Organizations
Keeping an active mind has been vital to my survival, as has been maintaining a sense of humor - Stephen Hawking
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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…
Resources
What Improv Can Teach Tomorrow's Doctors
Thinking quickly and occasionally abandoning the medical-school script are critical for quality patient care.
Laughter: The Ultimate Workplace Prescription
We’ve all heard the phrase that “laughter is the best medicine.” Medical science seems to back up the claim. Research shows that laughter releases chemicals in our bodies that relieve stress and enhance our mental and physical health. Laughter even seems to have positive effects on the lungs and heart, not to mention muscle tone in the face, neck, and belly.
The Science of Laughter--and Why It Also Has a Dark Side
Laughter isn’t always positive or healthy.
What makes something funny? A bold new attempt at a unified theory of comedy.
What, exactly, makes something funny? A bold new attempt at a unified theory of comedy. The question is more complicated than it may seem at first blush. Why do we laugh and derive amusement from so many different things, from puns to pratfalls?
What Makes Something Funny?
There are a lot of theories.
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
Introducing Stitches!
Your Path to Meaningful Connections in the World of Health and Medicine
Connect, Collaborate, and Engage!
Coming Soon - Stitches, the innovative chat app from the creators of HWN. Join meaningful conversations on health and medical topics. Share text, images, and videos seamlessly. Connect directly within HWN's topic pages and articles.
