I laugh easily at comedians, particularly if they use irony in their routines. Jon Stewart and some of his cohorts make me laugh every night before I go to bed. I love his exposure of the hypocrisy of politicians.

Hands down, the one to beat (but eternally unbeatable) is Lucille Ball in her famous candy factory scene. She and Ethel are stuck on the assembly line, with a humorless supervisor checking in on them, and Lucy’s stuffing chocolates in her blouse, in her hat, in her cheeks — anywhere — trying to hide them because the conveyor belt is moving too fast for her.

Close behind Lucy is Carol Burnett’s "Gone with the Wind" send-up from her old CBS variety show. Dripping with fake southern charm, and overacting within an inch of her life, she hilariously channels Scarlett O’Hara, dressed in Tara’s green velvet drapes (complete with the curtain rod!). I could watch these two pieces for the rest of my life, and they’d still make me scream with laughter.

The one and only Roseanne Barr, a great social commentator and a genius much misunderstood by her audiences. Then there are two more in the genius category – the incomparable writer Jane Wagner and her clever friend Lily Tomlin. I did adore Carol Burnett and think a show like hers would go over great today if only they could find another Carol Burnett. If we think back to yesterday, how about the comic talents of Kaye Ballard, Nancy Walker and Beatrice Lily? If you missed them, you missed a lot. Of the newer breed I’d have to name the controversial Paula Poundstone, who managed to go on working after much notoriety.

Lucille: What can you say but OMG! Simply one of the greats. Her style of broad, beautifully timed and executed comedy has released more endorphins than all the OxyContin, feel-good meds and morphine pumps in the world.

Ellen DeGeneres is a true original. She is just brilliantly funny from stand-up to talk-show host to whatever she does. And so loveable! Her sitcoms were funny and innovative. She has a witty, high-comedy style that blends seamlessly with her own persona — this is, I think, what gives her unusual magnetism. She is so real and wise as she brings us her sly insights into this absurd and foolish world of ours.

Chelsea Handler is someone I’ve heard about. I know Chelsea has a show on VH1 and I’m going to catch up with her right away.

But I must add kudos to some of my other favorites:

Phyllis Diller — brilliant, bizarre, hysterically funny jokes. She laid down the trail for the hilarious, outspoken Roseanne.

Joan Rivers — Some of the best, flat-out, funniest lines in the history of one-liners.

Whoopi — I love this brilliant actress and comic.

I think Joy Behar is wonderfully funny on "The View." I love her quick wit and intelligence when she hosts the "Larry King" show.

I feel I’ve left someone out — one of my absolute favorites — gee whiz, what IS her name?