If you are going to the annual JALT conference in Shizuoka this year, there might be some funny in it for you. I have been invited to talk about how to put comedy into the classroom. I'll be giving out easy to use tips on how to bring the funny into child or adult classes. I am not sure of the exact details at this time, but it all sounds promising.

For those of you in the Tokyo area who are in desperate need of a laugh, why not come down to Bar Isn't It? in Roppongi on the 2nd and 4th Thursday nights for a great comedy show in English (The show is in Japanese on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays). For only 2000 yen you get to see some good stand-up comedians in the first half and then you are treated to quality improvised comedy for the second half. Improvised comedy is where a group of people ask the audience for a suggestion and then they build a whole scene around that one item or location. There are no scripts. You also get a drink included in the price of admission.

For those of you who would like to try some comedy, you can join the comedy workshops. Yes, you can be taught to be funny. Try out the techniques on your students when you have finished laughing at yourself! For more information about the show or workshops, see the Tokyo Comedy Store website at www.tokyocomedy.com.

For those of you who can get to The Pink Cow in Harajuku on a Sunday night, you can laugh at my expense when I perform with The Standard Deviants. We perform improvised comedy one Sunday night a month. There is no cover charge. The Sunday nights vary, so contact me and I'll tell you then next time I'm throwing my dignity to the wind.

Well folks, there is plenty of funny around if you look for it. So take the time, round up some friends and get set to laugh yourself silly.

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