The presentation strategies used in debates are as often a factor in the outcome as the content. Rudeness and humor are important considerations in examining the effect of various delivery styles at either the National Debate Tournament (NDT) or the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) debate. J. H. Howe has elaborated on some of the…

A principal and two teachers of a local elementary school were interviewed to establish a shared definition of humor in the classroom. A multidimensional definition emerged with intellectual, spiritual, and physical aspects. The teachers were observed to determine if specific uses of humor would be evident in their classrooms. Four types of…

Author attempted to present a reasonable description of the film, Easy Street, with major antics numbered, then analyzed those in terms of Duncker and Koestler, thereby extending the latter's theory of bisociation. (Author/RK)

While analyzing humor is difficult, Henri Bergson's concept of comedy (a person acting like a machine) outlined in the classic essay, "Le Rire," in 1900, is probably too narrow a definition. Science fiction film, a genre which has evolved since the publication of Bergson's essay, has also speculated about man and society, often to…

In a lighthearted yet serious look at academic deanship, stories are recounted regarding the dean's role in such matters as tenure decisions, budgeting, affirmative action, and coping with demands of faculty, department chairs, vice-presidents, parents, and students. Current practices in academic administration are described in a humorous manner.…

Expanded version of a paper presented at the Northeast Modern Language Association meeting, Philadelphia, Pa., April 2, 1971. (RL)

In this book the author discusses items and anecdotes accumulated during many years of studying, teaching, and examining geography at all levels. Most of the existing literature concerned with the teaching of geography deals only with fundamental problems and often addresses them in a grave and forbidding manner. The approach here is practical,…

Ambiguity can be enjoyed in statements without context, in unclear comparisons, in words often confused, and in casual disorders. In spite of the grammarians' efforts to "disambiguate," it is doubtful that any willful act or combination of acts can eliminate ambiguity, since language is a system of symbols which can stand for one thing or another.…

Humor displayed during the administration of a work association test containing a gradually increasing number of sexual double entendres was observed in college students through remote control TV facilities. Persons who hold an internal locus of control smiled and laughed more than externals. Humor was differentiated in three ways: superiority,…

A common misconception, f(x+y) = f(x)+f(y), is used to prove theorems such as: 2=1; n=o for all positive integers n; and tan x=1 for all x. (MP)

A humorous account is given of an encounter with a talking computer in the form of a superintelligent robot. Several mathematical problems are posed. (MP)

A lighthearted expose of non-typical patrons and their use and abuse of the reference librarian. (JAB)

Outlines an interview with Robert Orben, head of Gerald Ford's speechwriting staff, concerning uses of humor in political speeches. (MH)

Explores children's sense of humor and the various kinds of humor to which they respond. (JM)

Presents 25 poems written by junior high school students in imitation of seven poems by Ogden Nash. (DD)