Free Republic

FORT MYER, Va., April 7, 2008 – Children normally are told to quit clowning around, but today it was actually encouraged, as clowns from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus entertained more than 100 youngsters at the child development center here. More than 100 children from the child development center on Fort Myer, Va., enjoy a performance by members of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, April 7, 2008. These four, from left, Ryan Cline, 2, Madeline Fontana, 5, Jaylen Wright, 4, and Liam Ryan, 4, got a chance to be part of the action. Photo by...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Two Northland residents came up with a unique way to boost the morale of U.S. troops serving overseas. Cheryl Herrington and Larry Mills are two clowns who have sent thousands of red foam noses to cheer up soldiers at war.

LONDON (Reuters) - Unhappy clowns from around the world say a study that reported that children didn't like them has wiped the big smile from their faces, and have been falling over their large shoes to put their case. A poll by researchers looking at what decor to put in hospital children's wards found that youngsters do not like clowns on the walls and even older ones think they are scary. "We found that clowns are universally disliked by children. Some found them quite frightening and unknowable," said Penny Curtis, senior researcher at the University of Sheffield which questioned 250...

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - The clown walked into church like he owned the place. KoKoMo stood proudly in the sanctuary of Carrollwood Baptist, his huge white shoes planted firmly, his head-to-toe sequins glimmering, his nose and wig as red as a Christmas bow. It was no joke. KoKoMo was decked out for God. The Rev. Tom Rives, 61, adopted his alter ego about 35 years ago and found it so successful that he has used it ever since. The message delivered in the high-pitched voice of a cartoon character is weighty for a clown. It is of love and salvation....