from Wisconsin Public Radio
from Wisconsin Public Radio
In India he's known as the giggling guru. In America Dr. Kataria is famous in certain circles as the man who founded Laughter Yoga. In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge the man who's changing the world with chuckles, chortles and belly laughs. And, why more and more people believe laughter really is the best medicine. Also, a look at the soul of wit. And, why one man claims women don't tell jokes.
Dr. Maden Kataria founded Laughter Clubs International ? groups of people who meet to laugh aloud together. It's huge in his native Bombay, and Dr. Kataria tells Anne Strainchamps how laughter, even in the absence of humor, has a positive effect on the body. Also, neuro-scientist Robert Provine, author of "Laughter: A Scientific Investigation," tells Steve Paulson about a two year laughing jag in Tanzania; why men like women who laugh at their jokes; and why the ancient Greeks thought laughter needed to be regulated.SEGMENT 2:
Cynthia True is the author of "American Scream: The Bill Hicks Story." She tells Jim Fleming that Hicks was an important social satirist, remarkable for his bravery and honesty. He battled TV executives over his belief that audiences could handle provocative ideas. He might have achieved greater stardom had his life not been cut short by cancer. And we hear several clips from Bill Hicks. Also, Jonathan Miller, who along with Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, and Alan Bennett, created "Beyond the Fringe," talks about the nature of humor with Steve Paulson. He says the Americans could never do Monty Python, but the Brits had no Jack Benny.SEGMENT 3:
Rachel Mason of Chicago's Second City comedy toupe, tells the story of what happened when the group toured military bases for the USO right after September 11th. The tragedy forced them to completely revamp their show at a time when nothing seemed funny.Cassette copies are available at 1-800-747-7444. Ask for program number 02-04-07-B.
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