Jacob, age 92, and Rebecca, age 89, are all excited about their decision to get married. They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding and on the way they pass a drugstore. Jacob suggests they go in. Jacob addresses the man behind the counter:
'Are you the owner?' The pharmacist answers yes.
Says Jacob: 'We're about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?'
Pharmacist: 'Of course we do.'
Jacob: 'How about medicine for circulation?'
Pharmacist: 'All kinds.'
Jacob: 'Medicine for rheumatism, scoliosis? '
Pharmacist: 'Definitely.'
Jacob: 'How about Viagra?'
Pharmacist: 'Of course.'
Jacob: 'Medicine for memory problems, arthritis, jaundice?'
Pharmacist: 'Yes, a large variety. The works.'
Jacob: 'What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for Parkinson's disease?'
Pharmacist: 'Absolutely.'
Jacob: 'You sell wheelchairs and walkers?'
Pharmacist: 'All speeds and sizes.'
Jacob says to the pharmacist: 'We'd like to register here for our wedding gifts, please.'
We were surprised at the ending but we also appreciated the list of items that might be of use. I bet several people in the room already used each item mentioned and we know that we might need one of them soon.
I am prompted to think about humor, which I love, by seeing an new book in a local bookstore. It is by the author of the book I finally selected for a friend who wanted to read more. I thought if we both read the same book and met a time or two to talk about our reactions, he might be moved to read a bit more. I looked over various lists of books I have read and "Big Trouble" jumped out at me. I remember finding it very funny. Later, I saw the movie and enjoyed the story all over again.
As an elementary school teacher and a great-grandparent, I have had chances to be part of an audience for a child who is trying to be funny. My experience has been that sometimes a kid can be very funny but almost never when he is trying too hard. A prideful gleam in the eye that says "Aren't I funny?" usually kills spontaneity, lowers barriers against cliche and encourages mere silliness. I think the same is true of adult funny people, even though they are usually better at masking their pride in their attempts at humor.
I suspect that the most useful rules are
- Be honest and clear in both observation and description
- Don't push for a laugh
- Definitely avoid the modern young person's apparent fascination with profanity, which to an older person is merely sawdust mixed with the food and not appetizing.
Bill
Main blog: Fear, Fun and Filoz
Main web site: Kirbyvariety
