April 2003 News Archives

-=APRIL 30, 2003=-
MAY INTRODUCTIONS (http://www.ty.com/MayIntro_2003)
BEANIES: Bloom - Bo - June - Red - Red, White & Blue - Sunray - Tubbo
BUDDIES: Herder - Liberty (red, white, or blue heads) - Poseidon
PUNKIES: Kitty - Slim - Snort - Treetop

Honeymoon Couple Salvages "Special" Items
Rochester, NY - After the early morning tanker fire forced them from their West Ridge Road home, Sabrina and Pete Abril returned Tuesday night primarily to find their cat.

They were relieved to discover that Alexandra did survive. The Abrils, who just returned from their honeymoon, immediately thought of their next-door-neighbor, "Eleanor," who didn't survive the fire.

"They would bring over cakes and extra foods whenever they had it--very friendly, outgoing, wanted to make sure everybody was OK and everybody was staying safe," she said.

The Abrils salvaged items of sentimental value--personal belongings of Sabrina's late mother, the tape of their wedding day, bride and groom beanie babies they bought before they got married.

Pete said, "There are a lot of other things in here that we'll never be able to replace or get back." VIEW FULL STORY HERE

UNIQUE DISPLAY IDEA
Connie writes: "Hi Lisa, I love rearraging my beanies and displaying them a little differently. Today I used a cookie jar and put pastel and bright Peace Buddies and serenity and peace 2 in the jar. They look so cute together! Beanie Hugs, Connie" VIEW PHOTO

DUCK-e RETIRES
http://www.ty.com/ducke_retland

-=APRIL 29, 2003=-
COMMENTS ON HERO & PEACE 2
Wendy writes: "Hi Lisa! Just wanted to let you know I finally got the White Decade on Saturday, also saw Hero and Peace 2 in person in Tourist Trap, USA- I mean Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge- Sevierville, TN. :) I must say while the White Decade is beautiful, I am slightly disappointed with the new Peace bear and I just think TY could of done so much more with Hero... I think he meant he was really going to make the body of Hero in ALL Camo, it just doesn't look right in my opinion, so no I haven't gotten Peace 2 or Hero yet, not sure if I will.

Would love to others opinions on the look of Hero and Peace 2. Thanks, Wendy"

NEW CHUBBLEYS ARRIVE
NEW Chubbley Bears are finally in the U.S.A. Gayle of Grandmas Bears has received Ivy, Jester, Icarus, Hutch, Primrose and Ivy Cub. http://www.grandmasbears.net/

I LOVE THE ‘80s
OK, I’ve got another obsession. Ma, get out the list and get ready to add another one. No big surprise, it’s related to television.

Then the show hit on a memory that I had completely forgotten – Pound Puppies. These stuffed creatures were all the rage during the 1980s, so much so that people collected them. I’d say they were the Beanie Babies of their generation, but I think that may be going a bit too far. I don’t think they ever hit that scale. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Tucked safely away in polished glass cases, these precious mementos of yesterday are witness to the way we were.

Q: How does the collection appeal to all ages?

A: Last year we had a Beanie Baby collection that was popular with both adults and children, and the year before that, a Barbie's Birthday exhibit. Many adults collect Barbie dolls, and that was certainly of interest to them. People come to get reacquainted with their childhood through the toys on exhibit. And if the little ones get tired of the museum, there's a playroom for them while mom and dad look. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

WE HAD AN EARTHQUAKE
I was awakened at 5am this morning with the house shaking. Mark (my hubby) was getting ready to go to work and he was just standing there thinking he imagined the house shaking and when I came out of the room he said "you felt that too?!" and when I told him I did and I thought it was an earthquake he was kinda relieved he wasn't imagining it. That was an eery feeling. I knew we were in an area that could have an earthquake but to feel one like that is just strange. I'm sure glad I don't live in California. LOL Local news has info on the earthquake HERE

CHECKLISTS & INFO PAGES UPDATED
I've added the new Asia-Pacific Beanies to the checklists and the info pages. As always, you will find the most up-to-date checklist and Beanie information here at Planet Beans. ;o) http://www.planetbeans.com/beanie_info.htm

NEW ASIA-PACIFIC EXCLUSIVES
http://www.ty.com/Asia-PacificExclusives
Singabear, Kiwiana, Ai, Aussiebear, Wirabear, Coreana

BEAN BAG & COLLECTIBLES MAGAZINE IS NOT CLOSING
... As first reported yesterday at Bean eWonderland. I've received an email from Daphne, the Editor in Chief, of the magazine and she has assured me that the magazine is still going strong and is not about to cease publication any time soon. You can read the comments from others and Daphne's comments that dispel this rumor HERE.

CHUBBLEY NEWS
Sue Owen writes: "Hi, I would be grateful for any help you can give me in posting this news which should interest any of your readers who collect Chubbleys.

This Saturday, May 3rd, Darren Barker, managing Director of Chubbley UK Ltd has kindly agreed to come to the Marlow area (Buckinghamshire) to draw the winners of the 'Cracker of a Draw' that has been taking place on www.boglin.net The first prize is for Darren's personal 'Christmas Cracker' - a customised Creamy Chubbley Bear that was made for only a handful of employees and friends of Chubbley UK Ltd. Each of the five prizes has been signed by Darren.

The draw has raised nearly £700 and forms part of the 'George Campaign' with other events such as the eBay auctions of celebrity-signed George Chubbleys and the (now sold out) limited edition George available to readers of Bean Bag and Collectables Magazine. I am hoping to raise a total of around £3000 for Cancer Research UK from all of these events.

While Darren is at the draw venue, Bourne End Garden Centre, he will be happy to sign a Chubbley for anyone who sponsors me for Race for Life in which I am participating in Reading on 9th July. The event should be fun and it would be lovely to see plenty of collectors there! Photos will follow for those who live too far away.

More details of CHERISH event and the location can be found at this link: http://www.boglin.net/draw_details.htm

Many thanks for all your help in promoting the work of 'CHERISH - collect for life'. Sue Owen"

-=APRIL 28, 2003=-
APRIL RETIREMENTS ~ http://www.ty.com/AprilRet_2003
BEANIES: January 2003, February 2003, Eggs III, Pegasus
BUDDIES: Curly, Diddley, Huggy

Collecting is the mission at nature center event
Your child regularly brings home rocks or bottle caps. Perhaps your kitchen drawer overflows with takeout menus. Do not throw them away -- especially those bottle caps.

"There's a million dollars waiting for the guy who makes the next big improvement in bottle caps," said Harley Spiller, better known as Inspector Collector.

But Spiller and his team were not looking for the next great entrepreneur yesterday at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. They were looking for potential TV stars among the 21 collection exhibitors, ages 4 to 15.

Junior Collectors Day was the first stop on a museum tour in which Spiller and D-Squared Media are searching for subjects for a new TV program, "Show Your Stuff," which will profile young collectors. More importantly, he is looking to spread the joy of collecting.

"I'm hopefully giving children a pastime, a hobby for a lifetime," he said midway through visiting each of the collections, which included Beanie Babies, seashells and Clifford the Big Red Dog memorabilia. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

DUSTY THE BEANIE BABY
Cubs manager Dusty Baker's definition of "youth movement'' was sending second baseman Bobby Hill to the minors before the season. ... You want a real youth movement? Try 4-year-old Darren Baker, son of Dusty. He should be a big hit Sunday when he becomes the youngest person to be the "guest conductor'' for the seventh-inning stretch at Wrigley. That's also when the Cubs are giving away "Dusty'' the bear Beanie Babies to the first 10,000 children 13 and younger. VIEW HERE

Campus celebrates its ‘nicest’ couple
Faculty, staff and students turn out to honor former chancellor and wife.

As if the day’s theme proclaimed it, a dazzling sun shined brightly in a sky absent of clouds as the campus honored former Chancellor Gerald Bepko and wife, Jean, on “The Nicest Day in the History of IUPUI.”

Students, faculty, staff and alumni, including members from other campuses, gathered April 23 on the lawn near Wood Fountain to celebrate Jerry and Jean’s numerous accomplishments and years of service to IUPUI and the community.

Other gifts to the couple included a basket of beanie babies for Jean and numerous plaques and symbols of the various groups’ appreciation for their years of dedication. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Ty Memorabilia: Ty Maui Lei
From: Bean Watcher
Talking about Ty-related matters, Jenny shares this photograph for everyone who enjoys collecting and seeing Ty-related items. This red lei was handed out to Ty representatives at the 2002 National Sales Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona during December of that year. Attached to the lei is a red medallion with the Ty heart-shaped logo and phrase, "Maui 2003?" The phrase refers to the location of the 2003 National Sales Conference -- on the island of Maui (in the USA). Thanks Jenny for sharing your photograph for all to see! You can view the picture HERE

TOY APPEAL ~ PLEASE READ
From: Daphne
Readers of Bean Bag & Collectables Magazine will know that we support CHHugs - a UK based charity that uses bean bag toys to raise funds for children's hospices throughout the UK. As well as donating toys direct to the children - many special ones signed by a child's favourite celebrity - CHhugs also raises funds for cash donations for the hospices through regular celebrity signed eBay

Shelley of CHhugs has asked for this following appeal to be passed on to as many people as possible. It would be greatly appreciated if you could post this on your website or make a donation of a bean bag toy to the appeal auctions

Thank you for any help that you may be able to give

Regards
Daphne
www.bearsandbeans.com

Shelley writes: "Events in Iraq over the last few months can not have passed you by. Although we at CHhugs do not have any political opinions or bias, as a charity which tries to put a smile on the faces of sick children in the UK we are all very aware that many, many children have suffered terribly in the conflict. We have all seen the TV coverage of children in awful conditions and you cannot fail to be moved by those images - whatever your religious, social or political opinions are.

So - CHhugs is pleased to announce that it has been asked to team up with SOS (Support Our Soldiers) and organise a very special donation. Through one of the Scottish Support groups, the 7th Armed division have members who are in constant contact with orphanages and schools in Iraq. They already have the support of Sir Richard Branson (Virgin), who will transport free of charge our donations; the BBC is also involved

So - what do we need from you?
Initially we are looking for bean bag toys of any genre - Ty, Disney, Chubbleys, Sheep, McDonalds too. They need not have a tag, but should be clean and tidy - as against the one the dog plays with! They are also in real need of stationery and pens, pencils, crayons etc

I know these kids are a long way away, but we can only imagine what they are going through. The tears of a child don't fall through political posturing or religious bigotry, they fall through pain and fear. Whatever your beliefs, if you have a bean bag that might just replace those tears with a smile for even a little while then surely that is what CHhugs is all about.

And that is all we are asking for - One Bean Bag toy. Of course, if you would like to send more that is OK, too!

So here's what to do: Please pop your toy/stationery/pens/etc into an envelope and post to:

CHhugs/SOS
PO Box 70
Shipley
BD18 1YE
UK

This collection point is looked after by Karen and all donations will be logged and an acknowledgement posted on the SOS web site

Please forward this mail on to anyone you think may be able to help: message boards, people with sites, other lists, friends and family. Let's help CHhugs and SOS make a real difference

Thanks for reading and any queries please feel free to ask either myself or Karen on
CHhugs@musicbox.freeserve.co.uk
info@supportoursoldiers.co.uk

Shelley"

-=APRIL 27, 2003=-
Young writer shares strong words, mature thoughts
Art Linkletter had it right: Kids say the darndest things.

They write the darndest things, too, I've found from visiting elementary-school classrooms the last 25 years.

Hundreds of students -- mostly fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders -- have accepted my challenge to "Be a Columnist for a Day!" We discuss column-writing, I read an example they can identify with (about nearly going into cardiac arrest on the Timber Wolf roller coaster at Worlds of Fun) and then the kids try their hand at writing their own column.

Among my favorite gigs is Young Authors Day, now in its 19th year in the Raytown School District. What makes this program different from others promoting writing is that kids must "audition" to attend by submitting a piece of writing.

About 30 pupils in grades two through five are chosen from each of Raytown's nine elementary schools. Pupils arrive on a given Saturday, often with parents or grandparents, for a morning with authors, poets, journalists and playwrights.

Over the years pupils have shared their opinions on Beanie Babies and Pokemon cards, annoying and hopelessly weird siblings, every variety of Disney vacation, favorite roller-coaster rides, incredible pet antics and more. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Beanie Baby, teeth bleaching fill candidate's in-kind coffer
Some candidates running for office use in-kind contributions to garner office space, get printing and phone services and receive some food donations for fundraising parties.

Then there's City Councilman and auditor candidate Dennis Gallagher. In the past few months, Gallagher has reported such in-kind contributions as:

* Beanie Baby: $25
* Hand-made dolls: $120
* Coffee: $114
* Teeth bleaching: $332
VIEW FULL STORY AND FULL LIST HERE

Beanies In Iraq Update
From: Beanieholics
Beanie Mom posts an updated email from Major Jim Barker, who is stationed in Iraq. He answers questions about those wanting to send Beanie Babies to him to give to Iraqi children. Jim says, "There are 26 million people in Iraq and it seems that 20 million of them are kids." The update includes info on how and where to ship the Beanies, which Beanies it is thought will go over well with the children as well as what other things can be sent. Click Here For Link To Beanie Mom

These Dreams Are Made Of 'Buddies'
From: Beanieholics
Annie Lennox (formerly of Eurythmics) is putting out her first album in 7 years. It is titled "Bare" and on her website she is posing with a bear. It looks a lot like a Ty Buddy to me. Does it look that way to you? ~ Pat

Indeed it is a Beanie Buddy. Looks like Fuzz to us. ~R&T
Click Here For Annie Lennox Website

New Beanies
From: Bean eWonderland
Okay, the pictures are taken from the magazine, but the following auction is for a complete set of new beanie babies View Here

-=APRIL 26, 2003=-
MAY releases in magazine
8894036 (Apr 25, 2003, 03:39 PM)
Message Id: 396484
8894036 writes:
May Releases
Dusty - Cub game exclusive
Sunray - Manta Ray
Tubbo - hippo
Bloom - bear with flowers
Red White Blue - bear
Bo - dog
Red - pot belly bear
June Birthday - bear
Dad-e 2003

Buddies
Liberty - red white and blue heads
Herder
Poseidon

Punkies
Treetop - giraffe
Kitty - lion
Snort - pig
Slim - hippo

they all look good The magazine is great too nice story of the NY toy. Get the magazine before its gone. http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1,3041,1_19-396484-0-1,00.html

CRACKER OF A DRAW
Sue writes: "Hello, I am pleased to be able to tell you the date, time and location of the 'Cracker of a Draw'. It would be wonderful if some of you were able to come along and join in the fun!

Thanks to the support of the management of Bourne End Garden Centre in Buckinghamshire the event will take place there next Saturday 3rd May from 11 am-1 pm.

After the Draw has taken place Darren will be happy to sign a Chubbley for each attendee who sponsors me for the Race for Life. I am taking part in this 5 km event on 9th July at Reading.

Further details of the draw and how to find the Garden Centre are on my website. Click here to go straight to that page.

The Draw has collected £638 which is a wonderful total for Cancer Research UK. You can still enter until 30th April.

For those of you too far away to attend the draw there will be photographs and the draw reults posted on www.boglin.net later that day.

Many thanks to all of you who have participated in this event. The total raised through the current 'George' campaign, of which this is a part, is going to be very impressive! This week's celebrity-signed George auctions are creeping up steadily with some more wonderful listings to follow next week and the week after that.

Best wishes, Sue Owen"

'Courage' In Iraq
From: Beanieholics
Beanie Mom posts pictures from Major Jim Barker, currently serving with the Army in Iraq. His sister sent him a Courage Beanie while he was getting ready to leave Kuwait. He has since given that Beanie to a young Iraqi girl living in Baghdad. Click Here For Link To Beanie Mom

Mariana's spirit lives on in joyous pieces of art
WAYNESBORO - Mariana Krawczak saw beauty all around her.

Now the local community has the opportunity to see her spirit in the drawings the young girl left behind.

Mariana, daughter of Gale and Carmen Krawczak of Waynesboro, died two years ago at age 9. She had been confined to a wheelchair her entire life, suffering from congenital myopathy, a form of muscular dystrophy.

"To many, Mariana's life was much too brief, yet Mariana will always live in their hearts - and her pictures will last forever," Carmen wrote in a book, "Mariana: An Artist's Story," she is hoping to publish.

The book also includes stories by Mariana, who was writing a book of her own portraying herself as a 12-year-old in seventh grade.

"She wrote a chapter the night before she died," her mother said.

Mariana's pictures were filled with bright colors, and her art work featured animals of all kinds.

"She loved them, especially her dog Simba." Mariana carried a stuffed animal with her at all times and owned hundreds of Beanie Babies. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

50% OFF ALL TY EASTER
Kid's Collection Toys is offering 50% off all Ty Easter products on our website at KidsCollectionToys.com! But hurry... this offer won't last long!!

-=APRIL 25, 2003=-
ASK TY
Q: Do you plan on selling Peace Symbol or the new HERO bears in the Ty Store? (submitted by dietpop)
A: I see the Peace Symbol Bear only available at Ty retailers. What's my plan for HERO ? Let's keep that a surprise !

UPDATE ON YESTERDAY'S DOUBLE BONUS QUESTION: THE QUESTION WAS: This is a YES or NO question. Would you have any interest in a "Breast Cancer Awareness" bracelet? I plan to create this type of bracelet with white cats eye beads, pink Swarovski Pearls, sterling silver beads, sterling silver lobster claw clasp, and accented with a sterling silver awareness ribbon hanging from the bracelet. Please just state YES or NO in the subject line. :o)

The response was YES (35) NO (22). A number of you specified the reason for your NO answers.. mainly that you don't wear bracelets. I have ordered the items needed to make these bracelets** and have one person that has pre-ordered hers. If you are interested in pre-ordering also please let me know. These will go fast.

This bracelet will be made with white cats eye beads, Swarovski pink pearls, sterling silver beads, sterling silver lobster claw clasp, and finished off with a sterling silver awareness ribbon attached to the bracelet. It will be beautiful and if you know someone that has suffered from this dreaded disease and has won this battle.. this would make a fabulous gift. Each bracelet will cost $25 + shipping. As soon as my supplies come in I will make a bracelet and take a picture to put on the bracelets page. **A portion of the monies made from the sale of this bracelet will be donated to cancer research.

Businesses using eBay to unload inventory
A $280,000 Lamborghini for sale on eBay sounds like another Internet prank, as likely to be legitimate as were prior online auctions for used dentures and somebody's soul.

But it's no joke to Fox Valley Motorcars in West Chicago, which in the past few months has used eBay to sell Ferraris, Porsches and a 1967 Corvette Stingray convertible.

"I get a real good feeling of what's going on in the county by having my inventory on eBay," said Mike Jernigan, Fox Valley's sales manager.

Originally a haven for collectors of Beanie Babies, Pez dispensers and antiques, eBay has increasingly become a trading post where businesses -- particularly small businesses -- list their wares and seek bargains on everything from computers to welding equipment. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Lobbying for hobbies
Whoever thinks getting older is boring can think again! I have met many interesting and exciting seniors in Harvey County who spend their time in many fascinating ways. I interviewed three senior women and found all three have very unique hobbies.

Another very interesting senior is Sylvia Schmidt. She has a "bear" collection. If you are thinking I am referring to teddy bears or some other faddish type of bear, such as Beanie Babies, you are mistaken. In fact, let me tell you a little story about her bears. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Fire department hosts 4th annual Ambulance Chase May 18
May 18 will see runners taking to the streets in the fourth annual Lexington Fire Department Ambulance Chase Road Race.

The 5K/3.1-mile race was started by firefighters Peter Ricci and Mark Schofield and Lt. Larry Giorgio as a way to recognize EMS Week. The ambulance will lead the runners for the first turn of the race as a reminder that the recognition belongs to the EMTs in the field who work on an ambulance every day.

One thing he asks is that participants and spectators bring a small stuffed animal as a donation. The perfect sized ones are the popular beanie babies because they don't take up too much storage space. The EMTs keep the stuffed "friends" in the ambulance for times when a small child has to be transported or a parent has been hurt, said Ricci. "It just gives them the comfort they might need." VIEW FULL STORY HERE

-=APRIL 24, 2003=-
SHOCK & AWE BEARS
Charlene shares pictures of her new arrivals. VIEW FRONT - VIEW BACK. For more information about these bears VIEW HERE

CONNIE'S HERO & PEACE SYMBOL BEARS
Connie shares two pictures of her new bears. FIRST PICTURE - SECOND PICTURE

50% OFF ALL TY CLASSICS - TODAY ONLY!
Today, Kid's Collection Toys (www.KidsCollectionToys.com) is offering 50% off all Ty Classics in stock! Be sure to take advantage of this great deal before time runs out! www.KidsCollectionToys.com

Washington Elementary accepts literacy grant from Wal-Mart
Washington Elementary School recently received a $500 literacy grant from Winslow Wal-Mart’s Store Manager Sarah Patton and Community Coordinator Dar Black. Principal Sarah Smithson and Library Technician Lisa MacLean accepted the grant check in the school’s library.

Ms. Smithson was delighted in accepting the literacy check on behalf of her school. She said, “Reading is very fundamental for a child. If a child doesn’t know how to read, he or she will not do well in school or enjoy being in school.”

She also said all of the credit should be given to Mrs. MacLean, who applied for the literacy grant.

Ms. Smithson said she and the school could not have improved the library on their own especially with the state’s deficiencies in the education budget. She said they have received donations from the Winslow’s Womens Club, Wal-Mart and by an anonymous donator who donates three times a year and gives the children a free book for them to keep. Ms. Smithson said she really appreciates all of the donations made to her school.

The school also does their own donating of books that can no longer be used. The school donates the books to the Northern Arizona Academy for their educational uses.

Ms. Smithson said she, along with Mrs. MacLean, have worked really hard in making their schools library kid friendly and very enjoyable for the students. Some of the improvements in the library have been a reading pit where students can go and sit inside to read or be read too, low book cases so the children can see and have access to any book of their choice, a full set of new Encyclopedia Britannica, and two computer work stations where the kids can enjoy some fun time.

The library also has many animal friends a child might choose to read with. These animal friends are large stuffed animals, and all of them have names, including Camille the monkey, Lizzie the alligator, Lilly the elephant and Booklet the inchworm.

The library also has an accelerated reading store where prizes like small balls, school supplies, beanie babies and lunch with a student’s favorite teacher can be bought with points from books read by the students. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

HERO OBSERVATIONS
Marc writes: "I was able to purchase HERO (the US one) on Tues. & I discovered the following.

There was no individual alphanumeric serial # inside the tush tag.

The copyright date on the tush tag reads 2003. Is this the first 2003 Beanie to have this?

Usually the style # can be determined by looking at the UPC (bar code) on the hang tags (last 4 numbers directly under the bars, I think). HERO's last five digits read 40012. I'm not sure what the style # (if any?) is on this one. Style # 0012 is Princess Beanie Kid. Is this a "new" way of numbering them? Any store owners that ordered/received HERO have an item number for it?" Marc

ST. GEORGE'S DAY CHARITY AUCTIONS
Sue writes: "The CHERISH auctions have just opened for the first 9 signed George Chubbley Bears in aid of Cancer Research UK. They are 7 day auctions and each starts at just £10 with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK.

The celebrities who have signed the special limited edition ear tags are pictured on www.boglin.net home page with a clickable link to a short biography about each person. These people have each made a wonderful contribution to England in some special way I am so grateful that they have taken the time to sign tags as well as support their own charitable causes.

Each bear has a celebrity signed ear tag which has been laminated as well as a 'CHERISH collect for life 2003' neck tag and is beautifully displayed in a case to protect its tags. George Chubbley bear was only available for sale in UK in the latter part of 2001 and retired at the end of that year.

There are some news updates about other current events on my home page as well. The response to the Prize Quiz has been good and I hope that the participants have enjoyed taking part. The eventual winner will NOT be disappointed with their prize! There will be another Prize Quiz soon - this time about the celebrities who have so kindly signed the special tags on George for this fundraising event. Both events are open to members of my mailing list 'CHERISH Community' (details of how to join are on the web site).

Attached are two photographs which may interest you - one is of George and the other shows a typical tag - this particular one has been signed by Earl Spencer, brother of the late Princess Diana.

Do please pass the word on to anyone who might be interested. This is a rare chance to add such a special bear to a collection...or indeed a wonderful way to start one! Best wishes, Sue Owen"

-=APRIL 23, 2003=-
Marketer seeks hottest product
Do you have a toy invention, one that might be the next must-have item like the Cabbage Patch Kid, Beanie Babies and Tickle Me Elmo were?

Creative Group Marketing of Stamford, Conn., is launching Toy Search America 2003 — a nationwide search for the hottest new toy or product invention.

If chosen, the innovative products would be introduced at Toy Fair in New York City in October. Creative Group Marketing will accept submissions of ideas for new toys, games, or baby/children's products.

Additionally, as part of Toy Search America 2003, the company is waiving the normal submission fees toy agents typically charge to review a new product concept.

Inventors interested in taking part in Toy Search America 2003 can call toll free to (800) 678-8972 for more information. VIEW HERE

KUP'S COLUMN
MICHELLE BAKER, the wife of Cubs manager Dusty Baker, along with son Darren and niece Lindsay, were given a personal tour of the Ty Corp.'s Beanie Baby headquarters in Oak Brook last week and got a chance to preview the new Dusty the Bear Beanie Baby, which will be given to the first 10,000 kids attending the Cubs vs. Rockies game May 4. VIEW COLUMN HERE

COUNTIN' SHEEP
From: La Rue
Kansas Brass & Pewter will become a Flockist for "Countin' Sheep" in the very near future. An Introductory Offer on a limited supply can be seen here: http://www.angelfire.com/ks2/kansaspewter/cs.html

Countin' Sheep is an exciting new line I and hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Shakespeare
From: Bean eWonderland
Rumour has it that this beanie is still sitting in the UK warehouse waiting for a decision on whether it should be released as Shakespeare or if a change of name will be required. If it is a change of name then watch out for the next UK exclusive to have altered or changed tags. I was hoping that Ty would go ahead and release this one before we closed the news page so that I could have one final "I told you so :o)".

HERO ARRIVES
Hi Lisa!!! I received a "surprise" call from my local store owner Tues. afternoon to let me know he received white Decade (FINALLY!!!) & HERO. Didn't expect a mid-month order as he's already got lots of shelf-sitters, but looks like he ordered more Pappa & Smartest in anticipation of June events. ;) Think he got 24 HERO bears, which were almost sold out before I left. Someone bought 6 or 8 and the other "regulars" were there or on their way (LOL). I'm happy just to get my one of each I want. ;) No UK HERO or Peace II yet. Probably a few weeks or so. ;)

THE BEANIE BLUES ~ THE SEARCH FOR A HERO
Diana writes: "Hi Lisa! I just HAD to share this with someone who understands the beanie blues!
I just got off the phone with the Hallmark shop I always buy beanies from. One of the salesladies knows me and she happened to be the one who answered the phone today. Yesterday when I called, another lady answered and she told me they hadn't gotten the Peace bear. Well, when I spoke to the lady I know today, she said they got them yesterday and they were sold out and that some man just came in and bought the last six! It just ticks me off as I told the lady a week ago that not only is this shop ten minutes away from work and now I've moved not even five minutes away, but I have alternated calling up there or showing up in person EVERY day, and now I've missed out and either have to go across town or just give up and hope they get another shipment this YEAR!

UGH, just had to share. Can't call my other store in the mall because they won't hold anything even though they also see me fairly often (it's a tossup who gets their beanies first, this shop or this Hallmark) and don't really feel like going to the other side of Raleigh if the other Hallmark got the bear, even though they should hold one if I had time to get there!" Your friend in Raleigh, NC... Diana

UPDATE FROM DIANA: Well! Here's the GREAT news! I just went to lunch with my friend who works within downtown (I work on the outskirts) and she told me I should check the itty bitty Hallmark shop (that I TOTALLY forget is there because this area is so rundown) to see if they had the Peace bear... So I called and the very nice saleslady said, "NOPE! But we do have this new soldier bear!" Hip Hip Hooray for Hero! My non-beanie-collector friend and I BOTH agree he is absolutely ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Diana

HAPPY ST. GEORGE'S DAY TO MY ENGLISH FRIENDS! :oD

-=APRIL 22, 2003=-
RAFFLE WINNER COMMENTS
Jane writes: "Hi Lisa I was surprized to see that I had won two prizes in Jodis contest and since I was not feeling that good I did not log on until this afternoon. I would like to take the time to Thank Jodi for the contest and for You running it on your website. I do not have the special olympic beanie nor buddy and I can not wait to get them either. Congrats to the other winners. Jodi I will always be there for you when ever you need a friend. Jane"

LAST DAY: FREE SHIPPING!
This is the final day for you to take advantage of Kid's Collection Toys FREE SHIPPING offer at www.KidsCollectionToys.com! Be sure to stop by and check out all of the NEW April releases at everyday retail prices! www.kidscollectiontoys.com

Hero Officially Becomes Available for Sale
From: Bean Watcher
Based on a USO press release (click here), Hero the bear will officially be available for sale today, April 22, 2003, in special retail shops throughout the U.S. To find the nearest shop available to you, click here. Keep in mind that Hero will not be sold by the USO or through Ty Store. If you can't locate Hero locally, you can purchase some through secondary market sales sites such as MetaExchange (click here) and eBay.

Beanie History: All Good Things Must Come to an End
From: Bean Watcher
There is currently an eBay auction posted by the seller, jennybeanie, featuring a memento from the past... an authenticated The End bear given to Ty representatives at their 1999 National Sales Meeting. This special bear, which comes with a card that says, "All Good Things Must Come to an End," was given out after Ty announced his plans to retire his Beanie Babies line. The card and bear were left on the hotel beds of each Ty Representative's hotel room. After the sales meeting, Ty decided to conduct his worldwide poll and let the people decide on the future fate of Beanie Babies. The rest is now history...! To view the auction, click here.

-=APRIL 21, 2003=-
NEWS FROM BEV
Bev writes: "Hi Lisa, Happy and Blessed Easter to you. I just e-mailed Jodi. I won the pink-nosed Smitten. Although we all wanted the Thank You Bear (LOL), I despaired of owning this Smitten. I did get one, but I sent it to a friend in the UK who wanted it. Also, I have put one of my friends in touch with KidsCollectionToys. She travels a lot and usually gets her beanies on ebay. I told her that Kody has better prices. Thanks for publishing his site. Finally, Hats Off and a Big THANK YOU to Jodi for her wonderful raffle. She is working for a great cause, and I wish her continued success. Thank you, too, for publicizing her raffle. Thank you, Bev"

HELP NEEDED
Hi Lisa, I really need to find 2 of the newly retired Mom-E's. I don't have a CC, but I have a Celebrations or Duck-e plus others to trade. Could you ask your readers if anyone has one or 2 extras? I need one for me and one for a friend in the UK. Usually a friend orders for me, but she didn't have her computer until Mom-e retired. Thanks, Bev (bran143@msn.com)

COMMENTS FROM JULIA
"Lisa, I'm with Marc, shame on Ty for not mentioning you, you have just as great a site as the others, maybe someone should tell TY about your site so maybe next time you will get some praise. Thanks for such a great news letter Lisa, and all you do to keep us informed. Julia"

YOUR ORDER COULD BE FREE!
Kid's Collection is refunding the 10th customer's order TODAY ONLY at www.KidsCollectionToys.com! And as if that isn't enough - for two day's only (4/21-4/22) ALL ORDERS will receive free shipping... so be sure to stop by to see if there is anything you just can't live without! www.kidscollectiontoys.com

CHUBBLEY SPECIAL
Gayle is having a "Grand Opening Sale" of her regular sized Chubbley Bears that are currently in-stock. These bears will be $5.75 each now through Mother's Day! She has the in-stock quantities listed here: http://www.grandmasbears.net/Latest_News.html Gayle is updating her news page as items are being sold so you will know what's available.

POMPEY WINNER
Tina writes: "Yeah! I just checked Jodi's Raffle page, and I won Pompey! Yeah! A bear I don't have yet!!! How exciting! Mahalo Jodi and mahalo Lisa for posting this wonderful raffle! And I'm so glad Jodi's raffle was a huge success! The vet's office should be very proud to have you helping their office out! Thanks again! Tina, Hawaii"

PEACE 2 HELP...
Have you found this bear and do you by chance have an extra? I've not been able to find one myself and I had hoped to find one for the contest so I'd not have to ask for a donation. I'm running a contest next month that I need one of these new Peace bears for. If you donate your name will be listed on the contest page as a thank you for the month for May in which the contest will run. If you donate the bear you can still participate in the contest. You'll love this one.. you'll see. ;o) Please contact me if you have one that you can send to me to use in the contest next month. Also.. is there another Beanie Baby that has the same color blue as the new Peace Bear? Lisa@planetbeans.com

Outpouring of emotion
Modesto house's yard overwhelmed by mournful visitors, shining candles and personal mementos
By Kristin Bender, STAFF WRITER
MODESTO -- There were so many cards and letters and burning prayer candles on Scott and Laci Peterson's front lawn by midmorning Saturday, that a friend bundled them up for fear a fire would start.

With tears in her eyes, friend Terri Western gathered the notes, children's artwork and sympathy cards and said she would take them to Laci Peterson's grieving family, which is in seclusion and does not plan to issue a public statement until Monday.

Best friends Jessica Vantyuinen, 10, and Brittney Hunt, 11, both of Modesto, roller skated to the Peterson home with about seven hand-picked stuff animals from Jessica's bedroom. They brought Beanie Babies, a favorite pink tie-dyed teddy bear and a small Winnie the Pooh bear.

"I think I just wanted to show respect," said Jessica. "I don't know if it's nice or anything, but I truly do believe Scott was involved in it. I don't know if that's nice to say but I truly believe he did it." VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Military 'hamsters' show their might
Gemmy Industries' quick thinking, followed by success in Iraq, lands a golden egg for the toymaker.

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The U.S. military may not blush at the compliment, but kids and adults are already big fans of toymaker Gemmy Industries' latest addition to its hamster family: the dancing military hamsters.

They come as a set of four -- representing the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines -- and are dressed in the appropriate garb of their unit. In true military spirit, each "dancing" hamster also sings the song specific to its branch of the armed forces.

"There's a debate going on about whether the hamsters are the next Beanie Baby craze," said Jason McCann, vice president of marketing for privately-held Irving, Texas-based Gemmy.

Ty Inc., the firm behind Beanie Babies, launched the plush toys in 1993 and ignited something of a cult following worldwide, turning both kids and adults into collectors. The company has produced more than 365 different Beanie Babies since then. Some of the retired Beanie Babies can fetch over $1,000 on eBay. VIEW STORY & VIEW PIC HERE

Bean eWonderland News Page Closing
I deliberated long and hard how to best inform all the news page readers of the following, but no matter how I wrote it the words did not seem to look right. Bean eWonderland is closing down the news page. The current owners have decided it is now time for Bean eWonderland to concentrate all its efforts into supplying high quality low priced beanie products. The official close of the news page is April 30th so until then I shall continue updating the news in the usual manner. << << While controversial at times... Richard has always had my support. Good luck to you Richard.. you will be missed! >>

-=APRIL 20, 2003=-
HAPPY EASTER!
I hope everyone has a beautiful day with family and friends. :o)

ST. GEORGE'S DAY QUIZ IS POSTED
Sue writes: "Happy Easter! The NEW St George's Day Quiz has now been posted on www.boglin.net - all of the answers can be found by reading the information on the website. As a member of the Cherish Community you are eligible to enter ONCE by emailing your answers to me at this address by 25th April.

All correct entrants will be entered into a lucky draw. There is a surprise prize package for the winner.

The FUN St George's day Quiz is still up on the website (the answers to that are not all on the site!) and answers to that will be posted on St George's Day. Please don't email me your answers! It is just for your fun and education. Have fun! Sue Owen

THANK YOU BEAR + RAFFLE WINNERS POSTED
If you participated in the "Thank You Bear + Raffle" check your raffle ticket numbers: http://www.planetbeans.com/ThankYouBearRaffle.htm

QUESTION ABOUT HERO
Faith writes: "Wanted to ask if the flag on hero is a patch or sewn onto the fabric. It was hard to tell from Marilyn's photo. Thanks Marilyn. I can't see how she gets all the new ones so early. Appreciate her sharing, however. In So. California I have not seen either bear yet. Faith"

NEWS FROM BEV
Bev writes: "Hi Lisa, Happy and Blessed Easter to you. I just e-mailed Jodi. I won the pink-nosed Smitten. Although we all wanted the Thank You Bear (LOL), I despaired of owning this Smitten. I did get one, but I sent it to a friend in the UK who wanted it. Also, I have put one of my friends in touch with KidsCollectionToys. She travels a lot and usually gets her beanies on ebay. I told her that Kody has better prices. Thanks for publishing his site. Finally, Hats Off and a Big THANK YOU to Jodi for her wonderful raffle. She is working for a great cause, and I wish her continued success. Thank you, too, for publicizing her raffle. Thank you, Bev"

-=APRIL 19, 2003=-
COMMENTS ON NEWS
Marc writes: Hi Lisa!!! Just stopped in to read your news page and had a few items to comment on from Friday's news. Regarding the "bundling" by Ty Inc. that seems to be going on, I'm disappointed also. Initially, blue Decade seemed to be a "rare" version that might only have been available to the stores that attended the Toy Fair or placed the $500 (?) order to get it. Not thinking I'd be able to get it from my local store (where the "regulars" get a call when the new ones arrive), I (and I think the rest of the "regular" customers) purchased it elsewhere. Then it was sent to most/all stores later as just part of the regular orders. When I mentioned to my local store owner about the white one that was released, he didn't want to order more Decade, in case he was sent blue again (as you never know what Ty might send) and be "stuck" with more of them. So, I'm still looking for white Decade. Who knows what next month's color will be? Still white? A new one? Or some of each may ship? AFTER the April releases were sent/arrived at the store, THEN the store got the info. to order Peace. Again, there was a minimum order. Too late to add to April orders. I think my store ordered on Monday & the shipment arrived Thurs. or Fri. I haven't seen Peace yet either. Haven't checked in a while, but NO area store got white Decade at that time (and I was calling every few days) let alone Peace. Now it looks like the new Hero CHARITY Beanies will also be "bundled" and the same thing is going to happen. Many stores don't want/can't afford the shelf-sitters, especially the "mom-and-pop" stores and already have too many products left over, let alone buying more of the same. Hopefully, all of these will be on the order forms for first of the month ordering, so everyone (stores & customers) can have the chance to get these bears for their collections.

Shame on Ty for neglecting to mention Planet Beans as an excellent source of information & checklists!!!!!!! Someone's not doing his research very well!!! LOL!!! ;)

On another note, I don't know if any of your readers watch America's Most Talented Kid (NBC-Fri. at 8:00 P.M. Eastern), but there was a VERY fast shot of the audience on the 4/18 show & someone looked like they were holding a Buddy. Couldn't see which one, but it was a bear & the hang tag was visible. Yet another TV appearance for a Ty product!!! ;)

Enjoy your weekend!!!!!! Marc

WHERE'S THE BLUE PEACE SYMBOL BEAR?
Bev writes: "Hi Lisa, Blue Peace hasn't arrived here either, but Hero is coming soon. I have found all the other new ones, and Wish is adorable. I just want to wish everyone good luck in Jodi's contest. Bev"

Becky writes: "Peace 2 has not made it here yet Lisa ! I'd help you if I could though . Becky BTW I agree with Julia :-) I appreciate the fact you answer emails . United We Stand ....Divided We Fall"

CHUBBLEY SPECIAL Gayle is having a "Grand Opening Sale" of her regular sized Chubbley Bears that are currently in-stock. These bears will be $5.75 each now through Mother's Day! She has the in-stock quantities listed here: http://www.grandmasbears.net/Latest_News.html

LAST CHANCE FOR THE RAFFLE
Jodi's "Thank You Bear + Raffle" is sending at midnight CST tonight. If you are interested in making a purchase of raffle tickets you must do so by midnight CST. The winners will be in a random draw on Easter Sunday. You can also meet Jodi's newest baby. ;o) We've reached the $800 mark. WTG to everyone. This is amazing! http://www.planetbeans.com/ThankYouBearRaffle.htm

MARILYN'S HERO PICS
http://www.msjanie.com/2002_photos/Marilyn_Hero.html

-=APRIL 18, 2003=-
COMMENTS ABOUT HERO
Julia writes: "Hi Lisa, Here is a thought, and maybe if you put it in your news letter Ty would maybe see it. I think that the hero and other special beanie's that all profits that are going to be donated should be sold at the Ty store only. This bull about making the retailer buy $200.00 in old beanies in nonsense. My retailer told me today that she wasn't going to order it unless her customers agreed to buy an older beanie that Ty was making her buy. She said if her customers didn't agree to that then she wasn't ordering it, just to have the older one shelf sit. I know there are others in my situation can't afford to buy an older one just to be allowed to buy hero. Thanks Lisa for your news letter, Your the only one that I know of that answers e-mail and will post your question in your news letter, unlike others that go ignored. Thanks for all you do to get the news out. Julia"

PEACE 2 HELP...
Have you found this bear and do you by chance have an extra? I've not been able to find one myself and I had hoped to find one for the contest so I'd not have to ask for a donation. I'm running a contest next month that I need one of these new Peace bears for. If you donate your name will be listed on the contest page as a thank you for the month fo May in which the contest will run. If you donate the bear you can still participate in the contest. You'll love this one.. you'll see. ;o) Please contact me if you have one that you can send to me to use in the contest next month. Also.. is there another Beanie Baby that has the same color blue as the new Peace Bear? Lisa@planetbeans.com

COMMENTS ABOUT ASK TY
Robin writes: "When I got back on webtv and saw the new Ask Ty answer I thought of you immediately and want to tell you that you are the FIRST website I go to for up to date info on beanie information. Nothing wrong with the other sites, so no ill will, just want you to know that you have the latest, most up to date info and should have been the NUMBER ONE listing Ty mentioned - oh well - HIS loss and our GIFT!"

Press Release from Herrington Teddy Bears
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Herrington Teddy Bears
Signs With National Book Network

Costa Mesa, California - April 2003 Herrington Teddy Bears of Costa Mesa, California recently signed an agreement with National Book Network to distribute Harry & Hannah: The American Adventure, the first in a series of books written by Chris Herrington and Jean Lubin. Founded in 1986, NBN is a sales, marketing and distribution company headquartered in Lanham, Maryland. NBN specializes in general interest, trade books, and audios and is known for representing houses publishing high quality fiction and non-fiction books.

"As soon as we saw early samples of Herrington's books and boxed sets, all of us at NBN were enthused about the prospect of representing them to the book trade. Once I actually met them in person, I just knew we had to sign them up! It's not everyday that one walks into a publisher's office that is filled, from top to bottom and side-to-side, with adorable, huggable teddy bears. Because of their established success with marketing their teddy bears through such companies as Mercedes, Hard Rock Cafe, Cheesecake Factory and more, we also knew they would be very familiar with the need to properly promote their Harry & Hannah merchandise to the trade book market. We are looking forward to a long and very successful relationship," Said Miriam Bass VP, Marketing, NBN.

In their debut book, Harry & Hannah: The American Adventure, the cuddly bear cub twins provide kids with the chance to build fundamental reading skills while learning the importance of treating each other with respect and compassion. On this magical trip Harry and Hannah find a secret map in Grandpa's attic. This map leads them to famous historical landmarks, America's tallest buildings and, during their travels, helps them cross paths with animal friends that teach them important life lessons about love, friendship and sharing.

"We are very proud to have NBN distributing our first book and look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship with them!" said Chris Herrington, founder and artist at Herrington Teddy Bear Company.

To view the complete line of Signature Teddy Bears created by Herrington Teddy Bears visit www.herringtonteddybears.com or call (800) 942-4498

Press Release from Bestever, Inc.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Bestever Inc. Celebrates Christmas
with "New" Funny Feet

Rancho Dominguez, California - April 2003    Funny Feet continues to be Bestever Inc.'s hottest selling concept. These plush characters have large weighted bell-bottom style legs that enhance their personality and charm. Now, just in time to stock the shelves for the holiday season, Bestever has  extended their Funny Feet Christmas assortment first introduced in March of 2003.

Bestever is offering two new Funny Feet styles  for Christmas  2003. Their Christmas Funny Feet Horse is tan in color and wears a holiday sweater and the Funny Feet Moose wears a yuletide red and green plaid scarf .  Bestever is also bringing back their best selling Funny Feet Peppermint Pony , a red and white peppermint striped  horse with a santa hat.  Also back for the holidays is Bestever's Funny Feet Reindeer in both gold and silver colorations and now available in all 3 best selling sizes .

"Our Funny Feet program was our #1 selling concept last Christmas and had great retail sell through. We wanted to expand this successful collection to offer a wider range of styles, price points and themes", said Teresa Gomez, Bestever Inc. Seasonal Product Manager.

All Funny Feet are offered in a 19-inch size retailing for $22 -$24 each, a 12-inch size retailing for $12 -$14 each and a 7.5-inch size that retails for $6 -$7 each. The entire collection of Funny Feet as well as all other innovative Bestever creations are sold at specialty gift stores nationwide.

Manufacturing Plush in Korea and China for more than 30 years, Bestever is the leading plush distributor in Korea and for the past five years has experienced the success of national distribution in the US market. Bestever, Inc. product appeals to three specific consumer groups, Babies, Kids and Everyone. To flip through the 2003 Bestever Inc., scrapbook, go to www.besteverinc.com. For additional information, e-mail bestever@besteverinc.com

Attorney general tells kids to stay safe on Net
VANCOUVER -- Washington Attorney General Christine Gregoire stressed some age-old advice to Alki Middle School sixth-graders Thursday: Don't talk to strangers.

The advice, which has been the mantra from cautious parents to their children for generations, needs repeating considering that many children fail to heed that warning when they are on the Internet, Gregoire said.

Gregoire also told of a young woman with the screen name Amanda who was cautious enough not to give away any personal information in chat rooms and limited what she posted on her profile.

However, a man was able to locate Amanda by following her inquiry, bearing her screen name, e-mail address and phone number, on an ad she posted requesting Beanie Babies. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Tears, smiles recall Kyle
WEST CHESTER TWP. - Kyle Raulin packed a long lifetime of joy into his short 20 years.

He was known to literally skip across High Street in Columbus, where he was a sophomore at Ohio State University.

He once responded to "save" a girlfriend at 3 a.m. from a spider on her ceiling - and later gave her a "Beanie Baby" spider to commemorate the incident. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

-=APRIL 17, 2003=-
Watched at work
Time: Employers, looking for a solid return on their payrolls, are increasingly relying on software that tracks their workers' online travels.
When you're at work and take 10 minutes to post an item for sale on eBay, view the latest scores on ESPN or see how your stocks are faring, you probably don't think anything of it.

Perhaps you should.

Increasingly across the country, employers have been monitoring what their employees are doing with technology while they're on the clock -- everything from what keystrokes they make to Web sites they surf to where they drive company-owned vehicles. And while workers nationwide aren't losing their jobs en masse because of "playing" when they should be working, it does happen.

"One of our customers said he didn't want workers going to porn [sites] ever, but if you're going to work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and they want to check their stocks or check their home e-mails or sell Beanie Babies on eBay, basically he would allow them to do that during their lunch hour," Estivo said. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Buyers beware: The real Iraq 'most wanted' cards are still awaiting distribution
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Pentagon’s “55 most wanted” playing cards are turning into the hottest collector’s item since Beanie Babies, but with an ugly twist: unscrupulous sellers are offering “real” cards that were never produced by the U.S. government. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Oh no, say it isn’t so!!!
From: Ms. Janie
Another controversy between Ty and retailers. Unfortunately, I have received quite a few similar e-mails from dishearten retailers. Tuesday, I was at my favorite TY retail store talking to the store owner, when, the TY representative called letting the owner know the stores are now able to order 24 of the Hero Bears. However, the not so unexpected has shown up again. The retail stores must buy $200 of TY products to be eligible to order the Hero Bear. This is now the third time in the last two months that TY Inc has pulled this stunt. The first one was the Decade Bear a month ago. The second one was (peace) Bear or the Bear formerly known as Peace earlier this month. It has appeared that few lucky stores had received 12 of these (peace) Bears on that opening weekend. The other stores had to order other TY products to be eligible to order the (peace) Bear. These most of these stores have received their other TY products but have not received their (peace) Bear. Now TY Inc wants to do this twice in the same month now with the Hero Bear. The hangtag on the Hero Bear states, "100% of TY's profit from the original purchase of this Hero Beanie Baby will be donated to the USO". If TY Inc is going to keep the Hero Bear as a POW and make the retail stores purchase $200 of other TY products, TY Inc should donate that additional $200 per order to the USO. I understand that the other TY products have decreased in sales and TY Inc does not want sit with their products in their warehouse. However, the retail stores do not want to have the other TY products just sitting on their shelves. If TY Inc keeps this trend up there will be no customers to buy or retailers to sell any of the TY products. Skyrat

ASK TY
Q: Is there a book or checklist of Beanie Babies from day one to present day beanie babies? And if so, how can I order one or get my hands on one? (submitted by mikes4x4s)
A: There are several different places to go for this information. Our website has a listing of all the Beanie Babies past and present. There
are also a few good checklists available on the Internet. Check out Ms. Janie http://www.msjanie.com/beanie_dates.html and Beanieholics
http://www.randyandtheresa.com/checklist.html. Of all the sources available, I like the Beanie Babies Buyer Guide found in Beanies and
More magazine. Watch for the May / June issue at a Ty Retailer near you soon !

MOM-e RETIRES
http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

-=APRIL 16, 2003=-
BEVERLY HILLS TEDDY BEAR COMPANY (BHTBC) INTRODUCES THE EASTER LINE FOR 2003
Santa Clarita, CA - The Beverly Hills Bunny Company, oops!, The Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company introduces its new line of Easter items for 2003.

Mini Bunnies are 4 classic bunnies sporting t-shirts with phrases (generic Happy Easter or faith based Christ Has Risen).

The Spring Squeezer assortment includes a blue bunny, a pink lamb and a yellow ducky. The squeezers say three phrases; Happy Easter, I Love Easter, and Im a Funny Bunny.

Big Bunny is a brown bunny and he is a really big 34-inches. His ears are big and floppy and just wait until you see his huge feet!

The new animatronic plush pieces for the Easter collection include Hip Hop Rabbit in his top hat and cane. He raps to Hippity Hoppity.

And finally there is Nibbles. The sweet, baby bunny in soft plush, wiggles his ears and his nose as he plays the famous Easter melody Easter Bonnet.

I love doing Easter product because it symbolizes Spring and new beginnings, says Karen Bonde, VP of Product Development.

The BHTBC Easter line is available in specialty and gift stores nationwide. Suggested retail prices range from $3.99 to $24.99.

For more information about the

Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company,

please visit www.bhteddybear.com.

Press Release from HolyBears, Inc.
Houston, TX
Date: April 15, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The "Original" God Bless America Bear®

Houston, TX--April 2003 One of the most inspiring symbols of faith and patriotism are combined in The God Bless America Bear® by HolyBears, Inc.

This 9-inch teddy bear is naturally red, white, and blue and has the American flag embroidered inside the outline of the United States on its chest. The hangtag contains the Bible verse from Psalms 33:12 - Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the nation he chose for his inheritance.

The God Bless America Bear® stands for allegiance to God and to our great country, two principles that we are proud to combine into this bear, said President and Founder of HolyBears, Inc. Rob LeClair.

The God Bless America Bear® has a suggested retail price of $8.50 and can be purchased at gift shops and through fundraisers with participating schools, churches, and other groups in all 50 states and throughout Canada.

HolyBears® Gifts With Meaning honor religious themes, sacraments, life-cycle occasions and family values, and are perfect for all occasions.

To view the complete line of HolyBears visit www.holybears.com. To learn more about HolyBears, Inc., or start a fundraising event for your organization e-mail info@holybears.com.

REMINDER
The "Thank You Bear Raffle" has been a HUGE success. If you'd like to join in on the fun while supporting a very worthy cause visit: http://www.planetbeans.com/ThankYouBearRaffle.htm You need to see the most adorable picture on the raffle page of Jodi's new baby. :o) So far.. $760 has been raised. You have until MIDNIGHT CENTRAL time on Saturday, April 19th to get your raffle tickets.

Camouflage Beanie Baby b