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Laugh-A-Little
If you are feeling bored and tired; you have arrived at the right
place. Here you will find jokes, cartoons, and satire that will
rejuvenate you. The links in this page may also help you obtain
a new perspective towards your work:-)
~~~~~~ 2011 ~~~~~~
July 2011
Sloth & Froth Comic Strip - http://goo.gl/tZUmM
===================================================
What happens when your audience is smarter than you are?
Find out at: http://goo.gl/ThHLJ
June 2011
I guess you aren't going to laugh a little. In fact,
you are going to laugh a lot...and all due to this one
page at http://www.all-about-psychology.com/psychology-jokes.html
Sloth & Froth Comic Strip - http://goo.gl/tZUmM
===================================================
(For some instructional humor, check the Sloth & Froth Comic
Strip
at http://goo.gl/tZUmM)
For the June 2011 strip read:
Sloth & Froth - Sloth attends an awesome Train-the-Trainer Program,
but...
http://goo.gl/KCIvw
May 2011
Check the first edition of the
"Sloth and Froth - The Comic Strip on
Training and Learning" at http://goo.gl/QnvC6
April 2011
if we compare ourselves to our forefathers, we’d
realize that:
We are living longer than they did.
We are earning more than they did.
We are learning more than they did.
But we are:
Laughing less than they did!
How about taking a break from whatever “fire” you are
handling?
How about laughing a little?
March 2011
1. If you don't mind a little Special High Intensity Training, check
out http://www.lotsofjokes.com/employee_training.asp
2. If you've had your shared of the dreaded MBTI click http://www.squarewheels.com/jokes/mbtiprayers.html
3. Something about the inexplicable copyright, is explained at:
http://www.squarewheels.com/content2/copyrightexpl.html
4. Finally for some computer jokes, click
http://www.squarewheels.com/jokes/computerjokes.html
February 2011
Laugh a little because sometimes that's all you can
afford in the laugh department - but if you could laugh just a little,
you'll find that there's more to life than sitting in a crummy corner
and killing that overworked keyboard of yours.
http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/resources/writing-resources/writing-humor/
And even if you aren't a keyboard warrior but a classroom colonel,
you still deserve your laugh. Find it at: http://www.grantland.net/training1.htm
January 2011
Do you know what Gelotology is?
It's the study of laughter and humor.
But then what is humor?
Humor is body fluid, so says this Wikipedia entry at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humour
Then why is Humor called humor?
Ask the linguists.
But then according to the same page, "Humour or humor (see
spelling differences) is the tendency of particular cognitive experiences
to provoke laughter and provide amusement."
And did you know that there was a formula for laughter?
Well, here it is at:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theories_of_humor
EH = PE * C/Tp + BM
Phew! I knew nothing about humor…and I still don’t.
But then that shouldn't stop me from laughing. So, here I go.
Click http://helpguide.org/life/jokes.htm
to join me in laughter-mania.
And if you want to know why I am laughing, click http://hubpages.com/hub/Whats-So-Funny-The-Psychology-Behind-Jokes-and-Laughter
to read about the psychology of laughter.
~~~~~~ 2010 ~~~~~~
December 2010
Psychology...sigh!
You can lose yourself into the wild woods of human motivations and
never be found again.
If you are keen on the light-bulb jokes and want to figure out
how many psychologists are needed to drive it nuts, you should click
http://www.angelfire.com/ne/cre8vityunltd/humor.html
Black is beautiful - but in some cases, black is also humorous.
Here's some serious reading on black humor. Don't read if you really
want to laugh - if you don't, click http://www.suite101.com/content/psychology-light-a16698
And for desserts, here's some interesting statistics on laughter:)
http://hubpages.com/hub/Whats-So-Funny-The-Psychology-Behind-Jokes-and-Laughter
November 2010
Instructional Humor?
Hah. I really don't see a lot of humor around instructional designers,
but even if the humor isn't related to instructional design, it
might yet be instructional.
At http://blog.cathy-moore.com/2007/09/laugh-and-your-learners-laugh-with-you-maybe/
Find this blog-post, which is a tip-list for the right use of humor
in creating instructional material.
And then laugh away those creases on your forehead with some classroom
humor here: http://hairlarious.wordpress.com/2007/10/13/classroom-jokes/
October 2010
So...tell me.
What makes you laugh?
...
What?
...
You don't want to tell?!
Well then...here are a few links that I’ve gathered - I hope
you like them.
Laugh at some psychology jokes at: http://www.juliantrubin.com/psychologyjokes.html
(Believe me - I don't suffer from insanity. I enjoy every minute
of it!)
For miscellaneous Psychological Stuff: http://www.all-about-psychology.com/psychology-jokes.html
Technical Writing is a growing field - now it's got its own jokes
too.
Check this out - http://www.foulwritersworld.net/blog/?p=8
(Just noted the title - Phaw! I won't be held responsible for what
else might be there on this blog!)
Before I leave, there's a question for all my bright and brilliant
readers.
Who's everyone's favorite writer in the world?!
Yes?!
Well...
The Check-writer, who else?
Visit the inspirational humor site at: http://www19.homepage.villanova.edu/karyn.hollis/prof_academic/
Courses/common_files/jokes_about_writing.htm
September 2010
Being a learner isn't easy. Being a good learner (a
teacher's pet) is even more difficult. To be a star-student (another
euphemism) you need to be a psychic, you need to have a sixth-sense
relationship with him or her - because you need to interpret everything
that your teacher says, CORRECTLY!
Find a highly entertaining list of interpretations at: http://www.des.emory.edu/mfp/saymean.html
And take a trip into the past at: http://highschoolmath.blogspot.com/2005/08/student-humor.html
August 2010
Why laugh a little?
Laugh a lot by viewing these training cartoons at:
http://www.grantland.net/training3.htm
You know who are the masters of affective trainings (and also psychomotor
skill trainings)? Of course you do. The US Army.
Read the tricks they use to "make their basic training tougher,"
by clicking http://usmilitary.about.com/library/miljokes/bltoughbasic.htm
And if you aren't interested training humor, you will surely be
interested in finding out "Why the chicken crossed the road?"
Find the answer at: http://philosophy.eserver.org/chicken.txt
July 2010
Some of the most natural humor comes from children.
For example:
Did you know the name of a major disease associated with cigarettes?
Answer: Premature Death.
You didn't know, did you?
But the children do.
Find out what the children have to say: http://www.adprima.com/humor.htm
Instructional Designers are part-psychologists. Here's some psychology
humor for them.
http://www.workjoke.com/psychologists-and-psychiatrists-jokes.html
June 2010
This month, let us train our laughter guns on Military
humor.
Here are some hilarious quotes found in Military training manuals.
http://www.strategypage.com/humor/articles/military_jokes_20085523.asp
And here's an alternate version of the US Enlistment oath.
http://www.midwaysailor.com/military/enlistment.html
For some real discipline, click
http://www.guy-sports.com/humor/jokes/jokes_general.htm
(Especially noteworthy is the "General Stuck in the Mud":))
May 2010
How are you feeling today?
Happy and comfortable?!
Good.
Did you know that the average human (you and I included) eats 8
spiders in their lifetime at night?
What?
Oh...you said eeeeyuck?
And you aren't feeling so good now?
Wait. Stay...
Things get better at http://www.indianchild.com/weird_information_humor.htm
(Can't resist this one - Our eyes are always the same size from
birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing. - Wow! Now I know
what I'll look like when I am old!)
Find some IT snigglets to make you snigger and giggle at http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci506044,00.html
April 2010
Though the economic climate is improving at a reasonable
pace we aren't smiling...or are we?
If we aren't yet, you need to click at the links below.
1. Some jokes for teachers (and parents too.): http://www.jokesaboutteachers.net/teacher_jokes_one.html
2. Some more jokes... http://iteslj.org/c/jokes.html
3. And some more (handle these with care and respect, they are
jokes about Seniors.) http://www.swapmeetdave.com/Humor/Seniors.htm
What?
There aren't any more jokes - at least this month...but next month,
I'll be here again.
March 2010
Who's wiser? The teacher or the student?
Who's smarter? The trainer or the audience?
No right or wrong answers here...right?
Wrong.
Check out the following links:
http://www.developingteachers.com/tips/jokes.htm
http://www.crummy.com/features/dada/
And some corporate jokes:
http://www.basicjokes.com/djoke.php?id=700
February 2010
They say these quotations are humorous, but I think
that there's some very serious stuff here. Click http://www.1000advices.com/guru/learning_quotes_humorous.html
to decide.
Whether you are into or out of a call-center, you'll be able to
appreciate the humor that you'll find at: http://www.phonephunnies.com/
Read another interpretation of the personality types (refer to MBTI)
at: http://squarewheels.com/jokes/mbtiprayers.html
And if you want to enjoy the interpretations a little more, take
the MBTI test at: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp
January 2010
Are you a trainer?
No?
Have you attended a training program?
What kind?
Any kind.
Yes?
Oh, then you are qualified to be a trainer!
Here are some humorous one-liners that could help you liven up
your training programs.
Click http://squarewheels.com/jokes/trainerjokes.html
And here's some interesting statistics from the Bob Pike Group.
Click
http://www.bobpikegroup.com/apps/articles/web/articleid/60069/columnid//default.asp
~~~~~~ 2009 ~~~~~~
December 2009
Things haven't changed a lot. Still there aren't many eLearning
jokes out there in the cyberspace:-(
But there's this little speck of cloud with some silver lining
at http://www.ipov.net/content/elearning-humor
Check out:
http://www.ipov.net/assets/images/CartoonTrap_0.gif
And...
http://www.ipov.net/assets/images/CartoonDesign.gif
And don't miss this:
http://demos.ipov.net/portal/portal_content/product_guides/
Job%20Instruction%20Breakdown%20Sheet-11x17%20IPOV.pdf
So, have you learned the t-shirt folding technique yet? I have
- and only by looking at the video – Who says you can’t
learn psychomotor skills through eLearning? All you need is some
reflection, followed by a bit of self-analysis, resulting in a workable
plan of action! Begin your reflection with me at: http://thezenoflearning.wordpress.com.
November 2009
Our ability to laugh is unique, as is our ability to enjoy humor.
This, of course, is a derived ability - derived from our capability
to process language. So, how are you doing in the laughter department?
Not too good? Afraid so? So be afraid no more, for here are some
links that'll improve your laughter productivity.
How do you graduate to being a trainer from being a rep?
Well...here's how - http://www.callcentercomics.com/Cartoons/Call-Center-Sales-Training.htm
About the Pizzas - don't worry about the slices though!
http://www.businesscartoons.co.uk/2189.htm
The grapevine is that companies are once again recruiting like
there was no tomorrow.
I dedicate these links to the recruiters and the recruits (respectively.)
http://www.boloji.com/humor/jokes/031.htm
http://www.smilespedia.com/glossary/jobs-jokes/
October 2009
Mike Moore's teacher cartoons don't drip with the rapid-fire Quick-gun
Murugan kind of humor, but they make you smile. To prove me right
(or wrong) click http://speakerman1.blogspot.com/
and see some of his cartoons.
A first-hand account of classroom humor will have you torn between
nostalgia and laughter. Click http://www.teachersfirst.com/humor.shtml
From classroom learning to eLearning, and from teacher jokes to
computer cartoons - Euphemistically speaking it's progression, but
Darwin would've called it evolution.
Here's for the more e-volved, a collection of Dan's computer cartoons
at: http://www.danscartoons.com/computer_cartoons.htm
September 2009
Writing style too invoke humor:) Find some cartoons that bring
out the essence of writing style at:
http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/w/writing_style.asp
If you are a trainer, you should click http://www.squarewheels.com/jokes/trainerjokes3.html
to read some cool trainer jokes. This goes to prove that trainers
can take a joke!
(Only a trainer can profess to turn someone around by 360 degrees
- right?)
Planning on implementing the third and the fourth levels of the
Kirkpatrick model? Not before you've been to http://www.grantland.net/training2.htm.
And yes, I do appreciate the elearning implementation strategy -
certainly cost-effective...isn't it?
Be a Cheshire cat! (Is the grin genuine?)
August 2009
So are you ready to introduce some humor in your content?
Read "Humor and the Multiple Intelligences" by Dee Dickinson,
who forms a novel connection between Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences
and humor through this crisp article. A link in this article (http://www.markwahl.com/)
will take you to Markwahl's site about the Multiple-intelligence-Math
connection. I know it sounds "blurry" (Ah...why can't
sounds be blurred, and why should the written word "sound"
like anything at all? I wish I could understand English. Phew!)
but...what's the harm in clicking a couple of links and checking
it out yourself?
Now for some real jokes…
Do you have Webular Standarditis? Find out at http://www.kathymarks.com/archives/2005/05/10_signs_you_ma.html
Read some news (real fake news) on how hackers are bored of what
they find inside the encrypted emails.
http://www.satirewire.com/news/aug02/encryption.shtml
Keep Smiling:--)
July 2009
During these high and dry times, we need some humor - and not the
martini dry humor of the Jonathan Mann variety, but of juicy kind
that refreshes and then soothes.
Here's some for those suffering from Writer's Cramp:
http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/writing-jokes.htm
...And for the writers of the technical kind (Oops!):
http://www.ahajokes.com/com047.html
... ...And for the designers of the graphic kind (right!):
http://www.lunareclipse.net/freehouse.htm
Keep Smiling:--)
June 2009
Are you tweeting already?
If not, here's some inspiration.
Click http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/03/50-twitter-comic-strips/
to see some funny twitter cartoons. Really...who needs 140 characters...except
the wordy humans!
If you've wondered about who was created first Adam or Eve - click
http://www.funs.co.uk/fs/s24.html
to find your answer.
Figure out what the term "Contempt of Court" means -
click http://www.funs.co.uk/fs/10.htm
Have fun!
May 2009
And now the dessert!
Write right, probably assertively; but for the thousandth time
- don't exaggerate. This of course is not my creativity. I've been
"inspired", as any Bollywood director would say:). Click
http://www.electronixwarehouse.com/humor/how-to-rite.htm
to view the source of my inspiration.
Don't forget to scroll down to read about EuroEnglish and the new
EC regulations. (Don't check the right column though - I am not
too sure about the ads they run.)
If you want to introduce subtle humor in your writing, and you
believe that the best way to learn is through experience; experience
some subtle humor at: http://www.southernhumorists.com/
April 2009
Aha. So someone finally thought about it:-) We now have a website
called learninglaffs.com.
So with thanks to Mr. Wood, here are a couple of links:
http://www.learninglaffs.com/TheLists2009Y.HTM
for loads of interesting jokes about training and
teaching.
http://www.learninglaffs.com/braindonanddimmy1.html
for finding out how Braindon and Dimmy react differently to the
same questions.
Do visit learninglaffs.com for more learning laughs:--)
Have fun!
\March 2009
Do you use the spell-checker?
Do you trust the spell-checker?
Aha!
Got you there! Didn't I?
Click http://www.slinkycity.com/the-spelling-checker.html
for a case against using spell-checkers.
Once upon a time people thought that:
* Telephone is useless.
* No one would like a computer at home.
* Who would like to see an actor talk?
So what? You may ask.
Only this that the big bosses of the biggest companies in the telephone,
computer, and movies industries, respectively, thought and said
so. Find more about what big people with their big mouths once said.
Click http://www.slinkycity.com/technology-mistakes.html
And finally, here's a link with some reversed gender-bias:)
http://www.slinkycity.com/computers-must-be-male.html
Have fun.
February 2009
What may be funny in one cultural context may be banal, or even
obnoxious in another...but then that's a risk that I have to take,
if I've selected culture as the theme for this month's Laugh-a-Little
feature.
Check http://www.grantland.net/culture1.htm
for some corporate jokes (subtle, of course - you don't need to
cover your monitor with your jacket, just in case you know who turns
up at your workstation!)
Did that get you laughing?
It did?
Thanks! What? It didn’t?
Until next month then…
January 2009
During times such as these, when the IMF has just announced that
the global economic growth would slow down to 0.5% in 2009, even
a smile costs a lot...but I aim at making you laugh! It's a tall
order indeed! Whether or not I accomplish my aim would depend more
on you than on me. Problems are often solved quickly when you revisit
them after a cognitive break, so I recommend that you click the
links below...pronto!
Click http://home.sprynet.com/~owl1/psych.htm
to read about psychologists, psychology, and psychological humor!
Have you ever wondered what kind of joke would be born of a union
between psychology and BPOs? Find the answer at http://www.funnyhumor.com/jokes/993.php
And if you like to think more than you like to laugh, or if you
would prefer to think about laughter than actually laugh...then
you probably need to give up thinking. What? Well, yes. Click http://www.psych.upenn.edu/humor.html
to think, and then laugh!
~~~~~~ 2008 ~~~~~~
December 2008
I know that you've been laughing a lot, and that you don't need
to laugh anymore...especially when the boss has called a morning
meeting for god knows which new fire. But I can't resist...I have
to tell you about the honest professor! Please click http://www.ahajokes.com/bribe2.html
to read about the point-wise bribe!
And though I don't get all of them, but the ones that I did had
me in splits...so, click http://www.math.ualberta.ca/~runde/jokes.html
to read Math Jokes (an oxymoron? Absolutely not...click to discover
how you can prove almost anything - begin with "Let epsilon
be greater than zero...")
If you have the time and the will, click http://www.funnybite.com/jokes_school5.php
to read the New Professor's diary!
I leave you now so that you may write your New Year resolutions
in your new diary.
November 2008
The current economic as well political situation in the country
doesn’t give us much opportunity to laugh. I think that this
is the time for some quiet reflection…but then there’s
always a lighter side of life, which encourages us to go on, despite
all the trouble and sadness. So, it is with the objective of bringing
a smile to you lips, I present this link:
http://www.wordtinker.com/Writing%20faux%20pas.htm
Check it out for some interesting cultural faux pas in writing!
October 2008
Laughter is good business these days. The harder and the louder
you laugh, the more laughter shows you get to judge! In fact, the
primary criterion for selecting the laughter show judges seems to
have become their ability to laugh a lot!
Here’s some material to help you practice.
We all learn different things from life. Have you learned any of
the things listed at http://www.hyndsite.com/sillythings/silly--thingsilearned.htm
A steaming cup of dark humor is something that helps you up on
your even…you know when! Click http://www.themishmash.com/2007/11/headstones-that.html
to read some headstones.
Do you know why it’s tough to find the woman (or the man)
of your dreams? Find out by clicking http://en.nothingisreal.com/wiki/Why_I_Will_Never_Have_a_Girlfriend.
So…when are the trials being held for the selection of the
laughter show judges?
Keep practicing…and you’ll make it to the small screen!
September 2008
When did you laugh last?
I mean the real good haw-haw kind of laugh.
Not recently…right?
Okay…so here’s your opportunity to laugh a little; but
loosen your tie (or scarf) and smoothen those wrinkles between your
brows…yes…that’s better! Now you are ready to
let yourself go! Check out these cool links.
Did I hear you laugh?
Oh yes! My day is made!
Keep laughing.
August 2008
Please laugh!
What is that?
Laugh!
How do you laugh?
Well…let me see! You open your mouth, then you let your breath
out in short spurts while making a guttural sound…the…oh
well! If you don’t know how to laugh, it’s a bit tough
to…
Is there some online help…some kind of tutorial?
To teach you how to laugh…? I guess not…either you know
it or you don’t…but then…umm…aahan!
What?
Here are some links for you. Click them and read up…who knows
what might help!
1. http://www.safenow.org/
has some very interesting pictorial messages and their interpretations
however depend entirely on your perception.
2. Have you experienced the tension that results from not being
able to find the right metaphor? Well, at http://help.com/post/124066-funny-metaphors-used-in-high-school
you’ll find some humorous non-examples to tell you that you
aren't alone!
3. Why frown? Whenever you think that you've struck the nadir,
remember that things could be worse…it's Joshua who says this
at: http://www.avolites.org.uk/jokes/dear-dad.htm
Now that you know how to…keep laughing!
July 2008
The popularity of the "for Dummies" series never fails
to amaze me. The name implies (if we assume that it doesn't explicitly
state) that the said books are for dummies! And yet, people buy
them. In other words, they call their customers "dummies"
and their customers love them for it! Amazing...isn't it?
Well, click the link http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/Adding-Humor-to-Training.id-2991.html
to read an excerpt from "Training for Dummies" (Yes...the
name seems to be very strategically crafted - "Training for
Dummies" or so the epithet is directed towards those who are
trained! Phew!)
Are you trying to direct me to the small print that says, “for
others,” don’t. The small print is never added for being
read.
BTW, some of the tips are really cool! Don't miss them.
Click http://www.grantland.net/training1.htm
to view some excellent training cartoons. However, if you'd like
to use them in your presentations, please seek permission:)
Check out http://doa.mt.gov/mtn/humor.asp
for the forever-trainer-grouse!
Keep laughing...I love the sound of your laughter:)
June 2008
So how often your CCR trainees complain about the calls they receive?
Well, things weren't much different in the past long gone.
Click http://www.michaelclark.name/jokes/computer/ancient_tech_support.shtml
to read about ancient Support-lines!
Have you ever used a spell-checker, trusted it to take care of
all your language issues, and then sat in a corner red-faced and
embarrassed at having discovered a word that had insidiously made
its way into your published work! I have (blush)!
Click http://www.michaelclark.name/jokes/computer/spell_checker.shtml
Do you listen to your audience? Yes?
Please click http://www.absolutelyjokes.com/profession/psychologists/psychologists-at-the-college-reunion.html
to discover who doesn’t!
Smile and Laugh…a lot!
May 2008
Yesterday, something unusual happened. I found myself channel-surfing.
I don’t watch a lot of TV, so for me the exercise was painfully
slow; but it did provide me an opportunity to see that most of the
news channels were telecasting some or the other “Laughter
Show”!
TV powerfully mirrors the popular culture of the day, and so, it
can be assumed that today’s audience is willing to laugh (as
opposed to the audience of yester-years when serials such as Humlog
and Mahabharata ruled the roost.)
With that far-fetched assumption, I once again try to gain your
attention through the following links that I hope will make you
laugh. Here are they:
- An excellent collection of creative ad campaigns can be viewed
at http://www.indrajit.in/fun-zone.htm
- If you are a dog lover, you will find this dog humor page irresistible.
Click http://www.antion.com/humor/speakerhumor/dogs.htm
- Check out "Hot Air" at http://www.tltgroup.org/resources/f_humor.html
for some journalism humor.
Laugh Jee Laugh!
Continue to laugh and smile, until we meet again – next month!
April 2008
Do you fill in a time sheet before you leave office?
Okay, so you don't call it a time sheet! You've got some other,
probably a more exotic name for it!
Doesn't matter, you know what I am talking about!
Now the question is - Do you have to fill it "completely"
for 8 hours?
If so, how do you account for the time that you talking, cribbing,
drinking coffee!
Here's how...click http://www.ahajokes.com/off03.html
for a list of specifics against the non-specifics!
The last day at work...(a sweet dream for many, a nightmare for
some!)
How do you tell? Well, click http://www.ahajokes.com/off18.html
...and of course, there is the naukri ad!
And finally...one for the sibling professions!
Click http://www.workjoke.com/projoke64.htm
March 2008
If you've tried introducing humor in your trainings or eLearning
content, you know how difficult the task is.
A very practical guide to introducing humor in your writing is
available at: http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/may02/hornung.htm
in form of "Seven Steps to Better Humor Writing" by Jan
Hornung. When I say, "a practical guide", I mean it. If
you want to have a quick laugh, scroll down to point 6.
Did you know that one of the favorite pastimes of editors and publishers
is changing the light bulbs? Click http://editandwrite.googlepages.com/publishingjokes
to confirm.
Steve Toltz has written a novel, called "Fraction of the Whole."
A fraction of the whole (wit) can be enjoyed at http://www.readings.com.au/interview/steve-toltz!
This interview has motivated me to read the entire (not a fraction)
of the whole book.
And finally:
we all are philosophers...are we not?
Click http://www.as.miami.edu/phi/jokes.htm
to read what's funny about philosophers.
Are you laughing?
Good…keep laughing!
February 2008
Here are the laughs for February.
Click http://www.swissdelphicenter.ch/en/humor.php
for some technical (not technical writing) humor.
And click http://www.soulwork.net/humor.htm
for some trainer humor. What? You can't find any? Scroll down.
Writing content is quite similar to writing a college paper. If
you don't agree, click http://www.thehumorarchives.com/joke/How_to_write_a_college_paper.
Do you agree now?
Keep smiling…keep laughing!
January 2008
When did you laugh last?
Last month?!
Oh, so you laughed when you visited one of the URLs given in Wavelength’s
Laugh-a-Little section!
Here are some more links to help you de-stress.
Do you know that Readers Digest and Writers Cramp? No? Even the
king of the jungle knows. Click http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/writing-jokes.htm
Also check: http://www19.homepage.villanova.edu/karyn.hollis/
prof_academic/Courses/common_files/jokes_about_writing.htm
If you are a philanthropic instructional designer, you may want
to write humor and make others laugh. The following links should
help.
Original humor writing is difficult. Dave Barry says just that
in "Dave Barry on Humor" at http://www.learner.org/catalog/extras/interviews/dbarry/db02.html
Some more serious reading on humor is available at:
http://www.melgilden.com/Sampletext/EssaKids.html
~~~~~~ 2007 ~~~~~~
December 2007
Who says laughter is not serious stuff!
The use of humor in instructional design is a tricky affair. We
often try to avoid the use of humor not because we don't appreciate
its potential, but because we are also aware of the risk. Humor
writing is tough. It is probably the most difficult kind of writing.
If you still want to try, begin by reading, "Humor Writing
- It's a Laugh!" at http://www.authorhouse.com/AuthorResources/WritingFeature/HumorWriting.asp
I quote from the article -
"They (the methods of writing humor) are:
* The Use of Surprise;
* Creating A Sense of Superiority;
* Exaggeration and Embellishment; and,
* Comedic Timing."
(Is that how you add the quotation marks around bulleted lists?)
Another article with 10 tips for writing humor is "Top Ten
Tools for Writing Humor" available at: http://www.shawnolson.net/a/556/top-ten-tools-for-writing-humor.html.
And now for some serious (and scary) stuff about jokes, click http://www.tmz.com/2006/11/30/leno-sues-you-stole-my-jokes/
to read "Leno sues: You Stole My Jokes!"
Laugh carefully.
November 2007
Have you made your resume yet?
Shhhh....
What?
Not so loud...
Okay...I understand...and I think everyone else does too! I’ve
seen the resumes of your colleagues at a job portal!
Click http://www.slimeland.com/original/fresume.html
for reading some don'ts of resume creation!
Read the "Humor Maze" of resumes at: http://www.pair-of-dice.com/luke/maze/resume.html
And then read some more about resumes at:
http://www.newcanaancats.org/a_little_humor.htm
You aren't taking all this seriously...are you? Please don't...they
are just jokes. For some serious tips, click http://www.humorbin.com/showitem.asp?item=414
Keep laughing...that reminds me of the orbit advertisement, and
also the procrastinated-for-as-long-as-possible trip to the dentist.
Ouch!
October 2007
Find a new metrics for evaluating performance at:
http://www.comedy-zone.net/jokes/laugh/education/student2.htm
Find an excellent assessment question at:
http://www.thehumorarchives.com/joke/Professor_Bonk
And now find out how full your life is. Click:
http://jokes.hellacool.co.uk/jokes/
Rocks-a-meaning-for-life-A-philosophy-professor-stood-before-his-class.html
September 2007
Humor for writers, about writers, in writers...is the rarest of
the rare material. So we look for humor about those around us.
Check out the symptoms of Grapholism at:
http://www.computerjokes.net/195.htm
Then click http://www.computerjokes.net/144.htm
to find more about the Girlfriend v5.0 application.
And
finally check out http://www.unitedmedia.com/comics/dilbert/
August 2007
Laughter is the Best Medicine, so proclaims Reader's Digest! Inherent
in the statement is the assumption that we all need medicine - well!
Here’s your dose.
The first course of this...medicine...is available at http://www.multilingualplanet.com/mlp_humor.htm.
Scroll down to find EuroEnglish Language.
Read the 26 golden rules of Writing Well by clicking at http://www.mantex.co.uk/samples/rules.htm
Check out some funny insurance statements at http://www.slinkycity.com/funny-insurance-claims.html
Before you leave, click http://www.slinkycity.com/english-language.html
to read why English is such a funny language.
July 2007
If you want to learn how to use humor in writing, I recommend Wilbur
Smith's, River God. If you want to read a simple article on "Humor
in Writing", click http://www.ellisparkerbutler.info/epb/biblio.asp?id=5340
to read a short, inspiring article by Ellis Parker Butler. If you
don't have the time to read the book, then the following jokes will
make for some quick and happy reading.
Here are some writing tips that should bring a smile to your lips:-)
http://www.metrodirect.net/writershome/humor/how-to-rite.htm
has some extremely useful writing tips.
If you are an aspiring author, you will appreciate the first definition
on the page http://www.metrodirect.net/writershome/humor/dictionarily.htm
A more serious note on humor is evident in the article "Using
Humor in Training" at http://www.hendonpub.com/publications/lawandorder/trainingupdate.aspx
If you are a dog-lover, do click http://www.top20fun.com/funny_jokes/5337.html
to acquire a basic understanding of the canine property laws. However,
I'd like to change the tenth law - it should read, "Even if
it's broken, it's mine."
June 2007
Do you laugh? If you don't, you could be ruining your health. We
all strive to achieve happiness and it is the same happiness that
eludes us when we lose our health. Some years ago, I almost lost
everything that I valued by losing my health - I recommend that
you take time out to enjoy life - don't let life run you; you run
your life. Laughter probably is the best medicine of all professionally
induced ills (as Reader's Digest proclaims.)
This month, we begin with some BPO jokes to de-stress the busy
and tired BPO trainer.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2006/apr/27bpo1.htm
(Laugh and retain your health. Remember, "Your death will
be accepted as an excuse. However, we require at least two weeks'
notice as it is your duty to train your replacement." - quoted
from the article at the above link.)
Click http://www.hltmag.co.uk/sep06/joke.htm
for two cartoons that are sensibly humorous.
We've all been through the rules that a great trainer should follow,
but what about some rules for the trainees? Shouldn't there be some
rules and guidelines for them too. Click http://www.karlaadams.com/Top%2010%20rules.htm
to find out how you can "attend trainings effectively."
BTW, Karla is the fitness trainer:)
May 2007
In the good old days, children could avoid responsibility for a
long-long time. Things have changed since. We now prepare our children
to face the challenges of life from their first day on earth.
Click http://www.boloji.com/cartoons3/00786.htm
to meet parents who want to ensure that their son should find his
rightful place in the society.
Click http://www.memsaab.com/newforum/Topic923-12-1.aspx
to laugh a few Indian laughs. (I request the international subscribers
to ignore this link)
Instructional design is psychology applied to learning. Thus, it
can be inferred that jokes that pertain to psychology would apply
to instructional design. Right? Wrong. If you do not know why, find
out by clicking http://www.psych.upenn.edu/humor.html
April 2007
Let us begin with some educational cartoons. Well...no! These cartoons
don’t educate, they are about “education”. Click
http://www.borg.com/~rjgtoons/edu.html
to view some cartoons by Randy Glasbergen.
Do you use humor in classroom? It isn't easy to manage, I agree;
but it does work wonders. Here is an article that you may like to
read through before you experiment with humor. Read "Humor
In The Classroom: Cultivating Camaraderie To Maximize Learning"
by Katherine Abbott and Mark Lewis, which is available at http://www.abbottcom.com/Humor_in_the_classroom.htm
I also liked the way the content is presented in this article.
What do you think?
Is humor getting a bit too serious this month? I am sorry...I do
have some links that I hope will have you rocking in your seat.
Click http://www.freedomtolearn.org/ftl_classroom_humor.html,
and if you want to read some jokes that require more cognitive processing,
click http://2havefun.com/Comedy/professor.shtml.
March 2007
Have you ever tried to design humor? I am serious. One of the tasks
that bring tears to my eyes is the task of designing relevant and
appropriate humor for inclusion in training or eLearning content.
It is easier to use humor in classroom trainings, than it is in
eLearning. If humor in eLearning is even an iota more than the subtlest
of the subtle; you are fried! If you’ve fought the urge to
use humor for the fear of using it incorrectly, make a new beginning.
First motivate yourself…tell yourself you can make people
laugh, and that you can win US$2000.00 for writing some humor!
Did you know about the contest organized by Sulekha & Penguin?
It is called India Smiles contest. I didn't. Let's watch out for
the next one and participate. I don't see myself anywhere in the
league of the humor writers...yet, I would like to give it a shot.
Nevertheless, here's the link to the winning entry.
http://manjul-bajaj.sulekha.com/blog/post/2005/03/ruminations-of-the-teenager-formerly-known-as-achint.htm
This entry by Ms. Bajaj won the prize (and not a small one...US$2000.00...Bookmark
this site and participate!)
But then, you need to practice. It isn't easy to make people laugh.
Here's a link that will guide you towards making your writing more
humorous:)
Click
http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/may02/hornung.htm
February 2007
We've found writer jokes, technical writer jokes, designer jokes,
publisher jokes, and also some programmer jokes in this section.
Yet, they are one kind of jokes that have not yet found their way
into this section. These jokes relate to those of us who look the
busiest, who spend more time in the conference halls than they do
at their desks...Have you already identified them? Oh, you have.
Good. This month we devote this section to our dear…oh so
dear managers!
Click http://www.workjoke.com/projoke50.htm
to read some good manager jokes. The first may be a bit off-color
but then I decide to take a measured risk:) After all, managers
are the most mature of us all.
Click http://www.joblatino.com/jokes/managers.html
to join a project manager in a hot air balloon (We all know how
hot air is an abundant commodity with this particular variety of
travelers.)
Find out how managers complicate lives (ahem!) by clicking http://www.dyoks.com/jokes/joke.cfm?jokeid=448
And if you haven't laughed enough (look around before you laugh)
click http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/b/bad_manager.asp
to view some interesting manager cartoons.
And finally…
Darth Vader…you remember him, don’t you? Click http://www.costumedogs.com/images/03-14-2006.jpg
for a quick recap.
PS: The above link has nothing to do with managers (though Darth
Vader did manage his fleet quite well!)
January 2007
Laughter is good for health.
Laughter is good for the mind.
Laughter is good for building friendships.
Laughter is good in almost all ways...except when you laugh
at someone! Click the following links to simply laugh the
good laughter!
Click http://www.squarewheels.com/jokes/trainerjokes.html
for some hilarious trainer jokes.
How many languages do you know? Mr. Pitroda thinks that
English should be introduced in class I, in all Indian schools.
He is right. Click http://www.netfunny.com/rhf/jokes/06/Nov/language.html
to find out why.
Bill Gates Wealth Index - Wow! Click http://www.templetons.com/brad/billg.html
to determine the true magnitude of Bill Gates' wealth.
Black Humor...eh!
http://www.netfunny.com/rhf/jokes/07/Jan/placement.html
I wish you a magnificent New Year!
~~~~~~ 2006 ~~~~~~
December 2006
Smile, laugh, and put your worries aside.
Laughter isn't easy. It's tough! I don't mean that it's tough to
imitate laughter but it's truly difficult to initiate it. Yet it
fills our lives with sunlight in winters and with cool soothing
breeze in summers! Laughter delights us...without pretenses!
This month's collection has a few links that I hope will bring
a smile to your lips:)
- Click the following links for some art-related humor.
http://www.buy-original-art.com/entertainment/the_road_painter.htm
http://painting.about.com/od/inspiration/a/ArtJokes.htm
http://painting.about.com/od/inspiration/a/Murphy_Law_Art.htm
- And the following links for some photographic humor.
http://www.thehumorarchives.com/joke/Double_ended_Lorry
http://www.thehumorarchives.com/joke/High_tech
- Here are two links for the technically inclined.
http://www.jokecenter.com/jokes/Computer/1908.htm
http://www.jokecenter.com/jokes/Computer/799.htm
I wish you a magnificent New Year!
November 2006
To smile and to laugh…and to make those around you smile
and laugh; this is what life is all about. (How we wish that the
bosses would understand this!)
Here are some links that should give you a reason to laugh. By
the way, did you know that laughter is just as contagious as a yawn
is? So make sure that you pull out your neck you’re your work
and laugh aloud! So loud that everyone in your bay pulls out his
or her neck from the work and…well! This is carrying a metaphor
too far! Let’s begin.
Some instructional designers (especially the green-horns) can be
categorized as technologically challenged. Please also note the
fact that most designers of all types (graphic, instructional, interior,
and so on.) prefer to don the technology-repellant over-coat. For
all of us who deliberately try to ignore technology as a professional
hazzard rather than a friendly assistant...here are a few humor
pills.
- Click http://jokes.comedycentral.com/random_joke.aspx?joke_id=888&cat_id=37
to read about the tech-support executives' woes, which are crafted
and grafted by the technologically challenged!
- The technology savvy know the importance of CTRL+s, while the
technologically challenged assume that the computer will protect
their data automatically. Click http://jokes.comedycentral.com/random_joke.aspx?joke_id=888&cat_id=37
to find who is on whose side! Flummoxed?! Click to know!
- And now for desserts...Mrs. Computer or Mr. Computer...or should
it be Ms. Computer? Click http://jokes.comedycentral.com/random_joke.aspx?joke_id=880&cat_id=37
to see why computers should be considered Female. To ensure gender
neutrality of this section, here's another link (http://jokes.comedycentral.com/results/index.asp?cat=37)
which discusses why Computers should be Male!
Laugh...Smile...Be Happy!
October 2006
It isn’t easy to make people laugh! The truth is that you
require a different kind of creativity to make people laugh –
I don’t have it. This is why I try so hard to find links that
have jokes to make you laugh…for I feel that each tinkle of
your laughter adds a drop of happiness to your life as well as to
mine. How? Here’s my logic.
Though we all know that we don’t take anything with us when
we leave this beautiful earth, but I feel that we do take away with
us – the sum total of all the happy moments of our lives –
when we close our eyes forever, when we breathe our last; what probably
shimmers through our closing eyelids is a beautiful collage of our
happy moments! I can’t be very sure of this for I haven’t
experienced it yet – but then I don’t want to take the
risk of letting these moments go by. If these links bring a smile
to your lips – you too become part of my collage of memories.
Do become.
Here are some links that should make you smile.
- Hybrid plants...why not? Hybrid flowers...beautiful! Hybrid
animals...what?!
Check out: http://www.i-am-bored.com/bored_link.cfm?link_id=19777
And to find out why dogs bite their owners (if they do) click
http://www.i-am-bored.com/bored_link.cfm?link_id=19731
- A writer struggling to be published, a publisher trying to
change a light bulb, a hall named after a writer...if you want
to know more about them - click
http://www19.homepage.villanova.edu/karyn.hollis/prof_academic/
Courses/common_files/jokes_about_writing.htm
- Though I should've saved this link for Christmas, I can't stop
myself from presenting it here. Facts are facts...aren't they?
Click http://www.physlink.com/Fun/IsThereSanta.cfm
to figure out what I am hinting at.
Keep laughing until Diwali-Eid and after!
September 2006
- Acronyms have been the breeding ground for humor for a long-long
time. Click http://www.pinetree.net/humor/computeracronyms.html
to find how some computer related acronyms can tickle your funny
bone. APPLE and WINDOWS seem especially interesting.
- The following link has information (ahm!) that would probably
appeal to male programmers! Hey...No! I am not using sexist language!
It's just that the content of http://www.netfunny.com/rhf/jokes/88q2/3785.4.html
brings cars and programming languages together...and men do seem
to be more interested than women in both of them:-) I plead humor
as my defense for ruffling any feathers that I may have!
- To round it up...here's a bit about Bill Gates, PC, Mac, and
so on. Click the following links:
http://www.elsop.com/wrc/humor/ms_genes.htm
http://www.elsop.com/wrc/humor/ms_cars.htm
- And...http://www.elsop.com/wrc/humor/shipwrek.htm
August 2006
- Of all the serious types, programmers are the only ones who
appreciate humor. I am being honest. Instructional Designers profess
to use humor in their work, "humor could be used as a tool
to gain learner's attention" they say, yet, when it comes
to jokes about instructional designers, you can hardly find any.
How can we use humor if we don't make it a part of our lives?
This question merits some thought, which we shall give to it;
yet, in the meantime, click the following links to join the programmers
for a few laughs.
http://www.absolutelyjokes.com/profession/programmer/programmer's-error.html
http://www.absolutelyjokes.com/technology/computers-and-software/dear-boss.html
and... http://www.ariel.com.au/jokes/The_Evolution_of_a_Programmer.html
- Here are a few interesting rules that will remind us that language
errors make the world a more lively and humorous place to live
in. Click http://www.fortunecity.com/campus/books/845/1lang.htm
to become a crusader for errors.
July 2006
Are you ready for a good laugh? Here are some links that will help
you forget your worries and rejuvenate you through a healthy dose
of laughter.
Let us begin with some funny pictures.
- Here's something on time-management...(Is it really funny?!)
http://www.ahajokes.com/crt080.html
and on Internet Honesty...
http://www.ahajokes.com/crt004.html
and when you don't know...
http://www.ahajokes.com/crt037.html
- Here's some technical writing humor from http://www.writejustified.com/humor.html.
BTW, is there is need to justify writers; don't they do better
unformatted! Do scroll down to the signs and notices. That's where
the real fun is.
- "Sneak Peek - A day in the Life of A (Software) Technical
Writer" by Alfred PM, a Bangalore-based freelancer, cannot
be strictly categorized as humor - It may make you a bit sad too,
yet, the interactions between RobotRama and JavaSrinivas are very
real. Click http://www.stc-india.org/indus/012006/humor.htm
to find out if you agree.
June 2006
Some of Wavelength's elite audience find the Laugh-a-Little section
very refreshing. If you are one of those who scroll down to the
Laugh-a-Little section the moment they click open Wavelength, I
should say that you are missing out on a lot of little jokes masquerading
as serious stuff! If you don't believe me, read through the preceding
sections of Wavelength to confirm.
So you caught me:-) I always say that Wavelength's audience comprises
the intellectual elite!
Here are some hi-fi jokes for your cerebral palate. Let's begin
with the teachers' jokes collected and presented by David Shay.
- I hope you will overlook the occasional off-color joke in
this cool collection at http://www.workjoke.com/projoke80.htm.
If you are wondering whether I underestimated the sophistication
of your cerebral palate, scroll down to "The Evolution
of a Math Problem." Isn't it an Analysis level joke?
- I just had to click the Previous button on the page above,
and I discovered an interesting collection of artist-jokes.
Click http://www.workjoke.com/projoke77.htm
to read some excellent artist-jokes. I specially recommend the
one about Pablo Picasso! I can assure you that this joke could
be a true story.
- And now for those who prefer the micro-view of content - the
editors, I click the next button to arrive at http://www.workjoke.com/projoke81.htm.
Please scroll down to read "Simple Questions, Complicated
Answers", "Top 24 Oxymorons", "Translation
and Advertisement", and "Classified classics."
I hope you are laughing so hard that your chair had to come alive
in order to stay under you. Keep laughing, until we meet next month.
May 2006
Hiyeeeeee! My back is stiff; I've been sitting on this chair for
the last 20 hours; I haven't even been to...you know! And you want
me to laugh! Do you know, I am stuck to my chair and if I laugh,
the chair will rock with me! Ouch! Ouch!
OUCH!
Among other things that an instructional designer receives upon
joining an organization, there is one that though free is not welcome!
It's a rack with many hats. There is the SME hat, the PR hat, the
course manager hat, the writing style standards hat, and finally
the editor's hat. Whether or not these hats go with the instructional
designer's cerebral attire is not a question that is discussed in
the open. I present the following link to those who are currently
wearing the editor's hat!
- Read "Writers' Humor" available at http://www.cyberlepsy.com/Downloads/Writers%20Humor.pdf.
The "canonical list of oxymorons" as well as "Rules
for Writers" will rejuvenate you through your editorial
phase!
- Have you ever been through the rigmarole of putting a classified
in a newspaper? If you have, you will commiserate with Mr. Jones;
if not, you will know what to be careful of when you place a
classified. Read "Truth in Advertising?" at http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/6174/advertising_blunders.htm.
- Ever given a thought to our closest friend? Oh yes! I mean
"our" closest friend...the computer! Click on http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/6174/com_movi.htm
to read about 24 things that you didn't know about your closest
pal! (Only the moviemakers did!)
- If you are in love with instant messaging, I think "AOL
Online Messages" will make a lot of sense to you. Here's
the link: http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/6174/AOL_MESSAGES.HTM
Keep laughing!
April 2006
When did you laugh last? Yesterday? Or did you have the last laugh?
I think most of us are busy trying to have the last laugh...so busy,
that we forget when we laughed last. Cheer up, smile, and click
on the following links to laugh a bit.
- If you really want to have the last laugh, click on http://library.thinkquest.org/J002267F/humor_writing.htm.
This link gives you some tips to write humor. Anyone who writes
humor adds so much value to life. If you experiment, do send
your creations to Wavelength. All of us could use some good
laughs!
- What? You want more tips on writing humor? Here are two.
- The link http://www.techwr-l.com/techwhirl/archives/9707/techwhirl-9707-01358.html
has some technical writer humor! As expected...it's too technical.
Our technical writer friends can help "simplify" the
joke!
- The quality of Indian cartooning is growing by leaps and bounds.
Here are two good links.
Keep laughing!
March 2006
- Humor section today begins with pictures - funny pictures,
cute pictures, pictures that will make us smile - any time!
Well, those of us who love dogs will love this link. Dog lovers,
check out http://www.cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh/dogs/index.htm
- I just love “Dog Warning” (http://www.cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh/images/05/dogwarning.htm)
and “Dog Speed Indicator” (http://www.cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh/images/05/dogspeedindicator.htm)!
Enjoy!
- Here's a good, sensible (?) training jokes site. If you've
conducted trainings, you may experience deja vu, as you laugh
through some of the jokes given here. Click on http://www.trainingnews.co.uk/trainingjokes.html
to enjoy some interesting real and virtual training moments.
Scroll down to "Minister Training" - substitute the
minister in the joke with our "minister sahib" and
it won't be a joke anymore. Sigh!
- Artists and Graphic Designers, please click on http://www.workjoke.com/projoke77.htm
to read some artist jokes.
- Also check out http://www.tonyfollari.com/art-jokes.html
to read some "thought-provoking" jokes on art and
artists!
- Let's wind up with President George Bush's New Year resolution
at http://www.tonyfollari.com/computer-jokes.html
Keep laughing!
February 2006
- Have you heard this…
"Instructional Design is a systematic method of writing
instructions!" I hear it often...and for the same reason
I found http://www.ma.huji.ac.il/~hart/humor/instructions.html
hilarious! I am sure constructivism will ensure many other interesting
interpretations of the instructions listed here! Check it out!
- Teachers will be teachers...and they will be smarter than
students. Right? Well...sometimes! Checkout http://www.butlerwebs.com/jokes/teachers.htm.
I liked the one about little girls, lipstick, and the janitor!
“Mirror, mirror, on the wall! Whose lipstick is it, after
all?'
- There are a lot of myths that surround designers. Click on
http://www.howdesign.com/dc/features/truthaboutdesigners.asp
to find the truth behind these myths.
- If you own or manage a website or publish an eZine, please
do click on http://www.webfoot.com/advice/WebDarkSide.html.
Everything on this web page is so true...so real...sniff! The
question, “Dear Mme. Curie: how does radiation work?”
is probably the one that baffles the recipient most. This question
does need a lot of explaining...and it would be difficult for
Mme. Curie to explain this in a few paragraphs:-) I am sure;
some of you must've had similar experiences!
- Programmers will find this link the most! Please click on
http://www.yov408.com/html/fun.php#quotes
for some intelligent humor.
January 2006
- 1. Here are a few novelist jokes for my instructional designer
and content writer friends. I know you must be quite mad at
me for not adding instructional designer jokes in this section,
but you know how it is. We are perceived to be serious, philosophical,
philanthropic souls, devoted to perfectionism. Technical writer
jokes, writer jokes, professor jokes, editor jokes, author jokes,
publisher jokes...even novelist jokes exist, but there aren't
any instructional designer jokes! Do you know what I think about
this...I think we are smart, we don't worry about such trivial
details, and we will definitely enjoy http://www.apc.net/ia/znovel.htm!
Way to go..
.
- This one page will keep you rolling with laughter, especially
if you are a programmer! Click on http://www.workjoke.com/projoke20.htm
and enjoy! I specially recommend "Ten Commandments for
Stress Free Programming." WYSIWYMGIYRRLAAGW but not on
this page! Yes, the statement is perfectly valid and intelligent!
How? You figure it out.
- Designers will find the list of "Unspoken Graphic Design
Rules" immensely useful. It will provide them the comfort
of precedence. "If something's happening to me, it's already
happened to everyone else before!" So cheer up, click on
http://www.biz-community.com/Jokes.aspx?l=196&c=13,
print the list, and tack it to your soft board. Next time, when
any of these 37 rules materializes, show the list to your project
manager!
~~~~~~ 2005 ~~~~~~
December 2005
Do you expect me to laugh? Are you crazy? I've meetings
planned for the whole day. At 10 AM, I am meeting two vendors,
who were untraceable for a fortnight; then I have to meet three
possible SMEs; next I have the monthly review meeting with my
boss; in the afternoon... ... ...
Do you seriously expect me to laugh?
This is precisely why you need a laugh, and I knew about your
meetings so I brought along just two little links...check them
out please. I would like to see you laugh.
Did you know Nostradamus was a technical writer? Neither did
I, until I read this highly interesting, extremely readable,
and completely non-technical article by Geoff Hart at:
http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/magazine/humor/nostradamus.html
I believe you Mr. Hart.
I can see you walking the tight rope between being sensible
and being correct, wondering how much to
1. capitalize,
2. punctuate,
3. list,
4. and abbreviate,
so that your writing reads just the way the client dreamed
it would! Though the publishers of this site have categorized
this article as humor, for us this article at
http://www.plainlanguage.gov/examples/humor/technologywriters.cfm
is serious reading.
November 2005
Do you expect me to laugh? Are you crazy? I've meetings
planned for the whole day. At 10 AM, I am meeting two vendors,
who were untraceable for a fortnight; then I have to meet three
possible SMEs; next I have the monthly review meeting with my
boss; in the afternoon... ... ...
Do you seriously expect me to laugh?
This is precisely why you need a laugh, and I knew about your
meetings so I brought along just two little links...check them
out please. I would like to see you laugh.
Did you know Nostradamus was a technical writer? Neither did
I, until I read this highly interesting, extremely readable,
and completely non-technical article by Geoff Hart at:
http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/magazine/humor/nostradamus.html
I believe you Mr. Hart.
I can see you walking the tight rope between being sensible
and being correct, wondering how much to
1. capitalize,
2. punctuate,
3. list,
4. and abbreviate,
so that your writing reads just the way the client dreamed
it would! Though the publishers of this site have categorized
this article as humor, for us this article at
http://www.plainlanguage.gov/examples/humor/technologywriters.cfm
is serious reading.
October 2005
No…please…Please…PLEASE! Leave me alone! I am
busy! I can’t laugh! If Microsoft Word hears me, I am a goner!
Please leave me alone! I’ve given my word to Microsoft Word;
I shan’t look at anything but the screen…the little
box of light that Plato feared would keep us glued forever, making
us wonder whether what we see is light or knowledge!
Don’t worry, we will not tell tales. Laugh with us for a
while and no body would be any wiser…including Microsoft Word!
Do you want to know something serious about humor? Read "Stupid
Things Trainers Do To Sabotage Success - Not Using Humor At All,
Or Using It Inappropriately." at http://www.gmp1st.com/trtp/trtp0900.htm.
My advice (which comes free with Wavelength,) is that you should
be what you are...your natural self. Serious people, who attempt
to be funny, end up "looking funny," and that isn't a
good thing for the credibility of your training!
Wow! I think I am assassinating the character of this section by
using it as an "Advice-from-the-Doctor" forum! Let's get
down to some real good, tangy, and refreshing humor!
If you haven’t seen this, you haven’t seen confidence.
This is confidence!
http://www.fl-k9.com/graphics/Dog%20Humor/self_Confidence_1.jpg
This all-purpose excuse form is perfect for...well...for all excuses!
http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/6174/EXCUSE-FORMS.HTM
For some seriously funny classroom humor, visit: http://www.teachersfirst.com/humor.shtml
(When did I grow up? More accurately, why did I grow up?)
Here's something for language experts and trainers...check out:
http://www.squarewheels.com/jokes/trainerjokes3.html
to read some really funny trainer jokes! “Funny Trainer –
Jokes” or “Funny - Trainer Jokes”? You decide.
September 2005
Sigh! Humor isn't for us. We can't laugh. We are Instructional
Designers. We carry the burden of ensuring that the human race
and its progeny is educated in the most effective manner. It's
no laughing matter.
I too am quite serious about it...believe me and read, "What's
so funny about instructional design?" at
http://coe.sdsu.edu/eet/articles/humorinstruct/index.htm.
Is
there a real instructional designer out there who walked into
a bar...especially from Mumbai? I thought not...ID is
heady enough!
All of you (not just new, fresh, and starry-eyed instructional
designers) should definitely check out
http://www.campusnut.com/lovecalculator.cfm,
add your name
along with your dream-person's name to the two fields, and
find out if you are made for each other. Those who are
"settled-for-life" can have fun reading the smart messages
and figure out if the hot-couples in your organization are
really so hot!
(A Note of Caution: Don't take the Love Calculator too
seriously, it might just be a random number generator!
Who Knows?)
Check out some humor theories at
http://carbon.cudenver.edu/~jteslow/pptext.html.
You will be
"seriously" surprised to know how serious humor can be.
Those who would like to experiment with humor in their
trainings may enjoy this pdf:
http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-71798-173628/unrestricted/Whisonant.pdf
According to my information, no study has ever proved that
humor makes learning more effective, but many studies have
shown that they do help the learner become more interested in
the training (if humor is implemented properly.) According to
ARCS, higher attention level leads to a more motivated
learner,which in my opinion should increase the effectiveness
of learning. So where did we begin?
August 2005
Attended any interview recently? No? Doesn’t matter…here’s
a refresher.
1. "You have three years of Instructional Design work experience...hmm!
So...tell me something about yourself."
"You are a fresh graduate...hmm! So...tell me something about
yourself."
Unbelievable, believe it! (How unoriginal!) Most interviews start
in exactly the same way, with almost the same words, and nearly
the same expression! Hmm...you got it!
But then, we know, that an experienced ID is very different from
an inexperienced one, just like an experienced nurse is different
from the inexperienced one, and if you love your life, you'd be
better off with an inexperienced one...or would you? Check out http://www.nursinghumor.com/bedside.nursing.humor/graduate.nurses.vs.experienced.nurses.htm
to find out! If you compare nurses to IDs, do it at your own peril!
2. If you would like to work on a different project but your PM
doesn't want you to leave, here's a sure-fire way to ensure that
you are not only "freed" but also recommended to another
project, which in all probability is being managed by your current
PM's bete noire. Send the link http://consc.net/misc/moser.html
for this self-referential story to your PM, and add the note that
the best part of the story is its end!
3. This last link is dedicated to all science graduates, engineers,
science teachers, course developers who have worked on science projects,
and all others who have been associated with science at some point
in their lives...in other words, to almost all instructional designers.
Click on http://quark.physics.uwo.ca/~harwood/humor12.htm
to join "A Party of Famous Physicists."
Keep laughing!
July 2005
There are many reasons for Instructional Designers and Content
Writers to laugh and smile.
Here are a couple of them.
1. Five new projects are expected to start this month. There are
a few minor issues...but for now... Let's celebrate! (Read: We need
30 Instructional Designers for these projects, but there is a sealing
on recruitment for the next three months. This a minor issue, as
our existing IDs are a motivated group and they will gladly double
their effort!)
2. Let's have a fun party tomorrow night. The party will begin
at 6:00 PM. Let's all take a break and enjoy! (Read: Complete your
work by 6:00 PM tomorrow evening...we know it's not easy, so stay
back late tonight and feel free to come back after the party tomorrow
night! We will even provide buses that will bring you back to office...after
the party!)
No?!
If your idea of fun is different...check out the following links.
1."Death is nothing more than a change in the state of matter,"
said the physicist. What did the writer say? If you want to find
out, click on http://www.netfunny.com/rhf/jokes/93q2/moretechwr.html
2. Animals laugh too...especially when they are around humans.
It's true. Click on http://www.livescience.com/animalworld/050331_laughter_ancient.html
to find out what makes animals laugh.
3. This one probably has less to do with humor than with Instructional
Design. So what? Instructional Designers can make sense out of anything.
Try this... http://coe.sdsu.edu/eet/articles/humorinstruct/index.htm.
4. Check out http://www.wocka.com/623.html
to explore some finer points of English.
Keep Laughing!
June 2005
If perspiration led to inspiration, we would be most inspired in
June. If a 12-hour workday led to smiles, we would be the happiest
people around. Unfortunately, none of the above is true...so turn
up the AC, unplug yourself from your seat, do a few stretches and
bends, and check out the following URLS to forget the heat, and
to grin and smile!
I am sure you've been here before...still check out http://com1.runboard.com/bthescribesmessageboard.fjokejunction.t14.
Look for "The Rules of Writing" and "ANALOGIES YOU
PROBABLY WON'T FIND IN GREAT LITERATURE." I find "The
Rules of Writing" quite creative and useful.
Empathy is what Dr. Arthur will invoke in your hearts when you
read the heart-rending letter he wrote to his publisher. Click on
http://psychology.about.com/library/hm/blhm_ist21.htm
to read what Dr. Arthur has to say about his editors. (Editors please
excuse!)
...And http://psychology.about.com/library/hm/blhm_ist20.htm
to find what the editor said to the author.
Finally, also check http://www3.sympatico.ca/srajano/jokes.html#The%20Importance%20of%20Punctuation
to discover what Gloria wants:)
May 2005
When did you laugh last? What?!! Did you say...last month? It's
time you laughed some more. Projects and deadlines will always be
there...don't let life pass by...laugh a little.
Here's what I did to make you laugh. I brought you some jokes...click
on the links...NOW!
If you have developed Math or Science content, this page (http://users.vnet.net/matjohns/humor/understanding-research.html)
will mean so much more to you! You would've communicated so much
better if you only knew this...but, better late than never!
What is the ID buzzword (buzz-phrase?) that resides at the tip
of eLearning management's tongue? No this isn't the joke...the phrase
is, "After all it is ID, and ID is common sense. It is not
rocket science." But then this is close enough! Check out http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/6174/aeronautical-terms.htm
and know what aeronautical engineering is all about.
I thought of adding the link http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/6174/jokes/ask-mr-lang-person.htm
for the language buffs but I didn't find it amusing enough so I
decided to replace it with http://www.mit.edu/people/jcb/humor/cartoon-physics
for some "animated" humor. Oops! I forgot to remove the
other link...enjoy it if you can.
April 2005
This thread has some good jokes on...well...the writer. Check it
out at http://com1.runboard.com/bthescribesmessageboard.fjokejunction.t14
. I would particularly recommend "The Rules of Writing."
The day I dread most is the day my manuscript will be returned
by the publisher...click on http://www.commonplacebook.com/humor/religion/paradise.shtm
to find out more about the writer's paradise.
Here's something for the project managers too...Please check out
the second strip; it isn't a joke it's reality! Click on http://www.j-walk.com/ss/jokes/xlcartoon.htm
to figure out what I mean.
And here's another one for those who'd rather work on word, write
wonderful scripts than jostle with project budget sheets on excel...
http://www.j-walk.com/ss/jokes/warp/warp.htm
March 2005
“Yeah, sure! I will add another head to my timesheet and
get it approved by my Project Manager. If she allows me, I will
definitely laugh.”
So what are you waiting for, get the approval, and get going! Here
are some fresh links to treasure.
Speaking English can be tricky, especially for the non-native English
speaker. Here's a list of amusing blunders that will take some stress
off your mind. I suggest you read it right after your next conference
call with a western client.
Here’s
the link: http://www.asterisks.com/bonus.html
This list is rudimentary...isn't it? Check out what other technical
writers feel about those usual, everyday lies.
Click on http://www.documentia.ca/lies.htm
We've all seen signboards that make us double up with laughter;
here's a list of translation errors. Let me know if you could stop
at just one! I recommend you start reading it from somewhere in
the middle...those are the best ones!
http://www.istc.org.uk/pages/whoops1.php
And when the technical writer visits the doctor...
http://www.nataliewrites.com/techwriter.htm
February 2005
“Are you serious? I am designing a course, writing content
for another, completing the edit fixes for a third one; and I had
to upload these by---why---yesterday! I don’t have time to
laugh!”
Wow! You do seem to be busy! It’s just that I needed your
help on a few courses – tell me if they interest you.
1. The Art of Resume Making:
----------------------------
I strongly feel that this course would be runaway success in any
organization. It will help the industry in general, by making
it more dynamic!
2. Boss Management:
------------------
Most people in an organization would love to do this, unfortunately
only some excel. This course can carry quotations from such "Maharathis",
we can also added a few videos where these “wonder-employees”
can share their experiences and provide tips to the un-initiated.
3. Rise like a Phoenix:
-----------------------
...After completing a project, "rise like a phoenix"
for another ... yet another...and another!
The Instructional Designer who works on these courses will automatically
be paid the development fees in form of experienced gained.
What? You don’t want to develop these courses! No Sweat!
Here are a few links that’ll take the stress off your mind.
The Marketing people always make us believe – “Customer
is the King”
But then the king may not always be computer literate. Check out
http://www.writershome.com/humor/dont-compute.htm#ill.
Is this real? You tell me. Don’t leave it midway. The reply
hits the bull’s eye.
http://www.jokecenter.com/jokes/Education/3209.htm
Finally, the joke is on us!
http://www.ahajokes.com/com047.html
January 2005
What? Me Laugh? Nah...! I am an Instructional Designer!
Never mind. Here are a few laugh links.
http://www.dilbert.com/comics/dilbert/games/career/bin/ms.cgi
If you’ve ever tried squeezing a lot of meaning into a few
crisp sentences to create a list of objectives for your course,
you will surely appreciate this Mission Statement Generator... and
wish you had a similar Learning Objectives Generator!
http://www.j-walk.com/ss/jokes/writer.htm
It’s happened to all of us...and it happens not just with
Excel! |
