December 6th, 2009 by kruzman
Laughter is part of the universal human vocabulary. All members of the human species understand it. Unlike English or French or Swahili, we don’t have to learn to speak it. We’re born with the capacity to laugh.
Very little is known about the specific brain mechanisms responsible for laughter. But we do know that laughter is triggered by many sensations and thoughts, and that it activates many parts of the body.
Philosopher John Morreall believes that the first human laughter may have begun as a gesture of shared relief at the passing of danger. And since the relaxation that results from a bout of laughter inhibits the biological fight-or-flight response, laughter may indicate trust in one’s companions.
Many researchers believe that the purpose of laughter is related to making and strengthening human connections. “Laughter occurs when people are comfortable with one another, when they feel open and free. And the more laughter [there is], the more bonding [occurs] within the group,” says cultural anthropologist Mahadev Apte. This feedback “loop” of bonding-laughter-more bonding, combined with the common desire not to be singled out from the group, may be another reason why laughter is often contagious. From http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-nature/emotions/other/laughter2.htm
Why is that funny (or not funny, as the case may be)? Human beings love to laugh, and the average adult laughs 17 times a day. Humans love to laugh so much that there are actually industries built around laughter. Jokes, sitcoms and comedians are all designed to get us laughing, because laughing feels good. For us it seems so natural, but the funny thing is that humans are one of the only species that laughs. Laughter is actually a complex response that involves many of the same skills used in solving problems.
Laughter is a great thing — that’s why we’ve all heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” There is strong evidence that laughter can actually improve health and help fight disease. In this article, we’ll look at laughter — what it is, what happens in our brains when we laugh, what makes us laugh and how it can make us healthier and happier. You’ll also learn that there’s a tremendous amount that no one understands yet.
From http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-nature/emotions/other/laughter.htm
Most agree that we laugh when we find something to be humorous, yet different reasons exist for what we find to be humorous. Additionally, different things are humorous to us at different stages of life.
The first is a set of gestures, and the second is the production of sound. The brain forces to conduct both responses simultaneously. From a physiological standpoint, a “sensor” in the brain responds to laughter by triggering other neural circuits in the brain, which, in turn, generate more laughter.
From http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-nature/emotions/other/laughter.htm
The answer may seem obvious: We laugh when we perceive something funny. But the obvious answer is not correct, at least most of the time.
“Most laughter is not in response to jokes or humor,” says Robert R. Provine, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Provine should know. He has conducted a number of studies of laughter and authored the book Laughter: a Scientific Investigation. One of his central arguments is that humor and laughter are not inseparable.
From http://men.webmd.com/features/why-we-laugh
But laughter has power — the power to energize the hum-drum, add levity to the everyday blah-blah-blah. Laughter carries such a social connection that it’s a mating ritual, a way to bond. Studies suggest that laughter may boost our health.
Our all-too-human laughter sets us — and our close cousins, the primates — apart from all other species that roam our planet, says Robert R. Provine, PhD, a behavioral neurobiologist at the University of Maryland in Baltimore.
From http://men.webmd.com/features/why-do-we-laugh
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November 15th, 2009 by kruzman
Comics are picture stories. Images are ordered into a sequential narrative. Words don’t have to be used, but most comics combine words with images. Usually these words are in the form of word ballons or under the images. These balloons can be filled with all kinds of words, thoughts or just basic sounds like a door being closed loudly. Although they have a lot in common with picture books, they are an own media.
As with art, comics have been found on the walls of caves. The oldest are thought to be over 15000 years old and were found in France. Egyptian hieroglyphs used sequential pictures, while the Greeks painted their “comics” on vases. As with a lot of things, the Romans excelled in the art of comics, with the Trajan’s Column being a masterpiece. In the mediaeval times, people used tapestries (Bayeaux Tapestry) and illustrated manuscripts to convey a narrative. Pictures were important in these times, as a lot of people could not read or write. From http://www.ninthart.com/
A. Variously referred to as comics, comic strips and comic books, the comics format as we know it today is a unique art form and literary medium that originated in the U.S. in the late 1800s. Its popularity exploded in the U.S. in 1938 with the hugely popular introduction of SUPERMAN. Ironically, it has become relatively more popular in many other countries around the world, where adults and children read it avidly. At its simplest, a comic is a series of words and pictures that is presented in a sequential manner to form a narrative.
Although many people regard comics as purely humorous or think they’re meant only for younger readers, this is far from the truth. Today’s comics span a wide range of styles and genres; you only need to browse through our Comics and Graphic Novels to see the incredible variety that just this one company has to offer. From http://www.dccomics.com/new_to_comics/
Since comics appear in so many forms, it is hard to find a definition that fits all of them. Will Eisner, godfather of the American comic, came up with the useful term “sequential art” – any sequence of pictures – which can rightly be called ‘comics’.
In addition to selling comics, Lambiek wants to preserve our comics heritage and educate people about them. That is why we started the Comiclopedia, presenting an overview of thousands of international comic artists. Another important effort is the preservation of the history of Dutch comics, which can be seen in Lambiek’s History of Dutch Comics, where many beeldverhaal and krantestrip have been rescued from the fate of oblivion. From http://lambiek.net/comics/index.htm
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November 3rd, 2009 by kruzman
Is it me, or is the world turned upside down? Right is wrong and wrong is right. Just when you think you have your environment and the people around you figured out, you discover how crazy and weird this world really is.
I turn to comedy and fun when I feel like screaming or hitting someone. When the weights and exercise fail me, I look to my favorite funny movie or television show to bring me back to center.
For the most part, life is a comedy. Many of the actors in your life are funnier than they will ever know. The next time someone ticks you off or take credit for your hard work, just remember how pathetic and comical he or she really is. In fact , learn to laugh out loud when you see their funny antics and their pitiful actions.
Make sure that you continue to keep your home a safe haven where you can love, laugh, and cry, but mainly cry from laughter. Do not let your negative emotions destroy your health and your overall well-being. Take good care as no one is worth getting upset over especially when they act in rediculous and absurd ways. They just do not have a sense of humor and need to pretend they are important!!
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October 25th, 2009 by kruzman
Halloween is the day of the year that has the most parties thrown in its honor. Everyone loves to dress up and attend Halloween parties with their friends. Most people end up getting several invitations to different Halloween parties that are often on the same night. If you are planning to throw your own Halloween party, how can you get all your friends to head to your shindig and not someone else’s? You need to come up with some unique and fun ideas that will get everyone on your list so excited about your party they won’t even consider going anywhere else.
Not Just Any Old Theme
Many people don’t bother thinking of a theme for their Halloween party since it seems to be somewhat of a theme already. But rather than just putting up some Happy Halloween banners and fake cobwebs, why not come up with a great theme party idea? You can do anything from a haunted house or graveyard to a monster mash or horror movie bash. Once you’ve chosen your theme apply it to everything from your invitations to your party food. Guests will love some guidance on what to dress up as, especially if you do something a little different.
Your Halloween party invitations are one of the most important aspects of your party. Invitations are the best way to get your guests excited about your party. Many people don’t even send invitations anymore so even sending out simple ones will help your party stick in people’s minds. Be sure to apply your party theme to your invitations. If you can’t find any invitations at your local party store that go with your theme you can always use invitation templates that you can download for free from the Internet.
You can totally customize invitation templates and add colorful pictures as well. Guests will love to receive these fun invitations in the mail. You should send your invitations out approximately three to four weeks before your party to give everyone time to make plans to attend. If you’re running short of time sending electronic invitations is a great idea too. You can add animation and sound to e-invitations and even check guest’s responses online. Be sure to contact anyone who doesn’t respond via telephone since not everyone checks their email often.
Spooky Decorations
Everyone will expect to see your house decorated to the nines on Halloween so be sure not to disappoint. Your decorations should match your theme, so give them plenty of thought. For instance, a haunted house theme should be complete with low lighting, smoke, a spooky soundtrack, and even live ghouls to jump out and scare the guests as they arrive. A horror movie bash might include retro horror B-movie posters stuck on the walls which you can find on the Internet and print off at home.
Decorations can be found just about anywhere in the months leading up to Halloween. Even grocery stores carry a wide selection. Start shopping early so you can get the best selection possible and take advantage of any sales. If you can’t find just what you’re looking for you can always rent decorations from a local party supply shop or even purchase decorations from the Internet. The Internet has an almost endless selection and you can find just about any party supplies or decorations you’ll need.
Music is an important aspect of any party as well. While some spooky tunes are fun at first, you’ll want to switch over to some more upbeat music once the party gets going. People love to dance so have plenty of high energy songs ready to go. If you are inviting a variety of different people have several different types of music so no ones gets bored.
Tasty Halloween Treats
Food is an important part of any party. While you don’t need to provide a full meal, some creative and tasty snacks and treats will help keep your guests fueled for the night’s festivities. Turning simple party food into ghoulish culinary delights will surprise and please your guests. Try making some bewitching cupcakes, and put out snacks such as gummy worms and other Halloween candy treats.
Costumes are a given, since this is Halloween after all. If you are having a Halloween theme of some sort, let your guests know on your invitations that they should dress to fit the theme. For instance, if you’re throwing a horror movie bash, you can simply say, “come as your favorite horror movie star”. Don’t expect all your guests to comply with your request. Some people have been thinking up their Halloween costume since last year!
Don’t forget about the party favors! Depending on how many people you’re inviting and how much you’re willing to spend, the possibilities are endless when it comes to party favors. A simple idea is candy bags full of traditional treats such as candy corn. Something more substantial might be a pumpkin carving kit that comes with cutouts and tools. Your guests will love having a little something to take home with them.
Endless Costume Possibilities
If you really aren’t into the scary aspect of Halloween, you can always break with tradition and hold a different type of Halloween party. Have a famous couples party or a crazy hat party instead. Guests can still dress up but might be more creative then a white sheet with holes cut out of it. Dressing up for Halloween is something that both adults and kids can enjoy so great creative and have fun with it!
Having games at your party isn’t a necessity, but can be a great deal of fun for your guests. Games act as an excellent icebreaker if everyone doesn’t know each other. Any games where you can break people off into teams will help to get everyone talking. Pumpkin carving contests are a good idea, as is bobbing for apples. Be sure to give a prize to the best costume as well.
Your Halloween party is sure to be a success if you take the time to plan. Leave yourself plenty of time and don’t forget it’s all the little details that help to make a fabulous party. Enlist the help of family and friends if you’re feeling overwhelmed, and remember, planning is half the fun!
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October 16th, 2009 by kruzman
With the variety of comic books on the market today no wonder so many young people have decided to enter the comic book art market. There are never ending opportunities in this field and you do not have to be a natural to make it happen.
Artist’s workshops
Comic Book artist workshops are designed for anyone that would like to get into the market for comic book art. They will have the chance to learn the secret language of chronological story telling in comics. While having the opportunity to create characters and tell stories through pictures, they can grow in a direction that will teach them about the many forms of communication. Learning to draw from imagination or from real life experiences, you can turn these experiences into comic book stories and learn to express those ideas in the very best ways.
Online comic book art workshops
The best way to attend a workshop is online, as the workshop is completed in the comfort of your home and you will be able to find one that suits your needs. Workshops can be found by searching keywords, such as online comic workshops, workshops for artists, etc.
Offline comic book art workshops
There are also many offline workshops, offered through local universities and art schools. The best ways to locate these are to contact those places and ask when the next comic book art workshop is available.
Teach yourself comic book art
There are also pdf courses you can download to teach yourself how to create comic books and art. The six-lesson course is a great way to start if you do not have the funds to go take a comic book art class or workshop.
By starting to learn comic book art at an earlier age you will be a pro by the time you finish high school. Comic Book writers are always a growing market and your drawing skills can take you far.
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