There was, of course, an objective, scientific explanation for what

There was, of course, an objective, scientific explanation for what happened on the stage of Carnegie Hall. According to a textbook, Physiological Psychology, “It is now rather well accepted that ‘itch’ is a variant of the pain experience and employs the same_ sensory mechanisms.” But for me, something beyond an ordinary itch had occurred that night. It was as though | had been zapped by the god of Absurdity. | didn't even know there was such a concept as absurdity. | simply experienced an overpowering awareness of something when the audience applauded me for doing what | had learned while | was asleep. But it was only when they laughed that we had really connected, and | imprinted on that sound. | wanted to hear it again. | was hooked. And the first laugh was free. A couple of decades later, as if it was inevitable, | sold a few freelance pieces to Mad magazine. But when | suggested a satire on the pros and cons of unions, the editor wasn't interested in even seeing it because the subject was “too adult.” Since Maad's circulation had already gone over the million mark, publisher Bill Gaines intended to keep aiming the magazine at teenagers. “| guess you don't wanna change horses in midstream,” | said. “Not when the horse has a rocket up its ass,” Gaines replied. HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_015044