March 2007
The monthly, members-only, e-zine keeps AATH members updated on the latest developments in the world of applied and therapeutic humor. Each link will open a new window for anything outside the AATH website. All web links below have been carefully checked and worked at the time of publication. If the link does not take you to the listed article, please contact the owners of that website about finding that article. Disclaimer: Published by Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor. AATH accepts no responsibility for any claims, either expressed or implied, in this publication. The information and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of AATH, its officers, directors, staff, or members. |
Humor Research
Sense of humor and survival among a county cohort of patients with end-stage
renal failure: a two-year prospective study.
CONCLUSIONS: Sense of
humor appeared to mediate better coping and, therefore, protected against
detrimental effects of disease-related stressors upon survival.
Svebak S, Kristoffersen B, Aasarød K
Int J Psychiatry Med 2006, 36:269-81
Laugh Angeles Foundation
Laughter Research
2007
Listing of 350 laughter research references
www.laughteryoga.us
Encyclopedia of 20th Century American Humor
Humor Research Web Sites
Pulitzer-Prize Winning Cartoonists' Web Sites
Satirical Web Sites
(E-zine Ed. note: huge listing of humor research references)
www.public.asu.edu
AATH in the NEWS:
HappyNews.com
Humor Association Shows Laughter Can Improve A Situation
January 26, 2007
Humor reduces stress, makes learning easier, contributes to the process of healing, and makes it easier for families to get through the grieving process. That's the word of humor professionals at the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH), an international organization whose members include a broad spectrum of practitioners - from health care, senior care, and education to faith communities, the business world, and yes, even the military. (E-zine Ed. note: AATH member Heidi Gelentser is in the photo with her three sons. Also, AATH member Marie Bethke organized this program as part of World Laughter Day.) www.happynews.com
Comstock's Business Magazine
If your are stressed and you know it, clap your hands
February 2007
AATH is mentioned and our President, Allen Klein, is quoted.
AssociatedContent.com
28 Days to a Healthier Heart – February Heart Month
by Dave Ickes
February 3, 2007
Laughing and smiling more often can be a part of your positive revolution. According to Steve Sultanoff, PhD, the (E-zine ed. note: past) president of the American Association of Therapeutic Humor (E-zine ed. note: Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor), "Laughter can both change how you feel physically and affect your biochemistry." www.associatedcontent.com
Hunter College
February 6, 2007
(E-zine Ed. note:) AATH president, Allen Klein, is one of a select group of alumni to be named to the 2007 Hunter College Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place on April 27th, 2007, in New York City.
The daily Apple—Show Clip
February 2007
E-zine Ed note: Film clip of AATH member, Roz Trieber performing and discussing her seminar: Live Life Laughing. www.rl.tv
AATH member, William W. Purk, is the author of a new book: Teaching class clowns (and what they can teach us)
Corwin Press in 2006.
Georgetown News
Everyone needs some laughter
By Mike Scogin
February 11, 2007
CBS News reported last year revealed that laughter has some of the advantages of a good workout. (E-zine Ed. note: AATH member:) William Fry, an expert in laughter research, said that 10 minutes on a rowing machine was equal to one minute of a good hearty laugh. Maciej Buchowski, a Vanderbilt University researcher, conducted a study that found 10-to-15 minutes of good laughter would burn 50 calories. www.georgetownnews.com
Herald & Review
Red Hat Mamas bring fun filled day to Decator Rehabilitation and health Care Center
By Sheila Smith
February 11, 2007
Red hats of fur, felt, sequins, flowers and netted-type material helped brighten up the Decatur Rehabilitation and Health Care Center on the west side of town. www.herald-review.com
The Huntsville Forester
Hospice Huntsville volunteers receive credit at conference for their dedication to caregiving
By Bruce Hickey
February 21, 2007i
(E-zine Ed. note, AATH member:) Cheryl Laubner, the keynote speaker for the afternoon session, uses therapeutic humor in her work as a hospice nurse at the Hospice of Volusia/Flagler in Florida.
www.huntsvilleforester.com
Daily Southtown
New type of yoga class is one big joke
By Steve Metsch
February 20, 2007
Kataria started the laughter club concept in 1995 as a way to relieve stress. In 1998, on the first Sunday in May, he launched World Laughter Day. By 2000, the event had drawn about 10,000 people in Copenhagen, Denmark, alone.
There are 200 laughter clubs in the United States, and 5,000 clubs in 53 nations. Kataria will offer training for instructors in New York in April and California in May. (E-zine Ed. note: AATH Past President, Steve Sultanoff, is quoted in this article) www.dailysouthtown.com
Los Angeles Times
Humor helps, but it’s not easy
By Paul Lieberman
February 26, 2007
Now the Assn. of Applied and Therapeutic Humor was 20 years old and they celebrated that too in their convention here on Florida's Gulf Coast. (E-zine Ed. note: This detailed description of the 2007 AATH conference mentions founding president, Alison Crane, new president Lenny Dave, former president Steve Sultanoff, as well as members: Susan Sparks, Patch Adams, Cheryl Fell, Candy Waters, Danny Donuts, Carla Ulbrech, Susanne Rothberg, Eileen Wallach, and Marie Bethke.) www.latimes.com
HUMOR in the NEWS:
Washingtonpost.com
No Laughter Allowed?
By Howard Kurtz,
January 30, 2007
If we've left no room for humor in politics, we've created a problem. www.washingtonpost.com
The Sturges Journal
Laughter Thoughts
By Rosalie Currier,
January 29, 2007
Glenn told the audience that people with a good sense of humor are healthier, live longer and are better-looking. www.sturgisjournal.com
Monterey County Herald
Laughter in the face of labor laws
By Marie Vasari,
January 31, 2007
"When times are tough, things aren't going exactly as you want them to, when you're up to your eyeballs in alligators, that's when you need a sense a humor," said Wilde. www.montereyherald.com
Statesman.com
Molly Ivins, queen of liberal commentary, dies
By W. Gardner Selby,
January 31, 2007
Writing on Salon.com in 2000, critic David Rubien compared Ivins to Mark Twain, Ambrose Bierce, Will Rogers, H.L. Mencken and Red Smith, writers (coincidentally men) who used satire to deflate pomp and prick conventional wisdom. www.statesman.com
MaineToday.com
Pain and suffering … and laughter
By Stephanie Bouchard,
February 1, 2007
Sometimes humor helps us deal with extraordinary pain, and that is what he's doing (in the play)," explains Christine Louise Marshall, the director of Mad Horse's production. http://entertainment.mainetoday.com
Studio Matrix News
Jest Practices: Best Practices for Humor in the Workplace
By Craig Harrison,
February 4, 2007
The challenge: how to interject appropriate humor and fun into our serious jobs without hurting others or seriously undermining the company. www.studiomatrix.com
DesMoinesRegister.com
If you want a good laugh, join the club
By Mary Challender,
February 6, 2007
Studies in the emerging field of gelatology (the study of humor) indicate laughter improves the function of blood vessels, boosts the immune system, reduces levels of stress hormones, makes people feel more hopeful and may help prevent heart disease. http://desmoinesregister.com
The Press
Laughter is the best medicine
By Lucy Stephens,
February 2, 2007
In fact, a giggle is so beneficial for your health that one York practitioner even runs special "laughter clinics" to help relieve stress - or just to give people the opportunity to enjoy themselves. www.yorkpress.co.uk
www.Arabisto.com
Laughter doesn’t end conflict, but neither does more violence
By Ray Hanania,
February 8, 2007
People who live in conflict zones have a better sense of humor and outlook on life than the activists who claim to represent their interests 9,000 miles away in the safety of their suburban homes outside of Chicago. www.arabisto.com
North Seattle Herald-Outlook
Laugh it up!: What’s so funny? Laughter yoga no joke
By Chanel Merritt,
February 7, 2007
The list of health benefits associated with laughter is a long one. Laughter lowers blood pressure, stimulates the brain, boosts the immune system, reduces pain, massages internal organs, aids digestion, stimulates the muscle system, gives an emotional boost and even cleanses the body of stress chemicals when you laugh hard enough to cry, according to Verde. www.zwire.com
Denver Daily News
Laughter: Is it the best medicine?
By Freddy Bosco,
February 6, 2007
Research shows that laughter boosts your immune system, lowers your stress hormones, and increases your endorphins. www.thedenverdailynews.com
Starbulletin.com
First, You Laugh
By E. Shan Correa,
February 10, 2007
Laughter is both healing and life-affirming. By healing, I mean more than just the release of healing endorphins in the brain that researchers are analyzing. Something about laughter heals the soul, unites you with others all over the world and makes you treasure being alive. http://starbulletin.com
TheSouthern.com
I’m 39 and holding
By Jim Davidson,
February 10, 2007
It's been proven that laughter relieves stress and I feel sure you know that stress can do all kinds of things to your body, and most of them are not good.www.southernillinoisan.com
cbs2chicago.com
Laughter Yoga Serious Business For Cancer Patients
By Mary Ann Childress,
February 9, 2007
Advocates say 20 minutes of laughter boosts endorphins, blood flow, oxygen levels, and the immune system while lowering stress hormones, anxiety and blood pressure. But maybe most important, it makes you feel good.
http://cbs2chicago.com
The Japan Times Online
Brilliant choices reveal seldom seen masterpieces
By Michael Dunn,
February 5, 2007
Despite oft-heard subversive remarks to the contrary, the Japanese have a very highly-developed sense of humor -- it's just different, that's all. http://search.japantimes.co.jp
9News
Laugh off those extra pounds
By Quyuh Nguyen,
February 12, 2007
“Smiling and laughing produce happy chemicals called endorphins which work in the brain to give an overall feeling of well-being," said psychiatrist Robert Holden, who runs laughter clinics for England's National Health Service
www.9news.com
The Dunn County News
‘Heart Health, Humor Hoedown’ lassoes lasses
by Deb Anderson,
February 12, 2007
More fun and enjoyment of life can be had by smiling and celebrating anything, according to Pierce. Peace of mind can be achieved by making amends, forgiving and “paying attention to the goofy stuff in life.” www.dunnconnect.com
Post-Bulletin
Better living through belly laughs
By Mary Challender,
February 23, 2007
The problem? Adults tend to be a pretty humorless lot. The average adult, according to a study by researchers at the University of Western Ontario, only laughs about 17 times a day.www.postbulletin.com
The Upper Cape Codder
Laugh—it’s good for your health
By Nicole Muller,
February 21, 2007
.” That’s because finding what amuses us not only reduces stress and alleviates depression, it lowers our blood pressure, banishes boredom and increases the level of oxygen in our blood, giving us more energy.
www.townonline.com
Forest Park Review
Laughter’s blessings
By Michelle Keefe,
February 23, 2007
Since 1872, the Medinah Shrine clowns have been bringing smiles to families throughout North America. The organization supports the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of 22 pediatric specialty hospitals, where children under the age of 18 receive free medical care. The Chicago Shriner Hospital is located in Oak Park.http://forestparkreview.com
The Japan Times
A guffaw a day keeps the diabetes at bay
By Toshiyuki Tanimoto,
February 20, 2007
The massaging can be done while seated, and even diabetics who cannot do strenuous physical exercise can easily perform it. Some medical institutions have introduced the exercise at seminars for patients.http://search.japantimes.co.jp
The Epoch Times
Laughter—Not Just for Fun
By Hans Bengtsson,
February 25, 2006
Laughter is helpful by lowering the brain's temperature and facilitating communication between its hemispheres. Circulation is increased, blood pressure is lowered, and the heart gets a workout. Endorphins, the body's own opiates, are released, which relieves pain and gives a sense of well-being. Furthermore, Lise says, the immune system is strengthened, and the inner organs get a massage. http://en.epochtimes.com
The World of HUMOR
HUMOR IN THE NEWS: RELATED ARTICLE
Dallas Morning News
Spinning our wheels
By Rod Dreher,
January 28, 2007
The man who liberates himself from cravings for pleasure and status and devotes himself to a higher calling, is a man who possesses the rarest of goods: himself. He knows who he is. www.dallasnews.com
On-Line Opinion
Happiness may come from within, but employers need to help
By Steve Dow,
January 30, 2007
The answer to happiness of course lies in teaching ourselves to be optimistic. But that requires a sense of control over our lives, the opportunity to be together in a society, more time out to enjoy our increasingly limited leisure. www.onlineopinion.com.au
Spero News
Material goods and The Pursuit of Happiness
By Jordan Ballor,
January 31, 2007
The spiritual realities that are implicit in the film but come through in the real life story of Chris Gardner, who has manifested his faith in part through is work with the Glide United Methodist Church in San Francisco, hint at the truth that our happiness is dependent on the orientation of our use of earthly goods toward a reality greater than ourselves. Seeking happiness in only material or transient objects is necessarily a fleeting experience. www.speroforum.com
JS Online
Seven steps to having a happier life
By Steven F. Sanduski,
February 1, 2007
OK, so if becoming a millionaire is not the passport to happiness, what is? According to various studies, here are seven keys that can make people happier. www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=560449
Kennebec Journal
You might be happier if you were a Republican
February 2, 2007
My favorite finding in the Pew study is that Republicans are happier than Democrats and Independents -- and have consistently reported being so for as long as the data are available (since 1972). http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
New Straits Times
The skeptics vs The newlyweds
By Kathirasen,
February 4, 2007
Research by scientists gives credence to this. Yes, marriage brings happiness. But this happiness, say a team of scientists, is short-lived. www.nst.com.my
WFAA.com
Expert to talk about counting blessings, being happier
By Sam Hodges,
February 3, 2006
"What we came down to is pretty simple," he said. "Grateful people are kind of prone to positive emotions in general. They're happy people, and they tend to be spiritual people. They look at creation and see a world filled with love. www.wfaa.com
Capitol Hill Blue
Happiness is as happiness does
By M. J. Andersen,
February 6, 2007
The analysts at Leicester say that subjective well-being correlates most strongly with health. www.capitolhillblue.com
Dixie Sun Online Edition
Law of attraction secret to happiness
By Casie McNaughton,
February 7, 2006
If you’re giving off positive energy, you’re going to get positive responses not only from yourself, but also from others because they pick up on that positive energy unconsciously. Understand? http://sun.dixie.edu/
Washingtonpost.com
Monks, Not McMansions May Hold the Key to Happiness
By Katherine Salant, February 10, 2007
What is the scientific proof that a modest lifestyle is the path to happiness? Rayo said one example is Buddhist monks. They eat the same food and wear the same clothes every day. With years of meditation they lose interest in the "next new thing and the moving target," he said. "And their brain scans show that they are happier than most people in a scientifically measurable way." www.washingtonpost.com
All Headline News
New Study Indicates 1/3 to ½ Of Our Happiness Is Based On Our Genes
By Patricia Shehan, February 22, 2007
The study results may help us to understand why it is that some people are not happy even when good fortune comes their way, yet others stay cheerful even in the worst of circumstances. www.allheadlinenews.com
United Press International
Nation’s happiness, blood pressure linked
February 21, 2007
The researchers also found that mental health in each country is inversely correlated with its rate of hypertension, according to the study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research in Massachusetts. www.upi.com
The Royal Gazette
Happiness is a healthy body
By Cathy Stovall,
February 23, 2007
Healthy workers are happier workers. The old adage has proved true to companies involved in the Argus Wellness Programme. Local health insurance giant, Argus, started the programme in 2005 as a means to try and contain health costs. www.theroyalgazette.com
The Times of India
Mind Set: I am my happiness
February 25, 2007
Unfortunately, one of the biggest relationship mistakes also happens to be one of the most tempting things to do if you are in a relationship: Making your partner responsible for your happiness and blaming him or her when you are not! http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Worldchanging
Who’s Happy and Why?
By Ethan Zuckerman
February 25, 2006
You could offer an interesting narrative based on this - the idea that nations are happiest when citizens think things are getting better, saddest in nations where things seem to be getting worse. www.worldchanging.com
HUMOR
MEETINGS
The Art and Joy of Hospital Clowning
DATE: May 5 - 6, 2007
TIME: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 pm. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
PLACE: Boston, Ma.
TUITION: $400. Includes manual, snacks and lunch on both training days.
OPTIONAL: Friday night dinner at local restaurant to meet the group.
For further informatio, e-mail: info@hospital-clowns.org or
Call: 1 877 256-9612. Website: www.heartsandnoses.org
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 30, 2007
The Post-Journal
Women’s Heart Event To Promote Laughter As Good Medicine
February 20, 2007
’’This year we’re encouraging women to take laughter seriously, and laugh their way to good health. Laughter is like internal jogging. Studies show that it is a wonderful way to relieve stress and release chemicals that can relax the blood vessels and actually lower blood pressure.’’ The Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena is hosting the third annual Evening of Heart, Health and Humor on Thursday, March 1. http://post-journal.com
The Art and Joy of Hospital Clowning
DATE: May 5 - 6, 2007
TIME: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 pm. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
PLACE: Boston, Ma.
TUITION: $400. Includes manual, snacks and lunch on both training days.
OPTIONAL: Friday night dinner at local restaurant to meet the group.
Members of the Boston based Hearts and Noses Hospital Clown Troupe are excited to invite you to an introductory weekend training program in the art of hospital clowning. www.hospital-clowns.org/
If you see something you would like to share in our E-Zine, send the lead to
Bob Nozik, E-zine Editor ezine@aath.org
