Sven Golly
Moving
"In the night you hide from the madman you're longing to be"
Posts: 800
|
Post by Sven Golly on May 14, 2004 17:58:32 GMT
In this thread we will be not only be passing on humorous stories and jokes; but, we will also try to examine what it is that makes us laugh - How sometimes humor is an uncomfortable release of emotion that can not be expressed otherwise. - Or even how we use it to influence others through sarcasm.
I will start off with what scientists at the "British Laugh Lab" have called the funniest joke in the world. (this is based on over two million responses from several different countries.) See if you agree - and if you do, why is it so funny?:
A couple of New Jersey hunters are out in the woods when one of them falls to the ground. He doesn't seem to be breathing, his eyes are rolled back in his head. The other guy whips out his cell phone and calls emergency services. He gasps to the operator: "My friend is dead!" "What can I do?" The operator, in a calm soothing voice says: "Just take it easy, I can help.""First let's make sure he's dead" There is a silence, then a shot is heard. The guy's voice comes back on the line and says "OK, now what?"
|
|
|
Post by brillo69 on May 15, 2004 2:06:56 GMT
They do reckon that laughter is supposed to be the best medicene.
A Man goes to the Doctor's with a bone stuck in his throat. All of a sudden the man starts coughing violently. "Are you choking?" Asks the Doctor. "NO! I'm F*****G serious!!!" Replies the man.
|
|
Sven Golly
Moving
"In the night you hide from the madman you're longing to be"
Posts: 800
|
Post by Sven Golly on May 20, 2004 18:18:54 GMT
I recently touched a nerve with comment made in jest earlier today in this forum. My provocative statement both challenged and exemplified our perceptions of what our expected roles in society are. This also fits in with the discussion we are having on the "Castaways" thread. What part does humor play in bringing about change, or at least discussion?
Richard Pryor, mayby the funniest man to ever live, helped in large part reclaim the word 'nig*er from racist whites. The uncomfortable confrontation is sometimes much more effective than using reassusing trite phrases and platitudes. We all put up bullsh!t barriers when people start lecturing. Humor, however, breaks right through. You may not always get it, but it is gradually useful in making valid statements.
Hear what you wish, but, know what I say. Sometimes, like today, when I use sarcasm; I am not assured of being understood, but certain of being heard. What do you think?
|
|
|
Post by Al Truest on May 20, 2004 19:01:23 GMT
Sometimes, like today, when I use sarcasm; I am not assured of being understood, but certain of being heard. What do you think? I hear you. Sometimes you do say some things that I would be uncomfortable saying. However, your comment in context (i.e. you not being a known misogynist), does draw attention to the role of women in an exculpatory, albeit controversial, manner. A man whom is able to entertain and 'satisfy' several partners is still known as charming and virile. Conversely, women who are capable of this feat are branded 'slutty.' I agree that humor can be effective. Even with the j/k disclaimer, you ran the risk of affronting the sensibilities of others and missed the mark of your target audience. ....Regretable..... But as I said, that's your style, not mine.
|
|
|
Post by strabley on May 20, 2004 21:07:48 GMT
I'm learning that sometimes I know you maybe joking, Sven, but on what level? Some sarcasm is just silly and for humour's sake only, some is to educate, and some sarcasm, even with a j/k or a has malicious intent. I know I have misunderstood you in the past, assuming you were being malicious when you were not. Or claimed later not to be ? It's extra hard to tell when all you see it type and no body language to go along with it.
|
|
Sven Golly
Moving
"In the night you hide from the madman you're longing to be"
Posts: 800
|
Post by Sven Golly on May 20, 2004 22:30:36 GMT
......some sarcasm, even with a j/k or a has malicious intent. I suppose I am out of bounds here..... Really, I expected that you guys thought more of me than to believe I'd even suggest that Ms Blanchett was a 'whore', or that I had one lepton of any anti female sentiment. To the contrary, my remark was an attempt to show absurdity. Either I gave you guys too much credit, or you don't give me enough. Do you really think that I am that shallow? At least you are willing to listen. My legitimate effort to explain myself did not seem to warrant any consideration. For that I am disappointed.....oh, well......
|
|
|
Post by strabley on May 21, 2004 14:29:31 GMT
I suppose I am out of bounds here..... Really, I expected that you guys thought more of me than to believe I'd even suggest that Ms Blanchett was a 'whore', or that I had one lepton of any anti female sentiment. To the contrary, my remark was an attempt to show absurdity. Either I gave you guys too much credit, or you don't give me enough. Do you really think that I am that shallow? At least you are willing to listen. My legitimate effort to explain myself did not seem to warrant any consideration. For that I am disappointed.....oh, well...... Huh? I wasn't talking about this. I was referring to comments in the past. What thread are you talking about? Obviously I missed something here. I was actually referring to what we were talking about over a month ago but forget it, I suppose it doesn't matter.
|
|
Sven Golly
Moving
"In the night you hide from the madman you're longing to be"
Posts: 800
|
Post by Sven Golly on May 21, 2004 15:23:51 GMT
Huh? I wasn't talkingabout this. I was referring to comments in the past. What thread are you talking about? Ob iviously I missed something here. I was actually referring to what we were talking about over a month ago but forget it, I suppose it doesn't matter. We were discussing Cate Blanchett on the 'Castaways' thread. I had not realized that I have come across as poorly as I have.
|
|
|
Post by Xanadu on May 21, 2004 18:21:27 GMT
I recently touched a nerve with comment made in jest earlier today in this forum. My provocative statement both challenged and exemplified our perceptions of what our expected roles in society are. This also fits in with the discussion we are having on the "Castaways" thread. What part does humor play in bringing about change, or at least discussion? Hear what you wish, but, know what I say. Sometimes, like today, when I use sarcasm; I am not assured of being understood, but certain of being heard. What do you think? I think humor plays a great part on bringing about change. It allows for a difficult topic to be discussed in a more comfortable way. All effective criticism starts as humor. Look at politics. To really reach people’s hearts and minds, you can’t publish direct criticism of Bush in the papers. I has to be slow, constant sarcasm that makes society begin to ask themselves the real questions. A harsh direct approach only leads to defense and stubborness. I still don’t see how your Blanchett comment was to bring about change, but I did think you were just teasing. Maybe my mistake was not allowing you to know that I wasn’t offended with a well placed emoticon. Bottom line was... I like her, so I defended her. I hear you. Sometimes you do say some things that I would be uncomfortable saying. However, your comment in context (i.e. you not being a known misogynist), does draw attention to the role of women in an exculpatory, albeit controversial, manner. A man whom is able to entertain and 'satisfy' several partners is still known as charming and virile. Conversely, women who are capable of this feat are branded 'slutty.' I agree that humor can be effective. Even with the j/k disclaimer, you ran the risk of affronting the sensibilities of others and missed the mark of your target audience. ....Regretable..... But as I said, that's your style, not mine. After a time, you begin to understand another’s style, or I would hope so. If I felt Sven was intentionally trying to make a point with me, I’d address him. One tries to criticize subtly at first with teasing and sarcasm. Some just have to be hit in the head with it. Sven has hit a little hard occasionally, but it all fits with, in my opinion, are good intentions. Now, as for the misogynist remark, that part I don’t believe. Real insult and chauvinism is no where near the teasing that Sven does, that I have been subject to in the workplace and elsewhere. A little coy banter, and little snide teasing, is all in fun. I'm learning that sometimes I know you maybe joking, Sven, but on what level? Some sarcasm is just silly and for humour's sake only, some is to educate, and some sarcasm, even with a j/k or a has malicious intent. I know I have misunderstood you in the past, assuming you were being malicious when you were not. Or claimed later not to be ? It's extra hard to tell when all you see it type and no body language to go along with it. I agree Sheila. I have had the same trouble, but again, you need to voice it. Quote what you felt on the board was insulting in a PM to another member and ask what was meant by it. It will help you to feel better and clear the air. We have all had some trouble lately. I think of Sven as the id of our forum (no offense) and I appreciate it. We all need to have a large space for understanding and a thick skin to keep this going. This is supposed to be fun, entertaining, educational, and easy. For office politics, I have my life. Let’s try to be more one and not the other. I suppose I am out of bounds here..... Really, I expected that you guys thought more of me than to believe I'd even suggest that Ms Blanchett was a 'whore', or that I had one lepton of any anti female sentiment. To the contrary, my remark was an attempt to show absurdity. Either I gave you guys too much credit, or you don't give me enough. Do you really think that I am that shallow? At least you are willing to listen. My legitimate effort to explain myself did not seem to warrant any consideration. For that I am disappointed.....oh, well...... Now, that part about giving us too much credit is a little insulting, Sven. I really didn’t want you to feel strange about it. I still didn’t really get the pointed remark at her though? Huh? I wasn't talking about this. I was referring to comments in the past. What thread are you talking about? Obviously I missed something here. I was actually referring to what we were talking about over a month ago but forget it, I suppose it doesn't matter. Now, I’m really confused. If you were hurt by something a month ago Sheila, why didn’t you post to someone about it? I would have been more than willing to discuss it with you. I was thinking all this Blanchett stuff was getting pretty absurd. But you seem to have an issue with something else. I hope I didn’t offend you. We were discussing Cate Blanchett on the 'Castaways' thread. I had not realized that I have come across as poorly as I have. I reacted to the Blanchett issue because I feel that women who don’t fit a particular “type” in Hollywood are harshly criticized by the media. Personally, I don’t think half of the young top actresses are anywhere near as attractive or sexual as they are sold as (i.e. Julia Roberts, etc.) I was terribly hurt and moved by Cate Blanchett’s response in a recent episode of Inside The Actor’s Studio where James Lipton had the nerve to address how she is not considered attractive (he is quite euphemistic) but insulting nontheless. She is incredibly classy, but uncomfortable and responds that she supposes she has an “actor’s” face, which is a good thing to have. My long list of favorite actresses would probably be considered in this same way, but I think they are the most attractive, talented, sexy, classy, and intelligent women of the entire lot. Please see my other two cents at “Who’s Met Who,” since I address several other comments about this offense issue there.
|
|
Sven Golly
Moving
"In the night you hide from the madman you're longing to be"
Posts: 800
|
Post by Sven Golly on May 21, 2004 19:28:57 GMT
The title of this thread cracks me up. Our use of irony and sarcasm lately (well mine ) has developed this thread toward where I wanted to go, but it kind of whizzed on past. What's so funny?......sorry I if you are amused I'm glad - if not, you may never get me. I am truly sorry for stepping on toes; but will you admit that we must not become too serious. Our bluntness and perspicacious loquaciousness (and preening conceit, well me again) keep this a vitale forum. I love it.... and you all.
|
|
|
Post by strabley on May 25, 2004 17:15:44 GMT
I love it.... and you all. You whore! ;D Are you SURE you want me to come back?
|
|
Sven Golly
Moving
"In the night you hide from the madman you're longing to be"
Posts: 800
|
Post by Sven Golly on May 25, 2004 21:29:03 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Al Truest on Jun 5, 2004 20:18:27 GMT
OK This idea just came to me while watching a sports program. I was amazed at how much money and attention is focused on athletic programs at major Universities. As a result, I have written a joke: In an effort to inspire an interest akin to that of their athletic program; the University of Tennessee will release details of the "Retire A Number'' program. Similar to when the football program 'retires' the jersey number of a great player; the mathmatics department has adopted the same practice. They decided on the number '10' for it's overall ease of use and utility. Students at UT are not allowed to use this number in any of their calculations. The practice has been underway now for quite awhile. In other news Knoxville area fast-food resturants announce serious accounting problems. ps this is funnier if you are a Vanderbilt Grad.
|
|
Iago
Reaching Out
Stepping out off the page.....
Posts: 367
|
Post by Iago on Jun 12, 2004 1:38:19 GMT
That's stupid
|
|
|
Post by Adey on Jun 12, 2004 13:50:31 GMT
The International Football Association, have announced that David Beckham's voice is to be used for all stadium announcements during the current tournament.
A spokesman said, " We hear that he comes over the PA really well.. "
|
|