World Smile Day Today Honors Artist Behind the Smiley Face

The bright yellow smiley face is one of the most recognizable, iconic symbols across the globe. What many people don't know is that the original smiley face - which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year - was actually created, not in the way depicted in the humorous 1994 Forest Gump scene, but in Massachusetts by local artist, Harvey Ball.

By Jeanne Goddard

03 October 55 Views

Muslims Host Easter Services for Churchless Christian Congregation

A California mosque broke religious barriers today when, for the first time, it allowed a Christian congregation inside to hold Easter services, after it had lost its lease.

By Jeanne Goddard

10 April 77 Views

College Gal Uses Signing Bonus to Fly Host Family from Africa to See Her Graduate

Two sets of proud parents from opposite ends of the world met for the first time, cheering on a graduating student who studied abroad and won a second family.

By Jeanne Goddard

24 May 60 Views

Episcopal Church Opens Doors to Muslims

The Rector and congregation of St John's Episcopal Church in Aberdeen have offered the hand of Christian fellowship - and part of their church building - to the hundreds of Muslims attending a neighboring and overcrowded mosque. The Aberdeen mosque is so busy at times that members of the Muslim community were having to pray outside in the wind and rain.

By Jeanne Goddard

20 March 75 Views

James Patterson Gives a Million Dollars to Independent Bookstores

81 independent bookstores across the United States got an early holiday gift from bestselling author James Patterson, who earlier this year began his campaign to give one million dollars to some 170 booksellers.

By Jeanne Goddard

23 December 72 Views

Vietnamese Orphan Adopted by U.S. Airman Fulfills Father's Hope Joining the Military he Loved

Air Force officer James Mitchell, overwhelmed by the hardship and destruction he witnessed in Vietnam, decided to visit the Sacred Heart Orphanage. When baby #889 was placed in his arms, he knew it was meant to be. 19 Years after her adoption from the Da Nang orphanage, Kimberly Mitchell chose a career in the Navy to fulfill her fathers wish.

By Jeanne Goddard

11 November 67 Views

Legacy Pole Honors 20th Anniversary of Haida Nation's Agreement With Canada

For the first time in 130 years, a new pole will be erected in the Gwaii Haanas area, detailing the history of the region and commemorating two landmark agreements that led to the creation of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and the Haida Heritage Site.

By Jeanne Goddard

17 August 63 Views

Free Days Offered at French Museums

Many national museums in France, including the venerable Louvre in Paris, will be offering free admission in the coming months. 18 museums will be participating in an experiment to get the public to experience high culture, the country's Culture Ministry announced. (

By Greg Pharo

06 January 61 Views

Surprise! Museums in the U.S. Outnumber Starbucks and McDonald's-Combined

Here's a marvelous reason to admire America. These cultural hubs outnumber Starbucks and McDonald's Combined...

By Jeanne Goddard

23 April 68 Views

Hollywood Producer Leaves $125 Million to Indiana Town

Elkhart, Indiana was hit pretty hard by the recession of 2008. But now, things will run a lot smoother, after Hollywood producer David Gundlach bequeathed his entire personal fortune to the Elkhart community foundation, which supports the county. Museums, parks and senior care facilities will all benefit from the $125 million dollar gift.

By Jeanne Goddard

04 September 63 Views

Get Happy: Celebrate the First UN International Day of Happiness

All 193 United Nations member states last year adopted a resolution decreeing March 20 to be the first International Day of Happiness. To celebrate, people all around the world are bringing happiness to others and talking about it on social media networks. The decree followed the first ever UN conference on Happiness and Wellbeing in July 2012.

By Jeanne Goddard

19 March 95 Views

Mali Locals Saved Some Ancient Manuscripts from Islamists

Preservationists guarding Timbuktu's centuries-old artifacts said that in a large-scale rescue operation early last year, shortly before Islamist militants seized control of the city, thousands of manuscripts were hauled out of the Ahmed Baba Institute to a safe house elsewhere.

By Jeanne Goddard

29 January 75 Views