Northern Connecticut 2024-25

The Science of Laughter: Why We Love to Chuckle

The Science of Laughter: Why We Love to Chuckle

Laughter is often called the best medicine, and for good reason. It’s a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, bringing joy and connection to people worldwide. But have you ever wondered why we love to chuckle so much? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating science of laughter, the benefits it brings, and why it’s such a fundamental part of the human experience.

neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This chemical rush is why we often feel so good after a hearty laugh.

The Biology of Laughter: A Brainy Affair

When you laugh, your brain releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals. Endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, flood your system, creating a sense of euphoria and reducing stress. Laughter also triggers the release of dopamine, a

continued on page 10

The Social Glue: Connecting Through Chuckles

Laughter isn’t just about feeling good; it’s also a powerful social tool. Evolutionary scientists believe that laughter evolved as a way for early humans to bond and strengthen social bonds.

When we laugh with others, it signals trust and positive interaction, reinforcing social connections.

The Laughter Contagion: Yawns Are Out, Laughter Is In

You’ve probably experienced

Restaurants

Republic at The Linden

New American dishes, Sunday brunch & seasonal cocktails dished up in a woodsy-chic gastropub.

10 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106

Phone: (860) 310-3269 | Web: republicct.com

Agave Grill

Tableside guacamole & a long list of tequila star at this lively Mexican restaurant.

100 Allyn St #1418, Hartford, CT 06103

Phone: (860) 882-1557 | Web: agavehartford.com

Peppercorn’s Grill

Italian restaurant & bar serving upscale cuisine in a warm, intimate space.

357 Main St, Hartford, CT 06106

Phone: (860) 547-1714 | Web: peppercornsgrill.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

Dolphin Bar

Trummbull Kitchen

Seafood headlines the eclectic menu at this casual, industrialchic eatery with a lively bar scene.

150 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT 06103

Feng Chophouse

Upscale eatery offers creative sushi & a range of Southeast Asian cuisines in a sleek urban setting.

93 Asylum St, Hartford, CT 06103

Bear’s Smokehouse

Barbecue

Local BBQ outpost serving smoked meats & sandwiches, plus comfort sides, in a low-key setting.

25 Front St, Hartford, CT 06103

Wood-n-Tap- Hartford

Roomy, family-friendly hangout offering craft beers, American comfort food & TVs airing sports.

99 Sisson Ave, Hartford, CT 06106

Coyote Flaco

Casual outpost offering familiar Mexican fare & margaritas in easygoing surrounds.

635 New Britain Ave, Hartford, CT 06106

Red Rock Tavern

Veteran, brick-lined hangout featuring late-night American grub & weekend brunch.

369 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106

Mo’s Midtown Restaurant

This compact neighborhood option serves ample portions of familiar breakfast fare in simple digs.

25 Whitney St, Hartford, CT 06105

King & I Thai Restaurant

Classic Thai cooking & specialties served in modest surroundings in a small house. 1901 Park St, Hartford, CT 06106

EVENTS 2024

MAR 30

2024 South Windsor Family Fun Fair

This fair will feature obstacle course, vendors, seminars, dance, karate, fitness demos, k-9 units, touch-a-truck, food trucks, and more. Learn more at allevents.in.

APR 20

Connecticut Craft Beer Fest

Connecticut is one of the top states in the country for craft beer. Taste for yourself at this annual festival, featuring many of Connecticut’s best brews. Learn more at connecticut.beer.

APR 28

New Age Astrological and Metaphysical Fair

Come explore metaphysical readings like angel cards, medium, psychic, intuitive and astrology. There will be an array of vendors displaying and selling their wares. It will also feature body-workers, classes, presentations, scrumptious food, and much more. Free admission and parking. Learn more at allevents.in.

MAY 10

Enfield Food Truck Festival

Enfield Food Truck Festival will be held on May 10-12, 2024. There will be over 20 of New England’s top food trucks offering many food options ranging from international cuisine to your favorite fair food delights. It will also feature vendor shopping, crafters and vendors, games and more! Admission is free. Learn more at allevents.in.

JUN 22

West Hartford Pride Festival

West Hartford Pride is an incredible month-long celebration ending in a festival day filled with joy, storytelling and opportunities to network and connect with family, friends and statewide resources. Learn more at westhartfordpride.org.

EVENTS 2024

JUL 18

2024 ConnectiCon

Located along the banks of the Connecticut River in downtown Hartford, ConnectiCon returns for it’s 21st year! As Connecticut’s oldest fan run convention, we proudly host a multi-genre selection of Cosplay, Gaming, Celebrity Guests, Panels, Workshops and all things Pop-Culture! Learn more at connecticon.org.

JUL 19

Greater Harford Festival of Jazz

Eagerly awaited every summer, this weekend-long festival brings many of the biggest names in jazz — and thousands of picnickers — to Hartford’s historic Bushnell Park. Learn more at hartfordjazz.org.

AUG 10

Made in Connecticut Expo

Welcome to The 2024 Made in Connecticut Expo bringing you twice as many vendors from last year with over 300 amazing booths all from right here in Connecticut in every category imaginable. Food companies, drink companies, handcrafted products, manufacturers, apparel and fashion designers, artists and artisans, farm producers, local authors doing book signings, health and beauty product companies, pet companies, top local gourmet food trucks, furniture makers, upcyclers and so much more! Learn more at madeinconnecticutexpo.com.

SEP 7

Hartford Water Lantern Festival 2024

Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family friendly event that can be shared by everyone. Friends, families, neighbors, and lots of people that you haven’t met can come together to create a peaceful, memorable experience. Learn more at waterlanternfestival.com.

the phenomenon of contagious laughter. When someone near you starts laughing, you can’t help but join in, even if you’re not sure what’s so funny.

cortisol, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

This contagious nature of laugh ter is thought to be linked to our mirror neuron system, which activates when we observe someone else’s actions or emotions. In essence, when we see or hear laughter, our brains mimic it, compelling us to laugh along.

The Health Benefits: A Chuckle a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Laughter isn’t just about feeling good; it also offers numerous health benefits. Here are some of the ways laughter can boost your well-being:

Stress Reduction: Laugh ter reduces the production of stress hormones like

Pain Relief: Laughing triggers the release of endorphins, which can temporarily alleviate pain and discomfort.

Improved Immunity: Regular laughter has been linked to enhanced immune function, helping the body fight off illnesses.

Better Mood: Laughter can elevate mood and combat feelings of depression by increasing the release of dopamine.

Strengthened Relationships: Sharing laughs with friends and loved ones fosters stronger social

bonds and increases feelings of connectedness.

The Laughter Prescription: Make Time for Chuckles

Incorporating laughter into your daily life is a simple yet effective way to improve your well-being. Here are some tips to get your daily dose of giggles:

Watch Comedy: Enjoy a funny movie, stand-up comedy show, or your favorite sitcom to trigger laughter.

Spend Time with Funny Friends: Surround yourself with peo ple who have a good sense of humor and enjoy sharing laughter.

Laughter

Find Humor in Everyday Life: Seek out the humor in everyday situations and don’t take life too seriously.

Share Funny Stories: Share funny anecdotes and jokes with friends and family to create laughter-filled moments.

Embrace the Chuckles

Laughter is a powerful and joyful force in our lives. It connects us, reduces stress, and brings a myriad of health

Yoga: Join a laughter yoga class or practice laughter exercises at home to reap the benefits of intentional laughter.

So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of hearty laughter, remember that you’re not just having fun—you’re also giving your brain and body a much-needed boost.

Embrace the chuckles, share a joke, and let laughter light up your life. After all, as the saying goes, laughter truly is the best medicine!

EVENTS 2024

OCT 11

Black Bear American Music Fest

The Black Bear Americana Music Fest is a 3-day festival celebrating rock blues folk bluegrass and the many other types of music that have contributed to America’s rich and dynamic culture. We’ll be featuring Grammy Award-winning national artists up-and-coming acts on the verge of making it big familiar stars of Black Bear’s four-year history and the best of the local talent New England has to offer! Learn more at blackbearmusicfest.com.

OCT 19

Eversource Hartford Marathon

The premier marathon and half marathon in Connecticut is a fall celebration not to be missed – and it’s on a new weekend in 2024. Set your calendar for the third Saturday of October and get ready to achieve greatness! Both marathon and half marathon courses will venture into the welcoming neighborhoods of West Hartford, full of cheering race spectators, with a short pass through beautiful Elizabeth Park. Learn more at hartfordmarathon.com.

NOV TBD

Manchester Road Race

Whether you’ve run it or just cheered from the sidewalks, you know there’s

Street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the sizzle of skewers on a grill, the aromatic spices wafting through the air, and the sizzling woks that create an irresistible symphony of flavors. Here are some of the world’s most beloved street food traditions:

1. Thailand: Mango Sticky Rice ~ In Thailand, street food is a way of life. You can’t visit without savoring pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish bursting with flavors. And don’t forget to indulge in mango sticky rice, a sweet and fragrant dessert that’s the perfect balance of creamy and chewy.

2. Mexico: Tacos and Elote ~ Taco stands are a staple in Mexican street food culture, offering an array of fillings like al pastor, carne asada, and carnitas. Pair your tacos with elote, grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise,

continued on page 16

cheese, and chili powder—a taste explosion in every bite.

3. India: Samosas ~

Indian street food is a flavorpacked paradise. Try chaat, a savory snack that combines crispy fried dough with chickpeas, yogurt, and tangy chutneys. For something heartier, try samosas - deep fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes are a must-try.

4. Vietnam: Banh Mi ~

Vietnamese street food offers a fresh and aromatic experience. Sample a steaming bowl of pho, a fragrant noodle soup infused with herbs and spices. Or grab a banh mi, a delectable sandwich filled with grilled meats, pickled veggies, and a burst of fresh herbs.

5. Greece: Gyros & Souvlaki ~ Greek street food is a Mediterranean delight. Indulge in a gyro, a pita wrap filled with tender slices of roasted meat and topped with tzatziki sauce and veggies. For a quick bite, grab a souvlaki skewer, often made with succulent marinated chicken or pork.

6. Japan: Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki ~ Japan’s street food scene offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Try takoyaki, octopus-filled dough balls drizzled with savory sauces. Or savor okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with toppings like cabbage, pork, and mayo.

7. Morocco: Tagine & Harira Soup ~ Moroccan street food is a sensory explosion. Taste tagine, a slowcooked stew that combines tender meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices. And don’t miss harira soup, a hearty tomato and lentil soup that’s a Moroccan comfort food staple.

8. United States: Hot Dogs/Pretzels ~ Street food isn’t limited to international flavors. In the U.S., you can’t beat the classic charm of a hot dog cart or a soft pretzel stand. Add your favorite toppings and sauces for a taste of American street food tradition.

Exploring global street food culture is like taking a whirlwind tour of the world’s flavors and traditions. Each street vendor, food cart, or bustling market stall offers a unique opportunity to savor authentic dishes and connect with locals. Whether you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of Bangkok or sipping soup in a Moroccan medina, street food is an adventure waiting to be devoured. So, grab a plate, dig in, and let your taste buds take you on a journey you’ll never forget!

HARTFORD GAY & LESBIAN HEALTH COLLECTIVE

The Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective empowers individuals of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions to lead healthy lives through the provision of health and support services, education and advocacy.

HGLHC.ORG | (860) 278-4163

CLARO

Connecticut Latinos Achieving Rights and Opportunities (CLARO), is dedicated to educate and promote equality for the LGTBQI+ community to achieve rights, address homophobia, and discrimination. We accomplish these goals by mobilizing our community and partner agencies on issues like marriage equality, parental rights, anti-bullying policies, employment discrimination, hate violence, privacy rights, sexual education, adoption, and HIV/AIDS.

HARTFORDPRIDE.ORG | (860) 841-2345

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

We are the church alive, a compassionate community of faith and a spiritual home where all people can experience the liberating love of God. All are always welcome but MCC Hartford ministers especially to the LGBTQ+ community.

MCCHARTFORD.COM | (860) 724-4605

CHEZ EST

Hartford’s only LGBTQ+ Restaurant, Bar and Cabaret featuring drag queens, DJs & karaoke. Proudly serving ALL of the community for over 45 years! We believe here at Chez “There’s Something For Everyone”.

CHEZEST.COM | (860) 525-3243

EVENTS 2025

nothing like this wild, nationally known 4.75-mile road race. The most fun way to earn your Thanksgiving feast. Learn more at raceroster.com.

DEC 31

Toast to Tomorrow New Years Eve Bar Crawl

Get ready to ring in the new year in style as we embark on a journey through the city’s hottest pubs and bars. The excitement begins when you arrive at our designated check-in location between 6-8pm to receive your exclusive wristband and access to our digital map of the crawl. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

JAN 1

Winterfest Hartford

Winterfest Hartford has become a Holiday tradition for families near and far. Winterfest offers free public skating, free learn-to-skate programs, free skate rentals, performances by local artists, and photos with Santa. Winterfest provides an opportunity for everyone, region-wide, to enjoy the City of Hartford’s numerous arts, cultural, and dining experiences, along with wholesome outdoor family fun activity. Learn more at winterfesthartford.com.

FEB TBD

Jumpfest

We make our own snow. Even if the winter looks brown outside your window, it’s white over at Satre Hill thanks to our state-of-the-art snow guns. February weather can be quirky- temperatures at Jumpfest can range from the single digits up to the forties, so bring warm clothes. Learn more at jumpfest.org.

FEB TBD

Fire & Ice Festival

Fall in love with winter this Valentine’s Day weekend. It’s easy with ice carving competitions, warming fire pits, restaurant specials, unique shopping and more. Learn more at discoverputnam.com.