” D. K. Smith NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAY”

1942

In 1942, in an article written by columnist Bob Balfe in the Palm Beach Post, his children received War Stamps to put in their books when they lost a tooth. It was a popular alternative during a time when giving to the war effort was a motivating factor.

NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAY

February 28th is a day to look back on the history of one of dental care’s little helpers and to keep encouraging our children to develop good dental hygiene.  It’s National Tooth Fairy Day. 

Download this coloring page of the tooth fairy to celebrate!

Like some of the fantastic creations who oversee children, the tooth fairy is a relative newcomer to the world of childhood fantasies.

In the mid-1920s fairies were used for all sorts of health education from bath fairies to fresh air fairies as a way to get kids to remember to eat their vegetables, wash behind their ears and get a good night’s rest. Like toothpaste, today that advertises fruity flavors and sparkles to get kids excited to brush their teeth, in 1925 it was probably quite a bit more difficult considering the pastes were mostly peroxide and baking soda. One advertisement was for a Fairy Wand Tooth Whitener. This product promised to brush away cigarette and coffee stains.  The ad was aimed at both children and adults, we hope!

Then in 1927, Esther Watkins Arnold printed an eight-page playlet for children called The Tooth Fairy. It was the same year Sir Arthur Conan Doyle “proved” his claim that fairies and gnomes are real and “verified” with pictures of two little girls surrounded by fairies. The world was ripe with imagination and primed to have a tooth fairy about to come collect the lost teeth of little boys and girls and leave a coin or two behind.

Arnold’s play began to be performed in schools the following year, and the tooth fairy has been slipping into homes ever since.  She (or he) started leaving nickels and dimes under the pillows of sleeping children. Over the years there have been variations on the theme.

 In 1942, in an article written by columnist Bob Balfe in the Palm Beach Post, his children received War Stamps to put in their books when they lost a tooth.  It was a popular alternative during a time when giving to the war effort was a motivating factor.  

Today, the tooth fairy jingles much less than ever.  The average payout for a lost tooth ranges from $3 to $4 and can go even higher if Dad is on duty or if the tooth is lost late at night with no time for a parent to run to an ATM.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Use #NationalToothFairyDay to post on social media.  Download our coloring page of the tooth fairy, color and post to Social Media.

HISTORY

 While our research did not unearth the source of either the February 28 or the August 22 observance, it is interesting to note the American Dental Association’s recommendation to have cleanings twice annually.

D. K. Smith  D. K. Smith


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“For the Birds”

“Sit back and enjoy”    xoxoxoxo


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“Only for Those that need to Laugh”

“Sit back and enjoy… do not die laughing…

And many more… just in case you need to laugh…

 


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“Flight Attendant Instructs Your Need to Knows”

“If you will be flying soon… pay attention to these very important   instructions on what you can and can not do on the Airplane… Today!”

Sure do hope … that you are paying attention!

 

“If you were laughing too much… you just may have to watch the above a second time or more…pass on to those…  that you  also think … may like and or need…  this important information!


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“Just a Follow-up on Elvis Presley”

First No. 1 Hit: ‘Heartbreak Hotel’

In 1955, Presley began to develop a following with fans being drawn to his unusual musical style, provocative gyrating hips and good looks.

That same year, he signed with RCA Records, a deal worked out by his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Presley was on a roll, scoring his first No. 1 single with “Heartbreak Hotel,” as well as his first No. 1 album, Elvis Presley, and signing a movie contract with Paramount Pictures — all in 1956.

Despite the uproar that his sexy dance moves caused, he also became a popular guest on a number of television variety shows.

 

and…

Military Service

Soon, Presley was everywhere, working as a musician and actor.

His first film, Love Me Tender (1956), was a box office hit. Even a stint in the U.S. military couldn’t put a damper on Presley’s thriving career.

He received his draft notice in 1957 and was inducted into the Army the following March. He eventually served in Germany for about a year and a half.

Shortly before Presley left for Europe, his beloved mother, Gladys, died. He was granted a leave and returned to Memphis for the funeral. Deeply saddened by her death, Presley returned to duty.

While in Germany, his spirits were lifted slightly when he met a young teenager named Priscilla Beaulieu. The pair fell in love and married on May 1, 1967, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Movies and Soundtracks

After leaving the Army in 1960, Presley resumed his career and was soon back at the top of the charts with the soundtrack for his film GI Blues.

He continued recording music and acting in such films as Blue Hawaii (1961), Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962) and Viva Las Vegas (1964). Though his films were often hit or miss with both critics and audiences, they brought in a profit and the soundtracks usually sold well.

By the late 1960s, however, the enigmatic performer appeared to be losing his box office appeal. Proving he was still the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” he recorded his first TV special in 1968, often referred to as the “’68 Comeback.” He wowed audiences with his performance, which showcased his talents as a singer and a guitarist.

Throughout his amazing career, Presley helped popularize rock ‘n’ roll music in America.

He also won three Grammy Awards for his gospel recordings. A major musical force, Presley had 18 No. 1 singles, including “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Good Luck Charm” and “Suspicious Minds,” as well as countless gold and platinum albums.

He was one of the first performers inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1986). But Presley has been recognized for his contributions to several musical genres, most notably rock, country and gospel.

In 1998, Presley was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame; three years later, he was posthumously inducted into the Gospel Music Association’s Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Graceland

Presley’s Memphis home, Graceland, is open to the public, and numerous fans from around the world visit the legendary residence annually, especially around Presley’s birthday and the anniversary of his death.

Thousands of fans traveled to Graceland on August 16, 2012 — the 35th anniversary of Presley’s death — for a special vigil in honor of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

During the gathering, fans held lit candles and stood outside of Presley’s home. Though the Presley family holds a tribute event each year to mark the anniversary of Presley’s death, the 2012 gathering was unique: Presley’s estranged wife, Priscilla, and daughter Lisa Marie appeared together for the first time at the annual event.


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“Check out the Hair Cut for Elvis”

THE YEAR WAS 1955.. (if I hadn’t lived through it, I wouldn’t believe it myself.)

                                                

Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging 7 cents just to mail a letter? 

                                                

If they raise the minimum wage to $1.00, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store. 

                                                

When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 25 cents a gallon? Guess we’d be better off leaving the car in

the garage. 

                                                

Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $50,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn’t surprise me if someday they’ll be making more than the President. 

                                                

I never thought I’d see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They’re even making electric typewriters now. 

                                                

It’s too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see where a few married women are having to work to make ends meet. 

It won’t be long before young couples are going to have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work.

                                                

I’m afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business. 

                                                

Thank goodness I won’t live to see the day when the government takes half our income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to government. 

                                                

The fast food restaurant is convenient for a quick meal, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on. 

                                                

There is no sense going on short trips any more for a weekend. It costs nearly $2.00 a night to stay in a hotel. 

                                                

No one can afford to be sick anymore. At $15.00 a day in the hospital, it’s too rich for my blood.
 

                                                

If they think I’ll pay 30 cents for a haircut, forget it. 
 

                                                

Know any friends who would get a kick out of these, pass this on! Be sure and send it to your kids and grandkids, too!

The year was 1955


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