People plunge into freezing Lake Michigan during Chicago Polar Bear Club 24th annual Polar Plunge event at Oak Street Beach on Jan. 25, 2025. The event was sold out after selling 1,000 tickets.

THE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS YOU RAISE AND DONATE FOR THE POLAR BEAR PLUNGE ACCOUNT FOR OVER 40% OF THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS MARYLAND, HELPING ATHLETES PLAY WITHOUT HAVING TO PAY.

LET’S GET THE PHONES RINGING OKAY. AND YOU KNOW WE TALK ABOUT THE POLAR BEAR PLUNGE AND HOW COLD THE WATER IS. BUT THIS IS SUCH A GREAT CAUSE. AND IT ALSO INSPIRES OTHER ATHLETES. IT DOES.

I remember saying: 'Hey, bear' – as if this were just another magical moment in the Arctic wild. A polar bear was standing on its hind legs just a few paces from me. Its nose looked like a fist ...

I decided not to do it. Then, at two in the morning, a crew member woke us up. He had spotted a polar bear approaching in the distance under the midnight sun. We ran to the bow of the boat to see ...

See why color-changing squid could help with development of invisibility cloaks ...

If you want to give your beloved something unique, a DIY teddy bear made from a soft towel or handkerchief can be a great option. Not only is it quick to make, but it also requires minimal materials.