You Are Having A Laugh Discovering The Wonder Of Jokes

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 whips 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?”

- Ian Kirke

This was ranked as the World’s funniest joke by Richard Wiseman, Professor of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, England in 2002 following extensive research. Submitted by Gurpal Gosal it was, in fact, based on a 1951 Goon sketch by the legendary British comedian Spike Milligan. The basis of the academic study sought to determine the gag that had the ability to activate the chuckle muscles across different cultures and territories. In keeping with this academic posture, from this point forward the jokes are mine, unless otherwise referenced!

I love a good laugh although I fully accept that my delivery of a traditional gag lacks the requisite elegant technique that leads to the essential punchline, although I have experienced enough funny stories, generally as a result of my previous life in the police, to entertain and enthrall. Given that I am a crap joke teller I am, even by my own admission a master of the double entendre. That reminds me, I ate beans yesterday and the resultant action has now commenced. A blast from the past if you will. Recently, I had an unforgettable Sunday morning. Lashings of soap, slapping of leather, and four stout chaps from Poland. I can’t stop smiling. An incredible carwash. My woeful attempts to generate a giggle aside, I have nonetheless become fascinated with the mechanics of laughter following the recent arrival of Arthur. My partner’s grandson, now 18-months old, has captivated my heart and my sense of childhood in a delicious cocktail of innocence and unconditional laughter. OK he does cry, can be obstinate and regularly chucks his dinner on the floor and slaps my bald head with karate chop precision, but for the majority of the rest of his waking hours he is a permanent giggle monster!