – English or Chinese and time frames. Some humorous pieces do survive the ages as in Shakespeare, Mark Twain or Moliere and more. Notice that Shakespeare's romantic comedies have survived the ages and they are always funny – but not to get you rolling on the floor!

What you find funny other people may find downright ugly or bizarre.

You can oftentimes find yourself in a serious situation which gradually becomes absurd and then ridiculously funny. I was once acting in a play “The House By The Lake” by Hugh Mills and I played the main character and Stella was my sister. We plotted to murder our very unloved brother Colin – so this was a serious thriller, full of counter-plots and intrigue. After brother Colin was “murdered” we dumped him upright in a closet (during a curtain fall after act II.) Soon after the opening of the 3rd act, the door fell off (it wasn't constructed too well) and “dead” Colin came with it. The audience screamed as though it was part of the act, it wasn't. And so Colin began to laugh, then it got to a raucous laugh to almost a hysterical laugh, the audience still thought it was part of the act and also began to laugh which ended in so much noise we all began to laugh! In the end, tears began to run down Colin's face – then came the curtain call and Act III ended abruptly.

Shakespeare knew the ups and downs of life were sometimes funny as well as tragic. You do not see too often the comedians in a tragic play or movie come on scene to lighten it up! Check some of Shakespeare's final lines that are all to often taken seriously when in fact they are humorous, “Oh, now I am slain!”

If you truly want to have some fun and laughter, go to this
Kid-Friendly Website A top line resource on clean humor for young families.

Funny Stuff About Humor Writing

There are no degrees one can get in the higher education lobbies for a certified professional humor writer. There are few unions for gag writers and only a dearth of books written on the subject. But humor is getting more and more in demand in higher education, in board rooms, in seminars, in TV sitcoms, and in film scriptwriting.

There are a few universities offering humor writing courses but the bulk of comedy writers for TV and films come from Harvard which surprisingly does not have a humor writing course. Didn't George Bush come from Harvard? Now here's a dude who has a sense of humor. Ever read “George Bushisms?” which is really funny and he never did a humor writing course!

You CV should now have “I have a sense of humor” but how do you assess this? Humor of course depends on the audience it is addressed to. America's Funniest Home Movies goes down well here but not every country likes this type of humor where someone falls off their bike or hurts themselves in some way.

Some say humor indicates command and when we grin it becomes a sign of assurance as fears are indicated by scowls and frowns. Is there a difference between comedy and humor? Well yes. Comedy can be considered the execution of humor and how one gets this across to the audience.

Jokes as themselves are not really part of humor writing...they are just jokes that are used by the amateur comedians to get a laugh but serious comedy writing has an audience spellbound by her presence alone as there is an anticipation of something funny coming now and at any moment soon.

Many jokes have been written years ago and have been regurgitated many times from Mark Twain, W.C. Fields, Milton Berle, George Burns and many others. So the jokes you hear now have been in the archives for some time!

Families Can Be Funny - Some of The Time!

Families can be really, really funny. Oftentimes they can be a pain in the butt, but I love my family dearly and I think they love me also in their strange ways.

Some families, which includes our next door neighbor, love to fight and yell all the time! This can go on seemingly for days, then comes silence and I think someone has been murdered! Our next door neighbor lives about 200 yards from our house and even over that distance the decibels can be as loud as a 747 flying 50 feet overhead.

When father next door is yelling at mother and mother at father, all their little secrets are broadcast for all to hear within our neighborhood. Mother sometimes starts up early in the morning to get the kids off to school, to make sure they've had their breakfast, their hair is combed and they are presentable.

Father comes down and repeats what mother has vociferated, and the kids moan back in unison “Oh, Dad, please leave us alone, we're on time for school.”

Father: “Please keep a civil tongue in your head! Don't talk to your father like that!”

“Sorry Dad.”

A squirrel runs past their window and Fido lets rip with his bark in his anxiousness to make chase. This adds to moms shrieks for the dog to “Shut up, or else I will get the broom to you!”
Fido ignores her as he always does so he is let out the house to do his early morning duty.

The neighbors' house is then silent for a few days, know why? It's the weekend and the entire family is cocooned in the soundproof entertainment room and they are all watching TV and knocking back sodas and chips.

Yeah, this family with all their rants and raves, love each other dearly and sometimes, not often, can be really funny even when they are yelling at one another.

Have some fun and laughter here with this:
Kid-Friendly Website A top line resource on clean humor for young families!

Practicle Jokes

Practical jokes are something parents and kids use to have playful fun with each other and it can keep the lines of communication open between kids and parents. Even though parents might be better at playing practical jokes on kids, it is fun to see how your child comes up with ideas for funny pranks or practical jokes to pull on you.
 
Of course, it can depend on the personality of the child as to whether they have a sense of humor about your practical jokes. You want to come up with little practical jokes that aren't too scary or too emotionally traumatizing, or they can have the opposite effect. Using humor to keep the lines of communication open between children and adults can be a good way to encourage creativity and sensitivity, too. Practical jokes can be a way to incorporate humor into fun and communication.
 
Practical jokes that seem to work the best are little things that involve a great surprise or reward at the end. While some parents might not think of practical jokes as a way to open the lines of communication, think of the creative ways you use to make your child believe in Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. Do you think that these are much different than some of the practical jokes you might be able to play on your child?
 
One of my Dad's practical jokes came back three-fold one Easter. My father dug a hole at the corner of the house and placed a few plastic Easter Eggs in it without my younger sisters seeing him. I was older and had outgrown the "Easter Bunny" theory. When my younger sisters woke up and saw their Easter baskets full of candy, they questioned my father how the "Easter Bunny" got into the house.
 
Dad took them outside and showed them the hole with plastic eggs and claimed the Easter Bunny dropped them while digging into the house. They were getting old enough to question this far-fetched way to get candy and gifts, but they went along with it. The ideal opportunity for practical jokes came along when the kids next door got three live bunnies for Easter from their aunt that had a farm.
 
My younger sisters devised a way to pull practical jokes on Dad with the bunnies. The neighbors loaned out the baby rabbits for a couple hours as they helped us plan the practical jokes that would be played on Dad. The first sister went into the house, carrying her little live bunny and told Dad she found it in the hole that the Easter bunny dug. A split second later, the next sister took another bunny in saying the same thing.
 
By this time, the practical jokes couldn't get any funnier. Dad's face was priceless when the third bunny came through the door, left in the Easter bunny hole, of course. Dad was relieved to admit that the Easter Bunny hole was one of his practical jokes, but we made him sweat before we told him that the bunnies were on loan.
 
The moral of the story about practical jokes with your kids is that you need to be prepared to get paid back with ingenious practical jokes they come up with on their own. Practical jokes can be fun and humorous, when used with good intentions.

Do you have a practical joke you's like to share? Go Here: A Kid-Friendly Family Site

Does your kid call the tune?

Savvy parents know the worst thing to do to a child is smack, scold, whip, plead, punch, intimidate, take their possessions, or invalidate in any way. Why? Any form of control like this results in long-term emotional conflicts and worse, the kid becomes alienated from her/his parents.

If your kid is given a prize for a job well done, this signifies they are loved by their parents only when they perform exceptionally well.

So what do you do when your child flies into a rage, throws his toys out the cot and screams incessantly?

Would a nice calm voice do the trick? I don't think so. What about letting him continue with his antics until he knows he is not producing an effect any more? He is being "cause" as he is creating an effect on his parents, right? So perhaps ignoring it altogether might work?

How many times have you heard "Say please!" from parents or "Try being nicer to your brother" or "You will learn discipline!"

Is this robotic approach workable? So what would be the solution for extremely bad behavior like this in a child?

Any thoughts on this will be welcome.

Family Fun and Games

The day is not always family fun with everyone agreeing with everyone else. Some days are stressful with Dad having enormous pressure at work, he has to get the job done no matter what. The kids are also stressed out with their schooling, they have to get their projects done on time or else there is a black mark on their record. Mom is at sixes and sevens because she has to do a balancing act with the the schools' schedule, then there is a ballet lesson for the youngest tike. In between there is shopping to do and a meeting with the book club.

The only animal not stressed on this particular day is Kiva, the dog. All he wants is a little food, maybe a few bones thrown in and time to do a little sniffing. Kiva knows when there is stress in the household, nobody is smiling or singing, there is no laughter, no playful scene with the kids or joking around. Just a rush. Now Kiva likes this in a way because the kids gulp down their breakfast and usually drop a few crumbs on the floor, then he can sniff and enjoy a tiny morsel before they all rush out the door.

Mom gets her schedule completed, picks up her daughter, manages to get most of the shopping done and the book club meet goes smoothly. She's now more relaxed and can have that latte she has been thinking about since breakfast.

The kids arrive back from their respective schools and seem very chirpy and very noisy with the intention to tell the rest of the family how their day went and the success they had with their projects. Two of them have to do their homework which they detest, they complain to mom and dad often about how boring it is and it does not seem worthwhile learning some of this stuff because they will never use it in their lives. Who wants to learn all about the anatomy of a frogs back leg? “When will I ever use that knowledge?” Dad chirps in “You might need it if you go into the medical profession.”

Homework is now completed and the fun begins. As the kids are now relaxed teasing the younger ones begins. There is raucous laughter which provokes more teasing. Then mom pipes up “Stop that will you?” and the noise abates but only slightly. Then it creeps up to it original decibel and mom ignores it as she is busy in the kitchen.

Dad is more relaxed now as the day is over as he starts playing with the kids. They enjoy dad's playfulness especially the rough on-the-floor wrestling. You might call it physical bonding. Supper is served and the entire family is relaxed, there is lovely idle chatter with a little bantering thrown in. Mom is very happy as she knows her family is relaxed and well.

Just wait until tomorrow morning when the alarm goes off!

Your Typical Family Guy

Joe is a great guy at heart, he has a lovely family of four, two teenagers (boys) and one boy of eight and a darling daughter of six.

He works hard during the week and sometimes on Saturdays. He is the manager of a large grocery store and is on his feet the whole day from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm. When he arrives home he is nearly always tired but the sight and greetings from his kids gives him renewed energy. And of course his wife throws her arms around him with a passionate kiss. That makes his day.

Joe thinks often when he's working at the store “What would life be like without my wife and kids?” and he then dismisses the thought immediately. He hates Monday mornings because his 'stand-in' manager has been running the store almost totally “by the book” or by the store's policy. And that means there are lots of employee problems to sort out – and that eats up half the day. This occurs as regular as clockwork.

Then along comes Friday and Joe is as happy as can be. He is going to spend lots of time with his wife and kids. His eldest son Mark loves playing online games and can sit their for hours non-stop. Of course his younger brother complains he never gets a turn as there is only one computer. Joe knows about this and wonders if he should put time limits on Mark to give the rest of the family a turn.

Then Joe thinks it would be better if he purchased another computer because they will need it for Lance as he will be using the school's Apple Mac and will have homework to do on it. Joe knows his budget is stretched and that is why he cuts back on buying a new car, he drives an old clunker which he is not proud of. It spews out oil and is heavy on gas. He is putting money away for his kids college and we all know how much that is going to cost!

It is Friday evening and the kids are excited! They know it is candy night and a movie to watch on TV. They are only allowed to eat candy once a week and watch TV. Dad can sit back and watch the movie with his daughter on his lap. He thinks “Hope I am not going to be too bored with some of this animation stuff.” Sometimes he tells his wife that was a great family movie.

Saturday arrives and Joe can hear his sons playing football in the back yard. He decides he is going to have some fun with them before breakfast. He dons his gear and joins them. After half an hour his wife calls them in for breakfast. They are all famished of course and devour just about everything served up.

On Saturday afternoon Joe loves to watch NFL with his six pack within easy reach. The kids go off and make up their own games. As the NFL games develop, Joe tends to get very excited for his team, he becomes vociferous at the TV as his side drops a point. The game is over and Joe murmurs under his breath that they could have done a lot better and the coach should be fired.

Sunday and they all decide democratically as Joe calls it, to go for a McDonald's and then to the local flea market where there are lots of things for the kids to see and do. The day goes quickly, much too fast for Joe as he starts thinking about Monday morning and that puts his tone down a little as he does not like his job. He'd like to be his own boss.

Someday he knows he will work for himself but he has to study hard, get a degree perhaps and then get on the Internet and promote his real passion in life, something he's always wanted to do! This instantly gives him direction and something he can aim for. He'll chat with his wife and make some decisions of when and how. Good luck Joe, and let's know the sequel to this!

Another Letter To Stan in Cape Town

My Dear Stanley,

This may come as quite a surprise for you as I have not seen or written to you in over 30 years. Mind you, I have tried to make contact several times through Mr Wyer junior in Cape Town but then I heard through Roger Graham that he'd met with a nasty accident.

Sarves Somana gave me your box number, so here we are again in contact. I do love that, don't you? I do remember you saying often “Where's babbling Brooke?” and I used to get upset a bit but then after several years it didn't matter at all. As you may know, my husband passed away almost 30 years ago, he died of a tumor in his left earlobe which was malignant for some 12 months. He was such a fine gentleman and I did love him dearly.

Since then I've often thought of you, and between you and me I often dream about you and me getting into the haystack together just to talk about old times. We did have such a wonderful time in Romatex with all the goings-on, it was almost like the theatre. Those magic moments will always be in my memory.

This is really hard of me to ask you but would it be possible for me to come and stay with you over a long weekend in early January next year? I guarantee I would not be a nuisance and I will keep out of your way. And if you want me to I will pose for you either as portrait painting or I can strip off to do a full nude. I really don't mind. I recall you did not like my makeup and I've heard your comments once or twice “Did she put her makeup on with a trowel?” That was a bit unkind but again, I got over that also.

Another thing I remember so well is watching you trim your beard when you thought nobody was looking, you had that small mirror balanced in your left hand and stood with your back to the door but we could see you through the other door leading out to the corridor. 'We' being Pete Smith and myself. Isn't it crazy the memories one keeps?

I do really hope you will put me up over sometime in January as we have so much to talk about and you can show me around Hout Bay. Do you mind?

Your ever attentive secretary, Edna.

Response From Stan To Phil on "How To Attain Stan's Longevity!"

My Dear Phil,

I am pleased you asked Jon about my longevity from an "Old Man of Hout Bay Harbour" as I am now known. The missive was difficult to decipher having been singed by what appeared to be an old clay pipe. It was a script of a conversation obviously written by a very competent Rocky playwright, between Jon and yourself, regarding the tenuous business of hanging on to existence itself. Whilst other humanoid creatures of similar vintage are so busy excitedly pushing up daisies!

I am truly flattered that you have expressed so much interest in my longevity. As Jon so rightly points out, the close proximity of Hout Bay water is the basic secret. You see, all the nutrients of the nearby Mandela Park drain into Hout Bay. As you well know, Mandela is only 2 years younger than I and he is still very fit.

One important correction; I face West when sitting on my prayer mat. It is important to have the Cape Doctor whistling around your testicles from the rear. Don't listen to you Unlce Graham too much, the intake of sticky pudding can only lead to a sticky end.

Charles Atlas has always been my role model especially when bulging in his gym slip and threatening folk who kick sand into other peoples' faces. He recommends a brisk lie-down after strenuous exercise.

This exercise, which must be carried out in the kitchen; three hundred steps tippy toes or fifteen laps. Thirty deep breaths in, hands above head, on tip toes (don't forget to breathe out). Then ten squats ie., leap to the floor, knees bent, rise slowly arms outstretched, fingers outstretched. Hands clasped in the small of the back, bend head backwards until you can see the holes in your socks, then rotate head slowly, first to the left then right. These exercises should be carried out every morning and on Sundays before church.

Yes Phil, oats are very important - you might say the very backbone of longevity. They must be of the wild variety. Refined oats will not do as they clog some of your heavy organs. If you can obtain the oats sown by wild men and cooked gently, you will be on your way to a happy 90 plus, providing you have never smoked or imbibed the filthy liquor!

Of course you will need a creative hobby to stimulate the old gray matter. Now as you were in the building trade for a brief spell, it might be a good idea to start with dolls houses. Jon could make the dollies to fit in your model houses.

It's important to keep the mind active. I know Jon has his own ideas on longevity like patent medicine and counting marbles into old jam jars - or analyzing the rites of the various religious movements and anticipating his chances of avoiding a meeting with Uncle Dad at the Pearly Gates.

Well Phil, if there is any other advice you need like sex in the nineties, please let me know. Please tell Susie that I am saving for her new shoes but in the meantime to stuff the two halves of this envelope into any holes she has. I know she cannot use Jon's socks because I am wearing them. One final note; try to resist the urge to climb all the trees in Denver!

From your old friend Stan
September 2009

Isn't it about time education had a makeover?

Do you recall sitting at your school desk that had been used by countless kids before you? You can see names scratched on the surface going back 50 years or so, heart shaped ink blots, dribble stains of yesteryear. Then you feel the pain of trying to absorb the meaningless data, the blackboard filled with hieroglyphics that only professors could read or understand.

Most of you were slouched over the desk as the teacher droned on endlessly, your thoughts darting elsewhere. Looking around the classroom you see a few of your buddies with their eyes closed, some doodling on their scrapbooks, others in a deep trance. Is this all about education you ask yourself? You begin to think it is so much more fun playing football so why is learning so very boring when you see absolutely no need to learn all about the vivisection of frogs legs, you think "When will I ever use this knowledge? Besides, I can find all this in an instant on my iPod if I need it."

We all seem to lack basic knowledge, and worse, basic answers to common questions so essential to everyday life. We are caught in a stimulus-response culture with no real thought of creativity until we wake up to how stagnant and uncreative the education system we have blindly followed for decades. It is high time the education system woke up to NCLB (no child left behind) which has to be changed or scrapped before closing the so-called "under performing" schools.

Learning by rote is out, consulting the students' understanding is in if teachers desire educated kids!

All schools, public or private, have to be totally restructured and we start with teacher recruitment. How are they recruited, retained and paid? Discrimination is alive and well, not everyone has a right to teach or even to basic education which is hard to believe, so please check it out, you will be astounded.

The following is vital for future generations; more bucks for innovation, for new ideas, real accountability with proven results, diversity of curricula and to encourage passion, drive and enthusiasm - teachers must have a love of future generations.

We talk about education costs and if we cut back any further the end result will be devastating, the US becoming a third-world country? Ha! Wait and see if nothing is done very soon as we all become robotic, and more like sheep!

Have a look at the current education stats, one in every four child leaving school is illiterate. And it will get worse, a lot worse. Man's greatest disease is ignorance followed by laziness and both of these are basic attitudes like wearing a coat - you can either leave it on or take it off, the choice is always yours.

Copyright 2009 http://www.familyfuncartoons.com/