The town crier has been a valued job since medieval times. This position was protected by the monarchy as the town crier would often be the bearer of bad news. “Don’t shoot the messenger” could be about the town crier. Most of the populace could not read, so the only way to get news was to hear it from the town crier. Until very recently, even the United States Congress used a crier. Today, the town crier is still a valued position in England. The loudest crier on record is Alan Myatt, holding two Guinness World Records, was recorded at 112 decibels.

Today is the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic. “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic” is a song written by John Walter Bratton in 1907, with lyrics added in 1932 by Jimmy Kennedy. It has been recorded a number of times by a wide variety of artists such as Bing Crosby, Frank DeVol, Rosemary Clooney, Jerry Garcia, and Anne Murray. It has appeared in the old silent movies (The General), Looney Tunes and in more modern features such as The Simpsons and Open Season.

Today, the “Teddy Bear Picnic” is a theme used by many children’s hospitals to have events where children bring their teddy bears to make their experience more “bearable.”

We have blackberries and calendars, twitter and facebook, and still, the anniversary, the empty milk carton, even plans to take the car to the shop seem to be forgotten. If you have ever forgotten an important event in someone’s life, today is the day for you.

As to it’s origin, it’s purpose, or it’s traditions? I forgot what they are. But, perhaps today is a good day to say, “hey, I’m sorry I forgot…” whatever it is you may have forgotten. Who knows, maybe they will have forgotten something too.

The first semblances of the “Joke” is said to have been originated in ancient Greece by Palamedes, who legendarily outwitted Odysseus before the Trojan War. Whereas the first comedy club was formed in 350 BC, It was called the “Group of Sixty” and would convene at the temple of Heracles to swap jokes and witticisms.

More than just a funny story, a joke often tells us things that we don’t want to know or hear about life – things that are “too true.” Think about your favorite comedian. Isn’t he or she just telling stories about their life? Aren’t they funny because you’ve seen them happen, or they’ve happened to you? And the best part, that this time you’re not the poor sap who suffered?

The History Channel did a great special with Lewis Black entitled, “The History of the Joke.” Check it out. In the meantime, tell a friend a joke – they deserve a laugh today.

Tower Bridge is a suspension bridge in London, England. It is located near the tower of London, which is where it gets its name. It officially opened on June 30, 1894 by the Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VII) and his wife, Alexandria of Denmark.

Why are we writing about Tower Bridge, when it is London Bridge Day? Because the bridge to which the holiday refers is actually Tower Bridge. London Bridge is one bridge down from Tower Bridge and is much newer than Tower Bridge, having opened in 1973.

The original London Bridge is not in London anymore, and this day isn’t about that bridge either. That bridge was purchased by Robert B. McCullough and moved to Lake Havasu city, Arizona. It is the second largest tourist attraction in that state, second only to the Grand Canyon. And that bridge isn’t even the original London Bridge.

The original London Bridge was built around 50 A.D. and remained in use until the mid-1800s.

To many people, a camera is a vital tool to record important events in the family and in the world. It captures the moment…..forever. It creates the memories that we share and look back upon. From the birth of a baby, to high school graduations, people take pictures at a fast click. Year after year, the camera records family vacations, holidays and Christmas. The camera takes pictures of good times, and occasionally bad time.

20 years ago, cameras involved film and developing. I’m sure many adults remember heading to the store to “pick up your pictures,” your visual memories of a happy event. You get the folder with the negatives and pictures inside, and you could barely wait to get out of the store before looking at your pictures. Today, digital cameras, either alone or on cell phones, make our memories instantaneously.

Paul Bunyan is a folklore legend, having its roots in the Midwest and Northern parts of the United States. He is described as a giant with amazing logging skills. His companion is a faithful ox, Babe, who is blue and proportionally larger as well.

Some say that Paul Bunyan carved out the Grand Canyon when he was dragging his axe behind him one day. Another story is that Bunyan created Mount Hood by making a pile of rocks to put out his fire. These and dozens of other stories grew from the tall tales that men would tell at logging camps. Paul Bunyan was first immortalized by James McGallivray, a newspaper columnist. Many cities claim that Paul Bunyan was born in their town, and there are a plethora of Paul Bunyan festivals and tourist attractions throughout the midwest.