August 9, 2007 -- Smokey Bear Trivia

Happy birthday to Smokey Bear, the fictional character who's mission is to raise public awareness to protect America's forests.

TRIVIA QUESTION:

How old is Smokey Bear?


TRIVIA ANSWER:

63 years old.

Smokey's debut poster was released on August 9, 1944, which is considered his birthday.

Overseen by the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention Campaign, the first poster was illustrated by Albert Staehle. In it Smokey was depicted wearing jeans and a campaign hat, pouring a bucket of water on a campfire. The message underneath reads, "Smokey says - Care will prevent 9 out of 10 forest fires!"

The Original 1944 Smokey Poster

Smokey's message "Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires" was created in 1944 by the Ad Council. In a recent study, 95% of those surveyed could finish the sentence when given the first words. In April 2001, Smokey's message was updated to "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires."

Smokey's correct full name is Smokey Bear. In 1952, songwriters Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins had a hit with "The Ballad of Smokey The Bear". The pair said that "the" was added to Smokey’s name to keep the song's rhythm. This small change has caused confusion among Smokey fans ever since.

The fictional character Smokey Bear is administered by three entities: the United States Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters, and the Ad Council. Smokey Bear's name and image are protected by his very own U.S. federal law, the Smokey Bear Act (Sections 18 USC 711 and 16 USC 580p-2), granting protection that supersedes the limited authorities of both a trademark and a copyright.

Find out more about Smokey at http://www.smokeybear.com

and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smokey_bear

>>>>>>>> NET CHECK IN's <<<<<<<<

Congratulations to all who got the answer to tonight's Trivia Question and a hearty thank you to everyone for playing along. Here is the list of stations that checked in to tonight's net along with their answers:


* WB6A - Pat - 50
* WB6ATV - Ron - 56
* KE6CZH - Robert - 60
* KG6DBL - Bill - 50
* W6DTS - Ted - 63
* K6FCC - Khalil - 63-1/4
* KD6JEV - John - 63
* N6KAS - Andy - 53
* KG6KTC - Leon - 56
* NY6L - Jay - 52
* K6LMN - Roger - 50
* KE6MSS - Thomas - 52
* N6NGU - Lee - 52
* W6NVY - Gary - 65
* KG6NWJ - Barry - 54
* KD6OBM - Jason - 55
* KF6PIH - Scott - 77
* K6QVZ - Joe - 53
* KG6RDA - Sidney - Checked in by KF6ZQM
* AD6UP - Louie - 55
* WA6USL - Murray - Early 60's
* KF6YBM - Henry - 55
* KF6ZQM - Harry - 75
* N6ZZK - Theo - 82
* K6OTH - Elmer - 60
* KI6JVA - Mark - 50


Thanks to all for checking in and we'll see ya next week. 73.

de N6CIZ