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Joke

Why we laugh

Why we: a) laugh b) love TV c) have nightmares

Science

There are good reasons to do all three things, explains a cognitive scientist, although the spurs to these actions can sometimes be silly. “It’s your mind thinking, I’ve seen zombies, I need to prepare for what’s going to happen when zombies start attacking me.”

The World

Colorado: the humor research capital of the world

Environment

Why What’s Funny in China Might Surprise You

Arts, Culture & Media

China’s creative set using humor in subtle challenge to authoritarian rule

Stand-up comedy in the Middle East

Arts, Culture & Media

Indian comedian’s ethnic jokes are a hit

Arts, Culture & Media

An Indian-born Canadian stand-up comic was just named one of the ten highest-earning comedians in the world; his humor often makes fun of various ethnic groups.

The World

Why Chinese Political Humor is Spreading Online

Conflict & Justice

Political satire is alive and well in China, especially online. That’s despite government attempts to keep a lid on it.

The World

How 9/11 changed comedy

Arts, Culture & Media

Life changed for most Americans after 9/11, but comedians faced a very specific dilemma: when and how to make people laugh again. WNYC’s Jim O’Grady spoke with several comedians, including Gottfried, about how being funny changed after 9/11.

Egyptian-American Comic Ronnie Khalil Performs Stand-up in Cairo

Global Politics

Egypt remains a country where joking about politicians and the military is taboo

Emerging Science Note/A Laughing Matter

Scientists at Stanford University believe women show more brain activity than men when they think something is funny.