1

The first stuffed animals

Image: ariesa66

In 1879, German seamstress Margarete Steiff made an elephant-shaped pincushion from a pattern she found in a fashion magazine. She soon realized that local children were playing with it, and thus the first stuffed animals of the modern era were born. Within six years, she sold more than 5,000 items, and by the 1890s, her company was producing a wide variety of stuffed animals, including dogs, cats, and pigs.

In the early 20th century, Margarete's nephew, Richard Steiff, designed the first bear with jointed limbs. In 1903, he presented his prototype at the Leipzig Toy Fair, where it was discovered by an American merchant who bought 3,000 units that were exported to the United States. Today, many of the stuffed animals created by the Steiff company over the past 140 years are on display in a museum in Giengen an der Brenz, Germany.

2

Theodore Roosevelt and the Birth of the Teddy Bear

Image: Pach Brothers (Firm), photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Almost at the same time as Steiff's stuffed animals, Teddy bears were born in the United States. In 1902, a Russian-born businessman and inventor named Morris Michtom was inspired by a cartoon published in The Washington Post to create what would become the most beloved toy in America. The cartoon depicted President Theodore Roosevelt showing compassion for a bear on a hunting trip in Mississippi.

Michtom made a small plush bear cub, sent it to Roosevelt, and asked for permission to use his nickname, Teddy. After the president's blessing, Michtom placed the doll in the window of his Brooklyn store with the caption "Teddy's bear." The success was so great that he began mass-producing them, and within a few years, he founded the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company, which would become the largest doll-making firm in the United States.

3

The smallest teddy bear

Image: Myshanah

Stuffed animals come in all sizes, but do you know how tiny the world's smallest teddy bear is? Here's a hint: it can only be seen using a magnifying glass ! In March 2003, a woman from Gauteng, South Africa, named Cheryl Moss entered the Guinness World Records Hall of Fame for creating the smallest handmade teddy bear.

Called Tiny Ted, this fully articulated toy with a movable head, arms, and legs measures just 0.17 inches . To give you an idea, it’s smaller than a coin and about the same size as the nail of your index finger. Can you imagine? This miracle of creativity and ingenuity can be visited at the Teddy Bear Museum on Jeju Island, South Korea.

4

The largest teddy bear

Image: SONIC

If we are talking about extremes, you might be interested to know that there is also such a thing as the world's largest teddy bear. In 2019, the municipality of Xonacatlán in Mexico broke the Guinness World Record, taking the title that had been occupied since 2008 by a 55-foot bear from Kansas City.

Xonita, nearly 64 feet in length , was displayed in a soccer stadium to promote Children's Day. The name Xonita is a portmanteau of the words Xonacatlán, the bear’s birthplace, and bonita , which means "pretty" in Spanish.

The hands of 60 artisans created the giant doll over a period of three months. About 2,030 feet of fabric and more than 2,000 pounds of stuffing were used to make it. She was dressed in a red blouse and a beautiful pink tutu. The nose and eyes were specially made with acrylic and fiberglass.

5

The most expensive teddy bear

Image: Bru-nO

Teddy bears may be an affordable toy for almost any child, but their popularity and the fanbase they have acquired over the years have also made them a coveted collector's item, even for adults. That's why the renowned fashion brand Louis Vuitton and the world's most famous stuffed animal company, Steiff, teamed up to create a luxury teddy bear.

Dressed in a raincoat and hat printed with the brand's iconic logo, this 17-inch teddy bear was auctioned at Christie's in Monaco in 2000. It was purchased for a total of €213,720, about 182,000 American dollars , by Korean Jessie Kim, breaking the record for the world's most expensive teddy bear. It is currently on display alongside Tiny Ted at the Teddy Bear Museum in South Korea.

6

To infinity and beyond

Image: Oxana Lyashenko

Teddy bears offer emotional comfort to both children and adults. These toys have a special ability to help relieve stress and cope with loneliness, not only on Earth but also in space, where astronauts must spend long periods away from their loved ones. That's why, throughout history, many teddy bears have traveled into space . Not only for sentimental reasons, but they also play crucial roles in education.

Magellan T. Bear was the first official teddy bear in space. In 1995, this stuffed animal, created by NASA and students of Elk Creek Elementary School in Pine, Colorado, boarded the Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-63. Magellan’s journey not only served as a source of inspiration for the children but was also part of an educational project that taught students about geography, social studies, and science.

7

Teddy bears in popular culture

Image: Billy Joachim

As one of the most universal toys in history, it's no wonder that teddy bears have been portrayed in popular culture since they first appeared on the market in the early 20th century. Since then, they have been featured in children's stories, movies, books, comic strips, songs, and more.

For example, characters such as Winnie the Pooh, Paddington, and Corduroy have touched generations of children around the world. The song "Teddy Bears' Picnic" was a hit at the time and has been recorded by numerous artists, including Bing Crosby. In the 1980s, the Care Bears were introduced as characters in a series of greeting cards, and the success was so great that they soon became a franchise that included toys, movies, and television series. Finally, the movie Ted , created by comedian Seth MacFarlane in 2012, offers a more modern and edgier take on the world's most famous toy.

8

Hop on the rollercoaster

Image: Alexavier Rylee Cimafranca

Like many tourist attractions, the Giant Dipper rollercoaster at Belmont Park in San Diego was closed to the public in mid-March when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world. However, to keep the 95-year-old historic roller coaster from rusting, it had to be operated several times a day. Instead of letting the cars slide down the tracks with empty seats, the operators decided to include some curious passengers immune to the coronavirus.

Every day, a dozen giant stuffed animals were placed in the attraction's 24 seats and secured with grab bars. From noon to 6 p.m., twice an hour, the teddy bears happily rode the rollercoaster . While the toys played no vital role in maintaining the machinery, they certainly served to cheer us up for the duration of the confinement.

9

National Teddy Bear Day

Image: Sung Jin Cho

Did you know there is a special day to celebrate our loyal stuffed companions? Every September 9th in the United States, we commemorate National Teddy Bear Day, a perfect time to dust off our first imaginary friends and pay tribute to one of our favorite childhood toys.

It is also a good opportunity to share with the children in the family, telling them about our youth and reminiscing about the past. They will surely have fascinating stories to tell, too!

10

Teddy Bears provide therapeutic benefits

Image: Oleksandr Skochko

Teddy bears are known to be loyal and comforting companions for kids. But did you know they can provide mental and physical benefits for adults too? According to several scientific studies, in childhood, teddy bears serve as transitional objects, aid in developing and maintaining sleep habits, and help children overcome stressful and traumatic situations.

As we grow older, teddy bears have similar effects, which is why many people treasure their beloved teddy bears even years after they have become responsible adults. Stuffed animals create a sense of shielding and protection and can help people who have lost a loved one or have experienced serious illness and trauma cope better. So now you know: don’t feel self-conscious if you still keep that ragged teddy bear from your childhood!

1

The moon landing: staged in Arizona?

Image: NASA

Back in 1969, Americans watched Neil Armstrong take one small step for man on TV. But not long after, rumors started floating around that it was all filmed on a Hollywood-style set somewhere in the desert. Books and even a movie helped the idea spread. Still, with hundreds of pounds of moon rocks and decades of scientific study to back it up, it seems pretty clear the only thing fake was the rumor itself.

2

The dead internet theory: bots gone wild

Image: Waldemar

According to this theory, you might be talking to a wall online. The idea is that most of the internet isn’t run by people at all but by bots—that is, automated programs pretending to be humans. They supposedly post, reply, and argue, all to keep clicks coming. Even if bots are increasingly popular on some sites and apps, it’s evident that this is nothing but a crazy conspiracy theory!

3

Subliminal advertising: blink and you’ll miss it

Image: Wojtek Witkowski

Remember when people thought ads were sneaking messages into our brains? Some authors were convinced that companies were hiding secret images in movies and commercials to mess with our minds. This theory hit headlines in the ’70s, but most of those claims didn’t hold up under scrutiny. Marketing and advertising do know some tricks around our minds, but your sudden craving for popcorn probably has more to do with the smell than secret mind control.

4

Paul is (not) dead

Image: IJ Portwine

Back in the swinging ’60s, a bizarre rumor began circulating: Paul McCartney had supposedly died and been replaced by a lookalike. Fans claimed to find hidden clues in Beatles albums, like barefoot walks and cryptic lyrics. The theory quickly crossed borders and spread worldwide. But don’t worry, Paul was (and still is) very much alive, touring, and giving interviews.

5

Roswell: crash course in confusion

Image: Rishabh Sharma

Something definitely fell near Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947—remember that? The question is, what was it? The government first hinted at flying saucers , then changed the story to a weather balloon. That was all it took for conspiracy theories about aliens to bloom. Years later, it turned out the object was actually a Cold War–era military balloon from a classified program. No aliens—just some top-secret tech.

6

Chemtrails: clouds of confusion

Image: Val Vesa

Those streaks behind planes? They’re called contrails, and they’re mostly made of water vapor. But some believe they’re really "chemtrails" (chemical agents sprayed into the sky). Theories range from weather control to population mind games. Scientists have tested the air and found nothing unusual, but some folks still keep looking up and wondering. What do you think?

7

COVID and 5G: a confusing combo

Image: Shiwa ID

When the pandemic hit, it brought more than just a virus. With so much uncertainty, conspiracy theories spread just as fast. One unusual claim linked COVID-19 to 5G technology, even suggesting that vaccines contained tracking chips. Researchers and doctors around the world quickly debunked it all, but it just goes to show how fear and confusion can breed some pretty wild ideas.

8

Birds aren’t real... or are they?

Image: Gareth Davies

This one takes the cake. A satirical movement claims that birds are actually government surveillance drones . What started as a joke by a college student quickly went viral, billboards and all. While some people mistook it for a real conspiracy theory, it’s actually a commentary on how misinformation spreads.

9

Flat Earth: going against the grain

Image: Elena Mozhvilo

Despite centuries of science and countless space photos, some people still believe the Earth is flat . They point to the horizon, question gravity, and invent creative explanations for eclipses and orbits. It’s a belief often fueled by mistrust or ideology, but the round Earth, seen from space, keeps on spinning just the same.

10

Denver Airport: baggage and bunkers

Image: Rocker Sta

Denver’s airport has some… interesting décor. Murals of chaos, red-eyed horses, and creepy gargoyles have sparked rumors that it’s hiding secret bunkers for the Illuminati. While the truth is less exciting (just over-budget construction and bold public art), the place does have a weird vibe that fuels the fun of imagining a secret space beneath the baggage claim. If only!

1

Double-Double Animal-Style, In-N-Out

Image: Nathan Dumlao

In-N-Out is a well-known fast-food chain with many celebrated products and fans all over the country. But this particular menu item holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many of its visitors.

The Double-Double Animal Style burger with caramelized onions has the flavor and texture any burger with high hopes would dream of attaining. The crunchy pickles and lettuce, the soft buns, fresh tomatoes, and delicious cheese complete this culinary wonder.

2

Smoked Bacon Burger, SilverLake Bistro

Image: Arabi Ishaque

Miami, a town with many great eateries, is home to SilverLake Bistro, a mom-and-pop-style restaurant that walks the line between casual and refined. This burger sanctuary creates gourmet-grade burgers from scratch, complete with all the classic toppings.

The classic SilverLake Burger features premium-quality double patties , cheddar cheese , porcini mayo , homemade steak sauce , and smoked bacon , creating a sublime culinary experience.

3

Nasty Burger, Laha’s Red Castle

Image: amirali mirhashemian

It may sound like strong words, but for many who have tried them, Kentucky’s Laha’s Red Castle makes the "best cheeseburgers in the world."

One of its most cherished menu items, the Nasty Burger , is topped with caramelized onions and cheese scrapings from the griddle , creating a flavor experience that evokes the taste of onion soup mixed with a very, very good burger.

4

Dry-aged Burger, Bludorn

Image: Dennis Lorente

Bludorn’s Dry-Age Burger is a perfect example of simple ingredients done right and tasting incredible. The aged cheddar , short rib patty , Dijonnaise mustard , and caramelized onions come together to create a hamburger that isn’t overstuffed, allowing each ingredient to express its flavor.

5

Wagyu Burger, Ada’s Place

Image: Chris Tweten

The name itself gives a hint of what to expect when tasting Ada’s Place’s Wagyu Burger. The ultra-premium quality of the meat provides a tender and flavorful taste and texture.

The hamburger is served with American cheese and caramelized onions, which complement the meat and add a layer of crispness and creaminess to the experience.

6

Cheeseburger in Paradise, Brasil

Image: Fidel Fernando

Good, simple burgers can be hard to find in an age where beastly, gourmet patties seem to be the crowd's prevalent choice. But when browsing through the menus, these options do exist and sometimes make for the best experience possible.

Brasil’s aptly named Cheeseburger in Paradise is one of those cases. The double burger comes with caramelized onions , a delicate touch of jalapeño sauce , and crispy bacon , all lovingly wrapped between toasted potato rolls. All the best. Nothing more, nothing less.

7

Nancy’s Burger, Nancy’s Hustle

Image: Yoad Shejtman

Everybody knows that the menu item carrying the name of the location is bound to be something special, and the namesake burger at Nancy’s Hustle is no different.

The double-meat cheeseburger comes with house-made pickles skewered on top and is embraced by a soft inside, crispy outside English muffin . A simple treat that explodes with flavor in your mouth.

8

Mother Rucker, River Twice

Image: Howard Bouchevereau

Sometimes, the most experimental places also offer simple items that are just perfect. Such is the case with River Twice, a sophisticated restaurant with multi-course menus featuring exotic ingredients.

River Twice’s burger option, the Mother Rucker, might seem like an odd item on such a refined menu, but those who have tried it swear by it. This hamburger features perfectly cooked patties with crispy edges and a pink interior, topped with high-quality American cheese , pickled red onions, and mayo .

9

Lancaster Burger, Hill East Burger

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Hill Burger East is a well-known establishment among burger lovers, offering decadent takes on the classic patty. Its many options have something for everyone, but one stands out as the king: the Lancaster Burger.

This premium beef burger is topped with bacon , smoked cheddar , fresh arugula leaves , pickled onions , and a homemade hot sauce (optional, of course), combining its flavors into a mouth-watering treat for carnivores.

10

Juicy Lucy, Matt’s Bar

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Just as the name implies, the Juicy Lucy is not the kind of burger for someone who prefers their food neat. This creation features grilled beef and onions , topped and enveloped by hot, molten cheese . The flavorful combination is nothing short of delicious, but diners are advised to let the cheese cool off a bit before diving in.