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Laugh and the whole world laughs witrh you

1/11/2002

ONE minute you're a serious-minded psychiatrist, the next you're the king of comedy cracking the funniest joke in the world.

That's how it was for Manchester's Dr Gurpal Gosall when he beat thousands of jokers from five continents.

The Wythenshawe Hospital-based doctor logged on to an Internet site set up by Hereford University psychologist Dr Richard Wiseman who was attempting to study changes in humour between nations. It invited people from all over the world to submit their favourite joke.

Dr Gossal added his own favourite gag to the 40,000 on the website. Having invited people all over the world to vote for the funniest, Dr Wiseman announced that Dr Gosall entry had got most laughs.

The former Cambridge University student was stunned and surprised.

"I do like a laugh and a joke but this was amazing," he said. "I got calls from friends all over the world after the publicity and I got my leg pulled at work. My wife always used to say I was not funny but now she has had to eat her words."

He thinks he was told the joke at university but can't remember just when or by whom. Will he be going in for stand-up now he is a famous funnyman?

"It's an idea - but I don't think I will give up the day job just yet," he quipped

Dr Gosall's joke (The funniest in the world)

"Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn't seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed.
"The other guy gets on his mobile and calls the emergency services.
"He gasps: 'My friend seems dead. What can we do?'
"The operator says: 'Calm down I can help. First let's make sure he's dead'."
"There's a silence, then a shot. Back on the phone, the guy says: 'OK, what now'."

DO YOU have a favourite joke? Send it with your name and address to Asian News, Observer Buildings, Drake Street, Rochdale, OL16 1PH.