laughter

Laughter Therapy: How to Laugh About Everything in Your Life That Isn't Really Funny
$20.00
Save your money and for sure don't buy this book! The only funny thing stated in this book was from Groucho Marx. He said, "From the moment I picked your book up until I laid it down I was convulsed with laughter. Someday I intend reading it." In respect for Groucho, I would have this to say to him, I read the book and there was nothing funny or laughable except for your quote.

Laughter: A Scientific Investigation
$16.00
It's a REALLY informative book; if you're doin' a paper or someth'n, but if you're try'n to learn to be funny, like I am, it's not really helpful - interesting, but not what I was looking for.

Humor Theory: Formula of Laughter
$18.95
I don't believe the guy who wrote this book has any sense of humor at all and if I ever have to get that in depth in the study of humor...someone please just kill me.

Why can't I put no stars?

Laughter in the Rain: The Best of Neil Sedaka, 1974-1980
$15.98
Neil Sedaka always sings beautifully and this album of his is certainly no exception! Although time has passed since he first became a star, Neil remains in excellent form both on this CD and today; he delivers the songs on this album with genuine feeling and great sensitivity. There are songs on this album which were also penned by Neil--what an artist! The quality of the sound on this CD is excellent and I like the artwork.

"Laughter in the Rain" begins the set of songs with Neil singing faultlessly; he opens up and really puts a lot of himself into this number to make it special; he also handles complex tempo and key changes like the pro he was and still remains! The backup singers harmonize quite well--not that Neil needs backup but they do sound pretty good anyway. "Love Will Keep Us Together" is a Neil Sedaka song that I first heard performed by Captain and Tennille; Neil bats this straight out of the ballpark! It's amazing and I love every minute of it. "That's When the Music Takes Me" is catchy and easy on the ear; Neil delivers this without ever letting go of a single superfluous note and that's grand. The percussion and the piano are well used in the musical arrangement, too.

"Hungry Years" gets a most sensitive treatment from Neil Sedaka; the music fits perfectly with his singing but wisely it never drowns him out; you'll never have to strain just to hear the words that Neil is singing. "Queen of 1964" is also rather special; Neil performs this flawlessly. "Rock & Roll Wedding Day" has a terrific sound to it that's very sweet and pretty; and I like "Bad Blood" which Neil sings with Elton John. "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" is easily a major highlight of this album; this version of "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" shines brighter than silver and gold in Neil's capable hands!

"Lonely Night (Angel Face)" features Neil squarely front and center; he makes this really special with his signature style and sophisticated phrasing. "Standing on the Inside" is very well done; and there's yet another gem in "The Other Side of Me" with its fine musical arrangement. "The Other Side of Me" is a big tune on this CD.

"Steppin' Out" rocks without being too hard; and "You Gotta Make Your Own Sunshine" is really awesome when Neil Sedaka delivers this to perfection--and beyond! "You Gotta Make Your Own Sunshine" charms me with its natural beauty. "Little Brother" has a fine beat to it; and the duet between Neil and his daughter Dara entitled "Should've Never Let You Go" really shines. The album ends with "Our Last Song Together" and this rounds out the album very nicely.

Neil Sedaka is a giant and one of the very best entertainers the world has ever seen; and we are all so much better off for his having shared his talent with us. As of the time I am writing this, Neil is still touring--catch him in concert if you can! I highly recommend this CD for his fans and even newcomers just discovering Neil's artistry would do well to get this CD.