What in the World Makes Priceless Humor Priceless?
Posted by admin on Feb 28, 2009
Stories have been told and retold for centuries throughout the world. How come? Because they are entertaining, for one thing. Another reason is that they deal with the human condition, one way or another. Even stories using animals as characters reflect the situations and actions of our species.
The struggles of life have been with us for centuries as well. Conflict. Pestilence. Relationship scuffles. Struggles that implore some understanding, some support. Some kind of resolution.
At the same time, nobody likes to be preached to. We prefer to take our medicine with a bit of sweetener. That is where laughter comes in. It is the honey in the brew. Witty humor is priceless humor. A unique combination.
As you know, everyone loves to laugh. Laughter enlivens the spirit. And as long as we are laughing at the foibles of others (and not ourselves) we find those situations funny. This is priceless humor.
Look at the great humorists around us. Dave Barry. George Carlin. Garrison Kiellor. Look at history and the humorists that litter the pages. Moliere. Ogden Nash. All of them were storytellers. Priceless humor their brush.
What makes priceless humor? There is a simple answer to this question. Priceless humor involves situations which most of us have experienced. The lost keys. The comic situation. The consequences that follow are generally laughable.
The world of urban folktales is a rich source of priceless humor. My CD Parking in Manhattan illustrates many humorous circumstances. Folks can relate to and empathize with the characters involved in these hilarious comedies. Priceless humor arises out of priceless situations.
You can also find many examples of priceless humor in world stories. These stories always bring gales of laughter when they are told. Two good examples from my CD Fables in Four Minutes are “Rock Soup” and “Herschel in the Woods” Listen to “The Egg Seller” or “Hickory Dock” from World Full of Stories. These are just a few examples of priceless humor. These stories will stick with you long after you heard them. You can find priceless humor and more at www.jaystetzer.com.
When I am out and about, I tune into conversations around me. They are filled with catastrophes and disasters. The conversants generally cannot see the life lesson they offer. As a storyteller, my job is to sift through the data and sort out the meaning. To make the tale palatable, I inject a bit of humor. Making the story priceless with priceless humor!
There is priceless humor in virtually every genre. Why? Simple answer number two. We learn best when we are laughing. A story with priceless humor often comes with a lesson attached. It just goes to show what a treasure priceless humor can be.
World Stories on the Net
Posted by admin on Feb 17, 2009
For as long as humans could talk throughout the world stories have been told and retold. They act as vital threads that weave through the fabric of any culture. In any society they define the roots and significance of the peoples. World stories spread as the culture grows.
I have been blessed by the number of world stories I have found from my travels throughout the world. I have also had the opportunity to learn a bit about each country. So the world stories I hear have substantial meaning to me. In the process, I have discovered how world stories arise out of the cultures from which they are born. My firsthand experience of a given culture heightens my appreciation of their stories. My travels have taken me to Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and Europe. The differences as well as the similarities of the various countries impress me deeply.
Some world stories are downright funny. Other world stories are mysterious. Many world stories are insightful. Often world stories are inscrutable. Generally world stories teach. All world stories keep us amused. Storyteller.
Regardless of their intent, all world stories express deep bonds with the fabric of a country and culture. The experiences of people are drawn in world stories.
To enjoy the breadth of subject matter found in world stories, listen to my CD entitled “World Full of Stories. It is an award winning recording that will take you on a delightful trip around the world! You can find world stories and more at www.jaystetzer.com. jaystetzer.com