Welcome to the 124th Humormeister's Forum edition

The need for humor and laughter has never been greater. The need is evident in our personal lives, work settings and social life.

We have become so attached to our electronic devices that they almost look like an extension of our upper extremities.

This has affected our personal interactions with people around us. The spontaneous release of humor and laughter and human interaction is being reduced to humorous jokes in cartoon and print form on our electronic devices.

We are cheating ourselves from 'one-on-one' interaction and enjoyment of shared dialogue, fun, laughter and companionship.

The new year is young and there is a lot of time left in the year to target a different direction in 2018.

"Let the force of humor and laughter be with you in 2018!"

Fun quote

As soap is to the body, as laughter is to the soul - Jewish proverb

Happiness quote

Look in the mirror! You are looking at the source of your happiness - Gerry Hopman

The one minute laugh

During basic training at Fort Leavenworth, our sergeant asked if anyone had artistic abilities.

Having been an architectural draftsman in civilian life, I raised my hand.

Then the sergeant announced that everyone would get a three-day pass.....expect me.

I would stay behind and neatly print each soldier's name into their army-issued underwear.

Kids are funny

Billy was excited about his first day at school. So excited in fact, that only a few minutes after class started, he realized that he desperately needed to go to the washroom.

So Billy raised his hand politely to ask if he could be excused. The teacher said yes, but asked Billy to be quick.

Five minute later Billy returned looking desperate and embarrassed."I couldn't find it," he said. The teacher sat Billy down and drew a little diagram to where he should go and asked him if he would be able to find it now.

Billy looked at the diagram, said,"yes," and goes on his way. Five minute later he returned to the classroom and says to the teacher, "I can't find it."

Frustrated, the teacher asked Tommy to help Billy find the washroom. So Tommy and Billy go together and five minutes later they both return and sit down in their seats.

The teacher asks Tommy, Well, did you find it? Tommy is quick to reply and says, "Oh sure, he just had his boxer shorts on backwards."

Humor Laughter and marriage

Married couples get most of their humor from TV sitcoms these days. In other words, they no longer generate their own humor and laughter, but rely on TV to do it for them.

If you you go to a restaurant, you can always pick out the married couples, they are the ones not talking to one another.

Laughter establishes a positive emotional climate between a couple who enjoy each other's company.

I addition to the pleasure and social benefits, laughter can subdue anger, stress and anxiety, and therefor facilitate intimacy.

Dr. Robert Provine, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Maryland reports some interesting findings: