Just for Laughs!

When was the last time you really laughed? I mean, you laughed so hard your sides started aching? We interviewed our classmates to find out what they find funny. Most admit that they laugh when someone is clumsy (think of how we laugh when we see the old slip-on-a-banana-peel gag!). Some of us laugh when other people are laughing, or when someone is being silly. Some people laugh when they are nervous, or don't know what to say. Tickling makes most of us laugh too. Almost everyone agreed that jokes make us laugh--even if the joke is corny (meaning very silly!).

But, what is it that makes a joke funny?

In a famous study, Professor Richard Wiseman, in cooperation with The British Association for the Advancement of Science, set out to discover the funniest joke in the world. You can read more about it here on his LaughLab website (and download lots of funny jokes!). Here is the joke which they rated as the funniest one of all:

Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn't seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy takes out his phone and calls the emergency services.
He gasps: "My friend is dead! What can I do?" The operator says: "Calm down, I can help. First, let's make sure he's dead." There is a silence, then a gunshot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says: "OK, now what?" 

Did that make you laugh, or at least chuckle? What is it about this joke that makes people find funny? Most likely it is the surprise ending!

Now watch this video about a guy who is trying to find the best joke ever. You will be aware of a series of puns, clichés, double meanings, and play on words.

 Quite clever isn't it? Many of these jokes are visual. Did you catch them all?  How often did you laugh?


 There are actually formulas for creating good jokes, and every joke should have at least one of these elements:

1. They make use of words that have double meanings (puns, play on words, homonyms)
2. The answer is something you weren't expecting.
3. They create a funny picture in your head.

Using the criteria above, look at this video and determine what element (or elements) each joke has.

Now, read each joke below (it's better if you have friend to tell them to!), and use these criteria to categorize them. Some could fit more than one element. (For those of you who did these in class, I've added a few new jokes!)
D= Double meaning
U= Unexpected (ending)
P= (creates a funny Picture in your head)

_________1. Why did the chicken cross the road?
To get to the other side

 

_________2. Why is the sky so high?
So the birds don't bump their heads

_________3. What did one traffic light say to the other traffic light?
Don't look at me, I'm changing

 

_________4. Why don’t you ever see hippopotamus hiding in trees? 

Because they’re really good at it.

_________5. What do you call a dog without legs?
Anything you like. It won't run after you 

_________6. Patient: doctor, doctor, I feel like a bridge.
Doctor: what came over you?
Patient: two cars and a bus

 

__________7. What do you get if you cross a sheep with a kangaroo?
A woolly jumper 

__________8. Why do cows have bells?
Because their horns don't work

 

__________9. Why do golfers wear two pairs of pants? 

In case they get a hole in one.

_________10. A man walked into a hospital and said: "Doctor, doctor, I've grown curtains." The doctor said: "Calm down man and pull yourself together."

 

_________11. Why can't a car play football?
Because it has only got one boot (in UK English, cars have "boots" not "trunks")

_________12. Why wasn't Cinderella allowed to be in the soccer team?
Because she runs away from the ball

_________13. Why did the boy take the pen and paper to bed?
So that he could draw the curtain

 

________14. What does the secretary do to old nails?   

 File them

________15. Why don't aliens starve in space?
Because they can find mars, a milky way, and a galaxy.

 

_______16. Two fish are in a tank. One turns to the other and asks “How do you drive this thing?”

______17.  Why can’t a bike stand on its own?
 It’s two tired.

______18.  When you get a bladder infection, urine trouble.

______19. You want to hear a pizza joke? Never mind, it’s pretty cheesy.

______20.  What time is it when you have to go to the dentist? 
Tooth-hurtie.
 Answers: 1-U, 2-UP, 3-D, 4-UP, 5-UP, 6-DP, 7-D, 8-D, 9-D, 10-D, 11-D, 12-DP, 13-D, 14-D, 15-D, 16-DP, 17-D, 18-D, 19-D, 20-D

And now for something completely different... it's time for US to tell a few jokes!

 

Personality (Part 2)

In our last post, we talked about our personalities traits and how we might be perceived by others.
Now, think about your best friend. What is it about their personality that you really like? Are there things you wish they would change? Answer the survey questions below about your best friend, then use the list of adjectives to come up with a good description of them:

1. _____ Is your friend usually in a good mood?  
2. _____ Is it important for your friend to be successful in whatever he/she does?
3. _____ Does your friend notice your feelings?
4. _____ Does you friend often give presents, or pay for a snack or drink?
5. _____ Does your friend work hard?
6. _____ Does your friend become angry or annoyed if he/she has to wait for something or someone?
7. _____ Can you trust your friend with a secret?
8. _____ Does your friend listen well when you are speaking?
9. _____ Does your friend keep his/her feelings to him/herself?
10. _____ Is your friend usually not worried by things, no matter what happens?
11. _____ Does your friend think the future will be good?
12. _____ Does your friend often change their opinion about things?
13. _____ Does your friend often postpone things he/she has to do?
14. _____ Is your friend happy one moment and then sad the next?
15. _____Does your friend like to be with people?

Which of these adjectives describes the quality asked about in each of the survey questions?

• _____  generous
• _____ easygoing
• _____ ambitious
• _____ cheerful
• _____ hardworking
• _____ trustworthy
• _____ impatient
• _____ optimistic
• _____ sensitive
• ______ moody
• ______ sociable
• _____ indecisive
• _____ reserved
• _____ lazy
• _____ attentive
source:http://esl.about.com/od/vocabularylessonplans/a/characteradj.htm

Another way to think about personality is by simply using the first two letters of the alphabet, "A" and "B." What is and A Type personality, and how does it differ from Type B? Here's a video that will give you a good example of each type, in a humorous kind of way :)

What did you discover about these two types? Which category would you put yourself into? Your friend? Take a look at the chart below to see words that accurately describe these two types of individuals. Do you think it's easier to be friends with A or B types?

Well, no matter if you see your friend as an A or B type, remember, as the video above says, "We need BOTH types" So you A Types out there, RELAX!! And you B Types, take care of those Type "A"s!

What's Your Personality?

Photo credit: CNN.com

We all have certain characteristics that make us who we are. What words do you use to describe your personality traits or the personality traits of others? Here's a list to get you started. You can click on each word to get the fuller meaning. There are many words to describe personality, both positive and negative. Here is and even more a complete list of 636 Primary Personality Traits

So, it is clear that there are many words to describe your personality and the personalities of those around you. Try this Personality Adjective Quiz, and see how well you understand the meaning of these descriptive words.

PERSONALITY ADJECTIVE QUIZ

1.	WHAT DO YOU CALL A PERSON WHO LIKES LOOKING AT HERSELF/ HIMSELF IN THE MIRROR ALL THE TIME?

A.

modest

B.

vain

C.

spoilt

D.

outgoing

2.	WHAT DO YOU CALL THE PEOPLE  WHO SHOW THAT THEY LOVE  OR LIKE PEOPLE VERY MUCH?

A.

mean

B.

reliable

C.	affectionate

D.

moody

3.	WHAT´S THE OPPOSITE OF "VAIN"?

A.

charming

B.

sensitive

C.

jealous

D.

modest

4.	WHAT´S THE OPPOSITE OF "GENEROUS"?

A.

mean

B.

lazy

C.

selfish

D.

bossy

5.	WHAT DO YOU CALL THE CHILDREN WHO BEHAVE BADLY BECAUSE THEY´RE NORMALLY GIVEN EVERYTHING THEY WANT?

A.

selfish

B.

spoilt

C.

reliable

D.	self-confident

6.	WHAT´S THE OPPOSITE OF "MESSY"?

A.

tidy

B.

untidy

C.

lazy

D.	unreliable

7.	WHAT DO YOU CALL THE PERSON WHO HAS COMMON SENSE AND IS PRACTICAL?

A.

sensitive

B.

sensible

C.	oversensitive

D.

ambitious

8.	WHAT DO YOU CALL THE PERSON WHO LIKES GIVING ORDERS TO EVERYBODY ELSE?

A.	aggressive

B.

shy

C.

bossy

D.

insecure

9.	WHAT´S THE OPPOSITE OF "CLEVER"?

A.	intelligent

B.

mean

C.

extrovert

D.

stupid

10.	WHAT DO YOU CALL THE PEOPLE YOU CAN TRUST OR RELY ON?

A.	unreliable

B.

reliable

C.

jealous

D.

moody

Answers: 1)B, 2)C, 3)D, 4)C, 5)B, 6)A, 7)B, 8)C, 9)D, 10)B

Now it's time for a little Personality Test. Answer each question as honestly as you can--there are no right or wrong answers. When you're finished, use the Key at the bottom to calculate your score. The Analysis will then give you and explanation of your score. --Do you agree with your results? When you are finished, you may wish to take another personality test and compare results. Here's one for you to try: Big Five Personality Test

Personality Test

1. When do you feel your best?

a. In the morning
b. During the afternoon and early evening
c. Late at night

2. You usually walk
a. Fairly fast, with long steps
b. Fairly fast, with short, quick steps
c. Less fast, head up, looking the world in the face
d. Less fast, head down
e. Very slowly

3. When talking to people you
a. Stand with your arms folded
b. Have your hands clasped
c. Have one or both your hands on your hips
d. Touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e. Play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with
a. Your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b. Your legs crossed
c. Your legs stretched out or straight
d. One leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with
a. A big, appreciative laugh
b. A laugh, but not a loud one
c. A quiet chuckle
d. A sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you
a. Make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b. Make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
c. Make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted. Do you..
a. Welcome the break
b. Feel extremely irritated
c. Vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most?

a. Red or orange
b. Black
c. Yellow or light blue
d. Green
e. Dark blue or purple
f. White
g. Brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep, you lie
a. Stretched out on your back
b. Stretched out face down on your stomach
c. On your side, slightly curled
d. With your head on one arm
e. With your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are
a. Falling
b. Fighting or struggling
c. Searching for something or somebody
d. Flying or floating
e. You usually have dreamless sleep
f. Your dreams are always pleasant


Add up your points using the table below:

	A	B	C	D	E	F	G
1	2	4	6
2	6	4	7	2	1
3	4	2	5	7	6
4	4	6	2	1
5	6	4	3	5
6	6	4	2
7	6	2	4
8	6	7	5	4	3	2	1
9	7	6	4	2	1
10	4	2	3	5	6	1

Total Points: ________________

Analysis

Over 60 points: Others see you as someone they should "handle with care" You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 to 60 points: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 to 50 points: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 to 40 points: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful and practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest...Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over it if that trust is ever broken.

21 to 30 points: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

Under 21 points: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything. They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

(Thanks to "Taking Off and Touching Down" for this test!)