April 2004 News Archives

April 30, 2004
ASK TY
Q: Do you do anything special for May Day? (submitted by 4760177)
A: I don't usually do anything special to celebrate May Day. However, if the weather is nice, I may take a long walk and just enjoy the day. http://www.ty.com/askty_home

EXCLUSIVE STATUS OF RONALD McDONALD BEANIE
This Beanie is now listed as Ronald McDonald the bear (McDonalds Worldwide Owner Operator convention exclusive) on the CURRENTS list. http://www.ty.com/images/products/4181_lg.gif

JUST HAD TO SHARE (this comment made me laugh!)
Lynda writes: "Hi Lisa--I am actually surprised at the names of 2 of the new ones--Luau--and Tipsey--a dead pig--and a drunken cow--LOL Lynda"

DEJA VU
You are probably asking yourself the question "haven't I seen that somewhere before" when looking at Luau. Looking at the side-by-side comparison.. these two pigs look a bit alike don't they?

Linda writes: "Hi Lisa, What's with Hamlet and Luau; they look the same to me. Is this another Tabasco/Snort thing? Just wondering. Linda"

BOBBIE’S FULL SET OF PLUFFIES
Connie writes: “Hi Lisa, It is great to see you have added a pluffies checklist! Pluffies are Bobbie's favorite Ty item. She has been collecting them since the beginning. Heres a pic of all 27!! Hugs, Connie” http://www.planetbeans.com/ConniesFinds.htm

April 29, 2004
GARFIELD BEANIES
Bean Collector has an image of the 6 Beanies coming out for “Garfield the Movie”. I don’t care for them at all but be your own judge. LOL VIEW IMAGE HERE

NEW PLUFFIES COMPLETE INFO/CHECKLIST
Grace requested that I make a checklist for Pluffies. Pluffies is currently my favorite Ty line and I’ve given thought to doing this checklist but just haven’t gotten around to it. If you’d like to see something added to the INFO pages let me know and I’ll see what I can do. I have all of the information needed for the 27 Pluffies except for when Melton retired. If you can recall when he retired please let me know so I can add the date to the page. Lisa@planetbeans.com - http://www.planetbeans.com/Pluffies.htm

BUDDY RETIREMENT
Purr, Sherbet (green & yellow), and Spring Buddies retire. http://www.ty.com/Purr_Spring_Sher

MAY 2004 INTROS
Beanies http://www.ty.com/May2004_BB: Jack (black nose), Luau (pig), Marshall (horse), Sam (3 versions - red, white, and blue), Tipsy (cow).

Punkies http://www.ty.com/May2004_PNK: Mambo (cat), Swoosh (horse), Topsy (monkey), Zapp (bear?)

It's a Toss Up
Jugglers flock to annual workshop, festival at Stevenson High School
A circus of sorts, sans animals and clowns, rolled into town and set up camp in Stevenson High School's field house Friday evening.

Bryan Talaga, a 15-year-old from Norridge, leaned against a wall juggling three clubs.

Talaga explained he took up juggling two years ago as part of a bet. His cousin wagered he couldn't juggle three Beanie Babies. He won the bet, and continues to juggle to this day. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Playing with food
Twenty five years ago, a McDonald's marketing genius came up with a plan: Put a toy in a box with some food and the kids will want the toy, so the parents will buy them the food. Thus, the Happy Meal was born. This year, McDonald's celebrates the 25th Anniversary of their iconic combo. Here are 25 tasty nuggets about the Happy Meal:

• The first Happy Meal cost $1 when it debuted in June 1979. The meals currently start at $1.99, but the price varies by location.

• The most popular Happy Meal toy of all time? Teenie Beanie Babies (right), which launched in April 1997. Thousands bought the meals, snatched the toys and tossed the food.

• A Happy Meal contains a hamburger, small fries and 12 ounce soda. Nutrition facts: 610 calories, 21 fat grams; with a cheeseburger it's 660 calories, 25 fat grams.

• There will be 13 different toy campaigns this year celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Happy Meals. They will include Barbie and Tony Hawk toys and Neopets. But the company won't announce what the official, 25th Anniversary toy, which launches July 23, will be. (But the folks at the collectors convention said they've heard it's plush McDonaldland characters.) VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE (interesting facts)

<< my comments: There's a poll along side this article that gives you the opportunity to vote from 5 choices (Teenie Beanie Babies, 101 Dalmations - yes they have it spelled wrong - should be 101 Dalmatians LOL, Star Trek Toys, Barbie Dolls, and Hot Wheels) to choose your favorite. Currently Teenie Beanie Babies are ahead and have 50% of the vote. >>

GARFIELD BEANIES? JACK & SAM NOT EXCLUSIVES TO U.S.
Bean Watcher has info posted about possible Garfield Beanie Babies and one of his readers from Japan has been able to order the black-nosed Jack and Sam Beanies so they are not going to be exclusives to the U.S. FOR MORE INFO VIEW HERE

April 28, 2004
MAY 2004 RELEASES
Are you curious about these new releases and don't want to wait to see them on Ty.com within the next few days? Would you like to see pictures with color instead of those black and white ones from the auction yesterday? There are 7 new Beanies, 5 new Buddies, 4 new Punkies, and 2 new Teenie Boppers. VIEW MAY RELEASES HERE Does anyone know why the U.S.A. would need it's own JACK Beanie with Union Jack flags all over? Surely this won't be an exclusive.

RONALD McDONALD AUCTIONS
I found 4 auctions for this bear. I'm sure there will soon be more. One has to wonder if we will all see this bear in our near future at a local McDonald's or at Ty Store. As always, only Tyme will tell!
This auction has 29 bids and is over $227 currently. VIEW AUCTION HERE
This auction is over $151 currently and is a presell. VIEW AUCTION HERE
This auction is also a presell and is a buy-it-now for $249.99. VIEW AUCTION HERE
This auction is for an IN HAND bear and has 30 bids and is currently over $227! VIEW AUCTION HERE

MORE INFO ON RONALD McDONALD
As posted yesterday on the Ty Cyberboard
Ronald McDonald convention & Beanie info...
Harry50 (Apr 27, 2004, 12:31 PM)
Message Id: 721331
There were 12,000 to 13,000 people who attended the 2004 Mcdonald's World Wide Convention. The people that received the Beanie had to go to 13 different booths and have a card stamped at each booth, then turn their card in at the Ty booth and they received a beanie.( not everyone did this, so only the people that did got one).

Hopefully this info is accurate....I really don't know if they will be available later this summer at McDonalds restaurants. If it is I hope it is a charity Beanie. VIEW POSTING HERE

JUST FOR FUN
This isn't Beanie related whatsoever but I wanted to share it with you. Gayle sent me an email yesterday pointing to this auction. This guy is selling a wedding dress from his ex in order to hopefully get some ballgame tickets and some beer. The dress is already up to $17,100 with 188 bids. The funniest part of the auctions is to read his commentary and see pictures of HIM in the dress. haha VIEW AUCTION HERE

April 27, 2004
COMMENTS ON RONALD McDONALD THE BEAR
Sherry B writes: “Dear Lisa, I really like the new Ronald McDonald Bear. It looks like a lot of thought was put in it. I for one will be buying it as soon as it's released, if I can find one. It is nice to have something different for a change. Really enjoy your news. Sherry B.”

Linda writes: “I think he's adorable! Would love to add to my collection. Linda”

Meg writes: “I think the bear is adorable. My daughter stayed at a RM house with 2 of her babies who had a problem. And I love Willard Scott who was RM once. I can't wait. Meg”

Gina writes: “he is cute but i think he would be better if he looked more like ronald mcdonald i would buy him when available Gina”

Cathy writes: “I like him! He's a little different but he does remind one of Ronald McDonald! lol!”

UPDATE ON SHELDON
Darlene writes: “Hi Lisa, Just a quick note to tell you I got a plesant surprise this evening when I got a long distance call from Sheldon Zawatsky in the healthcare facility. He says it is very lonely with out his web tv and beanie friends to chat with but has so enjoyed all the cards, etc he has received. He says they really help pass the time. He says one lady even sent him a beanie. He was so touched. In your next newsletter please let people know that there kindness has touched Shel deeply and he is so appreciative. I hope everyone will keep sending their cards and letters as Shel really needs the boost.We beanie people take care of our own. The address is:

Sheldon Zawatsky
c/o Evergreen Healthcare
Room 7 Bed A
2552 Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037

MAY 2004 RELEASES, MORE ON RONALD, AN ASIANA BEAR?
Bean Watcher has reports on the above. VISIT BEAN WATCHER HERE

April 26, 2004
COMMENTS ON RONALD McDONALD THE BEAR
Candy writes: “I think it's absolutely adorable!”

Nancy M writes: “Ty is making it easier all the time for me to quit collecting. I've only bought 3 or 4 beanies in the last 6 months. Now I'm saving my money for broadband cable access instead.”

Debbie writes: “He is so UGLY he is plum cute! Thanks for keeping me up to date...…”

Sharon writes: “I love him! He might be kind of tacky looking but what about McDonald's ISN'T tacky looking? LOL I think that the bear reflects an american icon and I will be surprised if he isn't a big hit in other countries too!”

Nancy D writes: “Lisa, After seeing your newsletter about the Ronald McDonald Bear. I just had to email you with my few thoughts of this bear. I don't know about anyone else, but I love this bear. Yes its different. But its absolutely GREAT. lol Ronald McDonald's body with a bear head. Just fanastic. Now the question is. If and when is this bear going to be announced? Will this bear be hard to find? Is it a Ronald McDonald exclusive? Oh I wish this was a Ty store Bear. Much easier for me to get. I really want this bear!!!!!!”

<<my comments: My guess is this bear will be much like the Cracker Barrel bears and be available only at McDonald's. I'm thinking the proceeds may benefit the Ronald McDonald House since Ty has a soft spot for worthwhile charities and kids. I'm anxious to see when this one is released and all the info on where to get it etc.>>

Rose writes: “Hi lisa , Just seen the newest bear I think it is cute & I wonder if they will be sold at MacDonalds like the teenies or at the TY store. Thanks Rose”

Sandy writes: “hi lisa.. i saw this on addies attic... so guess we have to wait to see what ty says.. HELLO ALL I AM SETTING THE STORY STRAIGHT ON THE RONALD MCDONALD BEAR I JUST CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THIS IS A PROMATIONAL ITEM AND WILL NOT YES WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TILL THIS SUMMER SOME TIME SO PLEASE ALL WAIT TILL SUMMER OR WHEN MCDONALD\'S THEMSELFS ADVERTISES AS I WAS TOLD THEY WILL JUST LIKE THEY DID WHEN THE TEENIE BEANIES CAME OUT. just wanted to pass that on. Sandy”

<<my comments: If this bear isn‘t due out until summer it has no business showing up on Ty.com right now. LOL>>

Margie writes: “Hi Lisa here is my answer to your question which i took very seriously as, i gaze at Ronald i see a Happy Twinkle in his pretty eye's that says he is a fun Fellow , and i see great pride from the way his jaw is held , as for the red nose he could have a cold but it could be red from the excitment of being Created by Ty and posted on the famous Ty web site , as for his legs and arms they remind me of candy cane's, the yellow rompers look somewhat like my 48 yr old son wore when he was a little boy. Smile . the button on his chest of the Ronald Mcdonald Clown is worn with pride as he not only represents the McDonald's food chain with the Happy Meal for children around the world but also HE takes great pride in the many Ronald McDonalds houses for families with medical problems that have to stay away from home and close to medical facilities that their children are in. Thanks to Ty for such a Handsome fellow that all children can love and a lot of adults including this writer . Well you now know more then you probably wanted to about my feelings for this Beanie Smile ! Remember you asked lol . Love Margie”

MORE ON RONALD McDONALD BEAR
I found 2 auctions for this bear. One states it’s a 30 day presale. This particular one lists some info about how it was released and other important info. This auction also has an IN HAND picture. VIEW AUCTION HERE

At the McDonald's World Wide Convention, which ended today, a very special Ronald McDonald "The Bear " Beanie Baby was given out to the attendees. This is not a Teenie Beanie Baby!

Here is your golden opportunity to add a very unusual item for your collection. This will probably be very difficult to find in the future.

Get it today before the price increases!

RONALD McDONALD THE BEAR
Check out the CURRENTS list at Ty.com. There is a Ronald McDonald bear listed. It hasn't been officially announced but is now appearing on the Beanie Baby list as "current". This is an ODD looking bear. Take a peek and see what you think. LOL I'd love to know what your thoughts. Lisa@planetbeans.com
http://www.ty.com/BeanieBabies_home

Here's the poem:
25 years of Happy Meal fun
All around the world we're
second to none
And Ronald the bear
Knows it won't quit
Cause kids with Happy Meals
Shout, "i'm lovin' it" !

DEAR RETIRES
http://www.ty.com/Dear_Retirement

Atwitter over cicadas
The cicada came early to Towson Gardens Day.

In perhaps one of the street fair's most successful marketing tactics, Vicki Chalmers invited strolling mothers and fathers to buy Twitterbug, a cicada Beanie Baby, to gently prepare their children for the imminent invasion.

"I thought it would be a good idea for the little ones before they see thousands of them before their eyes," said Chalmers, owner of Bean Babies & Friends. "Then, they'd say, 'Oh, it's like the Beanie Baby.'"

The $5 stuffed bugs -- complete with yellow-orange wings, a mottled body and blue bugged-out eyes (not the anatomically correct red ones) -- sparked much commentary and quite a few sales. By the end of Thursday's festival, Chalmers had sold nine of the dozen cicada she brought with her, ranking sales of the bug third behind only the newly released brown fox named Slick and the 2004 graduation owl.

If anyone wants to know, Chalmers added, she'll be back with her little bugs at this weekend's Towson Spring Festival, at Pennsylvania and Washington avenues. -- Jennifer McMenamin VIEW ARTICLE HERE

AboutBeanies Spring Graphic Hunt
Marie writes: "Hi Lisa, Hope you had a great weekend! Could you share our upcoming Contest with your readers? Thank you so much! :) Come celebrate Spring with the AboutBeanies Spring Graphic Hunt. Hunt begins on April 28th! Here is your chance to win a painted Beanie, custom mousepad or even a complete set of the 2004 Asia Pacific Flower Beanies! For contest details please visit: http://www.aboutbeanies.com/Spring_2004_Contest.html Happy Spring! -Marie"

CONNIE'S BEANIES
Connie writes: "Hi Lisa, I got the camera out today and took a few pics! I placed on order at the Ty Store for Mom-e and Eggbeart on April 16th and rec'd them April 23rd. I took some pics of Mom-e and Eggbeart and also a pic of the fantastic pins I rec'd from Jodi's Raffle. I really like the German pins. They are bigger and have a brighter color! Beanie Hugs, Connie

P.S. The pic of Eggbeart and Mom-e on the box with the wrapping paper is the box Ty shipped them in and also the paper that was around them in the box." http://www.planetbeans.com/ConniesFinds.htm

April 25, 2004
LACK OF NEWS...
I have searched all over and haven't found ANYTHING worth reporting. If you have news to share.. please email me at Lisa@planetbeans.com.

April 24, 2004
News briefs from California's Central Coast
SANTA BARBARA – Beanie Baby tycoon Ty Warner pitched in $1.5 million for the new Sea Center on Stearns Wharf.

Thursday's announcement came at the conclusion of a four-year fund-raising campaign for the marine science education facility currently under construction.

The $8.1 million Sea Center, the most visible part of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, will now be called the Ty Warner Sea Center.

The reclusive Warner, who owns the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel, the Coral Casino Beach Club, the San Ysidro Ranch and the Sandpiper Golf Course, wasn't on hand for the news conference announcing his contribution.

But Greg Rice, president of Ty Warner Hotels and Resorts, said the billionaire would be down at the wharf in coming months, checking on the project's progress. Rice said Warner planned to attend the Sea Center's official opening early next year.

Warner said in a statement he is excited "to support a world-class learning program and facility."

"Ty Warner helped us to wrap it (the fund-raising campaign) up eight months ahead of time," said Karl Hutterer, executive director of the museum.

The Sea Center will offer visitors the chance to get their hands wet petting starfish, crawl through a tunnel in a tide pool and feel around in a dolphin's innards. Rice said Warner was hooked by the project's "interaction quality of the exhibits, the touch-and-feel." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

SPECIAL CHERISH AUCTIONS
I am thrilled to share with you that I met the 'Greatest Living Explorer', Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who has completed many amazing expeditions and explorations, including first polar circumnavigation of the Earth and the first unsupported crossing of the Antarctic continent.

Sir Ranulph has signed Jack Beanie for CHERISH and even better, a friend has donated his 2004 London Marathon medal, which Sir Ranulph also signed (on the ribbon). Not only did he also take part in this event last Sunday, Sir Ranulph successfully completed the 7x7x7 challenge last year, which was to run 7 marathons over 7 days in each of the 7 continents!

This wonderful package is being auctioned on eBay, starting today at 21.00 British Summer Time. VIEW AUCTION LISTING HERE All proceeds as usual will go to Cancer Research UK - this time as part of my sponsorship for Race for Life, a women-only 5 km walk or run.

Sir Ranulph also signed my tee shirt for this event and you can have a special name added to this tee shirt by sponsoring me - and also be entered into a draw to win a beautiful pink Steiff mohair bear worth £120!

To read more about this event please visit this page: http://www.boglin.net/race_for_life_2004.htm

Best wishes, Sue

Springtime is the season to de-clutter
I'm going to pick on my mom. That's OK, though. She's pretty tough. She had to be to raise three boys. My mom is a pack rat. She saves everything. Let's go through just a few of the items she saves:

Magazines: More back issues of magazines than the publishers keep around. She has magazines left over from the LBJ administration - well, that may be stretching it a bit, but at least from Clinton years, I swear. I've seen them. She says she gets ideas from them. What ideas? How to make clothes for your Beanie Babies?

Get rid of them. Or at least go through them and pull out the articles that have some interest and put them in a file so that you could do the project someday, if that's your real goal. But come on - you know that day will never come. There's always a new magazine with new projects. And she'll save those, too. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Engineers Show Off Ingenuity at U
From injection needles the size of a human hair to robots rescuing beanie babies, today was the day for ingenious engineers at the University of Utah to show off their wizardry.

It's hard enough challenging Evil Knievel in miniature. But these Evil EGGnievel devices had to soar off a jump and land hard without breaking an egg. All kinds of stunts at the U Union Building today. And though people hooted and hollered at the outcomes, all this was designed to let budding engineers show off their real world skills.

A real showstopper were the robot heroes, which on their own had to crawl over an obstacle course, seek out lighted beanie babies and rescue them.

The winning team's reward is skipping the final exam. For a college student that's a lot. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Students’ best on display at 14th Education Festival
KINGMAN – Michaeley Leonard picked up the pillow she entered in the fourth-grade sewing category of the 14th annual Mohave Education Festival and turned to her father, Kevin.

She was unsure what the purple ribbon attached to the project meant.

When someone said it was the highest award and is given for superior work, she shouted with delight.

“It has Beanie Babies in it because I like Beanie Babies,” the fourth-grader said. “I collect Beanie Babies.”

Michaeley said her bedroom is filled with Beanie Babies, so many that she could not guess how many. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

April 23, 2004
Rowing club gives to community
A Depoe Bay couple have become mentors for many local children, sharing their love of rowing and giving them something to be proud of.
He grew up on a beach in the California sun, built a dory with his dad and loved rowing it through the surf to explore the rolling Pacific.

He met and married a girl from the cornfields of Iowa, earned a good living as a nuclear engineer, built a dory with their son, and now Jack and Maggie Brown are living happily ever after and trying to make sure that the youngsters of Depoe Bay have a chance to do the same.

“Kids would sit on the dock with their Beanie Babies watching Jack row and waiting their turn to go out with Jack and row that boat,” Maggie Brown said. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

ASK TY
Q: Do you have a Beanie sitting on your computer. If so, who is it? (submitted by pocketswoof)
A: I don't have a Beanie on my computer today . . . but I do have Plopper, Puddles, Grins, and Slumbers keeping me company! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

AND THE "SPECIAL" PRIZE IS...
“My special prize from Ty arrived today!!!
trin8ty (Apr 22, 2004, 02:08 PM)
Message Id: 718157
trin8ty writes: My poem was the 100th reply to Ty's post on Daily Tymes and I won a "special" prize. I could hardly wait while I opened the box today.

I received a SIGNED 2003 Thank You bear and a letter saying that I was the winner and here was my gift personally signed by Ty.

I am so excited I can hardly. THank you Ty for sending me a thank you bear which I would not have had otherwise and signing it makes it EXTRA special. It is now my prized beanie possession. Thank you TY!!!!!” VIEW POSTING HERE

April 22, 2004
COMMENTS: Ty Chat Boards problems with Mods
Norm writes: “Good morning again - thanks to all those who commented about their experiences with the TY Cyberboard. I looked at the Grins and Gripes board on Monday and yesterday morning and noted upset people who are wondering "what happened to my post?" and one that hinted that the posts were "rearranged." I also found that to be the case. I had counted the posts at a couple points during the contest and notice a change in order, as well as, posts that were there once and then gone...specifically look at the posts by Rikkig (I think thats the correct user spelling).”

Niff's Nature Nook plans grand opening for new shop
Joyce and Mike Niffenegger, 1370 Highway 1, Kalona, are inviting the community to visit them April 30 and May 1 to celebrate their grand opening for the new, expanded Niff's Nature Nook.

Niff's will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days of the grand opening. The Niffeneggers are giving away more than 300 carnations and 50 ivy plants during the celebration, plus the youngsters will be able to register for one of the dozen Beanie Babies to be given away. There will be many sale items throughout the store during both days of the grand opening. Refreshments will be served. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PIC HERE

Breaking away: Students get exercise, computers and crafts during April vacation camp
NORWALK -- The first day of vacation camp at Naramake Elementary School was off to a tense start Monday morning.

Frustrated fifth-graders paced around the back field, trying in vain to explain the rules of Capture the Flag to a small gaggle of confused preschool and kindergarten students.

The younger students, sporting blue and gold jerseys, stood despondently in the hula hoops on the two sides of the field, also known as "jail."

The object of the game is to enter the enemy territory, capture the flag -- in this case, the Beanie Baby -- and carry it across the line into home territory without being tagged. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

You Must Remember This
The horrors of Columbine, reduced to a single page.
The Columbine collection at the Colorado Historical Society stretches across fifteen linear feet. And this is just the paper collection. The three-dimensional items -- the T-shirts, the teddy bears, the beanie babies, the banner from a Texas church -- are kept in secured storage in two more departments in the building at 1300 Broadway.

And these are just the artifacts at the Colorado Historical Society, culled from all of the pieces left at what began as an impromptu shrine at Clement Park and grew to an immense outpouring of grief made physical. Only about half of these offerings survived those rainy days that followed the April 20, 1999, shootings, the decay of the floral remembrances that piled knee-deep at some points along the fence. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Summer Camps and Activities for Today's Family: LIBRARIES
Fort Vancouver Regional Library District

Head out on a trail of discovery this summer at your library. Visit your local branch or bookmobile between June 1 and August 15 to sign up and receive your Summer Reading trail guide, including an itinerary for fun programs and events. Then load up your pack with lots of good books for more adventures through the wild and wonderful world of reading!

Delight in the performance magic of marionettes with "Henny Penny's Trip to the Moon." You'll know this isn't your classic folktale when Henny is awakened by a Beanie Baby falling on her head out of the sky and Chicken Little is abducted by aliens. After the performance, everyone is invited to stay for the End of Summer Reading Party with refreshments provided by Friends of Stevenson Community Library. VIEW FULL LISTING HERE

April 21, 2004
COMMENTS: Ty Chat Boards problems with Mods
Adriana writes: “Hello Lisa, I read Norm's letter and it surprises me that even though he says to have been on the boards since 1999 he does not remember ever reading about other members' encounters with the "power" of the moderators over the Ty boards users.

All of us at one point or another have been "punished" and vanished from the board for insignificant things, specially if we dare write directly to the Mods with a complaint or an explanation about why we have chosen to use some words on a post. Hence the reason why so many board old Tymers ended up many tymes with changes on their "handles" or user's name.

I started to post on the Summer of 2002, before that I use to be only a "reader" and had some chuckles and enjoyed the different topics been discussed at one tyme or another.

After I started to post, I also got the attention of the Mods, specially when I requested for my post to be
on the Daily Tymes, just because that is the particular board where all my friends always posted. More tymes than none my post ended up on Mix Bag (which is really a site for teenagers or Ty Beanie Boppers) or if I was a little lucky would end up on Grins and Gripes, and then I would just wish for someone to happen to be cruising in between boards and notice my post, go back to Daily Tymes and let my friends know where my post ended up.

Like Norm I used to think that there was some favoritism going on, that is until the "popular" people
started to show up with slight changes in their names also, indication of having attracted the ire of the powerful Mods. LOL!

Eventually as tyme passes you learn not to give so much importance to what is said and done in Tyland and not to think of comments or mods actions as a personal attack. It is just all part of the Peking order in Tyland. This is my honest opinion. Sincerely, Adriana aka. Cats”

Elaine writes: “Hi, I don't know if this has anything to do with Norm's problem but I stopped posting on the Ty boards for fear of being banned from the boards also. I made a post a very long time ago and there was nothing in it off color, derogatory, in violation of any of the rules as I read them, etc. When I received the one violation notice, I went back and re-read my post. Nowhere were there any words or opinions negative in nature. In fact, I think I was writing about the color of one of the beanies that had just been issued and how vibrant it was and that I liked it. I never figured it out until I was talking to a computer friend of mine and she read the post. I had copied and pasted it in an email to myself to be evaluated later. She found what it was. In my post, I had written something to this effect: "...and, as such, I purchased three of the beanies!" There are some computer programs that scan for obscenities, profanities, keywords, etc. My post was pulled because of two words....'as such.' The program doesn't pick up the space between the 's' on the end of 'as' and the first letter of the word 'such.' So the program was reading the word 'ass.' Now feel free to edit this in any way you need to. This seems to be problems I've heard before and have experienced only once-but that's because I don't post there anymore. Maybe things have changed and they have actual people reading the posts now but this was my experience and an educational one at that! :)”

Rene writes: “Hi, Lisa, I also participated in the contest in Ty Talk. I submitted one poem that was placed on the board. Then I submitted about three more, none of which appeared on the board. I got no e-mail about them being rejected. The thing is, the winner was only about five posts after my first poem. I am disappointed, as I'm wondering if one of my submissions that never appeared could have been #100. I also saw no rules that said you could only submit one entry within a certain amount of time, which is the only reason I can guess that my other poems were not posted. (BTW, those other poems never did appear on the board. I'm wondering what the mods did with them!) :) Rene”

SIMPLY THE CLASSIEST BEANIE YOU’VE EVER SEEN
Sue Owen writes: “Hi, I thought that you/your readers might like to see these pictures (attached) of the Dear Beanies that was kindly donated by Heather Weinert and to which I have given the 'Boglin's Knitwear' treatment.

Dear is wearing a custom-designed and hand-knitted cardigan made from the softest fluffy pink wool with a contrast panel of white into which the name 'DEAR' has been knitted, on the back of the cardigan. Ribbon roses and pearly beads have been added to the back and tiny beads also edge the sleeves of the cardigan.

This Beanie would make a beautiful Mother's Day gift, so is going on auction on eBay this week under seller ID sue_owen. All proceeds from the auction will go towards my sponsorship for Race for Life, details of which are on my website, along with how you can enter a draw to win a beautiful pink mohair Steiff Teddy Bear.

Look out for more special Beanies and collectables going on auction to raise further sponsorship for Race for Life - including a fantastic London Marathon package coming very soon! Best wishes, Sue” VIEW PICTURES HERE: http://www.planetbeans.com/Dear.htm

SURPRISE PACKAGE & BONUS RAFFLE WINNERS
If you were a winner or received a bonus prize we (Jodi & I) need to know if you received your package. Delivery Confirmation only shows when a package is delivered. It does not confirm that the right person got the package. Would you like to share a picture of yourself with your prizes.. please send to Lisa@planetbeans.com. Jodi’s email is jeffsmom@cox.net.

Linda writes: “Hi Lisa! I just walked into my house after a trip to Florida and in my mail was a big surprise, Ocker bear-one that I didn't own. I immediately wrote to Jodi to thank her. What a great raffle. I'm sure she was wondering why she hadn't heard from me; it's because I wasn't home; in fact I had to take my numbers with me so I could check them in Florida. Thanks to you and Jodi, I am thrilled! Linda”

UPDATE ON SHEL
Darlene writes: “Hi, Sheldon Zawatsky is doing so great he is now in a convalescent home! He still can't hear very well and is terribly lonesome so please keep the letters and cards etc. coming. He says they really cheer him up and pass the time. His new address is:

< my comments: If you can take a few minutes to drop SHeL a note or a card it would be greatly appreciated. He is going through something very scary right now with having to lose part of his leg and being put in a home away from home. I’m sure he would love to hear from you. ;o) >

Trade group resists firing limits
A commercial real estate industry trade group is fighting a bill passed by the Illinois House of Representatives that would limit the firing of workers such as janitors after a building sale or change in management.

Warner still shopping: Oak Brook billionaire H. Ty Warner is considering hotel-development opportunities in Los Cabos, Mexico, after opting not to make a deal for Las Ventanas al Paraiso, an exclusive resort on the Baja Peninsula.

The 61-suite resort would have been the latest luxury hotel acquisition by the inventor of the Beanie Baby, who has purchased four posh properties since 1999, including the Four Seasons in New York.

The price of the resort would have been between $85 million and $90 million, sources said.

Gregory Rice, president of Ty Warner Hotels and Resorts LLC, confirmed the firm's interest in Las Ventanas but said a new resort could be developed at a fraction of the cost of buying an existing property. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Mobile Beanie Baby Web Site
And speaking of specialized sites, I was surprised to get an e-mail from yet another person named Mark who was eager to let me know about his mobile Beanie Baby Web site. Titled Peace Mania, it's devoted to the Peace Bear. If nothing else, this shows just how common mobile sites are becoming. VIEW LISTING HERE

April 20, 2004
TY TALK QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
Norm writes: “Good morning - I have a couple of questions that you might be able to answer.

I am a member of TY Talk, although, I do not frequent the moderated boards often. Last week TY ran a contest for the 100th poem post, which I participated in. I read through many of the posts, which did not contain poems for the contest. I had submitted 2 poems at that point, which were posted. I resubmitted the same 2 poems 3 or 4 more times and those were rejected by the moderators. Here's the catch. Before I received the rejection post email, I received a Violation 1 email and found that I have been suspended from posting. This really angered me and I was referred to the "rules and regulations." Nowhere in the rules is there anything about multiple posts or information about violations. I also received a reject stating the my post was "off topic," which it was not. The message I posted was directly related to the original message posting. I replied and asked the obvious questions but did not receive a response.

I have been a tried and true TY Beanie person since 1998 and a TY Talk board member since 1999. I would like to continue to be one, however, I question the common sense of the board moderators and I also believe that there is some favoritism being shown to some of the "regular" board users who post frequently everyday. I noted some of the members simply posting non content !

My question - Do you know anything about the rules and suspension? How long is someone suspended?”

<my comments: If you can help answer Norm’s questions or if you have comments about this situation or the Ty Cyberboard in general.. Email me at Lisa@planetbeans.comwith Cyberboard in the subject line.>

Cathy writes: “HI Lisa! SURPRISE! SURPRISE! SURPRISE! And what a SURPRISE it was!!! LOL!! I checked my mail the other day and there was an unexpected package! I couldn't remember ordering anything and I thought all the Jodi's surprise packages had been accounted for. So I thought it was probably something for my husband. What a shock when I saw Jodi's return address! LOL!! Man, I ripped that box opened so fast!! LOL! And inside was the cutest set of three little miniture Holy Bear ornaments! Thank you so much Jodi!! And congrats on raising so much money for the animals. I think it is wonderful that you were able to help several people this time and also glad that you used some of the money for your expenses. You do so much work for both the animals and the raffle that you deserve some help with your expenses. I have a question though that is baffling me. Is it me or Jodi that can't count?!!! LOL! How many surprise packages were really sent out? LOL! Thanks again. Hugs Cathy”

April 19, 2004
LACK OF NEWS...
I have searched all over and haven't found ANYTHING worth reporting. If you have news to share.. please email me at Lisa@planetbeans.com.

EGGBEART RETIRES
http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

SURPRISE PACKAGE & BONUS RAFFLE WINNERS
If you were a winner or received a bonus prize we (Jodi & I) need to know if you received your package. Delivery Confirmation only shows when a package is delivered. It does not confirm that the right person got the package. Would you like to share a picture of yourself with your prizes.. please send to Lisa@planetbeans.com. Jodi’s email is jeffsmom@cox.net.

Angie writes: “Hi Lisa, My daughter Jazmine also got a surprise package from Jodi! It was really exciting for her! She got 3 of the Issue cards, 2 little handmade bags with hearts on them, a 100 yrs coin to name some of the things she got. I never really got a good look as she was so excited & had it spread all over before I could figure out what it was! LOL!! I am glad Jodi was able to raise so much money. It was for a great cause & I feel great for helping out!! Thanks! Angie Westman”

April 18, 2004
A Collection of Collectors
Montana enthusiasts gather thousands of toys and trinkets
If you dare to roam into the back room at Colin Maynard's house, be prepared.

April 17, 2004
Is there a dead whale in your life?
Several weeks ago the Associated Press reported that thousands of people from a Vietnamese village were flocking to a beach to worship a dead whale. They planned to honor it by building a temple out of its bones.

How many of us have a dead whale? It may not necessarily take the form of one of Moby Dick's descendants, but consider the things to which we attach idol status, and how we enshrine them.

I'm not sure who the first person was to say, "Hold on to that; it's going to be valuable someday," but it might have been someone whose parents dumped his or her 1959 and 1960 Topps baseball cards, which are now worth thousands of dollars, or maybe it was the person who developed self-storage units and is reaping the rewards from this $10 billion a year business.

I am writing this surrounded by more than a half ton of "collectibles" -- boxes of sports cards, game programs, yearbooks, historic newspapers and magazines, and political memorabilia. As a recovering packrat, I am in the process of unloading more than 30 years of what I used to think was, or would become, valuable.

Ours is an era in which "collectible" has proven itself to be a contact sport, e.g., McDonald's Beanie Baby giveaway, Tickle Me Elmo holiday scuffles, and where eBay is the worship space in which out-of-control consumers might consult their price guides and submit their bids as they praise the gods of supply and demand. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

SCAN OF HALLMARK ‘DEAR’ AD
Connie writes: “Hi Lisa I received a flyer in the mail today from Hallmark. Inside is a pic of Dear. I made a scan for anyone who would like to see it. Beanie Hugs, Connie” VIEW SCAN HERE

Brenda writes: “Good Morning, Lisa! Wanted to let you know; that I, too, received a "surprise" package, from Jodi, yesterday! I found the package on my kitchen table, late last night, when I got home from work. I had not been expecting any package; so was surprised to find this one, and wondered what might be inside. "Surprise, surprise!" Inside my package; I found "Herschel" the Cracker Barrel Store Exclusive and "Star" the blue star version! I could not believe my eyes! Now; I have both completed sets! I had been wishing I could acquire the blue "Star" some day. Now; I do not have to hope any longer, for I've acquired one, thanks to Jodi. What a sweetheart! I will cherish these bears, for sure, since they came from Jodi! And; I'm so, very, glad that she did so well on her raffle! The money raised went for a, very, worthy cause. I'm a cat/kitten lover and the money raised during her raffle, will be put to great use, I'm know. Needless to say; I had to email Jodi, the 1st thing this morning, to thank her for my surprise package. She was such a dear; for sending me these bears, since I knew I had not won anything during the raffle contest. It was a, very, pleasant surprise in deed, to have received this package. I had to thank her, just as soon as possible. Have a nice weekend, Lisa! Take care. Your Friend, Brenda R.”

April 16, 2004
APRIL BEANIE RETIREMENTS
http://www.ty.com/041604-retirements
Eggerton, Eggs 2004, Killarney, Kissy, Sonnet, and Valentine

ASK TY
Q: Will you be joining the celebration party for the 5th anniversary for the Ty Talk Cyberboard? (submitted by americanmaid)
A: I wouldn't miss it for the world ! Happy Anniversary to all my Cyberboard friends. http://www.ty.com/askty_home

TEENIE BEANIES COMING BACK!
Rumors may indeed be a reality for this one. Teenie Beanies are due to return in July. Are you ready to start buying AND eating all of those "happy meals"? LOL Here's a posting found on the Ty Cyberboard -
TO CONFIRM YES TEENIES WILL BE JULY 23RD-AUG9TH~25 YR. ANNIVESARY OF THE~
DCP85 (Apr 15, 2004, 08:55 PM)
Message Id: 713471
DCP85 writes: HAPPY MEAL. AND IT WILL BE TEENIE BEANIE BEARS. LIKE I STATED I SPOKE WITH THE MCDOANLDS MANAGER AND THEY HAD THEIR PROMO CALENDER FOR THE UPCOMING HAPPY MEAL PROMOS. VIEW POSTING HERE

Thinking Big, Acting Small

Nick Welsh

A longtime Santa Barbara cyclist claimed he was pushed down and roughed up by a sergeant with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s office after he cursed at the officer for reckless driving last Tuesday morning. According to Doug Knox, part owner of Velo Santa Barbara, Sgt. Michael Skall pulled a sudden U-turn and stopped his departmental SUV in front of a pack of some 35 cyclists—including developer Jeff Bermant—just as they were plunging downhill along Ty Warner Drive by the Biltmore Hotel. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

MORE BONUS RAFFLE WINNERS
Rose writes: “Hello, I received an unexpected surprize package from Jodi today. There were lots of Ty collector cards I didn't have and was lucky to receive. She deserves only good things as the work she has done for animals puts her among my most admired people list. It takes a special talent to care for the ones with special needs and i believe she has that God given talent. Thank you for sponsoring such a worthwhile cause, regards, Rose Studdard”

Crystal writes: “Hi Lisa and Jodi, I just wanted to thank you for the bonus raffle. It was such a great surprise to receive a package and not knowing what would be inside... It was like Christmas... I was happy to have received one of the four packages. My daughter came running as mom open the package. Inside we found Mom-E and Dad-E! I just wanted to say thank you. I enjoy participating in the raffles and will continue to do so in the future... Congratulations to all the winners... Thanks again. Crystal Panek”

Daphne writes: “hi lisa i was one of the mystery winners in jodi's raffle what a great surprise i received a trio of holy bear ornaments yesterday, they are so cute.:) i emailed jodi yesterday and the mail came back i have sent another email to her but was hoping that you could pass along my thanks as well just in case it comes back again. i am so glad she did so well on the raffle and i admire her commitment to animals:) thanks again. daphne johnston”

Nadine writes: “HI LISA.... JUST LETTING YOU KNOW THAT I ALSO WAS ONE OF THE FOUR SURPRISE WINNERS IN JODI'S RAFFLE - I RECEIVED "SILVER". WHAT A NICE SURPRISE. NADINE”

Bev received her Asia Pacific bears and writes: “Hi Lisa, I received my beautiful Asian Pacific bears from Jodie. I want to thank both of you for the wonderful raffle and work you both do. Thanks, Bev”

Connie received her McDonald’s pins set and writes: “Hi Lisa, Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! I got the pins in the mail today from Jodi's Raffle!!! I never thought about collecting the pins before But now that I see them in person I love them!! Thanks for all you do for the animals Jodi!! Thanks for hosting the Raffle on your website Lisa! hugs, Connie”

My surprise package: “I was also a recipient of a “surprise” package from Jodi. Would you believe she has sent me the 2003 Thank You Bear?! I was shocked when I opened my package and found this beauty waiting for me. I told Jodi she didn’t need to send me anything that I was just very happy I could help her raise so much money.. but she didn’t listen. LOL I’ll share a picture probably this weekend. If you were a winner or received a bonus prize and would like to share a picture of yourself with your prizes.. Please send to Lisa@planetbeans.com

April 15, 2004
BUDDY RETIREMENT
http://www.ty.com/041504_Retirements
Ai, Aussiebear, Coreana, Kiwiana, Singabear, Wirabear

DATES WITHOUT A TY PRODUCT
While updating my Beanie Birthday Calendar yesterday I noticed that were only 3 days in the year not represented with a Ty product. January 11, February 29, and August 26. I’ve always wondered if Ty will keep on producing his products or stop once ALL days in the year were filled up. I could see him wanting every child to have a special Ty product sharing their birthday. :o)

THOUGHTS ON MOM-e 2004
D writes: “I agree with you Lisa! Mom-e 2004 is beautiful! Let's hope Ty reads this because I have a question for him... WHY in the world do you ruin a set of two bears with two different styles? I didn't buy the new Pappa 2004 bear for this reason. They look doofy together; like she's supposed to be the tall and lanky model and he's supposed to be short and fat! It was bad enough when (the yellow) Mother bear was so sophisticated looking and her counterpart was an ORANGE HAIRY MESS of a Punky looking bear.

Anyway, that's my two cents. Here's to hoping the future Dad-e 2004 is the same style and just as classy looking as his mate! D in Raleigh, NC”

BONUS RAFFLE WINNERS
Michelle writes: “Hi Lisa, Jodi said she had 4 Surprise winners in her contest and I am happy to say I won one of the surprises! I got Joaquim beanie! Thanks for allowing her to run the contest and congrats to all the other winners! Michelle McKelvey”

Vicki writes: “Hi Lisa, I received a Kiwiana beanie from Jodi today. She asked me to email you and let you know. I entered Jodi's raffle and this was totally unexpected. Thanks, Vicki”

Advocate for working people, church stalwart, husband, father, friend. Born May 17, 1958 in Gravelbourg, Sask. Died Jan. 16 in Edmonton, of neurological illness, aged 45.

Bruce served as a union representative for United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 401, in Alberta from 1988 until his death. In his work, he combined vision in advancing the rights of workers, patience and calm guidance in handling the constant queries and telephone calls from members, astounding depth of knowledge and detail, and warm collegiality with all who worked with him. Union colleagues speak of him as an intelligent, diplomatic negotiator.

He was known to shepherd singing groups with a gently ironic nudge: "Are you planning on singing the way it's written, or are you looking to go in a new direction today?" His gifts for music and organizing combined when he was recruited to prepare the liturgy for the Papal visit to Alberta.

Friends recall the depth of caring and the personal commitment that Bruce showed them. One friend tells of when her husband had been in hospital for a major operation and Bruce showed up every other day to visit. And Bruce knew that she was an avid Beanie Baby Bear collector. Every time Bruce came to visit, he always had another gift bear peeking out of his pocket. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

April 14, 2004
MOM-e 2004 IS INTRODUCED AT TY STORE
http://www.ty.com/Mom-e_intro

THANK YOU FROM JODI
Jodi writes: “This morning I mailed out the last of the packages for lucky Raffle Participants. And, while I was at the Post Office, I was proud to be able to hand my friend Linda a check for $405.00 to put towards the vet bill for her horse. Linda was quite overwhelmed and asked me to please tell everyone who participated in the raffle that she sends her heartfelt gratitude to you all. The money will allow her to pay 2 vet bills (at least) in full!! That is WONDERFUL!! There was a total of $75.00 of the Raffle money that was spent at the Post Office yesterday and today to cover the costs of shipping the prizes out. And, $500.00 was given to my Mom to pay the credit card bill in full for Megan's vet bills. The remaining money was used to buy Charlie's food and other special dietary requirements. THANK YOU ALL!! Jodi”

Survey Says: eBay Entrepreneurs Are Small and Hungry
Nearly half of small businesses that use the auction site had revenues under $100,000 last year.
Sure, there are plenty of Beanie Baby collectors, but forklift collectors? Unlikely. That's why when eBay executives noticed a few years ago that users were buying big-ticket items such as forklifts, bulldozers, computer networking equipment, and restaurant supplies on the auction site, they had a hunch that the buyers were small-business owners. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

April 13, 2004
Student of the Week
Drew Stuart: What are some of your hobbies?

Bones: Lifting heavy objects, drinking protein shakes, and bending metal bars around my thigh. I also collect Beanie Babies.

DS: Why do they call you "Bones"?

Bones: It's a joke. My friends tease me that I'm skinny, but obviously I am a giant mass of muscle. VIEW FULL INTERVIEW HERE

<my comments: I had to laugh at this one.. even a muscle head collects Beanie Babies. You see.. our hobby has a diverse group of collectors doesn't it? LOL>

MORE WINNERS NOTES…
Jodi has informed me that her ISP is having email problems currently. She has received your emails but isn't able to reply. I will keep you updated on this situation.

Darlene writes: “Hi Lisa, Just a quick note to thank you and Jodi for having a great Raffle. I was thrilled to win Thank You Bear and was really excited all day just thinking about it. I want to wish Jodi all the best with her animal charges. The world needs many more people with her kindness and compassion. Hugs, Darlene Wilkinson”

Tina writes: “Aloha Lisa! I emailed Jodi to let her know I won "Motomachi Ai" bear!! How exciting! What made it more exciting is that I thought I had lost the email she sent with the tickets on them! Whew! But I found it and saw that I won! Thanks again Jodi for a great raffle for a great cause and I hope your friend's horse is better soon. Sorry to hear about your kitty. Thanks Lisa for helping out also! Love the contests!! Hugs, Tina”

Margie writes: “hello Lisa I contacted Jodi yesterday was so excited to find I had won the American Trio was Happy Easter to add the 3 to my Easter Basket smile Thanks to You and Jodi far another great raffle Margie Loth”

Connie forwards her response to Jodi: “WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!! I just got home from going to my hometown for the weekend and saw the numbers have been drawn!! It is wonderful to see that you raised over $1,000. I was hoping for you!! Great Job!! but I see I have other news. I have one of the lucky winning numbers!! YIPPEEEEEEEEEEE!!! (430972)!!! Hope all is going well for you! Hugs, Connie”

April 12, 2004
RAFFLE WINNERS...
Jodi has informed me that her ISP is having email problems currently. She has received your emails but isn't able to reply. I will keep you updated on this situation.

I've heard from only 2 of the winners so far myself. I would love to hear from you if you were one of the lucky winners.

Bev writes: “Hi Lisa, I just wanted to let you know that I won the set of Asian Pacific bears in Jodie's raffle. I also want to congratulate the other winners. Most of all, I want to thank Jodie for have the raffle for such a good cause and offering some really great prizes. Bev”

Rose writes: “Hi Lisa, just wanted to tell you that I was 1 of the lucky ones to win, on Jodi's raffle. I won the 6 Peace Bears. Got so excited I deleted her e-mail addy but I found it again. Rose”

The Rockies begin their 10th season at Coors Field today when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks.

"Tenth year, already?" former Rockies reliever Curtis Leskanic said. "Just think of how many psychiatrists went through there."

Since 1991, Major League Baseball has christened 18 ballparks, but it can be stated with unbreakable confidence that no sports venue has generated more conversation around our nation's water coolers than Coors Field.

For one night, Coors Field had the baseball world to itself. The world found out just how difficult it was to pitch at Coors Field in the pre-humidor days. Even with a collection of the game's greatest pitchers, the American League defeated the National League 13-8.

Nothing identified Coors Field as a hitter's paradise more than the fact Bartolo Colon gave up three runs on a 451-foot home run to Barry Bonds in just one inning of work, yet was the winning pitcher.

Among the All-Star Game records set were total runs (21), time (3 hours, 38 minutes) and hits one team (19 by the AL). As high-scoring games go, this was ugly. Most of damage came on bloops and bleeders. The AL scored the tying run on a passed ball and winning run on a strike-three wild pitch by Ugueth Urbina.

Although the game dragged, the buzz among the sellout crowd of 51,267 was "Glory," the patriotic-colored bear that was distributed before the game, a souvenir that marked the height of the nation's Beanie Baby craze. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Egg Hunting Fun: Hundreds of children scramble for hidden treasures at Scovill Zoo event
DECATUR — Two-year-old Hunter Martin remained motionless and stared at the white Easter bunny with floppy pink ears and red bow tie around its neck, crouching down trying to hug him.

After hugging the toddler, the Easter bunny made its way through the sea of children and adults who stood in a grassy area by the gazebo outside Scovill Zoo on Saturday, waiting for the big critter egg hunt to begin.

Zoo Director Mike Borders gave the "go" signal, and hundreds of children and their parents stampeded the area trying to pick up as many of the colorful plastic eggs as they could.

Hunt veterans Christa Whitney, 8, and her sister, Amanda, 6, had a plan for collecting eggs and decided to go across the sidewalk, past the gazebo and around some trees to hunt.

"I found a nest with duck eggs last year by a tree," Christa said.

Tyler Moore, 11, collected 25 eggs and found an anteater Beanie Baby under a tree.

Children who found a Beanie Baby received a large Easter basket. Only five of the baskets were given out. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

April 11, 2004
HAPPY EASTER
Enjoy this time with family and friends. Be blessed! :o)

House fire leaves family thankful no one was hurt
The Seale family will be celebrating Easter today, just not at their Brentwood home.

“We’ll be celebrating from the Holiday Inn this year,” Damon Seale said yesterday.

Around noon Saturday, flames burst out of the top of Seale’s house at 6003 Tattersol Court, which was built in 1977. Seale’s son called 9-1-1 and emergency personnel arrived within minutes. Ironically, an off-duty firefighter was doing some indoor painting at the house and was able to point his on-duty colleagues to the source of the fire.

“There might have been a year’s worth of Beanie Babies in there, though,” he said. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

AN ICON GROWS UP
A quintessentially American meal is celebrating a big birthday this year, but it's not meatloaf or spare ribs or Mom's apple pie.

It is the Happy Meal, rolled out 25 years ago under the Golden Arches in a campaign to build loyalty among the youngest of McDonald's customers.

For some kids, the food undoubtedly became secondary to digging down for the prize. And the supremacy of the toy reached absurd proportions in 1997, when McDonald's started stashing Teenie Beanie Babies — pint-sized versions of the popular beanbag animals — into Happy Meals. On the orders of their children, adults were gleefully walking out of restaurants, extracting the plastic-wrapped toy, and sometimes stuffing the meal into the nearest garbage can. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

April 10, 2004
Moms, daughters plan trip to work Croatian orphans
They don't yet know what they'll be called on to do, but three area moms and their daughters are preparing to help kids in Croatia.

They have formed the Kids Caring for Kids Mission Team and plan to travel to war-torn Croatia in July for a three-week mission experience. Those participating are Jean Anderson and her daughters, Rebecca and Faith; Jill Petersen and her daughters, Samantha and Ashley; and Carrie Troe and her daughter, Emily.

The team plans to bring each child in the orphanages a Beanie Baby or stuffed animal. "They're like gold over there," Jean said.