Lately, Maysoon Zayid! 

I am thinking humor is a universal experience thus cross cultural.

and one more thing: if any body criticized any thing about the site you should not fight it back, you should use it to improve the site.. it is still a beta version!!

Provocative is a positive feeling not a negative one. I want to be provoked; otherwise I would not learn much from the conversation.

I have been researching laughter since Zeeno posted this quest. I have been trying to understand why certain issues, comments, gestures make us laugh and others don’t, why our senses of humor differ, and why certain peoples are better at laughing at themselves than others.

I am not taking this quest lightly. I do not think Questler is a chat forum, but a space for us to learn from each other. It usually takes me time to reply to quests that I am searching into a little more than others, that’s all. Sorry that my reply was disappointing.

I do not find what you wrote offensive. I find it thought provoking and involving.

Actually, I think Questler is the place to ask such questions- you are my experts and I am asking you for your thoughts on these issues. You watch standup comedians and you have opinions on them- I want these opinions; which is what you did in your answer. Social researchers (experts) look at people’s reactions to certain topics. You are the people and I might as well ask you directly for your thoughts rather than going through a middle person for it.

Thank you for your deeper answer and for being an active participant within Questler.

alma: that was a simple "who you favorite" question and I made a simple comment.. I don't think the questions your asking is for questler.. these kind of deep questions needs researches and experts.. so you might find the answer at specialized physiological site. at questler there's about 5-6 active people .. and I don't think you'll find an accurate answer out of any of us (me included)..

I can tell you why I don't find some comedians funny (although you question is much deeper then that):

I hate fake ups, people who cut and paste some unrelated clips that they think funny.. a comedian have to be bold, he should have some sort of temper (unless being cold is part of his act).. what I like about this guy that he's smart AND funny on real big issue.. fo example he discusses why the hell dub is panned by the low, it doesn't make any sense, how the media play with words and terminology in the war in iraq.. and other smart observations (and funny at the same time) that makes you laugh even in a bad day..

I  just hope that not either you (if you're part of the questler team) or razan or other questler team members would find what I said offensive.. and you probably read it on ahmad's blog.. it's a purely subjective criticism hope you're open to it..

I'd rather not say which, as some people might find it offensive to them.. it's just that I saw most of these comedians before, and some of them wouldn't make me laugh if they paid me.. but I guess every body has his concept of what's funny and what's not, the same there are people who actually think Fergie and Christina Aguilera make music! it's only I was Really surprised by some of the choices.. that's all

wow Noura, great comment! I wanna go now and YouTube all the people you mentioned and i don't watch! Mainly, Dave Chappell

My personal favorite is Ellen, because she's just hilarious and the way she rambles on and on on a subject! Also, i like Jay leno, he makes fun of all sort of starts.

Kat Williams is not only extremely hilarious, but he's very smart too and talk about things that others don't talk about.. just YouTube him and you'll see..   and to be honest, I 've seen most of the comedians posted here and I have to say.. seriously guys!

I've seen A LOT of standup guys since the 80's till now.. he's the best I've seen so far..

Can't name one, so here is a list:

Jerry Seinfeld, Dave chappelle, Chris Rock, Ellen DeGeneres, David Letterman, Bob Newhart, Ray Romano, Jay Leno....

Dave Chappelle. This man has an understanding of the world that is astonishing. So much so he is often misunderstood.

Since I'm a huge fan of "Seinfeld" show I'd say Jerry Seinfeld :)

"A recent survey stated that the average person's greatest fear is having to give a speech in public. Somehow this ranked even higher than death which was third on the list. So, you're telling me that at a funeral, most people would rather be the guy in the coffin than have to stand up and give a eulogy."

Kat Williams.. he's the best