Would the Real Papa Smurf Please Stand Up

Papa Smurf, the Leader of the Smurfs secret society, is believed to be Madera, California resident Paul Karason. Paul claims his skin started turning blue almost 10 years ago, when he used a silver preparation called colliodal silver to treat a facial skin condition.

His double identity remained a secret until recently, when he moved to Madera, California where he was spotted at the local WalMart store. Apparently, he was rushed by an on slaught of fans, who were taking pictures with their cell phones and rapidly text messaging their friends, 'It's Papa Smurf, it's Papa Smurf.'

The condition he claims to have is called argyria, and it's caused by the silver that Karason applied topically to his skin and has been drinking in a liquid form called colloidal silver on and off for 14 years.

Colloidal silver is a suspension of silver in a liquid base, in this case, distilled water. Karason makes it himself by running an electrical current through water with a piece of silver in it, a process called electrolysis.

This photo was reportedly taken in Madera, California by a local resident. Paul Karason was known to live in the local vicinity where the photo was taken. The following day the photo was handed to local authorities. Shortly afterwards the police arrived at the home of 57 year old Paul Karason with a search warrant. The police found a pair of red pants in the back of Paul's white ford bronco. He was taken in by police under suspicion of having a double identity as Papa Smurf, Master Alchemist, and Leader of the Smurfs Secret Society. When Paul was questioned as to his whereabouts during the time frame the photo was taken, he said he was home alone. No one was able to verify his alibi. Paul also stated that the pants belonged to a friend, who was about 10 pounds slimmer. Authorities asked Paul to try the pants on, and reportedly the button popped off, because they were too tight around the waist. Paul was released on lack of evidence,

Similarities (Coincidence or Not.....)

Papa Smurf

1. Lived in smurf village, always hidden from humans.

2. Master Chemist

3. Not Married

4. Mixed potions for levitation

5. Great Character

Paul Karason wasn't always blue (or maybe this was his disguise only worn in public to hide his true identity as the saturday morning cartoon king, Papa Smurf )

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The Today Show's interview with Papa Smurf, I mean Paul, was very intriguing. However, if I had the opportunity to interview Paul, I would of asked the questions we really want answers to.

10. Exactly where was the smurf village located?

9. Was Smurfette a real blonde?

8. Did Gargamel have dental insurance?

7. How did Hefty smurf stay in such great shape and would he be willing to share some of his health and fitness tips with us?

6. Does Handy Smurf plan on creating a hybrid version of the smurfmobile?

5. Did you only have one pair of red pants and red hat that you wore over and over again, or did you have 7 pairs of the exact same outfit?

4. Where did you receive your training for magic potions and spells?

3. If Brainy smurf was so smart, why was he always wrong?

2. Was Lazy smurf ever checked for a thyroid disorder?

1. Where was mama smurf, and why did you have so many kids?

What is this supplement that Paul claims changed his skin blue permanently?

Colloidal silver has antibacterial properties and has been used to fight infection for milleniums. But it went out of use when penicillin, which is far more effective, was discovered.

Colloidal silver continued to be used in some over-the-counter medicines until 1999, when the FDA banned it because it causes argyria, which is a result of the silver reacting with light the same way it does in photography. The silver collects in the skin and other organs and does not dissipate.

Colloidal silver products are often marketed with various unproven health-related claims. Examples include that they benefit the immune system; kill disease-causing agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi; are an alternative to prescription antibiotics; or treat diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, syphilis, scarlet fever, shingles, herpes, pneumonia, and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate).

The Government regulates products containing colloidal silver, but differently than drugs. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 places dietary supplements in a special category of foods. This category is regulated differently than other foods and drugs. For example, manufacturers of dietary supplements, unlike manufacturers of drugs, do not have to prove their product's safety and effectiveness to the FDA before it is marketed. If the product is found to be unsafe, the FDA can take certain actions, such as removing it from the marketplace.

Its obvious from the pictures and videos that the Smurfs have touched the lives of all ages. We want to thank you Paul Karason, whether you are the leader of the Smurfs Secret Society or not, one thing is obvious, you have rekindled our fondest childhood memories of watching our favorite saturday morning cartoons.