Is there any heart so cold it doesn't respond with a smile to a bright yellow Rubber Ducky? Here's it's story. In the mid 1800s when uses were being found for rubber, toys became a big hit. The first known Rubber Duckies were used as chew toys designed to lure kids into the tub for their (Back in the Day) infrequent baths.

In 1949, the familiar shape we have now was sculpted and patented by Peter Ganine (let's not lose his name to history, folks), and in the 14 years the patent held, he sold over 5 million of the little rubber smiles. in 1960 when the patent died, the little guys became ubiquitous, helping kids everywhere over their hydrophobia.

in 1970, the Rubber Duck achieved even greater fame when Sesame Street first introduced the hit song, "Rubber Ducky, You're the One." And don't try to pretend you don't know the song and don't hum it to yourself. In fact, I'm willing to bet it will be your "ear-worm" of the day.

Sadly, in bridge, our bidding and play doesn't always elicit the smiles and feeling of well-being that our little yellow buddies do. And that's where we come in. Let's work on our bidding and play so we can make our Pards smile.