You probably know that humor can reduce stress. In this time of “Stay 6 feet away,” humor can also bring us closer together. Of course, if your humor makes fun of a person it can make ‘em wish you were 6 miles away.

Well, I’m gonna show you how to create your own humor.

We have all been watching Governors and Mayors presenting updates on COVID-19. And they usually have a Sign Language interpreter right beside of ‘em. These folks are expert communicators and they use exaggerated facial expressions and body language in addition to signing with their hands. Sometimes, I wish the elected official was equally expressive.

Naturally, while watching more television we’re sitting through more commercials. Many are for pharmaceutical drugs that have side effects. After bragging about the terrific health benefits, they are required to give the negative side effects. But when you are watching, the scary words are always overshadowed by lovely images of people, miraculously healed. They’re dancing, playing with grandchildren, jogging in a park, leading a band, or just having a grand ole time.

So here is how you have fun with this. When a drug commercial is half done, listen closely to the scary side effects BUT ignore the beautiful images. Instead, picture a Sign Language expert interpreting the frightening words.

I’ll get you started. Here are actual phrases from commercials. Picture an animated Sign Language interpreter as you read these:

“Do not take if pregnant. It can cause harm or death to an unborn baby.”
“Side effects include low blood pressure and kidney problems.”
“Can make you suicidal and lead to fatal throat swelling.”
“Side effects include Constipation, Skin rash, Diarrhea, and Dizziness.”
“May give intense urges to gamble, spend money, eat compulsively, and engage in sex.”

Humor will help get us through this Pandemic. And that little payment from the federal government won’t hurt either.

Historic quote by Will Rogers:

“We cuss the lawmakers, but I notice we’re always perfectly willin’ to share in any of the sums of money that they might distribute.  We cuss ’em for distributing it, we say it’s wrong and unsound, but we don’t refuse to take it.   No, we’ll grab it every time. We say our government is nutty and that it’s throwing away money.   But anytime any is thrown our way, why we’ve never dodged it.” Radio, Apr. 7, 1935