L is for Laughter

Laughing is good for the soul, and it's good for your health.  For real, it's good for you!

Here are some of the things that never fail to make me laugh:

Saturday Night Live

We all know the new SNL has its moments of hilarity, but for the most part pales in comparison to the days
of old with Steve Martin, Dan Akroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, and then the not-so-old-but-still-old-school days of old with Will Ferrell, Chris Kattan, Ana Gasteyer, Molly Shannon and Chris Farley.   I was even a fan of Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey and Maya Rudolph's day.

Anytime I need a good laugh, I pop in my SNL: Best of Will Ferrell, SNL: Best of Chris Farley or The Women of SNL.

Jim Carrey


I don't care if it's Ace Ventura, Liar Liar, Dumb & Dumber, The Cable Guy or Bruce Almighty.  If it's Jim, it's all good.






Bill Engvall

I LOVE this dude.  He is so funny.  I think the thing I appreciate about him the most is that he's hilarious without being vulgar.  Nowadays it's rare to find a comedian with the ability to make you laugh without being disgusting or dropping f-bombs every other second.  I have all of his comedy albums, and I frequently listen to them on my school commute.  One day I WILL see him live!

Craig Ferguson


Since we're on stand-up, this guy is another one of my favorites.  He's also on my List, so that's a bonus.  I watch Craigyferg every night before I go to bed.  Win!






National Lampoon

Christmas Vacation.  Vacation.  European Vacation. Animal House.  Van Wilder.  Doesn't matter, if it's National Lampoon, I'm laughing.  Unless it's the more recent attempts at comedy/soft porn/obscene nonsense.  Those aren't funny.  Give me Van Wilder or Cousin Eddie any day.

Friends

We all know I love Friends.  I've seen every single episode of the much-beloved series at least seven times now.  Every few months Hubs and I start watching them again from start to finish.  It doesn't matter that I've memorized the episodes; I still laugh my butt off when I watch them.  I'll be there for you, 'cause you're there for me, too.





Mel Brooks

This man is pure genius.  Every film of his I've seen has been comedy gold.  Spaceballs, Young Frankenstein, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, History of the World, Blazing Saddles - all fantastic.  Slapstick is a gem.

Movie Delight Monday

Last night I was thinking about how excited I am for November to get here so I can start covering my favorite Christmas movies.  I LOVE CHRISTMAS.

Until then, I'll just have to share my other faves, like today's MOVIE DELIGHT MONDAY pick:

I saw this film for the first time as a senior in high school.  My best bud Tiff kept raving about it, and since I loved Gene Wilder so much (still do) I figured I'd give it a shot.  Loved it!

The incomparable Wilder plays scientist Frederick Frankenstein (who repeatedly insists that his name is pronounced Froderick Fronkensteen), a respected professor at a university and somewhat happily-engaged to prissy Elizabeth (played by one of my favorites, Madeline Kahn).  His grandfather dies, leaving his estate to his grandson, who is embarrassed of the studies and rumors about granddad's experiments with rejuvenating dead tissues.

Dr. Frankenstein goes to see about his inheritance and meets his new assistant Inga (played by an entertaining Teri Garr), helper Igor (pronounced "Eyegore" and played by hilarious Marty Feldman) and the head servant at the castle, Frau Blucher (pronounced "Blewher" played by Cloris Leachman).  

After discovering his grandfather's laboratory and journals, Dr. Frankenstein becomes obsessed with completing the experiment himself.   

The film is full of fabulous one-liners and innuendos.  Many people are put off because of the film being in black and white, but after about 15 minutes of watching you forget all about it. 

This is a must-see for anyone who's a Mel Brooks or Gene Wilder fan. If you're a fan of both, you'll find this film to be doubly awesome.

*Note:  You'll be happy to recognize the late, great Peter Boyle as the monster!*