Humor Bit-TV Butterflies ARE Free!

Healing Humor Memorable Moment: Butterflies ARE Free!

Have you ever noticed how children often teach grownups important Life Lessons? Wise for 5 years old, this little girl was no exception! What she knew...

Healing Humor Memorable Moments in Their Own Words: This episode features well-known storyteller with Carol "Holiday" Coleman sharing a heart-rendering memory about a little girl -- butterflies -- and how the little girl loved.

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Tune-in to Humor Bit-TV for Mirthful Minutes and more Healing Humor Memorable Moments on the Healing Humor Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/HealingHumor

Humor Bit-TV: Healing Humor Memorable Moments and Mirthful Minutes are Viewable here on YouTube, Facebook, and more...

"From the Heart: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting" Book selected to be Featured in Amazon Marketplace by Publisher

Thrilled to share with you that I just received notification from my publisher that my book has been selected to be featured in the AMAZON Marketplace:

"From the Heart: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting"

http://snipurl.com/ivb55

While it is said the longest journey begins with a single step, the adventures of a hospital or caring clown into the Great Clown Unknown may comprise the most incredible experience of a lifetime, in every step taken by those funny shoes and in the true heart behind that nose. This book is written based upon personal experience, explorations and interest-directed research serving in the trenches, as a hospital or caring clown since 1997.

Presented as an inspiring collage from my clown heart as a grassroots volunteer community-based hospital clown creative ministry coordinator, this book is well-seasoned with insight, served up with the purpose of providing a dose of encouragement to active healthcare venue performers and creative arts entertainers; those with a heartfelt desire to inject healing humor into the healthcare setting; or those simply interested in taking a peek into the joy-full existence, a part of the blessed journey of hospital/caring clowns and creative arts family entertainers!

Printed: 58 pages, 8.5" x 11", perfect binding, black and white interior ink

Paperback Book: $15.00

Thanks so much for checking this out, it is written for everyone....

Appreciate any and all support for the mission of spreading Healing Humor GLOBALLY!

Humor Bit-TV: What the World Needs - A Good Laugh!

With the world growing increasingly gray, the need for Humor is paramount -- but YOU can help! Find out more from Applied Humor Therapist Becky Cortino...

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Humor Bit-TV: Mirthful Minutes are Viewable also on YouTube, Facebook and more...

Tune in to the Healing Humor Channel! http://www.youtube.com/HealingHumor

Humor Bit-TV: Humor Has Health Benefits!

Did you know that Humor has documented health benefits recognized by the medical profession worldwide? Discover more from Applied Humor Therapist Becky Cortino...

Another Humor Bit-TV Mirthful Minute!

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Humor Bit-TV: Mirthful Minutes are Viewable also on YouTube, Facebook and more...

Tune in to the Healing Humor Channel! http://www.youtube.com/HealingHumor

Humor Bit-TV: Humor in the Workplace

Effectively-applied Humor in the workplace helps:

*Build working relationships

* Relieves work-related stress

* Creates an environment more conducive to productivity

Tune in to discover more, from Applied Humor Therapist Becky Cortino... 

Another Humor Bit-TV: Mirthful Minute!

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Humor Bit-TV: Mirthful Minutes are Viewable also on YouTube, Facebook and more...

Tune in to the Healing Humor Channel! http://www.youtube.com/HealingHumor

Red Nose Response Program Interview with Bob Gretton, COaI Clown of the Year

Hope you will tune in to AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show this Wednesday at 3PM EDT...

Join Becky and Sammy Cortino for an interview with Clowns of America International Clown of the Year Bob Gretton as we discuss
Red Nose Response Program http://snipurl.com/et5cg


Catch the show streaming LIVE or listen to the recorded show from the archive!

Humor Bit-TV: Humor Positively Affects Biz Bottomline

Humor Bit-TV Tip #3 - Humor Positively Affects Biz Bottomline

Did you know that Humor in the workplace positively affects the bottomline? 

Tune in to discover more, from Applied Humor Therapist Becky Cortino......

Another Humor Bit-TV Mirthful Minute!

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Humor Bit-TV: Mirthful Minutes are Viewable also on YouTube, Facebook and more...

Tune in to the Healing Humor Channel! http://www.youtube.com/HealingHumor

SIMPLY Share Humor!

Part THREE of Series: Humor -- What the World Needs - NOW! This segment is discusses how "Sharing Humor is SIMPLY Done!" Join Host Becky Cortino and Izzy Gesell M.ED, CSP is an “organizational alchemist” who helps people navigate their internal logjams and emerge more confident, spontaneous and effective.

Among the first to use Improv Theater concepts as tools for personal and organizational learning, he is the author of Playing Along: Group Learning Activities Borrowed From Improvisation Theater, a co-author of Humor Me: America’s Funniest Humorists on the Power of Laughter, a co-author of Cancer and the Healing Power of Play and a contributor of a chapter on improvisation as a facilitation tool in the IAF Group Facilitators Handbook. Izzy has some special bonuses -- listen in for details!

To listen to the recorded show from the archive: click on this link here

Humor Bit-TV: Humor is a Useful Tool

Humor Bit-TV Tip #2 - Everyday Humor is a Useful Tool

Did You Know That Finding Humor in Every Day is an Important Tool to Help You?

Healthy Humor is an effective coping mechanism, as well as a relationship-building platform... Tune in to discover more, from Applied Humor Therapist Becky Cortino...

Another Humor Bit-TV: Mirthful Minute!

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Humor Bit-TV: Mirthful Minutes are Viewable also on YouTube, Facebook and more...

Tune in to the Healing Humor Channel! http://www.youtube.com/HealingHumor

Humor in the Workplace and Every Day

Part TWO of A Heart4Clowning TalkRadio Series -- HUMOR: What the World Needs - NOW!

This show segment is "Humor in the Workplace and Every Day." Join Host Becky Cortino with Tami Close Tami Close also known as the "Fun Coach."

Tamihas coached hundreds of people in their healthy lifestyle and weight loss goals, and uses humor to make it a fun process. A published author and speaker, Tami developed a program for businesses, Gone Fishin‘, Fun Tips to Increase Workplace Creativity. A certified EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Therapist.

Tami uses this healing modality to help clients release stress and incorporate fun into their lives, and create new, healthy choices. A Master Trainer and Master Sales Trainer Certification, Tami has over twenty years experience in training and coaching. Tami has a special gift for you -- listen in for details!

To listen to the recorded show from the archive: click on this link here

Humor Bit-TV: What is Humor?

Humor Bit-TV Tip #1 - Transparency: How Personality Cannot Hide

What is 'Humor' and how do you use it in your life? How you use humor -- or not -- affects your relationships and tells you a bit about your personality... Tune in to discover more, from Applied Humor Therapist Becky Cortino...

Special Report Available - get your copy!

Another Humor Bit-TV Mirthful Minute!

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Humor Bit-TV: Mirthful Minutes are Viewable also on YouTube, Facebook and more...

Tune in to the Healing Humor Channel! http://www.youtube.com/HealingHumor

Celebrate International Humor Month

Part ONE of Series: "What is Healing Humor and Why We All Need It -- What the World Needs NOW!" Join your host Becky Cortino with special guest Roz Trieber, a professional motivational speaker trainer and health educator, Towson University adjunct faculty member, and author of "Live Life Laughing," "The Joy of Living," Creater of HumorFusion-combining theater arts and traditional education providing successful strategies for people under pressure. This is the Kick-off International Humor Month Celebration here on AHeart4Clowning Talk Radio!

To Listen to the recorded show from the archive: click on this link here

During the month of April, 2009, AATH - the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor is launching a new annual celebration: "National Humor Month." Positive humor, shared laughter and a smile are like bridges between people -- even if they don't speak the same language. According to AATH (aath.org), Healthy, Therapeutic Humor enhances relationships, is non-hostile, sympathetic, benevolent, tolerant, and often philosophical. AATH is careful to distinguish Healthy Humor from hurtful or harmful humor that is more aggressive, critical, sarcastic, cruel, often based on put-downs, and involves laughing at someone else's expense.

As a member of AATH, I thought this would be an excellent channel to discuss this topic, and it might be FUN to help further the global celebration of this momentous occasion on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show, in tandem with AATH's "National Humor Month," and in support of the concept of Healing Humor. This show is a kick-off to the month-long celebration! We will be defining what Humor is and what Healing Humor is and why this is what the world really needs -- NOW! Plan to join us!

Healing Humor Special Report Available: Get Your Copy

More Positive Effects: Humor is a Great Coping Mechanism

We do feel better when we lighten up, don't we?

I recently ran across this article in Scientific American on how the application of humor with the simple ability to laugh, may increase a person's level of life satisfaction, and their resiliency in handling difficult circumstances. Always timely information, but especially these days.

Much of what is contained in the article has been discussed for some time, but it does include a few slightly different takes on applied humor.

To read the article, click this link

IHM Kick-off Radio Show: What the World Needs -- NOW!

Part ONE of Series: "What is Healing Humor and Why We All Need It -- What the World Needs NOW!"

Join your host Becky Cortino with special guest Roz Trieber, a professional motivational speaker trainer and health educator, Towson University adjunct faculty member, and author of "Live Life Laughing," "The Joy of Living," Creater of HumorFusion-combining theater arts and traditional education providing successful strategies for people under pressure.

This is the Kick-off International Humor Month Celebration on AHeart4Clowning Talk Radio!

During the month of April, 2009, AATH - the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor is launching a new annual celebration: "International Humor Month." Positive humor, shared laughter and a smile are like bridges between people -- even if they don't speak the same language. According to AATH (aath.org), Healthy, Therapeutic Humor enhances relationships, is non-hostile, sympathetic, benevolent, tolerant, and often philosophical. AATH is careful to distinguish Healthy Humor from hurtful or harmful humor that is more aggressive, critical, sarcastic, cruel, often based on put-downs, and involves laughing at someone else's expense.

As a member of AATH, we thought this would be an excellent channel to discuss this topic, and it might be FUN to help further the global celebration of this momentous occasion on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show, in tandem with AATH and in support of the concept of Healing Humor.

This show is a kick-off to the month-long celebration! We will be defining what Humor is and what Healing Humor is and why this is what the world really needs -- NOW! Plan to join us!

Listen in to the Show LIVE online, by clicking this link

Or catch the Show at a more convenient time, on your schedule by visiting our Show archives

Celebrate International Humor Month!

AATH recently established April as the "International Humor Month." As part of the inaugural celebration, we have taken Healing Humor efforts globally through a month-long series of interviews with well-known humor experts, authors, trainers and coaches on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show we host: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/AHeart4ClowningTalkRadio/

Online, 'International Humor Month' a Facebook Event is being hosted through the Healing Humor Facebook Group begun in August, 2008. As a member of AATH and part of the Facebook Healing Humor Group, it seems appropriate to establish a global celebration on Facebook, in tandem with AATH and in support of the concept of Healing Humor.

Everyone is invited -- come join the fun!"

Find "International Humor Month" Facebook Event here:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=69864032805&ref=ts

...set up through the 'Healing Humor' Facebook Group.

Happy Red Nose Day!

I'm celebrating Red Nose Day -- how about you?!

So glad to be a part of this campaign...

My Red Nose is thanks to the folks from the Red Nose Day :0)

For More Info About Red Nose Day: http://www.RedNoseDay.org/about_rnd

April Fool's Day 2009: Humor - When We Need it Most!

Do you know the difference between a recession and a depression? A recession is when you lose your job. A depression is when I lose mine!”

So humorizes Becky Cortino, an Applied Humor Therapist of 12 years from Hickory, NC and a member of AATH - the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor. The mission of this international community of professionals, founded in 1987, is to study, practice and promote healthy humor and laughter.

“Sure, the economy is ailing,” admits Cortino, but it’s the people who are really getting sick of all this bad news they’re being force-fed on TV and in the papers. You do remember newspapers, don’t you? They managed to survive for 300 years until sound-bite, sensational journalism staged a hostile takeover!”

Hundreds of humor enthusiasts and professionals from around the world will convene in Las Vegas, April 2-5, 2009 for the 22nd Annual AATH Conference, “Healthy Humor: Hitting the Wellness Jackpot!” Focusing on theory and application in the fields of health care, education and business, the conference will offer ‘continuing education,’ networking opportunities, and fun for professionals who use humor and laughter in their jobs to enhance work performance, support learning, and promote healing, whether physical, emotional, social, or spiritual.

The AATH conference purposely coincides with ‘April Fools Day’ and the global celebration of Humor Month. But, Becky is quick to add a word of caution. “While ‘April Fools Day’ jokes and pranks may elicit laughter, they often tend to contradict the essence of ‘healthy’ humor.” According to AATH, cites Cortino, “Healthy, therapeutic humor enhances relationships, is non-hostile, sympathetic, benevolent, tolerant, and often philosophical. AATH is careful to distinguish it from hurtful, harmful humor that is more aggressive, critical, sarcastic, cruel, often based on put-downs, and involves laughing at someone else’s expense.”

“Shared laughter, humor and a smile comprise an international ‘language’ that connects all of mankind,” muses Becky. For this year’s conference, AATH has already registered people from as far away as Australia, China, New Zealand, India, Japan, Israel, Korea, England, Denmark and all across North America. With its international membership, AATH spreads the message that humor and laughter do have a place in creating healthier, more effective environments in which to live, work and play!

“Preserving your sense of humor is the essential, daily medication needed for maintaining your mental health,” prescribes Cortino. “Being able to laugh at this current economic mess, which we will get through, helps to sustain our emotional balance, our ‘quality of life,’ especially in the darkest of hours.”

Becky explains it with humorous, historical perspective, “It’s a little known fact… it was either Patrick Henry or Buck Henry… or maybe it was Henry Paulson or Pat Paulson who, prior to defiantly stating, “Give me liberty or give me death,” also proclaimed with a smile, “They may take my IRA, but they’ll never take my sense of humor!”A smiling Cortino summarizes, “We may not have control over trillion-dollar deficit spending, but we do have control over how we choose to approach each day that we wake up on this side of the dirt! We can either be grouchy and miserable (and we all know a few of those folks), or we can look for the humor that’s all around us… because it’s definitely there!”

Taking a Twist on Valentines

This year for Valentine's Day, why not take a 'twist' on the theme and try a Random Act of Kindness with a touch of origami, for a fun and unexpected gift? The price is right, with lots of designs to choose from.

I became interested in this when I spotted the exquisite Origami Love Notes, but there are many to choose from, including jewelry, notecards and more...

...and in case you're wondering where the 'humor connection' would be in this idea -- why not include in your creation a joke, riddle, silly poem, lyrics to a funny song, a funny picture?

Make 'em Laugh: The Book

Previously, I posted information about the PBS special series on Make 'em Laugh: The Funny Business of America.

Picking up from where the series leaves off, this newly-published book goes deeper into the works and lives of America's great comic artists, with biographical portraits, archival materials, cultural overviews, and rare photos.

For information about this book, to read the reviews, click on the book cover or click on this link: http://snipurl.com/bh473

It's a Grave New World - Sometimes

Holidays, January 19th, and April 15th are not the only days that seem to bring a sense of gloom over our world.

Sometimes people cannot mask their problems or life challenges as well as others, or perhaps they are either at a breaking point or so full that the overload is now overflowing, right before your very eyes.

This is the perfect opportunity for gently injecting a little levity and Applied Humor, to help lighten up the atmosphere! Keep a little mental toolbox well stocked with ideas and short bits to help brighten the day.

Sometimes all it takes is a reassuring smile.

For some tips on adding humor to everyday: click on this link here

Memories and Special Treasures

Do you want to spread laughter and cheer, make memories for others?

Do you need a special leave-behind item for healthcare facility patients?

…nursing home residents?…for humanitarian purposes?…outreach events?

Do you need a fun giveaway low-cost, high-impact item to share laughter and cheer for general purposes?

Recognizing the need to share laughter and cheer, while creating happy memories with leave-behind treasures, we put “The Funny Smile Makerz Kit” together to help share grins and good times.

We have used “Funny Smilez” for years – they have always been a hit!

“Funny Smilez” are adorable — see them in action – check them out…

Special Report Now Available on Healing Humor

A newly-published special report is now available on the necessity of Healing Humor in daily life.

Humor has important health benefits, and is recognized by many in the medical community to have positive affects in aiding healing, while relieving patient discomfort in the healthcare setting.

With the world growing increasingly gray, the need for humor is paramount.

Request your FREE copy of this report: by clicking on this link, here

"Make 'em Laugh: The Funny Business of America" PBS Series

This 6-hour documentary features interviews with more than 90 comedians, writers, producers, and historians. Each episode focuses on a particular genre of American comedy.

Hosted by Billy Crystal, the program explores the role of American comedy during a century of social and political change, illustrating how comedians tackled and poked fun at the political system, race relations, gender issues, prevailing American standards and taboos in everyday life.

The series premiered nationally on January 14. Scheduled installments are 21, 28 at 8PM (EST), repeating at 10PM (EST) on PBS -- check your local listings.

To view an online episode, read about comedy's evolution, and enjoy spotlighted video interviews, click this link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/makeemlaugh/

Healing Humor 'Connections'

Thought you would like to know…

A Healing Humor Group AND “Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy” Fan Page are on Facebook – hope you’ll join us there – you’re invited!

FB Group: Healing Humor http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22685319484#

FB FAN Page: Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy http://www.facebook.com/pages/Healing-Humor-Live-Happy-Be-Healthy/52815368071


Follow “Healing Humor” on Twitter: http://twitter.com/HealingHumor

Healing Humor: Live Happy - Be Healthy!

With my work in applied humor in the healthcare setting since 1997, this program has been many years in the writing. I am personally thrilled to see the number of participants growing in my complimentary audio program...

Healing Humor: Live Happy - Be Healthy! http://snipurl.com/23els

The Need for Humor in Everyday is Universal and Relevant

No time like the present, is the need for humor in everyday for every human being on earth more apparent, as the world grows grayer, colder and many previously unspeakable -- or thought of -- stark realities set in as the new norm.

For some inspiration and encouragement, listen in from the comfort of your own computer, or download to your iPod "to-go," to the podcast presentation on this topic, from AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show, by clicking on this linked text, or the radio graphic (above)...

Bubble Wrap!

Bubble wrap is a great stress reliever! It makes a FUN, albeit wacky kind of gift-type item for caregivers in the healthcare setting. Simply cut it into small squares for presentation.

Speaking of Bubble Wrap…
http://www.bubblewrapfun.com/

Bubble Wrap Personality Test
http://www.sealedair.com/products/protective/bubble/funstuff/bwfeli/personality.html

To learn more about the history of bubble wrap, click on the bubble wrap picture (above)...

Tips for Finding Humor in Turbulent Times, Part 4

Reframing things in a new way...

Viewing things in a slightly humorous way -- just a little bit differently, helps to give a lighter perspective and is an effective coping mechanism.

This can be easily and natually done by anyone, just by applying a little creativity and thinking outside the box:

7. Use Your Imagination:

Think of what would happen if certain companies merged.

For example:

Fairchild Semiconductor and Honeywell Corporation would become “Fairwell Honeychild.”

If FedEx joined UPS, they might become “FedUP.”

8. Rename to Keep Sane:

Cash Flow: The movement your money makes as it disappears down the drain.

Broker: What I am today, after taking the advice of my financial planner.

9. Exaggerate – Comedians use overstatements to get a laugh.

You can too:

Our family is so poor these days… to save on milk, we eat our corn flakes with a fork.

Our family is so poor these days… when someone rings the doorbell, I stick my head out the window and yell, “Ding-Dong.”

10. Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella – This simple choice is yours: You can frown and be miserable – an option readily chosen by way too many people -- or you can wear a contagious smile.

In your conversations with people, smile and ask to see their smile. Then say, “I see you’ve been practicing!”

Want more great information to inspire humor in everyday?

Check out this FREE online audio program:

Healing Humor: Live Happy - Be Healthy -- For Everyone, Everyday!

To provoke more smiles through inspired mirth, “Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy” a complimentary 5-session online audio program with companion E-Books, to help participants discover the positive health benefits of humor, how to administer generous doses of humor, and ways humor may be interjected into every day for a happier, healthier life.

Written and presented by Becky Cortino, coordinator of FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains Hospital Clown Creative Arts Ministry, this program was launched in celebration of Frye Regional Medical Center’s “Healing Arts Festival” held in the spring of 2008.

Program details and to sign up for “Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy”: http://snipurl.com/23els

Thanks to the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) for supplying these "10 Tips for Finding Humor in These Turbulent Times!" Becky Cortino is a member of AATH.

For information on the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH): http://www.aath.org/

Tips for Finding Humor in Turbulent Times, Part 3

Random Acts of Silliness and Kindness usually involve the element of surprise, with an imaginative twist on the usual, reframing things just a bit differently...

5. Fun with Food:

Put a bag of cookies or marshmallows in your briefcase. Then, start your meeting by asking, “Dessert, anyone?”

Have a marshmallow stacking competition!

Put a pack of bubble gum in your coat pocket and, in the elevator, offer some to everyone!

6. Pop Go Your Worries – Save your bubble wrap!

It’s a great stress reliever.

Pop it with your fingers, knees and toes! Dance on it! Pop it with the help of young children! Pop it, in unison, to the beat of music!

Bubble wrap also makes a great FUN gift!

7. Use Your Imagination:

Think of what would happen if certain companies merged.

For example:

Fairchild Semiconductor and Honeywell Corporation would become “Fairwell Honeychild.”

If FedEx joined UPS, they might become “FedUP.”

Next: Reframing things in a new way...

Tips for Finding Humor in Turbulent Times, Part 2

There are plenty of ways to add a touch of humor to the everyday -- just look around!

This installment encourages you to play with the "signs of the times" and offers inspirations for totally Random Acts of Silliness and Kindness...

3. Signs of the Times - here are some mirthful sayings to spark up your conversations:

The rules have changed… there are none!

Apparently not all clowns are in the circus!

Never wrestle with a pig - you both get dirty, but the pig likes it!

You don’t have to be crazy to work here…but it sure helps!

If we’re closed, just slide the money under the door!

I’m not weird… I’m gifted!

4. Try Some Random Acts of Silliness and Kindness:

Wear mismatched gloves or socks… on purpose!

If and when a store clerk, restaurant server or flight attendant asks matter-of-factly
“How are you today?” try replies such as: “Well medicated - and you?” or “At least I’m verticle!
Instead of them always thanking you, thank them first and watch their reaction!

Next: We will show you how to carry this Humor-Thing a few more steps further, including:

How to Have FUN with Your Food!

Popping the Bubble for Stress Relief!

Use Your Imagination!