Cool And Amazing Things

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MadamMack

M e m b e r
Apr 11, 2006
17,958
45,138
UnParked, UnParked U.S.A.
Harvey Ball- creator of The Smiley Face
It’s 1963 and the Mutual Life Insurance Company in Worcester, Massachusetts is experiencing bad morale. An executive at the company asks their staff graphic designer, Harvey Ball, to work on something that will bring a little happiness and cheer into this miserable workplace. In under 10 minutes, Harvey creates what would become the most recognizable symbol of the decade – The Smiley Face.

The symbol caught on with the company, and eventually requests came in from outside. By 1972 over 50 million smiley face buttons had been sold and a countless number of T-shirts, patches, bumper stickers, etc. Yet, Harvey had only received $45 as commission from the Mutual Life Insurance Company; it would eventually be trademarked, but not by him. Yet, Harvey has stated that he has no regrets, and is just happy to have “made the whole world smile.

10446672_904584966280487_55810663201423881_n.jpg
 

Dana Jean

Dirty Pirate Hooker, The Return
Moderator
Apr 11, 2006
53,634
236,697
The High Seas
Harvey Ball- creator of The Smiley Face
It’s 1963 and the Mutual Life Insurance Company in Worcester, Massachusetts is experiencing bad morale. An executive at the company asks their staff graphic designer, Harvey Ball, to work on something that will bring a little happiness and cheer into this miserable workplace. In under 10 minutes, Harvey creates what would become the most recognizable symbol of the decade – The Smiley Face.

The symbol caught on with the company, and eventually requests came in from outside. By 1972 over 50 million smiley face buttons had been sold and a countless number of T-shirts, patches, bumper stickers, etc. Yet, Harvey had only received $45 as commission from the Mutual Life Insurance Company; it would eventually be trademarked, but not by him. Yet, Harvey has stated that he has no regrets, and is just happy to have “made the whole world smile.

10446672_904584966280487_55810663201423881_n.jpg
Whomever trademarked it should share any and all royalties with this man. How can a decent person not?
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
239,271
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
I know how to make the white ones - it's actually quite easy - you cut mini marshmallows diagonally and then arrange them all over the top of the icing.

(I like to dip the cut side [the sticky side] in coloured sugar; even if it does not look like a real flower, they still taste good!)
 

MadamMack

M e m b e r
Apr 11, 2006
17,958
45,138
UnParked, UnParked U.S.A.
This is a pic of my uncle, (who I think is pretty cool and amazing) hand feeding a fawn who lost her mother to a car accident.
My cousin brought her home, and they're taking care of her. They've named her Rosebud....

1898074_838404089548834_5108454202851959997_n.jpg

I love this~ So sweet. These are the up close and personal shots that I love. Thanks Sundrop.
 

blunthead

Well-Known Member
Aug 2, 2006
80,755
195,461
Atlanta GA
Whomever trademarked it should share any and all royalties with this man. How can a decent person not?

I feel the same way . . .some people can be so dirty when it comes to money.
I assume lawyers warn against opening what they consider is a can of worms. Overall I admire the legal system in this country, but I think sometimes it isn't just. If the reason the creator of the Smiley Face is getting stiffed is legal and not simple greed in nature then it's still a crying shame.