A discussion of "Asterix," the comic book series, and an analysis of its use of myths and stereotypes usually associated with the French. Some of these are: their love of food, individualism and spirit of resistance, sense of "Frenchness," and "esprit." Goscinny succeeds in making these stereotypes universal in application. (AMH)

Notes that Robert Toll's study of American minstrelsy is weakest where it is most important, in his consideration of the characteros of minstrelsy as reflective not of black life but of white images of blacks. (Author/AM)

Provides examples of attention-getting headlines from school and commercial newspapers and lists rules for writing clever, effective headlines. (GW)

Surveyed 290 workers on job satisfaction and impressions of supervisors as a function of subject age, subject gender, supervisor sense of humor, and supervisor sexual humor. Subjects rating supervisors high in sense of humor reported higher job satisfaction and rated other supervisor qualities higher than did subjects rating supervisors low in…

Describes the wide variety of personal statements and "mini-poems" on personalized license plates. Suggests that having students collect such statements might be a way of teaching them about the creative potential of language. (EL)

Recounts tales--in the tradition of Chaucer--that have implications for the potential of the microcomputer in learning and teaching reading. (FL)

Humor in teaching can promote a positive and cohesive class atmosphere but can also have unintended negative results if the teacher does not first develop a supportive relationship with the students. (Author)

A study conducted with 12- to 14-year-old Nigerian students showed that ridicule (and to a lesser degree insult) is an effective motivator to improved academic achievement in the classroom. It should be asked, however, whether the emotional and psychological implications of ridicule justify its use in education. (Author/GC)

Uses research findings to show when educational leaders can use humor to increase their effectiveness and how they can use it more effectively. (FL)

Offers a humorous look at some approaches to research in reading. (FL)

Four teachers discuss benefits of humor and the disadvantages of sarcasm. Includes a humorous piece on teaching cheating in the classroom. (EL)

In a question-and-answer format similar to that used by Dear Abby and Ann Landers, a professor suggests possible letters he might receive and formulates humorous answers to them. (DF)

Argues that the value of humor in a reading/language arts program may not be understood completely and may often be overlooked. Suggests that the use of humor is supportable by many learning theories and that it has probable affective and cognitive benefits. (FL)

Suggests slyly that, while word processors may have increased writing speed, they cannot ensure improved writing quality. (MM)

Reports a study conducted in Holland that concludes that "All In The Family" isn't likely to have a reinforcement effect on persons high on parental authoritarianism, lifestyle intolerance or ethnocentrism. (MH)