Bear market can be cuddly

With the stock market gnashing its teeth all week long, the bears have been gleeful. It's time to celebrate the bear, even if my wallet is lighter as a result.

I like these little stuffed bears. They are different from the Smokey the Bear one I had as a toddler. Smokey had a sheriff's hat and denim blue jeans. I loved that little guy. He disappeared, though, one day, and my mother refused to tell me what happened. I don't know if I ever really forgave her for that.

Anyway, the bears below come from the Lil' Bear Shoppe. Barney ($29.98), Axel ($24.98) and Souffle ($16.95) are 15 to 17 inches in height.