Weekly Update Questions.

How much time have you spent on your project?

This week, I have spent around 5 hours and a half doing my project. This week has been going good I'd say, and I'm planning to meet my minimum of 8 hours by Sunday night, probably even 9 hours. This week wasn't too hard to juggle. The only issues I faced was my sickness that caused an absence on our weekly WISE class meetings. I also got deferred by a college, which puts raised my eyebrows, since it was a safety school. I'm going to work on whatever I can to get me in this college.

What did you do for Hands on?

I know this is getting repetitive, but mainly, just write down skits. Ian has been busy with work, so its hard to do work with him right now. But I think I am going to start to recruit actors, like fellow friends and classmates to help me with my project. Collaborative projects.

What Research did you do?

I have done a lot of web reading. Most research on why laugh, and the health benefits of laughters.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3077386/ns/technology_and_science-science/

http://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/human-nature/other-emotions/laughter2.htm

In my findings, no one is sure is 100% why we laugh. But there are a lot of theories out there. I personally like this one:

"Philosopher John Morreall believes that the first human laughter may have begun as a g esture 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"

Aside for philosophies, here are some true facts on why laughter is good for you, making comedy good for you.

Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Were you in class this week?

I wasn't in class monday, for the class weekly meetings, because I was sick. I plan on going to my red flag meeting tomorrow however.

Did you meet with your mentor? What did you talk about?

No, Mr. Bernstein rejected me when I asked him. I need help, if anyone has any recommendations, I'm game.

What do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was?

I did good amounts of research this week, and progressed on skits. Edited good ones, threw out bad ones. I did solid work. Although I have failed to obtain a WISE mentor, which is a big deal, I am keeping my whole project above water right now, in the early stages, which are the hardest.

What are your plans for next week?

My plans for next week are to write skits and recruit actors primarily. These are the basics of what needs to happen for this WISE project to succeed. On top of this, I need to get a WISE mentor, fast, and desperately. You can't do a project without one. Also, Me and Ian will establish a photoshoot, to promote our skits, and possibly come out with a name for our duo.