Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Jumpin' Gee Willikers!

Ready for another crazy, weird day but loaded with lots of fun possibilities? There is actually a connection to Mark Twain so perhaps there may be something to celebrate after all.

Today is...

National Frog Jumping Day

In 1865, Mark Twain’s first short story, “Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog” was published. Later, he changed the name and published it as, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”. This same story also had a third title, “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”.

Mark Twain’s story about a pet frog named Dan’l Webster, and a casual competition between two men betting on whose frog jumps higher, is the origin of National Frog Jumping Day, an “unofficial” National holiday. The annual Frog Jumping Contest, which began in 1849 in Calaveras County, California is also an origin of today’s holiday.

There are many links and references to the roots of Frog Jumping Day going back to this little short story by Mark Twain.There is, however, no discovered reason as to the date of May 13th, which is neither the date of Mark Twain's birth, nor his death.

Frog Jumping Day is a great day to jump like a frog. But, why? Just for fun! Or, is today intended to jump “over” a frog, you know like the game Leap Frog? Either way, it's all about making today a fun day.

A Bit of Frog History...

How long have the 'froggies' been around? Few people realize just how ancient frogs happen to be. For 190 million years, the ancestors of modern frogs have roamed (if not ruled) the earth, looking much the same as they do today. The secret to their success is their amazing adaptability.

Tidbits of Frog Trivia...

Frogs are one of the best leapers on the planet! Did you know that frogs can launch themselves over 20 times their own length using those big strong legs of theirs? That would be like you jumping 100 feet!