What are we missing in today's world? Peace, love, charity, compassion, sensitivity, generosity, trust, forgiveness, responsibility.....Surely we could all use more of these in our daily lives. How do we react to murderers, thieves, rapists, child abusers, alcoho;ics, substance abusers, bullies.....What causes these types of behaviors?
Growing up in the 50's and 60's seemed easier somehow. There was a lesser degree of organized activity outside of school. We made up our own seasonal leagues of baseball, touch football, ball hockey & ice hockey when outdoor rinks were made ready. There were no refs or parents to please or trips to distant venues to compete in tournaments. Of course we all had our favorite pro teams and athletes to cheer for and try to emulate but no one ever seriously believed these heights were attainable.
As kids we argued, scuffled, kept statistics, took advantage of one another's weaknesses and played hard. No matter the squabbles, we all showed up for next day's fun. After the event of the day, we all walked over to Bergson Drugs for a popsicle, soda or chocolate bar. Some guys had a weekly allowance; others relied on collecting pop bottles for their budget; still others managed to sneak change out of mom's purse when she wasn't looking. Not one buddy ever went without a post game treat. We all cared and shared.
The favorite topics of the group were Rock'n'Roll, last night's game, which guy was in love with which girl, Sister Stella Marie's moustache and Martin and Lewis movies. When Elvis came along everyone was a 'Hound Dog' hangin out at the 'Heartbreak Hotel'. "Great Balls of Fire' was a Jerry Lee Lewis hit and not some mean prank. When Buddy Holly died we actually cried.
I know that there is one thing that I miss more than anything else. It is the many great commedians and entertainers of the day. Following, in no particular order, is a selection of clips that bring an ache to my heart AND a hearty laugh to my belly.
BOB HOPE WITH FRANK SINATRA
SID CAESAR
DEAN MARTIN
JOHNNY CARSON
SOME QUOTES ON HUMOUR:
- You can turn painful situations around through laughter. If you can find humour in anything, even poverty, you can survive it. Bill Cosby
- Humour is mankind's greatest blessing. Mark Twain
- Humour is laughing at what you haven't got when you ought to have it. Langston Hughes
- Humour at someone else's expense is never funny. Ann Marie Kirby
QUESTIONS ON HUMOUR:
- IS SELF DEPRICATING HUMOUR A DEFENSE MECHANISM?
- WHY DO FRIENDS OFTEN RESORT TO RED-CHECK HUMOUR?
- WHEN WE POKE FUN AT OTHERS WHAT ARE WE REALLY DOING?
- IF YOU ARE THE BUTT OF A JOKE, ARE YOU SECRETLY BOTHERED?
LAURELS TO:
BILL COSBY:
BILL COSBY:
WHO USES HUMOUR GENUINELY AND WITH AN INTELLIGENT FLAIR
HOLLYWOOD SQUARES: PRICELESS
No comments:
Post a Comment