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THE LAST LAUGH
To The Best of Our Knowledge
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.
SEGMENT 1:
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 01-01-18-A.
................................................................
Books:
- Cynthia True,
American Scream: the Bill Hicks story (Harper Collins)
- Robert Provine, Laughter: A Scientific
Investigation (Penguin)
Music:
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