Clayton Johnson Heermance Jr

You know him, you have heard him and you have seen him on TV. OK here's a hint - It's a bird, it's a plane, it's - that's right - Superman! But what's Clayton's role in this tale? Clayton changed his name to Clayton "Bud" Collyer, and was the first voice of Superman on the 1940's radio program. Bud became one of the busiest and hardest working actors and announcers on the airwaves at that time. We also know him for being the host of Beat The Clock, for eleven years and To Tell The Truth. Bearwiskers says TY Bud for many years of great radio and TV enjoyment.

Cookie?

What did the teddy bear say when offered another cookie?
No thanks, I'm stuffed!

Bearwiskers said - please.

Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg, near Fayetteville, North Carolina, was designated as a U.S. Army installation in 1918 and named Fort Bragg on September 30, 1922. In 1942 the first airborne unites trained there and in 1951 Fort Bragg became known as the "home of the airborne". Between 1966-1970 more than 200,000 men underwent basic training at Fort Bragg. Today, many of America's finest men and women are trained at Fort Bragg, to continue to preserve peace, security, and provide for the defense of the United States. Bearwiskers thanks Sergeants Staggs and Pope, you never forget who your Drill Sergeants were.

Chocolate Cake

The Duff Company of Pittsburgh, PA, introduced Devil's food chocolate cake mixes in the late 1920's or early 1930's. The cake mixes were put on hold during WW11. After the war, safe

food packaging grew by leaps and bounds, and today you can find great many cake mixes in the store. Bearwiskers still loves the home made cake mixes. Anybody else like chocolate cake?

Happy Friday

Have a great weekend everyone!

Pike Place Market

Opened in 1907, Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington is one of the oldest continually open farmers markets in the United States. It offers just about anything you could want from comic book dealers to fish mongers to lots of craftspeople and artist. Pike Place Market has been in many TV shows and movies and is a must see place when in Seattle. The place is big, with lots of fresh veggies, flowers and food. Bearwiskers always goes to Pike Place market when in Seattle.

Coffee, Tea, Soda or ?

Caffeine helps increases circulation, speeds up a person's thoughts, produces a feeling of well being and could cause nervousness and loss of sleep. The subject of caffeine has been in many cartoons and caffeine is in many foods. There are lots of web pages about caffeine an it has it's own Facebook page. What is caffeine? Chemically speaking it's a plant based alkaloid, which stimulates the central nervous system. So.. how do you drink it, coffee, tea, soda or something else?

Kiss and Make Up Day

Some people are calling today - Kiss and Make Up Day. Bearwiskers needs this day about , oh maybe 364 days a year. Bearwiskers says Kiss and Make Up today, just for the fun of it!

Delaware

Delaware was the first state to ratify the federal Constitution on December 7, 1787, becoming the first state in the Union. The longest twin span suspension bridge in the world is the Delaware Memorial Bridge that connects Delaware and New Jersey. The State Motto is "Liberty and Independence", and the State Bird is the Blue Hen Chicken.

Oliver Hazard Perry

Born on August 23, 1785, in Rhode Island, Oliver Hazard Perry, became an American Naval Hero at the Battle of Lake Erie. After the battle, Perry sent dispatches to General William Henry Harrison and wrote "We have met the enemy, and they are ours".
Oliver Perry died on August 23, 1819 - on his birthday.

Steam Boat Philly

John Fitch, born on January 21, 1743 in Windsor, Connecticut. In 1875 he was living in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia, where he started to work on building a steam powered boat. On August 22, 1787, on the Delaware river, the first successful trial run of his steam boat was held. In June 1790, Fitch had a steam boat ferrying passengers on round trips between Philadelphia and Burlington, NJ.

My Merry Oldsmobile

My Merry Oldsmobile a popular song written in 1905, with music by Gus Edwards and Vincent Byan, helped make the Oldsmobile car a best seller.

The Oldsmobile Motor Works , of Lancing Michigan, was founded in 1897 by Ransom E. Olds. In 1901 the company produced 425 cars. On this day in 1908, General Motors purchased the company. The 1901 to 1904 Curved Dash Oldsmobile was the first mass produced car, made on the first automotive assembly line, an invention that is often mis-credited to Henry Ford.

My Merry Oldsmobile was used by Carl Stalling of Warner Brothers, in his cartoons when driving or automobiles were used. Disney plays the song on their Main Street USA in Disneyland and the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom. My Merry Oldsmobile has appeared on M*A*S*H*, with Hawkeye Pierce singing it while driving a jeep in Korea. Other songs about the Oldsmobile are 455 Rocket, This Ain't Your Daddy's Oldsmobile, Mr. Smith Had An Oldsmobile.

The final production day of the Oldsmobile was April 29, 2004, and the last Oldsmobile Alero can be seen at the R.E. Oldsmobile Museum in Lancing, Michigan. Bearwiskers is waiting for General Motors to bring back the Oldsmobile.

TY Wikipedia

Texas

Texas has had the flags of 6 different nations to fly over it. They are Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, the Confederate States and the United States. Texas comes from the Hasinai Indian word "tejas" meaning friends or allies. For the Dr Pepper lovers, Dr Pepper was invented in Waco, TX, in 1885, and the Dublin Dr Pepper still uses pure imperial cane sugar in it's product. There is no period after the Dr in Dr Pepper. Bearwiskers loves Dr Pepper.

TY 50 states.com

Kentucky State Fair

The Kentucky State Fair starts today in Louisville, KY. Lots of concerts by national known artist all week and the World's Championship Horse Show. Expect great food, roller coasters and crafts. The fair was started in 1816 by by Colonel Sanders, a local farmer, and it became the official state fair in 1902. Bearwiskers says "Let's go!"

Mail Order Catalog

In 1872, Aaron Montgomery Ward produced the first mail order catalog. His first catalog was a single sheet of paper, and 2 decades later it grew to a 540 page illustrated book with over 20,000 items. The first Sears catalog was published in 1888 and grew to 322 pages by 1894. Hammacher Schlemmer was founded in 1848! Bearwiskers is waiting for his first Christmas catalog which should arrive any day.

L'i'l Abner Update

Mike from California was nice to say that Li'l Abner is now being reprinted in it's entirety with full color on Sundays by IDW Publishing, AND...Al Capp's granddaughter will be producing a 2011 documentary for PBS and their "American Masters" series. Now this is must see TV! Bearwiskers thanks Mike for the update, and will keep everyone informed on the PBS series. Bearwiskers feels like he lives in Dogpatch, so he can really relate to this great American comic strip!

Farmers Market

The biggest farmers market in the United States - Dane County Farmers Market, Madison, Wisconsin. Open all year long on Saturday and Wednesdays in the summer. All items are produced locally by the vendor behind the table. They even have a breakfast served from 8:30 am till 11:00 am.

There is craft and single food item sales across the street from the farmers market. The farmers market is BIG, so bring some good walking shoes! Bearwiskers says Yum Yum.

Roller Coaster Day

August 16th is Roller Coaster Day. Coney Island, NY, has had one since 1884! Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH have great rides. 102 people rode the Nemesis at Alton Towers in Staffordshire, England - in the nude! Those crazy Brits did it to raise money for breast cancer research. Want to go FAST, try the Behemoth in Canada's Wonderland near Toronto. It has an 85 degree decent and speeds up to 130 km/h in 3.9 seconds, has 8 drops and double banked horizontal loops. Bearwiskers says you better have clothes on this ride!

"The Twist"

Happy Birthday to Chubby Checker's version of "The Twist". Originally written and preformed by Hank Ballard, Chubby sang and added his dance moves to give this song new life. Chubby launched his version on Dick Clark's American Bandstand stage in August, 1961. Did you know that "The Twist" was the first and only 45 single to appear in the #1 spot in two different years? Does anyone remember what a 45 is? As a kid, I met Chubby Checker in Philadelphia as he was driving down the street in his pink cadillac, big fins and all. Chubby was great, very nice to everyone, and took time to talk to everyone that was there. He was the "first" pop star I met and by far the nicest! Bearwiskers is still a fan of Chubby Checker.

Gold Found!

Yep, you could go gold mining in North Carolina and find gold! Lots of people do it, and gem mining too, rubies, sapphires, garnets and even emeralds. The Reed gold mine in North Carolina is said to be the first documented gold find in the United States, and North Carolina led the nation in gold production until 1848, when the great gold rush to California started. Bearwiskers wants to go gold mining in North Carolina!

Teddy Bear Review Magazine

I am excited to tell you that:

Bart & Friend are in your October Issue of  Teddy Bear Review Magazine.

Happy Birthday Li'l Abner

On August 13, 1934 cartoonist Al Capp began his famous comic strip "Li'l Abner". The cartoon started out in 8 newspapers and eventually be in more than 500 newspapers, be a Broadway Play and a movie. Li'l Abner lived in Dogpatch, Kentucky. There were many characters involved in the story line. Li'l Abner Yokum got his last name by combining yokel and hokum. Bearwiskers thanks Al Capp for a great and funny comic strip.

Diamonds

Want to dig for diamonds? Just head over to The Crater of Diamonds State Park near Mufreesboro, Arkansas. In addition to diamonds you might find many semi precious gemstones like garnet, phlogopite and quartz. The largest diamond found there was a 16.37 carat white diamond in 1975. Bearwiskers wants to go diamond digging in Mufreesboro, Arkansas.

2 of Angel's Bears Packages Released Today

2 New Packages of Angel's Bears tubes were released today at CILM
Angel's Bears Package 97

Angel's Bears Package 98

The Rock

Alcatraz opened for business as a federal prison today in 1934, and was in use for 29 years. Some of the criminals jailed there were Al Capone, Robert Stroud (the birdman of Alcatraz), George "Machine Gun" Kelly, Mickey Cohen and Alvin Karpis.
The Rock or Alcatraz Island is located in the San Francisco Bay and has served as a lighthouse, military fortification, a military prison and a federal prison. Today The Rock is a historic site operated by the National Park Service and is open for tours. The Rock has been featured in many movies, TV shows, cartoons, books, games and comics.

Happy Birthday Missouri

On August 10, 1821, Missouri entered the Union as the 24th state. Missouri was acquired in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. Missouri is the "Show Me State". At the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, iced tea was served by Richard Blechyden for the first time and the ice cream cone was served for the first time. Did you know that Kansas City has more miles of boulevards than Paris and more fountains than any city except Rome. Bearwiskers knows that Missouri has lots of teddy bear lovers.

Betty Boop

Betty Boop made her first appearance on August 9, 1930 in the cartoon Dizzy Dishes. Betty Boop was created by Max Fleischer and appeared in the Talkatoon film series. Besides the films, she has appeared in 2 cartoon strips, one in 1930's and another in the 1980's and 2 TV specials in the 1980's. Betty's first voice was performed by Margie Hines. Betty Boop has a large collection of collectibles and is still popular today. Bearwiskers says TY Max Fleischer and family. TY to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Steiff Teddy Bears

The Steiff Company of Giengen, Germany, owned by Margarete Steiff, has been making toys since 1880. Margarete's nephew Richard had an idea to make a toy bear standing upright. Until that time toy bears were made standing on all four legs. In 1902 Margarete made a new bear with a humped back, a long snout and was jointed like a doll, stood on 2 feet and could walk upright. It was the first jointed bear! TY Steiff Teddy Bear Company for your great teddy bears, Bearwiskers knows someone who has lots of your bears.
TY IMA Hero.

National Lighthouse Day

On August 7, 1789, the Federal Government assumed the responsibility for building and operating our nation's lighthouses. Senator John Chafee of Rhode Island introduced a joint resolution in 1988 and National Lighthouse Day became law in 1988.
Most lighthouses will be open to the public today with activities for a fun filled day. A great lighthouse is at Cape May, NJ, and will have lots of family things to do today. Do you have a favorite lighthouse?

The Ohio Burgee

The Ohio State flag, or Ohio Burgee, adopted in 1902, is a swallowtail designed flag. This is the only swallowtail shaped flag in the United States. Ohio is known as the Buckeye State. What's a buckeye? It's a tree! And...the state beverage, tomato juice! OK here is a easy one - what is the State Rock Song? "Hang On Sloopy".

There's lots of things to in Ohio. Try Cedar Point amusement park, or Kings Island amusement park. How about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Bearwiskers says Rock On Ohio.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Neil Armstrong. Born in Wapakoneta, Ohio on on August 5, 1930. Neil was the FIRST man to walk on the moon on July 20, 1969. "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Bearwiskers was in Germany at the time and watched the moon landing on a small, grainy, black and white TV. Do you remember where you were on that day?
Happy Birthday Neil Armstrong, an American Hero!

U.S. Coast Guard Day

On August 4, 1790, The U.S. Coast Guard, first known as the Revenue Marine and the Revenue Cutter Service, was authorized by Congress to construct ten vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws and prevent smuggling.

U.S. Coast Guard Day honors the military branch that protects our waters and shorelines. Honor the brave members of this important branch of the military.

The U.S. Coast Guard Museum is located at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, 15 Mohegah Avenue, New London, CT. It's a great museum, and well worth a visit!

Bearwiskers salutes all Coast Guard personnel.

Virginia Dare

The first English child, Virginia Dare, was born in Roanoke, North Craolina in 1587. Virginia's grandfather, Governor John White, was forced to return to England for supplies, and 3 years later Governor White returned to Roanoke to find everyone gone! 117 pioneers had vanished. Does anyone know where they are?
Roanoke Island and near by Manteo, NC is a great place to visit, with lots to do and see.
Bearwiskers knows for a fact that there are teddy bear lovers there!

Mohair Bears

Mohair Bears have been posted at Granny Doodle Prints & Teddy Bears

Teddy Bear

"Teddy Bear" was a song released in 1976 and made famous by counrty music star Red Sovine. "Teddy Bear" was a salute to the American truck driver and was released at the height of the citizens band radio craze. Woodrow Wilson Sovine, better known as Red Sovine was born in Charleston, WV, was a solid country music singer recording over 28 singles including "Giddyup Go", "Phantom 309", and "Little Joe". Bearwiskers says TY Red for your truck driving songs and great music.

August Reading List

Here is my August Reading List:


The Scoop by Fern Michaels
One Night by Debbie Macomber
The Eleventh Hour by Nancy Grace
No Such Thing As a Free Lunch by Shelly Fredman
Dog on It by Spencer Quinn
Dead Aim by Iris Johansen
K Is for Killer by Sue Grafton - Kinsey Millhone Series
Injustice for All by J.A.Jance - JP Beaumont Mysteries
Irish Gold by Father Andrew M. Greeley
Hounding the Pavement by Judi McCoy - Ellie Engleman, Dog Walker Mysteries
A New Leash on Death by Susan Conant
Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl
(No Such Thing as a Free Ride by Shelly Fredman (read/finished))

If I have time....... if not there is always September.......
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth

Colorado

Colorado became the 38th state on August 1, 1876. Denver is the state capital and claims the invention of the cheesburger. The trademark for the name Cheeseburger was awarded to Louis Ballast in 1938! Denver's 13th step of the State Capital Building is exactly 1 mile high. Katherine Lee Bates wrote "America The Beautiful" after being inspired by the view from Pikes Peak.