The Home for Humor & Laughter Professionals August 2017

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AATH Annual Humor Conference & Humor Academy

April 12­15, 2018 San Diego, California

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This complimentary Humor Connection newsletter is one of the many ways thatAATH fulfills our mission to study, practice and promote healthy humor. Youcan join our efforts by joining AATH at www.aath.org

From the AATH President ­ Nila Nielsen, CHP

AATH's Sunshine Eclipse

This month the world is talking about the Total Eclipse of 2017. People will becomparing where they were, what they were doing and will continue to sharetheir memories for years to come.

I also experienced an 'eclipse moment' several years ago. Perhaps not quiteas awe­inspiring as a solar eclipse, but never­the­less just as meaningful forme. It occurred quite by accident when I stumbled on to the AATH website. Icouldn't believe such an organization existed. Not knowing anything abouthumor, but appreciating that I actually had a sense of humor, I decided to takea chance. I signed up for their conference and joined! My personal eclipse hadbegun.

During the conference I met friendly people, listened to knowledgeablespeakers, explored various topics, heard in­depth research, participated in funactivities, experienced a ton of networking ­ perfect for anyone, even me! Ialso had registered and participated in the first year of the Humor Academyprogram (held in conjunction with the conference). What an amazing way todive into humor!

I felt enlightened and overjoyed that I had found personal sunshine within thisnew array of friends, both professionals and non­professional, who believe inthe power of humor.

Just as my world became brighter through involvement in AATH and so canyours. Our goal is to share healthy humor and laughter with others. Here's howyou can help.

Become a Member ­ During the month of August, we are offering anintroductory, new member rate of $99. The benefits of membership extendthroughout the year. Check out our members benefits here. Rejoin ­ If you are a past member and have been away for a while, contactus ­ we'd love to have you back! Support Us ­ We depend on the generous support of our members anddonors. More information on joining AATH and how to donate is on ourWebsite, www.aath.org Share ­ Help us continue to make a difference through the power of humorand laughter.

Sending sunshine and warm wishes, Nila Nielsen, CHP, AATH President

ninielsen@me.com

Surf's Up San Diego:

2018 Conference UpdateBook Review

As summer starts to wind down,we're kicking into full gear planningfor our Annual Conference in SanDiego!

With a record­breaking number ofspeaker submissions, it was painfulto narrow the field. A huge thank youto everyone who applied, especiallyfor those who were not chosen butstill graciously offered to help withvolunteer roles for our committeesand special events. We have startedto share details about the agenda,and will have more updates for youvery soon.

This year, we will be holding acouple unique events that give us anopportunity to provide service to ourlocal community, while also raisingmoney for AATH. For our Fridaynight Comedy for Caregivers event,we will be inviting 250 localcaregivers to join us for a night ofhealing laughter, headlined by theone and only Yakov Smirnoff (soonto be Dr. Yakov)! I was beyonddelighted to connect with Yakov for ashort interview about hispresentation, which turned into anamazing 45­minute offline discussionabout his future goals. I can't wait toshare those with you all as well inmy introduction of him on the 13th.Please check out the 15­minutevideo here for a special preview:

We will be releasing more interviewslike these with all of our keynotesand a few of our other invited guestsover the next few months, so pleasekeep an eye out and help us bysharing them with your community!

Finally, we are looking for morevolunteers to help with theconference, so if you're interested inplugging in please reach out toKathy@aath.org and she will

Thank You for Coming toHattiesburg

by Todd Barry (Reviewed by Louis R. Franzini)

New York: Gallery Books. 256pp. ISBN:978­1­5011­1742­8

Todd Barry is a journeymancomedian and actor with notable TVand movie credits as well as fourcomedy albums. The theme of hisfirst book is aptly captured in itssubtitle "One Comedian's Tour of Not­Quite­the­Biggest Cities in theWorld." The term "world" is stretchingit a bit, since the only countriesincluded outside of all 50 U.S. statesare Canada and Israel.

Barry's book agent suggested thepremise of this book to which Barryreadily agreed. (He had a book agentbefore he had a book idea?)According to his Foreword writer andfriend Doug Stanhope, they bothhave an "affinity for playing'secondary markets' for a lot of thesame reasons: the appreciation ofsmall­town audiences, the lack ofstress, the curiosity of visiting newplaces."

This unique approach resulted in a"part tour diary, part travel guide, andpart memoir" by a peripatetic stand­up comic for nearly 30 years.Admittedly, this unusual blurbprompted me to buy the book. I wasalready familiar with Barry's funnystand­up routines.

On the positive side, readers willdefinitely get an informative picture ofwhat life is like for a comic on theroad to small cities in remote parts ofAmerica. Barry delivers on hispromise to deglamorize (emphasis

connect you with the committeechair. Some of the opportunities toserve include: hospitality, marketing,sponsorship, and special events. Wealso need guest blog posts andarticles we can repurpose on variousmedia outlets, so if you are a writerand willing to submit content we canshare, please send your story ideasor articles to Kathy before Oct 1.

Finally, finally...if you are planning toattend the conference I really want toencourage you to register rightaway! Take advantage of the pre­registration price and free gifts bysigning up early, as we are limited onspace and expect a lot morestudents this year due to ourtargeted marketing efforts locally.This conference will sell out (in agood way).

Heidi Hanna, PhD, CHP ­Conference Chair, Monkey Mind

Karyn Buxman, RN, CSP, CPAE,CHP ­ Conference Co­Co

Karyn Buxman and Heidi Hanna

Humor Academy DirectorReport: Beth Slazak

Back to School

In a few short weeks, students willbe leading back to class. Why nothead back with them? AATH offershumor studies through their uniqueHumor Academy. Although the nextclass doesn't start until the AATHPre­Conference day, April 27, 2017,registration is right around thecorner, with discounts for AATHmembers who enroll.

Our progressive levels of year­longstudies include:

his) any preconceptions about theseexperiences. His style is low­key withmany subtle self­deprecatoryreferences. For example, he did ashow at his alma mater, theUniversity of Florida, and notes that"they welcomed me back by sayingno when I asked for a lift to theshow."

Barry presents many instances offinding humor in common everydaysituations and interactions, atechnique we can refer to as humorspotting. It is an attitude which canbring joy to anyone alert to thepotential humor in their dailyenvironment which otherwise mightbe labeled routine and boring.

On the negative side, the bookdescribes many boring encountersand events, e.g., choosing particularladles of sauces at a Mongolianbarbecue, observing a man in anelevator holding a cat and a litter box,seeing a "really nice" credit unionbuilding in Syracuse (photo included),airplane seatmates who talk on theirphones, actively seeking out citiesthat friends had warned him wereboring, and many more. In sum,Barry's book itself unfortunatelybecomes ultimately boring.

If you are interested in the mundaneconcerns of a professional comediantouring small cities and towns, thisbook will appeal to you. Audiencebehaviors, venue room set ups, micchecks, getting paid what was agreedupon, selling "merch" after shows,where to eat at odd hours, hotelamenities, the availability of water inthe dressing rooms, and hisextraordinary clinical concern with thecleanliness of backstage bathroomsare all discussed in detail.

The funniest line comes from afortune cookie Barry received whendining in a Chinese restaurant: "Yourhumor will come in handy in your nextjob." It will also be welcome in hisnext book.

Reviewed by Louis R. Franzini, SanDiego State University, San Diego,CA, E­mail: loufranzini@gmail.com

Members who would like their book tobe considered for an upcomingHumor Connection book review,should contact info@aath.org. Pleaseuse Book Review Submission in thesubject line.

Level I: Humor StudiesFoundation: overview of the theoryand research of humor practice Level II: Application and HumorPractice: continued learning andculminating in a projectdemonstrating new research orresearch­based humor application Level III: Leadership both in AATHand in the participant's field: activedemonstration of humor practice

Upon successful completion of allthree years of the Academy, ouralumni may apply to continue theirwork as a Certified HumorProfessional ­ C.H.P.

AATH Humor Academy CHP (Certified Humor

Professional) Feature: Sporty King

My Piece of the Puzzle...OrPuzzled!!! ­ Sporty King,ACS/CL/CHP

On Monday, January 11, 2016, Itweeted, "I'm living life with moreexclamation marks (!!!) than questionmarks (???). Yet I know who to askbecause I choose my messengerscarefully."

My project embraces and enhancesthat focus in my speaking business,which always has a spiritual twist.Humor Academy II (HA2) has takenwhat even I labeled my "natural"ability to be funny, and helped merepackage it as the joy of intentionalhumor. So, I've taken some of to ahigher level. Part of the messageshared through my new businesstheme is that there is no Bottom Linesuccess without Top Linecompassion (The Top Line Is... HowI Feel Affects Other People!!!) ...This translates to How Other PeopleFeel Affects Your Business!!! Iremind people that they areimportant pieces in every puzzle intheir lives. I created this presentationto facilitate Suicide PreventionAwareness training for the Army, andit will have transferrable use on anytopic, creatively and intentionally.Meanwhile, it's not a new businesstheme...it's revamped. I didn't stick toit last time the vision arrived. ThanksHA2 (bless you)!!!

~ Sporty King, ACS/CL is anInspirational Humorist, here toremind you that you are an importantpiece of every puzzle in LIFE

Member News

Send us YOUR news for our nextissue by using this online form:

Member News Form

Kathy Keaton, CHP celebratedInternational Clown Week (August 1­7) by clowning at a long­term care/Alzheimer's facility and a school formentally challenged children. Moreinformation on International Clownweek, and how you can reach outand promote the love of clowning inyour community, here.

Join Amy Oestricher, writer, actress,speaker, advocate and survivor, asshe explores the "great hero'sjourney" that is life. Amy's new TEDxtalk, How to Turn Trauma into aWarrior's Adventure, explains how wecan use the archetypical hero'sjourney to find the excitement inhealing from trauma with a newfoundsense of home, and a gift to givesociety. Watch Amy's talk here.

Jeffrey Briar, Director of theLaughter Yoga Institute in California,was quoted by AARP The Magazinein an article on "Self: What to Expectin your 70s and Beyond". So whatcan do? Jeffrey's top tips are laugheveryday, try laughter yoga, watch acomedy tonight and clap along asyou chant ho­ho­ha­ha­ha! Read thearticle here.

Cindy Miles and Alexa Drubay willbe featured speakers at the LaughterYoga Conference in Zion, Illinois theweekend of October 6­8, 2017. Don'tmiss this opportunity to laugh andlearn with these and otheroutstanding speakers. Moreinformation and tickets here.

Kinza Christensen is President ofthe Oconomowoc Woman's Club.Kinza says it takes quite a bit of time,but it gives her a great opportunity tohand out big doses of cheer, laughter and positivity. Kinza's motto: Findingthe Joy in Serving. Thanks for all youdo to share your humor, Kinza!

Teena Miller (Level I HumorAcademy student) was honored withthe 9th Annual Sharon MillerInspirational Award. "This year'sSharon Miller Inspirational Awardwinner has known all her life that shewas destined for a life of servingothers. Teena has been on theVallejo/Benicia Relay for Life track

(Lessons Intended For Everyone)...specializing in showing people howto use humor to stay Powerful &Positive when Positive doesn't seemlike an option. He started hisbusiness in 1994, wanting to be the'Muhammad Ali of ProfessionalSpeaking.'What he found out is thatAli was the 'Sporty King of Boxing.'An expert on personal success, theimpact of words on our lives, andturning any negative into a positive,he is the author of 8 books ofinspirational poetry and positiveaffirmations. Sporty is a 1996Toastmasters International Hall ofFame inductee, having finished asone of the Top 9 Speakers in theWorld Championship of PublicSpeaking; and finished as 2011North Carolina Division C HighestHonors.

2017 Award forOutstandingAcademicAchievement

Gurinder Bains

This award was created to recognizethose who have contributed to ourknowledge and understanding of themany roles humor plays in our lives.Because of the very nature of thesubject, it is difficult sometimes forthe researcher to be taken seriously,and therefore, to get adequatefunding and support. It is hoped thatthis award will help give theindividual recipients, as well as thefield of Humor studies therecognition they so richly deserve.

Gurinder Bains, MD PhD, is anAssistant Professor and PrimaryResearch Coordinator for the Schoolof Allied Health at Loma LindaUniversity. He has been a co­authorin over 30 publications. He receivedhis PhD from Loma Linda University,MD from Ross University MedicalSchool, and a BSc in Finance from

every year for the past 14 years.Raised thousands of dollars andcoached many newly diagnosedcancer survivors. Teena is a latestage cancer survivor having survivedBREAST cancer and melanoma skincancer. Teena has learned thatLaughter is as powerful as mostdrugs and believes in sharing hergiggles. Teena's Fighting spirit andfaith embrace all of us and encourageus to go forward and make adifference." Congratulations on thisaward Teena!

Frank Chindamo and thewww.LaughMD.com team launched astudy to see if short comedy videos,played on healthcare provider's ownmobile phones, could reduce theirstress levels.

For 30 days, student practitioners atthe Chapman University's CreanCollege of Health & BehavioralSciences' Marriage and FamilyTherapy Clinic logged 720 numericalresults. 99% of the respondents feltthe same or better after watchingcomedy videos on the LaughMD betaapp. The baseline rate of theparticipants' stress levels was 3.34out of 5. Average stress rating afterconsuming laughter was 2.69. That'sa difference of 0.65 out of 5, or 13%.

Welcome New AATHMembers

AATH welcomed the following NEWMEMBERS in July and August:

Adrienne Hollingsworth,

Corona, CA Nita Rinehart, Seattle, WA

AATH REGIONAL CHAPTER NEWS

From Heidi Hanna, CHP: next localSouthern California AATH meetingwill be Aug 26, and I do have an evitefor it if anyone wants to sign up to joinus. Click here.

FIRST AATH MIDWEST REGIONALMEETING HELD AUGUST 5 INROCKFORD, IL

the University of Illinois, Urbana­Champaign. He has been involved inresearch that includeshumor/laughter, inflammation, highintensity exercise and weight loss,sleep, blood flow, and back pain. HisPhD dissertation focused on howhumor and laughter can enhanceshort term memory in the elderly. Dr.Bains has presented at numerousscientific meetings and his researchhas gained worldwide mediaattention such as ABC NewsWorldwide, CNN, Ellen DeGeneresShow, Men's Journal, FOX News,and Huffington Post to name a few.

Level I HumorAcademy Reflectionson the 2017Conference

"One the sessions at the conferencelast weekend that I really enjoyedwas Michael Rousell's The Power ofPlay in the Classroom. Heincorporates play in elementary andhigher education classrooms. I findwith my job as a nursing instructor,nursing students need a release foranxiety and stress. Humor is a greatway to do that. But I find it hard toincorporate humor because studentsoften seem to think they don't havetime for it. I learned from the sessionthat humor can be embedded in thecourse."

­ Tabatha Mauldin North Carolina

Tabatha with her research project

"I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHEREour Humor got lost­as Mary Kaypointed out, Humor is the first Tooltaught to our children. We as parentsLOVE to make our babies laugh,most people LOVE to make babiesLaugh­so what happened to it, wholost it and why!?! That's my burningquestion."

Thank you, Chip Lutz for theoutstanding keynote: It's in the Bag:Seven Easy Ways to Be MoreResilient. There was an initialluncheon meeting at Don and MaryKay Morrison's home. Membersreviewed and approved the paperwork needed to officially establish thisAATH Midwest Regional chapter. Ourchapter application will be sent forapproval to the AATH Board ofDirectors. We were excited tocollaborate with the Rockford YMCALIVESTRONG and appreciate beingable to have our first meeting at theNortheast YMCA. We had over 30participants hear Chip's message.We shared our brochures andimpressive AATH Humor Voicenewsletter. Huge thanks to KathyVelasco for taking care of the detailsand to Amy Robbins for taking notes.Our next meeting is Nov 4th. Staytuned for details.

First AATH Midwest RegionalChapter Meeting: Mary Kay Morrison,CHP, Amy Robbins,

Cheri Campbell, CHP, Dan Campbell, Julie Ostrow,

Kathy Velasco, Sandra Lutz, Chip Lutz. Not pictured:

Photographer, Don Morrison.

LaughBox with facilitator Chip Lutz

­ Teena Miller

VolunteerRecognition: Meet ourSocial Media Experts

Maia Aziz, CHP and Karyn Buxman,CHP ­ AATH LinkedIn Facilitators

Have you checked out our AATHPage on LinkedIn? We have over600 memebers. Thanks Maia Azizand Kryn Buxman for your continuedupdates and wonderful articles forAATH!

Facebook. Thanks also to AmyRobbins for her warm welcome to allof our Facebook Friends on ourAATH group page.

A huge "shout out" to HaraldEllingsen for monitoring the contentof this page according to AATHboard policy on appropriate content.Here is more information on theAATH code of ethics.

SponsorshipRecognition: Jill andCharley Knox

Many thanks to Jill Knox, CHP andCharley Knox for their continuedsponsorship of the Humor AcademyPeace Luncheon. Thanks to yourgenerous contributions, we arebeginning to understand theconnections of humor and worldpeace. We learned about peacefrom Jill and her daughter Stephanieat past conferences. The keynotegiven by Jill this past year of herexperiences in visiting Africa wereheartwarming. Picture of Jill andCharlie with their daughterStephanie.

Episode 8: Roberta Gold, CHP

Humor DOES Rock! This week I gotto talk with longtime AATH memberand humor advocate, Roberta Gold,RTC. Roberta Gold is a RecreationTherapist and a Humor Therapistwho founded Laughter for the Healthof it in 1985 with one mission: Toempower everyone to have a morepositive outlook by seeing the humorinstead of the horror in our world. Inthis episode, she shares her newbook and new venture, "LaughterRocks!", aimed at bringing positivityinto the educational environment inorder to help parents, teachers, andstudents live life more positively andwith more humor.

Roberta is a Recreation Therapist bytrade and a Humor Therapist bychoice. Her proprietary program,Laughter for the Health of it hashelped countless businesses,healthcare facilities, medicalorganizations, schools, non­profitorganizations, networking groups,elder/senior care facilities, churches,temples and many others to realizethat laughter truly can be the bestmedicine for whatever ails you, yourcolleagues, your associates, yourfamily, your staff and your friends.

Episode 9: Steve Sultanoff,CHP

Mirthologist and psychologist, Dr.Steve Sultanoff, is the founder ofHumor Matters. He also is the Past­President of AATH and also the 2012Lifetime Achievement Award Winner.In this episode of Laughbox, heshares his personal strategies forincorporating more humor into yourlife and how he used humorstrategically as a psychotherapistwith his patients. You'll get some realstrategies you can use right away in

this episode! Grab a pen, paper andbe prepared!

DONATIONS TO AATH ARE TAXDEDUCTIBLE: Thank you for yourcontinued support of AATH!

You can write a check to AATH andsend to the office or you can:

1. AATH 2018 CONFERENCESPONSORSHIP: There are manyways that you can be a sponsor forour AATH conference for as little as$50.

2. SCHOLARSHIP DONATION: Youcan designate your gift to the WilliamFry, Patty Wooten or Ed Dunkelblauscholarship fund.

To make a tax­deductible gift toAATH, you may send checkdonations to the AATH office at:

220 East State St., Floor G Rockford, IL 61104

MEMBER ASSISTANCE: If you needhelp with renewing your membership,or if you have questions, reach out toMichele St. Clair and her team at815­708­6587.

REMINDER: AATH is officially recognized as a 501c3 and has been vetted by UNITED WAY. If you or anyone you knowmakes donations through United Way, please consider designating a portion of your generous gift to AATH and please

let others know of this opportunity.