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HWN Suggests

What Makes Something Funny?

Humor can be dissected, as a frog can,” E. B. White wrote, “but the thing dies in the process and the innards are discouraging to any but the purely scientific mind.” True to form, philosophers, scientists, and certain left-brained comedians have been scrutinizing humor’s innards for centuries, seeking a serious understanding of what makes things funny.

According to one scholarly definition, something is humorous if people cognitively appraise it as funny, if it creates “the positive emotion of amusement,” or if it produces laughter. But while the average adult laughs 18 times a day, laughter isn’t a reliable indicator. Researchers found only 10 to 20 percent of remarks…

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Resources

Comedy Cures Foundation

The ComedyCures Foundation tickles funny bones! We bring joy, laughter, and therapeutic humor programs to kids and grown-ups living with illness depression, trauma and disabilities.

Laughter Heals

Laughter Heals Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to promote healing through laughter.

Rx Laughter

Rx Laughter is grounded in the principles of Positive Psychology and the connection between humor and health

The Humor Project

The HUMOR Project, Inc. is the first organization in the world to focus full-time on the positive power of humor. Our mission is to make a difference by being a unique, pioneering, and cutting-edge organization that touches the lives of individuals, organizations, and nations.

The Museum of Questionable Medical Devices

World-renowned expert on Medical Quackery and Health Fraud,and founder of The Museum of Questionable Medical Devices, which is now located at the Science Museum of Minnesota.

World Laughter Tour

We promote a worldwide movement for health, happiness and peace. We encourage everyone to tap into the benefits of positive laughter & humor, which are natural pathways to mind-body, mental & physical health.

Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor

Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) is an international community of professionals who incorporate humor into their daily lives.

The International Society for Humor Studies

The International Society for Humor Studies (ISHS) is a scholarly and professional organization dedicated to the advancement of humor research.

Blue Moon Talent

Blue Moon Talent is Your One-Stop Private and Corporate Event Entertainment Agency for Top-Notch Entertainers, Production Shows, Variety Acts, Live Music and Celebrity Headliners