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Sparkle (4)
What is funny to one person may not be funny to another, but laughter is the healthiest involuntary response (second maybe only to sleep) that your body can experience. Humor identifies common ground, breaks tension and brings people together. So why not spread it around this holiday season?
Take a look at the headlines. Who needs a laugh? Hmmm, let's see...EVERYONE. After I absorb all the violence, betrayal and financial decay that the WSJ, NPR and CNN can deliver every morning, I calm myself with The Onion - the morphine-drip of news. (Hey, they have fun gifts too - including the category: "Gifts for Strangers.")
Surely I cannot be the only person on this crazy blue marble who has noticed the strikingly similar physical benefits of a hearty belly laugh and awesome sex. Exhausting and replenishing, no? I could use both right about always.
Therefore, if you've got someone on your list who appreciates comedy, or more importantly, really needs to laugh, consider these suggestions:
Night at a Comedy Club
I've got some comedian friends and let me tell you, comedy clubs are tucked away in every nook and cranny of this fine nation. I'm told they are especially busy during the Midwestern winter weather, who knew? Yelp is a great way to discover options near you along with helpful reviews. If you are lucky enough to live in comedy meccas like Los Angeles, Chicago or New York, avoid the chain clubs where they demand a cover charge and two-drink minimum. A friend and I recently visited Garrett Morris' The Downtown Comedy Club in Los Angeles (with a Groupon, no less!) and were quite charmed by the talent and the lack of fascist drink minimum, not to mention the genuis of Brett Butler Just a quaint little bar and a big bowl of free chocolate, plus all the blues and laughs we could stand. There's just no replacement for live comedy, kids.
Subscription to MAD Magazine
Yes, it is still being published. (RIP National Lampoon.) As a kid, whenever my mom dragged me to a store, the same scenario would unfold. I would immediately escape to the magazine racks where I'd hungrily consume MAD's foolhardy contents - the dark inevitability of Spy v. Spy, the brilliant illustrations of Sergio Aragones or the latest mockery of the pop culture du jour. The history of MAD dates back to 1952 and it now publishes bi-monthly at a reasonable annual rate of $19.99 US/Canada and $29.99 International. A recent issue depicts MAD's mascot, Alfred E. Neuman, battling Angry Birds.
Funny Movies
There is no underestimating the extensive healing powers of a film that makes you open your mouth real wide and slap your knee. When my brain is fried or I just want to stick my head into a silly dimension, I turn to goofy cinema. Here is a small sampling of some of my favorites (the official list is loooooong) but I'd love to hear your suggestions too:
Airplane! (Leslie Nielsen, Robert Haggerty, Lloyd Bridges) - Who knew all that natural comedic talent was buried 'neath the tough exterior of Leslie Nielsen? This 1980 film even made nuns funny.
Fun with Dick and Jane (Jim Carrey, Tea Leoni) - An update of the 1977 film - truly funny and incredibly romantic, in a destitute sort of way. Very timely.
Galaxy Quest (Tim Allen, Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver) - My Dad and I would watch this every year together and know the script line-by-line. ("It's always about you isn't it?!?") I never seem to tire of the Trekki-mocking premise.
The Hangover (Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifinakis) - I believe you've been introduced. It's the only film I keep on my laptop for comedic emergencies.
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World (Spencer Tracy, Ethel Merman, Milton Berle, etc.) - With an unbelievable cast of comedy greats (Sid Caesar, Phil Silvers, Jonathan Winters), this is 1963 gem is worth (re)discovering. Parents will love it!
Planes, Trains & Automobiles (John Candy, Steve Martin) - The only thing I dislike about this film is how much it makes me miss John Candy all over again. What a lovable genius was he. Also, a perfect film to watch once you've survived the holiday travel madness.
Some Like It Hot (Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, Marilyn Monroe) - Probably my favorite comedy of all time. Director Billy Wilder gifted the world with 1953 hit and it
