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The teddy bear, so associated with the holidays, is 98 years young. It was born, according to the "Teddy Bear Encyclopedia," in 1903, and named for Theodore Roosevelt.
That soft, cuddly toy has been around a long time, and not just in the stuffed animal form.
The teddy bear has expanded its lovable image through the years, and retailers don't miss out on the bear mania.
You can sniff him. You can light him. You can hang him, lather him, take a bite out of him, hang him around your neck or print him on a T-shirt. He inspired a postage stamp.
Whether it is Steiff, Gund, the Harrods bear, the Ralph Lauren bear, Boyd's, Hermann or Chad Valley, jointed or disjointed, the bear bears noting.
I was at Articulation Ltd., the whimsical shop at 5899 Ellsworth Ave., the other day. I am not ashamed to say I wanted Lulu. She's the only one left.
I held her as if she were my newborn, but alas, she is Charleen Kinser's creation, one of 100 limited editions, and she is out of my price range at $300. She's adorable.
All children should have a teddy bear in their lifetime. The appeal is beyond explanation. Maybe it is the way they sit. Some have quizzical expressions; the noses and paw pads might be felt or leather. Soft is a key word. You...