The Paw sighted above Chicago!

The Paw (a.k.a. Scoop Schaumburg) was sighted flying high over Chicago's skyscrapers.

The book is finally coming!

Myke Feinman's novel, "The Teddy Bear Conspiracies," has been sent to the publisher and will be out in a few months, probably by spring, 2004. More details when we have them. Meanwhile, Schaumburg's (that's me) next public appearance with his first book, "In Search of the First Teddy Bear," will be mid-March at the Motor Cities Comicon in Chicago. Follow the link at the top of this page to learn more about book signings. Love, Schaumy

Newspaperman rewrites teddy bear history

A 100-year-old mystery has been solved. It all began when President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear tied to a tree during a hunt for bears, Nov. 14, 1902. A cartoonist for the Washington Post, Clifford Berryman, drew a cartoon showing Roosevelt refusing to shoot the bear, called "Drawing the line in Mississippi." This cartoon saw print Nov. 16, 1902. In turn, that cartoon inspired Morris Michtom, a New York shop owner, to create "Teddy's Bear," a toy which was the foundation for his new business, the Ideal Toy company. Ideal claims to be the first manufacturer of what eventually became known as teddy bears. But at the same time, a German toy manufacturer, Steiff, developed a toy bear as well. Both companies claim to be the inventor of the teddy bear. So Myke Feinman, Streator, Bureau Chief for a daily newspaper published in Ottawa, with a little help from his own teddy bear, solved the mystery. "My teddy bear, Schaumburg, went back in time, to find out once and for all which came first, the American or the German teddy bear. The ending will surprise everyone." Declining to reveal the surprise ending, Feinman said to stop by and pick up a copy of "In Search of the First Teddy Bear," at his book signing held Saturday, November 8, 2 p.m., 2003, at Liberty Village, Streator. He has also appeared at the Prairie Creek Library in Dwight, St. Anthony School, Streator, Seneca Public Library, Marseilles Elementary School, and a book signing at the Book Mouse in Ottawa. "This represents about eight months of historical research," Feinman said. The whimsical adventure includes four "newspaper articles" from 1902 and 1903 outlining Schaumburg's journey through time. Feinman's teddy bear met Roosevelt, Berryman, the Michtoms and the Steiffs to learn the truth, solving the 100-year mystery. The publication also contains historical documentation, as well as legends about Roosevelt and teddy bears. There are numerous illustrations including newspaper "photos" of Schaumburg with Roosevelt, the Berryman cartoon, and a "redrawing" of Berryman's cartoon by Feinman. Feinman is also a cartoonist who has two novel-length comic books published in the 1990s. Besides Feinman, Schaumburg will be on hand November 8 at Liberty Village in Streator to "sign" his book as well with a special paw stamp. This will be Schaumburg's eighth book signing, having made appearances at such places as Peoria, Fairbury, Marseilles, Ottawa, and Seneca in the past few months. Feinman said Schaumburg is very pleased with the book sales so far, saying that is how he earns his honey. The photographs are by Anthony Feinman, the reporter's adult son from Bloomington, who also did the graphic design for the publication. "This book has just about everything — science fiction, fantasy, adventure, teddy bears, and history," Feinman said. The book is suitable for children of all ages, but adults should read it to children under age 10 due to the vocabulary. The 8,000-word publication retails for $4.95, published by Ink and Feathers Comics, Streator. To order copies by mail, send $6 postpaid to: Ink and Feathers Comics, 202 E. Grove St., Streator, IL 61364 (Shipping via Postal Service. Allow five (5) business days for delivery)

Super Hero bears

Among the super hero bears in the Feinman hug of bears are (from left) Mardi Gras (a.k.a. Andy), the Paw (a.k.a. Schaumburg), Louis the Pirate Captain, Nerwonduh (the Great Bear's Tiger), Miss Libearty (a.k.a. Chocolate), and Leni the Wizard bear. Happy Birthday to Mommy, Daddy, Schaumy and Leni!

Who says teddy bears aren't sent from heaven?

This picture was sent in by a dispatch subscriber in California. We think it's cool. Love, Schaumy

The Planet Orisha

The Planet Orisha, where all teddy bears are from, is located in the constellation of Ursa Major, a.k.a. The Great Bear. Schaumburg and his friends are from this planet. (photo by Anthony Feinman with the help of Nerwonduh)

Book signing!

Hop-A-Long Schaumburg attends the Peoria Book and Paper Fair on Sept. 21, 2002, selling seven copies of his new book, "In Search of the First Teddy Bear." Each book was "autographed" with a special paw stamp.

Bear Mountain

Schaumburg, Mommy (Cathy Feinman) and Leni stand in front of the bear mountain at Disneyland's new California theme park. Schaumburg and Leni braved the loud bear growls and wet ride (protected in their life pods). Picture taken by Myke in August, 2002.

Rough Rider Schaumy and Leni with Daddy

Note the background. It is actually a set painting, not a real street in Hollywood. This pic is by Cathy, taken at the new Disneyland California theme park.

The rest of the news by Scoop Schaumburg This website is devoted to the real life of famous teddy bear Scoop Schaumburg. Scoop Schaumburg, affectionately known as "Schaumy" to his loved ones, writes a weekly disptach to several subscribers who wish to know what is really going on in the world of teddy bears, and some inside info on the Verseilles Bureau beat where Schaum works as an assistant to The Daily Press reporter, Samuel Arctophile, creation of real reporter Myke Feinman. The events of Sept. 11 affected teddy bears, but in different ways. Readers will see that in the information that follows. The first dispatch follows on page 3 of this site, which was still titled "report" when it started in October. Some other weekly dispatches are printed in our archives. Love, Schaumy

Last update was: 1-24-04. The site has been on the world wide web since January, 2002.