That evening, laughter was heard from my house for the first time in a long while, as we admired the commendation certificate and prizes my brother had brought home.

NPR: Literature and Lullabies from the 'Axis of Evil'

This legislation is not perfect, as you just heard. (Laughter.) This young man is dissatisfied with an aspect of it, which is fine.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Speaks about Health Reform in Iowa City

Got an amen over here. (Laughter.) You've heard, now, Governor Romney's sales pitch.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

We didn't know that Big Bird was driving the federal deficit. (Laughter.) But that's what we heard last night.

WHITEHOUSE: Remarks by the President at a Campaign Event -- Denver, CO

And just looking around, this looks like a fun place to work. (Laughter.) The work you do here, as we just heard, is making homes more energy efficient, it's saving people money, it's generating jobs and it's putting America on the path to a clean energy future.

WHITEHOUSE: Creating New Jobs in a Clean Energy Economy

I've heard that some of you wanted to join in the hula dancing -- (laughter) -- I'm sorry we did not give you that opportunity.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Welcomes Leaders at APEC Summit

And I've heard that you have prepared a delicious and, hopefully, healthy snack for our children. (Laughter.) But we're grateful for you, and I'm looking forward to meeting you all.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

Now, I have heard rumors that a few of you still have concerns about our new health care law. (Laughter.) So let me be the first to say that anything can be improved.

WHITEHOUSE: The 2011 State of the Union Address: Enhanced Version