THE LAUGHING CHALLENGE

Today, for the umpteenth time, CBC radio played a rerun of THE SLEEPING CRICKET “I won’t listen,” I said to myself. “I have heard that piece so many times, I just know I won’t laugh, and I am busy. I haven’t the time not to laugh.” So I didn’t listen—well, I didn’t really listen, until I overheard the beginning of the part about the cricket. Then I decided to listen because I felt certain that, having heard it so many times, I wouldn’t laugh. Not laughing wouldn't be much of a challenge. I was up for a small challenge. And now that I have listened again, for the umpteenth-plus-1 time, there’s only one thing I can say for sure: I don’t know how many times I’ll have to hear that program before I can listen without laughing.

ON WORK AND PLAY

It is the best possible day when work overlaps with play. For a formula to ensure satisfaction at work I would turn to advice given by Stuart Brown: “So I would encourage you all to engage not in the work-play differential -- where you set aside time to play -- but where your life becomes infused minute by minute, hour by hour, with body, object, social, fantasy, transformational kinds of play.” And here is something I have learned while studying my history of work and play: At those times when my work has not allowed me to be playful and proudly call it work, I haven’t much liked my work. I do not know if this is true for all workers, or only for those of us who are by nature playful.

WHAT'S SCARY AT THE CEMETERY?

Ghostly tales get taken to the next chilling level when they're being told as the sun sets in one of the city's oldest cemeteries. Professional storytellers Bethany Ellis, Laura O'Connor, Marie Anne McLean and Wendy Edey, along with puppet master Dave Tyler, will ensure you're shaking in your seat. Arrive 15 minutes early with a lawn chair, a blanket and a flashlight. The event takes place by the mausoleum. When: Friday, July 6, 8: 30 to 10 p.m. Where: Edmonton Cemetery, 118th Street and 107th Avenue. Admission: $20, cash only. Information:             780-442-5311