Humor

I have heard it said that people who use humor are using it to mask pain in their lives. And, it is said, the funnier they are,  the more pain they are masking. Perhaps this is true in some cases, but here are some other reasons people use humor:

- To build rapport
Nothing seems to make you a friend quicker than finding something to laugh about together.

- To Deflect
Sometimes, when people pry, humor is used to deflect the one that is prying away from the answer they are looking for.

- To Get People's Attention
Whether you are talking at the local Rotary, or just want to be heard by a few buddies at the bar, making them laugh is a good way to get them listening.

I am sure other reasons are out there too, but I can't really think of them. And generally, when I am using humor, it is mainly to keep myself amused. And they do say I am a pretty funny guy, but I suppose looks aren't everything.

Zero Gravity

...and in other news, a French tourist fell 200 feet at the Grand Canyon the other day. He was, of course, off the trail when he fell.

I am convinced that people believe that the laws of gravity do not apply when they are on vacation.

Some time ago, we read the book Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon, which tells about the 683 recorded deaths at the canyon at the time of the printing. Some of the included deaths are a man pretending to fall and then actually falling to his death. People stepping back just a little further for that perfect picture and people stepping out (and over) in the middle of the night to relieve themselves.

All examples of people who forgot that gravity is a pretty hard and fast rule. More of a law than it is just guidelines.

So, next time you take a group of stupid teens to the cliffs or drive up to the falls with that wild and crazy uncle, be sure to remind them that gravity is still in effect, even for them.

A Different Filter

I recently realized that I am starting to see things through a different lens.

 For instance, this evening I went to see the new Spiderman movie, The Amazing SpiderMan, , and one particular scene stuck out to me.

In the scene, Spiderman had just apprehended a car thief when a motorcycle cop shows up and holds the vigilante in tights at gunpoint.

The wall-crawler is a little frustrated, saying "C'mon, I just did, like, 80% of your job for you!"

My immediate thought was that Spiderman did the best part of the job, apprehending a criminal in the act of criming. The rest of the job the cops have to deal with include writing multiple reports detailing every bit of the incident, briefing pretty much everyone above them in the chain of command on what happened, giving attorney interviews, testifying in court.

No Mr. Spiderman, you only did 20% of their job. And, it was the part they actually signed up to do, protecting people and their property from those that would do wrong. No wonder cops don't like vigilantes.

What also stuck out to me was how quickly I recognized Ponyboy in this movie.

Stay Gold Ponyboy. Stay gold.